Transparent pane assembly with integrated antenna

Transparent pane glass assembly with integrated antenna

[0001] Introduction

[0002] The present disclosure relates to antennas, and more specifically, to antennas integrated into a translucent window pane.

[0003] Modern vehicles use antennas to receive and transmit signals for communication systems, such as terrestrial radio (AM/FM), cellular phones, satellite radio, dedicated short-range communications (DSRC), GPS, etc. LTE cellular phones with 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) require at least two antennas to provide multiple input multiple output (MIMO) operation. Other communication protocols may also require two or more antennas. The antennas used in these systems are usually installed on the roof of the vehicle in order to provide maximum reception. Many of these antennas are usually integrated into a common structure and housing mounted on the roof of a vehicle, such as a "shark fin" roof-mounted antenna module. As the number of antennas on a vehicle increases, the size of the structure required to accommodate all the antennas in an efficient manner and provide maximum reception capability also increases, which may interfere with the design and styling of the vehicle. Automotive engineers and designers are looking for other suitable areas on the vehicle to place the antenna so as not to interfere with the vehicle design and structure.

Summary of the invention

[0004] A transparent glass pane assembly according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure includes a transparent glass pane and an antenna. The transparent window pane is made of at least one dielectric substrate, and includes a first area and a second area adjacent to the first area. The antenna is fixed to the transparent pane of glass, and includes a first portion that spans the first area and a second portion that spans the second area. The density of the first part is greater than the density of the second part.

[0005] In addition to the foregoing embodiments, the antenna is coplanar with the transparent pane.

[0006] As an alternative or supplement, in the foregoing embodiment, the transparent glass pane assembly includes a decorative part extending along the periphery of the transparent glass pane, and wherein the first part is adjacent to the decorative part and spans between the decorative part and the second part. between.

[0007] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the transparent pane is a windshield.

[0008] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the first area and the second area consist of an elongated top section spanning the windshield.

[0009] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the transparent window pane assembly includes a rearview mirror attached to the inner surface of the transparent window pane, and wherein, through the opposite outer surface of the windshield, the first part is at least Partially block the view of the rearview mirror.

[0010] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the antenna reduces glare from sunlight.

[0011] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the antenna includes conductive particles injected into the transparent pane of glass.

[0012] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the first part includes a first pattern having a repeating unit, and the second part includes a second pattern having a repeating unit.

[0013] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the first part is electrically connected to and in contact with the second part.

[0014] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the antenna further includes a feeder extending between the first part and the second part and electrically connected to the first part and the second part.

[0015] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the transparent window pane is laminated safety glass including a flexible layer disposed between the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0016] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the antenna is disposed between the flexible layer and one of the first glass layer and the second glass layer.

[0017] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the flexible layer is polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0018] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the transparent window pane is one of a vehicle front windshield, a vehicle rear windshield, a vehicle side window, and a vehicle sunroof.

[0019] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, at least one of the first part and the second part includes

[0020] Transparent conductive oxide (TCO).

[0021] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, TC. It is a film.

[0022] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiments, the TCO is indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0023] A vehicle windshield assembly according to another non-limiting embodiment includes a transparent windshield and an antenna. The transparent windshield includes the outer periphery. The antenna is supported by a transparent windshield and includes a first part and a second part of an elongated plane. The first part is coextensive with the outer periphery and is adjacent to the outer periphery. The second part is coextensive with the first part and is in electrical contact with the first part. The first part spans laterally between the outer periphery and the second part. The density of the second part is less than the density of the first part.

[0024] As an alternative or in addition, in the foregoing embodiment, the first part includes a plurality of intersecting filaments defining a plurality of first units, and the second part includes a plurality of intersecting filaments defining a plurality of second units, and Each of the second units is smaller than each of the first units.

[0025] From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above-mentioned features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent.

Description of the drawings

[0026] In the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, other features, advantages and details appear only by way of example, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a front view of a vehicle showing one non-limiting application of a transparent pane glass assembly;

[0028] FIG. 2 is an enlarged partial view of the transparent pane glass assembly taken from circle 2 of FIG. 1;

[0029] FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the transparent pane glass assembly viewed in the direction of arrow 3-3 in FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the antenna of the transparent pane glass assembly taken from circle 4 of FIG. 2;

[0031] FIG. 5 is an enlarged partial view of the second embodiment of the antenna;

[0032] FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the third embodiment of the antenna;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the antenna system of the transparent pane glass assembly taken from line 7-7 of FIG. 1; and [0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded plan view of the electromagnetic connector assembly of the antenna system.

