Antenna device and vehicle comprising an antenna device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an antenna device including a conductive plate on which a main slot, a sub slot, and a slot coupler are formed; a feed line; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the feed line. The main slot, the sub slot, and the slot coupler are formed to penetrate through the conductive plate. The slot coupler extends from the sub slot to a vicinity of the main slot. Thereby, the antenna device can smoothly communicate with a preceding vehicle and / or a following vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0050615, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 27, 2020, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an antenna device and a vehicle including the antenna device, and more particularly, to an antenna device mounted on a front or rear window and a vehicle including the antenna device. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, a vehicle refers to a means of transportation that uses fossil fuels, electricity, or other energy sources to travel on roads or tracks.

[0005] In recent years, vehicles have been used not only for transporting goods and people, but also often include audio and video devices, allowing drivers to listen to music and watch videos while driving, and are also widely equipped with navigation devices that display routes to the driver's desired location.

[0006] In recent years, the need for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication with external devices (or external vehicles) has been increasing. For example, the need for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication with vehicles ahead and / or behind has been increasing.

[0007] In order to facilitate inter-vehicle communication with vehicles in front and / or behind, it is preferable to install antennas for transmitting and receiving radio signals at the front and / or rear of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide an antenna device mounted on the front window and / or rear window.

[0009] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an antenna device capable of forming a beam from a sloping front window and / or a sloping rear window toward the front and / or rear of a vehicle.

[0010] Other aspects of this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and will be apparent in part from that description, or may be learned by practice of this disclosure.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, the antenna device includes: a conductive plate having a main slot, a sub-slot, and a slot coupler formed thereon; a feed line; and a dielectric located between the conductive plate and the feed line. The main slot, sub-slot, and slot coupler may be formed to extend through the conductive plate. The slot coupler may extend from the sub-slot to a position adjacent to the main slot.

[0012] The main slit can be formed such that a width in a long axis direction is greater than a width in a short axis direction. The sub slit can be disposed to be spaced apart from the main slit in the long axis direction of the main slit.

[0013] The slit coupler can include a coupling induction portion extending in parallel to the main slit in the vicinity of the main slit, a slit connection portion connected to the sub slit, and a phase delay portion disposed between the coupling induction portion and the slit connection portion.

[0014] The phase delay portion can be formed in an S shape and can extend from the coupling induction portion to the slit connection portion.

[0015] The slit coupler can be configured to couple the sub slit to the main slit.

[0016] The antenna device can further include a coupler switch disposed through the slit coupler to allow or block coupling between the sub slit and the main slit.

[0017] A radiation pattern of the antenna device can be changed according to turning on or off of the coupler switch.

[0018] According to an aspect of the disclosure, an antenna device includes a conductive plate on which a main slit, a first sub slit, a second sub slit, a first slit coupler, and a second slit coupler are formed, a feed line, and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the feed line. The main slit, the first sub slit, the second sub slit, the first slit coupler, and the second slit coupler can be formed to penetrate the conductive plate. The first slit coupler can extend from the first sub slit to the vicinity of the main slit. The second slit coupler can extend from the second sub slit to a position adjacent to the main slit.

[0019] The main slit can be formed such that a width in a long axis direction is greater than a width in a short axis direction. The first sub slit can be disposed to be spaced apart from the main slit in the long axis direction of the main slit. The second sub slit can be disposed to be spaced apart from the main slit on an opposite side of the first sub slit in the long axis direction of the main slit.

[0020] The first and second slit couplers can include first and second coupling induction portions extending in parallel to the main slit in the vicinity of the main slit, first and second slit connection portions connected to the first and second sub slits, and first and second phase delay portions disposed between the first and second coupling induction portions and the first and second slit connection portions, respectively.

[0021] The first and second phase delay portions can be formed in an S shape and extend from the first and second coupling induction portions to the first and second slit connection portions, respectively.

[0022] The first and second slit couplers can be configured to couple the first and second sub slits to the main slit, respectively.

[0023] The antenna device can further include a first coupler switch disposed through the first slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the first sub-slot and the main slot, and a second coupler switch disposed through the second slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the second sub-slot and the main slot.

[0024] The radiation pattern of the antenna device can be changed according to the on or off of each of the first and second coupler switches.

