Transparent antenna module and antenna assembly for vehicle having same

Abstract

This antenna assembly for a vehicle includes: a first glass having an opaque region arranged on one surface thereof; a second glass arranged to face the first glass: a film layer arranged between the first glass and the second glass; a first antenna pattern arranged on a first surface of the second glass adjacent to the bottom of the film layer, and formed of a first transparent electrode unit having a mesh structure; a second antenna pattern arranged on a second surface of the first glass adjacent to the top of the film layer, and formed of a second transparent electrode unit having a mesh structure; and a flexible substrate having formed thereon a feeding line connected to the first transparent electrode unit or the second transparent electrode unit.

Description

Transparent antenna module and vehicle antenna assembly including the same

[0001] This specification relates to a transparent antenna module. More specifically, it relates to a transparent antenna module and a vehicle antenna assembly including 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] However, as 5G signals increase in frequency, they become more linear and are prone to signal loss in the presence of obstacles. To minimize signal loss in 5G bands, the closer the vehicle is to the exterior, the better for signal transmission and reception, as it minimizes obstacles.

[0005] Existing shark fin antennas are advantageous for signal transmission and reception when installed on the exterior of a vehicle. However, they are too small to accommodate various antennas, such as 5G, V2X, and satellite antennas, limiting network scalability. Therefore, antennas require diverse requirements, including not only antenna performance (including signal loss), but also network scalability to support future high-speed communications, design flexibility that does not interfere with the vehicle's unique design, and ease of installation to enable actual vehicle installation.

[0006] In this regard, transparent antennas formed on vehicle windows are attracting attention as future antennas because they can be implemented as high-performance antennas without interfering with vehicle design and have high network expandability.

[0007] Transparent antennas offer the significant advantage of being able to be installed in a variety of locations, including the windshield, rear window, side windows, roof windows, side mirrors, and front lamps, while maintaining the vehicle's unique design and communication configuration. However, because they are manufactured from a transparent film, they have the disadvantage of being less scratch-resistant and requiring careful consideration from consumers.

[0008] Meanwhile, transparent antennas can be attached to the vehicle's glass, allowing multiple vehicle antennas to be applied without being noticeable, and have the advantage of processing high-frequency communication signals without loss due to mechanical structures compared to existing built-in antennas. When attaching a transparent antenna to a vehicle's glass, the structure of the power supply circuit requires a double-sided or single-sided FPCB form depending on the structure of the transparent antenna module. In addition, since the transparent antenna module is exposed to the outside, reliability in the harsh driving environment and durability against passenger negligence are particularly required.

[0009] The purpose of this specification is to provide a vehicle antenna assembly having a built-in transparent antenna module.

[0010] The purpose of this specification is to propose a structure of an FPCB having feed lines formed thereon that can be used regardless of the structure of a transparent antenna module.

[0011] The purpose of this specification is to improve durability and reliability when mounting a transparent antenna on vehicle glass or when installed inside double-laminated glass.

[0012] The purpose of this specification is to improve the bandwidth characteristics of a transparent antenna in a double-laminated glass structure while increasing the freedom of antenna design.

[0013] The purpose of this specification is to improve the freedom of antenna design while reducing interference between transparent antennas in a double-laminated glass structure.

[0014] To achieve the above or other purposes, a vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification includes: a first glass having an opaque region disposed on one surface; a second glass disposed opposite the first glass; a film layer disposed between the first glass and the second glass; a first antenna pattern disposed on a first surface of the second glass adjacent to a lower end of the film layer and formed of a first transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure; a second antenna pattern disposed on a second surface of the first glass adjacent to an upper end of the film layer and formed of a second transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure; and a flexible substrate having a feed line formed thereon, the feed line being connected to the first transparent electrode portion or the second transparent electrode portion. At least a portion of the feed line may be disposed to overlap the opaque region.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the first glass may be formed toward an inner area of ​​the vehicle, and the second glass may be formed toward an outer area of ​​the vehicle. The first glass and the second glass may form a double-laminated glass structure bonded by the film layer, and the film layer may be formed of a PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) layer.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the feed line may include a first feed line formed in a first region of a first surface of a film of the flexible substrate; a second feed line formed in the first region of a second surface of the film to overlap the first feed line; and a through hole formed to vertically connect the first feed line and the second feed line.

[0017] According to an embodiment, first grounds may be arranged on both sides of the first surface of the film, spaced apart from the first feed line. Second grounds may be arranged on both sides of the first region of the second surface of the film, spaced apart from the second feed line. Ground via holes may be arranged in the first region to vertically connect the first grounds and the second grounds.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the first feed line and the second feed line may be formed with a first width in the X-axis direction and a first length in the Y-axis direction. The feed line may further include a connecting line formed with a second width in the X-axis direction and a second length in the Y-axis direction in a second area of ​​the first surface; and a soldering pad formed with a third width in the X-axis direction and a third length in the Y-axis direction in a third area of ​​the first surface. The second width may be formed to be narrower than the first width, and the second length may be formed to be longer than the first length. The third width may be formed to be narrower than the first width and wider than the second width.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first grounds may be arranged in the first region, the second region, and the third region of the first surface. The second grounds may be arranged only in the first region of the second surface. In the first region, the first power line and the first grounds may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval. In the first region, the second power line and the second grounds may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by the first interval. In the second region, the connecting line and the first grounds may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a second interval that is wider than the first interval.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the second feed line of the first area of ​​the second surface of the flexible substrate may be connected to the first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern. The second grounds of the first area of ​​the second surface may be connected to grounds adjacent to the first antenna pattern through ACP bonding. The soldering pad of the third area of ​​the first surface may be connected to a signal line of an RF cable through soldering.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the first feed line of the first area of ​​the first surface of the flexible substrate may be connected to the second transparent electrode portion of the second antenna pattern. The first grounds of the first area of ​​the first surface may be connected to grounds adjacent to the second antenna pattern through ACP bonding. The soldering pad of the third area of ​​the first surface may be connected to a signal line of an RF cable through soldering.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the PET substrate having the first antenna pattern formed thereon may be attached to the second glass via an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may include a first adhesive region disposed between the PET substrate and the second glass; and a second adhesive region disposed between the flexible substrate and the second glass. A second thickness of the second adhesive region may be formed to be thicker than a first thickness of the first adhesive region. The second feed line of the flexible substrate may be connected to the first antenna pattern.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the PET substrate having the second antenna pattern formed thereon may be attached to the second glass via an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer may include a first adhesive region disposed between the PET substrate and the first glass; and a second adhesive region disposed between the flexible substrate and the first glass. A second thickness of the second adhesive region may be formed to be thicker than a first thickness of the first adhesive region. The first feed line of the flexible substrate may be connected to the second antenna pattern.

[0024] In an embodiment, the feed line may be configured to feed a first antenna element and a second antenna element disposed adjacent to the first antenna element. The feed line may further include a third feed line disposed spaced apart from the first feed line on the first surface of the flexible substrate and a fourth feed line disposed spaced apart from the second feed line on the second surface.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the first power line may be connected to a soldering pad of a third region via a connecting line of a second region of the first surface. The third power line may be connected to a second soldering pad of the third region via a second connecting line of the second region of the first surface.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the feed line may further include a second through hole formed to vertically connect the third feed line and the fourth feed line.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the second feed line may be connected to the first antenna pattern of the first antenna element. The fourth feed line may be connected to the first antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the first feed line may be connected to a second antenna pattern of the first antenna element. The third feed line may be connected to a second antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the first feed line may be connected to the second feed line through the through hole. The third feed line may be formed so as not to be connected to the fourth feed line.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the second feed line of the second surface of the flexible substrate may be connected to the first antenna pattern of the first antenna element. The third feed line of the first surface of the flexible substrate may be connected to the second antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the antenna assembly may further include a conductive pattern connected to one end of the second antenna pattern. The second antenna pattern may be arranged to be offset in one axial direction with respect to the first antenna pattern. The feed line may be connected to the first transparent electrode portion or the electrode pad of the conductive pattern.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the second feed line of the second surface of the flexible substrate may be connected to the first electrode pad of the end of the first transparent electrode portion forming the first antenna pattern.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the first feed line of the first surface of the flexible substrate can be connected to the second electrode pad of the end of the conductive pattern.

