Window frame and vehicle

Abstract

A window frame (22) for a vehicle (20) with one or more integrated mobile radio antennas (10), wherein a ground reference of a mobile radio antenna (10) for electromagnetic connection is designed at an edge of the window frame (22), and wherein a surface (12) of the mobile radio antenna (10) designed for energy radiation extends at least partially away from the window frame (22).

Description

Technical area

[0001] Embodiments relate to a mobile radio antenna, an antenna system, a vehicle window, a window frame and a vehicle, in particular but not exclusively to a mobile radio antenna concept for a vehicle in which at least one mobile radio antenna is arranged in or on a vehicle window frame. background

[0002] Vehicles are often equipped with a variety of antennas for different services. There is a wide range of different applications. For example, some antennas are used to receive analog or digital audio radio programs and additional information such as traffic jam warnings; others connect the vehicle via a cellular system; and still others are used for direct vehicle-to-vehicle communication. The integration of antenna systems in or on vehicles is often determined by aesthetic and design constraints as well as performance requirements.

[0003] The vision of a connected car currently represents a key innovation area for the entire automotive industry. Based on communication between vehicles and their environment, novel mobility concepts and applications are to be enabled. This vehicle networking is generally based on cellular mobile radio systems such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), and LTE (Long Term Evolution), as well as ad-hoc technologies such as WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System), for example, GPS (Global Positioning System), GLONASS (GLObal NAvigation Satellite System), Galileo, or Beidou, for positioning in navigation applications.

[0004] A key component of these vehicle networking architectures are the corresponding external antenna systems, which are typically designed as protruding components on the vehicle roof and, in their most sophisticated form, can include antenna systems for cellular systems, Wi-Fi, GNSS, and additionally SDARS (Satellite Digital Audio Radio Services, US satellite radio). To increase data rates and reliability, multi-antenna systems (MIMO antennas, multiple-input-multiple-output) are often used, which are also housed within the same installation space.

[0005] Telematics antennas are conventionally integrated into a common multi-standard roof antenna module using discrete assembly technology in the form of vertically oriented printed circuit board antennas (especially for terrestrial mobile communications) or ceramic patch antennas (especially for satellite services). These roof antenna systems typically consist of roof antenna electronics, which includes the specific antenna configuration including other necessary components (e.g., amplifiers, matching elements, etc.), as well as a design cover to suitably integrate the electronic components into the vehicle design.

[0006] The integration of antenna systems into automobiles is fundamentally limited by performance and design specifications. Future 5th-generation (5G) mobile communications systems will require even higher-quality multi-antenna systems to meet the data rate and reliability requirements of infotainment applications, as well as driver assistance and highly automated driving. Instead of 2nd-order multi-antenna systems (2x2 MIMO), at least 4th-order systems (4x4 MIMO) will be used. The use of multi-modem communication systems within the vehicle may require several sufficiently well-decoupled antenna systems. Furthermore, aesthetic developments in vehicle design require the integration of all antenna systems in a way that conforms to the bodywork and eliminates any protruding components.

[0007] Current implementation variants include, for example, a plastic roof fin or a plastic spoiler. With current technology, the limitations arise primarily from design requirements, which lead to a severely limited integration height, as well as from an overall integration volume that is too small to accommodate more than four antennas for mobile communications applications and still meet the required technical specifications. From a technological perspective, these requirements cannot be met due to the limited volume of roof antenna systems: In multi-antenna systems, individual antenna elements must be sufficiently decoupled from one another, e.g., through spatial separation, so that the inter-element correlation decreases. A low correlation between the antenna elements can be essential for the proper functioning of the spatial signal processing concepts.

[0008] Document JP 2011 172 281 A describes a concept for providing a component for forming an antenna made of a conductive wire, which is installed on a window glass surface of an automobile. The component is suitable for forming an antenna that enables reception of UHF or VHF broadcast radio waves of television, or transmission / reception of broadband radio waves of a car phone, mobile phone, home radio, business radio, PHS, or the like. The component comprises a conductive wire on a film, which is formed into a mesh-like shape and used as a mesh antenna. The film is encapsulated in the laminated glass via an adhesive surface.

