Antenna assembly including a feeder line having an air strip structure and antenna device using the same

Abstract

An antenna assembly including a feed line having an air strip structure and an antenna device using the same are disclosed. [Solution] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an antenna assembly including a base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction, and a feed line configured to feed power to the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure, wherein the line region includes a plurality of connecting line regions configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements, and a main line region bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connecting line region and formed along the first direction on the side of the antenna group.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an antenna assembly including a feed line having an air strip structure, and an antenna device using the same. [Background technology]

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

[0003] The structure of an array antenna mainly consists of a radiating element and a feed line that feeds the radiating element. The size of the radiating element can vary depending on the operating frequency. For example, the higher the operating frequency, the smaller the size of the radiating element.

[0004] Transmission lines can be mainly divided into RF cable and PCB type. The size of the transmission line of RF cable and PCB type does not change depending on the operating frequency. That is, the size of the transmission line remains the same even if the operating frequency increases.

[0005] Meanwhile, losses in a power supply line can be divided into conductor losses in the conductor through which the signal flows and dielectric losses due to the dielectric surrounding the conductor. Such losses directly reduce the gain of the antenna. In order to improve the gain of the antenna, the loss parts must be improved, and it is more effective to improve the dielectric loss parts, which are advantageous in changing or modifying the medium.

[0006] A typical PCB-type transmission line used to improve dielectric loss is an air-strip structure, which is a structure in which the dielectric part of a general stripline structure is embodied with air.

[0007] In a transmission line with an air strip structure, the dielectric loss is close to '0' because the conductor is surrounded by air. Therefore, when a transmission line is realized with an air strip, the dielectric loss can be reduced, thereby increasing the antenna gain.

[0008] However, when the air strip structure is designed with the same impedance, the width of the transmission line becomes wider. Therefore, the transmission line of the air strip structure has a relatively large area compared to the size of the radiating element. Also, as the operating frequency increases, the size of the radiating element decreases, and since the size of the transmission line remains the same, the relative area of ​​the transmission line increases as the operating frequency increases.

[0009] When the area of ​​the transmission line is large, the interference between the transmission line and the radiating element may increase, and in this case, the radiation characteristics of the antenna and the isolation in a dual polarized antenna may also deteriorate. In addition, in the case of an antenna to which a horizontal arrangement is applied, for example, a massive MIMO antenna, the antennas in each row are usually arranged at 0.5λ in the horizontal direction, but when the area of ​​the transmission line is large, such an arrangement becomes difficult. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present disclosure to provide an antenna assembly that reduces the amount of interference between a feed line having an air strip structure and a radiating element while at the same time allowing for horizontal placement of the antenna. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided an antenna assembly including a base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction, and a feed line configured to feed power to the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure, the line region including a plurality of connecting line regions configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements, and a main line region bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connecting line region and formed along the first direction on a side of the antenna group. Effect of the Invention

[0012] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide an antenna assembly that enables horizontal arrangement of the antenna while reducing the amount of interference between the feed line having an air strip structure and the radiating element. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along the VV' direction in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an antenna device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of an antenna apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna device according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a top view of an antenna apparatus according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 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 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 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 "have" a certain component, this does not mean that other components are excluded, but that other components may be further included, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] 1 and 2, the antenna device 1 includes an upper housing 11, a lower housing 12, an antenna assembly 13, a plate 14, and a bulkhead 15.

[0019] The upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 can be engaged with each other to form the outer shape of the antenna device 1. The upper housing 11 and the lower housing 12 can define an accommodation space therein, and components such as an antenna assembly 13 are accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0020] The upper housing 11 is disposed in front of the antenna assembly 13. This protects the antenna assembly 13 from external impacts and also blocks external foreign objects from entering the antenna assembly 13. In other words, the upper housing 11 functions as a radome for the antenna device 1.

[0021] At least one antenna assembly 13 is modularized and mounted on the plate 14. When the antenna assembly 13 is modularized, not only is maintenance of each antenna assembly 13 easy, but also design changes to the antenna device 1 are easy.

[0022] The multiple antenna assemblies 13 are arranged in a row along a first direction. In this case, the multiple antenna assemblies 13 can form one antenna column. Here, the first direction refers to the longitudinal direction of the antenna device 1. For example, the first direction is a direction parallel to the X-axis with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0023] Since multiple antenna assemblies 13 include multiple radiating elements (1321 in FIG. 4), an antenna array may also include multiple radiating elements 1321.

[0024] On the other hand, if the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, then in an antenna array, if the spacing between one radiating element 1321 and its adjacent radiating element 1321 is 1λ or more, undesirable grating lobes will occur in the radiation pattern.

[0025] Therefore, the first directional spacing between one radiating element 1321 and its adjacent radiating element 1321 is preferably 0.8λ to 0.9λ. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first directional spacing between two radiating elements 1321 may have a value outside the above range.

