Display panel integrated radio wave reflection device

Abstract

The display-panel-integrated radio wave reflection device includes: a plurality of first patch electrodes; a plurality of second patch electrodes facing the plurality of first patch electrodes and provided so as to be spaced apart from each other; an electrode layer that is provided so as to face the plurality of second patch electrodes on the side opposite to the side on which the plurality of first patch electrodes are provided with respect to the plurality of second patch electrodes, and that is provided so as to be spaced apart from each other; a first liquid crystal layer disposed between the plurality of first patch electrodes and the plurality of second patch electrodes; the first substrate is arranged between the plurality of second patch electrodes and the electrode layer; an array substrate which is provided on the opposite side of the electrode layer from the side on which the first substrate is provided, and which includes a plurality of transistors; and a second liquid crystal layer disposed between the array layer and the electrode layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a display panel-integrated radio wave reflection device capable of displaying an image and controlling the traveling direction of radio waves after reflection. Background Art

[0002] In the field of communications, the introduction of the fifth generation communication standard, known as 5G, is progressing. In this communication standard, millimeter wave frequencies (above 26 GHz, for example, 26 GHz to 29 GHz) are adopted. Communications based on the 5G standard can achieve very high throughput by adopting millimeter wave frequencies, and can be transmitted with a wide bandwidth.

[0003] In communications based on the 5G standard, attempts have been made to change the direction of radio wave transmission to avoid obstacles and expand the communication area, for example, by using phased array antenna devices, metasurface reflectors, etc.

[0004] The phased array antenna device includes a plurality of antenna elements arranged in a planar shape, and by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the high-frequency signal applied to each of the plurality of antenna elements, the directivity of the antenna can be controlled while the plurality of antenna elements are fixed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a phased array antenna device that adjusts the amplitude and phase of the high-frequency signal applied to each of the plurality of antenna elements and utilizes the change in dielectric constant caused by the orientation state of liquid crystal.

[0005] The metasurface reflector includes a plurality of structures (metasurfaces) that are sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of electromagnetic waves, and the directivity of the antenna can be controlled by adjusting the amplitude and phase of the high-frequency signal applied to the metasurface. Patent Document 2 discloses a metasurface reflector that utilizes changes in the orientation state of liquid crystals.

[0006] In recent years, signage or digital signage, represented by electronic signage, has become popular in all places, such as public spaces such as streets, stations, commercial facilities, small shops, and stores such as hotels, regardless of whether they are outdoor or indoor. In particular, reflective display devices do not require a backlight source, have high visual recognition using external light such as sunlight as a light source, and have low power consumption, and therefore have begun to be used as outdoor electronic signage.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-103201

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-530387 Summary of the invention

[0011] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0012] Radio wave reflection devices including phased array antenna devices, metasurface reflectors, etc., and electronic billboards including reflective display devices are arranged in places where there are many users of radio waves and electronic billboards, such as squares near stations, public spaces, and waiting areas. In squares, public spaces, and waiting areas near stations, the areas where radio wave reflection devices and electronic billboards can be arranged are limited, so there is a possibility that the number of radio wave reflection devices and electronic billboards to be arranged is limited due to conflicts in the areas where radio wave reflection devices and electronic billboards are arranged.

[0013] For example, when the number of radio wave reflection devices is limited, communication that avoids obstacles becomes difficult and the possibility of not being able to eliminate radio wave blind spots (places where radio waves do not reach) may be impossible. In addition, for example, when the number of electronic billboards is limited, the possibility of users not being able to obtain desired information may exist.

[0014] In view of such a problem, one object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device in which a display panel and a radio wave reflection device are integrated.

[0015] Means for solving problems

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention involves a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device including: a plurality of first patch electrodes; a plurality of second patch electrodes, the plurality of second patch electrodes being opposite to the plurality of first patch electrodes and being arranged separately; an electrode layer, the electrode layer being opposite to the plurality of second patch electrodes on the side opposite to the side on which the plurality of first patch electrodes are arranged, and being arranged separately; a first liquid crystal layer, the first liquid crystal layer being arranged between the plurality of first patch electrodes and the plurality of second patch electrodes; a first substrate, the first substrate being arranged between the plurality of second patch electrodes and the electrode layer; an array substrate, the array substrate being arranged on the side opposite to the side on which the first substrate is arranged relative to the electrode layer and including a plurality of transistors; and a second liquid crystal layer, the second liquid crystal layer being arranged between the array substrate and the electrode layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] [ Figure 1 ] is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [ Figure 2 ] is a top view showing a reflection plate unit cell used in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [ Figure 3 ] is to indicate Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 is shown.

[0020] [ Figure 4 ] is a diagram showing a state in which no voltage is applied between the patch electrode and the ground electrode in the reflection plate unit cell used in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [ Figure 5 ] is a diagram showing a state in which a voltage is applied between a patch electrode and a ground electrode in a reflector unit cell used in a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [ Figure 6 ] is a diagram schematically showing how the traveling direction of the reflected wave is changed by the display panel integrated radio wave reflecting device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [ Figure 7 ] is a plan view showing the structure of the radio wave reflecting portion involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [ Figure 8 ] is to indicate Figure 7 A top view of the structure of the reflector unit cell shown.

[0025] [ Fig. 9 ] is to indicate Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a cutaway surface of a reflector unit cell is shown.

[0026] [ Fig.10 ] is a top view showing the structure of the display panel unit involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [ Fig.11 ] is a top view showing the structure of the display panel unit involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [ Fig.12 ] is a circuit diagram showing the circuit structure of a pixel involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [ Fig.13 ] means along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of the pixel 300 taken along the line B1 - B2 shown.

[0030] [ Fig.14 ] is to indicate Fig.10 A cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of a pixel shown.

[0031] [ Fig.15] is a stereoscopic diagram showing an example of use of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device involved in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [ Fig.16 ] shows the structure of a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device involved in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] [ Fig.17 ] is a top view showing a reflecting plate unit cell used in a display panel integrated radio wave reflecting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] [ Fig.18 ] is to indicate Fig.17 A cross-sectional view of the section plane along the C1-C2 line is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the like. However, the present invention can be implemented in a plurality of different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the contents of the embodiments illustrated below. With respect to the accompanying drawings, in order to make the description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part are sometimes schematically represented compared to the actual form, but this is only an example and does not limit the interpretation of the present invention. In addition, in this specification and the drawings, the same mark is marked for the same elements as those described in the accompanying drawings that have appeared (or a, b, etc. are attached after the number), and the detailed description is sometimes appropriately omitted. In addition, the words annotated as "first" and "second" for each element are convenient identifiers used to distinguish the elements, and do not have additional meanings unless otherwise specified.

[0036] In this specification, when a certain component or region is located "above (or below)" other components or regions, unless otherwise specified, it includes not only the case where they are located directly above (or directly below) other components or regions, but also the case where they are located above (or below) other components or regions, that is, it also includes the case where they are above (or below) other components or regions and there are other components in between.

[0037] In the specification of the present application, the D1 direction intersects the D2 direction, and the D3 direction intersects the D1 direction and the D2 direction (D1D2 plane). The D1 direction is referred to as the first direction, the D2 direction is referred to as the second direction, and the D3 direction is referred to as the third direction.

[0038] In the specification of the present application, when the expressions “identical” and “identical” are used, “identical” and “identical” may include errors within a designed range.

[0039] <First embodiment>

[0040] In the first embodiment, referring to Figure 1 to Figure 15 A display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 including a radio wave reflection unit 20 a capable of performing biaxial reflection control will be described.

