KR20240075194A - Antenna module assembly for high-pass - Google Patents

Abstract

An antenna module assembly for a high-pass according to an embodiment of the present document includes: a housing having an accommodation space including a bottom surface therein; an ir antenna module located in the accommodation space and including an ir receiving unit and an ir transmitting unit; and an rf antenna module located in the accommodation space. the rf antenna module may include: a plate in which rf patches are arranged on one surface; and a support member for supporting the plate so that the plate is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the accommodation space.

Description

Antenna module assembly for high-pass {ANTENNA MODULE ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH-PASS}

Various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to a high-pass antenna module assembly.　

The antenna module can transmit and receive wireless communication signals. For example, there are antenna modules for RF (Radio Frequency) communication and IR (Infrared Ray) communication. The integrated antenna module adopts an integrated method that uses both RF and IR communication methods, for example, to quickly and accurately transmit and receive signals at a short or long distance.

Integrated antenna modules adopting an integrated communication method are used in hi-pass systems, such as intelligent transport systems (ITS) or electronic toll collection systems (ETCS).

For example, the communication equipment of the high-pass system is a dedicated short range communication (DSRC) technology that uses an integrated antenna module that uses both RF and IR communication methods in the 5.8 GHz band.

The integrated antenna module is designed with very limited antenna shape and structure based on the frequency band and communication area. In addition, although there are differences between the RF communication method and the IR communication method, in the integrated antenna module, the communication area of each communication method must be maintained within a substantially same or similar range. Due to these characteristics, the integrated antenna module must communicate only in a limited communication area, and if it exceeds this area, communication malfunctions and communication quality deterioration problems may occur.

However, the antenna module assembly of the integrated antenna type radiates in a direction other than the direction in which radio waves for transmission and reception are directed due to various elements such as the housing, support structure, or other internal parts.

For example, assuming that the direction that the antenna module is facing is the front, in addition to the main lobe, where radio waves are radiated to the front, there are side lobes and/or back, where radio waves are radiated to the side instead of the front. Back lobes through which radio waves radiate may occur.

As side lobes and back lobes occurring in the antenna module increase, the driving efficiency of the antenna module decreases and the speed and accuracy of communication deteriorate. In particular, when communication must be performed only within a designated range, such as a high-pass system, the formation of a communication area in an undesired direction, for example, the occurrence of side lobes and back lobes, may be a major issue in the performance of the integrated antenna.

To prevent this, there is a technical need for an integrated antenna that reduces or suppresses side lobes and back lobes and improves communication performance within a limited range.

The technical problems to be achieved through the various embodiments disclosed in this document are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned are common knowledge in the technical field to which the invention described in this document belongs from the description below. It will be clearly understandable to those who have.

A high-pass antenna module assembly according to an embodiment of the present document includes a housing having an accommodating space including a bottom, an IR antenna module located in the accommodating space and including an IR receiving unit and an IR transmitting unit, and the accommodating unit. Comprising an RF antenna module located in a space, the RF antenna module may include a plate on which an RF patch is arranged on one side and a support member for supporting the plate so that the plate is spaced from the bottom surface of the receiving space. You can.

The high-pass antenna module assembly according to various embodiments of this document is an integrated antenna using an IR communication method and an RF communication method, and can be spaced apart from the heat source to reduce propagation loss of the RF antenna, or adjacent By preventing radio wave radiation caused by the conductor, side lobes and back lobes can be prevented.

Additionally, the high-pass antenna module assembly according to various embodiments of the present document may include a first internal blocking film and/or an external blocking film structurally designed to reduce side lobes and back lobes.

The effects of the antenna module assembly according to one embodiment are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

FIG. 1A is a side view schematically showing an application example of an antenna module assembly and a communication terminal according to an embodiment.
FIG. 1B is a plan view schematically showing an application example of an antenna module assembly and a communication terminal according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the appearance of an antenna module assembly according to an embodiment.
Figure 2b is a plan view showing the appearance of an antenna module assembly according to one embodiment.
Figure 2c is a side view showing the appearance of an antenna module assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view illustrating the interior of an antenna module assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a plan view illustrating the interior of an antenna module assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3C is a side view illustrating the interior of an antenna module assembly according to one embodiment.
FIG. 4A is an internal perspective view illustrating an accommodating space of an antenna module assembly according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view looking at the accommodation space of the antenna module assembly in the direction A-A' of FIG. 4A.
Figure 5a is a perspective view of an IR receiver and a first internal blocking film according to one embodiment.
Figure 5b is a perspective view of an IR receiver and a first internal blocking film according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5C is a diagram illustrating an IR reception range of an antenna module assembly according to an embodiment.
Figure 6a is a perspective view of an IR transmitter and a second internal blocking film according to one embodiment.
Figure 6b is a side view of the IR transmitter and the second internal blocking film according to one embodiment.
FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an IR transmission range of an antenna module assembly according to an embodiment.
7A is a side view of an IR transmitting element according to one embodiment.
Figure 7b is a side view of an IR transmitter according to one embodiment.
FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating an IR transmission range of an IR transmitter according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating an IR transmission range of an IR transmission element according to an embodiment.

