Vehicle glass assembly

Abstract

This vehicle glass assembly comprises: a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate disposed to face the first transparent substrate; a transparent antenna unit disposed on one surface of the first transparent substrate or between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and having an antenna transparent electrode unit in a first mesh structure; and a discoloration area disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and having a transparent electrode unit in a second mesh structure of which light transmittance is changed by a voltage. An end of the discoloration area and an end of the transparent antenna unit may be disposed to be inwardly spaced apart from an end of the first transparent substrate.

Description

Automotive glass assembly

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a glass assembly for a vehicle. More specifically, it relates to a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed therein, and a method for manufacturing 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 transparent antennas are manufactured from a transparent film, they are less resistant to scratches and other abrasions, requiring careful attention from consumers.

[0008] Automotive glass, beyond its inherent functions of separating the interior and exterior, protecting the interior, and ensuring visibility, is expanding to include various additional functions, such as blocking external heat and light, and protecting privacy from the outside world. In particular, recent advancements in communication technologies, such as vehicle-to-vehicle communication and satellite communications, have led to an increase in the number of antennas installed in vehicles, garnering significant attention for antenna technology installed on vehicle windows.

[0009] The purpose of installing a communication antenna on a vehicle's windshield is to transmit and receive high-frequency communication signals with minimal loss. As communication frequencies increase, signal loss increases when antennas are inserted into the vehicle's internal frame or invisible structures. Therefore, the purpose of directly mounting the communication antenna on the vehicle's windshield is to ensure effective signal transmission and reception. Another reason for installing the antenna on the vehicle's windshield is to provide greater design flexibility.

[0010] Meanwhile, existing vehicle antennas are typically shaped like pole antennas or shark fin antennas. This can limit exterior design and pose noise and safety concerns. Therefore, a glass-mounted antenna can be a viable solution to overcome these design constraints and safety concerns. However, it is desirable to implement a transparent antenna to avoid obstructing driver and passenger visibility. A transparent antenna can be a viable solution that satisfies all of the aforementioned objectives.

[0011] Transparent antennas are constructed by forming an antenna pattern in the form of a metal mesh on a transparent, flexible film substrate. Transmittance can be adjusted to 80% or higher, allowing them to be attached to glass or inserted between double-glazed panes of glass. Transparent antennas are invisible to the human eye and can be easily installed on glass. Furthermore, transparent antennas are advantageous for high-frequency communications, as they can receive high-frequency signals from outside without interference from obstacles.

[0012] Meanwhile, the application of smart glass, which incorporates various functional materials and components, to automotive glass can lead to inefficiencies such as complexity in the automotive glass manufacturing process, functional degradation due to interference between each function, and increased manufacturing costs. Some functional aspects make it structurally difficult to incorporate transparent antennas into automotive glass. For example, automotive glass with a heating film for anti-fogging or defrosting, or smart glass with a photochromic film for controlling light transmittance, are examples. When manufacturing a composite smart glass and transparent antenna, structural and electrical design must be implemented to prevent the heating or photochromic components from interfering with the signal transmission and reception of the transparent antenna.

[0013] In this specification, a structure and manufacturing method between each element are proposed to solve the aforementioned problem when installing a vehicle glass-mounted transparent antenna and other vehicle glass-mounted functional materials or elements (heat-generating films, discoloration films, etc.) on a single vehicle glass.

[0014] The present specification aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems. Furthermore, another object, more specifically, is to provide a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed therein, and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0015] Additionally, the purpose of the present specification is to provide a combination of smart glass and a transparent antenna having a photochromic film installed thereon for controlling light transmittance of vehicle glass.

[0016] In addition, the purpose of this specification is to provide a structural and electrical design so that when manufacturing a composite of smart glass and a transparent antenna, a heat-generating or discoloring element does not interfere with the signal transmission and reception of the transparent antenna.

[0017] In addition, the purpose of this specification is to provide a structure and manufacturing method between each element when installing a transparent antenna and a functional material or element such as a heating fill or a discoloration film on a single vehicle glass.

[0018] In order to achieve the above or other purposes, a vehicle antenna assembly according to the present specification includes a vehicle glass assembly, a first transparent substrate; a second transparent substrate disposed opposite the first transparent substrate; a transparent antenna part disposed on one surface of the first transparent substrate or between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and having a first mesh-structured antenna transparent electrode part formed thereon; and a discoloration region disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, and having a second mesh-structured transparent electrode part whose light transmittance changes by voltage formed thereon. An end portion of the discoloration region and an end portion of the transparent antenna part may be disposed to be spaced inward from an end portion of the first transparent substrate.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate may be formed of first glass and second glass. The glass assembly may further include a film layer disposed between the first glass and the second glass. The transparent antenna portion and the discoloration region may be disposed in an inner region of the film layer.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the discoloration region may be arranged such that one end is spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion by a first distance. The first distance may be formed in a range of 0.25 to 1 time of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest frequency among the operating frequency bands of the transparent antenna portion.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the other end of the discoloration region may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass and the second glass by a second distance. The other end of the transparent antenna portion may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from the other end of the first glass and the second glass by a third distance. The second distance and the third distance may be formed to be narrower than the width of the black mask region formed on one surface of the second glass.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the glass assembly may include a power supply pad having one end connected to the other end of the discoloration region so that the light transmittance is changed by applying the voltage to the discoloration region.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the feed pad may be formed to be exposed to the outside of one end of the first glass and the second glass. The glass assembly may further include a flexible substrate having a feed line formed thereon, which is electrically connected to the antenna transparent electrode portion of the transparent antenna portion. The feed line is connected to the other end of the transparent antenna portion, and the flexible substrate having the feed line formed thereon may be formed to be exposed to the outside of the other end of the first glass and the second glass.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate may include a first flexible substrate having a first feed line formed thereon and a second flexible substrate having a second feed line formed thereon. The feed pad may include a first feed pad that applies a first voltage to a first region on the XY plane of the discoloration region and a second feed pad that applies a second voltage to a second region on the XY plane of the discoloration region.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the transparent antenna portion may be arranged to overlap the discoloration region. One end of the discoloration region may be formed closer to the other end of the first glass and the second glass than the other end of the transparent antenna portion.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the transparent antenna portion may be disposed on the first surface of the first transparent substrate. One end of the discoloration region may be formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The other end of the discoloration region may be formed to extend to the other end of the second transparent substrate.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the discoloration region may include a dielectric region disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode part disposed between a back surface of the first transparent substrate and a front surface of the dielectric region; and a second transparent electrode part disposed between a back surface of the dielectric region and a front surface of the second transparent substrate. One end of the first transparent electrode part and the second transparent electrode part may be disposed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The other end of the first transparent electrode part and the second transparent electrode part may be disposed to extend to the other end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the transparent antenna portion may be arranged on the first surface of the first transparent substrate. One end of the discoloration region may be formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate. The other end of the discoloration region may be formed at a point spaced inward from one end of the transparent antenna portion of the first transparent substrate.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the discoloration region may include a dielectric region disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; a first transparent electrode portion disposed between a back surface of the first transparent substrate and a front surface of the dielectric region; and a second transparent electrode portion disposed between a back surface of the dielectric region and a front surface of the second transparent substrate. One end of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion may be disposed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the other end of the second transparent substrate on which the discoloration region is arranged may be formed at the other end of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion. The end of the second transparent substrate on which the discoloration region is arranged may be arranged spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate. The other ends of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion may be formed at a point spaced inward from one end of the transparent antenna portion of the first transparent substrate.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the transparent antenna portion may be arranged on a first surface of the first glass. One end of the discoloration region may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass and the second glass by a second distance. The other end of the discoloration region may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass and the second glass by a third distance. The second distance and the third distance may be formed to be narrower than the width of the black mask region formed on one surface of the second glass.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the flexible substrate on which the feed line is formed may be placed in a black mask area formed on one surface of the second glass. The film layer may include a first area formed corresponding to the discoloration area and a second area formed corresponding to the transparent antenna portion. The second area of ​​the film layer may be formed to extend to one end of the discoloration area spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the transparent antenna portion may include a dielectric substrate and the antenna transparent electrode portion formed on the dielectric substrate. The film layer may include a first film layer and a second film layer formed in an upper region and a lower region of the discoloration region on the Z-axis. A first side and a second side of the first film layer may be in contact with the first glass and the first side of the discoloration region, respectively. A first side and a second side of the second film layer may be in contact with the second side of the discoloration region and the second glass, respectively.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the first region of the second film layer corresponding to the first film layer and the discoloration region may be formed as a transparent region. The second region of the second surface of the second film layer may be formed as an opaque region. The width of the opaque region of the second region of the second film layer may be formed to be wider than the width of the opaque region of the black mask region of the second glass.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the first region of the second film layer may be formed with a first light transmittance. The opaque region of the black mask region of the second glass may be formed with a second light transmittance. The second region of the second film layer may be formed to gradually increase from the second light transmittance to a third light transmittance as it moves inward from an edge. The first light transmittance may be set to a value greater than the third light transmittance, and the third light transmittance may be set to a value greater than the second light transmittance.

