WO2023234530A1

WO2023234530A1 - Antenna device for vehicle and vehicle including same

Info

Publication number: WO2023234530A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/003889
Authority: WO
Inventors: 성상봉; 김진우; 신용선; 오제승
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2022-05-31
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2023-12-07
Also published as: KR20230166658A

Abstract

Disclosed are an antenna device for a vehicle and a vehicle including same. The antenna device for a vehicle comprises: a metal frame including an opening; and a radiation pattern electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame while at least a partial region overlaps the opening in a thickness direction of the metal frame.

Description

Vehicle antenna devices and vehicles containing the same

The disclosed embodiment relates to a vehicle antenna device and a vehicle including the same, and relates to a broadband vehicle antenna device and a vehicle including the same.

Various functions are being developed and applied to further increase the needs and convenience of vehicle users.

For example, automotive devices are being developed to provide users with radio, TV, content, and various information needed while driving. Information that can be provided to the user can be received by the vehicle through wireless communication. Therefore, in order to provide various information to users, an antenna for wireless communication must be provided in the vehicle. Here, the antenna may be installed inside or outside the vehicle.

It can be performed by transmitting and receiving signals through various antennas mounted inside the vehicle. Various studies are being attempted to improve radiation performance by efficiently arranging various types of antennas within limited mounting space and reducing interference between them.

The disclosed embodiment provides a compact antenna device coupled to a panel of a vehicle and a vehicle including the same.

The disclosed embodiments provide an antenna device including a radiation pattern that couples with a panel of a vehicle or a frame that is part of the panel, and a vehicle including the same.

A vehicle antenna according to the disclosed embodiment may include a metal frame including an opening.

The vehicle antenna device according to one embodiment may include a radiation pattern in which at least a portion of the area in the thickness direction of the metal frame overlaps the opening and is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame through the opening.

A vehicle according to one embodiment may include a panel including a first opening.

The vehicle according to one embodiment may include a metal frame inserted into the first opening, coupled to the panel, and including a second opening.

The vehicle according to one embodiment may include a radiation pattern electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame while at least a portion of the area in the thickness direction of the metal frame overlaps the second opening.

1 is a diagram illustrating a vehicle equipped with an antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment.

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the antenna device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including an insulating substrate according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including an insulating substrate and a spacer according to an embodiment.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an antenna device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device according to another embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including a plurality of openings according to an embodiment.

Figure 9 is a comparative example, showing the results of measuring the return loss of an antenna device consisting of only a radiation pattern.

Figure 10 shows the results of measuring the return loss of an antenna device including a radiation pattern and a metal frame according to an embodiment.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a vehicle electronic device including the antenna device of FIG. 11.

Figure 13 is a flowchart explaining a method of controlling the driving of a vehicle using an antenna according to an embodiment.

Below, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In order to clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are given similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected," but also the case where it is "electrically connected" with another element in between. . Additionally, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Phrases such as “in some embodiments” or “in one embodiment” that appear in various places in this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment.

Some embodiments may be represented by functional block configurations and various processing steps. Some or all of these functional blocks may be implemented in various numbers of hardware and/or software configurations that perform specific functions. For example, the functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more processors or microprocessors, or may be implemented by circuit configurations to perform the intended function. Additionally, for example, functional blocks of the present disclosure may be implemented in various programming or scripting languages. Functional blocks may be implemented as algorithms running on one or more processors. Additionally, the present disclosure may employ conventional technologies for electronic environment setup, signal processing, and/or data processing. Terms such as module and configuration may be used broadly and are not limited to mechanical and physical configurations.

Additionally, connection lines or connection members between components shown in the drawings merely exemplify functional connections and/or physical or circuit connections. In an actual device, connections between components may be represented by various replaceable or additional functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections.

Additionally, the description 'at least one of A, B, and C' means 'A', 'B', 'C', 'A and B', 'A and C', 'B and C', and 'A, This means that it can be any one of B, and C'.

A vehicle antenna device and a vehicle according to the disclosed embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings below. In the accompanying drawings, like components are depicted using the same drawing symbols. Additionally, throughout the detailed description, like elements are described by like terms.

The location where the antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment is installed will be described in detail below with reference to FIG. 1.

The vehicle antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be placed outside or inside the vehicle.

Specifically, the vehicle antenna device may be installed in a shark fin module located on the exterior of the vehicle, such as glass or roof.