Terms used in this specification will be briefly described, and the present disclosure will be described in detail.

The terms used in the embodiments of the present disclosure have selected general terms that are currently widely used as much as possible while considering the functions in the present disclosure, but this may vary depending on the intention or precedent of a person working in the art, the emergence of new technology, etc. . In addition, in certain cases, there are terms arbitrarily selected by the applicant, and in this case, the meaning will be described in detail in the description part of the relevant disclosure. Therefore, the terms used in this disclosure should be defined based on the meaning of the term and the overall content of this disclosure, rather than simply the name of the term.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be subject to various changes and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all transformations, equivalents, and substitutes included in the disclosed spirit and technical scope. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known technology may obscure the point, the detailed description will be omitted.

Terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this application, “comprises.” Or “made up.” Terms such as are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or a combination thereof described in the specification, but are intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or It should be understood that the existence or addition possibility of combinations of these is not excluded in advance.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a 'unit' or 'unit' performs at least one function or operation, and may be implemented as hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software. Additionally, a plurality of 'units' or a plurality of 'units' may be integrated into at least one unit and implemented with at least one processor, except for 'units' or 'units' that need to be implemented with specific hardware.

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

Various embodiments may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) that can be read by a machine. For example, the processor may call at least one instruction among one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This allows the device to be operated to perform at least one function according to the at least one instruction called. One or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A device-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' only means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g. electromagnetic waves), and this term refers to cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium. There is no distinction between temporary storage cases.

According to one embodiment, methods according to various embodiments disclosed in the present disclosure may be included and provided in a computer program product. Computer program products are commodities and can be traded between sellers and buyers. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g. compact disc read only memory (CD-ROM)) or through an application store (e.g. Play StoreTM) or between two user devices. It may be distributed in person or online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be at least temporarily stored or temporarily created in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1A to 5B, and the antenna module assembly 100 according to various embodiments of the present document may be for high-pass use, but is not limited thereto and can be expanded to other fields. It can be applied..

FIG. 1A is a side view schematically showing an application example of the antenna module assembly 100 and the communication terminal 50 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a side view schematically showing an application example of the antenna module assembly 100 and the communication terminal 50 according to an embodiment. ) is a floor plan schematically showing an example of application.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B , the antenna module assembly 100 according to one embodiment may communicate wirelessly with the communication terminal 50 . However, FIGS. 1A and 1B show one of the examples to which the antenna module assembly 100 according to various embodiments of this document can be applied, and in actual implementation, it is not limited to this and can be used in antenna modules in various industrial fields. It can be applied.

In one embodiment. The antenna module assembly 100 may be supported by an external support body 10. The antenna module assembly 100 may be fixed to the external support 10, or may be tilted or rotatably fixed. The external support 10 may be a gantry or a sign installed on the road.

In one embodiment, the antenna module assembly 100 is an integrated antenna that includes an IR antenna module (e.g., IR antenna module 130 in FIG. 3B) and an RF antenna module (e.g., RF antenna module 150 in FIG. 3C). It can be. The antenna module assembly 100 of the integrated antenna type can compensate for the shortcomings of each of the IR communication method and the RF communication method, for example, improves the communication range of the antenna module assembly 100, and improves the antenna module assembly ( 100) transmission and reception performance can be improved.

In one embodiment, the antenna module assembly 100 may communicate wirelessly with the communication terminal 50. For example, the antenna module assembly 100 can communicate in real time with a communication terminal 50 mounted on a moving object such as a car, ship, or aircraft (hereinafter referred to as 'vehicle 30').

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the antenna module assembly 100 is fixed to an external support 10 installed on the road, and a communication terminal 50 is installed in the vehicle 30, The antenna module assembly 100 can communicate wirelessly with the communication terminal 50. The antenna module assembly 100 can form a communication area in a directional direction, pass through the communication area, or communicate wirelessly with a communication terminal 50 located in or adjacent to the communication area.

For example, the antenna module assembly 100 and the communication terminal 50 may be used in a hi-pass system. The Hi-Pass system installed on the road collects the toll of the vehicle 30 by wirelessly communicating with the Hi-Pass terminal installed on the vehicle 30 and the antenna module assembly 100 installed on the road for automatic toll collection. You can pay wirelessly.

