Vertical polarization low-profile slot antenna on glass beside conductor

Abstract

A vehicle includes a window having an antenna assembly. The window includes a glass surface, a metal frame, and a set of defroster wires. The top defroster wire and the top edge of the metal frame define an antenna area. The antenna assembly includes a slot antenna disposed within the antenna region. The slot antenna is disposed on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of the window with a top side located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame. The feeding point is located in the center area of the slot antenna, and the first slot and the second slot of the slot antenna intersect at the feeding point. A feed line extends from the feed point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface to connect the slot antenna to a communication device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to antennas used in vehicles, and more particularly to an antenna assembly that can be implemented in a window that includes defroster lines. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles include antennas for various signal communications, such as radio signals, satellite signals, and the like. As antenna size decreases, the choice of antenna placement becomes increasingly more difficult. However, placement of an antenna on a rear window of a vehicle is hindered by the presence of defroster lines, which occupy a large portion of the rear window. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an antenna assembly that can be arranged to fit within an area of the rear window that is not used by the defroster lines and operate within that area. SUMMARY

[0003] In an example embodiment, an antenna assembly for a vehicle window is disclosed. The antenna assembly includes a slot antenna, a feed point, and a feed line. The slot antenna has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, where the slot antenna is disposed on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of the window with the top side located proximate a horizontal cover line of a metal frame of the window. The feed point is located in a central region of the slot antenna, where the slot antenna includes a first slot and a second slot that intersect at the feed point. The feed line extends from the feed point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, where the feed line connects the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal frame is located over a portion of the glass surface and separated from the glass surface by the separation gap, and a portion of the slot antenna is located in the separation gap and an electrically conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap electrically couples the portion of the slot antenna to the metal frame.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the electrically conductive adhesive layer includes a polyurethane adhesive.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first slot and the second slot are one of: symmetric about an axis of the feed line; and asymmetric about the axis of the feed line.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the slot antenna includes a wire mesh.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top side of the slot antenna is one of: aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the window is a rear window that includes a set of defroster lines, and the slot antenna is disposed within an antenna area between the set of defroster lines and a top edge of the metal frame.

[0010] In another example embodiment, a vehicle window is disclosed. The window includes a glass surface, a metal frame around the glass surface, a set of defroster lines in the glass surface, where a top line of the set of defroster lines is separated from a top edge of the metal frame by an antenna area, and a slot antenna disposed in the antenna area. The slot antenna has a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, where the top side is located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame, a feed point is located in a central region of the slot antenna, where the slot antenna includes a first slot and a second slot that intersect at the feed point, and a feed line that extends from the feed point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, where the feed line connects the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal frame is located over a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by the separation gap, and a portion of the slot antenna is located in the separation gap, further including a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap that electrically couples the portion of the slot antenna to the metal frame.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the conductive adhesive layer includes a polyurethane adhesive.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first slot and the second slot are one of: symmetric about an axis of the feed line; and asymmetric about the axis of the feed line.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the slot antenna includes a wire mesh.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top side of the slot antenna is one of: aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the window is a rear window of a vehicle.

[0017] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a window with a glass surface, a metal frame surrounding the perimeter of the window defining at least a horizontal and a vertical coverage line, wherein the metal frame is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, a set of defrost lines in the glass surface, wherein the top line of the set of defrost lines is separated from the top edge of the metal frame by an antenna region, and a slot antenna disposed in the antenna region. The slot antenna has a top side and a bottom side opposite to the top side, wherein the top side is located near the horizontal coverage line of the metal frame, a feed point is located in the central region of the slot antenna, wherein the slot antenna includes a first slot and a second slot intersecting at the feed point, and a feed wire extending from the feed point through the separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, wherein the feed wire connects the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the metal frame is situated above a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, and a portion of the slot antenna is located within the separation gap, which also includes a conductive adhesive layer within the separation gap that electrically connects that portion of the slot antenna to the metal frame.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the conductive adhesive layer includes a polyurethane adhesive.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first gap and the second gap are one of the following: symmetrical about the feeder line axis; and asymmetrical about the feeder line axis.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, slot antennas include wire meshes.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the top side of the slot antenna is one of the following: aligned with the horizontal coverage line of the metal frame; and separated from the horizontal coverage line by a preselected gap.

[0023] The above-described features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Other features, advantages, and details appear only by way of example in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 A vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment is shown;

[0026] Figure 2 A view of a vehicle window in an embodiment is shown;

[0027] Figure 3A plan view of an antenna assembly in a window in an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A close-up view of the upper left corner of a window in an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0029] Figure 5 A side view of a window and antenna assembly in an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0030] Figure 6 A plan view of a slot antenna in an alternative embodiment is shown.

[0031] Figure 7 A plan view of a slot antenna in an embodiment having first and second slots that are symmetric with respect to the axis of the feed line is shown.

[0032] Figure 8 A plan view of a slot antenna in another embodiment having first and second slots that are symmetric with respect to the axis of the feed line is shown.

