WO2010020327A1

WO2010020327A1 - Beam forming device for outdoor antennas and/or roof antennas on vehicles, and associated antenna

Info

Publication number: WO2010020327A1
Application number: PCT/EP2009/005359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Mierke; Thomas Lankes; Gerald Schillmeier
Original assignee: Kathrein-Werke Kg
Priority date: 2008-08-21
Filing date: 2009-07-23
Publication date: 2010-02-25
Also published as: EP2281323A1; DE102008039125A1; CN102099959A; JP2012500544A

Abstract

An improved beam forming device for an outdoor antenna and/or roof antenna is characterized by the following features: the parasitic beam forming device (27) is located at a distance below the top surface or external surface of the electrically non-conductive zone of the vehicle chassis; the parasitic beam forming device (27) is formed, provided, or mounted within the material of the electrically non-conductive zone of the vehicle chassis or on the bottom side or internal side of the electrically non-conductive zone of the vehicle chassis; the parasitic beam forming device (27) is arranged and/or designed in such a way that at least some sections thereof laterally project from and/or are arranged laterally from the antenna mounting zone or section and/or an optionally provided balancing antenna surface (13).

Description

Beam shaping device for exterior and / or roof antennas on vehicles and associated antenna

The invention relates to a beam shaping device for outdoor and / or roof antennas on vehicles and associated antenna.

The invention relates to a beam shaping device for outdoor and / or roof antennas on vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and an associated antenna according to the preamble of claim 24.

Motor vehicles are today almost always equipped with outdoor and / or roof antennas. They are usually used to receive radio programs.

However, many of the automotive antennas in use today also include antenna devices and

For example, radiating elements for a geostationary locating system, i. a positioning system (GPS system) and additional antenna devices for mobile communications.

As in mobile radio different frequencies of importance are, for example, the so-called 900 MHz band, the 1800 MHz band, the 1900 MHz band or, for example, the UMTS frequencies (ie in the 1920 to 2170 MHz range), are currently in use vehicle antennas often referred to as. Multiband antennas designed that can be used in all these frequency ranges.

In principle, window antennas are known, which can be integrated into a rear window of a motor vehicle window, for example. Such glass antennas usually have a printed circuit in the disk, which acts as an antenna and can be used for example as a heating field.

Adhesive antennas are also known on a rear window. The spotlight is located on the outside of the pane. The antenna base (antenna housing) is glued to its underside on the outer surface of the disc, being affixed directly below the antenna base usually with the same or smaller size on the inside of the disc cooperating with the antenna counterpart, so that between the on the antenna base located on the outside and the electrical counter area located on the inner side of the pane can transmit signals.

Otherwise, antennas are usually on the vehicle body, usually on the vehicle roof rather in the rear area, i. usually arranged shortly before the start of the rear window.

Newer motor vehicle generations are characterized by particularly large glass roofs, some of which are also noramadächer be designated. In addition to a sunroof, they can comprise at least one non-openable glass roof, that is to say a corresponding glass roof, in which case a corresponding antenna can then be mounted on this electrically non-conductive glass roof.

For mounting such an antenna, a corresponding mounting area or section is provided on the glass roof, usually in the form of a correspondingly large-sized and electrically conductive counterweight surface preassembled on the panoramic or glass roof (or rear window) of the vehicle to produce a corresponding antenna beam diagram ,

The object of the present invention is to provide an improvement for such antenna system, i. for outdoor and / or roof antennas on vehicles, especially on motor vehicles, with which an improved beam shaping is possible.

The object is achieved with respect to a beam shaping device according to the invention in accordance with the features specified in claim 1 and with respect to a corresponding motor vehicle antenna according to the features specified in claim 24. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

The present invention provides a clear improvement for the efficiency and effectiveness of exterior and / or roof antennas on vehicles and especially on motor vehicles by simple means.

The invention can especially on exterior panels used by motor vehicles that are electrically non-conductive. Of particular importance here are glass roofs, which are sometimes referred to as panoramic roofs due to their large dimensions. Likewise, the invention can also be used in other glass panes in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle, even in vehicle panels, which consist for example of plastic and thus of electrically non-conductive materials in contrast to body panels.

The invention proposes and provides an additional beam-shaping device with which significant improvements are made. the beam shaping and thus with respect to the reception and transmission properties of an antenna can be realized.

The invention assumes that, generally on an electrically non-conductive portion of a body panel, i. in particular on an electrically non-conductive motor vehicle roof or a motor vehicle window and the like an antenna mounting area or section is provided, usually in the form of a sufficiently large-sized electrically conductive counterweight surface.