[0009] The document US 2005 / 0 264 461 A1 deals with a mobile antenna, wherein an electrically conductive antenna element has a first portion with one end and another end extending therefrom. One end of the first portion is arranged adjacent to at least one roof portion, one pillar portion, or one corner portion of a vehicle body. One end of the first portion is electrically connected to a feed point. The other end of the first portion is arranged along a surface of the window, such that the polarized surfaces formed by the antenna element are not orthogonal to a polarized surface of a vertically polarized wave and a horizontally polarized wave. Summary

[0010] Embodiments are based on the finding that mobile radio antennas can be integrated into a vehicle window frame. An electrical interaction with the window frame, which is coupled to the vehicle ground, can be utilized to achieve appropriate impedance matching and radiation characteristics of the mobile radio antenna. Embodiments can take into account that a position of the feed and ground connection in the window frame can be used for impedance matching. In this respect, embodiments are based on the finding that the desired directional characteristic can be achieved via the position of the feed / ground connection in combination with the resulting current distribution on the vehicle.

[0011] Embodiments provide a window frame with a mobile radio antenna for mounting in or on the window frame of a vehicle, wherein a ground reference of the mobile radio antenna for electromagnetic connection is formed on an edge of the window frame. A surface of the mobile radio antenna designed for energy radiation is designed for mounting in a plane of a pane filling the window frame of the vehicle. It can extend away from the window frame, at least in sections. Embodiments can thus enable the installation of mobile radio antennas in or on a window frame of a vehicle. In some further embodiments, the surface designed for energy radiation can have at least two sections with different directions. These sections can allow impedance matching and shaping of the radiation characteristics.

[0012] The at least two sections can form a substantially right angle, but other angles are also conceivable, particularly in adaptation to the window frame. This allows for the formation of an omnidirectional radiation pattern. One of the at least two sections can extend substantially tangentially or parallel to a window frame section. One of the at least two sections can extend substantially perpendicularly to a ground plane formed by a metallic window frame of the vehicle. The geometric variations of the at least two sections can be used for impedance matching and beam shaping (radiation pattern).Restrictions that essentially lead to a severely limited integration height due to the design requirements and an overall small integration volume in order to consider more than 4 antennas for mobile communications applications can thus be at least partially circumvented, whereby the required technical specifications can still be met.

[0013] In further embodiments, the ground reference of the mobile radio antenna can be designed for galvanic or capacitive connection, or it can have a contact for connecting the ground reference to the window frame. In some embodiments, the mobile radio antenna can be coupled to the vehicle ground in a cost-effective manner. For example, the mobile radio antenna can be designed for a frequency range greater than 450 MHz and / or for a frequency range less than 6 GHz. In some embodiments, a fastening means for fastening to the window frame or a cowl can also be provided, so that the mobile radio antenna can also be attached cost-effectively. For example, the fastening means can comprise a locking device.

[0014] Embodiments also provide a vehicle window or a window frame for a vehicle with one or more integrated mobile radio antennas according to the above description. A further embodiment is a vehicle with a vehicle window as described above and / or with a window frame with one or more mobile radio antennas according to the above description. In one embodiment of the vehicle, the one or more mobile radio antennas can be concealed on the inside by a roof lining and / or concealed on the outside by a black print on a vehicle window. In some embodiments, the mobile radio antennas can therefore be mounted in a concealed manner so that they are not visible from the inside or outside, or from both the inside and the outside. The one or more mobile radio antennas can be galvanically or capacitively coupled to a ground of the vehicle via the ground reference of the mobile radio antennas and the window frame.Embodiments can thus enable a cost-effective coupling of one or more mobile radio antennas.