[0041] <1. Overview of Display Panel-Integrated Radio Wave Reflection Device 10 >

[0042] use Figure 1 The outline of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 will be described. Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10. Figure 1 As shown, the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 includes a radio wave reflection portion 20 a and a display panel portion 30 .

[0043] The radio wave reflecting unit 20a has the function of reflecting radio waves and includes a dielectric substrate 104, an array layer 180, a plurality of first patch electrodes 108, a first alignment film 112a, a liquid crystal layer 114, a seal 128, a second alignment film 112b, a plurality of second patch electrodes 111, an opposing substrate 106, and an electrode layer 110.

[0044] The display panel unit 30 has a function of displaying images and includes an array substrate 270 , a third alignment film 212 a , a liquid crystal layer 214 , a seal 228 , a fourth alignment film 212 b , an electrode layer 110 , and an opposing substrate 106 .

[0045] The radio wave reflection unit 20a and the display panel unit 30 share a counter substrate 106 and an electrode layer 110. The radio wave reflection unit 20a uses the electrode layer 110, for example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the radio wave corresponding to the communication of the 5G standard is reflected along the traveling direction of the reflected wave relative to the traveling method of the incident wave. In addition, the display panel unit 30 uses the electrode layer 110, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the visible light is reflected along the traveling direction of the reflected light relative to the traveling direction of the visible light.

[0046] That is, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the radio wave reflection part 20a and the display panel part 30 share the opposing substrate 106 and the electrode layer 110, and the electrode layer 110 has both the function of reflecting radio waves corresponding to the communication of the 5G standard and the function of reflecting visible light. In the case where the display panel part having the function of displaying an image and the radio wave reflection part having the function of reflecting radio waves are independently manufactured and assembled into a device having a display panel part and a radio wave reflection part, both the display panel part and the radio wave reflection part require at least an electrode layer and a substrate having an electrode layer, and the manufacturing cost of the device having a display panel part and a radio wave reflection part becomes high. On the other hand, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the opposing substrate 106 and the electrode layer 110 of the radio wave reflection part 20a and the display panel part 30 can be shared, and the radio wave reflection part 20a and the display panel part 30 are formed integrally. As a result, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 , the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared with a device in which the display panel portion and the radio wave reflection portion are independently manufactured and assembled.

[0047] <2. Radio wave reflecting unit 20a>

[0048] <2-1. Summary>

[0049] use Figure 1 to Figure 6 The outline of the radio wave reflecting section 20a used in the display panel integrated radio wave reflecting device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the reflecting plate unit 102 included in the radio wave reflecting section 20a are described. Figure 1 The description of the same or similar structures is omitted here.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a plan view of four reflector unit cells 102 as seen from above (the side where radio waves are incident). Figure 3 Yes means Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A2 is shown.

[0051] As used in "1. Overview of display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10" Figure 1 As described, the radio wave reflecting unit 20 a includes a dielectric substrate 104 , an array layer 180 , a plurality of first patch electrodes 108 , a first orientation film 112 a , a liquid crystal layer 114 , a seal 128 , a second orientation film 112 b , a plurality of second patch electrodes 111 , a counter substrate 106 and an electrode layer 110 .

[0052] In addition, if Figure 1 , Figure 2 or Figure 3As shown, the radio wave reflection unit 20a includes a plurality of reflection plate unit cells 102. A reflection plate unit cell 102 includes a dielectric substrate 104, an array layer 180, a first patch electrode 108, a first orientation film 112a, a liquid crystal layer 114, a seal 128, a second orientation film 112b, a second patch electrode 111, an opposing substrate 106 and an electrode layer 110. In the plurality of reflection plate unit cells 102, the dielectric substrate 104 is shared. Therefore, the dielectric substrate 104 can also be set as a component constituting a layer and regarded as a dielectric layer. Therefore, the dielectric substrate 104 is sometimes referred to as a dielectric layer. The array layer 180 includes a switching element 134 electrically connected to the first patch electrode 108 (see Figure 8 ), the details of which will be described later.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, when viewed from above from the plurality of reflector unit cells 102, the plurality of first patch electrodes 108 are arranged in a matrix along the D1 direction (first direction) and the D3 direction (third direction) intersecting the D1 direction. The distance between the center O1 of the first patch electrode 108 parallel to the D1 direction and the center O1 of the adjacent first patch electrode 108 is the distance P. In addition, similarly to the D1 direction, the distance between the center O1 of the first patch electrode 108 parallel to the D3 direction and the center O1 of the adjacent first patch electrode 108 is the distance P. That is, the plurality of first patch electrodes 108 are arranged at the same pitch (distance P) in the D1 direction and the D3 direction. The shape of the first patch electrode 108 is a square. The length of one side parallel to the D1 direction is the same as the length of one side parallel to the D2 direction, which is the length W.

[0054] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the second patch electrode 111 overlaps the first patch electrode 108. The plurality of second patch electrodes 111 have the same configuration as the plurality of first patch electrodes 108. Thus, the plurality of second patch electrodes 111 are arranged in a matrix along the D1 direction and the D3 direction. The distance between the center O2 of the second patch electrode 111 parallel to the D1 direction and the center O2 of the adjacent second patch electrode 111 is the distance P. In addition, the distance between the center O2 of the second patch electrode 111 parallel to the D3 direction and the center O2 of the adjacent second patch electrode 111 is the distance P. That is, the plurality of second patch electrodes 111 are arranged at the same pitch (distance P) in the D1 direction and the D3 direction. In addition, the shape of the second patch electrode 111 is a square. The length of one side parallel to the D1 direction is the same as the length of one side parallel to the D2 direction, and this length is the length W.

[0055] The distance W can be selected from a range of, for example, 2.5 mm or more and 3.0 mm or more, and the distance P can be selected from a range of, for example, 3.5 mm or more and 4.0 mm or less.

[0056] The square is a shape having four-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the center O1 of the first patch electrode 108 and the center O2 of the second patch electrode 111. In the reflector unit 102, the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 have the same structure, the first patch electrode 108 overlaps with the second patch electrode 111, the first patch electrode 108 has rotational symmetry with respect to the center O1, and the second patch electrode 111 has rotational symmetry with respect to the center O2, thereby reducing the anisotropy associated with the reflection of the radio wave for the vertically polarized wave and the horizontally polarized wave of the incident radio wave. That is, it is possible to suppress Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The vertical polarization waves and horizontal polarization waves related to the XY plane are biased so that the vertical polarization waves and horizontal polarization waves are reflected evenly.

[0057] The shapes of the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 are not limited to squares. The shapes of the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 may also be rhombuses, quadrilaterals with chamfered vertices, or quadrilaterals with rounded corners. The shapes of the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 may be shapes that have four-fold rotational symmetry with respect to the center O1 of the first patch electrode 108 and the center O2 of the second patch electrode 111, respectively.

[0058] The shape of the electrode layer 110 is not limited. For example, the shape of the electrode layer 110 can be any shape as long as it has a larger area than the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111. In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the electrode layer 110 is arranged on the entire surface or substantially the entire surface of the first main surface 101A of the counter substrate 106. It should be noted that in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the electrode layer 110 is grounded, and therefore is sometimes referred to as a ground electrode.

[0059] In addition, there is no limitation on the material forming the first patch electrode 108, the second patch electrode 111, and the electrode layer 110. For example, the first patch electrode 108, the second patch electrode 111, and the electrode layer 110 are formed using a conductive metal or metal oxide.

