KR102652194B1 - Beam pattern control element, antenna mudule with improved gain and side lobe property, and method for preparing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A beam pattern control element capable of improving gain and side lobe characteristics, an antenna module including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The beam pattern control element of the antenna includes: a first part having insulation; and a second part disposed on the upper surface of the first part and having a maximum width smaller than the maximum width of the first part, wherein the upper surface of the first part and the side surface of the second part form a step.

Description

Beam pattern control element, antenna module with improved gain and side lobe characteristics, and method of manufacturing the same {BEAM PATTERN CONTROL ELEMENT, ANTENNA MUDULE WITH IMPROVED GAIN AND SIDE LOBE PROPERTY, AND METHOD FOR PREPARING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a beam pattern control element, an antenna module including the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, a beam pattern control element having improved gain and side lobe characteristics, and a beam pattern control element having improved gain and side lobe characteristics. It relates to an antenna module and a manufacturing method thereof.

Recently, with the development of information and communication technology, the importance of wireless communication network technology has become more important. Moreover, with the commercialization of the 5th generation mobile communication (international mobile telecommunication, IMT), following the 4th generation mobile communication represented by WiBro or long term evolution (LTE), it is expected to be used in fields such as autonomous vehicles, the Internet of Things, and wireless broadband. Innovation is expected.

4th generation mobile communication and 5th generation mobile communication use a high frequency band of centimeter wave or millimeter wave ranging from about 800 MHz to 3.0 GHz, or about 3.0 GHz to 30 GHz. Examples of such high-frequency band transmission and reception antennas include parabolic antennas, microstrip antennas, and waveguide slot antennas.

Among these, the microstrip antenna (or patch antenna) is an antenna that forms a metal pattern on a dielectric substrate and feeds power in various ways to form a radiation pattern. Microstrip antennas have the advantage of being smaller, lighter, and thinner, so active research is underway.

Due to its structure, conventional microstrip antennas are difficult to transmit and receive high power signals, have narrow frequency bandwidth, and have relatively low antenna gain. Therefore, there is a need to develop technology to alleviate radio wave path loss in the high frequency band and increase the transmission distance of radio waves.

One way to solve this problem may be to configure a microstrip array antenna by arranging a plurality of microstrip antennas in a specific way. An array antenna, which arranges a plurality of antenna elements, can focus electromagnetic waves in a specific direction and improve antenna gain and radiation efficiency.

However, when a plurality of antennas are arranged, a radiation pattern that is a combination of a main lobe pattern forming a main radiation direction and a side lobe pattern forming an unintended radiation direction may be formed. If the side lobe becomes too large, problems such as a null section between the main lobe direction and the side lobe direction may occur.

Accordingly, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an antenna module capable of having a high antenna gain.

Furthermore, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an array antenna module that has a high antenna gain and at the same time exhibits a radiation pattern with suppressed side lobes.

In addition, another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a beam pattern control element that can exhibit high antenna gain and side lobe suppression characteristics.

Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method of manufacturing an antenna module that can be manufactured at a low cost while minimizing process defects.

The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

An antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem includes an antenna; and a lens unit disposed on the antenna so as to overlap the antenna and having insulation, including a first lens unit stacked on one another, and a second lens unit forming a step together with the first lens unit.

An air layer may be interposed between the antenna and the lens unit, and the lens unit may be configured to adjust the gain by focusing the antenna signal to the antenna.

The first lens unit is disposed between the antenna and the second lens unit, and the maximum width of the first lens unit may be larger than the maximum width of the second lens unit.

Additionally, the lens unit may further include a third lens unit disposed between the first lens unit and the antenna.

In addition, the first lens unit, the second lens unit, and the third lens unit are integrally formed, and the maximum width of the third lens unit may be smaller than the maximum width of the first lens unit and larger than the maximum width of the second lens unit. .

The center lines of the second lens unit and the third lens unit may be located on the same line.

The antenna module further includes a guide portion disposed between the antenna and the lens portion, wherein the guide portion has a guide hole formed at a position corresponding to the antenna, and the third lens portion of the lens portion is at least partially located in the guide hole. Can be inserted and placed.

Additionally, the first lens part of the lens unit may not be inserted into the guide hole, and the antenna may be at least partially inserted into the guide hole.

An array antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above other problems includes a substrate unit including a plurality of antennas; and a lens unit disposed on the substrate portion, wherein the lens portion includes a base portion formed across the plurality of antennas, and a plurality of protrusions disposed on an upper surface of the base portion and arranged to overlap each of the plurality of antennas. Includes a pattern part.

It further includes a guide part disposed between the substrate part and the lens part, wherein the plurality of antennas and the plurality of protruding pattern parts are repeatedly arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, respectively, The guide unit may have a plurality of guide holes formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of antennas.

Additionally, the antenna may be at least partially inserted into the guide hole, and the separation distance between the antenna and the lens unit may be 1λ or less.

Additionally, an arrangement pitch of the protruding pattern portion in the first direction may be 0.5λ to 0.8λ.

The rear surface of the base portion has a plurality of grooves repeatedly arranged along the first and second directions, and the antenna may not overlap the grooves.

On a cross-section cut in a diagonal direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the separation distance between the grooves that are closest to each other may be greater than the width of the protruding pattern portion.

The thickness of the protruding pattern portion may be greater than the minimum thickness of the base portion.

Alternatively, the base portion may have a plurality of through holes repeatedly arranged along the first direction and the second direction.

The base portion is in contact with the guide portion, and the guide portion may be partially exposed through the through hole of the base portion.

Additionally, the maximum width on the top side of the base portion of the through hole may be smaller than the maximum width on the rear side of the base portion of the through hole.

Additionally, when viewed from a plan view, the through hole may be located between two adjacent protruding pattern portions in a diagonal direction that intersects the first direction and the second direction.

The array antenna module further includes a sub-lens portion disposed on the lens portion, wherein the sub-lens portion is disposed on a base portion formed over the plurality of antennas, and a base portion of the sub-lens portion, and the plurality of antennas and The lens unit may include a plurality of protruding pattern parts arranged to overlap a plurality of protruding pattern parts.

The maximum width of the protruding pattern portion of the sub-lens unit is smaller than the maximum width of the protruding pattern portion of the lens unit, and the base portion of the sub-lens unit may contact the protruding pattern portion of the lens unit.

The rear surface of the base portion of the lens portion has an antenna receiving groove, the antenna is at least partially inserted into the antenna receiving groove, and the substrate portion may be in contact with the lens portion.

In addition, the plurality of antennas and the plurality of protruding pattern portions may be repeatedly arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, respectively, and the antenna receiving groove may be arranged to overlap the protruding pattern portion. .

In addition, the rear surface of the base portion is repeatedly arranged along the first direction and the second direction and further has a plurality of grooves formed so as not to overlap the protruding pattern portion, and the maximum depth of the antenna receiving groove is the maximum depth of the groove. It may be smaller than the depth.

The substrate portion, the lens portion, and the guide portion each further include a screw hole, and the substrate portion, the lens portion, and the guide portion are assembled through a screw penetrating the screw hole to move the first direction and the second direction. The position can be sorted.

Additionally, the lens unit may be made of liquid crystal polymer.

An antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above other problems includes a substrate unit including a plurality of antennas; and a lens unit disposed on the substrate, wherein the lens unit is disposed on a base formed across the plurality of antennas and an upper surface of the base, and is arranged to overlap the plurality of antennas, respectively, and has different antennas. It includes a plurality of protruding pattern parts having different sizes.

The plurality of protruding pattern portions are arranged in a repeating arrangement of 4×m along a first direction (where m is an integer) and 4×n along a second direction intersecting the first direction (where n is an integer). It can be.

Additionally, the plurality of protruding pattern portions may be arranged so that the thickness gradually decreases from the center side to the edge side in a plan view.

The rear surface of the base portion may have a plurality of grooves arranged so as not to overlap the plurality of protruding pattern portions.

The antenna module may further include a guide portion disposed between the lens portion and the substrate portion and having a plurality of guide holes formed to overlap the plurality of antennas.

The rear surface of the base portion may further have a plurality of antenna receiving grooves arranged to overlap the plurality of protruding pattern portions.

Additionally, the lens unit may further include a metal layer disposed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove.

Here, the metal layer may at least partially cover the lower surface of the base portion.

Additionally, the base portion may be spaced apart from the guide portion, and the metal layer may be in contact with the guide portion.

Alternatively, the plurality of protruding pattern portions may include a first protruding pattern portion having a maximum thickness among the plurality of protruding pattern portions, a second protruding pattern portion having a thickness smaller than the first protruding pattern portion, and the first protruding pattern portion. It may include a third protruding pattern portion located between the second protruding pattern portions and having a thickness smaller than the second protruding pattern portion.

Additionally, the maximum width of the first protruding pattern portion may be greater than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion.

Furthermore, the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion may be greater than the maximum width of the third protruding pattern portion.

The plurality of antennas may include a first antenna overlapping the first protruding pattern portion, a second antenna overlapping the second protruding pattern portion, and a third antenna overlapping the third protruding pattern portion. .

Additionally, the third antenna may not overlap the first protruding pattern portion and the second protruding pattern portion.

A beam pattern control element of an antenna according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above another problem includes: a first part having insulation; a second part disposed on the upper surface of the first part, formed integrally with the first part, and having a maximum width smaller than the maximum width of the first part; and a third part disposed on the lower surface of the first part, having insulation properties, and having a maximum width greater than the maximum width of the second part, wherein the upper surface of the first part and the side surface of the second part have a step. wherein the thickness of the first part is smaller than the thickness of the second part, and when viewed from a plan view, the second part and the third part each have a circular shape, and the center line of the second part and the third part The center line is located on the same line.

The lower surface of the third part may have a groove recessed toward the first part.

Here, the maximum depth of the groove may be smaller than the thickness of the third portion.

The beam pattern control element may be configured to control the gain or side lobe of the patch antenna directly facing the third portion.

A beam pattern control device according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described still other problem includes a base portion having one side and the other side; and a protruding pattern portion disposed on one surface of the base portion, including a plurality of protruding pattern portions repeatedly arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, wherein the other surface of the base portion extends in the first direction. and a plurality of grooves repeatedly arranged along the second direction.

The protruding pattern portion does not overlap the groove, and the beam pattern control element may be configured to control antenna gain and side lobes.