Alternatively, the vehicle antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be installed inside the body of the vehicle. When installing an antenna on the glass of a vehicle, if the glass is damaged due to an external impact, the antenna may also be damaged, and the length of the cable connecting the antenna and the PCB (printed circuit board) module may become long. Additionally, when two or more antennas are installed or mounted on glass to support diversity, there may be an isolation issue between the antennas. Additionally, since the shark fin module is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, there is a risk of damage due to external impact. In addition, due to the small size of the shark fin module, the size of the antenna also becomes smaller, which may deteriorate the antenna's radiation ability (or broadcast reception ability). If multiple antennas must be installed to receive various broadcast signals, the shark fin The number of modules can be increased. When installing a vehicle antenna device on the vehicle body, unlike the antennas installed on the glass or shark fin module described above, it is not exposed to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the risk of damage can be reduced and the exterior of the vehicle can not be damaged.

Hereinafter, the case where the vehicle antenna device is installed inside or on the vehicle body will be described and illustrated as an example.

Referring to FIG. 1 , an antenna device (not shown) may be installed in an area 150 on the upper panel 115 forming the body of the vehicle 110. Specifically, the area 150 of the metal panel (for example, 115) may be opened to allow an antenna device (not shown) coupled to the metal panel 115 to be placed. Additionally, area 150 may be an opening in top panel 115 .

In addition, in Figure 1, an antenna device (not shown) is shown as an example installed in an area 150 at the top of the vehicle 110, but it can be installed anywhere inside or outside the vehicle 110. Installation will be possible.

Specifically, the antenna device (not shown) is a vehicle's bonnet panel 121, door panel 122, fender panel 123, wheeler panel 124, and roof ( It may be installed in the lower area or inner area of at least one of the roof panel 115, bumper panel 126, and trunk panel 127.

Here, the door panel 122 may include not only the front door panel on the driver's seat shown in FIG. 1, but also a rear door panel on the driver's seat, a front door panel on the passenger seat, and a rear door panel on the passenger seat. Additionally, the fender panel 123 may include not only the driver's seat side front fender panel shown in FIG. 1, but also the driver's seat side rear fender panel, the passenger seat side front fender panel, and the passenger seat side rear fender panel. Additionally, the wheeler panel 124 may include not only the front wheeler panel on the driver's seat shown in FIG. 1, but also a rear wheeler panel on the driver's seat, a front wheeler panel on the passenger seat, and a rear wheeler panel on the passenger seat. Additionally, the bumper panel 126 may include not only the front bumper panel shown in FIG. 1 but also a rear bumper panel.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an antenna device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a plan view of the antenna device of FIG. 2. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the antenna device according to one embodiment includes a metal frame 10 including an opening H and at least a thickness direction (for example, Z-axis direction) of the metal frame 10. A portion of the area overlaps the opening H and may include a radiation pattern 20 that is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame 10 through the opening H. The antenna device may further include a printed circuit board 30 electrically connected to the radiation pattern 20.

The metal frame 10 may be formed of a metal material with high thermal conductivity. When the vehicle antenna device is mounted on a vehicle, the metal frame 10 may be placed in contact with the panel of the vehicle. Thus, the metal frame 10 can form the body of the vehicle together with the vehicle panels.

The metal frame 10 may include a first frame 11 that accommodates the radiation pattern 20 and a second frame 12 disposed at an edge of the first frame 11 and coupled to the panel of the vehicle. . The first frame 11 and the second frame 12 may be integrated.

The first frame 11 may have a flat surface including one or more openings H. Although one opening (H) is shown in the drawing, the present invention is not limited thereto. The number of openings H may be plural. Heat inside the vehicle may be released to the outside through the opening H described above. Alternatively, a conductive line connected to the printed circuit board 30, which will be described later, may be connected to the vehicle power module through the opening H described above.

The second frame 12 is disposed at the edge of the first frame 11 and can be combined with the panel of the vehicle. The second frame 12 may be in direct contact with the panel of the vehicle. The second frame 12 may include a protruding area P compared to the surface of the first frame 11 . When the radiation pattern 20 and the printed circuit board 30 are accommodated in the first frame 11, the height of the protruding area P may be higher than the height of the radiation pattern 20 and the printed circuit board 30. . Thus, the second frame 12 may serve as a housing including the radiation pattern 20 and the printed circuit board 30 to protect against external shocks, etc.

