Antenna device

Abstract

Antenna device (10) for performing various functions, in particular a transmitting function, a receiving function and an energy transmission function, comprising a rod core (20) made of a magnetizable material with an extension along a rod core axis (22) and at least one rod core winding (24) around the rod core axis (22), a charging core (30) made of a magnetizable material with an extension along a charging core axis (32) and at least one charging core winding (34) around the charging core axis (32), wherein the loading core axis (32) and the rod core axis (22) are arranged at an angle to each other and, that a capacitor (40), in particular a series resonance capacitor, is provided which is in electrically conductive contact with the rod core winding (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device for performing various functions, in particular a transmitting function, a receiving function and an energy transmission function, and to a vehicle having such an antenna device.

[0002] Antenna devices, particularly for vehicles, are well known. They are used to enable communication between the vehicle and communication devices, such as the vehicle key. Different functionalities are available depending on how they work and the desired result for the vehicle. For example, a so-called keyless entry function is offered for locking and unlocking a vehicle. This means that the driver and key holder can open the vehicle with their key without operating a mechanical lock. This is known in such a way that simply approaching the vehicle with the key opens it. Similarly, it is known that the driver, in possession of the key, automatically receives authorization to start the vehicle's engine from within the vehicle (the so-called Keyless Go function).For this purpose, an antenna is usually provided in or on the vehicle, which enables the desired communication between the key and a control unit.

[0003] In addition, existing vehicles are equipped with additional antennas to perform additional functions. One such function is an emergency opening or emergency start function, for example, in the event that the battery in the key, which is necessary for transmitting signals, is dead. In such a case, the driver holds the key in a specific position, and in this position near such an antenna, it performs the desired function of opening the vehicle or enabling the engine to start.

[0004] A disadvantage of existing antenna devices for vehicles is their high degree of complexity. In particular, a separate antenna is required for each function, resulting in a large number of components that increase the weight of the vehicle, and the cabling between the individual components requires a complex structure. The number of components also increases costs. Furthermore, in existing vehicles, it is not possible for keys, i.e., communication devices, to be recharged with a battery in the vehicle without mechanical contact, such as inserting the key into a lock.

[0005] Antenna devices are also known from document US 2007 / 0 247 387 A1.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages of known antenna devices. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an antenna device for performing various functions, in particular a transmitting function, a receiving function, and a power transmission function, which provides a cost-effective and simple way of bundling multiple functionalities, particularly for a vehicle. It is also an object to provide a corresponding vehicle.

[0007] The above object is achieved by an antenna device having the features of independent claim 1 and by a vehicle having the features of independent claim 9. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the antenna device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention with regard to the disclosure.

[0008] An antenna device according to the invention is designed to perform various functions, in particular a transmitting function, a receiving function, and an energy transmission function. For this purpose, the antenna device has a rod core made of a magnetizable material and extending along a rod core axis. Furthermore, at least one rod core winding is provided around the rod core axis. This means that the rod core winding, made of an electrically conductive material, is wound around the rod core around the rod core axis. Furthermore, a charging core made of a magnetizable material is provided and extends along a charging core axis. The charging core is also provided with at least one charging core winding around the charging core axis. According to the invention, the charging core axis and the rod core axis are arranged at an angle to one another, i.e., they are not parallel.

[0009] With the aid of an antenna device according to the invention, a multitude of functions can be provided in combination with a single, compact, and cost-effective antenna device. Thus, different functions of the antenna devices can be generated by different circuit combinations of the rod core, the rod core winding, the charging core, and the charging core winding – without having to make any design changes. Within the scope of the present invention, three basic functionalities are generated in particular, which are explained below.

[0010] Function I refers to a so-called emergency start function. This is, in particular, near-field communication, implemented, for example, as inductive coupling. It serves both a transmitting and a receiving function and, in addition, to transmit energy. This becomes necessary when a communication device, such as a vehicle key, has a dead battery and standard functionality for starting the vehicle using a transmitted signal can no longer be guaranteed. For such a case, the communication device, such as the vehicle key, is also designed for a passive transmitting and receiving function. This can be achieved, for example, using passive RFID transponders.For this purpose, additional energy is transmitted for the transmission and reception process in order to be able to generate the desired transmission and reception functionality even from a key that has been passivated by the empty battery.

[0011] Function II is a standard function that can be described as Keyless Go or Keyless Entry, for example. This can transmit on different frequencies, for example in the 125 kHz range. Reception is conceivable in the same or different frequency ranges, for example at 315 MHz or 433 MHz. As already described in the introduction, Keyless Go and Keyless Entry refer to communication between a key and the antenna device in such a way that, for example, the engine of a vehicle is released for starting or the vehicle doors are unlocked. Function II is therefore communication that extends not only in the immediate vicinity of the antenna device itself, but also in an area extending beyond this immediate vicinity. In particular, the passenger compartment of a vehicle is covered at least three-quarters or entirely.It is also advantageous if the functionality of function II according to the invention can be carried out up to two or more meters around the vehicle.

