Antenna assembly for a motor vehicle, and motor vehicle comprising such antenna assembly

Abstract

Antenna assembly (200) for a motor vehicle, comprising: - an antenna (100) which comprises at least: - a mounting base (1) suitable for being connected to a metallic mounting surface (101) of the motor vehicle; - a printed circuit board (4) mounted on the base (1); - a first conductor element (7) that is connected to and transversely rises from the printed circuit board (4), said first conductor element (7) being configured, at least for a portion thereof, for transceiving signals in the V2X frequency band to and from the printed circuit board (4); the antenna assembly (200) further comprising a second electrically conductor element (200) suitable for being arranged, externally to at least an antenna (100), on an electrically insulating surface (101) of the motor vehicle, said second electrically conducting element (202) being configured to reflect, at least partially, the signals to be transceived in the V2X frequency band.

Description

[0001] The present invention refers to an antenna assembly for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle comprising such antenna.

[0002] The antenna assembly according to the present invention is especially suitable for realizing communications of the V2X (Vehicle to Everything) type, namely operating preferably at frequencies around 5.8-5.9 GHz, and it will be described hereinafter referring to such applications without limiting in any way its possible fields of applications or the types of signals that it can receive and / or transmit, other than the ones of V2X type.

[0003] As known, in recent years it is witnessing to the commercialization of more and more connected motor vehicles, which integrate lots of services which space from the entertainment, e.g. radio and / or TV, to driving assistance, typically by means of satellite navigation systems.

[0004] In this regard, in the telecommunications field, regarding motor vehicles, the communication between motor vehicles is indicated as V2V (Vehicle to Vehicle), the communication between motor vehicles and infrastructures with V2I (Vehicle to Infrastructure), and the communication between motor vehicles and pedestrians with V2P (Vehicle to Pedestrian), and with the acronym V2X is indicated the communication between a motor vehicle and everything that could be relevant.

[0005] For this type of V2X communications, which may be carried out according to several standards (IEEE802.11p or CV2X), a frequency band around 5.8-5.9 GHz has been internationally allocated, with small differences according to the regulatory institution.

[0006] Therefore, it is necessary to install antennas able to operate at this frequency on modern motor vehicles.

[0007] Moreover, considering the possible use of V2X communications also for applications regarding security, it is often necessary that the antennas of such type have a coverage range as broad and adequate as possible.

[0008] V2X antennas can be realized with simple monopoles, namely through a simple vertical metallization on a support; however, working at relatively high frequencies, such monopole is usually very short, e.g. in the order of a few millimeters, and if it is integrated in a shark-type antenna usually mounted on the roof of the motor vehicle, where there are also other antennas, might result as shielded from them, or have radiation problems due to the interference with the shape of the roof of the motor vehicle.

[0009] For example, the curvature might limit the transmission towards the side opposite to where the antenna is located.

[0010] Solutions known so far to overcome such inconvenience, while allowing to obtain appreciable results, are susceptible to further improvements.

[0011] For example, in function of the roof curvature, an antenna located towards the rear of a car might not be able to radiate electromagnetic power towards the front of the motor vehicle itself and to compensate this effect it is often necessary to insert a second antenna at the front of the car, e.g. at the internal rearview mirror.

[0012] Moreover, the presence of electrically isolating surfaces in proximity of the antenna, e.g. plastic spoilers, might disturb the quality of the signals to be treated.

[0013] Clearly, using more antennas installed in different locations negatively affects the production and installation costs.

[0014] On the other hand, the mere elongation of the monopole does not lead to satisfactory results, because there are unusual and not optimal radiating behaviors.

[0015] Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to offer an antenna assembly for motor vehicles, in particular provided with transceiving capability of signals in the V2X frequency band, which allows to mitigate one or more of the previously mentioned inconveniences, and in particular to obtain an adequate irradiation diagram for such communications type and that is at the same time of simple realization.

[0016] This main object, as well as others which may possibly result more evident from the following description, are reached by an antenna assembly for a motor vehicle whose characteristics are defined in claim 1.

[0017] This main object, others which may possibly result more evident from the following description, are moreover reached by a motor vehicle characterized by comprising at least an antenna assembly as described below, and in particular as better defined by the attached claims.

[0018] Particular embodiments are object of the dependent claims, whose content is to be intended as integral part of the present description.

