Screw-in vehicle antenna

Abstract

This invention relates to a screw-in vehicle antenna, comprising: a threaded portion and a head connected to an end region of the threaded portion, both the threaded portion and the head being made of a non-conductive material; at least one antenna radiator disposed within at least a portion of the head; and a metal washer made of a conductive material disposed on the head and serving as a reflector or ground plane. Furthermore, an HF plug connector is disposed on a region of the head opposite the threaded portion and fixed to the head, wherein the antenna radiator is electrically connected to the plug of the HF plug connector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a screw-in vehicle antenna. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle antennas are positioned inside or outside the vehicle and are used to provide wireless communication connectivity, such as for V2X communication, which is communication between the vehicle and its surroundings, such as other vehicles, base stations, or external devices, such as traffic light equipment or roadside units. However, vehicle antennas can also provide communication connectivity for wireless (near-field) communication within the interior space, for example, to connect vehicle occupants to an entertainment system.

[0003] To provide different communication methods and standards, such as near-field communication via Bluetooth or WLAN, but also transmission standards from the mobile radio field, such as LTE or 5G.

[0004] Mobile radio antennas are typically mounted externally on the vehicle and above it on the roof as so-called shark antennas / shark (fin) antennas. Especially for V2X communications, antenna systems must meet stringent performance characteristics, particularly directional radiation characteristics, to ensure reliable information transmission to other communication participants. Such antennas are often implemented as separate boxes or other antenna structures requiring additional integrated volume and / or support structures, such as thin-film antennas.

[0005] Vehicle antennas are known, for example, from DE102012108786A1, EP1241731A2, or EP3395617A1.

[0006] The integration of antenna structures within or on vehicle bodies is largely constrained by aesthetic or design standards, but also by power requirements. Additionally, space is needed for integration, but resources are limited.

[0007] The radiation characteristics of a vehicle antenna are primarily determined by its integrated volume, whether inside or outside the vehicle. Especially at high frequencies, such as in V2X communication where communication currently occurs at 5.9 GHz, electromagnetic wave propagation can be considered quasi-optical, meaning that every metallic object in the antenna's surrounding environment blocks or reflects the electromagnetic beam, thus creating a darkening effect.

[0008] Furthermore, mounting the antenna components to the vehicle body is a challenge because, in addition to the aforementioned regulations, requirements regarding safety, stability, service life, and shock resistance must also be met. Additionally, extra assembly steps are needed to secure the antenna components to the vehicle body. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Due to the many drawbacks of known vehicle antennas, the objective of this invention is to provide a novel vehicle antenna that overcomes these drawbacks. According to this invention, this objective is achieved through a screw-in vehicle antenna.

[0010] A screw-in vehicle antenna is proposed, comprising: a threaded portion and a head connected to an end region of the threaded portion, both the threaded portion and the head being made of a non-conductive material; at least one antenna radiator disposed within at least a portion of the head; and a metal washer made of a conductive material disposed on the head and serving as a reflector or ground plane. Furthermore, an HF connector is disposed on and fixed to a region of the head opposite the threaded portion, wherein the antenna radiator is electrically connected to the plug of the HF connector.

[0011] By integrating the antenna, i.e., the radiator and reflector or ground plane, into the screw, i.e. the assembly element that would otherwise be required, not only are the assembly steps saved, but also the structural space is saved, without affecting the antenna's transmission characteristics.

[0012] As HF plug connectors, waterproof or non-waterproof HF plug connectors are used depending on the application area, i.e., especially based on the available structural space. RF plug connectors, specifically designed for the desired application area, are used in many applications. In the automotive field, this is typically referred to as a FAKRA plug. The FAKRA plug is known to those skilled in the art and is a plug interface defined by the known Automotive Standards Committee (FAKRA) through which vehicle communication is achieved not only within the vehicle but also to external devices. It is defined according to DIN-72594-1 and ISO20860-1 and can be individually encoded for different signals.

[0013] Furthermore, it is specified that the metal washer is placed flat on the end region of the head where the threaded portion is arranged. Therefore, the metal washer can also be used as a gasket and can be easily assembled, i.e., by pushing it onto the threaded portion.

[0014] Furthermore, it is specified that the metal washer is at least partially disposed within the head. Therefore, the length of the threaded portion can be shortened. According to an embodiment, the metal washer can be completely disposed within the head, meaning it is not visible from the outside, for example, by plastic injection molding.

[0015] Alternatively, the metal washer can be visible from the outside, such that the metal washer divides the head into two parts.

[0016] Furthermore, it is specified that an assembly sleeve is formed around the head, or that the head is formed in a pre-defined shape. Therefore, standard assembly tools can be used to secure the screws.

