EP3240104A1 - Device for fixing an antenna assembly in a proper position - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for positionally fixing an antenna assembly to a surface having a recess for antenna connection means formed as plugs or sockets, wherein the antenna assembly has a bottom plate from which connecting means extending to the recess, which is secured against loss clamping plate and a screw or a bolt comprise such that the clamping plate by means of screw or bolt in the direction of the bottom plate is movable and braced. According to the invention, in one embodiment, the width of the recess is smaller than the width of the clamping plate and the length of the recess is greater than the length of the clamping plate such that a einschwenkendes immersion of the connecting means with clamping plate in the recess, a displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the recess and a subsequent bracing can be realized, wherein when reached, positionally correct attachment end position a group of plugs or sockets of the antenna connection means located within the recess and is freely accessible.

Description

The invention relates to a device for positionally fixing an antenna assembly to a surface having a recess for antenna connection means formed as plugs or sockets, wherein the antenna assembly has a bottom plate from which connecting means to the recess extending, which secured against loss clamping plate and a screw or a bolt comprise such that the clamping plate by means of screw or bolt in the direction of the base plate is movable and braced, according to the preamble of claim 1.

From the DE 10 2005 044 618 A1 a roof antenna is previously known, which has a bottom plate for receiving antenna elements. The antenna elements are covered by a connectable to the bottom plate antenna cover. The previously known roof antenna should be mounted on a cutout, in particular a roof opening having mounting surface, in particular a vehicle roof by means of screw.

According to the DE 10 2005 044 618 A1 the connecting means are formed as an axially and radially movable clamping part between the bottom plate of the roof antenna and the mounting surface. The actual attachment is therefore by means of bracing, preferably by screwing. The fastening process is realized via an initially axial and then radial movement of the clamping part. By turning the screw, the distance between the clamping plate and the bottom plate can be changed with the result of the desired attachment and pinching corresponding portions of the roof of the body of the vehicle. The well-known clamping part has an outer contour, which makes it possible to pass this when placing the roof antenna through a corresponding roof opening in the mounting surface and then by twisting or moving the Clamping part by a defined amount to bring this under the mounting surface into engagement, so that the clamping member can not be removed again against the direction of insertion from the roof cutout. In this aspect, should be particularly triangular, oval, elliptical or other polygonal or wedge-shaped outer contours of the clamping part are suitable.

The necessary in the prior art, first axial and then radial movement of the clamping part requires a precise rule of action, which is disadvantageous in a generally fast and speedy installation. In addition, a radial movement, in particular a rotation of such a configured roof antenna on a vehicle body with the risk of damage to the body surface, in particular a there already applied paint layer is connected.

From the German utility model DE 20 2013 010 506 U1 is a generic device for positionally correct mounting an antenna assembly known.

In this prior art, it is an object to handle the attachment process using a simple, quasi-intuitive movement routine, so that reduces the assembly effort and thereby a time and cost savings result. In this regard, the width of the recess is according to DE 20 2013 010 506 U1 at least in sections substantially equal to the width of the clamping plate for fixing the antenna. In addition, the length of the recess is smaller than the length of the clamping plate such that a circular arc-shaped immersion of the connecting means, ie the clamping plate and the screw or the bolt into the recess and a subsequent bracing can be realized. The mentioned arcuate immersion with the clamping plate first into the recess followed by moving into the recess and moving counter to the immersion in the sense of pivoting back can be completely contactless relative to the surface of a body in which the recess is made.

In the solution of the described prior art, however, it is disadvantageous that the connection means for the antenna must be passed through the clamping plate. In this respect, the clamping plate, the space for the connection means quasi covering, formed. Although with such a solution, the size of the recess, which must be introduced into the body surface, be limited, but a reduced stability of the clamping plate itself and a limited number of the execution of connecting elements, in particular sockets or plugs the result.

From the above, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed device for positionally correct fastening of an antenna arrangement on a surface which has a recess for antenna connection elements, designed as plugs or sockets and / or cables, on the one hand again an intuitive fast safe and simple implementation of the mounting sequence can be realized and at the same time the largest possible area for the arrangement of the necessary antenna connector plugs, sockets or cables is given, and the clamping plate can safely accommodate the necessary forces for fixing the antenna even with a possibly smaller clamping surface for wiring.

The object of the invention is achieved by a device according to the feature combination according to claim 1 or 8, wherein the dependent claims comprise at least expedient refinements and developments.

