Radio wave reflection plate and radio wave reflection device

Abstract

A radio wave reflection plate comprises: a substrate which has a first surface including a first side; and a reflection region in which a plurality of reflection elements are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, the plurality of reflection elements being separated by a first interval from respective adjacent reflection elements. Twice the distance from the first side to the plurality of reflection elements adjacent to the first side is a sum of an integral multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

Description

Radio wave reflectors and radio wave reflectors

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a radio wave reflector using a liquid crystal material, and another embodiment of the present invention relates to a radio wave reflecting device having a radio wave reflector using a liquid crystal material.

[0002] A phased array antenna device has the characteristic that, when a high-frequency signal is applied to some or all of multiple antenna elements, the amplitude and phase of each high-frequency signal can be controlled to control the radiation directivity of the antenna while keeping the antenna orientation fixed in one direction. A phased array antenna device uses a phase shifter to control the phase of the high-frequency signal applied to the antenna elements.

[0003] Various phase shifter methods have been adopted, such as a method that physically changes the length of a transmission line to change the phase of a high-frequency signal, a method that changes the impedance along the transmission line to change the phase of a high-frequency signal by reflection, and a method that generates a signal with a desired phase by controlling and combining the gain of an amplifier that amplifies two signals with different phases.In addition to these, a method that utilizes the unique property of liquid crystal material, in which the dielectric constant changes depending on the applied voltage, has been disclosed as an example of a phase shifter (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] On the other hand, metamaterial reflectors are known that utilize the dielectric anisotropy of liquid crystals to impart a phase change to the reflected waves of radio waves incident on a reflecting element. By applying different voltages to the patch electrodes of adjacent reflecting elements, metamaterial reflectors can differentiate the amount of phase change between them, making it appear as if the direction of reflection of the radio waves has changed. For example, Patent Document 2 discloses a metasurface that applies a voltage to a reflecting element containing liquid crystal to change the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules in the reflecting element, thereby adjusting the reflection phase and controlling the resonant frequency of the corresponding reflecting element.

[0005] JP 11-103201 Publication Special Publication No. 2019-530387 Publication

[0006] It is desirable for radio wave reflectors to be large in order to increase the reflection strength of radio waves. However, the larger the size, the higher the costs for manufacturing, transporting, and installing, which is undesirable. Therefore, it is effective to use them in tiling, where multiple radio wave reflectors are installed in combination to increase the size when in use.

[0007] However, the distance between the effective surfaces of the radio wave reflectors varies depending on the size of the frame and the gap between the radio wave reflectors. Therefore, when the combined radio wave reflectors are viewed as one large radio wave reflecting device, the pitch of the reflecting elements is not constant within the surface, and when inputting the setting values ​​for radio wave direction control, there is a problem in that it is necessary to adjust each one individually to suit the installation state.

[0008] A radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a first surface including a first side, and a reflection region in which a plurality of reflection elements on the first surface are spaced apart from adjacent reflection elements by a first interval and are arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and twice the distance from the first side to the plurality of reflection elements adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

[0009] A radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a first surface including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a reflective region in which a plurality of reflective elements on the first surface are separated from adjacent reflective elements by a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the sum of the distance from the first side to the plurality of reflective elements adjacent to the first side and the distance from the second side to the plurality of reflective elements adjacent to the second side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the interval.

[0010] A radio wave reflection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate having a first surface including a first side, and a first radio wave reflection plate and a second radio wave reflection plate, each including a reflection region in which a plurality of reflection elements on the first surface are spaced apart from adjacent reflection elements by a first distance and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction along the first side and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the first side of the first radio wave reflection plate and the first side of the second radio wave reflection plate are arranged adjacent to each other, and the distance in the second direction between a reflection element among the plurality of reflection elements of the first radio wave reflection plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side and a reflection element among the plurality of reflection elements of the second radio wave reflection plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first distance.

