Liquid crystal antenna

Abstract

The application provides a liquid crystal antenna, relates to the technical field of mobile communication, and comprises a first substrate and a second substrate arranged oppositely, a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate, a first electrode located on one side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, a second electrode located on one side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer, a feed line located on one side of the second substrate away from the second electrode and electrically connected with the second electrode, an encapsulation layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the liquid crystal layer, and a side electrode group comprising a plurality of side electrodes. The application is provided with the side electrode group comprising the plurality of side electrodes, in the case that the liquid crystal antenna switches the working frequency, the side electrodes assist the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer to return to the initial state, the relaxation time is shortened, and the efficiency of the liquid crystal antenna in switching the working frequency is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of mobile communication, and in particular to a liquid crystal antenna. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the continuous development of mobile communication technology, reconfigurable liquid crystal antennas have attracted more and more attention. In the related art, by changing the voltage applied to the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal antenna, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer can be changed, so that the working frequency of the liquid crystal antenna can be changed.

[0003] However, when the working frequency of the reconfigurable liquid crystal antenna is changed, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer need to rely on their own elastic force to return to the initial state, which takes a long time and greatly affects the efficiency of the switching frequency of the liquid crystal antenna, thereby limiting its application range.

[0004] At present, there is an urgent need to design a new liquid crystal antenna to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0005] Embodiments of the present application provide a liquid crystal antenna, comprising:

[0006] a first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other;

[0007] a liquid crystal layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate;

[0008] a first electrode located on one side of the first substrate close to the liquid crystal layer;

[0009] a second electrode located on one side of the second substrate close to the liquid crystal layer;

[0010] a feed line located on one side of the second substrate away from the second electrode and electrically connected to the second electrode;

[0011] an encapsulation layer located between the first substrate and the second substrate and surrounding the liquid crystal layer;

[0012] a side electrode group comprising a plurality of side electrodes.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, the side electrodes in the side electrode group form an electric field direction intersecting an electric field direction formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the side electrode group comprises a first side electrode and a second side electrode;

[0015] The first side electrode and the second side electrode are arranged opposite to each other and are both located on one side of the encapsulation layer away from the liquid crystal layer.

[0016] In some embodiments of the application, the side electrode group comprises a first side electrode and a second side electrode, orthographic projections of the first side electrode and the second side electrode on the first substrate respectively overlap with the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate, and the orthographic projection of the first side electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode on the first substrate do not overlap with each other.

[0017] In some embodiments of the application, the first side electrode and the second side electrode are oppositely arranged.

[0018] In some embodiments of the application, the first side electrode and the second side electrode are both located on the first electrode and are insulatively arranged with the first electrode.

[0019] In some embodiments of the application, the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate overlap with each other.

[0020] The first side electrode and the second side electrode are both located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and are insulatively arranged with the second electrode.

[0021] In some embodiments of the application, the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate do not overlap with each other.

[0022] The first side electrode and the second side electrode are both located on a side of the second substrate away from the feed line, the orthographic projection of the first side electrode on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the second substrate do not overlap with each other, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the second substrate do not overlap with each other.

[0023] In some embodiments of the application, one of the first side electrode and the second side electrode is located on the first electrode and is insulatively arranged with the first electrode, and the other is located on a side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and is insulatively arranged with the second electrode.

[0024] In some embodiments of the application, one of the first side electrode and the second side electrode is located on the first electrode and is insulatively arranged with the first electrode, and the other is located on a side of the second substrate away from the feed line and its orthographic projection on the second substrate and the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the second substrate do not overlap with each other.

[0025] In some embodiments of the application, the encapsulation layer comprises two oppositely arranged first encapsulation parts and two oppositely arranged second encapsulation parts, the first encapsulation parts and the second encapsulation parts are connected.

[0026] The material of the first encapsulation part is conductive material, the material of the second encapsulation part is insulating material, the first side electrode directly contacts one of the first encapsulation parts, and the second side electrode directly contacts another of the first encapsulation parts.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, the side electrode group includes a first side electrode, a second side electrode, a third side electrode, and a fourth side electrode.

[0028] The first side electrode and the second side electrode are both located on the first electrode and are both insulatively arranged with the first electrode; and the third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the first substrate.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present application, the third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are both located on the side of the second substrate away from the feed line.

