MOBILE RADIO ANTENNA STRUCTURE IN A VEHICLE AND METHOD FOR ITS MANUFACTURING

Abstract

Mobile communication antenna structure (200) in a vehicle (100), wherein the mobile communication antenna structure (200) comprises: a base plate (220) designed to follow an inclination of a spoiler support (120), wherein the spoiler support (120) is a part of the vehicle (100) that is covered by a spoiler (110), a mobile phone antenna (210), and a support structure (230) which is attached to the base plate (220) and is designed to maintain a fixed position of the mobile communication antenna (210); characterized by the fact that the mobile phone antenna (210) is perpendicular to the base plate (220) and is electrically connected to the base plate (220); wherein the fixed position of the mobile phone antenna (210) is oriented perpendicular to the base plate (220).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the invention relates to a mobile communication antenna structure in a vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, as is known essentially from WO 2020 / 054 870 A1.

[0002] Further details of the state of the art can be found in US 2020 / 0 112 101 A1.

[0003] Vehicles can include one or more mobile antennas for communication with one or more mobile networks. A vehicle occupant can pair a personal mobile device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) with a vehicle communication system (e.g., via Bluetooth). The vehicle's mobile antenna can then enable communication via a mobile base station. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a mobile antenna structure for installation in a vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] According to the invention, a mobile communication antenna structure in a vehicle is presented, which is characterized by the features of claim 1.

[0005] The mobile phone antenna structure comprises a base plate that follows the inclination of a spoiler support. The spoiler support is a part of the vehicle covered by a spoiler. The mobile phone antenna structure also includes a mobile phone antenna, which is perpendicular to the base plate and electrically connected to it, as well as a support structure attached to the base plate to maintain a fixed position of the mobile phone antenna perpendicular to the base plate.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the mobile phone antenna is shaped to fit completely within the volume defined by the spoiler.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the mobile phone antenna is shaped as a plate with one or more bends.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each dimension of the mobile phone antenna is smaller than a wavelength corresponding to a lowest operating frequency of the mobile phone antenna.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, each dimension of the mobile phone antenna shall be less than a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the mobile phone antenna.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the mobile phone antenna structure also includes a metal support between the spoiler support and the base plate.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal support is electrically connected to and attached to the spoiler support.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal support is electrically connected to and attached to the base plate.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal carrier includes an opening for connecting a cable coming from the vehicle to the base plate.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the support structure is made of plastic.

[0015] According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a mobile communication antenna structure for a vehicle is further presented, characterized by the features of claim 6.

[0016] The method comprises manufacturing a base plate that follows the inclination of a spoiler support. The spoiler support is a part of the vehicle that is covered by a spoiler. The method also comprises attaching a mobile communication antenna, which is perpendicular to the base plate and electrically connected to it, and attaching a support structure to the base plate to maintain a fixed position of the mobile communication antenna perpendicular to the base plate.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes shaping the mobile phone antenna in such a way that it fits completely into a volume defined by the spoiler.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the shaping includes shaping the mobile phone antenna as a plate with one or more bends.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes dimensioning the mobile communication antenna in such a way that each dimension of the mobile communication antenna is smaller than a wavelength corresponding to a lowest operating frequency of the mobile communication antenna.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, dimensioning includes dimensioning each dimension of the mobile antenna in such a way that it is smaller than one quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the mobile antenna.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes attaching a metal support to the base plate, the metal support being designed to be positioned between the spoiler support and the base plate.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes laying out the metal support in such a way that it is electrically connected to and attached to the spoiler support.

[0023] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes laying out the metal support in such a way that it is electrically connected to the base plate.

[0024] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the method also includes manufacturing the metal carrier with an opening for connecting a cable coming from the vehicle to the base plate.

[0025] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the process also includes the production of the support structure from plastic.