[0025] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle includes a front window, a wireless communication device, and an antenna device disposed on the front window to be electrically connected to the wireless communication device. The antenna device can include a conductive plate on which a main slot, a sub-slot, and a slot coupler are formed, a feed line, and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the feed line. The main slot, the sub-slot, and the slot coupler can be formed to pass through the conductive plate. The slot coupler can extend from the sub-slot to a position adjacent to the main slot to couple the sub-slot to the main slot. The antenna device can further include a coupler switch disposed through the slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the sub-slot and the main slot according to a control signal of the wireless communication device.

[0026] The radiation pattern of the antenna device can be changed according to the on or off of the coupler switch.

[0027] The main slot can be formed such that a width in a long axis direction is greater than a width in a short axis direction. The sub-slot can be disposed to be spaced apart from the main slot in the long axis direction of the main slot.

[0028] The slot coupler can include a coupling induction portion extending in parallel to the main slot in the vicinity of the main slot, a slot connection portion connected to the sub-slot, and a phase delay portion disposed between the coupling induction portion and the slot connection portion.

[0029] The phase delay portion can be formed in an S shape and can extend from the coupling induction portion to the slot connection portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] These and / or other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an embodiment is illustrated;

[0032] Figure 2 Electronic components of a vehicle according to an embodiment are illustrated;

[0033] Figure 3A And Figure 3B An antenna device according to an embodiment is illustrated;

[0034] Figure 4 showing current distribution in a slot antenna including a main slot;

[0035] Figure 5 showing current distribution in a slot antenna including a main slot and a sub-slot;

[0036] Figure 6 showing current distribution in an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 7 showing radiation pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 8 showing an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 9A and Figure 9B showing current distribution and radiation pattern in a first state of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 10A and Figure 10B showing current distribution and radiation pattern in a second state of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11A and Figure 11B showing current distribution and radiation pattern in a third state of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment; and

[0042] Figure 12A and Figure 12B showing current distribution and radiation pattern in a fourth state of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 showing a vehicle according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 showing electronic components of a vehicle according to an embodiment.

[0045] The vehicle 1 can include a body 10 forming an appearance of the vehicle 1 and accommodating a driver and / or luggage, a chassis including configuration components of the vehicle 1 other than the body, and electronic components protecting and providing convenience for the driver.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle 1 can include a hood 11, a front bumper 12, a roof 13, a door 14, a trunk lid 15, a rear side panel 16, and the like. In order to secure the driver's view, a front window 17 is provided at a front portion of the vehicle body 10, a side window 18 is provided at a side portion of the vehicle body 10, and a rear window 19 is provided at a rear portion of the vehicle body 10. The front window 17 and the rear window 19 are each provided with an antenna device 100 capable of communicating with a preceding vehicle and a following vehicle, respectively.

[0047] The vehicle 1 can further include an engine management system (EMS) 31, a transmission control unit (TCU) 32, an electronic brake system (EBS) 33, an electric power steering device (EPS) 34, a body control module (BCM) 35, a display 36, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) 37, an audio device 38, a wireless communication device 50, and the like.

[0048] The wireless communication device 50 can wirelessly communicate with another vehicle, a user terminal, a communication repeater, or the like. The wireless communication device 50 can be used for vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V communication), vehicle-to-infrastructure communication (V2I communication), vehicle-to-mobile device communication (V2N communication), vehicle-to-grid communication (V2G communication), or the like.

[0049] The wireless communication device 50 can transmit and receive signals by various communication methods. For example, the wireless communication device 50 can use a short-range wireless communication method such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and wireless access in vehicular environments (WAVE). Also, for example, the wireless communication device 50 can use a mobile communication method such as time division multiple access (TDMA) and code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0050] The wireless communication device 50 can be connected to the antenna device 100 to transmit and receive wireless signals to and from another vehicle, a user terminal, or a communication repeater. As shown, the antenna device 100 can be mounted on the front window 17 and / or the rear window 19 of the vehicle 1. Figure 1

[0051] In addition, the vehicle 1 can further include electronic components to protect and provide convenience for the driver. For example, the vehicle 1 can include electronic components 30 such as a door lock, a wiper, a power seat, a seat heater, an instrument panel, an interior light, a navigation system, and a multifunction switch.

[0052] The electronic components 30 can communicate with each other through a vehicle communication network NT. For example, the electronic components 30 can exchange data with each other through Ethernet, media oriented systems transport (MOST), Flexray, controller area network (CAN), local interconnect network (LIN), or the like.

