Antenna structure

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna structure. The antenna structure comprises: a radiator; and an auxiliary radiator spaced apart from the radiator and having an asymmetric shape with respect to the radiator on the basis of a second direction. The radiator comprises: a first radiation part having a length in the second direction increasing in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane; and a second radiation part connected to the first radiation part and having a length in the second direction decreasing in the first direction.

Description

antenna structure

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna structure. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antenna structure including an antenna unit.

[0002] With the recent development of the information society, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are being applied or built into display devices, electronic devices, buildings, etc.

[0003] In addition, as mobile communication technology has evolved recently, antennas for performing high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency communication are being applied to public transportation such as buses and subways, building structures, and various mobile devices.

[0004] Accordingly, it may be necessary to implement radiation characteristics in multiple frequency bands even through a single antenna device.

[0005] However, when antennas of different frequency bands are placed adjacently, the radiation characteristics, impedance characteristics, etc. of the different antennas may collide and be disturbed. Furthermore, the space required for antenna placement to implement multiple frequency bands increases, which may hinder the space efficiency and aesthetic characteristics of the structure to which the antenna devices are applied.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an antenna structure having improved radiation characteristics and space efficiency.

[0007] 1. An antenna structure comprising a radiator, and an auxiliary radiator disposed spaced apart from the radiator and having an asymmetrical shape with respect to the radiator in a second direction, wherein the radiator comprises a first radiator portion whose length in the second direction increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane, and a second radiator portion connected to the first radiator portion and whose length in the second direction decreases in the first direction.

[0008] 2. An antenna structure in the above 1, wherein the first radiating portion includes a first portion and a second portion whose length in the second direction sequentially increases in the first direction.

[0009] 3. In the above 2, the second radiating portion is an antenna structure directly connected to the second part.

[0010] 4. An antenna structure in the above 2, wherein the first part includes a protrusion, and the upper side of the first part and the side side of the protrusion form a concave space.

[0011] 5. An antenna structure according to the above 1, wherein the second radiating portion includes a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

[0012] 6. In the above 1, the auxiliary radiator includes a first auxiliary radiating portion whose length in the second direction increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, and a second auxiliary radiating portion connected to the first auxiliary radiating portion and whose length in the second direction decreases in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0013] 7. An antenna structure in the above 6, wherein the first auxiliary radiating portion includes a third portion and a fourth portion whose length in the second direction sequentially increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, and the second auxiliary radiating portion is directly connected to the fourth portion.

[0014] 8. An antenna structure in the above 6, wherein the second radiating portion and the second auxiliary radiating portion have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second direction.

[0015] 9. An antenna structure in the above 8, wherein the length of the second radiating portion in the first direction is greater than the length of the second auxiliary radiating portion in the first direction.

[0016] 10. An antenna structure according to the above 1, further comprising a transmission line electrically connected to the radiator, a signal pad electrically connected to the transmission line, and a ground pad disposed around the signal pad and spaced apart from the signal pad.

[0017] 11. An antenna structure according to the above 10, further comprising a ground pattern connected to the ground pad and arranged around the transmission line and spaced apart from the transmission line and the radiator.

[0018] 12. An antenna structure according to the above 1, wherein the radiator further includes a third radiator connected to the lower side of the first radiator.

[0019] 13. An antenna structure according to the above 12, further comprising a signal pad connected to the radiator, wherein the third radiator is directly connected to the lower side of the first radiator and the signal pad.

[0020] 14. In the above 12, the third radiating portion is an antenna structure including a square shape.

[0021] 15. An antenna structure according to the above 1, wherein the radiator and the auxiliary radiator are disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

[0022] 16. An antenna structure according to the above 15, wherein the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer each include glass.

[0023] 17. An antenna structure provided as a relay antenna in the above 1.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments, the radiator may include a first radiating portion whose length in a second direction increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane, and a second radiating portion whose length in the second direction decreases in the first direction. Accordingly, radiation performance may be improved even when the antenna unit is inserted into a dielectric layer or positioned between dielectric layers of a two-layer structure.

[0025] The first radiating section may include a plurality of radiating sections whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in the first direction. Accordingly, a multi-band antenna in which signal transmission and reception in multiple bands are performed from a single radiating section may be implemented.

