Radio wave control board and composite resonator

Abstract

This radio wave control plate includes: a plurality of unit structures that are arranged in a first planar direction; and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential of the plurality of unit structures. The plurality of unit structures each include: a first resonator that extends in the first planar direction; and a second resonator that is remote from the first resonator in a first direction and that extends in the first planar direction. At least one of the first resonator and the second resonator comprises: a first electrode that extends in the first planar direction; a second electrode that is remote from the first electrode in the first direction and that extends in the first planar direction; and a liquid crystal layer that is placed between the first electrode and the second electrode and that extends in the first planar direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a radio wave control panel and a composite resonator. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for controlling electromagnetic waves without using a dielectric lens. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for refracting radio waves by changing the parameters of each element in a structure in which resonator elements are arranged. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-231182 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The radio wave control board of the present disclosure includes a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction and a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, the plurality of unit structures including a first resonator extending in the first surface direction and a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, and at least one of the first resonator and the second resonator includes a first electrode extending in the first surface direction, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first surface direction.

[0005] A composite resonator according to the present disclosure includes a first resonator extending in a first surface direction, and a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, wherein at least one of the first resonator and the second resonator includes a first electrode extending in the first surface direction, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first surface direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a unit structure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the first resonator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the first resonator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the second resonator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the second resonator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the reference conductor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a first resonator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the first resonator according to the modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of unit structures according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of unit features according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and in the following embodiments, the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0008] In the following explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set, and the positional relationship of each part will be explained with reference to this XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. The direction parallel to the X axis in a horizontal plane is defined as the X-axis direction, the direction parallel to the Y axis in the horizontal plane perpendicular to the X axis is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction parallel to the Z axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane is defined as the Z-axis direction. Furthermore, the plane containing the X and Y axes will be referred to as the XY plane as appropriate, the plane containing the X and Z axes will be referred to as the XZ plane as appropriate, and the plane containing the Y and Z axes will be referred to as the YZ plane as appropriate. The XY plane is parallel to the horizontal plane. The XY plane, XZ plane, and YZ plane are perpendicular to each other.

[0009] [First embodiment] (Radio wave refraction plate) An overview of the radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overview of the radio wave refraction plate according to the first embodiment.

[0010] The radio wave refraction plate 1 is a plate-like member configured to allow radio waves transmitted from a base station to pass through. For example, when the radio wave refraction plate 1 receives radio waves transmitted from a base station, it is configured to refract the radio waves at a predetermined angle and then emit the radio waves. The radio wave refraction plate 1 can be configured, for example, from a metamaterial that changes the phase of the incident wave. The radio wave refraction plate 1 is a type of radio wave control plate.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the radio wave refraction plate 1 may include, for example, a substrate 2, a unit structure 10a, a unit structure 10b, a unit structure 10c, and a unit structure 10d.

[0012] The unit structures 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be formed on a substrate 2. The substrate 2 may have, for example, but is not limited to, a rectangular shape. The unit structures 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be arranged two-dimensionally on the substrate 2.

[0013] Specifically, in the substrate 2, a plurality of unit structures 10a may be arranged in a row on the bottom tier of the substrate 2. In the substrate 2, a plurality of unit structures 10b may be arranged in a row on the tier above the tier on which the unit structures 10a are arranged. In the substrate 2, a plurality of unit structures 10c may be arranged in a row on the tier above the tier on which the unit structures 10b are arranged. In other words, the radio wave refraction plate 1 may have a structure in which a plurality of unit structures of different sizes are periodically arranged. The unit structures 10a to 10d may each vary in the frequency band and the amount of phase change of the radio waves they change. While the unit structures 10a to 10d each have a rectangular shape, this is not limiting. The frequency band and the amount of phase change of the refracted radio waves can be adjusted by changing the sizes and shapes of the unit structures 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0014] (Unit structure) A configuration example of the unit structure according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the first embodiment.

[0015] 2, the unit structure 10 includes a first resonator 12, a second resonator 14, and a reference conductor 16. The unit structure 10 may also be called a composite resonator.

[0016] The first resonators 12 may be arranged on the substrate 2 so as to extend across the XY plane. The first resonators 12 include a conductor. The first resonators 12 may be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The shape of the first resonators 12 is not limited to a rectangular shape. The shape of the first resonators 12 may be changed arbitrarily depending on the design. The first resonators 12 are configured to resonate with electromagnetic waves received from the +Z-axis direction.

