Antenna apparatus

Abstract

This antenna apparatus comprises: a case; and antenna units positioned on the inner upper surface of the case. The antenna units include: first antenna units respectively positioned in both side areas in the width direction of the inner upper surface of the case; a second antenna unit positioned in an end area in the longitudinal direction of the inner upper surface of the case; and a third antenna unit positioned in a central area between both side areas of the inner upper surface of the case. The first antenna units, the second antenna unit, and the third antenna unit have different maximum resonance frequencies.

Description

antenna device

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an antenna device comprising different antenna units.

[0002] With the recent development of the information society, wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are being applied to or embedded in image display devices, electronic devices, and buildings. With the recent evolution of mobile communication technology, antennas for performing communication in high-frequency or ultra-high-frequency bands are being applied to public transportation such as buses and subways, building structures, and various mobile devices.

[0003] In high-frequency bands such as 5G communication, signal loss occurs easily, so repeater antennas or router antennas can be used to mediate or transmit signals. Generally, in router antennas, antennas can be combined in the form of protruding bars within a housing containing circuit elements.

[0004] However, the above-mentioned protruding bar-shaped antennas are easily damaged by external physical impact, and a radiator design for realizing desired radiation characteristics may not be easily implemented.

[0005] When antennas are embedded within a housing, it is not easy to implement the circuit design within the internal space of the housing, and consequently, antennas of multiple desired radiation bands may not be sufficiently embedded.

[0006] One objective of the present invention is to provide an antenna device having improved radiation characteristics and circuit design efficiency.

[0007] 1. An antenna device comprising: a case; and antenna units disposed on an inner upper surface of the case, wherein the antenna units each comprise a first antenna unit disposed in two side regions in the width direction of the inner upper surface of the case; a second antenna unit disposed in an end region in the length direction of the inner upper surface of the case; and a third antenna unit disposed in a central region between the two side regions of the inner upper surface of the case, wherein the first antenna unit, the second antenna unit, and the third antenna unit have different maximum resonant frequencies.

[0008] 2. An antenna device according to 1, wherein the first antenna unit comprises a first radiator having a portion whose width increases in a first expansion direction, and a first dummy radiator having a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the first expansion direction.

[0009] 3. An antenna device according to 2 above, wherein the third antenna unit comprises a third radiator having a portion whose width increases in a third expansion direction, and a third dummy radiator having a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the third expansion direction.

[0010] 4. An antenna device according to 3, wherein the first expansion direction and the third expansion direction intersect each other.

[0011] 5. An antenna device according to 2, wherein the second antenna unit comprises a second radiator having a portion whose width increases in a second expansion direction.

[0012] 6. An antenna device according to 5, wherein the first expansion direction and the second expansion direction intersect each other.

[0013] 7. An antenna device according to 5, wherein the second radiator comprises a first sub-radiator and a second sub-radiator separated from each other, the first sub-radiator comprises a portion whose width increases in the second expansion direction, and the second sub-radiator comprises a portion whose width increases in the direction opposite to the second expansion direction.

[0014] 8. An antenna device according to 7, wherein one of the first sub-radiators and one of the second sub-radiators are disposed in the end region.

[0015] 9. An antenna device according to 1 above, wherein a plurality of the third antenna units are arranged in the central region.

[0016] 10. An antenna device according to 9, wherein a plurality of the third antenna units are all oriented in the same direction.

[0017] 11. An antenna device according to 9, wherein one of the first antenna units is disposed in each of the two side regions.

[0018] 12. An antenna device according to 1, further comprising: feed cables connected to each of the antenna units; and fixing jigs disposed on the inner upper surface of the case to fix the feed cables.

[0019] 13. An antenna device according to 12, wherein the fixing jig comprises a first fixing jig including a groove; and a second fixing jig each comprising a first sub-jig and a second sub-jig including a groove.

[0020] 14. An antenna device according to 13, wherein the second fixing jig includes an inclined extension connecting the first sub-jig and the second sub-jig.