When the antenna device is disposed on the body of the vehicle 110, the radiation pattern 20 is disposed to face the outside of the vehicle 110, and the first frame 11 of the metal frame 10 is disposed to face the inside of the vehicle. It can be. For example, when the antenna device is placed within the top panel 115 of the vehicle 110, the metal frame 10 is placed in contact with the top panel of the vehicle, and the radiation pattern 20 is placed toward the outside of the vehicle. You can.

The radiation pattern 20 according to one embodiment may be a sensor placed in the vehicle, for example, a sensor for a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that measures the air pressure of a tire, or an RKE (RKE) that can remotely open and close the vehicle door and start the engine. It can be applied to sensors for Remote Keyless Entry, etc. The resonance frequency band of the radiation pattern 20 may be approximately 200 MHz or more and 500 MHz or less. Since the above-described frequency band is larger than the frequency band for cellular communication, the length of the radiation pattern 20 according to one embodiment is relatively longer than the length of the radiation pattern 20 for cellular communication. In general, the length of the radiation pattern 20 for communication with sensors within the vehicle or sensors located close to the vehicle may be approximately 200 mm or more and approximately 300 mm or less. As the length of the radiation pattern 20 increases, the influence on surrounding structures may increase.

The antenna device according to one embodiment transmits and receives electromagnetic wave signals by electromagnetically coupling the radiation pattern 20 to the metal frame 10 through the opening H, thereby reducing the size of the radiation pattern 20 itself. . The radiation pattern 20 according to one embodiment is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame 10 and uses the metal frame 10 or a panel of a vehicle in contact with the metal frame 10 as a radiation element, thereby improving radiation performance. You can.

The radiation pattern 20 may have a flat shape with a width greater than the thickness, and may be arranged parallel to the surface of the metal frame 10. The radiation pattern 20 can be bent at least once to secure the resonance length while reducing the overall dimension of the radiation pattern 20. The longest length of the radiation pattern 20 may be about 100 mm or less.

Radiation pattern 20 may include a plurality of radiation elements. For example, the radiation pattern 20 includes a first radiation element 21 arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction (e.g., X-axis direction) of the metal frame 10 and one end of the first radiation element 21. It may include a second radiating element 22 arranged in a direction parallel to the width direction (eg, Y-axis direction) of the metal frame 10 while contacting the. The second radiating element 22 may further include a narrow slit S that is wide. The width of the slit (for example, size in the Y-axis direction) may be about 1 mm or less.

The cross-sectional shape of each radiating element may be polygonal. However, it is not limited to this. Each of the first and radiating

elements

21, 22 may be polygonal, elliptical, circular, or some variation thereof. Since the radiation pattern 20 is compact by aligning a plurality of radiation elements in different directions, the overall size of the radiation pattern 20 can be reduced. Alternatively, the radiation pattern 20 may have a spiral shape or a patch shape.

At least a portion of the radiation pattern 20 may be arranged to extend into the opening H. For example, the radiation pattern 20 has a first area overlapping with the opening H in the thickness direction (for example, Z-axis direction) of the metal frame 10 and an opening in the thickness direction of the metal frame 10 ( It may include a second region that does not overlap with H). In other words, the second area of the radiation pattern 20 may overlap the metal frame 10. The frequency band resonated by the radiation pattern 20 is determined, and electromagnetic waves mainly resonate in the radiation pattern 20, so it is preferable that the first region be large in size. For example, the size of the first area may be larger than or equal to the size of the second area. Additionally, the degree of coupling may be adjusted depending on the degree of overlap between the radiation pattern 20 and the opening H, that is, the size of the first region.

The feeding point (not shown) and the grounding point (not shown) may be disposed in a coupled area of the radiation pattern, for example, in the first area of the radiation pattern 20. However, it is not limited to this. The feeding point may be placed in the first area of the radiation pattern 20, and the ground point may be placed in the second area of the radiation pattern 20. Alternatively, the feeding point may be placed on the radiation pattern 20 and the grounding point may be placed on the metal frame 10 or a vehicle panel in contact with the metal frame 10.

The separation distance between the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 may be a distance that allows electromagnetically coupling. For example, the gap between the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 may be less than or equal to the width of the radiation pattern 20. Alternatively, the gap between the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 may be about 10 mm or less. Therefore, when the radiation pattern 20 resonates within a specific frequency range, the metal frame 10 and the radiation pattern 20 are electromagnetically coupled, so that the electromagnetic wave can also resonate in the metal frame 10. Electromagnetic waves may resonate primarily in the radiation pattern 20 and auxiliary in the metal frame 10.