[0033] Figure 9 A plan view of the upper left corner of a window in another embodiment is shown; and

[0034] Figure 10 A close-up view of a slot antenna in an illustrative embodiment is shown. Figure 3 A close-up view of a slot antenna in an illustrative embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0036] According to exemplary embodiments, Figure 1 A vehicle 100 is shown. The vehicle 100 includes a window 102 having an antenna assembly 104 embedded therein for communication purposes. The window 102 is shown as a rear window of the vehicle 100, but in various embodiments can be any window of the vehicle. The window 102 divides the space around the vehicle 100 into an exterior region 106 outside the vehicle (i.e., behind the window 102) and an interior region 108 inside the vehicle (i.e., in front of the window). A coordinate system 112 of the antenna assembly 104 is shown. The x-axis and z-axis define a plane of the window 102 and antenna assembly 104. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate movement or placement of an object along the x-axis, while the terms "up" and "down" are used to indicate movement or placement of an object along the z-axis. The y-axis points out of the plane of the window 102 and into the exterior region 106. Placement of a first object "above" a second object is indicated by the first object being located a more positive position along the y-axis than the second object.

[0037] Antenna assembly 104 is coupled to communication device 110, such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) or Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In various embodiments, antenna assembly 104 is capable of communication in the range between 600 MHz and 6 GHz.

[0038] Figure 2 View 200 of a vehicle window 102 as seen along the y-axis in one embodiment is shown. The window 102 includes a glass surface 202 (or glass layer) and a metal frame 204 that secures the glass surface 202 to the vehicle. The metal frame 204 is located around the periphery of the glass surface 202 and includes a top edge 206, a bottom edge 208, a left edge 210, and a right edge 212. Each of the top edge 206 and the bottom edge 208 forms a horizontal edge of the window 102, while each of the left edge 210 and the right edge 212 forms a vertical edge of the window. Although not shown, the edges of the glass surface 202 may extend below the corresponding edges of the metal frame 204. A set of 214 defroster lines fills the area of ​​the window 102. The top line 216 of this set of 214 defroster lines is separated from the top edge 206 of the metal frame 204 by an antenna region 218. Antenna assembly 104 is disposed in antenna region 218 in the upper left corner of window 102 (i.e., the corner defined by the intersection of top edge 206 and left edge 210). Glass surface 202, antenna assembly 104, and metal frame 204 are located in different layers along the y-axis, as referenced herein. Figure 4 As stated above.

[0039] Figure 3 A plan view 300 of the antenna assembly 104 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The antenna assembly 104 includes a slot antenna 302. The slot antenna 302 has a rectangular shape, having a top side 304 and a bottom side 306, as well as a left side 308 and a right side 310. A feed point 312 is centrally located within the region of the slot antenna 302. A feed line 314 extends from the feed point 312 along a feed line axis 315 beyond the slot antenna 302 at the top side 304. The feed line axis 315 extends along the z-axis.

[0040] The slot antenna 302 includes a first slot 316 to the left of the feed point 312 and a second slot 318 to the right of the feed point 312. The first slot 316 acts as an radio frequency (RF) balun, while the second slot 318 acts as the main radiating portion of the slot antenna 302. The RF balun converts an unbalanced RF transmission line into a balanced RF transmission line. The RF balun can also be used to convert a balanced RF transmission line into an unbalanced RF transmission line. The purpose of the first slot 316 is to connect the unbalanced feed line 314 to the balanced antenna slot (second slot 318), thereby allowing the antenna radiating portion of the slot antenna 302 to be balanced or substantially balanced.

[0041] The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 intersect at the feed point 312. The first slot 316 is a hybrid of a circular opening and a square opening, with the circular opening occupying three quadrants of the slot and the square opening located in the upper right quadrant of the slot. The square's extended vertex is located at the feed point 312. The second slot 318 is in the form of a teardrop extending from the feed point 312, with the point of the teardrop at the feed point and the wide portion of the teardrop away from the feed point along the x-axis. The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 are different in shape and size, thereby forming an asymmetric antenna.

[0042] Figure 4 A close-up view 400 of the upper left corner of the window 102 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The close-up view 400 shows the top edge 206 and the left edge 210 of the metal frame 204. The top edge 206 defines a horizontal cover line 402 that separates the visible area of the window from a portion of the window that is a hidden area below the top edge. The left edge 210 defines a vertical cover line 404 that separates the visible portion of the window from a portion of the window that is hidden below the left edge.

[0043] The slot antenna 302 is disposed in the upper left corner of the outer surface of the window 102 within the antenna area 218. The slot antenna 302 is arranged with a top side 304 that extends beyond the horizontal cover line 402, between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202. A bottom side 306 is away from the top edge and is located near the top line 216 of the set 214 of defroster lines. In addition, a left side 308 extends beyond the vertical cover line 404, between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202. The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 are entirely within the visible area of the window. The feed line 314 extends from the feed point 312 out of the slot antenna 302 at the top side 304 and between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202 to connect to the communication device 110 so that RF signals can be transmitted and / or received.