[0012] Function III, within the context of the present invention, is understood to be a charging function. This involves neither sending nor receiving; instead, energy is exclusively transferred. This is preferably provided by an inductive coupling, so that placing a key on the antenna device according to the invention results in the battery or energy storage device contained therein being charged by the inductive coupling and thus by the antenna device.

[0013] With an antenna device according to the invention, a multitude of functions, in particular functions I, II, and III, can be performed with a single antenna device. The charging core, which extends at an angle to the rod core, serves as an inductive coupling element for energy transmission. Thus, the charging core and the charging core winding are used in particular for functions I and III. In both cases, this involves communication, or energy transmission, in the short range around the antenna device.

[0014] For data transmission, i.e., sending and receiving data, the rod core and the rod core winding are to be used in particular according to the invention. These can be understood as an antenna, via which the desired data can be sent and received. This antenna therefore serves to fulfill Function II. For short-range communication, i.e., to fulfill Function I, a coupling of the rod core and the charging core, as well as the corresponding winding, is preferably provided.

[0015] In an antenna device according to the invention, the rod core and the charging core can be in contact with each other. In principle, however, it is also possible for these two cores to be arranged separated from each other by an air gap. By using the rod core at an angle to the charging core with respect to their respective axes, it is possible to broaden the field for the charging core through the rod core design. In other words, the rod core leads to a magnetic field, which is generated by the combination of the charging core and the charging core winding, as a guide for this magnetic field.This broadens the magnetic field that can be generated by the charging core and the charging core winding, so that a wider area is available for the inductive coupling in a charging process or generally for the energy transfer process, in which the inductive coupling with the desired energy transfer can take place.

[0016] Within the scope of the present invention, the transmit and receive functions preferably take place at different frequencies. In particular, functions I and II are implemented in different frequency bands.

[0017] It may be advantageous if, in an antenna device according to the invention, the charging core and the rod core are connected to one another. In other words, in such an embodiment, the charging core and the rod core are in contact with one another. The contact can be direct or indirect and, in particular, avoids an air gap. The connecting material, if present, for example, as an adhesive, preferably has high magnetic permeability, so that magnetic insulation, which would impede the broadening of the magnetic field for the charging core and the charging core winding, is suppressed.

[0018] It may also be advantageous if, in an antenna device according to the invention, the charging core and the rod core are formed integrally with one another. This results in the charging core being formed as a hump, in particular as a charging hump, on the rod core. The integral or one-piece embodiment offers the advantage that the manufacturing process can be carried out in a particularly cost-effective manner. This eliminates a connection step and a separate manufacturing step for one of the two components.

[0019] A further advantage can be achieved if, in an antenna device according to the invention, the charging core axis and the rod core axis are perpendicular or essentially perpendicular to one another. The term "essentially perpendicular" is understood to mean an angular range of 90° + / - 15°. Of course, narrower angular ranges such as 90° + / - 10° or 90° + / - 5° are also conceivable within the scope of the present invention. The perpendicular or essentially perpendicular alignment of the core axes to one another has the advantage that, on the one hand, the magnetic field of the charging core and the charging core winding is particularly effectively broadened, and, on the other hand, that the magnetic field is sufficiently directional. In this way, it can be ensured that, in near-field communication, in particular for the energy transmission step, the necessary amounts of energy can be transmitted in the desired manner without major losses.

[0020] To achieve even better field guidance, it can be advantageous if, in an antenna arrangement according to the invention, the charging core is designed as a shell core, at least in sections. In such a design, a shell is formed around the charging core winding, at least in sections, which is also made of a magnetizable material. This results in improved field guidance of the magnetic field in a direction along the charging core axis, so that losses of the magnetic field can be further minimized with regard to the energy transfer function.

[0021] In the antenna device according to the invention, a capacitor, in particular a pure resonant capacitor, is provided that is in electrically conductive contact with the rod core winding. This allows for improved communication when using Function II and Function I.

[0022] It is also advantageous if, in an antenna device according to the invention, the rod core winding has at least two sections, wherein these two sections are located on two different sides of the charging core axis. The two sections are in particular designed symmetrically to the charging core axis. In this way, a substantially symmetrical magnetic field can be achieved for the rod core, so that a uniform magnetic field can be formed on both sides of the charging core axis and, moreover, a uniform broadening of the magnetic field of the charging core and the charging core winding can occur. Accordingly, this design leads to better field guidance of both magnetic fields, particularly with regard to the installation situation of the antenna device.If components which are also magnetizable are provided around the antenna device, the improved field guidance serves in particular to prevent an undesired magnetic short circuit in such a surrounding component.

