Antenna module

Abstract

The application relates to an antenna module (ATM) for a vehicle roof (FZD), which antenna module (ATM) has an outer cover (AUS) which outer cover (AUS) can be arranged or is arranged as the outermost cover of the antenna module (ATM) in an area (OBE) above the vehicle roof (FZD), wherein the antennas (ANTI, ANT2, ANT3) of the antenna module (ATM) and the circuit boards (VERL1, VERl2, VERl3) of the antenna module (ATM) are integrated with the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) and can be arranged and / or are arranged in an area (OBE) above the vehicle roof (FZD).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an antenna module for a vehicle roof, in particular of a motor vehicle.

[0002] DE 10 2012 208 303 B4 describes an antenna module for a roof of a motor vehicle.

[0003] One object of the invention is to optimize an antenna module. This object is achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims and the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0004] An integration of (all) elements such as antennas and circuit boards of an antenna module in the (e.g. hood-shaped outermost) outer cover of the antenna module according to embodiments of the invention, instead of a division into elements above and below the vehicle roof as in DE102012208303B4, can effectively enable simple attachment as an alternative embodiment.

[0005] Regarding some advantageous embodiments of the invention according to the subclaims: According to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, the antenna module is very simply and efficiently attached to the vehicle roof by gluing, in particular only by gluing above the vehicle roof.

[0006] As an integrated approach, in particular according to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, in a state of the antenna module mounted on a vehicle roof, all circuit boards of the antenna module can be located within the outer cover of the antenna module and / or none of the circuit boards of the antenna module can be located below the vehicle roof of a motor vehicle.

[0007] Furthermore, according to some embodiments of the invention, at least one antenna of the antenna module can be integrated with the outer cover of the antenna module in that one or more of the antennas are printed on a film and / or are located inside or outside on the outer cover, and / or that one or more of the antennas, which are preferably designed as punched parts, are embedded in the outer cover and / or are held by a holder inside or outside on the outer cover, and / or that one or more of the antennas are applied as a molded interconnect device or MID on an inside or outside or within the housing of the outer cover.

[0008] With regard to the antennas, according to some embodiments of the invention, at least one antenna of the antenna module integrated into the outer cover of the antenna module can be a mobile radio antenna and / or at least one antenna of the antenna module integrated into the outer cover of the antenna module can be a position detection antenna (and / or GPS antenna), and / or at least one antenna of the antenna module integrated into the outer cover of the antenna module can be a radio antenna.

[0009] According to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, at least one extension element can be attached or attached to the vehicle roof-side side of the outer cover for efficient contacting, wherein an antenna arranged integrated with the outer cover can be contacted, in particular galvanically and / or capacitively, with a vehicle-side vehicle connection element for contacting a communication module (with, for example, a mobile radio module and / or position detection module and / or radio module) below the vehicle roof in the vehicle via an extension element.

[0010] A design with modules above a vehicle roof and corresponding to the previous alternative efficient assembly according to some advantageous embodiments of the invention can provide that an antenna module in the state mounted on a vehicle roof is designed without a circuit board below the vehicle roof and / or without a chassis below the vehicle roof and / or without an antenna below the vehicle roof and / or without fastening screws below the vehicle roof.

[0011] According to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, an efficient roof contact can consist in that at least one extension element on the vehicle roof-side side of the outer cover has a roof contact element on its vehicle roof-side side, which can be contacted in particular with a vehicle roof by inserting into (at least) one recess (or several recesses) in the vehicle roof and / or by turning, in particular galvanically and / or capacitively, e.g. as a ground connection of a circuit board.

[0012] According to embodiments of the invention, for efficient production, an extension element on the vehicle roof-side side of the outer cover can either be formed in one piece with the outer cover, or can be connected to the outer cover to form a single part and / or can be a separate part from the outer cover that can be inserted into the outer cover.

[0013] With regard to advantageous, integrated embodiments of the invention, one or more circuit boards can be provided on an extension element connected or connectable to the outer cover or in the form of the extension element, in particular each with a shielding plate for shielding the circuit board.

[0014] For integrated design, according to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, one or more amplifiers can be integrated in an area within the outer cover, in particular on a circuit board each with a connection to an antenna.

[0015] According to some advantageous embodiments of the invention, the outer cover can be arranged or is arranged completely above a vehicle roof.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the invention. It shows: Fig. 1very simplified schematic perspective view of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 very simplified schematic cross-section of an antenna module according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 very simplified schematic perspective view of an antenna module, Fig. 4 A very simplified schematic perspective view of an antenna module on a motor vehicle. Fig. 4 shows (as for example in DE102012208303B4, which is hereby incorporated by reference into the application) a simplified antenna module ATM on a vehicle roof FZD of a motor vehicle KRA. Fig. 3 shows an antenna module, at least internally known, which can be assembled with screws SCH1, SCH2, the upper parts of which are designed for mounting above (OBE) and the lower parts of which (in particular chassis CHA) are designed for mounting below (UNT) a vehicle roof of a motor vehicle.

