Antenna for vehicle

Abstract

An antenna for a vehicle includes a base, a substrate, a first antenna frame, and a first radiator, the substrate being disposed on an upper portion of the base and having a feed line formed thereon; the first antenna frame is coupled to one side of the upper portion of the substrate; a first radiator disposed on an upper portion of the first antenna frame and having a slit formed therein, in which the first antenna frame includes a first radiator coupling portion supporting a lower portion of the first radiator and a plurality of supports; the plurality of supports extend downwardly from a lower portion of the first radiator coupling portion and are coupled to the substrate.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0185810, filed on December 19, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an antenna for a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] The following description only provides background information related to the present embodiment and does not constitute prior art.

[0005] With the continuous development of communication systems, the scope of communication services provided by vehicles is also expanding. Conventional vehicles typically receive FM / AM signals; however, it is necessary to provide various types of services based on DMB / DAB, GNSS, 5G, and LTE through vehicles.

[0006] As the scope of services provided by vehicles becomes more diverse, a single antenna has proven insufficient to transmit and receive signals across various frequency bands. For this reason, antennas mounted on the vehicle roof have been used. Antennas mounted on the vehicle roof are typically manufactured in a shape similar to a shark fin; thus, they are also referred to as shark fin antennas.

[0007] Antennas on the vehicle roof mainly use radiators manufactured by etching metal patterns on a PCB. The antennas mounted on the vehicle roof adopt a structure in which a substrate is installed, the PCB is vertically coupled to the substrate, and the metal pattern formed on the vertically coupled PCB serves as a radiator.

[0008] However, the radiator constructed according to the above - mentioned structure shows limitations in transmitting and receiving signals across different frequency bands and also increases the manufacturing cost. Since various types of radiators are arranged in a limited space, interference occurs between the radiators, which is the main cause of performance degradation of the antennas mounted on the vehicle roof.

[0009] In addition, since multiple radiators are all formed on the vertically combined PCB, a large number of PCBs are required, making it difficult to reduce the cost for ensuring an appropriate layout structure. Summary of the Invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a multi - band antenna structure that does not use a PCB as a radiator, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0011] Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a multi - band antenna structure that ensures a predetermined degree of separation between radiators when using multiple radiators.

[0012] The technical objectives to be achieved by the present invention are not limited to the above objectives, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can also clearly understand other technical objectives not mentioned above from the description given below.

[0013] An antenna for a vehicle, comprising: a base; a substrate disposed on an upper portion of the base, a feeder being formed on the substrate; a first antenna frame coupled to one side of an upper portion of the substrate; and a first radiator disposed on an upper portion of the first antenna frame, and a slit being formed in the first radiator, wherein the first antenna frame includes: a first radiator coupling portion supporting a lower portion of the first radiator; and a plurality of support members extending downward from a lower portion of the first radiator coupling portion and coupled to the substrate.

[0014] A method for manufacturing an antenna for a vehicle, the method comprising: disposing a substrate on an upper portion of a base; coupling a patch antenna to an upper portion of the substrate; coupling a second radiator to a horizontal fixing portion, a substrate fixing portion, and a second radiator assembly portion formed in the first antenna frame; fixing the first antenna frame to the substrate by coupling a first hook of the substrate fixing portion formed on the first antenna frame to the substrate; disposing a flange formed in the first antenna frame in a flange groove formed by being recessed downward from an upper surface of the substrate; and fastening a first screw to pass through each flange, each flange groove, and a surface of the base.

[0015] Advantageous Effects

[0016] As described above, according to the present invention, by eliminating the use of a PCB for the radiator function, adopting a plurality of radiators, and ensuring a predetermined degree of spacing between the radiators when using a plurality of radiators, the vehicle antenna can be manufactured at a reduced cost. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first antenna frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 5 shows a coupling structure of a second radiator and a second support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 6Shows a third radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 And Figure 8 Shows the coupling structure of the third radiator and the third support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 9 Shows the support legs and flanges formed in the first antenna frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 10 Shows the process for coupling the antenna frame to the substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Hereinafter, some exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, although the same elements are shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals preferably denote the same elements. In addition, in the following description of some embodiments, for the purpose of clarity and conciseness, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated therein will be omitted.

