Patent Description:
A shark antenna for a vehicle is installed to improve a signal reception rate of electronic devices installed within a vehicle. A shark antenna for a vehicle is installed outside a vehicle.

A common shark antenna for a vehicle includes a global positioning system (GPS) antenna for providing location information service chiefly used in a vehicle. Recently, as electronic devices such as DMB and audio devices are installed, multiple antennas for receiving signals having frequency bands, such as GNSS (e.g., GPS (U. A) and GLONASS (Russia)), SDARS (Sirius, XM), Telematics, FM, and T-DMB, are also embedded in a shark antenna for a vehicle.

Recently, the size of a patch antenna is reduced according to the market and user needs. When the size of the patch antenna is reduced, a return loss is increased. The return loss of the patch antenna can be minimized by reducing a gap between feeding pins. However, if the feeding pins become close, there is a problem in that antenna performance is degraded because interference occurs between the feeding pins.

<CIT> discloses an electronic device including patch antenna assembly having capacitive feed points and spaced apart conductive shielding vias. <NPL>, discloses a use of two-probe feeding. <CIT> discloses a patch antenna comprising dual feed mechanism. <CIT> discloses a capacitively coupled patch antenna comprising feed pins which are used to couple the antenna to another circuitry. <NPL> discloses a use of a capacitive annular gap to control the input impedance of a thick microstrip patch. <NPL>, discloses a use of a thick substrate and an annular gap.

The present disclosure is proposed to solve the above conventional problems, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a patch antenna having maximized antenna performance by forming a coupling gap between a lower patch and a feeding pin. That is, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a patch antenna having maximized antenna performance by minimizing a return loss and also minimizing interference between feeding pins by forming a coupling gap between the lower patch and the feeding pin.

In order to achieve the object, a patch antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base layer, an upper patch disposed on a top surface of the base layer, a lower patch disposed on a bottom surface of the base layer, and a feeding pin penetrating through the base layer, the upper patch and the lower patch, wherein the feeding pin is isolated from the upper patch so that a coupling gap is formed.

A feeding hole through which the feeding pin penetrates may be formed in the upper patch. The feeding pin may be isolated from the feeding hole formed in the upper patch so that the coupling gap is formed. In this case, the width of the coupling gap may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

The feeding pin may include a first feeding pin penetrating through a third feeding hole formed in the upper patch and a second feeding pin penetrating through a fourth feeding hole formed in the upper patch. The coupling gap may include a first coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the first feeding pin and the third feeding hole and a second coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the second feeding pin and the fourth feeding hole. In this case, the width of the first coupling gap may be identical with the width of the second coupling gap.

In order to achieve the object, a patch antenna according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base layer, an upper patch disposed on a top surface of the base layer, a lower patch in which a feeding hole is formed and which is disposed on a bottom surface of the base layer, and a feeding patch inserted into the feeding hole and disposed on the bottom surface of the base layer, wherein the feeding hole is isolated from the feeding patch so that a coupling gap is formed.

The area of the feeding hole may be formed to be wider than the area of the feeding patch. The outer circumference of the feeding patch may be isolated from the feeding hole so that an isolated area is formed. The isolated area may form a coupling gap. The width of the coupling gap may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

A first feeding hole and a second feeding hole may be formed in the lower patch. The feeding patch may include a first feeding patch inserted into the first feeding hole and a second feeding patch inserted into the second feeding hole. The coupling gap may include a first coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the first feeding patch and the first feeding hole and a second coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the second feeding patch and the second feeding hole. In this case, the width of the first coupling gap may be identical with the width of the second coupling gap.

In order to achieve the object, a patch antenna according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure includes a base layer, an upper patch disposed on a top surface of the base layer, a lower patch disposed on a bottom surface of the base layer, and a feeding pin penetrating through a feeding hole formed in the base layer and the lower patch to contact with the upper patch, wherein the feeding pin is isolated from the lower patch so that a coupling gap is formed.

