Control device for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device (100) for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle (700). The control device (100) comprises: a housing (101) having a first plastic region (107) made of plastic; a first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) arranged on an inner side surface of the first plastic region (107); and a first antenna (115) formed in the first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) and having an antenna surface (117) and a contact surface (119) for electrically contacting the first antenna (115).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicles are generally configured to communicate with satellites, communication networks, transportation infrastructure devices, and / or other vehicles via radio waves, such as through mobile radio, satellite radio, or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). V2X communication is becoming increasingly important. V2X communication, also known as vehicle-to-everything communication, Car2X communication, or vehicle-to-X communication, enables the exchange of information and data between participants. The participants in V2X communication are primarily traffic participants and transportation infrastructure devices. Communication between V2X participants is conducted via radio signals, which are exchanged between participants using, for example, ITS-G5 / DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) or in mobile radio networks, such as through PC5 interfaces or Uu interfaces.

[0003] In order to communicate via radio waves, vehicles require corresponding transmitting units, receiving units, and / or combined transmitting and receiving units, which have antennas for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals. Services such as mobile radio, satellite radio, and WLAN differ from each other, especially in the radio frequencies they use, and therefore require different antennas. To use these various services, vehicles also require multiple antennas, structural space for the antennas, and components for processing the radio signals received by the antennas. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide an apparatus for transmitting and / or receiving radio signals in a vehicle, which is particularly improved in terms of structural space.

[0005] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a control device having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 13.

[0006] Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a control device for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle, the control device comprising: - A housing having a first plastic region made of plastic; - A first flexible antenna printed circuit board, the first flexible antenna printed circuit board being disposed on the inner surface of the first plastic region; and - A first antenna, which is constructed in a first flexible antenna printed circuit board and has an antenna surface and a contact surface for electrical contact with the first antenna.

[0008] According to the present invention, the antenna is thus integrated into a vehicle control device configured to process radio signals. Integrating the antenna into the control device enables a space-saving and low-cost implementation of both the control device and the antenna used for the control device, since the control device and the antenna are not implemented as separate components.

[0009] Furthermore, the antenna is constructed within a flexible antenna printed circuit board, which is disposed on the inner surface of the plastic area of ​​the control device's housing. Therefore, the housing also serves as a carrier for the antenna printed circuit board. Here, the flexibility of the antenna printed circuit board allows for a flexible and space-saving adaptation of the antenna printed circuit board to the shape of the housing. For example, unlike a housing made entirely of metal, placing the antenna printed circuit board on the plastic area of ​​the housing prevents the area of ​​the housing containing the antenna printed circuit board from shielding radio waves.

[0010] The inner surface of the plastic area represents a surface that faces the space area surrounded by the housing. By arranging the antenna printed circuit board on the inner surface of the plastic area, the antenna printed circuit board, and therefore the antenna, is protected by the housing, for example, from damage, dirt, and moisture.

[0011] For example, the antenna printed circuit board is arranged on the upper side of the housing. When the upper side of the housing is located, for example, under the roof of the vehicle or behind the windshield or rear window, arranging the antenna printed circuit board on the upper side of the housing improves the reception of radio waves by the antenna compared to arranging the antenna inside the housing or on the lower or side surface of the housing, because the radio waves received by the antenna are less affected by the housing attenuation or interference.

[0012] In one embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the first flexible antenna printed circuit board is connected to the first plastic region in a material-fit manner. For example, the first flexible antenna printed circuit board is connected to the first plastic region via an adhesive layer on the first flexible antenna printed circuit board or via adhesive tape. This enables a simple and low-cost connection between the first flexible antenna printed circuit board and the first plastic region.

[0013] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, a first flexible antenna printed circuit board is formed into a first plastic region. This enables the first flexible antenna printed circuit board to be connected to the first plastic region during the manufacturing of the first plastic region, for example, by encapsulating the first flexible antenna printed circuit board with the plastic of the first plastic region during injection molding when manufacturing the first plastic region.

