Antenna for vehicle

Abstract

An antenna for a vehicle comprises: a frame; a windshield; MIMO antennas mounted on the windshield of the vehicle and configured to transmit and receive wireless signals of a preset frequency; and a TCU disposed on the frame and including a switch for selecting an antenna. The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna that primarily transmits and receives a first signal, a second antenna that primarily transmits and receives a second signal, a third antenna that receives a third signal, and a fourth antenna that receives a fourth signal. The first antenna and the third antenna are disposed in a first area of the windshield. The second antenna and the fourth antenna are disposed in a second area of the windshield. The switch may be configured to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna.

Description

Car antenna

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle antenna implemented as a transparent antenna. A particular implementation relates to a vehicle antenna implemented with an antenna switching function.

[0002] Vehicles are evolving beyond the simple mechanical means of transportation of the past into new spaces offering autonomous driving and diverse infotainment. Meanwhile, with the evolution of networks, the number of wireless communication systems supported by vehicles is also increasing, necessitating an expansion of new antenna design space.

[0003] Meanwhile, the vehicle body and roof are made of metal, which poses a problem of radio wave blocking. Therefore, a separate antenna structure can be placed on the upper portion of the vehicle body or roof. Alternatively, if the antenna structure is placed on the lower portion of the vehicle body or roof, the portion of the vehicle body or roof corresponding to the antenna placement area can be formed of a non-metallic material.

[0004] However, from a design perspective, the vehicle body or roof needs to be formed as one piece. In such cases, the exterior of the vehicle body or roof may be formed of metal. Consequently, there is a risk that the vehicle body or roof may significantly reduce antenna efficiency.

[0005] Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna may be implemented as an external antenna, positioned within a shark fin structure. A telematics control unit (TCU) that controls the operation of the vehicle antenna may be connected to the external antenna. Alternatively, the vehicle antenna may be implemented as an internal antenna positioned within the TCU.

[0006] In this regard, a transparent antenna may be placed on the glass corresponding to the vehicle's window to increase communication capacity without changing the vehicle's exterior design. The transparent antenna may be placed symmetrically on one side or the other, such as the front or rear window of the vehicle.

[0007] Meanwhile, most vehicle OEMs are requiring a cellular 4x4 MIMO configuration. In this regard, multiple antenna elements may be placed in the upper roof area of ​​the vehicle. As the number of multiple antenna elements placed in the upper roof area of ​​the vehicle increases, the overall antenna area increases. In this regard, there is a problem that as the uniaxial length of the overall antenna area increases, the uniaxial length of the antenna module formed to cover the entire antenna area also increases. Accordingly, the uniaxial length of the antenna module may increase by the same amount as the uniaxial length of the vehicle, or in some cases, may increase more than that.

[0008] In particular, an antenna arrangement structure and operating method are required to maintain transmission and reception performance of wireless communication in an emergency situation where one antenna is damaged.

[0009] The purpose of this specification is to provide a new antenna configuration and arrangement structure according to the expansion of the number of antennas in a vehicle antenna.

[0010] The purpose of this specification is to provide an antenna arrangement structure and an operating method for maintaining transmission and reception performance of wireless communication in an emergency situation where one antenna is damaged.

[0011] The purpose of this specification is to optimize the spacing and arrangement structure between antennas in a vehicle antenna, taking into account the overall antenna size and interference between antennas.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above or other purposes, a vehicle antenna comprises: a frame; a front window glass; MIMO antennas mounted on the front window glass of the vehicle and transmitting and receiving wireless signals of a preset frequency; and a TCU disposed on the frame and including a switch for selecting an antenna. The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna for primarily transmitting and receiving a first signal, a second antenna for primarily transmitting and receiving a second signal, a third antenna for receiving a third signal, and a fourth antenna for receiving a fourth signal. The first antenna and the third antenna are disposed in a first area of ​​the front window glass. The second antenna and the fourth antenna are disposed in a second area of ​​the front window glass. The switch may be configured to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the first region of the vehicle may be defined as a left region of the vehicle including the steering wheel. The second region of the vehicle may be defined as a right region of the vehicle. The first antenna and the second antenna may be positioned in an inner region of the front window glass. The third antenna and the fourth antenna may be positioned in an outer region of the front window glass.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the vehicle antenna may further include a first TRX module operably coupled with a first output terminal of the switch; a second TRX module operably coupled with a second output terminal of the switch; a first RX module operably coupled with the third antenna; and a second RX module operably coupled with the fourth antenna. A first input terminal connected to the first output terminal of the switch may be connected to the first antenna, and a second input terminal connected to the second output terminal of the switch may be connected to the second antenna. The TCU may determine whether an output value of a first signal transmitted through the first TRX module and the first antenna is less than a threshold value.

[0015] According to an embodiment, the vehicle antenna may further include a first cable configured to connect the first antenna and the first TRX module, a second cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second TRX module, and a first cable configured to connect the third antenna and the first RX module, and a fourth cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second RX module. A distance from the first and second antennas arranged in an inner region of the front window glass to the first and second cables may be set to a first length. A distance from the third and fourth antennas arranged in an outer region of the front window glass to the third and fourth cables may be set to a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0016] According to an embodiment, if the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold, the TCU can control the switch so that the first output terminal of the switch is connected to the second input terminal.

[0017] According to an embodiment, if the output value of the second signal transmitted through the first TRX module and the second antenna is less than the threshold, the TCU can control the switch so that the second output terminal of the switch is connected to the second input terminal.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna may operate in a first frequency band, a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, and a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band, and the third antenna and the fourth antenna may operate in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. The distance between the first antenna and the third antenna may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency. The distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna may be set to 0.25 wavelength or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

[0020] The technical effects of the vehicle antenna according to this specification can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0021] According to this specification, a new antenna configuration and arrangement structure according to an expansion of the number of antennas can be provided on the front, side, or rear window of a vehicle.

[0022] According to the present specification, a first and second transmitting / receiving antenna arrangement structure and a method for switching between the first and second transmitting / receiving antennas can be provided to maintain the transmitting / receiving performance of wireless communication in the event of an emergency in which one antenna is damaged.

[0023] According to this specification, transparent antennas arranged in a symmetrical structure can secure almost the same low elevation performance on average, so that almost the same low elevation communication performance can be secured in a vehicle by switching between the first and second transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0024] According to this specification, even if the first transmitting / receiving antenna is damaged, wireless communication can be performed through the second transmitting / receiving antenna by switching the path of the switch, thereby maintaining the same transmission quality even in an emergency.

[0025] According to this specification, the spacing between transmitting and receiving antennas and the spacing between transmitting and receiving antennas and receiving antennas can be determined and the layout structure can be optimized by considering the overall antenna size and interference between antennas in a vehicle antenna.

[0026] 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 become 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.

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates glass of a vehicle on which an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be placed.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the types of V2X applications.

[0029] Figure 3 shows a configuration in which a vehicle antenna is placed on the vehicle window.

[0030] Figure 4a shows a perspective view of a glass panel that can be joined or attached to the frame of a vehicle.

[0031] Figure 4b shows a cross-sectional view of the glass panel of the vehicle of Figure 4a joined to the frame.

