Automotive antenna assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly (1) comprising a connectivity module (12) including a telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector (121), a support (11) to which the connectivity module (12) is fixed rigidly by means of at least one molded interconnecting device mechanically and electrically coupling the connectivity module (12) to the support (11), and a mechanical coupling member (14) located opposite the molded interconnecting device with respect to an extension axis of the connectivity module (12), the mechanical coupling member (14) and the molded interconnecting device together allowing the connectivity module (12) to be mounted by plugging it onto the support (11). Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Antenna assembly for a motor vehicle

[0001] The technical context of the present invention is that of telecommunications antennas on board motor vehicles, and in particular to devices for assembling such telecommunications antennas. More particularly, the invention relates to an antenna assembly.

[0002] In the state of the art, the use in motor vehicles of a connectivity module is known, which concentrates all the electronic devices making it possible to establish a radiofrequency link between the motor vehicle and a remote telecommunications device. Such electronic devices make it possible in particular to establish radio links by amplitude or frequency modulation, digital broadcasting services, satellite geo-positioning systems, 4G or 5G communication protocols, or even WIFI type corresponding to a set of wireless communication protocols governed by the standards of the IEEE 802 group.11, Bluetooth corresponding to a telecommunications standard using ultra high frequency radio waves at 2.4 GHz, SDARS - English acronym for "Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service" meaning "Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service", or UWB - English acronym for "Ultra Wide Band" meaning "ultra wide band modulation".

[0003] Such connectivity modules thus incorporate more and more communication protocols and their integration into the motor vehicle is becoming increasingly complex. It is indeed necessary to ensure optimal electrical coupling in order to allow an optimal connection with communication networks embedded in the motor vehicle.

[0004] The use of "shark antennas" comprising connectivity modules mounted on the roof of motor vehicles is known. Such known connectivity modules present a tedious and lengthy assembly. Indeed, it is necessary to first carry out an electrical coupling of the connectivity module with the on-board networks of the motor vehicle, then to carry out a mechanical coupling in order to secure the connectivity module on its support; optionally, the mechanical coupling can be carried out before the electrical coupling. In all cases, the connectivity module comprises members which separately carry out the electrical coupling on the one hand, and the mechanical coupling on the other hand. Thus, in a known manner, the mechanical coupling is for example carried out by means of an electrical screwing of the connectivity module, while the electrical coupling is often carried out by several electrical connectors distinct from each other.Thus, the multiplicity of connectors makes assembly or maintenance operations long and costly.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to propose a new antenna assembly in order to respond at least to a large extent to the preceding problems and to further lead to other advantages.

[0006] Another object of the invention is to simplify the operations of mounting such an antenna assembly.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of operations for mounting such an antenna assembly.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to facilitate access to the connectivity module.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention, at least one of the aforementioned objectives is achieved. with an antenna assembly for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly comprising:

[0010] - a connectivity module comprising at least one telecommunications antenna, an electronic module for controlling at least one telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector;

[0011] - a support on which the connectivity module is fixed securely by by means of mechanical coupling means, the support further comprising an electrical receiver electrically coupled to the electrical connector.

[0012] In the antenna assembly according to the first aspect of the invention, the electrical receiver of the support comprises at least one molded interconnection device mechanically and electrically coupling the connectivity module to the support.

[0013] In the context of the present invention, the connectivity module is an electronic system configured to enable wireless telecommunication signals to be transmitted and / or received, in particular by radio waves. The connectivity module comprises at least one antenna electrically connected to the electronic control module. The electronic control module comprises a plurality of electrical components configured to shape an electronic signal received by the at least one antenna and / or an electronic signal intended to be transmitted by said at least one antenna. By "shaping", it is understood in particular that the electronic signal is modulated or demodulated. In order to establish an electrical connection with an on-board network of the motor vehicle, the connectivity module comprises the electrical connector.