[0014] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the first antenna is formed of a copper layer applied to a substrate film of a first flexible antenna printed circuit board. Copper is particularly well-suited as a material for the first antenna due to its good electrical conductivity.

[0015] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the substrate film of the first flexible antenna printed circuit board is made of polymer or impregnated paper.

[0016] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the side of the first flexible antenna printed circuit board facing away from the first plastic region has a protective coating that leaves open the contact surface of the first antenna. The protective coating advantageously protects the antenna surface of the first antenna from, for example, moisture and dirt. Leaving open the contact surface of the first antenna in the coating enables electrical contact between the first antenna and the first antenna through the contact surface of the first antenna.

[0017] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the first flexible antenna printed circuit board has a second antenna having an antenna surface and a contact surface. Thus, the first flexible antenna printed circuit board is used to construct more than one antenna. The first and second antennas differ from each other, for example, in their size and / or shape and thereby from each other in terms of their respective particularly sensitive radio frequencies.

[0018] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, a first resilient contact element is provided on the main printed circuit board of the control device, the first resilient contact element abutting against the contact surface of the first antenna. The main printed circuit board has, for example, electronic components configured to process radio signals. The contact element of the main printed circuit board enables electrical connection between the first antenna and the electronic components of the main printed circuit board. The resilient configuration of the contact element advantageously enables the application of a sustained pressing pressure to the contact surface of the first antenna. Furthermore, the resilient configuration of the contact element simplifies the connection between the contact surface of the first antenna and the main printed circuit board, since precise positioning of the contact surface and the main printed circuit board relative to each other is not required for this connection.

[0019] The contact element preferably has conductive silicon or silicon with a metallic surface, such as a silicon core pad. Alternatively or additionally, the contact element may have a resilient metal element, such as a contact pin or a C-clip. The metal may be, for example, spring bronze or spring steel. Metal contact elements can bridge a large distance between the main printed circuit board and the flexible antenna printed circuit board. The contact element is preferably arranged on the main printed circuit board of the control device using solder connections. One embodiment of the invention has one or more silicon contact elements on one side of the main printed circuit board and one or more metal contact elements on the other side of the main printed circuit board.

[0020] Another embodiment of the control device according to the present invention includes a second flexible antenna printed circuit board and a third antenna, wherein, - A second flexible antenna printed circuit board is disposed on the inner surface of the second plastic region of the housing; and - The third antenna is constructed within the second flexible antenna printed circuit board and has an antenna surface and a contact surface for electrical contact with the third antenna.

[0021] In the aforementioned embodiments of the control device according to the invention, at least another plastic area of ​​the housing is used to house the antenna.

[0022] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the main printed circuit board has a second resilient contact element that abuts against the contact surface of the third antenna. This enables the third antenna to be contacted by the second resilient contact element in a manner similar to the first antenna being contacted by the first resilient contact element.

[0023] In another embodiment of the control device according to the invention, the first and second resilient contact elements are arranged on different sides of the main printed circuit board. This is particularly advantageous when the first and second flexible antenna printed circuit boards are arranged on different sides of the housing.

[0024] This objective is also achieved by a vehicle having a control device configured according to the invention, arranged near the underside of the vehicle roof or behind the windshield or rear window, such that the upper side of the housing of the control device faces the roof, windshield, or rear window. By arranging the control device near the underside of the vehicle roof, attenuation or interference from vehicle components is largely avoided in the reception of radio waves by the control device's antenna. Further advantages of the vehicle according to the invention arise from the aforementioned advantages of the control device according to the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Figure 1A first cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the control device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A second sectional view of the control device shown; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The third sectional view of the control device shown; Figure 4 A first cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the control device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A second sectional view of the control device shown; Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the control device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 7 An embodiment of the vehicle according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Corresponding parts are labeled with the same reference numerals in the figures. Different parts are not shown to scale, but rather enlarged relative to the others to make their basic structure and arrangement understandable. For better understanding, Cartesian coordinates with x, y, and z are drawn in each figure.

