Antenna device for integration into a disc

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna device (4) for integration into a disk (5), with at least one antenna structure (6) for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that the antenna device (4) has a cover film (7) which corresponds at least partially to the antenna structure (6), and wherein the cover film (7) is designed to reduce the optical influence of the antenna structure (6) in the disk (5).

Description

[0001] The following invention relates to an antenna device for integration into a disk, with at least one antenna structure for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation.

[0002] It is already known from the prior art that a variety of antennas are now integrated into, for example, the roof antenna of a vehicle as so-called shark fins. These antennas can be designed as 5G antennas, Wi-Fi antennas, GNSS antennas, V2X antennas, SXM antennas, or similar. This has the disadvantage that the integration location and appearance are unfavorable. Furthermore, the visible area of ​​the roof glazing is reduced, and it increases the vehicle's drag coefficient (Cd). The roof glazing, however, requires a corresponding cutout in the glass, which necessitates a complex manufacturing process. These drawbacks can essentially be eliminated by using transparent film antennas embedded in the glazing.One challenge, however, is to integrate the at least partially transparent foil antennas into the glazing in such a way that no transitions or structures are visible in the glazing.

[0003] Furthermore, it is already known from the prior art that so-called slot antennas are used in glazing concepts, along with visible printed antenna structures. These are usually integrated beneath black printed surfaces (ceramic printing), thus severely limiting the integration location and the visual appearance. This can also affect the performance of the individual antennas.

[0004] Antennas embedded in laminated glass are also known; these are achieved by inserting antenna wires into the interlayer material. The wires are visible to the customer. Disadvantages of this technology include a complex process and the associated high costs, as well as a potential impairment of the driver's view.

[0005] CN 211764831 U discloses a vehicle window glass, a window assembly, and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle window glass comprises laminated glass, an antenna assembly, a bonding layer, and an explosion-proof film, and the laminated glass comprises an outer layer glass and an inner layer glass stacked with the outer layer glass. The bonding layer is provided with a slotted structure and is arranged between the outer layer glass and the inner layer glass. The antenna assembly is arranged in the slotted structure. An explosion-proof membrane is arranged between the outer layer glass and the antenna assembly and / or an explosion-proof membrane is arranged between the antenna assembly and the inner layer glass.The antenna assembly can be effectively protected, and the problems of bubbles, cracks, and qualified penetration resistance and impact resistance, etc., which are created by laminated glass of a conventional embedded antenna in a lamination process, are solved, thus improving the safety and communication reliability of the vehicle window glass and window assembly with the embedded antenna and a vehicle.

[0006] US Patent 9,755,299 B2 describes a window assembly for a vehicle with a transparent layer containing a metal compound, making the transparent layer electrically conductive. The transparent layer defines an area that covers the window assembly. An outer, electrically non-conductive area surrounds this area. The window assembly includes an antenna element with a wire or transparent coating, located within and surrounded by the outer area without extending into the transparent layer. The antenna element is electrically isolated from the transparent layer, allowing it to operate independently. A power supply element is coupled to the antenna element to provide it with energy.The power supply element is electrically separated from the transparent layer, so that the power supply element feeds the antenna element independently of the transparent layer.

[0007] A disadvantage of the current state of the art is that the corresponding antenna structures within the windshield remain visible to the user and can therefore, for example, impair the view of the vehicle's surroundings.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to create an antenna device by means of which the disadvantages of the prior art are overcome.

[0009] In particular, the object of the present invention is to create an antenna device by means of which an antenna structure of the antenna device can be reliably concealed within the window, or the visibility of the antenna structure can be reduced in order to increase road safety.

[0010] This problem is solved by an antenna device according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] One aspect of the invention relates to an antenna device for integration into a disk, with at least one antenna structure for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation.

[0012] It is provided that the antenna device has a cover film which corresponds at least partially to the antenna structure, and wherein the cover film is formed in the disc to reduce an optical influence of the antenna structure.

[0013] In particular, the cover film can thus substantially reduce the optical influences of the antenna device, so that a user of the motor vehicle or a driver of the motor vehicle can perceive the surroundings better and thus participate more safely in road traffic.

