Antenna assembly mounted on vehicle

Abstract

Provided is an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle, according to an embodiment. The antenna assembly comprises: a first housing; a second housing; a PCB on which electronic components are arranged; a first antenna unit disposed between the first housing and the PCB and connected to a first point on a first surface of the PCB; and a second antenna unit disposed between the second housing and the PCB and connected to a second point on a second surface of the PCB. The first point and the second point may be connected by a via.

Description

Antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle. A specific embodiment relates to an antenna assembly having a wideband antenna and a vehicle having the same.

[0002] As technology advances from 4G (LTE) to 5G communications, automotive antennas are also continuously demanding network expandability from existing FM / AM antennas and LTE antennas to 5G antennas or V2X antennas.

[0003] As 5G communications begin in earnest, vehicle antennas are expanding beyond existing FM / AM, LTE (4G), and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas to include higher-frequency 5G Sub6 and V2X communications. Accordingly, vehicle antennas are expanding to include shark fin antennas, in-dash antennas, in-spoiler antennas, and side mirror antennas, all taking into account performance, design, and network scalability.

[0004] Meanwhile, the vehicle body and roof are made of metal, which poses a problem of radio wave blocking. Therefore, a separate antenna structure can be placed on the upper portion of the vehicle body or roof. Alternatively, if the antenna structure is placed on the lower portion of the vehicle body or roof, the portion of the vehicle body or roof corresponding to the antenna placement area can be formed of a non-metallic material.

[0005] However, from a design perspective, the vehicle body or roof needs to be formed as one piece. In such cases, the exterior of the vehicle body or roof may be formed of metal. Consequently, there is a risk that antenna performance may be significantly reduced due to the vehicle body or roof.

[0006] Additionally, there is a problem in that it is difficult to implement antennas mounted on vehicles to operate in multiple frequency bands.

[0007] This specification aims to address antenna performance degradation caused by the vehicle body or roof.

[0008] Another purpose of this specification is to maintain antenna performance at a certain level even when the vehicle body or roof exterior is formed of a metal material.

[0009] Another object of the present specification is to improve antenna performance while maintaining the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0010] Another object of the present specification is to provide an antenna assembly capable of wideband operation across multiple frequency bands.

[0011] Another object of the present specification is to optimize the antenna parameters placed in the vehicle roof area while taking into account the antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0012] In order to achieve the above or other purposes, an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to an embodiment is provided. The antenna assembly may include a first housing; a second housing; a PCB on which electronic components are arranged; a first antenna portion disposed between the first housing and the PCB and connected to a first point on a first surface of the PCB; and a second antenna portion disposed between the second housing and the PCB and connected to a second point on a second surface of the PCB. The first point and the second point may be connected by a via.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion may include a conductive pattern arranged inwardly from an end of the PCB and parallel to the PCB; and a connection pattern connected to an end of the conductive pattern and an end of the PCB and arranged perpendicular to the PCB.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion may include a dielectric carrier having one side and a front side; a conductive pattern formed on the front side of the dielectric carrier and arranged inwardly parallel to the PCB from an end of the PCB; and a connecting pattern formed on the one side of the dielectric carrier and arranged perpendicularly to the PCB, connecting an end of the conductive pattern and an end of the PCB.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the second antenna portion may include a second dielectric carrier having one side surface and a back surface; and a second conductive pattern formed on the back surface of the second dielectric carrier. The first antenna portion may form a first carrier antenna portion, and the second antenna portion may form a second carrier antenna portion.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion may include a first connection pattern connected to the first point and extending in the vertical axis direction; a second connection pattern connected to a third point on the first surface of the PCB and extending in the vertical axis direction; and a conductive pattern connected to the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the first antenna portion may include a first connection pattern connected to the first point and extending in a horizontal axis direction; a second connection pattern connected to a third point on the first surface of the PCB and extending in the horizontal axis direction; a third connection pattern connected to an end of the first connection pattern extending in the horizontal axis direction and an end of the second connection pattern and extending in a vertical axis direction; a fourth connection pattern connected to an end of the first connection pattern and an end of the second connection pattern and formed in a loop shape on a plane perpendicular to the PCB; and a conductive pattern connected to the third connection pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the antenna assembly may further include a third antenna portion disposed between the second housing and the PCB and configured to radiate a wireless signal in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

[0019] The technical effects of the antenna assembly mounted on such a vehicle and the vehicle mounted with the antenna assembly are described as follows.

[0020] According to the present specification, the gap distance between the first antenna portion and the metal structure disposed in the upper area of ​​the PCB can be adjusted to resolve the reduction in antenna performance due to the vehicle body or roof.

[0021] According to the present specification, by adjusting the gap distance between the first antenna section and the metal structure and the width and height of the first antenna section, the antenna performance can be maintained at a certain level even when the vehicle body or roof exterior is formed of a metal material.

[0022] According to the present specification, the gap distance between the first antenna and the secondary metal structure can be minimized while maintaining the antenna gain above a certain level, thereby improving the antenna performance while maintaining the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0023] According to the present specification, the first to third antennas are disposed in the upper and lower regions of the additional PCB, so that the antenna assembly can operate in multiple frequency bands for 4G / 5G communications and Wi-Fi frequency bands.