The printed circuit board 30 may be a double-sided printed circuit board or a single-sided printed circuit board. Various circuit modules may be mounted on the printed circuit board 30. For example, a circuit module may include a capacitor, a coil, a resistance element, a power circuit that supplies power, memory, a processor, etc.

Printed circuit board 30 may also be accommodated within metal frame 10. Some areas of the printed circuit board 30 overlap the opening H in the thickness direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the metal frame 10, and the remaining area of the printed circuit board 30 overlaps the metal frame 10. ) may not overlap with the opening (H) in the thickness direction. Heat generated from the circuit module mounted on the printed circuit board 30 may be released through the opening H described above. Additionally, the second region of the printed circuit board 30 may be mounted on the metal frame 10 to fix the printed circuit board 30 to the metal frame 10.

Circuit modules (not shown) may be distributed on at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the printed circuit board 30 . However, it is not limited to this. The circuit module may be disposed only on the top or bottom surface of the printed circuit board 30. For example, by placing the circuit module between the printed circuit board 30 and the metal frame 10, the circuit module can be protected by the printed circuit board 30 and the metal frame 10.

Some areas of the radiation pattern 20 may be disposed on the printed circuit board 30 . That is, the printed circuit board 30 can support the radiation pattern 20. The remaining areas of the radiation pattern 20 may be arranged side by side in the thickness direction of the metal frame 10 without overlapping. The non-overlapping area of the printed circuit board 30 among the radiation patterns 20 may be larger than the overlapping area of the printed circuit board 30. By minimizing the area where the radiation pattern 20 overlaps the printed circuit board 30, the influence of the conductive lines on the printed circuit board 30 on the radiation pattern 20 can be minimized.

As described above, the metal frame 10 serves as an auxiliary function of the radiation pattern 20, and the performance of the antenna device can be improved. In addition, the metal frame 10 serves as a housing to accommodate the radiation pattern 20 and the printed circuit board 30, and can dissipate heat and be connected to other parts in the vehicle through the opening (H), providing an antenna device. It can be frivolous and simplified.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including an insulating substrate 40 according to an embodiment. Comparing FIGS. 3 and 4 , the antenna device may further include an insulating substrate 40 supporting the radiation pattern 20 . Even if the radiation pattern 20 is spaced apart from the metal frame 10, the radiation pattern 20 may be deformed due to movement of the vehicle, etc.

The insulating substrate 40 supports the radiation pattern 20 and can maintain a constant distance between the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 . Radiation pattern 20 may be disposed on the upper surface of insulating substrate 40 . The insulating substrate 40 may be in contact with the metal frame 10. The thickness of the insulating substrate 40 may be such that the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 can be electromagnetically coupled. Since the degree of coupling can be reduced by the insulating substrate 40, the thickness of the insulating substrate is preferably thin. For example, the thickness of the insulating substrate 40 may be about 5 mm or less.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including an insulating substrate 40 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5 , the radiation pattern 20 may be disposed on the lower surface of the insulating substrate 40 . By being disposed on the lower surface of the insulating substrate 40, the radiation pattern 20 can be protected from external shock.

Additionally, the antenna device may further include a spacer 50 disposed on the lower surface of the insulating substrate 40. In the drawing, the space is shown as being disposed at the edge of the insulating substrate 40, but the space is not limited thereto. The spacer 50 may be disposed on an area of the lower surface of the insulating substrate 40 where the radiation pattern 20 is not disposed. The above-described spacer 50 can maintain a constant distance between the metal frame 10 and the radiation pattern 20 and can be in contact with the metal frame 10. The thickness of the space may be a thickness at which the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 can be electromagnetically coupled. For example, the thickness of the spacer 50 may be about 10 mm or less.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing an antenna device according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6 , the radiation pattern 20 may not overlap the metal frame 10 in the thickness direction of the metal frame 10 . Even if the radiation pattern 20 does not overlap the metal frame 10, the radiation pattern 20 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the metal frame 10 by a distance that can be electromagnetically coupled.

The radiation pattern 20a includes a first radiation element 21a extending in the longitudinal direction of the metal frame 10 and a second radiation element whose end is in contact with the first radiation element 21a and extending in the width direction of the metal frame 10. It may include element 22a.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7 , the radiation pattern 20 may not overlap the metal frame 10 in the thickness direction of the metal frame 10 .

