Antenna and vehicle having the same

A directional antenna apparatus capable of radiating radio signals in various directions may include first, second, third and fourth main director elements forming a square; first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements extending from the center portion of the square to the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, inside the square; first, second, third and fourth radiators disposed in parallel with the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, outside the square; and a selection switch configured to selectively connect any one of the first, second, third and fourth radiators to an external device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0128121, filed on Oct. 25, 2018 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein for all purposes by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an antenna and a vehicle having the same, and more particularly, to an antenna configured for changing a radiation direction of radio waves and a vehicle having the same.

Description of Related Art

A vehicle is a transportation means for driving on a road and railway using fossil fuel and electricity as a power source.

Recently, it has been common for the vehicle to include an audio device and a video device to allow a driver to listen to music and to watch a video, as well as to transport cargo and people. Furthermore, a navigation system has been widely disposed in the vehicle to display a route to a destination which is desired by the driver.

Recently, there is growing demand for the vehicle to communicate with an external device (vehicle-to-everything communication, V2X communication). For example, in the case of a navigation function to guide the route to the destination, information about traffic conditions of the road is required to find the optimal route. Since the traffic conditions are frequently changed, it may be required for the vehicle to acquire the information about the traffic conditions in real time.

The V2X communication is characterized by various targets of communication. Particularly, in order to communicate with driving peripheral vehicles, the V2X communication requires an antenna for radiating radio signals in all directions. However, the antennae that radiate in all directions (omnidirectional antenna) are not efficient. For example, the omnidirectional antenna is capable of communication in all directions, while a communication distance is short.

On the other hand, a directional antenna has a long communication distance in a specific direction, but it is difficult to radiate radio signals in various directions.

The information disclosed in the present Background of the Invention section is only for enhancement of understanding of the general background of the invention and may not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the present information forms the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing a directional antenna configured for radiating radio signals in various directions.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in portion in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an antenna may include: first, second, third and fourth main director elements forming a square; first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements extending from the center portion of the square to the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, inside the square; first, second, third and fourth radiators disposed in parallel with the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, outside the square; and a selection switch configured to selectively connect any one of the first, second, third and fourth radiators to an external device.

The first, second, third and fourth main director elements each may have a length of a half wavelength of a radio signal. The first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements each may have a length of a quarter wavelength of the radio signal.

The first, second, third and fourth radiators may include a pair of bars disposed in parallel. The antenna may further include: first, second, third and fourth power feeders each formed between the pair of bars of the first, second, third and fourth radiators.

The first, second, third and fourth power feeders may respectively connect the selection switch.

The selection switch may connect any one of the first, second, third and fourth power feeders to the external device.

Each of the pair of bars of the first, second, third and fourth radiators may have a length of a half wavelength of a radio signal. Each of the pair of bars may be folded 180° at the center.

The antenna may further include: first, second, third and fourth main switches disposed at the vertices of the square, configured to allow or block connection between the adjacent main director elements; and first and second sub switches disposed at the center portion of the square, configured to allow or block connection between the sub-director elements disposed in series with each other.

The first main switch may allow or block connection between the first main director element and the second main director element. The second main switch may allow or block connection between the second main director element and the third main director element. The third main switch may allow or block connection between the third main director element and the fourth main director element. The fourth main switch may allow or block connection between the fourth main director element and the first main director element. The first sub switch may allow or block connection between the first sub-director element and the third sub-director element. The second sub switch may allow or block connection between the second sub-director element and the fourth sub-director element.

When the first radiator is connected to the external device by the selection switch, the first and fourth main switches may turn on and the second and third main switches may turn off, and the first sub switch may turn off and the second sub switch may turn on.

When the first radiator is connected to the external device, the first main director element may connect to the second and fourth main director elements, and the second sub-director element may connect to the fourth sub-director element.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle may include: an antenna; and a communication device configured to control the antenna and transmit/receive a communication signal through the antenna. The antenna may include first, second, third and fourth main director elements forming a square; first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements extending from the center portion of the square to the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, inside the square; first, second, third and fourth radiators disposed in parallel with the first, second, third and fourth main director elements, respectively, outside the square; and a selection switch configured to selectively connect any one of the first, second, third and fourth radiators with the communication device according to the control of the communication device.