[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more mobile radio antennas can be arranged in a window frame of a windshield, and the vehicle can further comprise one or more additional mobile radio antennas in a roof fin or a rear window. Embodiments can thus provide multiple mobile radio antennas on a vehicle. In further embodiments, the vehicle can further comprise a control device for the one or more mobile radio antennas, wherein the control device is designed to perform signal processing via the one or more mobile radio antennas according to a multi-antenna concept. Embodiments can thus enable an efficient signal processing concept using multiple integrated antennas. The vehicle can further comprise an integrated mobile radio device that is coupled to the one or more mobile radio antennas.In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle can therefore offer mobile communications services using one or more mobile communications antennas. The one or more mobile communications antennas can be arranged such that an electrical interaction occurs between at least one mobile communications antenna and two limbs of the window frame. In some exemplary embodiments, the electrical conditions in the corners of a window frame can thus be utilized. Short character description

[0016] Exemplary embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a mobile radio antenna; Fig. 2 examples of antenna elements; Fig. 3 shows the positioning and electrical supply of an antenna element on the frame of a vehicle window in one embodiment; Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of an antenna element in the vehicle frame of a windscreen of a convertible vehicle; Fig. 5 a generic vehicle model with antenna element in the frame of a windshield in one embodiment; Fig. 6 shows an input reflection factor of an embodiment of an antenna element in the frame of a windshield of a generic vehicle model; Fig. 7 Directional properties of an embodiment of an antenna element in the frame of a windscreen of a generic vehicle model; Fig. 8 shows a model for an antenna element for mobile radio communication (800MHz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz) that can be integrated into the frame of a vehicle window in one embodiment; Fig. 9 Simulation results for an input reflection factor for an embodiment of an antenna element that can be integrated into the frame of the vehicle window; Fig. 10 shows an embodiment of an antenna with an antenna surface and clip holder for insertion into a pocket between two sheets of a multi-part cowl for installation fixed to the body shell; and Fig. 11 a realization of an antenna with antenna surface and accommodation of a tab-like support of a sheet metal of a single- or multi-part cowl for sliding on, bodyshell-fixed installation including anti-twist protection, haptic-acoustic locking via a component-side locking lug and hole on the tab in one embodiment. Description

[0017] Various embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thickness dimensions of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0018] In the following description of the attached figures, which show only a few exemplary embodiments, identical reference numerals may designate identical or comparable components. Furthermore, collective reference numerals may be used for components and objects that appear multiple times in an exemplary embodiment or in a drawing, but are described together with respect to one or more features. Components or objects described with identical or collective reference numerals may be identical with respect to individual, several, or all features, for example, their dimensions, but may also be different, unless the description explicitly or implicitly indicates otherwise.

[0019] Although embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and variations, embodiments are illustrated in the figures as examples and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that embodiments are not intended to limit the specific forms disclosed, but rather, embodiments are intended to cover all functional and / or structural modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the invention. Like reference numerals designate like or similar elements throughout the description of the figures.

[0020] Note that an element described as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intervening elements.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," "another," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that terms such as "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "having," as used herein, indicate the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Furthermore, it should be understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein.

[0023] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a mobile radio antenna 10. The mobile radio antenna 10 is designed for mounting in or on a window frame 22 of a vehicle 20. A ground reference of the mobile radio antenna 10 is designed for electromagnetic connection to an edge of the window frame 22. A surface 12 of the mobile radio antenna 10 designed for energy radiation extends at least partially away from the window frame 22. The surface 12 designed for energy radiation is further designed for mounting in a plane of a pane 30 filling the window frame 22 of the vehicle 20. The Fig. The mobile radio antenna 10 shown in Figure 1 is designed here according to a quarter of the wavelength (λ / 4) to be used for communication in a mobile communication system. The terms "mobile radio antenna 10" and "antenna element" are used synonymously below. The mobile radio antenna 10 can be part of a plurality of mobile radio antennas. Fig. 1 further illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle window 30 or a window frame 22 for a vehicle 20 with one or more integrated mobile radio antennas 10. A further embodiment is a vehicle 20 with such a vehicle window 30 or one or more mobile radio antennas 10 according to the above description.

[0024] In embodiments, the mobile radio system or the mobile communication system may, for example, correspond to a mobile radio system that is standardized by corresponding standardization bodies, such as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) group.

[0025] Examples of such mobile communication systems include the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) or the Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), such as the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE) or LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), fifth generation systems (5G) or mobile radio systems of other standards, such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WIMAX), IEEE802.16 or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), IEEE802.11, and generally a system based on a time domain multiple access (TDMA), frequency domain multiple access (FDMA), code space multiple access (CDMA) or similar.Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), or another technology or multiple access method. In the following, the terms mobile radio system, mobile radio network, mobile communications system, and mobile radio network are used synonymously.

