Antenna element, antenna structure containing the same, and image display device containing the same

Abstract

To provide an antenna element having improved radiation characteristics, an antenna structure including the same, and a display including the same.SOLUTION: An antenna element includes a radiator, transmission lines including a first transmission line and a second transmission line connected to the radiator and facing each other, and an auxiliary radiator located between the first and second transmission lines, separated from the radiator. The auxiliary radiator allows for dual-band radiation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna element, an antenna structure including the same, and an image display device including the same.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the progress of the information society, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (registered trademark) have been combined with image display devices and realized in the form of, for example, smartphones. In this case, an antenna is combined with the image display device, and a communication function can be executed.

[0003] In addition, with the development of mobile communication technologies, it is necessary to combine an antenna for performing communication in high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency bands with the image display device.

[0004] In addition, with the thinning and weight reduction of the image display device on which the antenna is mounted, the installation space for the antenna may also become smaller. Therefore, it is not easy to simultaneously realize the transmission and reception of high-frequency and wide-band signals within a limited space.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for the design of an antenna that can transmit and receive various signals in multiple bands within a limited space.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] One problem of the present invention is to provide an antenna element having improved radiation characteristics.

[0007] One problem of the present invention is to provide an antenna structure including an antenna element having improved radiation characteristics.

[0008] One problem of the present invention is to provide an image display device including an antenna element having improved radiation characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] 1. An antenna element comprising a radiator, a transmission line including a first transmission line and a second transmission line connected to the radiator and facing each other, and an auxiliary radiator positioned between the first transmission line and the second transmission line, separated from the radiator.

[0010] 2. In item 1 above, the first transmission line and the second transmission line are antenna elements connected to both sides of the first side of the radiator, respectively.

[0011] 3. In item 1 above, the first transmission line and the second transmission line are antenna elements extending from the radiator in different directions from each other.

[0012] 4. In item 1 above, the auxiliary radiator is an antenna element comprising an extension portion extending parallel to the first side of the radiator and a connecting portion branching from the extension portion and extending perpendicular to the extension portion.

[0013] 5. In item 4 above, the extension direction of the first transmission line and the extension direction of the second transmission line are symmetrical with respect to the extension direction of the connection part, an antenna element.

[0014] 6. In item 1 above, the auxiliary radiator is an antenna element comprising a first auxiliary radiator and a second auxiliary radiator facing each other.

[0015] 7. The antenna element in item 6 above, wherein the first auxiliary radiator includes a first extension portion extending parallel to the first side of the radiator and a first connecting portion extending perpendicular to the first extension portion from the end of the first extension portion, and the second auxiliary radiator includes a second extension portion spaced apart from the first extension portion and extending parallel to the first side of the radiator, and a second connecting portion extending perpendicular to the second extension portion from the end of the second extension portion.

[0016] 8. In item 6 above, the first auxiliary radiator and the second auxiliary radiator are antenna elements having a symmetrical shape with respect to a virtual line that penetrates the center of the radiator in the longitudinal direction.

[0017] 9. An antenna element in item 1 above, wherein the radiator includes a mesh structure, and the transmission line and the auxiliary radiator include a solid structure.

[0018] 10. An antenna structure comprising the aforementioned antenna element and a circuit board electrically connected to the antenna element.

[0019] 11. The antenna structure in item 10, wherein the circuit board includes a core layer and signal wiring disposed on one surface of the core layer and connected to the first transmission line and the second transmission line, respectively.

[0020] 12. The antenna structure relating to item 11, wherein the circuit board further includes a first ground arranged on the same layer as the signal wiring and located around the signal wiring but separated from the signal wiring.

[0021] 13. In item 12 above, the auxiliary radiator is an antenna structure connected to the first ground.

[0022] 14. The antenna structure relating to item 11, wherein the circuit board further includes a second ground disposed on the other surface of the core layer opposite to the one surface.

[0023] 15. The antenna structure in item 11, further comprising a signal pad connected to the transmission line and bonded to the signal wiring.

[0024] 16. The antenna structure in item 15, wherein the antenna element further includes a ground pad disposed around the signal pad and separated from the signal pad.