In one embodiment, depending on the width D of the car, the structure of the antenna module assembly 100 or the arrangement, shape, or structure of the components of the antenna module assembly 100 may vary. An example in this regard will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing the exterior of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment, FIG. 2B is a plan view showing the exterior of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2C is an embodiment. This is a side view showing the appearance of the antenna module assembly 100 according to .

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the antenna module assembly 100 according to one embodiment may include a housing 101.

In one embodiment, the housing 101 may form the exterior of the antenna module assembly 100 and may accommodate and protect components of the antenna module assembly 100 therein. In one embodiment, the housing 101 may be implemented as a box shape with a substantially rectangular cross-section. Without being limited thereto, the housing 101 may have a structure in which at least some areas are open, and at least some of the internal components of the antenna module assembly 100 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 101.

In one embodiment, housing 101 may include a base 103 and a cover 105. A receiving space 108 may be formed between the base 103 and the cover 105. Components of the antenna module assembly 100 may be accommodated in the accommodation space 108 .

In one embodiment, cover 105 may be detachably coupled to base 103. The cover 105 may include a window 106, and the window 106 is an IR transmitting unit of the IR antenna module 130 (e.g., the IR antenna module 130 in FIG. 3B) located in the receiving space 108. 133 (e.g., the IR transmitter 133 in FIG. 3C) and the IR receiver (e.g., the IR receiver 131 in FIG. 3b).

In one embodiment, the terminal 102 may be formed on the back of the housing 101. The terminal 102 can connect the antenna module assembly 100 and an external device. For example, the terminal 102 may be a power terminal 102 for supplying power to the antenna module assembly 100, and/or a data terminal 102 for wired communication with the antenna module assembly 100. ) can be.

In one embodiment, the external blocking film 107 may be disposed on the external surface of the housing 101. For example, the external blocking film 107 may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the side of the base 103 in the side direction (eg, X-Y plane direction).

In one embodiment, the external blocking film 107 may be a light blocking film to block sunlight. The external blocking film 107 can prevent and suppress interference by light during wireless communication of the antenna module assembly 100. The external blocking film 107 may have a shape that surrounds the IR receiver 131 and can improve the transmission and reception performance of the IR antenna module 130.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the inside of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment, FIG. 3B is a plan view showing the inside of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 3C is an embodiment. This is a side view showing the interior of the antenna module assembly 100 according to .

For example, in the antenna module assembly 100 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the receiving space 108 of the housing 101 is visually visible. The cover 105 of the housing 101 may be removed so that it is exposed.

Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C, the antenna module assembly 100 according to one embodiment may include an IR antenna module 130 and an RF antenna module 150.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 and the RF antenna module 150 may be located inside the receiving space 108. For example, the receiving space 108 may include a bottom surface 109, which is an inner surface of the base 103, and the IR antenna module 130 and the RF antenna module 150 are located on the bottom surface 109 or It may be installed in the receiving space 108 adjacent to the floor surface 109.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 may include an IR receiver 131 and an IR transmitter 133. The IR transmitter 133 may emit infrared light or light adjacent to infrared light in the communication direction (e.g., +Z direction) toward which the antenna module assembly 100 is oriented. The IR receiver 131 receives light reflected from the target object among the light emitted from the IR transmitter 133, light whose light characteristics (e.g., light quantity, wavelength, etc.) are changed by the communication terminal 50, or communication terminal ( 50) can receive the light emitted. The IR antenna module 130 can detect the characteristics or change value of light received by the IR receiver 131 and perform wireless communication with the communication terminal 50.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 may include a plurality of IR transmitters 133. The plurality of IR transmitters 133 may include a first IR transmitter 133a and a second IR transmitter 133b, and the second IR transmitter 133b may be inclined at a predetermined distance from the floor surface 109. You can. Through a structure in which at least one IR transmitter 133 is inclined, the transmission range and communication area of the IR antenna module 130 can be expanded.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 may include at least a portion of a plurality of internal blocking films 134 and 135. For example, the plurality of internal blocking films 134 and 135 may include a first internal blocking film 135 that limits the reception range of the IR receiver 131. Alternatively, the plurality of internal blocking films 134 and 135 may include a second internal blocking film 134 that limits the transmission range of the IR transmitter 133. In various embodiments of this document, a portion of the plurality of internal blocking films 134 and 135 may be optionally omitted or added, and each of the plurality of internal blocking films 134 and 135 will be described below in FIG. 5A.

In one embodiment, the RF antenna module 150 may include at least one RF patch 151 and an RF module 155. The RF patch 151 is made of a conductive material and is arranged to be spaced apart on the upper surface of the plate 153 (e.g., the side facing the +Z direction), and transmits radio waves of high frequency (e.g., a frequency in the 5.8 GHz band) and/ Or you can receive it.