[0017] Fig. 1shows in perspective, in a roughly simplified manner, as an embodiment of the invention, an antenna module ATM which is designed to be arranged completely in an area above (OBE) of a vehicle roof FZD of a motor vehicle. Fig. 2 shows in cross-section, in a roughly simplified manner, such or another antenna module ATM as an embodiment of the invention, on a vehicle roof FZD.

[0018] An antenna module ATM in Fig. 1 as well as in Fig. 2 is mounted on (here only on the outside) the vehicle roof FZD of a motor vehicle by gluing its underside surface used as adhesive surface KLB (here all around the edges) with an adhesive to the vehicle roof, whereby it is glued on all around, for example.

[0019] In the outer cover AUS (all) antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM and (as or in each extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3, for example, extending one antenna downwards) boards of the antenna module ATM are arranged and formed integrated with the outer cover AUS of the antenna module ATM within this (AUS).

[0020] The antenna module ATM in Fig. 1 and 2 has as its outermost cover a hood-shaped, outwardly closed outer cover AUS, which (here with the exception of for contacting (in Fig. 2 ) Vehicle-side vehicle connection elements FAE1, FAE2, FAE3 provided connecting elements FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3, which can partially protrude into the area inside and / or below the vehicle roof FZD) is arranged entirely in an area above (OBE) of a vehicle roof FZD of a motor vehicle.

[0021] The antenna module ATM in Fig. 1 and 2is (here with the exception of connecting elements FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3) mounted completely above the vehicle roof. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 An antenna module ATM is designed in the state mounted on a vehicle roof FZD (here with the exception of the connecting elements FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3) without any elements located below (UNT) the vehicle roof FZD (such as circuit board, chassis, antenna, fastening screws).

[0022] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 all boards VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 of the antenna module ATM are located within the outer cover AUS of the antenna module ATM and above (OBE) of the vehicle roof FZD and no boards FAE1, FAE2, FAE3 of the antenna module ATM are located outside the outer cover AUS of the antenna module ATM or below (OBE) of the vehicle roof FZD.

[0023] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 2all antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM are located (integrated, e.g.) within the outer cover OUT of the antenna module ATM and above (OBE) of the vehicle roof FZD and no antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM are located outside the outer cover OUT of the antenna module ATM or below (UNT) of the vehicle roof FZD. Antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 can, for example, be located in the outer cover OUT of the antenna module ATM (cast in, etc.) running above (OBE) of the vehicle roof FZD or attached to the outside of the outer cover OUT of the antenna module ATM (cast in, glued on, in grooves, etc.) running above (OBE) of the vehicle roof FZD. Antennas that are sometimes trapezoidal in shape can also have other suitable designs.

[0024] Arranged within the outer cover AUS are Fig. 1 and 2Extension elements VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 (on the side of the outer cover AUS closer to the vehicle roof) are provided, each of which can be a circuit board or (e.g. on their side farther from the vehicle roof) can have a circuit board.

[0025] One or more extension elements VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 can have a roof contact element DKE1, DKE2, DKE3 on the side of the outer cover AUS near the vehicle roof on its (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) near the vehicle roof, which can be contacted with a vehicle roof FZD, e.g. by inserting it into a recess (for one or more roof contact elements DKE1, DKE2, DKE3) in the vehicle roof FZD and / or by turning and / or by placing it on top, in particular galvanically and / or capacitively, and can also serve as a spacer for the vehicle roof FZD.

[0026] An extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 can be formed as one piece with the outer cover AUS, or can be connected to the outer cover AUS to form a single part, or can be a separate part from the outer cover AUS and can be inserted into the outer cover AUS.

[0027] A shielding plate SCH for shielding the circuit board and electronic components arranged on it can be arranged on a circuit board provided on an extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 or in the form of the extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3.

[0028] A board of an extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 can each have one or more amplifiers VST, which are only indicated very simply.

[0029] An antenna ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM can, for example, be connected to the outer cover OFF of the antenna module ATM insofar be designed so that one or more of the antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 are printed on a film and / or glued and / or fastened inside or outside to the outer cover AUS, and / or that one or more antennas ANT1, ANT2, ANT3, designed e.g. as punched parts, are embedded in the outer cover AUS and / or are held by a holder inside or outside to the outer cover AUS, and / or that at least one antenna ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM is mounted in the outer cover AUS of the antenna module ATM (e.g. as a molded interconnect device or "MID") on an inside or outside or inside (the housing of) the outer cover AUS.

[0030] At least one antenna ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 of the antenna module ATM integrated in the outer cover AUS of the antenna module ATM can be, for example, a mobile radio antenna or (GPS) position detection antenna or radio antenna or vehicle-to-vehicle (car-to-car) communication antenna.

[0031] A connecting element FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3 (e.g. in the form of a Fakra connector) can be provided on each extension element VERL1, VERL2, VERL3 on the vehicle roof-side side of the outer cover AUS for the galvanic and / or capacitive contact of an antenna ANT1, ANT2, ANT3 integrated with the outer cover AUS with vehicle-side vehicle connection elements FAE1, FAE2, FAE3 for contacting a communication module KOM below the vehicle roof FZD in the vehicle via cable and / or radio, such as here (as software and / or hardware) a mobile radio module MOBM, position detection module POSM and / or radio module RADM (e.g. as a combined radio, navigation device and mobile phone interface device).

