Radiating element structure and antenna

Abstract

A radiating element structure is provided that can minimize the influence between a plurality of radiating elements in a multi-band antenna by minimizing the shape and volume of the radiating element. [Solution] The radiating element structure arranged on the reflector comprises a dielectric portion made of a plastic material, a radiating portion including first to fourth radiating arms arranged on one surface of the dielectric portion in a four-sided symmetrical structure, a balun body connecting the reflector and the radiating portion, a power supply line arranged on the upper surface of the balun body to supply power to the radiating portion, and a plurality of balun portions including a ground arranged on the lower surface of the balun body.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to radiating element structures. [Background technology]

[0002] The material described in this section is merely intended to provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Antennas, which are widely used in base stations and repeaters of mobile communication systems, are being researched to meet the demand for smaller size and lighter weight. Multi-band antennas that can cover various bands and provide various services are becoming popular.

[0004] Massive Multiple Input Multiple Output (MAMIMO) technology is a technology that dramatically increases data transmission capacity by using multiple antennas. The transmitter transmits different data using each transmit antenna, and the receiver separates the transmitted data using appropriate signal processing. Therefore, as the number of transmit and receive antennas increases simultaneously, the channel capacity increases and more data can be transmitted.

[0005] When a multi-band antenna is used, there is a problem that a high band radiating element and a low band radiating element affect each other, which deteriorates the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

[0006] In addition, in order to realize a dual polarized antenna that can reduce the influence between multiple radiating elements in a multi-band antenna, it is necessary to design the antenna taking into consideration the radiation performance, radiation characteristics, shape, size, manufacturing method, and ease of design of the radiating elements. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The radiating element structure according to an embodiment can minimize the influence between multiple radiating elements in a multi-band antenna by minimizing the shape and volume of the radiating element.

[0008] The radiating element structure according to the embodiment is made of a plastic material, so that the number of connecting parts in the manufacturing process of the antenna can be reduced.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a radiating element structure disposed on a reflector, the radiating element structure comprising: a dielectric portion made of a plastic material; a radiating portion including first to fourth radiating arms disposed on one surface of the dielectric portion in a four-sided symmetrical structure; a balun body connecting the reflector and the radiating portion; a power supply line disposed on an upper surface of the balun body to supply power to the radiating portion; and a ground disposed on a lower surface of the balun body. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to an embodiment, the radiating element structure has an effect of facilitating antenna design by stabilizing the radiation characteristics of the antenna by minimizing the shape and volume of the radiating element.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the radiating element structure is made of a plastic material, which reduces the number of connection points during the manufacturing process of the antenna, thereby increasing the structural stability of the antenna and enabling mass production of the antenna. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a combined perspective view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged view of an end portion of a radiating arm of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, taken along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a balun portion of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. When referring to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. In addition, when describing the present disclosure, if a detailed description of related known configurations or functions is deemed to obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0015] In describing components of the embodiments of the present disclosure, reference numerals such as 1, 2, i), ii), a), b) may be used. Such reference numerals are used only to distinguish the components from other components, and do not limit the essence, order, sequence, etc. of the components. When a part in this specification is said to "include" or "comprise" a certain component, this means that the other components may be further included, rather than excluding the other components, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a combined perspective view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] 1 and 2, a radiation element structure 1 of the present disclosure includes all or part of a radiator unit 11, a first balun unit 12, and a second balun unit 13. In addition, an antenna of the present disclosure includes all or part of the radiation element structure 1 and a reflector 14.

[0019] The radiating section 11 includes all or a part of a plurality of radiation arms 111 , a plurality of sub grounds 112 , and a radiation plate 113 .

[0020] The multiple radiating arms 111 are arranged on one surface of the radiating plate 113 in a tetragonal symmetrical structure. The multiple radiating arms 111 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the same plane, and are generally arranged in a "+" shape. For example, based on the first radiating arm 111a, the second radiating arm 111b is arranged perpendicular to the first radiating arm 111a, the third radiating arm 111c is arranged perpendicular to the second radiating arm 111b, and the fourth radiating arm 111d is arranged perpendicular to the third radiating arm 111c.