[0021] 15. An antenna device according to 14, wherein the second fixing jig is coupled to a feed cable that crosses another feed cable among the feed cables or extends over a connected antenna unit and another antenna unit.

[0022] 16. An antenna device according to 1 above, wherein the radiation band of the second antenna unit is narrower than the radiation band of the first antenna unit.

[0023] 17. An antenna device according to 16, wherein the maximum resonant frequency of the third antenna unit is greater than the maximum resonant frequency of each of the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit.

[0024] According to exemplary embodiments, film-type antenna units comprising radiators of different shapes / sizes can be attached to the inner upper surface of the housing. Thus, signal loss in the built-in antenna can be prevented while preventing physical damage caused by external exposure of the antenna.

[0025] According to exemplary embodiments, radiation efficiency and reliability can be ensured by dividing the inner upper surface of the housing into appropriate regions according to the desired radiation band. In addition, circuit connection efficiency and reliability can be enhanced by positioning the feed cable connected to the antenna unit using a fixing jig.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a housing of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are schematic plan views showing the radiation area of ​​an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a first antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a third antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a second antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of antenna units of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a fixing jig of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of antenna units of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the area marked CR in FIG. 10.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention provide an antenna device comprising a housing and an antenna element embedded within the housing.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the following drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the aforementioned description; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0038] Terms used in this application, such as "first," "second," "third," "first end," "other end," "upper side," "side side," "lower side," etc., do not limit absolute positions or order, but are used in a relative sense to distinguish different components or parts.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a housing of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the housing of the antenna device may include an upper case (UC) and a lower case (LC). The upper case (UC) and the lower case (LC) may each be formed from a plastic sheet or a plastic plate.

[0041] The upper case (UC) and the lower case (LC) can be joined to each other through slots (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4).

[0042] In some embodiments, a heat sink (HDP) and a circuit board (CB) may be disposed between the upper case (UC) and the lower case (LC). For example, a receiving space may be formed between the upper case (UC) and the lower case (LC) joined together, and the heat sink (HDP) and the circuit board (CB) may be disposed within the receiving space.

[0043] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the antenna units (AU1, AU2, AU3) described below may be attached or coupled to the inner upper surface of the upper case (UC) in contact with the receiving space. Accordingly, the antenna units (AU1, AU2, AU3) are positioned closer to the external environment, and metallic materials such as a heat sink (HDP) and a circuit board (CB) may be positioned beneath the antenna units (AU1, AU2, AU3).

[0044] Therefore, effective radiation characteristics are realized from the surfaces of the antenna units (AU1, AU2, AU3), and ground and noise blocking characteristics can also be enhanced.

[0045] FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are schematic plan views showing the radiation area of ​​an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 2, as described above, areas where an antenna unit is disposed or attached may be allocated on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). According to exemplary embodiments, side areas (A1, A2) may be allocated to each of the two sides of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). The side areas may include a first side area (A1) and a second side area (A2).

[0047] A central area (C) may be allocated between the first side area (A1) and the second side area (A2). An end area (B) may be allocated to one end of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). For example, if the vertical direction of the plan view of FIG. 2 is referred to as the length direction and the horizontal direction as the width direction, the end area (B) may be allocated to the one end area in the length direction.

[0048] The side regions (A1, A2) may be assigned to each of the two sides in the width direction. The central region (C) may also include the other end in the length direction of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US).

[0049] As described below, a first antenna element including a first antenna unit (AU1) may be disposed in each of the first side region (A1) and the second side region (A2). A second antenna element including a second antenna unit (AU2) may be disposed in the end region (B). A third antenna element including a third antenna unit (AU3) may be disposed in the central region (C).

