Hidden antenna module

Abstract

There is provided a hidden antenna module including: a housing including an upper cover and a lower cover; the first substrate is arranged in the shell; the second substrate and the third substrate are arranged in the shell and are respectively arranged on two sides of the first substrate; an upper shield case and a lower shield case disposed inside the housing and disposed on one side and the other side of at least one of the first to third substrates, respectively, to support a portion of the at least one of the first to third substrates; and a connecting member connecting the first to third substrates to each other, where the first to third substrates are connected at different angles by the connecting member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following disclosure relates to an antenna module, and in particular, to a hidden antenna module disposed on a roof of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Hidden antennas in vehicles refer to antennas that are hidden inside rather than exposed to the outside. These antennas are mainly used to replace roof antennas or external antennas of vehicles, and are devices that can receive signals from and send signals to wireless communication devices (such as radio devices, mobile phones, GPS, etc.) while maintaining a clean exterior of the vehicle.

[0003] Hidden antennas are usually built into the vehicle's window glass, or can be hidden in the vehicle's ceiling, floor, rear bumper, etc. When the antenna is not exposed to the outside like this, it can help maintain the vehicle's exterior or design, and because the exposed portion of the antenna is reduced, it can prevent damage from accidents, corrosion from weather, etc.

[0004] Specifically, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the case where the hidden antenna is installed on the rear roof of the vehicle as shown, multiple antennas such as 5G 4CH, HD-GNSS, SXM and RKE 2CH can be installed, but only a small number of remote key entry (RKE) circuits can be applied as system circuits.

[0005] In this case, if the number of system circuits in the corresponding antenna increases, system stability may be deteriorated due to increased heat generated by the chip. More specifically, since the system circuit is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, heat generated due to external solar heat may increase, which may deteriorate the reception performance of the antenna. In addition, since the corresponding antenna is mounted on the roof of the vehicle, structural vulnerability may exist in the antenna module due to the curvature of the vehicle body. Summary of the invention

[0006] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is directed to a hidden antenna module that can ensure system stability by reducing heat and improving reception performance even though a combination of an antenna and a system circuit is mounted on a roof of a vehicle, and that improves structural vulnerability due to the curvature of a vehicle body.

[0007] In a general aspect, a hidden antenna module includes: a shell including an upper cover and a lower cover; a first substrate disposed inside the shell; a second substrate and a third substrate disposed inside the shell and respectively disposed on both sides of the first substrate; an upper shielding cover and a lower shielding cover disposed inside the shell and respectively disposed on one side and the other side of at least one of the first to third substrates to support a portion of at least one of the first to third substrates; and a connecting member connecting the first to third substrates to each other, wherein the first to third substrates are connected at different angles by the connecting member.

[0008] The hidden antenna module may further include: a fixing member passing through and fixing at least one of the second substrate, the third substrate, the shielding cover, and the housing.

[0009] The connection member may be formed by solder and couple one side of each of the second substrate and the third substrate to the first substrate at a predetermined angle.

[0010] The fixing member may penetrate and fix the second substrate, the third substrate, the upper shielding case, and the upper cover.

[0011] The fixing member may penetrate and fix the second substrate, the third substrate, the upper shield case, the lower shield case, and the lower cover.

[0012] The fixing member can pass through and fix the upper shielding shell and the upper cover.

[0013] In another general aspect, a hidden antenna module includes: a first substrate; a second substrate and a third substrate, which are arranged on both sides of the first substrate; a shielding cover, which is arranged on one side and the other side of the first to third substrates to support a portion of at least one of the first to third substrates; and a shell, which accommodates the first to third substrates and at least some of the shielding cover, wherein the shell is arranged on both sides of the shielding cover and includes a structure that is partially staggered with the shielding cover.

[0014] The housing may include a plastic structure, and the shield may include an aluminum alloy structure.