[0032] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate a vehicle antenna placed on the front windshield of a vehicle.

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram in which at least some of the plurality of antennas of FIG. 5b are coupled to a plurality of modules via switches.

[0034] Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a plurality of antennas of Figure 5b coupled to a TCU through a plurality of modules.

[0035] Figure 8 shows the structure of the antennas of Figure 5b.

[0036] Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram of a state transition from a normal state to an emergency state when the transmission power is lower than a threshold value when a specific event occurs.

[0037] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate configurations of switch switching control between the first and second antennas and the first and second TRX modules according to embodiments.

[0038] Figures 12a and 12b show the antenna structure of a vehicle placed on the rear window glass of the vehicle.

[0039] FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate vehicle antenna structures arranged on vehicle windows according to embodiments.

[0040] FIG. 15 shows a block diagram of the antenna structures of the vehicle of FIGS. 12b to 14.

[0041] Fig. 16 shows a vehicle antenna implemented with a DSDA structure.

[0042] 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 the present invention.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The vehicle antenna described herein can be mounted on a vehicle. The configuration and operation according to the embodiments described herein can also be applied to a vehicle-mounted communication system, i.e., a vehicle antenna. In this regard, a vehicle-mounted antenna may include multiple antennas and a transceiver circuit and processor that control the antennas.

[0048] Hereinafter, an antenna assembly (antenna module) that can be placed on a vehicle window according to the present specification and a vehicle antenna including the antenna assembly are described. In this regard, the antenna assembly refers to a structure in which conductive patterns are combined on a dielectric substrate, and may also be referred to as an antenna module.

[0049] In this regard, FIG. 1 illustrates glass of a vehicle on which an antenna structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be placed. Referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle (1) may be configured to include a front window glass (310), a side window glass (320), a rear window glass (330), and a quarter window glass (340). Meanwhile, the vehicle (1) may further be configured to include an upper glass (350) formed on a roof of an upper region.

[0050] Accordingly, the glass constituting the window of the vehicle (1) may include a front window glass (310) disposed in the front area of ​​the vehicle (1), a side window glass (320) disposed in the door area of ​​the vehicle (1), and a rear window glass (330) disposed in the rear area of ​​the vehicle (1). Meanwhile, the glass constituting the window of the vehicle (1) may further include a quarter window glass (340) disposed in a part of the door area of ​​the vehicle (1). In addition, the glass constituting the window of the vehicle (1) may further include an upper glass (350) disposed in the upper area of ​​the vehicle (1) and spaced apart from the rear window glass (330). Accordingly, each glass constituting the window of the vehicle (1) may also be referred to as a window.

[0051] The front window glass (310) may be referred to as a front windshield because it prevents wind from entering the interior of the vehicle (1) from the front. The front window glass (310) may be formed as a two-layer laminated structure having a thickness of about 5.0 to 5.5 mm. The front window glass (310) may be formed as a laminated structure of glass / anti-shatter film / glass.

[0052] The side window glass (320) may be formed of a two-layer laminated structure or a single-layer pressed glass. The rear window glass (330) may be formed of a two-layer laminated structure or a single-layer pressed glass with a thickness of about 3.5 to 5.5 mm. A separation distance is required between the heating element and the AM / FM antenna and the transparent antenna in the rear window glass (330). The quarter window glass (340) may be formed of a single-layer pressed glass with a thickness of about 3.5 to 4.0 mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0053] The size of the quarter window glass (340) varies depending on the type of vehicle (1), and the size of the quarter window glass (340) may be configured to be smaller than the sizes of the front window glass (310) and the rear window glass (330).

[0054] A vehicle (1) may be configured to communicate with pedestrians, surrounding infrastructure, and / or servers in addition to surrounding vehicles (1). In this regard, FIG. 2 illustrates types of V2X applications. Referring to FIG. 2, V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication includes communication between the vehicle (1) and all entities, such as V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) referring to communication between vehicles (1), V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure) referring to communication between the vehicle (1) and an eNB or RSU (Road Side Unit), V2P (Vehicle-to-Pedestrian) referring to communication between terminals possessed by the vehicle (1) and an individual (pedestrian, cyclist, driver or passenger of the vehicle (1), and V2N (vehicle-to-network).

[0055] Meanwhile, a vehicle antenna (1000) having a wideband transparent antenna structure that can be placed on the vehicle's glass according to the present specification can be implemented as a single dielectric substrate on the same plane as the CPW feeder. In addition, the wideband transparent antenna structure that can be placed on the vehicle's glass according to the present specification can be implemented as a structure in which grounds are formed on both sides of the radiator, thereby forming a wideband structure.

[0056] Hereinafter, an antenna assembly related to a wideband transparent antenna structure according to the present specification will be described. In this regard, FIG. 3 illustrates a configuration in which a vehicle antenna is placed on a vehicle window. Referring to FIG. 3, a vehicle antenna (1000) may include a first dielectric substrate (1010a) and a second dielectric substrate (1010b). The first dielectric substrate (1010a) may be implemented as a transparent substrate and may be referred to as a transparent substrate (1010a). The second dielectric substrate (1010b) may be implemented as an opaque substrate (1010b).

[0057] The glass panel (10) may be configured to include a transparent region (11) and an opaque region (12). The glass panel (10) may be at least one of the front window glass (310), the side window glass (320), the rear window glass (330), and the quarter window glass (340) of FIG. 1. The opaque region (12) of the glass panel (10) may be a frit layer formed of a frit layer. The opaque region (12) may be formed to surround the transparent region (11). The opaque region (12) may be formed in an outer region of the transparent region (11). The opaque region (12) may form a boundary region of the glass panel (10).

[0058] The antennas disposed on the first dielectric substrate (1010a) may be implemented as transparent antennas formed of metal mesh grids. Feed patterns and ground patterns for applying signals to the antennas may be formed on the second dielectric substrate (1010b). The second dielectric substrate (1010b) may be implemented as a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). A slot antenna may be formed on the second dielectric substrate (1010b) with a portion of the ground pattern removed.

[0059] When a vehicle antenna (1000) is attached to the inside or surface of a glass panel (10), a first dielectric substrate (1010a) having a transparent electrode portion including an antenna pattern and a dummy pattern formed thereon may be placed in a transparent area (11). Meanwhile, a second dielectric substrate (1010b), such as an FPCB, may be placed in an opaque area (312).

[0060] The antennas disposed on the first dielectric substrate (1010a) may include MIMO antennas and / or other antenna elements for wireless communication. The other antenna elements may include at least one of a GNSS / radio / broadcast / WiFi / satellite communication / UWB, and a Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) antenna for vehicle applications.

[0061] A power supply pattern formed on a second dielectric substrate (1010b) may be connected to a telematics control unit (TCU) (200) via a cable (CL), such as a coaxial cable. The TCU (200) may be placed inside a vehicle, but is not limited thereto. The TCU (200) may be placed on a dashboard inside a vehicle or in a ceiling area of ​​the vehicle, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] Meanwhile, the vehicle's glass, in which the transparent antenna is positioned, may be coupled to the vehicle's frame. In this regard, Fig. 4a illustrates a perspective view of a glass panel that may be coupled or attached to the vehicle's frame. Fig. 4b illustrates a cross-sectional view of the vehicle's glass panel of Fig. 4a coupled to the frame.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, a glass panel (10) can be coupled or attached to a frame (9) of a vehicle and can cover an opening (9h) of the frame (9). For example, the glass panel (10) can be glass of the vehicle (1), such as a front window glass (310), a side window glass (320), a rear window glass (330), a quarter window glass (340), or a top glass (350) (see FIG. 1).