The antennal may further include first, second, third and fourth main switches disposed at the vertices of the square, configured to allow or block connection between the adjacent main director elements according to the control of the communication device; and first and second sub switches disposed at the center portion of the square, configured to allow or block connection between the sub-director elements disposed in series with each other according to the control of the communication device.

The first main switch may allow or block connection between the first main director element and the second main director element according to the control of the communication device. The second main switch may allow or block connection between the second main director element and the third main director element according to the control of the communication device. The third main switch may allow or block connection between the third main director element and the fourth main director element according to the control of the communication device. The fourth main switch may allow or block connection between the fourth main director element and the first main director element according to the control of the communication device. The first sub switch may allow or block connection between the first sub-director element and the third sub-director element according to the control of the communication device. The second sub switch may allow or block connection between the second sub-director element and the fourth sub-director element according to the control of the communication device.

The communication device may connect the first radiator to the communication device through the selection switch, turn on the first and fourth main switches and turn off the second and third main switches, and turn off the first sub switch and turn on the second sub switch.

The communication device may connect the first radiator to the external device, connect the first main director element to the second and fourth main director elements, and connect the second sub-director element to the fourth sub-director element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and/or systems described herein will be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. The progression of processing operations described is an example; However, the sequence of and/or operations is not limited to that set forth herein and may be changed as is known in the art, with the exception of operations necessarily occurring in a particular order. Furthermore, respective descriptions of well-known functions and constructions may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

Additionally, various exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiments may, however, be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the exemplary embodiments to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like numerals denote like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. As used herein, the term “and/or,” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The expression, “at least one of a, b, and c,” should be understood as including only a, only b, only c, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, or all of a, b, and c.

Hereinafter, an operation principle and embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1is a view exemplarily illustrating a vehicle antenna according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

An antenna100may receive an electric signal from a communication device or a radar device and radiate a radio signal (radio waves or electromagnetic waves) corresponding to the received electric signal to a free space. The antenna100may also obtain the radio signal from the free space and transmit the electric signal corresponding to the obtained radio signal to the communication device or the radar device.

The antenna100may radiate the radio signal in a specific direction and may obtain the radio signal from the specific direction thereof. In other words, the antenna100may have directivity.

The antenna100may have the directivity in a plurality of directions. For example, the antenna100may have the directivity in a first direction D1and the directivity in a third direction D3. The antenna100may have the directivity in a second direction D2and the directivity in a fourth direction D4. The antenna100may also have the directivity in the first direction D1, the directivity in the second direction D2, the directivity in the third direction D3, and the directivity in the fourth direction D4.

The antenna100may have symmetry in four directions of the first, second, third and fourth directions D1, D2, D3and D4as illustrated inFIG. 1.

The antenna100may include four main director elements111,112,113and114provided on four sides of a substantially square shape. The antenna100may include the first main director element111, the second main director element112, the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114.

The first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114may be disposed on four sides of the substantially square shape. The first main director element111and the second main director element112may be adjacent to each other and the longitudinal direction of the first main director element111and the longitudinal direction of the second main director element112may be perpendicular to each other. The second main director element112and the third main director element113may be adjacent to each other and the longitudinal direction of the second main director element112and the longitudinal direction of the third main director element113may be perpendicular to each other. The third main director element113and the fourth main director element114may be adjacent to each other and the longitudinal direction of the third main director element113and the longitudinal direction of the fourth main director element114may be perpendicular to each other. The fourth main director element114and the first main director element111may be adjacent to each other and the longitudinal direction of the fourth main director element114and the longitudinal direction of the first main director element111may be perpendicular to each other.

The first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114may be formed of electrically conductive material such as a metal.

Also, the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114may have substantially the same length. Each of the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114may have a length of approximately a half wavelength (λ/2) of the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna100.

The antenna100may include four main switches121,122,123and124provided between the four main director elements111,112,113and114. The antenna100may include the first main switch121, the second main switch122, the third main switch123and the fourth main switch124.