[0024] According to the present specification, the gap distance and the width and height of the first antenna section can be implemented below a threshold value, thereby optimizing the antenna parameters placed in the vehicle roof area while considering the antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0025] Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of example only.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0027] FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a structure in which an antenna assembly can be mounted within a vehicle, including an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to the present specification.

[0028] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0029] Figure 4 shows an exploded view of an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to the present specification.

[0030] Figure 5 shows a side view of an antenna assembly having first and second antenna sections.

[0031] Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the first and second antennas of Fig. 5 arranged on the additional PCB.

[0032] Figure 7 shows changes in antenna performance according to changes in the height of the first antenna section, the gap to the metal material loop, and the width.

[0033] Fig. 8 shows a first antenna portion formed on a dielectric carrier.

[0034] Figure 9 shows a conceptual diagram and a side view of the first to third antennas arranged on the additional PCB.

[0035] Fig. 10 shows a structure in which the second and third antennas of Fig. 9 are placed on the additional dielectric carrier.

[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of an antenna assembly having a first antenna portion having first to fourth connection patterns and second and third antenna portions arranged on a PCB.

[0037] Fig. 12 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the first to third antenna additional PCBs of Fig. 11.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes "module" and "part" used for components in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably only for the convenience of writing the specification, and do not in themselves have distinct meanings or roles. In addition, when describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known technology may obscure the gist of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, the attached drawings are only intended to facilitate easy understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of this specification.

[0039] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0040] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0041] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0042] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

[0043] Below, a transparent antenna module according to the present specification and a method for manufacturing the same are described in detail. In this regard, FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 1, a vehicle (1) may be equipped with at least one communication antenna. The vehicle (1) may transmit and / or receive signals of various frequency bands using the communication antenna. The vehicle (1) may perform communication such as V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle), V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure), V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian), and V2N (vehicle-to-network).

[0045] The above antenna may be composed of a substrate made of a material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and an antenna pattern formed on the substrate. For example, the antenna may be a transparent antenna.

[0046] The above antenna may be placed on the glass of the vehicle (1). The antenna may be coupled or attached to a front windshield (101), door glass (102, 103), quarter glass (104), rear windshield (not shown), side mirror (not shown), sunroof (105), or lamp glass (106). For example, the antenna may be a transparent antenna. As another example, the antenna may be placed in an area where a roof (110) is formed on the upper portion of the vehicle (1).

[0047] Meanwhile, FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a structure in which an antenna assembly can be mounted within a vehicle including an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to the present specification.

[0048] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the present specification proposes a planar antenna that does not protrude, replacing the existing shark fin antenna, to improve the appearance of an automobile (vehicle) and preserve telematics performance in the event of a collision. Furthermore, the present specification proposes an antenna that integrates an LTE antenna and a 5G antenna, taking into account 5th generation (5G) communications, along with the provision of existing mobile communication services (LTE).

[0049] Referring to Fig. 2a, an antenna system (1000) is placed on a formed roof of a vehicle (1). In Fig. 2a, a radome (110a) may surround the antenna system (1000) to protect the antenna system (1000) from the external environment and external impacts during vehicle operation. The radome (110a) may be made of a dielectric material through which radio signals transmitted / received between the antenna system (1000) and infrastructure structures such as base stations or other vehicles may be transmitted.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2b, the antenna system (1000) may be arranged within a roof structure (110b) of a vehicle (1), and may be configured such that at least a portion of the roof structure (110b) is implemented as a non-metal. In this case, at least a portion of the roof structure (110b) of the vehicle may be implemented as a non-metal, and may be made of a dielectric material through which radio signals transmitted / received between the antenna system (1000) and infrastructure such as a base station or other vehicles may be transmitted.

[0051] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 2a and 2b, the region where a beam pattern is formed by an antenna provided in an antenna system (1000) mounted on a vehicle needs to be formed from a horizontal region to an upper region by a predetermined angle.

[0052] In this regard, the peak of the elevation beam pattern of the antenna provided in the antenna system (1000) does not need to be formed at the bore site. Therefore, the peak of the elevation beam pattern of the antenna needs to be formed from a horizontal region to an upper region by a predetermined angle. For example, the elevation beam pattern of the antenna may be formed in a hemisphere shape as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In addition, since the beam peak is formed within a low elevation angle range (e.g., 30 degrees), the elevation beam pattern of the antenna may be referred to as a low elevation beam pattern.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification. Referring to FIG. 3, the vehicle (1) may include an object detection device (410), a communication device (420), a user interface device (431), a driving operation device (432), a vehicle driving device (433), a driving system (434), a navigation system (435), a sensing unit (436), an interface unit (437), a memory (438), a power supply unit (439), and / or a control unit (440). Alternatively, the vehicle (1) may include additional configurations in addition to the above configurations, or may omit some of the above configurations.

[0054] The object detection device (410) may be a device for detecting an object located outside the vehicle (1). For example, the object detection device (410) may include a processor (411), a camera (412), a radar (413), a lidar (414), an ultrasonic sensor (415), and / or an infrared sensor (416).