[0034] The technical effects of the transparent antenna module according to the present specification and the vehicle antenna assembly including the same can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0035] According to the present specification, a vehicle antenna assembly having a transparent antenna module built into a structure that can be placed between double-laminated glasses and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided.

[0036] According to the present specification, by stacking multiple antenna patterns in a double-laminated glass structure, the bandwidth characteristics of a transparent antenna can be improved while also increasing the degree of freedom in antenna design.

[0037] According to the present specification, the bandwidth characteristics of a transparent antenna can be improved while also improving the degree of freedom in antenna design by overlapping multiple antenna patterns arranged in different layers in a double-laminated glass structure.

[0038] According to the present specification, a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on different layers in a double-laminated glass structure can be spaced apart to reduce interference between transparent antennas while improving the freedom of antenna design.

[0039] According to the present specification, a vehicle antenna assembly can be provided in which a vehicle user does not visually recognize the transparent antenna and the feed line and the transparent antenna is protected by glass and is not damaged.

[0040] Further scope of the applicability of this specification will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this specification will be apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments, are given by way of example only.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0042] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0043] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle glass that can be joined or attached to the frame of the vehicle.

[0044] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the glass of Figure 3 and the frame of the vehicle combined.

[0045] Figure 5 shows an antenna assembly and connector structure arranged in a transparent area and an opaque area of ​​a vehicle's glass.

[0046] Figure 6 shows a structure in which a transparent antenna module is connected to a cable through soldering or a connector on a vehicle glass.

[0047] Fig. 7 shows a structure in which a transparent antenna module placed on a vehicle window with an on-glass structure and an in-glass structure is connected to an FPCB having a feed line formed thereon.

[0048] Figure 8 shows a structure in which an antenna pattern formed on the front and back surfaces of a substrate on the interior side of a vehicle glass is connected to a cable through an FPCB.

[0049] FIGS. 9a and 9b illustrate cross-sectional views of a vehicle antenna assembly positioned between double-glazed windows of a vehicle.

[0050] Fig. 10 shows front and back views of the flexible substrate of the vehicle antenna assembly of Fig. 9.

[0051] Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of a flexible substrate of the vehicle antenna assembly of Fig. 9.

[0052] Figure 12 shows an embodiment in which a flexible substrate equipped with a double-sided feed line is connected to an antenna pattern of a transparent material.

[0053] Figures 13a and 13b illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate is positioned between first and second film layers and connected to a flexible substrate.

[0054] Figures 14a and 14b illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate in a single glass structure is positioned between a film layer and a separate adhesive layer and connected to a flexible substrate.

[0055] FIGS. 15a and 15b illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate in a double-laminated glass structure is positioned between a film layer and a separate adhesive layer and connected to a flexible substrate.

[0056] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate embodiments of structures in which at least one of the first and second antenna patterns in a double-laminated glass structure is formed on a PET substrate and is connected to a flexible substrate by a film layer and a separate adhesive layer.

[0057] Fig. 17 shows a structure in which first and second antenna elements including first and second antenna patterns stacked on the Z-axis are spaced apart from each other on the X-axis.

[0058] Figures 18a and 18b show the structure of a flexible substrate on which feed lines connected to the first and second antenna elements of Figure 17 are formed.

[0059] FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a vehicle antenna assembly including spaced antenna patterns according to embodiments.

[0060] Fig. 20 shows a structure in which a second antenna pattern connected to a challenge pattern is spaced apart.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0065] 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.

[0066] Below, a transparent antenna module and a method for manufacturing the same according to the present specification are described in detail. In this regard, FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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.

[0069] The above antenna may be disposed on the dielectric of the vehicle (1). The above antenna may be disposed on the glass of the vehicle (1). The above 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 above antenna may be a transparent antenna.

[0070] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification. Referring to FIG. 2, 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.

[0071] 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).

[0072] 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).

[0073] 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).

[0074] 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).

[0075] 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).

[0076] Meanwhile, the vehicle glass, incorporating the transparent antenna module according to the present specification, can be combined with the vehicle frame. In this regard, Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of vehicle glass that can be combined or attached to the vehicle frame. Fig. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the glass of Fig. 3 combined with the vehicle frame.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the glass (10, 10') can be coupled or attached to the frame (9) of the vehicle and can cover an opening (9h) of the frame (9). For example, the glass (10, 10') can be glass of the vehicle (1), such as a front windshield (101), a door glass (102, 103), a quarter glass (104), a rear windshield, a side mirror, a sunroof (105), or a lamp glass (106) (see FIG. 1).

[0078] The groove (9g) of the frame (9) may extend along the edge of the glass (10, 10') and define the boundary of the opening (9h). For example, the frame (9) may include a metal material, and a sealant (7, sealant) may be filled between the groove (9g) and the glass (10, 10'). The groove (9g) may be formed to have a step with respect to the inner boundary of the frame (9). A glass (10) having an opaque area (12) formed therein may be placed in the groove (9g) formed to have a step with respect to the inner end of the frame (9). As the glass (10) is placed in the groove (9g), the step of the groove (9g) may be regarded as non-existent from the outside of the vehicle.

[0079] The antenna (20) may be located on one surface of the glass (10) or inside the glass (10). The antenna (20) may be transparent. The antenna (20) may be flexible.

[0080] A connection module including a connector (100c) may be disposed between an edge of a glass (10, 10') and an antenna (20), and may be located on one surface of the glass (10, 10'). The connector (100c) of the connection module may be electrically connected to the antenna (20) via a substrate (30). An inner cover (8) may be opposite the glass (10) with respect to a frame (9) and may cover the connection module. The inner cover (8) may be referred to as an interior cover (8). The connection module may be referred to as a connector device, a Parkra jack portion, or a connector assembly.

[0081] Meanwhile, a vehicle antenna assembly implementing a transparent antenna module according to the present specification can be placed in transparent and opaque areas of a vehicle's glass. In this regard, Fig. 5 illustrates an antenna assembly and connector structure placed in the transparent and opaque areas of a vehicle's glass.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 5, the glass (10) may include a transparent region (11) and an opaque region (12). The opaque region (12) may be a black mask region or a frit region. For example, the transparent region (11) may occupy most of the glass (10), and the opaque region (12) may be adjacent to one edge of the glass (10). The transparent region (11) and the opaque region (12) may be formed with the same width (W10), and the height (H11) of the transparent region (11) may be greater than the height (H12) of the opaque region (12).

[0083] The antenna (20) may be positioned on the transparent area (11) adjacent to the boundary between the transparent area (11) and the opaque area (12). A connection module including a connector (100c) may be positioned on the opaque area (12), and the connector (100c) of the connection module may be connected to the antenna (20) through the housing lower plate (111). The housing lower plate (111) may be fastened to the housing upper plate (112) to form a housing (110). The connector (100c) may be accommodated inside the housing (110). The housing (110) in which the connector (100c) is accommodated may be placed in the opaque area (12). Meanwhile, at least a part of the connection module may be positioned in the transparent area (11).

[0084] Hereinafter, a transparent antenna module for a vehicle according to the present specification and a vehicle antenna assembly including the same will be described in detail. In this regard, as high-frequency communication antennas for vehicles are widely applied, transparent antenna application technology with high efficiency and low signal loss at high frequencies is attracting attention. A transparent antenna for a vehicle is typically attached directly to the surface of the vehicle's glass or installed between double-laminated glass. In both cases, a signal connection means for electrically connecting the antenna and an electronic control unit (ECU, TCU, etc.) is required. The signal connection means can be implemented by directly connecting the antenna and the control unit with a cable. Alternatively, the signal connection means can be implemented by connecting the antenna using a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB), etc., and then connecting the flexible printed circuit board and the control unit with a cable.

