Radio reception system for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

A radio reception system for a motor vehicle is described, comprising a main unit, at least one radio signal receiving unit, and at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is arranged on the inside of a motor vehicle behind a high-frequency transparent component, wherein the at least one radio signal receiving unit is arranged separately from the main unit and spatially closer to the at least one antenna than to the main unit, and wherein the radio signal receiving unit is connected to the main unit by means of a signal-conducting cable.

Description

[0001] A radio reception system for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle are described.

[0002] Radio reception systems for motor vehicles and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above are known in the state of the art.

[0003] It is generally known that the reception of media signals via radio is of considerable importance for motor vehicles. Most motor vehicles are equipped with a car radio, although in some regions, some vehicles also offer digital radio and television tuners. The corresponding media signals are usually processed and reproduced by an infotainment system (head unit). It is important to ensure good signal reception, which in motor vehicles is often achieved by distributed antenna systems arranged outside the vehicle. Furthermore, it is common practice to position a radio signal reception unit separately from the infotainment system, for example, in the engine compartment.

[0004] From DE 10 2017 108 638 A1 a tuner for the mobile reception of high-frequency signals in vehicles is known, comprising a housing formed by a first housing part and at least one further housing part, and a printed circuit board arranged in the housing, wherein at least one heat-critical electronic component is arranged on the printed circuit board for realizing at least one partial function of the tuner, wherein at least one region of a housing part consists of a heat-conductive material with high thermal conductivity and the at least one heat-critical electronic component is connected to this region in a heat-transferring manner.

[0005] The task therefore arises of further developing radio reception systems for motor vehicles and motor vehicles of the type mentioned above in such a way that a modular radio reception concept can be specified with more design freedom for the shape of the motor vehicle.

[0006] The object is achieved by a radio reception system for a motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a motor vehicle according to the independent claim 10. Further embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] A radio reception system for a motor vehicle is described, comprising a main unit, at least one radio signal reception unit and at least one antenna, wherein the at least one antenna is arranged on the interior of the motor vehicle behind a high-frequency permeable component, wherein the at least one radio signal reception unit is arranged separately from the main unit and spatially closer to the at least one antenna than to the main unit, wherein the radio signal reception unit is connected to the main unit by means of a signal-conducting cable.

[0008] This approach makes it possible to achieve design advantages for the vehicle, as no breakthrough is required for the radio reception system. This can also contribute to improving aerodynamics.

[0009] In addition, the components of the broadcast reception system are better protected than components exposed to the outside.

[0010] The proximity of the at least one antenna to the radio signal receiving unit also allows for a good signal-to-noise ratio before processing the received radio signals. A corresponding radio signal receiving unit can be arranged, for example, in the rear of a vehicle, for example, in a roof area, a C-pillar, an area around a bumper, or the like. These areas are relatively distant from on-board interference sources, which positively influences reception quality.

[0011] Depending on the country and equipment, the radio signal reception unit can be configured to receive different frequency ranges, for example, AM and FM. The radio signal reception unit can process the signals received via the at least one antenna and transmit them to the main unit via the signal-conducting cable with no or at least low loss.

[0012] The at least one antenna may also be configured to receive at least one of several frequency ranges, for example AM, FM, SDARS or television signals.

[0013] In a first further embodiment, it can be provided that a television signal receiving unit is provided which is coupled to the radio signal receiving unit.

[0014] In this way, the television signal reception unit can access the input signals from at least one antenna connected to the radio signal reception unit. Providing separate antennas for the television signal reception unit is not necessary.

[0015] The television signal receiving unit can process the television signals and transmit them to the main unit via a signal-conducting connection, in particular by means of a cable. For this purpose, the main unit can have a separate signal input, and a device for switching between the input for the radio signal and the television signal can be provided.

[0016] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that the radio signal receiving unit can be switched between a direct connection of the at least one antenna and a connection by means of the antenna signal amplifier.

[0017] In this way, it is possible to use the same radio signal receiving unit both in configurations in which the at least one antenna is connected directly and in configurations in which the at least one antenna is connected indirectly via the antenna signal amplifier. Such switching can be accomplished using a manually operated switch or jumper, or a switch that can be switched automatically or via configuration.