In order to realize the improved antenna properties, it may already be provided by the manufacturer that below the antenna mounting area or section, ie above all below a corresponding electrically conductive counterweight surface in the material of the motor vehicle trim or below it (ie in particular in the material of the glass roof or below the glass roof Glass roofs) now additionally an electrically conductive parasitic beam shaping device is provided.

This parasitic beam shaping device has a size and / or position such that it is not shielded by the antenna mounting area or portion by or at least the chassis of a corresponding motor vehicle antenna to be mounted, i. the region of the parasitic beam-shaping device extends at least in sections beyond the chassis of an antenna device to be mounted or passes as the mentioned electrically conductive counterweight surface, which is generally many times larger than the base surface of a chassis of an antenna device to be mounted.

The electrically conductive parasitic beam shaping devices are not electrically connected to the chassis of the antenna device or the electrically conductive counterweight surface.

In the context of the invention, it proves to be particularly favorable that the shaping (that is to say the shape when viewed from above onto the planar parasitic beam shaping device) is asymmetrical with respect to the mounting region or mounting section of the antenna (that is to say the position of the motor vehicle antenna to be mounted and / or its orientation) and an improvement with respect to the radiation pattern of an antenna can be achieved by an asymmetrical design of the parasitic beam shaping device.

This can be advantageous in particular if the antenna is used for the reception of circularly polarized electronic signals. magnetic waves is provided, as used for example in the reception of GPS signals on the one hand or, for example, when receiving the so-called. SDARS signals to the other, ie for receiving satellite-based information and / or radio systems. For example, the SDARS system is a satellite-based digital radio service system commonly used in the United States.

In the context of the invention, the mentioned parasitic beam shaping device can be designed differently. It can have a lattice structure with "perforated lattice properties"; for example, several conductors running parallel to one another can be arranged in a single or multiple twisted arrangement, thus overlapping a first, a second and possibly a third etc. parallel lattice structure be arranged intersecting, which are electrically connected to each other at their nodes.

But can also be a lattice structure, which consists only of mutually parallel electrically conductive line sections, characterized so no "hole grid", but a "strip grating is formed. ¹¹ In all these cases is partially nevertheless spoken by a parasitic radiating surface or more parasitic antenna element surfaces since this term is the best way to describe the parasitic beam shaping device according to the invention.

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the lattice structure to consist of a large number of point or circle areas (dots) or similarly designed "conductive islands". exists, which are arranged side by side sitting and thereby give a punctiform or soap-shaped structure. The shape of the individual conductive sections (dots) can be chosen differently and does not necessarily have to be circular. Also elliptical, symmetrical structures with round, convex and concave boundary lines and straight edge sections, etc., for example in the form of small squares and rectangles, hexagons, etc. are possible. There are no restrictions in this respect.

However, the mentioned parasitic beam shaping device does not necessarily have to be implemented or realized as a lattice structure. A parasitic radiator surface is also possible in the form of a self-contained surface (in which, for example, individual rather larger-sized recesses could also be integrated), and indeed with an increased conductivity. This so-called "closed area" may be e.g. to a surface metallization on the electrically non-conductive

Motor vehicle structure preferably in the form of a glass or panorama pane, to act with a metal vapor-deposited film or even a screen printing surface or the like, which is electrically conductive. In addition, mixed systems with a grid structure and correspondingly larger-sized closed areas with increased electrical conductivity could also be provided.

Finally, it has also proved to be favorable, but also sufficient, if the size of the parasitic beam-shaping device, in the manner of the parasitic radiator surface mentioned or parasitic radiator surfaces, is dimensioned such that it reaches a maximum extent in the vicinity of has the antenna, for example, is not larger than 40 cm. In many cases, however, an even smaller dimensioning is sufficient so that the parasitic radiator arrangement is provided in a radius around the antenna which is not larger than 35 cm, 30 cm, 24 cm or 20 cm.

This parasitic radiator is preferably already manufactured on the manufacturer side in the interior of the plastic material, in particular in the interior of a glass pane intended for example for a glass roof or a rear window of a vehicle. However, this lattice-shaped structure in the form of a parasitic radiator can also be formed on the inside of the pane and preferably already produced during the manufacturing process. An attachment on the outside is usually not desirable because no electrical galvanic contact with a possibly provided there counterweight surface and / or the electrically conductive chassis of an antenna to be mounted should take place.

