Antenna assembly mounted on vehicle

Abstract

An antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment is provided. The antenna assembly may include: a first housing; a second housing; a PCB on which the electronic component is arranged; a first antenna part disposed between the first housing and the PCB and connected to a first point on a first surface of the PCB; and a second antenna part disposed between the second housing and the PCB and connected to a second point on a second surface of the PCB. The first point and the second point are connected through a via hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle. In particular, it relates to an antenna assembly having a broadband antenna and a vehicle having the antenna assembly. Background Technology

[0002] As automotive antennas evolve from 4G (LTE) technology to 5G communication, they will continue to require network expansion from existing FM / AM antennas and LTE antennas to 5G antennas or V2X antennas.

[0003] With the widespread adoption of 5G communication, vehicle antennas are expanding from existing FM / AM, LTE (4G), and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas to support high-frequency 5G Sub6 and V2X communication. Consequently, vehicle antennas are being developed in various forms, including shark fin antennas, in-dash antennas, in-spoiler antennas, and side mirror antennas, taking into account performance, design, and network scalability.

[0004] On the other hand, the vehicle body and roof, being made of metal, present a problem of radio wave obstruction. Therefore, an additional antenna structure can be installed on the upper part of the vehicle body or roof. Alternatively, if an antenna structure is installed on the lower part of the vehicle body or roof, the portion of the vehicle body or roof corresponding to the antenna installation area can be made of a non-metallic material.

[0005] However, from a design perspective, the vehicle body or roof needs to be formed as a single unit. In such cases, the exterior of the vehicle body or roof can be made of metal. This, in turn, can lead to a significant reduction in antenna performance due to the vehicle body or roof being integrated.

[0006] In addition, it is difficult to make vehicle-mounted antennas operate on multiple frequency bands. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The purpose of this manual is to address the degradation of antenna performance caused by the vehicle body or roof.

[0009] Another purpose of this manual is to ensure that antenna performance remains at a certain level even when the vehicle body or roof is made of metal.

[0010] Another objective of this specification is to improve antenna performance while keeping the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0011] Another objective of this specification is to provide an antenna assembly that operates broadband across multiple frequency bands.

[0012] Another objective of this manual is to optimize the antenna parameters configured in the roof area while taking into account antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0013] Methods for solving problems

[0014] To achieve the above or other objectives, embodiments provide an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle. The antenna assembly includes: a first housing; a second housing; a PCB (PCB) on which electronic components are disposed; a first antenna portion disposed between the first housing and the PCB, and connected to a first point on a first surface of the PCB; and a second antenna portion disposed between the second housing and the PCB, and connected to a second point on a second surface of the PCB. The first point and the second point are connected via a via.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion includes: a conductive pattern disposed parallel to the PCB from the end of the PCB toward the inward side; and a connecting pattern connected to the end of the conductive pattern and the end of the PCB, and disposed perpendicular to the PCB.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion includes: a dielectric carrier having a side surface and a front surface; a conductive pattern formed on the front surface of the dielectric carrier and disposed parallel to the PCB from the end of the PCB inward; and a connecting pattern formed on the side surface of the dielectric carrier, disposed perpendicular to the PCB, and connecting the end of the conductive pattern and the end of the PCB.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the second antenna portion includes: a second dielectric carrier having a side surface and a back surface; and a second conductive pattern formed on the back surface of the second dielectric carrier. The first antenna portion forms a first carrier antenna portion, and the second antenna portion forms a second carrier antenna portion.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion includes: a first connecting pattern connected to the first point and extending in the vertical axis direction; a second connecting pattern connected to a third point on the first surface of the PCB and extending in the vertical axis direction; and a conductive pattern connected to the first connecting pattern and the second connecting pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion includes: a first connecting pattern connected to the first point and extending in a horizontal axis direction; a second connecting pattern connected to a third point on the first surface of the PCB and extending in the horizontal axis direction; a third connecting pattern connected to the ends of the first connecting pattern and the second connecting pattern extending in the horizontal axis direction and extending in a vertical axis direction; a fourth connecting pattern connected to the ends of the first connecting pattern and the second connecting pattern and formed in a ring shape on a plane perpendicular to the PCB; and a conductive pattern connected to the third connecting pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the antenna assembly further includes a third antenna section disposed between the second housing and the PCB, and configured to radiate wireless signals in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

[0021] Invention Effects

[0022] The technical effects of such an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle and the vehicle equipped with the antenna assembly will be explained below.

[0023] According to this manual, the reduction in antenna performance caused by the vehicle body or roof can be resolved by adjusting the gap between the first antenna portion disposed in the upper region of the PCB and the metal structure.

[0024] According to this specification, by adjusting the gap between the first antenna section and the metal structure, as well as the width and height of the first antenna section, the antenna performance can be maintained at a certain level even when the exterior of the vehicle body or roof is made of metal.

[0025] According to this specification, while minimizing the gap between the first antenna section and the metal structure, the antenna gain is kept above a certain level, thereby improving antenna performance while keeping the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0026] According to this specification, the first antenna section, the second antenna section, and the third antenna section are disposed in the upper and lower regions of the PCB, so that the antenna assembly can operate in multiple frequency bands for 4G / 5G communication and Wi-Fi frequency bands.