The plurality of protruding pattern portions include a first protruding pattern portion located on a center side in a plan view, and a second protruding pattern portion located on an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion, and the thickness of the first protruding pattern portion is It may be greater than the thickness of the second protruding pattern portion.

Additionally, the maximum width of the first protruding pattern portion may be greater than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion.

In addition, the plurality of protruding pattern portions may further include a third protruding pattern portion that is located closer to an edge compared to the second protruding pattern portion and has a maximum width smaller than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion.

Here, the minimum separation distance between the first protruding pattern part and the second protruding pattern part may be smaller than the minimum separation distance between the second protruding pattern part and the third protruding pattern part.

Alternatively, the plurality of protruding pattern parts may further include a third protruding pattern part located on an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern part, but located on a central side compared to the second protruding pattern part.

Here, the thickness of the third protruding pattern portion may be smaller than the thickness of the second protruding pattern portion.

In addition, the plurality of protruding pattern portions may further include a fourth protruding pattern portion that is located closer to an edge compared to the second protruding pattern portion and has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the third protruding pattern portion.

The other surface of the base portion further has a plurality of antenna receiving grooves repeatedly arranged along the first and second directions, and the antenna receiving grooves overlap the protruding pattern portion, but may not overlap the groove. .

In addition, it may further include a metal layer disposed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove.

The metal layer may cover the other surface of the base portion.

Additionally, the length of the metal layer in the third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction may be less than or equal to the wavelength of the beam emitted by the antenna.

A method of manufacturing an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention to solve the above another problem includes preparing an upper mold and a lower mold, wherein the mold surface of the upper mold is in a first direction and intersects the first direction. Prepare an upper mold and a lower mold for injection molding, having a plurality of depressions repeatedly arranged in a second direction, and the mold surface of the lower mold having a plurality of protrusions repeatedly arranged in the first direction and the second direction. steps; and forming a lens unit by bringing the upper mold and the lower mold into close contact and injecting a lens unit molding material.

A method of manufacturing an antenna module includes preparing a guide portion in which a guide hole is formed; Preparing a substrate portion including an antenna; and assembling the lens unit, the guide unit, and the substrate unit.

In the step of bringing the upper mold and the lower mold into close contact, the plurality of depressions of the upper mold and the plurality of protrusions of the lower mold may be arranged so as not to overlap each other.

A method of manufacturing an antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention to solve the above problem includes preparing an upper mold and a lower mold, wherein the mold surface of the upper mold is aligned in a first direction and the first direction. An upper mold and a lower mold for injection molding, each having a plurality of depressions repeatedly arranged in an intersecting second direction, and the mold surface of the lower mold having a plurality of protrusions repeatedly arranged in the first direction and the second direction. Preparing steps; Forming a lens unit by bringing the upper mold and the lower mold into close contact and injecting an injection molding material; and disposing an antenna substrate on the lens unit, wherein the plurality of depressions in the upper mold include: a first depression located at a center side in a plan view and having a first depth; and It is located on the edge side compared to the second depression and includes a second depression having a second depth smaller than the first depth.

The plurality of depressions may further include a third depression that is located between the first depression and the second depression and has a third depth that is smaller than the second depth.

Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description.

According to embodiments of the present invention, an antenna module with improved antenna gain characteristics can be provided.

In addition, it is possible to provide an array antenna module with improved antenna gain and improved radiation pattern by suppressing side lobes at the same time.

In addition, it is possible to provide a method of manufacturing an antenna module that can be manufactured at a low cost while minimizing process defects and has improved antenna gain characteristics and side lobe characteristics.

Effects according to embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the contents exemplified above, and further various effects are included in the present specification.

1 is a perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna module of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of an antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of an array antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module of Figure 5.
Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the array antenna module of Figure 5.
Figure 8 is a plan view of the array antenna module of Figure 5.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens portion of Figure 6.
Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the lens unit of Figure 6.
FIG. 11 is a comparative cross-sectional view taken along lines XIa-XIa' and lines XIb-XIb' of FIG. 8.
Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens part of Figure 12.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the array antenna module of FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module of FIG. 12 partially cut away.
Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens part of Figure 16.
FIG. 18 is a plan view of the array antenna module of FIG. 16.
FIG. 19 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module of FIG. 16 partially cut away.
Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens unit and sub-lens unit of FIG. 20.
FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the sub-lens portion of FIG. 20.
FIG. 23 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module of FIG. 20 partially cut away.
Figure 24 is a comparative cross-sectional view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away.
Figure 25 is a rear perspective view of the lens portion of Figure 24.
Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 27 is a plan view of the array antenna module of FIG. 26.
Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA' of Figure 27.
Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB' in Figure 27.
Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 31 is a plan view of the array antenna module of FIG. 30.
FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC' of FIG. 31.
Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' in Figure 31.
Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 35 is a rear perspective view of the lens portion of Figure 34.
Figure 36 is an enlarged perspective view of area E of Figure 35.
Figure 37 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module of Figure 34 partially cut away.
Figure 38 is a comparative cross-sectional view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away.
Figure 39 is a comparative cross-sectional view of an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away.
Figures 40 to 43 are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing an array antenna module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The advantages and features of the present invention and methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail below along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and will be implemented in various different forms, and only the embodiments serve to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete, and those skilled in the art It is provided to fully inform the person of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

Spatially relative terms such as 'above', 'upper', 'on', 'below', 'beneath', and 'lower' are used in the drawing. As shown, it can be used to easily describe the correlation between one element or component and other elements or components. Spatially relative terms should be understood as terms that include different directions of the element when used in addition to the direction shown in the drawings. For example, when an element shown in a drawing is turned over, an element described as 'below or beneath' another element may be placed 'above' the other element. Accordingly, the illustrative term 'down' may include both downward and upward directions.

The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, 'and/or' includes each and every combination of one or more of the mentioned items. Additionally, the singular form also includes the plural form unless specifically stated in the phrase. As used in the specification, 'comprises' and/or 'comprising' does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. The numerical range expressed using 'to' indicates a numerical range that includes the values written before and after it as the lower limit and upper limit, respectively. ‘About’ or ‘approximately’ means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range stated thereafter.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification may be used with meanings that can be commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not interpreted ideally or excessively unless clearly specifically defined.

In this specification, the first direction (X) refers to an arbitrary direction in a plane, and the second direction (Y) refers to another direction intersecting the first direction (X) in the plane. Additionally, the third direction (Z) refers to a direction perpendicular to the plane. Unless otherwise defined, 'plane' means the plane to which the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) belong. Also, unless otherwise defined, 'overlap' means overlapping in the third direction (Z) from the plane viewpoint.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the antenna module 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the antenna module 11 of FIG. 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III' in Figure 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the antenna module 11 according to this embodiment includes a substrate portion 101 including an antenna 113 and a lens portion 201 disposed on the substrate portion 101. , It may further include a guide unit 300 disposed between the substrate unit 101 and the lens unit 201. Although not shown in the drawing, a ground portion (not shown) may be further disposed on the back of the substrate portion 101.

The substrate unit 101 may include an upper substrate 110 (or first substrate) and a lower substrate 120 (or second substrate). Hereinafter, the substrate portion 101 will be described.

The upper substrate 110 may include a first insulating substrate 111 and an antenna 113 disposed on the first insulating substrate 111 . The first insulating substrate 111 may have insulating properties. Additionally, the first insulating substrate 111 may be formed of a dielectric material. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss value, and/or thickness of the first insulating substrate 111 may be appropriately selected by a person skilled in the art.

An antenna 113 may be disposed on the first insulating substrate 111. Antenna 113 may radiate, resonate, and/or receive high frequencies. That is, the antenna 113 may be a radiating patch capable of receiving and/or transmitting wireless communication signals. 2 and the like illustrate a case where the planar shape of the antenna 113 is approximately square, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the antenna 113 may have a polygonal shape other than a square in plan, a circular shape, a slit, or other shapes.

The antenna 113 may be placed directly on the first insulating substrate 111. For example, the antenna 113 may be printed on the first insulating substrate 111 through deposition or the like, or may be a thin film of a conductive material such as copper film. The antenna 113 may receive antenna power from the antenna feed 123, which will be described later, or may provide power to the antenna feed 123.

The lower substrate 120 may include a second insulating substrate 121 and an antenna feed 123 disposed on the second insulating substrate 121 . The second insulating substrate 121 may be formed of a dielectric material having insulating properties, similar to the first insulating substrate 111. The material of the first insulating substrate 111 and the material of the second insulating substrate 121 may be the same or different. The dielectric constant, dielectric loss value, and/or thickness of the second insulating substrate 121 may be appropriately selected by a person skilled in the art.

An antenna feed 123 may be disposed on the second insulating substrate 121. That is, the antenna feed 123 may be disposed between the first insulating substrate 111 and the second insulating substrate 121. The antenna feed 123 may supply power to the antenna 113 or may receive power from the antenna 113. The antenna feed 123 may be a feed line or the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in another embodiment, the antenna feed 123 and the antenna 113 may be located on the same layer. In another embodiment, the antenna feed 123 is not located between the first insulating substrate 111 and the second insulating substrate 121, and the antenna feed 123 may include a coaxial cable. .

A lens unit 201 may be disposed on the substrate unit 101. The lens unit 201 may be a radiation pattern control unit or a radiation pattern modulation structure for controlling the pattern direction of high frequencies radiated from the antenna 113 or received by the antenna 113. That is, the lens unit 201 may be a beam pattern control element of an antenna. The lens unit 201 may include a first lens unit 211 and a second lens unit 221 that have different widths and are stacked on each other. In an exemplary embodiment, the second lens unit 221 may be disposed on the upper surface of the first lens unit 211.

The first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221 may be formed integrally without a physical boundary. For example, the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221 may be formed through injection molding. The lens unit 201 including the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221 may be formed of a polymer material such as liquid crystal polymer. The lens unit 201 may have insulating properties. In some embodiments, the density of lens portion 201 is uniform throughout, and lens portion 201 has a density of about 1.40 g/cm ³ to 1.80 g/cm ³ , or about 1.50 g/cm ³ to 1.70 g/cm ³ It can have density. When the lens unit 201 has a density within the above range and has a structure as described later, the radiation efficiency of the antenna 113 can be improved.

Additionally, liquid crystal polymers can have high heat resistance. The present invention is not limited to this, but when the antenna module 11 is used indoors or outdoors, there is a problem that the signal modulation efficiency of the lens unit 201 is reduced due to heat. When the lens unit 201 is formed using liquid crystal polymer, the defect rate can be minimized at low cost through methods such as injection molding, and a decrease in signal modulation efficiency can be prevented compared to glass materials.