[0055] The communication device (420) may be a device for performing communication with an external device. The communication device (420) may include at least one of a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna, an RF (Radio Frequency) circuit or an RF element capable of implementing various communication protocols for performing communication. For example, the communication device (420) may include a processor (421), a short-range communication unit (422), a location information unit (423), a V2X communication unit (424), an optical communication unit (425), a broadcast transceiver unit (426), and / or an ITS communication unit (427).

[0056] The user interface device (431) may be a device for interaction between the vehicle (1) and a user. The vehicle (1) may implement a UI (User Interface) or UX (User Experience) through the user interface device (431).

[0057] The driving control device (432) may be a device that receives user input for driving. The vehicle driving device (433) may be a device that electrically controls the operation of various devices within the vehicle (1). The driving system (434) may be a system that controls various operations of the vehicle (1). The navigation system (435) may provide navigation information. The sensing unit (436) may sense the status of the vehicle (1).

[0058] The interface unit (437) can serve as a passageway for various types of external devices connected to the vehicle (1). The memory (438) can store basic data for the units of the vehicle (1), control data for controlling the operation of the units, input / output data, etc. The power supply unit (439) can supply power required for the operation of each component. The control unit (440) can control the overall operation of each unit within the vehicle (1). The control unit (440) can be implemented as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) and / or a TCU (Telematics Control Unit).

[0059] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the antenna system mounted on a vehicle may be positioned inside the vehicle, on the vehicle roof, inside the roof, or inside the roof frame. In this regard, the antenna system disclosed in this specification may be configured to operate in the low band (LB), mid band (MB), and high band (HB) of a 4G LTE system and the SUB6 band of a 5G NR system.

[0060] Hereinafter, an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to the present specification will be described. In this regard, Fig. 4 shows an exploded view of an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle according to the present specification.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 4, the antenna assembly (1000) may be placed in a lower area of ​​a metal roof (110) of a vehicle. A portion of the metal area in the area of ​​the roof (110) where the antenna assembly (1000) is placed may be removed, and a dielectric area may be formed.

[0062] The antenna assembly (1000) may include a first cover (1320a), which is an upper cover, and a second cover (1320), which is a lower cover. A metal loop (110) may correspond to the first housing (1310), and a second cover (1320), which is a lower cover, may correspond to the second housing (1320). The antenna assembly (1000) may include an antenna (1100), a PCB (1200), and electronic components arranged in a space between the first cover (1320a) and the second cover (1320).

[0063] Metal structures (1001, 1002) may be coupled to the opening area of ​​the first cover (1320a). The metal structures (1001, 1002) may function as a heat sink to prevent heat absorbed into the interior through the vehicle's roof (110) from being absorbed into the interior of the antenna assembly (1000).

[0064] An antenna (1100) may be placed in a first area of ​​a PCB (1200). A network access device (NAD) (1400) may be placed in a second area of ​​the PCB (1200). The NAD (1400) is operably coupled to the antenna (1100) and controls the operation of the antenna (1100) and electronic components, and thus may be referred to as a processor.

[0065] The first region and the second region of the PCB (1200) may be, but are not limited to, the left region and the right region based on one axis (Y-axis) of the PCB (1200). The antenna (1100) may be placed in the lower region of the first region of the PCB (1200). The antenna (1100) may be configured to operate when an antenna (not shown) placed on the upper portion of the loop (110) does not operate. Accordingly, the antenna (1100) may also be referred to as a back-up antenna (BUA).

[0066] A module PCB (1200b) may be placed on the back surface of the PCB (1200). A second cover (1320), which is a lower cover, may include a joining frame (1321) and a metal structure (1322). The joining frame (1321) may be formed to be joined with a first cover (1320a), which is an upper cover. A metal structure (1322) may be joined to an internal space of the joining frame (1321). The metal structure (1322) of the second cover (1320), which is a lower cover, may function as a heat sink that releases heat generated inside the antenna assembly (1000) to the vehicle body and the outside.

[0067] Meanwhile, Fig. 5 shows a side view of an antenna assembly having first and second antenna sections. Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the first and second antenna sections of Fig. 5 arranged on a PCB.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, an antenna assembly (1000) mounted on a vehicle may be configured to include a first housing (1310), a second housing (1320), a PCB (1200), a first antenna portion (1100a), and a second antenna portion (1100b). The first antenna portion (1100a) and the second antenna portion (1100b) may operate as radiators in frequency bands for LTE (4G) or 5G communication. The antenna assembly (1000) may be configured to further include a third antenna portion (1100c). The third antenna portion (1100c) may operate as a radiator in frequency bands for Wi-Fi communication.

[0069] The first housing (1310) may correspond to the roof (110) of FIG. 1 formed of a metal material of a vehicle in which the antenna assembly (1000) is placed. Accordingly, the first housing (1310) may be formed as a first metal housing corresponding to the roof (110) of the vehicle. The second housing (1320) may correspond to the lower cover of the antenna assembly (1000). The second housing (1320) may be formed as a second metal housing by implementing at least a portion of the second housing (1320) with a metal material. A PCB (1200), a first antenna unit (1100a), and a second antenna unit (1100b) may be placed within a space joined by the first housing (1310) and the second housing (1320).