[0064] 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 panel (10). The groove (9g) may be formed to have a step with respect to the inner boundary of the frame (9). A glass panel (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.

[0065] The vehicle antenna (1000) may be positioned on one side of the glass panel (10) or inside the glass panel (10). The vehicle antenna (1000) may be transparent. The vehicle antenna (1000) may be flexible.

[0066] A first region (1100a) in which an antenna (1000) is arranged may be formed in a transparent region (11) of glass (10). A second region (1100b), such as a flexible circuit board, may be formed in an opaque region (12) of glass (10). The cable (CL) may include a signal line (111c) in an inner region, a ground (112c) in an outer region, and a dielectric region (110d) formed between the signal line (111c) and the ground (112c). The signal line (111c) of the cable (CL) may be connected to a feed line formed in the second region (1100b) through a soldering structure (112s). The signal line (111c) of the cable (CL) may be electrically connected to the antenna (1000) of the first region (1100a) through the soldering structure (112s). The inner cover (8) can be opposite the glass panel (10) with respect to the frame (9) and can cover a connection module implemented with a cable (CL). The inner cover (8) can be referred to as an interior cover (8).

[0067] A vehicle antenna according to the present specification will be described. In this regard, FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a vehicle antenna disposed on a front window glass of a vehicle. FIG. 5A illustrates a vehicle antenna (1000) having first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) disposed on the same plane of a front window glass (310). As an example, the first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed on an outer area of ​​the front window glass (310). The first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) may be disposed on an outer surface of the front window glass (310). As another example, the first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed on an inner area of ​​the front window glass (310). The first antenna (ANT1) to the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be arranged on the inner surface of the front window glass (310).

[0068] FIG. 5b illustrates a vehicle antenna (1000) disposed on the same plane of a front window glass (310), with first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4). The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed in an inner region of the front window glass (310). The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be disposed on an inner surface of the front window glass (310). The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed in an outer region of the front window glass (310). The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be disposed on an outer surface of the front window glass (310).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, a vehicle antenna (1000) may include MIMO antennas (1100) and a TCU (200). The MIMO antennas (1100) may be placed on the front window glass (310) of the vehicle (1). The TCU (200) may be placed on a metal frame (49) of the vehicle (1).

[0070] The MIMO antennas (1100) may be configured to include a first antenna (ANT1) and a second antenna (ANT2). The MIMO antennas (1100) may further be configured to include a third antenna (ANT3) and a fourth antenna (ANT4). The third antenna (ANT3) may be arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from the first antenna (ANT1). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be arranged adjacent to and spaced apart from the second antenna (ANT2).

[0071] The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) can be connected to the TCU (200) via the first cable (CL1) and the second cable (CL2). The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be connected to the TCU (200) via the third cable (CL3) and the fourth cable (CL4).

[0072] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram in which at least some of the plurality of antennas of FIG. 5b are coupled to a plurality of modules via switches. Referring to FIG. 6, a first antenna (ANT1) may be operably coupled with a first TRX module (1210) via a switch (210S). A second antenna (ANT2) may be operably coupled with a second TRX module (1220) via the switch (210S). A third antenna (ANT3) may be operably coupled with a first RX module (1230). A fourth antenna (ANT4) may be operably coupled with a third RX module (1240).

[0073] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing a plurality of antennas of Fig. 5b coupled to a TCU through a plurality of modules. Referring to Fig. 7, an end of a first antenna (ANT1) and an end of a third antenna (ANT3) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a first distance (g1). An end of a second antenna (ANT2) and an end of a fourth antenna (ANT4) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a second distance (g2). The second distance (g2) may be set to be the same distance as the first distance (g1). An end of the first antenna (ANT1) and an end of the second antenna (ANT2) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a third distance (g3). The third distance (g3) may be set to be a smaller distance than the first distance (g1) and the second distance (g2).

[0074] FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the antennas of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Referring to FIG. 8, a first antenna (ANT1) may be configured to include a first conductive pattern (1110), a second conductive pattern (1120), and a third conductive pattern (1130). A second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to include a fourth conductive pattern (1140), a fifth conductive pattern (1150), and a sixth conductive pattern (1160). A third antenna (ANT3) may include a seventh conductive pattern (1170) and an eighth conductive pattern (1170c). A fourth antenna (ANT4) may include a ninth conductive pattern (1180) and a tenth conductive pattern (1180c).

[0075] The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) are configured to operate in a first frequency band, a second frequency band, and a third frequency band. The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) are configured to operate in a second frequency band and a third frequency band. The first frequency band may be set to 0.6 to 0.96 GHz (or 1 GHz) as a low band (LB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication. The second frequency band may be set to 1.4 to 4.5 GHz as a mid band (MB) and a high band (HB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication. The third frequency band may be set to 4.5 to 6 GHz as an ultra high band (UHB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication.

[0076] The length (L1) of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be formed longer than the length (L2) of the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4). The length (L1) of the first antenna (ANT1) may be defined as the length from the end of the first conductive pattern (1110) to the end of the second conductive pattern (1120). The length (L1) of the second antenna (ANT2) may be defined as the length from the end of the fourth conductive pattern (1140) to the end of the fifth conductive pattern (1150). The length (L2) of the third antenna (ANT3) may be defined as the length from the end of the seventh conductive pattern (1170) to the end of the eighth conductive pattern (1170c). The length (L2) of the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be defined as the length from the end of the ninth conductive pattern (1180) to the end of the tenth conductive pattern (1180c). The widths of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be formed to be the same as the widths of the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0077] An end of the second conductive pattern (1120) of the first antenna (ANT1) and an end of the ninth conductive pattern (1180) of the third antenna (ANT3) may be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (g1). An end of the fifth conductive pattern (1150) of the second antenna (ANT2) and an end of the seventh conductive pattern (1170) of the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be spaced apart from each other by a second interval (g2). The second interval (g2) and the first interval (g1) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or less. An end of the first conductive pattern (1110) of the first antenna (ANT1) and an end of the fourth conductive pattern (1140) of the second antenna (ANT2) may be spaced apart from each other by a third interval (g3). The third interval (g3) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or less.

[0078] Referring to FIGS. 5b to 8, a vehicle antenna according to the present specification will be described in detail. The vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to include a frame (49), a front window glass (310), MIMO antennas (1100), and a TCU (200).

[0079] MIMO antennas (1100) may be mounted on the front window glass (310) of the vehicle (1). The MIMO antennas (1100) may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals of a preset frequency. A TCU (200) may be placed on a metal frame (49) of the vehicle (1). The TCU (200) may include a switch (210S) for selecting an antenna.