[0026] In addition, various terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. are only used to distinguish one component from another, and do not imply or suggest the essence, order or sequence of the components. Throughout the specification, when a component "includes" or "comprises" a member, the component means further including other members, and other members are not excluded unless there is a contrary specific description. Terms such as "unit", "module", etc. refer to one or more units for processing at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software or a combination thereof.

[0027] Each element of the device or method according to the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software or a combination of hardware and software. The functions of the respective elements can be implemented by software, and a microprocessor can be implemented to execute the software functions corresponding to the respective elements.

[0028] The directions are defined as follows: Figure 1 The x, y, and z axes depicted in indicate directions that are perpendicular to each other. Figure 3 The x, y, and z axes depicted in respectively represent the same axes as those shown for the x, y, and z axes in Figure 1 The horizontal direction is the +y direction or the -y direction. The left direction corresponds to the +y direction. The right direction corresponds to the -y direction. The height direction corresponds to the +z direction. The forward direction corresponds to the +x direction.

[0029] Figure 1 And Figure 2Is a perspective view of a vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Is a perspective view of a first antenna frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 Is a perspective view of a second radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 Shows a coupling structure of a second radiator and a second support according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 Shows a third radiator according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 And Figure 8 Shows a coupling structure of a third radiator and a third support according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 Shows a support leg and a flange formed in the first antenna frame according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 Shows a process for coupling an antenna frame to a substrate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Referring Figures 1 to 10 , a vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base 100, a substrate 200, a first antenna frame 300, a second antenna frame 400, a patch antenna 500, radiators 1100, 1300, 1500, 1600, a first radiator extension 700, and a fourth radiator extension 750. The patch antenna 500 is typically a ceramic patch type antenna. According to one embodiment, the vehicle antenna may be disposed on the top of the vehicle.

[0031] In Figure 1 And Figure 2 , shows a protection Figure 1 And Figure 2 The elements shown in, and a shark fin-shaped housing may be coupled to a vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. However, the shape of the housing is not limited to the shark fin shape.

[0032] The base 100, together with the housing, is used to protect the elements of a vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention. The elements of the vehicle antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention are fixed on the base 100 and / or the substrate 200.

[0033] The substrate 200 is placed on the base 100. For example, the substrate 200 may be a PCB, but is not limited thereto. A circuit for supplying power to the antenna may be formed on the upper portion of the substrate 200, while a ground plane may be formed on the lower portion of the substrate 200. For example, a feeder for providing a feed signal is formed on the substrate 200, and the formed feeder is electrically connected to a radiator coupled to the first antenna frame 300 and the second antenna frame 400 to provide a feed signal to the radiator.

[0034] The first antenna frame 300 is fixed to the substrate 200. The first antenna frame 300 is a frame for fixing a plurality of radiators, and the first antenna frame 300 can be made of a dielectric material such as plastic.

[0035] Recently, vehicle antennas need to be equipped with radiators that operate across different frequency bands. Since various services are provided through vehicle communication, it is necessary for vehicle communication to support services based on AM / FM, DMB / DAB, GNSS, 5G, and LTE. Embedding all these radiators that operate across different frequency bands into a vehicle antenna is a challenging task, and the first antenna frame 300 and / or the second antenna frame 400 are used to facilitate embedding a plurality of radiators into the vehicle antenna in a proper structure.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, radiators that operate across different frequency bands can be coupled, for example, three radiators that operate in the AM / FM, 5G, and LTE frequency bands. Those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the above examples are for illustrative purposes, and radiators that operate across different frequency bands can be coupled to the first antenna frame 300.

[0037] The second antenna frame 400 is fixed to the substrate 200, and the radiator can also be coupled to the second antenna frame 400.

[0038] The radiator coupled to the second antenna frame 400 can have a different service frequency band from the radiator coupled to the first antenna frame 300. Moreover, a plurality of radiators can be coupled to the second antenna frame 400. For example, a radiator that operates in the DMB frequency band can be coupled to the second antenna frame 400. It should be clearly understood that the specific examples are for illustrative purposes, and radiators that operate across different frequency bands can also be coupled to the second antenna frame 400.

[0039] The patch antenna 500 can be disposed between the first antenna frame 300 and the second antenna frame 400. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the patch antenna 500 can be an antenna for the GPS frequency band. According to an embodiment, the patch antenna 500 can use the L, L1, and L5 frequency bands.