[0050] The inner upper surface of the upper case (US) may be defined by a periphery (PR) in a planar direction. The periphery (PR) may refer to the side wall end of the upper case (UC). Slots may be arranged on a portion adjacent to the corner portion of the periphery (PR) of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). The slots may include a first slot (SL1), a second slot (SL2), a third slot (SL3), and a fourth slot (SL4) each adjacent to the four corner portions of the periphery (PR). The upper case (UC) and the lower case (LC) may be joined to each other through the slots (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, the central region (C) may be divided into a first central region (C1) and a second central region (C2). The first central region (C1) and the second central region (C2) may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction between the first side region (A1) and the second side region (A2).

[0052] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing a first antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 4, the first antenna element may include a first antenna dielectric layer (100) and a first antenna unit (AU1) disposed on the upper surface of the first antenna dielectric layer (100). The first antenna unit (AU1) may be formed in the shape of a first antenna pattern formed on the upper surface of the first antenna dielectric layer (100).

[0054] The first antenna dielectric layer (100) may include a transparent resin material. For example, the first antenna dielectric layer (100) may include a polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene isophthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, or polybutylene terephthalate; a cellulose resin such as diacetylcellulose or triacetylcellulose; a polycarbonate resin; an acrylic resin such as polymethyl (meth)acrylate or polyethyl (meth)acrylate; a styrene resin such as polystyrene or acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer; a polyolefin resin such as polyethylene, polypropylene, a polyolefin having a cyclo- or norbornene structure, or an ethylene-propylene copolymer; a vinyl chloride resin; an amide resin such as nylon or aromatic polyamide; an imide resin; a polyethersulfone resin; a sulfone resin; a polyetheretherketone resin; a polyphenylene sulfide resin; or a vinyl alcohol resin. It may include vinylidene chloride-based resin; vinyl butyral-based resin; allylate-based resin; polyoxymethylene-based resin; epoxy-based resin; urethane-based or acrylic-urethane-based resin; silicone-based resin, etc. These may be used individually or in combination of two or more.

[0055] In some embodiments, an adhesive film such as an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or an optically clear resin (OCR) may also be included in the first antenna dielectric layer (100).

[0056] In some embodiments, the first antenna dielectric layer (100) may include an inorganic insulating material such as silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, glass, etc.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first antenna dielectric layer (100) may be provided as substantially a single layer.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first antenna dielectric layer (100) may include a multilayer structure of at least two layers. For example, the first antenna dielectric layer (100) may include a substrate layer and an antenna dielectric layer, and may include a point adhesive layer between the substrate layer and the antenna dielectric layer.

[0059] An impedance or inductance for the antenna unit is formed by the first antenna dielectric layer (100), so that the frequency band that the antenna device can drive or sense can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the dielectric layer (105) can be adjusted to a range of about 1.5 to 12. If the dielectric constant exceeds about 12, the driving frequency is reduced excessively, so driving in the high frequency band may not be implemented.

[0060] The first antenna unit (AU1) may include a first radiating section comprising a first radiator (110) and a first dummy section comprising a first dummy radiator (160) electrically isolated from the first radiator (110). The first radiating section may include a first radiator (110), a first transmission line (120), and a first signal pad (130). The first dummy section may include a first dummy radiator (160), a first dummy intermediate line (150), and a first ground section (140).

[0061] The first radiator (110) may include a portion whose width increases in a first expansion direction parallel to the upper surface of the first antenna dielectric layer (100). The first dummy radiator (160) may include a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the first expansion direction and parallel to the upper surface of the first antenna dielectric layer (100).

[0062] The first radiator (110) may have a shape that is bent from the first transmission line (120). A first signal pad (130) to which a power supply cable is connected may be formed at the end of the first transmission line (120). In some embodiments, the first signal pad (130) may have a width different from that of the first transmission line (120) and may be distinguished from the first signal pad (130). In one embodiment, the first transmission line may have a width extended from the first signal pad (130).

[0063] The first transmission line (120) and the first signal pad (130) can be formed substantially as a single component, and the end portion of the first transmission line (120) to which the power supply cable is connected can be referred to as the first signal pad (130).