[0027] Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 A first embodiment of a control device 100 for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle according to the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the control device 100 in the first section is shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the control device 100 is shown in a second section, which is perpendicular to the first section. Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the control device 100 is shown in a third section, which is perpendicular to both the first and second sections. The control device 100 includes a housing 101, a flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, and a main printed circuit board 205.

[0028] The housing 101 has a plastic region 107, which is made of plastic and partially or completely forms the upper part of the housing 101. The housing 101 also has a lower part 209.

[0029] The lower portion 209 of the housing is made of metal, for example. This allows for good heat dissipation from the housing 101. Furthermore, the metal construction ensures particularly stable implementation of the lower portion 209. The upper portion of the housing is made of plastic, preventing electrical shielding of radio waves.

[0030] The main printed circuit board 205 is disposed within the housing 101, that is, within the space enclosed by the housing 101. The main printed circuit board 205 is connected to the housing 101 via a support member 211. The support member 211 may be part of the lower part 209 of the housing. Electronic components (not shown) for signal processing of radio signals are also disposed on the main printed circuit board 205. The main printed circuit board 205 also has a contact element 113 that electrically connects the main printed circuit board 205 to the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0031] A flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is disposed on the inner surface of a plastic region 107, the inner surface of which faces the main printed circuit board 205. An antenna 115 is constructed in the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, the antenna 115 having an antenna surface 117 and a contact surface 119 for electrical contact with the antenna 115. The flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 also has a substrate film 220 and a protective coating 121.

[0032] The substrate film 220 of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is made of, for example, a polymer or impregnated paper.

[0033] The antenna surface 117 and contact surface 119 of the antenna 115 are formed of a copper layer, which is applied to the substrate thin film 220.

[0034] The protective coating 121 forms on the inner surface of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, i.e., the surface facing the main printed circuit board 205, and covers the antenna surface 117 of the antenna 115, but does not cover the contact surface 119 of the antenna 115. In other words, the protective coating 121 is a layer of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 facing the main printed circuit board 205, leaving the contact surface 119 of the antenna 115 exposed. The protective coating 121 is, for example, a protective varnish or a protective film.

[0035] The outline of the antenna surface 117 of antenna 115 is in Figure 1 The image is shown by dashed lines. The antenna surface 117 itself is... Figure 1 It is not visible because the antenna surface 117 is covered by a protective coating 121.

[0036] The flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is connected to the plastic area 107 via an adhesive layer 223 in a material-fit manner. The adhesive layer 223 is, for example, an adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape on the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103.

[0037] The contact element 113 of the main printed circuit board 205 extends to the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 and abuts against the contact surface 119 of the antenna 115. The contact element 113 is elastically configured and has an elastic core 125 and a flexible conductive coating 127, the elastic core being made of, for example, silicon. The elastic core 125 has cavities 229, which improve the elastic deformability of the contact element 113 compared to a configuration of the elastic core 125 without these cavities 229.

[0038] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A second embodiment of a control device 100 for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle according to the present invention is shown. Figure 4 The control device 100 is shown in a first cross section similar to Figure 1 A sectional view. Figure 5 The control device 100 is shown in the second section as similar to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view, the second section being perpendicular to the first section. The control device 100 includes a housing 101, a flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, and a main printed circuit board 205.

[0039] The housing 101 has a plastic region 107, which is made of plastic and forms the upper part of the housing 101. The housing 101 also has a lower part 209, which is made of, for example, metal, opens on the upper side and is closed by the plastic region 107.

[0040] The main printed circuit board 205 is disposed within the housing 101. The main printed circuit board 205 is connected to the housing 101 via a support member 211. The support member 211 may be part of the lower portion 209 of the housing. Electronic components (not shown) for signal processing of radio signals are additionally disposed on the main printed circuit board 205. The main printed circuit board 205 also has contact elements 113, each of which electrically connects the main printed circuit board 205 to the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0041] A flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is disposed on the inner surface of the plastic region 107. Two antennas 115 and 433 are constructed in the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103. Each antenna 115 and 433 has an antenna surface 117 and a contact surface 119 for electrical contact with the antennas 115 and 433. The flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 also has a substrate film 220 and a protective coating 121.