[0036] A glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed according to the present specification is described as follows.

[0037] According to the present specification, a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed therein and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided for various types of vehicle glass.

[0038] According to this specification, mutual interference can be minimized in a composite structure of smart glass and a transparent antenna equipped with a photochromic film for controlling light transmittance of vehicle glass.

[0039] According to this specification, when manufacturing a composite of smart glass and a transparent antenna, a structural and electrical design can be provided so that the heat-generating or discoloring elements are spaced apart on the same plane or partially overlapped on a different plane so as not to cause interference with signal transmission and reception of the transparent antenna.

[0040] According to this specification, when installing a transparent antenna and a functional material or element such as a heating filler or a discoloration film on a single vehicle window, the structure and manufacturing method between each element can be provided.

[0041] 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.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0043] Figure 2 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a vehicle glass that can be joined or attached to the frame of the vehicle.

[0045] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the glass of Figure 3 and the frame of the vehicle combined.

[0046] Figure 5 shows an antenna assembly and connector structure arranged in a transparent area and an opaque area of ​​a vehicle's glass.

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a transparent antenna structure, a discoloration region structure, and a heating region structure of a glass assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0048] FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate cross-sectional and plan views of a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a glass assembly in which a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region are arranged to overlap each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of a structure in which a discoloration region formed between a plurality of transparent substrates according to embodiments of the present disclosure is arranged only in the entire area and in some areas.

[0051] FIG. 11 illustrates a glass assembly in which a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region are overlapped and laminated in an on-glass structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view and a plan view of a glass assembly in which an opaque region is formed in an area where a transparent antenna portion is formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view and a plan view of a glass assembly forming a vehicle windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which the light transmittance is changed by adjusting the voltage in the discoloration region of a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion according to the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig. 15 is a graph comparing the antenna gain characteristics as the light transmittance changes by adjusting the voltage in the discoloration area of ​​Fig. 14 with the antenna gain characteristics of a reference antenna structure without the discoloration area.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Below, a transparent antenna module according to the present specification and a method for manufacturing the same are described in detail. In this regard, FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present specification.

[0062] 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).

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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 glass (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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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).

[0067] 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).

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 glass (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).

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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).

[0079] Hereinafter, a glass assembly having a transparent antenna part for a vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. In this regard, the glass assembly may have a discoloration region and / or a heating region formed in addition to the transparent antenna part. In this regard, FIG. 6 illustrates the transparent antenna structure, the discoloration region structure, and the heating region structure of the glass assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 6(a) shows a cross-sectional view of a vehicle glass-mounted transparent antenna part used in the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 6(a), an antenna transparent electrode part (1110) of the transparent antenna part may be formed on one surface of a transparent substrate (10) formed of glass. A flexible substrate (1200) on which a feed line is formed may be connected to the antenna transparent electrode part (1110) through an ACF bonding part (1150). The antenna transparent electrode part (1110) may be formed in an on-glass structure attached to an interior surface of the glass. As another example, the antenna transparent electrode part (1110) may be formed in an in-glass structure inserted between two pieces of glass of a double-laminated glass such as a windshield of a vehicle.

[0081] In the present disclosure, an in-glass structure in which an antenna transparent electrode part is arranged between double-laminated glasses can be described as a main embodiment. However, the glass assembly according to the present disclosure is not limited to the transparent antenna part of the in-glass structure and can be changed according to the application. Referring to Fig. 6(a), the transparent antenna part may have a transparent electrode part (1110) as an antenna pattern formed on one side of a transparent substrate (10). The antenna pattern is made of a conductive material, preferably a metal material, and may also use a metal oxide conductive material. In order to secure the light transmittance of the transparent antenna part, the transparent electrode part (1110) may be formed in a mesh structure having mesh patterns. Meanwhile, a flexible substrate (1200) having a feed line formed thereon for transmitting a communication signal transmitted / received by the transparent electrode part (1110) may be connected to one side of the transparent electrode part (1110).

[0082] Hereinafter, a functional element may be implemented in a glass assembly, such as a composite smart glass, having a transparent antenna portion proposed in the present disclosure. The functional element implemented in the glass assembly may be implemented as a color-changing element or a heating element, but is not limited thereto, and may be implemented as another functional element or film.

[0083] Fig. 6(b) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a discoloration region of a glass assembly according to the present disclosure. Referring to Fig. 6(b), a discoloration region (1300) may be formed between a first transparent substrate (10a) and a second transparent substrate (10b). The discoloration region (1300) may include a dielectric region (1310), a first transparent electrode portion (1320) and a second transparent electrode portion (1330) disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the dielectric region (1310).