In one embodiment, the RF module 155 is electrically connected to the RF patch 151, generates high frequencies through the RF patch 151, and can wirelessly communicate with the communication terminal 50 in an RF manner. The RF antenna module 150 has the advantage of having a wide communication area compared to other communication methods.

In one embodiment, the RF module 155 is connected to the back of the plate 153 facing the receiving space 108 and can transmit and receive signals from the RF patch 151. The RF module 155 may be connected to the plate 153 by an auxiliary support member 158. Without being limited thereto, the RF module 155 may be supported on the support member 157 or on the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108.

In one embodiment, the antenna module assembly 100 decodes the transmission data, encodes and transmits it to the IR antenna module 130 and/or the RF antenna module 150, and transmits it to the IR antenna module 130 and/or the RF antenna. Wireless communication can be performed by decoding and encoding the signal received from the module 150 and transmitting it to an external device (not shown).

In one embodiment, the RF antenna module 150 may include a plate 153 and a support member 157. An RF patch 151 may be arranged on one side of the plate 153. The plate 153 may be arranged substantially parallel to the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 or inclined at a predetermined angle. The plate 153 may have a substantially flat upper surface, and at least one RF patch 151 may be arranged on the upper surface of the plate 153.

In one embodiment, the support member 157 may support the plate 153 so that the plate 153 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108. The support member 157 may be implemented in various shapes, for example, may have a pillar or leg shape. The support member 157 may support at least one area of the plate 153 so that the plate 153 and the housing 101 are spaced apart without contacting each other.

In one embodiment, the support member 157 has one end connected to the back of the plate 153 facing the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108, and the other end opposite the one end to the housing 101. can be connected to Without being limited to this, the support member 157 may be connected to the side or front of the plate 153 and may be designed in various ways to minimize the impact on the RF patch 151 to support the plate 153.

In one embodiment, the support member 157 may be made of an insulator. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the outer surface of the support member 157 may be coated with an insulator. Radio waves generated from the RF patch 151 may electrically interact with surrounding conductors to form a capacitance component, and/or side lobes may be radiated due to radio wave radiation characteristics of the surrounding conductors. The support member 157 may be made of a non-conductor or its outer surface may be coated with an insulator to electrically insulate it from radio waves generated from the RF patch 151.

In one embodiment, the plate 153 is spaced apart from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 so that the RF patch 151 is isolated from the IR antenna module 130 and/or other configurations of the RF antenna module 150. They can be spaced apart, and side lobes of the RF antenna module 150 can be reduced or prevented.

For example, since the RF antenna module 150 has a wide communication area, the IR antenna module 130 may be affected by RF communication, and IR communication performance may deteriorate. In order to prevent this, the antenna module assembly 100 of an embodiment of this document arranges the RF patch 151 of the RF antenna module 150 through the support member 157 to be spaced a predetermined distance from other components. , mutual communication interference can be reduced or prevented.

In one embodiment, the plate 153 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the IR antenna module 130. For example, the plate 153 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the components of the IR antenna module 130, for example, the IR transmitter 133 and the IR receiver 131, in the side direction (e.g., X-Y direction). The antenna module assembly 100 of an embodiment of this document arranges the RF patch 151 of the RF antenna module 150 to be spaced apart from the IR antenna module 130 in the side direction, thereby reducing or preventing mutual communication interference. You can.

In one embodiment, the external blocking film 107 may be spaced apart from the IR receiver 131 and may have a shape that surrounds at least a portion of the side surface of the IR receiver 131. The plate 153 may be positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 compared to the external blocking film 107.

In one embodiment, the external blocking film 107 may be made of a conductor, which may affect the RF patch 151. Alternatively, radio waves transmitted and received by the RF patch 151 in the front direction (e.g., +Z direction) may affect the external blocking film 107 and the IR receiver 131 located within it. The support member 157 positions the height of the RF patch 151 higher than the external blocking film 107 and sets it so that other parts are not located in the side direction (e.g., X-Y plane direction) of the RF patch 151, thereby Reduce or prevent communication interference, thermal effects, and/or side lobes.

FIG. 4A is an internal perspective view showing the accommodation space 108 of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 4B is an internal perspective view illustrating the accommodation space 108 of the antenna module assembly 100 in the direction A-A' of FIG. 4A. ) is a cross-sectional view looking at

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B , the plate 153 and the RF patch 151 in one embodiment may be positioned to protrude a predetermined distance from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 more than other components. In FIG. 4B, for convenience of explanation, the bottom surface 109 is shown as a substantially flat plane, but in actual implementation, the present invention is not limited to this, and at least some areas of the bottom surface 109 may be curved or protrude.