[0042] The substrate film 220 of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is made of, for example, a polymer or impregnated paper.

[0043] The antenna surface 117 and contact surface 119 of each antenna 115, 433 are formed of a copper layer, which is applied to the substrate film 220.

[0044] The protective coating 121 forms on the inner surface of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 and covers the antenna surface 117, but does not cover the contact surfaces 119 of the antennas 115 and 433. In other words, the protective coating 121 is a layer of the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 facing the main printed circuit board 205, leaving the contact surfaces 119 exposed. The protective coating 121 is, for example, a protective varnish or a protective film.

[0045] The outline of antenna surface 117 is in Figure 4 The image is shown by dashed lines. The antenna surface 117 itself is... Figure 4 It is not visible because the antenna surface 117 is covered by a protective coating 121.

[0046] The flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is connected to the plastic area 107 via an adhesive layer 223 in a material-fit manner. The adhesive layer 223 is, for example, an adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape on the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103.

[0047] Contact elements 113 of the main printed circuit board 205 each extend to the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103. Each contact element 113 abuts against the contact surface 119 of the antenna 115, 433. Each contact element 113 is elastically configured and has an elastic core 125 and a flexible conductive coating 127, the elastic core being made of, for example, silicon. The elastic core 125 has cavities 229, which improve the elastic deformability of the contact element 113 compared to a configuration of the elastic core 125 without these cavities 229.

[0048] Figure 6 This illustrates a third embodiment of the control device 100 for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle according to the present invention, similar to... Figure 2 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view. The control device 100 includes a housing 101, a first flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, a second flexible antenna printed circuit board 635, and a main printed circuit board 205.

[0049] The housing 101 has a first plastic region 107 and a second plastic region 637, each made of plastic. The first plastic region 107 forms the upper portion of the housing 101. The second plastic region 637 is part of the lower portion 209 of the housing 101, which opens on its upper side and is closed by the first plastic region 107. The second plastic region 637 is disposed on the lower side of the lower portion 209. Except for the second plastic region 637, the lower portion 209 is made of, for example, metal.

[0050] The main printed circuit board 205 is disposed within the housing 101. The main printed circuit board 205 is connected to the housing 101 via a support member 211. The support member 211 may be part of the lower portion 209 of the housing. Electronic components (not shown) for signal processing of radio signals are also disposed on the main printed circuit board 205. The main printed circuit board 205 also has contact elements 113 and 638, which each electrically connect the main printed circuit board 205 to the flexible antenna printed circuit boards 103 and 635 in a manner described in more detail below.

[0051] A first flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 is disposed on the inner surface of the first plastic region 107. An antenna 115 is constructed in the first flexible antenna printed circuit board 103. A second flexible antenna printed circuit board 635 is disposed on the inner surface of the second plastic region 637. An antenna 639 is constructed in the second flexible antenna printed circuit board 103. Each antenna 115, 639 has an antenna surface 117 and a contact surface 119 for electrical contact with the antenna 115, 639. Each flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, 635 also has a substrate film 220 and a protective coating 121.

[0052] The substrate film 220 of each flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, 635 is made of, for example, polymer or impregnated paper.

[0053] The antenna surface 117 and contact surface 119 of each antenna 115, 639 are formed of a copper layer, which is applied to the substrate film 220 of the corresponding antenna printed circuit board 103, 635.

[0054] A protective coating 121 is formed on the inner surface of each flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, 635 and covers the antenna surface 117, but does not cover the contact surface 119 of the antennas 115, 639 of the antenna printed circuit boards 103, 635. The protective coating 121 is, for example, a protective varnish or a protective film.

[0055] Each flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, 635 is connected to the corresponding plastic area 107, 637 in a material-fit manner via an adhesive layer 223. The adhesive layer 223 is, for example, an adhesive layer or double-sided adhesive tape on the flexible antenna printed circuit board 103, 635.