The area of the feeding hole formed in the lower patch may be formed to be wider than the area of a horizontal cross section of the feeding pin. The outer circumference of the feeding pin may be isolated from the feeding hole formed in the lower patch so that an isolated area is formed. The isolated area may form a coupling gap. In this case, the width of the coupling gap may be <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.

A first feeding hole and a second feeding hole may be formed in the base layer. A third feeding hole and a fourth feeding hole may be formed in the lower patch. The feeding pin may include a first feeding pin penetrating through the first feeding hole and the third feeding hole and a second feeding pin penetrating through the second feeding hole and the fourth feeding hole. The coupling gap may include a first coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the first feeding pin and the third feeding hole and a second coupling gap formed in an isolated space between the second feeding pin and the fourth feeding hole. In this case, the width of the first coupling gap may be identical with the width of the second coupling gap.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the patch antenna has an effect in that it can prevent the degradation of a return loss and improve antenna performance in a patch antenna having a reduced size by forming the coupling gap having a width of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less between the lower patch and a feeding member (the feeding patch or the feeding pin).

Furthermore, the patch antenna has an effect in that it is possible to improve transmission efficiency in a patch antenna having a reduced size by forming the coupling gap having a width of <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less between the lower patch and the feeding member (the feeding patch or the feeding pin).

Hereinafter, the most preferred exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in order to specifically describe the exemplary embodiments so that those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may easily implement the technical spirit of the present disclosure. First, in adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same components have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are displayed in different drawings. Further, in describing the present disclosure, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present disclosure, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG>, a patch antenna according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include a base layer <NUM>, an upper patch <NUM>, a lower patch <NUM>, a first feeding patch <NUM> and a second feeding patch <NUM>.

The base layer <NUM> is made of a dielectric substance or a magnetic substance. That is, the base layer <NUM> is formed of a dielectric substrate composed of ceramics having characteristics, such as a high dielectric constant and a low coefficient of thermal expansion, or is formed of a magnetic substrate composed of a magnetic substance, such as ferrite.

The upper patch <NUM> is formed on a top surface of the base layer <NUM>. That is, the upper patch <NUM> is a thin plate made of a conductive material having high electrical conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, gold or silver, and is formed on the top surface of the base layer <NUM>. In this case, the upper patch <NUM> is formed in a polygon shape, such as a quadrangle, a triangle, a circle, or an octagon.

The upper patch <NUM> is driven through coupling feeding between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>, and receives a signal (i.e., a frequency including location information) transmitted by GPS satellites and GLONASS satellites.

The lower patch <NUM> is formed on a bottom surface of the base layer <NUM>. That is, the lower patch <NUM> is a thin plate made of a conductive material having high electrical conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, gold or silver, and is formed on the bottom surface of the base layer <NUM>.

A plurality of feeding holes into which the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> are inserted may be formed in the lower patch <NUM>. That is, a first feeding hole <NUM> and a second feeding hole <NUM> are formed in the lower patch <NUM>. The first feeding patch <NUM> is inserted into the first feeding hole <NUM>, and the second feeding patch <NUM> is inserted into the second feeding hole <NUM>. In this case, a virtual line that connects the first feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the second feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

The first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> may be inserted and formed in feeding holes formed in the lower patch <NUM>. That is, the first feeding patch <NUM> is inserted and formed within the first feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM>. The second feeding patch <NUM> is inserted and formed within the second feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM>. In this case, the first feeding patch <NUM> is formed to be isolated from the outer circumference of the first feeding hole <NUM> at a predetermined interval. The second feeding patch <NUM> is formed to be isolated from the outer circumference of the second feeding hole <NUM> at a predetermined interval.

The first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> are disposed to have a set angle with respect to the center of the lower patch <NUM>. That is, referring to <FIG>, a virtual line A that connects the first feeding patch <NUM> and the center point C of the lower patch <NUM> and a virtual line B that connects the second feeding patch <NUM> and the center point C of the lower patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle θ. In this case, the set angle θ is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less. In this case, in <FIG>, f means a distance in a y-axis (W2) direction between the center points of the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>.