[0017] Furthermore, it is specified that the thread is either a self-tapping thread or a non-self-tapping thread. Therefore, it can not only fix components that have pre-installed mating threads or cavities, but also components in which the screw cuts into the component by screwing itself in.

[0018] Furthermore, the antenna radiator is specified to provide V2X communication or near-field communication including at least Bluetooth and WLAN. Therefore, the vehicle antenna can be used not only in the vehicle's interior space, for example, for controlling functions via mobile phones, such as entertainment systems, but also in the external space, for example, for communicating with mobile phones or keys.

[0019] Furthermore, the regulations stipulate that the screw-in vehicle antenna can be located either inside the vehicle's interior or in an external area. Therefore, these components must meet the requirements for water resistance (IPx).

[0020] Furthermore, it is specified that the screw-in vehicle antenna is used to connect two non-conductive components to each other.

[0021] Furthermore, the screw-in vehicle antenna is specified to have a PCB (printed circuit board, PCB, or circuit board) arranged between the antenna radiator and the HF connector, and this PCB is provided with structural elements to provide amplifier circuitry or a matching network. In one embodiment, an amplifier component is provided, which is powered by a phantom feed via a coaxial cable fixed to the plug. Therefore, the operation is further improved. By equipping additional electrical components, such as capacitors, an adaptive matching circuit can be implemented, which can achieve (automatic) retuning based on antenna detuning by integration into a new, un-initialized structural space. This increases the flexibility of component placement.

[0022] Other features and advantages of the invention are derived from the following description of embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings illustrating details according to the invention, and the claims. Various features may be implemented individually or in any combination in variations of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a screw-in vehicle antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 An embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 The image shows a 3D cross-sectional view of a screw-in vehicle antenna.

[0026] Figure 3A 3D cross-sectional view of a screw-in vehicle antenna according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0027] Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 The image shows a 3D cross-sectional view of a screw-in vehicle antenna with an additional circuit board. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description of the figures, the same elements or functions are given the same reference numerals.

[0029] The basic principle of this invention is to reduce the complexity of assembly and the number of required components by using existing assembly elements. These assembly elements are screws made of non-conductive materials.

[0030] Figure 1 A view showing one embodiment of a screw-in vehicle antenna 1 according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 A 3D cross-sectional view of the embodiment is shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 An alternative implementation of the screw-in vehicle antenna 1 is shown in a 3D cross-sectional view.

[0031] As in Figure 2 ( Figure 1 (section) and Figure 3 As shown in the 3D cross-sectional view, the antenna radiator 10 is configured as a rod antenna or a monopole antenna and, for example, has a quarter-wave monopole, meaning the conductor length or rod length corresponds to one-quarter of the wavelength covered by the antenna radiator 10. Other suitable antenna shapes can also be used in principle, provided they are suitable for the application. The antenna radiator 10 is inserted into a plastic screw 1 configured as a screw-in antenna or vehicle antenna. Advantageously, the plastic screw 1 is used to secure one plastic component of a vehicle to another, for example, securing a spoiler cover to the lower spoiler housing. Alternatively, the plastic screw 1 can be screwed into a plastic component without securing another plastic component to it, for example, as a decorative element or in an inconspicuous location.

[0032] The plastic screw 1 is made of a non-conductive material, advantageously plastic or glass fiber reinforced plastic, depending on the mechanical properties required for the application, i.e., the threaded connection.

[0033] Furthermore, the plastic screw 1 has a threaded portion 20 and a head 21, the head being disposed on the end region of the threaded portion 20. An electrical connector in the form of an HF plug-in connector is attached to the head 21, advantageously a so-called FAKRA plug 30, as shown in the accompanying drawings. The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the FAKRA plug 30 shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein each HF plug-in connector suitable for the application being implemented can be used. The FAKRA plug 30 is fixed to the head 21. For electrical connection, a plug 32 for connection to a coaxial cable from inside the vehicle is provided within the FAKRA plug 30. The antenna radiator 10 is directly connected to the plug 32 or connected via a microstrip conductor.

[0034] The thread of the threaded part 20 can be made into a self-tapping thread or a non-self-tapping thread, depending on the application of the screw.

[0035] In addition, Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, a conductive metal washer 11 is applied to the threaded portion 20 and rests flat on the head 21. The metal washer 11 serves both as a gasket and as a reflector or ground plane in a monopole antenna. The diameter of the metal washer is advantageously larger than the diameter of the head 21 and is chosen to achieve the desired electrical characteristics of the antenna. Furthermore, a grounding connection can be established between the ground plane and the outer conductor of the coaxial cable by suitable means, the ground plane being implemented via the metal washer 11, either resting flat on the head 21 or being introduced into the head as described below.