As mentioned above, a counterweight surface may be provided, in particular, on the glass receiving the antenna. The parasitic beam shaping device then extends around this electrically conductive counterweight surface and can also be provided below the counterweight surface. It is also possible that the counterweight surface is located, for example, within a cutout in the electrically nonconductive material of the vehicle body, in particular in a cutout in a glass roof. The tops of the counterweight surface and the glass roof can then lie in a common height, so close flush. In this case, the antenna connection Do not pass the glass through the cable, as the one or more electrical connection cables that lead to the antenna can lead directly to the antenna via the counterweight surface and a cutout. The beam shaping device is located in this case below or laterally from the top of the counterweight surface. In this way, a technically feasible and aesthetically very appealing solution is created, wherein above all the upper side of the glass surface and the counterweight surface can be flush or almost flush with each other.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings. In detail:

Figure 1: a schematic side view of a

Motor vehicle;

Figure 2 is a schematic oblique partial view of a motor vehicle roof and an associated rear window;

Figure 3: a schematic plan view of a

Motor vehicle roof in the form of a panoramic roof with rearward in the direction of travel

Counterweight surface for mounting a motor vehicle antenna;

FIG. 4 shows a top view, corresponding to FIG. 3, of a motor vehicle roof in the form of a motor vehicle roof

Panorama roofs with an inventively additionally provided beam shaping device; Figures 4a to 4c: three partial cross-sectional views through a motor vehicle glass roof with integrated inventive parasitic beam shaping device;

5 shows a representation similar to FIG. 4, but with a different shape for the beam shaping device, FIG.

FIG. 6 shows a further modified exemplary embodiment with a beam shaping device provided asymmetrically with respect to the antenna device;

FIG. 7 shows a further modified exemplary embodiment, in which the parasitic beam-shaping device consists of a plurality of parasitic radiator partial surfaces;

FIGS. 8a to 8d show four top views of different examples of grating structures for the parasitic beam shaping device;

FIG. 9 shows a further modified exemplary embodiment in plan view for clarification that the parasitic radiator partial surfaces can consist of different lattice structures;

FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional representation through a parasitic element according to the invention Beam shaping device in the glass with a counterweight surface above it;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, but omitting a separate counterweight surface, so that only the electrically conductive chassis of the antenna itself represents the counterweight surface;

FIG. 12 shows another exemplary embodiment, shown in vertical cross section, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, in which the counterweight surface for an antenna is arranged within a cutout in the glass roof; and

FIG. 13 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

1 shows a schematic side view of a vehicle 1, namely a motor vehicle 1 ', which has a vehicle body 3 in a known manner, which largely consists of sheet metal or other metal, ie of electrically conductive body parts 3' and of electrically non-conductive Vehicle superstructures 3 ", in particular in the form of glass panes 5, which - if they are installed in the roof area - are also referred to as glass roof or panoramic roof 5a Furthermore, more glass panes are also provided in the form of windscreens 5b, side windows 5c and rear windows 5d.

In the exemplary embodiment shown according to FIG. visually that, for example, the motor vehicle roof 9 is covered with a large-sized glass or panoramic window 5. A front roof cutout can also be covered, for example, with a sliding roof that can be opened and closed, whereas in a rear area, for example separated by a roof transverse strut 11, a fixed roof and / or glass pane 5a is inserted.

In the rear region of this fixed roof pane 5 a, a counterweight surface 13 of electrically conductive material, in particular metal, is constructed and fastened in the vicinity of the transitional region to the rear window 5 d on the outer surface of the roof 9 made of glass (ie of electrically nonconductive material). which serves as an antenna mounting portion or antenna mounting portion 15.

In the enlarged schematic plan view according to FIG. 3 it can be seen that, for example, as antenna mounting,

Area and / or section 15, the electrically conductive

Counterweight surface is provided, which is arranged on the roof 9 so that it is also centered and symmetrical to a vertical central symmetry plane 17 which extends in the longitudinal direction through the center of the vehicle 1.

The exterior and / or roof antenna 19 mounted on the antenna mounting portion and / or portion 15 is also mounted so as to be symmetrical to the above-mentioned vertical and longitudinal plane of symmetry 17 extending through the vehicle 1.

In FIG. 3, it is only schematically indicated that the antenna 19 covers one inside the other and inside the antenna Figures partially only indicated, permeable to electromagnetic radiation antenna housing inside, for example, several antenna emitters 19a may be provided, for example, a GPS antenna, a SDARS antenna and another example, on a vertically rising circuit board in the form of an electrically conductive surface formed mobile phone antenna, the optionally also be suitable for multiple frequency bands. These antenna types are only mentioned as an example. Any other antenna devices or types of antennas may be used.

As can be seen from FIG. 3, the counterweight surface 13 is optionally arranged there without contacting the electrically conductive body 3, 3 'on the insulating glass roof 5, 5a. From the schematic representation in Figure 2 it is reproduced that the counterweight surface can also be placed in their shape and arrangement so that it is covered with the electrically conductive vehicle body 3 'and / or galvanically connected thereto or even part of the body panel and protrudes towards the glass roof.

In order to now enable an improved beam shaping and thus to improve the overall antenna performance, a parasitic radiator device 27 is provided according to the invention in order to contribute to an improved reception and optionally an improved transmission characteristic.

