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 motor vehicles

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

[0002] In the prior art, the use on motor vehicles of a connectivity module is known, which concentrates all the electronic devices enabling the establishment of a radio frequency 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 geopositioning systems, 4G or 5G communication protocols, or even Wi-Fi, which corresponds to a set of wireless communication protocols governed by the IEEE 802 group standards.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-wideband modulation".

[0003] Such connectivity modules thus incorporate an increasing number of communication protocols, making their integration into the motor vehicle increasingly complex. Indeed, it is necessary to ensure optimal electrical coupling to enable optimal communication with the vehicle's onboard communication networks.

[0004] The use of "shark fin antennas" comprising connectivity modules mounted on the roof of motor vehicles is known. Such known connectivity modules are tedious and time-consuming to install. Indeed, it is necessary first to establish an electrical connection between the connectivity module and the vehicle's onboard networks, and then to establish a mechanical connection to secure the connectivity module to its support. The mechanical connection can sometimes be made before the electrical connection. In all cases, the connectivity module includes components that separately perform the electrical connection on the one hand, and the mechanical connection on the other. Thus, in a known manner, the mechanical connection is, for example, achieved by means of electrically screwing the connectivity module, while the electrical connection is often achieved by several separate electrical connectors.Thus, the . The multiplicity of connectors makes assembly or maintenance operations lengthy and costly.

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a new antenna assembly in order to address at least largely the previous problems and to lead to other advantages.

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

[0007] Another object of the invention is to reduce the number of operations for assembling 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 objectives is achieved as mentioned above, with an antenna assembly for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly comprising:

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

[0011] - a support on which the connectivity module is securely fixed by via mechanical coupling means, the support also 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 includes 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 transmit and / or receive wireless telecommunication signals, particularly via radio waves. The connectivity module includes 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. "Shape" includes, in particular, modulating or demodulating the electronic signal. To establish an electrical connection with the vehicle's onboard network, the connectivity module includes 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 collaborate with at least one molded interconnection device.

[0015] In the context of the present invention, the support forms a mechanical device configured to allow the connectivity module to be fixed, thus enabling stable, robust, and durable positioning of the connectivity module on the support. Advantageously, the support is formed by a portion of the 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 a molded interconnection device on the support and in conjunction with the connectivity module allows for simultaneous and rapid mechanical attachment and electrical coupling. The electrical connector on the connectivity module is optionally of the type of a molded interconnection device complementary to the one implemented on the support.

[0017] Thus, the antenna assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention simplifies the mounting operations of such an antenna assembly by reducing the number of operations required to mount 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 at least one molded interconnection device. It is therefore much easier to mount the connectivity module on its support or to remove it during maintenance operations.

[0018] The antenna assembly conforming 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 allows to optimize the reception or transmission of telecommunication signals when the antenna assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention is mounted on a motor vehicle;

[0020] - the roof pavilion includes a housing configured to receive the module of connectivity, the housing comprising 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 pavilion, so as to allow the connectivity module to be recessed. This advantageous configuration makes it possible to optimize the recessing of the connectivity module and to prevent it from protruding excessively from the roof pavilion;

[0021] - the housing is made of material with the roof pavilion. In other words, the The dwelling is formed by shaping a sheet of metal into the roof pavilion, so as to form the repression. By material issue, we understand that the dwelling and the roof pavilions are produced using the same manufacturing process and cannot be separated from one another 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 the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, so that the connectivity module can be installed in its housing from outside 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 embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises a a unique 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 onto the support and / or to establish a fixing between said connectivity module and said support;

[0024] - the mechanical coupling element is located opposite the interconnection device molded, said mechanical coupling member being located on one side of the connectivity module and said molded interconnect device being located on the 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 interconnect 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 one longitudinal end of said connectivity module;

[0025] - the mechanical coupling member and the molded interconnection device are configured to allow a push-fit mounting of the connectivity module. In the context of the present invention, "pushing" means mounting the connectivity module on its support by means of a mounting method following: (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 interconnect device, and (iv) a fourth step of electrically coupling the molded interconnect device with the electrical connector;

[0026] - advantageously, the mechanical coupling member forms a member of retained for the connectivity module, the retaining element includes a cap configured to interact 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 towards the tab or notch. Optionally, the retaining element formed by the mechanical coupling element includes 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 embodiment, the antenna assembly comprises a A first molded interconnecting device and a second molded interconnecting device. The second molded interconnecting device is located opposite the first molded interconnecting device, said first molded interconnecting device being located on one side of the connectivity module and said second molded interconnecting device being located on the opposite side of said connectivity module. In this second embodiment, the first molded interconnecting device and the second molded interconnecting device together allow the connectivity module to be clamped and / or fixed to the support in a stable and robust manner without the need for an additional mechanical coupling element.

