GNSS module including rubber connector

Abstract

The present invention relates to a GNSS module (1), comprising a GNSS patch antenna (10) and a printed electronic circuit assembly (11), wherein: the GNSS module further comprises a rubber connector (12) having a through electrical contact (120) and a housing (13), and wherein: the GNSS patch antenna (10) comprises an electrical antenna entry pad (100), the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) comprises an electrical pad (110), the rubber connector (12) is stacked on the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to establish electrical contact between the through electrical contact (120) and the electrical pad (110), the GNSS patch antenna (10) is stacked on the rubber connector (12) to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad (100) and the through electrical contact (120), and the housing (13) is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to set the rubber connector (12) in a compressed state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a GNSS module for a vehicle, which comprises a GNSS patch antenna and a printed electronic circuit assembly. Such a GNSS module can be used in, but is not limited to, a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] It is well known to those skilled in the art that a GNSS module for a vehicle comprises a GNSS patch antenna and a printed electronic circuit assembly, which is used in the vehicle for positioning the vehicle. A GNSS patch antenna is an antenna that is typically larger than 18 mm x 18 mm in size for automotive use. In order to assemble the GNSS patch antenna to the printed electronic circuit assembly, selective wave soldering is usually recommended, but this process is not recommended for automotive parts due to cost and robustness issues. The automotive industry prefers reflow soldering.

[0003] In order to solder the patch antenna with the reflow process, a GNSS patch antenna bonding process is required in advance due to the weight of the GNSS patch antenna, as well as a customized GNSS patch antenna nail length to allow solder paste printing capabilities. This solution is both expensive and time-consuming because it requires additional machines (bonding and polymerization) that are usually not available on standard SMD (Surface Mount Device) assembly lines in addition to the customized GNSS patch antenna. Summary of the invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a GNSS module for a vehicle which solves the above-mentioned problems.

[0005] To this end, a GNSS module is provided, comprising a GNSS patch antenna and a printed electronic circuit assembly, wherein:

[0006] - the GNSS module also includes a rubber connector with through electrical contacts and a housing,

[0007] And among them:

[0008] - the GNSS patch antenna comprises an electrical antenna access pad,

[0009] - the printed electronic circuit assembly comprises an electrical pad,

[0010] - the rubber connector is stacked on the printed electronic circuit assembly to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad and the through-electrical contact,

[0011] - The housing is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly to place the rubber connector in a compressed state.

[0012] As we will see further on, due to the structure of the GNSS module, the assembly method is simplified and the costs are reduced.

[0013] According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the GNSS module for a vehicle according to the present invention further includes the following features.

[0014] In a non-limiting embodiment, the electrical antenna access pad of the GNSS patch antenna further comprises at least one nail, and the rubber connector further comprises at least one hole to receive the at least one nail.

[0015] In a non-limiting embodiment, the printed electronic circuit assembly further comprises at least one hole to accommodate the at least one nail.

[0016] In a non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector is in an elastomer.

[0017] In a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna has dimensions greater than 18 mm x 18 mm.

[0018] In a non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector further includes a through electrical contact designed to contact a ground pad of the GNSS patch antenna to connect the GNSS patch antenna to a ground of the printed electronic circuit assembly.

[0019] In non-limiting embodiments, the housing is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly using at least one screw, one clip, or one rivet.

[0020] In a non-limiting embodiment, the housing is a housing of the printed electronic circuit assembly or a dedicated housing.

[0021] A method for assembling a GNSS module is also provided, the GNSS module comprising a GNSS patch antenna and a printed electronic circuit assembly, wherein the assembling method comprises:

[0022] - stacking the rubber connector of the GNSS module on the printed electronic circuit assembly to electrically contact the through-electrical contacts of the rubber connector with the electrical pads of the printed electronic circuit assembly,

[0023] - stacking the GNSS patch antenna on the rubber connector to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad of the GNSS patch antenna and the through electrical contact of the rubber connector,

[0024] - Fixing the housing of the GNSS module to the printed electronic circuit assembly to place the rubber connector in a compressed state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Some embodiments of methods and / or apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0026] - Figure 1a is an exploded top view of a GNSS module for a vehicle according to a first non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the GNSS module comprising a GNSS patch antenna, a printed electronic circuit assembly, a rubber connector, and a housing,

[0027] - Figure 1b According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 1a Exploded bottom view of the GNSS module.