[0070] A first antenna unit (1100a), a second antenna unit (1100b) and other electronic components may be placed on a PCB (1200). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be placed between a first housing (1310) and the PCB (1200). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be connected to a first point (P1) of a first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). A second antenna unit (1100b) may be placed between a second housing (1320) and the PCB (1200). The second antenna unit (1100b) may be connected to a second point (P2) of a second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200).

[0071] A first point (P1) on a first surface (S1) of a PCB (1200) and a second point (P2) on a second surface (S2) of a PCB (1200) may be connected by a via (V1). A second point (P2) may be formed on a second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200) corresponding to the first point (P1) on the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). In this regard, the via (V1) may be configured to vertically connect the first point (P1) on the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200) and the second point (P2) on the second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200).

[0072] The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to include at least one metal pattern. The first antenna unit (1100a) may include a conductive pattern (1110). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to include at least one connection pattern (1120). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to include a conductive pattern (1100) and a connection pattern (1120).

[0073] The conductive pattern (1110) may be configured to radiate a wireless signal of a first frequency band. The conductive pattern (1110) may be arranged inwardly from an end of the PCB (1200) and parallel to the PCB (1200). The connection pattern (1120) may be connected to the end of the conductive pattern (1110) and the end of the PCB (1200). The connection pattern (1120) may be arranged perpendicular to the PCB (1200).

[0074] The first antenna unit (1100a) may be connected to a plurality of connection patterns. The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to include a conductive pattern (1100), a first connection pattern (1121), and a second connection pattern (1122). The conductive pattern (1110) may be configured to radiate a wireless signal of a first frequency band. The conductive pattern (1110) may be connected to at least one connection pattern. The conductive pattern (1110) may be connected to the first connection pattern (1121) and the second connection pattern (1122). The conductive pattern (1110) may be arranged in a horizontal axis direction parallel to the PCB (1200).

[0075] The first connection pattern (1121) can be connected to a first point (P1) of a first surface (S1) of a PCB (1200). A portion (1121a) of the first connection pattern (1121) can be formed in a horizontal axis direction and a vertical axis direction from the first point (P1). The remainder (1121b) of the first connection pattern (1121) can be formed to extend in the vertical axis direction. The horizontal axis can correspond to the X-axis or the Y-axis, and the vertical axis can correspond to the Z-axis.

[0076] The second connection pattern (1122) may be connected to a third point (P3) of the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). A portion (1122a) of the second connection pattern (1122) may be formed in the horizontal and vertical axis directions from the third point (P3). The remainder (1122b) of the second connection pattern (1123) may be formed to extend in the vertical axis direction.

[0077] The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to include at least one metal pattern. The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to include at least one of the second conductive pattern (1130) and the third conductive pattern (1140). The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to include the second conductive pattern (1130) and the third conductive pattern (1140).

[0078] The second conductive pattern (1130) may have one end connected to the second point (P2) of the second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200). The second conductive pattern (1130) may extend in the horizontal axis direction and be arranged parallel to the PCB (1200). The third conductive pattern (1140) may be connected to the other end of the second conductive pattern (1130). The third conductive pattern (1140) may extend in the vertical axis direction and be arranged perpendicular to the PCB (1200).

[0079] The third antenna unit (1100c) may be disposed between the second housing (1320) and the PCB (1200). The third antenna unit (1100c) may be disposed in a lower space of the PCB (1200) formed by the second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200) and the second housing (1320). The third antenna unit (1100c) may be configured to include a fourth conductive pattern (1150) disposed parallel to the PCB (1200).

[0080] The first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) can operate as radiators that radiate wireless signals in different frequency bands. The first antenna unit (1100a) can operate as a radiator by radiating wireless signals in a first frequency band. The second antenna unit (1100b) can operate as a radiator by radiating wireless signals in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band. The third antenna unit (1100c) can operate as a radiator that radiates wireless signals in a Wi-Fi frequency band. The third antenna unit (1100c) can operate as a radiator by radiating wireless signals in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band.

[0081] The first to third frequency bands may be frequency bands for LTE (4G) or 5G communications. For example, the first frequency band may be a low band (LB) for 4G / 5G communications, and the second frequency band may be a mid band (MB) for 4G / 5G communications. The third frequency band may be a high band (HB) for 4G / 5G communications. For example, the low band (LB) may be set to a band of 617 to 960 MHz below 1 GHz, and the mid band (MB) may be set to a band of 0.96 to 1.4 GHz. The high band (HB) may be set to a band of 1.7 to 4.5 GHz. The fourth frequency band may be set to at least one of a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 to 7 GHz band as a Wi-Fi frequency band.

[0082] The first antenna portion (1100a) may be formed with a first height (h1) on the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). The conductive pattern (1120) of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be spaced apart from the first housing (1310) by a first gap (G1). The first antenna portion (1100a) may be formed with a first width (W1) on the inside of the PCB (1200). In this regard, the width of the conductive pattern (1110) of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be formed with a first width (W1) on the inside of the PCB (1200).

[0083] Meanwhile, in the antenna assembly according to the present specification, the height (h1), gap (G1), and width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) can be optimized in relation to antenna performance parameters. In this regard, FIG. 7 shows changes in antenna performance according to changes in the height of the first antenna portion, the gap up to the metal material loop, and the width.