The planar shape of the first lens unit 211 may be approximately circular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the planar shape of the first lens unit 211 may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. When the first lens unit 211 is approximately circular in plan, a side surface of the first lens unit 211 may form a curved surface or a facing surface.

Additionally, the planar shape of the second lens unit 221 may be approximately circular. When the second lens unit 221 has a circular shape on a plane, uniform control of the radiation pattern emitted by the antenna 113 in the horizontal direction (e.g., the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y)) is possible. It's easy. When the second lens unit 221 is substantially circular in plan, the side surface of the second lens unit 221 may form a curved surface or a facing surface. Additionally, the center line (eg, center line of gravity) of the second lens unit 221 may be arranged to coincide with the center line of the antenna 113.

The width W ₂₁₁ (eg, maximum width) of the first lens unit 211 may be larger than the width W ₂₂₁ (eg, maximum width) of the second lens unit 221 . Accordingly, at least a portion of the upper surface of the first lens unit 211 and the side surface of the second lens unit 221 may form a step. In cross section, the side surfaces of the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221 may be substantially perpendicular.

The width W ₂₁₁ of the first lens unit 211 may be about 6 mm or more and 10 mm or less, or about 8 mm. Additionally, the width W ₂₂₁ of the second lens unit 221 may be approximately 3 mm or more and 5 mm or less, or approximately 4 mm. In some embodiments, the difference (W 211 -W 221 ) between the width (W ₂₁₁ ) of the first lens unit 211 and the width ( _{W 221} ) of the second lens unit ₂₂₁ is about 1 mm or more and 7 mm or less, or about It may be 3mm or more and 5mm or less. The antenna gain of the antenna 113 can be improved by configuring the overall width of the lens unit 201 to decrease in a direction away from the antenna 113. That is, the lens unit 201 may be configured to adjust the gain by focusing the antenna signal emitted by the antenna 113 or focusing the received antenna signal to the antenna 113. Additionally, the thickness T _{211 of the first lens unit 211} may be smaller than the thickness T ₂₂₁ of the second lens unit 221 . The gain improvement effect of the lens unit 201 can be maximized by forming the second lens unit 221, which has a relatively large effect on improving the gain of the antenna signal, to have a sufficient height.

In some embodiments, the width W ₂₂₁ of the second lens unit 221 may be greater than the thickness T ₂₂₁ of the second lens unit 221 . The thickness T ₂₂₁ of the second lens unit 221 may be approximately 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, or approximately 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the lens unit 201 may further include a third lens unit 231. The third lens unit 231 may be spaced apart from the second lens unit 221 with the first lens unit 211 interposed therebetween. That is, the third lens unit 231 may be disposed on the back of the first lens unit 211. The third lens unit 231 may be formed integrally with the first lens unit 211 without a physical boundary. For example, the first lens unit 211, the second lens unit 221, and the third lens unit 231 are formed together through injection molding and may have approximately the same density.

The planar shape of the third lens unit 231 may be approximately circular. When the third lens unit 231 has a circular shape on a plane, it is easy to uniformly control the radiation pattern emitted by the antenna 113 in the horizontal direction. When the planar shape of the third lens unit 231 is approximately circular, the side surface of the third lens unit 231 may form a curved surface. The center lines (eg, center lines of gravity) of the first lens unit 211, the second lens unit 221, and the third lens unit 231 may be arranged to be located on the same line. Additionally, the center line of the third lens unit 231 may be arranged to coincide with the center line of the antenna 113.

The width W _{231 (eg, maximum width) of the third lens unit 231} may be in a predetermined relationship with the widths of the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221. For example, the width (W 231 ) of the third lens unit ₂₃₁ may be smaller than the width (W 211 ) of the first lens unit ₂₁₁ and larger than the width (W 221 ) of the second lens unit ₂₂₁ . there is. Accordingly, at least a portion of the rear surface of the first lens unit 211 and the side surface of the third lens unit 231 may form a step. The width W ₂₃₁ of the third lens unit 231 may be approximately 4 mm or more and 8 mm or less, or approximately 6 mm. By configuring the width (W ₂₃₁ ) of the third lens unit 231 to be smaller than the width (W ₂₂₁ ) of the second lens unit 221, the radiation efficiency of the radiation pattern radiated from the antenna 113 can be increased. In addition, the control characteristics of the lens unit 201 can be strengthened by making the width (W ₂₃₁ ) of the third lens unit 231 smaller than the width (W ₂₁₁ ) of the first lens unit 211.

Additionally, the thickness T ₂₃₁ (eg, maximum thickness) of the third lens unit 231 may have a predetermined relationship with the height or thickness of the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221. For example, the thickness (T 231 ) of the third lens unit ₂₃₁ is equal to or greater than the thickness (T 211 ) of the first lens unit ₂₁₁ , and the thickness (T ₂₂₁ ) may be smaller than. If the thickness (T 231 ) of the third lens unit ₂₃₁ is greater than or equal to the thickness (T ₂₂₁ ) of the second lens unit 221, the antenna feed 123 may be deteriorated and the lifespan of the antenna module 11 may be reduced. You can.

That is, as the overall thickness of the lens unit 201 including the first lens unit 211 and the second lens unit 221 increases, there is a problem in that the side lobe pattern increases at the same time as the antenna gain is improved. The antenna module 11 according to this embodiment forms a third lens unit 231 with a smaller width than the first lens unit 211, thereby minimizing side lobes while maintaining the overall thickness of the lens unit 201. There is a possible effect.

Additionally, the planar size of the third lens unit 231 may be larger than the planar size of the antenna 113. For example, the third lens unit 231 may be arranged to completely cover the antenna 113 from a planar view. The third lens unit 231 is formed with a smaller size than the first lens unit 211, and the third lens unit 231 is arranged to completely overlap the antenna 113 to maximize the radiation efficiency of the radiation pattern. there is.

In some embodiments, the lens unit 201 and the antenna 113 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and an air layer AG may be interposed between the lens unit 201 and the antenna 113. The separation distance (D ₁ ) between the lens unit 201 and the antenna 113 may be about 1.0λ or less. Here, λ means the wavelength of high frequency at which the antenna 113 of the antenna module 11 resonates. The separation distance (D ₁ ) between the lens unit 201 and the antenna 113 may affect the radiation pattern control characteristics of the lens unit 201. The separation distance D ₁ between the lens unit 201 and the antenna 113 may be controlled using the thickness of the guide unit 300, which will be described later, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Although not shown in the drawings, in another embodiment, the lens unit 201 may be configured to form an additional step.

A guide unit 300 may be further disposed between the substrate unit 101 and the lens unit 201. The guide unit 300 may be a shield wave guide for guiding high frequencies emitted by the antenna 113. The guide unit 300 can guide the antenna 113 signal and simultaneously prevent the antenna signal from leaking.

The guide portion 300 may be formed of a conductive material. For example, the guide part 300 may include a conductive material such as aluminum, molybdenum, copper, titanium, or an alloy thereof. The guide unit 300 may contact the lens unit 201 and the first insulating substrate 111 of the substrate unit 101.

The guide unit 300 may have a guide hole 300h extending in the third direction (Z). The planar shape of the guide hole 300h may be approximately circular. The antenna 113 described above may be at least partially inserted into the guide hole 300h. That is, the side of the antenna 113 may be surrounded by the inner wall of the guide hole 300h.

In some embodiments, the size of the guide hole 300h may be smaller than the size of the third lens unit 231 of the lens unit 201. That is, the width (eg, maximum width) of the guide hole 300h may be smaller than the width W ₂₃₁ of the third lens unit 231. Accordingly, the upper surface of the guide unit 300 may contact the rear surface of the third lens unit 231.

According to the antenna module 11 according to this embodiment, the antenna module 11 includes an antenna 113 and a lens unit 201 focused on the antenna 113, thereby improving the gain of the antenna 113. . In addition, the width of the radiation pattern can be sharply configured, which has the effect of enabling high power transmission.

In addition, the pattern emitted by the antenna 113 can be modulated without forming a convex or concave curved surface in the vertical direction (e.g., the third direction (Z)), and it is cheaper than forming a curved surface in the vertical direction. There is an advantage in being able to manufacture a structure that exhibits excellent antenna gain at a low cost.

Hereinafter, an antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions that overlap with the description of the antenna module 11 described above will be omitted, and this will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the contents of this specification and the attached drawings.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the antenna module 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 3.

Referring to FIG. 4, the antenna module 12 according to this embodiment is shown in that the third lens unit 232 of the lens unit 202 is at least partially inserted into the guide hole 300h of the guide unit 300. This is different from the antenna module 11 according to embodiments such as 3.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lens unit 202 includes a first lens unit 212 and a second lens unit 222 that are stacked with each other, and may further include a third lens unit 232. The third lens unit 232 of the lens unit 202 is at least partially inserted into the guide hole 300h, but the first lens unit 212 of the lens unit 202 is not inserted into the guide hole 300h but is guided. It may be in contact with the upper surface of the unit 300.

Additionally, the width W ₂₃₂ (eg, maximum width) of the third lens unit 232 may be in a predetermined relationship with the widths of the first lens unit 212 and the second lens unit 212. For example, the width W _{232 of the third lens unit 232} may be smaller than the width of the first lens unit 212 and larger than the width W ₂₂₂ of the second lens unit 212 . Additionally, the width (W ₂₃₂ ) of the third lens unit 232 may be smaller than or equal to the width (W _300h ) of the guide hole (300h).

The antenna 113 may be at least partially inserted into the guide hole 300h. As described above, the planar size of the third lens unit 232 may be larger than the planar size of the antenna 113. In some embodiments, the lens unit 202 and the antenna 113 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and an air layer may be interposed between the lens unit 202 and the antenna 113. The separation distance between the lens unit 202 and the antenna 113 may be about 1.0λ or less. The separation distance between the lens unit 202 and the antenna 113 may affect the radiation pattern control characteristics of the lens unit 202. The separation distance between the lens unit 202 and the antenna 113 may be controlled using the thickness of the guide unit 300 or the thickness of the third lens unit 232 inserted into the guide hole 300h. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

Hereinafter, an array antenna module according to the present invention will be described.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the array antenna module 23 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 23 of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the array antenna module 23 of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the array antenna module 23 according to this embodiment is an array including a plurality of antennas 133 repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). It could be an antenna. The array antenna module 23 may be configured using the antenna modules 11 and 12 shown in FIGS. 1 and/or 4 described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The array antenna module 23 includes a substrate portion 102 including a plurality of antennas 133 and a lens portion 203 disposed on the substrate portion 102, and the substrate portion 102 and the lens portion 203 ) may further include a guide portion 310 disposed between them. Although not shown in the drawing, a ground portion (not shown) may be further disposed on the back of the substrate portion 102.