In one embodiment, with respect to the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108, in the front direction (or orientation direction) (e.g., +Z direction), the plate 153 is at a first height h1, The IR receiver 131 may be formed at a second height (h2), the IR transmitter 133 may be formed at a third height (h3), and the first internal blocking film 135 may be formed at a fourth height (h4).

For example, the bottom surface 109 may be a virtual surface for comparing the heights of a plurality of components in the direction (eg, +Z direction) of the antenna module assembly 100.

For example, the bottom surface 109 is substantially parallel to the support surface of the external support 10 when the antenna module assembly 100 is supported on the external support (e.g., the external support 10 of FIG. 1A). It could be a virtual aspect.

In one embodiment, the plate 153 may be positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 compared to the IR transmitting unit 133 and the IR receiving unit 131. For example, the first height h1 may be relatively larger than the second height h2 and the third height h3.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitter 133 and the IR receiver 131 may emit heat when driven and may affect the RF patch 151. Alternatively, radio waves transmitted and received in the front direction (e.g., +Z direction) by the RF patch 151 may affect the IR antenna module 130. The support member 157 positions the height of the RF patch 151 higher than the IR transmitter 133 and the IR receiver 131, and other components are located in the side direction (e.g., X-Y plane direction) of the RF patch 151. By setting it to not, mutual communication interference, thermal effects, and/or side lobes can be reduced or prevented.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 may include a plurality of IR transmitters 133. At least one of the plurality of IR transmitters 133 may be arranged at an angle with respect to the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108. When a plurality of IR transmitters 133 are formed, the second height h2 may be the distance from the bottom surface 109 to the furthest position among the plurality of IR transmitters 133.

For example, the plurality of IR transmitters 133 may include a first IR transmitter 133a and a second IR transmitter 133b, and the second IR transmitter 133b is spaced at a predetermined distance from the floor surface 109. This can be arranged inclinedly. In this case, the second height h2 may be the vertical distance from the bottom surface 109 to the end of the direction of orientation of the second transmission element 133b.

In one embodiment, the plate 153 may be positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 compared to the plurality of IR transmitters 133, and may be located in a side direction of the RF patch 151. By setting other components so that they are not positioned, mutual communication interference, thermal effects, and/or side lobes can be reduced or prevented.

In one embodiment, the IR antenna module 130 may include a first internal blocking film 135. The first internal blocking film 135 may be accommodated in the receiving space 108 and may be disposed on the front of the IR receiver 131 facing in the direction in which the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 is viewed. Since the infrared rays received by the IR antenna module 130 have a relatively strong straight line, communication performance may be deteriorated due to sunlight or other light or heat. The first internal blocking film 135 focuses infrared rays received by the IR receiver 131 and can adjust the reception area or reception width of the IR antenna module 130.

Although not shown in the drawings, the antenna module assembly 100 in another embodiment may include an external blocking cover (not shown). The external blocking cover (not shown) has a shape that surrounds the IR antenna module 130 and may be coupled to the housing 101 or the external blocking film 107. The external blocking cover (not shown) may protrude beyond the housing 101 and/or the IR antenna module 130 in the front direction, thereby effectively blocking sunlight. However, the external blocking cover (not shown) may electrically interact with the RF antenna module 150 due to its protruding structure to generate side lobes.

The antenna module assembly 100 of an embodiment of the present document may not include an external blocking cover (not shown), but may include a first internal blocking film 135 located inside the receiving space 108 of the housing 101. You can. The first internal blocking film 135 protrudes at a relatively lower position than the RF patch 151 of the RF antenna module 150, thereby effectively reducing or preventing the side lobe phenomenon of the RF antenna module 150.

In one embodiment, the plate 153 may be positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface 109 of the receiving space 108 compared to the first internal blocking film 135. For example, the first height h1 may be relatively larger than the fourth height h4.

In one embodiment, the first internal blocking film 135 may be made of a conductor and may affect the RF patch 151. Alternatively, radio waves transmitted and received in the front direction by the RF patch 151 may affect the first internal blocking film 135 and the IR receiver 131 located below it. The support member 157 positions the height of the RF patch 151 higher than the first internal blocking film 135 and sets it so that other components are not located on the side of the RF patch 151, thereby preventing mutual communication interference and heat. effects, and/or side lobes can be reduced or prevented.

In one embodiment, the RF module 155 may be spaced apart from the plate 153 at a predetermined fifth height h5 by the auxiliary support member 158. The auxiliary support member 158 may support the RF module 155 so that the RF module 155 is spaced apart from the rear surface of the plate 153. The auxiliary support member 158 may be made of substantially the same or similar material as the support member 157. The RF module 155 may emit heat and electromagnetic waves when driven, which may affect the RF patch 151. The auxiliary support member 158 can reduce or prevent mutual communication interference, thermal effects, and/or side lobes by spacing the RF patch 151 and the RF module 155 at a fifth height (h5). there is.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first internal blocking film 135 according to an embodiment, FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the first internal blocking film 135 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 5C is an antenna module assembly ( This is a diagram illustrating the IR reception range (R) of 100).

