Antenna device having a double cover structure

Abstract

To provide an antenna device having a double cover structure which prevents rattling of an outer cover and deformation of a vehicle roof.SOLUTION: An antenna device having a vehicle double cover structure includes a base plate 10, a pad 20, an inner cover 30, and an outer cover 40. The pad 20 is attached to the base plate 10 and seals a space between the base plate 10 and a vehicle. The inner cover 30 is fixed onto the base plate 10 and covers at least a part of an antenna member. The inner cover 30 has a first engagement part 31 on an outer surface. The outer cover 40 has: a second engagement part 41 provided on an inner surface to fix the outer cover 40 to the inner cover 30 and configured to engage with the first engagement part 31; and a reaction force receiving rib 42 which contacts with the pad 20 to improve engagement force between the first engagement part 31 and the second engagement part 41, and covers the inner cover 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an antenna device having a double cover structure, and particularly to an antenna device having a double cover structure for a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] There are various antenna devices mounted on vehicles, such as pillar antenna devices, glass antenna devices, roof mount antenna devices, etc. In recent years, a so-called shark fin antenna device is known as a low-profile roof mount antenna device. In the shark fin antenna device, it is common for the color of the cover to match the color of the vehicle body on which it is mounted. For this reason, the color of the cover of the shark fin antenna device was made uniform for each color of the vehicle body.

[0003] For example, as in Patent Document 1, an antenna device having a double cover structure is also known. In the antenna device having a double cover structure, a general structure is one in which an antenna member placed on a base plate is covered with an inner cover, and an outer cover having various shapes and colors changed according to the vehicle body to be mounted is placed over the inner cover. The outer cover is locked and fixed to the locking portion of the inner cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, in the conventional antenna device having a double cover structure, the outer cover was structured to be locked to the locking portion of the inner cover. The locking by the locking portion could cause play in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction due to structural or manufacturing errors.

[0006] Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the outer cover has a structure that covers the outer periphery of the pad attached to the base plate. However, for example, in the case of a structure that presses the pad attached to the base plate around the entire circumference of the opening of the outer cover, if the position of the locking portion is displaced downward due to manufacturing errors, there is a possibility that the outer cover presses the entire circumference of the pad too much and the vehicle roof may be deformed.

[0007] For this reason, the development of an antenna device having a double cover structure in which play of the outer cover and deformation of the vehicle roof do not occur has been desired.

[0008] In view of such circumstances, the present invention aims to provide an antenna device having a double cover structure in which play of the outer cover and deformation of the vehicle roof do not occur.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] In order to achieve the above-described object of the present invention, an antenna device having a double cover structure according to the present invention includes a base plate on which at least a part of an antenna member is placed, a pad attached to the base plate and sealing between the base plate and the vehicle, and an inner cover fixed on the base plate and covering at least a part of the antenna member, the inner cover having a first locking portion on an outer surface, a second locking portion provided on an inner surface for engaging with the first locking portion for fixing to the inner cover, and a reaction force receiving rib that abuts on the pad so as to increase the engagement force between the first locking portion and the second locking portion, and an outer cover that is placed over the inner cover.

[0010] Here, the first locking portion of the inner cover and the second locking portion of the outer cover may be arranged at a plurality of locations symmetrically on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

[0011] Further, the reaction force receiving rib of the outer cover may be disposed between the engagement positions of the first locking portion and the second locking portion disposed at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction.

[0012] Further, the second locking portion of the outer cover may also function as a reaction force receiving rib.

[0013] Further, the pad may have a thick portion at a position where the reaction force receiving rib abuts.

[0014] Further, the pad may have fitting thick portions that abut against the inner wall surface of the outer cover on both sides in the short side direction of the pad.

[0015] Further, the outer cover may have additional ribs that abut against the fitting thick portions.

[0016] Further, the pad may have a size that is hidden by the outer cover in a top view.

[0017] Further, the outer cover may be provided with a gap between the vehicle, and an antenna device characterized by this.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] The antenna device having the double cover structure of the present invention has the advantage that rattling of the outer cover and deformation of the vehicle roof do not occur.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described together with illustrated examples. The antenna device of the present invention has a double cover structure for a vehicle. Specifically, the double cover structure means having a double cover including an inner cover that hermetically seals an antenna element, a circuit board, etc. inside and an outer cover that defines the appearance. Further, the antenna device of the present invention is fixed to a vehicle, for example. Specifically, it is a low-profile antenna device that is inserted into a mounting hole opened in, for example, a vehicle roof of a vehicle and fixed by a nut or the like.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a partially broken schematic perspective view for explaining the antenna device of the present invention. Further, FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic top view for explaining the inner cover of the antenna device of the present invention. And FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic rear view for explaining the inside of the outer cover of the antenna device of the present invention. In the drawings, parts denoted by the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 represent the same objects. Note that the antenna device in the illustrated example shows a so-called shark fin antenna device. The shark fin antenna device is arranged on the vehicle roof with its longitudinal direction aligned with the vehicle traveling direction.