[0014] In the context of the present invention, the electrical connector is electrically and mechanically coupled to the electrical receiver of the support. The electrical connector is complementary and configured to cooperate with the at least one molded interconnection device.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the support forms a mechanical device configured to allow fixing of the connectivity module, thus allowing stable, robust and durable positioning of the connectivity module on the support. particularly advantageously, the support is formed by a part of a roof panel of the motor vehicle.

[0016] In the context of the present invention, the receiver comprises at least one molded interconnection device. Preferably, the receiver comprises exactly one molded interconnection device. Optionally, the receiver comprises two molded interconnection devices. The clever use of such an interconnection device molded on the support and in collaboration with the connectivity module makes it possible to establish a mechanical fixing and an electrical coupling simultaneously and quickly. The electrical connector embedded on the connectivity module is possibly of the type of a molded interconnection device complementary to that implemented on the support.

[0017] Thus, the antenna assembly according to the first aspect of the invention makes it possible to simplify the operations of mounting such an antenna assembly, by reducing the number of operations for mounting the connectivity module on its support, due to the correspondence between the mechanical coupling elements and the electrical coupling elements which are now grouped in the at least one molded interconnection device. It is thus much easier to mount the connectivity module on its support or to dismantle it during maintenance operations.

[0018] The antenna assembly according to the first aspect of the invention advantageously comprises at least one of the improvements below, the technical characteristics forming these improvements being able to be taken alone or in combination:

[0019] - the support is a roof panel of the motor vehicle. This configuration advantageous makes it possible to optimize the reception or transmission of telecommunication signals when the antenna assembly according to the first aspect of the invention is installed on a motor vehicle;

[0020] - the roof pavilion comprises a housing configured to receive the module of connectivity, the housing comprising the at least one molded interconnection device. In the context of the present invention, the housing takes the form of a depression formed in the roof panel, so as to allow embedding of the connectivity module. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the embedding of the connectivity module and to prevent the latter from protruding too much from the roof panel;

[0021] - the housing is made of material with the roof pavilion. In other words, the housing is formed by shaping a sheet metal forming the roof pavilion, so as to form the repression. By material, we understand that the housing and the roof pavilion are produced from the same manufacturing process and that they cannot be detached from each other without one and / or the other being entirely or partially damaged or destroyed;

[0022] - the depression is oriented towards one side of the roof pavilion opposite to a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, so that the connectivity module can be installed in its housing from the outside of the motor vehicle. This advantageous configuration makes it easier to access the connectivity module during assembly or maintenance operations, for example;

[0023] - according to a first variant embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises a single molded interconnection device and a mechanical coupling member of the connectivity module, the coupling member cooperating with a retaining edge of said connectivity module. The mechanical coupling member is configured to clamp the connectivity module on the support and / or to establish an attachment between said connectivity module and said support;

[0024] - the mechanical coupling member is located opposite the interconnection device molded, said mechanical coupling member being located on a first side of the connectivity module and said molded interconnection device being located on a second opposite side of said connectivity module. In other words, the mechanical coupling member is located opposite the retaining edge of the connectivity module, and the molded interconnection device is located opposite the electrical connector of said connectivity module. The electrical connector and the retaining edge of the connectivity module are each located at a longitudinal end of said connectivity module;

[0025] - the mechanical coupling member and the molded interconnection device are configured to allow mounting by stacking of the connectivity module. In the context of the present invention, "stacking" means mounting of the connectivity module on its support by means of a following mounting method: (i) a first step of tilting the connectivity module, taken from the side of its retaining edge, towards the mechanical coupling member, (ii) a second step of engaging the retaining edge with the mechanical coupling member, (iii) a third step of pivoting the connectivity module in order to bring the electrical connector closer to the molded interconnection device, and (iv) a fourth step of electrically coupling the molded interconnection device with the electrical connector;