[0084] The dielectric region (1310) of the discoloration region (1300) may be implemented with a film material. Accordingly, the discoloration region (1300) may be referred to as a discoloration film. A discoloration film is a device that changes light transmittance by applying energy. The discoloration film may be implemented with an electrochromic device (ECD), a polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PLDC), a suspended particle device (SPD), etc.

[0085] The structure in which the chromic element is implemented is formed by the basic structure of a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode portion, and a dielectric region of a chromic material layer. Therefore, a glass assembly including a chromic region of the present disclosure can be formed by the basic structure of a transparent substrate, a transparent electrode portion, and a dielectric region of a chromic material layer. In this regard, the application is not limited by the type of chromic element forming the chromic region. The chromic element can be formed by the transparent electrode portion on one side of the transparent substrate. The chromic region (1300) can be formed by the dielectric region (1310) of the chromic material layer between the first and second transparent electrode portions (1320, 1330).

[0086] The discoloration material layer has the characteristic of changing the arrangement of the material when external energy is supplied and when it is not supplied. Therefore, by utilizing this characteristic, the light transmittance of the discoloration area (1300) can be controlled depending on the presence or absence of energy application.

[0087] FIG. 6(c) shows a structure in which a heating element (1300c) is arranged on a transparent substrate (10) in relation to the glass assembly proposed in the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6(c), the heating element (1300c) has a structure in which a heating element is formed on one side of the transparent substrate (10). The heating element may be formed of a conductive material such as a metal or a transparent conductive material. When a metal material is used, the heating element may be formed in a mesh structure having mesh patterns to ensure visibility. When a transparent conductive material is used, since light transmittance is secured, there is no need to form a separate pattern, and thus the heating element may be formed on the entire surface of the transparent substrate (10). The transparent substrate (10; 10a, 10b) used in FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(c) may be glass or a transparent polymer film such as PET or COP. Meanwhile, PVB (Polyvinyl butyral), which is a glass adhesive for vehicles, may be used.

[0088] Meanwhile, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate cross-sectional views and plan views of a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a glass assembly with variable light transmittance according to the present disclosure will be described. In this regard, a transparent antenna portion (1100) may be arranged on double-laminated glass used for a windshield of a vehicle, etc. Double-laminated glass for vehicles may be manufactured by pressing two sheets of glass together using a film layer (1010) such as an adhesive film.

[0089] In order to manufacture functional smart glass, a discoloration area (1300) of a functional film, such as a discoloration film or a heating film, may be placed between the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b) corresponding to the glass of FIG. 7 and 2. A transparent antenna unit (1100) may be inserted and placed inside the discoloration area (1300). The discoloration area (1300) in which the transparent antenna unit (1100) is placed may be placed by being pressed between the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b) using a film layer (1010) such as PVB.

[0090] The film layer (1010) may be implemented as one film layer or two or more film layers depending on the thickness and size of the functional film, the discoloration region (1300) or the transparent antenna portion (1100). The transparent antenna portion (1100) may be connected to the flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed line (1200f) is formed through the ACF bonding portion (1150).

[0091] The transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) may be formed on the same plane with the same thickness or may be arranged with a step. The transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) may be arranged spaced apart from each other by a first gap (G1) in one axial direction. As another example, the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) may be arranged in a laminated structure.

[0092] Meanwhile, the portions occupied by the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) may be formed so as not to extend beyond the edges of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b). Preferably, the ends of the portions occupied by the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) may be positioned spaced apart from the edges of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b) by a second distance (G2) and a third distance (G3).

[0093] As described above, the transparent antenna part (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) may be disposed adjacently without a gap or may be disposed spaced apart from each other by a first gap (G1) in one axial direction so as not to affect each other. A power supply pad (1300p) for applying power to the discoloration area (1300) may be provided on the glass assembly. A flexible substrate (1200) having a power supply line formed thereon for transmitting / receiving a communication signal to / from the transparent antenna part (1100) may be provided on the glass assembly. For electrical connection of the elements corresponding to the power supply line and the power supply pad (1300p) of the flexible substrate (1200), the flexible substrate (1200) and the power supply pad (1300p) must be exposed to the outside of the glass bonding surface. The functional film of the discoloration area (1300) presented in the present disclosure is not limited to a discoloration film or a heating film, and can be applied to various functional films or elements applicable to vehicle glass.

[0094] Meanwhile, in the glass assembly with a changeable light transmittance according to the present disclosure, the discoloration region implemented as a functional film may be formed to overlap with or be spaced apart from the transparent antenna portion. In addition, the transparent antenna portion may be disposed inside the double-laminated glass or a plurality of transparent substrates, or may be disposed on the inner glass. In this regard, Fig. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a glass assembly in which the transparent antenna portion and the discoloration region are disposed to overlap with each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a structure in which the discoloration region formed between a plurality of transparent substrates according to embodiments of the present disclosure is disposed in the entire area or only in a portion of the area. The embodiments of Figs. 9 and 10 are applicable to double-laminated glass formed on the windshield of a vehicle.

[0095] Referring to Fig. 9, a discoloration area (1300a) of a functional film may be formed within a film layer (1010) between the first and second glasses (10a, 10b). A structure in which a transparent antenna portion (1100) is laminated on one side of the discoloration area (1300a) is illustrated. A vehicle glass assembly must maintain a certain level of light transmittance or higher so as not to obstruct the view of the driver and passengers. Therefore, materials mounted on the surface or interior of the glass must be implemented as transparent materials.

[0096] Meanwhile, in order to implement the discoloration area with the functional films of FIGS. 9 and 10, a glass or transparent substrate material is required. Referring to FIG. 10(a), the discoloration area (1300) may extend to the edges of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b) and may be implemented in the entire area. Referring to FIG. 10(b), the discoloration area (1300) may be formed only up to a certain portion of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b) and may be implemented in a partial area.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 10(a), a transparent antenna portion (1100) may be formed on a first surface of a first transparent substrate (10a), and a discoloration region (1300) may be formed on a second surface of the first transparent substrate (10a). In this regard, a separate substrate may be added between the first transparent substrate (10a) and the antenna pattern to facilitate formation of the antenna pattern. The discoloration region (1300) may be configured to include a dielectric region (1310a), a first transparent electrode portion (1320), and a second transparent electrode portion (1330). One end of the dielectric region (1310a), the first transparent electrode portion (1320), and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be formed to be aligned with one end of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b). The other ends of the dielectric region (1310a), the first transparent electrode portion (1320), and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) can be formed to be aligned with the other ends of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 10(b), a gap between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) is required to avoid mutual interference between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300). The gap between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) may be formed as a first gap (G1).

[0099] The second transparent substrate (10b2) supporting the discoloration area (1300) may be formed to have the same length as the discoloration area (1300). In this regard, one end of the second transparent substrate (10b2) may be aligned with one end of the discoloration area (1300). The other end of the second transparent substrate (10b2) may be aligned with the other end of the discoloration area (1300).

