Vertically polarized flat profile slot antenna on glass next to a ladder

Abstract

A vehicle includes a window with an antenna assembly. The window comprises a glass surface, a metal frame, and a series of defroster wires. An upper defroster wire and the top edge of the metal frame define an antenna area. The antenna assembly includes a slotted antenna located within the antenna area. The slotted antenna is positioned on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of ​​the window, with its top surface located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame. A feed point is located in a central area of ​​the slotted antenna, and a first slot and a second slot of the slotted antenna intersect at the feed point. From the feed point, a feed line extends through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface to connect the slotted antenna to a communications device.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The subject matter of the disclosure relates to antennas used in vehicles, and in particular to an antenna assembly that may be implemented in a window comprising defrosting wires.

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with antennas for transmitting various signals, such as radio signals, satellite signals, etc. As antenna size has decreased, the capabilities of antenna assemblies have increased. However, mounting an antenna on a vehicle's rear window is hampered by the presence of defroster wires, which occupy a significant portion of the window's surface. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an antenna assembly that can be positioned and function within an area of ​​the rear window not occupied by the defroster wires. SUMMARY

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, an antenna assembly suitable for use in a vehicle window is disclosed. The antenna assembly comprises a slot antenna, a power supply point, and a power supply line. The slot antenna has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and the slot antenna is arranged on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of ​​the window, with the top surface being located near a horizontal cover line of a metal frame of the window. The power supply point is located in a central area of ​​the slot antenna, the slot antenna comprising a first slot and a second slot that intersect at the power supply point. The power supply line extends from the power supply point through a gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, connecting the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0004] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal frame is arranged above a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, and a section of the slotted antenna is arranged in the separation gap and a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap, which electrically couples the section of the slotted antenna to the metal frame.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the conductive adhesive layer includes a urethane adhesive.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first slot and the second slot are either symmetrical about a feed line axis or asymmetrical about the feed line axis.

[0007] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the slot antenna includes a network of electrical wires.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top of the slotted antenna is either aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame or separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the window is a rear window with a series of defrosting wires, and the slotted antenna is located in an antenna area between the series of defrosting wires and an upper edge of the metal frame.

[0010] In another exemplary embodiment, a window of a vehicle is disclosed. The window comprises a glass surface, a metal frame around the glass surface, a series of defrosting wires in the glass surface, wherein an upper wire of the series of defrosting wires is separated from an upper edge of the metal frame by an antenna area, and a slotted antenna arranged in the antenna area.The slot antenna has a top and a bottom opposite the top, the top being located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame, a supply point located in a central area of ​​the slot antenna, the slot antenna comprising a first slot and a second slot intersecting at the supply point, and a supply line extending from the supply point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, the supply line connecting the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal frame is arranged above a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, and a section of the slotted antenna is arranged in the separation gap, which further comprises a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap that electrically couples the section of the slotted antenna to the metal frame.

[0012] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the conductive adhesive layer includes a urethane adhesive.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first slot and the second slot are either symmetrical about a feed line axis or asymmetrical about the feed line axis.

[0014] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the slot antenna includes a network of electrical wires.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top of the slotted antenna is either aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame or separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the window is a rear window of the vehicle.

[0017] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a window with a glass surface, a metal frame around a perimeter of the window, wherein the metal frame defines at least one horizontal cover line and one vertical cover line, the metal frame being separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, a series of defrosting wires in the glass surface, wherein an upper wire of the series of defrosting wires is separated from an upper edge of the metal frame by an antenna area, and a slotted antenna arranged in the antenna area.The slot antenna has a top and a bottom opposite the top, the top being located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame, a supply point located in a central area of ​​the slot antenna, the slot antenna comprising a first slot and a second slot intersecting at the supply point, and a supply line extending from the supply point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, the supply line connecting the slot antenna to a communication device.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the metal frame is arranged above a portion of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap, and a section of the slotted antenna is arranged in the separation gap, which further comprises a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap that electrically couples the section of the slotted antenna to the metal frame.

[0019] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the conductive adhesive layer includes a urethane adhesive.