[0018] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that an antenna amplifier is provided between the at least one antenna and the radio signal receiving unit.

[0019] Thus, the distance between the, some or all antennas and the radio signal receiving unit can be increased, which increases the design freedom.

[0020] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that an SDARS radio signal receiving unit is provided which is arranged closer to the radio signal receiving unit than to the main unit.

[0021] This allows SDARS functionalities to be supplemented modularly.

[0022] In a further refinement, the television signal reception unit and the SDARS radio signal reception unit may have housings with identical support structures. This further enhances modularity and increases the proportion of common parts, reducing the complexity of the broadcast reception system in various configurations.

[0023] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that the radio signal reception unit, television signal reception unit and / or SDARS radio signal reception unit are thermally coupled to a body element of the motor vehicle.

[0024] This can contribute to temperature management and dissipate the heat lost from components without the need for active cooling elements.

[0025] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that a network connection is established between the radio signal receiving unit, the television signal receiving unit and / or the SDARS radio signal receiving unit and the main unit.

[0026] In this way, network technology for data transport and established protocols such as IEEE 1722 or IEEE 1733 can be used.

[0027] In a further further embodiment, it can be provided that at least one diplexer is connected to the at least one radio signal receiving unit in order to supply the appropriate television signals received by means of the at least one antenna to the television signal receiving unit.

[0028] A first independent subject matter relates to a motor vehicle with a radio reception system of the type described above.

[0029] In a first further embodiment, it can be provided that the motor vehicle is a notchback vehicle or a hatchback vehicle.

[0030] The radio reception system can therefore be used for various body configurations.

[0031] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, which – where appropriate with reference to the drawings – describes at least one embodiment in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0032] They show schematically: Fig. 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle with a radio reception system; Fig. 2 a plan view of a rear section of the motor vehicle from Fig. 2; Fig. 3 is a plan view of a rear portion of a motor vehicle having a station wagon rear; Fig. 4 is a schematic view of the broadcast reception system according to a first embodiment; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of the broadcast reception system according to a second embodiment; Fig. 6 is a schematic view of the broadcast reception system according to a third embodiment; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of the broadcast receiving system according to a fourth embodiment; Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the broadcast reception system according to a fifth embodiment, and Fig. 9 is a schematic view of the broadcast receiving system according to a sixth embodiment.

[0033] In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent components are given the same reference numerals for ease of reading.

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 2 with a radio reception system 4. The motor vehicle 2 is designed as a notchback vehicle or so-called 3-box concept (engine compartment, passenger cabin, separate trunk).

[0035] The radio reception system 4 has a main unit 6 and a remotely located radio signal reception unit 8. The main unit 6 can be integrated into an infotainment system (head unit) of the motor vehicle 2. The infotainment system is responsible for integrating the car radio, navigation system, hands-free system, driver assistance systems, and other functions into a central control unit. The main boards of the infotainment system contain components for storing data (RAM) and performing calculations (CPU). In addition, there are often specialized modules such as processors for digital audio processing and decoding (DSP) and for graphics processing. A GPS receiver is often installed for navigation. The infotainment system generally has at least one display that can be controlled using various input devices and methods (touchscreen, tactile input devices, gestures, and / or voice).

[0036] Main unit 6 and radio signal receiving unit 8 are connected to each other by a signal-conducting cable 10. The signal-conducting cable 10 can be a cable of a data bus system, for example, CAN-BUS, a network cable, or it can be a standalone cable. The signal-conducting cable 10 can have multiple wires and multiple connectors, for example, a network connector and a wake-up port connector.

[0037] The radio signal receiving unit 8 is connected to an antenna 12 via a signal-conducting cable 14. The signal-conducting cable 14 is a high-frequency cable, for example, a coaxial cable.