[0080] The MIMO antennas (1100) may be configured to include a plurality of antennas. The MIMO antennas (1100) may be configured to include a first antenna (ANT1) and a second antenna (ANT2) to perform a 2X2 MIMO operation. The MIMO antennas (1100) may further be configured to include a third antenna (ANT3) and a fourth antenna (ANT4) to perform a 4X4 MIMO operation.

[0081] The first antenna (ANT1) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the first signal. The second antenna (ANT2) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the second signal. The third antenna (ANT3) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the third signal. The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the fourth signal.

[0082] The first region of the vehicle (1) may be defined as a left region of the vehicle (1) including the steering wheel. The second region of the vehicle (1) may be defined as a right region of the vehicle (1). The first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be arranged in the first region (310R1) of the front window glass (310). The second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be arranged in the second region (310R2) of the front window glass (310).

[0083] To reduce interference between antennas, some of the MIMO antennas (1100) may be placed in the inner area of ​​the front window glass (310) and the rest may be placed in the outer area of ​​the front window glass (310). The first to fourth antennas and the first to fourth cable connection structures according to the embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 5b to 8.

[0084] In this regard, it is necessary to minimize the loss value deviation by each cable of the MIMO antennas (1100) in the TCU (200). The vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to further include a first cable (CL1), a second cable (CL2), a third cable (CL3), and a fourth cable (CL4). The first cable (CL1) may be configured to connect the first antenna (ANT1) and the first TRX module (1210). The second cable (CL2) may be configured to connect the second antenna (ANT2) and the second TRX module (1220). The third cable (CL3) may be configured to connect the third antenna (ANT3) and the first RX module (1230). The fourth cable (CL4) may be configured to connect the fourth antenna (ANT4) and the second RX module (1240).

[0085] The length from the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) arranged in the inner region of the front window glass (310) to the first and second cables (C1, C2) may be set to a first length. The length from the third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) arranged in the outer region of the front window glass (310) to the third and fourth cables (C3, CL4) may be set to a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0086] Therefore, the third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) having a large feed loss due to the second length being longer than the first length need to be placed in an external region of the front window glass (310) to reduce radiation loss. The first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) having a small feed loss due to the first length being shorter than the second length can be placed in an internal region of the front window glass (310) having a large radiation loss. Accordingly, the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) can be placed in an internal region of the front window glass (310). Meanwhile, the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be placed in an external region of the front window glass (310).

[0087] The switch (210S) may be configured to select one of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antennas (ANT2). Meanwhile, the switch according to the present specification may control the connection state between the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) and the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220). The switch (210S) may be implemented as a DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch that switches paths between the first and second input terminals (IN1, IN2) and the first and second output terminals (OUT1, OUT2), but is not limited thereto and may be changed according to the application.

[0088] In this regard, Fig. 9 is a conceptual diagram of a state transition from a normal state to an emergency state when the transmission power is lower than a threshold value when a specific event occurs. In this regard, Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate configurations of a switch transition control between the first and second antennas and the first and second TRX modules according to embodiments.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 5B to 8, a method for controlling switching between first and second antennas and first and second TRX modules according to embodiments will be described. A vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to further include first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) and first and second RX modules (1230, 1240). In this regard, the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) and the first and second RX modules (1230, 1240) may be included in the TCU (200) or may be arranged separately from the TCU (200). The first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) may be referred to as first and second transmit / receive modules. The first and second RX modules (1230, 1240) may be referred to as first and second receive modules.

[0090] The first TRX module (1210) can be operably coupled with a first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (310). The second TRX module (1220) can be operably coupled with a second output terminal (OUT2) of the switch (320). The first RX module (1230) can be operably coupled with a third antenna (ANT3). The second RX module (1230) can be operably coupled with a fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0091] A first input terminal (IN1) connected to a first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (310) may be connected to a first antenna (ANT1). A second input terminal (IN2) connected to a second output terminal (OUT2) of the switch (310) may be connected to a second antenna (ANT2). The first and second signals transmitted through the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) may be radiated through the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) to implement a 2X2 MIMO operation.

[0092] Meanwhile, a first signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) may be radiated through the first antenna (ANT1). In this regard, when the second TRX module (1220) is in an off state or not driven, the second signal is not radiated through the second antenna (ANT2).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 5B to 10, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described. A second input terminal (IN2) connected to a second output terminal (OUT2) of a switch (210S) may be connected to a second antenna (ANT2). The TCU (200) may determine whether an output value of a first signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) and the first antenna (ANT1) is less than a threshold value.

[0094] In this regard, the output value of the first signal may be, but is not limited to, TRP (Total Radiated Power) or TxSS (Tx Signal Strength) and may vary depending on the application. The threshold may be set to 3 dBm, which is approximately 20 dB lower than the normal level of 22-24 dBm, but is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the application.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 5B to 11, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described. The first TRX module (1210) operates normally, but the output value of the first signal may be lower than a threshold value due to a defect in the connection status between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1). If the output value of the first signal is lower than the threshold value, the TCU (200) can control the switch (210S) so that the first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (210S) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2).

[0096] In this regard, in order to perform communication in an emergency situation through the second TRX module (1220) and the second antenna (ANT2) when the second TRX module (1220) is in an off state or not operating, it is necessary to wait until the second TRX module (1220) is operating normally. Therefore, in the case where the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold value due to a defect in the connection status between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1), communication in an emergency situation is possible through the first TRX module (1210) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0097] Meanwhile, although the connection between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1) is normal, the output value of the first signal may be lower than the threshold value due to a defect in an electronic component inside the first TRX module (1210). Referring to FIGS. 5b to 11, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described.

[0098] The TCU (200) can drive the second TRX module (1220) while the first output terminal (IN1) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2). If the output value of the first signal is less than a threshold, the second TRX module (1220) can be driven before the first output terminal (IN1) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2).

[0099] If the output value of the second signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) and the second antenna (ANT2) is less than the threshold, the TCU (200) can control the switch (310) so that the second output terminal (IN2) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2). Accordingly, even if the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold due to a defect in an electronic component within the first TRX module (1210), communication is possible in an emergency situation through the second TRX module (1220) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0100] Meanwhile, the arrangement structure between adjacent antennas in a vehicle antenna according to the present specification will be described. Referring to FIGS. 5b to 11, the first antenna (ANT1) may be configured to operate in a first frequency band, a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, and a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band. The second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to operate in the same frequency band as the first antenna (ANT1). The second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to operate in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0101] The third antenna (ANT3) may be configured to operate in a second frequency band and a third frequency band. The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured to operate in the same frequency band as the third antenna (ANT3). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured to operate in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. Meanwhile, the first frequency band may be set to 0.6 to 0.96 GHz (or 1 GHz) as a low band (LB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication. The second frequency band may be set to 1.4 to 4.5 GHz as a mid band (MB) and high band (HB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication. The third frequency band may be set to 4.5 to 6 GHz as an ultra high band (UHB) for 4G / 5G wireless communication.

[0102] Meanwhile, the spacing between multiple antennas according to the present specification may be set to a certain spacing or more so as to maintain the isolation between adjacent antennas at a certain level or more. The spacing between multiple antennas of a vehicle antenna will be described with reference to FIGS. 5b to 11.