[0020] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the first slot and the second slot are either symmetrical about a feed line axis or asymmetrical about the feed line axis.

[0021] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the slot antenna includes a network of electrical wires.

[0022] In addition to one or more of the features described herein, the top of the slotted antenna is either aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame or separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

[0023] The aforementioned features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the disclosure, are readily apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Further features, advantages and details are only examples included in the following detailed description, which refers to the drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 2 shows a view of a window of the vehicle in one embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a top view of an antenna assembly in the window in an illustrative embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 shows a close-up view of the upper left corner of the window in an illustrative embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view of the window and the antenna assembly in an illustrative embodiment; Fig. 6 shows a top view of a slotted antenna in an alternative embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view of a slotted antenna with a first slot and a second slot which are symmetrical with respect to the supply line axis in one embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of a slotted antenna with a first slot and a second slot which are symmetrical with respect to the supply line axis in one embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 shows a top view of the upper left corner of the window in another embodiment; and Fig. 10 a close-up view of the slotted antenna of the Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or use. It is understood that identical or corresponding parts and features in the drawings are identified by appropriate reference numerals.

[0026] According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 includes a window 102 with an antenna assembly 104 embedded therein for communication purposes. The window 102 is shown as the rear window of the vehicle 100, but in various embodiments it can be any window of the vehicle. The window 102 divides the space around the vehicle 100 into an outer area 106 outside the vehicle (i.e., behind the window 102) and an inner area 108 inside the vehicle (i.e., in front of the window). A coordinate system 112 is shown for the antenna assembly 104. The x-axis and the z-axis define a plane of the window 102 and the antenna assembly 104. The movement or arrangement of an object along the x-axis is indicated by the terms "left" and "right," while the movement or arrangement of an object along the z-axis is indicated by the terms "above" and "below."The y-axis points out of the plane of window 102 and into the outer area 106. The arrangement of a first object "above" a second object is indicated by the fact that the first object is positioned at a more positive position along the y-axis than the second object.

[0027] The antenna assembly 104 is coupled to a communication device 110, e.g., a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) or a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver. In various embodiments, the antenna assembly 104 is capable of communicating in a range between 600 megahertz (MHz) and 6 gigahertz (GHz).

[0028] Fig. Figure 2 shows a view 200 of the vehicle window 102 along the y-axis in one embodiment. The window 102 comprises a glass surface 202 (or glass sheet) and a metal frame 204 by which the glass surface 202 is attached to the vehicle. The metal frame 204 is arranged around the perimeter of the glass surface 202 and comprises a top edge 206, a bottom edge 208, a left edge 210, and a right edge 212. The top edge 206 and the bottom edge 208 each form a horizontal edge of the window 102, while the left edge 210 and the right edge 212 each form a vertical edge of the window. Although not shown, the edges of the glass surface 202 may extend beneath the respective edges of the metal frame 204. A series 214 of defroster wires fills a portion of the window 102. An upper wire 216 of the series 214 of defrosting wires is separated from the upper edge 206 of the metal frame 204 by an antenna area 218.The antenna assembly 104 is located in antenna area 218 in an upper left corner of window 102 (i.e., in a corner defined by the intersection of the upper edge 206 and the left edge 210). The glass surface 202, the antenna assembly 104, and the metal frame 204 are in different layers along the y-axis, as shown here with respect to . Fig. 4 discussed, ordered.

[0029] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view 300 of the antenna assembly 104 in an illustrative embodiment. The antenna assembly 104 comprises a slotted antenna 302. The slotted antenna 302 has a rectangular shape, with a top 304 and a bottom 306, as well as a left side 308 and a right side 310. A power supply point 312 is arranged centrally in a region of the slotted antenna 302. A power supply line 314 extends from the power supply point 312 along a power supply line axis 315 out of the slotted antenna 302 on the top 304. The power supply line axis 315 extends along the z-axis.