[0064] The first dummy radiator (160) may have a shape that is bent from the first dummy intermediate line (150). The bending direction of the first dummy radiator (160) may be substantially opposite to the bending direction of the first radiator (110). In some embodiments, the length of the first dummy radiator (160) may be shorter than the length of the first radiator (110).

[0065] The first ground portion (140) may include a groove into which the first signal pad (130) is at least partially inserted. The first ground portion (140) may at least partially surround the first signal pad (130) and be connected to the first dummy intermediary line (150). Accordingly, ambient noise can be absorbed or shielded by the first ground portion (140) when power is supplied to or signal transmitted to the first signal pad (130).

[0066] The first dummy radiator (160), the first dummy intermediate line (150), and the first ground portion (140) may be substantially a single component. The first dummy intermediate line (150) may refer to a portion of the first ground portion (140).

[0067] In one embodiment, a step or protrusion separating the first dummy intermediate line (150) and the first ground portion (140) may be formed.

[0068] For example, the first antenna unit (AU1) may comprise silver (Ag), gold (Au), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), titanium (Ti), tungsten (W), niobium (Nb), tantalum (Ta), vanadium (V), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), molybdenum (Mo), calcium (Ca), or an alloy containing at least one of these. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0069] In one embodiment, the first antenna unit (AU1) may include silver (Ag) or a silver alloy (e.g., silver-palladium-copper (APC) alloy) or copper (Cu) or a copper alloy (e.g., copper-calcium (CuCa) alloy) for low resistance implementation and fine linewidth patterning.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first antenna unit (AU1) may be substantially composed of the metal or alloy described above.

[0071] According to exemplary embodiments, the resonant frequency band of the first antenna unit (AU1) or the first radiator (110) may cover LTE1, LTE3, LTE5, LTE7, LTE8, and Sub 6 bands. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency band of the first antenna unit (AU1) or the first radiator (110) may be 0.1 GHz to 5 GHz, 0.5 GHz to 4 GHz, or 0.8 GHz to 3.7 GHz.

[0072] The first antenna unit (AU1) includes a first dummy radiator (160) so that coverage of the band range described above can be reliably secured.

[0073] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing a third antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, the third antenna element has a structure substantially identical or similar to the first antenna element described above, and may have a smaller size than the first antenna element.

[0075] The third antenna element may include a third antenna dielectric layer (300) and a third antenna unit (AU3) disposed on the upper surface of the third antenna dielectric layer (300). The third antenna unit (AU3) may be formed in the shape of a third antenna pattern formed on the upper surface of the third antenna dielectric layer (300).

[0076] The third antenna dielectric layer (300) may include a material and structure that are substantially the same or similar to the first antenna dielectric layer (100).

[0077] The third antenna unit (AU3) may include a third radiating section comprising a third radiator (310) and a third dummy section comprising a third dummy radiator (360) electrically isolated from the third radiator (310). The third radiating section may include a third radiator (310), a third transmission line (320), and a third signal pad (330). The third dummy section may include a third dummy radiator (360), a third dummy intermediate line (350), and a third ground section (340).

[0078] The third radiator (310) may include a portion whose width increases in a third expansion direction parallel to the upper surface of the third antenna dielectric layer (300). The third dummy radiator (360) may include a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the third expansion direction and parallel to the upper surface of the third antenna dielectric layer (300).

[0079] The third radiator (310) may have a shape that is bent from the third transmission line (320). A third signal pad (330) to which a power supply cable is connected may be formed at the end of the third transmission line (320). The third transmission line (320) and the third signal pad (330) may be formed substantially as a single member, and the end of the third transmission line (320) to which the power supply cable is connected may be referred to as the third signal pad (330).

[0080] The third dummy radiator (360) may have a shape bent from the third dummy intermediate line (350). The bending direction of the third dummy radiator (360) may be substantially opposite to the bending direction of the third radiator (310).