[0053] ​Figures 3A-3B An antenna apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated; Figure 4 A current distribution in a slot antenna including a main slot is illustrated; Figure 5 A current distribution in a slot antenna including a main slot and a sub-slot is illustrated; Figure 6 A current distribution in an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated; and Figure 7 A radiation pattern in an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment is illustrated.

[0054] Figure 3A An appearance of an antenna apparatus 100 is illustrated, and Figure 3B A cross-section taken along a line A-A' in Figure 3A is illustrated.

[0055] The antenna apparatus 100 can be a slot antenna. A slot antenna generally includes an elongated hole or a flat plate having a slot. A length of the slot can depend on a frequency or a wavelength of a radiated signal, and a width of the slot can depend on a bandwidth of the radiated signal. Slot antennas are widely used in a frequency band of 300 MHz to 25 GHz, and a radiation pattern of a slot antenna is substantially similar to a radiation pattern of a dipole antenna.

[0056] As illustrated in Figures 3A-3B , the antenna apparatus 100 includes a conductive plate 101 on which a main slot 110, a sub-slot 120, and a slot coupler 130 are formed.

[0057] The conductive plate 101 can be made of a conductive material such as metal through which electricity can flow. For example, the conductive plate 101 can be made of a metal thin film so that the antenna apparatus 100 can be bent.

[0058] Also, the conductive plate 101 can be made of a transparent material so as not to obstruct a driver's line of sight. For example, the conductive plate 101 can include indium tin oxide (ITO), or can include carbon nanotubes or graphene.

[0059] The main slot 110, the sub-slot 120, and the slot coupler 130 can be formed through the conductive plate 101. Radio waves are blocked by the conductive plate 101 made of a conductive material, but can pass through the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120 and the slot coupler 130.

[0060] The main slot 110 has an elongated shape. As illustrated in Figure 3A , the main slot 110 is formed so that a width W1 in a long axis X1 direction is greater than a width W2 in a short axis X2 direction. The width W1 in the long axis X1 direction can depend on a wavelength or a frequency of a radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna apparatus 100. The width W2 in the short axis X2 direction can depend on a bandwidth of a radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna apparatus 100.

[0061] Sub-slit 120 is formed near the main slit 110. Sub-slit 120 may be located on the extension of the major axis X1 of the main slit 110. In other words, sub-slit 120 may be positioned in the direction of the major axis.

[0062] The sub-slot 120 is configured to be spaced apart from the main slot 110. The distance between the sub-slot 120 and the main slot 110 can depend on the radiation direction of the radio waves transmitted by the antenna device 100.

[0063] The sub-slot 120 can be smaller than the main slot 110. In other words, the area of ​​the sub-slot 120 can be smaller than the area of ​​the main slot 110. The dimensions of the sub-slot 120 (the width of the sub-slot in the direction of the major axis of the main slot and the width of the sub-slot in the direction of the minor axis of the main slot) can depend on the radiation direction of the radio waves transmitted by the antenna device 100.

[0064] The sub-slit 120 can have various shapes. The shape of the sub-slit 120 can be, for example, approximately circular or approximately elliptical, or a square with rounded corners, or a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0065] The slot coupler 130 can be positioned near the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120.

[0066] The slot coupler 130 includes: a coupling sensing part 131 for inductive coupling with the main slot 110; a phase delay part 132 for performing phase delay between the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120; and a slot connection part 133 connected to the sub-slot 120.

[0067] like Figure 3A As shown, the slot coupler 130 is connected to the sub-slot 120. In other words, the slot coupler 130 can be a slot or hole integrated with the sub-slot 120. The slot coupler 130 and the sub-slot 120 can be defined by a closed curve.

[0068] The portion of the slot coupler 130 that connects to the sub-slot 120 can be defined as the slot connection portion 133.

[0069] Unlike slot coupler 130, which is connected to sub-slot 120, slot coupler 130 is not connected to main slot 110. In other words, slot coupler 130 can be a slot or hole that is not integrated with main slot 110. Slot coupler 130 and main slot 110 are not defined by a single closed curve, but can be defined by at least two separate, non-overlapping closed curves.

[0070] However, the slot coupler 130 can be configured to be closer to the main slot 110 than the sub-slot 120 in order to couple with the main slot 110. In other words, the shortest distance between the slot coupler 130 and the main slot 110 can be shorter than the shortest distance between the sub-slot 120 and the main slot 110.