[0023] Within the scope of the present invention, it is likewise advantageous if, in an antenna device according to the invention, the loading core winding and / or the rod core winding are each wound around a connecting body which is connected to the rod core and / or the loading core. Such a connecting body can be connected to the rod core or the loading core, for example, via a snap-lock connection. A positive connection, for example by sliding the connecting body over the corresponding core, is also conceivable within the scope of the present invention. A substantially complete positive connection, for example by completely overmolding the respective core with a plastic material, is also possible within the scope of the present invention.The use of a connecting body offers the advantage that the respective connecting bodies can be separately provided with the corresponding winding, i.e., the loading core winding or the rod core winding. This facilitates the production of these windings. Standard windings can also preferably be used, which, with the aid of the connecting body, function as an adapter, so to speak, and can be placed onto a rod core and / or a loading core of an antenna device according to the invention. Assembly is particularly facilitated with a snap-lock connection or the use of a partial form fit by sliding over, so that manufacturing costs can also be minimized. In particular, the production of the respective winding takes place in an automated manner.

[0024] It is also advantageous if an antenna device according to the invention is designed for installation in a vehicle, in particular in its center console, in order to perform the following functions: - Emergency function of a transmitting and / or receiving function with simultaneous energy transfer, - Transmitting and / or receiving function without energy transfer, - Energy transfer function without transmitting or receiving function.

[0025] The above three functions basically correspond to functions I, II, and III, as already explained above. With an appropriate combination of functionalities, the multitude of functionalities can be provided with a single antenna device according to the present invention without increasing the complexity, weight, and manufacturing costs of this device as would otherwise be necessary.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a vehicle having at least one antenna device according to the invention. A vehicle according to the invention accordingly has the same advantages as those explained in detail above with regard to the antenna device. PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The present invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms "left," "right," "top," and "bottom" used herein refer to an orientation of the drawings with normally legible reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1a shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention, Fig. 1b the antenna device of the Fig. 1a in schematic cross-section, Fig. 1c the antenna device of the Fig. 1a in schematic side view, Fig. 2a shows a schematic representation and perspective view of another embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention, Fig. 2b the antenna device of the Fig. 2a in schematic side view, Fig. 3a shows a further embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention in a schematic representation and perspective view, Fig. 3b the antenna device of the Fig. 3a in side view, Fig. 4a shows a further embodiment of an antenna device according to the invention in a schematic and perspective view, Fig. 4b the antenna device of the Fig. 4a in schematic cross-section, Fig. 4c the antenna device of the Fig. 4a in schematic side view, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a possible connection combination of an antenna device according to the invention.

[0028] In the Fig. Figures 1a to 4c show four different embodiments of an antenna device 10 according to the invention. In the description of these individual embodiments, the same reference numerals denote the same components, so that the corresponding components for the individual embodiments also fulfill the same or similar functions and do not need to be described individually for each embodiment.

[0029] The Fig. 1a to 1c show a first embodiment of an antenna device 10 according to the invention. In Fig. 1a shows that a rod core 20 and a charging core 30 are arranged in such a way that the charging core axis 32 and the rod core axis 22 are at an angle to each other. This is particularly such that there is a 90° angle between them. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1b, the charging core 30 and the rod core 20 are integrally formed with one another. Both are made of a magnetizable material, in particular ferrite. The charging core 30 can be referred to in particular as a charging core boss, since the one-piece design eliminates the need for any additional connection between the two cores 20 and 30.

[0030] The rod core winding 24 with two sections 24a and 24b of the rod core winding 24 is arranged symmetrically around the charging core 30, in particular the charging core axis 32. This symmetry enables a symmetrical expansion of the magnetic field generated by the charging core 30 and the charging core winding 34 surrounding it. Furthermore, in this embodiment, as well as in the embodiments of the Fig. 2a to 3b, a capacitor 40 is provided, which is in electrically conductive connection with the rod core winding 24. This serves to further improve communication, i.e., the transmitting and receiving function.

[0031] In Fig. 2a and Fig. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figure 2b. This embodiment also involves an integral, i.e. one-piece, construction of the two cores 20 and 30. However, this embodiment differs from the one shown in Fig. 1a to 1c, two connecting bodies 50 are used to fasten the rod core winding 24 and the charging core winding 34 to the rod core 20 and the charging core 30, respectively. These connecting bodies 50 are preferably made of plastic and are fastened to the respective cores 20 and 30 in different ways. The connecting body 50, which carries the charging core winding 34, is snapped onto the rod core 20 around the charging core axis 32 with the aid of four locking lugs as a snap-lock connection. Axial displacement along the rod core axis 22 is prevented by the charging core 30 protruding through an opening in the connecting body 50 along the charging core axis 32.

