Antenna device and vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an antenna device, which includes: a conductive plate having a plurality of slot groups; a plurality of feed lines; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines. Each of the plurality of slot groups may include a main slot, a secondary slot, and a slot coupler formed in the conductive plate. The main slot, the secondary slot, and the slot coupler may be configured to penetrate the conductive plate. The slot coupler may be configured to extend from the secondary slot to near the main slot.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to a Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2020 - 0050671, filed on Apr. 27, 2020 with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an antenna device and a vehicle having the same, and more particularly, to an antenna device mounted on a front window or a rear window and a vehicle having the same. Background Art

[0004] A vehicle is a mobile tool or transportation means that travels on roads and tracks using fossil fuels and / or electricity as a power source.

[0005] Vehicles generally include an audio device and a video device to enable a driver to listen to music and watch videos. In addition, a navigation system is typically provided in a vehicle to display a route to a destination to the driver.

[0006] The need for a vehicle to communicate with an external device (or an external vehicle) is increasing. For example, the need for vehicle - to - vehicle (V2V) communication with a preceding vehicle and / or a following vehicle is increasing.

[0007] To smoothly perform V2V communication with a preceding vehicle and / or a following vehicle, it is preferable to arrange antennas for transmitting / receiving radio signals at the front and / or rear of the vehicle.

[0008] The information disclosed in the above background art section is for helping to understand the background of the present disclosure, and should not be regarded as an admission of any part of that information constituting the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] An object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna device provided on a front window and / or a rear window.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an antenna device capable of forming beams toward the front and / or rear of a vehicle from an inclined front window and / or rear window.

[0011] Other aspects of the present disclosure will be partially described below, and will be partially apparent from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the present disclosure.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device may include: a conductive plate having a plurality of slot groups; a plurality of feed lines; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines. Each of the plurality of slot groups may include a main slot, a secondary slot, and a slot coupler formed in the conductive plate. The main slot, the secondary slot, and the slot coupler may be configured to penetrate the conductive plate. The slot coupler may be configured to extend from the secondary slot to near the main slot.

[0013] The width of each main slot in the direction of the major axis may be greater than the width in the direction of the minor axis.

[0014] Another main slot adjacent to the main slot may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main slot in the direction of the major axis of the main slot.

[0015] Another main slot adjacent to the main slot may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main slot in the direction of the minor axis of the main slot.

[0016] The secondary slot may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main slot in the direction of the major axis of the main slot.

[0017] Each of the plurality of feed lines may be configured to extend in the direction of the minor axis of the main slot and cross the main slot.

[0018] The slot coupler may include: a coupling inductor extending parallel to the main slot near the main slot; a slot connector connected to the secondary slot; and a phase shifter disposed between the coupling inductor and the slot connector.

[0019] The phase shifter may be in the shape of the letter S extending from the coupling inductor to the slot connector.

[0020] The slot coupler may be configured to couple the secondary slot to the main slot.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle may include: a front window; a wireless communication device; and an antenna device disposed on the front window and configured to be electrically connected to the wireless communication device. The antenna device may include: a conductive plate having a plurality of slot groups; a plurality of feed lines; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines. Each of the plurality of slot groups includes a main slot, a secondary slot, and a slot coupler formed in the conductive plate. The main slot, the secondary slot, and the slot coupler are configured to penetrate the conductive plate. The slot coupler may be configured to extend from the secondary slot to near the main slot.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an antenna device includes: a conductive plate; a plurality of feed lines; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines. The conductive plate includes: a plurality of main slots having a first width in a direction of a first axis and a second width in a direction of a second axis, the first width extending greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis; a plurality of sub-slots spaced apart from each of the plurality of main slots in the direction of the first axis of each of the plurality of main slots; and a plurality of slot couplers extending from each of the plurality of sub-slots toward the vicinity of each of the plurality of main slots. Each of the plurality of feed lines may be configured to extend in the direction of the second axis of the main slot and cross each of the plurality of main slots. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 2 is a view showing an electronic component of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 4 is a view showing a current distribution of a slot antenna including a main slot.

[0028] Figure 5 is a view showing a current distribution of a slot antenna including a main slot and a sub-slot.