The first, second, third and fourth main switches121,122,123and124may be disposed on four vertices of the substantially square shape formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114, respectively. The first main switch121may be disposed between the first main director element111and the second main director element112. The second main switch122may be disposed between the second main director element112and the third main director element113. The third main switch123may be disposed between the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114. The fourth main switch124may be disposed between the fourth main director element114and the first main director element111.

The first, second, third and fourth main switches121,122,123and124may allow or block the connection of the adjacent main director elements111,112,113and114. The first main switch121may connect or disconnect the first main director element111and the second main director element112. The second main switch122may connect or disconnect the second main director element112and the third main director element113. The third main switch123may connect or disconnect the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114. The fourth main switch124may connect or disconnect the fourth main director element114and the first main director element111.

Each of the first, second, third and fourth main switches121,122,123and124may be a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET), a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a pin diode (PIN Diode).

The antenna100may include four sub-director elements131,132,133and134provided inside a square formed by the four main director elements111,112,113and114. The antenna100may include the first sub-director element131, the second sub-director element132, the third sub-director element133, and the fourth sub-director element134.

The first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may be disposed as a cross shape in the square formed by the four main director elements111,112,113and114. The first sub-director element131, the second sub-director element132, the third sub-director element133and the fourth sub-director element134may be disposed radially from the internal center of the square.

The first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may extend toward the respective sides of the square formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114, respectively. The first sub-director element131may extend from the center portion of the square formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114toward the first main director element111. The second sub-director element132may extend from the center portion of the square formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114toward the second main director element112. The third sub-director element133may extend from the center portion of the square formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114toward the third main director element113. The fourth sub-director element134may extend from the center portion of the square formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114toward the fourth main director element114.

The first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be disposed in series in the longitudinal direction and may be disposed in parallel with the second main director element112and the fourth main director element114. The first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be positioned substantially at the center between the second main director element112and the fourth main director element114. The second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be disposed in series in the longitudinal direction and may be disposed parallel with the first main director element111and the third main director element113. The second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be positioned substantially at the center between the first main director element111and the third main director element113.

The first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may be formed of electrically conductive material such as the metal.

Furthermore, the first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may have substantially the same length. Each of the first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may be slightly shorter than approximately half of each of the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114so that the first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134are not in contact with the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114. For example, each of the first, second, third and fourth sub-director elements131,132,133and134may have a length of 90% of approximately a quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna100.

The antenna100may include two sub switches141and142provided between the four sub-director elements131,132,133, and134. The antenna100may include the first sub switch141and the second sub switch142.

The first and second sub switches141and142may be disposed substantially in the center portion of the cross shape formed by the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114. The first sub switch141may be disposed between the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133. The second sub switch142may be disposed between the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134.

The first and second sub switches141and142may allow or block the connection of the four sub-director elements131,132,133and134disposed side by side thereof. The first sub switch141may connect or disconnect the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133. The second sub switch142may connect or disconnect the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134.

Each of the first and second sub switches141and142may include the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor, the bipolar junction transistor or the pin diode.

The antenna100may include four radiators151,152,153and154provided outside the square formed by the four main director elements111,112,113and114. The antenna100may include the first radiator151, the second radiator152, the third radiator153and the fourth radiator154.

The first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be disposed in parallel with the four main director elements111,112,113and114outside the four main director elements111,112,113and114, respectively. The first radiator151may be disposed outside the first main director element111and in parallel with the first main director element111. The second radiator152may be disposed outside the second main director element112and in parallel with the second main director element112. The third radiator153may be disposed outside the third main director element113and in parallel with the third main director element113. The fourth radiator154may be disposed outside the fourth main director element114and in parallel with the fourth main director element114.

The first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be spaced from the first, second, third and fourth main director elements111,112,113and114by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal transmitted and received by the antenna100. The first radiator151may be disposed outside the first main director element111, spaced from the first main director element111by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The second radiator152may be disposed outside the second main director element112, spaced from the second main director element112by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The third radiator153may be disposed outside the third main director element113, spaced from the third main director element113by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The fourth radiator154may be disposed outside the fourth main director element114, spaced from the fourth main director element114by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal.

The first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may include a pair of bars disposed in parallel in the longitudinal direction thereof. The length of each of the pair of bars may have the length of approximately the half wavelength (λ/2) of the radio signal, and the total length of each of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may have a length of approximately a wavelength (λ) of the radio signal.