[0022] As shown in the figure, the antenna device of the present invention mainly comprises a base plate 10, a pad 20, an inner cover 30, and an outer cover 40. In the illustrated example, all antenna elements, circuit boards, etc. are sealed within the inner cover 30, and the illustration thereof is omitted. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the antenna element may be arranged on the surface side of the inner cover 30.

[0023] The base plate 10 is for mounting at least a part of the antenna member. The antenna member is an antenna element, a circuit board, or the like. The antenna element may be, for example, a combined antenna element for AM / FM, or an antenna element for TEL or GNSS. The antenna member does not necessarily have to be directly mounted on the base plate 10 and may be appropriately placed floating from the base plate 10 by means of a pillar portion or the like. The base plate 10 may be a metal base, a resin base, or a composite base of metal and resin. On the back side of the base plate 10, it is sufficient to be provided with fixing screw bosses that are appropriately inserted into the mounting holes of the vehicle roof.

[0024] The pad 20 is mounted on the base plate 10. The pad 20 seals between the base plate 10 and the vehicle. Specifically, the pad 20 is located between the base plate 10 and the vehicle roof. The pad 20 is provided with a through hole through which the fixing screw boss of the base plate 10 penetrates. Waterproof ribs are provided around the through hole and are configured to seal the mounting hole of the vehicle roof. Also, the pad 20 in the illustrated example has a size that protrudes from the base plate 10 in top view. That is, the pad 20 extends from the lower side to the upper side of the base plate 10. More specifically, for example, the peripheral edge portion of the pad 20 forms an annular bracket, and when the peripheral edge portion of the base plate 10 is inserted into the annular bracket of the pad 20, the pad 20 can be mounted on the base plate 10. Due to the structure in which the base plate 10 is inserted into the annular bracket of the pad 20, the pad 20 has a size that protrudes from the base plate 10 in top view. Also, for example, the pad 20 may be interposed between the inner cover 30 described later and the base plate 10 so that the antenna member placed on the base 10 may be sealed liquid-tightly. Also, the pad 20 preferably consists of an elastic member so as to function as a sealing member. As the elastic member, it is possible to use an elastomer, polyolefin, polyurethane, etc. that can be melt-molded such as injection molding.

[0025] The inner cover 30 is fixed on the base plate 10. The inner cover 30 may be fixed to the base plate 10 by screws or the like as appropriate. The inner cover 30 covers at least a part of the antenna member. Also, in order to seal the inside of the inner cover 30 in a liquid-tight manner, a sealing member such as a pad 20 may be interposed between the inner cover 30 and the base plate 10 as appropriate. That is, for example, the circuit board and the antenna element of the antenna member may be housed in the inner space of the inner cover 30, and these may be sealed in a liquid-tight manner as appropriate. Further, the inner cover 30 has a first locking portion 31 on its outer surface. The first locking portion 31 is composed of, for example, a locking claw, and engages with a second locking portion described later. In the illustrated example, the first locking portions 31 are symmetrically arranged at a plurality of locations on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10. In the present specification, the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 is the vehicle traveling direction, and both sides in the longitudinal direction mean the left and right sides in the vehicle traveling direction. In the illustrated example, an example in which two first locking portions 31 are arranged on the left and right in the vehicle traveling direction is shown.

[0026] The outer cover 40 is put on the inner cover 30. The outer cover 40 defines the appearance of the antenna device, and the shape and color may be variously applied according to the vehicle on which it is mounted. The outer cover 40 has a second locking portion 41 that engages with the first locking portion 31. The second locking portion 41 is provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 40 in order to fix the outer cover 40 to the inner cover 30. In the illustrated example, the second locking portions 41 are symmetrically arranged at a plurality of locations on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the base plate 10 corresponding to the arrangement positions of the first locking portions 31. That is, in the illustrated example, an example in which two second locking portions 41 are arranged on the left and right in the vehicle traveling direction is shown.

[0027] As described above, for example, if the first locking portion 31 is composed of a locking claw, the second locking portion 41 may be composed of, for example, a loop hook. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41 may be configured to engage with each other, for example, the locking claws may be configured to engage with each other.