[0021] The first radiating arm 111a and the third radiating arm 111c are arranged in a row with a predetermined interval therebetween. The first radiating arm 111a and the third radiating arm 111c are arranged in a first direction. At this time, the first direction is a direction parallel to the y-axis of FIG. 1. The second radiating arm 111b and the fourth radiating arm 111d are arranged in a row with a predetermined interval therebetween. The second radiating arm 111b and the fourth radiating arm 111d are arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. At this time, the second direction is a direction parallel to the x-axis of FIG. 1.

[0022] The multiple sub-grounds 112 are arranged on one surface of the radiating plate 113, and are arranged between adjacent radiating arms 111. For example, a first sub-ground 112a is arranged between the first radiating arm 111a and the second radiating arm 111b. A second sub-ground 112b is arranged between the second radiating arm 111b and the third radiating arm 111c. A third sub-ground 112c is arranged between the third radiating arm 111c and the fourth radiating arm 111d. A fourth sub-ground 112d is arranged between the fourth radiating arm 111d and the first radiating arm 111a.

[0023] The sub-grounds 112 are shaped like right-angled triangles, and are arranged so that the right-angled parts come together at the center of the radiation plate 113. A first insertion groove 1121 is formed at each end of the right-angled parts of the sub-grounds 112. Balun units 12 and 13, which will be described later, are inserted into the first insertion groove 1121.

[0024] The sub-ground 112 has a right-angled triangular shape, with at least a portion of the hypotenuse facing the right angle being recessed. For example, the sub-ground 112 has a stepped shape, but the shape of the sub-ground 112 of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. By making at least a portion of the sub-ground 112 recessed, it is possible to reduce the influence of the radiating unit 11 on other bands.

[0025] The radiating plate 113 has a shape corresponding to the plurality of radiating arms 111 and the plurality of sub-grounds 112. The radiating plate 113 is formed in a quadrilateral symmetrical structure such that the plurality of radiating arms 111 and the plurality of sub-grounds 112 are all arranged on one surface.

[0026] The radiating plate 113 is made of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic material. The radiating plate 113 includes a plurality of first grooves 1132. By forming a plurality of first grooves 1132 in the radiating plate 113, the weight of the radiating portion 11 can be reduced. In addition, by adjusting the dielectric constant of the radiating portion 11, the radiation characteristics of the radiating element structure 1 can be adjusted. By making the radiating plate 113 from a plastic material, the radiating element structure 1 of the present disclosure is guaranteed to have a degree of freedom in terms of material and shape. For example, unlike elements made of existing PCBs (for example, FR4 material), there is an effect that the dielectric can be removed even in the portion where a metal (for example, a radiating arm) exists.

[0027] The radiation plate 113 includes a plurality of second insertion grooves 1131. The second insertion grooves 1131 are formed in the center of the radiation plate 113. The second insertion grooves 1131 are formed to correspond to the first insertion grooves 1121 of the sub-ground 112, and balun units 12 and 13 described below are inserted into the second insertion grooves 1131.

[0028] The balun sections 12 and 13 include a first balun section 12 and a second balun section 13. Common features related to the first balun section 12 and the second balun section 13 will be described together. The balun sections 12 and 13 connect the radiating section 11 to the reflector 14. The balun sections 12 and 13 are vertically connected to the radiating section 11. The balun sections 12 and 13 are vertically connected to the reflector 14.

[0029] The balun parts 12 and 13 are made of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic material. The balun parts 12 and 13 include a plurality of second grooves 1211 and 1311. By forming a plurality of second grooves 1211 and 1311 in the balun parts 12 and 13, the weight of the balun parts 12 and 13 can be reduced. In addition, by adjusting the dielectric constant of the balun parts 12 and 13, the frequency characteristics of the radiating element structure 1 can be adjusted. For example, the required radiation or reception frequency can be adjusted. By making the balun parts 12 and 13 from a plastic material, the radiating element structure 1 of the present disclosure is guaranteed to have a degree of freedom in terms of material and shape. For example, unlike elements made of existing PCBs, there is an effect that the dielectric can be removed even in parts where metal (for example, a power supply line) exists.

[0030] The balun sections 12 and 13 include balun bodies 121 and 131, first feed lines 122 and 132, first grounds 123 and 133, and connection ports 124 and 134.