Referring to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the first internal blocking film 135 according to one embodiment may include a body portion 136 and a plurality of guide members 138, and the first internal blocking film 135 ) may limit the reception range (R) of the IR receiver 131.

In one embodiment, the body portion 136 may form the exterior of the first internal blocking film 135. The body portion 136 of the first internal blocking film 135 may be formed in a structure that surrounds the front of the IR receiver 131, and the center is open, so that at least a portion of the front of the IR receiver 131 is visually external. may be exposed to The plurality of guide members 138 may be arranged in the body portion 136 in a direction facing the front of the IR receiver 131.

In one embodiment, the plurality of guide members 138 can improve the reception range (R) and reception performance of the IR receiver 131. The plurality of guide members 138 may be arranged to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in one direction. The plurality of guide members 138 can concentrate and transmit the IR signal to the IR receiver 131 in consideration of the straight path of the IR signal, and prevent the IR signal transmitted to the IR receiver 131 from being affected by other radio waves or heat. The IR receiver 131 can be protected.

In one embodiment, each of FIGS. 5A and 5B may be a first internal blocking film 135 to be applied to lanes having different widths. For example, based on the width of the lane (e.g., the width of the lane (D) in FIG. 1B), the width and/or the distance from each other in the front direction (e.g., +Z direction) of the plurality of guide members 138 This can be set differently.

For example, the width of the body portion 136 of the first internal blocking film 135 may be the reference width W0, and the width of the guide member 138 in FIG. 5A may be the first width W1, The width of the guide member 138 in FIG. 5B may be the second width W2. The first width W1 and the second width W2 may be smaller than the reference width W0.

In one embodiment, the second width W2 may be smaller than the first width W1, and the antenna module assembly 100 may be relatively more advantageous for application to a wide roadway. When the width of the lane is relatively wide, for example, in the case of a wide lane, the communication width of the antenna module assembly 100 must be wider, so the communication terminal 50 and the antenna module assembly 100 installed in the vehicle ), the reception performance of the IR receiver 131 of the IR antenna module 130 may deteriorate, or the reception accuracy may deteriorate.

For example, in the antenna module assembly 100 used in the high-pass system, in a general lane with a lane width (D) of about 3.5 m to 4 m, when the reference width (W0) is about 50 mm, The width of the guide member 138 (eg, first width W1) may be about 40 mm. Alternatively, in a wide lane where the width (D) of the lane is about 4.5 m to 5 m, when the reference width (W0) is about 50 mm, the width of the guide member 138 (e.g., the second width (W2) ) may be about 20 mm.

As shown in FIG. 5C, the first internal blocking film 135 may limit the IR reception range (R) of the IR receiver 131. The IR receiving unit 131 may include a plurality of IR receiving elements 137, and the plurality of IR receiving elements 137 face the IR receiving direction or direction (e.g., +Z direction) and are arranged in a row or in a specific direction. Can be sorted into an array.

In one embodiment, the first internal blocking film 135 may limit the range where IR signals or radio waves are transmitted from the outside. For example, the first internal blocking film 135 may be made of a light-absorbing material that absorbs IR signals, or may be made of a signal blocking material. By arranging the plurality of guide members 138 in the orientation direction, the range of IR that can flow into each IR receiving element 137 can be limited and the IR receiving range (R) can be limited.

In one embodiment, as the width of the plurality of guide members 138 varies, the IR reception range (R) of the IR receiver 131 of the antenna module assembly 100 may vary. For example, when the antenna module assembly 100 is applied to a wide lane, the width between the guide members 138 of the first internal blocking film 135 is designed to be relatively shorter, such as the second width W2. , the reception angle of the IR receiver 131 can be expanded, and the reception range and reception performance of the IR receiver 131 can be improved.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the IR transmitter 133 and the second internal blocking film 134 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 6B is a side view of the IR transmitting unit 133 and the second internal blocking film 134 according to an embodiment. FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating an IR transmission range (R) of the antenna module assembly 100 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, the IR antenna module (e.g., the IR antenna module 130 of FIG. 3B) according to one embodiment may include a second internal blocking film 134, and the second internal blocking film 134 The blocking film 134 may limit the transmission range (T) of the IR transmitter 133.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitter 133 may include an IR transmitter 139. The IR transmitting element 139 may be formed as one or more than one. The plurality of IR transmitting elements 139 may be aligned in a row or in a specific arrangement, facing the IR transmission direction or direction (e.g., +Z direction in FIGS. 6A and 6B or +W direction in FIG. 6C).