[0026] In some embodiments, the radiator may further include a third radiator connected to the lower side of the first radiator. Accordingly, the antenna gain in the high-frequency band may be further improved. For example, the radiation performance in the resonant frequency band ranging from about 2 GHz to 6 GHz may be further improved through the third radiator.

[0027] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic plan views and cross-sectional views, respectively, showing antenna structures according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic plan views showing antenna structures according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example in which an antenna structure according to exemplary embodiments is applied as a relay antenna.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of an antenna structure and a circuit board according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] Fig. 8 is a plan view showing an antenna structure according to Comparative Example 1.

[0033] Fig. 9 is a plan view showing an antenna structure according to Comparative Example 2.

[0034] Fig. 10 is a graph showing the average antenna gain according to frequency of embodiments and comparative examples.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention provide a structure that provides multiple resonant frequency band radiation from a single antenna unit.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. However, the following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the contents of the invention described above, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in such drawings.

[0037] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “one end,” “the other end,” “upper side,” “lateral side,” “lower side,” etc. used in this application do not limit absolute positions or orders, but are used in a relative sense to distinguish different components or parts.

[0038] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are schematic plan views and cross-sectional views, respectively, of antenna structures according to exemplary embodiments. For convenience of explanation, detailed configurations / structures of the antenna unit are omitted in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the second virtual line (VL2) of FIG. 1 in the thickness direction.

[0039] The above antenna structure may include a dielectric layer (105) and an antenna unit formed on the dielectric layer (105). The antenna unit may include a radiator (110) and an auxiliary radiator (150) spaced apart from each other.

[0040] The dielectric layer (105) may include, for example, a transparent resin material. For example, the dielectric layer (105) may include a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polybutylene terephthalate; a cellulose resin such as diacetyl cellulose or triacetyl cellulose; a polycarbonate resin; an acrylic resin such as polymethyl (meth) acrylate or polyethyl (meth) acrylate; a styrene resin such as polystyrene or an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer; a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyolefin having a cyclo- or norbornene structure, or an ethylene-propylene copolymer; a vinyl chloride resin; an amide resin such as nylon or an aromatic polyamide; an imide resin; a polyethersulfone resin; a sulfone resin; a polyetheretherketone resin; a sulfated polyphenylene resin; a vinyl alcohol resin; It may include vinylidene chloride resin; vinyl butyral resin; allylate resin; polyoxymethylene resin; epoxy resin; urethane or acrylic urethane resin; silicone resin, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0041] In some embodiments, an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA), an optically clear resin (OCR), or the like may also be included in the dielectric layer (105).

[0042] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer (105) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, or the like.

[0043] In one embodiment, the dielectric layer (105) may be provided as a substantially single layer.

[0044] In some embodiments, the dielectric layer (105) may include a multi-layer structure of at least two layers. For example, the dielectric layer (105) may include a substrate layer and an antenna dielectric layer, and may include a point-adhesive layer between the substrate layer and the antenna dielectric layer.

[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the antenna unit including the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) may be placed between the first dielectric layer (105a) and the second dielectric layer (105b). For example, the antenna unit may be sandwiched or embedded between the first dielectric layer (105a) and the second dielectric layer (105b). Accordingly, the antenna unit may be protected from external impact and its durability may be improved.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the first dielectric layer (105a) and the second dielectric layer (105b) may each include glass. In this case, the antenna structure may be provided as an in-glass antenna.

[0047] In one embodiment, a protective layer (105c) may be further disposed between the first dielectric layer (105a) and the second dielectric layer (105a). For example, the protective layer (105c) may cover the antenna unit. Accordingly, the durability and operating stability of the antenna unit may be further improved.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the protective layer (105c) may include polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0049] The dielectric layer (105) forms an impedance or inductance for the antenna unit, so that the frequency band that the antenna structure can drive or sense can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer (105) can be adjusted to a range of about 1.5 to 12. If the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency may be excessively reduced, so that driving in a high-frequency band may not be realized.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the antenna unit may include a radiator (110) and an auxiliary radiator (150) disposed spaced apart from the radiator (110).

[0051] The radiator (110) may include a first radiating portion (112) whose length in the second direction increases in the first direction, and a second radiating portion (116) connected to the first radiating portion (112) and whose length in the second direction decreases in the first direction. Accordingly, even when the antenna unit is inserted into a dielectric layer or arranged between dielectric layers of a two-layer structure, radiation performance may be improved.