[0038] Radio signal receiving unit 8 and antenna 12 are arranged on an interior side 16 of motor vehicle 2 in an area of ​​a roof 18 of motor vehicle 2. Roof 18 is at least partially permeable to high frequencies. This eliminates the need for a perforation in the outer skin of motor vehicle 2, which increases design freedom and improves the aerodynamics of motor vehicle 2.

[0039] A distance d1 between main unit 6 and radio signal receiving unit 8 is considerably greater than a distance d2 between radio signal receiving unit 8 and antenna 12. This allows the signals received via antenna 12 to be further processed with the lowest possible losses, which increases the reception quality.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of a rear section of the motor vehicle 2 from Fig. 1 to show arrangement options for the components of the broadcast reception system 4.

[0041] In the roof 18, a section 18.1 is designed to be high-frequency permeable, so that no structures in this area could interfere with the reception of radio waves. A communications unit 22, for example, for mobile communications, is provided in this area. An associated transmitting and receiving antenna 24 is arranged in a rear window 2.1 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0042] The radio signal receiving unit 8 is arranged in the area of ​​a C-pillar 2.2.

[0043] An optional SDARS radio signal reception unit 26 can be arranged in the area of ​​a rear fender 2.2, with an SDARS antenna 28 positioned in the area of ​​the communication unit 22. Alternatively or additionally, a television signal reception unit can also be arranged at this location or on the opposite side of the motor vehicle 2.

[0044] An antenna signal amplifier 30 can also be provided in the area of ​​the C-pillars 2.2 if necessary.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a plan view of a rear section of a station wagon 2' to illustrate arrangement options for the components of the radio reception system 4 in motor vehicles with a 1-box or 2-box concept, in which the passenger compartment and trunk form a common volume.

[0046] In the roof 18, a section 18.1 is designed to be high-frequency permeable, so that no structures in this area could interfere with the reception of radio waves. A communications unit 22, for example, for mobile communications, is provided in this area. Associated transmitting and receiving antennas 24 are arranged in a rear window 2.1 and a roof spoiler 2.4 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0047] The radio signal reception unit 8 is also located in the area of ​​the roof spoiler 2.4.

[0048] An optional SDARS radio signal reception unit 26 can be arranged in the area of ​​a rear fender 2.3, with an SDARS antenna 28 positioned in the area of ​​the communication unit 22 for better reception. Alternatively or additionally, a television signal reception unit can also be arranged at this location or on the opposite side of the motor vehicle 2'.

[0049] The following examples of embodiments according to the Fig. 4 to 6 are particularly suitable for so-called 1-box and 2-box vehicle concepts as in Fig. 3 without a separate trunk.

[0050] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the broadcast reception system 4 in a first configuration.

[0051] The main unit 6 has an integrated system 40 for processing the incoming data, which is responsible, among other things, for signal conversion. The integrated system 40 may include processors for audio and image conversion.

[0052] A network switch 42 is provided upstream of the integrated system 40 and is connected to two network ports 44, 46. The network switch 42 serves to supply the appropriate input signal to the integrated system 40, depending on the respective setting of the radio reception system 4. Wake-up ports 48, 50 are assigned to the network ports 44, 46, via which the radio signal reception unit 8 and, if applicable, other connected units can be woken up. This allows the corresponding units to be activated only when reception of corresponding signals is required.

[0053] Network port 44 and wake-up port 48 are connected to a network port 51 and wake-up port 51.1 with the radio signal receiving unit 8 via the signal-conducting cable 10, for which purpose the signal-conducting cable 10 has two corresponding plugs at each end.

[0054] The radio signal reception unit 8 is connected to various individual antennas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 of the antenna 12. The individual antennas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 are configured to receive various frequency ranges, for example, FM or AM, and / or DAB, as well as television signal frequencies depending on the embodiment. The individual antennas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 can be installed at various locations on the motor vehicle 2 or 2'. Known technologies such as signal conditioners, splitters, and diplexers for signal splitting can be used for signal reception and processing.

[0055] Furthermore, it is possible to switch at least one of the connections to the antennas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 as an input or output, if a signal output is required. For this purpose, one or more high-frequency switches can be provided, which are controlled accordingly. This allows such a connection, for example, connection 56 according to Fig. 5, on the one hand as an antenna input or forwarding output for a television signal reception module.