[0085] Fig. 6 shows a structure in which a transparent antenna module is connected to a cable through soldering or a connector on vehicle glass. Fig. 6(a) shows a structure in which a soldering pad (SP) connected to an antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material and arranged on glass (10) is connected to an RF cable (100c) by soldering. Fig. 6(b) shows a structure in which an electrode pad (EP) connected to an antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material and arranged on glass (10) is connected to a cable connection portion (CCP) by soldering. A structure in which connectors are connected to each of the electrode pad (EP) connected to the antenna pattern (1100) and the cable connection portion (CCP) and the connectors on both sides are fastened is shown. An electrode pad (EP) for soldering to a conductor of the antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material must be provided separately.

[0086] In addition, the conductor of the antenna pattern (1100) made of transparent material is manufactured very thinly to provide invisibility, which is the original purpose. However, since the conductor is damaged during soldering, the electrode pad (EP) for soldering must be manufactured very thick. In addition, when installing a transparent antenna between double-laminated glasses, a cable must be installed between the two pieces of glass, so an adhesive (mainly PVB) thicker than the diameter of the cable must be used for bonding the glasses.

[0087] Therefore, it causes an increase in the thickness and weight of double-laminated glass, and it is not compatible with existing mass production processes for automobiles, making the application of transparent antennas difficult. Furthermore, when using a cable with a diameter thinner than the thickness of commercial glass adhesive PVB, there is a disadvantage of increased signal loss during the process of transmitting communication signals from the antenna to the electronic control unit. Furthermore, the cable installed between the glasses must be extended outside the glass to connect to the control unit. During this process, air bubbles may form at the interface between the cable inside the glass and the PVB adhesive, which can cause durability issues.

[0088] Meanwhile, when connecting the antenna and cable using a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) and then connecting the cable to the control unit, the electrode pads of the transparent antenna and the electrode pads of the FPCB are connected using ACF bonding, eliminating the need for separate, thick electrode pads for the antenna section. However, this method has the disadvantage of requiring multiple types of FPCB depending on the structure of the transparent antenna. Furthermore, when the transparent antenna is installed between double-laminated glasses, the FPCB can be formed much thinner than the glass adhesive. Therefore, the existing adhesive can be used as is, without increasing the thickness or weight of the double-laminated glass with the antenna installed. Furthermore, signal loss issues that arise when using thin FPCBs can be compensated for by adjusting the width of the FPCB conductor. However, even in this case, the type of feed line PFCB must match the structure of the transparent antenna. In particular, when using single-sided FPCBs, there is the problem of damage due to physical vibration at the boundary where the FPCB extends from the inside to the outside of the glass.

[0089] To address these issues, the present invention proposes a double-sided FPCB power supply circuit, enabling the transparent antenna to be used regardless of its installation location, such as on a glass surface or between double-laminated glass. Furthermore, a power supply line FPCB structure that can be used regardless of the transparent antenna's structure is proposed.

[0090] Meanwhile, the transparent antenna module for a vehicle according to the present specification and the antenna assembly for a vehicle including the same may be placed on the surface or inside of the vehicle glass. In addition, the transparent antenna module for a vehicle according to the present specification and the antenna assembly for a vehicle including the same may be attached to the interior side of the vehicle glass. In this regard, Fig. 7 shows a structure in which a transparent antenna module disposed on the vehicle glass in an on-glass structure and an in-glass structure is connected to an FPCB having a feed line formed thereon. Fig. 8 shows a structure in which an antenna pattern formed on the front and back surfaces of a substrate on the interior side of the vehicle glass is connected to a cable through an FPCB.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 7(a), a transparent antenna module having an on-glass structure is provided in which a transparent material antenna pattern (1100) is arranged on the surface of a cross-sectioned glass (10). The antenna pattern (1100) can be connected to a feed line of a flexible substrate (1200). The cross-sectioned glass (10) can be implemented as a single sheet of tempered glass for the rear or side of a vehicle, a sunroof, etc. Meanwhile, the transparent material antenna pattern (1100) of Fig. 7(a) can also be installed on the surface of a double-laminated glass in which two sheets of glass are bonded together, such as a windshield.

[0092] Referring to Fig. 7(b), a transparent antenna module having an in-glass structure is disposed between double-laminated glasses (10). The double-laminated glasses (10) include a first glass (10a) which is an inner glass and a second glass (10b) which is an outer glass. Like a windshield of a vehicle, the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) may be bonded by a film layer (1010) implemented with an adhesive to form a double-laminated glass (10). An antenna pattern (1100) may be connected to a feed line of a flexible substrate (1200) and disposed between the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) to form an in-glass structure. Compared to an on-glass structure, the in-glass structure inserted between the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) has the advantage that the transparent antenna can be protected from external contamination or physical damage and also has an advantage in invisibility.

[0093] The on-glass structure attached to the surface of glass as in Fig. 7(a) can be implemented as a structure as in Fig. 8(a) or Fig. 8(b). Fig. 8(a) is a structure in which an antenna pattern (1100) is formed on the upper layer of a PET substrate (1030) in a laminated structure of a transparent antenna module. The antenna pattern (1100) can be connected to the feed line of a flexible substrate (1200) through an ACF bonding area (BR). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to the glass (10) by an adhesive layer (1020). This structure attaches the antenna module to the surface of the glass (10) by forming an adhesive layer (1020) on the lower surface of the PET substrate (1030) on which the antenna pattern (1100) is formed.

[0094] FIG. 8(b) is a structure in which an antenna pattern (1100) is formed on one surface of a PET substrate (1030) and then the antenna pattern (1100) is attached to the surface of glass (10) via an adhesive layer (1020). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to the glass (10) via the adhesive layer (1020). The antenna pattern (1100) can be connected to the feed line of the flexible substrate (1200) via an ACF bonding area (BR). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to the glass (10) via the adhesive layer (1020). The structure of FIG. 8(b) is a structure in which the antenna module of the structure of FIG. 8(a) is attached to the glass by turning it over.

[0095] The structure of Fig. 8(a) has the advantage of high signal efficiency because there is no other material other than a protective layer (not shown) on the antenna pattern (1100). However, the ACF bonding for signal connection between the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed line is formed is performed in the upper region of the antenna pattern (1100). Therefore, a step is generated between the flexible substrate (1200) and the surface of the glass (10). Therefore, a separate adhesive must be used to fix the flexible substrate (1200) to the surface of the glass (10), and there is also the disadvantage that there is a high possibility of bubbles forming inside.

[0096] Meanwhile, the structure of FIG. 8(b) is such that the antenna pattern (1100) is arranged in a downward direction to attach the antenna pattern (1100) to the glass (10), and a flexible substrate (1200) having a feed line formed thereon is arranged under the antenna pattern (1100). Therefore, the flexible substrate (1200) having the feed line formed thereon is directly fixed to the surface of the glass (10) and is stable, and the step between the antenna module and the glass due to the thickness of the flexible substrate (1200) is advantageously filled by the adhesive layer (1020). On the other hand, a thick PET substrate layer may be arranged on the upper portion of the antenna pattern (1100), which may be disadvantageous in terms of signal efficiency.

[0097] Hereinafter, a vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification will be described. FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate cross-sectional views of a vehicle antenna assembly positioned between double-glazed windows of a vehicle. FIG. 10 illustrates front and rear views of a flexible substrate of the vehicle antenna assembly of FIG. 9. FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a flexible substrate of the vehicle antenna assembly of FIG. 9.