Detailed ways

[0035] The following description is merely exemplary in nature, and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. For example, the present disclosure describes antennas adhered to or integrated into automobile glass. However, as those skilled in the art will understand, the antenna is also applied to dielectric structures other than automotive glass, and a clear observation area needs to be maintained at the dielectric structure.

[0036] By using a planar antenna fixed to or integrated into a transparent window pane, it may be necessary to optimize the light transmission through the window pane, and/or the direction of the unrestricted line of sight through the window pane. There is a trade-off between this transparency and any obstruction caused by the antenna. Generally, the greater the field of view or light transmission through the area of the transparent pane of glass containing the antenna, the greater the

The lower the wire conductivity, the lower the antenna reception and signal transmission capabilities. In other words, the denser the antenna wire density, the better the conductor performance as an antenna receiver. Conversely, thicker wires and/or greater wire density result in a decrease in the amount of light that can pass through the wire pattern and therefore through the transparent window pane. Advantageously, an antenna structure with two different density concentrations based on the observation area and location of the antenna feed is provided, which results in the overall antenna performance meeting or exceeding the traditional antenna design.

[0037] Recalling FIG. 1, a front view of the vehicle 20 shows one non-limiting application of the translucent window pane assembly 22 of the present disclosure. The translucent window pane assembly 22 may include an antenna 24, a translucent window pane 26 generally made of a dielectric substrate, and a decorative part 28 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The antenna 24 is configured to support any one or more of various communication systems. As an example, the antenna 24 may be an AM/FM radio antenna, a WiFi antenna, a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) antenna, a satellite radio antenna, a satellite positioning system antenna (for example, a GPS antenna), a cellular antenna, including multiple input multiple output (MIMO ) Antenna etc. Although the translucent window pane 26 is shown as a vehicle front windshield, other examples include vehicle rear windshields suitable for transmitting light and/or supporting visual observation therethrough, vehicle side windows, vehicle sunroofs, and any other translucent windows. The pane glass structure is not limited to vehicles.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the translucent window pane 26 includes a surface 30 that may be an outer surface, and an opposite surface 32 that may be an inner surface (see FIG. 3). In the example of the vehicle 20, the occupant or driver will observe the roadway and the surrounding environment through the translucent window pane 26, and is generally not obstructed by the antenna 24. The trim part 28 may be an outer trim that is generally coextensive with the edge or outer periphery 34 of the translucent window pane 26, and is adapted to at least partially fix the translucent window pane 26 to, for example, a body panel of the vehicle 20 36.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the planar antenna 24 includes a first portion 38 that spans the entire first area 40 of the translucent window pane 26, and a second portion 38 that spans the entire first area 40 of the translucent window pane 26 adjacent to the first area 40. The second part 42 of the area 44. The density of the first portion 38 (ie, the density of electrical conductors) is greater than the density of the second portion 42. Because the density of the first portion 38 is greater than the density of the second portion 42, the translucency of the first portion 38 is lower than the translucency of the second portion 42. In one embodiment, the first portion 38 is substantially opaque. The first portion 38 may be elongated and longitudinally coextensive with at least a portion of the periphery 34, and therefore coextensive with at least a portion of the decorative component 28.

[0040] The first portion 38 of the antenna 24 spans laterally between the perimeter 34 of the translucent window pane 26 and the second portion 42. The second portion 42 protrudes laterally inwardly from the first portion 38 away from the periphery 34 and through the translucent window pane 26. In one embodiment, the antenna 24 may extend longitudinally along the entire periphery 34 (ie, extend continuously, see FIG. 1). In this example, the edge 46 of the second portion 42 at the top section 47 of the translucent window pane 26 is spaced apart from but opposite to the edge of the same second portion at the bottom section 49 of the translucent window pane 26 . This configuration maintains a clear central section 48 of the translucent window pane 26 for unobstructed viewing and/or light transmission.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the translucent window pane 26 may be laminated safety glass, which includes an outer glass layer 50, an inner glass layer 52, and a flexible layer adhered to and disposed between the outer and inner glass layers 50.52 Layer 54. The antenna 24 may be disposed between the flexible layer 54 and the inner glass layer 52, so as to provide a certain degree of physical protection, and does not inhibit the cleaning of the outer and inner surfaces 30.32 of the translucent pane glass assembly 22. In another embodiment, the antenna 24 may be located between the flexible layer 54 and the outer layer 50. It can be further conceived and understood that the antenna 24 may be adhered to the outer surface 30 or the inner surface 32 via an adhesive, or the antenna 24 may be embossed on a flexible translucent film (not shown), and then the flexible translucent film may be adhered To one of the surfaces 30.32. A non-limiting example of the material of the flexible layer is polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0042] In another embodiment, the antenna 24 may be directly located between two flexible layers. The two flexible layers may each have a thickness about half of the thickness of the aforementioned flexible layer 54. When fully assembled, one flexible layer is located between the outer glass layer 50 and the antenna 24, and the other flexible layer is located between the inner glass layer 52 and the antenna 24.