[0019] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear from the detailed description which follows, carried out by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: Figures 1 and 2 schematically illustrate a possible embodiment of a directional or V2X type antenna, in particular of the shark type, applicable in an antenna assembly for a motor vehicle according to the present invention, seen from two sides opposite to each other; Figure 3 schematically illustrates a possible alternative embodiment of a directional or V2X type antenna, applicable in an antenna assembly for motor vehicles according to the present invention; Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate another possible embodiment of a directional or V2X type antenna, applicable in an antenna assembly for motor vehicles according to the present invention, seen from two sides opposite to each other; Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate another possible embodiment of a directional or V2X type antenna usable in an antenna assembly for motor vehicles according to the present invention, seen from two sides opposite to each other; Figure 8 and 9 schematically illustrate another possible embodiment of a directional or V2X type antenna usable in an antenna assembly for motor vehicles according to the present invention, seen from two sides opposite to each other; Figures 10A and 10B schematically illustrate possible embodiments of an antenna assembly according to the invention installed on the upper part of a motor vehicle; Figure 11 is a schematic view from above of the antenna assembly according to the invention.

[0020] It should be noted that in the detailed description that follows, identical or similar components, from a structural and / or functional point of view, may have the same or different reference numbers, independently of the fact that they are shown in different embodiments of the present invention or in separate parts.

[0021] It should be also noted that, to clearly and concisely describe the present invention, the drawings may not be necessarily up to scale and some characteristics of the description may be shown in a somehow schematic form.

[0022] Moreover, when the term "adapted" or "organized" or "configured" or "shaped" or a similar term is used in the present document, referring to any component as a whole, or to any part of a component or to a combination of components, it should be intended that it means and includes the structure and / or the configuration and / or shape and / or positioning, respectively.

[0023] Moreover, when the term "around", "substantial", or "substantially" is used herein, it should be intended as comprising unavoidable constructive tolerances, or a current variation of more or less 5% with respect to what is indicated as reference value or location, and when the terms "transversal" or "transversally" are used herein they should be intended as comprising a non-parallel direction to the reference part(s) or direction(s) / axis they are referred to, and perpendicularity is to be considered a specific case of transversal direction.

[0024] Moreover, the definitions of "horizontal" or "vertical" direction are to be intended in a non-limiting way and for descriptive purposes only, and in particular referred to an antenna not installed on the motor vehicle as the inclination or curvature of the mounting surface may lead, for example, to have a different orientation of the components with respect to the one of the not installed antenna.

[0025] Eventually, in the following description and claims, ordinal numbers first, second, et cetera, will be used for illustrative clarity purposes and in no way, they should be intended as limiting for any reason.

[0026] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate examples of a possible antenna assembly for a motor vehicle, schematically indicated by the overall reference number 200.

[0027] The definition of motor vehicle is herein to be intended in the broadest way possible, and therefore as comprising any type or motor vehicle on which it is possible to use the antenna assembly 200 according to the invention, such for example cars, buses, trucks, vans, etc.

[0028] The antenna assembly 200 according to the invention comprises at least one antenna 100, of which some embodiments are illustrated in Figures 1, 2, 10A and 10B.

[0029] In particular, the antenna 100 comprises at least a mounting base 1 suitable for being connected to one metallic mounting surface of a motor vehicle.

[0030] For example, such metallic surface, schematically represented in Figures 10A, 10B and 11 and thereby indicated by the reference number 101, is usually constituted by the roof of a car.

[0031] The connection between the base 1 and the roof 101 happens through proper connecting means, of which an element 2 is schematically illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, according to embodiments widely known or easily implementable by one skilled in the art and for this reason not described in detail herein.

[0032] Typically, the antenna 100 is mounted towards the rear zone of the roof 101 which constitutes the metallic mounting surface 101, e.g. near the rear window.

[0033] The illustrated antenna 100 further comprises at least an external cover 3 (illustrated for the sake of descriptive simplicity only in Figures 1, 10A, 10B and 11), e.g. shark fin-shaped (from this the name of shark antennas), which is coupled to the base 1 so to delimit with that an enclosed space inside which several functional components of the antenna 100 are housed.

[0034] In particular, the antenna 100 used in the antenna assembly 200 according to the invention further comprises, mounted inside the cover 3, at least: a printed circuit board 4 which is mounted on the base 1, e.g. in a substantially horizontal position; and a first element realized in an electrically conductive material 7 which is connected to and transversally rises from the printed circuit board 4, e.g. in a substantially vertical direction X or perpendicular to the upper plane of the printed circuit board 4.