[0100] The discoloration region (1300) may be configured to include a dielectric region (1310b), a first transparent electrode portion (1320), and a second transparent electrode portion (1330). One end of the dielectric region (1310b), the first transparent electrode portion (1320), and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be formed to be aligned with one end of the first and second transparent substrates (10a, 10b). The other end of the dielectric region (1310b), the first transparent electrode portion (1320), and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be formed to be spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) by a first gap (G1). Referring to FIG. 10(b), the vehicle transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) can be implemented in a space- and cost-efficient manner.

[0101] Meanwhile, in a glass assembly with variable light transmittance according to the present disclosure, the transparent antenna portion may be implemented as an on-glass structure disposed on the inner glass. In the on-glass structure, even if the discoloration region is laminated to overlap with the transparent antenna portion, mutual interference between the two can be maintained below a certain level. In this regard, FIG. 11 illustrates a glass assembly in which the transparent antenna portion and the discoloration region are laminated to overlap with each other in an on-glass structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 11, a glass assembly having an on-glass structure in which a transparent antenna portion (1100) is disposed on an outer surface of double-laminated glass of a vehicle is illustrated. A discoloration area (1300a), which is a functional film, is inserted together with a film layer (1010) between first and second glasses (10a, 10b), which are double-laminated glasses. The film layer (1010) may be implemented as one film layer or two or more film layers. Alternatively, when implemented as two film layers, the discoloration area (1300a), which is a functional film, may be disposed between the two film layers. The film layer (1010) may be configured to include a first film layer (1011) and a second film layer (1012). The first film layer (1011) may be disposed between the first glass (10a) and a first side of the discoloration area (1300a). A second film layer (1012) may be placed between the second surface of the discoloration area (1300a) and the second glass (10b).

[0103] The transparent antenna part (1100) can be attached to the interior surface of the first glass (10a), which is the inner glass of the vehicle double-laminated glass. The antenna transparent electrode part of the transparent antenna part (1100) can be formed on a transparent substrate or directly on the surface of the first glass (10a). In addition, the transparent antenna part (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) can be spaced apart in the vertical direction by the thickness of the first glass (10b) and the first film layer (1011). Therefore, since there is no interference in the horizontal radial direction of the transparent antenna part (1100), a separate separation distance between the transparent antenna part (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) is not required. However, if necessary, the transparent antenna part (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) can also be spaced apart in one axial direction.

[0104] Hereinafter, a glass assembly with a changeable light transmittance according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. The glass assembly may be configured to include a first transparent substrate (10a), a second transparent substrate (10b), a transparent antenna portion (1100), and a discoloration region (1300). The glass assembly may further include a power supply pad (1300p) that applies voltage to the discoloration region (1300). The glass assembly may further include a flexible substrate (1200) on which a power supply line electrically connected to the transparent antenna portion (1100) is formed.

[0105] The second transparent substrate (10b) may be disposed opposite the first transparent substrate (10a). Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be disposed between the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). The end of the discoloration region (1300) may be disposed spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate (1300). Therefore, the discoloration region (1300) can change the transparency and / or color of the remaining area of ​​the glass assembly except for the area where the transparent antenna portion (1100) is disposed. The end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be disposed spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate (1300). Therefore, it is possible to prevent radio waves radiated from the end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) from being distorted by the end of the glass assembly.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the transparent antenna unit (1100) may be disposed on one surface of the first transparent substrate (10a). The end of the discoloration region (1300) may be disposed spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate (1300). Therefore, the discoloration region (1300) can change transparency and / or color for the remaining area of ​​the glass assembly except for the area where the transparent antenna unit (1100) is disposed. The end of the transparent antenna unit (1100) may be disposed spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate (1300). Therefore, it is possible to prevent radio waves radiated from the end of the transparent antenna unit (1100) from being distorted by the end of the glass assembly.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 10(b), the end portion of the second transparent substrate (10b2) on which the discoloration region (1300) is arranged can be arranged spaced inward from the end portion of the first transparent substrate (10a). Accordingly, the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) can be implemented in a space- and cost-efficient manner. In addition, the antenna efficiency can be improved by radiating through a single glass structure rather than a double glass structure, which is the radiation region of the transparent antenna portion (1100).

[0108] The transparent antenna portion (1100) may be formed with a first mesh-structured antenna transparent electrode portion (1110). The discoloration region (1300) may be arranged between the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). A second mesh-structured transparent electrode portion (1110) whose light transmittance changes by voltage may be formed in the discoloration region (1300). The first mesh-structured antenna transparent electrode portion (1110) may be formed such that the mesh lattice spacing is narrower than the mesh lattice spacing of the second mesh-structured transparent electrode portion.

[0109] The antenna transparent electrode portion (1110) needs to be formed at a certain level or less of an interval so as to have a certain level or more of radiation efficiency in a frequency band of 0.6 GHz to 6 GHz for 4G / 5G wireless communication. The transparent electrode portion of the second mesh structure of the discoloration area (1300) does not operate as a radiator and changes in light transmittance as the voltage changes. Therefore, the interval between the mesh lattices of the transparent electrode portion of the second mesh structure of the discoloration area (1300) may be formed at a certain level or more of an interval. The power supply pad (1300p) may be configured such that one end is connected to the other end of the discoloration area (1300) so that light transmittance changes by applying voltage to the discoloration area.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a glass assembly having a variable light transmittance will be described. In this regard, a first transparent substrate (10a) and a second transparent substrate (10b) may be formed of a first glass (10a) and a second glass (10b). The glass assembly may further include a film layer (1010) disposed between the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b). A transparent antenna portion (1100) may be disposed in an inner region of the film layer (1010). A discoloration region (1300) may be disposed in an inner region of the film layer (1010).

[0111] The discoloration region (1300) may be arranged so that one end thereof is spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) by a first gap (G1). The first gap (G1) may be formed in a range of 0.25 times to 1 time the wavelength corresponding to the lowest frequency among the operating frequency bands of the transparent antenna portion (1100). As the transparent antenna portion (1100) is spaced apart from the discoloration region (1300) by the first gap (G1), it is possible to prevent the antenna radiation efficiency in the low band (LB) from being reduced due to interference between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300).

[0112] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9 and 11, the arrangement structure of the discoloration region (1300) and the transparent antenna portion (1100) will be described. In this regard, the discoloration region (1300) and the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be formed to be spaced inward from the edge of the glass assembly by a second gap (G2) and a third gap (G3).

[0113] Specifically, the other end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) by a second gap (G2). The other end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from the other end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) by a third gap (G3). The second gap (G2) and the third gap (G3) may be formed to be the same, but are not limited thereto and may be changed depending on the application. The second gap (G2) may be formed to be narrower than the width of the opaque region (12), which is a black mask region formed on one surface of the second glass (10b). The third gap (G3) may be formed to be narrower than the width of the opaque region (12), which is a black mask region formed on one surface of the second glass (10b).