[0027] According to this specification, the gap distance and the width and height of the first antenna section are formed to be below a threshold, thereby optimizing the antenna parameters configured in the roof area while taking into account antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0028] The applicable scope of the invention can be clearly understood from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention, and therefore, specific embodiments such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the invention should be understood as illustrative only. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle as described in this specification.

[0030] Figure 2a and Figure 2b The present specification illustrates a structure in a vehicle in which an antenna assembly can be mounted within the vehicle.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of the vehicle as described in an embodiment of this specification.

[0032] Figure 4 An exploded view of the antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle as described in this specification is shown.

[0033] Figure 5 A side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna section and a second antenna section is shown.

[0034] Figure 6 Showing will Figure 5 A three-dimensional view of the first antenna section and the second antenna section configured on the PCB (printed circuit board).

[0035] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the changes in antenna performance caused by variations in the height of the first antenna section, the gap between it and the metal roof, and the width of the gap.

[0036] Figure 8 The first antenna portion formed on the dielectric carrier is shown.

[0037] Figure 9 The diagram shows a conceptual diagram and side view of the arrangement of the first antenna section, the second antenna section and the third antenna section on the PCB.

[0038] Figure 10 Showing will Figure 9 The structure in which the second and third antenna sections are disposed on a dielectric carrier.

[0039] Figure 11 A side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna section, a second antenna section, and a third antenna section having a first connection pattern, a second connection pattern, a third connection pattern, and a fourth connection pattern arranged on a PCB is shown.

[0040] Figure 12 Showing will Figure 11The first antenna section, the second antenna section, and the third antenna section are arranged on the front and back of the PCB. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or similar constituent elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. The terms "module" and "part" used to describe constituent elements in the following description are merely for ease of writing and do not inherently distinguish one from another. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions will be omitted if it is determined that a detailed explanation of well-known technology would obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. Additionally, the accompanying drawings are only for aiding understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification. The technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited to the drawings but include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the scope of the ideas and techniques of this specification.

[0042] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., which include ordinal numbers, are used only to describe various constituent elements, but the constituent elements mentioned above are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from other constituent elements.

[0043] When referring to a constituent element being "connected" or "combined" with other constituent elements, it can mean that the element is directly connected or combined with other constituent elements, or that other constituent elements are in between. Conversely, when referring to a constituent element being "directly connected" or "directly combined" with other constituent elements, it should be understood that there are no other constituent elements in between.

[0044] Unless otherwise defined in the text, singular expressions can include multiple meanings.

[0045] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "possessing" are used to specify the presence of features, figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or figures, steps, operations, constituent elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The transparent antenna module and the method for manufacturing it described in this specification will now be explained in detail. Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a vehicle as described in this specification.

[0047] Reference Figure 1Vehicle 1 may be equipped with at least one communication antenna. Vehicle 1 may use the communication antenna to transmit and / or receive signals in various frequency bands. Vehicle 1 may perform V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle), V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure), V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian), and V2N (Vehicle-to-network) communications.

[0048] The antenna described above is composed of a substrate made of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) and an antenna pattern formed on the substrate. For example, the antenna described above is a transparent antenna.

[0049] The antenna described above can also be mounted on the glass of vehicle 1. The antenna can be integrated with or attached to the windshield 101, door windows 102, 103, corner window 104, rear windshield (not shown), side mirrors (not shown), sunroof 105, or glass lampshade 106. For example, the antenna can be a transparent antenna. As another example, the antenna can be mounted in the area of ​​the roof 110 forming the upper part of vehicle 1.

[0050] on the other hand, Figure 2a and Figure 2b The diagram illustrates the structure of the antenna assembly mounted within a vehicle, including the antenna assembly mounted in this specification.

[0051] Reference Figure 2a and Figure 2b In this specification, to improve the appearance of the vehicle and ensure the telematics performance of the vehicle in the event of a collision, a flat antenna with a non-protruding shape is used instead of the conventional shark fin antenna. Furthermore, this specification provides an antenna that integrates LTE and 5G antennas while also considering existing mobile communication services (LTE).

[0052] Reference Figure 2a The antenna system 1000 is mounted on the roof of vehicle 1. Figure 2a In this context, a radar radome 110a surrounds the antenna system 1000 to protect the vehicle from external impacts in the external environment and during vehicle operation. The radar radome 110a is made of a dielectric material that allows radio wave signals to be transmitted / received between the antenna system 1000 and infrastructure structures such as base stations or other vehicles.

[0053] Reference Figure 2b The antenna system 1000 is disposed within the roof structure 110b of the vehicle 1, and at least a portion of the roof structure 110b is made of non-metallic material. At this time, at least a portion of the vehicle's roof structure 110b is formed of non-metallic material and is made of a dielectric material that allows radio wave signals to be transmitted / received between the antenna system 1000 and infrastructure structures such as base stations or other vehicles.

[0054] On the other hand, refer to Figure 2a and Figure 2b The region forming the beam pattern by the antenna of the antenna system 1000 mounted on the vehicle needs to be formed from the horizontal region to the upper region at a specified angle.