The radiation pattern 20b includes a first radiation element 21b extending in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) of the metal frame 10, one end of which is in contact with the first radiation element 21b, and the metal frame 10. A second radiating element 22b extending in the width direction (for example, the ) may include a third radiating element 23 extending. The radiation pattern 20b of FIG. 7 can be bent more times than the radiation pattern 20a of FIG. 6, thereby effectively reducing the size of the radiation pattern 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an antenna device including a plurality of openings (H) according to an embodiment. Comparing FIGS. 2 and 8 , the first opening H1 overlaps at least a portion of the radiation pattern 20 of the metal frame 10a of FIG. 8 and the second opening H1 through which the conductive line connected to the printed circuit board 30 passes. It may include an opening (H2). The metal frame 10a includes a plurality of openings H1 and H2 spaced apart from each other, thereby increasing the physical strength of the metal frame 10A.

Figure 9 is a comparative example, showing the results of measuring the return loss of an antenna device consisting of only a radiation pattern. The radiation pattern 20 has a first radiating element having a width of about 6.5 mm and a length of about 56.55 mm, one end of which is in contact with the first radiating element and is arranged perpendicular to the first radiating element, and a width of about 9.7 mm and a length of about 56.55 mm. It may comprise a second radiating element having a length of 65.5 mm. And, a plot having a width of about 1 mm and a length of about 50 mm is formed on the second radiating element. Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that no resonance is formed in the radiation pattern) in the target frequency band, for example, about 315 MHz.

Figure 10 shows the results of measuring the return loss of an antenna device including a radiation pattern and a metal frame according to an embodiment. The radiation pattern is the same as the radiation pattern produced in FIG. 9. The metal frame may include an opening having a width of about 80 mm and a length of about 680 mm. As part of the radiation pattern overlapped with the opening, the gap between the radiation pattern and the metal frame was maintained at about 10 mm. Referring to FIG. 10, it can be seen that resonance is formed in the radiation pattern in the target frequency band, for example, about 315 MHz.

Although the radiation pattern 20 according to one embodiment does not perform the role of an antenna element on its own, it can be confirmed that the radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10 are coupled to operate as an antenna element.

Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment. The antenna device 200 shown in FIG. 2 may be installed in an area inside or outside the vehicle as described in FIG. 1.

The vehicle antenna device 200 according to the disclosed embodiment is an antenna device installed in a vehicle for wireless communication, and transmits and receives electromagnetic waves through the antenna described above.

Additionally, the vehicle antenna device 200 according to the disclosed embodiment may be an antenna device that performs wireless communication in a predetermined frequency band. The frequency band used for wireless communication may vary depending on the communication standard or type of communication to be used.

Additionally, the vehicle antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be integrated with a vehicle communication module (not shown). Here, the vehicle communication module (not shown) may be referred to as a Transmission Control Unit (TCU). The TCU is a component that controls data transmission and reception through wireless communication within the vehicle, and can be responsible for communication between the vehicle and external electronic devices (eg, servers, mobile devices, etc.). The antenna device according to the disclosed embodiment may be installed inside a vehicle communication module or may be integrated with the vehicle communication module.

Referring to FIG. 11, the vehicle antenna device 200 includes an antenna 210 and a processor 220. The antenna may be a combination of the previously described radiation pattern 20 and the metal frame 10. The antenna may be a single antenna or an array-type antenna. Here, an array-type antenna means that among the previously described antenna devices, there are a plurality of radiation patterns 20.

An antenna can transmit and/or receive electromagnetic wave signals. Specifically, an antenna according to an example may transmit and/or receive a non-directional electromagnetic wave signal. However, when the antenna has a plurality of radiation patterns, electromagnetic wave signals output from the antenna can be transmitted or received in a desired direction. In this way, when an array-type radiation pattern has a directivity for transmitting or receiving an electromagnetic wave signal in a desired direction, the electromagnetic wave signal output with directivity can be referred to as a beam.

The processor 220 performs operations according to the disclosed embodiment by executing at least one instruction. That is, the processor 220 can perform at least one instruction and control the intended operation to be performed.

For example, the processor may obtain information from an external device by adjusting the phase of at least one electromagnetic wave signal output from the antenna. The processor 220 may control the operation of the vehicle based on the acquired information. In addition, the processor 220 may control the antenna to output a specific beam based on vehicle operation information.

The processor 220 may include an internal memory (not shown) and at least one processor (not shown) that executes at least one stored program. Here, the internal memory (not shown) of the processor 220 may store one or more instructions. Additionally, the processor 220 may execute a predetermined operation by executing at least one of one or more instructions stored in an internal memory (not shown).