This parasitic beam shaping device 27, which is also referred to in the following as a parasitic radiator device (partially also as a parasitic radiator surface) or parasitic radiator surfaces 27) is arranged below the outer and roof antenna 19, ie even below the counterweight surface 13. As a rule, this counterweight surface 13 is designed as a closed, electrically conductive surface, in particular in the form of a metal sheet. It can also be galvanically connected directly to the body. But here, too, modifications are possible to the extent that the counterweight surface is optionally formed as a preferred fine mesh grid that it acts as effectively as a counterweight surface 13.

As can be seen from the plan view according to FIG. 4, the parasitic radiator device or beam-shaping device 27 is arranged or dimensioned from the position and / or its size in such a way that it can be guided through the outer or roof antenna 19 and in particular the associated antenna housing 19a or 19a to the antenna housing 19a belonging antenna chassis 19b is not covered, but the GE gengewichtsflache 13 or the antenna housing 19a and the antenna chassis 19b clearly surmounted, ie in a transverse or perpendicular to the glass pane 5 taking place consideration.

As can be seen from the schematic cross-sectional representations according to FIGS. 4a to 4c, the parasitic beam shaping device 27 is not located on the upper or outer side 5 'of the glass panes 5, i. in particular the roof or panorama pane 5 a, but provided in the interior of the pane 5, which has a specific thickness 29.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 4 a, it is shown that the pane 5 a, 5 a is generally located inside, for example, in the interior. has a thermo-layer and / or a UV-light-reflecting layer and / or a plastic intermediate layer for forming a safety composite glass. These single or multiple layers are shown only schematically in FIGS. 4a to 4c and are provided with the reference numeral 31. To this extent, this possible layer is also referred to only briefly as intermediate layers 31.

4a shows that the parasitic radiator or beam shaping device 27 according to the invention is provided in the interior of the material of the glass pane 5 in the embodiment according to FIG. 4a below the at least one intermediate layer 31, preferably immediately adjacent to the intermediate layer 31

In the embodiment according to FIG. 4 b, this layer is provided in the form of the parasitic radiator device 27 above the intermediate layer 31. The at least one intermediate layer 31 and the layer of the parasitic radiator or. However, beam shaping devices 27 do not have to contact each other in a planar manner as in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, but can likewise be arranged at a distance from one another while receiving other intermediate layers or a further glass material layer.

In the example according to FIG. 4 c, it is shown that the parasitic beam shaping device 27 can also be arranged on the lower or inner side 5 "of a glass pane 5.

Preferably, the planar parasitic radiator or Beam forming device 27 on the upper or outer surface 5 'is not provided, at least not if there is not additionally provided a so-called. "Covering pressure" on the outside of a disc, which are known to consist of a variety of plastic or rubber-like knobs or dot structures can.

The outer contour 27a of the parasitic radiator surface 27 need not coincide with or be similar to the shape and outer contour of the counterweight surface 13, but may deviate therefrom, as shown for example with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

It is shown with reference to FIG. 5 that the parasitic radiator surface 27 is nevertheless also provided with a more oval or crescent-shaped design of the counterweight surface 13, for example. a rectangular shape or an elliptical shape - as shown in Figure 6 - or may be at least approximated this form, which corresponds in part only for sections of such possible shapes.

In the embodiments shown, the parasitic radiator or beam shaping device 27 may also be formed below the counterweight surface 13. This parasitic beam shaping device 27 is preferably designed to be grid-shaped, as will be discussed in detail later. The parasitic beam shaping device 27 should, however, be provided, above all, in an adjacent region or in cutting regions adjacent to the counterweight surface 13, in order thereby to form a parasitically excited radiating device 27 projecting beyond the counterweight surface 13, at least in sections conductive material or comprises this.

Regardless of the specific shape of the parasitic beam shaping device 27, this is preferably provided so that its maximum extent in the vicinity of the antenna 19 preferably does not exceed a dimension of 40 cm. In other words, the parasitic radiating device 27 should be formed within a distance of at most 40 cm around the antenna 19 or in a partial area thereof. This maximum distance of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 from the antenna 19 can also be chosen even smaller in many cases. A maximum extent of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 calculated from the antenna 19 can in many cases also be below 35 cm, 30 cm and in particular below 25 or 24 cm. In many cases, even minimized extensions of less than 20 cm or 16 cm are still sufficient.

However, the more or less planar extension of the parasitic radiator device 27, that is to say the so-called parasitic radiator surface 27, is preferably selected such that it is at least 20%, preferably more than 30%, 40%, 50% and in some cases even more than 60%. or even 70% or 80% greater than the counterweight surface 13. Since under some circumstances the counterweight surface can be extremely small, in extreme cases, can even be formed only by the electrically conductive chassis 19b of the antenna 19, it then follows that the parasitic radiator or Strahlformungs- device may be several hundred percent greater than the counterweight area thus formed.