[0056] A housing 8.1 of the radio signal receiving unit 8 is thermally coupled to the body of the motor vehicle 2' in order to dissipate waste heat via the body of the motor vehicle 2'.

[0057] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a radio reception system 4' in a second configuration.

[0058] With regard to the main unit 6 and the radio signal receiving unit 8, reference is made to the description of Fig. 4, whereby the radio signal receiving unit 8 here, in contrast to Fig. 4 in the area of ​​the C-pillar 2.2. The housing 8.1 of the radio signal receiving unit 8 has the same size and the same connection and fastening configuration as the housing of the radio signal receiving unit of the configuration according to Fig. 4, to increase modularity and reduce component complexity. The main unit 6 can be identical to the main unit according to Fig. 4.

[0059] TV-out ports 52, 54, 56 are provided in the radio signal receiving unit 8 to feed TV signals received from the individual antennas 12.1, 12.2, 12.3 to a television signal receiving unit 60 via TV-in ports 62, 64, 66 provided there. The television signal receiving unit 60 is arranged in the area of ​​the rear fender 2.3.

[0060] The radio signal receiving unit 8 is connected to the network port 46 and the wake-up port 50 via a signal-conducting cable 68 by means of a network port 70. The signal-conducting cable 68 has corresponding plug connections on both sides for the network ports 46, 70 and the wake-up ports 50, 70.1.

[0061] Depending on which medium is to be used by the user of the radio reception system 4, either the input signal of the radio signal reception unit 8 or the television signal reception unit 60 is passed through to the integrated system 40 via the network switch 42.

[0062] Radio signal reception unit 8 and / or television signal reception unit 60 may be in a switched-off state or in a power-saving mode at the time of switching on or switching over, which is why, when the broadcast reception system 4 is switched on or when switching over between radio and television reception, a wake-up signal is emitted via the respective wake-up port 48 or 50 to the wake-up ports 51.1, 70.1 of the radio signal reception unit 8 and / or television signal reception unit 60.

[0063] To avoid repetition, please refer to the previous example.

[0064] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of a radio reception system 4'' in a third configuration.

[0065] Here, instead of a television signal receiving unit as in the configuration according to Fig. 5, an SDARS radio signal reception unit 26 is provided, which is arranged in the area of ​​the rear fender 2.3. The SDARS radio signal reception unit 26 has its own SDARS antenna 28, which is connected via an antenna connection 72.

[0066] The network cable 68 is connected to a corresponding network port 74 and a wake-up port 74.1.

[0067] To avoid repetition, reference is made to the examples of implementation according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.

[0068] The configurations described below according to the Fig. 7 to 9 are suitable for so-called 2-box and 3-box vehicle concepts with a separate trunk as in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In these concepts, the radio signal receiving unit 8 is arranged in the C-pillar 2.2 of the motor vehicle 2.

[0069] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a radio reception system 4''' in a fourth configuration.

[0070] This configuration is similar to that in Fig. 4, to which reference is otherwise made, wherein an additional antenna signal amplifier 80 is provided, which is arranged, on the one hand, between the individual antenna 12.3 and the radio signal receiving unit 8, and, on the other hand, between a further individual antenna 12.4 and the television signal receiving unit 60. In this way, the individual antenna 12.3 can be positioned further away from the radio signal receiving unit 8 than without the antenna signal amplifier 80.

[0071] In addition, the radio signal reception unit 8 is arranged in the area of ​​the C-pillar 2.2.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a radio reception system 4'''' in a fifth configuration.

[0073] This configuration is similar to that in Fig. 5, to which reference is otherwise made, wherein an additional antenna signal amplifier 80 is provided, which is arranged, on the one hand, between the individual antenna 12.3 and the radio signal receiving unit 8, and, on the other hand, between a further individual antenna 12.4 and the television signal receiving unit 60. In this way, the individual antenna 12.3 can be positioned further away from the radio signal receiving unit 8 than without the antenna signal amplifier 80. The individual antenna 12.4 can be configured for television signal reception.