[0029] Figure 6 is a view showing a current distribution of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 is a view showing a radiation pattern of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 is a view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 9 is a view showing a radiation pattern of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 10A and Figure 10BA view showing the radiation directions of a conventional antenna device installed in a vehicle and the radiation directions of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0034] Figure 11 A view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0035] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a thorough understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. Accordingly, various alterations, modifications, and equivalent forms of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progress of the described processing operations is an example; however, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, the order of the operations is not limited to the order set forth herein and may be varied as is known in the art. Additionally, corresponding descriptions of well-known functions and configurations are omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

[0036] In addition, exemplary embodiments are now described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the exemplary embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0037] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, an element can be directly connected or coupled to another element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0039] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0040] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals always denote like elements.

[0041] The expression “at least one of a, b, and c” should be understood to include only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, or a, b, and c.

[0042] Hereinafter, the operating principle and embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a view showing a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is a view showing an electronic component of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The vehicle 1 may include a body 10 that forms the exterior of the vehicle 1 and houses a driver and / or cargo, a chassis having components of the vehicle 1 other than the body, and an electronic component that protects the driver and provides convenience to the driver.

[0045] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the vehicle 1 may include a hood 11, a front bumper 12, a roof panel 13, doors 14, a trunk lid 15, and rear quarter panels 16, etc. In addition, in order to ensure the driver's line of sight, a front window 17 may be installed at the front of the body 10, side windows 18 may be installed on the sides of the body 10, and a rear window 19 may be provided at the rear of the body 10. Each of the front window 17 and the rear window 19 may be provided with an antenna device 100 capable of communicating with a preceding vehicle and a following vehicle, respectively.

[0046] The vehicle 1 may include an engine management system (EMS) 31, a transmission control unit (TCU) 32, an electronic brake system (EBS) 33, an electronic power steering system (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, etc.

[0047] The wireless communication device 50 may perform wireless communication with another vehicle, a user terminal, a communication repeater, etc. The wireless communication device 50 may be used for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) communication, vehicle-to-network (V2N) communication, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) communication, etc.

[0048] The wireless communication device 50 may transmit and receive signals through various communication methods. The wireless communication device 50 may use short-range wireless communication methods such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) or wireless access in vehicular environments (WAVE). Additionally, the wireless communication device 50 may use mobile communication methods such as time division multiple access (TDMA) or code division multiple access (CDMA).

[0049] The wireless communication device 50 can be connected to the antenna device 100 to exchange wireless signals with another vehicle, user terminal, or communication repeater. As Figure 1 shown, the antenna device 100 can be mounted on the front window 17 and / or the rear window 19 of the vehicle 1.

[0050] In addition, the vehicle 1 can further include electronic components for protecting the driver and providing convenience to the driver. For example, the vehicle 1 can include electronic components 30 such as door locks, windshield wipers, electric seats, seat heaters, combination meters, interior lights, navigation systems, and multifunction switches.

[0051] The electronic components 30 can communicate with each other through the vehicle communication network NT. For example, the electronic components 30 can send and receive data through Ethernet, Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST), Flexray, Controller Area Network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), etc.

[0052] Figure 3A and Figure 3B are views showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 4 is a view showing the current distribution of a slot antenna including a main slot, Figure 5 is a view showing the current distribution of a slot antenna including a main slot and a secondary slot, Figure 6 is a view showing the current distribution of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 7 is a view showing the radiation pattern of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 3A shows the appearance of the antenna device 100, Figure 3B shows Figure 3A section A - A′.

[0054] The antenna device 100 can be a slot antenna. A slot antenna generally includes an elongated hole or a slot plate. The length of the slot can depend on the frequency or wavelength of the radiation signal, and the width of the slot can depend on the bandwidth of the radiation signal. Slot antennas are widely used in the frequency band from 300 MHz to 25 GHz, and the radiation pattern of a slot antenna is substantially similar to that of a dipole antenna.

[0055] As Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the antenna device 100 can include a conductive plate 101 formed with a main slot 110, a secondary slot 120, and a slot coupler 130.

[0056] The conductive plate 101 can be formed of a conductive material such as metal. For example, the conductive plate 101 can be a thin metal film so that the antenna device 100 can be bent.