It is therefore assumed that a device for positionally correct fixing an antenna assembly to a surface, in particular a body of a vehicle, which has a recess for the necessary antenna connection means. These antenna connection means are preferably designed as plugs or sockets, in particular as so-called FAKRA connectors, or connection cables.

The antenna arrangement has a bottom plate, from which connecting means extend in the direction of the recess. These connecting means comprise a secured against loss clamping plate and a screw or a bolt or the like means such that the clamping plate by means of screw or bolt in the direction of the bottom plate is movable and braced. About this tension fixing the antenna assembly on the aforementioned vehicle roof or the like surface is effected.

The antenna has an antenna housing, which is preferably designed in the form of a so-called shark fin or similar streamlined. Usually, the antenna housing and the entire antenna arrangement has a longitudinal axis, which runs parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis in the assembled state. The extent of the antenna arrangement or the housing and the bottom plate is realized such that the length dimensions are greater than the width dimensions, so that on the one hand the different antenna configurations can be accommodated and united for different frequency bands in the housing and on the other hand the necessary streamlined shape to avoid wind noise is guaranteed.

In the device according to the invention it is assumed that the connection means as plugs, sockets or cables, z. B. FAKRA sockets are executed. This means that after mounting the antenna on a vehicle roof care must be taken that the connection means, in particular the FAKRA sockets, are freely accessible from the rear or below, in order to realize the necessary connections. This also applies to the necessary power supply for normally active antennas.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the width of the recess to be executed in the vehicle roof is smaller than the width of the clamping plate, with the aid of which the antenna is fixed. The length of the recess, however, is greater than the length of the clamping plate such that a lateral einschwenkendes immersion of the connecting means with clamping plate in the recess and a displacement in the direction of Longitudinal axis of the recess and the subsequent bracing can be realized.

When reached position-appropriate mounting position then a group of plugs or sockets of the antenna connection means is located within the recess and freely accessible.

In a further development of the invention, the plug or socket in a first region of the bottom plate and it is the clamping plate with screw or bolt in a laterally spaced from the first plate region second region of the bottom plate formed such that the desired free access to the connection means is present.

Thus, the area of the arrangement of the connection means is separated from the area of the clamping plate and spaced apart. A superposition of these two areas with the disadvantages described above is avoided. At the same time there is a larger space for the formation of connection means, i. Bushings and / or plugs available, which is due to the fact and requirement that the number of antennas to be housed in the antenna housing with appropriate connections due to a variety of wireless communication solutions is subject to a constant increase.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess in the mounting surface, in particular a vehicle body, is formed as a slot or has a slot shape, wherein on the longitudinal axis of the slot the recess merges into a subsequent opening for a twist protection or the recess is a spaced Associated opening for a known twist.

In the embodiment with adjoining the recess opening is caused by the mentioned displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the recess, in this case specifically in the direction of the subsequent opening, the desired Verdrehschutz and it can be achieved the realized by the opening stop then screwing be performed with the desired deadlock.

In an embodiment of the invention in the first region of the bottom plate, extending in the direction of recess extensions for Vorverrastung and Fehlsteckschutz provided, the extensions are formed so that selbige are approximated at least in sections of the contour of the hole pattern, in particular the oblong hole recess or this Approximate the contour.

In a development of the invention, the first region of the base plate has two spaced-apart partial regions, the second region of the clamping plate being formed in the spacer space. In this case, the recess has a hole pattern in oblong shape with sidecut. In the described further embodiment, the clamping plate is positioned in the fastening state in the region of the sidecut.

In a second embodiment of the invention is assumed that a substantially circular recess which has a predetermined diameter.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the clamping plate is longer than the diameter of the recess by a predetermined amount. By contrast, the width of the clamping plate is smaller by a predetermined amount than the diameter of the recess.

The resulting hereby lateral gap between the clamping plate and recess serves to accommodate connection cables or also connection sockets.

On the mounting side, in this second embodiment of the invention, the cables are initially led with or without plug through the hole pattern. Thereafter, the antenna assembly is angled with clamping plate in Klemmplattenlängsrichtung and guided on one side through the hole pattern. The extent of the greater length of the clamping plate relative to the diameter of the recess determines the degree of angling one-sided lead through the hole pattern. In the next step, after swinging in and completely pushing the clamping plate, the antenna is slightly pushed back against the direction of insertion. This takes place until the antenna arrangement is seated and an optional anti-twist device engages in a further recess in the vehicle roof. Thereafter, the tightening of the clamping plate by means of screw or bolt in the direction of the bottom plate until the desired clamping and frictional connection is present.