[0081] The third ground portion (340) may include a groove into which the third signal pad (330) is at least partially inserted. The third ground portion (340) may at least partially surround the third signal pad (330) and be connected to the third dummy intermediary line (350). Accordingly, ambient noise can be absorbed or shielded by the third ground portion (340) when power is supplied to or signal transmitted to the third signal pad (330).

[0082] The third dummy radiator (360), the third dummy intermediate line (350), and the third ground section (340) may be substantially all parts. The third dummy intermediate line (350) may refer to a portion of the third ground section (340).

[0083] For example, the third antenna unit (AU3) may include the metal or alloy described above. In some embodiments, the third antenna unit (AU3) may be substantially composed of the metal or alloy described above.

[0084] The third antenna unit (AU3) may have an overall smaller size than the first antenna unit (AU1). According to exemplary embodiments, the area of ​​the third radiator (310) may be smaller than the area of ​​the first radiator (110). The area of ​​the third dummy radiator (360) may be smaller than the area of ​​the first dummy radiator (160).

[0085] The maximum resonant frequency of the third antenna unit (AU3) or the third radiator (310) may be greater than the maximum resonant frequency of the first antenna unit (AU1) or the first radiator (110). According to exemplary embodiments, the third antenna unit (AU3) or the third radiator (310) may cover a WIFI band. In some embodiments, the resonant frequency band of the third antenna unit (AU13) or the third radiator (310) may be 2 GHz to 8 GHz, 2 GHz to 7 GHz, 2 GHz to 6 GHz, or 2.4 GHz to 5.9 GHz.

[0086] The third antenna unit (AU3) includes a third dummy radiator (360) so that coverage of the aforementioned band range can be reliably secured.

[0087] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view showing a second antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, the second antenna element may include a second antenna unit disposed on the second antenna dielectric layer (200). The second antenna unit may include a first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) and a second sub-antenna unit (AU2-2). The second antenna dielectric layer (200) may have a material and structure substantially identical or similar to the first antenna dielectric layer (100).

[0089] The first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) may include a first sub-radiator (210a), a first sub-transmission line (220a), and a first sub-signal pad (230a). The second antenna element or the first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) may further include a first sub-ground portion (240a).

[0090] The first sub-ground portion (240a) may include a groove into which the first sub-signal pad (230a) is at least partially inserted. The first sub-ground portion (240a) may at least partially surround the first sub-signal pad (230a). Accordingly, ambient noise can be absorbed or shielded by the first sub-ground portion (240a) when power is supplied to or signal transmitted to the first sub-signal pad (230a).

[0091] The first sub-radiator (210a) may include a portion whose width increases in a second expansion direction parallel to the upper surface of the second antenna dielectric layer (200). The first sub-radiator (210a) may have a shape that is bent from the first sub-transmission line (220a). A first sub-signal pad (230a) to which a feed cable is connected may be formed at the end of the first sub-transmission line (220a).

[0092] The first sub-transmission line (220a) and the first signal pad (230a) can be formed substantially as a single component, and the end portion of the first sub-transmission line (220a) to which the power supply cable is connected can be referred to as the first sub-signal pad (230a).

[0093] The second sub-antenna unit (AU2-2) may include a second sub-radiator (210b), a second sub-transmission line (220b), and a second sub-signal pad (230b). The second antenna element or the second sub-antenna unit (AU2-2) may further include a second sub-ground portion (240b).

[0094] The second sub-ground portion (240b) may include a groove into which the second sub-signal pad (230b) is at least partially inserted. The second sub-ground portion (240b) may at least partially surround the second sub-signal pad (230b). Accordingly, ambient noise can be absorbed or shielded by the second sub-ground portion (240b) when power is supplied to or signal transmitted to the second sub-signal pad (230b).