[0011] A radio wave reflection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate having a first surface including a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and a first radio wave reflection plate and a second radio wave reflection plate including a reflection region in which a plurality of reflection elements on the first surface are spaced apart from adjacent reflection elements by a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction along the first side and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein the second side of the first radio wave reflection plate and the first side of the second radio wave reflection plate are arranged adjacent to each other, and the distance in the second direction between a reflection element of the plurality of reflection elements of the first radio wave reflection plate that is arranged adjacent to the second side and a reflection element of the plurality of reflection elements of the second radio wave reflection plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of a reflecting element of the radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of each radio wave reflector in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflector in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflector in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflector in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to the description of the embodiments exemplified below. For clarity of explanation, the drawings may show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part schematically compared to the actual form, but these are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention. Furthermore, in this specification and each drawing, elements similar to those previously described with reference to the previous drawings are designated by the same reference numerals (or reference numerals with a, b, etc. suffixed thereto), and detailed descriptions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, the letters "first" and "second" attached to each element are convenient labels used to distinguish each element and have no further meaning unless otherwise specified.

[0014] In this specification, when a certain component or region is referred to as being "above (or below)" another component or region, unless otherwise specified, this includes not only the case where it is directly above (or directly below) the other component or region, but also the case where it is above (or below) the other component or region, i.e., the case where another component is included between the component or region and above (or below) the other component or region. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, in a cross-sectional view, the upper side relative to the normal position in the drawing will be referred to as "above" or "upper side," and the surface seen from "above" or "upper side" will be referred to as the "upper surface" or "upper surface side," and the opposite will be referred to as "below," "below," "lower surface" or "lower surface side."

[0015] <First Embodiment> [Configuration of Radio Wave Reflector] Fig. 1A shows a plan view of a radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1B shows an enlarged plan view of a reflecting element of the radio wave reflector according to one embodiment of the present invention. The radio wave reflector 100 is provided on a first surface of an array substrate 110 with a reflective region 102 that reflects radio waves and a peripheral region 104 that surrounds the reflective region 102. In the reflective region 102, a plurality of reflective elements 10 are spaced apart at the same interval w2 as adjacent reflective elements 10, and are arranged in an array at the same period (pitch) P in a first direction (X direction) along a first side A of the array substrate 110 and in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] The reflective element 10 includes a first electrode 150, a liquid crystal layer 130, and a second electrode 170. The plurality of first electrodes 150 are formed on a first surface of the array substrate 110. The second electrode 170 is formed on a first surface of the counter substrate 120. The first electrode 150 and the second electrode 170 are arranged to face each other in a third direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). The liquid crystal layer 130 is arranged between the first electrode 150 and the second electrode 170. The liquid crystal layer 130 and the second electrode 170 may be arranged in common to the plurality of reflective elements 10. One first electrode 150 is arranged for each of the plurality of reflective elements 10, defining one unit of the reflective element 10.

[0017] In this embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 150 are shown as squares each having the same width w1 in the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the plurality of first electrodes 150 may have any shape as long as they are symmetrical in the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction), and may be, for example, polygonal or circular.

[0018] The multiple first electrodes 150 are arranged at equal intervals w2 in a first direction (X-axis direction). The multiple first electrodes 150 are arranged at equal intervals w2 in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The intervals w2 between the multiple first electrodes 150 aligned in the first direction (X-axis direction) are substantially the same as the intervals w2 between the multiple first electrodes 150 aligned in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0019] The multiple first electrodes 150 are arranged in an array at the same period (pitch) P in a first direction (X-axis direction). The multiple first electrodes 150 are arranged in an array at the same period (pitch) P in a second direction (Y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction. The period (pitch) P of the multiple first electrodes 150 aligned in the first direction (X-axis direction) is approximately the same as the period (pitch) P of the multiple first electrodes 150 aligned in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The period (pitch) P of the first electrodes 150 is the sum of the width w1 of the first electrodes 150 and the spacing w2 between the first electrodes 150.

[0020] The period (pitch) P at which the reflective elements 10 are arranged is preferably in the range of 1 / 3 to 1 / 2 of the wavelength of the radio wave so as to maximize reflected power. For example, assuming the 28 GHz band used in Japan's 5G, the wavelength is 10.7 mm, so the period (pitch) P at which the reflective elements 10 are arranged is preferably 3 mm to 6 mm. Taking into account the width of the adjacent interval w2, the width w1 of the first electrode 150 is preferably 2 mm to 5 mm.