[0103] In this regard, the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may cause interference in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. In addition, the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may cause interference in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. The first gap (g1) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. The second gap (g2) between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0104] Meanwhile, the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may cause interference in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band. Since the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may also cause interference in the first frequency band, the third gap (g3) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be a wider gap than the other gaps (g1, g2). The third gap (g3) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be set to be 0.25 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0105] Accordingly, the first gap (g1) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) can be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more and less than 0.25 wavelengths based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. The second gap (g2) between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more and less than 0.25 wavelengths based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. Meanwhile, the third gap (g3) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) can be set to be 0.25 wavelengths or more and less than 0.5 wavelengths based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0106] Each of the first to fourth antennas of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to include a plurality of conductive patterns. The first antenna (ANT1) may be configured to include a first conductive pattern (1110), a second conductive pattern (1120), and a third conductive pattern (1130). The first conductive pattern (1110) may be connected to the first feed pattern (1110f). The second conductive pattern (1120) may be connected to the first portion (1111g) of the first ground pattern (1110g). The third conductive pattern (1130) may be connected to the first portion (1112g) of the first ground pattern (1110g).

[0107] The second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to include a fourth conductive pattern (1140), a fifth conductive pattern (1150), and a sixth conductive pattern (1160). The fourth conductive pattern (1140) may be connected to the second feed pattern (1120f). The fifth conductive pattern (1150) may be connected to the first portion (1121g) of the second ground pattern (1120g). The sixth conductive pattern (1160) may be connected to the second portion (1122g) of the second ground pattern (1120g).

[0108] The shapes of the first conductive pattern (1110), the second conductive pattern (1120), and the third conductive pattern (1130) of the first antenna (ANT1) may correspond to the shapes of the fourth conductive pattern (1140), the fifth conductive pattern (1150), and the sixth conductive pattern (1160) of the second antenna (ANT2), respectively. Accordingly, the third gap (g3) between the first conductive pattern (1110) of the first antenna (ANT1) and the fourth conductive pattern (1140) of the second antenna (ANT2) may be set to be 0.25 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

[0109] Meanwhile, the third antenna (ANT3) may include a seventh conductive pattern (1170) connected to the third feed pattern (1130f) and an eighth conductive pattern (1170c) connected to the first portion (1131g) of the third ground pattern (1130g). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may include a ninth conductive pattern (1180) connected to the fourth feed pattern (1140f) and a tenth conductive pattern (1180c) connected to the first portion (1141g) of the fourth ground pattern (1140g).

[0110] The seventh conductive pattern (1170) of the third antenna (ANT3) may include a first slot region (SR1) from which metal has been removed, corresponding to the shape of the eighth conductive pattern (1170c). The ninth conductive pattern (1180) of the fourth antenna (ANT3) may include a second slot region (SR2) from which metal has been removed, corresponding to the shape of the tenth conductive pattern (1180c).

[0111] Meanwhile, the first gap (g1) between the first conductive pattern (1110) of the first antenna (ANT1) and the eighth conductive pattern (1170c) of the third antenna (ANT3) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency. The second gap (g2) between the fourth conductive pattern (1140) of the second antenna (ANT2) and the tenth conductive pattern (1180c) of the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

[0112] Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna according to the present specification may be placed on various glass surfaces of the vehicle other than the front window glass. In this regard, FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate a vehicle antenna structure placed on the rear window glass of the vehicle.

[0113] FIG. 12A illustrates a vehicle antenna (1000) having first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) disposed on the same plane of a rear window glass (330). As an example, the first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed on an outer region of the rear window glass (330). The first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) may be disposed on an outer surface of the rear window glass (330). As another example, the first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed on an inner region of the rear window glass (330). The first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4) may be disposed on an inner surface of the rear window glass (330).

[0114] FIG. 12B illustrates a vehicle antenna (1000) disposed on the same plane of a rear window glass (330), with first antennas (ANT1) to fourth antennas (ANT4). The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed in an inner region of the rear window glass (330). The first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be disposed on an inner surface of the rear window glass (330). The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the vehicle antenna (1000) may be disposed in an outer region of the rear window glass (330). The third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be disposed on an outer surface of the rear window glass (330).

[0115] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate vehicle antenna structures arranged on vehicle windows according to embodiments. Figure 15 illustrates a block diagram of the vehicle antenna structures of Figures 12b to 14.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 15, a vehicle antenna according to the present specification will be described. The vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to include a frame (49), a window glass (300), MIMO antennas (1100b), and a TCU (200). The window glass (300) may include a rear window glass (330) and first and second quarter window glasses (340a, 340b) on the left and right sides of the vehicle (1).

[0117] MIMO antennas (1100b) may be mounted on the rear window glass (330) of the vehicle (1). The MIMO antennas (1100b) may be configured to transmit and receive wireless signals of a preset frequency. A TCU (200) may be arranged on the frame (49). The TCU (200) may include a switch (210S) for selecting an antenna.

[0118] The MIMO antennas (1100b) may be configured to include a plurality of antennas. The MIMO antennas (1100b) may be configured to include a first antenna (ANT1) and a second antenna (ANT2) to perform a 2X2 MIMO operation. The MIMO antennas (1100b) may further be configured to include a third antenna (ANT3) and a fourth antenna (ANT4) to perform a 4X4 MIMO operation.

[0119] The first antenna (ANT1) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the first signal. The second antenna (ANT2) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the second signal. The third antenna (ANT3) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the third signal. The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the fourth signal.

[0120] The first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be positioned in a first area of ​​the window glass (310). The second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be positioned in a second area of ​​the window glass (310). The switch (210S) may be configured to select one of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0121] In this regard, the first antenna (ANT1) to the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be disposed on the rear window glass (330) of the vehicle as shown in FIG. 12B. The antenna structure disposed on the rear window glass (330) of the vehicle will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12B and FIG. 15. The first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be disposed on the first region (330R2) of the rear window glass (330). The second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be disposed on the second region (330R2) of the rear window glass (330). The first region of the rear window glass (330) may be defined as the left region of the rear window glass (330). The second region of the rear window glass (330) may be defined as the left region of the rear window glass (330).

[0122] To reduce interference between antennas, some of the MIMO antennas (1100b) may be placed in the inner area of ​​the rear window glass (330) and the rest may be placed in the outer area of ​​the rear window glass (320). The first to fourth antennas and the first to fourth cable connection structures according to embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12b and FIG. 15.

[0123] In this regard, it is necessary to minimize the loss value deviation by each cable of the MIMO antennas (1100b) in the TCU (200). The vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to further include a first cable (CL1), a second cable (CL2), a third cable (CL3), and a fourth cable (CL4). The first cable (CL1) may be configured to connect the first antenna (ANT1) and the first TRX module (1210). The second cable (CL2) may be configured to connect the second antenna (ANT2) and the second TRX module (1220). The third cable (CL3) may be configured to connect the third antenna (ANT3) and the first RX module (1230). The fourth cable (CL4) may be configured to connect the fourth antenna (ANT4) and the second RX module (1240).

[0124] The length from the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) arranged in the inner region of the rear window glass (320) to the first and second cables (C1, C2) may be set to a first length. The length from the third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) arranged in the outer region of the rear window glass (320) to the third and fourth cables (C3, CL4) may be set to a second length that is longer than the first length.