[0055] In this regard, the peak of the elevation beam pattern of the antenna in the antenna system 1000 does not need to be formed along the line of sight. Therefore, the peak of the elevation beam pattern does not need to extend from the horizontal region to the upper region at a predetermined angle. For example, the elevation beam pattern of the antenna can be formed as follows: Figure 2a and Figure 2b This is the shape of a hemisphere. In addition, the beam peak is formed in the low elevation range (e.g., 30 degrees), so the elevation beam pattern of the antenna can be called the low elevation beam pattern.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this specification. (Refer to...) Figure 3 Vehicle 1 includes an object detection device 410, a communication device 420, a user interface device 431, a driving operation device 432, a vehicle drive device 433, a running system 434, a navigation system 435, a sensing unit 436, an interface unit 437, a memory 438, a power supply unit 439, and / or a control unit 440. In contrast, vehicle 1 may include an anti-interference structure in addition to the above-described structures, or omit some of the above-described structures.

[0057] The object detection device 410 may be a device for detecting objects located outside the vehicle 1. For example, the object detection device 410 may include a processor 411, a camera 412, a radar 413, a lidar 414, an ultrasonic sensor 415, and / or an infrared sensor 416.

[0058] The communication device 420 may be a device for performing communication with external devices. The communication device 420 may include at least one of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit or RF element capable of implementing various communication protocols for performing communication. For example, the communication device 420 may include a processor 421, a near-field communication unit 422, a location information unit 423, a V2X communication unit 424, an optical communication unit 425, a broadcast transceiver unit 426, and / or an ITS communication unit 427.

[0059] User interface device 431 can be a device for performing interaction between vehicle 1 and user. Vehicle 1 can implement UI (User Interface) or UX (User Experience) through user interface device 431.

[0060] The driving control device 432 may be a device that receives user input for driving. The vehicle drive unit 433 may be a device that electrically controls the drive of various devices within the vehicle 1. The operating system 434 may be a system that controls various operations of the vehicle 1. The navigation system 435 can provide navigation information. The sensing unit 436 can sense the state of the vehicle 1.

[0061] The interface unit 437 can act as a channel between various external devices connected to the vehicle 1. The memory 438 can store basic data about the units of the vehicle 1, control data for executing the operation control of the units, output and input data, etc. The power supply unit 439 can supply the power required for the operation of each component. The control unit 440 can control the overall operation of each unit within the vehicle 1. The control unit 440 can be implemented by an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and / or a TCU (Telematics Control Unit).

[0062] On the other hand, refer to Figures 1 to 3 The antenna system mounted on the vehicle can be configured inside the vehicle, on the vehicle roof, inside the roof, or inside the roof frame. In this regard, the antenna system disclosed in this specification can be configured to operate in the low band (LB), mid band (MB), and high band (HB) of 4G LTE systems and the SUB6 band of 5G NR systems.

[0063] The antenna assembly mounted on the vehicle described below will now be explained. Regarding this, Figure 4 An exploded view of the antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle as described in this specification is shown.

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The antenna assembly 1000 can be configured in the lower region of the metal roof 110 of the vehicle. In the roof 110, a portion of the metal region is removed from the region where the antenna assembly 1000 is configured to form a dielectric region.

[0065] The antenna assembly 1000 may include a first cover 1320a as an upper cover and a second cover 1320 as a lower cover. A metal roof 110 corresponds to the first housing 1310, and the second cover 1320, as the lower cover, corresponds to the second housing 1320. The antenna assembly 1000 may include an antenna 1100, a PCB 1200, and electronic components disposed in the space between the first cover 1320a and the second cover 1320.

[0066] Metal structures 1001 and 1002 can be integrated into the opening area of ​​the first cover 1320a. Metal structures 1001 and 1002 act as heat sinks to prevent heat absorbed into the interior through the vehicle roof 110 from being absorbed into the interior of the antenna assembly 1000.

[0067] An antenna 1100 may be configured in a first area of ​​PCB 1200. A network access device (NAD) 1400 may be configured in a second area of ​​PCB 1200. The NAD 1400 is operatively coupled to the antenna 1100 and controls the operation of the antenna 1100 and electronic components, and therefore may be referred to as a processor.

[0068] Using one axis (Y-axis) of PCB1200 as a reference, the first and second regions of PCB1200 can be the left and right regions, respectively, but are not limited to these. Antenna 1100 can be configured in the lower region of the first region of PCB1200. Antenna 1100 is configured to operate when the antenna (not shown) configured on the upper part of the roof 110 is not in operation. Therefore, antenna 1100 can also be referred to as backup antenna (BUA).

[0069] A module PCB1200b may be configured on the back of PCB1200. The second cover 1320, serving as the lower cover, may include a connecting frame 1321 and a metal structure 1322. The connecting frame 1321 is formed in a manner that connects to the first cover 1320a, which serves as the upper cover. The metal structure 1322 may be integrated into the internal space of the connecting frame 1321. The metal structure 1322 of the second cover 1320, serving as the lower cover, can be used as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated inside the antenna assembly 1000 to the vehicle body and the outside.

[0070] on the other hand, Figure 5 A side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna section and a second antenna section is shown. Figure 6 Show Figure 5 A 3D view of the first and second antenna sections configured on the PCB.

[0071] Reference Figures 4 to 6 The antenna assembly 1000 mounted on a vehicle is configured to include a first housing 1310, a second housing 1320, a PCB 1200, a first antenna section 1100a, and a second antenna section 1100b. The first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b, as radiators, can operate in frequency bands used for LTE (4G) or 5G communication. The antenna assembly 1000 is also configured to include a third antenna section 1100c. The third antenna section 1100c, as a radiator, can operate in a frequency band used for Wi-Fi communication.

