Liquid crystal antenna box, antenna and manufacturing method of liquid crystal antenna box

Abstract

The application relates to a liquid crystal antenna box, an antenna and a manufacturing method of the liquid crystal antenna box. The liquid crystal antenna box comprises a first substrate, a second substrate and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate comprises a first substrate and a first metal layer. The first metal layer is arranged on one side of the first substrate in the thickness direction of the first substrate. The first metal layer comprises a grounding part. The through holes are arranged between the grounding parts. The second substrate is oppositely arranged with the first substrate in the thickness direction. The second substrate comprises a second substrate and a second metal layer. The second metal layer is arranged on the side of the second substrate facing the first metal layer. The second metal layer comprises a phase shifter. The phase shifters have interval grooves. The phase shifters and the through holes are oppositely arranged in the thickness direction. Wherein, at any position along the length direction of the liquid crystal antenna box, the sum of the distances from the surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate facing each other to the respective substrates is equal. The scheme can make the inner surface spacing of the upper and lower substrates equal, and improve the uniformity of the thickness in the box.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of antenna technology, and in particular to a liquid crystal antenna box, an antenna, and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal antenna box. Background Technology

[0002] The thickness of a liquid crystal antenna box is usually supported and maintained by spraying a support material BS (ball spacer) into the liquid crystal layer inside the box. During the spraying process, the BS will be randomly distributed to any position inside the box, thereby using the BS to support the upper and lower substrates of the liquid crystal antenna box.

[0003] However, since metal traces are provided on both the upper and lower substrates of the liquid crystal antenna box, the presence of metal traces causes the distance between the inner surfaces of the upper and lower substrates inside the box to be unequal, resulting in different compression rates of multiple supports BS. If the spacing is too small, the support BS will be crushed under pressure, and if the spacing is too large, the support BS will not be able to contact the upper and lower substrates and will lose its support capacity. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box, an antenna, and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal antenna box, which can make the spacing between the inner surfaces of the upper and lower substrates equal and improve the uniformity of the thickness inside the box.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of this application provides a liquid crystal antenna box, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer. The first substrate includes a first substrate and a first metal layer, the first metal layer being disposed on one side of the first substrate in its thickness direction, the first metal layer including a ground portion, and a via being disposed between the ground portions; the second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate in the thickness direction, the second substrate including a second substrate and a second metal layer, the second metal layer being disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first metal layer, the second metal layer including a phase shifter, the phase shifters having a spacer groove between them, and the phase shifters and the via being aligned in the thickness direction; the liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; wherein, at any position along the length direction of the liquid crystal antenna box, in the thickness direction, the sum of the distances from the surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate facing each other to their respective substrates is equal.

[0006] Secondly, according to embodiments of this application, an antenna is provided, including the liquid crystal antenna box as described above.

[0007] Thirdly, according to embodiments of this application, a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna box is provided, comprising:

[0008] A first substrate and a second substrate are provided, a first metal layer is formed on the first substrate, and a second metal layer is formed on the second substrate;

[0009] Positive photoresist is coated onto the first metal layer and the second metal layer respectively;

[0010] The first and second metal layers are etched using a photomask to pattern the first and second metal layers.

[0011] An insulating layer is formed in at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer;

[0012] Apply negative photoresist to the insulating layer;

[0013] An insulating layer is etched using a photomask to pattern the insulating layer, forming a first substrate and a second substrate.

[0014] A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to form a liquid crystal antenna box.

[0015] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box, an antenna, and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal antenna box. By making the spacing between the inner surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate of the liquid crystal antenna box equal everywhere, the thickness between the first substrate and the second substrate is uniform. Thus, the size of the support portion in the liquid crystal layer between the two substrates can be set to be the same, so that the support portion can simultaneously abut against the first substrate and the second substrate, playing a supporting role for both. This avoids problems such as failure or damage of the support portion due to uneven internal thickness, allowing the support portion to better perform its supporting role and providing a certain degree of protection for the support portion, improving the overall structural stability of the liquid crystal antenna box, and making the liquid crystal antenna box have more reliable performance. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The features, advantages, and technical effects of exemplary embodiments of this application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal antenna box in the prior art;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a plan view of the first substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a planar schematic diagram of the second substrate according to an embodiment of this application;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0023] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0026] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0029] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0030] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0032] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of another liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0033] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for fabricating a liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for fabricating a liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0035] Figure 19 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application;

[0036] Figure 20 This is a flowchart illustrating another method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna box according to an embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure label:

[0038] 100 - Liquid crystal antenna box; 10 - First substrate; 1 - First substrate; 2 - Grounding portion; 3 - Via;

[0039] 20-Second substrate; 4-Second substrate; 5-Phase shifter; 6-Gap; 7-Gap; 8-Receiving groove;

[0040] 30 - Liquid crystal layer; 40 - Insulating layer; 50 - Support portion; 51 - Support column; 51a - First support column; 51b - Second support column;

[0041] 41-First part; 42-Second part; 43-Third part; 44-Fourth part; 45-Fifth part; 45a-Body part; 45b-Protrusion; 60-Orientation layer.