[0035] The first conductor element 7 is configured, at least for one of its parts, for transceiving signals in the frequency band V2X from and towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0036] Usefully, the antenna assembly 200 according to the invention further comprises a second electrically conducting element, schematically represented in Figures 10A, 10B, and 11 by reference number 202, which is suitable for being arranged, externally to the antenna 100, on an electrically insulating surface of the motor vehicle, indicated in Figures 10A, 10B and 11 by the reference number 204.

[0037] Such electrically insulating surface 204 is placed for example near the metallic mounting surface 101 of the motor vehicle itself, in particular at the rear edge 102 of the metallic roof.

[0038] For example, such electrically insulating surface 204 may be constituted by a spoiler made of plastic material, which is arranged at the top of the rear window, therefore after and adjacent to the metallic roof 101 of the motor vehicle.

[0039] Usefully, the second electrically conducting element 202 is configured to reflect, at least partially, the signals to be transceived in the frequency band V2X from and towards the radiating element, namely the first conductor element 7.

[0040] In particular, the second electrically conducting element 202 transversely extends, namely in non-parallel direction, with respect to the direction in which the first electrically conducting element 7 extends.

[0041] For example, if the first electrically conductive element 7 extends along a virtual reference axis X or on a reference plane, the second electrically conducting element 202 extends along a plane or surface which intersects such axis or reference plane forming an angle with it.

[0042] Conveniently, when installed on a motor vehicle, the second electrically conducting element 202 is arranged on the electrically insulating surface 104 so that the radiations incident on it are reflected by transmitting them along the same direction and orientation of origin of the incident radiation.

[0043] For example, as schematically illustrated in Figure 10A, if the incident radiation comes from the first conductor element 7 (arrow A), the second electrically conducting element 202 reflects the incident radiation prolonging the path along such direction of travel, namely moving away from the radiation surface (in this case away from the first conductor element 7).

[0044] Instead, if the radiation comes from a surface which is external to the vehicle (arrow B), the second electrically conducting element 202 reflects the incident radiation prolonging the path along said direction of travel, namely towards the first conductor element 7 which has to receive said radiation.

[0045] In a possible embodiment, the second electrically conducting element 202 comprises or is constituted by a metallized surface arranged on a portion of said electrically insulating surface 101 of the motor vehicle.

[0046] For example, the metallization may be realized by depositing on the spoiler one or more layers of conductive paint.

[0047] In a possible embodiment, as for example schematically illustrated in Figure 11, the second electrically conducting element 202 has a substantially quadrangular shape, in particular rectangular or square, with a first side 203 and a second side 205 each one having a respective length L2, L3 equal to at least 2λ, preferably equal to at least 3λ, of the resonance frequency of the radiating element of the antenna 100.

[0048] In a possible embodiment, the first side of the second electrically conducting element 202 is placed near the rear edge 102 of the metallic mounting surface 101 of the motor vehicle, e.g. the roof in the illustrated example, at a distance D from it equal or lower to λ of the resonance frequency of the radiating element of the antenna 100, preferably equal or lower to λ / 4 of the resonance frequency of such radiating element.

[0049] Clearly, the second electrically conducting element 202 may be realized in a different way, e.g. by mean of an electrically conductive piece fixed on the electrically insulating surface 204.

[0050] Moreover, the second electrically conducting element 202 may have a different configuration, e.g. substantially circular, with its circumference or circular profile arranged at the distance D from the rear edge 102 of the metallic mounting surface 101 of the motor vehicle, wherein such distance is equal or lower to λ of the resonance frequency of the radiating element of the antenna 100, preferably equal or lower to λ / 4 of the resonance frequency of such radiating element.

[0051] In a possible embodiment, schematically illustrated in Figure 10A, the first conductor element 7 is constituted by an electrically conductive body having a lower end connected to the printed circuit board 4 and that rises above the printed circuit board 4, in the direction X substantially vertical or perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board 4, for a predefined length.

[0052] In such embodiment, such electrically conductive body constitutes as a whole the radiating element of the antenna 100 which is configured for transceiving signals in the frequency band V2X from and towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0053] In this case, the first conductor element 7 may have, for example, a shape of rod or stick completely realized in an electrically conductive material, for example by mean of a metallic slab.

[0054] In another possible embodiment, schematically illustrated in Figure 10B, the antenna 100 further comprises at least an electrically insulating support 6 which is mounted on and transversely rises from the printed circuit board 4.

