Antenna device and vehicle

Abstract

This disclosure relates to antenna devices and vehicles. In one embodiment, the antenna device includes: a windshield; an integrated module including an SXM antenna, the integrated module being attached to the windshield; a plurality of antennas disposed on top of the windshield; and an infotainment unit, wherein the infotainment unit, the integrated module, and the plurality of antennas are arranged adjacent to each other and adjacent to the windshield.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0190028, filed on December 18, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a transparent antenna device for use in vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] The following description provides background information on this disclosure only and does not constitute prior art.

[0005] As the services offered by vehicles diversify, various types of antennas are installed in vehicles. Roof antennas are typically mounted on the roof of a vehicle. Roof antennas are often made in a shape similar to a shark fin, so they are also called shark fin antennas.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a conventional antenna installed on a vehicle.

[0007] A typical vehicle may include a rooftop antenna 100.

[0008] The vehicle may also include a glass antenna 130 integrated with a heating element. The glass antenna 130 may be implemented in an area other than the blank space 120 on top of the glass 110 to operate the high-mount stop lamp (HMSL) and the built-in camera.

[0009] The glass antenna 130 is integrated with the heating element of the vehicle's glass 110 and is not easily identified as an antenna. Therefore, the glass antenna 130 does not detract from the appearance, thereby improving the overall design integrity of the vehicle.

[0010] On the other hand, the roof antenna 100 is a component protruding from the exterior of the vehicle, which disrupts the seamless design of the vehicle and is often requested to be removed by users for aesthetic reasons. Additionally, external antennas increase air resistance while the vehicle is in motion, thus reducing fuel efficiency and degrading driving performance.

[0011] Recently, there has been a trend towards reducing the size of the roof antenna 100 or removing it altogether. This is because reducing or removing the roof antenna 100, which protrudes from the vehicle's exterior, can improve the vehicle's appearance and reduce air resistance. However, reducing or removing the roof antenna 100 raises concerns about a potential reduction in the vehicle's receive bandwidth or a potential degradation in communication capabilities. For example, removing the roof antenna 100 would require replacing it with another antenna. Furthermore, reducing the size of the roof antenna 100 makes it difficult to properly arrange multiple radiators within the reduced internal space, and the narrow spacing between radiators can lead to interference and consequently, antenna performance degradation.

[0012] In order to reduce the size of the roof antenna 100 or completely remove the roof antenna 100, an antenna that can perform all or some of the functions of the roof antenna 100 is needed.

[0013] Conventional CCS (Cellular Communication System) or GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) antennas are typically integrated into the roof-mounted antenna, such as a shark fin antenna positioned at the top of the rear roof of the vehicle. Additionally, the infotainment unit 150 is located within the cockpit formed at the front of the vehicle and connects to the CCS or GNSS antenna via coaxial cable. However, when applying next-generation communication technologies such as 5G, the external protruding structure of the roof-mounted antenna limits the aesthetic design and makes it difficult to increase the antenna size. In other words, there is a problem in integrating antennas for next-generation communication technologies such as 5G.

[0014] Furthermore, conventional CCS or GNSS antennas have structural issues, namely, a long physical distance between the antenna and the infotainment unit 150. The longer the distance between the infotainment unit 150 and the antenna, the greater the loss of the RF (Radio Frequency) line 140. Specifically, because the loss rate of the RF line 140 tends to increase with increasing frequency, there is a concern that the performance of the entire vehicle communication system may be degraded due to the high loss of the RF line 140 when applying high-frequency band communication technologies such as 5G. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In view of the above, this disclosure improves the performance of the vehicle's communication system by using a transparent antenna on the vehicle's windshield to reduce RF line losses.

[0016] In addition, this disclosure improves the performance of the vehicle's communication system by arranging the GNSS antenna and the integrated module at the shortest distance.

[0017] The purposes of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other purposes not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0018] Beneficial effects

[0019] According to the implementation method, the transparent antenna device for vehicles can improve the performance of the vehicle communication system by reducing RF line loss through the application of the transparent antenna to the vehicle's windshield.

[0020] According to the implementation method, the transparent antenna device for vehicles can improve signal transmission efficiency by arranging the GNSS antenna and the integrated module at the shortest distance, thereby optimizing the performance of the vehicle communication system. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a conventional antenna structure used in vehicles.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of antennas disposed on a windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a circuit block diagram of an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0026] In the following description, some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, although elements are shown in different drawings, the same reference numerals preferably denote the same elements. Furthermore, in the following description of some embodiments, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations therein will be omitted for clarity and brevity.