[0025] 17. An image display device including a display panel and the above-described antenna structure.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] The antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment can include a first transmission line and a second transmission line that are connected to a radiator and face each other. Thereby, two polarization directions (dual polarization) can be provided in one radiator.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna element can be disposed between the first transmission line and the second transmission line and include an auxiliary radiator spaced apart from the radiator. With the auxiliary radiator, a radiation band in a resonance frequency band of about 35 GHz or higher or about 36 GHz to 40 GHz can be realized.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a radiation band in a resonance frequency band of about 28 GHz or higher can be realized by the radiator, and a radiation band in a resonance frequency band of about 35 GHz or higher or about 36 GHz to 40 GHz can be realized by the auxiliary radiator. Thereby, signal transmission and reception can be realized in two bands (dual bands).

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure related to a comparative example. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a graph of the 2D radiation patterns of the antenna elements of Example 1, Example 2, and the Comparative Example. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a graph showing the return loss with respect to frequency for the examples and comparative examples. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a graph showing the degree of isolation by frequency for the examples and comparative examples. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a graph showing the antenna gain (gain) as a function of frequency for the examples and comparative examples. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna element including a radiator. An antenna structure including an antenna element and a circuit board is provided. An image display device including an antenna element is also provided.

[0031] The antenna element may be, for example, a microstrip patch antenna made in the form of a transparent film. The antenna element can be applied, for example, to communication equipment for high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency (e.g., 3G, 4G, 5G or higher) mobile communications. However, the antenna element is not limited to image display devices, but can also be applied to various structures such as vehicles, home appliances, and buildings.

[0032] Embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically below with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to help further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to what is shown in the drawings.

[0033] The terms "first," "second," "one side," "the other side," "one end," "the other end," "top," "bottom," "upper part," "lower part," and "lower edge" used herein are not intended to limit absolute positions or orders, but rather to distinguish different components or parts in a relative sense.

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Referring to Figure 1, the antenna element 100 can include a first dielectric layer 110 and an antenna unit 120 disposed on the first dielectric layer 110.

[0036] The first dielectric layer 110 may include a transparent resin film containing polyester resins such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, and polybutylene terephthalate; cellulosin resins such as diacetylcellulose and triacetylcellulose; polycarbonate resins; acrylic resins such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate and polyethyl (meth)acrylate; styrene resins such as polystyrene and acrylonitrile-styrene copolymers; polyolefin resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefins having a cyclo- or norbornene structure, and ethylene-propylene copolymers; vinyl chloride resins; amide resins such as nylon and aromatic polyamides; imide resins; polyethersulfone resins; sulfone resins; polyetheretherketone resins; sulfurized polyphenylene resins; vinyl alcohol resins; vinylidene chloride resins; vinylbutyral resins; arylate resins; polyoxymethylene resins; epoxy resins; urethane or acrylic urethane resins; and silicone resins. These can be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first dielectric layer 110 may include an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR).

[0038] In some embodiments, the first dielectric layer 110 may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, or glass.

[0039] In one embodiment, the first dielectric layer 110 can be provided as substantially a single layer.

[0040] In one embodiment, the first dielectric layer 110 may also include a multilayer structure of at least two or more layers. For example, the first dielectric layer 110 may include a substrate layer and a dielectric layer, and may also include an adhesive layer between the substrate layer and the dielectric layer.

[0041] The first dielectric layer 110 forms an impedance or inductance to the antenna unit 120, allowing the frequency band in which the antenna structure can be driven or sensed to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the first dielectric layer 110 can be adjusted to a range of about 1.5 to 12. If the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may decrease too much, making it impossible to achieve driving in the high-frequency band.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may include a radiator 122 and a transmission line 124 connected to the radiator 122. The transmission line 124 may extend from the radiator 122.

[0043] For example, the radiator 122 has a polygonal plate shape. The transmission line 124 has a width smaller than the width of the radiator 122 and can be connected to one end or one side of the radiator 122. The radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 can be formed as a single component that is integrally connected to each other.