[0026] The antenna device 1 includes a plurality of antenna arrays. The plurality of antenna arrays are arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the plate 14. Here, the second direction refers to the width direction of the antenna device 1. For example, the second direction is a direction parallel to the Y axis with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0027] If the mid-frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, then the second directional spacing between one antenna array and its adjacent antenna array is 0.5λ, although the present disclosure is not so limited.

[0028] At least one antenna assembly 13 is disposed on the plate 14. The plate 14 is made of a metallic material and provides a ground plane for the radiating element of the antenna assembly 13 (1321 in FIG. 4).

[0029] The partition walls 15 rise from the plate 14 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 14. Specifically, the partition walls 15 rise from the plate 14 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 14, that is, in a direction parallel to the Z axis in FIGS.

[0030] The bulkhead 15 extends longitudinally along the first direction between the two antenna rows. The bulkhead 15 is made of a metal material and provides a ground plane for the two main line regions (1331 in FIG. 3) adjacent to both sides of the bulkhead 15. A detailed description of this will be given in conjunction with FIG. 5.

[0031] The plate 14 and the partition wall 15 are integrally formed. For example, the plate 14 and the partition wall 15 are integrally manufactured through a single mold. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plate 14 and the partition wall 15 may be integrally formed through a heat welding method.

[0032] Since the plate 14 and the partition wall 15 are integrally formed, the occurrence of passive intermodulation distortion (PIMD) components caused by bonding between dissimilar metals is minimized.

[0033] While FIGS. 1 and 2 depict lower housing 12 and plate 14 as separate members, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0034] For example, the antenna device 1 may be configured such that the plate 14 functions as the lower housing 12 without a separate member corresponding to the lower housing 12. In this case, the upper housing 11 may be engaged with the plate 14 to define an accommodation space therein.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an antenna assembly 13 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an antenna assembly 13 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] 3 and 4, the antenna assembly 13 includes a base 131 , an antenna group 132 , a feed line 133 , and a director 136 .

[0038] The base 131 is seated on the plate 14, and an antenna group 132, a feed line 133, etc. are engaged on the base 131.

[0039] The base 131 is made of a dielectric material, such as a plastic material. The radiating element 1321 needs to be spaced apart from the plate 14 at a certain distance in order to ensure radiation characteristics. The base 131 is disposed between the radiating element 1321 and the plate 14, so that the radiating element 1321 can be spaced apart from the plate 14.

[0040] The antenna group 132 includes a plurality of radiating elements 1321 arranged along a first direction on the base 131. For example, the antenna group 132 includes three radiating elements 1321A, 1321B, and 1321C. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the antenna group 132 may include two or four or more radiating elements 1321.

[0041] Each of the radiating elements 1321 of the plurality of radiating elements 1321 is configured to realize dual polarization. For example, two types of polarized signals, +45 degrees and -45 degrees, are radiated from one radiating element 1321. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the radiating element 1321 may be configured to realize a single polarization or a quadruple polarization.

[0042] The feed line 133 is configured to feed power to the multiple radiating elements 1321 included in the antenna group 132. That is, the multiple radiating elements 1321 can transmit and receive signals and receive power via the feed line 133.

[0043] The power supply line 133 has an air-strip structure, which means a structure in which a dielectric portion of a general stripline structure is embodied with air.

[0044] A transmission line with an air strip structure has a dielectric loss close to 0 because the conductor is surrounded by air. Therefore, when a transmission line is realized with an air strip, the dielectric loss can be reduced, thereby increasing the antenna gain.

[0045] The power supply line 133 includes a main line area 1331 , a number of connection line areas 1332 , and an input / output area 1334 .

[0046] The main line region 1331 is disposed on the side of the antenna group 132, for example on both side surfaces of the antenna group 132, and extends longitudinally along the first direction.

[0047] The multiple connection line regions 1332 have one end connected to the multiple radiating elements 1321 and the other end connected to the main line region 1331. The main line region 1331 is bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region 1332. For example, the main line region 1331 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the base 131, that is, in a direction parallel to the Z axis with reference to Figures 3 and 4. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main line region 1331 may be formed obliquely with respect to the base 131.

[0048] The main line region 1331 is separated from the partition wall 15. Since the main line region 1331 has an air strip structure, an empty space is formed between the main line region 1331 and the partition wall 15.

[0049] On the other hand, when the air strip structure is designed with the same impedance, the width of the transmission line is wide, and therefore the transmission line of the air strip structure has a relatively large area compared to the size of the radiating element, which makes it difficult to narrow the horizontal interval between the radiating elements.

[0050] The power supply line 133 according to the present disclosure has a technical feature in that it is configured to include a region formed perpendicular or at a predetermined angle to the base 131, i.e., a main line region 1331, in order to overcome the disadvantages of such an air strip structure.

[0051] Specifically, the feed line 133 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a technical feature in that a part of the feed line 1331 having an air strip structure is bent to form a main line region 1331, thereby minimizing the area occupied by the feed line 133 on the base 131. As a result, even if the area of ​​the feed line 133 relative to the radiating elements 1321 increases, the second direction interval between the radiating elements 1321 can be made sufficiently narrow.

