WO1999065736A1 - Integrated antenna and vehicle trim component - Google Patents

Integrated antenna and vehicle trim component Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1999065736A1
WO1999065736A1 PCT/US1999/013460 US9913460W WO9965736A1 WO 1999065736 A1 WO1999065736 A1 WO 1999065736A1 US 9913460 W US9913460 W US 9913460W WO 9965736 A1 WO9965736 A1 WO 9965736A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
molded
vehicle
trim member
trim
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/013460
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joseph D. King
Original Assignee
Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc. filed Critical Lear Automotive Dearborn, Inc.
Publication of WO1999065736A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999065736A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/023—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems
    • B60R16/0231—Circuits relating to the driving or the functioning of the vehicle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/037—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for occupant comfort, e.g. for automatic adjustment of appliances according to personal settings, e.g. seats, mirrors, steering wheel
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q1/00—Details of, or arrangements associated with, antennas
    • H01Q1/27—Adaptation for use in or on movable bodies
    • H01Q1/32—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles
    • H01Q1/325—Adaptation for use in or on road or rail vehicles characterised by the location of the antenna on the vehicle

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the incorporation of a vehicle antenna into a molded vehicle trim component.
  • one of the vehicle interior trim components within the body of the vehicle is formed with an underlying antenna.
  • the antenna can be relatively large.
  • the transmitter need not be particularly powerful, and also the signal can be detected from a relatively long distance.
  • At least a portion of the antenna is positioned within a vehicle interior trim component in the cab of the vehicle at a location vertically above the sill of a window leading into the vehicle.
  • a transmitter such as a remote entry transmitter, pointed at the vehicle will provide its signal to the antenna unobstructed in a line of sight fashion.
  • the antenna may be molded beneath the steering wheel, within the headrest of a seat, within the rear of the seat, within the rearview mirror, within the rear deck of the vehicle, or within a pillar trim in the vehicle.
  • the present invention thus allows the use of a relatively large antenna.
  • Figure 1A is a schematic view of a vehicle incorporating a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure IB is a front view of the first embodiment.
  • Figure 2 is a second embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a third embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5 is a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows a vehicle 20 having a window sill level 22.
  • a cab area 24 is defined for purposes of this invention within the windows, and above the sill level 22.
  • Steering wheel 26 extends above the sill level 22, as does the instrument panel 28, the headrest 30 and seat 32, The rearview mirror 34 and the rear deck 36 are also above level 22.
  • a pillar trim piece 37 extending between the roof of the vehicle and the side of the vehicle is also visible within the cab through the windows.
  • an antenna 38 is shown schematically extending through the instrument panel 28. As shown in Figure IB, the antenna can extend for a relatively great distance within the instrument panel.
  • the antenna is positioned vertically above the sill level 22, and thus should an operator point a transmitter at the vehicle, the signal need not be obstructed (e.b. reflected, shielded) by the metal, but will be easily received by the antenna 38. Also, while the antenna is shown generally within the instrument panel, it should be understood the antenna could be associated with a component of the instrument panel. As an example, the antenna could be positioned within the vent opening for the defroster, or some other component.
  • the antenna may be molded into the instrument panel beneath the surface level, and thus will be of a relatively great size without further restricting any other components of the vehicle.
  • Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the steering wheel 26 has a rim 39 which receives a molded antenna 40 beneath its surface forming a loop antenna.
  • a steering wheel is not typically called an interior trim member, for purposes of this application, it will be broadly described as such.
  • the antenna 40 communicates with an electronic device such as the receiver 42 for a remote entry system that may or may not be part of the trim component.
  • the receiver 42 may communicate electrically to a control for opening the locks, etc., as known. Further, the device 42 may simply be installed remotely from the trim component, and the antenna may be directly connected to receiver 42 through an appropriate transmission line.
  • Figure 3 shows the vehicle mirror 34 receiving the antenna 44 on a rear surface.
  • the receiver 46 may be connected to the antenna 44, and may be placed within the mirror. Alternatively, receiver 46 may be installed in a location other than the mirror, connected to said antenna 44, by a transmission line.
  • Figure 4 shows the column 37 incorporating an antenna 48, again communicating with receiver 50.
  • Figure 5 shows the headrest 30, having an antenna 52 communicating with a receiver 54.
  • Figure 6 shows a seat 32 having the antenna 56 molded within its rear surface or alternatively on its top surface, and communicating with receiver 58.
  • Figure 7 is a side view through the rear deck panel 36, and shows the antenna 60 extending into the paper, and communicating with a receiver 62.
  • the antenna is molded with a molded trim member.
  • the molded trim member is able to receive a relatively large antenna.
  • the antenna may be formed on the surface of the trim member.
  • the antenna is accessible to receive a signal from a remote entry transmitter, a radio signal etc., since at least a portion of the antenna is positioned above the window sill level 22 in the vehicle cab 24. While the antenna is shown molded within the trim member, it should be understood the antenna could be molded at an outer surface, or even simply attached to the trim member after it has been formed.
  • the electronics of this invention are shown somewhat schematically.
  • the receivers would communicate with appropriate devices on the vehicle.
  • This aspect of the invention is as known.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)