First, second, third and fourth power feeders161,162,163and164may be provided at the center portion of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154, that is, at portions where the pair of bars is connected to each other. The first power feeder161may be provided at the center portion of the first radiator151. The second power feeder162may be provided at the center portion of the second radiator152. The third power feeder163may be provided at the center portion of the third radiator153. The fourth power feeder164may be provided at the center portion of the fourth radiator154.

The pair of bars included in each of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154are each folded at the center. For example, the pair of bars included in each of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be folded 180° inwardly of the antenna100at the center. Furthermore, the pair of bars included in each of the first, second, third, and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be folded 180° outward of the antenna100at the center.

In other words, each of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be folded at one quarter point of the entire length from one end and folded again at three quarters of the entire length from one end. As a result, the length from one end of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154to the other end may be equal to approximately the half wavelength (λ/2) of the radio signal, and the length from one side edge of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154to the other side edge may be equal to approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal.

The antenna100may also include a selection switch170for selecting any one of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154.

The selection switch170may be connected to the first, second, third, and fourth power feeders161,162,163and164, and may connect any one of the first, second, third, and fourth power feeders161,162,163and164to the external device.

When the first power feeder161and the external device are connected by the selection switch170, the first radiator151may be activated and the second, third and fourth radiators152,153and154may be deactivated.

When the second power feeder162and the external device are connected by the selection switch170, the second radiator152may be activated and the first, third and fourth radiators151,153and154may be deactivated.

When the third power feeder163and the external device are connected by the selection switch170, the third radiator153may be activated and the first, second and fourth radiators151,152and154may be deactivated.

When the fourth power feeder164and the external device are connected by the selection switch170, the fourth radiator154may be activated and the first, second, and third radiators151,152and153may be deactivated.

The first radiator151, the first main director element111, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134, the third main director element113and the third radiator153may be disposed in parallel with each other in order.

The first radiator151, the first main director element111, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134, the third main director element113and the third radiator153may be spaced from each other by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The first radiator151and the first main director element111may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The first main director element111and the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134and the third main director element113may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The third main director element113and the third radiator153may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal.

Thus, the first radiator151, the first main director element111, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134, the third main director element113and the third radiator153may form a Yagi-Uda antenna.

When a signal is supplied to the first radiator151, the first main director element111, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134, the third main director element113and the third radiator153may induce radio waves radiated from the first radiator151toward the first direction D1. As a result, the antenna100may have the directivity toward the first direction D1.

When a signal is supplied to the third radiator153, the third main director element113, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132/134, the first main director element111and the first radiator151may induce radio waves radiated from the third radiator153toward the third direction D3. As a result, the antenna100may have the directivity toward the third direction D3.

The second radiator152, the second main director element112, the first/the third sub-director elements131/133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may be disposed in parallel with each other in order.

The second radiator152, the second main director element112, the first/the third sub-director elements131/133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may be spaced from each other by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The second radiator152and the second main director element112may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The second main director element112and the first/the third sub-director elements131/133may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The first/the third sub-director elements131/133and the fourth main director element114may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal. The fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may be spaced apart by approximately the quarter wavelength (λ/4) of the radio signal.

Thus, the second radiator152, the second main director element112, the first/the third sub-director elements131/133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may form the Yagi-Uda antenna.

When the signal is supplied to the second radiator152, the second radiator152, the second main director element112, the first/the third sub-director elements131/133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may induce radio waves radiated from the second radiator152toward the second direction D2. As a result, the antenna100may have the directivity toward the second direction D2.

When the signal is supplied to the fourth radiator154, the second radiator152, the second main director element112, the first/the third sub-director elements131/133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may induce radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154toward the fourth direction D4. As a result, the antenna100may have the directivity toward the fourth direction D4.

In the above, the antenna100may include the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154, but is not limited thereto. At least some of the first, second, third and fourth radiators151,152,153and154may be omitted.

For example, the fourth radiator154may be omitted, whereby the antenna100may radiate radio waves in the first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3. Also, the third and fourth radiators154may be omitted, whereby the antenna100may radiate radio waves in the first direction D1and the second direction D2.

