Vehicle antenna and vehicle having such antenna

Abstract

To provide a vehicle antenna and a vehicle having such an antenna.SOLUTION: A vehicle antenna 100 comprises: an attachment plate 1 that is suitable for connecting an attachment surface of a vehicle; a first print circuit board 5 that is suitable for being connected to the attachment plate at an actual horizontal position; and a first radiation element 10 and a second radiation element 20 that are for transmitting and receiving an environment of an external part of the antenna 100 and, a first signal and a second signal. Each of the radiation elements, comprises print circuit boards 12 and 22, and a first conductive track 14 and a second conductive track 24 are arranged thereto along each print circuit board. The first radiation element 10 includes the maximum height H measured along an actual vertical direction from an upper surface of the first print circuit board 5, and a first height H1 of the first conductive track 14 is a half or smaller of the maximum height H of the first radiation element 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle equipped with such an antenna.

[0002] The antenna of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in motor vehicles, e.g., mounted on the roof of a motor vehicle, and will be described herein with reference to such use, but there is no intention to limit its applicability to other types of motor vehicles, such as, for example, buses, trucks, commercial vehicles, etc. [Background technology]

[0003] As is known, an antenna intended to be mounted on the roof or another external surface of a motor vehicle essentially includes a functional part, consisting of a number of appropriately configured parts and assemblies adapted to achieve the mounting and operation of the antenna, and a purely aesthetic part, adapted to be coupled to the functional part and intended to ensure the maintenance of a proper aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle once the antenna is installed, typically a cover or canopy configured in the shape of a shark fin.

[0004] Typically, the functional portion comprises multiple antennas or radiating elements capable of transmitting and receiving various types of data and signals to other vehicles, pedestrians, fixed devices and communication structures in accordance with the various frequency standards and related fields that have been introduced over the years, such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), RF, GPS, FM, etc.

[0005] Although currently commercially available antennas are capable of performing the functions for which they were designed, there are some aspects that are worth improving.

[0006] In particular, the presence of multiple radiating elements that are inevitably placed close to one another in the small space provided by the cover creates problems relating to the effective quality of the transmitted or received signals, since signals input to two or more radiating elements may combine and interfere with each other. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, it is the scope of the present invention to provide an automobile antenna which is able to at least partially alleviate such problems.

[0008] This scope, as well as those which will eventually emerge from the following description, is achieved by an antenna for a motor vehicle, the characteristics of which are defined in claim 1.

[0009] This scope is also achieved by the vehicle according to claim 10.

[0010] Particular embodiments of the invention form the subject matter of dependent claims, the content of which is intended to be considered an integral part of this description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, given purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a possible embodiment of an antenna according to the invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows another possible embodiment of an antenna according to the invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a further possible embodiment of an antenna according to the invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the coupling of components of the radiating element of the antenna of FIG. 3 with each other, which is a further possible embodiment of an antenna according to the invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of the coupling of components of the radiating element of FIG. 4 to one another. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In the following detailed description, it should be noted that identical or similar components from a structural and / or functional standpoint may have the same or different reference numbers, regardless of whether they are illustrated in different embodiments of the present disclosure or as separate parts.

[0013] In addition, it should be noted that in order to clearly and concisely explain the present disclosure, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features of the present disclosure may be shown in somewhat schematic form.

[0014] Additionally, when the terms "adapted" or "organized" or "configured" or "shaped" are used herein in reference to any entire component, any portion of a component, or a combination of components, it is to be understood that the terms refer to and encompass the corresponding structures and / or configurations and / or shapes and / or arrangements.

[0015] Additionally, when the term "substantial" or "substantially" is used herein, it should be understood to encompass an actual variation of plus or minus 5% from what is indicated as a reference value, direction or location. Also, when the term "lateral" or "laterally" is used herein, it should be understood to encompass an orientation that is not parallel to the reference portion or direction / axis being referenced. Also, vertical should be considered a special case of lateral.

[0016] Finally, in the following description and claims, ordinal numbers such as first, second, etc. are used for clarity of description only and should not be construed as limiting in any way, and the order need not be exactly the same as that described in the illustrated exemplary embodiment.

[0017] 1 to 3 show some possible embodiments of an antenna according to the present invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 100. In FIG.

[0018] The antenna 100 according to the present invention comprises at least: - a substrate or mounting plate 1 (hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, referred to as mounting plate) suitable for connection to a mounting surface of a vehicle, for example the roof, during the installation phase of the antenna 100; at least a first printed circuit board PCB5 adapted to be connected to the mounting plate 1, for example in a substantially horizontal position; - at least a first radiating element, generally indicated by the reference numeral 10, and a second radiating element, generally indicated by the reference numeral 20, for transmitting and receiving first and second signals, respectively, to a device external to the antenna 100;

[0019] In particular, according to a possible embodiment, a first radiating element 10 operatively connected to the first printed circuit board 5 is configured to receive / transmit signals of analog type, for example in FM (Frequency Modulation) mode.