[0042] In the accompanying drawings, the same parts use the same reference numerals. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this application will now be described in detail. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description to provide a comprehensive understanding of this application. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application can be implemented without requiring some of these specific details. The following description of embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this application by illustrating examples. In the accompanying drawings and the following description, at least some well-known structures and techniques are not shown to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the application; and, for clarity, the dimensions of some structures may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described below can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the liquid crystal antenna box, antenna, or manufacturing method of the liquid crystal antenna box of this application. It should also be noted in the description of this application that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] To better understand this application, the following will be combined with... Figures 1 to 20 The liquid crystal antenna box, antenna, and manufacturing method of the liquid crystal antenna box according to the embodiments of this application will be described in detail.

[0046] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100, including a first substrate 10, a second substrate 20, and a liquid crystal layer 30. The first substrate 10 includes a first substrate 1 and a first metal layer. The first metal layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate 1 in its thickness direction and includes a grounding portion 2. A via 3 is disposed between the grounding portions 2. The second substrate 20 is disposed opposite to the first substrate 10 in the thickness direction. The second substrate 20 includes a second substrate 4 and a second metal layer. The second metal layer is disposed on the side of the second substrate 4 facing the first metal layer and includes a phase shifter 5. A spacer groove 6 is provided between the phase shifters 5. The phase shifters 5 and the via 3 are aligned in the thickness direction. The liquid crystal layer 30 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Wherein, at any position along the length direction of the liquid crystal antenna box 100, in the thickness direction, the sum of the distances from the surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 facing each other to their respective substrates is equal.

[0047] The specific structure of the liquid crystal antenna box 100 is formed by splicing the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 together, and then injecting the liquid crystal layer 30 between the two. Optionally, the liquid crystal layer 30 is usually provided with a support part 50, so as to realize the vertical support of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal layer 30 can also process the transmitted signal.

[0048] The first substrate 10 has a first metal layer on the first substrate 1, and grounding is achieved by grounding part 2 in the first metal layer. There are vias 3 between the grounding parts 2 to communicate with the outside. The second substrate 20 has a second metal layer on the second substrate 4. The second metal layer has a plurality of phase shifters 5 arranged at intervals. An interval slot 6 is formed between adjacent phase shifters 5. The phase shifters 5 need to be arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the vias 3 so that the signal processed by the phase shifters 5 can be transmitted out through the vias 3. The liquid crystal antenna box 100 forms a radiating structure as a whole, and the signal is finally received by an external receiver.

[0049] Since the first substrate 1 has a grounding portion 2 and a via 3 and the second substrate 4 has a phase shifter 5 and a spacing groove 6, the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are uneven. Therefore, it can be seen that the distance between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 at any position may be unequal.

[0050] When a support portion 50 is provided in the middle liquid crystal layer 30, some of the support portions 50 can just abut against the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. Other support portions 50 are squeezed and deformed at the narrower part between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, which may cause damage. Still other support portions 50 cannot abut against the two substrates at the wider part between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and thus cannot play a supporting role, causing the support portion 50 to fail.

[0051] Therefore, based on the above problems, this embodiment aims to set the distance between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to be equal everywhere, so that the thickness between the two is uniform. This can unify the size of the support part 50 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, so that the support part 50 can just abut against the two and play a supporting role.

[0052] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By making the spacing between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 of the liquid crystal antenna box 100 equal everywhere, the thickness between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is uniform. As a result, the size of the support portion 50 in the liquid crystal layer 30 between the two substrates can be set to be the same, so that the support portion 50 can simultaneously abut against the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, playing a supporting role for both substrates. This avoids problems such as failure or damage of the support portion 50 due to uneven internal thickness, allowing the support portion 50 to better perform its supporting role and providing a certain degree of protection for the support portion 50. This improves the overall structural stability of the liquid crystal antenna box 100 and gives the liquid crystal antenna box 100 more reliable performance.