[0028] Furthermore, the outer cover 40 has reaction force receiving ribs 42. The reaction force receiving ribs 42 abut against the pad 20 so as to increase the engaging force between the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41. By providing the reaction force receiving ribs 42 on the outer cover 40, after the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41 are engaged, the outer cover 40 receives a reaction force in the direction opposite to the engaging direction. Therefore, since the second locking portion 41 is pressed in the direction opposite to the engaging direction of the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41, even if there is a manufacturing error, no play will occur.

[0029] Also, as shown in the figure, the reaction force receiving ribs 42 may be arranged between the engagement positions of the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41 arranged at a plurality of locations in the longitudinal direction. That is, the reaction force receiving ribs 42 may be arranged at a position where the reaction force can be efficiently applied to the engagement position. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the arrangement positions of the first locking portion 31, the second locking portion 41, and further the reaction force receiving ribs 42 may be arranged at arbitrary positions as appropriate according to the shape and structure of the antenna device.

[0030] Also, in the illustrated example, an example is shown in which through holes are appropriately provided at the positions of the base plate 10 and the pad 20 corresponding to the engagement positions of the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41. This is provided for inserting a jig through this through hole to release the engagement of the second locking portion 41 when it is desired to replace the outer cover 40 after assembling the antenna device. Also, when water enters between the inner cover 30 and the outer cover 40, it is possible to drain the water appropriately through this through hole. However, the antenna device of the present invention is not limited to this, and the through holes may not be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, as the reaction force receiving rib 42 of the antenna device of the present invention, a reinforcing rib appropriately provided on the outer cover 40 may be used. That is, when the size of the outer cover 40 is large or the like, a reinforcing rib for reinforcing the outer cover 40 is generally provided on the inner surface of the outer cover 40. This reinforcing rib may be configured to contact the pad 20 so as to increase the engaging force between the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41. Thereby, the reinforcing rib can also be used as a reaction force receiving rib.

[0032] Note that the pad 20 in the illustrated example has a size that is hidden by the outer cover 40 in a top view. That is, the pad 20 is configured to be completely covered by the outer cover 40. Thereby, when the antenna device of the present invention is viewed from the side in a state of being mounted on a vehicle, the pad 20 is hidden inside the outer cover 40, so that the color of the pad 20 cannot be visually recognized from the outside, and the integration of the vehicle and the antenna device is increased. Also, since the pad 20 is hidden by the outer cover 40, the pad 20 is not pressed against the entire circumference of the opening of the outer cover 40, and the pad 20 does not intervene between the vehicle and the entire circumference of the opening of the outer cover 40. Therefore, a gap may be provided between the outer cover 40 and the vehicle so that the outer cover 40 does not contact the vehicle. Thereby, the outer cover 40 does not contact the vehicle, and it is possible to prevent distortion, scratches, etc. of the vehicle caused by the outer cover 40. Note that the antenna device of the present invention has a double cover structure, and since the circuit board and the antenna element of the antenna member are appropriately sealed in a liquid-tight manner on the inner cover 30 side, there is no problem even if a gap is provided between the outer cover 40 and the vehicle.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a schematic side view for explaining the engagement position of the first locking portion and the second locking portion of the antenna device of the present invention and the relationship between the reaction force receiving rib and the pad. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 represent the same objects. Also, only the engagement position of the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41 and the reaction force receiving rib 42 and the pad 20 are shown, and the others are omitted. As shown in the figure, when the reaction force receiving rib 42 abuts on the pad 20, the reaction force receiving rib 42 receives a reaction force from the pad 20. In the illustrated example, a thick portion 21 is provided at the position of the pad 20 where the reaction force receiving rib 42 abuts. By providing the thick portion 21, it becomes possible to make the reaction force received by the reaction force receiving rib 42 stronger.

[0034] In the illustrated example, the reaction force receiving rib 42 was configured to abut on the thick portion 21 integrally formed with the pad 20. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the thick portion 21 may be separately provided on the base plate 10 separately from the pad 20.

[0035] Furthermore, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, without providing a thick portion, the reaction force receiving rib 42 may be configured to directly abut on the pad 20 and receive a reaction force by the thickness of the pad 20.

[0036] Also, Fig. 6 shows a schematic side view for explaining another example of the reaction force receiving rib of the antenna device of the present invention. In the figure, the parts denoted by the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 represent the same objects. Also, only the engagement position of the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41 and the reaction force receiving rib 42 and the pad 20 are shown, and the others are omitted. As shown in the figure, the second locking portion 41 may be configured to also function as the reaction force receiving rib. That is, the portion below the engagement position of the second locking portion 41 may be configured to abut on the pad 20. In the illustrated example, a thick portion 21 is provided on the pad 20 and is configured to abut on the lower portion of the second locking portion 41. At the same time as the second locking portion 41 engages with the first locking portion 31, the second locking portion 41 receives the reaction force from the thick portion 21. That is, the second locking portion 41 that also functions as the reaction force receiving rib receives the reaction force from the pad 20, and similar to the above-described illustrated example, the second locking portion 41 is pressed in the direction opposite to the engagement direction, and it becomes possible to prevent play.