It has now been shown that especially by Asymmetric embodiments of this parasitic beam - forming device 27, the electrical reception and optionally transmission properties of an external and / or roof antenna 19 can be improved in a vehicle 1 NEN.

As can be seen from FIG. 6, the parasitic beam shaping device 27, which is elliptical in plan view, is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the counterweight surface 13, since, for example, the parasitic beam shaping device 27 differs from the vertical plane of symmetry 17 running longitudinally through the vehicle. if the rear window 5d is adjacent to the roof in FIG. 6 on the left) - much more extends to the right half of the vehicle than to the left side of the vehicle.

In addition, the oval design of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 is aligned with the orientation R oriented to the right in the front, thus leading slightly to its right end in the direction of travel, as indicated by the arrow R in FIG. Despite this asymmetrical design and / or arrangement and / or orientation and alignment, this can result in improved reception of, for example, SDARS or GPS signals, ie in particular circularly polarized signals.

Furthermore, by virtue of such an asymmetrical design of the parasitic beam shaping device 27, in contrast to the centric arrangement of an outer or roof antenna and / or in contrast to a symmetrical design of a counterweight extending to the vehicle longitudinal axis. 13 a vehicle-type improvement can be achieved. In other words, depending on different motor vehicles, optimal adaptation of an asymmetrical design of the parasitic radiator 27 can be realized.

Since glass manufacturers for different types of motor vehicles anyway for the particular type of vehicle specifically for him to produce glass panes, this opens up the possibility of a manufacturer for a particular vehicle type as optimally determined shape and position of a parasitic beam shaping device 27 with the same installed so that when growing a corresponding outside or roof antenna in an antenna mounting area and / or section 15 then optimal beam - shaping can be achieved.

It should also be noted that the e.g. lattice-shaped design of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 does not have to represent a closed surface, as already indicated in Figure 4. For there is provided a rectangular-shaped recess 61 in the region of the parasitic beam shaping device 27, which is formed in the form of a planar lattice structure in this exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows that the parasitic beam shaping device, that is to say the parasitic radiator surfaces 27, can have a completely asymmetrical configuration and, moreover, can consist of a multiplicity of individual parasitic radiator sub-areas 127 connected to one another or even separately. In the embodiment of Figure 7 are a total of five from each other provided separate parasitic beam sub-areas 127, which thus represents the so-called. Parasitic part beam shaping 127.

In the following, the schematic representations according to FIGS. 8a to 8d are discussed, in which possibilities for a grating structure for the parasitic radiator device 27 are shown by way of example only.

In the example according to FIG. 8a, the planar parasitic beam-shaping device 27 is designed with a lattice structure 227 comprising, for example, three line gratings 227a, 227b, 227c, each consisting of a multiplicity of electrically conductive lines (lines) arranged parallel to one another, wherein the three line structures 227a, 227b, 227c are arranged so as to overlap one another by 120 '.

As a result, triangular and hexagonal hole structures with holes / recesses 327 can be realized, wherein a preferred maximum diameter size of the corresponding recesses 327 of this hole structure should not exceed a dimension of 15 mm or 20 mm. In other words, an optimum hole size is between 0.5 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 0.5 mm and 5 mm, and preferably between 0.5 mm and 2 mm. In extreme cases, the lower limits may even be less than 0.5 mm, ie the lower limit of the hole size is 0.4 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.25 mm or even less. In other words, the grid structure is selected such that the holes, recesses or spacings 327 between the individual spacings of the grid structure 227 are smaller than 10 mm, in particular smaller than 8 mm, smaller than 5 mm and preferably smaller than 2 mm are. On the other hand, the holes, recesses or distances should be at least 0.2 mm or larger, in particular greater than 0.5 mm, greater than 1 mm or even greater than 1.5 mm.

According to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8b, a rectangular lattice structure 227 is used, in which two lattice structures 227a and 227b arranged in a plurality of parallel conductors are provided in a 90 "direction with respect to one another and overlap, resulting in an overall electrically conductive structure.

Again, the size of the holes 327 should preferably correspond to the above dimensions.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8c, a pure line grid 227a has been used, in which case the line spacing 327 of the electrically conductive conductors should preferably also fulfill the abovementioned dimensions for the size of the hole structures.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 8d, a grating structure 227 in the form of a dot structure 227c is proposed. The so-called points 227d can consist of electrically conductive circular surfaces, elliptical surfaces or other arbitrarily shaped surfaces which, for example, in plan view have a square structure, generally n-polygonal structure or arbitrarily shaped structures with concave and convex, round, curved and / or or straight peripheral surface portions may be provided. The example according to FIG. 8 d is similar in this respect to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, since the parasitic beam shaping device 127 in question is also there parasitic radiator sub-areas 127 are provided. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8d, at most the multiplicity of small conductive surfaces can be smaller than in the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 7, wherein the used planar elements 227d can be provided in larger numbers.