[0020] According to this embodiment, the second radiating element 20 operatively connected to the first printed circuit board 5 is configured to receive / transmit digital signals, for example according to a DAB (Digital Audio Broadcast) mode or technology.

[0021] The mounting plate 1 is made from a metallic material, for example a zamak alloy, and has a leading edge 2, a trailing edge 3 and two side edges 4 extending from the trailing edge 3 and converging towards each other to form the leading edge 2, for example having a pointed shape.

[0022] Indeed, in such an embodiment, the mounting plate 1 has a shape that, when viewed in plan from above or below, is generally configured like an iron substrate.

[0023] In one possible embodiment, the body of the mounting plate 1 has, for example, in a substantially central area, i.e. the area where the first printed circuit board 5 is installed, a compartment or accommodation space bounded at the top by the first printed circuit board 5 and along the other sides by contoured walls of the mounting plate 1 itself, in which cables, various electronic components, etc. can be accommodated.

[0024] As shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1, the antenna 100 also comprises a cover 40 formed by a hollow molding, for example made from a plastic material, which is mechanically coupled to the mounting plate 1 during assembly and which accommodates within its cavity at least the first printed circuit board 5 as well as the two radiating elements 10 and 20.

[0025] A cover 40 is also used in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3, but is not shown in FIGS.

[0026] Obviously, depending on the application, other components may be housed within the space provided by the cavity in cover 40, such as gaskets, other elements suitable for transmitting and receiving signals, etc. For example, an additional component 7 configured to transmit and receive GPS signals is shown in the embodiment of Figures 1-3.

[0027] The mounting of the mounting plate 1 to the roof of the vehicle or to a suitable mounting surface and the connection of the cover 40 to the same mounting plate 1 are carried out in a manner known or easily implemented by those skilled in the art and, in any case, are not relevant to the present invention and will not be described in detail herein.

[0028] In the antenna 100 of the present invention, the first radiating element 10 is usefully provided with a printed circuit board 12 (hereinafter, for clarity of explanation, referred to as the second printed circuit board 12) that is connected at its first end 13, i.e., its lower end, to the first printed circuit board 5 and rises from the first printed circuit board 5 itself in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board 5, for example, in a substantially vertical direction as indicated by the arrow X in Figures 1 to 3.

[0029] The second printed circuit board 12 has an end 16 connected to the first printed circuit board 5 and is provided with a first track 14 made of a conductive material extending from the end 16 along a substantially spiral or serpentine path on the second printed circuit board 12 to a first height H1.

[0030] Such height H1 is measured from the upper surface of the first printed circuit board 5 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board (substantially vertical direction X).

[0031] For example, the connection between the second circuit board 12 and the first circuit board 5 is realized by one or more legs, for example two legs 13A and 13B as shown in FIG. 4, which are arranged on the lower part 13 of the second circuit board 12 itself and tend to be inserted into corresponding insertion holes (not shown) arranged on the first circuit board 5 and soldered.

[0032] The second radiating element 20, in turn, comprises a printed circuit board 22 (hereinafter referred to as the third printed circuit board 22 for clarity of explanation), the printed circuit board 22 having its end 23, i.e. its lower end, connected to the first printed circuit board 5 and rising from the first printed circuit board 5 itself along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board 5, for example a substantially vertical direction X.

[0033] The third printed circuit board 22 comprises a second track 24. The second track 24 is realised in a conductive track material, has an end 26 connected to the first printed circuit board 5 and extends, starting from the end 26, along a substantially spiral or serpentine path on the third printed circuit board 22 to a second height H2.

[0034] For example, the connection between the third circuit board 22 and the first circuit board 5 is realized in much the same way as for the second circuit board 12, for example by means of one or more (e.g. two) legs arranged on the lower part 23 of the third circuit board 22 itself and adapted to be inserted into and soldered to corresponding insertion holes (not shown) arranged on the first circuit board 5.

[0035] The second height H2 is also measured from the top surface of the first printed circuit board 5 along a direction substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board (substantially perpendicular direction X).

[0036] The tracks 14 and 24 act essentially as conductive coils wound around the respective substrates 12 and 22 .

[0037] In particular, both conductive tracks 14 and 24 extend along a substantially helical or serpentine path about a substantially vertical axis (ie, the axis designated vertical X).

[0038] In the antenna 100 of the present invention, the first radiating element 10 has a maximum height H measured from the top surface of the first printed circuit board 5 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first printed circuit board (substantially vertical direction X), and the first height H1 of the first conductive track 14 is usefully less than or equal to half of said maximum height H of the first radiating element 10.