[0053] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 2 The liquid crystal antenna box 100 includes an insulating layer 40, which is disposed in at least one of a first metal layer and a second metal layer; the insulating layer 40 disposed at the via 3 has a surface distance of H1 from the phase shifter 5, the insulating layer 40 disposed at the spacer slot 6 has a surface distance of H2 from the grounding portion 2, and the surface distance between the grounding portion 2 and the phase shifter 5 is H3, wherein H1 = H3 and H2 = H3.

[0054] In this embodiment, by providing an insulating layer 40 in the liquid crystal antenna box 100 and filling the first metal layer and the second metal layer with the insulating layer 40, the flatness of the first metal layer and the second metal layer is ensured, so that the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are flat.

[0055] Since the phase shifter 5 is correspondingly arranged with the via 3, and the portion of the phase shifter 5 also corresponds to the grounding portion 2, when the insulating layer 40 is filled in the via 3, the distance between the insulating layer 40 and the phase shifter 5 is H1, and the distance between the two portions of the phase shifter 5 corresponding to the grounding portion 2 is H3, so that H1 = H3. At the same time, when the insulating layer 40 is filled in the spacer groove 6, the distance between the insulating layer 40 and the grounding portion 2 is H2, so that H2 = H3. Thus, with the distance H3 as a reference, the distance between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is H3 everywhere.

[0056] Optionally, the insulating layer 40 can be provided simultaneously in the first metal layer and the second metal layer, or it can be provided only in the first metal layer or the second metal layer. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 can be flat surfaces or uneven surfaces, as long as the spacing between the inner surfaces of the two substrates is equal everywhere.

[0057] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By providing an insulating layer 40 in the liquid crystal antenna box 100 and filling the first metal layer and the second metal layer, a feasible way is provided to make the spacing between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 equal, so that the internal box thickness has better uniformity.

[0058] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figures 2 to 4 The insulating layer 40 includes a first part 41 and a second part 42. The first part 41 is disposed in the through hole 3 and is flush with the grounding part 2. The second part 42 is disposed in the spacer groove 6 and is flush with the phase shifter 5.

[0059] Insulating layers 40 are simultaneously provided on the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The via 3 of the first metal layer serves as the first part 41 of the insulating layer 40, and the spacer groove 6 of the second metal layer serves as the second part 42 of the insulating layer 40. The first part 41 is of the same thickness and flush with the adjacent grounding part 2, and the second part 42 is of the same thickness and flush with the adjacent phase shifter 5. Finally, under the filling effect of the first part 41 and the second part 42, the inner surfaces of the first metal layer and the second metal layer are both flush.

[0060] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By using the first part 41 and the second part 42 to fill the via 3 and the spacer 6 respectively, the first metal layer and the second metal layer form a flat inner surface. While ensuring the equal spacing between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the inner surfaces of both also have better flatness.

[0061] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 5 The liquid crystal antenna box 100 includes a support portion 50, which is disposed in the liquid crystal layer 30. One end of the support portion 50 abuts against the first substrate 10 in the thickness direction and the other end abuts against the second substrate 20.

[0062] After the first portion 41 and the second portion 42 are respectively filled into the first metal layer and the second metal layer, the first metal layer and the second metal layer form flush surfaces, and the liquid crystal layer 30 is located between them. The support portion 50 therein abuts against the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 in the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0063] The thickness between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal everywhere, so that the dimensions of the multiple support portions 50 are equal in the thickness direction. At the same time, the two ends of each support portion 50 in the thickness direction abut against the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 respectively, forming better support for both.

[0064] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By providing a support portion 50 in the liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, the support portion 50 abuts against the two. In addition to providing support, the support portion 50 also has better structural stability because it is always located between flat surfaces.

[0065] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 6 The support portion 50 includes a support column 51, one end of which is connected to the first portion 41 in the thickness direction and the other end extends toward the phase shifter 5; or, the support portion 50 is a spherical structure.

[0066] Optionally, for the specific structure of the support portion 50, the support portion 50 can be set as a spherical structure. The support portion 50 has the same size in the thickness direction and abuts against the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The support portion 50 can move in the liquid crystal layer 30. Since the distance between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal everywhere, the size of the support portion 50 remains unchanged when it moves to any position, and there is no risk of it being crushed.

[0067] Optionally, the support part 50 can be configured as a columnar structure, and the support column 51 can be connected to the first part 41. The support column 51 extends from the first part 41 and can abut against the corresponding phase shifter 5. The support column 51 can be integrally formed with the first part 41, and both are made of the same material.

[0068] When the support part 50 adopts the support column 51, the support column 51 can support the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and support the entire liquid crystal antenna box 100. There is no need to consider the spacing between the two substrates, and there is no problem of the support part 50 being squeezed or damaged between the two. At this time, the second part 42 of the insulating layer 40 does not need to be provided in the spacer groove 6 of the second metal layer, and there is no need to ensure the flatness of the second metal layer.