[0044] The target resonant frequency of the antenna element 100 can be adjusted by the shape and size of the radiator 122. In non-limiting embodiments, the radiator 122 can be designed to radiate in high-frequency and ultra-high-frequency bands of 3G, 4G, 5G or higher. For example, the radiator 122 can realize radiation bands in frequency ranges of 0.5GHz and above, 1GHz and above, 10GHz and above, 20GHz and above, 30GHz and above, and 40GHz and above.

[0045] For example, the radiator 122 can be provided in the high-frequency band radiating section of the antenna unit 120. In one embodiment, the resonant frequency of the radiator 122 may be approximately 28 GHz or higher.

[0046] The transmission line 124 is connected to the radiator 122 and may include a first transmission line 124a and a second transmission line 124b facing each other. This allows for two polarization directions (dual polarization) to be provided in a single radiator.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b can each be connected to both sides of the lower edge (first edge) of the radiator 122 (for example, both vertices of the lower edge (the edge on the circuit board 200 side) of the radiator 122 in Figure 3). For example, at least a portion of the radiator 122 and the transmission line 124 can be formed as a single component integrally connected to each other.

[0048] The first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b can extend from the radiator 122 in different directions. This makes it possible to achieve dual polarization characteristics from a single radiator 122.

[0049] In some embodiments, the angle between the extension directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be about 90°. For example, the extension directions of the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may be orthogonal to each other. In one embodiment, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b may each extend in a direction passing through the center of the radiator 122.

[0050] This allows the radiator 122 to be supplied with power in two substantially orthogonal directions via the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b. For example, both vertical and horizontal radiation can be realized from the radiator 122.

[0051] In some embodiments, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b can be arranged symmetrically with respect to each other. For example, the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b penetrate longitudinally through the center of the radiator 122. virtual lineThey can be arranged symmetrically with respect to (VL). This makes it possible to make the signal strength in the two polarization directions substantially uniform.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may include an auxiliary radiator 123 positioned between the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b, separated from the radiator 122. For example, the auxiliary radiator 123 may be driven by coupling with the electric field of the radiator 122 and / or the transmission line 124.

[0053] For example, the auxiliary radiator 123 can be provided as the ultra-high frequency band radiating section of the antenna unit 120. For instance, the auxiliary radiator 123 can realize a radiation band in the resonant frequency range of approximately 35 GHz or higher, or approximately 36 GHz to 40 GHz.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the radiator 122 can realize a radiation band in the resonant frequency range of approximately 28 GHz or higher, and the auxiliary radiator 123 can realize a radiation band in the resonant frequency range of approximately 35 GHz or higher or approximately 36 GHz to 40 GHz. This makes it possible to transmit and receive signals in two bands (dual band).

[0055] For example, the auxiliary radiator 123 can guide the current direction at the lower end of the radiator 122 to the center of the radiator 122. This reduces the amount of canceling current in the radiator 122, enabling the realization of a dual-band, dual-polarization antenna.

[0056] In some embodiments, the auxiliary radiator 123 may include an extension 125 extending parallel to the lower edge of the radiator 122, and a connecting portion 127 branching off from the extension 125 and extending perpendicular to the extension 125.

[0057] For example, the extension 125 is positioned adjacent to the lower edge of the radiator 122 between the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b, and a connection 127 can branch off from the center of the extension 125. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary radiator 123 may include a T-shape.

[0058] For example, the extension 125 and the connecting portion 127 can be formed from a single member that is integrally connected to each other.

[0059] For example, the extension 125 and the connecting part 127 may each include a bar shape.

[0060] For example, the shape and position of the extension 125 and the connection 127 can be adjusted to take into account the aforementioned ultra-high frequency band radiation.

[0061] In some embodiments, the shortest distance (D) between the radiator 122 and the auxiliary radiator 123 may be about 0.5 μm to 10 μm. For example, the shortest distance (D) between the lower edge of the radiator 122 and the upper edge (the edge on the radiator 122 side) of the extension 125 of the auxiliary radiator 123 may be about 0.5 μm to 10 μm. Within this range, the auxiliary radiator 123 can couple with the radiator 122 to sufficiently achieve dual-band radiation while further suppressing noise generation and a decrease in isolation.

