Liquid crystal antenna and communication device

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a liquid crystal antenna and a communication device. The liquid crystal antenna comprises a first substrate, a second substrate, and a plurality of antenna structures. Each antenna structure comprises a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line, and a liquid crystal layer. The first microstrip line comprises a plurality of first sub-microstrip lines and a second sub-microstrip line connecting the plurality of first sub-microstrip lines. The second microstrip line comprises a plurality of third sub-microstrip lines and a fourth sub-microstrip line connecting the plurality of third sub-microstrip lines. The first sub-microstrip lines and the third sub-microstrip lines extend along a first direction and are arranged along a second direction. The liquid crystal layer covers at least part of the second substrate projection of the plurality of first sub-microstrip lines and the plurality of third sub-microstrip lines. In the first direction, the second sub-microstrip line and the fourth sub-microstrip line are respectively located on two sides of the liquid crystal layer. A ground electrode is located on a side of the second substrate away from the antenna structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of display technology, and more particularly to liquid crystal antennas and communication devices. Background Technology

[0002] The fifth-generation (5G) mobile communication technology requires wider bandwidth, more antennas, and full-screen displays, further compressing the internal space of mobile phones and increasing the difficulty of antenna design. Planar thin-film antennas, due to their thin and light appearance, have potential applications within the confined space of mobile phones. Furthermore, liquid crystal, as a passive microwave tunable technology, allows for continuous reconfiguration of the antenna's resonant frequency and offers advantages over other tuning technologies, including lower bias voltage and a wider tuning range. In 5G terminal devices, liquid crystal frequency-reconfigurable antennas can integrate the antenna tuner, switch, and antenna together, significantly reducing antenna design complexity and cost. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna, which includes:

[0004] First substrate;

[0005] The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate;

[0006] Multiple antenna structures are arranged in an array between a first substrate and a second substrate. Each antenna structure includes: a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line located on the side of the first microstrip line closer to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first and second microstrip lines. The first microstrip line includes: multiple first sub-microstrip lines and a second sub-microstrip line connecting the multiple first sub-microstrip lines. The second microstrip line includes: multiple third sub-microstrip lines and a fourth sub-microstrip line connecting the multiple third sub-microstrip lines. The multiple first sub-microstrip lines and the multiple third sub-microstrip lines extend along a first direction and are arranged along a second direction, with the first and second directions intersecting. The orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate covers at least a portion of the orthographic projections of the multiple first sub-microstrip lines and the multiple third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate. In the first direction, at least a portion of the orthographic projections of the second sub-microstrip lines and the at least a portion of the orthographic projections of the fourth sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate are located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate.

[0007] The grounding electrode is located on the side of the second substrate away from the antenna structure.

[0008] In some embodiments, the ground electrode is electrically connected to the first microstrip line.

[0009] In some embodiments, a plurality of first sub-microstrip lines and a plurality of third sub-microstrip lines are arranged alternately in a second direction;

[0010] The orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip line and the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap.

[0011] In some embodiments, the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate and the orthographic projections of the fourth sub-microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap, and the orthographic projections of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate and the orthographic projections of the second sub-microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap.

[0012] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the second substrate of the liquid crystal layer does not overlap with the orthographic projections of the second sub-microstrip line and the fourth sub-microstrip line on the second substrate, and the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip line and the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate both fall within the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate.

[0013] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of a portion of the first sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate.

[0014] The projection of a portion of the third sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate overlaps with the projection of the second sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate is connected to the orthographic projection of two adjacent third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate.

[0016] In some embodiments, in a first direction, a first sub-microstrip line and a third sub-microstrip line are arranged side by side; and the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the antenna structure further includes a first insulating layer;

[0018] The first insulating layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the first microstrip line, or an insulating layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the second microstrip line.

[0019] In some embodiments, the shapes of the second sub-microstrip line and the fourth sub-microstrip line are both non-linear; and the second sub-microstrip line bends toward the first sub-microstrip line, while the fourth sub-microstrip line bends toward the third sub-microstrip line.

[0020] In some embodiments, the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projections of the second sub-microstrip line and the fourth sub-microstrip line on the second substrate.

[0021] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is equal to the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

[0022] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is greater than the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

[0023] In some embodiments, in the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is smaller than the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

[0024] In some embodiments, in a first direction, the length of the first sub-microstrip line is equal to the length of the third sub-microstrip line.

[0025] In some embodiments, the antenna structure further includes an encapsulation structure defining the region where the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate.