[0026] In the following, it is assumed that such a mobile radio system comprises at least one stationary transceiver in the sense of a base station, which is connected to the wired part of the mobile radio network. On the other hand, it is assumed that the mobile radio network comprises at least one mobile transceiver (mobile radio terminal), whereby the term mobile here refers to the fact that communication with this transceiver takes place via the air interface, i.e. wirelessly / cordlessly. Such a mobile transceiver can, for example, correspond to a portable telephone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a portable computer or a radio module that is not necessarily mobile in the sense that it actually moves relative to its environment. The transceiver can also be stationary (e.g. relative to a vehicle or motor vehicle), but communicate with the mobile radio network wirelessly.In this respect, the base station already mentioned can correspond to one of the standards mentioned above, for example a NodeB, an eNodeB, etc.

[0027] A base station transceiver or base station (these terms may be used equivalently / synonymously) may be configured to communicate with one or more active mobile radio devices and to communicate within or adjacent to a coverage area of ​​another base station transceiver or base station, e.g., as a macrocell base station or a small cell base station. Thus, embodiments may comprise a mobile communication system having one or more mobile radio devices and one or more base stations, wherein the base station transceivers may provide macrocells or small cells, e.g., picocells, metrocells, or femtocells.A mobile transceiver or mobile terminal can correspond to a smartphone (smart phone), a cell phone, a user equipment, a radio device, a mobile, a mobile station, a laptop, a notebook, a personal computer (PC), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a universal serial bus (USB) stick or adapter, a vehicle such as a motor vehicle (motorcycle), a car, lorry (truck), motorcycles, bicycles, trains, airplanes, ships, all means of air, land and water transport, etc. A mobile transceiver can also be referred to as “User Equipment (UE)” or mobile in accordance with 3GPP terminology.

[0028] A base station transceiver or base station can be located, at least from the perspective of a mobile terminal, in a fixed or at least permanently connected part of the network or system. A base station transceiver or base station can also correspond to a remote radio head, a relay station, a transmission point, an access point, a radio device, a macrocell, a small cell, a microcell, a femtocell, a metrocell, etc. A base station or base station transceiver is thus understood as the logical concept of a node / unit for providing a radio bearer or radio links over the air interface, through which a terminal / mobile transceiver is provided access to a mobile network.

[0029] A base station or base station transceiver can provide a wireless interface for mobile terminals to a wired network. The radio signals used can be radio signals standardized by 3GPP or generally radio signals in accordance with one or more of the above-mentioned systems. Thus, a base station or base station transceiver can correspond to a NodeB, an eNodeB, a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), an access point, a remote radio head, a transmission point, a relay station, etc., which can be further subdivided into functional units.

[0030] A mobile radio terminal or mobile transceiver may be assigned to or registered with a base station or cell. The term cell refers to a coverage area of ​​the radio services provided by a base station, e.g., a NodeB (NB), an eNodeB (eNB), a remote radio head, a transmission point, a relay station, etc. A base station may provide one or more cells on one or more carrier frequencies. In some embodiments, a cell may also correspond to a sector. For example, sectors may be formed with sector antennas configured to cover an angular portion around an antenna site. In some embodiments, a base station may, for example, be configured to operate three or six cells or sectors (e.g., 120° in the case of three cells and 60° in the case of six cells). A base station may comprise multiple sector antennas.In the following, the terms cell and base station can also be used synonymously.