[0036] exist Figure 3 In one alternative embodiment shown, the metal washer 11 is formed as part of the head 21, or the head 21 is divided into two parts. Therefore, the threaded portion 20 can be larger than... Figure 2 The embodiment shown is shorter because the rod of the antenna radiator 10 can also be partially arranged in the head 21. The length of the threaded portion 20 can be shortened or lengthened depending on the position of the metal washer 11 in the head component 21.

[0037] Advantageously, an assembly sleeve is formed around the head 21, or the head 21 is configured in a corresponding shape, such as an external hexagon or an external hexagon with rounded corners, so as to secure the plastic screw 1 with standard assembly tools.

[0038] exist Figure 4Another embodiment is shown, in which a PCB4 (printed circuit board) or circuit board is arranged between the antenna radiator 10 or rod and the FAKRA plug 30. The PCB4 may be equipped with structural elements to function as an amplifier circuit or matching network. Furthermore, an amplifier component may be provided, and the amplifier component may be powered via a phantom feed through a coaxial cable fixed to the plug 32. It may have components for compensation, i.e., to compensate for power losses due to high frequencies.

[0039] The screw-in vehicle antenna 1 can be used as an antenna to provide V2X communication, i.e., currently operating at 5.9 GHz, or as an antenna to support other services, such as near-field communication, like Bluetooth or WLAN. The services described are only a subset of the services to be supported. Multiple services can also be covered by the same vehicle antenna.

[0040] Screw-in vehicle antennas can be used as external antennas in the exterior area of ​​a vehicle or as internal antennas within the vehicle. If the vehicle antenna is located in the interior space, it can also be used as an antenna for V2X communication in a suitable arrangement. However, it must be ensured that there are no adverse effects on antenna radiation, such as due to coated glass plates or darkened metal components in the surrounding environment directly adjacent to the antenna.

[0041] Advantageously, the screw-in vehicle antenna, configured as a plastic screw 1, replaces screws made of plastic used for fixing mounting components (such as spoilers, fenders, front fenders, covers, fuel filler caps, door handles, headlight housings, trim elements, and baffle elements, trim elements, and other accessories in the exterior area and interior area). It should be noted that the propagation of electromagnetic waves is not affected by, for example, metallic objects. Furthermore, different thread diameters and thread lengths can be achieved depending on the application.

[0042] Combining antenna elements and mounting components into a single component simplifies assembly, saves structural space, and facilitates component integration into the vehicle. Furthermore, potentially unused vehicle structural space can be functionalized.

[0043] Figure Labels

[0044] 100mm screw-in antenna, vehicle antenna

[0045] I Plastic Screws

[0046] 10-antenna radiator

[0047] II. Reflector / Grounding Plane / Gap

[0048] 20 threaded section

[0049] 21 screw head

[0050] 30HF plug connector, in this case, is a FAKRA plug.

[0051] 32 plug

[0052] 4PCB / Circuit Board

Claims

1. A screw-in vehicle antenna (1), which has: —The threaded portion (20) and the head (21) connected to the end region of the threaded portion, both the threaded portion and the head being made of non-conductive material, and —At least one antenna radiator (10) disposed within a portion of the head (21) and a portion of the threaded portion (20), and —A metal washer (11) made of conductive material arranged on the head (21) and serving as a grounding plane. —An HF plug connector (30) disposed on the head (21) in the area opposite to the threaded portion (20) and fixed to the head, wherein, —The antenna radiator (10) is electrically connected to the plug (32) of the HF plug connector (30), and the screw-in vehicle antenna is used to connect two non-conductive components of the vehicle to each other.

2. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The metal washer (11) is placed on the end region of the head (21) where the threaded portion (20) is arranged.

3. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The metal washer (11) is at least partially disposed within the head (21).

4. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, A fitting sleeve is formed around the head (21), or the head (21) is formed in a predetermined shape.

5. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The thread is either a self-tapping thread or a non-self-tapping thread.

6. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The antenna radiator (10) provides V2X communication or near-field communication including at least Bluetooth and WLAN.

7. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The screw-in vehicle antenna can be placed in the interior space of the vehicle or in the exterior area of ​​the vehicle.

8. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The metal washer (11) is used as a reflector.

9. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the screw-in vehicle antenna further comprising a PCB disposed between the antenna radiator (10) and the HF plug connector (30), and the PCB being provided with structural elements thereby providing amplifier circuitry or a matching network.

10. The screw-in vehicle antenna (1) according to claim 9, wherein, An amplifier component is provided, which is powered by a phantom feed via a coaxial cable fixed to a plug (32).

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