[0057] In addition, the conductive plate 101 may be made of a transparent material so as not to block the driver's line of sight. For example, the conductive plate 101 may include indium tin oxide (ITO), or may include carbon nanotubes or graphene.

[0058] The main slot 110, the sub-slot 120, and the slot coupler 130 may be formed through the conductive plate 101. Radio waves may be blocked by the conductive plate 101 made of a conductive material, but may pass through the main slot 110, the sub-slot 120, and the slot coupler 130.

[0059] The main slot 110 has an elongated shape. As Figure 3A shown, the width W1 of the main slot 110 in the long axis X1 direction is greater than the width W2 in the short axis X2 direction. The width W1 in the long axis X1 direction may depend on the wavelength or frequency of the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna device 100. The width W2 in the short axis X2 direction may depend on the bandwidth of the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna device 100.

[0060] The sub-slot 120 may be formed near the main slot 110. The sub-slot 120 may be located on the extension line of the long axis X1 of the main slot 110. In other words, the sub-slot 120 may be arranged in the long axis direction.

[0061] The sub-slot 120 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the main slot 110. The distance between the sub-slot 120 and the main slot 110 may depend on the radiation direction of the radio wave emitted by the antenna device 100.

[0062] The sub-slot 120 may be smaller than the main slot 110. In other words, the area of the sub-slot 120 may be smaller than the area of the main slot 110. The size of the sub-slot 120 (the width of the sub-slot in the long axis direction of the main slot and the width of the sub-slot in the short axis direction of the main slot) may depend on the radiation direction of the radio wave emitted by the antenna device 100.

[0063] In addition, the sub-slot 120 may have various shapes. The sub-slot 120 may be, for example, approximately circular or approximately elliptical, or a square with rounded corners, or a rectangle with rounded corners.

[0064] The slot coupler 130 may be defined to be adjacent to the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120.

[0065] The slot coupler 130 may include: a coupling inductor 131 for inductively coupling with the main slot 110; a phase shifter 132 for performing phase delay between the main slot 110 and the sub-slot 120; and a slot connector 133 connected to the sub-slot 120.

[0066] Refer to Figure 3A andFigure 3B The slot coupler 130 can be connected to the secondary slot 120. In other words, the slot coupler 130 can be a slot or a hole integrated with the secondary slot 120. Additionally, the slot coupler 130 and the secondary slot 120 can be defined by a closed curve.

[0067] A part of the slot coupler 130 connected to the secondary slot 120 can be defined as the slot connector 133.

[0068] Different from the slot coupler 130 being connected to the secondary slot 120, the slot coupler 130 can be not connected to the main slot 110. In other words, the slot coupler 130 can be a slot or a hole not integrated with the main slot 110. Furthermore, the slot coupler 130 and the main slot 110 can not be defined by a closed curve and can be defined by at least two separate non - overlapping closed curves.

[0069] However, the slot coupler 130 can be arranged to be closer to the main slot 110 than the secondary slot 120 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 secondary slot 120 and the main slot 110.

[0070] A part of the slot coupler 130 coupled to the main slot 110 can be defined as the coupling inductor 131. The coupling inductor 131 can extend along the long axis X1 direction of the main slot 110 near the main slot 110. For example, the coupling inductor 131 can extend from one end of the main slot 110 closest to the secondary slot 120 towards the other end of the main slot 110 in a manner parallel to the main slot 110. The length of the coupling inductor 131 extending from one end of the main slot 110 towards the other end of the main slot 110 can depend on the radiation direction of the radio wave emitted by the antenna device 100.

[0071] The phase shifter 132 can be arranged between the slot connector 133 and the coupling inductor 131. The phase shifter 132 can adjust the phase delay between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120.

[0072] For example, the width of the long axis X1 of the main slot 110 generally corresponds to half of the wavelength of the radio signal. When a 180 - degree phase delay is required between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120, the main slot 110 must be spaced apart from the secondary slot 120 by a distance equivalent to the width of the long axis X1 of the main slot 110. When the distance between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120 increases, the antenna device 100 will become larger in size and the efficiency of the antenna device 100 will decrease.

[0073] The phase shifter 132 can increase the distance that the electromagnetic field coupled from the main slot 110 through the coupling inductor 131 travels to the secondary slot 120. Thereby, a phase delay between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120 can be caused.

