ANTENNA MODULE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

An antenna module for a vehicle is provided. The module comprises a primary mobile communication antenna, a secondary mobile communication antenna, and an AM / FM / DAB antenna. The AM / FM / DAB antenna comprises (i) horizontal metal windings around a horizontal circuit board, (ii) vertical metal windings around a vertical circuit board, and (iii) a metal sheet section. The metal sheet section is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board. The secondary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna comprising a vertical and a horizontal section. The horizontal section is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and extends partially beyond the metal sheet section of the AM / FM / DAB antenna. The primary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna that is mechanically and electrically connected to the other side of the horizontal circuit board.

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0001] The invention relates to an antenna module for a vehicle. Many vehicles are equipped with antennas for AM / FM / DAB services and for mobile communication services. These antennas can be provided in one or more modules mounted on the roof of a vehicle. The object of the invention is to provide a single antenna module containing these antennas. SUMMARY

[0002] The objective of the invention is achieved by providing an antenna module according to claim 1 and a vehicle according to claim 9.

[0003] According to a first aspect, an antenna module is provided for a vehicle, which includes the following: - three antennas, comprising a primary mobile antenna, a secondary mobile antenna and an AM / FM / DAB antenna; - a horizontal printed circuit board and a vertical printed circuit board connected to each other at a first side of the horizontal printed circuit board and a first side of the vertical printed circuit board, wherein the AM / FM / DAB antenna comprises (i) horizontal metal windings around the horizontal circuit board, (ii) vertical metal windings around the vertical circuit board and (iii) a metal sheet part, wherein the metal sheet part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and is mechanically connected to a second side of the vertical circuit board and electrically connected to the vertical metal windings, wherein the primary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna which is mechanically and electrically connected to a second side of the horizontal circuit board, where the second side of the first side of the horizontal circuit board is opposite each other, wherein the secondary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna comprising a vertical and a horizontal part, wherein the horizontal part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and extends partially over the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna, and wherein the vertical part is electrically connected to the horizontal circuit board.

[0004] The term "vehicle" can refer to a car, motorcycle, van, truck, bicycle, or scooter. The antenna module can be positioned so that it can be attached to a vehicle, more specifically to the roof of a vehicle.

[0005] In this document, PCB stands for Printed Circuit Board. The horizontal circuit board can be positioned essentially parallel to the ground when the antenna module is mounted on a vehicle. The angle between the vertical and horizontal circuit boards can be approximately 90 degrees.

[0006] The metal sheet section of the AM / FM / DAB antenna is arranged parallel to and above the horizontal circuit board. The secondary mobile antenna comprises a horizontal metal sheet section that is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and thus to the metal sheet section of the AM / FM / DAB antenna. The horizontal metal sheet section of the secondary mobile antenna partially overlaps the metal sheet section of the AM / FM / DAB antenna, with a small gap or space between them.

[0007] One advantage of the provided antenna module is that the AM / FM / DAB antenna and the secondary mobile antenna are capacitively coupled, allowing the antenna module to be relatively small. This coupling ensures good operation even in the low-frequency range (f<1GHz).

[0008] In one or more embodiments, the distance between the horizontal part of the secondary mobile communication antenna and the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the primary mobile communication antenna comprises two vertical parts and one horizontal part, wherein the horizontal part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and wherein one of the vertical parts is mechanically and electrically connected to the second side of the horizontal circuit board.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the antenna module further comprises an antenna module housing for receiving the three antennas and the circuit boards, the housing having a top cover and a bottom cover.

[0011] The antenna housing can essentially have the shape of a rectangular cuboid, preferably with the elongated side facing the vehicle in the direction of travel.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the upper cover comprises numerous electrically non-conductive cover pins extending vertically from the upper cover to the lower cover, the horizontal circuit board comprising numerous holes in which the numerous cover pins are received for fixing the horizontal circuit board within the housing. In one or more further embodiments, the horizontal circuit board can be fixed to the lower cover.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the upper cover comprises numerous electrically non-conductive upper cover pins extending vertically from the upper cover towards the lower cover, wherein the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna comprises one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins are received for fixing the metal sheet part within the housing; and / or, wherein the horizontal part of the secondary mobile antenna comprises one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins are received for fixing the horizontal part within the housing; and / or, wherein the horizontal part of the primary mobile antenna comprises one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins are received for fixing the horizontal part within the housing.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the antenna module on the horizontal circuit board further comprises one or more of the following elements: - two sealed quad mini FAKRA connectors; - a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Service) dual-band patch antenna; - an SDARS (Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service) patch antenna; - another vertical circuit board with a V2X (Vehicle-to-X) antenna.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the antenna module further comprises a grounding metal sheet which is fixed to the horizontal circuit board and is arranged in such a way that it can make an electrically conductive connection with the vehicle body of a vehicle.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided with an antenna module according to one of the preceding claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made in the following description to the accompanying drawings, which are as follows: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention; Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of a part of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention; Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a schematic overview of another part of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of the antenna module housing according to one or more embodiments of the invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic overview of yet another part of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention; and Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic overview of a vehicle according to one or more embodiments of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of the antenna module 1 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. In one or more embodiments, the antenna module can comprise an antenna module housing 2, which includes a top cover and a bottom cover. The antenna module housing can be made of a non-conductive material such as plastic. In the example of Fig. 1. The dimensions of the antenna module are 243.85 x 78.35 x 28.34 mm. 3 .