[0095] The second sub-radiator (210b) may include a portion that is parallel to the upper surface of the second antenna dielectric layer (200) and increases in width in the opposite direction to the second expansion direction. The second sub-radiator (210b) may have a shape that is bent from the second sub-transmission line (220b). The bending direction of the second sub-radiator (210b) may be opposite to the bending direction of the first sub-radiator (210a).

[0096] In some embodiments, the first sub-radiator (210a) and the second sub-radiator (210b) may be parallel to the extension direction of the sub-transmission line (220a, 220b) and substantially symmetric with respect to an imaginary center line between the first sub-transmission line (220a) and the second sub-transmission line (220b).

[0097] A second sub-signal pad (230b) to which a power supply cable is connected may be formed at the end of the second sub-transmission line (220b). The second sub-transmission line (220b) and the second sub-signal pad (230b) may be formed substantially as a single component, and the end of the second sub-transmission line (220b) to which the power supply cable is connected may be referred to as the second sub-signal pad (230b).

[0098] For example, the first and second sub-antenna units (AU2-1, AU2-2) may comprise the metal or alloy described above. In some embodiments, the first and second sub-antenna units (AU2-1, AU2-2) may be substantially composed of the metal or alloy described above.

[0099] According to exemplary embodiments, the respective areas of the first sub-radiator (210a) and the second sub-radiator (210b) may be larger than the area of ​​the third radiator (310) of the third antenna element.

[0100] According to exemplary embodiments, the resonant frequency band of the second antenna element may cover LTE1, LTE3, LTE7, and Sub 6 bands. In some embodiments, the radiation band of the second antenna element may be narrower than the radiation band of the first antenna element. For example, the radiation band or resonant frequency band of the second antenna element may be 1 GHz to 5 GHz, 1.5 GHz to 4 GHz, or 1.7 GHz to 3.7 GHz.

[0101] According to exemplary embodiments, the second antenna element may omit a dummy radiator and include mutually opposing sub-radiators. Gain or directivity in the LTE band can be enhanced from the second antenna element.

[0102] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an antenna element of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the antenna element may be provided as a film-type element.

[0104] As described above, the antenna element may include an antenna unit (AU) disposed on an antenna dielectric layer (100, 200, 300). In one embodiment, the antenna dielectric layers (100, 200, 300) may each be provided as a separate film. In one embodiment, substantially one antenna dielectric layer may be used to provide the antenna element, and the first to third antenna dielectric layers (100, 200, 300) may each be a partial region within the one antenna dielectric layer.

[0105] A spot adhesive layer (70) may be formed on the antenna dielectric layer (100, 200, 300). A protective film (50) may be attached to the surface of the spot adhesive layer (70). For example, after removing the protective film (50), the antenna element may be attached to the inner upper surface of the upper case (US) using the spot adhesive layer (70).

[0106] In some embodiments, a protective layer (90) covering an antenna unit (AU) may be formed on the antenna dielectric layer (100, 200, 300). For example, the protective film (50) and the protective layer (90) may include the transparent resin material described above.

[0107] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the arrangement of antenna units of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments. For example, FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the arrangement state before the feed cable is connected to the antenna units.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 8, as described above, the first antenna element including the first antenna unit (AU1) can be attached to the first side area (A1) and the second side area (A2) of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US), respectively.

[0109] According to exemplary embodiments, a first antenna unit (AU1) may be disposed in each of the first side region (A1) and the second side region (A2).

[0110] The second antenna element, comprising a first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) and a second sub-antenna unit (AU2-2), can be attached to an end region (B) on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US).

[0111] The third antenna element, including the third antenna unit (AU3), may be attached to the central region (C) of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of third antenna units (AU3) may be disposed in the central region (C). In some embodiments, a plurality of third antenna units (AU3) (e.g., two) may be disposed in the first central region (C1), and a plurality of third antenna units (AU3) (e.g., two) may be disposed in the second central region (C2).