[0055] In this embodiment, the first conductor element 7 is constituted by a first electrically conductive strip 7 which is arranged on a first face 8 of the support 6, it is connected at one of its lower ends to the printed circuit board 4, and it rises above the printed circuit board 4 in the reference direction X substantially vertical or perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board 4, for a predefined length.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first electrically conductive strip 7 constitutes as a whole the radiating element of the antenna 100 configured for transceiving signals in the frequency band V2X from and towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10B, the antenna 100 further comprises a radiating element or antenna for the reception of mobile phone signals, indicated from the reference number 50, which is arranged on part of the support 6.

[0058] In a further possible embodiment, illustrated according to different design variants in Figures 1-9, the antenna 100 further comprises a second electrically conductive strip 9 which is arranged, at the first strip 7, on a second face 10 of the support 6 parallel to the first face 8, and it is suitable for realizing a ground connection.

[0059] As illustrated, the second strip 9 has (with reference to the side view illustrated in Figure 2) a lower end connected to the printed circuit board 4 and it extends itself along the reference direction X (substantially vertical or perpendicular to the plane of the printed circuit board 4).

[0060] The strips 7 and 9 may be realized e.g. of copper, deposited on the support by means of proper and known metallization techniques.

[0061] In particular, the first strip 7 and the second strip 9 comprise a first section 7A and a second section 9A, respectively.

[0062] The first section 7A and the second section 9A have each a respective lower end connected to the printed circuit board 4, and they extend starting from the upper surface of the printed circuit board 4, transversely from it along a substantially vertical direction, indicated in Figure 1 from the dashed line X, up to a predetermined same height H.

[0063] Such height H is measured along the direction X starting from the upper surface of the printed circuit board 4.

[0064] In this possible embodiment, the first strip 7 comprises at least a third section 7B which extends from the first section 7A for a predefined length L1, said third section 7B being configured to irradiate signals in the frequency band V2X coming from the outside of the motor vehicle to route, through the first section 7A, towards the printed circuit board 4, or coming from the printed circuit board 4, through the first section 7A, to be transmitted to the outside of the motor vehicle.

[0065] The second strip 9 further comprises at least a fourth section 9B which extends from the second section 9A for a length which is substantially equal to said predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0066] Usefully, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures from 1 to 9, the third section 7B of the antenna constitutes the proper radiating element of the antenna 100 which is configured for: receive signals in the V2X frequency band coming from outside the vehicle to route, through the transmission line, namely the first section 7A, towards the printed circuit board 4; and transmit signals in the V2X frequency band to be sent outside the motor vehicle and received from the printed circuit board 4 through the transmission line, namely the first section 7A.

[0067] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10A, along the reference direction X, the predefined length of the body which forms the first conductor element 7 and constitutes the radiating element of the antenna 100, is e.g. substantially equal to the length L1.

[0068] Similarly to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10A (as well as in Figure 10B), along the reference direction X, the predefined length of the strip which forms the first conductor element 7 and constitutes the radiating element of antenna 100, is, for example, substantially parallel to the length L1, namely to λ / 4 of the resonance frequency of the first conductor element 7 itself.

[0069] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first section 7A and the second section 9A have for example shapes substantially equal to each other.

[0070] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 1, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 comprises a first rectangular subsection having e.g. width W and a second subsection, which superiorly extends from the first subsection, having also a rectangular shape with width W1, e.g. equal to half the width W.

[0071] In turn, as illustrated in Figure 2, the second section 9A of the second strip 9 comprises an own first rectangular subsection having, for example, width W and an own second subsection which superiorly extends from the first subsection, having also a rectangular shape with a width W1 for example equal to half the width W.

[0072] In particular, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 is configured to build a proper transmission line, e.g. at 50 Ohm. For example, once established the thickness of the support 6, the width W of the first subsection of the first section 7A is established in order to realize such transmission line at 50 Ohm; the width W1 of the second subsection of the first section 7A is adapted to such aim and properly decided for reasons which are functional to the dipole, while the total height may be chosen in function of the various application requirements.

[0073] Moreover, the first strip 7 comprises said third section 7B, indicated in Figure 1 shaded, which extends from the first section 7A for a predefined length L1, and the second strip 9 comprises the fourth section 9B, operatively associated to the third section 7B, which extends from the second section 9A also for a total length substantially equal to the L1 of the third section 7B.

[0074] In practice, the third section 7B and the fourth section 9B form a dipole located in the upper part of the support 6, and the second strip 9, formed by the second and fourth sections 9A and 9B, form as a whole the ground connecting line, and the assembly formed by the support 6 and by the first and second strips 7A and 9A contributes to form a V2X type or directional antenna.