[0074] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of a radio reception system 4''''' in a sixth configuration.

[0075] This configuration is similar to that in Fig.6, to which reference is otherwise made, wherein an additional antenna signal amplifier 80 is provided, which is arranged between the individual antenna 12.3 and the radio signal receiving unit 8. In this way, the individual antenna 12.3 can be positioned further away from the radio signal receiving unit 8 than without the antenna signal amplifier 80.

[0076] In the various embodiments described above, a housing 26.1 of the SDARS radio signal receiving unit 26 and a housing 60.1 of the television signal receiving unit 60 can have the same form factors with regard to size, shape and connections in order to be able to fix them modularly at the same mounting locations in the respective motor vehicles 2, 2'.

[0077] Although the invention has been illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations may be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned by way of example are truly only examples and should not be construed as limiting the scope, possible applications, or configuration of the invention in any way.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without departing from the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as a further explanation in the description. List of reference symbols 2, 2' motor vehicle 2.1 Rear window 2.2 C-pillar 2.3 rear fender 2.4 Roof spoiler 4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''' radio reception system 6 Main unit 8 Radio signal receiving unit 8.1 Housing 10 signal-conducting cable 12 Antenna 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4 Single antenna 14 signal-conducting cable 16 Interior of the vehicle 18 Roof 18.1 high-frequency permeable component 22 Communication unit 24 transmitting and receiving antenna 26 SDARS radio signal receiving unit 26.1 Housing 28 SDARS antenna 30 antenna signal amplifiers 40 integrated system 42 network switches 44, 46 Network connection 48, 50 Recovery port 51 Network connection 51.1 Wake-up port 52, 54, 56 TV-Out port 60 television signal reception unit 60.1 Housing 62, 64, 66 TV-In port 68 network cables 70 Network connection 70.1 Wake-up port 72 antenna connection 74 Network connection 74.1 Wake-up port 80 antenna signal amplifiers d1 Distance between main unit and radio signal receiving unit d2 Distance between radio signal receiving unit and antenna QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2017 108 638 A1

[0004]

Claims

[1] Radio reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4'''') for a motor vehicle (2, 2') with a main unit (6), at least one radio signal reception unit (8) and at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4), wherein the at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) is arranged on a motor vehicle interior (16) behind a high-frequency permeable component (18.1), wherein the at least one radio signal reception unit (8) is arranged separately from the main unit (6) and spatially closer to the at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) than to the main unit (6), wherein the radio signal reception unit (8) is connected by means of a signal-conducting cable (10) is connected to the main unit (6). [2] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to claim 1, characterized by that a television signal receiving unit (60) is provided which is coupled to the radio signal receiving unit (8). [3] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the radio signal receiving unit (8) can be switched between a direct connection of the at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) and a connection by means of an antenna signal amplifier (30, 80). [4] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an antenna amplifier (30, 80) is provided between the at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) and the radio signal receiving unit (8). [5] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an SDARS radio signal receiving unit (26) is provided which is arranged closer to the radio signal receiving unit (8) than to the main unit (6). [6] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to claim 5, characterized bythat the television signal receiving unit (60) and the SDARS radio signal receiving unit (26) have housings (8.1) with the same holding structures. [7] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the radio signal receiving unit (8), television signal receiving unit (60) and / or SDARS radio signal receiving unit (26) are thermally coupled to a body element (2.2, 2.3, 2.4) of the motor vehicle (2, 2'). [8] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a network connection is established between the radio signal receiving unit (8), the television signal receiving unit (60) and / or the SDARS radio signal receiving unit (26) and the main unit (6). [9] Broadcast reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized bythat at least one diplexer is connected to the at least one radio signal receiving unit (8) in order to supply the appropriate television signals received by means of the at least one antenna (12, 12.1, 12.2, 12.3, 12.4) to the television signal receiving unit (60). [10] Motor vehicle (2, 2') with a radio reception system (4, 4', 4'', 4''', 4'''', 4''''') according to one of the preceding claims.

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