[0125] Therefore, the third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) having a large feed loss due to the second length being longer than the first length need to be placed in an external region of the rear window glass (320) to reduce radiation loss. The first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) having a small feed loss due to the first length being shorter than the second length can be placed in an internal region of the rear window glass (320) having a large radiation loss. Accordingly, the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) can be placed in an internal region of the rear window glass (320). Meanwhile, the third antenna (ANT3) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be placed in an external region of the rear window glass (320).

[0126] The switch (210S) may be configured to select one of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antennas (ANT2). Meanwhile, the switch according to the present specification may control the connection status between the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) and the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220).

[0127] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b and FIG. 15, a method for controlling switching between first and second antennas and first and second TRX modules according to embodiments will be described. A vehicle antenna (1000) may be configured to further include first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) and first and second RX modules (1230, 1240). In this regard, the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) and the first and second RX modules (1230, 1240) may be included in the TCU (200) or may be arranged separately from the TCU (200). The first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) may be referred to as first and second transmit / receive modules. The first and second RX modules (1230, 1240) may be referred to as first and second receiving modules.

[0128] The first TRX module (1210) can be operably coupled with a first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (310). The second TRX module (1220) can be operably coupled with a second output terminal (OUT2) of the switch (320). The first RX module (1230) can be operably coupled with a third antenna (ANT3). The second RX module (1230) can be operably coupled with a fourth antenna (ANT4).

[0129] A first input terminal (IN1) connected to a first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (310) may be connected to a first antenna (ANT1). A second input terminal (IN2) connected to a second output terminal (OUT2) of the switch (310) may be connected to a second antenna (ANT2). The first and second signals transmitted through the first and second TRX modules (1210, 1220) may be radiated through the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) to implement a 2X2 MIMO operation.

[0130] Meanwhile, a first signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) may be radiated through the first antenna (ANT1). In this regard, when the second TRX module (1220) is in an off state or not driven, the second signal is not radiated through the second antenna (ANT2).

[0131] Referring to FIGS. 5B to 10, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described. A second input terminal (IN2) connected to a second output terminal (OUT2) of a switch (210S) may be connected to a second antenna (ANT2). The TCU (200) may determine whether an output value of a first signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) and the first antenna (ANT1) is less than a threshold value.

[0132] In this regard, the output value of the first signal may be, but is not limited to, TRP (Total Radiated Power) or TxSS (Tx Signal Strength) and may vary depending on the application. The threshold may be set to 3 dBm, which is approximately 20 dB lower than the normal level of 22-24 dBm, but is not limited thereto and may vary depending on the application.

[0133] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b and FIG. 15, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described. The first TRX module (1210) operates normally, but the output value of the first signal may be lower than a threshold value due to a defect in the connection status between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1). If the output value of the first signal is lower than the threshold value, the TCU (200) can control the switch (210S) so that the first output terminal (OUT1) of the switch (210S) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2).

[0134] In this regard, in order to perform communication in an emergency situation through the second TRX module (1220) and the second antenna (ANT2) when the second TRX module (1220) is in an off state or not operating, it is necessary to wait until the second TRX module (1220) is operating normally. Therefore, in the case where the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold value due to a defect in the connection status between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1), communication in an emergency situation is possible through the first TRX module (1210) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0135] Meanwhile, although the connection between the first antenna (ANT1) and the first cable (CL1) is normal, the output value of the first signal may be lower than the threshold value due to a defect in an electronic component inside the first TRX module (1210). Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b and FIG. 15, a switch control method according to the present specification will be described.

[0136] The TCU (200) can drive the second TRX module (1220) while the first output terminal (IN1) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2). If the output value of the first signal is less than a threshold, the second TRX module (1220) can be driven before the first output terminal (IN1) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2).

[0137] If the output value of the second signal transmitted through the first TRX module (1210) and the second antenna (ANT2) is less than the threshold, the TCU (200) can control the switch (310) so that the second output terminal (IN2) of the switch (310) is connected to the second input terminal (IN2). Accordingly, even if the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold due to a defect in an electronic component within the first TRX module (1210), communication is possible in an emergency situation through the second TRX module (1220) and the second antenna (ANT2).

[0138] Meanwhile, a description will be given of a layout structure between adjacent antennas in a vehicle antenna according to the present specification. In this regard, a first antenna (ANT1) may be configured to operate in a first frequency band, a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, and a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band. A second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to operate in the same frequency band as the first antenna (ANT1). A second antenna (ANT2) may be configured to operate in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band.

[0139] The third antenna (ANT3) may be configured to operate in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured to operate in the same frequency band as the third antenna (ANT3). The fourth antenna (ANT4) may be configured to operate in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. Meanwhile, the first to third frequency bands may be set to be identical to the first to third frequency bands described in the front window glass (310).

[0140] Meanwhile, the spacing between the plurality of antennas according to the present specification may be set to a certain spacing or more so as to maintain the isolation between adjacent antennas at a certain level or more. In this regard, interference may occur between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) of the MIMO antennas (1100b) in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. In addition, interference may occur between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) of the MIMO antennas (1100b) in the second frequency band and the third frequency band. The first spacing (g1) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be set to 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band. The second spacing (g2) between the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be set to 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0141] Meanwhile, the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may cause interference in the first frequency band, the second frequency band, and the third frequency band. Since the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may also cause interference in the first frequency band, the third gap (g3) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be a wider gap than the other gaps (g1, g2). The third gap (g3) between the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) may be set to be 0.25 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency of the first frequency band.

[0142] Meanwhile, each of the first to fourth antennas of the MIMO antennas (1100b) disposed on the rear window glass (330) may be configured to include a plurality of conductive patterns. The first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) of the MIMO antennas (1100b) disposed on the rear window glass (330) may be configured to include the first to sixth conductive patterns (1110 to 1160) as shown in FIG. 8. The third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) of the MIMO antennas (1100b) disposed on the rear window glass (330) may be configured to include the seventh to eighth conductive patterns (1170, 1170c, 1180, 1180c) as shown in FIG. 8.

[0143] The description of the first to sixth conductive patterns (1110 to 1160) of the first and second antennas (ANT1, ANT2) disposed on the rear window glass (330) is replaced with the description of the first to sixth conductive patterns (1110 to 1160) disposed on the front window glass (330) described above. The description of the seventh to eighth conductive patterns (1170, 1170c, 1180, 1180c) of the third and fourth antennas (ANT3, ANT4) disposed on the rear window glass (330) is replaced with the description of the seventh to eighth conductive patterns (1170, 1170c, 1180, 1180c) disposed on the front window glass (330) described above.

[0144] Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna (1000) according to the present specification may be configured to further include various antennas in addition to the first to fourth antennas. In this regard, the vehicle antenna (1000) according to the present specification may be configured to further include a GNSS antenna (1310), a first WiFi antenna (1320a), and a second WiFi antenna (1320b).