[0052] The term "first direction" as used herein may refer to the longitudinal direction of the dielectric layer (105) and / or the antenna structure. The first direction may refer to the first direction in FIGS. 1 to 5, 7, and 8.

[0053] The term "second direction" as used herein may refer to a direction perpendicular to the first direction on a plane. The second direction may refer to the width direction of the dielectric layer (105) and / or the antenna structure. The second direction may refer to the second direction in FIGS. 1 to 5, 7, and 8.

[0054] The term "thickness direction" as used herein may refer to a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The thickness direction may refer to the thickness direction of the dielectric layer (105) and / or the antenna structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first radiating portion (112) may include a plurality of radiating portions whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in the first direction. Accordingly, a multi-band antenna in which signal transmission and reception in multiple bands are performed from a single radiating portion may be implemented.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first radiating portion (112) may include a first portion (113) and a second portion (115) whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in the first direction.

[0057] For example, the first portion (113) can be directly connected to a transmission line (120) or a signal pad (122).

[0058] For example, the first part (113) may include a protrusion (113a) formed on the upper side.

[0059] In some embodiments, the upper surface of the first portion (113) and the side surface of the protrusion (113a) may form a concave space (CS). By forming the concave space (CS), the resonant frequency of the first radiating portion (112) can be appropriately adjusted and impedance matching can be improved. Accordingly, the radiation characteristics and operating reliability of the radiator (110) can be improved.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second portion (115) may be directly connected to the second radiating portion (116). For example, the second radiating portion (116) may extend from one side of the second portion (115).

[0061] For example, the second radiating portion (116) may be directly connected to one side of the second portion (115), and the first portion (113) may be directly connected to the other side of the second portion (115).

[0062] For example, the length of the second part (115) in the second direction may be greater than that of the first part (113).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first portion (113) and the second portion (115) may be formed substantially integrally.

[0064] The length of the second radiating portion (116) in the second direction may be reduced in the first direction. For example, all internal angles of the second radiating portion (116) provided as the outer portion of the radiator (110) may be formed as obtuse angles. Accordingly, the current inside the radiator (110) may be smoothly transmitted to the outer portion of the radiator (110) (e.g., the second radiating portion (116)). Accordingly, the antenna gain of the radiator (110) may be improved.

[0065] For example, the length of the second radiating portion (116) in the second direction may be smaller than the length of the second portion (115) in the second direction.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second radiating portion (116) may include a polygonal shape, a semi-circle shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

[0067] In one embodiment, the first radiating portion (112) and the second radiating portion (116) may be formed substantially integrally.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments, the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second direction.

[0069] For example, the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) may extend in the second direction and have an asymmetrical shape with respect to a first virtual line (VL1) passing between the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150). Accordingly, signal interference and signal disturbance can be prevented.

[0070] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to a second virtual line (VL2) extending in the first direction and passing through the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150). Accordingly, the antenna structure may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the first direction and an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second direction. Accordingly, radiation characteristics in the driving frequency band may be improved.

[0071] In some embodiments, the auxiliary radiator (150) may include a first auxiliary radiating portion (152) whose length in the second direction increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, and a second auxiliary radiating portion (156) connected to the first auxiliary radiating portion (152) and whose length in the second direction decreases in a direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly, radiation performance may be improved even when the antenna unit is inserted into a dielectric layer or arranged between dielectric layers of a two-layer structure.

[0072] The term “direction opposite to the first direction” as used herein may refer to a direction opposite to the direction in which the length of the first radiating portion (112) increases in the second direction.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary radiator (152) may include a plurality of auxiliary radiators whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in a direction opposite to the first direction. Accordingly, radiation performance in multiple bands may be further improved.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first auxiliary radiator (152) may include a third portion (153) and a fourth portion (155) whose lengths in the second direction sequentially increase in a direction opposite to the first direction.

[0075] For example, the third part (153) and the fourth part (155) may have substantially symmetrical shapes with respect to the second direction with respect to the first part (113) and the second part (115), respectively.

[0076] The above “symmetrical shape” may represent a mirror reflection shape.

[0077] For example, the third portion (153) may include an auxiliary protrusion (153a) formed on the upper side.

[0078] In some embodiments, the upper edge of the third portion (153) and the side edge of the auxiliary protrusion (153a) may form a concave space (CS). By forming the concave space (CS), the resonant frequency of the first auxiliary radiator (152) can be appropriately adjusted and impedance matching can be improved. Accordingly, the radiation characteristics and operating reliability of the auxiliary radiator (150) can be improved.