[0040] In the case of the patch antenna, by increasing the height and adjusting the hybrid coupler time constant compared with a conventional patch antenna having similar specifications, an additional frequency bandwidth of approximately 34 MHz is ensured. In other words, the obtained frequency band spans from 1164 to 1188 MHz and from 1525 to 1605 MHz.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second antenna frame 400 is disposed at the front of the vehicle antenna, the first antenna frame 300 is disposed at the rear of the vehicle antenna, and the patch antenna 500 is disposed between the first antenna frame 300 and the second antenna frame 400.

[0042] Since the vehicle antenna has a structure with a height increasing from the front to the back, the patch antenna 500 is usually placed at the front. However, when the patch antenna is placed at the front, when multiple radiators operating across different frequency bands are incorporated into a vehicle antenna, the degree of separation between the radiators is not properly ensured.

[0043] The patch antenna has a different form from the radiators connected to the antenna frames 300 and 400, and in order to ensure an appropriate degree of separation between the radiators, it is preferable to place the patch antenna between the frames 300 and 400. In other words, by placing the patch antenna 500 between the first antenna frame 300 and the second antenna frame 400, the radiator connected to the first antenna frame 300 can be separated from the radiator connected to the second antenna frame 400.

[0044] Since the patch antenna and the radiators connected to the antenna frames are relatively not interfered with, when the patch antenna 500 is placed between the two antenna frames 300 and 400, an optimal separation can be achieved.

[0045] One of the features of the present invention lies in the structure of the first antenna frame 300. According to an embodiment of the present invention, three radiators can be connected to the first antenna frame 300. This structure is particularly suitable for radiators designed for low-frequency AM / FM bands.

[0046] The size of the radiator is inversely proportional to the frequency band of the antenna, and it is common that an antenna dedicated to a low-frequency band requires a larger radiator.

[0047] The present invention provides a first antenna frame structure to which radiators operating across different frequency bands are connected. For example, a first antenna frame structure can be formed in which radiators operating at a low frequency such as the AM / FM band can be effectively connected to the antenna frame.

[0048] Refer to Figures 1 to 3 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first antenna frame 300 can include a first support member 310, a second support member 320, a third support member 330, a first radiator connection portion 340, a second radiator assembly portion 350, a horizontal fixing portion 360, and a substrate fixing portion 370.

[0049] The first radiator 1100 is connected to the first radiator connection portion 340. The first radiator connection portion 340 can have an inclined structure characterized by an inclined top. Since the external shape of the vehicle antenna has a structure with a height increasing from the front to the back, the first radiator connection portion 340 also has a structure with a height increasing from the front to the back.

[0050] Three support members 310, 320, and 330 are coupled to the first radiator coupling portion 340; each support member 310, 320, 330 is coupled to the substrate 200, fixing the first antenna frame 300 to the substrate 200.

[0051] The first radiator extension 700 that functions as a radiator together with the first radiator 1100 can be coupled to the outer circumferential surface of the first support member 310 located at the center of the three support members. The structure of the first radiator extension 700 can be a coil structure.

[0052] The second support member 320 is formed in front of the first support member 310 and is arranged to be separated from the first support member 310. The second radiator 1300 is coupled to one side of the second support member 320.

[0053] The third support member 330 is formed behind the first support member 310 and is arranged to be separated from the first support member 310. The third radiator 1500 is coupled to one side of the third support member 330.

[0054] The present invention forms three support members 310, 320, and 330 in the first antenna frame 300 such that elements for radiation are coupled to each of the support members 310, 320, and 330.

[0055] Conventional antenna structures employ a structure in which a substrate is vertically provided on a base substrate and then a radiator is coupled to the vertical substrate. However, the structure of vertically arranging multiple substrates on the base substrate results in high manufacturing costs and performance degradation in various aspects (including the degree of spacing).

[0056] To solve the above problems, the present invention couples the first antenna frame 300 and / or the second antenna frame 400 having multiple support members to a substrate and couples a radiator to each support member.

[0057] In particular, the first antenna frame 300 of the present invention can be configured to have a structure suitable for realizing an AM / FM radiator operating in a low frequency band. An AM / FM radiator in a low frequency band requires a relatively long length to achieve its function; conventionally, to ensure the appropriate length of the radiator, the PCB is placed vertically, and the meandering metal pattern formed on the PCB is used as part of the radiator.