[0021] In the reflective region 102, a plurality of first electrodes 150 arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction) are electrically connected by a fine line pattern 160. In the peripheral region 104, the fine line pattern 160 is electrically connected to a drive circuit 180 via wiring 190. The opposing substrate 120 exposes the wiring 190 and the drive circuit 180 on the array substrate 110. A flexible printed circuit board is further connected to the drive circuit 180 via a terminal (not shown).

[0022] The radio wave reflector 100 has a reflection axis parallel to the first direction. In the radio wave reflector 100, the same signal is input to a plurality of first electrodes 150 electrically connected by thin line patterns 160. Therefore, the radio wave reflector 100 can control the reflection angle in the direction of rotation about the reflection axis parallel to the first direction.

[0023] In the reflective area 102, a liquid crystal layer 130 is filled between the plurality of first electrodes 150 and the second electrodes 170. In the peripheral area 104, the liquid crystal layer 130 is surrounded and sealed by a seal 140.

[0024] The first surface of the array substrate 110 includes a first side A extending in a first direction (X direction), a second side B opposite to the first side A, a third side C connecting the first side A and the second side B, and a fourth side D opposite to the third side C. In this embodiment, the sum of the distance a from the first side A to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the first side A and the distance b from the second side B to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the second side B is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, the sum of the width a of the peripheral region arranged on the first side A and the width b of the peripheral region arranged on the second side B satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflective element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflective elements 10. Here, the width a of the peripheral region indicates the distance between the first side A in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective region 102, and the width b of the peripheral region indicates the distance between the second side B in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective region 102.

[0025] In this embodiment, twice the distance c from the third side C to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the third side C is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width c of the peripheral region arranged on the third side C satisfies mW1 + (m + 1)W2 (m is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width c of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the third side C and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0026] In this embodiment, twice the distance d from the fourth side D to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the fourth side D is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of a reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width d of the peripheral region arranged on the fourth side D satisfies lW1 + (l + 1)W2 (l is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width d of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the fourth side D and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction). The widths a, b, c, and d of the peripheral region may be different from each other or may be the same.

[0027] The radio wave reflector according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore when a plurality of radio wave reflectors are combined, the pitch of the reflecting elements can be made constant within the plane.

[0028] [Configuration of Radio Wave Reflecting Device] Fig. 2A shows a plan view of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2B shows an enlarged plan view of the connection portion of each radio wave reflecting plate in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 2B, the reflecting elements 10 shown by dotted lines are not actually arranged, but are shown here as virtual reflecting elements to make it easier to understand the pitch of the combinations. The radio wave reflecting device 1000 includes a radio wave reflecting plate 100-1, a radio wave reflecting plate 100-2, a radio wave reflecting plate 100-3, and a radio wave reflecting plate 100-4 (here, when there is no need to distinguish between the radio wave reflecting plates 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, and 100-4, they will be referred to as radio wave reflecting plate 100). Each of the radio wave reflecting plates 100-1, 100-2, 100-3, and 100-4 has a reflective area 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4 that reflects radio waves, and a peripheral area 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 that surrounds the reflective areas 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4 (when the reflective areas 102-1, 102-2, 102-3, and 102-4 are not distinguished, they are referred to as reflective area 102, and when the peripheral areas 104-1, 104-2, 104-3, and 104-4 are not distinguished, they are referred to as peripheral area 104). In the reflective region 102, multiple reflective elements 10 are spaced apart at the same interval w2 as adjacent reflective elements 10 and are arranged in an array with the same period (pitch) P in a first direction (X direction) along the first side A of the array substrate 110 and in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0029] The first surface of the array substrate 110 included in the radio wave reflector 100-1 includes a first side A1 extending in a first direction (X direction), a second side B1 opposite to the first side A1, a third side C1 connecting the first side A1 and the second side B1, and a fourth side D1 opposite to the third side C1. The first surface of the array substrate 110 included in the radio wave reflector 100-2 includes a first side A2 extending in the first direction (X direction), a second side B2 opposite to the first side A2, a third side C2 connecting the first side A2 and the second side B2, and a fourth side D2 opposite to the third side C2. The first surface of the array substrate 110 included in the radio wave reflector 100-3 includes a first side A3 extending in a first direction (X direction), a second side B3 opposite to the first side A3, a third side C3 connecting the first side A3 and the second side B3, and a fourth side D3 opposite to the third side C3. The first surface of the array substrate 110 included in the radio wave reflector 100-4 includes a first side A4 extending in the first direction (X direction), a second side B4 opposite to the first side A4, a third side C4 connecting the first side A4 and the second side B4, and a fourth side D4 opposite to the third side C4.