[0072] The first outer casing 1310 corresponds to the metal material formed by the vehicle on which the antenna assembly 1000 is configured. Figure 1 The roof 110 of the vehicle. Thus, the first housing 1310 is formed from a first metal housing corresponding to the roof 110 of the vehicle. The second housing 1320 corresponds to the lower cover of the antenna assembly 1000. The second housing 1320 is formed from a second metal housing with at least a portion made of metal. A PCB 1200, a first antenna section 1100a, and a second antenna section 1100b are disposed within the space formed by the combination of the first housing 1310 and the second housing 1320.

[0073] A first antenna section 1100a, a second antenna section 1100b, and other electronic components may be configured on PCB 1200. The first antenna section 1100a may be configured between the first housing 1310 and PCB 1200. The first antenna section 1100a may be connected to a first point P1 on the first surface S1 of PCB 1200. The second antenna section 1100b may be configured between the second housing 1320 and PCB 1200. The second antenna section 1100b may be connected to a second point P2 on the second surface S2 of PCB 1200.

[0074] A first point P1 on the first surface S1 of PCB1200 and a second point P2 on the second surface S2 of PCB1200 are connected by a via V1. Corresponding to the first point P1 on the first surface S1 of PCB1200, a second point P2 is formed on the second surface S2 of PCB1200. The via V1 is configured to connect the first point P1 on the first surface S1 of PCB1200 and the second point P2 on the second surface S2 of PCB1200 perpendicularly.

[0075] The first antenna portion 1100a is configured to include at least one metal pattern. The first antenna portion 1100a may include a conductive pattern 1110. The first antenna portion 1100a may include at least one connection pattern 1120. The first antenna portion 1100a is configured to include a conductive pattern 1100 and a connection pattern 1120.

[0076] Conductive pattern 1110 is configured to radiate a wireless signal in the first frequency band. Conductive pattern 1110 can be arranged parallel to PCB 1200 from the end of PCB 1200 inwards. Connecting pattern 1120 is connected to the end of conductive pattern 1110 and the end of PCB 1200. Connecting pattern 1120 can be arranged perpendicular to PCB 1200.

[0077] The first antenna section 1100a can be connected to multiple connection patterns. The first antenna section 1100a can be configured to include a conductive pattern 1100, a first connection pattern 1121, and a second connection pattern 1122. The conductive pattern 1110 can be configured to radiate a wireless signal in a first frequency band. The conductive pattern 1110 can be connected to at least one connection pattern. The conductive pattern 1110 can be connected to both the first connection pattern 1121 and the second connection pattern 1122. The conductive pattern 1110 is arranged parallel to the PCB 1200 in the horizontal axis direction.

[0078] The first connection pattern 1121 can be connected to the first point P1 of the first surface S1 of the PCB 1200. A portion 1121a of the first connection pattern 1121 can be formed from the first point P1 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The remaining portion 1121b of the first connection pattern 1121 extends in the vertical direction. The horizontal axis corresponds to the X-axis or Y-axis, and the vertical axis corresponds to the Z-axis.

[0079] The second connection pattern 1122 can be connected to the third point P3 of the first surface S1 of PCB 1200. A portion 1122a of the second connection pattern 1122 can be formed from the third point P3 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The remaining portion 1122b of the second connection pattern 1123 can be formed by extending in the vertical direction.

[0080] The second antenna portion 1100b may be configured to include at least one metal pattern. The second antenna portion 1100b may be configured to include at least one conductive pattern selected from the second conductive pattern 1130 and the third conductive pattern 1140. The second antenna portion 1100b may be configured to include the second conductive pattern 1130 and the third conductive pattern 1140.

[0081] One end of the second conductive pattern 1130 can be connected to the second point P2 of the second surface S2 of the PCB 1200. The second conductive pattern 1130 can extend in the horizontal axis direction and be arranged parallel to the PCB 1200. The third conductive pattern 1140 can be connected to the other end of the second conductive pattern 1130. The third conductive pattern 1140 can extend in the vertical axis direction and be arranged perpendicular to the PCB 1200.

[0082] The third antenna section 1100c can be disposed between the second housing 1320 and the PCB 1200. The third antenna section 1100c can be disposed in the lower space of the PCB 1200 formed by the second surface S2 of the PCB 1200 and the second housing 1320. The third antenna section 1100c can be configured to include a fourth conductive pattern 1150 disposed parallel to the PCB 1200.

[0083] The first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b can be used as radiators that radiate wireless signals in different frequency bands. The first antenna section 1100a can be used as a radiator that radiates wireless signals in a first frequency band. The second antenna section 1100b can be used as a radiator that radiates wireless signals in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. The third antenna section 1100c can be used as a radiator that radiates wireless signals in the Wi-Fi frequency band. The third antenna section 1100c can also be used as a radiator that radiates wireless signals in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

[0084] The first to third frequency bands can be used for LTE (4G) or 5G communication. For example, the first frequency band is a low band (LB) for 4G / 5G communication, and the second frequency band is a mid band (MB) for 4G / 5G communication. The third frequency band can be a high band (HB) for 4G / 5G communication. For example, the low band (LB) can be set to a frequency band of 617~960MHz (less than 1GHz), and the mid band (MB) can be set to a frequency band of 0.96~1.4GHz. The high band (HB) can be set to a frequency band of 1.7~4.5GHz. The fourth frequency band, as a Wi-Fi band, can be set to at least one of the frequency bands of 2.4GHz or 5~7GHz.