[0071] The portion of the slot coupler 130 coupled to the main slot 110 can be defined as the coupling sensing portion 131. The coupling sensing portion 131 can extend near the main slot 110 along the direction of its major axis X1. For example, the coupling sensing portion 131 can extend from one end of the main slot 110 closest to the sub-slot 120, parallel to the main slot 110, toward the other end of the main slot 110. The length by which the coupling sensing portion 131 extends from one end of the main slot 110 toward the other end can depend on the radiation direction of the radio waves transmitted by the antenna device 100.

[0072] The phase delay section 132 is located between the slit connection section 133 and the coupling sensing section 131. The phase delay section 132 can adjust the phase delay between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120.

[0073] For example, the width of the major axis X1 of the main slot 110 roughly corresponds to half the wavelength of the radio signal. If a 180-degree phase delay is required between the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120, the main slot 110 needs to be spaced from the sub-slot 120 by a distance equivalent to the width of the major axis X1 of the main slot 110. As the distance between the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120 increases, the antenna device 100 may become larger, and the efficiency of the antenna device 100 may decrease.

[0074] The phase delay section 132 can increase the distance that the electromagnetic field coupled from the main slit 110 through the coupling induction section 131 propagates to the sub-slit 120. This can cause a phase delay between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120.

[0075] For example, such as Figure 3A As shown, the phase delay portion 132 can be formed in an S-shape or a Z-shape pattern. The S-shape or Z-shape pattern of the phase delay portion 132 can increase the distance the signal propagates between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120, while simultaneously minimizing the physical distance between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120. Thus, the phase delay between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120 is sufficiently ensured, and the distance between the main slit 110 and the sub-slit 120 is minimized.

[0076] The antenna device 100 may further include a feed line 102 and a dielectric 103.

[0077] The dielectric 103 is provided between the feed line 102 and the conductive plate 101. The dielectric 103 can support the feed line 102 and the conductive plate 101, and electrically isolate the feed line 102 and the conductive plate 101.

[0078] The dielectric 103 can be composed of a non-conductor that does not conduct electricity, and can include, for example, FR-4 widely used for printed circuit boards. The dielectric 103 can be made of a flexible material so that the antenna device 100 can be bent. For example, the dielectric 103 can include a polyimide film or a polyester film.

[0079] The feed line 102 can be provided to be spaced apart from the conductive plate 101, and the dielectric 103 is provided between the feed line 102 and the conductive plate 101. For example, the feed line 102 does not contact the conductive plate 101, and can be provided to be substantially parallel to the conductive plate 101.

[0080] The feed line 102 can be provided to extend in the direction of the short axis X2 of the main slot 110. At least a portion of the feed line 102 can overlap the main slot 110. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, the main slot 110 and the feed line 102 can intersect at an angle of 90 degrees. Figure 3A and 3B

[0081] The feed line 102 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 50 of the vehicle 1. An electric signal can be supplied to the feed line 102 from the wireless communication device 50.

[0082] When an electric signal is input through the feed line 102, an electromagnetic field can be formed around the feed line 102. The electromagnetic field formed around the feed line 102 can resonate through the main slot 110. The electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110 can be radiated into free space.

[0083] A current can be induced around the main slot 110 by the electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110. The electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110 can induce a current around the coupling induction portion 131 of the slot coupler 130 as well as around the main slot 110.

[0084] An electromagnetic field can be generated inside the coupling induction portion 131 by the current induced around the coupling induction portion 131. The electromagnetic field generated inside the coupling induction portion 131 can propagate along the phase delay portion 132 to the slot connection portion 133. When the electromagnetic field propagates along the phase delay portion 132, a phase can be delayed.

[0085] ​The electromagnetic field propagated to the gap junction 133 can be transmitted to the sub-gap 120. The electromagnetic field transmitted to the sub-gap 120 can be radiated to the free space from the sub-gap 120. In other words, a part of the electromagnetic field resonating in the main gap 110 can be radiated to the free space through the sub-gap 120.

[0086] During the electromagnetic field is propagated from the main gap 110 to the sub-gap 120 through the gap coupler 130, a current can be induced around the gap coupler 130 by the electromagnetic field.

[0087] As such, the gap coupler 130 can guide the electromagnetic field in the main gap 110 to the sub-gap 120. In the absence of the gap coupler 130, the sub-gap 120 can not be coupled to the main gap 110.