[0030] In this embodiment, the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-2 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-1, the distance between the second side B1 and the first side A2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the first side A2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the third side C3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 satisfies mW1 + (m + 1)W2 (m is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-3 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C1 and the reflective area 102-1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C1 and the third side C3 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the third side C3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0032] In this embodiment, the first side A3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the second side B4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-3 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the first side A3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the distance between the first side A3 and the second side B4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the second side B4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0033] In this embodiment, the third side C2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the third side C4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies mW1 + (m + 1)W2 (m is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-2 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C2 and the third side C4 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the third side C4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0034] 2A shows a configuration in which four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, the configuration in which the four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined as one unit may be further combined vertically and horizontally.

[0035] In this case, the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are disposed and the interval w2 between adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies lW1 + (l + 1)W2 (l is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-2 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the fourth side D2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the fourth side D2 and the fourth side D4 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the fourth side D4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0036] Furthermore, the fourth side D1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the fourth side D3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 may be arranged adjacent to each other, and may have a similar relationship to the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4.

[0037] The radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can make the pitch of the reflecting elements constant within the surface of the combined multiple radio wave reflectors. By having the above-mentioned configuration, the radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can easily adjust its position during installation, and can simplify the direction control of radio waves.

[0038] Second Embodiment [Configuration of Radio Wave Reflector] The configuration of the radio wave reflector according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment, except for the widths c and d of the peripheral region. Explanations of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0039] In this embodiment, the sum of the distance a from the first side A to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the first side A and the distance b from the second side B to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the second side B is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, the sum of the width a of the peripheral region arranged on the first side A and the width b of the peripheral region arranged on the second side B satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflective element 10 and W2 is the spacing between the reflective elements 10. Here, the width a of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the first side A and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the width b of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the second side B and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0040] In this embodiment, the sum of the distance c from the third side C to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the third side C and the distance b from the fourth side D to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the fourth side D is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, the sum of the width c of the peripheral region arranged on the third side C and the width d of the peripheral region arranged on the fourth side D satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflective element 10 and W2 is the spacing between the reflective elements 10. Here, the width c of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the third side C and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the width d of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the fourth side D and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0041] The radio wave reflector according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore when a plurality of radio wave reflectors are combined, the pitch of the reflecting elements can be made constant within the plane.

[0042] [Configuration of radio wave reflecting device] The configuration of the radio wave reflecting device 2000 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment, except for the arrangement direction of each radio wave reflecting plate and the distance between each reflection area. Explanations of the same things as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0043] Fig. 3A shows a plan view of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3B shows an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflecting plate in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 3B, the reflecting element 10 shown by the dotted line is not actually disposed, but is shown here as a virtual reflecting element to make it easier to understand the pitch of the combination.

[0044] In this embodiment, the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-2 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-1, the distance between the second side B1 and the first side A2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the first side A2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-2.

[0045] In this embodiment, the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the fourth side D3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the fourth side D3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-3 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C1 and the reflective area 102-1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C1 and the fourth side D3 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the fourth side D3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0046] In this embodiment, the second side B3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the first side A4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies nW1 + (n + 1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-3 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B3 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-3, the distance between the second side B3 and the first side A4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the first side A4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-4.

[0047] In this embodiment, the third side C2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are disposed adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the third side C2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are disposed and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-2 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C2 and the fourth side D4 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the fourth side D4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0048] 3A shows a configuration in which four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, the configuration in which the above-described four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined as one unit may be further combined vertically and horizontally.

[0049] The radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can make the pitch of the reflecting elements constant within the surface of the combined multiple radio wave reflectors. By having the above-mentioned configuration, the radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can easily adjust its position during installation, and can simplify the direction control of radio waves.