[0015] The first substrate may include a first element generating heat equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, the second substrate and the third substrate may include a second element having a receiving performance equal to or greater than a predetermined reference, areas where one surface and the other surface of the first substrate are respectively surrounded by the shell and the shielding cover may include a third element different from the first element and the second element, and the third element may be arranged at a predetermined distance or less from a modem arranged in the first substrate.

[0016] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a hidden antenna module provided in a conventional vehicle;

[0018] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a remote key entry (RKE) circuit within a hidden antenna module;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a hidden antenna module according to the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the angle between substrates according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified image of

[0022] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B A diagram showing a conventional antenna module;

[0023] Figure 7 is a side view schematic diagram of a hidden antenna module according to the present invention;

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a substrate fixing method according to the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 9 It is executing Figure 8 A front view of the hidden antenna module after the process;

[0026] Fig.10 is a side view schematic diagram of a hidden antenna module according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig.11 is a perspective view showing a method of fixing a lower shielding case and a lower cover according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig.12 It is executing Fig.11 A front view of the hidden antenna module after the process;

[0029] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a force generation region when an external force is generated;

[0030] Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C Various diagrams showing screw fastening positions when the hidden antenna module of the present invention is viewed from one side and the other side;

[0031] Fig.15A and Fig. 15B Shows Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14CCross-sectional views of some of the figures in ;

[0032] Fig.16 is a diagram showing the regional separation according to the function of hiding the antenna module according to the present invention; and

[0033] Fig.17 It shows that according to Fig.16 Figure 2 is a diagram of a substrate pressing structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been described for the purpose of illustrating the invention, its operating advantages, and objectives attained by practicing the invention.

[0035] The terms used in this application are only used to describe specific exemplary embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. If there is no obvious opposite meaning in the context, the singular form may include the plural form. It should also be understood that the terms "including" or "having" used in this specification specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0036] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of related known configurations or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a hidden antenna module according to the present invention.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown, the hidden antenna module 1000 according to the present invention may include a shell (not shown, but including 110, 120), a first substrate 200, a second substrate 300, a third substrate 400, a shielding cover (not shown, but including 510, 520) and a connecting member 600.

[0039] The housing 100 is a device for accommodating the shield case 500 or at least one of the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 of the present invention, and may include an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120 .

[0040] The first substrate 200 may be disposed (or arranged) within the housing 100 .

[0041] The second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may also be disposed inside the housing 100 , and may be disposed on both sides of the first substrate 200 , respectively.

[0042] A shielding cover (not shown, but including 510, 520) may include an upper shielding cover 510 and a lower shielding cover 520, and may be disposed inside the housing 100 to have at least one of the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300, and the third substrate 400 on each of one surface or the other to support a portion of at least one of the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300, and the third substrate 400.

[0043] The connection member 600 may connect the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 to each other.

[0044] At this time, the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 may be connected to each other at different angles by the connection member 600 .

[0045] Specifically, Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the angle between the first substrate 200 and the second substrate 300 and between the first substrate 200 and the third substrate 400 may be about 176 degrees. This is a structure corresponding to the curvature of the roof, and the angle is not limited thereto and may vary according to various vehicle types. In addition, by applying this structure, there is an effect of improving the vulnerability of the structure due to the curvature of the vehicle body.

[0046] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B is a perspective view showing a conventional antenna module.

[0047] like Fig. 6A As shown, in the conventional antenna module, there is a section that is susceptible to external forces. Specifically, it may be a portion of both sides of the antenna module, which is a section that is bent according to the curvature design of the vehicle due to the nature of being set in the vehicle, and in addition, since plastic materials are applied to ensure the reception performance of the antenna, the rigidity may be fragile.

[0048] In addition, if Figure 6B As shown, since the fixing structure is located on the side of the die casting, the antenna area is easily affected by external forces.

[0049] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, various exemplary embodiments are applied to the hidden antenna module 1000 according to the present invention.