[0098] FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b are examples of structures in which a plurality of antenna patterns (1110, 1120) are arranged on first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f) formed on both sides of a flexible substrate (1200) between double-laminated glass of a vehicle. Recent vehicle antennas use various antennas for various purposes, including communication antennas such as LTE / 5G, GPS, Hi-pass, DMB, and SDARS. Since the frequency bands used by each of the various antennas are different, it is necessary to install multiple antennas in the vehicle.

[0099] Therefore, the installation of antennas inside a vehicle takes up a large area and can be installed in various locations such as the rear of the vehicle roof (shark fin antenna), inside the front roof, inside the dashboard, and inside the side mirror. In addition, there is the issue of the wiring of communication cables to connect all antennas to the signal control device becoming very complicated. In this specification, we propose a double-sided feed type FPCB and a double-glass insertion multi-antenna structure that can minimize the total installation area and number of feed lines when installing multiple antennas.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, the structure is one in which first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) having different frequency bands are installed between double glasses. The first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) can be arranged on the surface of the first glass (10a), which is the inner glass, or the second glass (10b), which is the outer glass. One of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) can be directly fed, and the other can be fed using a capacitive coupling feeding method. The antenna structure of FIGS. 9a and 9b can be implemented using only one sheet of PVB as a film layer (1010) for glass bonding, and has the advantage of minimizing the antenna installation area and the number of feeding lines.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 11, a vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification will be described. The vehicle antenna assembly (1000) may be configured to include a first glass (10a), a second glass (10b), a film layer (1010), an antenna pattern (1100), and a flexible substrate (1200). The antenna pattern (1100) may include a first antenna pattern (1110) and a second antenna pattern (1120) that are arranged on different planes along the Z-axis.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, conductors of first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f) are formed on the front and back surfaces of a flexible substrate (1200). The flexible substrate (1200) has a double-sided FPCB structure that is electrically connected along the inner side of a through hole (V1) that penetrates a dielectric region (1200d) of the front and back surfaces. A bonding pad may be formed on a portion of the conductors implemented as the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f) to perform ACF bonding with the antenna pattern. In addition, a soldering pad (SP) for soldering a cable is formed on a portion of one surface of the conductors implemented as the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f).

[0103] Among the conductors implemented with the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f), the second surface (S2) on which no soldering pads are formed can have conductors formed only in the first region (R1) for ACF bonding. Accordingly, conductors can be removed from the remaining regions except for the first region (R1).

[0104] FIG. 11(a) and FIG. 11(b) are plan views of the front and back surfaces of a flexible substrate (1200) on which a feed line is formed. On one of the front and back surfaces of the flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed line is formed, an ACF bonding pad of a first region (R1) and a soldering pad (SP1) of a third region (R3) may be electrically connected. On the other of the front and back surfaces of the flexible substrate (1200), an ACF bonding pad may be formed only in the first region (R1). The ACF bonding pads formed in the first region (R1) of both surfaces of the flexible substrate (1200) are electrically connected by a through hole (V1) penetrating a dielectric region (1200d). In addition, a first feed line (1210f) implemented as an ACF bonding pad may be ACF bonded to an end of an antenna pattern for signal transmission by electrical contact. Alternatively, the first feed line (1210f) implemented as an ACF bonding pad may be used as a conductor pad for electrical signal connection by electrostatic capacitive coupling without making physical contact with the end of the antenna pattern.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 11, a vehicle antenna assembly according to the present disclosure will be described. A first glass (10a) and a second glass (10b) may form a glass assembly (10). The first glass (10a) may be formed toward an inner region of the vehicle, and the second glass (10b) may be formed toward an outer region of the vehicle. Accordingly, the first glass (10a) may form an inner glass, and the second glass (10b) may form an outer glass. The first glass (10a) may have an opaque region (12), which is a black mask region, disposed on one surface. The second glass (10b) may be disposed opposite the first glass (10a). The glass assembly (10) may include a transparent region (11) in which an antenna pattern (1100) is formed, and an opaque region (12) in which a flexible substrate (1200) is disposed.

[0106] A film layer (1010) may be placed between the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b). The first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) may form a double-laminated glass structure bonded by the film layer (1010). The film layer (1010) may be formed of a PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) layer, but is not limited thereto and may be changed depending on the application.

[0107] A first antenna pattern (1110) may be formed on a first surface of the second glass (10b) adjacent to the lower end of the Z-axis of the film layer (1010). The first antenna pattern (1110) may be formed as a first transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure. A second antenna pattern (1120) may be formed on a second surface of the first glass (10a) adjacent to the upper end of the Z-axis of the film layer (1010). The second antenna pattern (1120) may be formed as a second transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure.

[0108] The first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern (1110) and the second transparent electrode portion of the second antenna pattern (1120) may be implemented with the same mesh line width and pitch interval. In this regard, the length and width of the first antenna pattern (1110) on the X-axis and Y-axis and the length and width of the second antenna pattern (1120) on the X-axis and Y-axis may be the same or different.

[0109] As another example, the first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern (1110) and the second transparent electrode portion of the second antenna pattern (1120) may be implemented differently in at least one of the mesh line width and the pitch interval. By increasing the mesh line width of the second transparent electrode portion of the second antenna pattern (1120) or decreasing the pitch interval, the current coupled to the second antenna pattern (1120) may be increased.

[0110] The length and width of the first antenna pattern (1110) on the X-axis and Y-axis and the length and width of the second antenna pattern (1120) on the X-axis and Y-axis may be the same or different. Meanwhile, the first antenna pattern (1110) may be designed to resonate at a first frequency and the second antenna pattern (1120) may be designed to resonate at a second frequency. The length and width of the second antenna pattern (1120) on the X-axis and Y-axis may be made greater than the length and width of the first antenna pattern (1110) on the X-axis and Y-axis. Accordingly, the resonant frequency of the second antenna pattern (1120) may be further reduced. Therefore, the operating frequency bandwidth of the antenna pattern (1100) resonating at the first frequency and the second frequency may be increased.

[0111] A flexible substrate (1200) may be formed with a feed line (1200f) connected to a first transparent electrode portion or a second transparent electrode portion. At least a portion of the feed line (1200f) may be arranged to overlap with an opaque region (12). The feed line (1200f) may be formed on both surfaces of the flexible substrate (1200). The feed line (1200f) may include a first feed line (1210f), a second feed line (1220f), and a through hole (V1) formed on both surfaces of the flexible substrate (1200). The flexible substrate (1200) may further include a dielectric region (1200d) arranged between the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f). A first feed line (1210f), a connection line (CL), and a soldering pad (SP) may be arranged on a first surface (S1) of a dielectric region (1200d). A second feed line (120f) may be arranged on a second surface (S2) of the dielectric region (1200d).

[0112] The first feed line (1210f) may be formed in the first region (R1) of the first surface (S1) of the film of the flexible substrate (1200). The second feed line (1220f) may be formed in the first region (R1) of the second surface (S2) of the film of the flexible substrate (1200). The second feed line (1220f) may be formed to correspond to the first feed line (1210f). The second feed line (1220f) may be formed to overlap the first feed line (1210f) on the Z-axis. A through hole (V1) may be formed to vertically connect the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f). The through hole (V1) may be formed in the first region (R1) of the film of the flexible substrate (1200). The through hole (V1) can be electrically connected to the first feed line (1210f). The through hole (V1) can be electrically connected to the second feed line (1220f).

[0113] First grounds (1211g, 1212g) may be arranged on both sides of a first surface (S1) of a film of a flexible substrate (1200) and spaced apart from a first feed line (1210f). Second grounds (1221g, 1222g) may be arranged on both sides of a second surface (S2) of a film of a flexible substrate (1200) and spaced apart from a second feed line (1220f). Ground via holes (GV) may be arranged in a first region (R1) of the film of the flexible substrate (1200) to vertically connect the first grounds (1211g, 1212g) and the second grounds (1221g, 1222g).