[0050] <Third embodiment> [Configuration of radio wave reflector] The configuration of the radio wave reflector according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment, except for the widths a, b, c, and d of the peripheral region. Explanations of the same parts as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment will be explained here.

[0051] In this embodiment, twice the distance a from the first side A to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the first side A is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the interval W2 between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width a of the peripheral region arranged on the first side A satisfies qW1+(q+1)W2 (q is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width a of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the first side A and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0052] In this embodiment, twice the distance b from the second side B to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the second side B is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width b of the peripheral region arranged on the second side B satisfies pW1+(p+1)W2 (p is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width b of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the second side B and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0053] In this embodiment, the sum of the distance c from the third side C to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the third side C and the distance b from the fourth side D to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the fourth side D is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, the sum of the width c of the peripheral region arranged on the third side C and the width d of the peripheral region arranged on the fourth side D satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflective element 10 and W2 is the spacing between the reflective elements 10. Here, the width c of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the third side C and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the width d of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the fourth side D and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0054] The radio wave reflector according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore when a plurality of radio wave reflectors are combined, the pitch of the reflecting elements can be made constant within the plane.

[0055] [Configuration of radio wave reflecting device] The configuration of the radio wave reflecting device 3000 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment, except for the arrangement direction of each radio wave reflecting plate and the distance between each reflection area. Explanations of the same things as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0056] Fig. 4A shows a plan view of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4B shows an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflecting plate in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 4B, the reflecting element 10 shown by the dotted line is not actually disposed, but is shown here as a virtual reflecting element to make it easier to understand the pitch of the combination.

[0057] In this embodiment, the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the second side B2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 satisfies pW1+(p+1)W2 (p is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-2 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-1, the distance between the second side B1 and the second side B2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the second side B2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-2.

[0058] In this embodiment, the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the fourth side D3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the fourth side D3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-3 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C1 and the reflective area 102-1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C1 and the fourth side D3 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the fourth side D3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0059] In this embodiment, the second side B3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the second side B4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies pW1 + (p + 1)W2 (p is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-3 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B3 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-3, the distance between the second side B3 and the second side B4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the second side B4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-4.

[0060] In this embodiment, the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the third side C4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies oW1 + (o + 1)W2 (o is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-2 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the fourth side D2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the fourth side D2 and the third side C4 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the third side C4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0061] 4A shows a configuration in which four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, the configuration in which the above-described four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined as one unit may be further combined vertically and horizontally.

[0062] In this case, the first side A1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 may be disposed adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the first side A1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 disposed adjacent to the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are disposed and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 satisfies qW1+(q+1)W2 (q is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-2 refers to the sum of the distance between the first side A1 and the reflective area 102-1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the distance between the first side A1 and the first side A2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the first side A2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0063] Furthermore, the first side A3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the first side A4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 may be arranged adjacent to each other, and may have a similar relationship to the first side A1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the first side A2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2.

[0064] The radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can make the pitch of the reflecting elements constant within the surface of the combined multiple radio wave reflectors. By having the above-mentioned configuration, the radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can easily adjust its position during installation, and can simplify the direction control of radio waves.

[0065] Fourth Embodiment [Configuration of Radio Wave Reflector] The configuration of the radio wave reflector according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment, except for the widths a and b of the peripheral region. Explanations of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0066] In this embodiment, twice the distance a from the first side A to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the first side A is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the interval W2 between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width a of the peripheral region arranged on the first side A satisfies qW1+(q+1)W2 (q is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width a of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the first side A and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0067] In this embodiment, twice the distance b from the second side B to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the second side B is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width b of the peripheral region arranged on the second side B satisfies pW1+(p+1)W2 (p is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width b of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the second side B and the reflective region 102 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0068] In this embodiment, twice the distance c from the third side C to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the third side C is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of the reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width c of the peripheral region arranged on the third side C satisfies mW1 + (m + 1)W2 (m is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width c of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the third side C and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] In this embodiment, twice the distance b from the fourth side D to the plurality of reflective elements 10 adjacent to the fourth side D is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the plurality of reflective elements 10 are arranged and the spacing w2 between adjacent reflective elements 10. In other words, when the width of a reflective element 10 is W1 and the spacing between the reflective elements 10 is W2, twice the width d of the peripheral region arranged on the fourth side D satisfies lW1+(l+1)W2 (l is an integer greater than or equal to 0). Here, the width d of the peripheral region refers to the distance between the fourth side D and the reflective region 102 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0070] The radio wave reflector according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, and therefore when a plurality of radio wave reflectors are combined, the pitch of the reflecting elements can be made constant within the plane.