Specifically, the processor 220 stores signals or data input from the outside, uses RAM (not shown) as a storage area corresponding to various tasks performed in the antenna device 200, and controls the antenna device 200. It may include a ROM (not shown) storing a control program and/or a plurality of instructions for and at least one processor (not shown).

Alternatively, the processor 220 may be implemented as a System On Chip (SoC) that integrates a core (not shown) and a GPU (not shown). Alternatively, the processor 220 may include multiple cores or more than a single core. For example, the processor 220 may include a dual core, triple core, quad core, hexa core, octa core, deca core, dodeca core, hexa core, etc.

In addition, the processor 220 includes components for implementing a hardware platform (e.g., an application processor (AP), memory, etc.) and components for implementing a software platform (operating system (OS) program). , software (Automotive safety Software), application (Application, etc.) for phase control of the electromagnetic wave signal output from the array antenna 210.

Additionally, at least one of the operations performed by the processor 220 may be performed using artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

The vehicle electronic device 300 of FIG. 12 may include the vehicle antenna device 200 described in FIG. 11 . Additionally, the automotive electronic device 300 may represent a computing device that can be installed in a vehicle that is integrated with the automotive antenna device 200. Therefore, when describing the vehicle electronic device 300, parts that overlap with the description of the vehicle antenna device 200 will be omitted. Additionally, in the vehicle electronic device 300 shown in FIG. 12, the same components as those described in FIG. 11 are described with the same symbols and terms.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the automotive electronic device 300 may include a processor 220, an input/output unit 230, and a communication unit 240. Specifically, the vehicle electronic device 300 includes a vehicle antenna device 200, and the vehicle antenna device 200 is integrated with a communication unit 240, which is a transmission control unit (TCU) that performs communication within the vehicle. can be formed.

Additionally, the automotive electronic device 300 may be an electronic device for implementing in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) technology. For example, the automotive electronic device 300 may provide services, information, and/or content customized to a specific user based on user location information. Specifically, the automotive electronic device 300 may be used to obtain information necessary for driving or using the vehicle by performing communication between the vehicle and external devices. Alternatively, the automotive electronic device 300 may perform communication between the vehicle and an external device to provide services, information, and/or content to the user.

The processor 220 and the input/output unit 230 included in the automotive electronic device 300 may be collectively referred to as an IVI head unit. Additionally, the automotive electronic device 300 may be placed between the central front portion of the driver's seat and the passenger seat in the vehicle. In this case, the array antenna 210 included in the vehicle electronic device 300 may be installed in a location spaced apart from other components included in the vehicle electronic device 300, and the array antenna 210 may be installed in the vehicle electronic device ( It may be connected to other components of 300) through a wired communication interface such as a wired cable, or may be interconnected through a wireless communication interface.

Additionally, the communication unit 240 may be referred to as a Transmission Control Unit (TCU).

Here, the TCU is a component that controls data transmission and reception within the vehicle, and may be responsible for communication between the vehicle and external electronic devices (eg, servers, mobile devices, etc.).

The processor 220 includes components 341 for implementing a hardware platform (e.g., an application processor (AP), memory, etc.) and components 350 for implementing a software platform (operating system (OS: Operating system program, automotive safety software, application, etc.).

Specifically, components 341 implementing the hardware platform may include at least one application processor (AP) 341 and memory 342. Here, the case where the memory 342 is included in the processor 220 has been described as an example. Additionally, the memory 420 may not be included in the processor 220 but may be included as a separate component included in the automotive electronic device 300.

Additionally, components 341 that implement the hardware platform may further include a USB module (not shown), an FM/DMB tuner (not shown), etc. Here, the USB module (not shown) includes a USB insertion unit (not shown) and can read data in the inserted USB. Additionally, the FM/DMB tuner (not shown) can selectively receive FM/DMB broadcast signals. Specifically, the FM/DMB tuner (not shown) is a wirelessly received broadcast signal that is desired to be received by the vehicle electronic device 300 among many electromagnetic wave components through amplification, mixing, resonance, etc. You can select only the frequency of the channel by tuning it. The broadcast signal received by the FM/DMB tuner (not shown) may include audio, video, and additional information (eg, Electronic Program Guide (EPG)).

Components 350 for implementing a software platform may include an operating system (OS) program, automotive safety software, applications, etc. Here, the operating system program may include a QNX, Linux, or Android-based operating system program.

The input/output unit 230 is configured to provide data to the user or receive a user's request, and includes at least one of a display 331, a camera module 335, an audio output unit 338, and a user interface 339. can do.