[0017] The first resonator 12 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves when resonating. The first resonator 12 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in the −Z-axis direction when resonating.

[0018] The second resonators 14 may be arranged on the substrate 2 at positions spaced apart from the first resonators 12 in the Z-axis direction, so as to extend across the XY plane. The second resonators 14 may be formed, for example, in a rectangular shape. The shape of the second resonators 14 is not limited to a rectangular shape. The shape of the second resonators 14 may be changed arbitrarily depending on the design. The shape of the second resonators 14 may be the same as or different from the shape of the first resonators 12. The area of ​​the second resonators 14 may be the same as or different from the area of ​​the first resonators 12.

[0019] The second resonator 14 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves when resonating. The second resonator 14 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves, for example, in the −Z-axis direction. The second resonator 14 is configured to radiate electromagnetic waves in the −Z-axis direction when resonating. The second resonator 14 is configured to resonate by receiving electromagnetic waves from the +Z-axis direction.

[0020] The second resonator 14 may be configured to resonate in a different phase from the first resonator 12. The second resonator 14 may be configured to resonate in a direction in the XY plane that is different from the resonance direction of the first resonator 12. For example, when the first resonator 12 is configured to resonate in the X-axis direction, the second resonator 14 may be configured to resonate in the Y-axis direction. The resonance direction of the second resonator 14 may be configured to change over time in the XY plane in response to a change over time in the resonance direction of the first resonator 12. The second resonator 14 may be configured to radiate electromagnetic waves received by the first resonator 12 with the first frequency band attenuated.

[0021] The reference conductor 16 may be arranged between the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 on the substrate 2. For example, the reference conductor 16 may be located at the center of the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 on the substrate 2, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the reference conductor 16 may be located at a position where the distance between the reference conductor 16 and the first resonator 12 is different from the distance between the reference conductor 16 and the second resonator 14.

[0022] The reference conductor 16 has at least one hole. The first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 are magnetically or capacitively connected to each other via the hole.

[0023] In the present disclosure, at least one of the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 includes a liquid crystal layer. Specifically, at least one of the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 includes a first electrode extending in the XY plane, a second electrode separated from the first electrode in the Z-axis direction and extending in the XY plane, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the XY plane. In the present disclosure, the capacitance value of the unit structure 10 is configured to be variable by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer. That is, in the present disclosure, the refraction direction of radio waves can be changed by adjusting the capacitance value of the unit structure 10. In the example shown in FIG. 2, both the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 include a liquid crystal layer.

[0024] A configuration example of the first resonator according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are diagrams for explaining the configuration example of the first resonator according to the first embodiment.

[0025] 3A and 3B, the first resonator 12 includes a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32. The first resonator 12 has a structure in which the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are stacked on top of each other. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is disposed between the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32.

[0026] The first electrode 31 is made of a conductor. The first electrode 31 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The first electrode 31 has a protrusion 311 and a protrusion 312. That is, the first electrode 31 has two protrusions.

[0027] The protrusion 311 is provided on the side 31a of the first electrode 31 that is parallel to the Y axis. The protrusion 311 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 31a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 311 and the side 31c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 311 and the side 31d. In other words, the protrusion 311 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 31c and the side 31d.

[0028] The protrusion 312 is provided on the side 31b of the first electrode 31 that is parallel to the Y-axis. The protrusion 312 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 31b. A gap is formed between the protrusion 312 and the side 31c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 312 and the side 31d. That is, the protrusion 312 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 31c and the side 31d. That is, the first electrode 31 is configured as a λ / 4 resonator.

[0029] The second electrode 32 is made of a conductor. The second electrode 32 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The second electrode 32 has a protrusion 321 and a protrusion 322. That is, the second electrode 32 has two protrusions.

[0030] The protrusion 321 is provided on a side 32c of the second electrode 32 that is parallel to the X-axis. The protrusion 321 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 32c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 321 and the side 32a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 321 and the side 32b. The protrusion 321 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 32a and the side 32b.

[0031] The protrusion 322 is provided on a side 32d of the second electrode 32 that is parallel to the X-axis. The protrusion 322 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 32d. A gap is formed between the protrusion 322 and the side 32a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 322 and the side 32b. The protrusion 322 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 32a and the side 32b. That is, the second electrode 32 is configured as a λ / 4 resonator.