[0071] [Configuration of radio wave reflecting device] The configuration of the radio wave reflecting device 4000 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment, except for the arrangement direction of each radio wave reflecting plate and the distance between each reflection area. Explanations of the same things as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only the parts that differ from the radio wave reflecting device 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0072] Fig. 5A shows a plan view of a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5B shows an enlarged plan view of a connection portion of a radio wave reflecting plate in a radio wave reflecting device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that in Fig. 5B, the reflecting elements 10 shown by dotted lines are not actually arranged, but are shown here as virtual reflecting elements to make it easier to understand the pitch of the combination.

[0073] In this embodiment, the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the second side B2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the second side B2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 satisfies pW1+(p+1)W2 (p is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-2 refers to the sum of the distance between the second side B1 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-1, the distance between the second side B1 and the second side B2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the second side B2 in the second direction (Y-axis direction) and the reflective area 102-2.

[0074] In this embodiment, the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the third side C3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the third side C3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-1 of the radio wave reflector 100-1 and the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 satisfies mW1 + (m + 1)W2 (m is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-1 and the reflective area 102-3 refers to the sum of the distance between the third side C1 and the reflective area 102-1 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the third side C1 and the third side C3 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the third side C3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0075] In this embodiment, the first side A3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the first side A4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the second direction (Y-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the first side A4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-3 of the radio wave reflector 100-3 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies qW1 + (q + 1)W2 (q is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-3 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the first side A3 and the reflective area 102-3 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), the distance between the first side A3 and the first side A4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction), and the distance between the first side A4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0076] In this embodiment, the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 are arranged adjacent to each other. The distance in the first direction (X-axis direction) between the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the fourth side D2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting element 10 arranged adjacent to the fourth side D4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 is the sum of an integer multiple of the period (pitch) P at which the multiple reflecting elements 10 are arranged and the interval w2 between the adjacent reflecting elements 10. In other words, the distance between the reflecting area 102-2 of the radio wave reflector 100-2 and the reflecting area 102-4 of the radio wave reflector 100-4 satisfies lW1 + (l + 1)W2 (l is an integer greater than or equal to 0), where W1 is the width of the reflecting element 10 and W2 is the interval between the reflecting elements 10. Here, the distance between the reflective area 102-2 and the reflective area 102-4 refers to the sum of the distance between the fourth side D2 and the reflective area 102-2 in the first direction (X-axis direction), the distance between the fourth side D2 and the fourth side D4 in the first direction (X-axis direction), and the distance between the fourth side D4 and the reflective area 102-4 in the first direction (X-axis direction).

[0077] 5A shows a configuration in which four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in this embodiment, the configuration in which the above-described four radio wave reflecting plates 100 are combined as one unit may be further combined vertically and horizontally.

[0078] The radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can make the pitch of the reflecting elements constant within the surface of the combined multiple radio wave reflectors. By having the above-mentioned configuration, the radio wave reflecting device according to this embodiment can easily adjust its position during installation, and can simplify the direction control of radio waves.

[0079] <Modifications> [Configuration of radio wave reflector] The configuration of the radio wave reflector according to this modification is the same as that of the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment, except that the first electrode 150 is electrically connected to the drive circuit 280 by the thin line pattern 260. Explanations of the same things as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only differences from the radio wave reflector according to the first embodiment will be described here.

[0080] 6 shows a plan view of a radio wave reflector according to a modified example of the present invention. The radio wave reflector 200 is provided on a first surface of an array substrate 110 with a reflective region 102 that reflects radio waves and a peripheral region 104 that surrounds the reflective region 102. In the reflective region 102, a plurality of reflective elements 10 are spaced apart at the same interval w2 as adjacent reflective elements 10, and are arranged in an array at the same period (pitch) P in a first direction (X direction) along a first side A of the array substrate 110 and in a second direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction.