In a related development of the invention, there is the possibility that the clamping plate has recesses on its longitudinal sides, which receive and lead the connecting cables at least partially. Thus, in this embodiment, it is not necessary to reduce the width of the clamping plate completely by the amount of connecting cable leading to, since at least a partial cross-section of the corresponding cable is received by the respective recess in the clamping plate.

The invention will be explained below with reference to an embodiment and with the aid of figures.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Anordnung der Antenne mit Antennengehäuse auf einem Fahrzeugdach im entsprechend montierten Zustand, jedoch noch ohne angeschlossene FAKRA-Verbinder;

Fig. 2 bis 9

Darstellungen der Abfolge des Positionierens der Antennenanordnung über einer Aussparung einer Befestigungsfläche mit Illustration des Montageablaufs in jeweils verschiedenen Ansichten, wobei die Fig. 2 den Schritt der Positionierung über dem Lochbild, Fig. 3 die Schwenkbewegung der Antenne in Richtung Befestigungsblech nebst Eintauchen, Fig. 4 das seitliche Schieben der Klemmplatte durch das Lochbild, Fig. 5 das Bewegen der Klemmplatte auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Aussparung, Fig. 6 das vollständige Eintauchen der Antenne in die Aussparung, Fig. 7 das Vorverrasten der Antennenanordnung, Fig. 8 das exakte Positionieren des Fehlsteckschutzes und Fig. 9 das letztendliche Verschrauben der Klemmplatte mit der Antenne illustriert;

Fig. 10a) und b)

verschiedene Lochbilder mit einem Lochbild für Montage nach Fig. 2) und für eine Nachrüstung bzw. die zweite Ausführungsform der Erfindung (Fig. 10b);

Fig. 11a) bis c)

eine Darstellung eines alternativen Lochbilds bzw. in einer alternativen Aussparung in Form eines Langlochs mit Taillierung für eine in den Fig. 11 b) und c) gezeigte Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit der Weiterbildung der Bodenplatte mit zwei benachbarten Teilbereichen des ersten Bereichs, wobei im Abstandsraum der zweite Bereich mit Klemmplatte realisiert ist und

Fig. 12 bis 16

einen Montageablauf gemäß der zweiten Ausführungsform.

Hereby show:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of the arrangement of the antenna with antenna housing on a vehicle roof in the assembled state, but still without connected FAKRA connector;

Fig. 2 to 9

Representations of the sequence of positioning the antenna assembly over a recess of a mounting surface with illustration of the assembly process in each different views, wherein the Fig. 2 the step of positioning over the hole pattern, Fig. 3 the pivoting movement of the antenna in the direction of mounting plate together with immersion, Fig. 4 the lateral Pushing the clamping plate through the hole pattern, Fig. 5 moving the clamping plate on the opposite side of the recess, Fig. 6 complete immersion of the antenna in the recess, Fig. 7 the pre-locking of the antenna arrangement, Fig. 8 the exact positioning of the misfire protection and Fig. 9 illustrating the eventual screwing of the clamping plate to the antenna;

Fig. 10a) and b)

different hole patterns with a hole pattern for mounting Fig. 2 ) and for retrofitting or the second embodiment of the invention ( Fig. 10b );

Fig. 11a) to c)

a representation of an alternative hole pattern or in an alternative recess in the form of a slot with sidecut for a in the Fig. 11b) and c) shown embodiment of the device according to the invention with the development of the bottom plate with two adjacent portions of the first area, wherein in the distance space, the second area is realized with clamping plate and

Fig. 12 to 16

an assembly procedure according to the second embodiment.

The antenna arrangement shown in the embodiments starts from a mounting surface 1, in particular a vehicle roof. The attachment surface 1 has a recess 2 for antenna connection means 10.

In the example shown, there are six FAKRA plugs in recess 2.

Starting from the antenna base or a bottom plate 3 elements for misfire protection and Vorverrastung are carried out in a conventional manner.

In a region which is laterally removed from that of the antenna connection means 10, there is a clamping plate 6 with screw or bolt 7. About the screw or bolt 7, the clamping plate 6 in the direction of the bottom plate 3, ie direction antenna housing, movable and braced to clamp the antenna assembly clamped on the surface 1.