[0032] The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 have the same shape. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged to be rotationally symmetric in the XY plane. Specifically, the second electrode 32 is arranged rotated 90 degrees in the XY plane with respect to the first electrode 31. The first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are arranged so that when viewed from one side, the other side appears to be ground. By using such a unit structure 10, a radio wave refraction plate compatible with both polarizations can be configured.

[0033] A configuration example of the second resonator according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B are diagrams for explaining the configuration example of the second resonator according to the first embodiment.

[0034] 4A and 4B, the second resonator 14 includes a first electrode 41 and a second electrode 42. The second resonator 14 has a structure in which the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are stacked on top of each other. A liquid crystal layer (not shown) is disposed between the first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42.

[0035] The first electrode 41 is made of a conductor. The first electrode 41 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The first electrode 41 has a protrusion 411 and a protrusion 412. That is, the first electrode 41 has two protrusions.

[0036] The protrusion 411 is provided on a side 41c of the first electrode 41 that is parallel to the X-axis. The protrusion 411 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 41c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 411 and the side 41a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 411 and the side 41b. The protrusion 411 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 41a and the side 41b.

[0037] The protrusion 412 is provided on a side 41d of the first electrode 41 that is parallel to the X-axis. The protrusion 412 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 41d. A gap is formed between the protrusion 412 and the side 41a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 412 and the side 41b. The protrusion 412 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 41a and the side 41b. That is, the first electrode 41 is configured as a λ / 4 resonator.

[0038] The second electrode 42 is made of a conductor. The second electrode 42 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The second electrode 42 has a protrusion 421 and a protrusion 422. That is, the second electrode 42 has two protrusions.

[0039] The protrusion 421 is provided on a side 42a of the second electrode 42 that is parallel to the Y-axis. The protrusion 421 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 42a. A gap is formed between the protrusion 421 and the side 42c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 421 and the side 42d. The protrusion 421 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 42c and the side 42d.

[0040] The protrusion 422 is provided on a side 42b of the second electrode 42 that is parallel to the Y-axis. The protrusion 422 is provided so as to protrude inward from the side 42b. A gap is formed between the protrusion 422 and the side 42c. A gap is formed between the protrusion 422 and the side 42d. The protrusion 422 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 42c and the side 42d. That is, the second electrode 42 is configured as a λ / 4 resonator.

[0041] The first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 have the same shape. The first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are arranged to be rotationally symmetric in the XY plane. Specifically, the second electrode 42 is arranged rotated 90 degrees in the XY plane with respect to the first electrode 41. The first electrode 41 and the second electrode 42 are arranged so that when viewed from one side, the other side appears to be the ground. By using such a unit structure 10, a radio wave refraction plate compatible with both polarizations can be configured.

[0042] A configuration example of the reference conductor according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the reference conductor according to the first embodiment.

[0043] The reference conductor 16 is made of a conductor and has a rectangular shape. The reference conductor 16 includes a hole 161, a hole 162, a hole 163, and a hole 164.

[0044] The holes 161 to 164 are provided to capacitively or magnetically connect the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14. The first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 are capacitively or magnetically connected via the holes 161 to 164.

[0045] Although the first resonator 12 and the second resonator 14 have been described as having a structure in which two λ / 4 resonators are stacked, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0046] A configuration example of a first resonator according to a modified example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B. Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B are diagrams for explaining a configuration example of a first resonator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. Below, an example of a modified example of the first resonator will be described, but the same applies to a modified example of the second resonator.

[0047] 6A shows a configuration example of a first electrode of a first resonator according to a modified example of the first embodiment. The first electrode 31-1 is made of a conductor. The first electrode 31-1 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The first electrode 31-1 has a protrusion 311-1. That is, the first electrode 31-1 has one protrusion.

[0048] The protrusion 311-1 is provided on a side 31c-1 of the first electrode 31-1 that is parallel to the X-axis. The protrusion 311-1 is provided so as to protrude inward on the side 31c-1. No protrusion is provided on the side 31d-1 of the first electrode 31-1. A gap is formed between the protrusion 311-1 and the side 31a-1. A gap is formed between the protrusion 311-1 and the side 31b-1. The protrusion 311-1 is provided so as to be magnetically or capacitively connected to the side 31a-1 and the side 31b-1. That is, the first electrode 31-1 is configured as a λ / 4 resonator.