[0030] Alternatively, the third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are both located on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and are both insulatively arranged with the second electrode.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present application, the orthographic projection of the first side electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the third side electrode on the first substrate overlap, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the fourth side electrode on the first substrate overlap.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the encapsulation layer includes two oppositely arranged first encapsulation parts and two oppositely arranged second encapsulation parts, and the first encapsulation parts and the second encapsulation parts are connected; the material of the first encapsulation part is conductive material, and the material of the second encapsulation part is insulating material.

[0033] The first side electrode and the third side electrode directly contact one of the first encapsulation parts respectively, and the second side electrode and the fourth side electrode directly contact another of the first encapsulation parts respectively.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, the side electrode group further includes a fifth side electrode and a sixth side electrode, the fifth side electrode and the sixth side electrode are oppositely arranged, and the fifth side electrode is located on the side of one of the first encapsulation parts away from the liquid crystal layer, and the sixth side electrode is located on the side of another of the first encapsulation parts away from the liquid crystal layer.

[0035] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of this application. In order to better understand the technical means of this application and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, and to make the above and other objects, features and advantages of this application more obvious and understandable, the following are specific embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0037] Figures 1-14 These are schematic diagrams of the structures of fourteen liquid crystal antennas provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] For clarity, the thickness of regions and layers may be exaggerated in the figures. The same reference numerals in the figures denote the same or similar structures, and therefore their detailed descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the figures are merely illustrative of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0040] Unless the context otherwise requires, throughout the specification and claims, the term "comprising" is interpreted as open-ended and encompassing, meaning "including, but not limited to." In the description of the specification, terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "exemplary embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples" are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic associated with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. The illustrative representations of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic may be included in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

[0041] In the embodiments of this application, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to describe the same or similar items with essentially the same function and effect is only for the purpose of clearly describing the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated.

[0042] Reconfigurable antenna refers to the relationship between each array element in a multi-antenna array is flexible and variable according to actual situation, rather than fixed. It mainly realizes the reconfiguration of antenna performance by adjusting the state variable device. The reconfigurable antenna can be divided into frequency reconfigurable antenna, pattern reconfigurable antenna, polarization reconfigurable antenna and multi-electromagnetic parameter reconfigurable antenna according to function. By changing the structure of the reconfigurable antenna, one or several of the frequency, lobe pattern, polarization mode and other parameters of the antenna can be reconfigured. Because it has the advantages of small size, multiple functions and easy to realize diversity application, it has become a research hotspot.

[0043] In the frequency reconfigurable antenna, the frequency reconfigurable liquid crystal antenna has attracted wide attention. In the related technology, by changing the voltage applied to the two ends of the liquid crystal layer of the frequency reconfigurable liquid crystal antenna, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer can be changed, so that the working frequency of the frequency reconfigurable liquid crystal antenna can be changed. When the liquid crystal antenna reconfigures the working frequency, the voltage applied to the two ends of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal antenna needs to be removed first, and then another voltage is applied to the two ends of the liquid crystal layer of the liquid crystal antenna again after the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer return to the initial state, so as to realize the reconfiguration of the frequency. However, when the working frequency of the liquid crystal antenna is reconfigured, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer need to rely on their own elastic force to return to the initial state. This time is called relaxation time. The long relaxation time affects the efficiency of the antenna switching frequency and limits its application in products.

[0044] Therefore, embodiments of the present application provide a liquid crystal antenna, as shown in Figure 1 , which comprises:

[0045] A first substrate 1 and a second substrate 4 are oppositely arranged;

[0046] A liquid crystal layer 3 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4;

[0047] A first electrode 2 is located on the side of the first substrate 1 close to the liquid crystal layer 3;

[0048] A second electrode 6 is located on the side of the second substrate 4 close to the liquid crystal layer 3;

[0049] A feed line 5 is located on the side of the second substrate 4 away from the second electrode 6, and is electrically connected with the second electrode 6;

[0050] An encapsulation layer 7 is located between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4, and surrounds the liquid crystal layer 3;

[0051] A side electrode group comprises a plurality of side electrodes (for example, 101 and 102).

[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4 can both be flexible substrates, such as flexible polyimide (PI) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Alternatively, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4 can both be rigid substrates, such as glass.

[0053] The specific structure of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 is not limited herein. It is to be noted that the type and properties of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 can be similar to those in a liquid crystal display panel. For example, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 need to have a low viscosity so that the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 have a fast response speed when a voltage is applied to the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 need to have a high elastic coefficient to help restore the initial state of the liquid crystal by the elasticity of the liquid crystal after the vertical electric field formed by the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2 is removed. In addition, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 are a mixture of multiple liquid crystal molecules so that the liquid crystal layer 3 can meet different performance requirements.