[0112] In some embodiments, the first extension direction of the first antenna unit (AU1) and the third extension direction of the third antenna unit (AU3) may intersect each other on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). In one embodiment, the first extension direction and the third extension direction may be substantially perpendicular.

[0113] For example, the first extension direction may be substantially parallel to the length direction of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US), and the third extension direction may be substantially parallel to the width direction of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US).

[0114] The first extension direction of the first antenna unit (AU1) and the second extension direction of the first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) may intersect each other on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). For example, the second extension direction may be substantially parallel to the width direction of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US).

[0115] As described above, the expansion directions of the antenna units can be intersected to improve space efficiency within the housing and enhance the radiation independence and reliability of each antenna unit.

[0116] By distributing a third antenna unit (AU3), which corresponds to a relatively high frequency antenna unit, in multiple locations in the central area (C), sufficient gain characteristics can be secured while preventing high frequency signal loss. By arranging the first antenna unit (AU1) and the second antenna unit (AU2-1, AU2-2) adjacent to the periphery (PR) of the upper case (UC), sufficient coverage in the LTE band can be secured.

[0117] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the third antenna units (AU3) may be arranged in the same orientation. For example, the third transmission lines (320) included in the third antenna units (AU3) may all be substantially parallel on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US) and may extend in one direction. For example, the third transmission lines (320) included in the third antenna units (AU3) may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the inner upper surface of the upper case (US).

[0118] Fixing jigs for fixing power supply cables may be distributed on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US). The fixing jig may include a first fixing jig (FZ1) and a second fixing jig (FZ2).

[0119] FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing a fixing jig of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0120] The first fixing jig (FZ1) may include a support member (56) and a first fence (52) and a second fence (54) facing each other. The bottom portions of the first fence (52) and the second fence (54) are connected by the support member (56), and a groove (GR) may be formed between the first fence (52) and the second fence (54) to which a power supply cable is inserted and fixed.

[0121] The second fixing jig (FZ2) may include a plurality of sub-jigs into which a power supply cable is inserted and fixed. According to exemplary embodiments, the second fixing jig (FZ2) may include a first sub-jig (80a) comprising a first sub-fence (72) and a second sub-fence (74) facing each other, and a second sub-jig (80b) comprising a third sub-fence (76) and a fourth sub-fence (78) facing each other.

[0122] A first groove (GR1) and a second groove (GR2) into which a power supply cable is inserted and fixed may be formed in the first sub-jig (80a) and the second sub-jig (80b), respectively. The second fixing jig (FZ2) may include an inclined extension (60) that connects the first sub-jig (80a) and the second sub-jig (80b) to each other.

[0123] The inclined extension (60) may have a structure in which the height increases in the direction from the first groove (GR1) toward the second groove (GR2) (or in the direction from the first sub-jig (80a) toward the second sub-jig (80b). The inclined extension (60) is provided as a support for the power supply cable inserted into the first groove (GR1) and the second groove (GR2), and the power supply cable can be spaced further away from the inner upper surface of the upper case (US) by the inclined extension (60).

[0124] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement of antenna units of an antenna device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0125] Referring to FIG. 10, a feed cable may be connected to the signal pad of each antenna unit. A first feed cable (170) may be connected to the first signal pad (130) of the first antenna unit (AU1) of the first antenna element. A second feed cable (270) may be connected to the signal pads (230a, 230b) of the first sub-antenna unit (AU2-1) and the second sub-antenna unit (AU2-1), respectively, of the second antenna element. A third feed cable (370) may be connected to the third signal pad (330) of the third antenna unit (AU3) of the third antenna element.

[0126] For example, the insulation sheath at the end of the power supply cable can be removed to expose the conductor. The exposed conductor can be connected to the upper surface of the signal pad by welding.

[0127] The power supply cables (170, 270, 370) can be fixed on the inner upper surface of the upper case (US) using fixing jigs (FZ1, FZ2) and pulled out to the periphery (PR). The power supply cables (170, 270, 370) can be assembled through the periphery (PR) and electrically connected to the circuit board (CB).