[0062] In some embodiments, the extension direction of the first transmission line 124a and the extension direction of the second transmission line 124b may be symmetrical with respect to the extension direction of the connection section 127. This makes it possible to achieve dual-band radiation while substantially equalizing the signal strength in the two polarization directions.

[0063] Figure 2 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna element according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0064] Referring to Figure 2, the auxiliary radiator 123 can include a first auxiliary radiator 123a and a second auxiliary radiator 123b that are facing each other.

[0065] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary radiator 123a may include a first extension 125a extending parallel to the lower surface (bottom edge) of the radiator 122, and a first connecting portion 127a extending from the end of the first extension 125a in a direction perpendicular to the first extension 125a.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary radiator 123b may include a second extension 125b that is separated from the first extension 125a and extends parallel to the lower surface (lower edge) of the radiator 122, and a second connecting portion 127b that extends from the end of the second extension 125b in a direction perpendicular to the second extension 125b.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary radiator 123a and the second auxiliary radiator 123b can have a symmetrical shape with respect to a virtual line (VL) that penetrates the center of the radiator 122 in the longitudinal direction. This can improve the uniformity and stability of radiation characteristics in the ultra-high frequency band.

[0068] For example, the shape and position of the extensions 125a, 125b and the connecting parts 127a, 127b can be adjusted to take into account the aforementioned ultra-high frequency band radiation.

[0069] In some embodiments, a signal pad 126 can be placed at the end of the transmission line 124 of the antenna element 100. The signal pad 126 may be a single component substantially integrated with the transmission line 124. In this case, the end of the transmission line 124 can also be provided by the signal pad 126.

[0070] For example, the radiator 122 and the signal pad 126 can be electrically connected via the transmission line 124.

[0071] The circuit board and the antenna unit 120 can be electrically connected via the signal pad 126. This enables signal transmission and reception between the antenna drive integrated circuit (IC) chip on the circuit board and the radiator 122.

[0072] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may further include a ground pad 128 positioned around the signal pad 126 but separated from it. The ground pad 128 can be electrically and physically isolated from the transmission line 124 and the signal pad 126. In one embodiment, a pair of ground pads 128 can be positioned facing each other with the signal pad 126 in between. This can reduce the generation of noise in the signals transmitted through the signal pad 126.

[0073] In some embodiments, a connecting pad 129 can be placed at the end of the auxiliary radiator 123. The connecting pad 129 may be a single component substantially integrated with the auxiliary radiator 123. In this case, the end of the connecting portion 127 of the auxiliary radiator 123 can also be provided by the connecting pad 129.

[0074] In some embodiments, a first connecting pad 129a can be placed at the end of the first connecting portion 127a of the first auxiliary radiator 123a, and a second connecting pad 129b can be placed at the end of the second connecting portion 127b of the second auxiliary radiator 123b.

[0075] For example, the signal pad 126, ground pad 128, and connection pad 129 can be placed in the bonding region (BR) where the antenna element 100 and the circuit board are bonded.

[0076] For example, the ground pad 128 can improve the bonding stability of the antenna element 100 and the circuit board in the bonding region (BR).

[0077] In one embodiment, the signal pad 126, ground pad 128, and connection pad 129 may include a solid structure. This suppresses the increase in resistance due to bonding at the connection point between the antenna element 100 and the circuit board, thereby improving the power supply efficiency.

[0078] Figures 3 and 4 are schematic plan views showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 3 shows an antenna structure according to an embodiment in which the auxiliary radiator 123 is formed of a single conductive pattern, and Figure 4 shows an antenna structure according to an embodiment in which the auxiliary radiator 123 includes a first auxiliary radiator 123a and a second auxiliary radiator 123b.

[0079] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment. For example, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken in the thickness direction along the line I-I' in Figures 3 and / or 4.

[0080] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the antenna structure can include an antenna element 100 and a circuit board 200 electrically connected to the antenna element 100.