[0054] The second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2 can form a vertical electric field, and the intensity of the vertical electric field can be adjusted by changing the voltage applied to the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2. The change in the electric field intensity can change the angle of deflection of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 3. It can be understood that when the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 3 (as a radiating element) in the liquid crystal antenna changes, the operating frequency of the liquid crystal antenna also changes. In practical applications, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 need to return to the initial state before being deflected again according to the new electric field each time the intensity of the vertical electric field is adjusted.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the second electrode 6 can be a patterned electrode layer, or the second electrode 6 can be a full-area electrode layer. The specific structure of the second electrode 6 is not limited herein and can be determined according to actual requirements.

[0056] The structure of the first electrode 2 can be the same as that of the second electrode 6, or the structure of the first electrode 2 can be different from that of the second electrode 6. The specific structure can be determined according to actual requirements.

[0057] In addition, when the first substrate 1 is a flexible substrate, the first electrode 2 can be a full-area electrode layer to provide auxiliary support for the liquid crystal layer.

[0058] The feed line 5 refers to a transmission line connecting the electrodes of the liquid crystal antenna and the transceiver device.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, the feed line 5 is electrically connected to the second electrode 6 through a via 8 in the second substrate 4. It is understood that the via 8 is not a hole structure, but rather a connection electrode formed within a hole structure. Specifically, the second substrate 4 has a through opening that exposes a portion of the second electrode 6. A connection electrode is formed to fill this opening and electrically connect the second electrode 6 and the feed line 5. Because this connection electrode is formed within the opening, it is called a via 8.

[0060] Of course, the feeder 5 and the second electrode 6 can also be electrically connected in other ways, which are not limited here.

[0061] The aforementioned encapsulation layer 3 is used to fix the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4 together, and to encapsulate the liquid crystal layer 3 between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4, thereby preventing the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 from leaking out.

[0062] It should be noted that the encapsulation layer 3 can directly contact the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4, or the encapsulation layer 3 can contact the second electrode 6 or the first electrode 2 on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 3. This is not limited here, and the specific contact is determined according to the electrode structure on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0063] The side electrode group, including multiple side electrodes (e.g., 101 and 102), is configured to assist the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 to return to their initial state when the liquid crystal antenna switches its operating frequency.

[0064] For example, refer to Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the direction of the electric field formed by the side electrodes (e.g., 101 and 102) in the side electrode group intersects with the direction of the electric field strength formed by the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6.

[0065] It should be noted that, in order to make the electric field formed by each side electrode in the side electrode group intersect with the electric field formed by the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2, so that the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 can quickly return to the initial state, each side electrode in the side electrode group can be located on the outside of the liquid crystal layer 3; for example, the orthographic projection of each side electrode on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer 7 on the first substrate 1 can overlap, or each side electrode can be located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0066] The meaning of the above-mentioned intersecting electric field directions is that the direction of the electric field formed by the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6 has a certain angle with the direction of the electric field formed by the side electrode in the side electrode group, and the specific angle of this angle is not limited here.

[0067] In practical applications, the direction of the electric field strength of two electric fields is determined by the relative positions of their respective electrodes. For example, as Figure 2As shown, the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6 are oppositely arranged along a direction perpendicular to the first substrate 1, and the electric field formed by the two is a vertical electric field, and the field strength direction of the electric field is vertical. In the case where the positions of the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 6 are determined, the above-mentioned included angle is determined by the positions of the side electrodes in the side electrode group.

[0068] In the exemplary embodiments, reference is made to Figure 1 As shown, the initial state of the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 is a horizontal state, when the potential difference between the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2 is A1 and a vertical electric field is formed, the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 deflect along the vertical direction, and the deflection angle is a; at this time, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal antenna is a1. When the liquid crystal antenna switches its operating frequency, the potential difference between the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2 is zero, a voltage is applied to the side electrodes in the side electrode group, and the electric field formed by the side electrodes (e.g., 101 and 102) in the side electrode group intersects the original vertical electric field direction, for example, the electric field formed by the side electrodes (e.g., 101 and 102) in the side electrode group is a horizontal electric field, which helps the liquid crystal molecules 31 with a deflection angle of a to recover to the initial horizontal state, and then a voltage is applied to the second electrode 6 and the first electrode 2, and the potential difference between the two is A2, the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 deflect again, and the deflection angle is b; at this time, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal antenna is a2. In this way, the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 3 in the liquid crystal antenna changes from a1 to a2, and the operating frequency band of the liquid crystal antenna also changes.