The substrate 102 may include an upper substrate 130 (or first substrate) including an antenna 133 and a lower substrate 140 (or second substrate) including an antenna feed 143. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in another embodiment, the antenna feed 143 and the antenna 133 may be located on the same layer. In another embodiment, the antenna feed 143 is not located between the first insulating substrate 131 and the second insulating substrate 141, and the antenna feed 143 may include a coaxial cable.

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, at least some of the plurality of antennas 133 arranged in a substantially matrix on a plane along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) are electrically connected to each other, and provide parallel feed through this. This could come true.

Since the substrate unit 102 has been described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 and the like, redundant description will be omitted.

A lens unit 203 may be disposed on the substrate unit 102. The lens unit 203 may be a radiation pattern control unit or a radiation pattern modulation structure for controlling the pattern direction of high frequencies radiated from the antenna 133 or received by the antenna 133. That is, the lens unit 203 may be a beam pattern control element of an antenna.

The lens unit 203 includes a base unit 253 (or a first lens unit/third lens unit) and a plurality of protruding pattern units 263 (or a second lens unit) stacked on the base unit 253. can do. The base portion 253 and the protruding pattern portion 263 may be formed integrally without a physical boundary. For example, the base portion 253 and the protruding pattern portion 263 may be formed through injection molding. The lens portion 203 including the base portion 253 and the protruding pattern portion 263 may be formed of a polymer material such as liquid crystal polymer. The lens unit 203 may have insulating properties. In some embodiments, the density of the lens portion 203 is uniform throughout, and the lens portion 203 may have a density of about 1.40 to 1.80, or about 1.50 to 1.70. When the lens unit 203 has a density within the above range and has a structure as described later, the radiation efficiency of the antenna 133 can be improved.

The base portion 253 may be formed over a plurality of protruding pattern portions 263. That is, the plurality of protruding pattern parts 263 share one base part 253, and the plurality of protruding pattern parts 263 can be formed as one body through the base part 253 without any physical boundaries. Additionally, the base portion 253 may be formed over a plurality of antennas 133. That is, the plurality of antennas 133 may be arranged to overlap one base portion 253 in the third direction (Z).

The protruding pattern portion 263 may be disposed on the upper surface of the base portion 253. The protruding pattern portion 263 may be formed to protrude from the upper surface of the base portion 253. The protruding pattern portions 263 may be arranged approximately in a matrix on a plane along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). Additionally, the plurality of protruding pattern portions 263 may be arranged to overlap the plurality of antennas 133 arranged in a matrix.

The planar shape of the protruding pattern portion 263 may be approximately circular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the planar shape of the protruding pattern portion 263 may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon. When the protruding pattern portion 263 is substantially circular in plan, a side surface of the protruding pattern portion 263 may form a curved surface. The side surface of the protruding pattern portion 263 and the top surface of the base portion 253 may form a step. By disposing the protruding pattern portion 263 formed at a position corresponding to the antenna 133, a structure having a partially narrow width in the direction away from the antenna 133 can be formed, and through this, the antenna gain of the antenna 133 can be improved.

A guide unit 310 may be further disposed between the substrate unit 102 and the lens unit 203. The guide unit 310 may be a shield wave guide for guiding high frequencies emitted by the antenna 133. The guide portion 310 may be formed of a conductive material. Additionally, the guide unit 310 may have a guide hole 310h extending in the third direction (Z). The planar shape of the guide hole 310h may be approximately circular. The guide holes 310h, like the antenna 133 and the protruding pattern portion 263, may be arranged in a substantially matrix on a plane along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The guide hole 310h may be formed at a location corresponding to the antenna 133 and the protruding pattern portion 263. The antenna 133 described above may be at least partially inserted into the guide hole 310h. That is, the side of the antenna 133 may be surrounded by the inner wall of the guide hole 310h. Since the guide unit 310 has been described in conjunction with FIG. 3, redundant description will be omitted.

In some embodiments, the substrate portion 102, the lens portion 203, and the guide portion 310 may further include screw holes 130s, 140s, 203s, and 310s, respectively. The first screw hole 140s of the lower substrate 140, the second screw hole 130s of the upper substrate 130, the third screw hole 203s of the lens unit 203, and the fourth screw hole of the guide unit 310. The screw holes 310s may be arranged to be aligned. In addition, the array antenna module 23 further includes one or more screws 500, and the screws 500 include a first screw hole 140s, a second screw hole 130s, a third screw hole 203s, and a third screw hole 203s. 4 It can be inserted and placed through the screw hole (310s). Through this, the substrate portion 102 including the upper substrate 130 and the lower substrate 140, the guide portion 310, and the lens portion 203 are positioned in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). can be aligned and assembled.

Hereinafter, the components of the array antenna module 23 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail with further reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the array antenna module 23 of FIG. 5. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens unit 203 of FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the lens unit 203 of FIG. 6. FIG. 11 is a comparative cross-sectional view taken along lines XIa-XIa' and lines XIb-XIb' of FIG. 8.

Referring further to FIGS. 8 to 11 , the protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens portion 203 may be arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). For example, the protruding pattern portion 263 is repeatedly arranged in multiples of 4 (e.g., 4, 8, 12, and 16) along the first direction (X), and 4 along the second direction (Y). It can be repeatedly arranged as many times as the number of multiples (e.g., 4, 8, 12, and 16, etc.). By forming the number of protruding pattern portions 263 and antennas 133 in multiples of 4 and arranging them in a matrix, a gain improvement effect according to the arrangement of a plurality of antennas 133 can be exhibited.

Additionally, the arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portion 263 in the first direction (X) and the arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portion 263 in the second direction (Y) may be substantially the same. In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portion 263 in the first direction (X) and/or the second direction (Y) may be about 0.5λ or more and 0.8λ or less, or about 0.75λ. there is. If the array pitch (P) is less than 0.5λ, the effect of improving antenna gain may be minimal. Additionally, if the array pitch (P) is greater than 0.8λ, especially if the array pitch (P) is greater than 1λ, the radiation characteristics of the array antenna, for example, an unintended side lobe pattern, may increase.

The width W ₂₆₃ (e.g., maximum width) of the protruding pattern portion 263 is determined by the thickness T 263 (i.e., protrusion height) of the protruding pattern portion ₂₆₃ , the size of the antenna 133, and/or the guide hole 310h. ) can be selected taking into account the width, etc. For example, the width W ₂₆₃ of the protruding pattern portion 263 may be between about 6 mm and 10 mm or less, or about 8 mm. In some embodiments, the difference (PW 263 ) between the array pitch (P) between the protruding pattern portions 263 and the width (W ₂₆₃ ) of the protruding pattern portions ₂₆₃ may be between about 1 mm and 7 mm or less, or between about 3 mm and 5 mm or less. there is. When the size of the protruding pattern portion 263 is designed within the above range, it may be configured to adjust the gain by focusing the antenna signal emitted by the antenna 133 or focusing the received antenna signal to the antenna 133. You can. Additionally, the thickness T ₂₆₃ of the protruding pattern portion 263 may be smaller than the width W ₂₆₃ of the protruding pattern portion 263 . For example, the thickness T ₂₆₃ of the protruding pattern portion 263 may be about 1.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less, or about 2 mm.

The protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203 may correspond to the second lens unit 221 of the lens unit 201 of the antenna module 11 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, etc., but the present invention does not apply to this. It is not limited.

The rear surface of the base portion 253 of the lens portion 203 may at least partially contact the guide portion 310 in which the guide hole 310h is formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear surface of the base portion 253 may have a plurality of grooves 253h repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). From a plan view, the groove 253h may be located between two adjacent protruding pattern portions 263 in a diagonal direction that intersects the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The planar shape of the groove 253h may be approximately a diamond shape or a triangle. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the planar shape of the groove 253h may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon, or a circular shape. The groove 253h overlaps the upper surface of the guide portion 310 in the third direction (Z), and an air layer AG may be interposed within the groove 253h.

The size of the groove 253h may be selected in consideration of the size of the protruding pattern portion 263. For example, on a cross section cut diagonally intersecting the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) (i.e., a cross section cut along the line The distance L ₂₅₃ between the grooves 253h may be greater than the width W ₂₆₃ of the protruding pattern portion 263 .

If the size of the groove 253h is too large or too small, the desired degree of improvement in the side lobe pattern cannot be obtained. Accordingly, by setting the size of the groove 253h to an appropriate size, the side lobe pattern can be controlled to a desired level.

Additionally, the groove 253h may allow the lens unit 203 to have a partially thin thickness. For example, the groove 253h may form the minimum thickness T ₂₅₃ of the base portion 253. That is, from a plan view, the base portion 253 may have a minimum thickness T ₂₅₃ at the portion where the groove 253h is located. The minimum thickness T ₂₅₃ of the base portion 253 may be configured to be smaller than the thickness of the protruding pattern portion 263 . The groove 253h designed in this way and formed on the rear surface of the base portion 253 may have an effect of suppressing the side lobe pattern generated in the array antenna module 23. That is, the side lobe characteristics of an array antenna module in which the groove 253h is formed on the rear surface of the base portion 253 can be improved compared to an antenna module in which the groove 253h is not formed.

In addition, on a cross-section cut diagonally intersecting the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), the separation distance (L ₂₅₃ ) between the two most adjacent grooves (253h) is on the plane of the antenna 133 It can be bigger than the size. Additionally, from a plan view, the antenna 133 may be arranged so as not to overlap the groove 253h in the third direction (Z). The radiation efficiency of the radiation pattern can be maximized by arranging the antenna 133 and the groove 253h so as not to overlap.

In some embodiments, the lens unit 203 and the antenna 133 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and an air layer AG may be interposed between the lens unit 203 and the antenna 133. The separation distance D ₂ between the lens unit 203 and the antenna 133 may be about 1.0λ or less. The separation distance (D ₂ ) between the lens unit 203 and the antenna 133 may affect the radiation pattern control characteristics of the lens unit 203.