[0128] As indicated by the dotted elliptical area in FIG. 10, a feed cable that intersects another feed cable among the feed cables (170, 270, 370) can be fixed using a second fixing jig (FZ2) that includes an inclined extension (60). For example, the first feed cable (170) can be extended over other intersecting feed cables using the second fixing jig (FZ2). Thus, electric field interference between different feed cables can be prevented, and the radiation independence of each antenna unit can be enhanced.

[0129] In some embodiments, among the feed cables (170, 270, 370), the feed cable extending over the radiator of an antenna unit of a different type from the connected antenna unit can be fixed in front of the different type of antenna unit with a second fixing jig (FZ2). Accordingly, the distance from the overlapping radiator can be increased through the inclined extension (60) to prevent radiation disturbance.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a partial enlarged perspective view of the area marked CR in FIG. 10.

[0131] Referring to FIG. 11, a first feed cable (170) connected to one of the two first antenna units (AU1) can extend along the inclined extension (60) of the second fixing jig (FZ2) over the other first antenna unit (AU1). Accordingly, the first feed cable (170) can be stably extended and fixed over the radiator while preventing contact with the radiator of the first antenna unit (AU1).

Claims

1. Case; and The antenna units are arranged on the inner upper surface of the above case, and the antenna units are First antenna units respectively disposed in both side regions in the width direction of the inner upper surface of the above case; A second antenna unit disposed in the longitudinal end region of the inner upper surface of the above case; and It includes a third antenna unit disposed in the central region between the two side regions of the inner upper surface of the above case, and An antenna device in which the first antenna unit, the second antenna unit, and the third antenna unit have different maximum resonant frequencies.

2. An antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first antenna unit comprises a first radiator having a portion whose width increases in a first expansion direction, and a first dummy radiator having a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the first expansion direction.

3. An antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the third antenna unit comprises a third radiator having a portion whose width increases in a third expansion direction, and a third dummy radiator having a portion whose width increases in a direction opposite to the third expansion direction.

4. An antenna device according to claim 3, wherein the first extension direction and the third extension direction intersect each other.

5. An antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the second antenna unit comprises a second radiator having a portion whose width increases in a second expansion direction.

6. An antenna device according to claim 5, wherein the first expansion direction and the second expansion direction intersect each other.

7. In claim 5, the second radiator comprises a first sub-radiator and a second sub-radiator separated from each other, and An antenna device comprising a first sub-radiator having a portion whose width increases in the second expansion direction, and a second sub-radiator having a portion whose width increases in the opposite direction to the second expansion direction.

8. An antenna device according to claim 7, wherein one of the first sub-radiators and one of the second sub-radiators are disposed in the end region.

9. An antenna device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the third antenna units are arranged in the central region.

10. An antenna device according to claim 9, wherein a plurality of the third antenna units are all oriented in the same direction.

11. An antenna device according to claim 9, wherein one of the first antenna units is disposed in each of the two side regions.

12. In Claim 1, Feed cables connected to each of the above antenna units; and An antenna device further comprising fixing jigs disposed on the inner upper surface of the above case to secure the feed cables.

13. In claim 12, the fixing jig A first fixing jig including a groove; and An antenna device comprising a first sub-jig each including a groove and a second fixing jig each including a second sub-jig.

14. An antenna device according to claim 13, wherein the second fixing jig includes an inclined extension connecting the first sub-jig and the second sub-jig.

15. An antenna device according to claim 14, wherein the second fixing jig is coupled to a feed cable that crosses another feed cable among the feed cables or extends over a connected antenna unit and another antenna unit.

16. An antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the radiation band of the second antenna unit is narrower than the radiation band of the first antenna unit.

17. An antenna device according to claim 16, wherein the maximum resonant frequency of the third antenna unit is greater than the maximum resonant frequency of each of the first antenna unit and the second antenna unit.

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