[0019] In Fig. 1. The vertical direction is specified by the vector W, while the horizontal direction can be specified by the vector V and / or the vector U.

[0020] The antenna module 1 comprises a horizontal printed circuit board 10. In one or more embodiments, two sealed quad mini FAKRA connectors 4, 5 are placed on the horizontal printed circuit board 10. The horizontal printed circuit board 10 can be arranged in a lower position within the housing 2.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, a primary mobile communication antenna 6 is placed on one side of the horizontal circuit board 10, while a secondary mobile communication antenna 7 and an AM / FM / DAB antenna are placed on the opposite side of the horizontal circuit board 10.

[0022] The primary mobile communication antenna 6 is a metal sheet antenna that is mechanically and electrically connected to a second side of the horizontal circuit board, which is opposite the first side of the horizontal circuit board.

[0023] The primary mobile antenna 6 can comprise two vertical parts and one horizontal part, the horizontal part being arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board, and one of the vertical parts being mechanically and electrically connected to the other side of the horizontal circuit board. This single vertical part can have a substantially triangular shape. The primary mobile antenna 6 can be electrically connected to the horizontal circuit board 10 at the position at the upper corner of said triangular shape.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, a GNSS dual-band patch antenna 9, an SDARS patch antenna 11 and a vertical circuit board with V2X (Vehicle-to-X) antenna 12 can be arranged on the horizontal circuit board 10, preferably between the primary mobile antenna 6 and the secondary mobile antenna 7 and the AM / FM / DAB antenna 8.

[0025] Stable and good AM / FM performance can depend heavily on the grounding scheme. The antenna module can therefore include a grounding metal plate 3, preferably fixed to the horizontal circuit board with two screws. The metal plate 3 can be positioned to establish an electrically conductive connection with the vehicle body. Therefore, a nut or bolt 31 can be provided on the metal grounding plate 3, which can be connected to the vehicle body. The watertightness of this connection can be improved by a round gasket placed between the grounding plate 3 and the vehicle body. Compression of the gasket ensures that no water can penetrate the vehicle.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic overview of a part of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The AM / FM / DAB antenna comprises (i) horizontal metal windings 15 around a part 13 of the horizontal printed circuit board 10, (ii) vertical metal windings 16 around a vertical printed circuit board 14, and (iii) a metal sheet part 81. In general, the winding can be printed on the top and bottom sides of the respective printed circuit board. The horizontal printed circuit board 10 and the vertical printed circuit board 14 can be connected to each other at a first side of the horizontal printed circuit board 10 and a first side of the vertical printed circuit board 14.

[0027] The metal sheet part 81 of the AM / FM / DAB antenna is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board 10 and mechanically connected to the vertical circuit board 14, as well as electrically connected to the vertical metal windings 16. The AM / FM and DAB signal can be fed into the circuit at position 17.

[0028] The secondary mobile communication antenna 7 is a metal sheet antenna comprising a vertical part 71 and a horizontal part 72. The horizontal part 72 is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board 10 and extends partially beyond the metal sheet part 81 of the AM / FM / DAB antenna. The vertical part 71 is electrically connected to the horizontal circuit board 10. The vertical part 71 can have a substantially triangular shape. The secondary mobile communication antenna 7 can be electrically connected at position 18 at the upper corner of said triangular shape.

[0029] The distance 19 (also referred to as the gap) between the AM / FM / DAB metal sheet part 81 and the horizontal part 72 of the secondary mobile antenna 7 has a significant influence on the overall performance of the system. The gap 19 is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably around 1.5 mm.

[0030] The horizontal part 72 of the secondary mobile communication antenna 7 can be described as partially overlapping with the metal sheet part 81 of the AM / FM / DAB antenna. In one or more embodiments, the overlap area of ​​the secondary mobile communication antenna 7 can be in the range of 5-15% of the horizontal surface of the metal sheet part 81 of the AM / FM / DAB antenna, preferably at about 10%.

[0031] Fig. 3a and Fig. Figure 3b shows a schematic overview of other parts of the antenna module according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The horizontal circuit board 10 can be held in place by a fixing in the lower cover 25 and additionally fixed with numerous electrically non-conductive cover pins 20 that extend vertically from the upper cover to the lower cover. The horizontal circuit board 10 can include numerous holes 21 in which the numerous cover pins 20 are received for fixing the horizontal circuit board within the housing, as shown in Figure 3b. Fig. 5 can be seen.