The base portion 253 having the groove 253h of the lens portion 203 is the first lens portion 211 and the third lens portion of the lens portion 201 of the antenna module 11 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, etc. It may correspond to (231), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The array antenna module 23 according to this embodiment can modulate the pattern emitted by the antenna 133 without forming a convex or concave curved surface in the vertical direction (e.g., the third direction (Z)). There is an advantage in that a structure showing excellent antenna gain can be manufactured at a lower cost compared to forming a curved surface.

Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions that overlap with those of the array antenna module 23 described above will be omitted.

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 24 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens unit 204 of FIG. 12. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the array antenna module 24 of FIG. 12. FIG. 15 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 24 of FIG. 12 partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to that of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 12 to 15, the base portion 254 of the lens portion 204 of the array antenna module 24 according to this embodiment has a through hole 254h rather than a groove, which is similar to the array antenna according to FIG. 5, etc. This is different from the module 23.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion 254 may have a plurality of through holes 254h repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The through hole 254h may be visible from both the top and rear surfaces of the base portion 254.

From a plan view, the through hole 254h may be located between two adjacent protruding pattern portions 264 in a diagonal direction that intersects the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The planar shape of the through hole 254h may be approximately a diamond shape or a triangle.

However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the planar shape of the groove 254h may be a polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, or octagon, or a circular shape. The through hole 254h may overlap the upper surface of the guide portion 310 in the third direction (Z). In addition, the rear surface of the base portion 254 of the lens portion 204 is at least partially in contact with the guide portion 310 in which the guide hole 310h is formed, and the guide portion 310 is formed through the through hole 254h of the base portion 254. The upper surface of 310 may be partially exposed.

The size of the through hole 254h may be selected in consideration of the size of the protruding pattern portion 264. For example, on a cross-section cut diagonally intersecting the first direction ( It may be configured to be larger than the width (W ₂₆₄ ) of the protruding pattern portion 264 . In addition, on a cross section cut diagonally crossing the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y), the width (W 254h) of the through hole ( _254h ) is the width (W 264) of the protruding pattern portion ₂₆₄ . It can be smaller than The through hole 254h designed in this way and formed in the base portion 254 can have an effect of suppressing the side lobe pattern generated in the array antenna module 24. That is, the side lobe characteristics of an array antenna module in which a through hole 254h is formed in the base portion 254 can be improved compared to an antenna module in which the through hole 254h is not formed.

The array antenna module 24 according to this embodiment can modulate the pattern emitted by the antenna 133 without forming a convex or concave curved surface in the vertical direction (e.g., the third direction (Z)). There is an advantage in that a structure showing excellent antenna gain can be manufactured at a lower cost compared to forming a curved surface.

In addition, the manufacturing cost of the lens unit 204 manufactured by injection molding can be further reduced by forming a through hole 254h rather than a groove.

Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 25 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens unit 205 of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the array antenna module 25 of FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 25 of FIG. 16 partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to that of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 16 to 19, the through hole 255h of the lens unit 205 of the array antenna module 25 according to this embodiment has a different width from the upper side to the lower width from the arrangement according to FIG. 12, etc. This is different from the antenna module 24.

In an exemplary embodiment, the base portion 255 may have a plurality of through holes 255h repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The through hole 255h can be visible from both the top and back surfaces of the base portion 255. From a plan view, both the upper planar shape and the lower planar shape of the through hole 255h may be approximately diamond-shaped or triangular. The through hole 255h overlaps the upper surface of the guide part 310 in the third direction (Z), and the upper surface of the guide part 310 may be partially exposed through the through hole 255h.

In addition, the size of the top side of the base portion 255 of the through hole 255h (i.e., the size of the protruding pattern portion 265 side) and the size of the back side of the base portion 255 of the through hole 255h (i.e., the guide portion side size) (310) side size) may be different. For example, the maximum width (W 255a ) on the top side of the through hole ( _255h ) may be smaller than the maximum width (W _255b ) on the back side of the through hole (255h). In other words, the inner wall of the through hole 255h may partially have a step. By forming a lower width (W _255b ) of a sufficient size while minimizing the upper width (W _255a ) of the through hole (255h), the suppression effect of the side lobe pattern occurring in the array antenna module 25 can be improved. .

In some embodiments, on a cross-section cut diagonally crossing the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) (i.e., the left cross-sectional view of FIG. 19), the base portion 255 of the through hole 255h The maximum width (W _255b ) on the rear side may be smaller than the width of the protruding pattern portion 265 .

The array antenna module 25 according to this embodiment can modulate the pattern emitted by the antenna 133 without forming a convex or concave curved surface in the vertical direction (e.g., the third direction (Z)). There is an advantage in that a structure showing excellent antenna gain can be manufactured at a lower cost compared to forming a curved surface.

In addition, a through hole 255h is formed in the base portion 255 of the lens unit 205, and the width W _255a on the upper side of the through hole 255h is formed to be smaller than the width W _255b on the lower side. The planar area of the through hole 255h exposed on the upper side of the lens unit 205 can be minimized, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the lens unit 205 formed by injection molding and at the same time suppressing the side lobe pattern. can be maximized.

Although not shown in the drawing, in another embodiment, the inner wall of the through hole 255h has two or more steps, or the inner wall of the through hole 255h has no steps and has a slope, increasing from the bottom to the top. It may have a shape where the width gradually decreases.

Figure 20 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 26 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the lens unit 203 and the sub-lens unit 400 of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a rear perspective view of the sub-lens unit 400 of FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 26 of FIG. 20 partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to that of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 20 to 23, the array antenna module 26 according to the present embodiment further includes a sub-lens unit 400 disposed on the lens unit 203, which is similar to the array antenna module 23 according to FIG. 5. ) is different from this.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sub-lens unit 400 may be a radiation pattern control unit or a radiation pattern modulation structure for controlling the pattern direction of high frequencies radiated from the antenna 133 or received by the antenna 133. The sub-lens unit 400 includes a fifth screw hole 400s and can be coupled and assembled with the lens unit 203, the guide unit 310, and the substrate unit 102 through the screw 500.

As described above, the lens unit 203 includes a base unit 253 (hereinafter, first base unit) and a protruding pattern unit 263 (hereinafter, first protruding pattern unit), and the sub-lens unit 400 Like the lens unit 203, it may include a base unit 410 (hereinafter referred to as a second base unit) and a protruding pattern unit 420 (hereinafter referred to as a second protruding pattern unit). The sub-lens unit 400 may be placed directly on the lens unit 203. For example, the rear surface of the second base portion 410 may contact the first protruding pattern portion 263. Additionally, the first base portion 253 and the second base portion 410 may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and an air layer AG may be interposed between them. The separation distance between the first base portion 253 and the second base portion 410 may approximately correspond to the thickness T ₂₆₃ of the first protruding pattern portion 263 . As described above, a plurality of grooves 253h arranged in a matrix along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) are formed on the rear surface of the first base portion 253.

The second base portion 410 and the second protruding pattern portion 420 may be formed integrally without a physical boundary. For example, the second base portion 410 and the second protruding pattern portion 420 may be formed through injection molding. The sub-lens unit 400 including the second base unit 410 and the second protruding pattern unit 420 may be formed of an insulating polymer material such as liquid crystal polymer. In some embodiments, the density of the sub-lens unit 400 is uniform throughout, and the sub-lens unit 400 may have a density of about 1.40 to 1.80, or about 1.50 to 1.70. The density of the sub-lens unit 400 may be the same as or different from the density of the lens unit 203.

The second base portion 410 of the sub-lens portion 400 may be formed over a plurality of second protruding pattern portions 420 . That is, the plurality of second protruding pattern parts 420 share one second base part 410, and a physical boundary is formed between the plurality of second protruding pattern parts 420 through the second base part 410. It can be formed integrally without. The rear surface of the second base portion 410 may be flat without grooves and/or through holes.

The second protruding pattern part 420 of the sub-lens part 400 may be disposed on the upper surface of the second base part 410. The second protruding pattern portions 420 may be arranged substantially in a matrix on a plane along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). In addition, the second protruding pattern portion 420 of the sub-lens unit 400 is connected to the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203, the guide hole 310h of the guide portion 310, and the antenna 133. It may be arranged to overlap in the third direction (Z). In some embodiments, the center line of the second protruding pattern portion 420 of the sub-lens unit 400 and the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203 are arranged to be located on the same line, and the sub-lens unit ( The arrangement pitch of the second protruding pattern part 420 of 400 may be substantially the same as the arrangement pitch of the first protruding pattern part 263 of the lens unit 203.

The planar shape of the second protruding pattern portion 420 of the sub-lens portion 400 may be approximately circular. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the planar shape of the second protruding pattern portion 420 may be another polygon.

In some embodiments, the width W 420 (e.g., maximum width) of the second protruding pattern portion ₄₂₀ of the sub-lens unit 400 is equal to the width W of the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203. ₂₆₃ ) (e.g., maximum width). That is, excluding the second base portion 410, the first protruding pattern portion 263 and the second protruding pattern portion 420 may be formed to have a step. Specifically, the width W 420 of the second protruding pattern portion ₄₂₀ may be 0.5 to 0.8 times the width W ₂₆₃ of the first protruding pattern portion 263 . If the second protruding pattern portion 420 is too small, the antenna radiation pattern may be dispersed. Additionally, if the second protruding pattern portion 420 is too large, the effect of improving antenna gain may be minimal. Additionally, the thickness T 263 of the first protruding pattern portion ₂₆₃ and the thickness T ₄₂₀ of the second protruding pattern portion 420 may be substantially the same.

The array antenna module 26 according to this embodiment arranges the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203 at a position corresponding to the antenna 133, and places the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the sub-lens unit 400 on top of the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens unit 203. 2 By disposing the protruding pattern portion 420, it is possible to form a structure whose width gradually narrows in the direction away from the antenna 133, and the antenna gain of the antenna 133 can be further improved.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to this, but compared to the case where the first protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens portion 203 manufactured through, for example, injection molding is manufactured in a step shape, the lens portion 203 ) and a separate sub-lens portion 400, and the first protruding pattern portion 263 and the second protruding pattern portion 420 are configured to have sufficient thickness and gradually narrow in width, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. There is.

FIG. 24 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 27 according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to FIG. 11. FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of the lens unit 207 of the array antenna module 27 of FIG. 24.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the array antenna module 27 according to this embodiment does not include a guide portion, and the point where the lens portion 207 and the substrate portion 102 contact is the array antenna module 23 according to FIG. 5, etc. ) is different from this.