[0026] The above features and advantages, as well as further features and advantages of the invention, are readily apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Further features, advantages and details are listed only as examples in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1. A block diagram of a vehicle shows a mobile phone antenna structure for installation in the vehicle. Fig. 2 shows the mobile communication antenna structure in detail, which is installed in the vehicle according to one or more designs, Fig. 3 shows the mobile communication antenna structure in an isometric view, which is installed in the vehicle according to one or more embodiments, and Fig. Figure 4 shows the metal support of the mobile communication antenna structure, which is installed in the vehicle according to one or more configurations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is for illustrative purposes only. It is understood that in the drawings, corresponding reference symbols denote identical or equivalent parts and features.

[0029] As mentioned previously, a vehicle can incorporate one or more mobile communication antennas to enable communication between a mobile device inside the vehicle and a mobile network. Mobile communication can be conducted at frequencies below 6 gigahertz (GHz). For example, a frequency range in the order of 617 megahertz (MHz) to 5 GHz can be used for communication. State-of-the-art mobile communication antenna designs include at least a portion of the antenna that protrudes from the vehicle's surface. This can be undesirable from both an aesthetic and aerodynamic perspective.

[0030] The embodiments of the systems and methods described in detail herein relate to a mobile communication antenna structure for installation in a vehicle. According to exemplary embodiments, the entire mobile communication antenna is contained within the volume of a vehicle's rear spoiler in such a way that no part of the antenna protrudes from the vehicle. The base plate of the mobile communication antenna extends parallel to the vehicle's chassis and is electrically connected to it, and the antenna is oriented to maximize its effective height and thus its efficiency. The size and shape of the mobile communication antenna are designed to fit completely within the volume defined by the spoiler without impairing its radiation efficiency.

[0031] According to an exemplary design, Fig. 1 a block diagram of a vehicle 100, which has a mobile phone antenna structure 200 ( Fig. 2) for installation in the vehicle comprises 100. In the case of the Fig. The exemplary vehicle shown in Figure 1 is a passenger car 101. In alternative configurations, the vehicle 100 can be a light truck, an SUV, or another type of vehicle. The vehicle 100 is shown with a spoiler 110 at the trailing edge of the roof 105. The exemplary spoiler 110 is located, as shown, between the roof 105 and the rear window 115. In alternative configurations, the mobile communication antenna structure 200 can be located within a volume defined by other body panels of the vehicle 100.

[0032] The vehicle 100 includes a spoiler support 120, which is part of the vehicle frame, serves as a support structure for the spoiler 110, and is also the part of the vehicle covered by the spoiler 110. The spoiler support 120 is made of metal and, as shown, forms a sloping transition between the roof 105 and the rear window 115. As further described with reference to Fig. As discussed in Section 2, this spoiler support 120 serves as a mounting point for the mobile communication antenna structure 200. The vehicle 100 may include additional components (e.g., sensors, displays), such as a control unit 130, to enable mobile communication from inside the vehicle 100 using the mobile communication antenna structure 200. The control unit 130 may include processing circuits that may comprise an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality.

[0033] Fig. Figure 2 shows the mobile communication antenna structure 200 in detail, which is installed in the vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments. In particular, the mobile communication antenna structure 200 comprises the mobile communication antenna 210, a base plate 220 (e.g., a circuit board) which is electrically conductive, a metal support 240 to which the base plate 220 is electrically connected and to which it is attached, and which is electrically connected to and attached to the spoiler support 120, as well as a support structure 230 on the base plate 220, which holds the mobile communication antenna 210 in a fixed position relative to the base plate 220 and the metal support 240. The spoiler 110 is shown together with a part of the roof 105. The volume 201 defined by the spoiler 110 is also shown. While the spoiler support 120 is electrically conductive, the spoiler 110 itself has non-conductive properties.As already mentioned, the size, shape, and orientation of the mobile antenna 210 allow it to be completely enclosed within the spoiler 110 (i.e., no part of the antenna structure 200 protrudes beyond the spoiler 110). As also already mentioned, the radiation efficiency of the mobile antenna 210 is controlled by the design of the mobile antenna structure 200 according to one or more embodiments, based on the design features described in detail.