Abstract

An improved method of incorporating an antenna into a vehicle includes molding the antenna beneath or on the surface of a molded interior trim part. Preferably, the antenna is positioned vertically above a window sill level (22) in the vehicle cab (24). In this way, the antenna will be able to 'see' a signal from a signal generating device such as a transmitter of a remote entry system. Further, since the antenna is molded with the trim member, there will be little size restriction on the size of the antenna. In this way, a relatively large antenna can be utilized. The antenna may be molded with any one of several interior trim parts. In preferred embodiments, the antenna is molded within the instrument panel (28) or the steering wheel (26).

Description

INTEGRATED ANTENNA AND VEHICLE TRIM COMPONENT
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the incorporation of a vehicle antenna into a molded vehicle trim component.
Vehicles are becoming equipped with more and more electronic devices which require an antenna. As an example, most vehicles are typically equipped with a radio, a remote entry system, and other applications, such as position navigation systems, which require an antenna. In the prior art, there has been a trade-off with regard to the size of the antenna, and the effectiveness of the devices which utilize the antenna's signal. Typically the antenna has been placed within the metal body of the vehicle, and there has been interference from the metal vehicle body. Moreover, space restrictions in the vehicle have created size limitations on the antenna. The size limitations have required that the transmitters utilized to supply signals, such as remote entry signals, have had to be expensive and provide a powerful signal. Alternatively, receivers associated with the antenna have not been able to receive the signal until the transmitter gets very close. It would be desirable to remove these limitations on the transmitter, however, with the prior art, it has not been possible to provide a large antenna without exceeding practical and aesthetic limitations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a disclosed embodiment of this invention, one of the vehicle interior trim components within the body of the vehicle is formed with an underlying antenna. In this way, the antenna can be relatively large. The transmitter need not be particularly powerful, and also the signal can be detected from a relatively long distance.
In preferred embodiments of this invention, at least a portion of the antenna is positioned within a vehicle interior trim component in the cab of the vehicle at a location vertically above the sill of a window leading into the vehicle. In this way, a transmitter, such as a remote entry transmitter, pointed at the vehicle will provide its signal to the antenna unobstructed in a line of sight fashion. In preferred embodiments of this invention, the antenna may be molded beneath the steering wheel, within the headrest of a seat, within the rear of the seat, within the rearview mirror, within the rear deck of the vehicle, or within a pillar trim in the vehicle.
The present invention thus allows the use of a relatively large antenna.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1A is a schematic view of a vehicle incorporating a first embodiment of the present invention.
Figure IB is a front view of the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a third embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Figure 1 shows a vehicle 20 having a window sill level 22. A cab area 24 is defined for purposes of this invention within the windows, and above the sill level 22. Steering wheel 26 extends above the sill level 22, as does the instrument panel 28, the headrest 30 and seat 32, The rearview mirror 34 and the rear deck 36 are also above level 22. Further, a pillar trim piece 37 extending between the roof of the vehicle and the side of the vehicle is also visible within the cab through the windows. In Figure 1A, an antenna 38 is shown schematically extending through the instrument panel 28. As shown in Figure IB, the antenna can extend for a relatively great distance within the instrument panel. The antenna is positioned vertically above the sill level 22, and thus should an operator point a transmitter at the vehicle, the signal need not be obstructed (e.b. reflected, shielded) by the metal, but will be easily received by the antenna 38. Also, while the antenna is shown generally within the instrument panel, it should be understood the antenna could be associated with a component of the instrument panel. As an example, the antenna could be positioned within the vent opening for the defroster, or some other component.