[0026] This disclosure provides a communication device, which includes the liquid crystal antenna provided in the application embodiment. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0030] Figure 3 The following are provided for embodiments of this disclosure: Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of BB';

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figures 6-9 A spectrum diagram of a liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 11 An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for... Figure 10Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0036] Figure 12 An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for... Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of BB';

[0037] Figure 13 Another approach provided for embodiments of this disclosure Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0038] Figure 14 Another approach provided for embodiments of this disclosure Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of BB';

[0039] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna provided in an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 16 An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for... Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0041] Figure 17 An embodiment of this disclosure provides a method for... Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of BB';

[0042] Figure 18 Another approach provided for embodiments of this disclosure Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of AA';

[0043] Figure 19 Another approach provided for embodiments of this disclosure Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of BB';

[0044] Figure 20 As provided in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 10 The spectrum diagram of the structure of the liquid crystal antenna shown;

[0045] Figure 21 As provided in the embodiments of this disclosure Figure 15 The spectrum diagram of the liquid crystal antenna structure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0046] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other without conflict. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of this disclosure without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this disclosure shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as “comprising” or “including” mean that an element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as “connected” or “linked” are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0048] It should be noted that the dimensions and shapes of the figures in the accompanying drawings do not reflect actual proportions and are intended only to illustrate the content of this disclosure. Furthermore, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0049] This disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the liquid crystal antenna includes:

[0050] First substrate 1;

[0051] The second substrate 2 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 1;

[0052] Multiple antenna structures 3 arranged in an array are located between a first substrate 1 and a second substrate 2. Each antenna structure 3 includes: a first microstrip line 4, a second microstrip line 5 located on the side of the first microstrip line 4 near the first substrate 1, and a liquid crystal layer 6 located between the first microstrip line 4 and the second microstrip line 5. The first microstrip line 4 includes: multiple first sub-microstrip lines 7, and a second sub-microstrip line 8 connecting the multiple first sub-microstrip lines 7. The second microstrip line 5 includes: multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9, and a fourth sub-microstrip line 10 connecting the multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9. A sub-microstrip line 7 and multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9 extend along a first direction X and are arranged along a second direction Y, with the first direction X and the second direction Y intersecting; the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 on the second substrate 2 covers at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the multiple first sub-microstrip lines 7 on the second substrate 2 and the orthographic projection of the multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9 on the second substrate 2; in the first direction X, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 on the second substrate 2 and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 on the second substrate 2 are respectively located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 on the second substrate 2.

[0053] The grounding electrode 11 is located on the side of the second substrate 2 away from the antenna structure 3.

[0054] In the liquid crystal antenna provided in this embodiment, in each antenna structure, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of multiple first sub-microstrip lines and multiple third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate is covered by the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate. Furthermore, in a first direction, second sub-microstrip lines connecting the multiple first sub-microstrip lines and fourth sub-microstrip lines connecting the multiple third sub-microstrip lines are respectively located on both sides of the liquid crystal layer, i.e., the first and second microstrip lines are interleaved. In specific implementations, when a voltage is applied to the first and second microstrip lines, the electric field formed between the multiple first and third sub-microstrip lines can control the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer to produce directional movement. By adjusting the magnitude of the applied voltage, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal can be changed, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the antenna structure, achieving the effect of frequency shifting, and enabling continuous reconfigurability of the resonant frequency of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0055] It should be noted that, Figure 1 Only one antenna structure is shown in the image. Figure 2 For example, it could be along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of AA'. Figure 3 For example, it could be along Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of BB'.

[0056] In some embodiments, the ground electrode is electrically connected to the first microstrip line.

[0057] In some embodiments, both the first substrate and the second substrate are flexible substrates. For example, the flexible substrate may be a flexible circuit board. The second substrate has multiple blind vias, through which the ground electrode and the first microstrip line are electrically connected.

[0058] In practical implementation, a DC bias voltage can be provided to the second microstrip line and an RF voltage can be provided to the ground electrode. When the RF voltage and the DC bias voltage are applied to the ground electrode and the second microstrip line respectively, an electric field can be generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the liquid crystal layer, changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal and changing the resonant point of the antenna structure to the frequency of the input RF signal, thereby radiating the signal and achieving the effect of frequency reconfigurability.

[0059] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, multiple first sub-microstrip lines 7 and multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9 are arranged alternately in the second direction Y;

[0060] The orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line 7 onto the second substrate 2 and the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line 9 onto the second substrate 2 do not overlap.

[0061] It should be noted that in the liquid crystal antenna, the first substrate and the second substrate are flexible substrates, and the distance between the first substrate and the second substrate is small. As a result, when the liquid crystal antenna shakes, the microstrip lines on the upper and lower sides of the liquid crystal layer may come into contact and short-circuit.