The lens unit 207 may be disposed on the substrate unit 102. For example, the rear surface of the lens unit 207 may contact the first insulating substrate 131 of the substrate unit 102. The lens unit 207 may include a base unit 257 and a plurality of protruding pattern units 267 stacked on the base unit 257.

In an exemplary embodiment, the rear surface of the base portion 257 of the lens portion 207 includes a plurality of grooves 257h repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) and an antenna receiving groove ( 257k). From a plan view, the groove 257h may be located between two adjacent protruding pattern portions 267 in a diagonal direction that intersects the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). That is, the groove 257h may be arranged so as not to overlap the protruding pattern portion 267. Additionally, the antenna receiving groove 257k may be arranged to overlap the protruding pattern portion 267.

The planar shape of the antenna receiving groove 257k may be approximately circular. The planar size of the antenna receiving groove 257k may be larger than the planar size of the antenna 113. Additionally, the antenna 113 may be at least partially inserted into the antenna receiving groove 257k. That is, the side of the antenna 113 may be surrounded by the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove 257k.

The antenna 113 may be spaced apart from the lens unit 207. The separation distance D ₃ between the antenna 113 and the lens unit 207 in the vertical direction (i.e., the third direction (Z)) may be about 1.0λ or less. The separation distance (D ₃ ) between the lens unit 207 and the antenna 113 may affect the radiation pattern control characteristics of the lens unit 207. An air layer AG may be interposed between the antenna 113 and the lens unit 207. The inner wall of the antenna receiving groove 257k may guide high frequencies emitted by the antenna 113, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

In some embodiments, the maximum depth D ₄ of the antenna receiving groove 257k may be smaller than the maximum depth D ₅ of the groove 257h. If the maximum depth (D ₄ ) of the antenna receiving groove (257k) is greater than the maximum depth (D ₅ ) of the groove (257h), the present invention is not limited thereto, but the base portion ( If the thickness of 257) becomes too thin, the control characteristics of the radiation pattern by the lens unit 207 may be significantly deteriorated.

Figure 26 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 28 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 is a plan view of the array antenna module 28 of FIG. 26. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 27. Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' in Figure 27.

Referring to FIGS. 26 to 29, the lens unit 208 of the array antenna module 28 according to the present embodiment includes protruding pattern portions 268 having different sizes from the array antenna module according to FIG. 5, etc. This is different from 23). As a non-limiting example, the plurality of protruding pattern portions 268 repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) may be configured to gradually decrease in size from the center side (or central portion) to the edge side (or edge portion). there is. Likewise, the plurality of protruding pattern portions 268 repeatedly arranged along the second direction (Y) may be configured to gradually decrease in size from the center side to the edge side.

In an exemplary embodiment, the protruding pattern portions 268 include a first protruding pattern portion 268a located approximately at the center side from a plan view, and a second protruding pattern portion located at an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion 268a ( 268b) may be included. The protruding pattern portions 268 are arranged in 4×m pieces (where m is an integer of 1 or more) along the first direction (X), and 4×n pieces (where n is an integer of 1 or more) along the second direction (Y). is an integer) and can be arranged. Figure 26 illustrates a case in which 8 elements are arranged along the first direction (X) and 8 elements are arranged along the second direction (Y), but of course, the present invention is not limited thereto. In this case, the first protruding pattern portion 268a may refer to 2×2 protruding pattern portions located at the center side. The first protruding pattern portion 268a may be a protruding pattern portion that forms the maximum thickness (or height) among the plurality of protruding pattern portions 268. Additionally, the second protruding pattern portion 268b may refer to 12 protruding pattern portions surrounding the first protruding pattern portion 268a in a substantially rectangular band shape.

The size of the first protruding pattern portion 268a may be larger than the size of the second protruding pattern portion 268b. For example, the thickness T _268a (or height) of the first protruding pattern portion 268a may be greater than the thickness T _268b (or height) of the second protruding pattern portion 268b. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _268a of the first protruding pattern part 268a may be greater than the maximum width W _268b of the second protruding pattern part 268b.

Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the beam radiated from the antenna 133 (e.g., the first antenna) disposed to overlap the first protruding pattern portion 268a in the third direction (Z) is radiated from the first protruding pattern portion 268a. The degree to which the beam pattern is controlled by 268a is large, and the beam radiated from the antenna 133 (e.g., the second antenna) arranged to overlap the second protruding pattern portion 268b in the third direction (Z) The degree to which the beam pattern is controlled by the second protruding pattern portion 268b may be large. In addition, the pattern of the beam radiated by the first antenna is controlled by the size and shape of the first protruding pattern portion 268a, and the pattern of the beam radiated by the second antenna is adjusted by the size and shape of the second protruding pattern portion 268b. Can be adjusted by shape.

In this case, the first protruding pattern portion 268a so that the side lobes of the beam radiated from the first antenna relatively located on the center side and the side lobes of the beam radiated from the second antenna relatively located on the edge side cancel each other out. ) and the size of the second protruding pattern portion 268b, the effect of suppressing side lobes that may occur in the array antenna can be maximized.

Additionally, for example, the amplitude of signals radiated from the plurality of antennas 133 repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) may be adjusted to have different weights. For example, the size of the signal may be weighted to have a larger size on the center side than on the edge side. This has the effect of improving the gain of the beam pattern emitted by the array antenna module 28 and forming a main lobe with a sharp shape.

The lens unit 208 of the array antenna module 28 according to this embodiment has the thickness (T _268a ) and/or the maximum width (W _268a ) of the first protruding pattern portion (268a) of the second protruding pattern portion (268b). The beam pattern radiated by the array antenna module 28 can be more effectively controlled by forming it to be larger than the thickness (T _268b ) and/or the maximum width (W _268b ).

In some embodiments, the protruding pattern portions 268 further include a third protruding pattern portion 268c located on an edge side compared to the second protruding pattern portion 268b, and further including a third protruding pattern portion 268c compared to the third protruding pattern portion 268c. It may further include a fourth protruding pattern portion 268d located on the edge side. The third protruding pattern portion 268c may represent 20 protruding patterns surrounding the second protruding pattern portion 268b in a substantially rectangular band shape. Additionally, the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d may refer to 28 protruding pattern portions surrounding the third protruding pattern portion 268c in a substantially rectangular band shape.

The size of the second protruding pattern portion 268b may be larger than the size of the third protruding pattern portion 268c. For example, the thickness T 268b of the second protruding pattern portion _268b may be greater than the thickness T _268c of the third protruding pattern portion 268c. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _268b of the second protruding pattern part 268b may be larger than the maximum width W _268c of the third protruding pattern part 268c.

Additionally, the size of the third protruding pattern portion 268c may be larger than the size of the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d. For example, the thickness T 268c of the third protruding pattern portion _268c may be greater than the thickness T _268d of the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _268c of the third protruding pattern part 268c may be larger than the maximum width W 268d of the fourth protruding pattern part _268d .

Although the present invention is not limited thereto, the beam radiated from the antenna 133 (e.g., the third antenna) arranged to overlap the third protruding pattern portion 268c in the third direction (Z) is radiated from the third protruding pattern portion 268c. The beam radiated from the antenna 133 (e.g., the fourth antenna), which is adjusted by the size and shape of (268c) and arranged to overlap the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d in the third direction (Z), is the fourth It can be adjusted by the size and shape of the protruding pattern portion 268d.

The first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may have substantially the same size or substantially the same radiation area. Additionally, the first antenna may be arranged not to overlap the second protruding pattern portion 268b, and the second antenna may be disposed not to overlap the first protruding pattern portion 268a and the third protruding pattern portion 268c. . Additionally, the third antenna may be disposed so as not to overlap the second protruding pattern portion 268b and the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d, and the fourth antenna may be disposed not to overlap the third protruding pattern portion 268c. .

In this case, the first protruding pattern portion 268a and the second protruding pattern portion 268b are used so that the side lobes of the beams radiating from the previously described first, second, third, and fourth antennas can cancel each other out. , the effect of suppressing side lobes that may occur in the array antenna can be maximized by adjusting the sizes of the third protruding pattern portion 268c and the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d.

In addition, the size of the signal radiated from the plurality of antennas 133 repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and/or the second direction (Y) is adjusted to have different weights to improve the gain of the beam pattern. A main lobe with a sharp shape can be formed. That is, the array antenna module 28 according to this embodiment can be designed to have gradually smaller weights from the center side to the edge side from a plan view.

In this embodiment, the arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portion 268 refers to the distance from the center point of the protruding pattern portion to the center point of another adjacent protruding pattern portion. In this case, the arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portions 268 in the first direction (X) and the arrangement pitch (P) in the second direction (Y) may be substantially the same. The arrangement pitch (P) of the protruding pattern portion 268 in the first direction (X) and/or the second direction (Y) may be about 0.5λ or more and 0.8λ or less, or about 0.75λ.

Meanwhile, the first separation distance (L ₁ ) between the first protruding pattern portion 268a and the second protruding pattern portion 268b, the second protruding pattern portion 268b and the third protruding pattern portion 268c 2 The separation distance L ₂ and the third separation distance L ₃ between the third protruding pattern portion 268c and the fourth protruding pattern portion 268d may be different from each other. For example, the first separation distance (L ₁ ) may be smaller than the second separation distance (L ₂ ), and the second separation distance (L ₂ ) may be smaller than the third separation distance (L ₃ ). As described above, by keeping the separation distances (L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ ) between the plurality of protruding pattern portions 268 in the above relationship, the gain of the beam pattern can be improved and a main lobe with a sharp shape can be formed. there is.

Figure 30 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 29 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 is a plan view of the array antenna module 29 of FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C' of FIG. 31. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of FIG. 31.

Referring to FIGS. 30 to 33, the lens unit 209 of the array antenna module 29 according to this embodiment includes protruding pattern parts 269 having different sizes, and is projected in the first direction (X) and/or Alternatively, the difference from the array antenna module 28 according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 26 is that the size of the plurality of protruding pattern portions 269 repeatedly arranged along the second direction (Y) increases or decreases.

As a non-limiting example, the plurality of protruding pattern portions 269 repeatedly arranged along the first direction (X) have a relatively large size at the center side and a relatively small size at the edge side, but the first It may be configured to increase or decrease in size along the direction (X). Likewise, the plurality of protruding pattern portions 269 repeatedly arranged along the second direction (Y) have a relatively large size at the center side and a relatively small size at the edge side, but in the second direction (Y) It can be configured to increase or decrease in size according to .