[0088] For example, the current distribution in an antenna in which only the main gap 110 is formed is as shown in FIG. 4A. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4B, the current distribution in the antenna is concentrated around the main gap 110. Thus, it is confirmed that the radio wave is radiated to the free space from the main gap 110. Figure 4

[0089] The current distribution in an antenna in which only the main gap 110 and the sub-gap 120 are formed is as shown in FIG. 5A. Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 5B, the current distribution in the antenna is concentrated around the main gap 110. Although the sub-gap 120 exists around the main gap 110, the current is concentrated around the main gap 110 and no current distribution is made around the sub-gap 120. Thus, it is confirmed that the radio wave is radiated only from the main gap 110 and no radio wave is radiated in the sub-gap 120. Figure 5 The current in the antenna device 100 in which the main gap 110, the sub-gap 120, and the gap coupler 130 are formed is as shown in FIG. 6A.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 6B, it is confirmed that the current distribution in the antenna is concentrated around the main gap 110, but the current distribution is diffused to the sub-gap 120 along the gap coupler 130. Thus, it is confirmed that the radio wave is radiated not only from the main gap 110 but also from the sub-gap 120. Figure 6 Figure 6 As described above, the gap coupler 130 can couple the main gap 110 to the sub-gap 120 and can induce the radio wave to be radiated not only from the main gap 110 but also from the sub-gap 120.

[0091] As such, because the radio wave is radiated not only from the main gap 110 but also from the sub-gap 120, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 is different from that of a general gap antenna.

[0092] As such, because the radio wave is radiated not only from the main gap 110 but also from the sub-gap 120, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 is different from that of a general gap antenna.

[0093] ​​As described above, the radiation pattern of the slot antenna is generally similar to that of the dipole antenna. A general slot antenna can radiate radio waves in a direction perpendicular to the slot (front-rear direction when the long axis direction of the slot is defined as the upper / lower side) and in a direction of the short axis of the slot (left-right direction when the long axis direction of the slot is defined as the upper / lower side). In particular, the slot antenna exhibits a radiation pattern with a center line perpendicular to the slot.

[0094] In contrast, since radio waves are radiated not only from the main slot 110 but also from the sub slot 120, the radiation pattern in the antenna device 100 can radiate radio waves in a direction inclined to the horizontal direction.

[0095] The radiation pattern in the front and rear directions (directions perpendicular to the slot) in the antenna device 100 is shown in FIG. 6A. As shown in FIG. 6B, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern toward the front upper side. In other words, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern biased in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sub slot 120 is disposed, with the main slot 110 as the center. Also, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern toward the rear lower side. In other words, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern biased in the direction in which the sub slot 120 is disposed, with the main slot 110 as the center. Figure 7 Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 6B, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern toward the front upper side. In other words, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern biased in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sub slot 120 is disposed, with the main slot 110 as the center. Also, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern toward the rear lower side. In other words, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern biased in the direction in which the sub slot 120 is disposed, with the main slot 110 as the center.

[0096] In this way, when the antenna device 100 is installed on the front window 17 or the rear window 19, the upwardly or downwardly biased radiation pattern has an advantageous effect. Generally, a preceding vehicle or a following vehicle travels on the same plane (road) as the vehicle 1, and it is advantageous for the antenna device to have a radiation pattern in a direction parallel to the road, so as to communicate with the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle.

[0097] The surfaces of the front window 17 and the rear window 19 are generally disposed inclined with respect to the road or a plane perpendicular to the road. When a general slot antenna is disposed on the inclined front window 17 and the rear window 19, the radiation pattern of the antenna can not be parallel to the road. For example, when the front window 17 and the rear window 19 are disposed at an inclination angle of 45 degrees with respect to the road, it is predicted that the radiation pattern of the slot antenna is inclined upward by 45 degrees.

[0098] On the other hand, the antenna device 100 has a radiation pattern inclined toward the front upper side or the front lower side. Therefore, when the antenna device 100 is installed on the inclined front window 17 and the rear window 19, the antenna device 100 can have a radiation pattern generally parallel to the road. For example, when the antenna device 100 having a radiation pattern inclined toward the front lower side at an angle of 45 degrees is installed on the front window 17 disposed at an inclination angle of 45 degrees, the antenna device 100 can emit radio waves in a direction generally parallel to the road.