[0060] In addition, the dielectric substrate 104 may be provided with a first wiring 118, which will be described in detail later. For example, the first wiring 118 connects a plurality of first patch electrodes 108 arranged in the same column. In addition, the counter substrate 106 may be provided with a first wiring 218. The first wiring 218 connects a plurality of second patch electrodes 111 arranged in the same column. The first wiring 118 and the first wiring 218 can be used when applying a control signal to the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111.

[0061] The reflector unit 102 is used as a reflector 120 that reflects radio waves in a predetermined direction. Therefore, it is preferable that the reflector unit 102 does not attenuate the amplitude of the radio waves after reflection as much as possible. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As can be seen from the structure shown, when radio waves propagating in the air are reflected by the reflector unit cell 102, the radio waves pass through the dielectric substrate 104 twice. The dielectric substrate 104 is preferably formed of a dielectric material such as glass or resin.

[0062] The array layer 180 is provided on the dielectric substrate 104. A plurality of first patch electrodes 108 are provided on the array layer 180. The first orientation film 112a is provided in a manner covering the plurality of first patch electrodes 108. The electrode layer 110 is provided on the first main surface 101A of the counter substrate 106. A plurality of second patch electrodes 111 are provided on the second main surface 101B of the counter substrate 106. The second orientation film 112b is provided in a manner covering the plurality of second patch electrodes 111. The first patch electrode 108 is arranged in a manner opposite to the second patch electrode 111 and the electrode layer 110. The second patch electrode 111 is arranged in a manner opposite to the first patch electrode 108 and the electrode layer 110. A liquid crystal layer 114 is provided between the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111. The first orientation film 112a is sandwiched between the first patch electrode 108 and the liquid crystal layer 114. A second alignment film 112 b is interposed between the second patch electrode 111 and the liquid crystal layer 114 .

[0063] The dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106 are bonded together using a seal 128. The dielectric substrate 104 is arranged opposite to the counter substrate 106 in such a manner that a gap is included between the dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106. The array layer 180 and the liquid crystal layer 114 are provided in the area surrounded by the seal 128. The first patch electrode 108, the first orientation film 112a, the second orientation film 112b and the second patch electrode 111 are provided between the dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106. To be precise, the gap between the first orientation film 112a and the second orientation film 112b provided on the dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106 respectively becomes the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 114. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 114 is, for example, 50 μm. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, a spacer for maintaining a fixed interval may be provided between the dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106.

[0064] A control signal for controlling the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 114 is applied to the first patch electrode 108. The control signal is a DC voltage signal, or a polarity reversal signal in which a positive DC voltage and a negative DC voltage are alternately reversed. A ground voltage or a voltage at an intermediate level of the polarity reversal signal is applied to the second patch electrode 111 and the electrode layer 110. By applying a control signal to the first patch electrode 108, the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 114 changes. The liquid crystal layer 114 uses a liquid crystal material having dielectric anisotropy. For example, nematic liquid crystal, smectic liquid crystal, cholesteric liquid crystal, or discotic liquid crystal is used as the liquid crystal layer 114. The liquid crystal layer 114 having dielectric anisotropy changes the dielectric constant by changing the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules. The reflector unit cell 102 can change the orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules contained in the liquid crystal layer 114 by applying a control signal to the first patch electrode 108, thereby changing the dielectric constant of the liquid crystal layer 114. As a result, the radio wave reflecting unit 20a can delay the phase of the reflected wave when reflecting the radio wave. The ground voltage may be, for example, a ground voltage (GND voltage) or a voltage of 0V.

[0065] The frequency band of the radio wave reflected by the reflector unit cell 102 is the ultra-short wave (VHF: Very High Frequency) band, the ultra-short wave (UHF: Ultra-High Frequency) band, the microwave (SHF: Super High Frequency) band, the submillimeter wave (THF: Tremendously high frequency), and the millimeter wave (EHF: Extra High Frequency) band. It should be noted that millimeter waves refer to the frequency band of 30GHz to 300GHz. It should be noted that the frequency band area of ​​the fifth generation communication standard called 5G includes the 26GHz band to the 29GHz band, and the frequencies above the 26GHz band are sometimes collectively referred to as millimeter waves. The orientation state of the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 114 changes in response to the control signal applied to the first patch electrode 108, but hardly follows the frequency of the radio wave incident on the first patch electrode 108. Therefore, the reflector unit cell 102 can control the phase of the reflected radio wave without being affected by the incident radio wave.

[0066] Figure 4 The state (referred to as “first state”) in which no voltage is applied between the first patch electrode 108 , the second patch electrode 111 , and the electrode layer 110 is shown. Figure 4The first alignment film 112a and the second alignment film 112b are horizontal alignment films. In the first state, the long axes of the liquid crystal molecules 116 are aligned horizontally with respect to the surfaces of the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 by the first alignment film 112a and the second alignment film 112b. Figure 5 The state (referred to as the "second state") in which a control signal (voltage signal) is applied to the first patch electrode 108 is shown. In the second state, the liquid crystal molecules 116 are acted upon by the electric field so that the long axis is oriented perpendicularly to the surfaces of the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111. The angle at which the long axis of the liquid crystal molecules 116 is oriented can also be oriented in a direction intermediate between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction depending on the magnitude of the control signal applied to the first patch electrode 108 (the magnitude of the voltage between the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111).

[0067] When the liquid crystal molecules 116 have positive dielectric anisotropy, the dielectric constant of the second state is larger than that of the first state. In addition, when the liquid crystal molecules 116 have negative dielectric anisotropy, the apparent dielectric constant of the second state is smaller than that of the first state. The liquid crystal layer 114 having dielectric anisotropy can also be regarded as a variable dielectric layer. The reflector unit cell 102 can be controlled by utilizing the dielectric anisotropy of the liquid crystal layer 114 so that the phase of the reflected wave is delayed (or not delayed).

[0068] Figure 6It is schematically shown that the traveling direction of the reflected wave is changed by an arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 and a reflector unit cell 102 adjacent to the arbitrary reflector unit cell 102. The arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 and the reflector unit cell 102 adjacent to the arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 are adjacent in the X direction. That is, an arbitrary first patch electrode 108 and a first patch electrode 108 adjacent to an arbitrary first patch electrode 108 are connected to different first wirings 118. In addition, an arbitrary second patch electrode 111 and a second patch electrode 111 adjacent to an arbitrary second patch electrode 111 are connected to different first wirings 218. The second patch electrode 111, the second patch electrode 111 adjacent to the arbitrary second patch electrode 111, the first wiring 218 connected to the second patch electrode 111, and the first wiring 218 connected to the second patch electrode 111 adjacent to the arbitrary second patch electrode 111, and the electrode layer 110 are electrically connected. When the radio wave is incident on an arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 and an adjacent reflector unit cell 102 with the same phase, since different control signals (V1≠V2) are applied to the arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 and the adjacent reflector unit cell 102, the phase change of the reflected wave generated by the arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 is greater than the phase change of the reflected wave generated by the adjacent reflector unit cell 102. As a result, the phase of the reflected wave R1 reflected by the arbitrary reflector unit cell 102 is different from the phase of the reflected wave R2 reflected by the adjacent reflector unit cell 102 (in Figure 6 In the figure, the phase of the reflected wave R2 is ahead of the phase of the reflected wave R1), and it appears that the traveling direction of the reflected wave changes to an inclined direction.

[0069] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of reflector unit cells 102 are arranged adjacent to each other in a matrix in the D1 direction and the D3 direction. Preferably, the reflector unit cells 102 are arranged to be twice rotationally symmetric or four times rotationally symmetric with respect to the center (the center O1 of the first patch electrode 108 and the center O2 of the second patch electrode 111). The reflector unit cells 102 are arranged to be twice rotationally symmetric or four times rotationally symmetric, thereby being symmetrical with respect to vertically polarized waves and horizontally polarized waves.