[0081] In the reflective region 102, a plurality of first electrodes 150 arranged along a first direction (X-axis direction) are electrically connected by a fine line pattern 160. In the peripheral region 104, the fine line pattern 160 is electrically connected to a drive circuit 180 via wiring 190. The opposing substrate 120 exposes the wiring 190 and the drive circuit 180 on the array substrate 110. A flexible printed circuit board is further connected to the drive circuit 180 via a terminal (not shown).

[0082] In the reflective region 102, the plurality of first electrodes 150 arranged along the second direction (Y-axis direction) are electrically connected by a fine line pattern 260. In the peripheral region 104, the fine line pattern 260 is electrically connected to a drive circuit 280.

[0083] In the radio wave reflector 200, each first electrode 150 is connected to the fine line pattern 160 and the fine line pattern 260 via a thin film transistor (TFT) shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a TFT. The TFT has a structure in which, for example, an undercoat layer 1510, a gate electrode 1530, a bottom gate insulating film 1550, an oxide semiconductor layer 1570, a first connection wiring layer 1590, a top gate insulating film 1610, a bottom gate electrode 1630, a passivation film 1650, a second connection wiring layer 1670, a signal line 1690, and an insulating film 1710 are sequentially stacked on the array substrate 110. The TFT has an overcoat layer 1730, an insulating film 1750, a first electrode 150, a first alignment film 112a, a liquid crystal layer 130, a second alignment film 112b, a second electrode 170, and an opposing substrate 120 sequentially stacked.

[0084] The undercoat layer 1510 may be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film. The bottom gate insulating film 1550 may be composed of, for example, a SiN / SiO stacked structure. The gate electrode 1530 may be composed of, for example, molybdenum, tungsten, or an alloy thereof. The top gate insulating film 1610 may be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film. Furthermore, the first connection wiring layer 1590 and the second connection wiring layer 1670 may be composed of, for example, a Ti / Al / Ti stacked structure or a Mo / Al / Mo stacked structure. The passivation film 1650 may be composed of, for example, a silicon nitride film. The insulating film 1710 may be composed of, for example, a silicon oxide film or a silicon nitride film. The first electrode 150 may be composed of, for example, a Ti / Al / Ti stacked structure or a Mo / Al / Mo stacked structure. The second electrode 170 may be composed of, for example, molybdenum, tungsten, or an alloy thereof.

[0085] 7, the TFT is shown as a dual-gate type TFT using an oxide semiconductor, but amorphous silicon or low-temperature polysilicon (LTPS) may also be used. Also, although an example of vertical electric field driving is shown in FIG. 7, horizontal electric field driving may also be used.

[0086] The radio wave reflector 200 has a reflection axis parallel to a first direction (X-axis direction) and a reflection axis parallel to a second direction (Y-axis direction). In the radio wave reflector 200, each first electrode 150 is connected to a thin-line pattern 160 and a thin-line pattern 260 via a thin-film transistor (TFT) shown in FIG. 7 and is individually controlled. Therefore, the radio wave reflector 200 can control the reflection angle in the rotation direction about the reflection axis parallel to the first direction (X-axis direction) and the reflection axis parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction). Therefore, by combining these, it is possible to control the reflection angle of the radio wave reflector in all directions forward.

[0087] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Reflection element, 100 Radio wave reflector, 102 Reflection area, 104 Peripheral area, 110 Array substrate, 120 Counter substrate, 130 Liquid crystal layer, 140 Seal, 150 First electrode, 160 Fine line pattern, 170 Second electrode, 180 Drive circuit, 190 Wiring, 260 Fine line pattern, 280 Drive circuit, 1000 Radio wave reflecting device

Claims

1. a substrate having a first surface including a first edge; a reflective region in which the plurality of reflective elements on the first surface are spaced apart from adjacent reflective elements by a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A radio wave reflecting plate, wherein twice the distance from the first side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