[0099] Figure 8 An antenna device according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 1A, and an antenna device according to another embodiment is shown in FIG. 1B. Figures 9A-9B ​Current distribution and radiation pattern in a first state of the antenna device according to an embodiment are shown, Figures 10A-10B Current distribution and radiation pattern in a second state of the antenna device according to an embodiment are shown, Figure 11A and Figure 11B Current distribution and radiation pattern in a third state of the antenna device according to an embodiment are shown, and Figure 12A and Figure 12B Current distribution and radiation pattern in a fourth state of the antenna device according to an embodiment are shown.

[0100] As Figure 8 shown, the antenna device 100a includes a conductive plate 101 on which a main slot 110, a first sub-slot 120a, a second sub-slot 120b, a first slot coupler 130a, a second slot coupler 130b, a first coupler switch 140a, and a second coupler switch 140b are formed.

[0101] The conductive plate 101 can be made of the same material as the conductive plate shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B The main slot 110, the first sub-slot 120a, the second sub-slot 120b, the first slot coupler 130a, and the second slot coupler 130b are formed to penetrate the conductive plate 101.

[0102] The main slot 110 has an elongated shape and has the same shape as the main slot 110 shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B and can provide the same function.

[0103] The first sub-slot 120a is formed near (below the main slot in the drawing) the main slot 110 and has the same shape as the sub-slot 120 shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B and can provide the same function.

[0104] The first slot coupler 130a is disposed near (right of the main slot and the first sub-slot in the drawing) the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a and has the same shape as the slot coupler 130 shown in Figure 3A and can provide the same function. The first slot coupler 130a includes a first coupling induction part 131a, a first phase delay part 132a, and a first slot connection part 133a.

[0105] The second sub-slot 120b can be disposed near (above the main slot in the drawing) the main slot 110 on the opposite side of the first sub-slot 120a. The second sub-slot 120b has the same shape as the sub-slot 120 shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe sub-slits 120 shown have the same shape and can provide the same function.

[0106] The second slot coupler 130b is disposed near the main slot 110 and the second sub-slot 120b (to the left of the main slot and the second sub-slot in the attached figure), and has a coupling with... Figure 3A The second slot coupler 130b has the same shape as the slot coupler 130 shown and can provide the same function. The second slot coupler 130b includes a second coupling sensing part 131b, a second phase delay part 132b, and a second slot connection part 133b.

[0107] The first coupler switch 140a can allow or block the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a through the first slot coupler 130a.

[0108] like Figure 8 As shown, a first coupler switch 140a can be disposed between the first coupling sensing section 131a and the first phase delay section 132a. The first coupler switch 140a can allow or block the connection between the first coupling sensing section 131a and the first phase delay section 132a. The first coupler switch 140a is disposed by passing through the first slot coupler 130a between the first coupling sensing section 131a and the first phase delay section 132a.

[0109] In order to block the connection between the first coupling induction unit 131a and the first phase delay unit 132a in response to the control signal of the wireless communication device 50, the first coupler switch 140a can electrically connect the right side and the left side of the first slot coupler 130a on the conductive plate 101. In other words, the first coupler switch 140a can be turned on or off. When the right side and the left side of the first slot coupler 130a on the conductive plate 101 are electrically connected, the propagation of the electromagnetic field along the first slot coupler 130a can be blocked. Thus, when the first coupler switch 140a is turned on or off, the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a is blocked, and the main slot 110 can operate independently.

[0110] Also, to allow the connection between the first coupling inductor 131a and the first phase delay unit 132a in response to the control signal of the wireless communication device 50, the first coupler switch 140a can block the electrical connection between the right side and the left side of the first slot coupler 130a on the conductive plate 101. In other words, the first coupler switch 140a can be disconnected or opened. When the electrical connection between the right side and the left side of the first slot coupler 130a on the conductive plate 101 is blocked, the electromagnetic field can be allowed to propagate along the first slot coupler 130a. In this way, when the first coupler switch 140a is disconnected or opened, the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a is allowed, and the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a can operate together.

[0111] The second coupler switch 140b can allow or block the coupling between the main slot 110 and the second sub-slot 120b through the second slot coupler 130b.

[0112] The detailed configuration and operation of the second coupler switch 140b can be the same as those of the first coupler switch 140a.

[0113] The antenna device 100a can further include a feed line 102 and a dielectric 103. The feed line 102 and the dielectric 103 can be the same as those of the antenna device 100 shown in FIG. 1. Figure 3A

[0114] Hereinafter, the current distribution and the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a according to the opening and closing of the first coupler switch 140a and the second coupler switch 140b will be described.