FIG. 2is a view exemplarily illustrating that the vehicle antenna radiates radio signals in a first direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2illustrates that the antenna100radiates radio waves in the first direction D1and receives radio waves from the first direction D1.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the first radiator151may be activated and the second, third and fourth radiators152,153and154may be deactivated to radiate radio waves toward the first direction D1. To activate the first radiator151, the selection switch170may connect the first power feeder161with the external device. The first radiator151may radiate radio waves.

The first main director element111disposed in parallel with the first radiator151and the second and fourth main director elements112and114disposed perpendicularly to the first radiator151may be electrically connected to induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1. The first main switch121between the first main director element111and the second main director element112may be turned on. The fourth main switch124between the first main director element111and the fourth main director element114may be turned on.

The third main director element113and the second and fourth main director elements112and114disposed in parallel with the first radiator151may be separated from each other. The second main switch122between the third main director element113and the second main director element112may be turned off. The third main switch123between the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114may be turned off.

As a result, the first main director element111, the second main director element112and the fourth main director element114may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1, and the third main director element113may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1.

The second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134disposed in parallel with the first radiator151may be connected to induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1. The second sub switch142between the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be turned on.

The first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133disposed perpendicularly to the first radiator151may be separated from each other. The first sub switch141between the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be turned off.

As a result, the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1. Also, the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

The deactivated third radiator153may be connected to the pair of bars and may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1. The deactivated second and fourth radiators152and154may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

As mentioned above, the first radiator151may radiate the radio waves, and the fourth/the first/the second main director elements114,111and112, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132and134, the third main director element113and the third radiator153may induce the radio waves radiated from the first radiator151in the first direction D1.

FIG. 3is a view exemplarily illustrating that the vehicle antenna radiates radio signals in a second direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3illustrates that the antenna100radiates radio waves in the second direction D2and receives radio waves from the second direction D2.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the selection switch170may connect the second power feeder162with the external device. The second radiator152may radiate the radio waves.

The first main switch121between the first main director element111and the second main director element112may be turned on. The second main switch122between the second main director element112and the third main director element113may be turned on. The third main switch123between the fourth main director element114and the third main director element113may be turned off. The fourth main switch124between the fourth main director element114and the first main director element111may be turned off. As a result, the first main director element111, the second main director element112and the third main director element113may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the second radiator152in the second direction D2, and the fourth main director element114may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the second radiator152in the second direction D2.

The first sub switch141between the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be turned on and the second sub switch142between the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be turned off. As a result, the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the second radiator152in the second direction D2. The second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

The deactivated fourth radiator154may be connected to the pair of bars and may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the second radiator152in the second direction D2. The deactivated first and third radiators151and153may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

As mentioned above, the second radiator152may radiate the radio waves, and the first/the second/the third main director elements111,112and113, the first/the third sub-director elements131and133, the fourth main director element114and the fourth radiator154may induce the radio waves radiated from the second radiator152in the second direction D2.

FIG. 4is a view exemplarily illustrating that the vehicle antenna radiates radio signals in a third direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 4illustrates that the antenna100radiates radio waves in the third direction D3and receives radio waves from the third direction D3.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the selection switch170may connect the third power feeder163with the external device. The third radiator153may radiate the radio waves.

The second main switch122between the third main director element113and the second main director element112may be turned on. The third main switch123between the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114may be turned on. The first main switch121between the first main director element111and the second main director element112may be turned off. The fourth main switch124between the first main director element111and the fourth main director element114may be turned off. As a result, the second main director element112, the third main director element113and the fourth main director element114may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the third radiator153in the third direction D3, and the first main director element111may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the third radiator153in the third direction D3.

The second sub switch142between the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be turned on and the first sub switch141between the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be turned off. As a result, the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the third radiator153in the third direction D3. The first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

The deactivated first radiator151may be connected to the pair of bars and may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the third radiator153in the third direction D3. The deactivated second and fourth radiators152and154may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

As mentioned above, the third radiator153may radiate the radio waves, and the second/the third/the fourth main director elements112,113and114, the second/the fourth sub-director elements132and134, the first main director element111and the first radiator151may induce the radio waves radiated from the third radiator153in the third direction D3.