[0145] A vehicle antenna will be described with reference to FIGS. 5b to 12b and FIG. 15. A GNSS antenna (1310) may be positioned between a first antenna (ANT1) and a second antenna (ANT2) to receive GNSS signals. Alternatively, a GNSS antenna (1310b) for receiving GNSS signals may be positioned on an upper glass (350) positioned in an upper area of ​​a vehicle (1).

[0146] A first WiFi antenna (1320a) is positioned between a first antenna (ANT1) and a third antenna (ANT3) to transmit and receive a first WiFi signal. A second WiFi antenna (1320b) is positioned between a second antenna (ANT2) and a fourth antenna (ANT4) to transmit and receive a second WiFi signal.

[0147] The first WiFi antenna (1320a) and the second WiFi antenna (1320b) may be implemented on an FPCB that supplies power to the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) implemented as transparent antennas, but are not limited thereto. Accordingly, the first WiFi antenna (1320a) and the second WiFi antenna (1320b) can reduce interference in the 2.4 GHz band among the second frequency bands of the first antenna (ANT1) and the second antenna (ANT2) and in the 5 GHz band among the third frequency bands.

[0148] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b, 13 and 15, the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be positioned on either the first and second quarter window glasses (340a, 340b). The second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be positioned on the rear window glass (330).

[0149] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b, 14 and 15, the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) may be positioned on the first quarter window glass (340a). The second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) may be positioned on the second quarter window glass (340b). The first and second quarter window glasses (340a, 340b) may include a transparent region (11) and an opaque region (12) surrounding the transparent region (11).

[0150] The transparent region (11) in contact with the opaque region (12) can form a first end of a first length (L1a) and a second end of a second length (L2a) shorter than the first length (L1a). Lower ends of the first antenna (ANT1) and the third antenna (ANT3) can be arranged adjacent to the first end of the first length (L1a) of the transparent region (11) of the first quarter window glass (340a). Lower ends of the second antenna (ANT2) and the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be arranged adjacent to the first end of the first length (L1a) of the transparent region (11) of the second quarter window glass (340b). Lower ends of the first antenna (ANT1) to the fourth antenna (ANT4) can be defined as boundaries of transparent antenna regions connected to the FPCB.

[0151] Meanwhile, a vehicle antenna according to the present specification may be implemented with a DSDA (Dual SIM Dual Access) structure. A vehicle antenna implemented with a DSDA structure may be implemented to perform 8X8 MIMO operation. In this regard, FIG. 16 illustrates a vehicle antenna implemented with a DSDA structure.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 12b and FIGS. 14 to 16, the MIMO antennas (1100b) may be configured to further include a fifth antenna (ANT5), a sixth antenna (ANT6), a seventh antenna (ANT7), and an eighth antenna (ANT8).

[0153] The fifth antenna (ANT5) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the fifth signal. The sixth antenna (ANT6) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the sixth signal. The seventh antenna (ANT7) may be configured as a TRX antenna that mainly transmits and receives the seventh signal. The eighth antenna (ANT8) may be configured as a RX antenna that receives the eighth signal.

[0154] The fifth antenna (ANT5) and the sixth antenna (ANT6) may be disposed on the first quarter window glass (340a). The fifth antenna (ANT5) and the sixth antenna (ANT6) may be disposed adjacent to a first end of a first length (L1a) of the first quarter window glass (340a). The seventh antenna (ANT7) and the eighth antenna (ANT8) may be disposed on the second quarter window glass (340b). Lower portions of the seventh antenna (ANT7) and the eighth antenna (ANT8) may be disposed adjacent to a first end of the first length (L1a) of the second quarter window glass (340b). Lower portions of the fifth antenna (ANT5) to the eighth antenna (ANT8) may be defined as boundaries of transparent antenna regions connected to the FPCB.

[0155] Meanwhile, the vehicle antenna (1000) according to the present specification may be configured to further include various antennas in addition to the first to eighth antennas. In this regard, the vehicle antenna (1000) according to the present specification may be configured to further include a GNSS antenna (1310), a first WiFi antenna (1320a), and a second WiFi antenna (1320b).

[0156] A vehicle antenna will be described with reference to FIGS. 5b to 12b and 16. A GNSS antenna (1310) is arranged between a first antenna (ANT1) and a second antenna (ANT2) to receive a GNSS signal. A first WiFi antenna (1320a) is arranged between a fifth antenna (ANT5) and a sixth antenna (ANT6) of a first quarter window glass (340a) to transmit and receive a first WiFi signal. A second WiFi antenna (1320b) is arranged between a seventh antenna (ANT7) and an eighth antenna (ANT8) of a second quarter window glass (340b) to transmit and receive a second WiFi signal.

[0157] The first WiFi antenna (1320a) and the second WiFi antenna (1320b) may be implemented on an FPCB that supplies power to the fifth antenna (ANT5) to the eighth antenna (ANT8) implemented as transparent antennas, but are not limited thereto. Accordingly, the first WiFi antenna (1320a) and the second WiFi antenna (1320b) can reduce interference in the 2.4 GHz band among the second frequency bands of the fifth antenna (ANT5) to the eighth antenna (ANT8) and in the 5 GHz band among the third frequency bands.

[0158] Above, a vehicle antenna according to this specification has been described.

[0159] The technical effects of the vehicle antenna according to this specification can be summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0160] According to this specification, a new antenna configuration and arrangement structure according to an expansion of the number of antennas can be provided on the front, side, or rear window of a vehicle.

[0161] According to the present specification, a first and second transmitting / receiving antenna arrangement structure and a method for switching between the first and second transmitting / receiving antennas can be provided to maintain the transmitting / receiving performance of wireless communication in the event of an emergency in which one antenna is damaged.

[0162] According to this specification, transparent antennas arranged in a symmetrical structure can secure almost the same low elevation performance on average, so that almost the same low elevation communication performance can be secured in a vehicle by switching between the first and second transmitting and receiving antennas.

[0163] According to this specification, even if the first transmitting / receiving antenna is damaged, wireless communication can be performed through the second transmitting / receiving antenna by switching the path of the switch, thereby maintaining the same transmission quality even in an emergency.

[0164] According to this specification, the spacing between transmitting and receiving antennas and the spacing between transmitting and receiving antennas and receiving antennas can be determined and the layout structure can be optimized by considering the overall antenna size and interference between antennas in a vehicle antenna.

[0165] 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 become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as the preferred embodiments of this disclosure, are given by way of example only. Accordingly, the detailed description above should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but rather as illustrative. 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. For vehicle antennas, frame; Front window glass; MIMO antennas mounted on the front window glass of the vehicle and transmitting and receiving wireless signals of preset frequencies; and A TCU is disposed on the above frame and includes a switch for selecting an antenna, The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna that primarily transmits and receives a first signal, a second antenna that primarily transmits and receives a second signal, a third antenna that receives a third signal, and a fourth antenna that receives a fourth signal. The first region of the vehicle is defined as the left region of the vehicle including the steering wheel, The second area of ​​the above vehicle is defined as the right area of ​​the above vehicle, The first antenna and the third antenna are arranged in the first area of ​​the front window glass, The second antenna and the fourth antenna are arranged in the second area of ​​the front window glass, The first antenna and the second antenna are arranged in the inner area of ​​the front window glass, The third antenna and the fourth antenna are arranged in an outer area of ​​the front window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the switch is configured to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna.