The camera module 335 is configured to acquire video and/or audio data and may include a camera 336 and a microphone 337. Additionally, the camera module 335 may include a speaker (not shown) to output operating sounds of the camera 336, etc. Additionally, if the camera module 335 does not include a separate speaker (not shown), the operation sound of the camera 336 may be output through the audio output unit 338.

For example, the camera module 335 may operate as a detection sensor to recognize the user's gestures and voice.

Specifically, the camera 336 may receive images (eg, consecutive frames) corresponding to the user's motion, including gestures, within the camera recognition range. For example, the recognition range of the camera 336 may be within 0.1 to 5 m from the camera 336 to the user. The user motion may include, for example, the user's face, facial expression, a part of the user's body such as a hand, a fist, or a finger, or the motion of a part of the user. The camera 336 converts the received image into an electrical signal under the control of the processor 220 and recognizes it, and uses the recognition result corresponding to the user's motion to select a menu displayed on the vehicle electronic device 300 or to use the recognition result corresponding to the user's motion. Controls corresponding to the recognition results can be performed. For example, the processor 220 can use the recognition result obtained from the camera 336 to control channel selection, channel change, volume adjustment, execution of available services, etc. in FM/DMB.

The camera 336 may be implemented integrally with or separate from the vehicle electronic device 300. The separated camera 336 may be electrically connected to the processor 220 of the automotive electronic device 300 through the communication unit 240 or the input/output unit 230. For example, when the camera 336 is implemented as a separate type from the vehicle electronic device 300, the camera 336 is mounted on the front of the driver's face and upper body so that it can capture images corresponding to the driver's face and upper body. It may be placed in a location.

The microphone 337 can receive audio signals such as voice signals. The microphone 337 may receive a user's voice signal, and the processor 220 may recognize a control command corresponding to the voice received from the microphone 337 and control the corresponding operation to be executed. Additionally, the microphone 337 may be included in the vehicle electronic device 300 as a separate module rather than being included in the camera module 335.

The user interface 339 may receive user input for controlling the automotive electronic device 300. The user interface 339 may include a push button, wheel, keyboard, jog dial, touch panel, and haptic sensor to receive user input.

The communication unit 240 may include at least one communication module that performs wireless communication. Specifically, the communication unit 240 may include at least one of a Bluetooth module 361, a Wi-Fi module 362, a GPS module 363, an RF module 364, and a CP module (Communication Processor module) 365. there is. Here, the CP module is a modem chipset, and the network can communicate with external electronic devices through a communication network that complies with 3G, 4G, 5G, or 6G communication standards. In addition, the communication unit 240 includes at least one communication module (not shown) that performs communication according to communication standards such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), NFC/RFID, Wifi Direct, UWB, and/or ZIGBEE. It may further include.

The antenna according to one embodiment may be a component of a communication module included in the communication unit 240. For example, the antenna may be included in at least one of the RF module 364 and the CP module 365 and may be responsible for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves of the RF module 364 and the CP module 365, respectively.

Additionally, in the automotive electronic device 300, each included component, for example, the processor 220, the input/output unit 230, and the communication unit 240, may communicate with each other through a vehicle network. Additionally, the vehicle electronic device 300 and other components included in the vehicle (not shown) may communicate with each other through a vehicle network. Here, the vehicle network may be a network based on CAN (Controller Area Network), and/or MOST (medio Oriented Systems Transport).

The processor 220 may control the driving of the vehicle based on information received from the antenna.

Figure 13 is a flowchart explaining a method of controlling the driving of a vehicle using an antenna according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG. 13, the processor 220 may receive an electrical signal from the antenna (S410). As described above, the antenna may include a metal frame 10, a radiation pattern 20 accommodated in the metal frame 10, and a printed circuit board 30. The metal frame 10 and the radiation pattern 20 are electromagnetically coupled through the aperture. The radiation pattern 20 antenna can output an electrical signal corresponding to the received electromagnetic wave.

The processor 220 may obtain environmental information from the electrical signal received from the antenna (S420). When the resonance frequency band of the radiation pattern 20 is approximately 200HMz or more and 500MHz or less, the environmental information may be information about at least one of a smart key, vehicle door opening and closing, and tire air pressure.