[0074] For example, as Figure 3A shown, the phase shifter 132 can be formed in an S-shaped or Z-shaped pattern. The phase shifter 132 in the S-shaped or Z-shaped pattern can increase the distance that the signal travels between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120, and keep the physical distance between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120 to a minimum. Thereby, the distance between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120 can be minimized while fully ensuring the phase delay between the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120.

[0075] The antenna device 100 can further include a feeder line 102 and a dielectric 103.

[0076] The dielectric 103 can be disposed between the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101. The dielectric 103 can support the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101 and electrically isolate the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101.

[0077] The dielectric 103 can be composed of a non-conductor that does not conduct electricity and can include, for example, FR-4 widely used in 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.

[0078] The dielectric 103 is disposed between the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101. For example, the feeder line 102 does not contact the conductive plate 101 and can be disposed substantially parallel to the conductive plate 101.

[0079] The feeder line 102 can be disposed to extend in the short-axis X2 direction of the main slot 110. In addition, at least a part of the feeder line 102 can overlap with the main slot 110. In other words, as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, the main slot 110 and the feeder line 102 can cross at a 90-degree angle.

[0080] The feeder line 102 is electrically connected to the wireless communication device 50 of the vehicle 1. An electrical signal can be provided from the wireless communication device 50 to the feeder line 102.

[0081] When an electrical signal is input through the feeder line 102, an electromagnetic field can be formed around the feeder line 102. The electromagnetic field formed around the feeder line 102 can resonate through the main slot 110. The electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110 can be radiated into free space.

[0082] An electric current can be induced around the main slot 110 by an electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110. Additionally, the electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110 can induce an electric current around the main slot 110 and an electric current around the coupling inductor 131 of the slot coupler 130.

[0083] An electromagnetic field can be generated inside the coupling inductor 131 by the electric current induced around the coupling inductor 131. The electromagnetic field generated inside the coupling inductor 131 can propagate along the phase shifter 132 to the slot connector 133. At this time, the phase can be delayed while the electromagnetic field propagates along the phase shifter 132.

[0084] The electromagnetic field propagated to the slot connector 133 can be transmitted to the secondary slot 120. The electromagnetic field transmitted to the secondary slot 120 can be radiated from the secondary slot 120 into free space. In other words, a part of the electromagnetic field in the electromagnetic field resonating in the main slot 110 can be radiated into free space through the secondary slot 120.

[0085] Additionally, an electric current can be induced around the slot coupler 130 by the electromagnetic field during the propagation of the electromagnetic field from the main slot 110 to the secondary slot 120 through the slot coupler 130.

[0086] In this way, the slot coupler 130 can guide the electromagnetic field of the main slot 110 to the secondary slot 120. If there is no slot coupler 130, the secondary slot 120 cannot be coupled to the main slot 110.

[0087] For example, the current distribution of an antenna formed only with the main slot 110 is as Figure 4 shown. As Figure 4 shown, the current distribution of the antenna can be concentrated around the main slot 110. Therefore, it is confirmed that radio waves are radiated from the main slot 110 into free space.

[0088] Additionally, the current distribution of an antenna formed only with the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120 is as Figure 5 shown. As Figure 5 shown, the current distribution of the antenna can be concentrated around the main slot 110. Although the secondary slot 120 is located around the main slot 110, the current will be concentrated around the main slot 110 and no current will be distributed around the secondary slot 120. Therefore, it can be confirmed that radio waves are radiated only from the main slot 110 and no radio waves are radiated from the secondary slot 120.

[0089] The current of the antenna device 100 formed with the main slot 110, the secondary slot 120, and the slot coupler 130 is as Figure 6 shown. As Figure 6As shown, the current distribution of the antenna can be concentrated around the main slot 110, but it can be confirmed that the current distribution diffuses along the slot coupler 130 to the secondary slot 120. Therefore, it can be confirmed that radio waves are radiated not only from the main slot 110 but also from the secondary slot 120.

[0090] As described above, the slot coupler 130 can couple the main slot 110 and the secondary slot 120, and cause radio waves to be radiated not only from the main slot 110 but also from the secondary slot 120.