[0069] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The initial state of the liquid crystal molecules 31 shown in the above-mentioned embodiments is a horizontal state, but in actual applications, the initial state of the liquid crystal molecules 31 can also be a vertical standing state or other states, and the initial state of the liquid crystal molecules is not limited here and can be determined according to actual conditions.

[0070] In the embodiments of the present application, by arranging the side electrode group to include a plurality of side electrodes, in the case where the liquid crystal antenna switches the operating frequency, the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 are assisted to recover to the initial state by the side electrodes, the relaxation time is shortened, and the efficiency of switching the operating frequency of the liquid crystal antenna is improved.

[0071] In some embodiments of the present application, reference is made to Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the side electrode group includes a first side electrode 101 and a second side electrode 102; the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are oppositely arranged and are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0072] For example, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 can be directly fixed on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0073] For example, the encapsulation layer 7 may include two first encapsulation portions disposed opposite to each other. The material of the first encapsulation portion is a conductive material and has conductivity. The first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are respectively fixed on the two first encapsulation portions. In this way, the two conductive first encapsulation portions are equivalent to increasing the size of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102. After applying a voltage to the side electrode, the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 can be completely in the electric field formed by the side electrode group, which can better shorten the relaxation time and improve the switching efficiency of the liquid crystal antenna when switching the operating frequency.

[0074] The first encapsulation portion can be made conductive by doping the material with conductive particles 71. The conductive particles 71 can be gold spheres or other microspheres with conductive properties.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, when the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are respectively fixed on two conductive first encapsulation portions, and both the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the liquid crystal layer 3, since the electric field formed by the two conductive first encapsulation portions can cover each liquid crystal molecule 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3, the actual size of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 located outside the encapsulation layer 7 is smaller, and they are used to connect to the external power supply terminal. It can be understood that at this time, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 can both be used as connection terminals.

[0076] In addition, when a conductive first encapsulation part is provided, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 located outside the encapsulation layer 7 are configured as wires or terminals to ensure that the relaxation time of the liquid crystal antenna can be shortened, the efficiency of switching the operating frequency of the liquid crystal antenna can be improved, and the situation that the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are too large and cannot be firmly fixed outside the encapsulation layer 7 can also be avoided.

[0077] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the shape and size of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 mentioned above. The specific shape and size shall be determined according to the actual situation. The accompanying drawings provided in the embodiments of this application are for illustrative purposes only.

[0078] For example, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 can form a horizontal electric field. When the liquid crystal antenna needs to switch its operating frequency, a voltage can be applied across the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 to assist the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 to return to their initial horizontal state through the horizontal electric field. It should be noted that the voltage value applied across the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 can be determined according to specific circumstances and is not limited here.

[0079] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 3-10 As shown in the figure, the side electrode group includes a first side electrode 101 and a second side electrode 102, the orthographic projection of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 on the first substrate 1 respectively overlaps the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer 3 on the first substrate 1, and the orthographic projection of the first side electrode 101 on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode 102 on the first substrate 1 do not overlap each other.

[0080] For example, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are oppositely arranged.

[0081] The meaning of the above-mentioned oppositely arranged first side electrode 101 and second side electrode 102 is that the first side electrode 101 overlaps the second side electrode 102 in the direction perpendicular to the second side electrode 102. The meaning of “oppositely arranged” in the embodiments of the present application is similar to this, which will not be repeated here.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both located on the first electrode 2 and are insulatively arranged with the first electrode 2.

[0083] In actual application, by arranging the first insulating layer 9 between the first electrode 2 and the first side electrode 101 and between the first electrode 2 and the second side electrode 102, the contact between the first electrode 2 and the first side electrode 101 is avoided, and the contact between the first electrode 2 and the second side electrode 102 is avoided.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiments, in the case that the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both located on the first electrode 2 and are insulatively arranged with the first electrode 2, a part of the encapsulation layer 3 is located between the first side electrode 101 and the second substrate 4 and directly contacts the first side electrode 101, a part of the encapsulation layer 3 is located between the second side electrode 102 and the second substrate 4 and directly contacts the second side electrode 102, and in the region of the first electrode 2 where no side electrode is arranged, the encapsulation layer 3 is located between the first electrode 2 and the second substrate 4 and directly contacts the first electrode 2.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the first substrate 1 overlaps the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer 7 on the first substrate 1;

[0086] The first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both located on the side of the second electrode 6 away from the second substrate 4 and are insulated from the second electrode 6.