[0052] A plurality of connection line regions 1332 connect the main line region 1331 to each of the plurality of radiating elements 1321 .

[0053] A plurality of connection line regions 1332 branch off from the main line region 1331, and each connection line region 1332 is connected to a corresponding radiating element 1321. For example, the first, second and third connection line regions 1332A, 1332B and 1332C are connected to the first, second and third radiating elements 1321A, 1321B and 1321C, respectively.

[0054] The multiple connection line regions 1332 extend in a bending manner from the main line region 1331. In this case, the multiple connection line regions 1332 are parallel to the base 131.

[0055] The input / output area 1334 connects the RF circuitry to the main line area 1331 .

[0056] Specifically, one end of the input / output area 1334 is connected to the main line area 1331, and the other end of the input / output area 1334 is connected to an RF circuit including a filter, a power amplifier, a power supply unit, and the like.

[0057] The RF circuit may be provided inside the antenna device 1, or may be provided in a device external to the antenna device 1, such as an RRH (remote radio head). When the RF circuit is provided in an external device such as an RRH, the antenna device 1 and the external device provided with the RF circuit are connected via an RF cable or a connector.

[0058] The input / output area 1334 can transmit signals transmitted from the RF circuit to the multiple radiating elements 1321 and transmit signals received from the multiple radiating elements 1321 to the RF circuit via the main line area 1331 and the connection line area 1332. In addition, the input / output area 1334 can supply power to the multiple radiating elements 1321 via the main line area 1331 and the connection line area 1332.

[0059] In order to minimize phase difference or power loss that may occur due to the increased length of the transmission line, the input / output region 1334 is located near the middle region of the main line region 1331 .

[0060] Meanwhile, in the air strip structure, since the dielectric portion is realized by air, the length of the feed line 133 for inputting the same phase to the multiple radiating elements 1321 becomes relatively long.

[0061] For example, if the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, the length of the feed line 133 required to input signals of the same phase to the first radiating element 1332A and the second radiating element 1332B is 1λ. In other words, the length of the feed line 133 from the first connection line region 1332A to the second connection line region 1332B is 1λ.

[0062] 1 and 2, in order to minimize the occurrence of grating lobes, the first directional interval between two radiating elements 1321 has a value of 0.8λ to 0.9λ. In this case, the length of the feed line connecting two radiating elements 1321 becomes longer than the interval between two radiating elements 1321, which may cause a problem.

[0063] To solve this problem, the main line region 1331 includes a delay line 1333. The delay line 1333 is a region formed by bending a part of the main line region 1331, and can partially compensate for the increased length of the feed line 133.

[0064] The delay line 1333 is formed in at least a part of the main line region 1331 connecting between the first connection line region 1332A and the second connection line region 1332B.

[0065] The delay line 1333 may have a concave shape toward the base 131 or a convex shape away from the base 131. For example, the delay line 1333 may have a "C" shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0066] The main line region 1331 includes the delay line 1333, which can prevent the first direction interval between the two radiating elements 1321 from being unavoidably increased. This makes the antenna device 1 more compact and can minimize the occurrence of undesirable grating lobes.

[0067] Meanwhile, the plurality of radiating elements 1321 have a patch antenna structure, which is advantageous in reducing the overall thickness of the antenna device 1 since the patch antenna has a relatively thin thickness.

[0068] However, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect, and the plurality of radiating elements 1321 may have a structure other than a patch antenna, for example a dipole antenna structure.

[0069] When the multiple radiating elements 1321 have a patch antenna structure, the multiple connection line regions 1332 are formed integrally with the multiple radiating elements 1321 having the patch antenna structure.

[0070] However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the connection line region 1332 and the radiating element 1321 may be configured as separate members. In this case, the connection line region 1332 and the radiating element 1321 are connected via a separate connection line (not shown).

[0071] Each of the multiple directors 136 is disposed on the top of each of the multiple radiating elements 1321. The directors 136 are disposed in front of the radiating elements 1321 in the radiation direction, thereby widening the operating frequency band and improving the antenna gain.

[0072] The antenna assembly 13 additionally includes a first support structure 134 and a second support structure 135 .

[0073] The main track region 1331 is supported by at least one first support structure 134 .

[0074] At least one first support structure 134 is integrally formed with the base 131 and protrudes from the base 131. Specifically, the multiple first support structures 134 are arranged along a first direction in both side regions of the base 131. That is, the multiple first support structures 134 form two rows in both side regions of the base 131.

[0075] The main line region 1331 has a shape that is elongated along the first direction, and therefore engages with a plurality of first support structures 134 that are arranged in a line along the first direction.

[0076] A groove is formed at one end of the first support structure 134 for engagement with the main line region 1331. The main line region 1331 can be engaged with the first support structure 134 by fitting into the groove of the first support structure 134.

[0077] The main line area 1331 has an air strip structure, and is therefore fragile when fixed. From this perspective, the first support structure 134 serves to firmly fix the main line area 1331 onto the base 131.

[0078] A number of directors 136 are supported via a second support structure 135 .