In an exemplary embodiment, the protruding pattern portions 269 include a first protruding pattern portion 269a located approximately at the center side from a plan view, and a second protruding pattern portion located on an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion 269a ( 269b) may be included. In this case, the first protruding pattern portion 269a may refer to 2×2 protruding pattern portions located on the center side. The first protruding pattern portion 269a may be a protruding pattern portion that forms the maximum thickness (or height) among the plurality of protruding pattern portions 269. Additionally, the second protruding pattern portion 269b may refer to 20 protruding pattern portions surrounding the first protruding pattern portion 269a in a substantially rectangular band shape.

The size of the first protruding pattern portion 269a may be larger than the size of the second protruding pattern portion 269b. For example, the thickness T _269a (or height) of the first protruding pattern portion 269a may be greater than the thickness T _269b (or height) of the second protruding pattern portion 269b. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _269a of the first protruding pattern part 269a may be larger than the maximum width W _269b of the second protruding pattern part 269b.

Additionally, a third protruding pattern portion 269c may be disposed between the first protruding pattern portion 269a and the second protruding pattern portion 269b adjacent in the first direction (X). Additionally, a third protruding pattern portion 269c may be disposed between the first protruding pattern portion 269a and the second protruding pattern portion 269b adjacent to each other in the second direction (Y). That is, the third protruding pattern portion 269c may be located on the edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion 269a and may be located on the center side compared to the second protruding pattern portion 269b. The third protruding pattern portion 269c may represent 12 protruding patterns surrounding the first protruding pattern portion 269a in a substantially rectangular band shape. Additionally, the second protruding pattern portion 269b may surround the third protruding pattern portion 269c in a substantially rectangular band shape.

The size of the second protruding pattern portion 269b may be larger than the size of the third protruding pattern portion 269c. For example, the thickness T 269b of the second protruding pattern portion _269b may be greater than the thickness T _269c of the third protruding pattern portion 269c. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _269b of the second protruding pattern part 269b may be larger than the maximum width W _269c of the third protruding pattern part 269c.

In some embodiments, the protruding pattern portions 269 may further include a fourth protruding pattern portion 269d located on an edge side compared to the second protruding pattern portion 269b. The fourth protruding pattern portion 269d may refer to 28 protruding pattern portions surrounding the second protruding pattern portion 269b in a substantially rectangular band shape.

The size of the third protruding pattern portion 269c may be larger than the size of the fourth protruding pattern portion 269d. For example, the thickness T 269c of the third protruding pattern portion _269c may be greater than the thickness T _269d of the fourth protruding pattern portion 269d. For a more detailed example, the maximum width W _269c of the third protruding pattern part 269c may be larger than the maximum width W _269d of the fourth protruding pattern part 269d.

Meanwhile, the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may have substantially the same size. Additionally, the first antenna may be arranged not to overlap the third protruding pattern portion 269c, and the third antenna may be disposed not to overlap the first protruding pattern portion 269a and the second protruding pattern portion 269b. . Additionally, the second antenna may be arranged not to overlap the third protruding pattern part 269c and the fourth protruding pattern part 269d, and the fourth antenna may be arranged not to overlap the second protruding pattern part 269b. .

The array antenna module 29 according to this embodiment includes a first protruding pattern portion 269a, a third protruding pattern portion 269c, sequentially arranged along the first direction (X) and/or the second direction (Y), Side lobes of beams radiating from antennas overlapping the second protruding pattern portion 269b and the fourth protruding pattern portion 269d may cancel each other. In particular, the size of the signal radiated from the plurality of antennas 133 repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and/or the second direction (Y) is adjusted to have different weights to improve the gain of the beam pattern. A main lobe with a sharp shape can be formed.

That is, the array antenna module 29 according to the present embodiment tends to have a relatively large weight on the center side compared to the edge side, from a planar view, but in the first direction (X) and/or the second direction ( It can be designed to form a change in the size of the weight along Y).

Figure 34 is an exploded perspective view of the array antenna module 30 according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 is a rear perspective view of the lens unit 210 of FIG. 34. Figure 36 is an enlarged perspective view of area E of Figure 35. FIG. 37 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 30 of FIG. 34 partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to that of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIGS. 34 to 37, the lens unit 210 of the array antenna module 30 according to the present embodiment further includes a metal layer 280 disposed on the rear surface, which is similar to the arrangement according to the embodiment of FIG. 26, etc. This is different from the antenna module 28. In an exemplary embodiment, the guide portion may be omitted. In this case, the lens unit 210 and the substrate unit 102 may at least partially contact each other.

The rear surface of the lens unit 210 may have a groove 258h and an antenna receiving groove 258k. The antenna receiving groove 258k may be formed in a position that overlaps the protruding pattern portions 268b and 268c but does not overlap the groove 258h. Additionally, the antenna receiving groove 258k may overlap the antenna 133. Since the other grooves 258h and the antenna receiving grooves 258k have been described together with FIGS. 24 and 25, duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

The metal layer 280 may be disposed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove 258k. For example, the metal layer 280 may have a substantially hollow cylindrical shape. In this case, the base surface of the antenna receiving groove 258k may be exposed without being covered by the metal layer 280. Additionally, the metal layer 280 may at least partially contact the substrate portion 102 . The metal layer 280 may be arranged so as not to overlap the antenna 133 in the third direction (Z). Additionally, from a plan view, the substantially cylindrical metal layer 280 may surround the antenna 133.

The material of the metal layer 280 is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, a conductive material such as aluminum, molybdenum, copper, titanium, or an alloy thereof.

The length D ₆ of the metal layer 280 in the third direction (Z) may approximately correspond to the depth of the antenna receiving groove 258k. In some embodiments, the length D ₆ of the metal layer 280 in the third direction (Z) may be about 1.0λ or less. Here, λ means the wavelength of the high frequency at which the antenna 113 resonates. In other words, it may mean the wavelength of the beam emitted by the antenna.

The metal layer 280 according to this embodiment may function like a shield wave guide to guide high frequencies emitted by the antenna 133. That is, the conductive metal layer 280 is disposed in the antenna receiving groove 258k so as not to overlap the antenna 133, thereby guiding the antenna signal and preventing leakage of the antenna signal.

As a non-limiting example, the metal layer 280 may not be disposed on the inner wall of the groove 258h of the lens unit 210.

FIG. 38 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 31 according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 38, the metal layer 281 of the lens unit 211 of the array antenna module 31 according to this embodiment at least partially covers the rear surface of the lens unit 211, compared to the embodiment of FIG. 37. This is different from the array antenna module 30 according to the present invention.

The metal layer 281 may be disposed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove 258k and on the rear surface of the base portion 258. On the other hand, the metal layer 281 may not be disposed on the inner wall of the groove 258h. In this case, the metal layer 281 may be in contact with the substrate portion 102, and the lens portion 211 may be spaced apart from the substrate portion 102.

The metal layer 281 according to this embodiment is disposed to at least partially cover the rear surface of the lens unit 211, thereby increasing the contact area between the metal layer 281 and the substrate unit 102. Although not shown in the drawing, as previously described, the length of the metal layer 281 in the third direction may be about 1.0λ or less.

FIG. 39 is a comparative cross-sectional view of the array antenna module 32 according to another embodiment of the present invention partially cut away, and is a comparative cross-sectional view at a position corresponding to FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 39, the array antenna module 32 according to the present embodiment is different from the array antenna module 30 according to the embodiment of FIG. 37 in that it further includes a guide unit 310.

The guide unit 310 may be interposed between the lens unit 210 and the substrate 102 and may contact the lens unit 210 and the substrate 102. For example, the guide unit 310 may at least partially contact the metal layer 280 of the lens unit 210. Additionally, the guide portion 310 may at least partially contact the base portion 258 of the lens portion 210.

In some embodiments, the separation distance D ₇ between the antenna 133 and the lens unit 210 may be about 1.0λ or less. In this case, the separation distance D ₇ between the antenna 133 and the lens unit 210 is the thickness of the guide unit 310 and the depth of the antenna receiving groove 258k (i.e., in the third direction of the metal layer 280). can be controlled through the length of .

Although not shown in the drawing, the metal layer 280 may at least partially cover the rear surface of the base portion 258 of the lens portion 210. In this case, the base portion 258 is spaced apart from the guide portion 310, and the metal layer 280 may be in contact with the guide portion 310.

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing an antenna module according to the present invention will be described, taking the array antenna module 23 according to FIGS. 5 to 11 as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and of course, antenna modules and array antenna modules according to other embodiments can also be manufactured by the same method.

Referring again to FIGS. 5 to 11, the method of manufacturing an antenna module according to the present invention includes preparing a guide portion 310 in which a guide hole 310h is formed, and preparing a substrate portion 102 including an antenna 133. It may include preparing, preparing the lens unit 203 having the protruding pattern unit 263, and assembling the lens unit 203, the guide unit 310, and the substrate unit 102. The step of assembling the lens unit 203, the guide unit 310, and the substrate unit 102 may include assembling them using screws 500.

In an exemplary embodiment, the step of preparing the lens unit 203 includes a mold preparation step of preparing an upper mold and a lower mold, bringing the upper mold and the lower mold into close contact, and injecting a lens portion molding material containing a liquid crystal polymer to form a lens. A lens unit forming step of forming the unit 203 may be included.

In the mold preparation step, the mold surface of the upper mold may have a plurality of depressions repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The protruding pattern portion 263 of the lens portion 203 may be formed at a position corresponding to the recessed portion of the upper mold.

Additionally, the mold surface of the lower mold may have a plurality of protrusions repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The groove 253h (or through hole in another embodiment) of the lens unit 203 may be formed at a position corresponding to the protrusion of the lower mold.

In the lens unit forming step, when the upper mold and the lower mold are brought into close contact with each other, the plurality of depressions in the upper mold and the plurality of protrusions in the lower mold may be arranged and disposed so as not to overlap each other, so that they are in close contact with each other. As described above, the depressions of the upper mold may form the protruding pattern portion 263, and the protrusions of the lower mold may form the grooves 253h. Therefore, the protruding pattern portions 263 and the grooves 253h of the lens portion 203 can be formed alternately by arranging the recessed portions of the upper mold and the protruding portions of the lower mold in a staggered manner without overlapping them.