The arrangement and size configuration should also be such that preferably a distance is created between the individual conductive points or island 227d, which - if possible - moves within a size range mentioned above.

However, the parasitic radiator devices 27, which are sometimes referred to as parasitic radiator surfaces or parasitic radiator devices, do not have to consist exclusively of a lattice structure or comprise a lattice structure, not even in the form of a plurality of lattice substructures 127. Rather, it is also possible within the scope of the invention that the parasitic Beam shaping device consists of or comprises a closed surface with increased conductivity. A closed, electrically conductive surface (or a surface with at least increased conductivity) may, for example, be in the form of a planar metal vapor deposition (applied, for example, on the inner side 5 "of the glass pane 5, 5a) in the form of a metal vapor-deposited film, in the form of a metal foil or for example be formed in the form of a screen printing surface or comprise, which has the desired increased conductivity using suitable materials.

Also in this case, the maximum distance between the antenna 19 and the farthest portion of the The parasitic radiator device formed in this way preferably does not exceed 40 cm, whereby the above-mentioned maximum distances which are still minimized are often sufficient here as well.

In the following, reference is made to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 9, in which it is only shown that the parasitic beam-shaping device 27 can also consist of parasitic radiator partial surfaces or the so-called partial beam-shaping devices 127 (such that the entire beam-shaping device 27 can be divided into a plurality of partial beam-shaping devices 127), each parasitic beam sub-area 127, ie each parasitic sub-beam former 127 having a different grating structure, having a different orientation of the grating structure, a different shape in which grating lines intersect perpendicularly therefrom diverging in part in the grating lines are arranged, if necessary, also on curved lines running with changed distance from each other, etc. Also in this respect there are no restrictions. In this case, the parasitic radiator sub-areas 127 can also be interconnected or groups of subareas can be interconnected, while others are not. Again, there are no restrictions. Also in this embodiment, some or all of the sub-beam shaping surfaces 127 (ie, some or all of the beam sub-surfaces 127) may consist of or comprise a closed surface (not a grating structure) of increased conductivity as discussed above.

As can also be seen from the schematic illustrations, the parasitic radiating device 27 is preferably in the form of the areally arranged grating structures 127. given to the counterweight surface 13 arranged overhanging. It may also - but this is less important - be provided below the counterweight surface 12 complementary. In addition, the shape and position of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 can be designed such that it ends in a plan view before or at the latest on electrically conductive body parts. Irrespective of this, the parasitic beam shaping device 27 could also be installed in such a way that, at a distance from electrically conductive bodywork parts, it engages under the vehicle interior, in particular inside the vehicle. As a result, a certain capacitive coupling could be realized with the electrically conductive body panel.

Finally, reference is also made to the schematic cross-sectional representation according to FIGS. 10 and 11.

In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 10, an antenna arrangement 19 is shown in section through a pane 5, for example in the roof area 9 of a motor vehicle, the pane 5 being shown schematically in section, specifically with the inside parasitic beam shaping device 27 indicated in section as a line The described Ausführungsbei- games in different lattice structure or in the form of a closed (lattice-free) surface and in the form of partial surfaces or a contiguous surface can be designed.

Above the glass pane 5, ie on the glass top side 5 ¹ , the mentioned counterweight surface 13 is arranged, which already in the manufacture of the glass pane 5 (for example, the panoramic glass pane) with the manufacturer can be prepared and attached there (for example, by gluing etc.).

On this counterweight surface 13, an antenna 19 is then attached, which has an antenna housing 19 a, below which an electrically conductive chassis 19 b is mounted on the electrically conductive counterweight surface 13. The aforementioned one or more individual antennas 21 can then be provided on this chassis 19b, for example in the form of GPS antennas, SDARS antennas, mobile radio antennas, etc. In the variant according to FIG. 10, for example, a patch antenna 21 'and a monopole antenna 21 "are indicated A coaxial antenna connection cable 65 passes through the glass pane 5 and is contacted by its outer jacket to the antenna chassis 19b. This antenna chassis 19b then provides the ground reference for the antenna 19, ie the radiators 21, with the counterweight 13.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 11, the use of a separate counterweight surface 13 has been dispensed with. In other words, the electrically conductive chassis 19b is mounted directly on top of the glass pane 5 ^■ 5 here. In this case, the case 19b of the antenna 19 itself acts as a counterweight surface 13. The coaxial cable 65, with its outer jacket, also affects the antenna chassis 19b, which alone now represents the ground reference of the antenna 19. Also in the cross-sectional view according to FIG. 11, the parasitic beam shaping device 27, that extends in part below the chassis 19b, but above all also protrudes far beyond the disk 5, is indicated. The formation of the parasitic beam shaping device 27 when viewed in the plane of its configuration has a thickness which is only a fraction of the slice thickness, typically less than 50%, in particular less than 25%, even less than 20%, 15%, 10% and in particular less than 5% of the material thickness of the electrically non-conductive vehicle body, in particular in the form of the glass pane 5. In principle, the parasitic radiator means 27 could also be used with other non-visible materials, if they are not electrically conductive, so for example Plastic structures of the vehicle.