[0079] A plurality of second support structures 135 are integrally formed with and protrude from the base 131 .

[0080] The plurality of second support structures 135 are disposed adjacent to the radiating element 1321 or overlapping the radiating element 1321. When the second support structures 135 overlap the radiating element 1321, the second support structures 135 penetrate the radiating element 1321.

[0081] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure taken along the VV' direction in FIG.

[0082] 5, the antenna device 1 includes a first antenna assembly 13A and a second antenna assembly 13B. Here, the first antenna assembly 13A and the second antenna assembly 13B are arbitrarily designated as two adjacent antenna assemblies 13 for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the contents described below are not limited to application only to the antenna assembly 13 at a specific position.

[0083] The first antenna assembly 13A and the second antenna assembly 13B are seated on the plate 14 so as to be aligned in a second direction.

[0084] The feed line 133 of the first antenna assembly 13A includes a first main line region 1331A adjacent to the second antenna assembly 13B, and the feed line 133 of the second antenna assembly 13B includes a second main line region 1331B adjacent to the first antenna assembly 13A.

[0085] The bulkhead 15 rises from the plate 14 between the first antenna assembly 13A and the second antenna assembly 13B. Also, the bulkhead 15A is disposed between the first main line region 1331A and the second main line region 1331B.

[0086] Since the first main line region 1331A and the second main line region 1331B have an air strip structure, an empty space is formed between the partition wall 15A and the first and second main line regions 1331A and 1331B.

[0087] The partition wall 15A is disposed between the first main line area 1331A and the second main line area 1331B, thereby providing a ground plane to the first main line area 1331A and the second main line area 1331B simultaneously.

[0088] The antenna device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure has an advantage that a ground plane can be simultaneously provided to two main line regions 1331A and 1331B adjacent to both sides of a single partition wall 15A via the single partition wall 15A.

[0089] This has the effect of providing a higher degree of isolation compared to the case where two partition walls 15 are used to provide a ground plane for each of the two main line regions 1331.

[0090] Another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 6 to 7 described below differs from the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 in that the antenna assembly is not modularized. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the distinguishing features from the other embodiments of the present disclosure, and a repeated description of the configuration that is substantially the same as the embodiment of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an antenna device 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6, the antenna device 2 includes an antenna assembly 23, a plate 24, and a bulkhead 25.

[0093] At least one antenna assembly 23 includes a plurality of radiating elements (2321 in FIG. 7). For example, at least one antenna assembly 23 includes ten radiating elements 2321, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0094] The antenna device 2 according to the other embodiment of the present disclosure differs from the antenna device 1 according to the one embodiment of the present disclosure in that one antenna assembly 23 forms one antenna column.

[0095] When the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, in one antenna array, the first directional interval between one radiating element 2321 and its adjacent radiating element 2321 is 0.8λ to 0.9λ, however, the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0096] The antenna device 2 includes a plurality of antenna arrays arranged on the plate 24 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0097] The second directional spacing between one antenna array and its adjacent antenna array is 0.5λ, where λ is the mid-frequency of the operating frequency band, although the present disclosure is not so limited.

[0098] At least one antenna assembly 23 is disposed on the plate 24. The plate 24 is made of a metal material and provides a ground plane for the radiating element (2321 in FIG. 7) of the antenna assembly 23.

[0099] The partition walls 25 rise from the plate 24 in a direction perpendicular to the plate 24. Specifically, the partition walls 25 rise from the plate 24 in a direction parallel to the Z-axis in FIG.

[0100] The bulkhead 25 extends long in the first direction between the antenna rows. The bulkhead 25 is made of a metal material and provides a ground plane to two main line regions (2331 in FIG. 7) adjacent to both sides of the bulkhead 25.

[0101] The plate 24 and the partition wall 25 are integrally formed. For example, the plate 24 and the partition wall 25 are integrally manufactured through a single mold. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0102] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the antenna assembly 23 includes a base 231 , an antenna group 232 , a feed line 233 , and a director 236 .

[0104] The base 231 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is formed by injection on the plate 24. At this time, the base 231 is made of a dielectric material, for example, a plastic material.

[0105] The plurality of bases 231 are arranged in a line along a first direction. In this case, the plurality of bases 231 form one base column. The plurality of bases 231 form a plurality of base rows arranged side by side in a second direction.

[0106] An antenna group 232, a power supply line 233, etc. are arranged on the base 231. One radiating element 2321 is arranged on each of the multiple bases 231. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and two or more radiating elements 2321 may be arranged on one base 231.

[0107] The base 231 is disposed between the radiating element 2321 and the plate 24 , thereby enabling the radiating element 2321 to be spaced apart from the plate 24 .

[0108] The antenna group 232 includes a plurality of radiating elements 2321 arranged along a first direction on the base 231. For example, the antenna group 232 includes ten radiating elements 2321, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0109] Each of the radiating elements 2321 of the plurality of radiating elements 2321 is configured to realize dual polarization. For example, two types of polarized signals, +45 degrees and −45 degrees, are radiated from one radiating element 2321.