[0044] Figure 5 A side view 500 of the window 102 and the antenna assembly 104 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The y-axis is shown with respect to the window 102. The side view 500 includes a glass layer 502 that includes the glass surface 202, an antenna layer 504 that includes the slot antenna 302, a conductive adhesive layer 506, and the metal frame 204. The metal frame 204 is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap h. In various embodiments, the separation gap h is about 6 millimeters. A portion of the slot antenna 302 is disposed on the glass surface 202 and within the separation gap h. The conductive adhesive layer 506 is disposed within the separation gap h to secure the portion of the slot antenna 302 to the metal frame 204. The conductive adhesive layer 506 electrically couples the slot antenna 302 to the metal frame 204, thereby grounding the slot antenna 302. In various embodiments, the conductive adhesive layer 506 includes a polyurethane adhesive.

[0045] Figure 6 A plan view 600 of a slot antenna 602 in an alternative embodiment is shown. The slot antenna 602 includes a first slot 604 and a second slot 606. The first slot 604 has the same shape as the first slot 316 in Figure 3 Figure 3

[0046] Figure 7 Figure 8 A symmetric slot antenna suitable for use in the antenna assembly 104 is shown. Figure 7 A plan view 700 of a slot antenna 702 in an embodiment is shown, having a first slot 704 and a second slot 706 that are symmetric with respect to the feed line axis 315. The first slot 704 and the second slot 706 are in the form of teardrops, having a pointed end at the feed point 312 and a wide end away from the feed point along the x-axis. Figure 8 A plan view 800 of a slot antenna 802 in another embodiment is shown, having a first slot and a second slot that are symmetric with respect to the feed line axis. The first slot 804 and the second slot 806 are symmetric about the feed line axis 315, and each slot is spoon-shaped, and generally extends downward along the z-axis, with the wide end facing away from the feed line axis 315.

[0047] Figure 9 A plan view 900 of the upper left corner of the window 102 in another embodiment is shown. The top side 304 of the slot antenna 302 is located at a preselected distance d from the horizontal coverage line 402 of the metal frame 204 by a gap. The left side 308 of the slot antenna 302 is away from the vertical coverage line 404 of the metal frame 204 by a gap.

[0048] Figure 10 A close-up view 1000 of the slot antenna 302 in an illustrative embodiment is shown. The slot antenna 302 includes a wire mesh 1002, which is surrounded by a mesh-contouring material. The contouring material is made of a wire that is thicker than the wires of the mesh 1002, and forms a continuous conductive material. The contouring material includes an edge segment 1004, a feed line segment 1008, and a slot segment 1008. The edge segment 1004 forms the perimeter of the slot antenna 302. The feed line segment 1008 extends along the feed line 314. The slot segment contours along the edges of the first slot 316 and the second slot 318. Figure 3

[0049] ​​​​The terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term “or” means “and / or” unless clearly indicated otherwise. The reference herein to “one aspect” means that a particular element described in connection with the aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and can or can not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements can be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0050] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements can also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all test standards are the most recent standard in effect at the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standard appears.

[0052] Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0053] While the foregoing disclosure has been described in reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the central scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. An antenna assembly suitable for use with a vehicle window, comprising: a slot antenna having a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the slot antenna is disposed on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of the window, the top side being located proximate a horizontal cover line of a metal frame of the window; a feed point located in a central region of the slot antenna, wherein the slot antenna includes a first slot and a second slot that intersect at the feed point; and a feed line extending from the feed point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, wherein the feed line connects the slot antenna to a communication device.

2. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein, the metal frame is located over a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by the separation gap, and a portion of the slot antenna is located in the separation gap, further comprising an electrically conductive adhesive layer located in the separation gap that electrically couples the portion of the slot antenna to the metal frame.

3. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein, the first slot and the second slot are one of: (i) symmetric about an axis of the feed line; and (ii) asymmetric about an axis of the feed line.

4. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein, the slot antenna includes a mesh of electrically conductive wires.

5. The antenna assembly of claim 1, wherein, the top side of the slot antenna is one of: (i) aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and (ii) separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

6. A vehicle, comprising: a window having a glass surface; a metal frame surrounding a perimeter of the window, the metal frame defining at least a horizontal cover line and a vertical cover line, wherein the metal frame is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap; a set of defroster lines in the glass surface, wherein a top line of the set of defroster lines is separated from a top edge of the metal frame by an antenna area; a slot antenna disposed in the antenna area, the slot antenna having: a top side and a bottom side opposite the top side, wherein the top side is located proximate the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; a feed point located in a central region of the slot antenna, wherein the slot antenna includes a first slot and a second slot that intersect at the feed point; and a feed line extending from the feed point through the separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, wherein the feed line connects the slot antenna to a communication device.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the metal frame is located over a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by the separation gap, and a portion of the slot antenna is located in the separation gap, further comprising an electrically conductive adhesive layer located in the separation gap that electrically couples the portion of the slot antenna to the metal frame.

8. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the first slot and the second slot are one of: (i) symmetric about an axis of the feed line; and (ii) asymmetric about an axis of the feed line.

9. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the slot antenna includes a mesh of electrically conductive wires.

10. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, the top side of the slot antenna is one of: (i) aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and (ii) separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

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