[0084] Fig. 7(a) shows a graph of antenna gain (Gain) according to the height (h1) of the first antenna section. Fig. 7(b) shows a graph of frequency shift (Freq. shift) according to the gap (G1) from the first antenna section to the loop.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 and 7(a), as the height (h1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases, the antenna gain increases. For example, as the height (h1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases from h1a to h1b, the antenna gain increases from -12 dBi to -10 dBi. As the height (h1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases from h1b to h1c, the antenna gain increases from -10 dBi to a value greater than or equal to -10 dBi. However, the rate at which the antenna gain increases is relatively reduced compared to the rate at which the height (h1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases.

[0086] In this regard, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be formed to be equal to or greater than a first threshold value associated with an antenna gain equal to or greater than a predetermined value. For example, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be equal to or greater than h1a associated with an antenna gain equal to or greater than -12 dBi. For another example, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be equal to or greater than h1b associated with an antenna gain equal to or greater than -10 dBi. Since the antenna gain increases linearly when the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) increases to h1b, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be equal to or greater than h1b. Accordingly,

[0087] Meanwhile, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to a value lower than or equal to h1d at which the antenna gain is saturated. Accordingly, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to a value between h1b and h1d. The first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be h1c among values ​​between h1b and h1d so as to satisfy the antenna target gain. For example, the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to a value within a predetermined range based on 8.8 mm.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6 and 7(b), as the gap (G1) from the first antenna unit (1100a) to the loop increases, the frequency shift decreases, thereby reducing the influence of the metal loop. When the gap (G1) from the first antenna unit (1100a) to the loop is G1a or less, the frequency shift in the low band (LB) increases to 400 MHz or more.

[0089] As the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) decreases, the coupling between the conductive pattern (1110) and the loop parallel to the metal material loop decreases. Accordingly, as the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) decreases, the coupling between the conductive pattern (1110) and the loop decreases, and the frequency shift also decreases. When the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases to 13 mm or more, the frequency shift in the low band (LB) increases to 400 MHz or more.

[0090] As the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases, the effect of the electrical length of the first antenna portion (1100a) increasing and thus reducing the resonant frequency is greater than the effect of the coupling. In this regard, when the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) increases to 13 mm or more, the frequency shift value due to the reduction in the resonant frequency decreases relatively less than the rate at which the width (W1) increases. Therefore, even if the width (W1) of the first antenna portion (1100a) is significantly increased from a value of 13 mm or more, the effect of the resonant frequency shift decreases due to the coupling with the metal loop.

[0091] In this regard, the first gap (G1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be formed to be equal to or greater than a second threshold value associated with a minimum operating frequency below a predetermined value. 617 MHz may be selected as the minimum operating frequency of the low band (LB), but is not limited thereto. For example, the first gap (G1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be equal to or greater than 0.6 mm. Meanwhile, the first gap (G1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be the minimum value among the selectable values ​​to minimize the height from the roof of the vehicle. Accordingly, the first gap (G1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be equal to or greater than 0.6 mm.

[0092] The first width (W1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be formed to be equal to or greater than a third threshold value associated with a minimum operating frequency of a predetermined value or less. In this regard, the minimum value (Wmin) of the first width (W1) may be selected to be equal to or greater than 13 mm so that the frequency transition occurs linearly as the first width (W1) increases. For example, the first width (W1) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be selected to be a value within a predetermined range based on 13.3 mm from a value equal to or greater than 13 mm.

[0093] The second conductive pattern (1130) of the second antenna unit (1100b) may be formed with a second height (h2) on the second surface (S2) of the PCB (1200). The third conductive pattern (1140) of the second antenna unit (1100b) may be formed with a second width (W2) on the inside of the PCB (1200). As described above, since the second frequency band in which the second antenna unit (1100b) operates is set to a higher frequency band than the first frequency band in which the first antenna unit (1100a) operates, the second antenna unit (1100b) may be implemented with a smaller size than the first antenna unit (1100a). Accordingly, the second height (h2) of the second antenna unit (1100b) may be formed with a smaller value than the first height (h1) of the first antenna unit (1100a). In addition, since the first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) are formed at different heights, mutual interference can be reduced.

[0094] Meanwhile, the first antenna unit (1100a), the second antenna unit (1100b), and the third antenna unit (1100c) of the antenna assembly (100) according to the present specification may be implemented on a dielectric carrier. In this regard, FIG. 8 illustrates the first antenna unit formed on an antenna dielectric carrier.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 8, the first antenna unit (1100a) may include a dielectric carrier (1010), a conductive pattern (1110), and a connection pattern (1120). The dielectric carrier (1010) may have a side surface (SS) and a front surface (FS). The conductive pattern (1110) may be formed on the front surface (FS) of the dielectric carrier (1010). The conductive pattern (1110) may be configured to include sub-regions with different heights corresponding to the shape of the front surface (FS) of the dielectric carrier (1010). The conductive pattern (1110) may have a fixing hole so as to be fixed to the dielectric carrier (1010).

[0096] The connection pattern (1120) may be formed on one side (SS) of the dielectric carrier (1010). Accordingly, the first antenna portion (1100a) formed on the first dielectric carrier (1010) may form a first carrier antenna portion.