2. The first surface further includes a second side opposite to the first side, 2 . The radio wave reflector according to claim 1 , wherein twice the distance from the second side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the second side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

3. A substrate having a first surface including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a reflective region in which the plurality of reflective elements on the first surface are spaced apart from adjacent reflective elements by a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A radio wave reflecting plate, wherein the sum of the distance from the first side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the first side and the distance from the second side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the second side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

4. the first surface further includes a third side connecting the first side and the second side, 4. The radio wave reflector according to claim 2, wherein twice the distance from the third side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the third side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

5. The first surface further includes a fourth side opposite to the third side, 5. The radio wave reflector according to claim 4, wherein twice the distance from the fourth side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the fourth side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

6. The first surface further includes a third side connected to the first side and a fourth side opposite to the third side, 2. The radio wave reflector according to claim 1, wherein the sum of the distance from the third side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the third side and the distance from the fourth side to the plurality of reflecting elements adjacent to the fourth side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

7. 2. The radio wave reflector of claim 1, wherein when the width of the reflective element is W1 and the first interval is W2, the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval is nW1+(n+1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

8. 2. The radio wave reflector according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of reflective elements include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

9. A radio wave reflecting device comprising a plurality of the radio wave reflectors according to claim 1.

10. a substrate having a first surface including a first edge; a first radio wave reflector and a second radio wave reflector, each of the plurality of reflecting elements on the first surface including reflecting regions spaced apart from adjacent reflecting elements at a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction along the first side and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the first side of the first radio wave reflecting plate and the first side of the second radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, A radio wave reflecting device, wherein the distance in the second direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the first radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the second radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

11. A substrate having a first surface including a first side and a second side opposite to the first side; a first radio wave reflector and a second radio wave reflector, each of the plurality of reflecting elements on the first surface including reflecting regions spaced apart from adjacent reflecting elements at a first interval and arranged at a first pitch in a first direction along the first side and in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; the second side of the first radio wave reflecting plate and the first side of the second radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, A radio wave reflecting device, wherein the distance in the second direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the first radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the second side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the second radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the first side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

12. Further comprising a third radio wave reflector including the substrate and the reflective area; the first surface further includes a third side connected to the first side, the third side of the first radio wave reflecting plate and the third side of the third radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, 12. The radio wave reflecting device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the distance in the first direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the first radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the third side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the third radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the third side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

13. Further comprising a fourth radio wave reflector including the substrate and the reflective area; The first surface further includes a fourth side opposite to the third side, the fourth side of the second radio wave reflecting plate and the fourth side of the fourth radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, The radio wave reflecting device of claim 12, wherein the distance in the first direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the second radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the fourth side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the fourth radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the fourth side is the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval.

14. Further comprising a third radio wave reflector including the substrate and the reflective area; the first surface further includes a third side connected to the first side and a fourth side opposite to the third side, the third side of the first radio wave reflecting plate and the fourth side of the third radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, 12. The radio wave reflecting device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the distance in the first direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the first radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the third side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the third radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the fourth side is the sum of an integer multiple of the pitch at which the plurality of reflecting elements are arranged and the first interval.

15. Further comprising a fourth radio wave reflector including the substrate and the reflective area; the third side of the second radio wave reflecting plate and the fourth side of the fourth radio wave reflecting plate are disposed adjacent to each other, The radio wave reflecting device of claim 14, wherein the distance in the first direction between a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the second radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the third side and a reflecting element among the plurality of reflecting elements of the fourth radio wave reflecting plate that is arranged adjacent to the fourth side is the sum of an integer multiple of the pitch at which the plurality of reflecting elements are arranged and the first interval.

16. 11. The radio wave reflecting device of claim 10, wherein when the width of the reflecting element is W1 and the first interval is W2, the sum of an integer multiple of the first pitch and the first interval is nW1+(n+1)W2 (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2).

17. 11. The radio wave reflecting device according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of reflecting elements include a first electrode, a second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

18. The radio wave reflecting device according to claim 10 , wherein the plurality of reflecting elements include transistors.

19. The radio wave reflecting device according to claim 10 , wherein a width of the reflecting element in the first direction is the same as a width of the reflecting element in the second direction.