[0028] - Figure 1c According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 1a and 1b A cross-sectional view of the assembled GNSS module.

[0029] - Figure 1d According to non-limiting variations of the non-limiting embodiments Figure 1b Exploded bottom view of the GNSS module.

[0030] - Figure 1e According to non-limiting variations of the non-limiting embodiments Figure 1a Exploded top view of the GNSS module,

[0031] - Figure 2a is an exploded top view of a GNSS module for a vehicle according to a second non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the GNSS module comprising a GNSS patch antenna, a printed electronic circuit assembly, a rubber connector, and a housing,

[0032] - Figure 2b According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 2a Exploded bottom view of the GNSS module.

[0033] - Figure 2c According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 2a and 2b A cross-sectional view of the assembled GNSS module.

[0034] - Figure 3a is an exploded top view of a GNSS module for a vehicle according to a third non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, the GNSS module comprising a GNSS patch antenna, a printed electronic circuit assembly, a rubber connector, and a housing,

[0035] - Figure 3b According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 3a Exploded bottom view of the GNSS module.

[0036] - Figure 3c According to a non-limiting embodiment Figure 3a and 3b A cross-sectional view of the assembled GNSS module.

[0037] - Figure 4 According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention Figure 1a , 2a or a flowchart of a method for assembling a GNSS module of 3a. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] In the following description, functions or constructions well known to one skilled in the art are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

[0039] According to a non-limiting embodiment, the present invention relates to a Figures 1a to 3b The GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) module 1 for a vehicle is shown. It also relates to a Figure 4 2. The GNSS module 1 can be used in a vehicle to locate the vehicle. In a non-limiting embodiment, the vehicle is a car. In a non-limiting example, the car is a motor vehicle or an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

[0040] like Figures 1a to 3c As shown, the GNSS module includes:

[0041] -GNSS patch antenna 10,

[0042] - a printed electronic circuit assembly 11, hereinafter also referred to as PCBA,

[0043] - a rubber connector 12, and

[0044] - Housing 13.

[0045] In a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS module 1 is a GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO or BEIDOU module. In a non-limiting embodiment of the cited field, the GNSS module is configured to receive signals from GNSS satellites and process said signals in order to locate the vehicle.

[0046] like Figure 1b , 1c As shown in FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2b, 2c, 3b and 3c, the GNSS patch antenna 10 includes an electrical access pad 100 configured to electrically contact the through electrical contact 120 of the rubber connector 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the electrical access pad 100 is located on the bottom side 10b of the GNSS patch antenna 10 opposite the top side 10a.

[0047] In a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 has dimensions greater than 18 mm x 18 mm. In a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 is partially made of ceramic.

[0048] like Figure 1d As shown, in a non-limiting variation of the embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 further comprises a ground pad 103 configured to electrically contact another through-electrical contact 123 of the rubber connector 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the ground pad 103 is located on the bottom side 10b of the GNSS patch antenna 10 opposite to the top side 10a.

[0049] like Figures 1a to 3b As shown, the rubber connector 12 includes a through electrical contact 120 configured to electrically contact an electrical antenna pad 100 of the GNSS patch antenna 10 on a top side 12 a thereof and an electrical pad 110 of the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 on a bottom side 12 b opposite the top side 12 a .

[0050] In a non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector 12 is in an elastomer. This allows the rubber connector 12 to be compressed.

[0051] like Figure 1d and 1e As shown, in a non-limiting variation of the embodiment of the first non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector 12 further includes at least another through-electrical contact 123 configured to contact the ground pad 103 of the GNSS patch antenna 10 to connect the GNSS patch antenna 10 to the ground 113 of the electronic circuit assembly 11.