Figures 40 to 43 are diagrams for explaining a method of manufacturing an array antenna module according to another embodiment of the present invention, and are cross-sectional views showing positions corresponding to Figure 11. Hereinafter, the manufacturing method will be described taking the array antenna module 30 according to FIGS. 34 to 37 as an example, but of course, the present invention is not limited thereto.

First, referring to FIGS. 34 to 37 and 40, an upper mold 600 and a lower mold 700 are prepared.

The upper mold 600 may be a mold for injection molding. The lower surface of the upper mold 600 may form a mold surface. The mold surface of the upper mold 600 may include a plurality of depressions 620 and 630 repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). That is, from a plan view, it may include a plurality of depressions 620 and 630 that are arranged roughly in a matrix.

The recessed portions 620 and 630 of the upper mold 600 may form the protruding pattern portions 268b and 268c of the lens portion 210. In an exemplary embodiment, the depressions 620 and 630 include a second depression 620 having a second depth T ₆₂₀ and a third depression ₆₃₀ having a third depth T 630 . , it may further include a first depression (not shown) having a first depth and a fourth depression (not shown) having a fourth depth.

Specifically, the second depth T 620 of the second depression ₆₂₀ may be greater than the third depth T ₆₃₀ of the third depression 630 . Additionally, the first depth may be greater than the second depth (T ₆₂₀ ), and the fourth depth may be less than the third depth (T ₆₃₀ ). The second recessed portion 620 may form a second protruding pattern portion 268b, and the third recessed portion 630 may form a third protruding pattern portion 268c. Likewise, the first recessed part (not shown) may form a first protruding pattern part (not shown), and the fourth recessed part (not shown) may form a fourth protruding pattern part (not shown).

In addition, although not shown in the drawing, from a plan view, the second recessed portion 620 may be located closer to the center than the third recessed portion 630. Additionally, the first depression (not shown) may be located closer to the center than the second depression 620, and the fourth depression (not shown) may be located closer to the edge than the third depression 630.

The lower mold 700 may be a mold for injection molding. The upper surface of the lower mold 700 may form a mold surface. The mold surface of the lower mold 700 may have a plurality of protrusions 710 and 720 repeatedly arranged in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The protrusions 710 and 720 include a first protrusion 710 and a second protrusion 720, and the first protrusion 710 and the second protrusion 720 may each be arranged in a substantially matrix on a plane.

The first protrusion 710 may form a groove 258h of the lens unit 210. Additionally, the second protrusion 720 may form the antenna receiving groove 258k of the lens unit 210. In some embodiments, the first protrusion height T 710 of the first protrusion ₇₁₀ may be greater than the second protrusion height T ₇₂₀ of the second protrusion 720 . Accordingly, the depth of the antenna receiving groove 258k of the manufactured lens unit 210 may be smaller than the depth of the groove 258h.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 41 , the upper mold 600 and the lower mold 700 are brought into close contact, and a material for forming the lens unit 210 is injected to form the lens unit 210.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the step of bringing the upper mold 600 and the lower mold 700 into close contact, the second recessed portion 620 and the third recessed portion 630 of the upper mold 600 are respectively formed in the lower mold 700. ) may be arranged to overlap the second protrusion 720. Additionally, the second depression 620 and the third depression 630 of the upper mold 600 may be arranged so as not to overlap the first protrusion 710 of the lower mold 700. As described above, the second recessed portion 620 and the third recessed portion 630 of the upper mold 600 are respectively the second protruding pattern portion 268b and the third protruding pattern portion 268c of the lens unit 210. , and the first protrusion 710 and the second protrusion 720 of the lower mold 700 may form the groove 258h and the antenna receiving groove 258k of the lens unit 210, respectively. Therefore, the second depression 620 and the third depression 630 of the upper mold 600 are arranged in a staggered manner so as not to overlap the first protrusion 710 of the lower mold 700, thereby forming a protrusion pattern of the lens unit 210. The portions 268b and 268c may be formed alternately with the grooves 258h.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 42, a metal layer 280 is formed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove 258k of the lens unit 210. For example, forming the metal layer 280 may be performed using a plating process or a deposition process.

Next, with further reference to FIG. 43, the substrate portion 102 including the antenna 133 is disposed on the rear surface of the lens portion 210 to manufacture an array antenna module.

In the above, the description has been made focusing on the embodiments of the present invention, but this is only an example and does not limit the present invention, and those skilled in the art will understand the present invention without departing from the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention can be modified and implemented. And these variations and differences in application should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

11, 12: Antenna module
23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32: Array antenna module
101, 102: substrate part
110, 130: upper substrate
111, 131: first insulating substrate
113, 133: antenna
120, 140: lower substrate
121, 141: second insulating substrate
123, 143: Antenna feed
201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 207, 208, 209, 210: Lens unit/beam pattern control element
211, 212: first lens unit
221, 222: Second lens unit
231, 232: Third lens unit
253, 254, 255, 257, 258, 259: Base section
253h, 257h, 258h, 259h: Groove
254h, 255h: Through hole
257k, 258k: Antenna receiving groove
263, 264, 265, 267, 268, 269: Protruding pattern portion
268a, 269a: first protruding pattern portion
268b, 269b: second protruding pattern portion
268c, 269c: Third protruding pattern portion
268d, 269d: fourth protruding pattern portion
280: 281: Metal layer
300, 310: Guide section
300h, 310h: Guide hole
300h: Guide hole
400: Sub-lens unit
410: second base portion
420: Second protruding pattern portion
500: screw
600: upper mold
620: second depression
630: Third depression
700: lower mold
710: first protrusion
720: second protrusion
AG: air layer

Claims (20)

delete delete A base portion having one side and another side; and
A protruding pattern portion disposed on one surface of the base portion, including a plurality of protruding pattern portions repeatedly arranged along a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction,
The other surface of the base portion has a plurality of grooves repeatedly arranged along the first direction and the second direction. According to paragraph 3,
The protruding pattern portion does not overlap the groove,
The beam pattern control element is configured to control antenna gain and side lobes. According to paragraph 3,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
A first protruding pattern portion located on the center side from a plan view, and
It includes a second protruding pattern portion located on an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion,
A beam pattern control element in which the thickness of the first protruding pattern portion is greater than the thickness of the second protruding pattern portion. According to clause 5,
A beam pattern control element wherein the maximum width of the first protruding pattern part is greater than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern part. According to clause 6,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
It further includes a third protruding pattern portion located closer to an edge compared to the second protruding pattern portion and having a maximum width smaller than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion,
A beam pattern control element wherein the minimum separation distance between the first protruding pattern part and the second protruding pattern part is smaller than the minimum separation distance between the second protruding pattern part and the third protruding pattern part. In clause 7,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
It further includes a third protruding pattern portion located on an edge side compared to the first protruding pattern portion, but located on a central side compared to the second protruding pattern portion,
A beam pattern control element wherein the third protruding pattern portion has a thickness smaller than the thickness of the second protruding pattern portion. According to clause 8,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
A beam pattern control element further comprising a fourth protruding pattern portion located further on an edge side compared to the second protruding pattern portion and having a thickness smaller than the thickness of the third protruding pattern portion. According to clause 5,
The other surface of the base further has a plurality of antenna receiving grooves repeatedly arranged along the first direction and the second direction,
A beam pattern control element wherein the antenna receiving groove overlaps the protruding pattern portion but does not overlap the groove. According to clause 10,
It further includes a metal layer disposed on the inner wall of the antenna receiving groove,
The metal layer covers the other surface of the base portion,
A beam pattern control element wherein a length of the metal layer in a third direction crossing the first direction and the second direction is less than or equal to the wavelength of a beam radiated by the antenna. A substrate unit including a plurality of antennas; and
Including a lens unit disposed on the substrate unit,
The lens unit,
a base formed over the plurality of antennas, and
An antenna module disposed on an upper surface of the base portion, arranged to overlap each of the plurality of antennas, and including a plurality of protruding pattern portions having different sizes. According to clause 12,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
4×m pieces (where m is an integer) along a first direction, and 4×n pieces (where n is an integer) are repeatedly arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction,
An antenna module in which the plurality of protruding pattern portions are arranged so that their thickness gradually decreases from the center side to the edge side in a plane. According to clause 12,
The back of the base portion is,
An antenna module having a plurality of grooves arranged so as not to overlap the plurality of protruding pattern portions. According to clause 14,
It further includes a guide portion disposed between the lens portion and the substrate portion and having a plurality of guide holes formed to overlap the plurality of antennas,
The back of the base portion is,
It further has a plurality of antenna receiving grooves arranged to overlap the plurality of protruding pattern portions,
The lens unit further includes a metal layer disposed on an inner wall of the antenna receiving groove,
The metal layer at least partially covers the lower surface of the base portion,
The base portion is spaced apart from the guide portion,
The metal layer is an antenna module in contact with the guide portion. According to clause 12,
The plurality of protruding pattern portions,
A first protruding pattern portion having the maximum thickness among the plurality of protruding pattern portions,
a second protruding pattern portion having a thickness smaller than the first protruding pattern portion, and
An antenna module including a third protruding pattern portion located between the first protruding pattern portion and the second protruding pattern portion and having a thickness smaller than the second protruding pattern portion. According to clause 16,
The maximum width of the first protruding pattern portion is greater than the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion,
An antenna module in which the maximum width of the second protruding pattern portion is greater than the maximum width of the third protruding pattern portion. According to clause 17,
The plurality of antennas are,
A first antenna overlapping the first protruding pattern portion,
a second antenna overlapping the second protruding pattern portion, and
Includes a third antenna overlapping the third protruding pattern portion,
The third antenna is an antenna module that does not overlap the first protruding pattern portion and the second protruding pattern portion. Preparing an upper mold and a lower mold, wherein the mold surface of the upper mold has a plurality of depressions repeatedly arranged in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the mold surface of the lower mold is Preparing an upper mold and a lower mold for injection molding, the upper mold having a plurality of protrusions repeatedly arranged in a first direction and the second direction;
Forming a lens unit by bringing the upper mold and the lower mold into close contact and injecting an injection molding material; and
Including the step of placing an antenna substrate on the lens unit,
A plurality of depressions in the upper mold,
From a plan view, a first depression located on the central side and having a first depth, and
A method of manufacturing an antenna module, comprising a second depression located on an edge side compared to the first depression and having a second depth smaller than the first depth. According to clause 19,
The plurality of depressions,
A method of manufacturing an antenna module, further comprising a third depression located between the first depression and the second depression, and having a third depth less than the second depth.

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