[0026] - advantageously, the mechanical coupling member forms a member of retained for the connectivity module, the retaining member comprising a cap configured to collaborate with a tab or notch of the connectivity module in order to clamp said connectivity module against the support. The cap extends from the support. The cap extends opposite and in the direction of the tab or notch. Optionally, the retaining member formed by the mechanical coupling member comprises a cap configured to collaborate directly with the retaining edge of the connectivity module, in order to clamp said connectivity module against the support;

[0027] - according to a second variant embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises a first molded interconnection device and a second molded interconnection device. The second molded interconnection device is located opposite the first molded interconnection device, said first molded interconnection device being located on a first side of the connectivity module and said second molded interconnection device being located on a second side opposite said connectivity module. In this second embodiment, the first molded interconnection device and the second molded interconnection device together make it possible to clamp and / or fix the connectivity module on the support in a stable and robust manner without the need for an additional mechanical coupling member.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment covered by a roof panel associated with the antenna assembly according to the first aspect of the invention or according to any of its improvements.

[0029] Various embodiments of the invention are provided, integrating according to all of their possible combinations the different optional characteristics set out here.

[0030] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several examples of embodiment given for informational and non-limiting purposes with reference to the appended schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] illustrates a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of the assembly antenna according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] illustrates a top view of the antenna assembly illustrated in [Fig.l];

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a side sectional view of the antenna assembly illustrated in the [Fig.l].

[0034] Of course, the features, variants and different embodiments of the invention may be combined with each other, in various combinations, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined comprising only a selection of features described below in isolation from the other features described, if this selection of features is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the prior art.

[0035] In particular, all the variants and all the embodiments described can be combined with each other if nothing prevents this combination from a technical point of view.

[0036] In the figures, the elements common to several figures retain the same reference.

[0037] With reference to FIGURES 1 to 3, the invention relates to an antenna assembly 1 for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly 1 comprising:

[0038] - a connectivity module 12 comprising at least one telecommunications antenna nication, an electronic module for controlling the at least one telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector 121;

[0039] - a support 11 on which the connectivity module 12 is fixed integrally by by means of mechanical coupling means, the support 11 further comprising an electrical receiver 13 electrically coupled to the electrical connector 121, the electrical receiver 13 of the support 11 comprising at least one molded interconnection device mechanically and electrically coupling the connectivity module 12 to the support 11.

[0040] In the FIGURES, the connectivity module 12 is illustrated in transparency to facilitate understanding of its integration on the support 11.

[0041] More particularly, and not limiting to the invention according to its first aspect, in the FIGURES described below, the support 11 takes the form of a roof panel 10 of the motor vehicle. Thus, the connectivity module 12 is cleverly fixed directly to the roof module. The roof module here comprises at least one sheet or an upper plate making it possible to cover the roof panel 10 and a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The connectivity module 12 is thus directly mounted on the roof panel 10, and in particular at the level of a fixing zone 112 which is generally but not limited to located at the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0042] The roof panel 10 forms the support 11 comprising a housing 111 configured to receive the connectivity module 12. The housing 111 also houses the at least one molded interconnection device. As can be seen in FIGURES 2 and 3, the housing 111 takes the form of a depression formed in the roof panel 10, and in particular from the fixing zone 112, so as to allow embedding of the connectivity module 12. In other words, the housing 111 forms a concave portion which extends from the fixing zone 112 of the roof panel 10.

[0043] The housing 111 is made in one piece with the roof panel 10.

[0044] The connectivity module 12 here has a parallelepiped shape. The housing 111 formed by the support 11a has a generally rectangular shape so as to allow the insertion of the connectivity module 12.

[0045] The connectivity module is held in the housing 111 at its longitudinal ends. On a first side, the connectivity module 12 is simultaneously electrically and mechanically coupled with the support 11 by via the molded interconnection device. On a second side opposite the first side, the connectivity module 12 is only mechanically coupled with the support 11 via a mechanical coupling member 14.