[0087] In actual application, the second insulating layer 10 is arranged between the second electrode 6 and the first side electrode 101 and between the second electrode 6 and the second side electrode 102 respectively, so as to avoid contact between the second electrode 6 and the first side electrode 101 and contact between the second electrode 6 and the second side electrode 102.

[0088] In the exemplary embodiment, since the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 covers the second substrate 4, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both arranged between the second electrode 6 and the encapsulation layer 7. In this way, the orthographic projection of the first side electrode 101 on the second substrate 4 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 have an overlapping area, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode 102 on the second substrate 4 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 have an overlapping area.

[0089] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 6 , the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer 7 on the first substrate 1 do not overlap each other.

[0090] The first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both located on the side of the second substrate 4 away from the feed line 5, the orthographic projection of the first side electrode 101 on the second substrate 4 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 do not overlap each other, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode 102 on the second substrate 4 and the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 do not overlap each other.

[0091] In the exemplary embodiment, since the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 only covers the central region of the second substrate 4, the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 can be arranged to directly contact the second substrate 4.

[0092] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 8 , one of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 is located on the first electrode 2 and is insulated from the first electrode 2, and the other is located on the side of the second electrode 6 away from the second substrate 4 and is insulated from the second electrode 6.

[0093] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, one of the first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 is located on the first electrode 2 and is insulated from the first electrode 2, and the other is located on the side of the second substrate 4 away from the feed line 8, and the orthogonal projection of the other on the second substrate 4 and the orthogonal projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 do not overlap each other.

[0094] In the embodiments of the present application, in the case where the side electrode group includes two side electrodes, one of the side electrodes can be located between the liquid crystal layer 3 and the first electrode 2 and is insulated from the first electrode 2, and the other side electrode is located between the liquid crystal layer 3 and the second electrode 6 (or between the liquid crystal layer 3 and the second substrate 4 in the case where the orthogonal projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 covers the central region of the second substrate 4), so that the directions of the electric field formed by the two side electrodes in the side electrode group are the directions in which the first side electrode 101 points to the second side electrode 102 (or the directions in which the second side electrode 102 points to the first side electrode 101), so that the directions of the electric field formed by the side electrodes and the directions of the electric field formed by the second electrode and the first electrode have a certain angle, and after a voltage is applied to the side electrodes, the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 quickly return to the initial state under the action of the electric field and the elasticity of the liquid crystal molecules 31, so as to reduce the relaxation time of the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal antenna and improve the efficiency of switching the working frequency of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0095] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 1-3 、 Figure 5 、 Figures 7-9 As shown, the encapsulation layer 7 includes two oppositely arranged first encapsulation parts and two oppositely arranged second encapsulation parts, and the first encapsulation parts and the second encapsulation parts are connected.

[0096] The material of the first encapsulation part is a conductive material, the material of the second encapsulation part is an insulating material, the first side electrode 101 directly contacts one of the first encapsulation parts, and the second side electrode 102 directly contacts the other first encapsulation part.

[0097] Among them, Figures 1-3 、 Figure 5 、 Figures 7-9 Only the first encapsulation part with conductivity is drawn in the figure.

[0098] In the embodiments of the present application, by setting the material of the first encapsulation part in the encapsulation layer 7 as a conductive material, in the case of direct contact between the side electrode and the first encapsulation part, the first encapsulation part with conductivity can also be regarded as part of the side electrode, greatly improving the coverage space of the electric field formed by the side electrode, so that the liquid crystal molecules 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3 can be completely in the electric field, which is more conducive to the liquid crystal molecules 31 to return to the initial state, thereby shortening the relaxation time of the liquid crystal antenna, improving the efficiency of the liquid crystal antenna switching working frequency, and further expanding the application field of the liquid crystal antenna.

[0099] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 11 and Figure 12 , the side electrode group includes a first side electrode 101, a second side electrode 102, a third side electrode 103, and a fourth side electrode 104.

[0100] The first side electrode 101 and the second side electrode 102 are both located on the first electrode 2 and are both insulated from the first electrode 2; the third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the first substrate 1.