[0031] In other words, in the embodiments, the mobile communication system can also comprise a heterogeneous cellular network (HetNet) having different cell types, e.g., closed subscriber group (CSG) cells and open cells, as well as cells of different sizes, such as macrocells and small cells, where the coverage area of ​​a small cell is smaller than the coverage area of ​​a macrocell. A small cell can correspond to a metrocell, a microcell, a picocell, a femtocell, etc. The coverage areas of the individual cells are provided by the base stations for their service areas and depend on the transmission power of the base stations and the interference conditions in the respective area.In some embodiments, the coverage area of ​​a small cell may be at least partially surrounded by a service area of ​​another cell or may partially coincide or overlap with the service area of, for example, a macro cell. Small cells can be used to extend the capacity of the network. A metro cell can therefore be used to cover a smaller area than a macro cell, for example, metro cells are used to cover a street or a section in a metropolitan area. For a macro cell, the coverage area can have a diameter of the order of one kilometer or more, for example, along highways even 10km or more, for a micro cell, the coverage area can have a diameter of less than one kilometer and a pico cell can have a coverage area with a diameter of less than 100m.A femtocell can have the smallest coverage area and can be used, for example, to cover a household, a vehicle or a gate area at the airport, i.e. its transmission area can have a diameter of less than 50m.

[0032] Embodiments of the mobile radio antenna 10 can at least partially overcome limitations that arise primarily from design requirements and an integration volume that is too small to accommodate more than four antennas for mobile radio applications. Embodiments can enable the integration of the antenna 10 into the window frame 22 of the windshield 30, concealed by the headliner on the inside and black printing of the window 30 on the outside, thus opening up a new installation location. In other words, the one or more mobile radio antennas 10 can be concealed on the inside by a headliner and concealed on the outside by black printing on a vehicle window 30 in embodiments.

[0033] By integrating the antenna 10 on the frame 22 of the vehicle window 30 (particularly the front and rear windows) and positioning it precisely, the antenna size (particularly the height) required compared to conventional installation spaces can be reduced. The achieved directional properties remain almost omnidirectional, triggered by the electromagnetic field distribution excited on the vehicle body. By arranging the ground reference at the edge of the vehicle frame 22, capacitive ground coupling can be reduced compared to a flat ground plane. This enables broadband impedance matching of the antenna to cover the frequency bands provided for, for example, in the LTE standard. It can be taken into account that a position of the feed and a position of the ground connection in the window frame 22 can be used for impedance matching and to influence the electrical properties, respectively.The directivity pattern can be influenced and adjusted by the position of the power supply / ground connection, combined with the resulting current distribution on the vehicle. The exact dependencies can be determined, for example, through simulations or measurements, given a known vehicle geometry. The power supply and ground connection points / positions for a desired directivity pattern can thus be determined.

[0034] Furthermore, at least in some embodiments, the one or more mobile radio antennas 10 can be arranged in a window frame 22 of a windshield 32, and the vehicle 20 can further comprise one or more additional mobile radio antennas, for example in a roof fin, a rear window, or at other locations. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a control device can be provided for the one or more mobile radio antennas 10. The control device can be designed to perform signal processing via the one or more mobile radio antennas 10 according to a multi-antenna concept. The control device can be implemented to perform corresponding spatial signal processing. For example, any controller or processor or a programmable hardware component is conceivable.For example, such a control device can also be implemented as software or a computer program that is programmed for a corresponding hardware component. In this respect, the control device can be implemented as programmable hardware with appropriately adapted software. Any processor, such as digital signal processors (DSPs), can be used. Embodiments are not limited to a specific type of processor. Any processor or even multiple processors are conceivable for implementing the control module.

[0035] Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the vehicle 20 may further include an integrated mobile radio device coupled to the one or more mobile radio antennas 10. This mobile radio device may provide a vehicle user with appropriate services, such as various data and voice services, or transmit vehicle data, such as telemetry, navigation, or emergency data.

[0036] A resonant antenna element 10 is inserted into the frame 22 of the vehicle window 30, e.g. front or rear window. This shows the Fig. 1. Through targeted positioning within the frame 22, a resonant response can be generated despite small geometric dimensions, providing broadband impedance matching. The placement of the antenna element 10 within the window frame 22 can be selected to ensure both good impedance matching and a directional pattern that is as omnidirectional as possible.