[0046] The coupling member forms a retaining member for the connectivity module 12 at a retaining edge 123 of said connectivity module 12. The mechanical coupling member 14 is configured to clamp the connectivity module 12 to the support 11 and / or to establish a fixing between said connectivity module 12 and said support 11. In particular, the retaining member comprises a cap 141 configured to collaborate with a tab or a notch of the connectivity module 12 in order to clamp said connectivity module 12 against the support 11. The cap 141 extends from the support 11. The cap 141 extends opposite and in the direction of the retaining edge 123 of the connectivity module 12. The mechanical coupling member 14 thus makes it possible to clamp said connectivity module 12 against the support 11, and to prevent it from being dislodged from the housing 111 in a manner uncontrolled.Generally speaking, and as seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, the mechanical coupling member 14 has a transverse profile in the shape of an inverted L.

[0047] The mechanical coupling member 14 and the molded interconnection device are configured to allow mounting by stacking of the connectivity module 12. Such mounting by stacking forms a method of mounting the connectivity module 12 on its support 11 comprising the following steps:

[0048] - a first step of tilting the connectivity module 12, taken from the side of its retaining edge 123, towards the mechanical coupling member 14,

[0049] - a second step of engagement of the retaining edge 123 with the member of mechanical coupling 14,

[0050] - a third step of pivoting the connectivity module 12 in order to approach the electrical connector 121 of the molded interconnection device, and

[0051] - a fourth step of electrical coupling of the molded interconnection device with the 121 electrical connector.

[0052] In summary, the invention relates to an antenna assembly 1 for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly 1 comprising a connectivity module 12 comprising a telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector 121, a support 11 on which the connectivity module 12 is fixed integrally by means of at least one molded interconnection device mechanically and electrically coupling the connectivity module 12 to the support 11 and a mechanical coupling member 14 located opposite the molded interconnection device with respect to a specific extension axis of the connectivity module 12, the mechanical coupling member 14 and the molded interconnection device together allowing mounting by stacking of the connectivity module 12 on the support 11.

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous adjustments can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the different characteristics, forms, variants and embodiments of the invention can be associated with each other in various combinations insofar as they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above can be combined with each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Antenna assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly (1) comprising: - a connectivity module (12) comprising a telecommunications antenna, an electronic module for controlling the telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector (121); - a support (11) on which the connectivity module (12) is fixedly fixed by means of mechanical coupling means, the support (11) further comprising an electrical receiver (13) electrically coupled to the electrical connector (121); characterized in that the electrical receiver (13) of the support (11) comprises at least one molded interconnection device mechanically and electrically coupling the connectivity module (12) to the support (H).

2. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the support (11) is a roof panel (10) of the motor vehicle.

3. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the roof flag (10) comprises a housing (111) configured to receive the connectivity module (12), the housing (111) comprising the at least one molded interconnection device.

4. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the housing (111) takes the form of a depression formed in the roof panel (10), so as to allow embedding of the connectivity module (12).

5. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the depression is oriented towards a side of the roof panel (10) opposite a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, so that the connectivity module (12) can be installed in its housing (111) from the outside of the motor vehicle.

6. An antenna assembly (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the antenna assembly (1) comprises a single molded interconnection device and a mechanical coupling member (14) of the connectivity module (12), the coupling member cooperating with a retaining edge (123) of said connectivity module (12).

7. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the mechanical coupling member (14) and the molded interconnection device are configured to allow mounting by stacking of the connectivity module (12).

8. An antenna assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the mechanical coupling member (14) is located opposite the molded interconnection device, said mechanical coupling member (14) being located on a first side of the connectivity module (12) and said molded interconnection device being located on a second opposite side of said connectivity module (12).

9. An antenna assembly (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the mechanical coupling member (14) forms a retaining member for the connectivity module (12), the retaining member comprising a cap (141) configured to collaborate with a tab of the connectivity module (12) in order to clamp said connectivity module (12) against the support (11).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a passenger compartment covered by a roof panel (10) associated with the antenna assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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