[0081] In some embodiments, the antenna element 100 may further include a first dielectric layer 110 and a second dielectric layer 130 disposed on the antenna unit 120. The second dielectric layer 130 may cover at least a portion of the upper surface of the antenna unit 120. This adjusts the impedance of the antenna unit 120 and protects it from impact.

[0082] In some embodiments, the antenna element 100 may further include a third dielectric layer 140 located beneath the bottom surface of the first dielectric layer 110.

[0083] In one embodiment, the second dielectric layer 130 and the third dielectric layer 140 may include the same type of material and / or laminated structure as the first dielectric layer 110 described above.

[0084] In one embodiment, an antenna ground 150 can be placed below the bottom surface of the first dielectric layer 110 and / or the third dielectric layer 140.

[0085] In one embodiment, the conductive member of an image display device or display panel to which the antenna structure is applied can be provided by the antenna ground 150.

[0086] For example, the conductive member may include electrodes or wiring such as gate electrodes, source / drain electrodes, pixel electrodes, common electrodes, data lines, and scan lines included in a thin-film transistor (TFT) array panel.

[0087] In one embodiment, the SUS plate, sensor components such as a digitizer, and metallic components such as a heat dissipation sheet, which are arranged on the back of the image display device, can also be provided by the antenna gland 150.

[0088] In one embodiment, the antenna element 100 may further include a protective layer 160 disposed on the second dielectric layer 130. The protective layer 160 may contain substantially the same type of material as the dielectric layers 110, 120, and 130.

[0089] In one embodiment, the protective layer 160 may include a cover window. The cover window may include, for example, glass (e.g., ultra-thin glass (UTG)) or a transparent resin film. This can reduce or offset external impacts applied to the antenna element 100.

[0090] The antenna unit 120 and / or antenna gland 150 may include silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), or alloys containing at least one of these. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0091] In one embodiment, the antenna unit 120 may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy), or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy) to achieve low resistance and fine linewidth.

[0092] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may also include transparent metal oxides such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), and zinc oxide (ZnOx).

[0093] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 120 may include a laminated structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer, for example, a two-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer and a metal layer, or a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer, a metal layer, and a transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the metal layer can improve flexibility while lowering resistance and improving signal transmission speed, and the transparent conductive oxide layer can improve corrosion resistance and transparency.

[0094] The antenna unit 120 may include a blackening section. This reduces the reflectivity on the surface of the antenna unit 120, thereby reducing the visibility of patterns due to light reflection.

[0095] In one embodiment, the surface of the metal layer contained in the antenna unit 120 can be converted to a metal oxide or metal sulfide to form a blackened layer. In one embodiment, a blackened layer such as a black material coating layer or a plating layer can be formed on the antenna unit 120 or the metal layer. The black material or plating layer may include silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, nickel, cobalt, or oxides, sulfides, alloys containing at least one of these.

[0096] The composition and thickness of the blackened layer can be adjusted considering the effect of reducing reflectivity and the radiation characteristics of the antenna.

[0097] In some embodiments, the radiator 122 may include a mesh structure, while the transmission line 124 and auxiliary radiator 123 may include a solid structure. For example, at least a portion of the radiator 122 may be formed as a mesh structure, and the rest as a solid structure.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the lower part of the radiator 122, the transmission line 124, and the auxiliary radiator 123 can be included in the non-display area (NDA) of the image display device and formed into a solid structure. In this case, the remaining part of the radiator 122 can be included in the display area (DA) of the image display device and formed into a mesh structure. This makes it possible to improve signal transmission and reception efficiency while preventing the antenna unit 120 from being visible to the user.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board 200 may include a core layer 210 and signal wiring 220 arranged on one surface of the core layer 210. In one embodiment, the circuit board 200 may include flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs).

[0100] For example, the core layer 210 may include flexible resins such as polyimide resin, MPI (Modified Polyimide), epoxy resin, polyester, cycloolefin polymer (COP), or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). In one embodiment, the core layer 210 may include polyimide resin or MPI.