[0028] According to a second aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle is proposed comprising a passenger compartment covered by a roof canopy associated with the antenna assembly conforming to the first aspect of the invention or to any one of its improvements.

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

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description on the one hand, and from several illustrative and non-limiting examples of embodiments given with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings on the other hand, in which:

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

[0032] [Fig.2] illustrates a top view of the antenna assembly shown in [Fig.1];

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a cross-sectional profile view of the antenna assembly shown on the [Fig.l].

[0034] Of course, the features, variants, and different embodiments of the invention can be combined in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, variants of the invention may be conceived comprising only a selection of features, described hereafter in isolation from the other described features, if this selection of features is sufficient to 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 are combinable 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 antenna of telecommunications, an electronic control module for at least one telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector 121;

[0039] - a support 11 on which the connectivity module 12 is securely fixed by via 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 shown in transparency to facilitate understanding of its integration on the support 11.

[0041] More specifically, and not limited to the invention in 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 onto the roof panel. The roof panel here comprises at least one upper sheet or plate for covering the roof panel 10 and the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle. The connectivity module 12 is thus directly mounted on the roof panel 10, and in particular at a mounting area 112 which is generally, but not exclusively, located at the rear of the motor vehicle.

[0042] The roof canopy 10, which forms the support 11, includes a housing 111 configured to receive the connectivity module 12. The housing 111 also accommodates at least one molded interconnection device. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, the housing 111 is shaped like a depression formed in the roof canopy 10, particularly from the mounting area 112, so as to allow the connectivity module 12 to be recessed. In other words, the housing 111 forms a concave portion extending from the mounting area 112 of the roof canopy 10.

[0043] Housing 111 is made of material with the roof pavilion 10.

[0044] The connectivity module 12 here has a parallelepiped shape. The housing 111 formed by the support 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 one side, the connectivity module 12 is simultaneously electrically and mechanically coupled to the support 11 via the molded interconnecting device. On a second side, opposite the first side, the connectivity module 12 is only mechanically coupled to the support 11 via a mechanical coupling member 14.

[0046] The coupling member forms a retaining element 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 onto the support 11 and / or to establish a fastening between said connectivity module 12 and said support 11. In particular, the retaining member comprises a cap 141 configured to cooperate with a tab or 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 towards 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. uncontrolled.In general, and as can be seen in FIGURES 1 and 3, the mechanical coupling member 14 has an inverted L-shaped transverse profile.

[0047] The mechanical coupling member 14 and the molded interconnection device are configured to allow the connectivity module 12 to be mounted by push-fitting. Such push-fitting constitutes a method for mounting the connectivity module 12 onto its support 11 comprising the following steps:

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

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

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

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

[0052] In summary, 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 on which the connectivity module 12 is rigidly fixed via 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 a proper 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 stacking on the support 11.

[0053] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples just described, and many modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the various features, forms, variants, and embodiments of the invention can be combined with one another in various ways, provided they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive. In particular, all the variants and embodiments described above are combinable with each other.

Claims

Demands

1. Antenna assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, the antenna assembly (1) comprising: - a connectivity module (12) including a telecommunications antenna, an electronic control module for the telecommunications antenna and an electrical connector (121); - a support (11) on which the connectivity module (12) is fixed rigidly 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 comprising mechanical coupling elements and electrical coupling elements enabling the connectivity module (12) to be mechanically and electrically coupled to the support (11).

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

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

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

5. Antenna assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the depression is directed towards one 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 outside the motor vehicle.

6. Antenna assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna assembly (1) comprises a single molded interconnecting 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, wherein the mechanical coupling member (14) and the molded interconnect device are configured to permit a push-fit mounting of the connectivity module (12).

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

9. 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 having 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 canopy (10) associated with the antenna assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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