[0037] As described above, the antenna device of the present invention does not press the pad 20 over the entire circumference of the opening of the outer cover 40, but has a structure in which the pad 20 is pressed by the reaction force receiving rib 42. Therefore, even if there is a manufacturing error, only the reaction force receiving rib 42 presses the pad 20, so the outer cover 40 does not press the entire circumference of the pad excessively. Therefore, there is no possibility that the vehicle roof will be deformed.

[0038] In the above-described illustrated example, the reaction force from the pad 20 is received by the reaction force receiving rib 42 to mainly prevent play in the vertical direction. In the following illustrated example, play in the front-rear direction will be further described. FIG. 7 is a partially broken schematic perspective view for explaining another example of the antenna device of the present invention. Further, FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway schematic side view for explaining another example of the antenna device of the present invention. In the figures, parts denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 represent the same objects.

[0039] As shown in the drawing, the pad 20 of the antenna device of the present invention has fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23. The fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23 are provided on both sides in the short side direction of the pad 20. In the present specification, the short side direction of the pad 20 is a direction orthogonal to the vehicle traveling direction, and both sides in the short side direction mean the front and rear sides in the vehicle traveling direction. In the illustrated example, the fitting wall thickness portion 22 is provided on the front side in the vehicle traveling direction, and the fitting wall thickness portion 23 is provided on the rear side in the vehicle traveling direction. In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23 are configured to contact the inner wall surface of the outer cover 40. That is, the fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23 are provided on the inner wall surfaces of the front and rear portions so as to fit into the opening of the outer cover 40. Since the pad 20 is attached to the base plate 10, the base plate 10 serves as a core material, so the fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23 do not bend inward. Therefore, the fitting wall thickness portions 22 and 23 sufficiently contact the inner wall surface of the outer cover 40 to prevent play in the front-rear direction.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, an additional rib 43 that abuts against the fitting thickness portion 23 may be provided on the outer cover 40. The additional rib 43 has the same function as the reaction force receiving rib 42 described above, and abuts against the fitting thickness portion 23 provided on the pad 20 so as to increase the engaging force between the first locking portion 31 and the second locking portion 41. In the illustrated example, only the additional rib 42 that abuts against the fitting thickness portion 23 on the rear side in the vehicle traveling direction is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an additional rib that abuts against the fitting thickness portion 22 on the front side in the vehicle traveling direction may be further provided.

[0041] Note that the antenna device having the double cover structure of the present invention is not limited to the above-described illustrated example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0042] 10 Base plate 20 Pad 21 Thickness portion 22, 23 Fitting thickness portion 30 Inner cover 31 First locking portion 40 Outer cover 41 Second locking portion 42 Reaction force receiving rib 43 Additional rib

Claims

1. An antenna device having a dual cover structure for a vehicle, the antenna device comprising: a base plate on which at least a portion of the antenna member is mounted; A pad attached to the base plate for sealing between the base plate and a vehicle; an inner cover fixed on the base plate and covering at least a part of the antenna member, the inner cover having a first engaging portion on an outer surface thereof; an outer cover that is fitted over the inner cover and has a second locking portion that is provided on an inner surface thereof and engages with the first locking portion in order to be fixed to the inner cover, and a reaction force receiving rib that abuts against a pad so as to increase an engagement force between the first locking portion and the second locking portion; An antenna device comprising:

2. 2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the first engaging portion of the inner cover and the second engaging portion of the outer cover are disposed at a plurality of positions symmetrically on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the base plate.

3. 3. The antenna device according to claim 2, wherein the reaction force receiving rib of the outer cover is arranged between the engagement positions of the first and second engaging portions arranged at multiple locations in the longitudinal direction.

4. 2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging portion of the outer cover also functions as a reaction force receiving rib.

5. 2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein said pad has a thick portion at a position where said pad abuts against said reaction force receiving rib.

6. 2. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein said pad has thick fitting portions on both sides in a direction of a short side of said pad, said thick fitting portions being in contact with an inner wall surface of an outer cover.

7. 7. The antenna device according to claim 6, wherein the outer cover has an additional rib that abuts against the thick fitting portion.

8. 8. The antenna device according to claim 1, wherein the pad has a size such that it is hidden by an outer cover when viewed from above.

9. 9. The antenna device according to claim 8, wherein a gap is provided between the outer cover and the vehicle.

Images