[0039] In this way, the signals associated with the first radiating element 10 can be more effectively isolated from the signals associated with the second radiating element 20 .

[0040] In a possible embodiment, the first height H1 of the first conductive track 14 is less than the second height H2 of the second conductive track 24.

[0041] In this way, the isolation between the two radiating elements 10 and 20 is further improved.

[0042] For example, in one possible embodiment, both conductive tracks 14 and 24 are made by strips of conductive material, e.g., copper, arranged along two opposing parallel faces (the faces having the larger surface area) of the respective printed circuit boards 12 and 22.

[0043] A series of suitably metallized through holes, shown in Figures 1-3 by reference numeral 17 in substrate 12 and reference numeral 27 in substrate 22, electrically connect together various sections of the conductor strips located on the two opposing faces of each of substrates 10 and 20.

[0044] Thus, the metallized holes 17 and 27 and the various strips collectively form conductive tracks 14 and 24 which extend continuously along respective spiral or serpentine paths to corresponding heights H1 and H2.

[0045] Advantageously, according to a possible embodiment, the first radiating element 10 and the second radiating element 20, in particular the respective circuit boards 12 and 22, are arranged substantially in line with each other and in sequence along a direction connecting the front edge 2 and the rear edge 3 of the mounting plate 1.

[0046] In this way, in addition to an effective isolation between the signals input to the two different radiating elements 10 and 20, the available space within the cap 40 is also optimally utilized.

[0047] In one possible embodiment, for example as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first radiating element 10 further comprises a capacitive cap 30, for example made of a metallic material, for example tin-plated steel, which is connected to the second printed circuit board 12 at a second end 15 opposite the first end 13 of the second printed circuit board 12.

[0048] The capacitive cap 30 cooperates with the conductive strip 14 to optimize the radiation capability of the first radiating element 10 .

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the capacitive cap 30 comprises at least a central section 31, a first arm 32 and a second arm 33 extending from mutually branching and facing portions of the central section 31, and one or more connecting portions protruding from at least one of the central section 31 and the first and second arms 32, 33.

[0050] The coupling portion or portions are configured to allow the capacitive cap 30 to be mechanically connected to the second printed circuit board 12, the connection being typically stabilized by welding.

[0051] In particular, according to a possible embodiment, the capacitive cap 30 is made from a single metal material that is suitably folded to form, for example, a central section 31, first and second arms 32 and 33, and one or more coupling portions.

[0052] For example, in one possible embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the one or more coupling portions include a first section 36 protruding laterally from one end 35 of the first arm 32 toward the second printed circuit board 12, a second section 37 protruding laterally from one end of the first section 36 toward the central section 31, and one or more teeth 38 protruding laterally from one end of the second section 37.

[0053] One or more teeth 38, for example two teeth 38 in the example of FIG. 2, are suitable to be inserted into corresponding insertion openings 18 defined on the second printed circuit board 12, for example to be soldered therein.

[0054] Thus, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the central section 31 is spaced apart above the upper portion 15 of the second circuit board 12, and the first and second arms 32 and 33 extend from the central section 31 from either side of the second circuit board 12 towards the first circuit board 5.

[0055] In another possible embodiment, for example as shown in Figure 2, the second printed circuit board 12 has a recess 19 on its top, and in this case the capacitive cap 30 is coupled to the second printed circuit board 12 by positioning the central section 31 at least partially within the recess 19. The first and second arms 32, 33 then extend from the central section 31 along either side of the second printed circuit board 12 towards the first printed circuit board 5.

[0056] In this embodiment, the one or more coupling portions comprise one or more protrusions or teeth, indicated generally by reference numeral 39 in FIG. 2, which protrude from central section 31 and each are configured to be mechanically connected, e.g., soldered, to second printed circuit board 12.

[0057] In practice, in the various illustrated embodiments, if no capacitive cap 30 is used, as shown, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the maximum height H of the first radiating element 10 is the height achieved by the printed circuit board 12.

[0058] If a capacitive cap 30 is used instead, the maximum height H of the first radiating element 10 may alternatively be the height achieved by the printed circuit board 12 if the capacitive cap 30 has no portion extending above the printed circuit board 12, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, or the height achieved by the capacitive cap 30 if at least a portion of the capacitive cap 30 protrudes above the printed circuit board 12, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

[0059] Furthermore, at least one protective element 9, for example formed by sponge or adhesive foam, may be placed around the top of the third circuit board 22.

[0060] Alternatively, such a protection element 9 can be placed directly around the second printed circuit board 12 (see FIG. 1) or, if a capacitive cap 30 is used, around the capacitive cap 30 (see FIG. 2).