[0115] When the first coupler switch 140a and the second coupler switch 140b are both turned on (or closed) in the first state, the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a is blocked, and the coupling between the main slot 110 and the second sub-slot 120b is blocked.

[0116] When an electrical signal is supplied to the antenna device 100a through the feed line 102 in a state in which the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b is blocked, an induced current is generated around the main slot 110 as shown in FIG. 4. Figure 9A Because the coupling between the main slot 110 and the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b is blocked, the current around the main slot 110 can not propagate to the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b.

[0117] Therefore, the radio wave is radiated only in the main slot 110, and the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b are not excited. Figure 9B ​As shown, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern in which radio waves are radiated to the front and the rear of the antenna device 100a (a direction perpendicular to the main slit).

[0118] When the first coupler switch 140a is off (or open) and the second coupler switch 140b is on (or closed) in the second state, the coupling between the main slit 110 and the first sub-slit 120a is allowed, and the coupling between the main slit 110 and the second sub-slit 120b is blocked.

[0119] When an electric signal is supplied to the antenna device 100a through the feed line 102 in the second state, as shown, an electric current is induced around the main slit 110. Because the coupling between the main slit 110 and the first sub-slit 120a is allowed, an electric current can also be induced around the first sub-slit 120a. On the other hand, because the coupling between the main slit 110 and the second sub-slit 120b is blocked, no electric current is induced around the second sub-slit 120b. Figure 10A

[0120] Therefore, radio waves are radiated in the main slit 110 and the first sub-slit 120a, and as shown, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern in which radio waves are radiated to the front and the rear. Figure 10B

[0121] When the first coupler switch 140a is on (or closed) and the second coupler switch 140b is off (or open) in the third state, the coupling between the main slit 110 and the first sub-slit 120a is blocked, and the coupling between the main slit 110 and the second sub-slit 120b is allowed.

[0122] When an electric signal is supplied to the antenna device 100a through the feed line 102 in the third state, as shown, an electric current is induced around the main slit 110. Because the coupling between the main slit 110 and the second sub-slit 120b is allowed, an electric current can also be induced around the second sub-slit 120b. On the other hand, because the coupling between the main slit 110 and the first sub-slit 120a is blocked, no electric current is induced around the first sub-slit 120a. Figure 11A

[0123] Therefore, radio waves are radiated in the main slit 110 and the second sub-slit 120b, and as shown, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern in which radio waves are radiated to the front and the rear. Figure 11B

[0124] ​​​​When the first coupler switch 140a and the second coupler switch 140b are both turned off (or opened) in the fourth state, coupling between the main slot 110 and the first sub-slot 120a is allowed, and coupling between the main slot 110 and the second sub-slot 120b is allowed.

[0125] When an electrical signal is supplied to the antenna device 100a through the feed line 102 in the state in which coupling between the main slot 110 and the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b is allowed, as shown in FIG. 4, an induced current is induced around the main slot 110. Because coupling between the main slot 110 and the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b is allowed, the current around the main slot 110 can propagate to the first and second sub-slots 120a and 120b. Figure 12A

[0126] Thus, radio waves are radiated in the main slot 110, the first sub-slot 120a, and the second sub-slot 120b, and as shown in FIG. 5, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern in which radio waves are radiated to the front and rear of the antenna device 100a (a direction perpendicular to the main slot). However, compared to the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a in the first state, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a in the fourth state has a narrower width and a longer length. In other words, in the fourth state, the antenna device 100a can radiate radio waves farther in a narrower range. Figure 12B

[0127] From the above, it is apparent that, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device disposed on a front window and / or a rear window can be provided.

[0128] Further, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device capable of forming a beam toward a front and / or a rear of a vehicle from an inclined front window and / or an inclined rear window can be provided. Thus, the antenna device can smoothly communicate with a preceding vehicle and / or a following vehicle.

[0129] Although the present disclosure has been particularly described with reference to the example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.​​

Claims

1. An antenna device comprising: a conductive plate on which a main slot, a sub-slot, and a slot coupler are formed; a feed line; and a dielectric between the conductive plate and the feed line, wherein the main slot, the sub-slot, and the slot coupler pass through the conductive plate, and the slot coupler is connected to the sub-slot, the slot coupler is coupled with the main slot, and a shortest distance between the slot coupler and the main slot is shorter than a shortest distance between the sub-slot and the main slot. the main slot is formed so that a width in a long axis direction is larger than a width in a short axis direction, and the sub-slot is spaced apart from the main slot in the long axis direction of the main slot.