The antenna may be molded into the instrument panel beneath the surface level, and thus will be of a relatively great size without further restricting any other components of the vehicle. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment wherein the steering wheel 26 has a rim 39 which receives a molded antenna 40 beneath its surface forming a loop antenna. Although a steering wheel is not typically called an interior trim member, for purposes of this application, it will be broadly described as such. The antenna 40 communicates with an electronic device such as the receiver 42 for a remote entry system that may or may not be part of the trim component. The receiver 42 may communicate electrically to a control for opening the locks, etc., as known. Further, the device 42 may simply be installed remotely from the trim component, and the antenna may be directly connected to receiver 42 through an appropriate transmission line.
Figure 3 shows the vehicle mirror 34 receiving the antenna 44 on a rear surface. Again, the receiver 46 may be connected to the antenna 44, and may be placed within the mirror. Alternatively, receiver 46 may be installed in a location other than the mirror, connected to said antenna 44, by a transmission line. Figure 4 shows the column 37 incorporating an antenna 48, again communicating with receiver 50.
Figure 5 shows the headrest 30, having an antenna 52 communicating with a receiver 54.
Figure 6 shows a seat 32 having the antenna 56 molded within its rear surface or alternatively on its top surface, and communicating with receiver 58.
Figure 7 is a side view through the rear deck panel 36, and shows the antenna 60 extending into the paper, and communicating with a receiver 62.
In all of the embodiments shown in this invention, the antenna is molded with a molded trim member. In this way, the molded trim member is able to receive a relatively large antenna. However, the antenna may be formed on the surface of the trim member. The antenna is accessible to receive a signal from a remote entry transmitter, a radio signal etc., since at least a portion of the antenna is positioned above the window sill level 22 in the vehicle cab 24. While the antenna is shown molded within the trim member, it should be understood the antenna could be molded at an outer surface, or even simply attached to the trim member after it has been formed.
The electronics of this invention are shown somewhat schematically. The receivers would communicate with appropriate devices on the vehicle. This aspect of the invention is as known.
A worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize how to properly form an antenna under the molded trim members. Further, while preferred embodiments have been disclosed, obvious modifications would come within the scope of this invention. A worker of ordinary skill in the art would recognize these modifications. For that reason, the following claims should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A vehicle trim part to be placed within a cab of a vehicle, said vehicle trim part comprising a molded body; and an antenna molded as part of said molded plastic body.
2. A trim member as recited in Claim 1, wherein said trim member is a steering wheel.
3. A trim member as recited in Claim 1 , wherein said trim member is an instrument panel including defroster and the like.
4. A trim member as recited in Claim 1, wherein said trim member is a rearview mirror.
5. A trim member as recited in Claim 1, wherein said trim member is a headrest of a seat.
6. A trim member as recited in Claim 1 wherein said trim member is a seat.
7. A trim member as recited in Claim 1, wherein said trim member is a pillar.
8. A trim member as recited in Claim 1, wherein said trim member is a rear deck.
PCT/US1999/013460 1998-06-16 1999-06-15 Integrated antenna and vehicle trim component WO1999065736A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US9808598A 1998-06-16 1998-06-16
US09/098,085 1998-06-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1999065736A1 true WO1999065736A1 (en) 1999-12-23

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1999/013460 WO1999065736A1 (en) 1998-06-16 1999-06-15 Integrated antenna and vehicle trim component