FIG. 5is a view exemplarily illustrating that the vehicle antenna radiates radio signals in a fourth direction according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 5illustrates that the antenna100radiates radio waves in the fourth direction D4and receives radio waves from the fourth direction D4.

As illustrated inFIG. 5, the selection switch170may connect the fourth power feeder164with the external device. The fourth radiator154may radiate the radio waves.

The third main switch123between the fourth main director element114and the third main director element113may be turned on. The fourth main switch124between the fourth main director element114and the first main director element111may be turned on. The first main switch121between the first main director element111and the second main director element112may be turned off. The second main switch122between the second main director element112and the third main director element113may be turned off. As a result, the third main director element113, the fourth main director element114and the first main director element111may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154in the fourth direction D4, and the second main director element112may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154in the fourth direction D4.

The first sub switch141between the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may be turned on and the second sub switch142between the second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may be turned off. As a result, the first sub-director element131and the third sub-director element133may integrally induce the radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154in the fourth direction D4. The second sub-director element132and the fourth sub-director element134may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

The deactivated second radiator152may be connected to the pair of bars and may independently induce the radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154in the fourth direction D4. The deactivated first and third radiators151and153may not be involved in the operation of the antenna100.

As mentioned above, the fourth radiator154may radiate the radio waves, and the third/the fourth/the first main director elements113,114and111, the first/the third sub-director elements131and133, the second main director element112and the second radiator152may induce the radio waves radiated from the fourth radiator154in the fourth direction D4.

FIG. 6is a view exemplarily illustrating a wireless communication system of the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, a wireless communication system50may include a transmission data processor51, a transmitter52, a duplexer53, a receiver54, a reception data processor55, a communication controller56, and the antenna100.

The transmission data processor51may convert digital transmission data received from another electronic device into a low frequency transmission signal, and provide the low frequency transmission signal to the transmitter52.

The transmitter52may modulate the low frequency transmission signal into a radio frequency transmission signal using a radio frequency (RF) signal of a local oscillator.

The duplexer53may provide the radio frequency transmission signal received from the transmitter52to the antenna100, or a radio frequency reception signal received from the antenna100to the receiver54.

The receiver54may demodulate the radio frequency reception signal received from the duplexer53using the radio frequency (RF) signal of the local oscillator.

The reception data processor55may convert a low frequency reception signal received from the receiver54into digital reception data.

The communication controller56may control an operation of the transmission data processor51, the transmitter52, the duplexer53, the receiver54, the reception data processor55and the antenna100.

The communication controller56may also control the selection switch170of the antenna100and the first, second, third and fourth main switches121,122,123and124and the first and second sub switches141and142.

The antenna100may radiate the radar signal received from the duplexer53to a free space and then provide a reflection signal received from the free space to the duplexer53.

The antenna100may include an antenna structure110, a selection switch120, and a selection controller130.

Since the configuration and function of the antenna100are the same as those of the antenna100described above with reference toFIG. 3, the description is replaced with the configuration and function of the antenna100described above.

As mentioned above, the wireless communication system50may transmit the radio frequency transmission signal to the external device through the antenna100, and may receive the radio frequency reception signal from the external device through the antenna100.

FIG. 7andFIG. 8are views illustrating an example in which a vehicle communicates with an external device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The antenna100may be disposed at various positions of the vehicle1. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, the antenna100may be disposed in a roof panel of the vehicle1. The antenna100may be disposed in the roof panel of the vehicle1such that the first radiator151is positioned behind the center portion of the antenna100, the second radiator152is positioned to the right of the center portion of the antenna100, the third radiator153is positioned forward of the center portion of the antenna100and the fourth radiator154is positioned to the left of the center portion of the antenna100.

The direction in which the antenna100radiates the radio waves may be changed by the selection of a driver and the wireless communication system50.

For example, when it is directed to communicate with another vehicle2in front (first direction) of the vehicle1, the wireless communication system50may activate the first radiator151and transmit a communication signal to the antenna100to radiate the radio waves forward (first direction). The wireless communication system50may control the selection switch170of the antenna100, may turn on the first and fourth main switches121and124of the antenna100, may turn off the second and third main switches122and123of the antenna100, may turn off the first sub switch141of the antenna100, and may turn on the second sub switch142of the antenna100so that the first power feeder161is connected to the wireless communication system50.