[0027] Furthermore, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., are used only to distinguish one component from other components and do not imply or indicate the material, order, or sequence of the components. Throughout this specification, when a part “includes” or “comprises” a component, that part also includes other components, without excluding them, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Terms such as “unit”, “module,” etc., refer to one or more units for performing at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating a plurality of antennas disposed on a windshield according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] refer to Figure 2 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the plurality of antennas 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206 include some or all of GNSS antenna 206, first CCS antenna 202, second CCS antenna 203, third CCS antenna 204 and fourth CCS antenna 205.

[0030] Multiple antennas 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206 can be configured to be adjacent to an integrated module 207, which will be described below.

[0031] Multiple antennas 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206 are preferably disposed on the top of the windshield 200 of the vehicle.

[0032] Multiple antennas 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206 can be configured as transparent antennas. According to this disclosure, the multiple antennas 202, 203, 204, 205, and 206 are visually inconspicuous by using transparent materials and can be manufactured using transparent conductive materials to perform antenna functions.

[0033] Multiple antennas 202, 203, 204, 205 and 206 can be attached and fixed to the inner surface of the windshield 200.

[0034] According to this disclosure, the infotainment unit 150 can be positioned anywhere at the front of the vehicle. Specifically, the infotainment unit 150 can be fixed to the windshield crossbar in the engine compartment of the vehicle using a bracket or the like.

[0035] The integrated module 207 is installed on the inner side of the upper center of the vehicle windshield 200 and is securely connected to the windshield 200 using the windshield integrated cover 201.

[0036] Multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205, positioned on both edges of the windshield 200, receive data communication signals. The signals received from the multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 are transmitted via wiring to an integrated module 207, where they are processed by matching circuitry and amplifiers. The processed signals are then transmitted to the infotainment unit 150 via a FAKRA (Fachkreis Automobil) connector.

[0037] The GNSS antenna 206, located at the upper center of the windshield 200, receives satellite signals and amplifies and filters the received signals through a low-noise amplifier (LNA) inside the integrated module 207 before sending them to the infotainment unit 150.

[0038] The SXM (Sirius XM) patch antenna 307 is included in the integrated module 207 according to this disclosure. The SXM patch antenna 307 receives satellite broadcast (SDARS) signals and processes the received signals through a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a filter. The processed SXM signal is powered by a bias power supply and transmitted to the infotainment unit 150. The SXM patch antenna 307 can be applied according to vehicle model and user requirements and provides satellite broadcast reception functionality.

[0039] The integrated module 207 is coupled to the windshield 200 using an adhesive member 306, etc. For example, the adhesive member 306 may be composed of a film or adhesive. Even when subjected to vibration and impact during vehicle operation, the coupling structure of the integrated module 207 can maintain a stable installation on the windshield 200, and can improve assembly efficiency.

[0040] The integrated module 207 and the infotainment unit 150 are connected via a FAKRA connector.

[0041] Multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, 205 and GNSS antenna 206 mounted on the windshield 200 are configured not to be exposed externally. This improves aerodynamic performance and enhances the vehicle's appearance compared to roof-mounted antennas. An integrated module 207 centrally processes the signals received from the multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 and the GNSS antenna 206, and optimizes the wiring paths between these antennas to reduce signal interference and achieve efficient signal transmission.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] refer to Figure 3The structure of the integrated module according to this disclosure is shown.

[0044] The integrated module 207 is designed to stably provide communication and infotainment functions even when the vehicle's external antenna is removed. The integrated module 207 is coupled to the windshield 200, ensuring that the antenna is not exposed externally. Therefore, the integrated module 207 ensures aerodynamic efficiency.

[0045] The integrated module 207 includes the main circuitry and antenna within a reduced-size cover. This improves assembly efficiency and maintains a stable mounting even when subjected to potential vibrations and external shocks during vehicle operation.

[0046] Multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205, and a GNSS antenna 206 are mounted on the windshield 200 and connected to the integrated module 207 to transmit signals. The GNSS antenna 206 receives satellite signals for vehicle location tracking and navigation services, while the multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 process data communication signals.

[0047] GNSS signals received from GNSS antenna 206 are amplified by GNSS / SXM LNA circuitry 308 within integrated module 207. The signal is then filtered to remove unwanted frequencies and transmitted to the TCU (Telecommunication Control Unit). CCS signals received from multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 are transmitted to the TCU via a PI network acting as a matching circuit. This design enables stable signal transmission while minimizing signal loss. SXM patch antenna 307 receives SDARS (Sat Radio Radio Signals) signals, which are amplified by a SDA, filtered, processed by a bias power supply circuit, and then transmitted to the TCU. SXM patch antenna 307 can be selectively applied depending on the vehicle model and user requirements.

[0048] The SXM patch antenna 307 consists of a ceramic patch antenna. The SXM patch antenna 307, along with the antenna matching circuit 402, the GNSS / SXM LNA circuit 308, the power supply circuit, etc., are integrated into a single module within the integrated module 207. This prevents signal interference caused by metallic materials (such as vehicle bodies) and enables the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves through the glass of the windshield 200.