In a preferred solution according to the Fig. 1 to 10a In contrast, the width B of the recess 2 is smaller than the width of the clamping plate 6. The length L of the recess 2 is greater than the length of the clamping plate 6, in such a way that a pivoting immersion of the connecting means with clamping plate 6 in the recess 2 possible is, when reached, positionally correct fastening end the group of plugs or sockets 10 of the antenna connection means within the recess 2 is located and freely accessible, as in particular the Fig. 1 and the Fig. 9 demonstrate.

The process of pivoting with moving and fixing is based on the Fig. 2 to 9 be explained.

The antenna arrangement is according to Fig. 2 above the hole pattern, that is positioned over the recess 2. The next step is according to Fig. 3 a pivoting with immersion of a first clamping plate end in the recess 2. Thereafter, according to Fig. 4 pushed the clamp in the tilted or angled state laterally through the recess 2. Thereafter, the clamping plate is based on the Fig. 4 opposite side (see Fig. 5 ) through the recess, ie guided by the hole pattern.

Now is according to Fig. 6 the clamping plate 2, which is larger than the recess with a corresponding hole pattern, completely below the surface 1 located. It is then carried out a displacement of the antenna assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the recess, and indeed until the end position with respect to the adjoining the recess 2 opening 12, which represents a quasi an extension of the recess is reached.

By moving the antenna arrangement in the direction of surface 1 results in a Vorverrastung and first fixation.

Now, the screw or the bolt 7 can be actuated, and indeed until the clamping plate 6 comes into contact with the underside of the surface 1, so that the desired surface pressure and thus fixing the antenna assembly adjusts.

The fixed state with tightened clamping plate 6 is in the Fig. 9 shown.

The basic embodiment of the recess 2 in the form of a slot-like hole pattern is in the Fig. 10a ). This form of the hole pattern is preferably used in the original equipment or the motor vehicle manufacture according to the assembly of a corresponding antenna. The hole pattern according to Fig. 10b ) can be used for retrofit purposes. The given in this case circular recess is easier to carry out in the retrofit case by workshops or laymen. Possible disadvantages of a slightly longer period of time when swiveling in and finding the exact position with respect to clamping plate and their location below the surface 1 can be accepted.

The hole pattern according to Fig. 10b ) is shown as a circular hole pattern 2. Spaced from the circular hole pattern 2 is a smaller, here also exemplary circular recess 12 for receiving an anti-rotation nose, which extends from the bottom plate of the antenna assembly in the direction of mounting surface.

The operation of mounting the antenna device according to the second embodiment of the invention will be described later with reference to FIGS Fig. 12 to 16 explained in more detail.

The Fig. 11a ) to c) demonstrates a further embodiment of the embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein it is also ensured that there, where the clamping plate 6 is executed, no obstruction related to the accessibility of sockets for antenna connection means is present.

The recess 2 according to Fig. 11a ) also has the shape of a slot from the basic structure, but with a sidecut 14 quasi in the central area.

There, where the sidecut 14 of the recess 2 is executed, comes in the assembled state (see Fig. 11b ) and c)) the clamping plate 6 on the underside of the mounting surface 1 for lying.

It therefore has the solution according to the Fig. 11a ) to c) the first region of the bottom plate 3 of the antenna arrangement has two spaced partial regions, wherein the second region is formed with clamping plate 6 in the spacer space.

Basically, the hole patterns for the standard equipment or for retrofitting in the aftermarket business are the same in terms of size. In series production use, the entire antenna is pivoted in view of the features according to the invention as explained above. When retrofitting an antenna, this is not possible. In this case, the clamping plate or nut and screw is disassembled and placed the antenna on the recess and then screwed. With a single antenna configuration all hole patterns can be used. With regard to the series assembly is to be noted that mounting without pivoting movement is not possible. The antenna arrangement is usually mounted or pivoted on the shortest side of the bottom plate to the attachment center point. By this solution, in principle, the recess can be kept small and the screw for fixing short, as this does not protrude too far into the passenger compartment when mounted outdoors or in the housing when mounted inside. A positive side effect is also that the height of the housing can be reduced, resulting in weight reduction and material savings.

With the help of FIGS. 12 to 16 let the assembly process according to the second embodiment of the invention are explained in more detail.

An antenna assembly 13 is to be mounted on a mounting surface 1, for example a vehicle roof.

The antenna connection means 10 are formed here as a cable, at the ends are not shown plugs or sockets.

According to Fig. 12 the cables pass through a circular recess 2 (see also Fig. 10b )) guided.

In the next step, the antenna arrangement 13 is angled, wherein the clamping plate 6 follows the angling. In this way, the clamping plate can be pivoted into the recess 2 ( Fig. 13 ).