[0062] In the liquid crystal antenna provided in this embodiment, in each antenna structure, the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap. Even if the liquid crystal antenna jitters, the first sub-microstrip line and the third sub-microstrip line will not come into contact, thus avoiding short circuit between the first sub-microstrip line and the third sub-microstrip line.

[0063] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line 7 onto the second substrate 2 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 onto the second substrate 2, and the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line 9 onto the second substrate 2 does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 onto the second substrate 2.

[0064] That is, the first and third sub-microstrip lines are located in the region between the second and fourth sub-microstrip lines. In other words, as... Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line 4 and the second microstrip line 5 on the second substrate 2 do not overlap. This avoids the situation where the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line come into contact and short-circuit when the liquid crystal antenna vibrates, ensuring the normal operation of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0065] When the first sub-microstrip line 7 and the third sub-microstrip line 9 are located in the region between the second sub-microstrip line 8 and the fourth sub-microstrip line 10, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 onto the second substrate 2, the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 onto the second substrate 2, and the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 onto the second substrate 2 do not overlap with each other, and the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip line 7 onto the second substrate 2 and the third sub-microstrip line 9 onto the second substrate 2 both fall into the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 onto the second substrate 2.

[0066] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 onto the second substrate 2 is connected to the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 onto the second substrate 2, and the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 onto the second substrate 2 is connected to the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 onto the second substrate 2.

[0067] When multiple first sub-microstrip lines and multiple third sub-microstrip lines are alternately arranged in the second direction Y, and the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate and the orthographic projections of the third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate do not overlap, in some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the first sub-microstrip line 7 is connected to the orthographic projection of the second substrate 2 by the two adjacent third sub-microstrip lines 9 on the second substrate 2.

[0068] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, in the second direction Y, the width h1 of the first sub-microstrip line 7 is equal to the width h2 of the third sub-microstrip line 9.

[0069] Of course, in some embodiments, it can also be as follows: Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, in the second direction Y, the width h1 of the first sub-microstrip line 7 is not equal to the width h2 of the third sub-microstrip line 9.

[0070] In some embodiments, such as Figure 4 As shown, in the second direction Y, the width h1 of the first sub-microstrip line 7 is greater than the width h2 of the third sub-microstrip line 9.

[0071] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, in the second direction Y, the width h1 of the first sub-microstrip line 7 is smaller than the width h2 of the third sub-microstrip line 9.

[0072] It should be noted that, in practice, adjusting the width of the first sub-microstrip line and / or the third sub-microstrip line in the antenna structure can change the frequency range of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0073] Next, a simulation of the liquid crystal antenna provided in the embodiments of this disclosure will be performed. The spectrum diagram is as follows. Figures 6-9 As shown. Among them, Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 These are scanning parameter diagrams of the liquid crystal antenna structure. Figure 6 and Figure 1 Corresponding to the structure, Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 5 The structure corresponds to this. Figure 9 This is a voltage scanning parameter diagram for the liquid crystal antenna. From... Figure 9 As can be seen, the liquid crystal antenna can achieve frequency changes from 3.4 MHz to 6 GHz. Figures 6-9 In the diagram, different curves represent different widths of the first sub-microstrip line and / or the second sub-microstrip line.

[0074] It should be noted that, Figure 7 , Figure 8 In the corresponding structure, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is 1 millimeter (mm). Figure 7 In the corresponding structure, the width of the third sub-microstrip line ranges from 0.4 mm to 1.6 mm. Figure 8 In the corresponding structure, the width of the third sub-microstrip line ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0075] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5As shown, in the first direction X, the lengths of multiple first sub-microstrip lines 7 are all equal, the lengths of multiple third sub-microstrip lines 9 are all equal, and the lengths of the first sub-microstrip lines 7 and the third sub-microstrip lines 9 are equal.

[0076] It should be noted that, Figures 1-5 The examples used are all based on the premise that the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap. Of course, in specific implementations, it can also be set such that the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line on the second substrate overlap.

[0077] Next, the liquid crystal antenna provided in the present disclosure will be illustrated by taking the example of the overlapping of the orthographic projection of the first microstrip line on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the second microstrip line on the second substrate.

[0078] When multiple first sub-microstrip lines and multiple third sub-microstrip lines are alternately arranged in the second direction Y, and the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate and the orthographic projections of the third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate do not overlap, in some embodiments, it can also be as follows: Figure 10 As shown, the first sub-microstrip line 7 has an overlapping projection on the second substrate 2 with the fourth sub-microstrip line.

[0079] The projection of part of the third sub-microstrip line 9 onto the second substrate 2 overlaps with the projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 onto the second substrate 2.