[0034] One of the design features of the mobile antenna structure 200 is that the mobile antenna 210 is a monopole antenna that is electrically small. The term "electrically small" refers to the fact that the mobile antenna 210 is shorter than the wavelength of the transmitted and received signals. In particular, each dimension of the mobile antenna 210 is smaller than the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the mobile antenna 210. For example, each dimension of the mobile antenna 210 can be less than a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency. While a monopole antenna is conventionally a straight rod, the mobile antenna 210 is a monopole antenna shaped to fit within the volume 201 of the spoiler 110. Its size is thus based on the operating frequency and the corresponding wavelength (e.g.,The length of the mobile antenna 210 corresponds to half the wavelength, and the shape is designed such that the mobile antenna 210 fits completely into the volume 201 inside the spoiler 110. The shape can also be based on the frequency response of the mobile antenna 210. This means that, for example, a model or simulation can be used to determine the frequency response resulting from a specific shape of the mobile antenna 210.

[0035] For the in Fig. In the example shown, the lowest operating frequency can be 617 MHz. In this case, the mobile antenna 210 can have a length that is less than a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to 617 MHz. The shape of the mobile antenna 210 includes two bends 215 in the plate from which the monopole mobile antenna 210 is made, one of which is concealed by the support structure 230. As already mentioned, the number and position of the bends 215 can be chosen to ensure that they fit into the volume 201 defined by the spoiler 110 and can also be based on the resulting frequency response.

[0036] In addition to size and shape, another design feature of the mobile communication antenna structure 200 relates to the orientation of the mobile communication antenna 210 relative to the base plate 220. To clarify, the base plate 220 is not horizontal, but instead adapts to the inclination of the spoiler support 120. The spoiler support 120 is angled downwards from the roof 105, which is shown horizontally in the example (e.g., by 45 degrees). The roof 105 may have a curvature in alternative designs and on different vehicles 100. As shown, the mobile communication antenna 210 extends perpendicular to the base plate 220. The part of the mobile communication antenna 210 that is coupled to the base plate 220 (concealed by the support structure 230 in Fig. 2, but visible in Fig. 3), extends perpendicular to the base plate 220, which means that it does not run vertically, since the base plate 220, as mentioned, does not extend horizontally.

[0037] This relative orientation results in a maximum effective height for the mobile phone antenna 210. The effective height, also referred to as effective length, is the height of the radiation center of the mobile phone antenna 210 above the base plate 220 and influences the efficiency of the mobile phone antenna 210. In particular, the effective height is the ratio of the induced voltage to the incident electric field. This ratio is determined by the orientation of the mobile phone antenna 210 relative to the base plate 220. Fig. The efficiency of the base plate 220 shown in Figure 2 is maximized. If the mobile antenna 210 were to extend vertically (i.e., the part of the mobile antenna 210 coupled to the base plate 220 would be vertical), then the mobile antenna 210 would be located closer to the spoiler support 120 and the roof 105, resulting in lower electrical capacitance and a lower effective height, and consequently lower efficiency. Thus, in the arrangement of Fig. 2 the orientation which provides a maximum effective height shall be regarded as the orientation in which the mobile phone antenna 210 is held furthest away from the spoiler support 120.

[0038] Fig. Figure 3 shows an isometric view of the mobile communication antenna structure 200, which is installed in the vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the metal support 240 is attached to the base plate 220 of the mobile communication antenna 210 by screws 235. According to alternative embodiments, the metal support 240 and the base plate 220 can be electrically connected and fastened with a different type of fastener. The support structure 230 can be a plastic part or another non-conductive part that is attached to the base plate 220 and arranged to support and fix the mobile communication antenna 210 relative to the base plate 220. As referred to in Fig. As mentioned in section 2, the right-angled arrangement between the base plate 220 and the part of the mobile phone antenna 210 that is coupled to the base plate 220 leads to a maximized effective height and thus to a maximized efficiency of the Fig. Figure 3 shows the orientation of the mobile phone antenna. An attachment point 310 is shown, which serves to attach the metal support 240 to the spoiler support 120. A screw, for example, can be inserted into the attachment point 310.