[0110] The power feed line 233 is configured to feed power to the multiple radiating elements 2321 included in the antenna group 232. That is, the multiple radiating elements 2321 can transmit and receive signals and receive power via the power feed line 233.

[0111] The power supply line 233 has an air-strip structure.

[0112] The power supply line 233 includes a main line area 2331, a plurality of connection line areas 2332, and an input / output area (2334 in FIG. 6).

[0113] The main line region 2331 is disposed on the sides of the antenna group 232, for example on both sides of the antenna group 232, and extends longitudinally along the first direction.

[0114] The multiple connection line regions 2332 have one end connected to the multiple radiating elements 2321 and the other end connected to the main line region 2331. The main line region 2331 is bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region 2332. For example, the main line region 2331 is formed in a direction perpendicular to the base 231, that is, in a direction parallel to the Z axis with reference to FIG. 7. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the main line region 2331 may be formed obliquely with respect to the base 231.

[0115] The main line region 2331 is spaced apart from the partition wall 25. Since the main line region 2331 has an air strip structure, an empty space is formed between the main line region 2331 and the partition wall 25.

[0116] However, in order to fix the main line region 2331, an insulating support (not shown) may be partially formed between the partition wall 25 and the main line region 2331.

[0117] A plurality of connection line regions 2332 branch off from the main line region 2331 , and each connection line region 2332 is connected to a corresponding radiating element 2321 .

[0118] As a result, the multiple connection line regions 2332 connect the main line region 2331 to each of the multiple radiating elements 2321 .

[0119] The multiple connection line regions 2332 extend in a bending manner from the main line region 2331. In this case, the multiple connection line regions 2332 are parallel to the base 231.

[0120] The input / output area 2334 connects the RF circuitry to the main line area 2331 .

[0121] Specifically, one end of the input / output area 2334 is connected to the main line area 2331, and the other end of the input / output area 2334 is connected to an RF circuit including a filter, a power amplifier, a power supply unit, and the like.

[0122] The RF circuit may be provided inside the antenna device 2, or may be provided in a device external to the antenna device 2, such as an RRH (remote radio head). When the RF circuit is provided in an external device such as an RRH, the antenna device 2 and the external device provided with the RF circuit are connected via an RF cable or a connector.

[0123] The input / output area 2334 can transmit signals transmitted from the RF circuit to the multiple radiating elements 2321 via the main line area 2331 and the connection line area 2332, and can transmit signals received from the multiple radiating elements 2321 to the RF circuit. In addition, the input / output area 2334 can supply power to the multiple radiating elements 2321 via the main line area 2331 and the connection line area 2332.

[0124] In order to minimize phase difference or power loss that may occur due to the increased length of the transmission line, the input / output region 2334 is located near the middle region of the main line region 2331 .

[0125] The main line region 2331 includes a delay line 2333. The delay line 2333 is a region formed by bending a part of the main line region 2331, and can partially compensate for the increased length of the feed line 233.

[0126] The delay line 2333 is formed in at least a part of the main line region 2331 that connects between two adjacent connection line regions 2332 .

[0127] The delay line 2333 may have a concave shape toward the base 231 or a convex shape away from the base 231. For example, the delay line 2333 may have a "C" shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0128] The plurality of radiating elements 2321 have a patch antenna structure. The plurality of connection line regions 2332 are formed integrally with the plurality of radiating elements 2321 having the patch antenna structure.

[0129] Each director 236 of the plurality of directors 236 is disposed above a respective radiating element 2321 of the plurality of radiating elements 2321 .

[0130] The antenna assembly 23 further includes a second support structure 235 .

[0131] A number of directors 236 are supported via a second support structure 235 .

[0132] A plurality of second support structures 235 are integrally formed with and protrude from the base 231 .

[0133] The plurality of second support structures 235 are disposed to overlap the radiating element 2321. In this case, the second support structures 235 penetrate the radiating element 2321.

[0134] The plurality of directors 236 are seated and welded to the second support structure 235, although the disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0135] The antenna device 2 additionally includes an upper housing (not shown) that functions as a radome, and a lower housing (housing) that engages with the upper housing.

[0136] The upper and lower housings form the outer shape of the antenna device 2. The upper and lower housings can define an accommodation space therein, and components such as the antenna assembly 23 are accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0137] Meanwhile, the antenna device 2 may not have a separate lower housing, and the plate 24 may function as the lower housing. In this case, the upper housing may be engaged with the plate 24 to form an accommodation space therein.

[0138] Another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 8 to 9 described below differs from the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 in that a power supply line having an air strip structure is disposed between a base plate and a cover plate. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the distinguishing features from the other embodiment of the present disclosure, and a repeated description of the configuration substantially the same as the embodiment of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0139] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna device 3 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0140] Fig. 9 is a top view of an antenna device 3 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation, a cover plate 337 is omitted in Fig. 9.

[0141] 8 and 9, the antenna device 3 includes a base plate 331, a cover plate 337, an antenna group 332, a feed line 333, and a director 336.