[0014] As already mentioned, the antenna device can be integrated into a pane, for example, the windshield of a motor vehicle. The windshield is essentially constructed in a sandwich-like manner. In essence, a laminated pane can be provided. This pane can consist of a first layer of glass, a first layer of PVB (polyvinyl butyral), the corresponding antenna structure, the cover film, another layer of PVB, and a final layer of glass. The first layer of glass can, for example, face an exterior side of the vehicle, and the second layer can, for example, face an interior side of the vehicle.

[0015] PVB (polyvinyl butyral) is a thermoplastic polymer frequently used as an adhesive or bonding agent for glass or films. Particularly in laminated safety glass (VSG) or tempered safety glass (ESG), PVB serves as an interlayer between two or more glass panes, as is commonly used in automotive manufacturing, for example, in windshields. Especially when combined with a suitable film, PVB can be used as an adhesive or as a substrate for a coating to bond different film materials or glass types together, or to fix a film to a substrate, such as glass. PVB films offer high transparency, good adhesion and flexibility, as well as resistance to moisture, chemicals, and temperature fluctuations.By using PVB as an adhesive, various materials, such as metals, plastics, or textiles, can be permanently bonded to a film to achieve a durable and attractive surface finish. PVB thus provides an adhesive or coating material that can be used in the production of laminated safety glass. It offers high transparency, strong adhesion, and resistance to environmental influences.

[0016] Preferably, the antenna structure can be configured for transmitting and / or receiving 5G, Wi-Fi, GNSS, V2X, and SXM. In particular, it is proposed that, to minimize the optical impact of an antenna structure integrated into the pane, a suitable cover film, also known as a cover film, with a thickness of less than 50 micrometers, be used. The use of this cover film also allows for the discreet integration of multiple antenna structures into the pane. Specifically, multiple antenna structures can be integrated into the pane, supporting different communication methods through the variety of antenna structures.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment, the cover film is colored with an optical pattern. In particular, the cover film can thus be colored to conceal the antenna structure or minimize its optical influence based on the optical pattern. This makes it possible to reduce the optical influence of the antenna structure in a simple manner.

[0018] Another advantageous design involves printing the cover film with an optical pattern. In particular, the cover film can be printed accordingly to conceal the antenna structure or minimize its visual impact. This provides a simple way to reduce the visual influence of the antenna structure.

[0019] It is also advantageous if the cover film and the antenna structure are formed separately from each other, for example on a separate substrate. In other words, the antenna structure and the cover film can be manufactured individually, assembled as an antenna device, and then inserted into the disc. This allows existing antenna structures to be used with the cover film, thus enabling simple integration.

[0020] Another advantageous embodiment involves integrating the antenna structure into the cover film. In particular, this allows for direct integration of the antenna structure into the cover film, which also simplifies the integration process. This saves on PET substrate and enables a simpler and more cost-effective integration method. Preferably, a film antenna can be used as the antenna structure, whereby integrating the antenna structure into the cover film eliminates the need for PET substrate for the film antenna, since the cover film itself serves as the substrate.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the cover film can overlap the antenna structure. Specifically, an area of ​​the cover film is thus larger than the antenna structure itself. This allows the entire antenna structure to be covered by the cover film, thereby reliably reducing the optical influence of the antenna structure. Alternatively, the cover film can also overlap the antenna structure only in certain areas.

[0022] It has also proven advantageous that the cover film only partially covers the antenna structure. In other words, the antenna structure can be positioned offset from the cover film, or it can cover a larger area than the cover film. This allows, for example, areas where a person cannot see through the glass, such as the area where the glass is attached—essentially the edge of the glass, such as the edge of a windshield—to be protected from the use of a cover film. This saves on cover film material while still reliably reducing the influence of the antenna structure, especially when it is located in the visible area.

[0023] It has also proven advantageous if the cover film is made of polyvinyl butyral. Polyvinyl butyral has proven particularly advantageous because it has good transparency properties and can also be used as an adhesive for the antenna structure and the corresponding windshield glass.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment, the antenna device can be integrated into a vehicle window. For example, the window can be a windshield, side window, roof window, or rear window. In particular, different antenna devices can be integrated into the window, for example, to detect / transmit different types or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation. This eliminates the need for a shark fin antenna, for instance. Furthermore, visual visibility through the window is still ensured, thereby significantly increasing road safety.