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the feed pad (1300p) may be formed to be exposed to the outside of one end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b). The glass assembly may be configured to further include a flexible substrate (1200) on which a feed line (1200f) is formed. The feed line (1200f) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be electrically connected to the antenna transparent electrode portion (1110) of the transparent antenna portion (1100). The feed line (1200f) of the flexible substrate (1200) may be connected to the other end of the transparent antenna portion (1100). The flexible substrate (1200) on which the feed line (1200f) is formed may be formed to be exposed to the outside of the other end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b).

[0115] The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be configured to perform multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) operations. Meanwhile, the discoloration region (1300) may be formed to have different light transmittances for each sub-region of the vehicle glass. For example, a first region of the vehicle glass corresponding to the driver's seat may be implemented with high light transmittance for driving convenience and safety. On the other hand, a second region of the vehicle glass corresponding to the passenger seat may be implemented with low light transmittance for boarding convenience.

[0116] In this regard, the flexible substrate (1200) may include a first flexible substrate (1210) on which a first feed line (1210f) is formed and a second flexible substrate (1200) on which a second feed line (1220f) is formed. The flexible substrate (1200) may be configured to include the first flexible substrate (1210) and the second flexible substrate (1220). The first feed line (1210f) may be arranged on a first surface of the first flexible substrate (1210). The first feed line (1210f) may be formed as a CPW feed structure with grounds arranged on both sides. The second feed line (1220f) may be arranged on a first surface of the second flexible substrate (1220). The second feed line (1220f) may be formed as a CPW feed structure with grounds arranged on both sides.

[0117] The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be configured to include a first antenna unit (1100a) and a second antenna unit (1100b). The first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) may each be formed of a first mesh-structured antenna transparent electrode unit (1110).

[0118] The first antenna unit (1100a) may be electrically connected to the first feed line (1210f). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to transmit and receive a first signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The second antenna unit (1100b) may be electrically connected to the second feed line (1220f). The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to transmit and receive a second signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) may perform a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) operation by simultaneously transmitting or receiving the first signal and the second signal.

[0119] The power supply pad (1300p) may be configured to include a first power supply pad (1310p) and a second power supply pad (1320p). The first power supply pad (1310p) may be connected to a first point (P1f) at one end of the discoloration region (1300) to apply a first voltage to a first region on the XY plane of the discoloration region (1300). The second power supply pad (1320p) may be connected to a second point (P1f) at one end of the discoloration region (1300) to apply a second voltage, different from the first voltage, to a second region on the XY plane of the discoloration region (1300).

[0120] A first region on the XY plane of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed in a first region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the driver's seat of the vehicle. A second region on the XY plane of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed in a second region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the passenger seat of the vehicle. The first region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the driver's seat of the vehicle may be implemented with a first light transmittance through a first voltage applied to the first power supply pad (1310p). The second region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the passenger seat of the vehicle may be implemented with a second light transmittance through a second voltage applied to the second power supply pad (1320p).

[0121] A first region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the driver's seat may be formed to have a first light transmittance higher than that of a second region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the passenger seat. In this regard, a first voltage applied to the first power supply pad (1310p) and a second voltage applied to the second power supply pad (1320p) may be adjusted to different values. For example, the first voltage applied to the first power supply pad (1310p) may be adjusted to a lower value than the second voltage applied to the second power supply pad (1320p). In this regard, the first region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the driver's seat may need to be always maintained in a transparent state, and thus a low first voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​may be applied. The second region of the vehicle windshield corresponding to the passenger seat may be applied with a second voltage (e.g., 5 V) higher than the first voltage to adjust the second light transmittance according to external brightness and specific conditions.

[0122] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 1, the vehicle glass may include a windshield (101), door glasses (102, 103), quarter glass (104), a rear windshield (not shown), a side mirror (not shown), and a sunroof (105). The door glasses (102, 103) and the quarter glass (104) constitute the vehicle side glass. The windshield (101) and the sunroof (105) may be formed with a double-laminated glass structure including the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) of FIGS. 7 to 11. The side glasses (102, 103, 104) may be formed with a single-glass structure including one of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) or a double-laminated glass structure including the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b).

[0123] A double-laminated glass assembly including the discoloration areas (1300, 1300a) of FIGS. 7 to 11 can be applied to a sunroof (105). A double-laminated glass assembly including the discoloration areas (1300, 1300a) of FIGS. 7 to 11 can be placed in a passenger seat area of ​​a windshield (101) of a vehicle.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7 to 9 and 11, the front windshield (101) of the vehicle may be implemented with a first light transmittance. The side windows (102, 103, 104) or the sunroof (105) of the vehicle may be set to a second light transmittance lower than the first light transmittance as a default state. Accordingly, the side windows (102, 103, 104) and the sunroof (105) need to be maintained with the second light transmittance, and thus a first voltage (e.g., 0 V) ​​may be applied. Meanwhile, the side windows (102, 103, 104) or the sunroof (105) may be applied with a second voltage (e.g., 5 V) to change the first light transmittance higher than the second light transmittance.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 9, the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be arranged to overlap with the discoloration region (1300a). The transparent antenna portion (1100) may be formed in a structure in which it is laminated with the discoloration region (1300a). One end of the discoloration region (1300a) may be formed closer to the other end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) than the other end of the transparent antenna portion (1100).

[0126] Referring to Fig. 10(a), the transparent antenna unit (1100) may be disposed on the first surface of the first transparent substrate (10a). One end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). The other end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed to extend to the other end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). Therefore, the discoloration region (1300) is extended to the area where the transparent antenna unit (1100) formed in the on-glass structure is disposed, thereby enabling light transmittance and color adjustment for the entire vehicle glass.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 10(a), the discoloration region (1300) may be configured to include a dielectric region (1310a), a first transparent electrode portion (1320), and a second transparent electrode portion (1330). The dielectric region (1310a) may be disposed between the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). The first transparent electrode portion (1320) may be disposed between the back surface of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the front surface of the dielectric region (1310a). The second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be disposed between the back surface of the dielectric region (1310a) and the front surface of the second transparent substrate (10b). One end of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be arranged to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). The other end of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be arranged to extend to the other end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b).

[0128] Referring to Fig. 10(b), the transparent antenna unit (1100) may be disposed on the first surface of the first transparent substrate (10a). One end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). On the other hand, the other end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed at a point spaced inward from one end of the transparent antenna unit (1100) to the inside of the first transparent substrate (10a). Therefore, even in a structure in which the transparent antenna unit (1100) formed in an on-glass structure is disposed, the discoloration region (1300) may be minimally formed only in some areas requiring light transmittance and color adjustment.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 10(b), the discoloration region (1300) may be configured to include a dielectric region (1310b), a first transparent electrode portion (1320), and a second transparent electrode portion (1330). The dielectric region (1310b) may be disposed between the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b). The first transparent electrode portion (1320) may be disposed between the back surface of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the front surface of the dielectric region (1310b). The second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be disposed between the back surface of the dielectric region (1310b) and the front surface of the second transparent substrate (10b). One end of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) can be arranged to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate (10a) and the second transparent substrate (10b).