[0061] Obviously, such a protection element 9 can also be used in the embodiment of FIG.

[0062] It has been found that the antenna 100 according to the invention satisfies its intended range, since it has a structure which, compared to known solutions, allows a more effective separation of the signals input to the two radiating elements 10 and 20, while making optimal use of the limited space inside the cover 40.

[0063] Additionally, antenna 100 is constructed to be suitable for use in new vehicles or to replace antennas already installed in vehicles currently in use.

[0064] Obviously, without prejudice to the principles of the invention, the embodiments and implementation details may be widely modified with respect to those described and illustrated only as non-limiting examples, thereby allowing any possible combination (including partial combination) of the aforementioned embodiments, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the appended claims. For example, the at least one first printed circuit board 5 may comprise two separate boards, in such a case the first radiating element 10 may be operatively associated with one of the two boards and the second radiating element 20 may be operatively associated with the other board. The shape and / or positioning of the coupling parts of the capacitive cap may be modified.

Claims

1. An antenna (100) for a motor vehicle, comprising at least - a mounting plate (1) suitable for connection to a mounting surface of said vehicle; - at least a first printed circuit board (5) adapted to be connected in a substantially horizontal position to said mounting plate (1); at least one first radiating element (10) for transmitting and receiving a first signal to and from an environment external to said antenna (100), said first radiating element (10) being connected at a first end (13) thereof to said first printed circuit board (5) and comprising a second printed circuit board (12) rising from said first printed circuit board (5) along a substantially vertical direction, along which a first conductive track (14) is arranged, said first conductive track (14) having an end (16) connected to said first printed circuit board (5) and extending along a substantially helical or serpentine path on said second printed circuit board (12) along said substantially vertical direction to a first height (H1) measured from a top surface of said first printed circuit board (5); an antenna (100) comprising at least one second radiating element (20) for transmitting and receiving a second signal to and from an environment external to said antenna (100), said second radiating element (20) being connected at a first end (23) thereof to said first printed circuit board (5) and comprising a third printed circuit board (22) rising from said first printed circuit board (5) along a substantially vertical direction, along which a second conductive track (24) is arranged, said second conductive track (24) having an end (26) connected to said first printed circuit board (5) and extending along a substantially spiral or serpentine path on said third printed circuit board (22) along said substantially vertical direction to a second height (H2) measured from a top surface of said first printed circuit board (5), The antenna (100), wherein the first radiating element (10) has a maximum height (H) measured along the substantially vertical direction from a top surface of the first printed circuit board (5), and the first height (H1) of the first conductive track (14) is less than or equal to half of the maximum height (H) of the first radiating element (10).

2. 2. The antenna (100) of claim 1, wherein the first height (H1) of the first conductive track (14) is less than the second height (H2) of the second conductive track (24).

3. 3. The antenna (100) of claim 1, wherein, when viewed from a side view, the mounting plate (1) has a leading edge (2) and a trailing edge (3), and the first radiating element (10) and the second radiating element (20) are arranged substantially in line with each other along a direction joining the leading and trailing edges (2, 3).

4. 4. The antenna (100) of claim 1, wherein the first radiating element (10) further comprises a capacitive cap (30) connected to the second printed circuit board (12) at a second end (15) opposite the first end (13) of the second printed circuit board (12).

5. 5. The antenna (100) of claim 4, wherein the capacitive cap (30) comprises at least a central section (31), a first arm (32) and a second arm (33) extending from opposite portions of the central section (31) and branching off from each other, and one or more coupling portions extending from at least one of the central section (31) and the first and second arms (32, 33) and configured to mechanically connect the capacitive cap (30) to the second printed circuit board (12).

6. The antenna (100) of claim 4, wherein the capacitive cap (30) is made from a single metallic material.

7. 6. The antenna (100) of claim 5, wherein the one or more coupling portions comprise: a first section (36) projecting laterally from one end (35) of the first arm (32) towards the second printed circuit board (12), a second section (37) projecting laterally from one end of the first section (36) towards the central section (31), and one or more teeth (38) projecting laterally from one end of the second section (37), each suitable for insertion into a corresponding insertion opening (18) defined on the second printed circuit board (12).

8. 6. The antenna (100) of claim 5, wherein the second printed circuit board (12) has a recess (19) on its upper portion, the capacitive cap (30) is coupled to the second printed circuit board by positioning the central section (31) at least partially within the recess (19), and the first and second arms (32, 33) extend from the central section (31) along opposite sides of the second printed circuit board (12) toward the first printed circuit board (5).

9. 9. The antenna (100) of claim 8, wherein the one or more coupling portions comprise one or more teeth (39) extending from the central section (31), each configured to be mechanically connected to the second printed circuit board (12).

10. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one antenna (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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