[0079] In some embodiments, the fourth portion (155) may be directly connected to the second auxiliary radiator (156). For example, the second auxiliary radiator (156) may extend from one side of the fourth portion (155).

[0080] For example, a second auxiliary radiator (156) may be directly connected to one side of the fourth part (155), and a third part (153) may be directly connected to the other side of the fourth part (155).

[0081] For example, the length of the fourth portion (155) in the second direction may be greater than that of the third portion (153).

[0082] According to one embodiment, the third portion (153) and the fourth portion (155) may be formed substantially integrally.

[0083] The length of the second auxiliary radiator (156) in the second direction may be reduced in the first direction. For example, all internal angles of the second auxiliary radiator (156) provided as the outer portion of the auxiliary radiator (150) may be formed as obtuse angles. Accordingly, the current inside the auxiliary radiator (150) may be smoothly transmitted to the outer portion of the auxiliary radiator (150) (e.g., the second auxiliary radiator (156)). Accordingly, the radiation performance of the auxiliary radiator (150) may be improved.

[0084] For example, the length of the second auxiliary radiating portion (156) in the second direction may be smaller than the length of the fourth portion (155) in the second direction.

[0085] In some embodiments, the second auxiliary radiator (156) may include a polygonal shape, a semi-circle shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

[0086] In one embodiment, the first auxiliary radiator (152) and the second auxiliary radiator (156) may be formed substantially integrally.

[0087] In some embodiments, the second radiating portion (116) and the second auxiliary radiating portion (156) may have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second direction. For example, the length of the second radiating portion (116) in the first direction may be greater than the length of the second auxiliary radiating portion (156) in the first direction. Accordingly, signal interference or signal disturbance may be suppressed.

[0088] Signal transmission and reception in multiple frequency bands can be implemented from the first radiating unit (112), the second radiating unit (116), the first auxiliary radiating unit (152), and the second auxiliary radiating unit (156) described above.

[0089] For example, a radiation band corresponding to Sub-6 5G can be obtained from the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150). According to one embodiment, the resonant frequencies of the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) can range from about 3 GHz to 6 GHz, from about 3.1 GHz to 3.8 GHz, or from about 5 GHz to 6 GHz.

[0090] For example, radiation bands corresponding to the LTE1, LTE2, LTE3, and LTE7 bands can be obtained from the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150). According to one embodiment, the resonant frequencies of the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) can range from about 1.5 GHz to 3.0 GHz.

[0091] For example, radiation bands corresponding to the LTE5, LTE8, LTE12, LTE17, and LTE20 bands can be obtained from the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150). According to one embodiment, the resonant frequencies of the radiator (110) and the auxiliary radiator (150) can range from about 0.7 GHz to 1.0 GHz.

[0092] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may further include a transmission line (120) electrically connected to the radiator (110), a signal pad (122) electrically connected to the transmission line (120), and a ground pad (132) disposed around the signal pad (122) and spaced apart from the signal pad (122).

[0093] For example, one end of the transmission line (120) may be directly connected to the first portion (113), and the other end of the transmission line (120) may be directly connected to a signal pad (122). The signal pad (122) may be electrically connected to a driver integrated circuit (IC) chip through an intermediary structure such as a printed circuit board or an antenna cable. Accordingly, signal transmission and reception and power supply from the driver IC chip to the radiator (110) may be performed.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the signal pad (122) may be electrically connected to the driving IC chip via a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the other end of the transmission line (120) may be provided as a signal pad (122).

[0096] In one embodiment, the transmission line (120) may be formed substantially integrally with the radiator (110) using the same material.

[0097] The antenna unit may further include a ground pattern (130) arranged around the transmission line (120) and spaced apart from the transmission line (120) and the radiator (110). Through the ground pattern (130), the impedance matching of the antenna unit may be improved and the radiation reliability may be enhanced. For example, the impedance of the antenna unit may be adjusted to about 50 Ω through the ground pattern (130).

[0098] In some embodiments, the ground pattern (130) may be spaced apart from the auxiliary radiator (150) with the transmission line (120) therebetween.

[0099] For example, the ground pattern (130) may include a bend (135) that bends from the second direction to the first direction or from the first direction to the second direction. Accordingly, the radiation characteristics may be further improved.