[0075] In particular, the predefined length L1 is equal to around λ / 4 of the resonance frequency of the radiating element, namely for this embodiment the third section 7B.

[0076] Moreover, the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B is substantially equal to around half of the total length of the rectangular part of strip 7 having width W1; therefore, such total length of the rectangular part of strip 7 having width W1 is equal to λ / 2 of the resonance frequency of the radiating element, namely the third section 7B.

[0077] In addition, the total length of the first subsection of the first section 7A, namely the rectangular part of the first strip having width W is equal to around λ / 2 of the resonance frequency of the radiating element, namely the third section 7B.

[0078] In turn, in function of the applications, in the various illustrated embodiments, the antenna 100 used in the antenna assembly 200 may comprise different types of radiating elements or antennas for the reception and / or transmission of other and different types of signals, according to the different frequency bands and related communication standards intended to be used.

[0079] For example, the antenna 100 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 comprises also the radiating element or antenna for the reception of mobile phone signals 50, and also a receiver 5 for satellite communications of GPS receiver.

[0080] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, there is expected a single support 6 on which the conductive strips are prepared to form the directional antenna above described, as well as the antenna 50 for the reception of the mobile phone communications.

[0081] Clearly, depending on the applications, it is possible to use separated supports for each one of such antennas, or to configure the support in a different way compared to what is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, as illustrated for example in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 4-5, 6-7, 8-9and 10B.

[0082] Each one of the first and second strips 7 and 9 overall, as also each one of the sections which compose them, may assume a proper shaping in function of the applications.

[0083] Moreover, each one of the sections, in turn, may be composed by only one part or by two or more subsections or parts, having equal or different shape.

[0084] In particular, the predefined length L1 above indicated for the third and fourth sections 7B and 9B, is to be intended measured along a centerline of the respective section, and in the case in which one section is constituted from two or more subsections or parts, the predefined length L1 is to be intended as obtained by the sum of the lengths of each subsection or part, measured along said centerline.

[0085] In a possible embodiment, each section or subsection of the first strip 7 and / or second strip 9 has a geometric shape (plan view) symmetric with respect to a symmetry axis which, in this case, corresponds to the centerline.

[0086] In a possible embodiment, as, for example, illustrated in the various embodiments of the Figures 1 to 7, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 and the second section 9A of the second strip 9 have shaping substantially equal to each other.

[0087] In a possible embodiment, as, for example, illustrated in the example of the Figures from 8 and 9, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 and the second strip 9A of the second strip 9, have shaping different to each other.

[0088] According to other possible embodiments, in some cases it is possible to lightly modify, for example, a part of the second strip 9; for example, for the sake of practicality of the connection, the lower part connected to the printed circuit board 4 may be modified, e.g. slightly inclined with respect to the part which rises substantially vertical.

[0089] In a possible embodiment, the third section 7B of the first strip 7 and the fourth section 9B of the second strip 9 have a shape different to each other.

[0090] According to possible embodiments, the third section 7B and the first section 7A of the first strip 7 may have a shape equal or different to each other.

[0091] According to various possible embodiments, the fourth section 9B and the second section 9A of the second strip 9 have a shape different to each other.

[0092] In particular, in the embodiments illustrated in Figures 1-2 and 3, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 and the second section 9A of the second strip 9 have a shape substantially equal to each other, and they extend both, substantially vertically, on the correspondent opposite faces of the support 6, starting from their lower end connected to the printed circuit board 4 until a predefined height H.

[0093] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4-5, the first section 7A of the first strip 7 and the second section 9A of the second strip 9 are substantially L-shaped and equal to each other and they both extend, substantially vertically, on corresponding opposite faces of the support 6, starting from their lower end connected to the printed circuit board 4 until the predefined height H.

[0094] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the third section 7B has a rectangular shape which rises above (e.g. along direction X) the first section 7A starting from the height H for the predefined length L1.

[0095] In practice, in this case, the third section 7B constitutes an extension of the first section 7A, has a rectangular shape equal to the second subsection of the first section 7A, with a width W1 equal to the one of the second subsection but lower than the width W of the first subsection, e.g., equal to about half.