[0080] Of course, in some embodiments, it can also be as follows: Figure 15 As shown, in the first direction X, the first sub-microstrip line 7 and the third sub-microstrip line 8 are arranged side by side; and the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line 7 on the second substrate 2 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line 8 on the second substrate 2.

[0081] That is, at one end of the extension direction of the first sub-microstrip line, the first sub-microstrip line is connected to the second sub-microstrip line, and at the other end of the extension direction of the first sub-microstrip line, the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate; at one end of the extension direction of the third sub-microstrip line, the third sub-microstrip line is connected to the fourth sub-microstrip line, and at the other end of the extension direction of the third sub-microstrip line, the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate.

[0082] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 , Figure 15 As shown, the shapes of the second sub-microstrip line 8 and the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 are both non-linear; and the second sub-microstrip line 8 bends toward the first sub-microstrip line 7, while the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 bends toward the third sub-microstrip line 9.

[0083] In practical implementation, non-linear types can be, for example, curved or polygonal lines. Figure 10 , Figure 15 The shapes of the second sub-microstrip line 8 and the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 are both polygonal lines, which will be used as examples for illustration.

[0084] Figure 10 The spectrum diagram corresponding to the structure shown is as follows Figure 20 As shown. When the first and third sub-microstrip lines are alternately arranged, and when the shapes of the second and fourth sub-microstrip lines are non-linear, compared to Figure 1 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 The second and fourth sub-microstrip lines shown are linear in shape, which can improve the frequency range of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0085] Figure 15 The spectrum diagram corresponding to the structure shown is as follows Figure 21 As shown, when the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line are arranged in parallel, it is also possible to apply a voltage to the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line to change the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal. However, the frequency range of the antenna structure that can be achieved is relatively narrow, and it is necessary to adjust the voltage applied to the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line multiple times to achieve the function of reconfigurable frequency of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0086] In some embodiments, such as Figures 11-14 , Figures 16-19 As shown, the antenna structure also includes a first insulating layer 13;

[0087] The first insulating layer 13 is located between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the first microstrip line 4, or the first insulating layer 13 is located between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the second microstrip line 5.

[0088] This disclosure provides a liquid crystal antenna. When the projection of the first microstrip line onto the second substrate and the projection of the second microstrip line onto the second substrate overlap, a first insulating layer is provided between the liquid crystal layer and the first or second microstrip line. Even if the liquid crystal antenna vibrates, the presence of the first insulating layer can prevent the first and second microstrip lines from contacting each other, thereby preventing the first and second microstrip lines from contacting each other and short-circuiting when the liquid crystal antenna vibrates, and ensuring that the liquid crystal antenna works normally.

[0089] It should be noted that, Figure 11 , Figure 12 , Figure 16 , Figure 17 The example is given with the first insulating layer 13 located between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the first microstrip line 4. Figure 13 , Figure 14 , Figure 18 , Figure 19An example is given where an insulating layer 13 is located between the liquid crystal layer 6 and the second microstrip line 5.

[0090] It should be noted that, Figure 11 , Figure 13 For example, it could be along Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of AA'. Figure 12 , Figure 14 For example, it could be along Figure 10 Cross-sectional view of BB'. Figure 16 , Figure 18 For example, it could be along Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of AA'. Figure 17 , Figure 19 For example, it could be along Figure 15 Cross-sectional view of BB'.

[0091] In some embodiments, such as Figure 10 , Figure 15 As shown, the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer 6 onto the second substrate 2 overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line 8 onto the second substrate 2 and the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line 10 onto the second substrate 2.

[0092] When the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line on the second substrate overlap, in some embodiments, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is equal to the width of the third sub-microstrip line in the second direction Y. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is greater than the width of the third sub-microstrip line by an equal amount in the second direction Y. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is less than the width of the third sub-microstrip line by an equal amount in the second direction Y.

[0093] When the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line on the second substrate overlap, in some embodiments, in the first direction X, the lengths of the plurality of first sub-microstrip lines are all equal, the lengths of the plurality of third sub-microstrip lines are all equal, and the lengths of the first sub-microstrip lines and the third sub-microstrip lines are equal. Alternatively, in some embodiments, in the first direction X, the lengths of the plurality of first sub-microstrip lines are not equal, and the lengths of the plurality of third sub-microstrip lines are also not equal.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figures 11-14 , Figures 16-19 As shown, the antenna structure also includes an encapsulation structure 12 that defines the area where the liquid crystal layer 6 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

[0095] In practical implementation, depending on the required liquid crystal layer area, the encapsulation structure can contact the first microstrip line and / or the second microstrip line in certain areas. When the antenna structure also has an insulating layer, the encapsulation structure can also contact the insulating layer in certain areas.