[0031] The balun bodies 121 and 131 include second grooves 1211 and 1311, first protrusions 1212 and 1312, connecting portions 1213 and 1313, and slits 1214 and 1314. The balun bodies 121 and 131 are made of a plastic material, and the balun bodies 121 and 131, the second grooves 1211 and 1311, the first protrusions 1212 and 1312, the connecting portions 1213 and 1313, and the slits 1214 and 1314 are integrally formed.

[0032] The first protrusions 1212, 1312 are formed at one end in the z-axis direction (toward the radiating portion) of the balun bodies 121, 131. The first protrusions 1212, 1312 are inserted into the second insertion groove 1131 of the radiating plate 113 and the first insertion groove 1121 of the sub-ground 112. The first protrusions 1212, 1312 are inserted into the second insertion groove 1131 and the first insertion groove 1121 in this order, connecting the balun portions 12, 13 and the radiating portion 11.

[0033] The connecting portions 1213, 1313 are formed at the other ends in the z-axis direction (toward the reflector) of the balun bodies 121, 131. The connecting portions 1213, 1313 are inserted into the third insertion groove 141 of the reflector 14. The connecting portions 1213, 1313 are inserted into the third insertion groove 141 to connect the balun portions 12, 13 and the reflector 14.

[0034] The first balun section 12 includes a first balun body 121, and the first balun body 121 includes a first slit 1214. The second balun section 13 includes a second balun body 131, and the second balun body 131 includes a second slit 1314. The first balun section 12 and the second balun section 13 are coupled to each other while crossing each other perpendicularly. The first slit 1214 is formed at the lower end (toward the reflector) of the first balun section 12, and the second slit 1314 is formed at the upper end (toward the radiation section) of the second balun section 13. The first slit 1214 is inserted into the second slit 1314, and the first balun section 12 and the second balun section 13 are coupled to each other while crossing each other perpendicularly.

[0035] The first balun section 12 is coupled perpendicularly to the radiating section 11 such that the width direction of the first balun section 12 faces the third direction, where the third direction is parallel to a line that equally divides the angle between the first radiating arm 111a and the second radiating arm 111b.

[0036] The second balun section 13 is coupled perpendicularly to the radiation section 11 so that the width direction of the second balun section 13 faces a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction. Here, the fourth direction is a direction parallel to a line that equally divides the angle between the second radiation arm 11b and the third radiation arm 111c. However, this is not limited thereto, and the width direction of the first balun section 12 and the second balun section 13 is a direction that forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of the radiation arm 111.

[0037] The feed lines 122, 132 are disposed on the upper surfaces of the balun bodies 121, 131. Here, the upper surface refers to the side on which the feed lines 122, 132 are disposed among both surfaces of the balun bodies 121, 131. The feed lines 122, 132 are disposed on the upper surfaces of the balun bodies 121, 131 and are configured to feed the multiple radiating arms 111. The feed lines 122, 132 feed the multiple radiating arms 111 by a coupling method. However, this is not limited thereto, and the feed lines 122, 132 may be directly connected to the multiple radiating arms 111. The multiple radiating arms 111 transmit and receive signals and receive power using the feed lines 122, 132.

[0038] The first balun section 12 includes a first feed line 122, and the second balun section 13 includes a second feed line 132. The first feed line 122 is formed in a U-shape. For example, the first feed line 122 extends in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the first balun section 12, is bent in a third direction, and is bent again in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the first balun section 12. The second feed line 132 is formed in a U-shape. For example, the second feed line 132 extends in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the second balun section 13, is bent in a fourth direction, and is bent again in the longitudinal direction (z-axis direction) of the second balun section 13. That is, the first feed line 122 and the second feed line 132 intersect perpendicularly.

[0039] The first feed line 122 and the second feed line 132 each receive a feed signal from a separate signal source. The first feed line 122 receives a feed signal using a first connection port 124, and the second feed line 132 receives a feed signal using a second connection port 134. A coaxial cable is used for power input to the first feed line 122 and the second feed line 132. The connection ports 124 and 134 are connected to an RF circuit including a filter, a power amplifier, a power supply unit, etc.

[0040] Since the first feed line 122 extends along the third direction, the first feed line 122 commonly feeds the first radiating arm 111a and the second radiating arm 111b, and commonly feeds the third radiating arm 111c and the fourth radiating arm 111d. Since the second feed line 132 extends along the fourth direction, the second feed line 132 commonly feeds the second radiating arm 111b and the third radiating arm 111c, and commonly feeds the first radiating arm 111a and the fourth radiating arm 111d. The first feed line 122 and the second feed line 132 feed the multiple radiating arms 111 by a capacitance coupling method.