[0100] For example, the ground pattern (130) may include a step portion (137). Accordingly, impedance matching may be further improved.

[0101] In some embodiments, the ground pattern (130) may be provided as a ground radiator by electrical coupling with the radiator (110) and / or the transmission line (120).

[0102] For example, a pair of ground pads (132) may be arranged with a signal pad (122) therebetween. For example, one of the pair of ground pads (132) may be electrically connected to the ground pattern (130), and the other may be electrically connected to the first auxiliary radiator (152).

[0103] In one embodiment, the ground pad (132) may include a recess (132a) to allow for fine matching of impedance.

[0104] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may include a ground connection (160) connecting the first auxiliary radiator (152) and the ground pad (132).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the extension direction of the ground connection portion (160) may be parallel to the extension direction of the transmission line (120).

[0106] One end of the ground connection portion (160) may be connected to the third portion (153), and the other end may be connected to the ground pad (132). The ground pad (132) may not be electrically connected to the driving IC chip. For example, power or signals may not be transmitted to the auxiliary radiator (150). Accordingly, driving between antenna units may be performed independently, and antenna beam characteristics may be improved.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the other end of the ground connection (160) may be provided as a ground pad (132).

[0108] In some embodiments, the shortest distance between the transmission line (120) and the ground connection (160) may be about 1 mm to 5 mm, or about 2 mm to 4 mm. In this range, antenna gain and impedance matching may be improved.

[0109] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing an antenna structure according to exemplary embodiments.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, the radiator (110) may further include a third radiating portion (118) connected to the lower side of the first radiating portion (112). Accordingly, the antenna gain in the high-frequency band may be further improved. For example, the radiation performance in the resonant frequency band ranging from about 2 GHz to 6 GHz may be further improved through the third radiating portion (118).

[0111] Through the third radiator (118), power can be directly supplied from the signal pad (122) to the radiator (110). In this case, the antenna unit may not include a separate transmission line.

[0112] For example, the upper side of the third radiating portion (118) may be directly connected to the first radiating portion (112), and the lower side of the third radiating portion (118) may be directly connected to the signal pad (122).

[0113] For example, the third radiating portion (118) may extend from the lower side of the first radiating portion (112) toward the signal pad (122).

[0114] For example, the third radiating portion (118) may include a square shape.

[0115] For example, the third radiator (118) may be spaced apart from the second radiator (116).

[0116] In one embodiment, the length of the antenna structure in the first direction may be about 80 mm to 120 mm, and the length of the antenna structure in the second direction may be about 25 mm to 50 mm.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the length of the radiator (110) in the first direction may be about 90 mm to 95 mm, and the length of the radiator (110) in the second direction may be about 20 mm to 22 mm.

[0118] For example, the antenna unit 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), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0119] In one embodiment, the antenna unit may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., a silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy), or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., a copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy) for low-resistance implementation and fine-line width patterning.

[0120] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), indium zinc tin oxide (ITZO), or zinc oxide (ZnOx).

[0121] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 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-metal layer, or a three-layer structure of a transparent conductive oxide layer-metal layer-transparent conductive oxide layer. In this case, the flexible characteristics may be improved by the metal layer, while the resistance may be reduced, thereby improving the signal transmission speed, and the corrosion resistance and transparency may be improved by the transparent conductive oxide layer.

[0122] The antenna unit may include a blackening treatment. Accordingly, the reflectivity on the surface of the antenna unit may be reduced, thereby reducing pattern visibility due to light reflection.

[0123] In one embodiment, a blackening layer may be formed by converting the surface of a metal layer included in an antenna unit into a metal oxide or metal sulfide. In one embodiment, a blackening layer, such as a black material coating layer or a plating layer, may be formed on the antenna unit or the metal layer. The black material or plating layer may include an oxide, sulfide, alloy, or the like containing silicon, carbon, copper, molybdenum, tin, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, or at least one of these.

[0124] The composition and thickness of the blackening layer can be adjusted taking into account the reflectivity reduction effect and antenna radiation characteristics.

[0125] FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic plan views showing antenna structures according to exemplary embodiments.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the antenna structure may further include a dummy mesh pattern (170) arranged around the antenna unit. For example, the dummy mesh pattern (170) may be electrically and physically separated from the antenna unit through a separation region (175).