[0070] In addition, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 are formed using a transparent conductive film, and the liquid crystal layer 114 has light transmittance, so it is possible to reflect radio waves without damaging the lighting. Therefore, the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 can be set in the window of a high-rise building such as a building. As a result, it is possible to reflect radio waves with high straightness in a predetermined direction at a high place with relatively few obstacles. Therefore, the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 can be used to eliminate radio wave insensitive areas (places where radio waves do not reach) in urban areas.

[0071] <2-2. Structure>

[0072] use Figure 7 to Figure 9 The following describes the configuration of the radio wave reflecting section 20a in which the reflector unit 102 is integrated. The radio wave reflecting section 20a is a radio wave reflecting section capable of performing biaxial reflection control. Figure 7 It is a plan view showing the structure of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 . Figure 8 Yes Figure 7 The reflector unit cell 102 is shown in an enlarged top view. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a cut surface of the reflector unit cell 102. Figure 1 to Figure 6 The description of the same or similar structures is omitted here.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, the reflector 120 has a structure in which a plurality of reflector unit cells 102 are integrated. For example, the plurality of reflector unit cells 102 are arranged in a matrix along the D1 direction and the D3 direction.

[0074] In the reflector unit cell 102, the first patch electrode 108 and the second patch electrode 111 are arranged to face the incident surface of the radio wave. The electrode layer 110 is in the form of a plate. The first patch electrodes 108 and the second patch electrodes 111 are arranged in a matrix in the surface of the plate-shaped electrode layer 110 and in the area inside the sealing member 128.

[0075] A plurality of first wirings 118 extending in the D3 direction are disposed on the dielectric substrate 104. A plurality of first wirings 218 extending in the D3 direction are disposed on the counter substrate 106. The first wirings 118 and the first wirings 218 are stacked and overlapped in the D2 direction. In addition, a plurality of overlapping first wirings 118 and first wirings 218 are disposed in the D1 direction. The reflector 120 has a structure in which a plurality of patch electrode arrays connected by overlapping first wirings 118 and a plurality of patch electrode arrays connected by first wirings 218 are arranged in the Y direction.

[0076] In the dielectric substrate 104, the area other than the reflector 120 is referred to as a peripheral area 122. The first drive circuit 124 and the terminal portion 126 are provided in the peripheral area 122. The terminal portion 126 is an area where a connection with an external circuit is formed, and for example, a flexible printed circuit (not shown) is connected to the terminal portion 126. A signal for controlling the first drive circuit 124 is input from the flexible printed circuit to the terminal portion 126.

[0077] The plurality of first wirings 118 disposed on the dielectric substrate 104 extend along the Y direction, extend to the peripheral region 122, and are connected to the first drive circuit 124. The plurality of first wirings 218 disposed on the counter substrate 106 extend along the Y direction, and are connected to the ground wiring 219 disposed on the opposite side of the terminal portion 126. The ground wiring 219 is electrically connected to the ground wiring 217 disposed on the dielectric substrate 104 via the connection portion 215. The ground wiring 217 extends to the peripheral region 122 and is connected to the first drive circuit 124.

[0078] The first drive circuit 124 outputs a control signal to the first patch electrode 108 via the first wiring 118. The first drive circuit 124 outputs a control signal to the second patch electrode 111 via the first wiring 218, the ground wiring 217, the connection portion 215, and the ground wiring 219. The first drive circuit 124 can output control signals of different voltage levels to the plurality of first wirings 118 and the plurality of first wirings 218, respectively. The control signals of different voltage levels are, for example, a control signal of a first voltage level and a control signal of a second voltage level. The control signal of the second voltage level is, for example, a ground voltage.

[0079] The plurality of second wirings 132 extending in the X direction and disposed on the reflector 120 extend in the X direction and are connected to the second drive circuit 130 . The second drive circuit 130 outputs scanning signals to the plurality of second wirings 132 .

[0080] Figure 8The diagram shows an enlarged configuration of the first patch electrode 108, the first wiring 118, and the second wiring 132. The first patch electrode 108 is provided with a switch element 134. The switching (on and off) of the switch element 134 is controlled by a scan signal applied to the second wiring 132. According to the scan signal applied to the second wiring 132, the switch element 134 becomes the first patch electrode 108 that is turned on and is connected to the first wiring 118, and a control signal is applied. In addition, according to the scan signal applied to the second wiring 132, the switch element 134 becomes the first patch electrode 108 that is turned on and is connected to the first wiring 118, and a control signal is applied. The switch element 134 is formed, for example, of a thin film transistor. According to such a configuration, a plurality of first patch electrodes 108 arranged in the D1 direction can be selected by row, and control signals of different voltage levels can be applied to each row.

[0081] The radio wave reflecting portion 20a can control the traveling direction of the reflected wave along the left and right direction of the drawing with the reflection axis VR parallel to the Y direction as the center, and can also control the traveling direction of the reflected wave along the up and down direction of the drawing with the reflection axis HR parallel to the X direction as the center. That is, the radio wave reflecting portion 20a includes the reflection axis VR parallel to the Y direction and the reflection axis VH parallel to the X direction, and can control the reflection angle in the direction with the reflection axis VR as the rotation axis and the direction with the reflection axis HR as the rotation axis.

[0082] Fig. 9 An example of a cross-sectional structure of a reflector unit cell 102 in which a switching element 134 is connected to a first patch electrode 108 is shown. The switching element 134 is provided on a dielectric substrate 104. The switching element 134 is a transistor. The switching element 134 includes a structure formed by stacking a first gate electrode 138, a second gate insulating layer 146, a semiconductor layer 142, a second gate insulating layer 146, and a second gate electrode 148. A primer layer 136 may be provided between the first gate electrode 138 and the dielectric substrate 104. A first wiring 118 is provided between the first gate insulating layer 140 and the second gate insulating layer 146. The first wiring 118 is provided in a manner connected to the semiconductor layer 142. In addition, a first connecting wiring 144 is provided in the same conductive layer as the conductive layer forming the first wiring 118. The first connecting wiring 144 is provided in a manner connected to the semiconductor layer 142. The connection structure of the first wiring 118 and the first connection wiring 144 to the semiconductor layer 142 is such that one wiring is connected to the source of the transistor and the other wiring is connected to the drain.

[0083] A first interlayer insulating layer 150 is provided so as to cover the switching element 134. A second wiring 132 is provided on the first interlayer insulating layer 150. The second wiring 132 is connected to the second gate electrode 148 via a contact hole formed in the first interlayer insulating layer 150. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the first gate electrode 138 and the second gate electrode 148 are electrically connected to each other in a region that does not overlap with the semiconductor layer 142. A second connection wiring 152 is provided on the first interlayer insulating layer 150 in the same conductive layer as the second wiring 132. The second connection wiring 152 is connected to the first connection wiring 144 via a contact hole formed in the first interlayer insulating layer 150.