Since each of the plurality of IR transmitters 133 according to an embodiment of this document may have different directivity settings, FIG. 6C is a diagram for easily explaining the directivity of the IR transmitters 133. For example, the IR transmitter 133 in FIG. 6C may be one of the first IR transmitter 133a and the second IR transmitter 133b of the IR transmitter 133 in FIGS. 6A and 6B, or the IR transmitter ( 133) may be a diagram showing another embodiment. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the orientation direction of the IR transmitter 133 will be described based on one direction (e.g., +W direction in FIG. 6C).

In one embodiment, the second internal blocking film 134 may be accommodated in an accommodating space (e.g., accommodating space 108 in FIGS. 2B to 4B) and disposed in the transmission direction of the IR transmitter 133. For example, the second internal blocking film 134 may be disposed in the transmission direction of at least one of the plurality of IR transmitters 133. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the second internal blocking film 134 may be installed to correspond to one of the plurality of IR transmitters 133, for example, the second IR transmitter 133, or is limited thereto. However, it can be installed in response to all of the plurality of IR transmitters 133.

In one embodiment, the second internal blocking film 134 may limit the transmission range (T) of the IR transmitter 133. The second internal blocking film 134 may include a plurality of openings 134a formed in an area facing each of the IR transmitting elements 139 of the IR transmitting unit 133. The plurality of openings 134a may be passages or outlets through which the IR signal of the IR transmitting element 139 is emitted. Other areas of the second internal blocking film 134 excluding the plurality of openings 134a may absorb or block the IR signal of the IR transmitting element 139.

In one embodiment, the second internal blocking film 134 can improve the transmission range (T) and transmission performance of the IR transmitter 133. The second internal blocking film 134 may guide the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmitter 133 to pass through the opening 134a and proceed in a direction.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitter 133 can concentrate and transmit the IR signal by the second internal blocking film 134, reduce the diffusion range of the IR signal, and effectively guide the IR signal in the transmission direction. The second internal blocking film 134 can protect the IR transmitter 133 so that the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmitter 133 is not affected by other radio waves or heat.

FIG. 7A is a side view of the IR transmitting element 139 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a side view of the IR transmitting unit 133 according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the IR transmitting element 139 according to one embodiment may include a lens 139a, a body portion 139b, and a terminal portion 139c, and the lens 139a is an IR transmitting element. The transmission range of (139) can be limited.

In one embodiment, the body portion 139b may generate an IR signal and transmit it in a direction (eg, +W direction). The terminal portion 139c is connected to the IR transmitting unit 133 and can transmit power and/or electrical signals to each body portion 139b of the single IR transmitting element 139.

In one embodiment, the lens 139a may be coupled to the body portion 139b in the direction in which the IR signal is transmitted or in the direction in which the IR signal is directed. The lens 139a may have a predetermined curvature to limit the single transmission range (Ts) of the IR transmitting element 139.

In one embodiment, the lens 139a may refract the IR signal transmitted from the body portion 139b, and the IR signal passing through the lens 139a may be concentrated in the direction directed by the IR transmitter. For example, the lens 139a may be a convex lens 139a whose center is convex in the direction it faces, and the IR signal may be concentrated and transmitted in a transmission direction that is the center direction of the lens 139a.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitting element 139 including the lens 139a may limit the transmission range (T) of the IR transmitting unit 133. In various embodiments, the IR transmitter 133 may set the optical characteristics of the lens 139a included in the IR transmitter 139 in various ways, and accordingly, the IR transmitter 133 may set the optical characteristics of the lens 139a included in the IR transmitter 139. The single transmission range (Ts) can be limited.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitting element 139 including the lens 139a can improve the transmission range (T) and transmission performance of the IR transmitter 133. The lens 139a can guide a single IR signal transmitted from the IR transmitting element 139 to proceed in the direction in which it is aimed, and through this, the transmission range of the IR transmitting unit 133 can be controlled more precisely and accurately.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitter 133 can concentrate and transmit the IR signal by the IR transmitter 139 including the lens 139a, reduce the diffusion range of the IR signal, and transmit the IR signal in the transmission direction. Can guide effectively.

FIG. 8A is a diagram illustrating the IR transmission range (R) of the IR transmitting unit 133 according to an embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a diagram illustrating the IR transmission range (R) of the IR transmitting element 139 according to an embodiment. This is a drawing showing an example.

Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, the IR antenna module (e.g., the IR antenna module 130 in FIG. 3B) according to one embodiment includes an IR transmitting element ( 139) may be included.

Hereinafter, in describing the IR transmitter 133, content that overlaps with the above-described content will be omitted. In particular, FIGS. 6A to 6C may be referred to for the second internal blocking film 134, and the lens 139a. Refer to FIGS. 7A and 7B for the IR transmitting element 139 including.