[0030] The slot antenna 302 comprises a first slot 316 on the left side of the feed point 312 and a second slot 318 on the right side of the feed point 312. The first slot 316 functions as a radio frequency balun (FF balun), while the second slot 318 serves as the main radiating section of the slot antenna 302. The FF balun converts an unbalanced FF transmission line into a balanced FF transmission line. The FF balun can also be used to convert a balanced FF transmission line into an unbalanced FF transmission line. The purpose of the first slot 316 is to connect the unbalanced feed line 314 to the balanced antenna slot (second slot 318), thereby enabling the radiating section of the slot antenna 302 to be balanced or substantially balanced.

[0031] The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 intersect at the feed point 312. The first slot 316 is a hybrid of a circular and a square opening, with the circular opening occupying three quadrants of the slot and a square in the upper right quadrant. An extended vertex of the square is located at the feed point 312. The second slot 318 is teardrop-shaped, extending from the feed point 312, with one apex of the teardrop located at the feed point and a wider portion of the teardrop extending from the feed point along the x-axis. The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 differ in shape and size, forming an asymmetrical antenna.

[0032] Fig. Figure 4 shows a close-up view 400 of the upper left corner of the window 102 in an illustrative embodiment. The close-up view 400 shows the upper edge 206 and the left edge 210 of the metal frame 204. The upper edge 206 defines a horizontal cover line 402 that separates a visible area of ​​the window from a portion of the window that is a concealed area below the upper edge. The left edge 210 defines a vertical cover line 404 that separates a visible portion of the window from a portion of the window that is hidden below the left edge.

[0033] The slot antenna 302 is located in the upper left corner on an outer surface of the window 102 within the antenna area 218. The slot antenna 302 is positioned such that the upper side 304 extends beyond the horizontal cover line 402 and lies between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202. The lower side 306 is located away from the upper edge and near the upper wire 216 of the series 214 defroster wires. The left side 308 also extends beyond the vertical cover line 404 and lies between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202. The first slot 316 and the second slot 318 are entirely within the visible area of ​​the window.The supply line 314 extends from the supply point 312 from the slotted antenna 302 on the top 304 and between the metal frame 204 and the glass surface 202 to establish a connection with the communication device 110 so that an FF signal can be sent and / or received.

[0034] Fig. Figure 5 shows a side view 500 of the window 102 and the antenna assembly 104 in an illustrative embodiment. The y-axis is shown relative to the window 102. The side view 500 includes a glass layer 502 with the glass surface 202, an antenna layer 504 with the slotted antenna 302, a conductive adhesive layer 506, and the metal frame 204. The metal frame 204 is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap h. In various embodiments, the separation gap h is approximately 6 millimeters. A section of the slotted antenna 302 is arranged on the glass surface 202 and within the separation gap h. The conductive adhesive layer 506 is arranged in the separation gap h to attach the section of the slotted antenna 302 to the metal frame 204. The conductive adhesive layer 506 electrically couples the slot antenna 302 to the metal frame 204 and thus grounds the slot antenna 302.In various embodiments, the conductive adhesive layer 506 comprises a urethane adhesive.

[0035] Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view 600 of a slotted antenna 602 in an alternative embodiment. The slotted antenna 602 comprises a first slot 604 and a second slot 606. The first slot 604 has the same shape as the first slot 316 in Figure 6. Fig. 3. The second slot 606 has the shape of a hanging teardrop. The different sizes and shapes of the first slot 604 and the second slot 606 make the slot antenna 602 asymmetrical. The relative sizes of the first slot 604 and the second slot 606 differ from the sizes of the first slot 316 and the second slot 618. Fig. 3.

[0036] Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows symmetrical slotted antennas suitable for use with the antenna assembly 104. Fig. Figure 7 shows a top view 700 of a slotted antenna 702 in one embodiment, with a first slot 704 and a second slot 706 that are symmetrical with respect to the supply line axis 315. The first slot 704 and the second slot 706 have a teardrop shape with pointed ends at the supply point 312 and broad ends distal to the supply point along the x-axis. Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view 800 of a slotted antenna 802 in one embodiment, with a first slot and a second slot that are symmetrical with respect to the supply line axis. The first slot 804 and the second slot 806 are arranged symmetrically around the supply line axis 315, are each spatula-shaped, and generally extend downwards along the z-axis, with the wide ends facing away from the supply line axis 315.