[0050] First, according to the present invention, a plurality of substrates 200, 300, and 400 are connected by welding using lead (Pb), and in order to prevent stress from being applied to the lead at the connection area due to vibration and impact, the periphery of the lead connection area can be fixed with screws to prevent cracking. In addition, shaking can be prevented by applying additional fixing points close to the lead position.

[0051] Figure 7 is a side view schematic diagram of a hidden antenna module according to the present invention, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a substrate fixing method according to the present invention, and Fig. 9 It is executing Figure 8 Front view of the hidden antenna module after the process.

[0052] like Figure 7 As shown, the hidden antenna module 1000 according to the present invention may further include a fixing member 700 to fix the plurality of substrates 200 , 300 , and 400 to each other.

[0053] Specifically, the structure described below is designed to minimize stress on the lead (Pb) connection area and can prevent vibration and shock.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the fixing member 700 may extend through or pass through and fix at least one of the second substrate 300 , the third substrate 400 , the shield cover 500 , and the housing 100 .

[0055] Specifically, Figure 7 As shown, a portion of the upper shielding case 510 may be assembled and disposed on the upper cover 110 .

[0056] In addition, the first substrate 200 may be assembled to the upper shield case 510 , and the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may be disposed on at least one of the first substrate 200 , the upper shield case 510 , and the upper cover 110 .

[0057] At this time, the fixing member 700 may extend through and fix the second substrate 300 , the third substrate 400 , the upper shield case 500 , and the upper cover 110 that are stacked and assembled.

[0058] Thus, a fixing point can be formed before a subsequent welding process is performed.

[0059] Thereafter, one side of each of the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 and the first substrate 200 may be coupled to each other using the connection member 600 .

[0060] At this time, the connection member 600 is a member formed by lead solder, and the second and third substrates 300 and 400 as well as the first substrate 200 may be coupled to each other at a predetermined angle through the connection member.

[0061] Reference Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , the first substrate 200 may be assembled to the upper shield case 510 , and the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may be assembled to the upper cover 110 assembled to both sides of the upper shield case 510 .

[0062] Thereafter, the fixing member 700 may be fastened to fix the first substrate 200 and the second substrate 300 , and similarly, the fixing member 700 may be fastened to fix the first substrate 200 and the third substrate 400 .

[0063] In addition, the surfaces of the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 facing the first substrate 200 may be lead-soldered together with the first substrate 200 .

[0064] Meanwhile, a hole may be formed in a portion to be fastened to the fixing member 700, and the fixing member 700 may be inserted into the hole and fixed to each other.

[0065] Fig.10 is a side view schematic diagram of a hidden antenna module according to the present invention, Fig.11 is a perspective view showing a method of fixing a lower shielding case and a lower cover according to the present invention, and Fig.12 It is executing Fig.11 Front view of the hidden antenna module after the process.

[0066] like Fig.10 As shown, the fixing member 700 may extend through and fix the second substrate 300 , the upper shielding cover 510 , the lower shielding cover 520 and the lower cover 120 , and may also extend through and fix the third substrate 400 , the upper shielding cover 510 , the lower shielding cover 520 and the lower cover 120 .

[0067] Specifically, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 In a state where the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 are assembled, the lower shielding case 500 and the lower cover 120 may be additionally assembled by the fixing member 700 , thereby supporting the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 .

[0068] Therefore, there is an effect of enhancing rigidity and preventing the lead from being broken due to vibration and impact.

[0069] Next, a cross-open structure for preventing horizontal bending will be described.

[0070] Fig.13 is a diagram showing a force generation region when an external force is generated, Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C is a diagram showing screw fastening positions when the hidden antenna module of the present invention is viewed from one side and the other side, and Fig.15A and Fig. 15B It is shown Fig.14A , Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C Schematic diagram of each cross-sectional view shown in the figures.

[0071] like Fig.13 As shown, when external force occurs, bending may occur in area A.