[0127] For example, a conductive layer including the metal or alloy described above can be formed on a dielectric layer (105). A mesh structure can be formed by etching the conductive layer along the profile of the antenna unit described above. Accordingly, an antenna unit and a dummy mesh pattern (170) separated from each other by a separation region (175) can be formed.

[0128] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may also share a mesh structure. Accordingly, the transmittance of the antenna unit may be improved, and the optical properties around the antenna unit may be uniformized as the dummy mesh pattern (170) is distributed. Consequently, the antenna unit may be prevented from being visually recognized.

[0129] In one embodiment, the antenna unit may comprise the mesh structure as a whole. In one embodiment, for power supply efficiency, at least a portion of the transmission line (120) (e.g., signal pad (122)) and at least a portion of the ground pattern (130) and / or ground connection portion (160) (e.g., ground pad (132)) may comprise a solid structure.

[0130] In one embodiment, when the ground pattern (130) is placed in an area of ​​the object that is not visible to the user, the ground pattern (130) may have a solid structure.

[0131] For example, if the antenna unit is placed in an area of ​​the object to which the antenna structure is applied that is not visible to the user, the antenna unit may include a solid structure.

[0132] The dummy mesh pattern (170) may include intersecting conductive lines forming a mesh structure therein. In some embodiments, the dummy mesh pattern (170) may include segmented regions where the conductive lines are cut. Accordingly, the dummy mesh pattern (170) may prevent the radiation characteristics of the antenna unit from being disturbed.

[0133] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may include two or more antenna units. For example, multiple antenna units may be arranged to form an array. Alternatively, multiple antenna units may be arranged without forming an array. Accordingly, the overall gain of the antenna structure may be increased, and multi-band radiation may be sufficiently realized.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an example in which an antenna structure according to exemplary embodiments is applied as a relay antenna.

[0135] For example, FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a router form in which an antenna structure is attached to a target object (300) (e.g., public transportation such as a bus or subway) or inserted into a window.

[0136] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the connection structure of an antenna structure and a circuit board according to exemplary embodiments. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II' of Fig. 1 in the thickness direction.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the antenna structure may have a structure that can be fixed to, for example, the glass of a car such as a private car, a window of public transportation, a building structure such as a wall or ceiling, a window, a vehicle, a sign, etc. For example, the above-described antenna unit may be inserted or attached into a substrate. As described with reference to FIG. 2, the first dielectric layer (105a) and the second dielectric layer (105b) may be provided together as a substrate, and the antenna unit (100, 300) may be embedded in the substrate. In this case, the second radiating portion (116) and the second auxiliary radiating portion (156) may prevent a decrease in the radiation performance of the antenna unit due to the embedding.

[0138] The substrate can be provided as glass for automobiles such as private cars, windows for public transportation, buildings, various decorative structures, signage, windows, etc.

[0139] In some embodiments, the antenna structure may be embedded in at least one of a sunroof, a side window, a rear window, and a windshield of the vehicle in an in-glass form. In one embodiment, the antenna structure may be embedded in the upper portion of the windshield of the vehicle.

[0140] In some embodiments, as described above, a dummy mesh pattern (170) may be formed around the antenna unit to reduce or prevent the antenna unit from being visually recognized. At least a portion of the antenna unit may also have a mesh pattern structure.

[0141] In some embodiments, the antenna unit may be connected to an external circuit board (200) via a signal pad (122). For example, the external circuit board (200) may be a printed circuit board (PCB) including a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[0142] In some embodiments, the external circuit board (200) may include circuit wiring (210). The antenna structure and the driver IC chip may be electrically connected through the circuit wiring (210).

[0143] For example, a conductive bonding structure such as an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) may be attached onto a signal pad (122) and / or a ground pad (132), and then a bonding area of ​​an external circuit board (200) or one end of a circuit wiring (210) may be placed on the conductive bonding structure. Thereafter, the external circuit board may be connected to the antenna unit through a heat treatment / pressure process.

[0144] In some embodiments, an antenna cable may be connected to the antenna structure instead of an external circuit board (200). The antenna cable may be electrically connected to the conductive bonding structure to supply power to a signal pad (122) of the antenna unit.

[0145] The above antenna cable may be, for example, embedded in the target object (300) and connected to an external power source, an integrated circuit chip, or an integrated circuit board. Accordingly, power may be supplied to the antenna unit, thereby enabling antenna radiation.

[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the antenna unit described above can be inserted into the glass of a target object (300) (e.g., the glass of a car) to transmit and receive signals within the car, for example, via a flexible printed circuit board. Accordingly, a multi-band wireless communication network can be implemented within the car.