[0084] The second interlayer insulating layer 154 is provided so as to cover the second wiring 132 and the second connection wiring 152. In addition, the planarization layer 156 is provided so as to fill the step accompanying the formation of the switching element 134. By providing the planarization layer 156, the step of the switching element 134 can be filled, so that the surface of the planarization layer 156 becomes flat. As a result, the first patch electrode 108 can be formed on the flat surface (surface) of the planarization layer 156 without being affected by the step of the switching element 134. The passivation layer 158 is provided on the flat surface of the planarization layer 156. In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the array layer 180 includes, for example, a primer layer 136, a conductive layer including a first gate electrode 138, a first gate insulating layer 140, a semiconductor layer 142, a conductive layer including a first connection wiring 144, a second gate insulating layer 146, a conductive layer including a second gate electrode 148, a first interlayer insulating layer 150, a conductive layer including a second connection wiring 152, a second interlayer insulating layer 154, a planarizing layer 156, and a passivation layer 158. The array layer 180 may also include a conductive layer that forms a first patch electrode 108 disposed in a contact hole penetrating the passivation layer 158, the planarizing layer 156, and the second interlayer insulating layer 154.

[0085] The first patch electrode 108 is provided on the passivation layer 158. The first patch electrode 108 is connected to the second connection wiring 152 via a contact hole penetrating the passivation layer 158, the planarization layer 156, and the second interlayer insulating layer 154. On the first patch electrode 108, a first alignment film 112a is provided.

[0086] On the second main surface 101B of the counter substrate 106 Figure 1 and Figure 3 The structure of the cross section shown in FIG. 1 is similarly provided with a second patch electrode 111 and a second alignment film 112b. Figure 1 and Figure 3The structure of the cross-section shown is similarly provided with an electrode layer 110. The surface of the dielectric substrate 104 provided with the switching element 134 and the first patch electrode 108 is arranged opposite to the surface of the counter substrate 106 provided with the second patch electrode 111 and the second orientation film 112b, and the liquid crystal layer 114 is provided between the surface provided with the switching element 134 and the first patch electrode 108 and the surface provided with the second patch electrode 111.

[0087] Each layer formed on the dielectric substrate 104 is formed using the following materials. The base coat 136 is formed, for example, of a silicon oxide film. The first gate insulating layer 140 and the second gate insulating layer 146 are formed, for example, of a silicon oxide film, or a stacked structure of a silicon oxide film and a silicon nitride film. The semiconductor layer is formed of a silicon semiconductor such as amorphous silicon and polycrystalline silicon, and an oxide semiconductor including metal oxides such as indium oxide, zinc oxide, and gallium oxide. The first gate electrode 138 and the second gate electrode 148 can also be formed, for example, of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W) or their alloys. The first wiring 118, the second wiring 132, the first connecting wiring 144 and the second connecting wiring 152 are formed using metal materials such as titanium (Ti), aluminum (Al), and molybdenum (Mo). For example, it can be composed of a stacked structure of titanium (Ti) / aluminum (Al) / titanium (Ti) or a stacked structure of molybdenum (Mo) / aluminum (Al) / molybdenum (Mo). The planarization layer 156 is formed of a resin material such as acrylic acid and polyimide. The passivation layer 158 is formed of, for example, a silicon nitride film, etc. The first patch electrode 108, the second patch electrode 111, and the electrode layer 110 are formed of a metal film such as aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu), or a transparent conductive film such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0088] like Fig. 9 As shown, by connecting the second wiring 132 to the gate of the transistor used as the switching element 134, connecting the first wiring 118 to one of the source and drain of the transistor, and connecting the first patch electrode 108 to the other of the source and drain, it is possible to select a predetermined patch electrode from a plurality of first patch electrodes 108 arranged in a matrix and apply a control signal. Furthermore, by providing the switching element 134 to each of the first patch electrodes 108 in the reflector 120, it is possible to apply a control voltage to each of the first patch electrodes 108 arranged in a horizontal row parallel to the D1 direction or each of the first patch electrodes 108 arranged in a vertical row parallel to the D3 direction. For example, when the reflector 120 is upright, the reflection direction of the reflected wave can be controlled in the left-right direction and the up-down direction.

[0089] <3. Display panel section 30 >

[0090] <3-1. Summary>

[0091] use Figure 1 , Figure 10 to Figure 14 The following will describe the outline of the display panel unit 30 used in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 1 to 9 The description of the same or similar structures is omitted here.

[0092] Fig.10 and Fig.11 It is a plan view showing the structure of the display panel unit 30 . Fig.12 3 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration of a pixel 300 of the display panel unit 30 . Fig.13 It means along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of the pixel 300 taken along the line B1 - B2 shown. Fig.14 Yes means Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of the pixel 300 shown.

[0093] As used in "1. Overview of display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10" Figure 1 As described above, the display panel unit 30 includes the array substrate 270 , the third alignment film 212 a , the liquid crystal layer 214 , the seal 228 , the fourth alignment film 212 b , the electrode layer 110 , and the counter substrate 106 .

[0094] In addition, if Fig.10 As shown, the display panel unit 30 includes an array substrate 270, a sealing portion 240, an opposing substrate 106, a flexible printed circuit substrate 244 (FPC 244), and a control circuit 247. The array substrate 270 and the opposing substrate 106 are bonded together by the sealing portion 240. A plurality of pixels 300 are arranged in a matrix along the D1 and D2 directions in a display region 222 surrounded by the sealing portion 240. The display region 222 is a region that overlaps with a liquid crystal layer 214 described later in a plan view.

[0095] The peripheral area 221 includes a sealing area 224 and a terminal area 226. The peripheral area 221 surrounds the display area 222 and is an area around the display area 222. The sealing area 224 is an area around the display area 222 that overlaps with the sealing portion 240 when viewed from above. The terminal area 226 is an area where the array substrate 270 is exposed from the opposing substrate 106 and is arranged outside the sealing area 224. It should be noted that the outside of the sealing area 224 refers to the outside of the area surrounded by the sealing portion 240. The FPC 244 is arranged in the terminal area 226. The control circuit 247 is arranged on the FPC 244. The control circuit 247 supplies a control signal for driving each pixel 300.

[0096] <3-2. Structure>

[0097] like Fig.11As shown, a source driver circuit 250 is provided in parallel with the D1 direction of the display region 222 where the pixels 300 are arranged, and a gate driver circuit 252 is provided in parallel with the D2 direction. The source driver circuit 250 and the gate driver circuit 252 are provided in the sealing region 224 described above.

[0098] The arrangement of the plurality of pixels 300 is, for example, a strip arrangement. The plurality of pixels 300 may correspond to, for example, sub-pixel R, sub-pixel G, and sub-pixel B, respectively. One pixel may be formed by three sub-pixels. The pixel 300 is the smallest unit constituting a part of the image reproduced in the display area 222. A display element is provided in each sub-pixel. Fig.10 In the example shown, the display element is a liquid crystal element 335. The color corresponding to the sub-pixel is determined by the characteristics of the liquid crystal element 335 or a color filter (not shown) provided in the sub-pixel.

[0099] In addition, in the stripe arrangement, the sub-pixels R, G, and B can be configured to give different colors to each other. For example, the sub-pixels R, G, and B can each have a color filter that emits the three primary colors of red, green, and blue. For example, the sub-pixel R can have a red color filter 213R that emits red (see Fig.13 ), the sub-pixel G has a green filter 213G that emits green (see Fig.13 ), sub-pixel B has a blue color filter 213B that emits blue (see Fig.13 ). By supplying an arbitrary voltage or current to each of the three sub-pixels, the display panel unit 30 can display an image.

[0100] The distance WR between adjacent sub-pixels R and G, the distance WG between adjacent sub-pixels G and B, and the distance WB between adjacent sub-pixels B and R may be the same or different. The distance WR, the distance WG, and the distance WB may be selected, for example, from a range of 200 μm to 500 μm. In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the distance WR, the distance WG, and the distance WB are sometimes referred to as, for example, pixel pitches. The distance WR, the distance WG, and the distance WB (pixel pitch) are smaller than the pitch of the reflector unit cell 102.