[0032] The connecting body 50 for the rod-core winding 24 is designed to be form-fitting, at least in sections, so that it is applied to the rod core 20 by sliding it over the latter. When using the connecting bodies 50, the respective windings 24 and 34 can be manufactured in separate positions and, in particular, in an automated manner. With the aid of the connecting bodies 50, the finished windings 24 and 34 can not only be transported more easily but can also be connected to the respective core 20 or 30 in a simple and cost-effective manner.

[0033] The Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show an alternative embodiment to Fig. 2a in that the charging core 30 no longer has an elongated configuration, but is essentially circular. Otherwise, this embodiment is also equipped with connecting bodies 50, thus providing essentially the same functionality.

[0034] The Fig. 4a to 4c show an embodiment in which the two cores 20 and 30 are formed separately from each other. Both are made of a magnetizable material, in particular ferrite. A further difference is particularly evident in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b. In this embodiment, the charging core 30 is designed as a shell core, so that the charging core winding 34 is circumferentially surrounded by a magnetizable material. This results in an even better guidance of the generated magnetic field around the charging core 30 and the charging core winding 34.

[0035] An embodiment as described in the Fig. 1a to 4c, is arranged or can be arranged in particular in the interior, preferably in the area of ​​the center console of a vehicle. This arrangement has the advantage that all functions described in the introduction as functions I, II and III can be fulfilled. In order to fulfill the standard function II, the rod core 20 serves as an antenna for transmitting and receiving data or information. In order to be able to perform a charging function (function III), the respective charging core 30 and the charging core winding 34 are used. In this way, energy can be transferred via inductive coupling with the aid of the broadened magnetic field and a corresponding battery or energy storage device can be charged. In order to be able to provide an emergency start function (function I), the inductive coupling of the charging core 30 is combined with the antenna function of the rod core 20.

[0036] In Fig.Figure 5 schematically illustrates an embodiment in which an antenna device according to the invention can be configured. For this purpose, four terminals A, B, C, and D are provided. In this embodiment of the antenna device 10, a charging core winding 34 and a rod core winding 24 are electrically connected to terminal A. Furthermore, the capacitor 40 is provided between terminals B and C. In order to be able to perform the individual functions I, II, and III, the following circuits take place.

[0037] For function I, i.e. the emergency start function, terminals A, B, and C are interconnected. For function II, terminals A and C are interconnected. For the charging function of function III, terminals A and B or A and C are interconnected.

[0038] The above statements describe the present invention only by way of examples. Accordingly, the described features can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention. List of reference symbols 10 Antenna device 20 rod core 22 Rod core axis 24 rod core winding 24a Section of the rod core winding 24b Section of the rod core winding 30 charging cores 32 loading core axis 34 Charging core winding 40 Capacitor 50 connecting bodies A connection B connection C connection D connection

Claims

[1] Antenna device (10) for performing various functions, in particular a transmitting function, a receiving function and an energy transmission function, comprising a rod core (20) made of a magnetizable material with an extension along a rod core axis (22) and at least one rod core winding (24) around the rod core axis (22), a charging core (30) made of a magnetizable material with an extension along a charging core axis (32) and at least one charging core winding (34) around the charging core axis (32), wherein the loading core axis (32) and the rod core axis (22) are arranged at an angle to each other and, that a capacitor (40), in particular a series resonance capacitor, is provided which is in electrically conductive contact with the rod core winding (24). [2] Antenna device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the charging core (30) and the rod core (20) are connected to each other. [3] Antenna device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the charging core (30) and the rod core (20) are formed in one piece, in particular integrally. [4] Antenna device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the loading core axis (32) and the rod core axis (22) are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. [5] Antenna device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the charging core (30) is designed at least in sections as a shell core. [6] Antenna device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the rod core winding (24) has at least two sections (24a, 24b), wherein these two sections (24a, 24b) are located on two different sides of the charging core axis (32). [7] Antenna device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the charging core winding (34) and / or the rod core winding (24) are wound around a connecting body (50) which is mechanically connected to the rod core (20) and / or the charging core (30). [8] Antenna device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is designed for the device in a vehicle, in particular in its center console, to perform the following functions: • Emergency function of a transmitting and / or receiving function with simultaneous energy transfer, • Transmitting and / or receiving function without energy transfer, and • Energy transfer function without transmitting or receiving function. [9] Vehicle comprising at least one antenna device (10) having the features of one of claims 1 to 8.

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