[0069] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By setting the support part 50 as a support column 51 structure, while ensuring support for the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, there is no problem of failure or damage that may occur between the two substrates with uneven thickness, so that the liquid crystal antenna box 100 has better stability performance.

[0070] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 7 The support column 51 includes a first support column 51a and a second support column 51b. One end of the first support column 51a is connected to any first part 41 in the thickness direction and the other end abuts against the phase shifter 5. One end of the second support column 51b is connected to another first part 41 in the thickness direction. The height of the first support column 51a is greater than the height of the second support column 51b.

[0071] The support column 51 is specifically divided into a first support column 51a and a second support column 51b. The first support column 51a is higher than the second support column 51b. The first support column 51a always forms contact with the phase shifter 5 and plays a supporting role for the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The first support column 51a can be understood as the main support column 51.

[0072] Since the second support post 51b is shorter than the first support post 51a, under normal circumstances, the second support post 51b only extends towards the phase shifter 5 and cannot make contact with the phase shifter 5. There is a gap between the second support post 51b and the phase shifter 5. Only when the entire liquid crystal antenna box 100 is pressed can the second support post 51b make contact with the phase shifter 5 and play a supporting role for the two substrates. Therefore, the second support post 51b can be understood as the secondary support post 51.

[0073] Optionally, under normal circumstances, the gap between the second support post 51b and the phase shifter 5 is 0.5-0.65μm. When the whole is pressed, there is no gap. This application does not make any special limitation on the gap between the second support post 51b and the phase shifter 5.

[0074] Optionally, considering the main and secondary supporting functions of the first support column 51a and the second support column 51b, the two occupy different areas on the first substrate 10. The projected area of ​​the first support column 51a in the thickness direction accounts for 0.2% of the area of ​​the first substrate 10, and the projected area of ​​the second support column 51b in the thickness direction accounts for 1.3% of the area of ​​the first substrate 10.

[0075] Of course, it is understood that in other alternative embodiments, the ratio of the projected area of ​​the first support post 51a and the second support post 51b in the thickness direction to the area of ​​the first substrate 10 may also be other values ​​to adapt to the specific needs of different specifications.

[0076] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By specifically dividing the support column 51 into a first support column 51a and a second support column 51b, the liquid crystal antenna box 100 achieves a supporting function in both the normal state and the pressing state, so that the liquid crystal antenna box 100 can have good supporting performance in any state, further ensuring the stability of the overall structure.

[0077] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 8 The first part 41 has a gap 7 between the surface of the second substrate 20 and the ground part 2; and / or the second part 42 has a gap 7 between the surface of the first substrate 10 and the phase shifter 5.

[0078] Optionally, there is a gap 7 between the first part 41 and the grounding part 2, and there is a gap 7 between the second part 42 and the phase shifter 5. The specific size of the gap 7 is 1-2 μm.

[0079] The reason for the gap 7 between the insulating layer 40 and its respective metal layer is that during the manufacturing process of the insulating layer 40, there may be a misalignment of the insulating layer 40. When a misalignment occurs, the insulating layer 40 will not overlap with the metal layer, and there is a certain deviation space.

[0080] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By creating a certain gap 7 between the insulating layer 40 and the metal layer, it is more in line with the manufacturing process of the insulating layer 40, allowing for possible misalignment during the molding process, and facilitating the molding of the insulating layer 40.

[0081] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 9 The first part 41 has a sloping edge near the grounding part 2, and the surface of the first part 41 facing away from the second substrate 20 is connected to the grounding part 2; and / or, the second part 42 has a sloping edge near the phase shifter 5, and the surface of the second part 42 facing away from the first substrate 10 is connected to the phase shifter 5.

[0082] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. Specifically, considering the molding process of the first part 41 and the second part 42, after molding, the surface of the first part 41 near the grounding part 2 is inclined, and after molding, the surface of the second part 42 near the phase shifter 5 is inclined. The insulating layer 40 is partially bonded to the metal layer, which conforms to the actual process.

[0083] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The dimensions of the support part 50 are larger than the dimensions of the gap 7.

[0084] Since there is a gap 7 between the insulating layer 40 and the metal layer, in order to prevent the support portion 50 in the intermediate liquid crystal layer 30 from falling into the gap 7 and losing its supporting function, the size of the support portion 50 is larger than the size of the gap 7, thus ensuring that the support portion 50 is always located in the liquid crystal layer 30 and will not fall into the gap 7.