[0091] As described above, since radio waves are radiated not only from the main slot 110 but also from the secondary slot 120, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 will be different from that of a general slot antenna.

[0092] As described previously, the radiation pattern of a slot antenna can be generally similar to that of a dipole antenna. A general slot antenna can radiate radio waves in a direction perpendicular to the slot (in the front-back direction when the long axis direction of the slot is defined as the up / down side) and in the direction of the short axis of the slot (in the left-right direction when the long axis direction of the slot is defined as the up / down side). In particular, the slot antenna exhibits a radiation pattern with the center line perpendicular to the slot.

[0093] In contrast, since radio waves are radiated not only from the main slot 110 but also from the secondary slot 120, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100 can radiate radio waves in an inclined direction.

[0094] The forward and backward (direction perpendicular to the slot) radiation patterns of the antenna device 100 are as Figure 7 shown. As Figure 7 shown, the antenna device 100 can have a radiation pattern directed forward and upward. In other words, the antenna device 100 can have a radiation pattern biased in the direction opposite to the direction in which the secondary slot 120 is provided with respect to the main slot 110 as the center. Additionally, the antenna device 100 can have a radiation pattern directed backward and downward. In other words, the antenna device 100 can have a radiation pattern biased in the direction of the secondary slot 120 with respect to the main slot 110 as the center.

[0095] Figure 8 is a view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 9 is a view showing the radiation pattern of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10A and Figure 10B are views respectively showing the radiation directions of a conventional antenna device installed in a vehicle and the radiation directions of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Referring to Figure 8, the antenna device 100a may include a conductive plate 101 formed with a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n, a plurality of sub - slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, and a plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n. In Figure 8 , four main slots, four sub - slots, and four slot couplers are shown, but the number is not limited to the number shown in the figure.

[0097] The conductive plate 101 may be formed of the same material as the conductive plate shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , and the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n, the plurality of sub - slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, and the plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n are formed through the conductive plate 101.

[0098] The plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n may include a first main slot 110a, a second main slot 110b, a third main slot 110c, ……, an n - th main slot 110n.

[0099] Each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n may have an elongated shape. In particular, the width W1 of each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n in the long - axis X1 direction is greater than the width W2 in the short - axis X2 direction. Additionally, each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n has the same shape as the main slot 110 shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , and may provide the same function.

[0100] The plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n may be arranged in a row in the long - axis X1 direction. For example, as shown in the figure, the second main slot 110b may be disposed below the first main slot 110a, and the third main slot 110c may be disposed below the second main slot 110b. In other words, the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n may be disposed on the extension of the long - axis X1 of each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n.

[0101] The plurality of sub - slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n may include a first sub - slot 120a, a second sub - slot 120b, a third sub - slot 120c, ……, an n - th sub - slot 120n.

[0102] A plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n can be respectively formed near a plurality of primary slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n (below the primary slots in the figure). In particular, the plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n can be respectively located on the extension lines of the major axes X1 of the plurality of primary slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n. Each of the plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n has the same shape as the Figure 3A and Figure 3B secondary slot 120 shown, and can provide the same function.

[0103] A plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can include a first slot coupler 130a, a second slot coupler 130b, a third slot coupler 130c, ……, an nth slot coupler 130n.

[0104] The plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can be disposed near the plurality of primary slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and the plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n (on the right side of the primary slots and secondary slots in the figure), having the same shape as the Figure 3A and Figure 3B slot coupler 130 shown, and can provide the same function.

[0105] The plurality of primary slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n, the plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, and the plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can be divided into a plurality of slot groups a, b, c, ……, n.

[0106] The first slot group a can include a first primary slot 110a, a first secondary slot 120a, and a first slot coupler 130a. The second slot group b can include a second primary slot 110b, a second secondary slot 120b, and a second slot coupler 130b. In the same way, the nth slot group n can include an nth primary slot 110n, an nth secondary slot 120n, and an nth slot coupler 130n.

[0107] The antenna device 100a can further include a plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n and a dielectric 103.

[0108] The dielectric 103 can be disposed between the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101. The dielectric 103 can support the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101 and electrically isolate the feeder line 102 and the conductive plate 101. The dielectric 103 can have the same shape as the Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown dielectric and can provide the same function.