[0058] As described above, the structure of forming a metal pattern on the PCB incurs a large amount of cost and does not provide relevant performance.

[0059] To solve this problem, the present invention connects a first radiator extension 700 to a first support member 310 of a first antenna frame 300, and electrically connects the first radiator extension 700 to a first radiator 1100 to extend the electrical length of the first radiator 1100. The first radiator 1100 can be used as a radiator operating in a low frequency band, such as a radiator used in the AM / FM band.

[0060] One end of the first radiator extension 700 passes through a first radiator connection portion 340 and is connected to the first radiator 1100 to extend the electrical length of the first radiator 1100. The other end of the first radiator extension 700 is connected to the substrate 200. Specifically, according to one embodiment, the first radiator extension 700 may include a coil portion at the center of its body, an upward extension portion above the coil portion, and a downward extension portion below the coil portion. The coil portion may have a coil shape presenting a standard spiral structure. The upward extension portion may extend upward in a vertical direction from the upper end of the coil portion. The downward extension portion may extend downward in a vertical direction from the lower end of the coil portion.

[0061] The first radiator extension 700 is connected to the outer peripheral surface of the first support member 310. The cross-section of the first support member 310 has a circular shape such that the first radiator extension 700 can be connected thereto. The first radiator extension 700 can be connected to the first support member 310 by being inserted into the first support member 310.

[0062] The upward extension portion of the first radiator extension 700 may pass through a hole formed in the first radiator connection portion 340 and project toward the upper portion of the first radiator connection portion 340. The upward extension portion of the first radiator extension 700 can be electrically connected to the first radiator 1100 and serve as a part of a radiator for a low frequency band.

[0063] The downward extension portion of the first radiator extension 700 is connected to the substrate 200 and receives a feeding signal from a feeder formed on the substrate 200.

[0064] The present invention reduces costs, adjusts the frequency band, and ensures stable operation by adopting a structure in which the first radiator extension 700 is connected to the first support member 310 of the first antenna frame 300 and the first radiator extension 700 and the first radiator 1100 are used together as a radiator.

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fixing hook may be formed on the bottom of the first support member 310, and the fixing hook may fix the first radiator extension 700. By using the fixing hook, the safety of the combination of the first radiator extension 700 and the first support member 310 can be improved.

[0066] A through-hole 1000 is formed in a predetermined area of the first radiator 1100 to correspond to the hole formed in the first radiator connection part 340, and the upward extension part of the first radiator extension 700 passes through the through-hole 1000 and is connected to the first radiator 1100.

[0067] Meanwhile, a plurality of heat transfer prevention holes 1002 are formed around the through-hole 1000. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the heat transfer prevention holes 1002 may be formed around the through-hole 1000 at the top, bottom, left, and right of the through-hole 1000. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the number and arrangement of the heat transfer prevention holes may be changed according to specific environmental requirements.

[0068] The heat transfer prevention holes 1002 are formed to minimize heat loss generated during the welding process. Welding the first radiator and the upward extension part of the first radiator extension 700 may increase the welding time due to heat loss, and the heat transfer prevention holes 1002 are formed to prevent the increase in welding time.

[0069] Next, the welding process is described. In the case where the upward extension part passes through the through-hole, welding is performed between the first radiator 1100 and the upward extension part of the first radiator extension 700, and the first radiator extension 700 is electrically connected to the first radiator 1100.

[0070] The first radiator extension 700 and the first radiator 1100 are used together as a radiator, and the electrical length required to operate as a low-frequency radiator can be ensured by the first radiator extension 700.

[0071] The first radiator 1100 is characterized by slits 1110 formed on both sides of the central part of its body.

[0072] The first radiator extension 700 has a large inductance component, and the required capacitance can be obtained through the slits 1110 of the first radiator 1100.

[0073] Refer to Figure 4 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second radiator 1300 has a feeding point 1510 formed in its lower part, and the feeding point 1510 is connected to the feeder line of the substrate 200. The second radiator 1300 may have an annular shape; however, the present invention is not limited to a specific shape. When the second radiator 1300 adopts an annular shape, the productivity is high because the annular shape eliminates the need for a matching stub structure.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the second radiator 1300 may be a radiator for transmitting and receiving signals in the 5G band. However, the frequency band supported by the second radiator 1300 is not limited to the above specific frequency band.