[0096] In some embodiments, the packaging structure may also be a flexible circuit board. An embodiment of this disclosure provides a communication device, which includes the liquid crystal antenna provided in the embodiments of the application.

[0097] The communication device provided in this disclosure can be, for example, any product or component with communication functionality, such as a mobile phone. Other essential components of this communication device are understood by those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here, nor should they be construed as limiting this disclosure. Implementation of this communication device can refer to the embodiments of the liquid crystal antenna described above; repeated details will not be elaborated upon.

[0098] In summary, in the liquid crystal antenna and communication device provided in this disclosure, in each antenna structure, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of multiple first sub-microstrip lines and multiple third sub-microstrip lines on the second substrate is covered by the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate. Furthermore, in a first direction, second sub-microstrip lines connecting the multiple first sub-microstrip lines and fourth sub-microstrip lines connecting the multiple third sub-microstrip lines are respectively located on both sides of the liquid crystal layer, i.e., the first and second microstrip lines are interleaved. In specific implementations, when a voltage is applied to the first and second microstrip lines, the electric field formed between the multiple first and third sub-microstrip lines can control the liquid crystal in the liquid crystal layer to produce directional movement. By adjusting the magnitude of the applied voltage, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal can be changed, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the antenna structure, achieving the effect of frequency shifting, and enabling continuous reconfigurability of the resonant frequency of the liquid crystal antenna. Furthermore, short circuits between the first and second microstrip lines caused by antenna jitter can be avoided by ensuring that the orthographic projections of the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap, or by providing a first insulating layer between the first or second microstrip line and the liquid crystal layer.

[0099] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this disclosure without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this disclosure and their equivalents, this disclosure is also intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna, wherein, The liquid crystal antenna includes: First substrate; The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate; Multiple antenna structures are arranged in an array between a first substrate and a second substrate. Each antenna structure includes: a first microstrip line, a second microstrip line located on the side of the first microstrip line closer to the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer located between the first microstrip line and the second microstrip line. The first microstrip line includes: multiple first sub-microstrip lines and a second sub-microstrip line connecting the multiple first sub-microstrip lines. The second microstrip line includes: multiple third sub-microstrip lines and a fourth sub-microstrip line connecting the multiple third sub-microstrip lines. The multiple first sub-microstrip lines and the multiple third sub-microstrip lines extend along a first direction and are arranged along a second direction, with the first direction and the second direction intersecting. The orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer onto the second substrate covers at least a portion of the orthographic projections of the multiple first sub-microstrip lines onto the second substrate and the multiple third sub-microstrip lines onto the second substrate. In the first direction, at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate and at least a portion of the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate are respectively located on both sides of the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer onto the second substrate. The grounding electrode is located on the side of the second substrate away from the antenna structure. The second sub-microstrip line and the fourth sub-microstrip line are both non-linear; the second sub-microstrip line bends toward the first sub-microstrip line, and the fourth sub-microstrip line bends toward the third sub-microstrip line.

2. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The grounding electrode is electrically connected to the first microstrip line.

3. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The plurality of first sub-microstrip lines and the plurality of third sub-microstrip lines are arranged alternately in the second direction; The orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate do not overlap.

4. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, wherein, The orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate, and the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate.

5. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate, the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line on the second substrate, and the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line on the second substrate do not overlap with each other, and the orthographic projections of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate and the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate both fall within the orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer on the second substrate.

6. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, wherein, The orthographic projection of a portion of the first sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate; The orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate.

7. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate is connected to the orthographic projection of the two adjacent third sub-microstrip lines onto the second substrate.

8. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, In the first direction, the first sub-microstrip line and the third sub-microstrip line are arranged side by side; and the orthographic projection of the first sub-microstrip line on the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third sub-microstrip line on the second substrate.

9. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 8, wherein, The antenna structure also includes a first insulating layer; The first insulating layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the first microstrip line, or the insulating layer is located between the liquid crystal layer and the second microstrip line.

10. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The orthographic projection of the liquid crystal layer onto the second substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the second sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the fourth sub-microstrip line onto the second substrate.

11. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8, and 10, wherein, In the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is equal to the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

12. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8, and 10, wherein, In the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is greater than the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

13. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8, and 10, wherein, In the second direction, the width of the first sub-microstrip line is smaller than the width of the third sub-microstrip line.

14. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8, and 10, wherein, In the first direction, the length of the first sub-microstrip line is equal to the length of the third sub-microstrip line.

15. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1, 2, 8, and 10, wherein, The antenna structure further includes an encapsulation structure that defines the region where the liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate.

16. A communication device, wherein, The communication device includes a liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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