[0142] The antenna group 332 is disposed on the base plate 331. The base plate 331 is made of a metal material and can provide a ground plane for the radiating element 3321 and a first line region 3331 of the feed line 333.

[0143] The cover plate 337 faces the base plate 331 and is disposed at a distance from the base plate 331 .

[0144] The cover plate 337 is made of a metal material, and together with the base plate 331 , can provide a ground plane for the radiating element 3321 and the first line region 3331 of the feed line 333 .

[0145] The antenna group 332 includes a plurality of radiating elements 3321 arranged along a first direction on the cover plate 337. For example, the antenna group 332 includes ten radiating elements 3321, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0146] When the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, in one antenna array, the first directional spacing between one radiating element 3321 and its adjacent radiating element 3321 is 0.8λ to 0.9λ, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0147] The antenna device 3 includes a plurality of antenna arrays arranged on the cover plate 337 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0148] The second directional spacing between one antenna array and its adjacent antenna array is 0.5λ, where λ is the mid-frequency of the operating frequency band, although the present disclosure is not so limited.

[0149] Each of the multiple radiating elements 3321 is configured to realize dual polarization. For example, two types of polarized signals, +45 degrees and -45 degrees, are radiated from one radiating element 3321.

[0150] The power feed line 333 is configured to feed power to the multiple radiating elements 3321. That is, the multiple radiating elements 3321 can transmit and receive signals and receive power via the power feed line 333.

[0151] The power supply line 333 includes a first line region 3331 , a second line region 3332 , and an input / output region 3334 .

[0152] The first track region 3331 is disposed between the base plate 331 and the cover plate 337. Specifically, the two first track regions 3331 are disposed side by side between the base plate 331 and the cover plate 337, and the two first track regions 3331 extend longitudinally along the first direction.

[0153] The first track region 3331 has an air strip structure spaced apart from the base plate 331 and the cover plate 337, respectively.

[0154] Therefore, the first track region 3331 is spaced apart from the base plate 331 and the cover plate 337 , and an empty space is formed between the first track region 3331 and each of the plates 331 , 337 .

[0155] In an antenna device 3 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a first line region 3331 is disposed between a base plate 331 and a cover plate 337, so that at least a portion of the first line region 3331 can be overlapped with the radiating element 3321.

[0156] As a result, even if the area of ​​the feed line 333 for the radiating elements 3321 increases, the second directional interval between the radiating elements 3321 can be made sufficiently narrow.

[0157] In the antenna device 3 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover plate 337 is disposed between the radiating element 3321 and the first line region 3331, so that the radiating element 3321 and the first line region 3331 can be spatially separated from each other. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of interference between the radiating element 3321 and the first line region 3331.

[0158] The second line region 3332 passes through the cover plate 337 and connects the first line region 3331 to each of the plurality of radiating elements 3321 .

[0159] The input / output area 3334 connects the RF circuit to the first line area 3331 .

[0160] One end of the input / output area 3334 is connected to the first line area 3331, and the other end of the input / output area 3334 is connected to an RF circuit including a filter, a power amplifier, a power supply unit, and the like.

[0161] The RF circuit may be provided inside the antenna device 3, or may be provided in a device external to the antenna device 3, such as an RRH (remote radio head). When the RF circuit is provided in an external device such as an RRH, the antenna device 3 and the external device provided with the RF circuit are connected via an RF cable or a connector.

[0162] The input / output area 3334 can transmit signals transmitted from the RF circuit to the multiple radiating elements 3321 and transmit signals received from the multiple radiating elements 3321 to the RF circuit through the first line area 3331 and the second line area 3332. In addition, the input / output area 3334 can supply power to the multiple radiating elements 3321 through the first line area 3331 and the second line area 3332.

[0163] In order to minimize the phase difference or power loss that may occur due to the increased length of the transmission line, the input / output region 3334 is disposed near the middle region of the first line region 3331 .

[0164] When the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, the length of the feed line 333 required to input signals of the same phase to two radiating elements 3321 adjacent in the first direction is 1λ. In other words, the length of the feed line 333 to two adjacent second line regions 3332 is 1λ.

[0165] However, as described above, the first directional spacing between the two radiating elements 3321 has a value of 0.8λ to 0.9λ. In this case, the length of the feed line connecting the two radiating elements 3321 becomes longer than the spacing between the two radiating elements 3321, which can be a problem.

[0166] To solve this problem, the first line region 3331 includes a delay line 3333. The delay line 3333 is a region formed by bending a part of the first line region 1331, and can partially compensate for the increased length of the feed line 333.

[0167] The delay line 3333 is formed in at least a part of the first line region 3331 that connects between two adjacent connection line regions 3332 .

[0168] The delay line 3333 may have an inwardly concave shape and an outwardly convex shape. For example, the delay line 3333 may have a U-shape, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0169] The multiple radiating elements 3321 have a patch antenna structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the multiple radiating elements 3321 may have a structure other than a patch antenna, for example, a dipole antenna structure.