[0109] The dielectric 103 is disposed between a plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n and the conductive plate 101. For example, the plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n do not contact the conductive plate 101 and can be arranged substantially parallel to the conductive plate 101.

[0110] The plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n can be arranged to extend respectively in the short-axis X2 direction of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n. In addition, at least a part of the plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n can overlap respectively with the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n. In other words, as Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown, each of the plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n can cross each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n at an angle of 90 degrees. Each of the plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n can have the same shape as the Figure 3A and Figure 3B shown feeder line and can provide the same function.

[0111] Thus, the antenna device 100a can include a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and a plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n arranged side by side. The plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and the plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n can be coupled respectively by a plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n. In addition, electrical signals can be provided to the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n respectively through the plurality of feeder lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n.

[0112] By coupling between each of a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and each of a plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, each of a plurality of slot groups a, b, c, ……, n can have a biased radiation pattern. For example, as described above Figure 7 shown, each of a plurality of slot groups a, b, c, ……, n can have a radiation pattern directed forward and upward.

[0113] The radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a can be formed by overlapping the radiation patterns of a plurality of slot groups a, b, c, ……, n.

[0114] The forward and backward (direction perpendicular to the slots) radiation patterns of the antenna device 100a are as Figure 9 shown. As Figure 9 shown, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern directed forward and upward. In other words, the antenna device 100a can have a radiation pattern biased in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n are arranged with respect to the main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n as the center.

[0115] Compared with Figure 7 the radiation pattern shown, the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a can have a thin and long radiation pattern shape. In addition, it is confirmed that Figure 7 the maximum value of the radiation pattern shown can be about "0" dBi (dB of isotropic), Figure 9 and the maximum value of the radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a shown in

[0116] can be about "5" dBi. The radio waves radiated by the antenna device 100a can propagate to a farther distance.

[0117] Thus, when the antenna device 100a is mounted on the front window 17 or the rear window 19, the upward or downward biased radiation pattern can have an advantageous effect when communicating with the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle. The preceding vehicle or the following vehicle usually travels on the same plane (road) as the vehicle 1. In order to communicate with the preceding vehicle or the following vehicle, it is advantageous to have a radiation pattern in the direction parallel to the road. Figure 10A The surfaces of the front window 17 and the rear window 19 are usually inclined with respect to the road or a plane perpendicular to the road. Thus, when a general slot antenna is disposed on the inclined front window 17 and rear window 19, the radiation pattern of the antenna will not be parallel to the road. For example, as

[0118] On the other hand, the antenna device 100a may have a radiation pattern that is tilted upward or downward. Therefore, when the antenna device 100a is mounted on the inclined front window 17 and rear window 19, the antenna device 100a may exhibit a radiation pattern that is substantially parallel to the road. For example, as Figure 10B shown, when the antenna device 100 having a radiation pattern directed 45 degrees forward and downward is mounted on the front window 17 inclined at 45 degrees, the antenna device 100 may transmit radio waves in a direction substantially parallel to the road.

[0119] Figure 11 is a view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Referring to Figure 11 , the antenna device 100a may include a conductive plate 101 formed with a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n, a plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c,..., 120n, and a plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c,..., 130n. In Figure 11 , four main slots, four sub-slots, and four slot couplers are shown, but the number is not limited to the number shown in the figure.

[0121] The conductive plate 101 may be formed of the same material as the conductive plate shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B , and the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n, the plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c,..., 120n, and the plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c,..., 130n are formed through the conductive plate 101.

[0122] The plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n may include a first main slot 110a, a second main slot 110b, a third main slot 110c,..., an nth main slot 110n.

[0123] Each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n may have an elongated shape. In particular, the width W1 of each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n in the long axis X1 direction is greater than the width W2 in the short axis X2 direction. Additionally, each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c,..., 110n has the same shape as the main slot 110 shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B and may provide the same function.

[0124] A plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n can be arranged in a row in the short-axis X2 direction. For example, as shown in the figure, the second main slot 110b can be disposed on the right side of the first main slot 110a, and the third main slot 110c can be disposed on the right side of the second main slot 110b. In other words, a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n can be provided on the extension line of the short axis X2 of each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n.