[0075] Refer to Figures 3 to 5, the connection structure between the second radiator 1300 and the second support member 320 and the structure of the second support member 320 will be described. The second support member 320 includes a second radiator fitting portion 350 that protrudes forward. The second radiator fitting portion 350 has a hook shape that extends upward and is connected to the second radiator 1300. To connect the second radiator 1300 to the second support member 320, the second radiator 1300 can be inserted into the hook shape of the second radiator fitting portion 350. The second radiator fitting portion 350 restricts the vertical movement of the second radiator 1300 and prevents the second radiator 1300 from wobbling in all directions.

[0076] The second support member 320 may include a horizontal fixing portion 360 and a substrate fixing portion 370.

[0077] The horizontal fixing portion 360 extends in the horizontal direction (left - right direction) and is arranged to support the inner surface of the second radiator 1300, thereby restricting the horizontal movement of the second radiator 1300. The second radiator 1300 remains stable during vehicle operation because it is firmly fixed by the horizontal fixing portion 360, the feeding point 1510, and the second radiator fitting portion 350, thereby suppressing rattling or vibration.

[0078] The substrate fixing portion 370 may protrude from the horizontal fixing portion 360 toward the substrate 200 and is connected to the substrate 200. A first hook 420 is formed at the end of the substrate fixing portion 370. The substrate fixing portion 370 is connected to the substrate 200 using the first hook 420. When connecting the first support member 310 to the substrate 200, the first hook 420 is used to hold the first support member 310 and the substrate 200 in the correct position so that they can be easily connected to each other. A detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0079] Next, with reference to Figure 2 and Figures 6 to 9 , the connection structure between the third radiator 1500 and the third support member 330 will be described.

[0080] The third radiator 1500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may form a multi - connection structure and a branched - type structure with a complex pattern (see Figure 6 ). Due to this structure, the third radiator 1500 of the present invention can ensure a wider frequency band (2.7 to 4 GHz) than the prior art using a truncated loop - shaped radiator.

[0081] A feeding point 1550 is also formed in the lower portion of the third radiator 1500 and is connected to a feeder line formed on the substrate 200.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the third radiator 1500 may be a radiator that transmits and receives signals in the LTE band. However, this is only an example, and the bands supported by the third radiator 1500 are not limited to this specific example.

[0083] The third radiator 1500 is coupled to the third support member 330. Specifically, a plurality of protrusions protruding rearward are formed at the rear of the first antenna frame 300 (see Figure 2 ). The plurality of protrusions are arranged to be separated from each other, including a first protrusion 210, a second protrusion 220, a third protrusion 230, and a fourth protrusion 240 arranged from the top to the bottom of the first antenna frame 300 in the height direction. The third radiator 1500 is firmly fixed by the protrusions 210, 220, 230, and 240 and resists the shock generated during driving to maintain stability. Each of the plurality of protrusions 210, 220, 230, 240 is respectively coupled to portions 215, 225, 235, 245 of the third support member 330.

[0084] Referring to Figure 8 , a part of the rear of the first antenna frame 300 and a part of the third radiator 1500 may form a predetermined inclination. For example, a part of the rear of the first antenna frame 300 and at least a part of the third radiator 1500 may be formed to be inclined with respect to the center line 410 of the first support member. Since the rear of the first antenna frame 300 and the third radiator 1500 have a predetermined inclination, sufficient spacing between the radiators provided in the vehicle antenna can be ensured. Figure 8 The shape and inclination of the rear of the first support member 310 and the third radiator 1500 shown in

[0085] According to one embodiment, a part of the rear of the first antenna frame 300 and at least a part of the third radiator 1500 may be formed to have an increasing inclination away from the center line 410 of the first support member as they descend from the top to the bottom. In other words, since the first antenna frame 300 of the present invention has a structure in which the gap between the radiators gradually increases from the top to the bottom, a larger separation distance is obtained between the respective radiators. Therefore, compared with the prior art in which the gap between the radiators gradually decreases from the top to the bottom, higher antenna performance can be achieved.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the distance from the center line 410 of the first support member to the second protrusion 220 may be formed to be longer than the distance from the center line 410 of the first support member to the first protrusion 210.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the distances from the center line 410 of the first support member to any one of the second protrusion 220 to the fourth protrusion 240 may all be formed to be the same.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the distance from the center line 410 of the first support member to any one of the first protrusion 210 to the fourth protrusion 240 may be formed to increase from the first protrusion 210 to the fourth protrusion 240.