[0049] 6B shows a configuration example of the second electrode of the first resonator according to the modified example of the first embodiment. The second electrode 32-1 is formed of a conductor. The second electrode 32-1 is formed in a rectangular shape. The second electrode 32-1 includes a hole 321a, a hole 322a, a hole 323a, and a hole 324a. The second electrode 32-1 is formed as a ground conductor. The radio wave received by the first resonator according to the modified example of the first embodiment passes through the hole 321a and the hole 324a.

[0050] The modified first resonator has a structure in which a first electrode 31-1 and a second electrode 32-1 are overlapped. For example, the modified first resonator may have a structure in which the first electrode 31 shown in FIG. 3A and the second electrode 32-1 shown in FIG. 6B are overlapped.

[0051] [Second embodiment] A configuration example of the unit structure according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the second embodiment.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the unit structure 10A includes a first resonator 12A, a second resonator 14A, a first reference conductor 16A, a third resonator 18A, a fourth resonator 20A, a second reference conductor 22A, and a third reference conductor 24A.

[0053] The first resonator 12A, the second resonator 14A, and the first reference conductor 16A have the same structures as the first resonator 12, the second resonator 14, and the reference conductor 16 shown in FIG. 2, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] The third resonators 18A may be arranged on the substrate 2 so as to extend across the XY plane. The third resonators 18A are disposed on the top surface of the unit structure 10A. The third resonators 18A include a conductor. The third resonators 18A may be, for example, patch conductors formed in a rectangular shape. The shape of the third resonators 18A is not limited to a rectangular shape. The shape of the third resonators 18A may be changed as desired depending on the design. The third resonators 18A are configured to resonate with electromagnetic waves received from the +Z-axis direction. The third resonators 18A may be λ / 2 resonators.

[0055] The fourth resonators 20A may be arranged on the substrate 2 so as to extend across the XY plane. The fourth resonators 20A are disposed on the bottom surface of the unit structure 10A. The fourth resonators 20A include a conductor. The fourth resonators 20A are, for example, patch conductors formed in a rectangular shape. The shape of the fourth resonators 20A is not limited to a rectangular shape. The shape of the fourth resonators 20A may be changed as desired depending on the design. The fourth resonators 20A are configured to resonate with electromagnetic waves received from the +Z-axis direction. The fourth resonators 20A may be λ / 2 resonators.

[0056] The second reference conductor 22A may be arranged between the first resonator 12A and the third resonator 18A on the substrate 2. For example, the second reference conductor 22A may be located at the center of the first resonator 12A and the third resonator 18A on the substrate 2, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second reference conductor 22A may be located at a position where the distance from the first resonator 12A and the distance from the third resonator 18A are different.

[0057] The second reference conductor 22A is made of a conductor and has a rectangular shape. The second reference conductor 22A includes a hole 221A, a hole 222A, a hole 223A, and a hole 224A.

[0058] The holes 221A to 224A are provided to capacitively or magnetically connect the first resonator 12A and the third resonator 18A. The first resonator 12A and the third resonator 18A are magnetically or capacitively connected via the holes 221A to 224A.

[0059] The third reference conductor 24A may be arranged between the second resonator 14A and the fourth resonator 20A on the substrate 2. The second reference conductor 22A may be, for example, located at the center of the first resonator 12A and the third resonator 18A on the substrate 2, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the second reference conductor 22A may be located at a position where the distance from the first resonator 12A and the distance from the third resonator 18A are different.

[0060] The third reference conductor 24A is made of a conductor and has a rectangular shape. The third reference conductor 24A includes a hole 241A, a hole 242A, a hole 243A, and a hole 244A.

[0061] The holes 241A to 244A are provided to capacitively or magnetically connect the second resonator 14A and the fourth resonator 20A. The second resonator 14A and the fourth resonator 20A are magnetically or capacitively connected via the holes 241A to 244A.

[0062] 7, the first resonator 12A and the second resonator 14A are arranged symmetrically in the Z-axis direction with respect to the first reference conductor 16A. In the present disclosure, it is preferable that the resonators including the liquid crystal layer are arranged symmetrically in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The unit structure 10A shown in FIG. 7 may have a configuration in which, for example, a resonator including one liquid crystal layer is disposed between the third resonator 18A and the fourth resonator 20A.

[0064] As described above, in the second embodiment, λ / 2 resonators are arranged on the top and bottom surfaces of the unit structure, thereby improving the performance of the radio wave refraction plate.