[0114] The first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f) formed on both sides of the flexible substrate (1200) can be formed at the same points with the same width and length on the XY plane. The first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f) can be formed with a first width (W1) in the X-axis direction and a first length (L1) in the Y-axis direction. The feed line (1200f) can be configured to further include a connection line (CL) and a soldering pad (SP).

[0115] A connection line (CL) may be formed in a second region (R2) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200). The connection line (CL) may be connected to a first feed line (1210f). The connection line (CL) may be formed to have a second width (W2) in the X-axis direction and a second length (L2) in the Y-axis direction. The second width (W2) of the connection line (CL) may be formed to be narrower than the first width (W1) of the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f). Accordingly, the connection line (CL) may be formed to have a higher impedance value than the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f). The connecting line (CL) may be formed with a second width (W2) so as to match the first impedance of the antenna pattern (1100) connected to the first or second feed line (1210f, 1220f) and the second impedance of the RF cable (100c). The second length (L2) of the connecting line (CL) may be formed to be longer than the first length (L1) of the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f).

[0116] A soldering pad (SP) may be arranged in a third region (R3) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200). The soldering pad (SP) may be connected to a connection line (CL). The soldering pad (SP) may be formed to have a third width (W3) in the X-axis direction and a third length (L3) in the Y-axis direction. The third width (W3) of the soldering pad (SP) may be formed to be narrower than the first width (W1) of the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f). The third width (W3) of the soldering pad (SP) may be formed to be wider than the second width (W2) of the connection line (CL).

[0117] The grounds on both sides of the flexible substrate (1200) may be arranged with different structures. The first grounds (1211g, 1212g) may be arranged in the first region (R1), the second region (R2), and the third region (R3) of the first side (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200). The second grounds (1221g, 1222g) may be arranged only in the first region (R1) of the second side (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200). The grounds may not be arranged in the second region (R2) and the third region (R3) of the second side (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent electrical performance changes due to contact with unwanted metal components on the flexible substrate (1200) arranged along the first glass (10a) and the film layer (1010).

[0118] As another example, the second grounds (1221g, 1222g) may be arranged in the first region (R1), the second region (R2), and the third region (R3) of the second surface (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200). Grounds may also be arranged in the second region (R2) and the third region (R3) of the second surface (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200) to expand the ground area.

[0119] Grounds may be arranged on both sides of the feed lines of a flexible substrate (1200) on the same plane, so that the feed lines may be formed in a CPW (Co Planar Waveguide) structure. In a first region (R1) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200), a first feed line (1210f) and first grounds (1211g, 1212g) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (G1). In a first region (R1) of a second surface (S2) of a flexible substrate (1200), a second feed line (1220f) and second grounds may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (G1). Accordingly, the same performance can be achieved even if the antenna pattern (1100) is connected to the first feed line (1210f) of the first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200) or to the second feed line (1220f) of the second surface (S2).

[0120] In a second region (R2) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200), a connection line (CL) and first grounds (1211g, 1212g) may be spaced apart from each other by a second gap (G2) that is wider than the first gap (G1). In a third region (R3) of the first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200), a soldering pad (SP) and first grounds (1211g, 1212g) may be spaced apart from each other by a third gap (G3) that is wider than the first gap (G1) and narrower than the second gap (G2).

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 10, and 11, a second feed line (1220f) of a first region (R1) of a second surface (S2) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to a first transparent electrode portion of a first antenna pattern (1120). Second grounds (1221g, 1222g) of a first region (R1) of a second surface (S2) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to grounds adjacent to the first antenna pattern (1110) through ACP bonding. A soldering pad (SP) of a third region (R3) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to a signal line of an RF cable (100c) through soldering. Accordingly, a signal on the first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be applied to the first antenna pattern (1120) through the second feed line (1220f) of the second surface (S2).

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 9b, 10, and 11, a first feed line (1210f) of a first region (R1) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to a second transparent electrode portion of a second antenna pattern (1120). First grounds (1211g, 1212g) of a first region (R1) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to grounds adjacent to a second antenna pattern (1120) through ACP bonding. A soldering pad (SP) of a third region (R3) of a first surface (S1) of a flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to a signal line of an RF cable (100c) through soldering. Accordingly, a signal on the first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be applied to the first antenna pattern (1110) through the first feed line (1210f) of the first surface (S1).

[0123] Fig. 12 shows an embodiment in which a flexible substrate equipped with a double-sided feed line is connected to an antenna pattern of a transparent material. Fig. 12(a) shows a structure in which an antenna pattern (1100) is formed on an upper layer of a PET substrate (1030) in a laminated structure of a transparent antenna module, as in Fig. 8(a). The antenna pattern (1100) can be connected to a second feed line (1220f) of the flexible substrate (1200) through a second ACF bonding region (BR2). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to glass (10) by an adhesive layer (1020). The structure is such that an adhesive layer (1020) is formed on the lower surface of the PET substrate (1030) on which the antenna pattern (1100) is formed, thereby attaching the antenna module to the surface of the glass (10).

[0124] FIG. 12(b) is a structure in which an antenna pattern (1100) is formed on one surface of a PET substrate (1030) as in FIG. 8(b) and then the antenna pattern (1100) is attached to the surface of glass (10) via an adhesive layer (1020). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to the glass (10) via the adhesive layer (1020). The antenna pattern (1100) can be connected to the first feed line (1210f) of the flexible substrate (1200) via the first ACF bonding region (BR1). The PET substrate (1030) is attached to the glass (10) via the adhesive layer (1020). The structure of FIG. 12(b) is a structure in which the antenna module of the structure of FIG. 12(a) is attached to the glass by turning it over.

[0125] Referring to Fig. 12, the flexible substrate (1200) with a double-sided feed line structure of the first and second feed lines (1210f, 1220f) can be used as a feed structure for transparent antenna modules of various structures. Referring to Figs. 8(a) and 12(a), a step may occur between the surface of the glass (10) and the flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed lines are formed. Referring to Figs. 8(b) and 12(b), the step between the surface of the glass (10) and the flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed lines are formed may occur as much as the thickness of the conductor due to the use of the flexible substrate (1200) on which conductors are formed on both sides. However, the step is very small, about 12 μm, and therefore does not cause a problem in mechanical stability.

[0126] FIGS. 13a and 13b illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate is disposed between first and second film layers and connected to a flexible substrate. Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a double-laminated glass can be manufactured by attaching two sheets of first and second glass (10a, 10b) in a heat-pressed manner using a film layer (1010) such as PVB. In order to install an antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material between the double-laminated glass, first and second film layers (1010a, 1010b) of the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) are used. An antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material is placed between the first and second film layers (1010a, 1010b), and first and second glasses (10a, 10b) are bonded to the outer sides of the first and second film layers (1010a, 1010b).

[0127] The antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material installed between double-laminated glasses does not require a separate adhesive layer for adhering the module to the glass surface. This is because the antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material is fixed between the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) by the first and second film layers (1010a, 1010b) during the process for adhering the double glasses.

[0128] FIG. 13a shows an antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material arranged in a direction facing the first glass (10a), which is the inner glass. The antenna pattern (1100) and the first feed line (1220f) of the flexible substrate (1200) are connected through the first ACF bonding area (BR1) on the same side as the first side where the soldering pad (SP) is formed. The flexible substrate (1200) is fixed to the inner side of the first glass (10a), and an RF cable (100c) is soldered to the soldering pad (SP).

[0129] FIG. 13b shows an antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material arranged in a direction facing the second glass (10b), which is the outer glass. The antenna pattern (1100) and the second feed line (1220f) are connected through a second ACF bonding area (BR2) on a second surface different from the first surface where the soldering pad (SP) is formed. A flexible substrate (1200) is fixed to the interior surface of the first glass (10a), and an RF cable (100c) is soldered to the soldering pad (SP).