[0043] When the translucent pane glass assembly 22 is fully assembled, the antenna 24 serves a dual purpose. The first purpose is to assist communication, and the second purpose is to provide a direction from the decorative part 28 toward the center section 48 of the translucent window pane 26, particularly when the translucent window pane assembly 22 is viewed from outside 20 of the vehicle, for example. A visually pleasing transition.

[0044] In another embodiment, the translucent pane glass assembly 22 further includes a rear view mirror 56 (see FIG. 3). The rear view mirror 56 may be attached to the inner surface 32 of the translucent window pane 26 at the first area 40. In this example, the first portion 38 of the antenna 24 may be substantially opaque and may aesthetically block the view of the rear view mirror 56 when viewed from the outside of the vehicle 20. This is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also reduces daylight glare at and around the rearview mirror 56 of the operator of the vehicle 20. In a further advancement of this example, the antenna 24 may extend longitudinally through the entire top section 47 of the translucent window pane 26 (ie, including at least a part of the first and second regions 40.44, see Fig. 2). By extending through the top section 58, the antenna 24 can also reduce the glare of sunlight for the driver and occupants, thereby replacing the more traditional coloring of the top section of the translucent pane 26.

[0045] In another embodiment, the translucent window pane assembly 22 may be adjacent to the defrost vent 60 provided on the instrument panel, or may include the defrost vent 60 provided on the instrument panel. Similar to the application of the rear view mirror 56, the antenna 24 can also be used to block the line of sight of the vent 60 when the translucent pane glass assembly 22 is viewed from, for example, the outside of the vehicle 20.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, and in one embodiment, the antenna 24 may further include a conductive feeder 62 extending between the first and second portions 38.42. The first part 38 may be a pattern including a plurality of conductive filaments 64 that cross each other to form a plurality of repeating units 66. Similarly, the second portion 42 of the antenna 24 may be another pattern including a plurality of conductive filaments 68 that cross each other to form a plurality of repeating units 70. The cells 66, 70 generally represent small areas clearly observed through the translucent window pane 26. The filaments 64.68 can generally have the same circumference and each have similar electrical properties. When counting on the equivalent area, the number of cells 66 of the first part 38 is greater than the number of cells 70 of the second part 42. The feeder 62 is connected to the end of each of the filaments 64.66 to directly feed current to each filament 64.66 to obtain the best antenna performance.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 5, and in another embodiment of the antenna, where the same elements as the first embodiment have the same identification numbers (except for adding a superscript suffix), the first part of the elongated antenna 24' 38' is arranged laterally between the feeder 62' and the second part 42'. In this embodiment, the feeder 62' directly provides current to each filament 64' of the first portion 38'. Some of the filaments 64' may provide current to most or all of the filaments 68' of the second portion 42'. Additionally or alternatively, electrical energy may "jump" through the glass material and "jump" from filament 64' to filament 68' to assist antenna performance. In this embodiment, the feeder 62' may be positioned behind the peripheral decoration part (not shown in FIG. 5) and therefore is usually hidden from view.

[0048] Refer to FIG. 6, and in another embodiment of the antenna, where the same elements as in the second embodiment have the same identification numbers (except for adding a double superscript suffix), the antenna 24" has a feeder 62" Generally, electrical energy can be fed to the plurality of conductive particles 64" of the first portion 38" of the antenna 24". In turn, the conductive particles 64" can feed electrical energy (or via a feeder) to the plurality of conductive particles 68 of the second portion 42". ". The particles 64".68" can be the same material and generally have the same size. However, particles 66" are more sparsely located than particles 64". The particles 64".68" can be integrated into, injected and/or otherwise suspended in the translucent window pane 26". The particles 64".68" can be made of transparent or translucent conductive oxide (TCO), conductive The oxide (TCO) may be indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0049] In another embodiment not shown, the first part 38 of the antenna 24 may be a TCO film, and the second part 42 may be a TCO film that is thinner than the first part 38. In another embodiment not shown, the antenna 24 may be adhered to one or both of the glass layer 50.52 or the layer 54 via an adhesive layer, which may be any suitable adhesive or transfer tape .