[0065] In addition, in the second embodiment, the reference conductors including the liquid crystal layer are arranged symmetrically in the Z-axis direction, which enables the second embodiment to improve the performance of the radio wave refraction plate.

[0066] [Third embodiment] An example of the arrangement of unit structures according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of unit structures according to the third embodiment.

[0067] As shown in Fig. 8, in the third embodiment, a unit structure 10B, a unit structure 10C, and a unit structure 10D are arranged in a radio wave refraction plate 1A. The liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10B and the liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10C are arranged with a gap therebetween. The liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10C and the liquid crystal of the unit structure 10D are arranged with a gap therebetween. In other words, different voltage systems can be applied to the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D, respectively.

[0068] A method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining a method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the third embodiment.

[0069] 9, the unit structure 10B includes a first resonator (first electrode 31B, second electrode 32B), a second resonator (first electrode 41B, second electrode 42B), a first reference conductor 16B, a third resonator 18B, a fourth resonator 20B, a second reference conductor 22B, and a third reference conductor 24B. The unit structure 10C includes a first resonator (first electrode 31C, second electrode 32C), a second resonator (first electrode 41C, second electrode 42C), a first reference conductor 16C, a third resonator 18C, a fourth resonator 20C, a second reference conductor 22C, and a third reference conductor 24C. The unit structure 10C includes a first resonator (first electrode 31D, second electrode 32D), a second resonator (first electrode 41D, second electrode 42D), a first reference conductor 16D, a third resonator 18D, a fourth resonator 20D, a second reference conductor 22D, and a third reference conductor 24D. The third resonators 18B, 18C, and 18D are different in size. Specifically, the third resonators 18B, 18C, and 18D are larger in size in this order. The fourth resonators 20B, 20C, and 20D are different in size. Specifically, the fourth resonators 20B, 20C, and 20D are larger in size in this order. The unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D have the same structure as the unit structure 10A shown in FIG.

[0070] A gap is formed between the first electrode 31B and the first electrode 31C. A gap is formed between the first electrode 31C and the first electrode 31D. A gap is formed between the second electrode 32B and the second electrode 32C. A gap is formed between the second electrode 32C and the second electrode 32D. Therefore, different voltages of different systems can be applied between the first electrode 31B and the second electrode 32B, between the first electrode 31C and the second electrode 32C, and between the first electrode 31D and the second electrode 32D.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 9, a voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 31B and the second electrode 32B. A voltage V2 different from the voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 31C and the second electrode 32C. A voltage V3 different from the voltages V1 and V2 may be applied between the first electrode 31D and the second electrode 32D. That is, different voltages may be applied to the first resonators including the liquid crystal layer in the unit structures 10B, 10C, and 10D. This allows the amount of change in capacitance to be different between the unit structures 10B, 10C, and 10D.

[0072] A gap is formed between first electrode 41B and first electrode 41C. A gap is formed between first electrode 31C and first electrode 31D. A gap is formed between second electrode 32B and second electrode 32C. A gap is formed between second electrode 32C and second electrode 32D. Therefore, different voltages of different systems can be applied between first electrode 31B and second electrode 32B, between first electrode 31C and second electrode 32C, and between first electrode 31D and second electrode 32D.

[0073] In the example shown in FIG. 9, a voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 41B and the second electrode 42B. A voltage V2 different from voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 41C and the second electrode 42C. A voltage V3 different from voltages V1 and V2 may be applied between the first electrode 41D and the second electrode 42D. That is, different voltages may be applied to the second resonator including the liquid crystal layer for the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D. This allows the amount of change in capacitance to be different for the unit structure 10B, the unit structure 10C, and the unit structure 10D.

[0074] As described above, in the third embodiment, different capacitance values ​​can be added to adjacently arranged unit structures in the radio wave refraction plate, which makes it possible to more flexibly change the direction in which radio waves are refracted.

[0075] [Fourth embodiment] A configuration example of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 10, a unit structure 10E includes a first resonator 12E, a third resonator 18E, a second reference conductor 22E, and a reflective conductor 50.