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 13a and 13b, a transparent antenna module can be placed between double-laminated glasses through a flexible substrate (1200) with a double-sided feeding structure, regardless of the structure of the transparent antenna module or the direction in which the antenna pattern (1100) of the transparent material is arranged. The embodiment of FIGS. 13a and 13b is an example of a structure in which an RF cable (100c) is fixed to the interior surface of the first glass (10a), which is the inner glass of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited thereto. It can also be applied to a structure in which an RF cable (100c) connected to a feeding line of the flexible substrate (1200) is fixed to the exterior surface of the second glass (10b), which is the outer glass.

[0131] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate in a single glass structure is positioned between a film layer and a separate adhesive layer and connected to a flexible substrate. Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, when the antenna pattern (1100) is installed on the surface of the glass (10) using the flexible substrate (1200), the step difference due to the thickness of the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated. Accordingly, the step difference due to the thickness of the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated, thereby stably fixing the flexible substrate (1200) within the antenna assembly.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 14a, a PET substrate (1030) having an antenna pattern (1100) formed thereon can be attached to glass (10) via an adhesive layer (1040). The adhesive layer (1040) can be configured to include a first adhesive region (1040R1) and a second adhesive region (1040R2). The first adhesive region (1040R1) can be positioned between the PET substrate (1030) and glass (10b) to attach the PET substrate (1030) and glass (10). The second adhesive region (1040R2) can be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and glass (10) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and glass (10). The second feed line (1220f) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the antenna pattern (1100) through the second ACF bonding region (BR2).

[0133] Referring to FIG. 14b, a PET substrate (1030) having an antenna pattern (1100) formed thereon can be attached to glass (10) via an adhesive layer (1040). The adhesive layer (1040) can be configured to include a first adhesive region (1040R1) and a second adhesive region (1040R2). The first adhesive region (1040R1) can be positioned between the antenna pattern (1100) and the glass (10) to attach the antenna pattern (1100) and the glass (10). The second adhesive region (1050R2) can be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and the glass (10) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and the glass (10). The first feed line (1210f) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the antenna pattern (1100) through the first ACF bonding region (BR1).

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 14a and 14b, the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be stably fixed to the glass surface, and the step caused by the height difference between the surface of the glass (10) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated. In addition, air bubbles that may occur when attaching the antenna pattern (1100) to the glass can be prevented by the adhesive layer (1040).

[0135] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate examples of structures in which an antenna pattern formed on a PET substrate in a double-laminated glass structure is positioned between a film layer and a separate adhesive layer and connected to a flexible substrate. Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B , when the antenna pattern (1100) is installed on the surface of the glass (10) using the flexible substrate (1200), the step difference due to the thickness of the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated. Accordingly, the step difference due to the thickness of the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated, thereby stably fixing the flexible substrate (1200) within the antenna assembly.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 15A, a PET substrate (1030) having an antenna pattern (1100) formed thereon may be attached to a second glass (10b) via an adhesive layer (1040). The adhesive layer (1040) may be configured to include a first adhesive region (1040R1) and a second adhesive region (1040R2). The first adhesive region (1040R1) may be positioned between the PET substrate (1030) and the second glass (10b) to attach the PET substrate (1030) and the second glass (10b). The second adhesive region (1040R2) may be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and the second glass (10b) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and the second glass (10b). The first feed line (1210f) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the antenna pattern (1100) through the first ACF bonding region (BR1).

[0137] Referring to FIG. 15b, a PET substrate (1030) having an antenna pattern (1100) formed thereon can be attached to a first glass (10a) via an adhesive layer (1050). The adhesive layer (1050) can be configured to include a first adhesive region (1050R1) and a second adhesive region (1050R2). The first adhesive region (1050R1) can be positioned between the antenna pattern (1100) and the first glass (10a) to attach the antenna pattern (1100) and the first glass (10a). The second adhesive region (1050R2) can be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and the first glass (10a) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and the first glass (10a). The first feed line (1210f) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the antenna pattern (1100) through the first ACF bonding region (BR1).

[0138] Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be stably fixed to the glass surface, and the step difference caused by the height difference between the glass surface and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated. In addition, air bubbles that may occur when attaching the antenna pattern (1100) to the glass can be prevented by the adhesive layer (1040, 1050).

[0139] Structures in which the flexible substrate (1200) of FIGS. 15a and 15b is attached to the inner surfaces of the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) can also be implemented using a flexible substrate (1200) with a double-sided feeding structure. Accordingly, the structures of FIGS. 15a and 15b can be implemented without distinguishing the structure of the antenna assembly or the type, direction, installation location, or installation direction of the feeding lines of the flexible substrate (1200).

[0140] In addition, when the antenna pattern (1100) made of a transparent material is installed inside the double-laminated glass, it is attached to the inner surface of the first and second glasses (10a, 10b), thereby enabling stable fixation and thus increasing durability. In addition, it is possible to prevent bubbles that may occur in the interface area or step between the film layer (1010), the antenna pattern (1100), and the feed lines. The structure of FIGS. 15a and 15b has the effect of reducing the manufacturing cost and simplifying the process because only one film layer (1010) for attaching the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) can be used.

[0141] FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate embodiments of structures in which at least one of the first and second antenna patterns in a double-laminated glass structure is formed on a PET substrate and is connected to a flexible substrate by a film layer and a separate adhesive layer. FIG. 16A illustrates a structure in which a first antenna pattern (1110) is disposed on a PET substrate (1030) and the PET substrate (1030) is attached to a second glass (10b) by an adhesive layer (1040). FIG. 16B illustrates a structure in which a second antenna pattern (1120) is disposed on a PET substrate (1030) and the PET substrate (1030) is attached to the first glass (10b) by an adhesive layer (1050).

[0142] Referring to FIG. 16A, a PET substrate (1030) having a first antenna pattern (1110) formed thereon may be attached to a second glass (10b) via an adhesive layer (1040). The adhesive layer (1040) may be configured to include a first adhesive region (1040R1) and a second adhesive region (1040R2). The first adhesive region (1040R1) may be positioned between the PET substrate (1030) and the second glass (10b) to attach the PET substrate (1030) and the second glass (10b). The second adhesive region (1040R2) may be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and the second glass (10b) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and the second glass (10b). The second thickness of the second adhesive region (1040R2) may be formed thicker than the first thickness of the first adhesive region (1040R1). The second feed line (1220f) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the first antenna pattern (1110) through the second ACF bonding region (BR2).

[0143] Referring to FIG. 16b, a PET substrate (1030) having a second antenna pattern (1120) formed thereon may be attached to a first glass (10a) via an adhesive layer (1050). The adhesive layer (1050) may be configured to include a first adhesive region (1050R1) and a second adhesive region (1050R2). The first adhesive region (1050R1) may be positioned between the PET substrate (1030) and the first glass (10a) to attach the PET substrate (1030) and the first glass (10a). The second adhesive region (1050R2) may be positioned between the flexible substrate (1200) and the first glass (10a) to attach the flexible substrate (1200) and the first glass (10a). The second thickness of the second adhesive region (1050R2) may be formed thicker than the first thickness of the first adhesive region (1050R1). The first feed line (1210f) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the second antenna pattern (1120) through the first ACF bonding region (BR1).

[0144] Referring to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the antenna pattern (1100) and the flexible substrate (1200) can be stably fixed to the glass surface, and the step difference caused by the height difference between the glass surface and the flexible substrate (1200) can be eliminated. In addition, air bubbles that may occur when attaching the antenna pattern (1100) to the glass can be prevented by the adhesive layer (1040, 1050).

[0145] Structures in which a flexible substrate (1200) is attached to the inner surfaces of the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) can also be implemented using a flexible substrate (1200) with a double-sided feeding structure. Accordingly, the structures of FIGS. 16a and 16b can be implemented without distinguishing the structure of the antenna assembly or the type, direction, installation location, or installation direction of the feeding lines of the flexible substrate (1200).