[0096] In such embodiment, as previously described, the second section 9A has a shape substantially equal to the one of the first section 7A, and the fourth section 9B is L-shaped, e.g. with each L branch having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0097] In particular, a first branch of the L extends, starting from the top of the height H reached from the second section 9A, transversely, in particular in a substantially horizontal direction, from the second section 9A, and a second branch of the L transversely extends starting from the first branch, in particular in a substantially vertical direction, below towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0098] Between the two branches of the fourth section 9B and the correspondent facing parts of the second section 9A, a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0099] In this case, the length of the two branches of the fourth section 9B is chosen so that the sum of the respective lengths LA+LB, measured along a respective centerline (or symmetry) axis of each branch is substantially equal to the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0100] In the embodiment of Figure 3, the third section 7B has a rectangular shape which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) the first section 7A starting from the height H for the predefined length L1 (equal to around λ / 4).

[0101] In practice, in this case, the third section 7B, represented shaded in the figures, constitutes an extension of the first section 7A, has a rectangular shaping similar to the one of the first section 7A, and a width substantially equal to the width W of the first section 7A.

[0102] In such embodiment, the second section 9A (schematically illustrated with a dashed line) has a rectangular shape, e.g. substantially equal to the one of the first section 7A, and the fourth section 9B is L-shaped, e.g. with each branch of the L having substantially rectangular shape.

[0103] In particular, a first branch of the L laterally extends, e.g. in a substantially horizontal direction, starting from the top of the predefined height H reached from the second section 9A, a second branch of the L transversely extends form the first branch, in particular in a substantially vertical direction downwards, namely towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0104] In this case, the length of the two branches of the fourth section 9B is chosen so that the sum of the respective lengths, indicated in Figure 3 from references LA and LB, measured along a centerline (or symmetry) axis of each branch, is substantially equal to the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0105] In Figure 3, the support 6 is only partially illustrated for the sake of illustrative clarity; moreover, again for the sake of a better illustrative clarity, the third section 9B is illustrated as shifted towards the right (with respect to a frontal view of such Figure), but it is to be intended as arranged on the face 10 of the support 6 at the zone in which the first strip 7 is arranged on the opposite face 8.

[0106] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4-5, as indicated above, the first section 7A and the second section 9A are substantially L-shaped and equal to each other.

[0107] For example, the base branch of the L (either of the first section 7A, or of the second section 9A) has a width equal to W, while the second branch rising from the base branch, e.g. vertically, has a width equal to W1.

[0108] In this embodiment, the third section 7B has a rectangular shape which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) the first section 7A starting from the height H for the predefined length L1 (equal to around λ / 4), and for example having width equal to W1.

[0109] In practice, in this case, the third section 7B (represented as shaded) constitutes an extension of the second branch of the first section 7A, with a width substantially equal to the width W1 of said second branch.

[0110] In such embodiment, the fourth section 9B is L-shaped, e.g. with each L branch having substantially rectangular shape.

[0111] In particular, a first branch of the L extends laterally, e.g. in a substantially horizontal direction, starting from the top of the height H reached from the second section 9A and inward the support 6, a second branch of the L transversely extends, in particular in a substantially vertical direction, downwards, namely towards the printed circuit board 4, and in particular towards the horizontal branch of the first section 9A.

[0112] Between the branches of the fourth section 9B and the correspondent facing surfaces of the second section 9A, a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0113] Also in this case, the length of the two branches of the fourth L-shaped section 9B is chosen so that the sum of the respective lengths, indicated in Figure 5 by the references LA and LB, measured along the centerline (or symmetry) axis of each branch, is substantially equal to the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0114] In the embodiments illustrated in Figures 6-7 and 8-9, the second strip 9 is realized so as to be electrically connected to the radiating element 50 used for receiving mobile phone signals 50.

[0115] In particular, in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the first section 7A comprises a first rectangular subsection having width W, and a second rectangular-shaped subsection which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) a side of the first subsection and it has a width W2 smaller than the width W of the first subsection.

[0116] The assembly of these two sections which form the first section 7A rises starting from the printed circuit board 4, until a total height H, e.g. vertically.

[0117] The third section 7B (represented shaded in Figure 6) presents a substantially rectangular shape which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) a side of the first section 7A starting from the top of the height H and it has a width W substantially equal to the width W of the first subsection of the first section 7A.

[0118] The third section 7B extends above the second subsection, e.g. along a substantially vertical direction X, for a distance or length L1, equal to around λ / 4.

[0119] In this case, the third section 7B is arranged on a tooth 15 part of and protruding upward the principal body of the support 6.

[0120] Between the upper part of the first subsection, the inner edge of the second subsection and the lower edge of the second section 7B, a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0121] In this embodiment, as indicated above, the second strip 9 is arranged in electrical continuity with the strip of electrically conducing material which forms the radiating element of the antenna 50 suitable for receiving the mobile phone signals.