[0077] The first resonator 12E, the third resonator 18E, and the second reference conductor 22E have the same configurations as the first resonator 12A, the third resonator 18A, and the second reference conductor 22A shown in FIG. 7, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0078] The reflective conductor 50 is formed on the substrate 2 over the entire XY plane. The reflective conductor 50 is disposed on the bottom surface of the unit structure 10E. The reflective conductor 50 includes a conductor. The reflective conductor 50 is configured as a reference conductor (ground conductor). The reflective conductor 50 is configured, for example, to reflect electromagnetic waves received from the +Z-axis direction in the +Z-axis direction. Note that the reflective conductor 50 is not limited to being formed over the entire XY plane. The reflective conductor 50 only needs to be sufficiently large relative to the wavelength of the received radio waves, for example.

[0079] That is, the unit structure 10E includes, from top to bottom, a third resonator 18E configured as a λ / 2 resonator, a second reference conductor 22E that capacitively or magnetically connects the first resonator 12E and the third resonator 18E, the first resonator 12E including a liquid crystal layer configured as a λ / 4 resonator, and a reflective conductor 50 configured as a reference conductor.

[0080] In this embodiment, a radio wave reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves incident from outside can be configured by arranging multiple unit structures 10E two-dimensionally. Note that components corresponding to the first resonator 12E, the third resonator 18E, and the second reference conductor 22E may be arranged symmetrically in the Z-axis direction with the reflective conductor 50 at the center. That is, the unit structure 10E may have a configuration in which the first reference conductor 16A of the unit structure 10A is replaced with the reflective conductor 50.

[0081] Although the unit structure 10E has been described as having a λ / 2 resonator disposed on its uppermost surface, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The unit structure 10E may have a λ / 4 resonator including a liquid crystal layer disposed therein instead of the λ / 2 resonator. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the two resonators included in the unit structure is a λ / 4 resonator including a liquid crystal layer. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a unit structure according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 11, a unit structure 10F includes a first resonator 12F, a second resonator 14F, a reference conductor 16F, and a reflective conductor 50.

[0083] The first resonator 12F, the second resonator 14F, and the reference conductor 16F have the same configurations as the first resonator 12, the second resonator 14, and the reference conductor 16 shown in FIG. 2, respectively, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0084] That is, the unit structure 10F includes, from top to bottom, a first resonator 12F configured as a λ / 4 resonator, a reference conductor 16F that capacitively or magnetically connects the first resonator 12F and the second resonator 14F, the second resonator 14F configured as a λ / 4 resonator, and a reflective conductor 50 configured as a reference conductor.

[0085] In this embodiment, a radio wave reflector that reflects electromagnetic waves incident from the outside can also be formed by arranging a plurality of unit structures 10F two-dimensionally.

[0086] An example of the arrangement of unit structures according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of unit structures according to the fourth embodiment.

[0087] As shown in Fig. 12, the radio wave reflector 1B includes a unit structure 10G, a unit structure 10H, and a unit structure 10I. The liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10G and the liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10H are arranged with a gap therebetween. The liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10H and the liquid crystal layer of the unit structure 10I are arranged with a gap therebetween. In other words, different voltage systems can be applied to the unit structure 10G, the unit structure 10H, and the unit structure 10I, respectively.

[0088] A method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of applying a voltage to the unit structure according to the fourth embodiment.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 13 , the unit structure 10G includes a first resonator (first electrode 31G, second electrode 32G), a third resonator 18G, a second reference conductor 22G, and a reflective conductor 50. The unit structure 10H includes a first resonator (first electrode 31H, second electrode 32H), a third resonator 18H, a second reference conductor 22H, and a reflective conductor 50. The unit structure 10I includes a first resonator (first electrode 31I, second electrode 32I), a third resonator 18I, a second reference conductor 22I, and a reflective conductor 50. The third resonators 18G, 18H, and 18I are different in size. Specifically, the third resonator 18G is larger in size than the third resonator 18H, and the third resonator 18I is larger in size in this order. The unit structure 10G, the unit structure 10H, and the unit structure 10I have the same structure as the unit structure 10E shown in FIG.

[0090] A gap is formed between the first electrode 31G and the first electrode 31H. A gap is formed between the first electrode 31H and the first electrode 31I. A gap is formed between the second electrode 32G and the second electrode 32H. A gap is formed between the second electrode 32H and the second electrode 32I. Therefore, different voltages of different systems can be applied between the first electrode 31G and the second electrode 32G, between the first electrode 31H and the second electrode 32H, and between the first electrode 31I and the second electrode 32I.