[0039] Fig.Figure 4 shows the metal support 240 of the mobile communication antenna structure 200, which is installed in the vehicle 100 according to one or more embodiments. As already mentioned, the metal support 240 is electrically connected on one side to the spoiler support 120 and on the other side to the base plate 220. The metal support 240 can, for example, include an opening 410 for a cable to the base plate 220. Mounting points 420 for attaching the metal support 240 to the base plate 220 are shown. The screws 235 can, for example, engage with any of the mounting points 420. Further mounting points 310, which serve to attach the metal support 240 to the spoiler support 120, are also shown.

Claims

[1] Mobile communication antenna structure (200) in a vehicle (100), wherein the mobile communication antenna structure (200) comprises: a base plate (220) designed to follow an inclination of a spoiler support (120), wherein the spoiler support (120) is a part of the vehicle (100) that is covered by a spoiler (110), a mobile phone antenna (210), and a support structure (230) which is attached to the base plate (220) and is designed to maintain a fixed position of the mobile communication antenna (210); characterized by , that the mobile phone antenna (210) is perpendicular to the base plate (220) and is electrically connected to the base plate (220); wherein the fixed position of the mobile phone antenna (210) is oriented perpendicular to the base plate (220). [2] Mobile communication antenna structure (200) according to claim 1, wherein the mobile communication antenna (210) is shaped to fit completely into a volume (201) defined by the spoiler (110), and the mobile communication antenna (210) is shaped as a plate with one or more bends. [3] Mobile communication antenna structure (200) according to claim 1, wherein each dimension of the mobile communication antenna (210) is smaller than a wavelength corresponding to a lowest operating frequency of the mobile communication antenna (210). [4] Mobile antenna structure (200) according to claim 3, wherein each dimension of the mobile antenna (210) is less than a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the mobile antenna (210). [5] Mobile communication antenna structure (200) according to claim 1, further comprising a metal support (240) between the spoiler support (120) and the base plate (220), wherein the metal support (240) is electrically connected to and attached to the spoiler support (120), the metal support (240) is electrically connected to and attached to the base plate (220), and the metal support (240) comprises an opening (410) for connecting a cable coming from the vehicle (100) to the base plate (220). [6] Method for manufacturing a mobile communication antenna structure (200) for a vehicle (100), the method comprising: Manufacturing a base plate (220) designed to follow an inclination of a spoiler support (120), wherein the spoiler support (120) is a part of the vehicle (100) that is covered by a spoiler (110), Attaching a mobile phone antenna (210) that is perpendicular to the base plate (220) and electrically connected to the base plate (220), and Attaching a support structure (230) to the base plate (220) to maintain a fixed position of the mobile phone antenna (210) perpendicular to the base plate (220). [7] Method according to claim 6, further comprising shaping the mobile phone antenna (210) in such a way that it fits completely into a volume (201) defined by the spoiler (110), wherein the shaping comprises shaping the mobile phone antenna (210) as a plate with one or more bends. [8] Method according to claim 6, further comprising dimensioning the mobile communication antenna (210) in such a way that each dimension of the mobile communication antenna (210) is smaller than a wavelength corresponding to a lowest operating frequency of the mobile communication antenna (210). [9] Method according to claim 6, wherein the dimensioning comprises dimensioning each dimension of the mobile antenna (210) in such a way that it is smaller than a quarter of the wavelength corresponding to the lowest operating frequency of the mobile antenna (210). [10] The method of claim 6, further comprising attaching a metal support (240) to the base plate (220), wherein the metal support (240) is designed to be arranged between the spoiler support (120) and the base plate (220), the metal support (240) being designed in such a way that it is electrically connected to and attached to the spoiler support (120), the metal support (240) being designed in such a way that it is electrically connected to the base plate (220), and the metal support (240) being provided with an opening (410) for connecting a cable coming from the vehicle (100) to the base plate (220).

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