[0052] like Figure 1a , 1c , 2a, 2c, 3a and 3c, the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 includes an electrical pad 110. The electrical pad 110 is configured to electrically contact the through electrical contact 120 of the rubber connector 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the thickness of the electrical pad 110 is 0.5 to 2 millimeters (mm).

[0053] In a non-limiting embodiment, the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 further includes electronic components 112 for processing signals from GNSS satellites received by the GNSS patch antenna 10. Figure 1a , 1c , 2a, 2c, 3a and 3c, in a non-limiting embodiment, the electronic components 112 are located outside the housing 13. They (electronic components 112) are not covered by the housing 13. In another non-limiting embodiment not shown, the electronic components 112 are located inside the housing 13. They are covered by the housing 13.

[0054] In a non-limiting embodiment, the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 is attached to the housing 13 by at least one screw, one clip or one rivet to ensure compression of the rubber connector 12. To this end, the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 also includes a portion 113 complementary to the at least one screw, one clip or one rivet. Figure 1c , 2c In the non-limiting example shown in FIG. 3 c , the complementary portion 113 is a screw hole for accommodating the at least one screw, a clip or a rivet.

[0055] The housing 13 is configured to place the rubber connector 12 in a compressed state. It allows vibrations caused by vehicle movement to well hold the GNSS patch antenna 10. The housing 13 is designed to cover the GNSS patch antenna 10 to keep the rubber connector 12 permanently compressed.

[0056] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in the drawings, the housing 13 is a dedicated housing. It is different from the housing of the PCBA. It does not cover the electronic components 112 of the PCBA. In another non-limiting embodiment not shown, the housing 13 is the housing of the PCBA. In this case, it covers the electronic components 112 of the PCBA.

[0057] The housing 13 is made of a rigid polymer resin. In a non-limiting embodiment, the housing 13 is attached to the PCBA by at least one screw, one clip or one rivet. To this end, the housing 13 includes a complementary portion 133 to the at least one screw, one clip or one rivet. Figure 1c , 2c In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS. 3 and 3 c , the complementary portion 133 is a screw hole.

[0058] Therefore, electrical contact is established between the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the PCBA through the rubber connector 12 by means of electrical contact between the through electrical contact 120 and the electrical pad 100 and between the electrical pad 110 and the through electrical contact 120. Therefore, the signal received by the GNSS patch antenna 10 can be processed by the electronic component 112 of the PCBA.

[0059] like Figure 1c , 2c As shown in FIG. 3 c , when assembling the GNSS module 1 , the components of the GNSS module 1 are stacked. The rubber connector 12 is stacked on the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 ; the GNSS patch antenna 10 is stacked on the rubber connector 12 ; and the housing 13 is attached to the PCBA and covers the entire GNSS patch antenna 10 - rubber connector 12 .

[0060] The GNSS module 1 is further described according to three non-limiting embodiments. Figures 1a to 1eA first non-limiting embodiment is shown in Figures 2a to 2c A second non-limiting embodiment is shown in Figures 3a to 3c A third non-limiting embodiment is shown in .

[0061] First non-limiting embodiment

[0062] In this first non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector 12 is stacked on the PCBA to electrically contact its through-electrical contacts 120 with the electrical pads 110 of the PCBA. The bottom surface 12b of the rubber connector 12 and the top surface 11a of the PCBA are in face-to-face contact.

[0063] The GNSS patch antenna 10 is stacked on the rubber connector 12 to electrically contact its electrical entry pad 100 with the through electrical contact 120 of the rubber connector 12. The bottom surface 10b of the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the top surface 12a of the rubber connector 12 are in face-to-face contact.

[0064] The housing 13 is attached to the PCBA 11 to place the rubber connector 12 in a compressed state. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 13 is fixed using two screws.

[0065] Second non-limiting embodiment

[0066] like Figures 2a to 2c As shown, in a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 further includes at least one nail 102, and the rubber connector 12 further includes at least one hole 122 to accommodate the at least one nail 102. The nail 102 is designed to be inserted into the hole 122.

[0067] In a non-limiting embodiment, the nail 102 is surrounded by the electrical antenna access pad 100. In a non-limiting embodiment, the hole 122 is surrounded by the through electrical contact 120.