[0130] Meanwhile, the other end of the second transparent substrate (10b2) on which the discoloration region (1300) is arranged may be formed to be aligned with the other ends of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330). The other end of the second transparent substrate (10b2) on which the discoloration region (1300) is arranged may be arranged to be spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate (10a). Therefore, the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) can be implemented in a space-efficient and cost-effective manner. In addition, the radiation region of the transparent antenna portion (1100) can be formed on a single glass structure rather than a double glass structure, thereby improving antenna efficiency.

[0131] The other end of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330) may be formed at a point spaced inward from one end of the transparent antenna portion (1100) of the first transparent substrate (10a). The other end of the second transparent substrate (10b) may be formed at the other end of the first transparent electrode portion (1320) and the second transparent electrode portion (1330).

[0132] Referring to FIG. 11, a transparent antenna portion (1100) may be arranged on a first surface of the first glass (10a). One end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) by a second distance (G2). The other end of the discoloration region (1300) may be formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass (10a) and the second glass (10b) by a third distance (G3). The second distance (G2) and the third distance (G3) may be formed to be wider than the width of the opaque region (12), which is a black mask region formed on one surface of the second glass (10b).

[0133] Meanwhile, in a glass assembly having a changed light transmittance according to the present disclosure, an opaque region may be formed to extend to a transparent antenna portion. In this regard, FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view and a plan view of a glass assembly in which an opaque region is formed in a region in which a transparent antenna portion is formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12(a) illustrates a cross-sectional view of a glass assembly in which an opaque region is formed in a region in which a transparent antenna portion is formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 12(b) illustrates a plan view of a glass assembly in which an opaque region is formed in a region in which a transparent antenna portion is formed according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 12, due to interference between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) of the functional film, it is necessary to secure a separation distance equal to the first gap (G1). Since the discoloration area (1300) cannot be applied to the entire area of ​​the vehicle glass due to the area including the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the first gap (G1), the arrangement space of the discoloration area (1300) may be limited. In order to solve the issue of the limited arrangement space of the discoloration area (1300), the area including the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the first gap (G1) may be arranged in an opaque area, which is a black mask area of ​​the glass assembly.

[0135] In this regard, when a functional film is implemented as a color-changing element, the exterior design effect is also reduced for areas where light transmittance does not change. To solve this problem, an opaque area (12), which is a black mask area, may be formed on the inner surface of the second glass (10b), which is the outer glass. The second glass (10b) may be configured to include a transparent area (11) formed to correspond to the color-changing area (1300), and an opaque area (12), which is a black mask area.

[0136] The opaque region (12), which is a black mask region, is a region including a first gap (G1) spaced apart from the discoloration region (1300) at one end where the transparent antenna portion (1100) is arranged. In this regard, the discoloration region (1300) of the functional film can be arranged along the boundary line where the opaque region (12) of the black mask region is formed, thereby eliminating design obstacles.

[0137] By forming an opaque area (12) which is a black mask area, there is an effect of minimizing the visibility due to the metal mesh grids of the transparent antenna unit (1100). In this regard, there is an advantage in that the user does not recognize the transparent antenna unit (1100) installed on the windshield of the vehicle, so as not to disturb driving. The opaque area (12) which is a black mask area may be formed with the same black color throughout its entire area. Alternatively, the opaque area (12) which is a black mask area may be formed with a grid pattern. Meanwhile, the opaque area (12) which is a black mask area may be formed so that the light transmittance decreases as it approaches the discoloration area (130).

[0138] Meanwhile, in order to resolve the limitation on the first gap (G1) between the transparent antenna unit (1100) and the discoloration area (1300) and to reduce the visibility of the transparent antenna unit (1100), the film layer implemented with PVB may be implemented in multiple layers. In this regard, FIG. 13 shows an exploded perspective view and a plan view of a glass assembly forming a vehicle windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13(a) shows an exploded perspective view of a glass assembly forming a vehicle windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13(b) shows a plan view of a glass assembly forming a vehicle windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0139] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a first film layer (1011) and a transparent antenna portion (1100) may be sequentially laminated on a first glass (10a), which is an inner glass. The transparent antenna portion (1100) may be combined with a second glass (10b), which is an outer glass, through a second film layer (1012) in which a discoloration region (1300) is formed in the first region. The transparent antenna portion (1100) may be disposed in an opaque region (12) of the glass assembly (10). A flexible substrate (1200) connected to the transparent antenna portion (1100) may be disposed in the opaque region (12) of the glass assembly (10). The opaque region (12) of the glass assembly (10) may form a frit region.

[0140] The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be configured to include a first antenna unit (1100a) and a second antenna unit (1100b). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be electrically connected to a first feed line of a first flexible substrate (1210). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to transmit and receive a first signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The second antenna unit (1100b) may be electrically connected to a second feed line of a second flexible substrate (1220). The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to transmit and receive a second signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) may perform a multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) operation by simultaneously transmitting or receiving the first signal and the second signal.

[0141] Meanwhile, a dye may be added to the second film layer (1012) adhered to the vehicle glass to form a color of the black mask region. A discoloration region (1300) may be formed in the first region (R1) of the second film layer (1012) adhered to the vehicle glass. A dye may be added to the second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) adhered to the vehicle glass to form a color of the black mask region. A discoloration region (1300) may be formed in the transparent region (11) of the glass assembly (10). A discoloration region (1300) may be formed in an region corresponding to the first region (R1) of the second film layer (1012) among the transparent regions (11) of the glass assembly (10).

[0142] Among the one or two film layers used in the glass assembly according to the present disclosure, at least one film layer may have a portion of a dye-type film layer. The area or method for imparting color to the film layer may correspond to the area or method for arranging a black mask area. The effect of the area or method for imparting color to the film layer can achieve the same effect as applying an opaque area (12) that is a black mask area to a vehicle glass.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, a flexible substrate (1200) on which a feed line (1210f) is formed may be placed in an opaque region (12), which is a black mask region formed on one surface of a second glass (10b). The film layer (1010) may be configured to include a first region (R1) formed to correspond to a discoloration region (1300) and a second region (R2) formed to correspond to a transparent antenna portion (1100). The first region (R1) of the film layer (1010) may form a transparent region, and the second region (R2) of the film layer (1010) may form an opaque region. The second region (R2) of the film layer (1010) may be formed to extend to one end of the discoloration region (1300) spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion (1100).