[0085] The first antenna portion 1100a can be formed on the first surface S1 of the PCB 1200 with a first height h1. The conductive pattern 1120 of the first antenna portion 1100a is separated from the first housing 1310 by a first gap G1. The first antenna portion 1100a is formed with a first width W1 towards the inside of the PCB 1200. In this regard, the width of the conductive pattern 1110 of the first antenna portion 1100a is formed with a first width W1 towards the inside of the PCB 1200.

[0086] On the other hand, the height h1, gap G1, and width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a in the antenna assembly described in this specification can be optimized according to the antenna performance parameters. Regarding this, Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the changes in antenna performance caused by variations in the height of the first antenna section, the gap between it and the metal roof, and the width of the gap.

[0087] Figure 7 (a) shows a graph of antenna gain as the height h1 of the first antenna section varies. Figure 7 (b) shows a graph of frequency shift (Freq.shift) as the gap G1 between the first antenna section and the roof changes.

[0088] Reference Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 7 (a) As the height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases, the antenna gain increases. For example, as the height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases from h1a to h1b, the antenna gain increases from -12dBi to -10dBi. As the height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases from h1b to h1c, the antenna gain increases from -10dBi to a value greater than -10dBi. However, compared to the rate of increase in the height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a, the rate of increase in antenna gain is relatively smaller.

[0089] In this regard, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be formed to be at least a first threshold value related to an antenna gain of at least a predetermined value. For example, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected to be a value of at least h1a related to an antenna gain of at least -12 dBi. For another example, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected to be a value of at least h1b related to an antenna gain of at least -10 dBi. Since the antenna gain increases linearly up to h1b, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected to be at least h1b.

[0090] On the other hand, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as a value below h1d, which is the saturation point of the antenna gain. Therefore, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as a value between h1b and h1d. Regarding the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a, h1c can be selected from the value between h1b and h1d to satisfy the target antenna gain. For example, the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as a value within a specified range based on 8.8mm.

[0091] Reference Figures 4 to 6 and Figure 7 (b) As the gap G1 between the first antenna section 1100a and the roof increases, the frequency shift decreases, and the influence of the metal roof decreases. When the gap G1 between the first antenna section 1100a and the roof is less than G1a, the frequency shift increases to more than 400MHz in the low-frequency band LB.

[0092] As the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a decreases, the coupling between the conductive pattern 1110, which is parallel to the metal roof, and the roof weakens. Therefore, as the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a decreases, the coupling between the conductive pattern 1110 and the roof weakens, and the frequency shift also decreases. When the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases to 13 mm or more, the frequency shift in the low-frequency band LB increases to 400 MHz or more.

[0093] When the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases, the effect of the increased electrical length of the first antenna section 1100a leading to a decrease in resonant frequency is greater than the effect of coupling. In this regard, when the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases to 13 mm or more, the decrease in frequency shift caused by the decrease in resonant frequency is relatively smaller compared to the rate of increase in width W1. Therefore, even if the width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a increases significantly from a value of 13 mm or more, the effect of resonant frequency shift is weakened through coupling with the metal roof material.

[0094] Regarding this, the first gap G1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be formed to be a second threshold or higher related to the minimum operating frequency below a specified value. The minimum operating frequency of the low-frequency band LB can be selected as 617MHz, but is not limited to this. For example, the first gap G1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as a value of 0.6mm or higher. On the other hand, the first gap G1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as the minimum among the selectable values ​​to minimize the height from the vehicle roof. Therefore, the first gap G1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected as a value of 0.6mm.

[0095] The first width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be formed to be at least a third threshold value related to the minimum operating frequency below a predetermined value. In this regard, as the first width W1 increases, the minimum value Wmin of the first width W1 can be selected to be 13 mm or more to linearly form the frequency shift. For example, the first width W1 of the first antenna section 1100a can be selected to be a value within a predetermined range based on 13.3 mm, which is 13 mm or more.

[0096] The second conductive pattern 1130 of the second antenna section 1100b can be formed at a second height h2 on the second surface S2 of the PCB 1200. The third conductive pattern 1140 of the second antenna section 1100b can be formed at a second width W2 towards the inside of the PCB 1200. As described above, the second frequency band in which the second antenna section 1100b operates can be set to a higher frequency band than the first frequency band in which the first antenna section 1100a operates, so the second antenna section 1100b can be formed with a smaller size than the first antenna section 1100a. Therefore, the second height h2 of the second antenna section 1100b can be formed with a value smaller than the first height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a. In addition, since the first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b are formed at different heights, interference between them can be reduced.

[0097] On the other hand, the first antenna portion 1100a, the second antenna portion 1100b, and the third antenna portion 1100c of the antenna assembly 100 in this specification can be formed on a dielectric carrier. Regarding this, Figure 8 The first antenna portion formed on the antenna dielectric carrier is shown.

[0098] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 8 The first antenna portion 1100a may include a dielectric carrier 1010, a conductive pattern 1110, and a connecting pattern 1120. The dielectric carrier 1010 may have a side surface SS and a front surface FS. The conductive pattern 1110 may be formed on the front surface FS of the dielectric carrier 1010. The conductive pattern 1110 may be configured to include sub-regions with different heights corresponding to the shape of the front surface FS of the dielectric carrier 1010. The conductive pattern 1110 may have mounting holes for fixing to the dielectric carrier 1010.