[0068] like Figure 2c As shown, the end of the nail 102 does not contact the electrical pad 110 of the PCBA to ensure proper compression of the rubber connector 12 .

[0069] The nails 102 allow the GNSS patch antennas 10 to be positioned respectively on the rubber connectors 12. In a non-limiting embodiment, the nails 100 are 1.9 mm (millimeters).

[0070] In a non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 includes two nails, and the rubber connector 12 includes two holes 122 .

[0071] In this second non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector 12 is stacked on the PCBA to electrically contact its through electrical contacts 120 with the electrical pads 110 of the PCBA. The bottom surface 12b of the rubber connector 12 and the top surface 11a of the PCBA are in face-to-face contact. In addition, the nails 102 of the GNSS patch antenna 10 are inserted into the holes 122 of the rubber connector 12.

[0072] The GNSS patch antenna 10 is stacked on the rubber connector 12 to electrically contact its electrical entry pad 100 with the through electrical contact 120 of the rubber connector 12. The bottom surface 10b of the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the top surface 12a of the rubber connector 12 are in face-to-face contact.

[0073] The housing 13 is attached to the PCBA 11 to place the rubber connector 12 in a compressed state. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 13 is fixed using two screws.

[0074] It should be noted that non-limiting variations of the embodiments may also be used for this second non-limiting embodiment, wherein the GNSS patch antenna 10 further comprises a ground pad 103 which contacts at least another through electrical contact 123 of the rubber connector 12 to connect the GNSS patch antenna 10 to the ground 113 of the PCBA.

[0075] Third non-limiting embodiment

[0076] like Figures 3a to 3c As shown, as in the second non-limiting embodiment, the GNSS patch antenna 10 further includes at least one nail 102, and the rubber connector 12 further includes at least one hole 122 to accommodate the at least one nail 102, as in the second non-limiting embodiment.

[0077] Furthermore, in this third non-limiting embodiment, the PCBA further includes at least one hole 112 to accommodate the at least one nail 102 .

[0078] Thus, nail 102 is configured to be inserted into hole 122 and hole 112 .

[0079] The nail 102, which is commonly used as a welding fixture in the prior art, allows the GNSS patch antenna 10 to be positioned on the rubber connector 12 and the PCBA, respectively. In a non-limiting embodiment, the nail 100 is 1.9 mm (millimeters).

[0080] In a non-limiting embodiment, the PCBA includes two holes 112 to accommodate two nails 102 .

[0081] In this third non-limiting embodiment, the rubber connector 12 is stacked on the PCBA to electrically contact its through electrical contacts 120 with the electrical pads 110 of the PCBA. The bottom surface 12b of the rubber connector 12 and the top surface 11a of the PCBA are in face-to-face contact. In addition, the nails 102 of the GNSS patch antenna 10 are inserted into the holes 122 of the rubber connector 12.

[0082] The GNSS patch antenna 10 is stacked on the rubber connector 12 to electrically contact its electrical entry pad 100 with the through electrical contact 120 of the rubber connector 12. The bottom surface 10b of the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the top surface 12a of the rubber connector 12 are in face-to-face contact. In addition, the nail 102 is inserted into the hole 112 of the PCBA. Figure 3c As shown, in the non-limiting example shown, the nail 102 does not extend beyond the hole 112. In another non-limiting example not shown, the nail 102 extends beyond the hole 112. The hole 112 in the PCBA allows for visual inspection of proper assembly, and it paves the way for thinner rubber connectors, thereby reducing compression forces.

[0083] The housing 13 is attached to the PCBA 11 to place the rubber connector 12 in a compressed state. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the housing 13 is fixed using two screws.

[0084] It should be noted that non-limiting variations of the embodiments may also be applied to this third non-limiting embodiment, wherein the GNSS patch antenna 10 further comprises a ground pad 103 which contacts at least another through electrical contact 123 of the rubber connector 12 to connect the GNSS patch antenna 10 to the ground 113 of the PCBA.

[0085] Therefore, according to the following Figure 4 The assembly method 2 shown assembles the GNSS module 1 .