[0101] The signal line 254a extends from the source driver circuit 250 along the D2 direction and is connected to the plurality of pixels 300 arranged in the D2 direction. The scanning line 256a extends from the gate driver circuit 252 along the D1 direction and is connected to the plurality of pixels 300 arranged in the D1 direction.

[0102] The terminal area 226 is provided with a terminal portion 258. The terminal portion 258 is connected to the source driving circuit 250 through a connection wiring 260. Similarly, the terminal portion 258 is connected to the gate driving circuit 252 through a connection wiring 260. The FPC 244 is connected to the terminal portion 258, thereby connecting an external device connected to the FPC 244 to the display panel portion 30, and a signal from the external device is supplied to, for example, the control circuit 247, the source driving circuit 250, the gate driving circuit 252, and each pixel 300. The display panel portion 30 drives each pixel 300 provided in the display panel portion 30 using the signal from the external device and the control signal generated by the control circuit 247, the source driving circuit 250, and the gate driving circuit 252.

[0103] <3-3. Configuration of pixel 300>

[0104] Fig.12 3 is a circuit diagram showing the circuit configuration of the pixel 300 . Fig.13 It means along Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the cross-sectional structure of the pixel 300 taken along the line B1 - B2 shown. Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view showing the cross-sectional structure of the pixel 300. Figures 1 to 11 The description of the same or similar structures may be omitted.

[0105] like Fig.12 As shown, the pixel 300 includes, for example, a transistor Tr, a liquid crystal element 335, and a capacitor 360. The transistor Tr includes a gate electrode 251, a source electrode 254b, and a drain electrode 254c. The gate electrode 251 is electrically connected to the scan line 256a. The source electrode 254b is electrically connected to the signal line 254a. The drain electrode 254c is electrically connected to the pixel electrode 342a. The capacitor 360 is electrically connected between the pixel electrode 342a (drain electrode 254c) and the capacitor wiring 246. The liquid crystal element 335 includes the pixel electrode 342a (drain electrode 254c), the common electrode 110a, and the liquid crystal layer 214. The common electrode 110a is electrically connected to the common wiring 245. The electrode layer 110 includes the common electrode 110a. The capacitor wiring 246 and the common wiring 245 are supplied with a common voltage VCOM, for example, from the control circuit 247. Since the common wiring 245 is electrically connected to the electrode layer 110 via the plurality of connection portions 243, the liquid crystal element 335 is electrically connected to the electrode layer 110. The display panel unit 30 supplies current or voltage to the pixel electrode 342a and the electrode layer 110, respectively, thereby changing the alignment state of liquid crystal molecules (not shown) included in the liquid crystal element 335. As a result, the display panel unit 30 can display an image.

[0106] For example, the control circuit 247 supplies a common voltage VCOM to the electrode layer 110 via the common wiring 245 and the plurality of connection portions 243. The common voltage VCOM may be, for example, a ground voltage (GND voltage) or a voltage of 0V, similarly to the ground voltage. Thus, the display panel portion 30 can supply the common voltage VCOM to the electrode layer 110 relative to the display panel portion 30 and supply the ground voltage to the electrode layer 110 relative to the radio wave reflection portion 20a. That is, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, along with the mode in which the radio wave reflection portion 20a and the display panel portion 30 share the electrode layer 110, the electrode layer 110 can be supplied with a voltage from the display panel portion 30 instead of from both directions of the radio wave reflection portion 20a and the display panel portion 30. Thus, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the path for supplying a voltage to the electrode layer 110 can be concentrated into one path instead of two paths. As a result, in the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 , the configuration of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced compared to the case where voltage is supplied to the electrode layer 110 from both the radio wave reflection unit 20 a and the display panel unit 30 .

[0107] like Fig.13 or Fig.14 As shown, the substrate 280 includes a first main surface 280A and a second main surface 280B. On the second main surface 280B of the substrate 280, the first conductive layer 256, the insulating layer 322, the semiconductor layer 324 and the second conductive layer 254 are sequentially arranged.

[0108] The first conductive layer 256 includes a scan line 256a (see Fig.11 ) and a first conductive film 256b. The semiconductor layer 324 includes a semiconductor film 324a. The second conductive layer 254 includes a signal line 254a, a source electrode 254b and a drain electrode 254c.

[0109] A transistor Tr is provided on the second main surface 280B. The transistor Tr includes a first conductive film 256b, a semiconductor film 324a provided opposite to the first conductive film 256b, an insulating layer 322 provided between the semiconductor film 324a, and a source electrode 254b and a drain electrode 254c provided on the semiconductor film 324a.

[0110] The semiconductor film 324a and the insulating layer 322 provided between the semiconductor film 324a function as the gate insulating film of the transistor Tr. The first conductive film 256b is electrically connected to the scanning line 256a and functions as the gate electrode 251. The source electrode 254b is electrically connected to the signal line 254a and functions as the source electrode. The region where the semiconductor film 324a overlaps with the first conductive film 256b (gate electrode) is the channel region of the transistor Tr. The semiconductor film 324a may also have a source region and a drain region in a manner sandwiching the channel region. The source region or the drain region may also form a source electrode or a drain electrode.

[0111] An insulating layer 328 and a third conductive layer 330 are sequentially arranged on the transistor Tr. The third conductive layer 330 includes a third conductive film 330a. The third conductive film 330a is arranged on the insulating layer 328 and arranged at a position opposite to the semiconductor film 324a. The third conductive film 330a functions as a back gate electrode. In the display panel unit 30, as an example, the configuration of the transistor Tr is a bottom gate type configuration. The configuration of the transistor Tr is not limited to the bottom gate type configuration, and may be a top gate type configuration or a double gate type configuration.

[0112] An insulating layer 332 is arranged on the third conductive layer 330 and the insulating layer 328. In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the display panel portion 30 is a reflective liquid crystal display panel using the same liquid crystal as the liquid crystal layer 114. Generally, in a liquid crystal display panel, it is preferred that there are fewer layers that absorb light. Therefore, in the opening area of ​​the pixel 300, it is preferred to remove the insulating layer 332. As a result, in the display panel portion 30, the absorption of light by the insulating layer 332 in the opening area can be suppressed. It should be noted that in the display panel portion 30, the area outside the opening area includes wiring such as the signal line 254a, the scanning line 256a, and the capacitor wiring 246, which is called the wiring area.

[0113] A transparent conductive layer 334 and a fourth conductive layer 336 are sequentially arranged on the insulating layer 332 and the insulating layer 328. The transparent conductive layer 334 includes a transparent conductive film 334a, and the fourth conductive layer 336 includes a fourth conductive film 336a. The transparent conductive film 334a and the fourth conductive film 336a are connected to the capacitor wiring 246 (see FIG. 24) in the display area 222 and the peripheral area 221. Fig.11 or Fig.12 The fourth conductive film 336a is formed to be in contact with the transparent conductive film 334a.

[0114] An insulating layer 338 is disposed on the transparent conductive layer 334 and the fourth conductive layer 336. A pixel electrode layer 342 is disposed on the insulating layer 338. For example, a color filter layer 213 is disposed on the insulating layer 338 and the pixel electrode layer 342. The color filter layer 213 includes a red color filter 213R, a green color filter 213G, and a blue color filter 213B as an example. A third alignment film 212a is disposed on the color filter layer 213. The pixel electrode layer 342 includes a pixel electrode 342a. The pixel electrode 342a is electrically connected to the drain electrode 254c via an opening 340 that penetrates the insulating layer 328 and the insulating layer 338.