[0146] In addition, when the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) of transparent material are installed inside the double-laminated glass, stable fixation is possible by attaching them to the inner surfaces of the first and second glasses (10a, 10b), thereby increasing durability. In addition, air bubbles that may occur in the interface area or steps between the film layer (1010) and the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) and the feed lines can be prevented. The structure of FIGS. 16a and 16b has the effect of reducing manufacturing costs and simplifying the process because only one film layer (1010) for attaching the first and second glasses (10a, 10b) can be used.

[0147] Meanwhile, in the vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification, the feed lines of the flexible substrate may be configured to apply signals to a plurality of antenna elements. In this regard, FIG. 17 illustrates a structure in which first and second antenna elements including first and second antenna patterns stacked on the Z-axis are arranged spaced apart from each other on the X-axis.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 9b, and 17, the first antenna element (1100a) may be configured to include first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) that are arranged to be stacked on the Z-axis. The second antenna element (1100b) may be configured to include first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) that are arranged to be stacked on the Z-axis. Through the first antenna pattern (1110) of the first antenna element (1100a) and the first antenna pattern (1110) of the second antenna element (1100b), a multiple input / output (MIMO) operation can be performed at a first frequency in the same frequency band. Additionally, a multiple input / output (MIMO) operation can be performed at a second frequency in the same frequency band through the second antenna pattern (1120) of the first antenna element (1100a) and the second antenna pattern (1210) of the second antenna element (1100b).

[0149] FIGS. 18A and 18B illustrate the structure of a flexible substrate having feed lines formed thereon, which are connected to the first and second antenna elements of FIG. 17. FIGS. 18A (a) and 18A (b) are front and back views of a flexible substrate (1200) having only one through hole (V1) formed thereon. FIGS. 18B (a) and 18B (b) are front and back views of a flexible substrate (1200) having first and second through holes (V1, V2) formed thereon. Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, a first feed line (1210f) and a third feed line (1230f) may be arranged on a first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate, and a second feed line (1220f) and a fourth feed line (1240f) may be arranged on a second surface (S2).

[0150] Referring to FIGS. 17 to 18b, the flexible substrate (1200) may be configured to feed a first antenna element (1100a) and a second antenna element (1100b) disposed adjacent to the first antenna element (1100a). The flexible substrate (1200) may further include a third feed line (1230f) disposed spaced apart from the first feed line (1210f) of the first surface (S1) and a fourth feed line (1240f) disposed spaced apart from the second feed line (1220f) of the second surface (S2).

[0151] The first feed line (1210f) may be connected to the soldering pad (SP) of the third region (R3) via the connection line (CL) of the second region (R2) of the first surface (S1). The third feed line (1230f) may be connected to the second soldering pad (SP2) of the third region (R3) via the second connection line (CL2) of the second region (R2) of the first surface (S1). The connection line (CL) and the second connection line (CL2) may be formed in parallel with the same width and length. The soldering pad (SP) and the second soldering pad (SP2) may be formed in parallel with the same width and length.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 18a, the feed line (1200f) may be configured to include a through hole (V1) and a second through hole (V2). The through hole (V1) may be formed to vertically connect the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f). Accordingly, the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f) may be electrically connected. The second through hole (V2) may be formed to vertically connect the third feed line (1230f) and the fourth feed line (1240f). Accordingly, the third feed line (1230f) and the fourth feed line (1240f) may be electrically connected. Accordingly, the flexible substrate (1200) that supplies a plurality of antenna elements can be connected to both the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) on the upper and lower sides.

[0153] Referring to FIGS. 9a, 10, 11, 17, and 18a, the second feed line (1220f) may be connected to the first antenna pattern (1110) of the first antenna element (1100a). The fourth feed line (1240f) may be connected to the first antenna pattern (1110) of the second antenna element (1100b). Referring to FIGS. 9b, 10, 11, 16, and 17, the first feed line (1210f) may be connected to the second antenna pattern (1120) of the first antenna element (1100a). The third feed line (1240f) may be connected to the second antenna pattern (1110) of the second antenna element (1100b).

[0154] Referring to FIG. 18b, the feed line (1200f) may be configured to include only a through hole (V1). The through hole (V1) may be formed to vertically connect the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f). Accordingly, the first feed line (1210f) and the second feed line (1220f) may be electrically connected. The third feed line (1230f) and the fourth feed line (1240f) may be arranged on both sides of the flexible substrate (1200) without a through hole. Accordingly, the third feed line (1230f) may be formed so as not to be connected to the fourth feed line (1240f).

[0155] Referring to FIGS. 9A to 11, 17, and 18B, one of the plurality of antenna elements may be formed with the first structure of FIG. 9A, and the other may be formed with the second structure of FIG. 9B. In this regard, the second feed line (1210f) of the second surface (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the first antenna pattern (1110) of the first antenna element (1100a). The third feed line (1230f) of the first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the second antenna pattern (1120) of the second antenna element (1100b). Therefore, by making the feeding methods of the first antenna element (1100a) and the second antenna element (1100b) different, mutual interference between them may be reduced.

[0156] Meanwhile, in the vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification, the resonant frequencies of the antenna patterns on the Z-axis can be designed to be sufficiently spaced apart. To ensure that the resonant frequencies of the antenna patterns are sufficiently spaced apart, the antenna patterns need to operate independently. In this regard, FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate a vehicle antenna assembly including spaced antenna patterns according to embodiments.

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 19a and 19b, one of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) may be spaced apart from the other between the double-laminated glasses. The second antenna pattern (1120b) may be spaced apart from the first antenna pattern (1110) in one axial direction (Y-axis direction). An end of the second antenna pattern (1120) may be connected to a conductive pattern (1130).

[0158] If the usage frequencies of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) overlap each other and the spacing between the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) is not sufficiently spaced apart, interference between signals may occur. If the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) of FIGS. 9a and 9b are stacked in the Z-axis direction by the thickness of the film layer (1010) and overlap on the XY plane, interference between the signals of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) may occur.

[0159] Accordingly, when the difference between the first and second frequencies, which are the operating frequencies of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120), is spaced apart by a certain frequency or more, the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) can be arranged to overlap on the XY plane. On the other hand, when the difference between the first and second frequencies, which are the operating frequencies of the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120), is less than a certain frequency, the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) can be arranged to be spaced apart on the XY plane.

[0160] Meanwhile, Fig. 20 shows a structure in which a second antenna pattern connected to a conductive pattern is spaced apart from the conductive pattern. Referring to Figs. 19b and 20, a conductive pattern (1130) connected to an electrode pad (EP2) may be connected to a second antenna pattern (1120b). A first antenna pattern (1110) may be spaced apart from the second antenna pattern (1120b) on the Y-axis. The first antenna pattern (1110) may be arranged to overlap the conductive pattern (1130) on the XY plane.

[0161] The conductive pattern (1130) may be formed using the same material and process method as the first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) to minimize transmission loss. The minimum line width of the conductive pattern (1130) may be formed to be 500 μm or more. One end of the conductive pattern (1130) is connected to the second antenna pattern (1120b), and the other end is connected to the second antenna pattern (1120b).

[0162] Meanwhile, the structure of attaching a transparent antenna including first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120) to the inner surface of the double glass and connecting it to a flexible substrate (1200) can minimize influence from surrounding structures such as a metal frame of a vehicle. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the design sensitivity of a vehicle antenna assembly including antenna patterns made of a transparent material can be reduced. In addition, since the antenna patterns made of a transparent material and the feeding method can be both a direct feeding method and a coupling feeding method, there is an advantage in that a multi-antenna design is possible without being limited to the antenna arrangement structure described above.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 19a to 20, the vehicle antenna assembly (1000) may further include first and second antenna patterns (1110, 1120b) and a conductive pattern (1130). The conductive pattern (1130) may be connected to one end of the second antenna pattern (1120b). The second antenna pattern (1120b) may be arranged to be offset in one axial direction with respect to the first antenna pattern (1110). The feed line (1200f) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern (1110) or the electrode pads (EP1, EP2) of the conductive pattern (1130).