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO1999065736A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2001013462A1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2001-02-22 Lear Corporation Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
FR2805399A1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2001-08-24 Valeo Electronique Hands free car starting system with antenna steering wheel held and search unit attached and limited zone coverage finding identifier detected/starter motor.
US6380643B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-04-30 Siemens Automotive Corporation Integrated antenna for use with passive entry and ignition system
EP1346888A2 (en) * 2002-03-14 2003-09-24 Calsonic Kansei Corporation Wireless entry system for vehicle
CN100454660C (en) * 2004-03-30 2009-01-21 株式会社电装 On-vehicle antenna device and method of mounting the same
CN103794843A (en) * 2012-10-31 2014-05-14 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 Low profile applique antenna
CN107264448A (en) * 2017-06-12 2017-10-20 大陆汽车车身电子系统（芜湖）有限公司 The instrument and the instrument and application system of linkage linked with application system

Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3740567A (en) * 1972-04-20 1973-06-19 Wagner Electric Corp High-discrimination antenna array for capacitance-responsive circuits
US3896448A (en) * 1973-06-11 1975-07-22 Gen Motors Corp Instrument panel radio antenna
US4559868A (en) * 1983-02-25 1985-12-24 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Instrument panel device for vehicles
US4811024A (en) * 1984-10-17 1989-03-07 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Automobile antenna
EP0358308A1 (en) * 1988-08-15 1990-03-14 General Motors Corporation Vehicle slot antenna with parasitic slot
US5177494A (en) * 1989-02-16 1993-01-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vehicular slot antenna system
JPH07131223A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-19 Nippon Plast Co Ltd Upholstery for automobile
JPH08268227A (en) * 1995-03-31 1996-10-15 Fujitsu Ten Ltd Discrimination device for vehicle
EP0786379A2 (en) * 1996-01-25 1997-07-30 MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG External rear view mirror for vehicles, especially for trucks

Patent Citations (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3740567A (en) * 1972-04-20 1973-06-19 Wagner Electric Corp High-discrimination antenna array for capacitance-responsive circuits
US3896448A (en) * 1973-06-11 1975-07-22 Gen Motors Corp Instrument panel radio antenna
US4559868A (en) * 1983-02-25 1985-12-24 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Instrument panel device for vehicles
US4811024A (en) * 1984-10-17 1989-03-07 Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha Automobile antenna
EP0358308A1 (en) * 1988-08-15 1990-03-14 General Motors Corporation Vehicle slot antenna with parasitic slot
US5177494A (en) * 1989-02-16 1993-01-05 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vehicular slot antenna system
JPH07131223A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-19 Nippon Plast Co Ltd Upholstery for automobile
JPH08268227A (en) * 1995-03-31 1996-10-15 Fujitsu Ten Ltd Discrimination device for vehicle
EP0786379A2 (en) * 1996-01-25 1997-07-30 MEKRA Lang GmbH & Co. KG External rear view mirror for vehicles, especially for trucks

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1995, no. 08 29 September 1995 (1995-09-29) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 1997, no. 02 28 February 1997 (1997-02-28) *

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6208305B1 (en) 1998-06-16 2001-03-27 Lear Corporation Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
WO2001013462A1 (en) * 1999-08-13 2001-02-22 Lear Corporation Integrated antenna and trim component for an automotive vehicle
US6380643B1 (en) * 1999-11-18 2002-04-30 Siemens Automotive Corporation Integrated antenna for use with passive entry and ignition system
FR2805399A1 (en) * 2000-02-18 2001-08-24 Valeo Electronique Hands free car starting system with antenna steering wheel held and search unit attached and limited zone coverage finding identifier detected/starter motor.
EP1346888A2 (en) * 2002-03-14 2003-09-24 Calsonic Kansei Corporation Wireless entry system for vehicle
EP1346888A3 (en) * 2002-03-14 2004-02-04 Calsonic Kansei Corporation Wireless entry system for vehicle
CN100454660C (en) * 2004-03-30 2009-01-21 株式会社电装 On-vehicle antenna device and method of mounting the same
CN103794843A (en) * 2012-10-31 2014-05-14 通用汽车环球科技运作有限责任公司 Low profile applique antenna
CN107264448A (en) * 2017-06-12 2017-10-20 大陆汽车车身电子系统（芜湖）有限公司 The instrument and the instrument and application system of linkage linked with application system

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