A radiation pattern as illustrated inFIG. 7may be formed by the antenna100, and the vehicle1may communicate with the another vehicle2located in front of the same lane.

Furthermore, when it is directed to communicate with the another vehicle2on the left side (second direction) of the vehicle1, the wireless communication system50may activate the second radiator152and transmit the communication signal to the antenna100to radiate the radio waves to the left side (second direction). The wireless communication system50may control the selection switch170of the antenna100, may turn on the first and second main switches121and122of the antenna100, may turn off the third and fourth main switches123and124of the antenna100, may turn off the second sub switch142of the antenna100, and may turn on the first sub switch141of the antenna100so that the second power feeder162is connected to the wireless communication system50.

The radiation pattern as illustrated inFIG. 8may be formed by the antenna100, and the vehicle1may communicate with another vehicle3located on the left side of the adjacent lane.

FIG. 9andFIG. 10are views illustrating another example in which the vehicle communicates with the external device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated inFIG. 9andFIG. 10, the antenna100may be disposed in the roof panel of the vehicle1such that the first radiator151is positioned behind the center portion of the antenna100, the second radiator152is positioned above the center portion of the antenna100, the third radiator153is positioned forward of the center portion of the antenna100and the fourth radiator154is positioned below the center portion of the antenna100.

The direction in which the antenna100radiates the radio waves may be changed by the selection of the driver and the wireless communication system50.

For example, when it is directed to communicate with another vehicle4behind (third direction) the vehicle1, the wireless communication system50may activate the third radiator153and transmit the communication signal to the antenna100to radiate the radio waves backward (third direction). The wireless communication system50may control the selection switch170of the antenna100, may turn on the second and third main switches122and123of the antenna100, may turn off the first and fourth main switches121and124of the antenna100, may turn off the first sub switch141of the antenna100, and may turn on the second sub switch142of the antenna100so that the third power feeder163is connected to the wireless communication system50.

The radiation pattern as illustrated inFIG. 9may be formed by the antenna100, and the vehicle1may communicate with the another vehicle3located behind the same lane.

Furthermore, when it is directed to communicate with a base station5, the wireless communication system50may activate the fourth radiator154and transmit the communication signal to the antenna100to radiate the radio waves upward (fourth direction). The wireless communication system50may control the selection switch170of the antenna100, may turn on the third and fourth main switches123and124of the antenna100, may turn off the first and second main switches121and122of the antenna100, may turn off the second sub switch142of the antenna100, and may turn on the first sub switch141of the antenna100so that the fourth power feeder164is connected to the wireless communication system50.

The radiation pattern as illustrated inFIG. 10may be formed by the antenna100, and the vehicle1may communicate with the base station5.

As is apparent from the above description, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide the directional antenna configured for radiating the radio signals in various directions.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Therefore, the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have not been described for limiting purposes.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described above. In the exemplary embodiments described above, some components may be implemented as a “module”. Here, the term ‘module’ means, but is not limited to, a software and/or hardware component, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performs certain tasks. A module may advantageously be configured to reside on the addressable storage medium and configured to execute on one or more processors.

Thus, a module may include, by way of example, components, such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components and task components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables. The operations provided for in the components and modules may be combined into fewer components and modules or further separated into additional components and modules. Furthermore, the components and modules may be implemented such that they execute one or more CPUs in a device.

With that being said, and in addition to the above described exemplary embodiments of the present invention, embodiments can thus be implemented through computer readable code/instructions in/on a medium, e.g., a computer readable medium, to control at least one processing element to implement any above described exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The medium can correspond to any medium/media permitting the storing and/or transmission of the computer readable code.

The computer-readable code may be recorded on a medium or transmitted through the Internet. The medium may include Read Only Memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), Compact Disk-Read Only Memories (CD-ROMs), magnetic tapes, floppy disks, and optical recording medium. Also, the medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The media may also be a distributed network, so that the computer readable code is stored or transferred and executed in a distributed fashion. Still Furthermore, as only an example, the processing element could include at least one processor or at least one computer processor, and processing elements may be distributed and/or included in a single device.