[0072] In order to prevent such horizontal bending, the hidden antenna module 1000 according to the present invention may include Fig.13 The cross opening structure shown.

[0073] Fig.14A An upper portion of the hidden antenna module 1000 is shown, which may be integrated when the fixing member 700 extends through and fixes the upper shield case 510 and the upper cover 110 .

[0074] In other words, the upper cover 110 may be integrated by fixing the upper cover 110 to the upper shield case 510 with screws.

[0075] Since the shielding cover 500 is the hardest, the shielding cover 500 may be placed at the base (center) position of the hidden antenna module 1000 of the present invention, and may be fastened with screws to reinforce the upper cover 110 which is relatively weaker than the upper shielding cover 510 .

[0076] in addition, Fig. 14C The lower portion of the hidden antenna module 1000 is shown. Fig. 9 and Fig.12 As described above, the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may be fixed to the substrate by the fixing member 700. Fig.14A The resulting integrated upper shield case 510 and upper cover 110 may be subjected to lead welding.

[0077] Afterwards, if Fig. 14C As shown, the lower shield 520 and the lower cover 120 may be fixed by a fixing member 700 .

[0078] This structure can strongly withstand the force generated by the external force by cross-fastening the fixing members 700 at the position receiving the power generated by the external force.

[0079] refer to Fig.15A and Fig. 15B , it can be seen that a total of seven fixing members 700 are cross-fastened to the upper shielding cover 510 and the lower shielding cover 520 of the hidden antenna module 1000 of the present invention.

[0080] This structure can prevent the hidden antenna module 1000 from being bent and can strongly withstand the power generated by the external force.

[0081] Fig.16 is a diagram showing region separation according to a function of hiding an antenna module according to the present invention.

[0082] Fig.17 It shows that according to Fig.16 Figure 2 is a diagram of a substrate pressing structure.

[0083] like Fig.16 As shown, a hidden antenna module 1000 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a first substrate 200 , a second substrate 300 , a third substrate 400 , a shield cover 500 , and a housing 100 .

[0084] The first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 may be a PCB main board, and the second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may be disposed on both sides of the first substrate 200 .

[0085] The shielding cover 500 may include an upper shielding cover 510 and a lower shielding cover 520, and may be disposed inside the housing 100 to have at least one of the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300, and the third substrate 400 on each of one surface or the other surface to support a portion of at least one of the first substrate 200, the second substrate 300, and the third substrate 400.

[0086] The housing 100 is a device for accommodating the shield case 500 or at least one of the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 of the present invention, and may include an upper cover 110 and a lower cover 120 .

[0087] At this time, the housing 100 may be disposed on both sides of the shield cover 500 and may include a cross structure interlaced with a portion of the upper shield cover 510 at a point where the housing 100 and the shield cover 500 contact.

[0088] Specifically, the housing 100 may include a plastic structure, and the shield cover 500 may include an aluminum alloy structure.

[0089] Therefore, by arranging the upper cover 110 and the upper shield case 510 in a cross structure, the aluminum alloy structure of the shield case 500 reinforces the weak rigidity due to the plastic structure of the housing 100, thereby ensuring rigidity and reducing weight.

[0090] In addition, the first substrate 200 may include a first element generating heat equal to or higher than a predetermined amount, quantity, or reference, and the first element may be a heat generating element.

[0091] The second substrate 300 and the third substrate 400 may include a second element having a reception performance equal to or higher than a predetermined amount, number, or reference, and the second element may be an antenna element.

[0092] Here, due to the crossing structure of the upper cover 110 and the upper shield case 510 , there may be a region in the first substrate 200 , one side and the other side of which are respectively surrounded by the upper cover 110 and the lower shield case 520 .

[0093] The region may include a third element different from the first element and the second element, and the third element may be an element in which both reception performance and heat dissipation performance should be ensured.