Finally, a further modified exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13 will be discussed.

The exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13 differs from that according to FIGS. 10 and 11 in that, in the embodiment according to FIGS. 12 and 13, the counterweight surface 13 is not on or above the glass roof 5, 5 a, that is to say generally not electrically conductive material 3 "of the existing motor vehicle body 3, but in a recess 71 provided in the glass roof 5, 5a at the location where the counterweight surface 71 is seated 5 'of the glass or glass roof 5, 5a are in the same level, ie in the same or almost the same plane, thus preferably flush with each other at their junction 115. In this case, the antenna cable 65 (preferably in the form of at least one coaxial cable or in the form of multiple cables or coaxial cables) the glass pane 5, 5a also not enforce, so that here a corresponding passage opening or hole in the glass 5 is not necessary. The beam shaping device 27 is in this embodiment below or laterally from the top of the counterweight surface.

In particular, in this embodiment, the counterweight surface 13 may be part of the motor vehicle body in the form of an electrically conductive body 3, 3 ¹ . Nevertheless, the counterweight surface 13 can also be separated from the electrically conductive motor vehicle body 3 in this exemplary embodiment, but may be galvanically connected or capacitively coupled thereto by an electrical cable connection or another connecting device.

Appropriate sealing measures are provided at the transition between the glass pane 5, which terminates flush at the top, and the counterweight surface 13.

The invention has been explained for a parasitic beam shaping device, which was also sometimes referred to as a parasitic radiator device or parasitic radiator surfaces. As far as is spoken of a "planar" training, an electrically conductive structure and in particular planar structure is meant, which may also consist of electrically isolated electrically conductive structures, as was also shown in particular with reference to the embodiments of FIGS 7 and 9. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 8c, too, the line grid can consist of lines 227a which are not galvanically connected to each other or else are connected together. In the electrical structure according to FIG 8d, the individual electrically conductive surfaces 227d are usually galvanically separated from one another.

The so-called "planar" structure is therefore preferably arranged in a plane which does not have to be flat, but can be spatially curved. As a rule, the curvature of this electrically conductive structural plane or plane has at least a slight curvature corresponding to the curvature of the corresponding glass surface in the motor vehicle. Since the electrically conductive structures for the beam shaping device are preferably formed in a middle layer, ie in the interior, in the glass pane or on a layer located on the inside of the glass pane, the corresponding curvature profile in the relevant structural plane or structure surface is defined by the glass pane. This also applies to all other non-conductive body structures, which consist for example of plastic, etc., on which or in which the conductive Strukturflä- surfaces or structural levels of the invention are provided for the beam shaping device.

Claims

Claims :

1. Beam shaping device for an exterior and / or roof antenna (19) on vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, having the following features: - at an electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of a vehicle body (3), in particular in the form of a glass pane (5) is a Antenna mounting portion or section (15) is provided, the antenna mounting portion or section (15) preferably comprises a counterweight surface (13) attached to the electrically non-conductive region (3 ^M ) of the vehicle body (3), the beam shaping device (FIG. 27) is designed as parasitic beam shaping device (27), - the parasitic beam shaping device (27) is formed at a distance below the upper or outer surface (5 ¹ ) of the electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3), the parasitic beam shaping device (27) is in the material of the electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) or on the bottom or inside (5") of the elek trically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) is formed, provided or attached, the parasitic beam-shaping device (27) is arranged and / or configured such that it projects laterally beyond the antenna mounting region or section (15) and / or an optionally provided counterweight surface (13) at least in sections and / or laterally thereto is.

2. Beamforming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parasitic Strahlformungsein- direction (27) is arranged and / or asymmetrical to a vertical plane of symmetry (17) extending in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1, 1 ').

3. beam-shaping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the parasitic beam-shaping device (27) is arranged and / or symmetrical to a vertical plane of symmetry (17) which extends in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (1, 1 ').

4. beam forming device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) vehicle-dependent different shape and / or size.