[0056] Contact element 113 extends from the upper side of main printed circuit board 205 to first flexible antenna printed circuit board 103 and abuts against contact surface 119 of antenna 115. Contact element 113 is elastically configured and has an elastic core 125 and a flexible conductive coating 127, the elastic core being made of, for example, silicon. The elastic core 125 has cavities 229, which improve the elastic deformability of contact element 113 compared to a configuration of elastic core 125 without these cavities 229.

[0057] Contact element 638 extends from the underside of the main printed circuit board 205 to the second flexible antenna printed circuit board 635 and abuts against the contact surface 119 of the antenna 639. Contact element 638 is elastically configured as a metal spring contact. Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the spring contact has a C-shaped profile.

[0058] Figure 7 An embodiment of a vehicle 700 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically. The vehicle 700 has a control device 100, which, according to reference... Figures 1 to 6 The embodiment described herein is configured and arranged near the roof 701 of the vehicle 700 or behind the windshield or rear window of the vehicle 700, such that the upper side of the housing 101 of the control device 100 faces the roof 701 of the vehicle or the windshield or rear window of the vehicle.

[0059] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 100 Control device 101 Casing 103 Flexible Antenna Printed Circuit Board 107 Plastic Area 113 Contact element 115 antenna 117 Antenna Surface 119 Contact Surface 121 Protective Coating 125 elastic core 127 Conductive coating 205 Main Printed Circuit Board 209 Lower part of the shell 211 Support component 220 substrate film 223 Adhesive layer 229 Cavity 433 antenna 635 Flexible Antenna Printed Circuit Board 637 Plastic Area 638 Contact element 639 antenna 700 vehicles 701 roof Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z)

Claims

1. A control device (100) for receiving and processing radio signals in a vehicle (700), the control device (100) comprising: - A housing (101) having a first plastic region (107) made of plastic; - A first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) is disposed on the inner surface of the first plastic region (107); as well as - A first antenna (115) is constructed in the first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) and has an antenna surface (117) and a contact surface (119) for electrical contact with the first antenna (115).

2. The control device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) is connected to the first plastic area (107) in a material-fit manner.

3. The control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) is connected to the first plastic area (107) by an adhesive layer on the first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) or by an adhesive tape.

4. The control device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) is formed into the first plastic region (107).

5. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first antenna (115) is formed of a copper layer, which is applied to the substrate film (220) of the first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103).

6. The control device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The substrate film (220) is made of polymer or impregnated paper.

7. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) has a protective coating (121) on the side opposite to the first plastic area (107), the protective coating leaving the contact surface (119) of the first antenna (115).

8. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The first flexible antenna printed circuit board (103) has a second antenna (433), and the second antenna has an antenna surface (117) and a contact surface (119).

9. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, the control device (100) having a main printed circuit board (205) arranged in the housing (101) and having a first resilient contact element (113, 638) abutting against the contact surface (119) of the first antenna (115).

10. The control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control device (100) has a second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) and a third antenna (639), wherein, - The second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) is disposed on the inner surface of the second plastic region (107) of the housing (101); and - The third antenna (639) is constructed in the second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) and has an antenna surface (117) and a contact surface (119) for electrical contact with the third antenna (639).

11. The control device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the control device (100) has a second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) and a third antenna (639), wherein, - The second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) is disposed on the inner surface of the second plastic region (107) of the housing (101); and - The third antenna (639) is constructed in the second flexible antenna printed circuit board (635) and has an antenna surface (117) and a contact surface (119) for electrical contact with the third antenna (639).

12. The control device (100) according to claim 11, wherein, The main printed circuit board (205) has a second elastic contact element (113, 638) abutting against the contact surface (119) of the third antenna (639).

13. The control device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The first elastic contact element (113, 638) and the second elastic contact element (113, 638) are arranged on different sides of the main printed circuit board (205).

14. A vehicle (700) having a control device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the control device (100) being arranged near the roof (701) of the vehicle (700) below or behind the windshield or rear window of the vehicle (700) such that the upper side of the housing (101) of the control device (100) faces the roof (701).

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