2. In paragraph 1, A first TRX module operably coupled to a first output terminal of the switch; A second TRX module operably coupled to a second output terminal of the switch; a first RX module operably coupled with the third antenna; and Further comprising a second RX module operably coupled with the above four antennas, The first input terminal connected to the first output terminal of the switch is connected to the first antenna, and the second input terminal connected to the second output terminal of the switch is connected to the second antenna. A vehicle antenna, wherein the TCU determines whether the output value of the first signal transmitted through the first TRX module and the first antenna is less than a threshold value.

3. In paragraph 2, a first cable configured to connect the first antenna and the first TRX module, a second cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second TRX module; and Further comprising a first cable configured to connect the third antenna and the first RX module, and a fourth cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second RX module, The distance from the first and second antennas arranged in the inner area of ​​the front window glass to the first and second cables is set to a first length, A vehicle antenna, wherein the distance from the third and fourth antennas arranged in the outer area of ​​the front window glass to the third and fourth cables is set to a second length longer than the first length.

4. In paragraph 2, A vehicle antenna, wherein when the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold, the TCU controls the switch so that the first output terminal of the switch is connected to the second input terminal.

5. In paragraph 4, A vehicle antenna, wherein when the output value of the second signal transmitted through the first TRX module and the second antenna is less than the threshold, the TCU controls the switch so that the second output terminal of the switch is connected to the second input terminal.

6. In paragraph 1, The first antenna and the second antenna operate in a first frequency band, a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band, and a third frequency band higher than the second frequency band, The third antenna and the fourth antenna operate in the second frequency band and the third frequency band, The distance between the first antenna and the third antenna is set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency, A vehicle antenna, wherein the distance between the second antenna and the fourth antenna is set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

7. In paragraph 6, A vehicle antenna, wherein the distance between the first antenna and the second antenna is set to be 0.25 wavelength or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

8. In paragraph 6, The first antenna includes a first conductive pattern connected to a first feed pattern, a second conductive pattern connected to a first portion of the first ground pattern, and a third conductive pattern connected to a second portion of the first ground pattern. The second antenna includes a fourth conductive pattern connected to the second feed pattern, a fifth conductive pattern connected to the first portion of the second ground pattern, and a sixth conductive pattern connected to the second portion of the second ground pattern. A vehicle antenna, wherein the interval between the first conductive pattern of the first antenna and the fourth conductive pattern of the second antenna is set to be 0.25 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

9. In paragraph 8, The third antenna includes a seventh conductive pattern connected to the third feed pattern and an eighth conductive pattern connected to the first portion of the third ground pattern, The second antenna includes a ninth conductive pattern connected to the fourth feed pattern and a tenth conductive pattern connected to the first portion of the fourth ground pattern, The seventh conductive pattern of the third antenna includes a first slot area from which metal has been removed corresponding to the shape of the eighth conductive pattern, The ninth conductive pattern of the fourth antenna includes a second slot area from which metal has been removed corresponding to the shape of the tenth conductive pattern, The interval between the first conductive pattern of the first antenna and the eighth conductive pattern of the third antenna is set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency, A vehicle antenna, wherein the distance between the fourth conductive pattern of the second antenna and the tenth antenna of the fourth antenna is set to be 0.15 wavelengths or more based on the lowest operating frequency.

10. For vehicle antennas, frame; Window Glass - The window glass includes a rear window glass and first and second quarter window glass on the left and right sides of the vehicle; MIMO antennas mounted on the window glass of the vehicle and transmitting and receiving wireless signals of preset frequencies; A TCU disposed on the above frame and including a switch for selecting an antenna; The MIMO antenna includes a first antenna that primarily transmits and receives a first signal, a second antenna that primarily transmits and receives a second signal, a third antenna that receives a third signal, and a fourth antenna that receives a fourth signal. The first antenna and the third antenna are arranged in the first area of ​​the window glass, The second antenna and the fourth antenna are arranged in the second area of ​​the window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the switch is configured to select one of the first antenna and the second antenna.

11. In paragraph 10, The first antenna and the third antenna are arranged in the first area of ​​the rear window glass, The second antenna and the fourth antenna are arranged in the second area of ​​the window glass, The above first region is defined as the left region of the rear window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the second region is defined as the right region of the rear window glass.

12. In paragraph 11, A first TRX module operably coupled to a first output terminal of the switch; A second TRX module operably coupled to a second output terminal of the switch; a first RX module operably coupled with the third antenna; and Further comprising a second RX module operably coupled with the above four antennas, The first input terminal connected to the first output terminal of the switch is connected to the first antenna, and the second input terminal connected to the second output terminal of the switch is connected to the second antenna. A vehicle antenna, wherein the TCU determines whether the output value of the first signal transmitted through the first TRX module and the first antenna is less than a threshold value.

13. In paragraph 12, a first cable configured to connect the first antenna and the first TRX module, a second cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second TRX module; and Further comprising a first cable configured to connect the third antenna and the first RX module, and a fourth cable configured to connect the second antenna and the second RX module, The distance from the first and second antennas arranged in the inner area of ​​the front window glass to the first and second cables is set to a first length, A vehicle antenna, wherein the distance from the third and fourth antennas arranged in the outer area of ​​the front window glass to the third and fourth cables is set to a second length longer than the first length.

14. In paragraph 12, A vehicle antenna, wherein when the output value of the first signal is less than the threshold, the TCU controls the switch so that the first output terminal of the switch is connected to the second input terminal.

15. In paragraph 10, A GNSS antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna; a first WiFi antenna disposed between the first antenna and the third antenna; and A vehicle antenna further comprising a second WiFi antenna disposed between the second antenna and the fourth antenna.

16. In paragraph 10, The first antenna and the third antenna are arranged on one of the first and second quarter window glasses, A vehicle antenna, wherein the second antenna and the fourth antenna are disposed on the rear window glass.

17. In paragraph 10, The first antenna and the second antenna are arranged on the first quarter window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the third antenna and the fourth antenna are disposed on the second quarter window glass.

18. In paragraph 17, The first and second quarter window glasses include a transparent region and an opaque region surrounding the transparent region, The transparent region in contact with the opaque region forms a first end having a first length and a second end having a second length shorter than the first length, The lower ends of the first antenna and the third antenna are arranged adjacent to the first end of the first quarter window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the lower ends of the second antenna and the fourth antenna are positioned adjacent to the first end of the second quarter window glass.

19. In paragraph 16, The MIMO antenna further includes a first antenna that primarily transmits and receives a fifth signal, a sixth antenna that receives a sixth signal, a seventh antenna that primarily transmits and receives a seventh signal, and an eighth antenna that receives an eighth signal. The fifth antenna and the sixth antenna are arranged on the first quarter window glass, A vehicle antenna, wherein the seventh antenna and the eighth antenna are arranged on the second quarter window glass.

20. In paragraph 19, A GNSS antenna disposed between the first antenna and the second antenna; A first WiFi antenna disposed between the fifth antenna and the sixth antenna of the first quarter window glass; and A vehicle antenna further comprising a second WiFi antenna disposed between the seventh antenna and the eighth antenna of the second quarter window glass.

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