[0101] In some embodiments, the signal wiring 220 can be connected to the first transmission line 124a and the second transmission line 124b, respectively. For example, one end of the signal wiring 220 can be bonded to the signal pad 126, connecting the transmission line 124 to the signal wiring 220. This enables signal transmission and / or power supply between the antenna drive IC chip on the circuit board 200 and the antenna unit 120.

[0102] In some embodiments, the circuit board 200 may include a first ground 230 located on the same layer or at the same level as the signal wiring 220.

[0103] The first ground 230 can be positioned around the signal wiring 220, separated from it by a predetermined distance. This blocks noise around the signal wiring 220 and improves the power supply concentration of the signal wiring 220.

[0104] In some embodiments, the auxiliary radiator 123 of the antenna unit 120 can be electrically connected to the first ground 230 of the circuit board 200. This improves the sensitivity of ultra-high frequency band signal transmission and reception by the auxiliary radiator 123 and reduces noise.

[0105] As shown in Figure 5, the antenna structure may further include a conductive intermediary structure 250 positioned between the antenna element 100 and the circuit board 200 in the bonding region (BR). For example, the transmission line 124 and circuit wiring 220, and the auxiliary radiator 123 and the first ground 230 can be bonded to each other via the conductive intermediary structure 250. For example, the antenna unit 120, the conductive intermediary structure 250, and the circuit wiring 220 / first ground 230 in the bonding region (BR) can be sequentially contacted or stacked.

[0106] For example, the conductive intermediary structure 250 can be attached together to the signal pad 126, ground pad 128, and connection pad 129 of the antenna unit 120. Subsequently, one end of the signal wiring 220 and the first ground 230 can be bonded to the signal pad 126 and connection pad 129, respectively, by a heating and pressurizing process. The ground pad 128 is provided as a bonding pad to be bonded to the first ground 230 to enhance bonding stability and absorb noise around the signal pad 126 and discharge it from the first ground 230.

[0107] This allows the signal wiring 220 and the transmission line 124 to be connected via the signal pad 126, and the first ground 230 and the auxiliary radiator 123 to be connected via the connection pad 129.

[0108] For example, the signal wiring 220 and the first ground 230 can be arranged together on one surface of the core layer 210.

[0109] In some embodiments, the circuit board 200 may further include a second ground 240 located on the other surface of the core layer 210 opposite to the one surface. This improves the concentration of signals transmitted to the signal wiring 220 and shields against vertical noise.

[0110] In some embodiments, the signal wiring 220, the first ground 230 and / or the second ground 240 may include the same type of material as the antenna unit 120 described above.

[0111] In one embodiment, a coverlay film for protecting the wiring and electrode layers can be placed on one surface and / or the other surface of the core layer 210.

[0112] Figures 6 and 7 are schematic plan views showing an antenna structure according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0113] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a dummy mesh layer 170 can be placed around the radiator 122, the transmission line 124, and the auxiliary radiator 123. The dummy mesh layer 170 may include a mesh structure substantially identical to the mesh structure contained in the radiator 122. This makes it possible to equalize the spatial distribution of conductive patterns in the display area (DA) of the image display device and suppress the visual recognition of the radiator 122.

[0114] The dummy mesh layer 170 can be formed together with the radiator 122 by etching the same mesh layer. The dummy mesh layer 170 can be physically separated from the radiator 122, the transmission line 124, and the auxiliary radiator 123 by the separation region 175.

[0115] Figures 8 and 9 are schematic plan and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an image display device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0116] Figure 8 shows the front or window surface of the image display device 300. The front of the image display device 300 may include a display area (DA) 330 and a non-display area (NDA) 340. The non-display area 340 may correspond to, for example, a light-shielding portion or bezel portion of the image display device 300.

[0117] An exemplary embodiment of the antenna element 100 can be positioned facing the front of the image display device 300, for example, on a display panel.

[0118] In some embodiments, the antenna element 100 can be attached to the display panel in the form of a film.

[0119] In one embodiment, the antenna element 100 can be formed across the display area 330 and the non-display area 340 of the image display device 300. In one embodiment, the radiator 122 can overlap the display area 330 at least partially.