[0170] Each of the multiple directors 336 is disposed on the top of each of the multiple radiating elements 3321. The directors 336 are disposed in front of the radiating elements 3321 in the radiation direction, thereby widening the operating frequency band and further improving the antenna gain.

[0171] The antenna device 3 additionally includes an upper housing (not shown) that functions as a radome, and a lower housing (housing) that engages with the upper housing.

[0172] The upper and lower housings form the outer shape of the antenna device 3. The upper and lower housings can define an internal storage space, and components such as a base plate 331, a cover plate 337, an antenna group 332, a feed line 333, and a director 336 are housed in the storage space.

[0173] Meanwhile, the antenna device 3 may not have a separate lower housing, and the base plate 331 may function as the lower housing. In this case, an upper housing (not shown) may be engaged with the base plate 331 to define an accommodation space therein.

[0174] Another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 described below differs from the embodiment of the present disclosure illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 in that a feed line having an air strip structure is not physically connected to a radiating element, but uses a coupling method. Hereinafter, the description will be focused on the distinguishing features from the other embodiment of the present disclosure, and a repeated description of the configuration substantially the same as the embodiment of the present disclosure will be omitted.

[0175] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna device 4 according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0176] FIG. 11 is a top view of an antenna device 4 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0177] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG.

[0178] 10 to 12, the antenna device 4 includes a base plate 431, an antenna group 432, a feed line 433, and a second support structure 435.

[0179] The antenna group 432 is disposed on the base plate 431. The base plate 331 is made of a metal material and can provide a ground plane for the radiating elements 4321 and the feed line 433.

[0180] The antenna group 432 includes a plurality of radiating elements 4321 arranged along a first direction on the base plate 431. For example, the antenna group 432 includes ten radiating elements 4321, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0181] When the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, the first directional spacing between one radiating element 4321 and its adjacent radiating element 4321 in one antenna array is 0.8λ to 0.9λ, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0182] The antenna device 4 includes a plurality of antenna arrays arranged on the base plate 431 along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0183] The second directional spacing between one antenna array and its adjacent antenna array is 0.5λ, where λ is the mid-frequency of the operating frequency band, although the present disclosure is not so limited.

[0184] Each of the multiple radiating elements 4321 is configured to realize dual polarization. For example, two types of polarized signals, +45 degrees and -45 degrees, are radiated from one radiating element 4321.

[0185] The feed line 433 is configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements 4321. That is, the plurality of radiating elements 4321 can transmit and receive signals and receive power through the feed line 433. Referring to Fig. 12, the plurality of radiating elements 4321 are arranged on a support structure 435 but are not physically connected to the feed line 433 and are configured to be fed by a coupling method.

[0186] The feed lines 433 are disposed between the base plate 431 and the antenna group 432. Specifically, the two feed lines 433 are disposed side by side between the base plate 431 and the antenna group 432, and extend long in the first direction.

[0187] The support structure 435 can support the feed line 433 and the antenna group 432. The support structure 435 may be engaged on the base plate 431 or may be formed integrally with the base plate 431. The support structure 435 includes a plurality of protrusions connected to the antenna group 432 and the feed line 433. The support structure 435 includes a stepped first support portion that supports the feed line 433 and a cylindrical second support portion that supports the antenna group 432.

[0188] The feed line 433 is supported by the support structure 435 and has an air strip structure spaced apart from the base plate 431 and the antenna group 432. The feed line 433 includes a portion that is bent to correspond to the shape of the support structure 435 so as to be supported by the support structure 435.

[0189] In the antenna device 4 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, a feed line 433 is disposed between the base plate 431 and the antenna group 432 , so that at least a portion of the feed line 433 can be weighted with the radiating element 4321 .

[0190] As a result, even if the area of ​​feed line 433 for radiating element 4321 increases, the second directional interval between radiating elements 4321 can be made sufficiently narrow.

[0191] In the antenna device 4 according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure, the radiating element 4321 is not physically connected to the feed line 433, and is configured to be fed by a coupling method, so that the radiating element 4321 and the feed line 433 can be spatially separated. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of interference between the radiating element 4321 and the feed line 433.

[0192] The input / output area 4334 connects the RF circuit and the feed line 43 .

[0193] One end of the input / output area 4334 is connected to the power supply line 433, and the other end of the input / output area 4334 is connected to an RF circuit including a filter, a power amplifier, a power supply unit, etc.

[0194] The RF circuit may be provided inside the antenna device 4, or may be provided in a device external to the antenna device 4, such as an RRH (remote radio head). When the RF circuit is provided in an external device such as an RRH, the antenna device 4 and the external device including the RF circuit are connected via an RF cable or a connector.

[0195] The input / output area 4334 can transmit a signal transmitted from the RF circuit to the multiple radiating elements 4321 via the feed line 433, or transmit a signal received from the multiple radiating elements 4321 to the RF circuit. In addition, the input / output area 4334 can supply power to the multiple radiating elements 4321 via the feed line 433.

[0196] The input / output region 4334 is located near the mid-region of the feed line 433 to minimize phase difference or power loss that may occur due to the increased length of the transmission line.