[0125] A plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n can include a first secondary slot 120a, a second secondary slot 120b, a third secondary slot 120c, ……, an nth secondary slot 120n. A plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n can be respectively formed near a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n (below the main slots in the figure). Each of the plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n has the same shape as Figure 3A and Figure 3B the secondary slot 120 shown, and can provide the same function.

[0126] A plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can include a first slot coupler 130a, a second slot coupler 130b, a third slot coupler 130c, ……, an nth slot coupler 130n. A plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can be disposed near a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and a plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n (on the right side of the main slots and secondary slots in the figure), having the same shape as Figure 3A and Figure 3B the slot coupler 130 shown, and can provide the same function.

[0127] A plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n, a plurality of secondary slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, and a plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n can be divided into a plurality of slot groups a, b, c, ……, n.

[0128] The first set of slots a may include a first main slot 110a, a first sub-slot 120a, and a first slot coupler 130a. The second set of slots b may include a second main slot 110b, a second sub-slot 120b, and a second slot coupler 130b. In the same manner, the nth set of slots n may include an nth main slot 110n, an nth sub-slot 120n, and an nth slot coupler 130n.

[0129] The antenna device 100a may further include a plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n and a dielectric 103.

[0130] The dielectric 103 may be disposed between the feed line 102 and the conductive plate 101. The dielectric 103 is disposed between the plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n and the conductive plate 101. The plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n may be arranged to extend respectively in the short-axis X2 direction of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n. Each of the plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n may have the same shape as the feed line shown in Figure 3A and Figure 3B and may provide the same function.

[0131] Thus, the antenna device 100a may include a plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and a plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n arranged side by side. The plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and the plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n may be coupled by a plurality of slot couplers 130a, 130b, 130c, ……, 130n respectively. In addition, electrical signals may be provided to the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n through the plurality of feed lines 102a, 102b, 102c, ……, 102n respectively.

[0132] By coupling between each of the plurality of main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n and each of the plurality of sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n, each of the plurality of sets of slots a, b, c, ……, n may have an offset radiation pattern. The radiation pattern of the antenna device 100a may be formed by overlapping the radiation patterns of the plurality of sets of slots a, b, c, ……, n.

[0133] The antenna device 100a may have a radiation pattern directed forward and upward. In other words, the antenna device 100a may have a radiation pattern biased in a direction opposite to the direction in which the sub-slots 120a, 120b, 120c, ……, 120n are provided, centered on the main slots 110a, 110b, 110c, ……, 110n.

[0134] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna device provided on a front window and / or a rear window may be provided.

[0135] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an antenna device capable of forming a beam from an inclined front window and / or rear window toward the front and / or rear of the vehicle may be provided. Thereby, the antenna device can communicate smoothly with the vehicle in front and / or the following vehicle.

[0136] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above. In the above exemplary embodiments, some components may be implemented as “modules”. Here, the term “module” refers to, but is not limited to, software and / or hardware components that perform certain tasks, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). A module may advantageously be configured to reside on an addressable storage medium and be configured to run on one or more processors.

[0137] Thus, by way of example, a module may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and / or variables. Operations provided in components and modules may be combined into fewer components and modules, or operations provided in components and modules may be further separated into additional components and modules. In addition, components and modules may be implemented such that they cause one or more CPUs in the device to run.

[0138] Nevertheless, in addition to the above exemplary embodiments, embodiments may also be implemented by computer-readable code / instructions in / on a medium such as a computer-readable medium to control at least one processing element to implement any of the above exemplary embodiments. The medium may correspond to any medium that allows storage and / or transmission of computer-readable code.

[0139] Computer-readable code can be recorded on a medium or transmitted via the Internet. The medium can include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic tape, a floppy disk, and an optical recording medium. Also, the medium can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The medium can also be a distributed network, so that the computer-readable code can be stored, transmitted, and executed in a distributed manner. Further, by way of example only, the processing element can include at least one processor or at least one computer processor, and the processing element can be distributed and / or included in a single device.