[0085] Optionally, when the support portion 50 is a spherical structure, the support portion 50 can be set to a size with a diameter of 3μm or more, while the gap 7 is usually 1-2μm. In this way, the support portion 50 cannot fall into the gap 7, so that the support portion 50 always abuts between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0086] This application does not impose any special limitations on the specific dimensions of the support part 50, as long as its dimensions are greater than the dimensions of the gap 7 and it does not fall into the gap 7.

[0087] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By making the size of the support portion 50 larger than the size of the gap 7, while satisfying the molding process of the insulating layer 40 and the metal layer, it ensures that the support portion 50 will not fall between the insulating layer 40 and the metal layer, so that it is always supported between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20. The liquid crystal antenna box 100 as a whole has better structural stability.

[0088] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 12 The insulating layer 40 includes a third portion 43, which is located on the side of the first substrate 1 close to the second substrate 4. The third portions 43 are spaced apart. A portion of the ground portion 2 is located on the side of the third portion 43 facing the second substrate 20, and another portion is located in the space. A via 3 is provided on the ground portion 2 located in the space. A fourth portion 44 is provided in the via 3. The fourth portion 44 is at the same height as the adjacent ground portion 2.

[0089] Optionally, the phase shifter 5 and the gap 7 are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction, and the distance from the ground portion 2 on the third part 43 to the second substrate 4 is equal to the distance from the phase shifter 5 to the ground portion 2 in the gap 7.

[0090] In this embodiment, an insulating layer 40 is provided only on the first metal layer, and the structure of the first metal layer is adaptively adjusted so that the spacing between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal everywhere.

[0091] Since the phase shifter 5 and the spacer 6 are alternately arranged in the second metal layer, the inner surface of the second substrate 20 is uneven, thus adjusting the structure of the corresponding position of the first metal layer.

[0092] This can be understood as follows: at the corresponding position of the spacer slot 6, the third part 43 of the insulating layer 40 is used to raise the grounding part 2, thereby shortening the distance between the grounding part 2 and the spacer slot 6. At the same time, at the corresponding position of the phase shifter 5, the grounding part 2 is recessed to correspond to the protruding structure of the phase shifter 5, so that the distance between the grounding part 2 and the spacer slot 6 is equal to the distance between the recessed part of the grounding part 2 and the phase shifter 5.

[0093] Furthermore, considering that the phase shifter 5 transmits signals to the outside, a via 3 needs to be provided on the grounding part 2 in the recess at its corresponding position. In order to make the surface of the grounding part 2 in the recess flat, the fourth part 44 of the insulating layer 40 is filled in the via 3 so that the fourth part 44 is set at the same height as the adjacent grounding part 2, so that the via 3 is also equidistant from the phase shifter 5.

[0094] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By providing only the third part 43 and the fourth part 44 of the insulating layer 40 on the first metal layer, and using the padding and filling treatment of the grounding part 2, it is possible to ensure that the distance between the inner surfaces of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal without changing the uneven surface of the second metal layer, thus providing a feasible implementation method.

[0095] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14 The insulating layer 40 includes a fifth part 45, which is disposed in the spacer groove 6 and at least part of the phase shifter 5. The fifth part 45 includes a body part 45a disposed in the spacer groove 6 and a protrusion 45b disposed corresponding to the phase shifter 5. The body part 45a is flush with at least part of the phase shifter 5. The protrusion 45b protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer 30 and is aligned with the via 3. The surface distance between the via 3 and the protrusion 45b is equal to the surface distance between the ground part 2 and the body part 45a.

[0096] In this embodiment, an insulating layer 40 is provided only on the second metal layer as the fifth part 45. Since the first metal layer is provided with vias 3, and the grounding parts 2 are spaced apart by the vias 3, the surface of the first metal layer is uneven.

[0097] By making the fifth part 45 have a body part 45a and a protrusion 45b, the body part 45a is filled in the spacer groove 6 and is disposed corresponding to the ground part 2, and the protrusion 45b is disposed on the phase shifter 5 and is disposed corresponding to the via 3, so that the surface distance between the ground part 2 and the body part 45a is equal to the surface distance between the via 3 and the protrusion 45b, the inner surface distance between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 can be made equal without adjusting the first metal layer.

[0098] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By providing only a fifth portion 45 of the insulating layer 40 on the second metal layer, and utilizing the body portion 45a and the protrusion portion 45b of the fifth portion 45 to correspond to the uneven surface of the first metal layer, the distance between the two substrates can be made equal everywhere without changing the structure of the first metal layer, thus providing a feasible implementation method.

[0099] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 13The phase shifter 5 has a double-layer structure. One layer of the phase shifter 5 is flush with the main body 45a and the other layer is flush with the protrusion 45b.