[0025] It is self-evident to those skilled in the art that the corresponding antenna device can also be used for other surfaces outside of motor vehicle construction. The motor vehicle thus merely represents a preferred embodiment; the antenna device is not limited to motor vehicles.

[0026] It is also advantageous if the antenna structure is designed as a film antenna. In particular, these film antennas are so-called transparent film antennas. Transparent film antennas are a type of antenna made from a thin, transparent film, especially a substrate. They are frequently used in applications where it is important that the antenna is not visible or does not detract from the design of a device. The transparent film of the antenna can be made of a conductive material, such as metal or a special type of plastic, applied to a thin carrier film. This design allows the antenna structure to be almost transparent and blend well into its surroundings.Transparent film antennas are frequently used in mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wearables to provide functions like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. They can also be used in other applications, particularly in the automotive, aviation, and military sectors. One advantage of transparent film antennas is their small size and flexibility, which allows them to be integrated into confined spaces or curved surfaces, such as a car windshield. Furthermore, their transparency offers an aesthetically pleasing solution that does not detract from the design of the devices.

[0027] Particularly in the technical field of film antennas, PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is frequently used as a substrate material for transparent film antennas. PET is a thermoplastic polymer characterized by its high transparency, strength, and resistance to environmental influences. A PET film serves as a substrate for the conductive layers used in a transparent film antenna. These layers can be made of metals such as copper or silver and are vapor-deposited or printed onto the PET film to achieve the desired antenna functionality. PET films are lightweight and thin, making them ideal for use in mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as in motor vehicles. Furthermore, PET is recyclable and more environmentally friendly than other substrate materials, making it an attractive option for sustainable product designs.The use of PET film in film antennas allows for high flexibility and formability, enabling the antenna to be adapted to various housing shapes and sizes. Furthermore, PET offers excellent electrical insulation for the conductive layers, contributing to the antenna's high performance and reliability.

[0028] A further aspect of the invention relates to a windscreen assembly for a motor vehicle with at least one antenna device according to the preceding aspect. The windscreen assembly comprises, in particular, a windscreen element and an antenna device arranged on or integrable into the windscreen element. The windscreen or windscreen element can be constructed in a substantially sandwich-like manner, and, for example, the antenna device can be integrated between two glass elements.

[0029] Preferably, the disc assembly can be designed as a windshield of a motor vehicle.

[0030] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a disc device according to the preceding aspect.

[0031] Advantageous designs of the antenna device are to be regarded as advantageous designs of the disc device and the motor vehicle.

[0032] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0033] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the invention. This is illustrated by: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle with an embodiment of a disc device with an embodiment of an antenna device; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of an embodiment of a disc device; Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a disc device; Fig. 4 a further schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a disc device; and Fig. 5 another schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a disc device.

[0034] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In these embodiments, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. These features further develop the invention independently and can therefore be considered as part of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features of the invention that have already been described.

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the motor vehicle 1 has two window assemblies 2. In the present embodiment, the window assemblies 2 are formed in particular in corresponding door assemblies 3 of the motor vehicle 1, for example in corresponding side doors.

[0036] The disk devices 2 each have an antenna device 4. The antenna device 4 is thus designed in particular for integration into a corresponding disk 5 of a respective disk device 2 and for this purpose has an antenna structure 6 for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the antenna device 4 has a cover film 7 which corresponds at least partially to the antenna structure 6, and the cover film 7 is formed in the disk 5 to reduce the optical influence of the antenna structure 6.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic top view of another embodiment of a disc device 2. The one in the Fig. The window assembly 2 shown in Figure 2 is essentially a windshield of the motor vehicle 1. For this purpose, the window assembly 2 comprises the window 5 and, in the following embodiment, a single cover film 7. The cover film 7 is arranged in an upper area, in particular an area facing the roof of the motor vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, the cover film 7 overlaps four antenna structures 6. The antenna structures 6 can be configured for different types of reception or transmission of electromagnetic radiation. For example, the antenna structures 6 can each be configured for 5G, Wi-Fi, GNSS, V2X, SXM, or the like. Preferably, the antenna structure 6 is designed essentially as a so-called transparent film antenna. Fig. Figure 2 shows in particular that the cover film 7 overlaps the antenna structure 6. The cover film 7 can, in particular, be made of polyvinyl butyral. The antenna structure 6, in particular the film antenna, can, in particular, be formed on a PET substrate.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a possible embodiment of a pane 5. The pane 5 has a first glass 8, which, for example, faces an exterior side of the motor vehicle 1. A second glass 9 is also shown, which can face an interior side of the motor vehicle 1, in particular an interior side of the motor vehicle 1. In particular, since the pane 5 is designed as safety glass for the motor vehicle 1, the pane 5 has a first PVB film 10 on the first glass 8, in particular in a sandwich structure. A second PVB film 11 is formed on the second pane 9. Furthermore, the Fig. 3, that the antenna structure 6 with the cover film 7 is formed between the PVB films 10, 11. The antenna structure 6 faces the first glass 8, or the first PVB film 10, and the cover film 7 faces the second PVB film 11, or the second glass 9.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 3 shows in particular that the cover sheet 7 substantially overlaps the antenna structure 6. Furthermore, it can be provided that the cover sheet 7 is printed with an optical pattern and / or colored with an optical pattern. It is further shown that the cover sheet 7 and the antenna structure 6 are formed separately from each other.