[0041] The grounds 123 and 133 include bent portions 1231 and 1331 and second protrusions 1232 and 1332. The second protrusions 1232 and 1332 are formed at one end in the z-axis direction (toward the radiation portion) of the grounds 123 and 133. The second protrusions 1232 and 1332 are inserted into the second insertion groove 1131 of the radiation plate 113 and the first insertion groove 1121 of the sub-ground 112. The second protrusions 1212 and 1312 are inserted into the second insertion groove 1131 and the first insertion groove 1121 in this order, connecting the balun portions 12 and 13 to the radiation portion 11.

[0042] The grounds 123 and 133 are connected to the sub-ground 112 by soldering. Ends of the second protrusions 1212 and 1312 are connected to the sub-ground 112 by soldering, and connect the balun sections 12 and 13 to the radiating section 11.

[0043] The bent portions 1231, 1331 are formed at the other end in the z-axis direction (toward the reflector) of the grounds 123, 133. The bent portions 1231, 1331 are formed by bending the other ends of the grounds 123, 133. The bent portions 1231, 1331 are bent in parallel with the reflector 14.

[0044] The grounds 123, 133 include bent portions 1231, 1331 parallel to the reflector 14, so that the radiating element structure 1 of the present disclosure easily connects the balun portions 12, 13 and the reflector 14. By using the bent portions 1231, 1331, the balun portions 12, 13 and the reflector 14 can be connected without using additional parts, unlike elements manufactured using existing PCBs. Therefore, the radiating element structure 1 of the present disclosure has the effect of increasing structural stability by reducing the number of connection parts in the process and facilitating mass production. The balun portions 12, 13 and the reflector 14 are connected by a direct connection and / or a coupling connection method.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a top view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] 3, each of the multiple radiating arms 111 includes a step 1111. At least a portion of the longitudinal direction of the radiating arm 111 includes the step 1111 having a non-uniform width. Here, the longitudinal direction of the radiating arm 111 refers to the direction from the center of the radiating plate 113 toward the end 1112 of each radiating arm 111. In other words, the radiating arm 111 has a multi-stage structure in which the width (direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction) is not uniform. Forming the radiating arm 111 into a multi-stage structure has the effect of reducing the influence of the radiating section 11 on other bands.

[0047] The length of each radiating arm 111 is 1 / 4 of the wavelength (lambda) of the operating frequency. Therefore, the total length of two radiating arms on the same axis is 1 / 2 lambda. For example, the total length of the first radiating arm 111a and the third radiating arm 111c located in the first direction is 1 / 2 lambda, and the total length of the second radiating arm 111b and the fourth radiating arm 111d located in the second direction is 1 / 2 lambda.

[0048] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of an end of a radiating arm of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] 4, the ends 1112 of the multiple radiation arms 111 are bent. The ends 1112 are bent in a direction parallel to the z-axis. The ends 1112 are bent in a direction parallel to the z-axis, toward the reflector 14. However, the bending direction and angle of the ends 1112 are not limited thereto and may be set in various ways as required. By bending the ends 1112 of the radiation arms 111, the length of the radiation arms 111 is shortened, which has the effect of reducing the influence of the radiation unit 11 on other bands.

[0050] Also, by bending the end 1112 of the radiation arm 111, the shape of the radiation part 11 can be three-dimensionally embodied without additional parts, unlike an element manufactured using an existing PCB.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure cut along a plane perpendicular to the z-axis.

[0052] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a balun portion of a radiating element structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] 5 and 6, the grounds 123, 133 of the balun sections 12, 13 include first grounds 123a, 133a and second grounds 123b, 133b, respectively. The first grounds 123a, 133a and the second grounds 123b, 133b are both disposed on the lower surfaces of the balun sections 12, 13. Here, the lower surface refers to the other surface of the balun body 121, 131 on which the power supply lines 122, 132 are not disposed.

[0054] First grounds 123a and 133a are disposed on the lower surfaces of balun sections 12 and 13, with bent portions 1231 and 1331 facing toward the upper surfaces of balun sections 12 and 13. On the other hand, second grounds 123b and 133b are disposed on the lower surfaces of balun sections 12 and 13, with bent portions 1231 and 1331 facing toward the lower surfaces of balun sections 12 and 13.