[0037] Mobile phone antennas are usually mounted on the outside of the body and protruding from it. Fig. Figure 2 shows examples of such antenna elements. Fig. 2 shows resonant monopoles with ground planes. Fig. 2 shows on the left a λ / 4 monopole with a flat ground reference and a normally guided antenna element according to a common design. Fig. 2 shows on the right a design with a flat ground reference and a partially tangentially guided antenna element according to another common design. In contrast, the Fig. 1 shows an embodiment with a ground reference on the edge in the frame 22 of the windscreen 30 and the antenna element 10 partially tangential to the edge 22. The surface 12 designed for energy radiation can be designed according to Fig. 1 have at least two sections that differ in their direction. The at least two sections can enclose a substantially right angle. However, other angles can also occur. In particular, an angle enclosed by the two sections can be oriented towards an angle in the window frame 22. One of the at least two sections can extend in a substantially tangential or parallel direction relative to a window frame section. One of the at least two sections can extend in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a ground plane formed by a metallic window frame 22 of the vehicle 20 in the window frame section.

[0038] In embodiments of a vehicle 20, the one or more mobile radio antennas 10 can be arranged such that an electrical interaction occurs at least between one mobile radio antenna 10 and two legs of the window frame 22.

[0039] Embodiments can thus enable new aesthetic designs or reduced wind resistance due to the antenna installation location. This makes it possible to have mobile radio antennas 10 that do not protrude from the body and that enable cost-effective integration. Embodiments can enable integration of the antenna 10 into the black print of the window 30, thus opening up a new installation location. In other embodiments, the antenna can be designed as a printed version, integrated into the glass, or integrated into a safety film (e.g. in the case of laminated glass). Embodiments can, for example, provide for integration of the antenna 10 on the frame 22 of the vehicle window 30 (in particular the front and rear windows) and its precise positioning; the antenna size (in particular the height) required compared to the usual installation space can be greatly reduced in some embodiments.

[0040] At least in some embodiments, the achieved directional characteristics remain approximately omnidirectional, triggered by the electromagnetic field distribution excited on the vehicle body. By arranging the ground reference at the edge 22 of the vehicle frame, capacitive ground coupling can be reduced compared to a flat ground plane. This can, for example, enable broadband impedance matching of the antenna 10 to cover the frequency bands specified in the LTE standard.

[0041] In exemplary embodiments, antennas 10 for mobile communication, for example, can be integrated directly into the vehicle 20 without the need for additionally attached / introduced installation spaces, such as a roof antenna module. Due to the special functionalization of the installation space, the electromagnetic properties required for mobile communication in the vehicle environment can be realized, e.g., directional characteristics, impedance matching, and bandwidth can be achieved, despite the antennas being geometrically greatly reduced in relation to the wavelength in at least some exemplary embodiments. Structurally, the positioning of the antenna element 10 can be carried out according to the Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows the positioning and electrical supply of an antenna element on the frame 22 of a vehicle window 30 in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of a vehicle window 30 in dashed lines. A plurality of different installation positions for the mobile radio antenna 10 are shown. In some exemplary embodiments, only one antenna 10 is used at one of the installation locations shown. In other exemplary embodiments, however, several antennas 10 can be used at several installation locations. The frame 22 of the vehicle window 30 is shown in the Fig. 3 is shown with dashed lines. The Fig. 3 also shows an enlarged view below, as an example of the upper right corner of the window 30 with a mobile radio antenna 10, which is fed via a coaxial cable and has a ground reference to the vehicle frame 22.

[0042] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, several installation locations (e.g., position 1, position 2, etc.) are possible for one or more mobile radio antennas 10. The mobile radio antenna 10 can be positioned in the vehicle frame 22 parallel to the vehicle window 30, taking into account the precise positioning to achieve broadband matching. The exact position for the feed can be designed in the frame 22 such that the antenna element 10 has a good impedance match, taking into account the useful frequency range.

[0043] In one embodiment, the feed point may be located on the frame 22 of the vehicle window 30, with the edge of the metallic frame 22 representing the ground reference. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the arrangement and electrical supply. The length of the antenna element 10 is designed so that it is close to its resonance (e.g., λ / 4 resonance). Depending on the installation space, the exact shape of the resonant length of the antenna element 10 can be guided either perpendicularly or tangentially to the metallic frame 22 of the vehicle window 30.