[0097] The height (h1) of the connection pattern (1120) may correspond to the height (h1) of the first antenna portion (1100a). The height (h0) of the dielectric carrier (1010) needs to be reduced below a predetermined height to reduce the height of the entire system and / or increase the rigidity of the mechanism that fixes the dielectric carrier (1010). For example, the height (h0) of the dielectric carrier (1010) may be reduced by 3 mm from 15 mm to 12 mm. The height (h1) of the connection pattern (1120) on one side of the dielectric carrier (1010) having a height (h0) of 12 mm may be implemented as a value within a predetermined range based on 8.8 mm.

[0098] As another example, the metal patterns of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be arranged on the upper cover (1320a). Referring to FIG. 5, the conductive pattern (1110) may be formed on the inner side (FS1) of the front surface of the upper cover (1320) of the antenna assembly. The connection pattern (1120) may be formed on one side surface (SS1) of the inner side of the upper cover (1320). Meanwhile, a dielectric carrier (1010b) may be arranged between the conductive pattern (1110) and the upper cover (1320a). In this regard, the conductive pattern (1110) may be arranged on the back surface (RS) of the dielectric carrier (1010b) attached to the inner side (FS1) of the front surface of the first cover (1320a), which is the upper cover.

[0099] The second antenna unit (1100b) may be placed on the same dielectric carrier as the first antenna unit (1100a) or may be placed on a separate dielectric carrier. In this regard, FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual diagram and a side view of the first to third antenna units placed on a PCB. FIG. 10 illustrates a structure in which the second and third antenna units of FIG. 9 are placed on a dielectric carrier.

[0100] Fig. 9(a) shows a conceptual diagram of an antenna assembly (1000) showing a structure in which first to third antenna sections (1100a, 1100b, 1100c) are connected to a PCB (1200). Fig. 9(b) shows a side view of an antenna assembly (1000) in which a dielectric carrier (1010) is placed in an upper region of the PCB (1200) and a second dielectric carrier (1010c) is placed in a lower region.

[0101] Fig. 10(a) shows a perspective view of a second dielectric carrier (1010c) having first to third antenna sections (1100a, 1100b, 1100c) arranged on one side and the back. Fig. 10(b) shows the second and third antenna sections (1100b, 1100c) arranged on the back of the second dielectric carrier (1010c).

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 5, 9, and 10, the second antenna portion (1100b) may be configured to include a second dielectric carrier (1010c) and a second conductive pattern (1130b). Depending on the implementation, the second antenna portion (1100b) may be configured to further include a third conductive pattern (1140). The second antenna portion (1100b) formed on the second dielectric carrier (1010c) may form a second carrier antenna portion.

[0103] The first and second antenna units (1100a, 1100b) may be arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more in one axial direction. Although only the connection pattern (1120) of the first antenna unit (1100a) is illustrated, a conductive pattern (1110) may be formed on the front surface of a separate dielectric carrier or a second dielectric carrier (1010c). The connection pattern (1120) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more with the second conductive pattern (1130b) of the second antenna unit (1100b) in the Y-axis direction. The second conductive pattern (1130b) of the second antenna unit (1100b) may be arranged to overlap by a predetermined length or more with the fourth conductive pattern (1150) of the third antenna unit (1100c) in the Y-axis direction.

[0104] A second antenna unit (1100b) disposed in a lower region of the PCB (1200) in the Z-axis direction, which is a vertical axis, can be connected to a first antenna unit (1100a) disposed in an upper region by a via (V1) at a first point (P1). A signal can be applied to the second antenna unit (1100b) through the first feed unit (Fa1) at the first feed point (Pa1). A first signal of a first frequency band or a second frequency band can be applied to the second conductive pattern of the second antenna unit (1100b) through the first feed unit (Fa1) at the first feed point (Pa1) to which the via (V1) is connected.

[0105] Meanwhile, the antenna assembly according to the present specification may further include a third antenna unit (1100c) operating in a Wi-Fi frequency band. Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 9, and 10, the third antenna unit (1100c) may be disposed between the second housing (1320) and the PCB (1200). The third antenna unit (1100c) may be configured to radiate a wireless signal in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band. The second frequency band may be set to a 0.96 to 1.4 GHz band as a mid-band (MB) for 4G / 5G communications. The fourth frequency band may be set to at least one of a 2.4 GHz band or a 5 to 7 GHz band as a Wi-Fi frequency band.

[0106] The third antenna unit (1100c) may include a fourth conductive pattern (1150). The fourth conductive pattern (1150) may be arranged parallel to the PCB (1200) in a lower region in the vertical axis direction of the PCB (1200). The fourth conductive pattern (1150) of the third antenna unit (1100c) may include a first portion (1151) arranged in a lower region of the PCB (1200) in the vertical axis direction and a second portion (1152) arranged in an upper region of the PCB (1200).

[0107] The third antenna unit (1100c) may be configured to dual-resonate in the 2.4 GHz band and the 5 to 7 GHz band. To this end, the fourth conductive pattern (1150) may be dual-fed with signals of the fourth frequency band through the second feed unit (Fb2) of the second feed point (Pb2) and the third feed unit (Fb3) at the third feed point (Pb3) axially adjacent to the second feed point (Pb2). The fourth conductive pattern (1150) may be dual-fed with a second signal through the second feed unit (Fb2) of the second feed point (Pb2) and a third signal through the third feed unit (Fb3) at the third feed point (Pb3).