[0115] The opposing substrate 106 includes a first main surface 101A and a second main surface 101B. The opposing substrate 106 is configured to be opposite to the substrate 280. Specifically, the second main surface 101B of the opposing substrate 106 is configured to be opposite to the second main surface 280B of the substrate 280. An electrode layer 110 and a black matrix 348 are provided on the second main surface 101B of the opposing substrate 106. The black matrix 348 is formed in contact with the electrode layer 110. A fourth orientation film 212b is arranged on the electrode layer 110 and the black matrix 348. In the first embodiment, the electrode layer 110 is arranged on the entire surface of the second main surface 101B. The electrode layer 110 is connected to the peripheral area 221 via a plurality of connecting portions 243 (see Fig.11 ) and is electrically connected to the common wiring 245. The black matrix 348 is arranged in a lattice pattern in the display area 222 and the peripheral area 221. The liquid crystal layer 214 is sandwiched between the substrate 280 and the counter substrate 106 and is sealed by the sealing portion 240 (see Figure 2 ) is sealed. The thickness between the substrate 280 and the counter substrate 106 is the thickness of the liquid crystal layer 214. In the display panel unit 30, the liquid crystal element 335 includes a pixel electrode layer 342, a liquid crystal layer 214, and an electrode layer 110. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer 214 is, for example, not less than 2.0 μm and not more than 5 μm.

[0116] As materials forming the first conductive layer 256, the second conductive layer 254, the third conductive layer 330, the fourth conductive layer 336, and the electrode layer 110, metals such as aluminum (Al), titanium (Ti), molybdenum (Mo), copper (Cu), or tungsten (W), or alloys thereof can be used. In addition, the first conductive layer 256, the second conductive layer 254, the third conductive layer 330, the fourth conductive layer 336, and the electrode layer 110 can be provided in a single layer form or a stacked form.

[0117] In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, the electrode layer 110 reflects radio waves with respect to the radio wave reflection part 20a and functions as a ground electrode. In addition, the electrode layer 110 reflects light with respect to the display panel part 30 and functions as a common electrode. Therefore, the material forming the electrode layer 110 is preferably a material with high reflectivity and low resistivity.

[0118] The insulating layer 322 separates the semiconductor layer 324 from the first conductive layer 256, and can prevent the semiconductor layer 324 from short-circuiting with the first conductive layer 256. As a material for forming the insulating layer 322, for example, silicon oxide (SiO x ), silicon oxide nitride (SiO x N y ), Silicon Nitride (SiN x ) or silicon oxide nitride (SiN x O y ) and other inorganic insulating materials. Here, SiO x N y It is a silicon compound containing nitrogen (N) in a smaller amount than oxygen (O). x O y It is a silicon compound containing a smaller amount of oxygen than nitrogen.

[0119] The insulating layer 332 is disposed on the uneven surface caused by the transistor Tr or other semiconductor elements and has the function of forming a flat surface. As a material for forming the insulating layer 332, an organic compound material selected from acrylic, polyimide, etc. having excellent film surface flatness can be used.

[0120] The insulating layer 328 separates the semiconductor layer 324 and the second conductive layer 254 from the third conductive layer 330, thereby preventing the semiconductor layer 324 and the second conductive layer 254 from short-circuiting the third conductive layer 330. The insulating layer 328 can be made of the same material as the insulating layer 322, aluminum oxide (AlO x ), aluminum oxide nitride (AlO x N y ), aluminum nitride (AlN x O y ), or inorganic insulating materials such as aluminum nitride (AlNx). Here, AlO x N y It is an aluminum compound containing nitrogen (N) in a smaller amount than oxygen (O). x O y It is an aluminum compound containing a smaller amount of oxygen than nitrogen. The insulating layer 328 may be made of either inorganic insulating materials alone or in a stacked form.

[0121] The insulating layer 338 separates the transparent conductive layer 334 and the fourth conductive layer 336 from the pixel electrode layer 342 to prevent short circuits between the transparent conductive layer 334 and the fourth conductive layer 336 and the pixel electrode layer 342. The insulating layer 338 is formed using the same material as the insulating layer 328 and has the same structure.

[0122] As a material forming the transparent conductive layer 334 and the pixel electrode layer 342 , for example, a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO) can be used.

[0123] As a material forming the black matrix 348, a black resin or a metal material can be used. The metal material can use chromium, molybdenum, or titanium, which has a relatively low reflectivity relative to aluminum. In the display panel unit 30, the common electrode is formed by the black matrix 348 and the electrode layer 110. As a result, in the common electrode of the display panel unit 30, the black matrix 348 can function as an auxiliary electrode with less resistance loss.

[0124] The array substrate 290 includes a substrate 280, a first conductive layer 256, an insulating layer 322, a semiconductor layer 324, a second conductive layer 254, an insulating layer 328, a third conductive layer 330, an insulating layer 332, a transparent conductive layer 334, a fourth conductive layer 336, an insulating layer 338 and a pixel electrode layer 342. The array substrate 290 may also include a color filter layer 213 and a third alignment film 212a.

[0125] The substrate 190 includes an opposing substrate 106, an electrode layer 110, a black matrix 348, and a fourth alignment film 212b. The substrate 190 is sometimes referred to as an opposing substrate.

[0126] <4. Example of use of display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10>

[0127] use Fig.15 A usage example of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 will be described. Fig.15 4 is a perspective view showing an example of using the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 in an electronic signage 400. Figure 1 to Figure 14 The description of the same or similar structures may be omitted.

[0128] like Fig.15 As shown, the electronic signage 400 includes a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 including a radio wave reflection unit 20a and a display panel unit 30. Fig.15 In the example shown, the display panel integrated radio wave reflecting device 10 is mounted on the electronic signage 400 so that the display panel unit 30 is located on the front side of the electronic signage 400 and the radio wave reflecting unit 20 a is located on the back side of the electronic signage 400 .

[0129] like Fig.15 As shown, in the radio wave reflection unit 20a on the back side of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, radio waves corresponding to the communication of the 5G standard are reflected toward the traveling direction of the reflected wave relative to the traveling method of the incident wave. In addition, in the display panel unit 30 on the front side of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10, visible light is reflected toward the traveling direction of the reflected light relative to the traveling method of the visible light.

[0130] Visible light is, for example, an electromagnetic wave that can be seen by the human eye as light, including light in the wavelength range of 380nm to 810nm. Visible light may include, for example, wavelengths in the range of 430nm to 490nm that appear blue, wavelengths in the range of 490nm to 550nm that appear green, and wavelengths in the range of 640nm to 810nm that appear red.

[0131] For example, in a public space such as a square near a station, a plurality of electronic signages 400 can be installed so that radio waves are reflected toward a place where people holding information terminals gather and images are displayed on the side where people pass by.

[0132] The display panel integrated radio wave reflecting device 10 includes the display panel unit 30 and the radio wave reflecting unit 20a integrally on the front and back. Therefore, even in a location where the display panel unit 30 or the radio wave reflecting unit 20a conflicts with each other, the display panel unit 30 and the radio wave reflecting unit 20a can be installed at the same location.

[0133] <Second embodiment>

[0134] In the second embodiment, a display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 including a radio wave reflection portion 20b capable of uniaxial reflection control is described. The reflection axis RY of the radio wave reflection portion 20b is uniaxial. In the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 including the radio wave reflection portion 20b, the reflection angle can be controlled in the direction of the reflection axis RY as the rotation axis. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 involved in the second embodiment is a device in which the radio wave reflection portion 20a of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 involved in the first embodiment is replaced with the radio wave reflection portion 20b. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 involved in the embodiment does not include at least the array layer 180, the plurality of second wirings 132 and the second drive circuit 130, relative to the radio wave reflection portion 20b of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device 10 involved in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, using Figure 16 to Figure 18 , mainly describing the points different from the first embodiment.