[0099] A connection pattern 1120 may be formed on a side surface SS of the dielectric carrier 1010. Thus, a first antenna portion 1100a formed on the first dielectric carrier 1010 may be formed as a first carrier antenna portion.

[0100] The height h1 of the connecting pattern 1120 may correspond to the height h1 of the first antenna section 1100a. In order to reduce the overall system height and / or to increase the rigidity of the mechanism fixing the dielectric carrier 1010, it is necessary to reduce the height h0 of the dielectric carrier 1010 to a specified height or below. For example, the height h0 of the dielectric carrier 1010 may be reduced by 3 mm, from 15 mm to 12 mm. On one side surface of the dielectric carrier 1010 having a height h0 of 12 mm, the height h1 of the connecting pattern 1120 may be formed to a value within a specified range based on 8.8 mm.

[0101] As another example, the metallic pattern of the first antenna section 1100a can be configured on the upper cover 1320a. (See reference...) Figure 5 The conductive pattern 1110 can be formed on the inner side FS1 of the front surface of the upper cover 1320 of the antenna assembly. The connecting pattern 1120 can be formed on a side surface SS1 of the inner side of the upper cover 1320. On the other hand, a dielectric carrier 1010b can be disposed between the conductive pattern 1110 and the upper cover 1320a. In this regard, the conductive pattern 1110 can be disposed on the back side RS of the dielectric carrier 1010b attached to the inner side FS1 of the front surface of the upper cover, i.e., the first cover 1320a.

[0102] The second antenna section 1100b may be disposed on the same dielectric carrier as the first antenna section 1100a or on a different dielectric carrier. Figure 9 The diagram shows a conceptual diagram and side view of the first antenna section, the second antenna section, and the third antenna section arranged on a PCB. Figure 10 Show Figure 9 The structure in which the second and third antenna sections are disposed on a dielectric carrier.

[0103] Figure 9 (a) shows a conceptual diagram of an antenna assembly 1000, which represents the structure of the first antenna section 1100a, the second antenna section 1100b, and the third antenna section 1100c connected to the PCB 1200. Figure 9 (b) shows a side view of an antenna assembly 1000 in which a dielectric carrier 1010 is disposed in the upper region of the PCB 1200 and a second dielectric carrier 1010c is disposed in the lower region.

[0104] Figure 10 (a) shows a perspective view of a second dielectric carrier 1010c on a side surface and a back surface, comprising a first antenna portion 1100a, a second antenna portion 1100b, and a third antenna portion 1100c. Figure 10 (b) shows the second antenna portion 1100b and the third antenna portion 1100c disposed on the back side of the second dielectric carrier 1010c.

[0105] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The second antenna portion 1100b may be configured to include a second dielectric carrier 1010c and a second conductive pattern 1130b. According to an embodiment, the second antenna portion 1100b may also include a third conductive pattern 1140. The second antenna portion 1100b formed on the second dielectric carrier 1010c may form a second carrier antenna portion.

[0106] The first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b are arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more in one axial direction. Only the connection pattern 1120 is shown in the first antenna section 1100a, but a conductive pattern 1110 may be formed on the front surface of another dielectric carrier or the second dielectric carrier 1010c. The connection pattern 1120 of the first antenna section 1100a is arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more with the second conductive pattern 1130b of the second antenna section 1100b in the Y-axis direction. The second conductive pattern 1130b of the second antenna section 1100b is arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more with the fourth conductive pattern 1150 of the third antenna section 1100c in the Y-axis direction.

[0107] The second antenna section 1100b, disposed in the lower region of PCB 1200 along the vertical axis (Z-axis), is connected to the first antenna section 1100a disposed in the upper region via a via V1 at a first point P1. A signal is applied to the second antenna section 1100b from the first feed point Pa1 through the first feed section Fa1. The second conductive pattern of the second antenna section 1100b is supplied with a first signal of either the first frequency band or the second frequency band from the first feed point Pa1 connected to the via V1 through the first feed section Fa1.

[0108] On the other hand, the antenna assembly in this specification may also include a third antenna section 1100c operating in the Wi-Fi band. (See reference...) Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 9 and Figure 10 The third antenna section 1100c can be disposed between the second housing 1320 and the PCB 1200. The third antenna section 1100c can be configured to radiate wireless signals in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band. The second frequency band, as a mid-frequency band (MB) for performing 4G / 5G communication, can be set to the 0.96~1.4GHz band. The fourth frequency band, as a Wi-Fi band, can be set to at least one of the 2.4GHz band or the 5~7GHz band.

[0109] The third antenna section 1100c may include a fourth conductive pattern 1150. The fourth conductive pattern 1150 is arranged parallel to the PCB 1200 in the lower region in the vertical axis direction. The fourth conductive pattern 1150 of the third antenna section 1100c may include a first portion 1151 disposed in the lower region of the PCB 1200 in the vertical axis direction and a second portion 1152 disposed in the upper region of the PCB 1200.

[0110] The third antenna section 1100c can be configured to perform dual resonance in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 to 7 GHz band. For this purpose, the signal of the fourth frequency band is doubly fed to the fourth conductive pattern 1150 through the second feed section Fb2 at the second feed point Pb2 and through the third feed section Fb3 from the third feed point Pb3 adjacent to the second feed point Pb2 in one axial direction. The second signal and the third signal are doubly fed to the fourth conductive pattern 1150, wherein the second signal is applied to the fourth conductive pattern 1150 through the second feed section Fb2 at the second feed point Pb2, and the third signal is applied to the fourth conductive pattern 1150 from the third feed point Pb3 through the third feed section Fb3.