[0032] The three metal sheet antennas (AM / FM / DAB radiator, primary mobile antenna and secondary mobile antenna) can be inserted into the upper cover 26, with numerous electrically non-conductive further upper cover pins 23 extending vertically from the upper cover to the lower cover.

[0033] The metal sheet portion of the AM / FM / DAB antenna may include one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins 23 are received for fixing the metal sheet portion within the housing. The horizontal portion of the secondary mobile antenna may include one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins 23 are received for fixing the horizontal portion within the housing. Furthermore, the horizontal portion of the primary mobile antenna may include one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins 23 are received for fixing the horizontal portion within the housing.

[0034] Each pin-hole combination can include a round metal fixing 22 and 24. Each of the three antennas can have a sufficiently round fixing to ensure stable and correct antenna placement.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of the antenna module housing 2 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The antenna module housing is arranged to accommodate the three antennas and the circuit boards. The housing consists of an upper cover 26 and a lower cover 25, which are joined together along the contour of the two covers and fixed with adhesive 27. The adhesive 27 ensures the module's watertightness.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic overview of a vehicle 60 according to one or more embodiments of the invention. The vehicle 60 may include an antenna module 1 according to one of the embodiments described in this document.

[0037] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above in general terms with respect to their operation. Whether such operation is implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and any design constraints applicable to the entire system. Skilled workers may implement the described functionality in different ways for each individual application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as a departure from the scope of the present invention.

[0038] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to manufacture or use the present invention. Various modifications of these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The present invention is therefore not limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is intended to be used to the greatest extent possible that is compatible with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

[0039] The benefits and advantages that can be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to certain embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or be enhanced, are not to be construed as crucial, necessary, or essential features of any or all claims. The terms "comprising," "comprehensive," or similar expressions used herein are to be interpreted as non-exclusive, but rather as including the following elements or limitations. Accordingly, a system, method, or other embodiment comprising a number of elements is not limited to these elements, but may also include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in the claimed embodiment.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it is understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative and the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Numerous variations, modifications, additions, and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is assumed that these variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the invention as detailed in the following claims.

Claims

[1] Antenna module for a vehicle, comprising: - three antennas, comprising a primary mobile antenna, a secondary mobile antenna and an AM / FM / DAB antenna; - a horizontal printed circuit board and a vertical printed circuit board connected to each other at a first side of the horizontal printed circuit board and a first side of the vertical printed circuit board, wherein the AM / FM / DAB antenna comprises (i) horizontal metal windings around the horizontal circuit board, (ii) vertical metal windings around the vertical circuit board and (iii) a metal sheet part, wherein the metal sheet part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and is mechanically connected to a second side of the vertical circuit board and electrically connected to the vertical metal windings, wherein the primary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna which is mechanically and electrically connected to a second side of the horizontal printed circuit board, the second side being opposite the first side of the horizontal printed circuit board, wherein the secondary mobile communication antenna is a metal sheet antenna comprising a vertical part and a horizontal part, wherein the horizontal part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and extends partially over the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna, and wherein the vertical part is electrically connected to the horizontal circuit board. [2] Antenna module according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the horizontal part of the secondary mobile communication antenna and the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna is between 1 mm and 2 mm, preferably about 1.5 mm. [3] Antenna module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the primary mobile communication antenna comprises two vertical parts and one horizontal part, wherein the horizontal part is arranged parallel to the horizontal circuit board and wherein one of the vertical parts is mechanically and electrically connected to the second side of the horizontal circuit board. [4] Antenna module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising an antenna module housing for receiving the three antennas and the circuit boards, wherein the housing has a top cover and a bottom cover. [5] Antenna module according to claim 4, wherein the upper cover comprises numerous electrically non-conductive upper cover pins extending vertically from the upper cover to the lower cover; the horizontal circuit board includes numerous holes in which the numerous cover pins for fixing the horizontal circuit board within the housing are received. [6] Antenna module according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the upper cover comprises numerous electrically non-conductive additional cover pins extending vertically from the upper cover to the lower cover, wherein the metal sheet part of the AM / FM / DAB antenna includes one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins for fixing the metal sheet part in the housing are received; and / or wherein the horizontal part of the secondary mobile antenna includes one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins for fixing the horizontal part in the housing are received; and / or wherein the horizontal part of the primary mobile antenna comprises one or more holes in which one or more of the numerous additional cover pins for fixing the horizontal part in the housing are received. [7] Antenna module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising on the horizontal printed circuit board one or more of the following elements: - two sealed quad mini FAKRA connectors; - a GNSS dual-band patch antenna; - an SDARS patch antenna; - another vertical circuit board with a V2X antenna. [8] Antenna module according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a grounding metal sheet which is fixed to the horizontal circuit board and arranged in such a way that it can make an electrically conductive connection with the vehicle body of a vehicle. [9] Vehicle with an antenna module according to any of the preceding claims.

Images