5. beam shaping device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) consists of a substantially flat extending grating structure (227) or comprises these.

6. beam forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that the grid structure (227) consists of at least two parallel gratings (227a, 227b, 227c), the are arranged in intersecting orientation, wherein the grids (227a, 227b, 227c) and in particular the parallel grids (227a, 227b, 227c) are preferably electrically conductively connected at the crossing points.

7. beam forming device according to claim 5, characterized in that the grid structure (227) consists of an electrically conductive line grid (227a).

8. Beam shaping device according to claim 5, characterized in that the grating structure (227) consists of a point grating (227c) or comprises this.

9. beam shaping device according to one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the grid structure

(227) is constructed so that the holes, recesses or distances (327) formed between the individual sections of the lattice structure (227) are smaller than 10 mm, in particular smaller than 8 mm, smaller than 5 mm, and preferably smaller than 2 mm are.

10. beam forming device according to one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the grid structure (227) is formed so that the holes or gaps (327) between the electrically conductive individual grid elements greater than 0.2 mm, in particular greater than 0, 5 mm, greater than 1 mm and preferably greater than 1.5 mm.

11. beam forming device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) consists of a closed surface or substantially closed surface with increased conductivity, in particular in the form of a surface metal vapor deposition, a metal foil or a metallized film with metal, an electrically conductive screen printing surface and the like.

12. Beamforming device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) consists of a plurality of parasitic beam sub-surfaces or partial beam-shaping devices (127) or comprises these.

13. beam forming device according to claim 12, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping means (127, 227d) at least partially different grating structures and / or at least one parasitic partial beam shaping means (127) in the form of a closed radiation surface or a closed radiation surface portion having increased electrical conductivity or include.

14. beam forming device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (127) are not electrically connected to each other.

15. Beamforming device according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one parasitic beam-shaping device (27) comprises an additional separate recess (61) which is larger than the lattice structure (227) provided.

16. Beamforming device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one parasitic beam shaping device (27) has an n-polygonal nal outline and / or convex and concave outline boundary lines.

17. beam forming device according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) consists of a glass pane (5) preferably in the form of a glass roof (5) or a rear window (5d) ,

18. Beam forming device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that a counterweight surface (13) is provided which also comprises the antenna mounting region or section (15), wherein the counterweight surface (13) on the outer side (5 ¹ ) of the electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) is preferably provided in the form of a glass pane (5, 5a).

19. beam forming device according to claim 18, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) extends below the region of the counterweight surface (13) or at the transition region or laterally offset thereto begins and adjacent to the counterweight surface (13) is arranged.

20. Beam forming device according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the counterweight surface (13) in a cutout (71) of the electrically non-conductive material (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) preferably in the form of a glass sheet (5, 5a), so that the upper side (113) of the counterweight surface (13) is connected to the upper side (5 ¹ ) of the electrically non-conductive material (3 "), preferably in the form of the glass sheet. be (5, 5a) flush with each other, wherein the parasitic beam shaping device (27) at the peripheral edge of the counterweight surface (13) or laterally offset to it begins.

21. Beam shaping device according to one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the parasitic beam shaping device (27) has a thickness which is less than 50%, in particular less than 25%, less than 20%, 15%, 10% and in particular less is equal to 5% of the material thickness of the electrically non-conductive region (3 ") of the vehicle body (3).

22. beam shaping device according to one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the parasitic

Beam shaping device (27) manufacturer is embedded in electrically non-conductive materials (3 ") of the vehicle body (3), preferably adjacent or at a distance to an electrically non-conductive material (3") provided intermediate layer (31).

A beam-shaping device according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the distance between an antenna mounting region or section (15) and the center thereof and the farthest section on the parasitic beam shaping device (40) is 40 cm, preferably less than 35 cm, less than 30 cm and in particular less than 24 cm.

24. Vehicle antenna, in particular motor vehicle antenna, which on the upper or outer side (5 ¹ ) on an electrically non-conductive portion (3 ") of a vehicle body (3) can be built or constructed, characterized in that the outer or roof antenna (19) can be built or constructed on an electrically nonconductive section (3 ") of the vehicle body (3) comprising a parasitic beam shaping device (27) according to one of claims 1 to 23.

25. Vehicle antenna according to claim 25, characterized in that the antenna sits on a counterweight surface (13), which is arranged above the parasitic beam-shaping device (27) according to one of claims 1 to 23.

26. Vehicle antenna according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the counterweight surface (13) through the chassis (19 a) of the outer and / or roof antenna (19) is formed.

27. Vehicle antenna according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the maximum distance between an outer and / or roof antenna (19) and the parasitic beam shaping device (27) is at most 40 cm, preferably less than 35 cm, less than 30 cm and in particular less than 24 cm.