[0111] The center portions of the first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b are spaced apart in one axial direction. The connecting pattern 1120 of the first antenna section 1100a is arranged at a distance of more than a predetermined length from the second conductive pattern 1130c of the second antenna section 1100b in the Y-axis direction. The connecting pattern 1120 of the first antenna section 1100a may be formed as a ring in which multiple conductive lines are arranged in an overlapping manner.

[0112] The second dielectric carrier 1010c may have a side surface SS and a back surface RS. A second conductive pattern 1130b may be formed on the back surface of the second dielectric carrier 1010c. A third conductive pattern 1140 may be connected to the second conductive pattern 1130b. A second antenna portion 1100b, including the second conductive pattern 1130b and the third conductive pattern 1140, may be disposed in the lower region of the PCB 1200. The second antenna portion 1100b formed on the second dielectric carrier 1010c may form a second carrier antenna portion.

[0113] At least a portion of the first antenna portion 1100a may be disposed on the second dielectric carrier 1010c. In this regard, the connection pattern 1120 of the first antenna portion 1100a may be disposed on a side surface SS of the second dielectric carrier 1010c. The conductive pattern 1110 of the first antenna portion 1100a may be disposed on the front surface of the dielectric carrier 1010c or the front surface inside another dielectric carrier.

[0114] The first antenna section 1100a can be used as a backup antenna (BUA) operating in the low-frequency band LB when the shark fin antenna mounted on the vehicle roof is not in operation. The first antenna section 1100a can be configured to operate in the low-frequency band LB, i.e., the first frequency band. Alternatively, the first antenna section 1100a can be configured to operate in both the low-frequency band LB (the first frequency band) and the mid-frequency band MB (the second frequency band).

[0115] On the other hand, the first antenna section 1100a of the antenna assembly in this specification can be configured to deform the connection pattern so that the first antenna section 1100a operates in the low-frequency band LB and the mid-frequency band MB. Regarding this, Figure 11 A side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna section, a second antenna section, a third antenna section, and a fourth antenna section disposed on a PCB is shown. Figure 12 Show Figure 11 The first antenna section, the second antenna section, and the third antenna section are arranged on the front and back of the PCB.

[0116] Figure 11 A side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna section 1100a, a second antenna section 1100b, and a third antenna section 1100c disposed on a PCB 1200, having a first connection pattern 1121, a second connection pattern 1122, a third connection pattern 1123, and a fourth connection pattern 1124.

[0117] Figure 12 (a) shows Figure 11 A perspective view of the front of the PCB showing the first antenna section 1100a, the second antenna section 1100b, and the third antenna section 1100c. Figure 12 (b) shows Figure 11 A perspective view of the back of the PCB showing the first antenna section 1100a, the second antenna section 1100b, and the third antenna section 1100c.

[0118] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 11 and Figure 12 The first antenna section 1100a operates by radiating wireless signals in the low-frequency band LB (first frequency band) and the mid-frequency band MB (second frequency band). The second antenna section 1100b operates by radiating wireless signals in the second frequency band. Thus, the antenna 1100, including the first antenna section 1100a and the second antenna section 1100b, increases antenna gain by operating with a wider bandwidth in the second frequency band. On the other hand, when a 50-ohm resistor is formed instead of the second antenna section 1100b, the antenna 1100 implemented by the first antenna section 1100a operates by radiating wireless signals up to the high-frequency band HB (third frequency band).

[0119] The first antenna section 1100a may be configured to include a conductive pattern 1110, a first connection pattern 1121, a second connection pattern 1122, a third connection pattern 1123 and a fourth connection pattern 1124.

[0120] The first connecting pattern 1121 can be connected to the first point P1 of the first surface S1 of the PCB 1200. A portion of the first connecting pattern 1121 is formed obliquely in the YZ axis direction, and the remaining portion can extend in the horizontal axis direction, i.e., the Y axis direction. The second connecting pattern 1122 can be connected to the third point P3 of the first surface S1 of the PCB 1200. A portion of the second connecting pattern 1122 is formed obliquely in the YZ axis direction, and the remaining portion can extend in the horizontal axis direction, i.e., the Y axis direction.

[0121] The third connecting pattern 1123 can be connected to the ends of the first connecting pattern 1121 and the second connecting pattern 1122 extending along the horizontal axis. The ends of the first connecting pattern 1121 and the second connecting pattern 1122 are formed at a single point. The third connecting pattern 1123 can extend in the vertical axis direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction.

[0122] The fourth connection pattern 1124 can be connected to the end of the first connection pattern 1121 and the end of the second connection pattern 1122. The fourth connection pattern 1124 can be arranged on a plane perpendicular to the PCB 1200. The fourth connection pattern 1124 is formed into a ring by multiple conductive lines overlapping each other in one axial direction, i.e., the Y-axis direction.

[0123] The above describes the antenna assembly mounted on the vehicle. Below, we will explain the technical effects of the antenna assembly mounted on the vehicle and the vehicle equipped with the antenna assembly.

[0124] According to this specification, the gap between the first antenna portion disposed in the upper region of the PCB and the metal structure can be adjusted to resolve the reduction in antenna performance caused by the vehicle body or roof.