[0089] In addition to the above examples, those skilled in the art should clearly understand that the inclination and connection of the third radiator 1500 and the third support member 330 can be implemented in various ways.

[0090] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 9 describe the first support leg 1700 and the second support leg 1800.

[0091] The first support leg 1700 formed on the second support member 320 is formed by bending one side of the second support member 320 and extending the bent portion in a direction parallel to the substrate 200. A flange 1900 is formed on the first support leg 1700. A threaded hole is formed in the flange 1900.

[0092] The second support leg 1800 formed on the third support member 330 is also formed by bending one side of the third support member 330 and extending the bent portion in a direction parallel to the substrate 200. A flange 1900 is also formed on the second support leg 1800, and a threaded hole is formed in the flange 1900.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the first support leg 1700 of the second support member 320 may be formed by extending in the left direction.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the second support leg 1800 of the third support member 330 may be formed by extending in the right direction.

[0095] The following will refer to Figure 10 describe the flange 1900. The flanges 1900 respectively formed at the ends of the first support leg 1700 and the second support leg 1800 are located on the upper surface of the substrate 200 and are coupled to the substrate 200.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a plurality of flange grooves 1910 for placing the flanges 1900 are formed in the substrate 200. The flange grooves 1910 are formed by recessing downward from the upper surface of the substrate 200 to a specific depth. The flanges 1900 respectively formed at the ends of the first support leg 1700 and the second support leg 1800 are placed within the corresponding flange grooves 1910. Here, the thickness of the flange 1900 and the recessed depth of each flange groove 1910 are the same. In other words, when the flange 1900 is completely placed in the flange groove 1910, the upper surface of the flange 1900 in contact with the upper surface of the substrate 200 and the first screw 1470 are aligned at the same height in the height direction. Here, the first screw 1470 passes through each flange 1900, each flange groove 1910, and one surface of the base 100, and fastens them to each other. The second screw 1480 passes through the substrate 200 and one surface of the base 100, and fastens them to each other. The first screw 1470 and the second screw 1480 may have the same size, shape, and length. In other words, the first screw 1470 and the second screw 1480 may be exactly the same screw. As described above, the first screw 1470 and the second screw 1480 may be made of the same screw because the thickness of the flange 1900 and the recessed depth of each flange groove 1910 are the same.

[0097] More specifically, after the flanges 1900 of the support legs 1700 and 1800 are placed in the flange grooves 1910 of the substrate 200, the first screw 1470 may be fastened. When the first screw 1470 and the second screw 1480 are coupled to the substrate 200, the positions of the first screw 1470 and the second screw 1480 in the height direction are the same. Since the upper surface of the substrate 200 and the horizontal height of the flange 1900 placed on the substrate 200 are the same, the screw specifications can be unified. When the screw specifications are unified, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the related manufacturing processes can be simplified.

[0098] Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 10 Describe the process of coupling the first antenna frame 300 to the substrate 200.

[0099] The substrate 200 may be disposed on top of the base 100 (Process 1). The patch antenna 500 may be coupled to an upper portion of the substrate 200 (Process 2). The second radiator 1300 is coupled and fixed to the horizontal fixing portion 360, the substrate fixing portion 370, and the second radiator assembly portion 350 formed on the first antenna frame 300 (Process 3). The first hook 420 of the substrate fixing portion 370 is coupled to the substrate 200 to fix the first antenna frame 300 to the substrate 200 (Process 4). The flange 1900 formed on the first antenna frame 300 is seated in the flange groove 1910 (Process 5). In other words, the first hook 420 coupled in Process 4 serves as a guide for performing Process 5. In other words, before the first screw 1470 is fastened in Process 6 (to be described later), Processes 4 and 5 align the positions of the substrate 200 and the first antenna frame 300.

[0100] The first screw 1470 is fastened to pass through each flange 1900, each flange groove 1910, and one surface of the base 100 (Process 6). In other words, when the flange 1900 is seated in Process 5, the height of the top surface of the flange 1900 is the same as the height of the top surface of the substrate 200; thus, in Process 6, the first antenna frame 300, the substrate 200, and the base 100 can be screwed together by passing the first screw 1470 through the same depth as the second screw 1480 passes through the substrate 200.