In this case, if the size of the patch antenna is formed to have an area of <NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>) or more, performance of the patch antenna is not influenced because interference does not occur between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>.

However, if the size of the patch antenna is formed to have an area of <NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>) or less, performance of the patch antenna is degraded due to interference occurring because the interval between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> is narrowed.

That is, if the size of the patch antenna is reduced, interference occurs between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> because an isolated interval between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> is narrowed. The patch antenna has a return loss reduced due to the occurrence of the interference between the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>. As a result, performance of the antenna is degraded.

For this reason, in the patch antenna according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling gap is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and a feeding patch (i.e., the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>) so that antenna performance is not degraded although the antenna is formed to have the size equal to or less than the reference (<NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>)).

The coupling gap includes a first coupling gap <NUM> and a second coupling gap <NUM>.

The first coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and the first feeding patch <NUM>. That is, the first feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than the first feeding patch <NUM>. The first feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the first feeding patch <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the first coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the first feeding hole <NUM> and the first feeding patch <NUM>.

The second coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>. That is, the second feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than the second feeding patch <NUM>. The second feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the second feeding patch <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the second coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the second feeding hole <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM>.

Each of a width D1 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and a width D2 of the second coupling gap <NUM> is formed as a width within a set range. In this case, an example in which each of the width D1 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the width D2 of the second coupling gap <NUM> is formed as a width of approximately <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is taken. The width D1 of the first coupling gap <NUM> is formed to be the same as the width D2 of the second coupling gap <NUM>. Of course, the width D1 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the width D2 of the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed as different widths.

Each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a circular doughnut shape because each of the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> is commonly formed in a circle. Of course, if each of the first feeding patch <NUM> and the second feeding patch <NUM> is formed in a polygon shape, such as a triangle or a quadrangle, each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a polygonal doughnut shape, such as a triangle or a quadrangle.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the patch antenna according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include a base layer <NUM>, an upper patch <NUM>, a lower patch <NUM>, a first feeding pin <NUM> and a second feeding pin <NUM>.

A plurality of feeding holes is formed in the base layer <NUM>. That is, a first feeding hole <NUM> into which the first feeding pin <NUM> is inserted therethrough and a second feeding hole <NUM> into which the second feeding pin <NUM> is inserted therethrough are formed in the base layer <NUM>. In this case, a virtual line that connects the first feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the second feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

A bottom surface of the upper patch <NUM> is electrically coupled to the feeding pins that penetrate through the base layer <NUM> and the lower patch <NUM>. The upper patch <NUM> is driven through feeding or coupling feeding through the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>, and receives a signal (i.e., a frequency including location information) transmitted by GPS satellites and GLONASS satellites.

A plurality of feeding holes into which the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are inserted therethrough may be formed in the lower patch <NUM>. That is, a third feeding hole <NUM> and a fourth feeding hole <NUM> are formed in the lower patch <NUM>. The first feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the third feeding hole <NUM> therethrough. The second feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the fourth feeding hole <NUM> therethrough. In this case, a virtual line that connects the third feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the fourth feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

One side of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> penetrates through the lower patch <NUM> and the base layer <NUM> and contacts with the bottom surface of the upper patch <NUM>. That is, the first feeding pin <NUM> penetrates through the third feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM> and the first feeding hole <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>, and contacts with the bottom surface of the upper patch <NUM>. The second feeding pin <NUM> penetrates through the fourth feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM> and the second feeding hole <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>, and contacts with the bottom surface of the upper patch <NUM>.

The other side of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is connected to a feeding unit (not illustrated) of an electronic device and supplied with feeding power. The first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> contact with the bottom surface of the upper patch <NUM> formed on the top surface of the base layer <NUM>, and supply feeding power to the upper patch <NUM>.