[0122] The electrical continuity is established, for example, along the tracks indicated with a dashed line in Figure 7.

[0123] For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, the second section 9A of the second strip 9 comprises a first rectangular subsection having width W and a second rectangular-shaped subsection which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) from a side of the first subsection and it has a width W2 lower than the width W of the first subsection.

[0124] The assembly of the two subsections which form the second section 9A rises above, e.g. in a substantially vertical direction, starting from the printed circuit board 4, for a height H substantially equal to the one of the first section 7A of the first strip 7.

[0125] The fourth section 9B is L-shaped also in this case, for example with each branch of the L having a substantially rectangular shape.

[0126] In particular, a first branch of the L laterally extends, e.g. in a substantially horizontal direction, starting from the top of the height H reached from the second section 9A and towards the outer edge of the support 6, a second branch of the L transversely extends, in particular in a substantially vertical direction, downwards, namely towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0127] Between the branches of the fourth section 9B and the correspondent facing surfaces of the second section 9A, a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0128] Also in this case, the length of the two branches of the fourth L-shaped section 9B is chosen so that the sum of the respective lengths, indicated in Figure 7 by the references LA and LB, measured along the centerline (or symmetry) axis of each branch, is substantially equal to the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0129] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the first section 7A of the first strip has a first rectangular subsection having width W, and a second L-shaped subsection which rises above a side of the first subsection until reaching the predefined height.

[0130] In particular, the second L-shaped subsection has a first rectangular-shaped branch which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) a side of the first subsection and it has a width W2 lower to the width W of the first subsection, and a second branch, also rectangular-shaped, which transversely extends, in particular in substantially horizontal direction, from the first subsection, until the outer edge of the support 6.

[0131] The third section 7B (represented as shaded in Figure 8) extends above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) from the third subsection and it has a substantially rectangular shape, with a width W3 lower than the width W of the first subsection, and it extends in height, e.g. vertically, starting from the top of the height H, for a distance L1 equal to around λ / 4.

[0132] In this case, in a horizontal direction, the sum of the widths W2 and W3 is substantially equal to the width W of the first subsection.

[0133] Between the upper part of the first subsection and the inner lateral edge of the second subsection, a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0134] In turn, as illustrated in Figure 9, the second section 9A of the second strip 9 comprises a first rectangular subsection having width W, and a second rectangular-shaped subsection which rises above (e.g. along the vertical direction X) a side of the first subsection and it has a width W2 lower than the width W of the first subsection.

[0135] The assembly of the two subsections which form the second section 9A rises, e.g. in a substantially vertical direction, starting from the printed circuit board 4, for a height H substantially equal to the one of the first section 7A.

[0136] The fourth section 9B is L-shaped also in this case, e.g. with each branch of the L having a substantially rectangular shape, similarly, for example, to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 5.

[0137] In particular, a first branch of the L laterally extends, e.g. substantially in a horizontal direction, starting from the top of the height H reached from the second section 9A and outwards the support 6, a second branch of the L transversely extends, in particular in substantially vertical direction, downwards, namely towards the printed circuit board 4.

[0138] Between the branches of the fourth section 9B and the correspondent facing surfaces of the second section 9A a free space 11 is left, namely without electrically conducing material.

[0139] Also in this case, the length of the two branches of the fourth L-shaped section 9B is chosen so that the sum of the respective lengths, indicated in Figure 9 from references LA and LB, measured along the centerline (or symmetry) axis of each branch, is substantially equal to the predefined length L1 of the third section 7B.

[0140] In this embodiment, as indicated above, the second strip 9 is arranged in electrical continuity with the strip of electrically conducing material forming the radiating element of the antenna 50 suitable for receiving mobile phone signals.

[0141] Electrical continuity is established, for example, along the tracks indicated with a dashed line in Figure 9.

[0142] It has been practically observed how the antenna assembly 200 according to the invention allows to reach the predefined aim, as the combination of the antenna 100 with the electrically conducing material 202 operatively associated to it allows to obtain an adequate irradiation diagram, in particular for what is concerning V2X frequency band signals, according with a solution that is easy to implement and cost-effective.

[0143] With further advantage, the antenna assembly 200 according to the invention may be used in principle in every type of motor vehicle and may be easily installed either on new motor vehicles or, if desired, on motor vehicles already in use. Therefore, further object of the present invention concerns a motor vehicle characterized by the fact of comprising at least an antenna assembly 200 according to what has been previously described, and defined more in particular in the attached claims.