[0164] Referring to FIGS. 19a and 20, the second feed line (1220f) of the second surface (S2) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the first electrode pad (EP1) of the end of the first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern (1110). Referring to FIGS. 19b and 20, the first feed line (1210f) of the first surface (S1) of the flexible substrate (1200) can be connected to the second electrode pad (EP2) of the end of the conductive pattern (1130). The conductive pattern (1130) can be connected to one end of the second antenna pattern (1120b).

[0165] The above describes a transparent antenna module according to the present specification and a vehicle antenna assembly including the same. The technical effects of the transparent antenna module according to the present specification and the vehicle antenna assembly including the same can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0166] According to the present specification, a vehicle antenna assembly having a transparent antenna module built into a structure that can be placed between double-laminated glasses and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided.

[0167] According to the present specification, by stacking multiple antenna patterns in a double-laminated glass structure, the bandwidth characteristics of a transparent antenna can be improved while also increasing the degree of freedom in antenna design.

[0168] According to the present specification, the bandwidth characteristics of a transparent antenna can be improved while also improving the degree of freedom in antenna design by overlapping multiple antenna patterns arranged in different layers in a double-laminated glass structure.

[0169] According to the present specification, a plurality of antenna patterns arranged on different layers in a double-laminated glass structure can be spaced apart to reduce interference between transparent antennas while improving the freedom of antenna design.

[0170] According to the present specification, a vehicle antenna assembly can be provided in which a vehicle user does not visually recognize the transparent antenna and the feed line and the transparent antenna is protected by glass and is not damaged.

[0171] Further scope of the applicability of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of this disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as the preferred embodiments of this disclosure, are given by way of example only. The scope of this disclosure should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of this disclosure are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. In a vehicle antenna assembly, A first glass having an opaque area arranged on one side; A second glass positioned opposite to the first glass; A film layer disposed between the first glass and the second glass; A first antenna pattern formed of a first transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure and disposed on a first surface of the second glass adjacent to the lower portion of the film layer; A second antenna pattern formed of a second transparent electrode portion having a mesh structure and disposed on the second surface of the first glass adjacent to the upper end of the film layer; and It includes a flexible substrate having a power supply line formed thereon, which is connected to the first transparent electrode portion or the second transparent electrode portion, An antenna assembly, wherein at least a portion of the feed line is positioned to overlap the opaque region.

2. In paragraph 1, The first glass is formed toward the inner area of ​​the vehicle, and the second glass is formed toward the outer area of ​​the vehicle. The first glass and the second glass form a double-laminated glass structure bonded by the film layer, An antenna assembly wherein the above film layer is formed of a PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) layer.

3. In paragraph 1, The above power line is, A first feed line formed in a first area of ​​a first surface of a film of the flexible substrate; A second feed line formed on the second surface of the film to overlap the first feed line in the first region; and An antenna assembly comprising a through hole formed to vertically connect the first feed line and the second feed line.

4. In paragraph 3, First grounds are arranged on both sides of the first surface of the film, spaced apart from the first power line, Second grounds are arranged on both sides of the first area of ​​the second surface of the film, spaced apart from the second power line, An antenna assembly, wherein ground via holes are arranged in the first region to vertically connect the first grounds and the second grounds.

5. In paragraph 4, The first feed line and the second feed line are formed with a first width in the X-axis direction and a first length in the Y-axis direction, The above power line is, A connecting line formed in the second area of ​​the first surface with a second width in the X-axis direction and a second length in the Y-axis direction; and Further comprising a soldering pad formed in a third area of ​​the first surface with a third width in the X-axis direction and a third length in the Y-axis direction, The second width is formed to be narrower than the first width, and the second length is formed to be longer than the first length. An antenna assembly wherein the third width is formed narrower than the first width and wider than the second width.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first grounds are arranged in the first area, the second area and the third area of ​​the first surface, The above second grounds are placed only in the first area of ​​the second surface, In the first area, the first power line and the first ground are arranged spaced apart from each other by a first interval, In the first area, the second power line and the second grounds are arranged spaced apart from each other by the first interval, An antenna assembly, wherein in the second region, the connecting line and the first ground are spaced apart from each other by a second interval that is wider than the first interval.

7. In paragraph 3, The second feed line of the first region of the second surface of the flexible substrate is connected to the first transparent electrode portion of the first antenna pattern, The second grounds of the first area of ​​the second surface are connected to the grounds adjacent to the first antenna pattern through ACP bonding, An antenna assembly, wherein the soldering pad of the third area of ​​the first surface is connected to a signal line of an RF cable through soldering.

8. In paragraph 3, The first feed line of the first area of ​​the first surface of the flexible substrate is connected to the second transparent electrode portion of the second antenna pattern, The first grounds of the first area of ​​the first surface are connected to the grounds adjacent to the second antenna pattern through ACP bonding, An antenna assembly, wherein the soldering pad of the third area of ​​the first surface is connected to a signal line of an RF cable through soldering.

9. In paragraph 3, The PET substrate on which the first antenna pattern is formed is attached to the second glass through an adhesive layer, The above adhesive layer is, a first adhesive region disposed between the PET substrate and the second glass; and A second adhesive region is disposed between the flexible substrate and the second glass, The second thickness of the second adhesive region is formed thicker than the first thickness of the first adhesive region, An antenna assembly, wherein the second feed line of the flexible substrate is connected to the first antenna pattern.

10. In paragraph 3, The PET substrate on which the second antenna pattern is formed is attached to the second glass through an adhesive layer, The above adhesive layer is, a first adhesive region disposed between the PET substrate and the first glass; and a second adhesive region disposed between the flexible substrate and the first glass, The second thickness of the second adhesive region is formed thicker than the first thickness of the first adhesive region, An antenna assembly, wherein the first feed line of the flexible substrate is connected to the second antenna pattern.

11. In paragraph 3, The above feed line is configured to feed a first antenna element and a second antenna element disposed adjacent to the first antenna element, An antenna assembly, wherein the feed line further includes a third feed line arranged spaced apart from the first feed line on the first surface of the flexible substrate and a fourth feed line arranged spaced apart from the second feed line on the second surface.

12. In paragraph 11, The first power line is connected to the soldering pad of the third area through the connecting line of the second area of ​​the first surface, An antenna assembly, wherein the third feed line is connected to the second soldering pad of the third area through the second connecting line of the second area of ​​the first surface.

13. In paragraph 11, An antenna assembly, wherein the feed line further includes a second through hole formed to vertically connect the third feed line and the fourth feed line.

14. In paragraph 11, An antenna assembly, wherein the second feed line is connected to the first antenna pattern of the first antenna element, and the fourth feed line is connected to the first antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

15. In paragraph 11, An antenna assembly, wherein the first feed line is connected to the second antenna pattern of the first antenna element, and the third feed line is connected to the second antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

16. In paragraph 11, The above first feed line is connected to the above second feed line through the above through hole, An antenna assembly in which the third feed line is formed so as not to be connected to the fourth feed line.

17. In Article 16 The second feed line of the second surface of the flexible substrate is connected to the first antenna pattern of the first antenna element, An antenna assembly, wherein the third feed line on the first side of the flexible substrate is connected to the second antenna pattern of the second antenna element.

18. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a conductive pattern connected to one end of the second antenna pattern, The second antenna pattern is arranged to be offset in one axial direction with respect to the first antenna pattern, An antenna assembly, wherein the above-mentioned feed line is connected to the electrode pad of the first transparent electrode portion or the conductive pattern.

19. In paragraph 17, An antenna assembly, wherein the second feed line of the second surface of the flexible substrate is connected to the first electrode pad of the end of the first transparent electrode portion forming the first antenna pattern.

20. In paragraph 18, An antenna assembly, wherein the first feed line of the first surface of the flexible substrate is connected to the second electrode pad of the end of the conductive pattern.

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