In one embodiment, the second internal blocking film 134 may effectively limit the single transmission range (Ts) of the IR transmitting element 139 that passes through the lens 139a. The IR signal transmitted through the lens 139a may be focused in the direction it is directed, but some of the IR signals (Tp) that are not focused may be directed toward the side direction (e.g., U-V plane direction) or toward the second internal blocking film ( It may be sent in a direction other than the opening 134a of 134). As some of the IR signals Tp are radiated in directions other than those directed, the transmission range of the IR transmitter 133 may be unnecessarily widened.

In one embodiment, when the transmission range is unnecessarily widened, the antenna module assembly 100 may transmit and receive IR signals in an area that is not targeted. When IR signals must be transmitted and received only within a specific range, for example, in the case of the high-pass antenna module assembly 100, there is a risk of communicating with a vehicle or terminal passing through another area.

In one embodiment, the second internal blocking film 134 may restrict a portion of the IR signal Tp that has passed through the lens 139a from being transmitted beyond the target range. Through this, the IR signal transmitted from the IR transmitting element 139 is refracted while passing through the lens 139a, and the IR signal of the single transmission range (Ts) passing through the opening 134a of the second internal blocking film 134 is Transmission of a portion of the IR signal Tp, which is transmitted in the direction and blocked by the second internal blocking film 134, may be restricted.

In one embodiment, the IR transmitting unit 133 includes a lens 139a and a second internal blocking film 134, and the IR transmitting element 139 can transmit the IR signal in a more concentrated manner. The transmitter 133 can further concentrate the IR signal in the transmission direction or guide it more effectively to transmit it.

In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the technical field to which the disclosure pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present disclosure.

Claims (18)

In the antenna module assembly,
A housing having an accommodating space therein including a bottom surface;
an IR antenna module located in the accommodation space and including an IR receiver and an IR transmitter; and
Including an RF antenna module located in the receiving space,
The RF antenna module is,
A plate with RF patches arranged on one side and
A high-pass antenna module assembly including a support member coupled to the housing and supporting the plate so that the plate is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the receiving space. According to paragraph 1,
The plate is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface of the receiving space compared to the IR transmitting unit and the IR receiving unit. According to paragraph 1,
The plate is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly disposed spaced apart from the IR antenna module. According to paragraph 1,
The support member is,
One end is connected to the back of the plate facing the bottom of the receiving space,
The other end opposite to the one end is connected to the housing. According to paragraph 1,
The RF antenna module is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly connected to the back of the plate facing the receiving space and including an RF module that transmits and receives signals from the RF patch. According to clause 5,
The RF antenna module is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly comprising an auxiliary support member supporting the RF module so that the RF module is spaced apart from the rear surface of the plate. According to paragraph 1,
The support member is a high-pass antenna module assembly made of a non-conductor. According to paragraph 1,
The support member is a high-pass antenna module assembly whose outer surface is coated with an insulator. According to paragraph 1,
The IR antenna module,
A high-pass antenna module assembly comprising a first internal blocking film accommodated in the receiving space and disposed in a receiving direction of the IR receiving unit to limit a receiving range of the IR receiving unit. According to clause 9,
The plate is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface of the receiving space compared to the IR transmitting unit, the IR receiving unit, and the first internal blocking film. According to clause 9,
The first internal blocking film is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly including a plurality of guide members arranged at predetermined intervals in one direction. According to paragraph 1,
The antenna module assembly,
A high-pass antenna module assembly comprising an external blocking film disposed on the outer surface of the housing and having a shape that is spaced apart from the IR receiver and surrounds the IR receiver. According to clause 12,
The plate is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface of the receiving space compared to the IR transmitting unit, the IR receiving unit, and the external blocking film. According to paragraph 1,
The IR antenna module includes a plurality of IR transmitters.
At least one of the plurality of IR transmitters,
A high-pass antenna module assembly disposed at an angle with respect to the bottom surface of the receiving space. According to clause 14,
The plate is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly positioned to protrude relatively more from the bottom surface of the receiving space compared to the IR transmitter and the plurality of IR transmitters. According to paragraph 1,
The IR antenna module,
A high-pass antenna module assembly comprising a second internal blocking film accommodated in the receiving space and disposed in a transmission direction of the IR transmitter to limit the transmission range of the IR transmitter. According to clause 16,
The IR transmitting unit includes a plurality of IR transmitting elements,
The second internal blocking film includes a plurality of openings formed in an area facing each of the plurality of IR transmitting elements. According to paragraph 1,
The IR transmitting unit includes an IR transmitting element,
The IR transmitting element is,
A high-pass antenna module assembly including a lens having a predetermined curvature to limit the transmission range of the IR transmitting element.

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