[0144] The transparent antenna portion (1100) may include a dielectric substrate (1020) and an antenna transparent electrode portion (1110) formed on the dielectric substrate (1020). The film layer (1010) may include a first film layer (1011) and a second film layer (1012) formed in an upper region and a lower region of the discoloration region (1300) on the Z-axis. The first side and the second side of the first film layer (1011) may be in contact with the first glass (10a) and the first side of the discoloration region (1300), respectively. The first side and the second side of the second film layer (1012) may be in contact with the second side of the discoloration region (1300) and the second glass (10b), respectively.

[0145] The first region (R1) of the second film layer (1012) corresponding to the first film layer (1011) and the discoloration region (1300) may be formed as a transparent region. The second region (R2) of the second surface of the second film layer (1012) may be formed as an opaque region. The width of the opaque region of the second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) may be formed to be wider than the width of the opaque region (12) of the black mask region of the second glass (10b).

[0146] Meanwhile, the first region (R1) of the second film layer (1011) may be formed with a first light transmittance. The opaque region (12) of the black mask region of the second glass (10b) in contact with the second film layer (1012) may be formed with a second light transmittance. The second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) may be formed to gradually increase from the second light transmittance to the third light transmittance as it moves inward from the edge. Accordingly, the second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) may be formed with a gradient pattern so that the light transmittance increases as it moves inward from the edge. The first light transmittance of the first region (R1) of the second film layer (1011) may be set to a value greater than the third light transmittance of the boundary of the second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) adjacent to the discoloration region (1300). The third light transmittance of the boundary of the second region (R2) of the second film layer (1012) adjacent to the discoloration region (1300) can be set to a value greater than the second light transmittance of the opaque region (12) of the second glass (10b).

[0147] Meanwhile, FIG. 14 illustrates a configuration in which the light transmittance of a glass assembly having a transparent antenna part according to the present disclosure is changed by adjusting a voltage in a discoloration region. Referring to FIG. 14(a), the discoloration region (1300) of the glass assembly can be implemented in a first state having low light transmittance by applying a first voltage. The first state having low light transmittance can be a translucent state having the first light transmittance. The first state having low light transmittance can be implemented in a first color. Referring to FIG. 14(b), the discoloration region (1300) of the glass assembly can be implemented in a second state having high light transmittance by applying a second voltage. The second state having high light transmittance can be a transparent state having the second light transmittance. The second state having high light transmittance can be implemented in an achromatic second color.

[0148] In this regard, a PDLC-structured photochromic film may be used as a functional film in the photochromic region (1300) between the double-laminated glass forming the windshield of the vehicle. The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be implemented as an antenna operating in the 5G sub6 band, but is not limited thereto. The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be designed to operate in the entire frequency band of 0.6 GHz to 6 GHz for 4G / 5G wireless communication, depending on the application.

[0149] The transparent antenna unit (1100) may be configured to include a first antenna unit (1100a) and a second antenna unit (1100b). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be electrically connected to a first feed line of a first flexible substrate (1210). The first antenna unit (1100a) may be configured to transmit and receive a first signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The second antenna unit (1100b) may be electrically connected to a second feed line of a second flexible substrate (1220). The second antenna unit (1100b) may be configured to transmit and receive a second signal in a 4G / 5G frequency band. The first antenna unit (1100a) and the second antenna unit (1100b) may perform a multiple input / multiple output (MIMO) operation by simultaneously transmitting or receiving the first signal and the second signal.

[0150] Antenna performance can be measured by applying voltage to the discoloration region (1300) of the discoloration film and changing the light transmittance. In this regard, FIG. 15 is a graph comparing antenna gain characteristics as the light transmittance changes by adjusting the voltage in the discoloration region of FIG. 14 with the antenna gain characteristics of a reference antenna structure without the discoloration region.

[0151] Referring to FIG. 15, antenna gain characteristics are shown in the entire frequency band of 0.6 GHz to 6 GHz for 4G / 5G wireless communication. (i) shows the gain characteristics of a reference antenna without a discoloration region. (ii) shows the gain characteristics of a transparent antenna part arranged on a glass assembly in which the discoloration region is formed as a transparent region in a discoloration-on state. (iii) shows the gain characteristics of a transparent antenna part arranged on a glass assembly in which the discoloration region is formed as a semitransparent region in a discoloration-off state.

[0152] The transparent antenna part having the discoloration region formed has a higher antenna gain value than the reference antenna in the frequency band of 5 GHz or higher. Therefore, the transparent antenna part having the discoloration region formed has the advantage of smaller antenna gain deviation in the entire frequency band of 0.6 GHz to 6 GHz. Therefore, the transparent antenna part having the discoloration region formed has the advantage of more uniform communication performance in the entire frequency band than the reference antenna.

[0153] In this regard, referring to FIGS. 7 and 12, interference between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) may occur somewhat in the low-frequency band. Therefore, the antenna gain of the antenna structure having the discoloration region (1300) is somewhat reduced compared to the antenna gain of the reference antenna in the low-frequency band. On the other hand, interference between the transparent antenna portion (1100) and the discoloration region (1300) is negligible in the high-frequency band, and the metal mesh grids of the discoloration region (1300) may act as an electrical ground of the antenna. Accordingly, the antenna gain of the antenna structure having the discoloration region (1300) may somewhat increase compared to the antenna gain of the reference antenna in the high-frequency band due to the ground expansion effect.

[0154] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, antenna gain characteristics can be changed when only the transparent antenna portion is placed in a discoloration on / off state and without a discoloration area. In a structure in which the discoloration area (1300) and the transparent antenna portion (1100) are combined, the antenna gain characteristics exhibited similar characteristics with a difference of up to 2.7 dB in the measurement frequency band.

[0155] In particular, it can be seen that the antenna gain characteristics when the discoloration region (1300) of FIG. 14(b) operates as a transparent region have almost the same values ​​across the entire frequency band as the antenna gain characteristics when the discoloration region (1300) of FIG. 14(a) operates as a translucent region. Therefore, a glass assembly having a discoloration region used in a vehicle can operate as a composite smart glass that can change light transmittance and color depending on the situation without degrading antenna performance.

[0156] In the above, a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed according to the present specification has been described. The technical effects of the glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed according to the present specification are described as follows.

[0157] According to the present specification, a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed therein and a method for manufacturing the same can be provided for various types of vehicle glass.

[0158] According to this specification, mutual interference can be minimized in a composite structure of smart glass and a transparent antenna equipped with a photochromic film for controlling light transmittance of vehicle glass.

[0159] According to this specification, when manufacturing a composite of smart glass and a transparent antenna, a structural and electrical design can be provided so that the heat-generating or discoloring elements are spaced apart on the same plane or partially overlapped on a different plane so as not to cause interference with signal transmission and reception of the transparent antenna.

[0160] According to this specification, when installing a transparent antenna and a functional material or element such as a heating filler or a discoloration film on a single vehicle window, the structure and manufacturing method between each element can be provided.