[0037] Fig. Figure 9 shows, in another embodiment, a top view 900 of the upper left corner of the window 102. The top surface 304 of the slotted antenna 302 is arranged at a preselected distance d from the horizontal cover line 402 of the metal frame 204 by means of a gap. The left side 308 of the slotted antenna 302 is arranged a distance from the vertical cover line 404 of the metal frame 204 by means of a gap.

[0038] Fig. Figure 10 shows a close-up view 1000 of the slotted antenna 302 in an illustrative embodiment. Fig.3. The slot antenna 302 comprises a mesh 1002 of electrical wires surrounded by a contour material that frames the mesh. The contour material is formed from wires that are thicker than the electrical wires of the mesh 1002 and that form a continuous conductive material. The contour material includes a perimeter segment 1004, supply line segments 1008, and slot segments 1008. The perimeter segment 1004 forms a line around the perimeter of the slot antenna 302. The supply line segments 1008 extend along the supply line 314. Slot segments form contours along the edges of the first slot 316 and the second slot 318.

[0039] The terms "a" and "an" do not imply a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the mentioned items. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. When the entire description refers to "an aspect," this means that a particular element (e.g., a feature, a structure, a step, or a property) described in connection with the aspect is encompassed by at least one of the aspects described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. It is also understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable way across the various aspects.

[0040] When an element such as a layer, film, area, or substrate is described as lying "on" another element, it may lie directly on top of the other element, or there may be elements in between. Conversely, when an element is described as lying "directly on" another element, there are no elements in between.

[0041] Unless otherwise specified herein, all testing standards are the latest standard in force on the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the testing standard appears.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, the technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as generally understood by an expert in the field to which this disclosure relates.

[0043] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made and equivalent elements substituted without altering its scope. Furthermore, many modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without altering its essential scope. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments mentioned, but rather to encompass all embodiments that fall within its scope.

Claims

[1] Antenna assembly suitable for use in a vehicle window, comprising: a slotted antenna having a top and a bottom opposite the top, wherein the slotted antenna is arranged on a glass surface of the window in a visible area of ​​the window, the top being located near a horizontal cover line of a metal frame of the window; a supply point located in a central region of the slotted antenna, the slotted antenna comprising a first slot and a second slot intersecting at the supply point; and a supply line extending from the supply point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, the supply line connecting the slot antenna to a communication device. [2] Antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the metal frame is arranged above a part of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap and a section of the slot antenna is arranged in the separation gap, which further comprises a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap that electrically couples the section of the slot antenna to the metal frame. [3] Antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first slot and the second slot are of: (i) symmetrical about a supply line axis and (ii) asymmetrical about the supply line axis. [4] Antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the slot antenna comprises a network of electrical wires. [5] Antenna assembly according to claim 1, wherein the top of the slotted antenna is: (i) aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and (ii) separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected slit. [6] Vehicle, comprising: a window with a glass surface; a metal frame around the perimeter of the window, wherein the metal frame defines at least one horizontal cover line and one vertical cover line, wherein the metal frame is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap; a series of defrosting wires in the glass surface, wherein an upper wire of the series of defrosting wires is separated from an upper edge of the metal frame by an antenna area; a slotted antenna arranged in the antenna area, wherein the slotted antenna has: a top and a bottom opposite the top, the top being located near a horizontal cover line of the metal frame; a supply point located in a central region of the slotted antenna, the slotted antenna comprising a first slot and a second slot intersecting at the supply point; and a supply line extending from the supply point through a separation gap between the metal frame and the glass surface, the supply line connecting the slot antenna to a communication device. [7] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the metal frame is arranged above a part of the glass surface and is separated from the glass surface by a separation gap and a section of the slot antenna is arranged in the separation gap, which further comprises a conductive adhesive layer in the separation gap that electrically couples the section of the slot antenna to the metal frame. [8] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the first slot and the second slot are of: (i) symmetrical about a supply line axis and (ii) asymmetrical about the supply line axis. [9] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the slotted antenna comprises a network of electrical wires. [10] Vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the top of the slotted antenna is: (i) aligned with the horizontal cover line of the metal frame; and (ii) separated from the horizontal cover line by a preselected gap.

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