[0049] Furthermore, the integrated module 207 according to this disclosure can change the antenna specifications according to market demands. For example, an SXM patch antenna 307 and an LNA circuit associated with the SXM patch antenna 307 can be applied, or this corresponding configuration can be completely excluded to achieve a dual design.

[0050] Figure 4This is an exploded perspective view of an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the top surface of the PCB (printed circuit board) 305 in the integrated module 207.

[0052] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the back of PCB 305 in integrated module 207.

[0053] refer to Figure 4 The overall size of the integrated module 207 can be configured, for example, to be 70 mm × 56.5 mm.

[0054] The integrated module 207 according to this disclosure can be miniaturized to improve the utilization of space inside the vehicle. Multiple RF connectors 301, 302, 303, and 304 can be disposed on one side of the integrated module 207. The multiple RF connectors 301, 302, 303, and 304 are connected to different antennas and functions, such as a CCS antenna, a GNSS antenna 206, an SXM patch antenna 307, and LTE (Long Term Evolution).

[0055] The plurality of RF connectors 301, 302, 303 and 304 include a first RF connector 301, a second RF connector 302, a third RF connector 303 and a fourth RF connector 304.

[0056] The first RF connector 301 connects to the third CCS antenna 204, the fourth CCS antenna 205, and the GNSS antenna 206. The third CCS antenna 204 and the fourth CCS antenna 205 are configured as transparent antennas positioned at the top of the vehicle's windshield, receiving data communication signals and then transmitting these signals to the integration module 207 via the first RF connector 301. The GNSS antenna 206 receives satellite signals to provide the vehicle's location information. After the GNSS signal is transmitted to the integration module 207 via the first RF connector 301, it is amplified and filtered by a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and a filter before being transmitted to the infotainment unit 150.

[0057] The second RF connector 302 receives power from the infotainment unit 150 related to the GNSS and SXM signals to perform stable signal processing. The GNSS signals provide vehicle location information, and the SXM signals include signals used for satellite radio broadcasting (SDARS). The SXM patch antenna 307 transmits the signal to the integrated module via the second RF connector 302, and amplifies and filters the signal within the integrated module before transmitting it to the infotainment unit 150.

[0058] The third RF connector 303 connects to the data connection unit (DCU) of the infotainment unit 150 to transmit and receive LTE1, LTE2, LTE3, and LTE4 signals. Each LTE signal supports the vehicle's telematics services and links to external vehicle networks via the DCU to provide wireless communication capabilities. The LTE signals are transmitted to the integrated module via the third RF connector 303 and are then processed in the DCU.

[0059] The fourth RF connector 304 is connected to the first CCS antenna 202 and the second CCS antenna 203. The first CCS antenna 202 and the second CCS antenna 203 receive data communication signals and transmit these signals to the integrated module via the fourth RF connector 304. The transmitted signals are processed by the matching circuit and amplifier inside the integrated module and then transmitted to the infotainment unit 150.

[0060] When satellite broadcast reception is required, the SXM patch antenna 307 according to this disclosure is selectively applied and configured to be integrated with a filter, a low-noise amplifier (LNA), and a GNSS antenna 206 to improve signal quality.

[0061] According to this disclosure, a GNSS / SXM LNA circuit 308 for amplifying the signals of the GNSS antenna 206 and the SXM patch antenna 307 is located at the bottom of the PCB 305 of the integrated module 207. The GNSS / SXM LNA circuit 308 processes the signal along with a filter and has an efficient power supply to facilitate reduced signal loss. The arrangement of the multiple RF connectors 301, 302, 303, and 304 is preferably designed to enhance antenna-to-module and module-to-TCU connectivity while minimizing signal interference.

[0062] The main circuit size at the bottom of the integrated module 207 can be configured, for example, to be 65.6 mm × 43 mm. The integrated module 207 is configured to improve assembly efficiency and optimize antenna wiring design by integrating multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204 and 205 with the power feed connectors and matching circuits of the GNSS antenna 206, thereby reducing signal loss.

[0063] Figure 5 This is a circuit block diagram of an integrated module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] refer to Figure 5The main circuit of the integrated module according to this disclosure integrates and processes signals from the SXM patch antenna 307, GNSS antenna 206 and multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204 and 205, and sends the signals to the remote communication control unit (TCU).

[0065] The integrated module 207 significantly improves assembly efficiency by integrating previously scattered antenna feed connectors into a single module. The integrated module 207 includes filters and LNAs for satellite receiving antennas that are difficult to implement on transparent antennas, and integrates an SXM patch antenna. The power feed connectors of multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 and the GNSS antenna 206 are integrated with the antenna matching circuit 402, the GNSS / SXM LNA circuit 308, and the filters to reduce potential signal loss in the RF lines and achieve stable signal transmission.