[0041] Fig. Figure 4 shows another sectional view according to a further embodiment of the disc 5. In contrast to the Fig. Figure 3 shows that the cover sheet 7 only partially covers the antenna structure 6. A further PVB film 12 can then be formed onto the cover sheet 7, for example, to allow the antenna structure 6 to overlap accordingly. In other words, the cover sheet 7 can, for example, have the optical pattern, while the further PVB film 12 does not have a corresponding optical pattern.

[0042] For example, in the lower area of ​​the disc 5, which is not visible to a person, an additional PVB film 12 can be formed in order to save corresponding material of the cover film 7.

[0043] In the embodiment according to Fig. 4 the second PVB film 11 can only be optional and it is also possible, for example, that the disc 5 is formed without the second PVB film 11.

[0044] Fig.Figure 5 shows a further schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the disc 5. In the following exemplary embodiment, it is shown in particular that the antenna structure 6 is integrated into the cover film 7.

[0045] In particular, it can be provided that, to minimize the optical influence during integration, the antenna structure 6, especially a transparent film-based antenna (with PET substrate), is integrated into the glazing using a cover film 7 with, for example, a thickness of less than 50 micrometers. This cover film can be partially or completely integrated into the glazing structure. The cover film 7 can be printed or colored with a pattern or similar to minimize or conceal the optical influence of the film antennas. Furthermore, another integration approach is proposed in which the antenna structures 6 are directly embedded in the cover film 7. This eliminates the need for the PET substrate and enables a simpler and more cost-effective integration method.

[0046] According to the current state of the art, ceramic printing is used to conceal / minimize the optical influence of film antennas. This severely limits the integration location and the appearance. The cover film 7 allows multiple antenna structures 6 to be discreetly integrated into the glazing. Direct integration of the antenna structures 6 into the cover film 7 further simplifies the integration process. Currently, PET film substrate is used for integrating the antenna structures 6. Reference symbol list 1 motor vehicle 2-disc assembly 3 Door 4 antenna device 5 slices 6 Antenna structure 7 Cover film 8 first glass 9 second glass 10 first PVB film 11 second PVB film 12 more PVB sheets QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 211764831 U

[0005] US 9,755,299 B2

[0006]

Claims

Antenna device (4) for integration into a disk (5), with at least one antenna structure (6) for transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation, characterized in that the antenna device (4) has a cover film (7) which corresponds at least partially to the antenna structure (6), and wherein the cover film (7) is designed to reduce an optical influence of the antenna structure (6) in the disk (5). Antenna device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cover film (7) is colored at least in some areas with an optical pattern. Antenna device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover film (7) is printed at least partially with an optical pattern. Antenna device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover film (7) and the antenna structure (6) are formed separately from each other. Antenna device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the antenna structure (6) is integrated into the cover film (7). Antenna device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover film (7) overlaps the antenna structure (6). Antenna device (4) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the cover film (7) only partially covers the antenna structure (6). Antenna device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover film (7) is made of polyvinyl butyral. Antenna device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna device (4) can be integrated into a disc (5) of a motor vehicle (1). Antenna device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna structure (6) is designed as a foil antenna.

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