[0135] Fig.16 It is a plan view showing the structure of a radio wave reflecting unit 20b according to the second embodiment.

[0136] Fig.17 1 is a plan view showing a reflector unit 102b used in the radio wave reflecting section 20b.

[0137] Fig.18 It is along Fig.17 The cross-sectional view of the section plane of the C1-C2 line shown. Figure 1 to Figure 5 The description of the same or similar structures is omitted here.

[0138] like Fig.16 As shown, the reflector 120 according to the second embodiment includes a plurality of reflector unit cells 102b. The reflector 120 according to the second embodiment includes a structure in which the plurality of reflector unit cells 102 of the reflector 120 according to the first embodiment are replaced with a plurality of reflector unit cells 102b.

[0139] Similar to the reflector 120 described in the first embodiment, the reflector 120 according to the second embodiment is provided between the dielectric substrate 104 and the counter substrate 106. Fig.16 and Fig.17 As shown, the reflector 120 according to the second embodiment has a structure in which a plurality of reflector unit cells 102 b are integrated.

[0140] The various configurations of the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device illustrated as an embodiment of the present invention can be appropriately combined as long as they do not contradict each other. In addition, solutions obtained by adding, deleting or changing the design of components or by adding, omitting or changing the conditions of processes based on the display panel integrated radio wave reflection device disclosed in this specification and the drawings by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the gist of the present invention.

[0141] Even if there are other effects different from the effects brought about by the scheme of the implementation method disclosed in this specification, if they are clearly known from the description of this specification or can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art, they are of course understood to be the effects brought about by the present invention.

[0142] Description of Reference Numerals

[0143] 10: Display panel integrated radio wave reflection device, 20a: Radio wave reflection unit, 20b: Radio wave reflection unit, 30: Display panel unit, 101A: First main surface, 101B: Second main surface, 102: Reflection plate unit, 102b: Reflection plate unit, 104: Dielectric substrate, 106: Counter substrate, 108: First patch electrode, 110: Electrode layer, 111: Second patch electrode, 112a: First alignment film, 112b: Second alignment film, 114: Liquid crystal layer, 116: Liquid crystal molecules, 118: First wiring, 120: Reflection plate, 122: Peripheral region, 124: First drive circuit, 126: Terminal portion, 128: Sealing member, 130: First 1. A second driving circuit, 132: a second wiring, 134: a switching element, 136: a primer layer, 138: a first gate electrode, 140: a first gate insulating layer, 142: a semiconductor layer, 144: a first connecting wiring, 146: a second gate insulating layer, 148: a second gate electrode, 150: a first interlayer insulating layer, 152: a second connecting wiring, 154: a second interlayer insulating layer, 156: a planarizing layer, 158: a passivation layer, 180: an array layer, 190: a substrate, 212a: a third alignment film, 212b: a fourth alignment film, 213: a color filter layer, 213B: a blue color filter, 213G: a green color filter, 213R: a red color filter, 214: a liquid crystal layer, 21 5: connection part, 217: ground wiring, 218: first wiring, 219: ground wiring, 221: peripheral area, 222: display area, 224: sealing area, 226: terminal area, 228: sealing member, 240: sealing part, 243: connection part, 244: flexible printed circuit board, 245: common wiring, 246: capacitor wiring, 247: control circuit, 250: source driver circuit, 251: gate electrode, 252: gate driver circuit, 254: second conductive layer, 254a: signal line, 254b: source electrode, 254c: drain electrode, 256: first conductive layer, 256a: scanning line, 256b: first conductive film, 258: terminal part , 260: connection wiring, 270: array substrate, 280: substrate, 280A: first main surface, 280B: second main surface, 290: array substrate, 300: pixel, 322: insulating layer, 324: semiconductor layer, 324a: semiconductor film, 328: insulating layer, 330: third conductive layer, 330a: third conductive film, 332: insulating layer, 334: transparent conductive layer, 334a: transparent conductive film, 335: liquid crystal element, 336: fourth conductive layer, 336a: fourth conductive film, 338: insulating layer, 340: opening, 342: pixel electrode layer, 342a: pixel electrode, 348: black matrix, 360: capacitor element, 400: electronic signboard

Claims

1. A display panel integrated radio wave reflection device, comprising: a plurality of first patch electrodes; a plurality of second patch electrodes, the plurality of second patch electrodes being opposed to the plurality of first patch electrodes and being separately arranged; an electrode layer, the electrode layer being disposed so as to be opposed to the plurality of second patch electrodes and spaced apart from the plurality of first patch electrodes on the side opposite to the side on which the plurality of first patch electrodes are disposed; A first liquid crystal layer, wherein the first liquid crystal layer is disposed between the plurality of first patch electrodes and the plurality of second patch electrodes; a first substrate, the first substrate being disposed between the plurality of second patch electrodes and the electrode layer; an array substrate, the array substrate being disposed on a side opposite to a side where the first substrate is disposed relative to the electrode layer, and comprising a plurality of transistors; and A second liquid crystal layer is disposed between the array substrate and the electrode layer.

2. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 1, comprising a radio wave reflection unit and a display panel unit, The radio wave reflecting unit includes the plurality of first patch electrodes, the plurality of second patch electrodes, the first liquid crystal layer, the electrode layer and the first substrate. The display panel portion includes the array substrate, the second liquid crystal layer, the electrode layer, and the first substrate.

3. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 2, wherein: The first substrate includes a first main surface and a second main surface opposite to the first main surface. The electrode layer is arranged on the first main surface, The radio wave reflecting unit reflects radio waves incident from the side where the plurality of first patch electrodes are provided. The display panel portion reflects visible light incident from the array substrate toward the electrode layer.

4. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 3, wherein: The radio waves are radio waves corresponding to 5G standard communications, The visible light includes light in a wavelength range of 380 nm to 810 nm.

5. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 3, wherein: The radio wave reflecting portion includes a plurality of reflecting plate unit units arranged in a matrix in a first direction and a third direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of reflective plate unit units further include a first reflective plate unit unit and a second reflective plate unit unit adjacent to the first reflective plate unit unit. The first reflector unit cell and the second reflector unit cell respectively include the first patch electrode, the second patch electrode overlapping the first patch electrode, and the electrode layer overlapping the second patch electrode. The first patch electrode, the second patch electrode, and the electrode layer are stacked in a second direction intersecting the first direction and the third direction.

6. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 5, wherein: The radio waves are reflected by the first reflector unit cell and the second reflector unit cell.

7. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 1, wherein: The size of the first patch electrode is the same as the size of the second patch electrode.

8. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 1, wherein: The first patch electrode and the second patch electrode are arranged to be four-fold rotationally symmetrical with respect to the center of the first patch electrode and the center of the second patch electrode in a plan view.

9. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of first patch electrodes are electrically connected to the switching element.

10. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 6, wherein: The display panel unit includes a plurality of pixels including the transistor and a pixel electrode capable of applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer. The plurality of pixels are arranged in a matrix in the first direction and the third direction, The plurality of pixel electrodes are opposite to the electrode layer.

11. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 10, wherein: A distance between the pixel and a pixel adjacent to the pixel is smaller than a distance between the first reflective plate unit cell and the second reflective plate unit cell.

12. The display panel integrated radio wave reflection device according to claim 1, wherein: The display panel unit further includes a control circuit, The control circuit supplies a common voltage or a ground voltage to the electrode layer.

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