[0120] As described above, the transmission line 124, auxiliary radiator 123, signal pad 126, ground pad 128, and connection pad 129 can be superimposed on the non-display area 340 in the thickness direction. For example, the solid structure portion of the antenna unit 120 can be superimposed on the non-display area 340.

[0121] In some embodiments, the antenna element 100 can be located in the center of one side of the image display device 300. This prevents a decrease in radiation performance on either side.

[0122] The antenna element 100 can be powered or driven by the circuit board 200.

[0123] An antenna drive integrated circuit (IC) chip 260 can be mounted on the circuit board 200. As shown in Figure 9, an intermediary circuit board 270, such as a rigid printed circuit board, can be placed between the circuit board 200 and the antenna drive IC chip 260. In one embodiment, the antenna drive IC chip 260 can also be mounted directly on the circuit board 200.

[0124] Referring to Figure 9, the image display device 300 may include a display panel 310 and the aforementioned antenna element 100 arranged on the display panel 310.

[0125] According to exemplary embodiments, the display panel 310 may further include an optical layer 320. For example, the optical layer 320 may be a polarizing layer including a polarizer or polarizing plate.

[0126] The circuit board 200 (for example, a flexible printed circuit board) can be bent along the side bending profile of the display panel 310 and positioned on the back of the image display device 300, and can extend toward the intermediary circuit board 270 (for example, the main board) on which the antenna drive IC chip 260 is mounted.

[0127] The circuit board 200 and the intermediary circuit board 270 are bonded together or interconnected by a connector, enabling the antenna drive IC chip 260 to supply power to the antenna element 100 and control the antenna drive.

[0128] The following are preferred embodiments to aid in understanding the present invention. These embodiments are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications to the embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention and the technical concept, and that such variations and modifications naturally fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0129] Example 1 An antenna element was fabricated by patterning conductive lines containing copper (Cu) on a multilayer COP dielectric layer (first dielectric layer and third dielectric layer) as shown in Figure 1, and then forming a COP dielectric layer (second dielectric layer) on the conductive lines. The conductive line was formed with a line width of 2 μm and a thickness of 0.5 μm. The antenna unit's resonant frequencies were tuned to a dual-band configuration of approximately 28 GHz and 39 GHz.

[0130] Example 2 An antenna element was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the conductive lines containing copper were patterned as shown in Figure 2.

[0131] Comparative Example Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure related to a comparative example. As shown in Figure 10, the antenna element was fabricated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that an auxiliary radiator was not formed.

[0132] Experimental example (1) Measurement of antenna gain and 2D radiation pattern The antenna gain and beam waveform radiation patterns of the radiators of the antenna elements manufactured in the examples and comparative examples were confirmed using an HFSS simulator (Ansys).

[0133] Figure 11 is a graph of the 2D radiation patterns of the antenna elements in the examples and comparative examples.

[0134] Graphs (A) and (B) in Figure 11 show the 2D radiation patterns of the antenna element of Example 1, respectively. Graphs (C) and (D) in Figure 11 show the 2D radiation patterns of the antenna element of Example 2, respectively. Graphs (E) and (F) in Figure 11 show the 2D radiation patterns of the antenna element of the comparative example, respectively.

[0135] Graphs (A), (C), and (E) in Figure 11 show the 2D radiation pattern in the 28 GHz frequency band, while graphs (B), (D), and (F) in Figure 11 show the 2D radiation pattern in the 39 GHz frequency band.

[0136] In Figure 11, if the difference in signal intensity between co-polarization (Co-polarization, Co-pol) and cross-polarization (Cross-polarization, X-pol) (Cross Polarization Discrimination, XPD) is 10 dB or more, it can be evaluated that dual-polarization radiation in that frequency band has been sufficiently realized.

[0137] The XPDs for the examples and comparative examples by frequency band are shown in Table 1 below.

[0138] [Table 1]

[0139] Referring to Figure 11 and Table 1, in Examples 1 and 2, the XPD in the 28GHz and 39GHz frequency bands was 10dB or higher, respectively, while in the Comparative Example, the XPD in the 39GHz frequency band was less than 10dB.