[0086] The assembly method 2 of the GNSS module 1 includes the following sequence:

[0087] In step E1) shown as F1 (12, 11, 120, 110), the rubber connector 12 is stacked on the printed electronic circuit assembly 11 to electrically contact the through-electrical contacts 120 of the rubber connector 12 and the electrical pads 110 of the printed electronic circuit assembly 11.

[0088] In step E2 ) shown as F2 ( 10 , 12 , 100 , 120 ), the GNSS patch antenna 10 is stacked on the rubber connector 12 to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad 100 of the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the through electrical contacts 120 of the rubber connector 12 .

[0089] In step E3) shown in F3 (13, 11), the housing 13 of the GNSS module 1 is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly 11, placing the rubber connector 12 in a compressed state. The housing 13 allows the entire assembly to be fastened. Thus, the electrical contact between the GNSS patch antenna 10 and the PCBA is safe and secure.

[0090] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] Therefore, some embodiments of the present invention may include one or more of the following advantages:

[0092] - The structure of the GNSS module 1 allows for simplified assembly of the GNSS module 1: no reflow process is required,

[0093] - allows to reduce assembly costs, since no gluing pre-treatment is required,

[0094] - When the first non-limiting embodiment is used, since the GNSS patch antenna 10 having nails is not required, and the PCBA and rubber connector 12 having the holes 112 and 122, respectively, do not need to be manufactured, thus allowing for further cost reduction,

[0095] - It allows to have waterproof GNSS modules,

[0096] -The structure of the GNSS module 1 is suitable for use with large GNSS antenna patches.

Claims

1. A global navigation satellite system module (1), also known as a GNSS, comprising a GNSS patch antenna (10) and a printed electronic circuit assembly (11), wherein: - the GNSS module further comprises a rubber connector (12) with through-going electrical contacts (120) and a housing (13), And among them: - the GNSS patch antenna (10) comprises an electrical antenna access pad (100), - the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) comprises an electrical pad (110), - the rubber connector (12) is stacked on the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to electrically contact the through-electrical contact (120) and the electrical pad (110), - the GNSS patch antenna (10) is stacked on the rubber connector (12) to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad (100) and the through electrical contact (120), - the housing (13) is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to place the rubber connector (12) in a compressed state, The GNSS patch antenna (10) further comprises at least one nail (102), and the rubber connector (12) further comprises at least one hole (122) for accommodating the at least one nail (102).

2. The GNSS module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The printed electronic circuit assembly (11) further comprises at least one hole (112) for receiving the at least one nail (102).

3. The GNSS module (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The rubber connector (12) is in the elastomer.

4. The GNSS module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The GNSS patch antenna (10) has a size greater than 18 mm×18 mm.

5. The GNSS module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rubber connector (12) also includes a through electrical contact (123) designed to contact the ground pad (103) of the GNSS patch antenna (10) to connect the GNSS patch antenna (10) to the ground of the printed electronic circuit assembly (11).

6. The GNSS module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (13) is attached to the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) using at least one screw, a clip or a rivet.

7. The GNSS module (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (13) is the housing of the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) or a dedicated housing.

8. A method (2) for assembling a module (1) of a global navigation satellite system, also known as a GNSS, wherein the GNSS module (1) comprises a GNSS patch antenna (10) and a printed electronic circuit assembly (11), wherein: The assembly method (2) comprises: - stacking the rubber connector (12) of the GNSS module (1) on the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to electrically contact the through-electrical contact (120) of the rubber connector (12) and the electrical pad (110) of the printed electronic circuit assembly (11), - stacking the GNSS patch antenna (10) on the rubber connector (12) to electrically contact the electrical antenna entry pad (100) of the GNSS patch antenna (10) and the through electrical contact (120) of the rubber connector (12), - fixing the housing (13) of the GNSS module (1) on the printed electronic circuit assembly (11) to place the rubber connector (12) in a compressed state, The GNSS patch antenna (10) further comprises at least one nail (102), and the rubber connector (12) further comprises at least one hole (122) for accommodating the at least one nail (102).

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