2. The antenna device of claim 1, wherein, the slot coupler includes a coupling induction portion extending in parallel to the main slot in a vicinity of the main slot, a slot connection portion connected to the sub-slot, and a phase delay portion provided between the coupling induction portion and the slot connection portion.

3. The antenna device of claim 2, wherein, the phase delay portion is formed in an S-shape and extends from the coupling induction portion to the slot connection portion.

4. The antenna device of claim 3, wherein, the slot coupler is configured to couple the sub-slot to the main slot.

5. The antenna device of claim 1, wherein, a coupler switch is provided across the slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the sub-slot and the main slot.

6. The antenna device of claim 5, further comprising: a radiation pattern of the antenna device changes according to on or off of the coupler switch.

7. The antenna device of claim 6, wherein, 8. An antenna device comprising: a conductive plate on which a main slot, a first sub-slot, a second sub-slot, a first slot coupler, and a second slot coupler are formed; a feed line; and a dielectric between the conductive plate and the feed line; wherein the main slot, the first sub-slot, the second sub-slot, the first slot coupler, and the second slot coupler pass through the conductive plate, the first slot coupler is connected to the first sub-slot, the first slot coupler is coupled with the main slot, and a shortest distance between the first slot coupler and the main slot is shorter than a shortest distance between the first sub-slot and the main slot, and the second slot coupler is connected to the second sub-slot, the second slot coupler is coupled with the main slot, and a shortest distance between the second slot coupler and the main slot is shorter than a shortest distance between the second sub-slot and the main slot. the main slot is formed so that a width in a long axis direction is larger than a width in a short axis direction, the first sub-slot is spaced apart from the main slot in the long axis direction of the main slot, and the second sub-slot is spaced apart from the main slot on an opposite side of the first sub-slot in the long axis direction of the main slot. the first slot coupler and the second slot coupler respectively include:

9. The antenna device of claim 8, wherein, first and second coupling induction portions extending in parallel to the main slot; 10. The antenna device of claim 9, wherein, first and second slot connection portions connected to the first and second sub-slots, respectively; and a phase delay portion provided between the first and second coupling induction portions. ​ a first phase delay portion provided between the first coupling induction portion and the first slot connection portion, and a second phase delay portion provided between the second coupling induction portion and the second slot connection portion.

11. The antenna device of claim 10, wherein, The first phase delay portion and the second phase delay portion are formed in an S-shape and extend from the first coupling induction portion and the second coupling induction portion to the first slot connection portion and the second slot connection portion, respectively.

12. The antenna device of claim 8, wherein, The first slot coupler and the second slot coupler are configured to couple the first sub-slot and the second sub-slot to the main slot, respectively.

13. The antenna device according to claim 12, further comprising: a first coupler switch provided across the first slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the first sub-slot and the main slot; and a second coupler switch provided across the second slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the second sub-slot and the main slot.

14. The antenna device of claim 13, wherein, A radiation pattern of the antenna device changes according to on or off of each of the first coupler switch and the second coupler switch.

15. A vehicle comprising: a front window; a wireless communication device; and an antenna device located on the front window and configured to be electrically connected to the wireless communication device, the antenna device comprising: a conductive plate on which a main slot, a sub-slot, and a slot coupler are formed; a feed line; and a dielectric located between the conductive plate and the feed line, wherein the main slot, the sub-slot, and the slot coupler are through the conductive plate, the slot coupler coupling the sub-slot to the main slot, the antenna device further comprising: a coupler switch provided across the slot coupler to allow or block coupling between the sub-slot and the main slot according to a control signal of the wireless communication device, and the slot coupler being connected to the sub-slot, the slot coupler being coupled to the main slot, and a shortest distance between the slot coupler and the main slot being shorter than a shortest distance between the sub-slot and the main slot.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein, A radiation pattern of the antenna device changes according to on or off of the coupler switch.

17. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein, The main slot is formed so that a width in a long axis direction is greater than a width in a short axis direction, and the sub-slot is provided to be spaced apart from the main slot in the long axis direction of the main slot.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein, The slot coupler includes a coupling induction portion extending in parallel to the main slot in the vicinity of the main slot, a slot connection portion connected to the sub-slot, and a phase delay portion provided between the coupling induction portion and the slot connection portion.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein, The phase delay portion is formed in an S-shape and extends from the coupling induction portion to the slot connection portion.

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