[0197] When the intermediate frequency of the operating frequency band is λ, the length of feed line 433 required to input signals of the same phase to two radiating elements 4321 adjacent in the first direction is 1λ.

[0198] The plurality of radiating elements 4321 may have a patch antenna structure, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the plurality of radiating elements 4321 may have a structure other than a patch antenna, such as a dipole antenna structure.

[0199] The antenna device 4 additionally includes an upper housing (not shown) that functions as a radome and a lower housing (housing) that engages with the upper housing.

[0200] The upper and lower housings form the outer shape of the antenna device 4. The upper and lower housings can define an accommodation space therein, and components such as a base plate 431, an antenna group 432, and a feed line 433 are accommodated in the accommodation space.

[0201] Meanwhile, the antenna device 4 may have a base plate 431 functioning as a lower housing without a separate lower housing. In this case, an upper housing (not shown) may be engaged with the base plate 431 to define an internal storage space. The above description is merely an illustrative description of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present embodiment belongs may make various modifications and variations within a range that does not deviate from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment is intended to illustrate, rather than 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 present embodiment.

[0202] [CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION] This patent application claims priority to Patent Application No. 10-2020-0160429 filed in Korea on November 25, 2020, and Patent Application No. 10-2021-0164484 filed in Korea on November 25, 2021, the entireties of which are incorporated by reference into this specification. [Explanation of symbols]

[0203] 1 Antenna device 13 Antenna assembly 14 Plate 15 Bulkhead 131 Base 132 Antenna group 133 power supply line 134 first support structure 135 second support structure 136 director 1321 Radiating element 1331 Main line area 1332 Connection Line Area 1333 Delay Line

Claims

1. With the base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction; and a feed line configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure; The power supply line is A plurality of connection line regions each configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements; and a main line region that is bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region and is formed parallel to a side surface of the antenna group and along the first direction; 13. The antenna assembly of claim 12, further comprising a plurality of directors disposed above each radiating element of the plurality of radiating elements.

2. 2. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the connection line region is formed in parallel to the base.

3. 3. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the main line region is bent in a direction perpendicular to the connection line region.

4. the plurality of radiating elements includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element adjacent to the first radiating element, the plurality of connection line regions include a first connection line region connected to the first radiating element and a second connection line region connected to the second radiating element, The main line region is 2. The antenna assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a delay line formed in at least a portion of said main line region connecting between said first connecting line region and said second connecting line region.

5. With the base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction; and a feed line configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure; The power supply line is A plurality of connection line regions each configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements; and a main line region that is bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region and is formed parallel to a side surface of the antenna group and along the first direction; the plurality of radiating elements includes a first radiating element and a second radiating element adjacent to the first radiating element, the plurality of connection line regions include a first connection line region connected to the first radiating element and a second connection line region connected to the second radiating element, The main line region is a delay line formed in at least a part of the main line region connecting between the first connection line region and the second connection line region; 11. An antenna assembly, comprising: a delay line having a concave shape toward the base.

6. 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of connecting line regions are integrally formed with said plurality of radiating elements.

7. With the base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction; and a feed line configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure; The power supply line is A plurality of connection line regions each configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements; and a main line region that is bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region and is formed parallel to a side surface of the antenna group and along the first direction; at least one first support structure integrally formed with and protruding from said base; 11. An antenna assembly, comprising: a first support structure, the first support structure being configured to support the first and second main line regions;

8. a plurality of second support structures integrally formed with and protruding from the base; 2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein said plurality of directors are supported via said plurality of second support structures.

9. With the base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction; and a feed line configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure; The power supply line is A plurality of connection line regions each configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements; and An antenna device having an antenna assembly including a main line region bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region and formed parallel to a side surface of the antenna group and along the first direction, the antenna assembly includes a first antenna assembly and a second antenna assembly; a plate for seating the first antenna assembly and the second antenna assembly so as to be aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and an antenna assembly including a bulkhead extending from said plate between said first antenna assembly and said second antenna assembly;

10. the feed line of the first antenna assembly includes a first main line region adjacent to the second antenna assembly; the feed line of the second antenna assembly includes a second main line region adjacent to the first antenna assembly; 10. The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein the partition wall is disposed between the first main line region and the second main line region.

11. 10. The antenna device according to claim 9, wherein the partition is integrally formed with the plate.

12. The antenna device according to claim 10, wherein the partition wall is disposed spaced apart from the first main line region and the second main line region.

13. With the base, an antenna group including a plurality of radiating elements arranged on the base along a first direction; and a feed line configured to feed the plurality of radiating elements, the feed line having an air-strip structure; The power supply line is A plurality of connection line regions each configured to connect one end to each of the plurality of radiating elements; and At least one antenna assembly including a main line region bent at a predetermined angle at the other end of the connection line region and formed parallel to a side surface of the antenna group and along the first direction; and a plate for seating the at least one antenna assembly; 2. An antenna device, comprising: a first antenna assembly and a second antenna assembly mounted on the first antenna assembly;

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