[0100] Optionally, considering that the phase shifter 5 is a spiral structure, it can be configured as a double-layer structure. Specifically, firstly, a fifth portion 45 of the insulating layer 40 is deposited on the second substrate 4. The fifth portion 45 is then formed into a body portion 45a and a protrusion portion 45b by photolithography. Both the body portion 45a and the protrusion portion 45b have grooves with structures corresponding to the phase shifter 5, which are used to accommodate the double-layer phase shifter 5. Then, a metal layer is deposited on the fifth portion 45 and patterned to obtain the phase shifter 5 structure, so that the phase shifter 5 spirals in the grooves of the body portion 45a and the protrusion portion 45b, thus obtaining a double-layer structure.

[0101] In this way, it can be understood that the phase shifter 5 has been locally raised so that the distance between the ground part 2 and the body part 45a is equal to the distance between the protrusion 45b and the via 3, thus achieving that the distance between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal everywhere.

[0102] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By setting the phase shifter 5 as a double-layer structure and spiraling it in the groove of the body part 45a and the protrusion part 45b, while ensuring that the spacing is equal, the phase shifter 5 is also closer to the through hole 3 in the protrusion part 45b, which facilitates the signal transmission of the phase shifter 5 and has a better signal effect.

[0103] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 14 The phase shifter 5 has a single-layer structure. The phase shifter 5 is flush with the main body 45a, and the protrusion 45b is located on the side of the phase shifter 5 near the first substrate 10.

[0104] In this embodiment, the phase shifter 5 can also be configured as a single-layer structure. In this case, the fifth part 45 body 45a is flush with the phase shifter 5 and has a flat surface. At the same time, the fifth part 45 protrusion 45b is formed on the phase shifter 5 to correspond to the through hole 3. The protrusion 45b partially covers the phase shifter 5.

[0105] In this way, the distance between the protrusion 45b and the via 3 is equal to the distance between the body part 45a and the grounding part 2, which can also ensure that the distance between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 is equal everywhere.

[0106] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By setting the phase shifter 5 as a single-layer structure, the surface of the second metal layer can also be adjusted by using the body part 45a and the protrusion part 45b. While ensuring that the distance between the two substrates is equal, the body part 45a and the protrusion part 45b of the fifth part 45 are easy to process and form.

[0107] Optionally, the first metal layer and the second metal layer are copper layers, and the insulating layer 40 is a non-metallic film layer, such as SiN. x SiO x Materials such as...

[0108] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 15 The first substrate 1 has a receiving groove 8 on the side near the liquid crystal layer 30, which is aligned with the phase shifter 5. The receiving groove 8 is recessed away from the liquid crystal layer 30, and the surface distance between the receiving groove 8 and the phase shifter 5 is equal to the surface distance between the ground part 2 and the spacer groove 6.

[0109] In this embodiment, the structure of the first substrate 1 is improved without the insulating layer 40. Since the protrusion at the phase shifter 5 in the second metal layer will cause the spacing between the two substrates to be unequal, a receiving groove 8 is provided at the position of the phase shifter 5 corresponding to the first substrate 1, so that the receiving groove 8 is recessed away from the liquid crystal layer 30, thereby corresponding to the protrusion at the phase shifter 5.

[0110] Optionally, the receiving groove 8 on the first substrate 1 needs to be etched. After etching, the ground part 2 is attached along the inner surface of the first substrate 1. The ground part 2 is recessed in the receiving groove 8, so that the distance between the ground part 2 in the receiving groove 8 and the phase shifter 5 is equal to the distance between the ground part 2 in the remaining part and the spacing groove 6, thus ensuring that the distance between the two substrates is equal everywhere.

[0111] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By setting a receiving groove 8 corresponding to the phase shifter 5 on the first substrate 1, the recessed height of the receiving groove 8 is equal to the protruding height of the phase shifter 5. The distance between the two substrates is unified without filling the insulating layer 40, saving the material of the insulating layer 40, reducing the process flow, and reducing the manufacturing difficulty.

[0112] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 16 The liquid crystal antenna box 100 includes an alignment layer 60, which is disposed on the side of the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 near the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0113] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box 100. By providing alignment layers 60 on both sides of the liquid crystal layer 30, while ensuring that the distance between the two substrates is equal, the angle of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 30 can be adjusted, so that the liquid crystal molecules can perform signal processing at a predetermined angle.

[0114] This application provides an antenna, including the liquid crystal antenna box 100 as described above.