The first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are disposed to have a set angle with respect to the center of the lower patch <NUM> and the base layer <NUM>. That is, a virtual line that connects the first feeding pin <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the second feeding pin <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. A virtual line that connects the first feeding pin <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the second feeding pin <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

In this case, each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is previously fabricated in a pin form by using a conductive material having high electrical conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, gold or silver. Of course, after the base layer <NUM>, the upper patch <NUM>, and the lower patch <NUM> are stacked to form a body, the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> may be formed by injecting a conductive material having high electrical conductivity, such as copper, aluminum, gold or silver, into the feeding holes of the base layer <NUM> and the feeding holes of the lower patch <NUM>.

In this case, if the size of the patch antenna is formed to have an area of <NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>) or more, performance of the patch antenna is not influenced because interference does not occur between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>.

However, if the size of the patch antenna is formed to have an area of <NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>) or less, performance of the patch antenna is degraded due to interference occurring because the interval between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is narrowed.

That is, if the size of the patch antenna is reduced, interference occurs between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> because the isolated interval between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is narrowed. The patch antenna has a return loss reduced due to the occurrence of the interference between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>. As a result, performance of the antenna is degraded.

For this reason, in the patch antenna according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling gap is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and the feeding pins (i.e., the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>) so that antenna performance is not degraded although the antenna is formed to have the size equal to or less than the reference (<NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>)).

The first coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and the first feeding pin <NUM>. That is, the third feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than a horizontal cross section of the first feeding pin <NUM>. The third feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the first feeding pin <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the first coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the third feeding hole <NUM> and the first feeding pin <NUM>.

The second coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the lower patch <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>. That is, the fourth feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than a horizontal cross section of the second feeding pin <NUM>. The fourth feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the second feeding pin <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the second coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the fourth feeding hole <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>.

Each of a width D3 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and a width D4 of the second coupling gap <NUM> is formed as a width within a set range. In this case, an example in which each of the width D3 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the width D4 of the second coupling gap <NUM> is formed as a width of approximately <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less is taken. The width D3 of the first coupling gap <NUM> is formed to be the same as the width D4 of the second coupling gap <NUM>. Of course, the width D3 of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the width D4 of the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed as different widths.

Each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a circular doughnut shape because a vertical cross section of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is commonly formed in a circle. Of course, if the vertical cross section of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is formed in a polygon shape, such as a triangle or a quadrangle, each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a polygonal doughnut shape, such as a triangle or a quadrangle.

Referring to <FIG>, a patch antenna according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include a base layer <NUM>, an upper patch <NUM>, a lower patch <NUM>, a first feeding pin <NUM> and a second feeding pin <NUM>.

A plurality of feeding holes into which the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are inserted may be formed in the base layer <NUM>. That is, referring to <FIG>, a first feeding hole <NUM> and a second feeding hole <NUM> are formed in the base layer <NUM>. The first feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the first feeding hole <NUM>. The second feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the second feeding hole <NUM>. In this case, a virtual line that connects the first feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the second feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the base layer <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

A plurality of feeding holes into which the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are inserted may be formed in the upper patch <NUM>. That is, referring to <FIG>, a third feeding hole <NUM> and a fourth feeding hole <NUM> are formed in the upper patch <NUM>. The first feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the third feeding hole <NUM>. The second feeding pin <NUM> is inserted into the fourth feeding hole <NUM>. In this case, a virtual line that connects the third feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the upper patch <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the fourth feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the upper patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

The upper patch <NUM> is driven through coupling feeding between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>, and receives a signal (i.e., a frequency including location information) transmitted by GPS satellites and GLONASS satellites.