[0044] In some further embodiments, the ground reference can be designed for galvanic or capacitive connection. As can be seen from the embodiment of the Fig. As indicated in Figure 3, the mobile radio antenna 10 can further include a contact for connecting the ground reference to the window frame 22. In exemplary embodiments, the mobile radio antenna 10 can be configured for a frequency range greater than 450 MHz and / or for a frequency range less than 6 GHz. In exemplary embodiments, the one or more mobile radio antennas 10 can be galvanically or capacitively coupled to a ground of the vehicle 20 via the ground reference of the mobile radio antennas 10 and the window frame 22.

[0045] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of an antenna element 10 in the vehicle frame 22 of a windscreen 30 of a convertible vehicle 20. In addition, the Fig. 4 below different variants or geometric designs of the antenna element 10. As the Fig. 4 shows on the right, the antenna 10 can also be formed as a vertically extending monopole. Fig. Figure 4 therefore shows examples of various configurations of the antenna element 10 based on a simplified vehicle model. Due to the reduced capacitive coupling compared to an antenna element mounted on a flat ground plane, as is typically the case on the vehicle roof, good broadband impedance matching can be achieved despite the resonant length being tangential to the ground. Furthermore, despite the antenna 10 being positioned on the side and inside the vehicle 20, an almost omnidirectional radiation pattern, as required for terrestrial radio services, can be achieved. This is achieved by the targeted positioning and feeding in the vehicle frame 22. Fig. 5 illustrated in Fig. 5A the generic vehicle model 20 with antenna element 10 in the frame 22 of a windscreen 30 in one embodiment and in Fig. 5B a corresponding enlargement of the mobile radio antenna 10 in the disc 30.

[0046] Fig. 6 shows an input reflection factor of the embodiment of the antenna element 10 in the frame 22 of the windscreen 30 of the generic vehicle model 20 of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the directional properties of the embodiment of the antenna element 10 in the frame 22 of the windscreen 30 of the generic vehicle model 20. The Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 shows the simulated input reflection factor for the antenna element 10, which is designed for mobile radio frequencies from 690 MHz and the corresponding model.

[0047] As the simulated input reflection factor in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, by integrating the antenna element 10 into the vehicle frame 22, a high bandwidth with good impedance matching can be achieved despite the low height (h) relative to the wavelength. In addition, due to the special integration at the edge of the metallic frame 22, the structure has a radiation characteristic that is even when positioned laterally, as in Fig. 7, has almost omnidirectional characteristics. Fig. Figure 7 shows the corresponding directional characteristic at band center frequency for different angles (70°, 80°, 90°) relative to the antenna surface.

[0048] Embodiments can thus enable design-compliant integration of geometrically small antennas 10, e.g., for mobile communications from 690 MHz, into the windshield frame (especially the rear and front windshield) of a vehicle 20. In addition to integrating an antenna element 10 with a resonant length, this approach can be combined with a broadband monopole for higher frequency ranges, e.g., for terrestrial mobile communications, to extend the functional frequency range without affecting the basic function of the low-frequency range. Fig. 8 shows a model for an antenna element 10 for mobile radio communication (800MHz, 1800MHz, 2600MHz) that can be integrated into the frame of a vehicle window in one embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 illustrates corresponding simulation results for an input reflection factor for the embodiment of the antenna element 10 that can be integrated into the frame of the vehicle window 30. Fig. 8 shows an example of such an arrangement as is integrated in the right upper frame 22 of the windscreen 30 of a generic vehicle model 20.

[0049] The antenna component or the mobile radio antenna 10 can be mounted in the vehicle 20 in the case of cowls by using a pocket / tab arrangement on the antenna or cowl. By attaching the antenna 10 to the body shell of the vehicle 20, installation can be independent of the windshield 30 (variants can be reduced for installation on the windshield depending on the optional equipment). In other embodiments, the antenna 10 can also be integrated into the windshield, for example, by printing. Furthermore, a galvanic connection of the antenna 10 to the vehicle ground is possible. Fig. 10 shows a realization of an antenna 10 with antenna surface and a clip holder for insertion in a pocket between two sheets of a multi-part wind deflector for installation fixed to the body shell in one embodiment. Fig.Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of an antenna 10 with an antenna surface and a tab-like support for a sheet metal part of a single- or multi-part cowl panel for sliding on, a shell-mounted installation including anti-twist protection, haptic-acoustic locking via a component-side locking lug and a hole in the tab. In some embodiments, the mobile radio antenna 10 accordingly comprises a fastening means for attachment to the window frame 22 or a cowl panel. The fastening means may comprise a locking device.