The processor 220 may control the driving of the vehicle in response to environmental information (S430). The processor 220 may control the driving unit to change at least one of the vehicle's driving path and driving speed in response to environmental information. Although not shown, the driving unit may include a steering control unit, a speed control unit, etc. A vehicle control manual matched to environmental information may be pre-stored in memory (not shown). The processor 220 can control driving of the vehicle by reading a vehicle control manual matched to environmental information from memory. For example, based on environmental information about tire pressure, the processor can control the driving unit to change the driving speed. However, it is not limited to this. The processor 220 may control the driving of the vehicle in response to environmental information using a learning network model of an artificial intelligence (AI) system. For example, the processor 220 may control the driving of the vehicle to prevent a collision with an accident vehicle.

A vehicle antenna installed in a vehicle may include a metal frame including an opening.

The vehicle antenna according to one embodiment may include a radiation pattern in which at least a portion of the area in the thickness direction of the metal frame overlaps the opening and is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame through the opening.

The radiation pattern may be electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame in a frequency band of 200 MHz to 500 MHz.

The gap between the radiation pattern and the metal frame may be less than or equal to the width of the radiation pattern.

The gap between the radiation pattern and the metal frame may be 10 mm or less.

The radiation pattern may be accommodated within the metal frame.

The longest length of the radiation pattern may be 100 mm or less.

The radiation pattern may have a flat shape where the width is greater than the thickness.

The radiation pattern may include a polygonal cross-section.

The radiation pattern may be bent at least once.

The radiation pattern may include a first radiation element extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal frame.

The radiation pattern may include a second radiation element, one end of which is in contact with the first radiation element and extending in the width direction of the metal frame.

The radiation pattern may include a first area overlapping the opening in the thickness direction of the metal frame.

The radiation pattern may include a second area that does not overlap the opening in the thickness direction of the metal frame.

The size of the first area may be larger than or equal to the size of the second area.

The vehicle antenna device according to one embodiment may further include an insulating substrate supporting the radiation pattern.

The radiation pattern may be disposed between the insulating substrate and the metal frame.

The vehicle antenna device according to one embodiment may further include a printed circuit board electrically connected to the radiation pattern and accommodated in the metal frame.

The vehicle antenna device according to one embodiment may further include a circuit module disposed between the printed circuit board and the metal frame and electrically connected to the printed circuit board.

The vehicle antenna device according to one embodiment may further include a conductive line passing through the opening and supplying power to the printed circuit board.

The opening may include a first opening through which the conductive line passes.

The opening may include a second opening spaced apart from the first opening and overlapping at least a portion of the radiation pattern.

The metal frame may be in contact with a panel of the vehicle.

The vehicle according to one embodiment may include a radiation pattern in which at least a portion of the area in the thickness direction of the metal frame overlaps the second opening and is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame through the opening.

Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also included in the scope of the present invention. belongs to

Claims

In a vehicle antenna installed in a vehicle,

A metal frame containing an opening; and

A radiation pattern in which at least a portion of the area in the thickness direction of the metal frame overlaps the opening and is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame through the opening.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is,

A vehicle antenna device that is electromagnetically coupled to the metal frame in a frequency band of 200 MHz to 500 MHz.
According to clause 1,

The gap between the radiation pattern and the metal frame is,

A vehicle antenna device having a width of the radiation pattern or less.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is

A vehicle antenna device accommodated within the metal frame.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is,

A vehicle antenna device with a flat shape whose width is greater than its thickness.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is,

A vehicle antenna device that is bent at least once.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is,

a first radiating element extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the metal frame; and

A vehicle antenna device comprising a second radiating element, one end of which is in contact with the first radiating element and extending in the width direction of the metal frame.
According to clause 1,

The radiation pattern is,

a first area overlapping the opening in the thickness direction of the metal frame; and

A vehicle antenna device comprising: a second area that does not overlap the opening in the thickness direction of the metal frame.
According to clause 1,

A vehicle antenna device further comprising an insulating substrate supporting the radiation pattern.
According to clause 9,

The radiation pattern is,

A vehicle antenna device disposed between the insulating substrate and the metal frame.
According to clause 8,

A vehicle antenna device further comprising a printed circuit board electrically connected to the radiation pattern and accommodated in the metal frame.
According to claim 11,

A circuit module disposed between the printed circuit board and the metal frame and electrically connected to the printed circuit board.
According to clause 11,

A conductive line passing through the opening and supplying power to the printed circuit board.
According to clause 13,

The opening is,

a first opening through which the conductive line passes; and

A vehicle antenna device comprising: a second opening spaced apart from the first opening and overlapping at least a portion of the radiation pattern.
According to clause 1,

The metal frame is,

A vehicle antenna device that is in contact with the vehicle panel.