[0108] The first and second antenna units (1100a, 1100b) may be arranged so that their centers are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction. The connection pattern (1120) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be arranged so as to be spaced apart from the second conductive pattern (1130c) of the second antenna unit (1100b) by a predetermined distance or more in the Y-axis direction. The connection pattern (1120) of the first antenna unit (1100a) may be implemented in a loop shape in which a plurality of conductive lines are arranged to overlap each other.

[0109] The second dielectric carrier (1010c) may have one side (SS) and a back surface (RS). The second conductive pattern (1130b) may be formed on the back surface of the second dielectric carrier (1010c). The third conductive pattern (1140) may be connected to the second conductive pattern (1130b). The second antenna portion (1100b) including the second conductive pattern (1130b) and the third conductive pattern (1140) may be arranged in a lower region of the PCB (1200). The second antenna portion (1100b) formed on the second dielectric carrier (1010c) may form a second carrier antenna portion.

[0110] At least a portion of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be disposed on the second dielectric carrier (1010c). In this regard, the connection pattern (1120) of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be disposed on one side (SS) of the second dielectric carrier (1010c). The conductive pattern (1110) of the first antenna portion (1100a) may be disposed on the front surface of the dielectric carrier (1010c) or the front surface of the inner side of another dielectric carrier.

[0111] The first antenna unit (1100a) can operate as a backup antenna (BUA) operating in the low band (LB) when the shark fin antenna positioned on the vehicle roof is not operating. The first antenna unit (1100a) can be configured to operate in the first frequency band, which is the low band (LB). In addition, the first antenna unit (1100a) can be configured to operate in the first frequency band, which is the low band (LB), and the second frequency band, which is the middle band (MB).

[0112] Meanwhile, the first antenna unit (1100a) of the antenna assembly according to the present specification can be implemented to operate in the low band (LB) and the middle band (MB) by modifying the connection pattern. In this regard, Fig. 11 shows a side view of an antenna assembly in which the first antenna unit having the first to fourth connection patterns and the second and third antenna units are arranged on a PCB. Fig. 12 shows a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the first to third antenna units of Fig. 11 arranged on a PCB.

[0113] FIG. 11 shows a side view of an antenna assembly in which a first antenna portion (1100a) having first to fourth connection patterns (1121 to 1124) and second and third antenna portions (1100b, 1100c) are arranged on a PCB (1200).

[0114] Fig. 12(a) shows a front perspective view of the first to third antenna units (1100a, 1100b, 1100c) of Fig. 11 arranged on a PCB. Fig. 12(b) shows a rear perspective view of the first to third antenna units (1100a, 1100b, 1100c) of Fig. 11 arranged on a PCB.

[0115] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 11, and 12, the first antenna unit (1100a) operates to radiate a wireless signal in a first frequency band, which is a low band (LB), and a second frequency band, which is a middle band (MB). The second antenna unit (1100b) operates to radiate a wireless signal in the second frequency band. Accordingly, the antenna (1100) including the first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) can operate in a wider band in the second frequency band while improving the antenna gain. Meanwhile, when a termination unit, such as a 50 ohm resistor, is formed instead of the second antenna unit (1100b), the antenna (1100) implemented with the first antenna unit (1100a) can operate to radiate a wireless signal up to a third frequency band, which is a high band (HB).

[0116] The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to include a conductive pattern (1110), a first connection pattern (1121), a second connection pattern (1122), a third connection pattern (1123), and a fourth connection pattern (1124).

[0117] The first connection pattern (1121) can be connected to the first point (P1) of the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). A part of the first connection pattern (1121) can be formed to be inclined in the YZ-axis direction, and the remaining part can extend in the Y-axis direction, which is a horizontal axis direction. The second connection pattern (1122) can be connected to the third point (P3) of the first surface (S1) of the PCB (1200). A part of the second connection pattern (1122) can be formed to be inclined in the YZ-axis direction, and the remaining part can extend in the Y-axis direction, which is a horizontal axis direction.

[0118] The third connection pattern (1123) may be connected to an end of the first connection pattern (1121) and an end of the second connection pattern (1122) extending in the horizontal axis direction. The end of the first connection pattern (1121) and the end of the second connection pattern (1122) may be formed at one point. The third connection pattern (1123) may extend in the Z-axis direction, which is the vertical axis direction.

[0119] The fourth connection pattern (1124) may be connected to an end of the first connection pattern (1121) and an end of the second connection pattern (1122). The fourth connection pattern (1124) may be arranged on a plane perpendicular to the PCB (1200). The fourth connection pattern (1124) may be formed in a loop shape such that a plurality of conductive lines overlap each other in the Y-axis direction, which is one axial direction.

[0120] The above describes an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle. The technical effects of the antenna assembly and the vehicle equipped with the antenna assembly are described below.

[0121] According to the present specification, the gap distance between the first antenna portion and the metal structure disposed in the upper area of ​​the PCB can be adjusted to resolve the reduction in antenna performance due to the vehicle body or roof.