A plurality of feeding holes through which the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> penetrate may be formed in the lower patch <NUM>. That is, a fifth feeding hole <NUM> and a sixth feeding hole <NUM> are formed in the lower patch <NUM>. The first feeding pin <NUM> penetrates through the fifth feeding hole <NUM>. The second feeding pin <NUM> penetrates through the sixth feeding hole <NUM>. In this case, a virtual line that connects the fifth feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> and a virtual line that connects the sixth feeding hole <NUM> and the center point of the lower patch <NUM> are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle. In this case, the set angle is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less.

Referring to <FIG>, the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are inserted into the feeding holes formed in the base layer <NUM>, the upper patch <NUM> and the lower patch <NUM>. The heads of first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are disposed on the top surface of the base layer <NUM>. The bodies of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are inserted and disposed within the base layer <NUM>, the upper patch <NUM> and the lower patch <NUM>.

The first feeding pin <NUM> is inserted and disposed within the first feeding hole <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>, the third feeding hole <NUM> of the upper patch <NUM> and the fifth feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM>. The second feeding pin <NUM> is inserted and disposed within the second feeding hole <NUM> of the base layer <NUM>, the fourth feeding hole <NUM> of the upper patch <NUM> and the sixth feeding hole <NUM> of the lower patch <NUM>.

In this case, the outer circumference of the first feeding pin <NUM> is disposed to be isolated from the outer circumferences (i.e., inner wall surfaces) of the first feeding hole <NUM>, the third feeding hole <NUM> and the fifth feeding hole <NUM> at a predetermined interval. The outer circumference of the second feeding pin <NUM> is disposed to be isolated from the outer circumferences (i.e., inner wall surfaces) of the second feeding hole <NUM>, the fourth feeding hole <NUM> and the sixth feeding hole <NUM> at a predetermined interval.

The first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are disposed to have a set angle with respect to the center of the patch antenna. That is, referring to <FIG>, a virtual line A' that connects the first feeding pin <NUM> and the center point C' of the patch antenna and a virtual line B' that connects the second feeding pin <NUM> and the center point C' of the patch antenna are formed so that they intersect each other to form a set angle θ'. In this case, the set angle (θ') is preferably formed <NUM> degrees, but may be formed in a range of <NUM> degrees or more and <NUM> degrees or less. In this case, in <FIG>, f means a distance in a y-axis (W2) direction between the center points of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>.

The first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> are coupled to the upper patch <NUM> through electromagnetic coupling.

However, if the size of the patch antenna is formed to have an area of <NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>) or less, performance of the patch antenna is degraded due to the occurrence of interference because the interval between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is narrowed.

That is, if the size of the patch antenna is reduced, interference occurs because the isolated interval between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is narrowed. The patch antenna has a return loss reduced due to the occurrence of the interference between the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>. As a result, performance of the antenna is degraded.

For this reason, in the patch antenna according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, a coupling gap is formed between the upper patch <NUM> and the feeding pins (i.e., the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>) so that antenna performance is not degraded although the antenna is formed to have the size equal to or less than the reference (<NUM>×<NUM> (W1=<NUM>, W2=<NUM>)).

The coupling gap includes a first coupling gap <NUM>. The first coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the upper patch <NUM> and the first feeding pin <NUM>. That is, the third feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than the first feeding pin <NUM>. The third feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the first feeding pin <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the first coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the third feeding hole <NUM> and the first feeding pin <NUM>.

The coupling gap further includes a second coupling gap <NUM>. The second coupling gap <NUM> is formed between the upper patch <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>. That is, the fourth feeding hole <NUM> is formed to have a greater area than the second feeding pin <NUM>. The fourth feeding hole <NUM> is isolated from the second feeding pin <NUM> at a predetermined interval, so that an isolated area is formed. Accordingly, the second coupling gap <NUM> (i.e., the isolated area) is formed between the fourth feeding hole <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM>.

In general, each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a circular doughnut shape because a head portion of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is formed in a circle.