The longitudinal extent of the clamping plate 6 is greater than the diameter of the circular recess 2 by a defined amount.

After according to Fig. 14 the clamping plate 6 has been guided completely through the recess 2 by means of the pivoting and angling movement, the entire arrangement is pushed through the hole pattern ( Fig. 15 ).

It can be seen from the figures that due to the narrow configuration of the clamping plate 6 sufficient space remains between the clamping plate 6 and the recess 2 in order to receive the antenna connection means 10.

The width of the clamping plate 6 is thus chosen smaller than the diameter of the recess 2 for mounting in the recess 2 with a circular cross-section.

In addition, the clamping plate 6 on its longitudinal sides where the antenna connection means 10 abut, have recesses, for. B. such recesses, which are adapted to the cross-sectional area of the respective connection means 10. This results in a further guidance and secure fixing of the connection means, so that a Damage to this in later operation, z. B. caused by metal edges in the recess are excluded.

After the successful sliding of the arrangement through the recess, the bottom plate 3 of the antenna arrangement 13 comes to rest on the upper side of the attachment surface 1.

A Arretierungsfortsatz, z. B. formed as a nose 15, extends from the bottom plate 3 in the direction of a locking opening 12, so that the desired rotation is given. If the position according to Fig. 16 is reached, the antenna assembly 13 is then clamped using the bolt 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

mounting surface

2

recess

3

baseplate

6

clamp

7

bolts

8th

extension

10

Antenna connection means

12

opening

13

antenna array

14

sidecut

15

nose

Claims (8)

Device for positionally fixing an antenna arrangement to a surface (1) which has a recess (2) for antenna connection means, designed as plugs or sockets (10), the antenna arrangement having a base plate (3), from which connection means to the recess (FIG. 2), which comprise a secured against loss clamping plate (6) and a screw or a bolt (7) such that the clamping plate (6) by means of screw or bolt (7) in the direction of the bottom plate (3) is movable and braced,
characterized in that
the width (B) of the recess (2) smaller than the width of the clamping plate (6) and the length (L) of the recess (2) is greater than the length of the clamping plate (6), such that a einschwenkendes immersion of the connecting means with Clamping plate (6) into the recess (2), a displacement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the recess (2) and a subsequent clamping can be realized, wherein when reached, positionally correct mounting end position a group of plugs or sockets (10) of the antenna connection means within the recess ( 2) located and is freely accessible. Device according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the plugs or sockets (10) are formed in a first region of the bottom plate (3) and the clamping plate (6) is screwed or screwed (7) in a second region of the bottom plate (3) spaced laterally from the first, such that a free access to the connection means is given. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the recess (2) has a slot shape, wherein on the longitudinal axis of the slot, the recess (2) merges into a subsequent opening (12) for anti-rotation or the recess (2) is associated with a spaced opening (12) for a rotation. Device according to claim 2 or 3,
characterized in that
in the first region of the bottom plate (3) in the direction of recess (2) extending projections (8) are provided for Vorverrastung and Fehlsteckschutz, wherein the extensions (8) are formed so that selbige at least in sections the contour of the hole pattern, in particular the Longhole shape recess are approximated or approximate this contour. Device according to one of claims 2 to 4,
characterized in that
the first region of the bottom plate (3) has two spaced partial regions, wherein the second region with clamping plate (6) is formed in the spacer space. Device according to claim 5,
characterized in that
the recess (2) has a hole pattern in oblong shape with sidecut (14). Device according to claim 6,
characterized in that
the clamping plate (6) is positioned in the fastening state in the region of the sidecut. Device for positionally correct fastening of an antenna arrangement to a surface (1), which has a recess (2) for antenna connection means, designed as cables, plugs or sockets (10), the antenna arrangement having a base plate (3), from which connecting means to the Recess (2) extend, which comprise a secured against loss clamping plate (6) and a screw or a bolt (7) such that the clamping plate (6) by means of screw or bolt (7) towards the bottom plate (3) movable and braced is
characterized in that
the recess (2) has a circular shape, wherein the width of the clamping plate (6) smaller than the diameter of the recess (2) and the length (L) of the clamping plate (6) is greater than the diameter of the recess (2), that a pivoting immersion of the connecting means with clamping plate (6) in the recess (2), a displacement against the immersion direction and a subsequent bracing can be realized, wherein when reached, positionally correct mounting end the antenna connection means (10) within the recess (2) in the distance space between this and at least one of the longitudinal sides of the clamping plate (6) are located.

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