[0122] According to the present specification, by adjusting the gap distance between the first antenna section and the metal structure and the width and height of the first antenna section, the antenna performance can be maintained at a certain level even when the vehicle body or roof exterior is formed of a metal material.

[0123] According to the present specification, the gap distance between the first antenna and the secondary metal structure can be minimized while maintaining the antenna gain above a certain level, thereby improving the antenna performance while maintaining the height of the antenna assembly below a certain level.

[0124] According to the present specification, the first to third antennas are disposed in the upper and lower regions of the additional PCB, so that the antenna assembly can operate in multiple frequency bands for 4G / 5G communications and Wi-Fi frequency bands.

[0125] According to the present specification, the gap distance and the width and height of the first antenna section can be implemented below a threshold value, thereby optimizing the antenna parameters placed in the vehicle roof area while considering the antenna gain and frequency characteristics.

[0126] Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present invention, are given by way of example only. The detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but rather as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of the present invention are intended to be included within their scope.

Claims

1. In an antenna assembly mounted on a vehicle, 1st housing; Second Housing PCB on which electronic components are placed; A first antenna portion disposed between the first housing and the PCB and connected to a first point on a first surface of the PCB; and A second antenna portion is disposed between the second housing and the PCB and is connected to a second point on the second surface of the PCB, The above first point and the above second point are connected by a via, The above first antenna portion, A dielectric carrier having one side and a front side; A conductive pattern formed on the front surface of the dielectric carrier and arranged inwardly parallel to the PCB from an end of the PCB; and A connecting pattern formed on the one side of the dielectric carrier, arranged vertically with the PCB, and connecting an end of the conductive pattern and an end of the PCB, The above second antenna portion, a second dielectric carrier having one side and a back surface; and Including a second conductive pattern formed on the back surface of the second dielectric carrier, An antenna assembly, wherein the first antenna portion forms a first carrier antenna portion, and the second antenna portion forms a second carrier antenna portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above first antenna portion, A first connection pattern connected to the first point and extending in the vertical axis direction; A second connection pattern connected to the third point of the first surface of the PCB and extending in the vertical axis direction; and An antenna assembly comprising a conductive pattern connected to the first connection pattern and the second connection pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first antenna portion, A first connection pattern connected to the first point and extending in the horizontal axis direction; A second connection pattern connected to the third point of the first surface of the PCB and extending in the horizontal axis direction; A third connecting pattern connected to an end of the first connecting pattern extending in the horizontal axis direction and an end of the second connecting pattern, and extending in the vertical axis direction; A fourth connection pattern connected to the end of the first connection pattern and the end of the second connection pattern and formed in a loop shape on a plane perpendicular to the PCB; and An antenna assembly comprising a conductive pattern connected to the third connection pattern and arranged parallel to the PCB.

4. In paragraph 2, The second challenge pattern has one end connected to the second point and extends in the horizontal axis direction and is arranged parallel to the PCB, The above second antenna portion, An antenna assembly comprising a third conductive pattern connected to the other end of the second conductive pattern and extending in the vertical axis direction and arranged perpendicular to the PCB.

5. In paragraph 4 The above first antenna unit operates in a first frequency band, The second antenna section operates in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, An antenna assembly, wherein the first frequency band and the second frequency band are frequency bands for LTE or 5G communication.

6. In paragraph 4, The above first housing is formed as a first metal housing corresponding to the roof of the vehicle, An antenna assembly, wherein the second housing is formed as a second metal housing corresponding to the lower cover of the antenna unit.

7. In paragraph 6, The first antenna portion is formed at a first height on the first surface of the PCB, The conductive pattern of the first antenna portion is spaced apart from the first housing by a first gap, The first height is formed to be greater than or equal to a first threshold value associated with an antenna gain greater than or equal to a predetermined value, An antenna assembly, wherein the first gap is formed above a second threshold value associated with a minimum operating frequency below a predetermined value.

8. In paragraph 7, The first antenna portion is formed with a first width on the inside of the PCB, An antenna assembly, wherein the first width is formed to be greater than or equal to a third threshold value associated with the minimum operating frequency.

9. In paragraph 7, The second conductive pattern of the second antenna portion is formed at a second height on the second surface of the PCB, The third conductive pattern of the second antenna portion is formed with a second width on the inside of the PCB, An antenna assembly, wherein the second height is formed to have a value smaller than the first height.

10. In paragraph 1, The above challenge pattern is formed on the inner side of the front surface of the upper cover of the antenna assembly or is disposed on the back surface of a dielectric carrier attached to the inner side of the front surface of the upper cover, An antenna assembly, wherein the above connection pattern is formed on one side of the inner side of the upper cover.

11. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a third antenna portion arranged between the second housing and the PCB and configured to radiate a wireless signal in a fourth frequency band higher than the second frequency band; An antenna assembly, wherein the third antenna portion includes a fourth conductive pattern arranged parallel to the PCB.

12. In paragraph 11, The second conductive pattern of the second antenna section is such that a first signal is applied through the first feed section at the first feed point, The fourth challenge pattern is an antenna assembly in which a second signal is dual-fed and applied through a second feed portion of a second feed point and a third signal is dual-fed and applied through a third feed portion at a third feed point axially adjacent to the second feed point.

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