Of course, if the head portion of each of the first feeding pin <NUM> and the second feeding pin <NUM> is formed in a polygon, such as a triangle or a quadrangle, each of the first coupling gap <NUM> and the second coupling gap <NUM> may be formed in a polygonal doughnut shape, such as a triangle or a quadrangle.

Referring to <FIG>, a patch antenna fabricated to have a size of <NUM>×<NUM> and an interval of approximately <NUM> between a first feeding line and a second feeding line has a return loss of approximately -<NUM> dB and has transmission efficiency of about approximately <NUM>%. In this case, the first feeding line and the second feeding line correspond to the first feeding patch and second feeding patch of the first embodiment of the present disclosure and the first feeding pin and second feeding pin of the second embodiment and third embodiment of the present disclosure.

In this case, a patch antenna fabricated to have a reduced size of <NUM>×<NUM> in the state in which the interval between the first feeding line and the second feeding line is maintained approximately <NUM> has a return loss of about -<NUM> dB increased by approximately <NUM> dB and transmission efficiency reduced by approximately <NUM>%, compared to the patch antenna of <NUM> ×<NUM> in size.

The reason for this is that interference occurs between the first feeding line and the second feeding line due to a reduction in the size of the patch antenna.

In the patch antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the coupling gap is formed in order to solve the aforementioned problem.

Referring to <FIG>, if the coupling gap is not formed in the patch antenna fabricated to have the size of <NUM>×<NUM> (f=<NUM>), the patch antenna has a return loss of approximately -<NUM> dB and transmission efficiency of approximately <NUM>%.

In this case, if the coupling gap is formed in the patch antenna having the same size, the patch antenna has a return loss of about -<NUM> dB reduced by approximately <NUM> dB and transmission efficiency of approximately <NUM>% increased by approximately <NUM>%, compared to a patch antenna in which the coupling gap is not formed.

As described above, the patch antenna according to an embodiment of the present disclosure satisfies a return loss and transmission efficiency necessary for the market by forming the coupling gap.

Referring to <FIG>, if the width of the coupling gap formed in the patch antenna fabricated to have the size of <NUM>×<NUM> (f=<NUM>) is increased in unit of approximately <NUM>, it can be seen that the return loss and transmission efficiency of the patch antenna are improved.

That is, the patch antenna in which the width of the coupling gap is formed to be approximately <NUM> has a return loss of approximately -<NUM> dB and transmission efficiency of approximately <NUM>%.

A patch antenna formed to be approximately <NUM> in the size of the coupling gap by increasing the width of the coupling gap has a return loss of approximately -<NUM> dB reduced by approximately <NUM> dB and transmission efficiency of approximately <NUM>% increased by approximately <NUM>%, compared to the patch antenna having the width of <NUM>.

A patch antenna formed to be approximately <NUM> in the width of the coupling gap by increasing the width of the coupling gap has a return loss of approximately -<NUM> dB reduced by approximately <NUM> dB and transmission efficiency of approximately <NUM>% increased by approximately <NUM>%, compared to the patch antenna having the width of <NUM>.

As described above, when the patch antenna is formed to be approximately <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less in the width of the coupling gap, a return loss and transmission efficiency required for an antenna market can be satisfied.

In this case, if the width of the coupling gap is less than approximately <NUM> or is more than <NUM>, the return loss and transmission efficiency required for the antenna market cannot be satisfied because transmission efficiency is degraded due to an increased return loss.

Claim 1:
A patch antenna comprising:
a base layer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) having a horizontal length W1 of <NUM> or less and a vertical length W2 of <NUM> or less;
an upper patch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on a top surface of the base layer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to receive
a signal having a GPS frequency band and a GNSS frequency band;
a lower patch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) disposed on a bottom surface of the base layer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a feeding pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) penetrating through the base layer (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the upper patch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and the lower patch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>),
a coupling gap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), wherein
the feeding pin (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is isolated from the upper patch (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) so that the coupling gap (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) is formed,
wherein a width of the coupling gap is <NUM> or more and <NUM> or less.