[0140] Although the exemplary embodiments have been described for a limited number of embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the present disclosure will understand that other embodiments can be designed without departing from the scope disclosed herein. Therefore, the scope should be limited only by the appended claims.

[0141] So far, embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the present disclosure can be practiced in other forms than the above embodiments without changing the technical idea or basic features of the present disclosure. The above embodiments are merely exemplary and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising: A conductive plate having a plurality of slit groups; A plurality of feed lines; And A dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines, Wherein each of the plurality of slit groups includes a main slit, a secondary slit, and a slit coupler formed in the conductive plate, The main slit, the secondary slit, and the slit coupler penetrate through the conductive plate, and The slit coupler is connected to the secondary slit and extends near the main slit to couple with the main slit.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the main slits has a first width extending in the direction of a first axis and a second width extending in the direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and Another main slit adjacent to the main slit is spaced apart from the main slit in the direction of the first axis of the main slit.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein Each of the main slits has a first width in the direction of a first axis and a second width in the direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and Another main slit adjacent to the main slit is spaced apart from the main slit in the direction of the second axis of the main slit.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The main slit has a first width extending in the direction of a first axis and a second width extending in the direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and The secondary slit is spaced apart from the main slit in the direction of the first axis of the main slit.

5. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein Each of the plurality of feed lines extends in the direction of the second axis of the main slit and intersects the main slit.

6. The antenna device according to claim 4, wherein The slit coupler includes: A coupling inductor extending parallel to the main slit near the main slit; A slit connector communicating with the secondary slit; and A phase shifter disposed between the coupling inductor and the slit connector.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein The phase shifter has an "S" shape extending from the coupling inductor to the slit connector.

8. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein The slit coupler couples the secondary slit to the main slit.

9. A vehicle, comprising: A front window; A wireless communication device; And An antenna device disposed on the front window, the antenna device being electrically connected to the wireless communication device, Wherein the antenna device includes: A conductive plate having a plurality of slit groups; A plurality of feed lines; and A dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines, Each of the plurality of slit groups includes a main slit, a secondary slit, and a slit coupler formed in the conductive plate, The main slit, the secondary slit, and the slit coupler extend through the conductive plate, and The slot coupler is connected to the secondary slot and extends near the primary slot to couple with the primary slot.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein each of the primary slots included in the plurality of slot groups has a first width extending in a direction of a first axis and a second width extending in a direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and another primary slot adjacent to the primary slot is spaced apart from the primary slot in a direction of the first axis of the primary slot.

11. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein each of the primary slots included in the plurality of slot groups has a first width extending in a direction of a first axis and a second width extending in a direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and another primary slot adjacent to the primary slot is spaced apart from the primary slot in a direction of the second axis of the primary slot.

12. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the primary slot has a first width extending in a direction of a first axis and a second width extending in a direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis, and the secondary slot is spaced apart from the primary slot in a direction of the first axis of the primary slot.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of feed lines extends in a direction of the second axis of the primary slot and intersects the primary slot.

14. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the slot coupler includes: a coupling inductor extending parallel to the primary slot near the primary slot; a slot connector communicating with the secondary slot; and a phase shifter disposed between the coupling inductor and the slot connector.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the phase shifter has an "S" shape extending from the coupling inductor to the slot connector.

16. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the slot coupler couples the secondary slot to the primary slot.

17. The vehicle according to claim 9, wherein the antenna device radiates radio waves in a direction parallel to a road on which the vehicle travels.

18. An antenna device, comprising: a conductive plate; a plurality of feed lines; and a dielectric disposed between the conductive plate and the plurality of feed lines, wherein the conductive plate includes: a plurality of primary slots having a first width in a direction of a first axis and a second width in a direction of a second axis, the first width being greater than the second width, and the first axis being perpendicular to the second axis; a plurality of secondary slots spaced apart from each of the plurality of primary slots in a direction of the first axis of each of the plurality of primary slots; and a plurality of slot couplers, each of the plurality of slot couplers being connected to each of the plurality of secondary slots and extending near each of the plurality of primary slots to couple with each of the plurality of primary slots, Each of the plurality of feeder lines extends in a direction of a second axis of the main slot and intersects each of the plurality of main slots.

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