Claims

1. Antenna module (ATM) for a vehicle roof (FZD), which antenna module (ATM) has an outer cover (AUS), which outer cover (AUS) can be arranged or is arranged above a vehicle roof (FZD) as the outermost cover of the antenna module (ATM) in an area (OBE) above the vehicle roof (FZD), wherein the antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) of the antenna module (ATM) and the circuit boards (VERL1, VERl2, VERl3) of the antenna module (ATM) are arranged and / or arranged with the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) integrated in an area (OBE) above the vehicle roof (FZD), wherein one or more of the antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) are printed on a film or are an MID or are punched parts and are mounted inside or outside on the outer cover (OFF) are glued and / or attached.

2. Antenna module (ATM) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe antenna module (ATM) is attached to the vehicle roof (FZD) by gluing, in particular only by gluing it above the vehicle roof (FZD) to the vehicle roof (FZD).

3. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when the antenna module (ATM) is mounted on a vehicle roof (FZD), all circuit boards (FAE1, FAE2, FAE3) of the antenna module (ATM) are located within the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) and / or none of the circuit boards (FAE1, FAE2, FAE3) of the antenna module (ATM) are located below the vehicle roof (FZD) of a motor vehicle (KRA).

4. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) of the antenna module (ATM) is integrated with the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) in such a way that one or more of the antennas (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3), which are preferably designed as stamped parts, are embedded in the outer cover (AUS) and / or are held by a holder inside or outside on the outer cover (AUS).

5. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) of the antenna module (ATM) is integrated in the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) in such a way that they are arranged as a molded interconnect device or MID on an inner or outer side or in the housing of the outer cover (AUS).

6. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one antenna (ANT1) of the antenna module (ATM) integrated into the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) is a mobile radio antenna, and / or at least one antenna (ANT2) of the antenna module (ATM) integrated into the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) is a position detection antenna and / or GPS antenna, and / or at least one antenna (ANT3) of the antenna module (ATM) integrated into the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) is a radio antenna.

7. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) is or can be attached to a side of the outer cover (AUS), preferably on the vehicle roof side, wherein an antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) arranged integrally with the outer cover (AUS) can be contacted, in particular galvanically and / or capacitively, with a vehicle-side vehicle connection element (FAE1, FAE2, FAE3) for contacting a communication module (KOM) below the vehicle roof (FZD) in the vehicle via an extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3).

8. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thaton at least one extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) on the vehicle roof-side side of the outer cover (AUS), a connecting element (FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3) in the form of a Fakra connector is provided for preferably galvanically and / or capacitively contacting an antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) integrated with the outer cover (AUS) with vehicle-side vehicle connection elements (FAE) for contacting a communication module (KOM), in particular having a mobile radio module (MOBM) and / or position detection module (POSM) and / or radio module (RADM), below the vehicle roof (FZD) in the vehicle by cable and / or radio.

9. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatit (ATM) is designed when mounted on a vehicle roof (FZD) without a circuit board below the vehicle roof (FZD) and / or without a chassis below the vehicle roof (FZD) and / or without an antenna below the vehicle roof (FZD) and / or without fastening screws below the vehicle roof (FZD).

10. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3), in particular on the side of the outer cover (AUS) near the vehicle roof, has a roof contact element (DKE1, DKE2, DKE3) on its side near the vehicle roof, which roof contact element (DKE1, DKE2, DKE3) can be contacted with a vehicle roof (FZD), in particular by inserting it into a recess in the vehicle roof (FZD) and / or by turning it, in particular galvanically and / or capacitively.

11. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatat least one extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) on the vehicle roof side of the outer cover (AUS) is either formed in one piece with the outer cover (AUS), or can be connected to the outer cover (AUS) to form a single part and / or is a part separate from the outer cover (AUS) and can be inserted into the outer cover (AUS).

12. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Circuit boards (FAE1, FAE2, FAE3) are designed to be integrated with the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) in such a way that a circuit board (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) is provided within the outer cover (AUS) on an extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) connected or connectable to the outer cover (AUS) or in the form of the extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3), in particular each with a shielding plate (SCH) for shielding the circuit board.

13. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Circuit boards (FAE1, FAE2, FAE3) are integrated with the outer cover (AUS) of the antenna module (ATM) in such a way that they are each located completely within the outer cover (AUS) when the antenna module (ATM) is mounted on a vehicle roof (FZD).

14. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one amplifier (VST) is integrated within the outer cover (AUS), in particular one amplifier (VST) on each of the circuit boards, each with a connection to a respective antenna (ANT1, ANT2, ANT3) on an extension element (VERL1, VERL2, VERL3) connected or connectable to the outer cover (AUS).

15. Antenna module (ATM) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe outer cover (AUS) can be arranged or is arranged completely above (OBE) of a vehicle roof (FZD) or with the exception of connecting elements (FAKR1, FAKR2, FAKR3) intended for contacting vehicle-side vehicle connection elements (FAE).

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