[0091] In the example shown in FIG. 13, a voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 31G and the second electrode 32G. A voltage V2 different from the voltage V1 may be applied between the first electrode 31H and the second electrode 32H. A voltage V3 different from the voltages V1 and V2 may be applied between the first electrode 31I and the second electrode 32I. That is, different voltages may be applied to the first resonators including the liquid crystal layer in the unit structures 10G, 10H, and 10I. This allows the amount of change in capacitance to be different between the unit structures 10G, 10H, and 10I.

[0092] As described above, in the fourth embodiment, different capacitance values ​​can be added to adjacently arranged unit structures in the radio wave reflecting plate, which makes it possible to more flexibly change the direction in which radio waves are reflected.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the contents of these embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-described components can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the above-described embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1,1A Radio wave refraction plate 2 boards 10, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E, 10F, 10G, 10H, 10I Unit structure 12,12A,12E,12F 1st resonator 14,14A,14F 2nd resonator 16 Reference conductor 16A First Reference Conductor 18A,18E,18G,18H,18I 3rd resonator 20A 4th resonator 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, 22E, 22G, 22H, 22I Second reference conductor 24A, 24B, 24C, 24D Third reference conductor 31,31B,31C,31D,31G,31H,31I,31-1,41,41B,41C,41D 1st electrode 32,32B,32C,32D,32G,32H,32I,32-1,42,42B,42C,42D 2nd electrode 50 Reflector

Claims

1. a plurality of unit structures arranged in a first surface direction; a reference conductor that serves as a reference potential for the plurality of unit structures, The plurality of unit structures are a first resonator extending in the first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; Including, At least one of the first resonator and the second resonator is a first electrode extending in the first surface direction; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first surface direction; Radio control board.

2. the first electrode is a λ / 4 resonator formed on a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the second electrode has a hole; The radio wave control board according to claim 1 .

3. the first electrode and the second electrode are λ / 4 resonators formed in a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged so that their shapes are rotationally symmetric in the first plane direction; The radio wave control board according to claim 1 .

4. The first electrode is disposed in a state where its shape is rotated by 90 degrees in the first surface direction with respect to the second electrode. The radio wave control board according to claim 3.

5. The plurality of unit structures are arranged at intervals from one another.

4. The radio wave control board according to claim 2 or 3.

6. the first electrode, the second electrode, and the liquid crystal layer are arranged symmetrically in the first direction with respect to the reference conductor; 4. The radio wave control board according to claim 2 or 3.

7. the plurality of unit structures include a first λ / 2 resonator arranged in an upper layer of the first resonator and extending in the first plane direction, and a second λ / 2 resonator arranged in a lower layer of the second resonator and extending in the first plane direction, The radio wave control board according to claim 6.

8. the plurality of unit structures include a reflective conductor that is disposed below the second resonator and extends over the entire surface in the first plane direction; The radio wave control board according to claim 1 .

9. the first electrode is a λ / 4 resonator formed on a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the second electrode has a hole; The radio wave control board according to claim 8.

10. the first electrode and the second electrode are λ / 4 resonators formed in a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged so that their shapes are rotationally symmetric in the first plane direction; The radio wave control board according to claim 8.

11. The first electrode is disposed in a state where its shape is rotated by 90 degrees in the first surface direction with respect to the second electrode. The radio wave control board according to claim 10.

12. The plurality of unit structures are arranged at intervals from one another. The radio wave control board according to claim 9 or 10.

13. the first electrode is configured as a λ / 2 resonator; The second electrode is configured as the λ / 4 resonator. The radio wave control board according to claim 9 or 10.

14. a first resonator extending in a first plane direction; a second resonator spaced apart from the first resonator in a first direction and extending in the first plane direction; Including, At least one of the first resonator and the second resonator is a first electrode extending in the first surface direction; a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode in the first direction and extending in the first surface direction; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and extending in the first surface direction; Composite resonator.

15. a reflective conductor disposed below the second resonator and extending over the entire surface in the first plane direction; The composite resonator of claim 14.

16. the first electrode is a λ / 4 resonator formed on a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the second electrode has a hole; The composite resonator according to claim 14 or 15.

17. the first electrode and the second electrode are λ / 4 resonators formed in a frame-shaped body and having a protrusion protruding inward on an inner periphery of the frame-shaped body, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged so that their shapes are rotationally symmetric in the first plane direction; The composite resonator according to claim 14 or 15.

18. The first electrode is disposed in a state where its shape is rotated by 90 degrees in the first surface direction with respect to the second electrode.

18. The composite resonator of claim 17.

Images