[0140] Therefore, it can be seen that the antenna elements of Examples 1 and 2 are dual-band, dual-polarization antenna elements driven in the 28GHz and 39GHz frequency bands, while the antenna element of the comparative example does not include an auxiliary radiator and is a single-band antenna element not driven in the 39GHz frequency band.

[0141] (2) Measurement of return loss, isolation, and antenna gain Ports were connected to the signal pads of the antenna elements manufactured in the examples and comparative examples, and the reflection loss, isolation, and antenna gain with respect to frequency were measured and confirmed.

[0142] The E5080B ENA Network Analyzer was used as the measurement device, and HFSS simulation was used as the simulator.

[0143] Figure 12 is a graph showing the return loss by frequency for the examples and comparative examples. Figure 13 is a graph showing the isolation by frequency for the examples and comparative examples. Figure 14 is a graph showing the antenna gain by frequency for the examples and comparative examples.

[0144] Referring to Figures 12 to 14, in the embodiment, reflection loss, isolation, and antenna gain were all measured well in the 28 GHz and 39 GHz bands (dual-band radiation). In the comparative example, reflection loss, isolation, and antenna gain in the 39 GHz band were measured lower compared to the embodiment (single-band radiation).

Claims

1. A radiator and, A transmission line including a first transmission line and a second transmission line connected to the first side of the radiator and facing each other, The transmission line includes an auxiliary radiator positioned between the first transmission line and the second transmission line, spaced apart from the radiator. The auxiliary radiator includes an extension portion extending parallel to the first side of the radiator, and a connecting portion branching off from a part of the extension portion and extending perpendicular to the first side of the radiator, wherein the connecting portion extends in a direction away from the first side of the radiator, and is an antenna element.

2. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line are connected to both sides of the first side of the radiator, respectively.

3. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the first transmission line and the second transmission line extend from the radiator in different directions from each other.

4. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the extension direction of the first transmission line and the extension direction of the second transmission line are symmetrical with respect to a virtual line that penetrates the center of the radiator in a direction perpendicular to the first side of the radiator.

5. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary radiator includes a first auxiliary radiator and a second auxiliary radiator facing each other.

6. The first auxiliary radiator includes a first extension portion extending parallel to the first side of the radiator, and a first connecting portion extending from the end of the first extension portion in a direction perpendicular to the first side of the radiator. The antenna element according to claim 5, wherein the second auxiliary radiator includes a second extension that is separated from the first extension and extends parallel to the first side of the radiator, and a second connecting portion that extends from the end of the second extension in a direction perpendicular to the first side of the radiator.

7. The antenna element according to claim 5, wherein the first auxiliary radiator and the second auxiliary radiator have a symmetrical shape with respect to a virtual line that penetrates the center of the radiator in a direction perpendicular to the first side of the radiator.

8. The antenna element according to claim 1, wherein the radiator includes a mesh structure, and the transmission line and the auxiliary radiator include a solid structure.

9. The antenna element according to claim 1, An antenna structure including a circuit board electrically connected to the aforementioned antenna element.

10. The antenna structure according to claim 9, wherein the circuit board includes a core layer and signal wiring disposed on one surface of the core layer and connected to the first transmission line and the second transmission line, respectively.

11. The antenna structure according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board is arranged on the same layer as the signal wiring and further includes a first ground arranged around the signal wiring and at a distance from the signal wiring.

12. The antenna structure according to claim 11, wherein the auxiliary radiator is connected to the first ground.

13. The antenna structure according to claim 10, wherein the circuit board further includes a second ground disposed on the other surface of the core layer opposite to the one surface of the core layer.

14. The antenna structure according to claim 10, further comprising a signal pad connected to the transmission line and bonded to the signal wiring, wherein the antenna element further comprises a signal pad.

15. The antenna structure according to claim 14, wherein the antenna element further includes a ground pad disposed around the signal pad and at a distance from the signal pad.

16. Display panel and An image display device comprising the antenna structure described in claim 9.

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