[0094] Specifically, the third element may be an element whose distance from the modem disposed on the first substrate 200 should be kept below a predetermined distance to ensure reception performance.

[0095] Therefore, if Fig.16 As shown, the central portion of the shield cover 500 exposed to the outside can minimize the influence of the antenna and form a heat dissipation area at the same time, and the housing 100 disposed on both sides of the shield cover 500 can form an antenna area that ensures reception performance.

[0096] In addition, if Fig.17 As shown, by applying the pressing structure of the substrate, the rigidity of the shield cover 500 can form a vertical support structure to reduce deformation vulnerability caused by material properties of the second substrate (not shown), the third substrate 400 and the first substrate 200.

[0097] Furthermore, the first substrate 200 , the second substrate 300 , and the third substrate 400 have the same behavior as that of the shield case 500 , thereby minimizing the risk of lead cracking.

[0098] The hidden antenna module according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention as described above has the effect of improving a system circuit by effectively reducing the heat generated by a chip.

[0099] Furthermore, by improving the structural vulnerability due to the curvature of the vehicle body, damage due to external force can be prevented in the portion where the base plate is connected.

[0100] Although the preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the present invention, but are only used for explanation. Therefore, the technical spirit of the present invention includes not only each disclosed exemplary embodiment, but also a combination of disclosed exemplary embodiments, and in addition, the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is not limited by these exemplary embodiments. In addition, without departing from the spirit and scope of the attached claims, a person skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs may make many changes and modifications to the present invention, and all such appropriate changes and modifications (as equivalents) should be deemed to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hidden antenna module, the hidden antenna module comprising: A housing, the housing comprising an upper cover and a lower cover; a plurality of substrates disposed within the housing and comprising: a first substrate having a first side and a second side; a second substrate disposed on the first side of the first substrate and having a first side and a second side; and a third substrate disposed on the second side of the first substrate and having a first side and a second side; a plurality of shielding covers disposed in the housing and configured to support a portion of at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate, the plurality of shielding covers including an upper shielding cover and a lower shielding cover disposed on a first side and a second side of at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate, respectively; and A connecting member is configured to connect the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate to each other at mutually different angles. 2 . The hidden antenna module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fixing member extending through at least one of the second substrate and the third substrate, one of the upper shield cover and the lower shield cover, and the housing.

3. The hidden antenna module according to claim 1, wherein: The connection member includes solder and is configured to couple a first side of each of the second substrate and the third substrate to the first substrate at a same predetermined angle.

4. The hidden antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member extends through the second substrate, the third substrate, the upper shield case, and the upper cover of the housing.

5. The hidden antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member extends through the second substrate, the third substrate, the upper shield case, the lower shield case, and the lower cover of the housing.

6. The hidden antenna module according to claim 2, wherein: The fixing member extends through the upper shield case and the upper cover of the housing.

7. A hidden antenna module, the hidden antenna module comprising: a first substrate having a first side and a second side; a second substrate disposed on the first side of the first substrate and having a first side and a second side; a third substrate disposed on the second side of the first substrate and having a first side and a second side; a shielding cover disposed on at least one of a first side and a second side of at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate, and configured to support a portion of at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, and the third substrate; as well as a housing configured to accommodate at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, the third substrate, and the shielding cover, Wherein, the shell is arranged on both sides of the shielding cover and includes a structure partially staggered with the shielding cover.

8. The hidden antenna module according to claim 7, wherein: The housing includes plastic, and the shield includes aluminum alloy.

9. The hidden antenna module according to claim 7, wherein: The first substrate includes a plurality of first elements configured to generate at least a predetermined amount of heat, The second substrate and the third substrate include a plurality of second elements that exhibit at least a predetermined amount of receptivity, and The first substrate may include a plurality of third elements disposed away from the modem disposed at the first substrate in a region where the first surface and the second surface of the first substrate are respectively adjoined by the housing and the shield case.

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