[0101] The third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the first substrate 1 includes two cases:

[0102] The first case, referring to Figure 12 and , the third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are both located on the side of the second substrate 4 away from the feed line 8.

[0103] The second case, the third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are both located on the side of the second electrode 6 away from the second substrate 4, and are insulated from the second electrode 6. At this time, the orthographic projection of the second electrode 6 on the second substrate 4 covers the second substrate 4.

[0104] Figure 11 In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 12 and , the orthographic projection of the first side electrode 101 on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the third side electrode 103 on the first substrate 1 overlap, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode 102 on the first substrate 1 and the orthographic projection of the fourth side electrode 104 on the first substrate 1 overlap.

[0105] Figure 11 In actual application, referring to Figure 12As shown, the voltage applied on the first side electrode 101 and the third side electrode 103 can be set to be the same, and the voltage applied on the second side electrode 102 and the fourth side electrode 104 can be set to be the same. In this way, the direction of the electric field formed is parallel to the direction in which the first side electrode 101 points to the second side electrode 102, and parallel to the direction in which the third side electrode 103 points to the fourth side electrode 104.

[0106] In some embodiments of the present application, the reference rate Figure 11 As shown, the encapsulation layer 1 includes two oppositely arranged first encapsulation portions and two oppositely arranged second encapsulation portions, and the first encapsulation portions and the second encapsulation portions are connected; the material of the first encapsulation portions is conductive material, and the material of the second encapsulation portions is insulating material.

[0107] The first side electrode 101 and the third side electrode 103 are in direct contact with one of the first encapsulation portions, and the second side electrode 102 and the fourth side electrode 104 are in direct contact with the other first encapsulation portion.

[0108] In this way, since the first encapsulation portion has conductivity, the reference Figure 11 As shown, the same voltage is applied on the first side electrode 101 and the third side electrode 103, so that the first side electrode 101, the third side electrode 103, and the first encapsulation portion therebetween can be regarded as a whole electrode; another voltage is applied on the second side electrode 102 and the fourth side electrode 104, so that the second side electrode 102, the fourth side electrode 104, and the first encapsulation portion therebetween can be regarded as another whole electrode, so that all the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 3 can be in the electric field, and the direction of the electric field is almost perpendicular to the direction of the vertical electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, so that the relaxation time of the liquid crystal molecules can be shortened, and the efficiency of the switching operation frequency of the liquid crystal antenna can be improved.

[0109] In some embodiments of the present application, the reference rate Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the side electrode group further includes a fifth side electrode 105 and a sixth side electrode 106, the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 are oppositely arranged, and the fifth side electrode 105 is located on the side of one of the first encapsulation portions away from the liquid crystal layer 3, and the sixth side electrode 106 is located on the side of the other first encapsulation portion away from the liquid crystal layer 3.

[0110] In the exemplary embodiments, the reference rate Figure 13 and Figure 14As shown, when the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 are respectively fixed on two conductive first encapsulation portions, and both the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 are located on the side of the encapsulation layer 7 away from the liquid crystal layer 3, since the electric field formed by the two conductive first encapsulation portions can cover each liquid crystal molecule 31 in the liquid crystal layer 3, the actual size of the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 located outside the encapsulation layer 7 can be small, and they can be used to connect to the external power supply terminal. It can be understood that at this time, the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 can both be used as connection terminals.

[0111] In addition, when a conductive first encapsulation part is provided, the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 located outside the encapsulation layer 7 are configured as wires or terminals to ensure that the relaxation time of the liquid crystal antenna is shortened, the efficiency of the liquid crystal antenna switching operating frequency is improved, and the situation that the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 are not securely fixed outside the encapsulation layer 7 due to their large size can also be avoided.

[0112] It should be noted that there are no restrictions on the shape and size of the first side electrode 101, the second side electrode 102, the third side electrode 103, the fourth side electrode 104, the fifth side electrode 105 and the sixth side electrode 106 mentioned above, and they can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 13 As shown, the third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are located on the side of the second substrate 4 away from the feed line 5.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment, reference is made to Figure 14 As shown, the third side electrode 103 and the fourth side electrode 104 are located on the side of the second electrode 6 away from the second electrode 4, and are insulated from the second electrode by the second insulating layer 10.