[0161] 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.

[0162] In connection with the above-described specification, a method for designing or manufacturing a glass assembly having a transparent antenna portion and a discoloration region formed therein can be implemented as a computer-readable code on a program-recorded medium. The computer-readable medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of the computer-readable medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a magnetic tape, a floppy disk, an optical data storage device, and the like, and also includes media implemented in the form of a carrier wave (e.g., transmission via the Internet). In addition, the computer may include a control unit of a terminal.

[0163] Meanwhile, the detailed description above should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative. The scope of this specification should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all changes within the equivalent scope of this specification are intended to be included within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. In vehicle glass assembly, First transparent substrate; A second transparent substrate positioned opposite to the first transparent substrate; A transparent antenna part formed with a first mesh structure antenna transparent electrode part, which is disposed on one side of the first transparent substrate or between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; It includes a discoloration region formed with a transparent electrode portion of a second mesh structure, which is disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate and whose light transmittance changes by voltage. A glass assembly, wherein the end of the discoloration region and the end of the transparent antenna portion are spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate.

2. In paragraph 1, The first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate are formed of first glass and second glass, Further comprising a film layer disposed between the first glass and the second glass, A glass assembly wherein the transparent antenna portion and the discoloration region are disposed in an inner region of the film layer.

3. In paragraph 2, The above discoloration region is arranged such that one end is spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion by a first interval, A glass assembly, wherein the first gap is formed in a range of 0.25 times to 1 time the wavelength corresponding to the lowest frequency among the operating frequency bands of the transparent antenna portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The other end of the discoloration region is formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass and the second glass by a second interval, The other end of the above transparent antenna portion is formed at a point spaced inwardly from the other ends of the first glass and the second glass by a third interval, A glass assembly wherein the second gap and the third gap are formed wider than the width of the black mask area formed on one side of the second glass.

5. In paragraph 2, A glass assembly comprising a power supply pad, one end of which is connected to the other end of the discoloration region so that the light transmittance is changed by applying the voltage to the discoloration region.

6. In paragraph 5, The above power supply pad is formed by being exposed to the outside of one end of the first glass and the second glass, Further comprising a flexible substrate having a feed line formed thereon that is electrically connected to the antenna transparent electrode portion of the transparent antenna portion; A glass assembly, wherein the feed line is connected to the other end of the transparent antenna portion, and the flexible substrate on which the feed line is formed is formed by being exposed to the outside of the other end of the first glass and the second glass.

7. In paragraph 6, The flexible substrate includes a first flexible substrate having a first feed line formed thereon and a second flexible substrate having a second feed line formed thereon, A glass assembly, wherein the power supply pad includes a first power supply pad that applies a first voltage to a first region on the XY plane of the discoloration region and a second power supply pad that applies a second voltage to a second region on the XY plane of the discoloration region.

8. In paragraph 2, The above transparent antenna portion is arranged to overlap with the discoloration area, A glass assembly, wherein one end of the discoloration region is formed closer to the other end of the first glass and the second glass than the other end of the transparent antenna portion.

9. In paragraph 1, The above transparent antenna portion is arranged on the first surface of the first transparent substrate, One end of the discoloration region is formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, A glass assembly, wherein the other end of the discoloration region is formed to extend to the other end of the second transparent substrate.

10. In paragraph 9, The above discolored area is, A dielectric region disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; A first transparent electrode portion disposed between the back surface of the first transparent substrate and the front surface of the dielectric region; and A second transparent electrode portion is disposed between the back surface of the above-mentioned dielectric region and the front surface of the above-mentioned second transparent substrate, One end of the first transparent electrode part and the second transparent electrode part are arranged to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, A glass assembly, wherein the other ends of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion are arranged to extend to the other ends of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.

11. In paragraph 1, The above transparent antenna portion is arranged on the first surface of the first transparent substrate, One end of the discoloration region is formed to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate, A glass assembly, wherein the other end of the discoloration region is formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the transparent antenna portion of the first transparent substrate.

12. In paragraph 11, The above discolored area is, A dielectric region disposed between the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate; A first transparent electrode portion disposed between the back surface of the first transparent substrate and the front surface of the dielectric region; and A second transparent electrode portion is disposed between the back surface of the above-mentioned dielectric region and the front surface of the above-mentioned second transparent substrate, A glass assembly, wherein one end of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion are arranged to extend to one end of the first transparent substrate and the second transparent substrate.

13. In paragraph 12, The other end of the second transparent substrate on which the discoloration area is arranged is formed at the other end of the first transparent electrode part and the second transparent electrode part, The end of the second transparent substrate on which the discoloration area is arranged is spaced inward from the end of the first transparent substrate, A glass assembly, wherein the other end of the first transparent electrode portion and the second transparent electrode portion are formed at a point spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion toward the inside of the first transparent substrate.

14. In paragraph 2, The above transparent antenna portion is arranged on the first surface of the first glass, One end of the discoloration region is formed at a point spaced inwardly from one end of the first glass and the second glass by a second interval, The other end of the discoloration area is formed at a point spaced inward by a third distance from one end of the first glass and the second glass, A glass assembly wherein the second gap and the third gap are formed narrower than the width of the black mask area formed on one side of the second glass.

15. In paragraph 6, The flexible substrate on which the above feed line is formed is placed on a black mask area formed on one side of the second glass, The film layer includes a first region formed corresponding to the discoloration region and a second region formed corresponding to the transparent antenna portion, A glass assembly, wherein the second region of the film layer is formed to extend to one end of the discoloration region spaced apart from one end of the transparent antenna portion.

16. In paragraph 15, The above transparent antenna portion includes a dielectric substrate and the antenna transparent electrode portion formed on the dielectric substrate, The film layer includes a first film layer and a second film layer formed in an upper region and a lower region of the discoloration area on the Z-axis, The first side and the second side of the first film layer are in contact with the first glass and the first side of the discoloration area, respectively, A glass assembly, wherein the first side and the second side of the second film layer are in contact with the second side of the discoloration area and the second glass, respectively.

17. In paragraph 16, The first region of the second film layer corresponding to the first film layer and the discoloration region is formed as a transparent region, The second region of the second surface of the second film layer is formed as an opaque region, A glass assembly, wherein the width of the opaque area of ​​the second region of the second film layer is formed wider than the width of the opaque area of ​​the black mask area of ​​the second glass.

18. In paragraph 17, The first region of the second film layer is formed with a first light transmittance, The opaque area of ​​the black mask area of ​​the second glass is formed with a second light transmittance, The second region of the second film layer is formed to gradually increase from the second light transmittance to the third light transmittance as it moves inward from the edge, A glass assembly wherein the first light transmittance is set to a value greater than the third light transmittance, and the third light transmittance is set to a value greater than the second light transmittance.

Images