[0050] In some embodiments, antennas 10 for mobile communications can be integrated directly into the vehicle without the need for additionally attached / installed installation spaces, such as a roof antenna module. Due to the special functionalization of the installation space, the electromagnetic properties required for mobile communications in the vehicle environment, such as directional characteristics, impedance matching, and bandwidth, can be realized, despite the antennas being geometrically significantly reduced in size relative to the wavelength. The integration can be achieved in a way that is invisible to the user through the mechanical and electromagnetic functionalization of a new installation space that has not previously been used for antenna systems or other sensor electronics.

[0051] The features disclosed in the above description, the following claims and the attached figures can be important and implemented both individually and in any combination for the realization of an embodiment in its various forms.

[0052] Although some aspects have been described in connection with a device, it is understood that these aspects also represent a description of the corresponding method, so that a block or component of a device can also be understood as a corresponding method step or as a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in connection with or as a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block, detail, or feature of a corresponding device.

[0053] The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be apparent to others skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the following claims and not by the specific details presented in the description and explanation of the embodiments herein.

Claims

[1] A window frame (22) for a vehicle (20) with one or more integrated mobile radio antennas (10), wherein a ground reference of a mobile radio antenna (10) for electromagnetic connection is designed at an edge of the window frame (22), and wherein a surface (12) of the mobile radio antenna (10) designed for energy radiation extends at least partially away from the window frame (22). [2] The window frame (22) according to claim 1, wherein the surface (12) designed to radiate energy is designed to be mounted in a plane of a pane (30) filling the window frame (22) of the vehicle (20). [3] The window frame (22) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the surface designed for energy radiation has at least two sections differing in their direction. [4] The window frame (22) according to claim 3, wherein one of the at least two sections extends in a substantially tangential or parallel direction relative to a window frame section. [5] The window frame (22) according to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein the at least two sections enclose a substantially right angle. [6] The window frame (22) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein one of the at least two sections extends in a substantially perpendicular direction relative to a ground plane formed by a metallic window frame (22) of the vehicle (20). [7] The window frame (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground reference is designed for galvanic or capacitive connection. [8] The window frame (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile radio antenna (10) further comprises a contact for connecting the ground reference to the window frame (22). [9] The window frame (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile radio antenna (10) is designed for a frequency range greater than 450 MHz. [10] The window frame (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile radio antenna (10) is designed for a frequency range of less than 6 GHz. [11] The window frame (22) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile radio antenna (10) has a fastening means for fastening to the window frame (22) or a cowl. [12] The window frame (22) according to claim 11, wherein the fastening means comprises a locking device. [13] Vehicle (20) with a window frame (22) according to one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Vehicle (20) according to claim 13, wherein the one or more mobile radio antennas (10) are concealed inwardly by a roof lining and concealed outwardly by a black print on a vehicle window (30). [15] Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the one or more mobile radio antennas (10) are galvanically or capacitively coupled to a ground of the vehicle (20) via the ground reference of the mobile radio antennas (10) and the window frame (22). [16] Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the one or more mobile radio antennas (10) are arranged in a window frame (22) of a windscreen (32) and the vehicle (20) further comprises one or more further mobile radio antennas in a roof fin or a rear window. [17] Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 13 to 16, further comprising a control device for the one or more mobile radio antennas (10), wherein the control device is designed to carry out signal processing via the one or more mobile radio antennas (10) according to a multi-antenna concept. [18] A vehicle according to any one of claims 13 to 17, further comprising an integrated mobile radio device coupled to the one or more mobile radio antennas (10). [19] Vehicle (20) according to one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the one or more mobile radio antennas (10) are arranged such that an electrical interaction occurs at least between one mobile radio antenna (10) and two legs of the window frame (22).

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