[0115] In embodiments of this application, by setting such as Figure 14 The two conductive first encapsulation portions and multiple side electrodes shown can, depending on the situation, apply a voltage to at least one of the multiple side electrodes located on the left side of the liquid crystal layer 3 and apply another voltage to at least one of the multiple side electrodes located on the right side of the liquid crystal layer 3, thereby forming a transverse electric field that intersects the electric field direction of the vertical electric field formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electric field direction of the transverse electric field can be determined according to the specific position of the side electrode to which the voltage is applied.

[0116] It should be noted that the specific voltage values ​​applied to each side electrode in the embodiments of this application are not limited here, and can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0117] The above merely provides the specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited to this. Any person skilled in the art can easily think of the changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna, wherein, include: A first substrate and a second substrate arranged opposite to each other; A liquid crystal layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate; The first electrode is located on the side of the first substrate closest to the liquid crystal layer; The second electrode is located on the side of the second substrate closer to the liquid crystal layer; The feed line is located on the side of the second substrate away from the second electrode and is electrically connected to the second electrode; An encapsulation layer is located between the first substrate and the second substrate, and surrounds the liquid crystal layer; Side electrode assembly, comprising multiple side electrodes; The side electrode group includes a first side electrode and a second side electrode; The first side electrode and the second side electrode are disposed opposite to each other and are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the liquid crystal layer.

2. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 1, wherein, The direction of the electric field formed by the side electrode in the side electrode group intersects with the direction of the electric field formed by the first electrode and the second electrode.

3. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The side electrode group includes a first side electrode and a second side electrode. The orthographic projections of the first side electrode and the second side electrode on the first substrate overlap with the orthographic projections of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate, and the orthographic projections of the first side electrode and the second side electrode on the first substrate do not overlap.

4. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, wherein, The first side electrode and the second side electrode are arranged opposite to each other.

5. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, wherein, Both the first side electrode and the second side electrode are located on the first electrode and are insulated from the first electrode.

6. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate overlap; Both the first side electrode and the second side electrode are located on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and are insulated from the second electrode.

7. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 4, wherein, The orthographic projection of the second electrode on the first substrate and the orthographic projection of the encapsulation layer on the first substrate do not overlap. Both the first side electrode and the second side electrode are located on the side of the second substrate away from the feed line. The orthographic projections of the first side electrode and the second electrode on the second substrate do not overlap.

8. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, wherein, One of the first side electrode and the second side electrode is located on the first electrode and is insulated from the first electrode, and the other is located on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and is insulated from the second electrode.

9. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 3, wherein, One of the first side electrode and the second side electrode is located on the first electrode and is insulated from the first electrode, while the other is located on the side of the second substrate away from the feed line, and its orthographic projection on the second substrate does not overlap with the orthographic projection of the second electrode on the second substrate.

10. The liquid crystal antenna according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes two first encapsulation portions and two second encapsulation portions arranged opposite to each other, and the first encapsulation portions and the second encapsulation portions are connected. The first encapsulation part is made of a conductive material, the second encapsulation part is made of an insulating material, the first side electrode is in direct contact with one of the first encapsulation parts, and the second side electrode is in direct contact with the other first encapsulation part.

11. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 2, wherein, The side electrode group includes a first side electrode, a second side electrode, a third side electrode, and a fourth side electrode; The first side electrode and the second side electrode are both located on the first electrode and are both insulated from the first electrode; the third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are both located on the side of the encapsulation layer away from the first substrate.

12. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are both located on the side of the second substrate away from the feed line; Alternatively, both the third side electrode and the fourth side electrode are located on the side of the second electrode away from the second substrate and are insulated from the second electrode.

13. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 11, wherein, The orthographic projection of the first side electrode on the first substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the third side electrode on the first substrate, and the orthographic projection of the second side electrode on the first substrate overlaps with the orthographic projection of the fourth side electrode on the first substrate.

14. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 13, wherein, The encapsulation layer includes two first encapsulation portions and two second encapsulation portions arranged opposite to each other, the first encapsulation portions and the second encapsulation portions being connected; the material of the first encapsulation portions is a conductive material, and the material of the second encapsulation portions is an insulating material; The first side electrode and the third side electrode are in direct contact with one of the first package portions, and the second side electrode and the fourth side electrode are in direct contact with the other first package portion.

15. The liquid crystal antenna according to claim 14, wherein, The side electrode group further includes a fifth side electrode and a sixth side electrode, which are disposed opposite to each other. The fifth side electrode is located on the side of one of the first encapsulation portions away from the liquid crystal layer, and the sixth side electrode is located on the side of the other first encapsulation portion away from the liquid crystal layer.

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