[0055] The bent portions 1231 of the first balun section 12 are arranged parallel to the third direction and face in opposite directions to each other. The bent portions 1331 of the second balun section 13 are arranged parallel to the fourth direction and face in opposite directions to each other. This can increase the structural stability of the balun sections 12, 13 and the reflector 14 when they are connected.

[0056] The above description is merely an illustrative example of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs may make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment is intended to explain, not to limit, the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by such an embodiment. The scope of protection of the present embodiment should be interpreted according to the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present embodiment.

[0057] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION] This patent application claims priority to Patent Application No. 10-2022-0042829, filed in Korea on April 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Radiating element structure 11 Radiation section 12 First balun section 13 Second balun section 14 Reflector

Claims

1. A radiating element structure disposed on a reflector, a dielectric portion made of a plastic material; and a radiating portion including first to fourth radiating arms arranged on one surface of the dielectric portion in a quadrilateral symmetrical structure; A balun body that connects the reflector and the radiating portion, a power supply line that is disposed on an upper surface of the balun body and supplies power to the radiating portion, and a ground that is disposed on a lower surface of the balun body. A radiating element structure comprising:

2. the first to fourth radiating arms are disposed on the same plane, the second radiating arm is perpendicular to the first radiating arm; the third radiating arm is perpendicular to the second radiating arm; 2. The radiating element structure of claim 1, wherein the fourth radiating arm is disposed perpendicular to the third radiating arm.

3. The first to fourth radiation arms include 2. The radiating element structure according to claim 1, characterized in that one end is bent towards the reflector.

4. The first to fourth radiation arms include 2. The radiating element structure according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the longitudinal direction is formed in a multi-stage structure.

5. The radiation portion is Further, the antenna further includes a plurality of sub-grounds respectively disposed between adjacent ones of the radiation arms, The radiating element structure according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-ground is connected to the ground.

6. The subground is: A radiating element structure according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a step shape.

7. The balun unit includes:

2. The radiating element structure of claim 1, comprising a first balun section having a first feed line, and a second balun section perpendicularly intersecting the first balun section and having a second feed line.

8. The width direction of the first balun section and the second balun section is 8. The radiating element structure according to claim 7, which forms a predetermined angle with the longitudinal direction of said radiating arm.

9. The first power supply line and the second power supply line are 8. A radiating element structure according to claim 7, characterized in that it receives feeding signals from different signal sources.

10. The first power supply line includes:

8. A radiating element structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said first radiating arm and said second radiating arm arranged perpendicular to said first radiating arm are commonly fed.

11. The second power supply line includes:

8. A radiating element structure according to claim 7, characterized in that said second radiating arm and said third radiating arm arranged perpendicular to said second radiating arm are commonly fed.

12. The ground is:

6. The radiating element structure according to claim 5, further comprising a protruding portion protruding in the z-axis direction at one end and a bent portion bent at the other end so as to be parallel to the reflector.

13. The protrusion is The radiating element structure according to claim 12, characterized in that it is solder-coupled to the sub-ground.

14. The bent portion is A radiating element structure according to claim 12, characterized in that it is combined with said reflector.

15. The dielectric portion is 2. A radiating element structure according to claim 1, comprising one or more grooves arranged at predetermined intervals.

16. The balun body is 2. The radiating element structure according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of a plastic material and includes one or more grooves.

17. The radiating element structure of claim 1 , wherein the radiating portion and the balun portion are vertically coupled.

18. A reflector and A radiating part including a dielectric part made of a plastic material, first to fourth radiating arms arranged on one surface of the dielectric part in a quadrilateral symmetrical structure, and a plurality of sub-grounds arranged between adjacent radiating arms; and a balun body connecting the reflector and the radiating portion, a power supply line arranged on an upper surface of the balun body to supply power to the radiating portion, and a ground arranged on a lower surface of the balun body to connect to the sub-ground; An antenna comprising:

19. The first to fourth radiation arms include 20. The antenna according to claim 18, characterized in that one end is bent towards the reflector.

20. The balun unit includes:

20. The antenna of claim 18, comprising a first balun section having a first feed line and a second balun section perpendicularly intersecting the first balun section and having a second feed line.

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