[0125] According to this manual, the gap between the first antenna section and the metal structure, as well as the width and height of the first antenna section, can be adjusted so that the antenna performance can be maintained at a certain level even when the vehicle body or roof is made of metal.

[0126] According to this specification, while minimizing the gap between the first antenna section and the metal structure, the antenna gain can be maintained at a certain level or above, thereby improving antenna performance while keeping the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0127] According to this specification, the first antenna section, the second antenna section, and the third antenna section are disposed in the upper and lower regions of the PCB, so that the antenna assembly can operate in multiple frequency bands for 4G / 5G communication and Wi-Fi frequency bands.

[0128] According to this specification, the gap distance and the width and height of the first antenna section are formed to be below a threshold, thereby optimizing the antenna parameters configured in the roof area while taking into account antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0129] The additional scope of the invention will be clearly understood from the following detailed description. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention; therefore, the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments, are merely illustrative. The detailed description is not intended to be limiting in any way and is merely illustrative. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within its scope.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle, comprising: First outer shell; Second outer shell; PCB, which contains electronic components; The first antenna section is disposed between the first housing and the PCB and is connected to a first point on the first side of the PCB. and The second antenna section is disposed between the second housing and the PCB, and is connected to a second point on the second side of the PCB. The first point and the second point mentioned above are connected by a via. The aforementioned first antenna section includes: A dielectric carrier having a side surface and a front surface; A conductive pattern is formed on the front surface of the dielectric carrier and is arranged parallel to the PCB from the end of the PCB inwards; and A connecting pattern, formed on one side surface of the dielectric carrier, is disposed perpendicularly to the PCB and connects the end of the conductive pattern to the end of the PCB. The second day's line section mentioned above includes: A second dielectric carrier having a side surface and a back surface; and A second conductive pattern is formed on the back side of the second dielectric carrier. The first antenna section forms a first carrier antenna section, and the second antenna section forms a second carrier antenna section.

2. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned first antenna section includes: A first connecting pattern, which connects to the aforementioned first point and extends in the direction of the vertical axis; The second connection pattern connects to the third point on the first surface of the PCB and extends in the vertical axis direction; and A conductive pattern, which is connected to the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern and is arranged parallel to the PCB.

3. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned first antenna section includes: A first connecting pattern, which connects to the aforementioned first point and extends in the horizontal axis direction; The second connection pattern is connected to the third point of the first surface of the PCB and extends in the horizontal axis direction. The third connecting pattern is connected to the end of the first connecting pattern and the end of the second connecting pattern, which extend in the horizontal axis direction, and extends in the vertical axis direction. A fourth connecting pattern, which connects to the ends of the first connecting pattern and the second connecting pattern, and forms a ring on a plane perpendicular to the PCB; and A conductive pattern, which is connected to the third connection pattern described above and arranged parallel to the PCB described above.

4. The antenna assembly according to claim 2, wherein, One end of the second conductive pattern is connected to the second point, and the second conductive pattern extends in the horizontal axis direction and is arranged parallel to the PCB. The second day's line section mentioned above includes: The third conductive pattern is connected to the other end of the second conductive pattern and extends in the vertical axis direction and is arranged perpendicular to the PCB.

5. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned first antenna section operates in the first frequency band. The aforementioned second-day line unit operates in a second frequency band that is higher than the first frequency band mentioned above. The aforementioned first frequency band and the aforementioned second frequency band are frequency bands used for LTE or 5G communication.

6. The antenna assembly according to claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned first outer shell is formed from a first metal outer shell corresponding to the roof of the vehicle. The aforementioned second outer casing is formed from a second metal outer casing corresponding to the lower cover of the aforementioned antenna section.

7. The antenna assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The first antenna portion is formed at a first height on the first surface of the PCB. The conductive pattern of the first antenna portion is separated from the first outer casing by a first gap. The aforementioned first height is defined as exceeding a first threshold related to an antenna gain above a specified value. The aforementioned first gap is formed at or above a second threshold related to the minimum operating frequency below a specified value.

8. The antenna assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The first antenna portion is formed with a first width towards the inside of the PCB. The aforementioned first width is formed to be above the third threshold related to the aforementioned minimum operating frequency.

9. The antenna assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The second conductive pattern of the second line portion is formed at a second height on the second surface of the PCB. The third conductive pattern of the second line portion is formed into a second width on the inner side of the PCB. The aforementioned second height is formed to be a value smaller than the aforementioned first height.

10. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned conductive pattern is formed on the inner side of the front surface of the upper cover of the antenna assembly or disposed on the back side of a dielectric carrier attached to the inner side of the front surface of the upper cover. The aforementioned connection pattern is formed on one side surface of the inner side of the aforementioned upper cover.

11. The antenna assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The antenna assembly also includes: The third antenna section is disposed between the second housing and the PCB, and is configured to radiate wireless signals in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band. The aforementioned third antenna section includes a fourth conductive pattern arranged parallel to the aforementioned PCB.

12. The antenna assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The second conductive pattern of the second line section is subjected to a first signal from the first feed point through the first feed section. The second signal and the third signal are doubly fed to the fourth conductive pattern, wherein the second signal is applied to the fourth conductive pattern through the second feed part of the second feed point, and the third signal is applied to the fourth conductive pattern from the third feed point through the third feed part, and the third feed point is adjacent to the second feed point in one axial direction.

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