[0144] Obviously, subject of the principle of the invention, the embodiments and the implementation details may be widely varied according to what has been described and illustrated by way of preferred non-limiting examples, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as particularly defined in the attached claims. For example, the embodiments previously described may be combined between each other, also partially, by selecting to that purpose one or more of the features described referring to a possible embodiment and using, wherever useful or possible, every selected feature in one of the other embodiments described. For example, it is possible to install inside the space defined between the base 1 and the cover 3 a further antenna for receiving signals in the V2X frequency band, e.g. arranging another support 6 with first and second strips 7 and 9, respectively, in an advanced position on the printed circuit board 4, e.g. in front of the satellite receiver 5, having this arranged between such further V2X antenna and the V2X antenna previously described. In this case, clearly the dimensions of the base 1, of the cover 3 and, in particular, of the printed circuit board 4 have to be properly modified to house also such further V2X antenna; the electrically conducing element 202 may be differently configured.

Claims

1. Antenna assembly (200) for a motor vehicle, characterized by comprising at least: - an antenna (100) comprising at least: - a mounting base (1) suitable for being connected to a metal mounting surface (101) of the motor vehicle; - a printed circuit board (4) mounted on the base (1); - a first electrically conducting element (7) that is connected to and rises transversely from the printed circuit board (4), said first conductor element (7) being configured, at least for a portion thereof, for transceiving signals in the V2X frequency band to and from the printed circuit board (4); the antenna assembly (200) further comprising a second electrically conducting element (202) suitable for being arranged, externally to said at least one antenna (100), on an electrically insulating surface (101) of the motor vehicle, said second electrically conducting element (202) being configured to reflect, at least partially, signals to be transceived in the V2X frequency band.

2. Antenna assembly (200) according to claim 1, wherein said second electrically conducting element (202) comprises or consists of a metallized surface disposed on a portion of said electrically insulating surface (101) of the motor vehicle.

3. Antenna assembly (200) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second electrically conducting element (202) comprises a substantially quadrangular shape having a first side (203) and a second side (205) each having a respective length (L2, L3) equal to at least 2λ, preferably equal to at least 3λ, of the resonant frequency of the antenna radiating element (100) that is adapted to transceive said signals in the frequency band V2X to and from the printed circuit board (4).

4. Antenna assembly (200) according to claim 3, wherein said first side (203) of said second electrically conducting element (202) is positioned near an edge (102) of said metal mounting surface (101) of the motor vehicle at a distance (D) from it equal to or less than λ of the resonant frequency of the antenna radiating element (100) suitable for transceiving said signals in the frequency band V2X to and from the printed circuit board (4), preferably equal to or less than λ / 4 of said resonant frequency.

5. Antenna assembly (200) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one first electrically conducting element (7) is formed by an electrically conductive body having a lower end connected to the printed circuit board (4) and rising superiorly from the printed circuit board (4) along a reference direction (X).

6. Antenna assembly (200) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, wherein said antenna (100) further comprises at least one electrically insulating support (6) that is mounted on and rises transversely from the printed circuit board (4), and wherein said first electrically conducting element (7) comprises at least one first electrically conductive strip (7) that is disposed on a first face (8) of the support (6) and is connected at a lower end thereof to the printed circuit board (4), said first electrically conductive strip (7) being configured for transceiving signals in the V2X frequency band to and from the printed circuit board (4).

7. Antenna assembly (200) according to claim 6, wherein said antenna (100) further comprises a second electrically conductive strip (9) which is arranged, at the first strip (7), on a second face (10) of the support (6) parallel to the first face (8), and is adapted to make a ground connection.

8. Antenna assembly (200) according to claim 7, wherein the first strip (7) and the second strip (9) comprise a first section (7A) and a second section (9A), respectively, each having a lower end connected to the printed circuit board (4) and extending from the printed circuit board (4) transversely along a reference direction (X) up to a predetermined height (H).

9. Antenna assembly (200) according to claim 8, wherein the first strip (7) further comprises at least a third section (7B) extending from the first section (7A) for a predetermined length (L1), said third section (7B) being configured to radiate signals in the V2X frequency band coming from outside the motor vehicle to be routed, via the first section (7A), to the printed circuit board (4), or coming, via the first section (7A), from the printed circuit board (4) to be transmitted outside the motor vehicle; and wherein the second strip (9) further comprises at least a fourth section (9B) which protrudes from the second section (9A) for a length substantially equal to said predetermined length (L1) of the third section (7B).

10. A motor vehicle comprising at least one antenna assembly (200) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

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