[0147] Example 1

[0148] An antenna unit was formed by patterning conductive lines containing copper on a glass substrate as shown in Fig. 1. The conductive lines had a line width of 2 μm and a thickness of 0.5 μm.

[0149] A protective layer was formed by applying polyvinyl butyral (PVB) on the above antenna unit.

[0150] An antenna structure having a three-layer structure of glass-antenna unit-glass (in-glass antenna structure) was manufactured by attaching glass on the above protective layer.

[0151] Example 2

[0152] An antenna structure was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the antenna unit was formed by patterning conductive lines containing copper on a glass substrate as shown in FIG. 3.

[0153] Comparative Example 1

[0154] An antenna structure was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the antenna unit was formed by patterning conductive lines containing copper on a glass substrate as shown in Fig. 8.

[0155] Comparative Example 2

[0156] An antenna structure was manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the antenna unit was formed by patterning conductive lines containing copper on a glass substrate as shown in Fig. 9.

[0157] Experimental example

[0158] The average antenna gain of the antenna structures of the examples and comparative examples was measured using the HFSS simulator (Ansys).

[0159] Fig. 10 is a graph showing the average antenna gain according to frequency of embodiments and comparative examples.

[0160] Referring to FIG. 10, in embodiments including the second radiating section (116), the average antenna gain is improved compared to the comparative examples.

[0161] In Example 2, which further includes a third radiating section (118), the average antenna gain in the high-frequency band is improved.

[0162] In consideration of impact resistance and driving stability, even when the antenna unit is embedded between two glass layers, the average antenna gain in multiple bands is improved in embodiments including the second radiating portion (116).

Claims

1. Radiator; and It includes an auxiliary radiator that is arranged spaced apart from the radiator and has an asymmetrical shape with respect to the radiator and the second direction, The above radiator A first radiating portion whose length in the second direction increases in a first direction perpendicular to the second direction on a plane; and An antenna structure comprising a second radiating portion connected to the first radiating portion and having a length in the second direction that decreases in the first direction.

2. An antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein the first radiating portion includes a first portion and a second portion, the lengths of which in the second direction sequentially increase in the first direction.

3. An antenna structure according to claim 2, wherein the second radiating portion is directly connected to the second portion.

4. An antenna structure according to claim 2, wherein the first portion includes a protrusion, and an upper side of the first portion and a side side of the protrusion form a concave space.

5. An antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein the second radiating portion includes a polygonal shape, a semicircular shape, or a semi-elliptical shape.

6. In claim 1, the auxiliary radiator A first auxiliary radiating portion, the length of which in the second direction increases in a direction opposite to the first direction; and An antenna structure comprising a second auxiliary radiating portion connected to the first auxiliary radiating portion and having a length in the second direction that decreases in a direction opposite to the first direction.

7. In claim 6, the first auxiliary radiating portion includes a third portion and a fourth portion whose length in the second direction sequentially increases in a direction opposite to the first direction, An antenna structure in which the second auxiliary radiating portion is directly connected to the fourth portion.

8. An antenna structure according to claim 6, wherein the second radiating portion and the second auxiliary radiating portion have an asymmetrical shape with respect to the second direction.

9. An antenna structure according to claim 8, wherein the length of the second radiating portion in the first direction is greater than the length of the second auxiliary radiating portion in the first direction.

10. An antenna structure according to claim 1, further comprising a transmission line electrically connected to the radiator, a signal pad electrically connected to the transmission line, and a ground pad disposed around the signal pad and spaced apart from the signal pad.

11. An antenna structure according to claim 10, further comprising a ground pattern connected to the ground pad and arranged around the transmission line and spaced apart from the transmission line and the radiator.

12. An antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein the radiator further includes a third radiator connected to a lower side of the first radiator.

13. An antenna structure according to claim 12, further comprising a signal pad connected to the radiator, wherein the third radiator is directly connected to the lower side of the first radiator and the signal pad.

14. In claim 12, the third radiating portion is an antenna structure including a square shape.

15. An antenna structure according to claim 1, wherein the radiator and the auxiliary radiator are disposed between the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer.

16. An antenna structure according to claim 15, wherein each of the first dielectric layer and the second dielectric layer comprises glass.

17. An antenna structure provided as a relay antenna according to claim 1.

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