[0101] The order of the above processes may be changed as long as the change in order does not cause a contradiction. In addition, the method for coupling the second antenna frame 400 may be performed according to the method for coupling the first antenna frame 300, with necessary changes.

[0102] In a typical vehicle antenna, the structure mounted on the substrate is first coupled to the substrate, and then a separate coupling structure is used to couple the substrate and the base. However, the present invention avoids a multi-stage coupling method while combining the antenna frames 300, 400, the substrate 200, and the base 100 to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0103] The second antenna frame 400 will be described below. The description of the second antenna frame 400 that overlaps with the description of the first antenna frame 300 will be briefly outlined, or the description of the first antenna frame 300 will be used instead.

[0104] The second antenna frame 400 may include a fourth radiator coupling portion 1490 that supports a lower portion of the fourth radiator 1600. The fourth radiator 1600 may be coupled to an upper portion of the fourth radiator coupling portion 1490, which is located on an upper portion of the second antenna frame 400. A slit may be formed in the fourth radiator 1600. The fourth radiator 1600 may be characterized by the slit.

[0105] The second antenna frame 400 may include a fourth support member 610 to a sixth support member 630 that extend downward from a lower portion of the fourth radiator connection portion 1490 to be coupled to the substrate 200.

[0106] The fifth support member 620 is disposed in front of the fourth support member 610, and the sixth support member 630 is disposed behind the fourth support member 610.

[0107] A fourth radiator extension 750 around the outer peripheral surface may be disposed on the fourth support member 610. One end of the fourth radiator extension 750 may pass through the fourth radiator connection portion 1490 and extend the electrical length of the fourth radiator 1600 by connecting to the fourth radiator 1600. The other end of the fourth radiator extension 750 is coupled to the substrate 200.

[0108] The fifth support member 620 may include a third support leg 1850 that extends parallel to the substrate 200 but forward, and the sixth support member 630 may include a fourth support leg 1860 that extends parallel to the substrate 200 but to the right.

[0109] Flanges 1900 respectively formed at the ends of the third support leg 1850 and the fourth support leg 1860 are configured to be seated in any one of flange grooves 1910 formed by recessing downward from the upper surface of the substrate 200.

[0110] Similar to the first antenna frame 300, the thickness of the flange 1900 of the second antenna frame 400 and the recess depth of the flange groove 1910 are the same. The second antenna frame 400 is also coupled to the substrate 200 by a first screw 200 that passes through each flange 1900, each flange groove 1910, and one surface of the base 100.

[0111] In the description of the process for coupling components of a vehicle antenna according to the present invention, the processes are described as being performed sequentially, which is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical principle of one embodiment of the present invention. In other words, since those skilled in the art of the embodiments of the present invention can produce various modifications and variations of the present invention by changing the execution order described in the drawings or performing one or more processes in parallel without departing from the essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not limited to the sequential execution order.

[0112] Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for purposes of illustration, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for the sake of brevity and clarity. The scope of the technical idea of this embodiment is not limited by the illustrations. Therefore, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the scope of the claimed invention is not limited by the embodiments explicitly described above, but is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An antenna for a vehicle, comprising: Base; a substrate, which is disposed on an upper portion of the base and on which a feed line is formed; a first antenna frame coupled to one side of the upper portion of the substrate; as well as a first radiator disposed on an upper portion of the first antenna frame and having a slit formed therein, Wherein, the first antenna framework comprises: a first radiator coupling portion supporting a lower portion of the first radiator; and A plurality of support members extend downward from a lower portion of the first radiator coupling portion and are coupled to the substrate.

2. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of support members include a first support member, a second support member and a third support member, The second support member is arranged in front of the first support member, The third support member is arranged behind the first support member, The first support member is provided with a first radiator extension member surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the first support member, One end of the first radiator extension passes through the first radiator connection portion and is connected to the first radiator to extend the electrical length of the first radiator, and the other end of the first radiator extension is connected to the substrate.

3. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: a second radiator is coupled to the second support member, A third radiator is coupled to the third support.

4. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The second radiator has a single loop shape, and a protruding feeding point in a lower portion of the second radiator is coupled to the substrate.

5. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The third radiator is coupled to a plurality of protrusions protruding backwards provided at the rear of the first antenna frame, The plurality of protrusions include a first protrusion, a second protrusion, a third protrusion, and a fourth protrusion arranged to be separated from each other in a height direction from a top to a bottom of the first antenna frame, A distance from a center line of the first support to the second protrusion is longer than a distance from a center line of the first support to the first protrusion.

6. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 5, wherein: The distances from any one of the second protrusion to the fourth protrusion to the center line of the first support member are the same.

7. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: At least a portion of the third radiator is formed to be inclined with respect to a center line of the first support member.

8. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: At least a portion of the third radiator is formed to exhibit an increasing inclination away from a center line of the first support member as descending from top to bottom.

9. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The second support member includes a second radiator mounting portion protruding forward, The second radiator fitting portion includes a hook shape extending upward to be coupled with the second radiator and to restrict vertical movement of the second radiator.

10. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 9, wherein: The second support member further comprises: a horizontal fixing portion which is elongated in the horizontal direction and arranged to support the inner surface of the second radiator, thereby restricting horizontal movement of the second radiator; and a substrate fixing portion protruding from the horizontal fixing portion toward the substrate and coupled to the substrate, The substrate fixing portion is coupled to the substrate using a first hook formed at one end of the substrate fixing portion.

11. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The second support member includes a first support leg, the first support leg is parallel to the base plate and extends in a left direction, The third supporting member includes a second supporting leg, which is parallel to the base plate and extends in a rightward direction.

12. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: The flanges formed at the ends of the first supporting leg and the second supporting leg are respectively placed in any one of the flange grooves, and the flange groove is formed by being recessed downward from the upper surface of the base plate. The thickness of the flange is the same as the recessed depth of the flange groove.

13. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising: a first screw that passes through each flange, each flange groove, and one surface of the base and fastens them to each other; as well as a second screw which passes through one surface of the base and the base plate and fastens them to each other, Wherein, the first screw and the second screw have the same size, shape and length.

14. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The first screw and the second screw are located at the same position in the height direction.

15. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a patch antenna disposed in front of the first antenna frame and coupled to the substrate; a second antenna frame disposed in front of the patch antenna and coupled to the substrate; as well as a fourth radiator disposed in an upper portion of the second antenna frame, a slit being formed in the fourth radiator, Wherein, the second antenna framework comprises: a fourth radiator coupling portion supporting a lower portion of the fourth radiator; and Fourth, fifth, and sixth supports are coupled to the substrate by extending downward from a lower portion of the fourth radiator coupling portion.

16. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The fifth support member is arranged in front of the fourth support member, The sixth support member is arranged behind the fourth support member, The fourth support member is provided with a fourth radiator extension member surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the fourth support member, One end of the fourth radiator extension passes through the fourth radiator connection portion and extends the electrical length of the fourth radiator by being connected to the fourth radiator, and the other end of the fourth radiator extension is connected to the substrate.

17. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 15, wherein: The fifth support member includes a third support leg, and the third support leg is parallel to the base plate and extends forward. The sixth supporting member includes a fourth supporting leg, and the fourth supporting leg is parallel to the base plate and extends in a rightward direction.

18. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 17, wherein: The flanges formed at the ends of the third supporting leg and the fourth supporting leg are configured to be seated in any one of the flange grooves formed by being recessed downward from the upper surface of the base plate. The thickness of the flange is the same as the recessed depth of the flange groove.

19. The antenna for a vehicle according to claim 18, further comprising: a first screw that passes through each flange, each flange groove, and one surface of the base and fastens them to each other; as well as a second screw which passes through one surface of the base and the base plate and fastens them to each other, wherein the first screw and the second screw have the same size, shape and length, The first screw and the second screw are located at the same position in the height direction.

20. A method for manufacturing a vehicle antenna, the method comprising: placing a substrate on an upper portion of the base; coupling a patch antenna to an upper portion of the substrate; coupling the second radiator to the horizontal fixing portion, the substrate fixing portion, and the second radiator mounting portion formed on the first antenna frame; fixing the first antenna frame to the substrate by coupling a first hook of a substrate fixing portion formed on the first antenna frame to the substrate; placing a flange formed in the first antenna frame in a flange groove formed by being recessed downward from an upper surface of the substrate; as well as A first screw is tightened to penetrate each flange, each flange groove, and a surface of the base.

Images