[0066] The SXM patch antenna 307 receives a satellite broadcast (SDARS) signal, which is amplified by a low-noise amplifier (LNA) and then filtered to remove unwanted frequencies. The signal, with unwanted frequencies removed, receives power through a bias power supply circuit and is then transmitted to the TCU via a 2-port FAKRA connector.

[0067] The signal received from GNSS antenna 206 is amplified by GNSS / SXM LNA circuit 308, filtered, and then transmitted to TCU. During this process, the GNSS circuit receives a stable 3.3V power supply through a low dropout regulator (LDO).

[0068] Each signal from the multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205 is processed via a PI network (matching circuit) and transmitted to the TCU to reduce signal loss. Preferably, the signals from the multiple CCS antennas 202, 203, 204, and 205, as well as the signal from the GNSS antenna 206, are transmitted to the TCU via 4-port FAKRA connectors and 2-port FAKRA connectors, and the arrangement of each connector is designed with module assemblability in mind. The GNSS / SXM LNA circuitry 308 is coupled to each power line for stable signal processing.

[0069] The bias power supply disclosed herein is used to integrate the power supply for SXM and GNSS circuits, ensuring stable operation of each circuit. The GNSS circuit receives power via a 5V LDO and transmits signals to the TCU. The PI network in the circuit block diagram optimizes the matching of signals for each antenna, thereby reducing signal loss and improving transmission efficiency.

[0070] Although exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure have been described for the sake of brevity and clarity. The scope of the technical concept of these embodiments is not limited to the illustrations. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of the claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments explicitly described above, but is limited by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An antenna device, comprising: windshield; An integrated module, including an SXM antenna, is attached to the windshield; Multiple antennas are mounted on top of the windshield; as well as Infotainment Unit The integrated module and the plurality of antennas are arranged adjacent to each other and adjacent to the windshield.

2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated module is attached and fixed to the inner surface of the windshield by an adhesive component.

3. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The infotainment unit includes: User interface modules, including display, multimedia, and navigation functions; and The connection module includes a radio frequency receiver and a communication modem for data communication between the plurality of antennas and an external network.

4. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The infotainment unit is positioned adjacent to the integrated module at the front of the vehicle.

5. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of antennas are arranged in the upper region of the windshield and are adjacent to the integrated module.

6. The antenna device according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of antennas includes at least one cellular communication system antenna and a global navigation satellite system antenna.

7. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein, At least one of the cellular communication system antennas is arranged symmetrically with respect to the integrated module.

8. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein, The global navigation satellite system antenna is arranged adjacent to the integrated module and between at least two of the cellular communication system antennas.

9. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The SXM antenna comprises a high dielectric constant ceramic material and is mounted on the printed circuit board of the integrated module.

10. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple antennas are multiple transparent antennas.

11. A vehicle comprising: Car roof; windshield; An integrated module, including an SXM antenna, is attached to the windshield; Multiple transparent antennas are positioned at the upper center of the windshield, facing the roof of the vehicle. as well as Infotainment Unit The integrated module and the plurality of transparent antennas are arranged adjacent to each other and adjacent to the windshield, and The integrated module is connected to the plurality of transparent antennas and the infotainment unit.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of transparent antennas includes at least one cellular communication system antenna and a global navigation satellite system antenna.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, At least one of the cellular communication system antennas is arranged symmetrically with respect to the integrated module.

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The global navigation satellite system antenna is arranged adjacent to the integrated module and between at least two of the cellular communication system antennas.

15. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The integrated module is attached to the inner surface of the windshield.

16. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The infotainment unit is connected to the integrated module via at least one FAKRA connector.

17. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The infotainment unit includes: The user interface module is configured to display multimedia and navigation functions; and The connection module includes a radio frequency receiver and a communication modem for data communication between the plurality of transparent antennas and an external network.

18. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The SXM antenna comprises a high dielectric constant ceramic material and is mounted on the printed circuit board of the integrated module.

19. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein, The integrated module includes a plurality of radio frequency connectors configured to be connected to the plurality of transparent antennas, wherein the plurality of radio frequency connectors comprises a first radio frequency connector, a second radio frequency connector, a third radio frequency connector and a fourth radio frequency connector.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein, The first radio frequency connector is connected to the first cellular communication system antenna, the second cellular communication system antenna, and the global navigation satellite system antenna, wherein the second radio frequency connector is configured to receive power related to the global navigation satellite system and SXM signals from the infotainment unit, wherein the third radio frequency connector is connected to the data connection unit of the infotainment unit and is configured to transmit or receive LTE1, LTE2, LTE3, and LTE4 signals, and wherein the fourth radio frequency connector is connected to the third cellular communication system antenna and the fourth cellular communication system antenna.

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