[0115] Please see Figure 17 This application provides a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna box 100, including:

[0116] S1. Provide a first substrate 1 and a second substrate 4, form a first metal layer on the first substrate 1, and form a second metal layer on the second substrate 4;

[0117] S2. Coat the first metal layer and the second metal layer with positive photoresist respectively;

[0118] S3. Use a photomask to etch the first metal layer and the second metal layer to pattern the first metal layer and the second metal layer;

[0119] S4. An insulating layer 40 is formed in at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer;

[0120] S5. Coat the insulating layer 40 with negative photoresist;

[0121] S6. Use a photomask to etch the insulating layer 40 to pattern the insulating layer 40, forming the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0122] S7. A liquid crystal layer 30 is disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 to form a liquid crystal antenna box 100.

[0123] Optionally, during steps S1-S3, a first metal layer and a second metal layer can be formed on the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 4 respectively by physical vapor deposition (PVD). After coating the metal layers with positive photoresist, photolithography is performed using a photomask to pattern the first metal layer and the second metal layer. A grounding portion 2 and a via 3 are formed in the first metal layer, and a phase shifter 5 and a spacer 6 are formed in the second metal layer.

[0124] In steps S4-S5, a negative photoresist is coated on the insulating layer 40 deposited on the metal layer. Similarly, the insulating layer 40 can be patterned by photolithography using a photomask. Since the patterns of the metal layer and the insulating layer 40 may be complementary, the photolithography process can share the same photomask. The insulating layer 40 can be formed on the metal layer by chemical vapor deposition (CVD).

[0125] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 18 It also includes:

[0126] S8. A support portion 50 is provided between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20, and the support portion 50 is evenly distributed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0127] Optionally, since the support portion 50 is fluid in the liquid crystal layer 30, the support portion 50 can be uniformly sprayed into the liquid crystal layer 30 to form a support for the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0128] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 19 The liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 includes:

[0129] S71. Apply frame adhesive to either the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20;

[0130] S72. Drop the liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 so that the support portion 50 is located in the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0131] S73, The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are bonded together and cured with frame adhesive.

[0132] In this embodiment, the liquid crystal layer 30 is formed by liquid crystal dropleting. That is, before the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are bonded together, liquid crystal molecules are dropped between the two substrates and then the two are bonded together.

[0133] As an optional embodiment, please refer to Figure 20 The liquid crystal layer 30 disposed between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 includes:

[0134] S74. Apply frame adhesive to either the first substrate 10 or the second substrate 20;

[0135] S75. The first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are bonded together and the frame adhesive is cured.

[0136] S76. Using a crystal filling process, the liquid crystal layer 30 is poured between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 so that the support portion 50 is located in the liquid crystal layer 30.

[0137] In this embodiment, the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20 are first bonded together using frame adhesive to form an overall housing frame. Then, liquid crystal molecules are injected between the two substrates using a crystal filling process, thereby forming a liquid crystal layer 30 between the first substrate 10 and the second substrate 20.

[0138] This application provides a liquid crystal antenna box, an antenna, and a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal antenna box. By making the spacing between the inner surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate of the liquid crystal antenna box equal everywhere, the thickness between the first substrate and the second substrate is uniform. Thus, the size of the support portion in the liquid crystal layer between the two substrates can be set to be the same, so that the support portion can simultaneously abut against the first substrate and the second substrate, playing a supporting role for both. This avoids problems such as failure or damage of the support portion due to uneven internal thickness, allowing the support portion to better perform its supporting role and providing a certain degree of protection for the support portion, improving the overall structural stability of the liquid crystal antenna box, and making the liquid crystal antenna box have more reliable performance.

[0139] Although this application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made thereto and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of this application. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner, provided there is no structural conflict. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A liquid crystal antenna box, characterized in that, include: The first substrate includes a first substrate and a first metal layer. The first metal layer is disposed on one side of the first substrate in its own thickness direction. The first metal layer includes a ground portion, and a via is disposed between the ground portions. A second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate in the thickness direction. The second substrate includes a second substrate and a second metal layer. The second metal layer is disposed on the side of the second substrate facing the first metal layer. The second metal layer includes a phase shifter. The phase shifters have a spacing groove between them. The phase shifters are aligned with the via in the thickness direction. A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; An insulating layer is disposed in at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer. The insulating layer disposed at the via is spaced H1 from the surface of the phase shifter. The insulating layer disposed at the spacer slot is spaced H2 from the surface of the grounding portion. The surface distance between the grounding portion and the phase shifter is H3, wherein H1=H3 and H2=H3. Wherein, at any position along the length direction of the liquid crystal antenna box, in the thickness direction, the sum of the distances from the surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate facing each other to their respective substrates is equal.

2. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer includes a first part and a second part. The first part is disposed in the via and is flush with the grounding portion, and the second part is disposed in the spacer slot and is flush with the phase shifter.

3. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 2, characterized in that, The liquid crystal antenna box includes a support portion disposed in the liquid crystal layer, with one end of the support portion abutting against the first substrate and the other end abutting against the second substrate in the thickness direction.

4. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support portion includes a support column, one end of which is connected to the first portion in the thickness direction and the other end of which extends toward the phase shifter; Alternatively, the support portion may be a spherical structure.

5. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 4, characterized in that, The support column includes a first support column and a second support column. One end of the first support column in the thickness direction is connected to any of the first portions and the other end abuts against the phase shifter. One end of the second support column in the thickness direction is connected to another of the first portions. The height of the first support column is greater than the height of the second support column.

6. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 3, characterized in that, There is a gap between the surface of the first portion near the second substrate and the ground portion; And / or, the surface of the second portion near the first substrate has a gap with the phase shifter.

7. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The edge of the first part near the grounding portion is sloped, and the surface of the first part away from the second substrate is connected to the grounding portion. And / or, the second portion near the edge of the phase shifter is sloped, and the surface of the second portion away from the first substrate is connected to the phase shifter.

8. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 6, characterized in that, The size of the support portion is larger than the size of the gap.

9. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer includes a third portion located on the side of the first substrate closer to the second substrate, the third portions being spaced apart, and a portion of the ground portion located on the side of the third portions facing the second substrate and another portion located in the space. The grounding portion located in the interval is provided with the via, and the via is provided with a fourth part, the fourth part being at the same height as the adjacent grounding portion.

10. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 9, characterized in that, The phase shifter and the interval are disposed opposite each other in the thickness direction, and the distance from the ground portion on the third portion to the second substrate is equal to the distance from the phase shifter to the ground portion in the interval.

11. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulating layer includes a fifth portion disposed in the spacer groove and at least a portion of the phase shifter. The fifth portion includes a body portion disposed in the spacer groove and a protrusion portion disposed corresponding to the phase shifter. The body portion is flush with at least a portion of the phase shifter. The protrusion portion protrudes toward the liquid crystal layer and is aligned with the via. The surface distance between the via and the protrusion portion is equal to the surface distance between the ground portion and the body portion.

12. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 11, characterized in that, The phase shifter has a double-layer structure, with one layer flush with the main body and the other layer flush with the protrusion.

13. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 11, characterized in that, The phase shifter has a single-layer structure and is flush with the main body. The protrusion is located on the side of the phase shifter closest to the first substrate.

14. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first metal layer and the second metal layer are copper layers, and the insulating layer is a non-metallic film layer.

15. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first substrate has a receiving groove on the side near the liquid crystal layer that is aligned with the phase shifter. The receiving groove is recessed away from the liquid crystal layer. The surface distance between the receiving groove and the phase shifter is equal to the surface distance between the ground portion and the spacer groove.

16. The liquid crystal antenna box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid crystal antenna box includes an alignment layer, which is disposed on the side of the first substrate and the second substrate near the liquid crystal layer.

17. An antenna, characterized in that, Includes the liquid crystal antenna box as described in any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. A method for manufacturing a liquid crystal antenna box, used to prepare the liquid crystal antenna box as described in any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that, include: A first substrate and a second substrate are provided, a first metal layer is formed on the first substrate, and a second metal layer is formed on the second substrate; Positive photoresist is coated onto the first metal layer and the second metal layer respectively; The first metal layer and the second metal layer are etched using a photomask to pattern the first metal layer and the second metal layer; An insulating layer is formed in at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer; The insulating layer is coated with negative photoresist; The insulating layer is etched using the photomask to pattern the insulating layer, forming a first substrate and a second substrate. A liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate to form the liquid crystal antenna box.

19. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Also includes: A support portion is provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the support portion is evenly distributed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

20. The manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Depositing a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate includes: A frame adhesive is provided on either the first substrate or the second substrate; The liquid crystal layer is dropped between the first substrate and the second substrate so that the support portion is located in the liquid crystal layer; The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together using the frame adhesive and the frame adhesive is then cured.

21. The manufacturing method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Depositing a liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate includes: A frame adhesive is provided on either the first substrate or the second substrate; The first substrate and the second substrate are bonded together and the frame adhesive is cured. A crystal filling process is used to fill the liquid crystal layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, so that the support portion is located in the liquid crystal layer.

22. The manufacturing method according to claim 18, characterized in that, Forming an insulating layer in at least one of the first metal layer and the second metal layer includes: The insulating layer is formed on the first metal layer and / or the second metal layer by chemical vapor deposition.

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