In one embodiment, the antenna 24 may be adhered or printed on a flexible film substrate that includes an adhesive layer to be fixed to one of the glass layers 50.52. The adhesive or transfer tape may be transparent or nearly transparent in order to have minimal impact on the appearance and light transmission through the antenna 24. The antenna 24 may be protected by a low RF loss passivation layer (not shown), such as parylene.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the translucent pane glass assembly 22 may include an antenna system 72 having an antenna 24 and an electromagnetic (EM) suitable for electromagnetically coupling to a conductive feed portion 76 (eg, metal) of the antenna 24 Connector assembly 74. Because the antenna 24 including the feeding portion 76 is encapsulated in the translucent window pane 26, the antenna system 72 provides the required transition from the antenna 24 to the radio frequency (RF) cable wiring system, and then the radio frequency (RF) cable wiring system is connected to the receiving /Send module (not shown).

[0051] The feeding part 76 may be a part of the first part 38 of the antenna 24, or may be directly electrically connected to the first part 38. In another embodiment, the feeding part 76 may be directly connected to the feeding line 62 (see FIG. 4).

[0052] Referring to FIG. 7, the EM connector assembly 74 may include conductive (eg, metal) pads 78, a printed circuit board (PCB) 80, and a coaxial connector 82. The PCB 80 includes a board substrate 84 having opposite sides 86.88 , The conductive trace 90 carried by the side 86, and a plurality of through holes 92 extending through the board substrate 84 and extending between the sides 86.88 (ie, three are shown). The coaxial connector 82 is adapted to be electrically connected to the end of the through hole 92 generally located at the surface 88 of the board substrate 84. The opposite end of the through hole 92 is electrically connected to the trace 90 at the surface 86. The board substrate 84 is non-conductive. In one embodiment, and when the EM connector assembly 74 is assembled, the antenna 24, the translucent pane 26, the conductive pad 78, the board substrate 84, and the conductive trace 90 are substantially coplanar with each other. According to one embodiment, the coaxial connector 82 may be any suitable RF or microwave connector configured to connect the coaxial cable 93 to the EM connector assembly 74.

[0053] The coaxial connector 82 may be an industry standard connector, such as a connector that complies with the FAKRA international connector standard. One advantage of using FAKRA connectors is that it avoids the use of special tools to manufacture custom EM connector parts. FAKRA connector is a SubMiniature B version (SMB) type connector, and has become a standard RF connector for the automotive industry and other markets °SMB connector is characterized by snap-in coupling, and under 50 ohm or 75 ohm impedance Available °SMB connectors provide excellent electrical performance from DC to 4 GHz °SMB jacks have a male center pin, while SMB plugs have a female plug. This design is consistent with signal transmission via coaxial cable wiring and other cable types.

[0054] The inner glass layer 52 includes an inner surface 96 (ie, the inner surface 32 of the translucent window pane 26) and an opposite surface 98, which may be the inner surface relative to the translucent window pane 26. The inner surface 98 may be in direct contact with the antenna 24 including the feeding portion 76.

[0055] The pad 78 is pre-attached to the inner surface 96 of the inner glass layer 52 by various methods including bonding, ultrasonic welding, additive manufacturing, and other methods known in the art. When attached to the inner surface 32, the pad 78 is spaced from the feeding portion 76 of the antenna 24 by the inner glass layer 52 (ie, its thickness). In one embodiment, the trace 90 may be fixed to the pad 78 by an adhesive layer 94 disposed therebetween. In another embodiment, the pad 78 may be attached to the outer surface 30 of the translucent window pane 26. [0056] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, and in one embodiment, the feeding portion 76 may generally be an end of an antenna lead and include a coverage area (ie, a pattern or a two-dimensional planar shape). In one embodiment, the footprint of the feed portion 76 (ie, the EM coupling geometry) substantially matches the footprint of the pad 78 and the footprint of the trace 90. Likewise, the coverage areas of the feed portion 76, the pad 78, and the trace 90 may each include corresponding elements 76A, 78A, 90A and corresponding elements 76B, 78B, 90B. Elements 76A, 78A, 90A may be substantially U-shaped, and may be electrical ground elements or EM ground planes. The shapes of the elements 76B, 78B, and 90B may be quadrangular, and may be electrical signal planes. When the antenna system 72 is assembled, the coverage areas of the feed portion 76, the pad 78, and the trace 90 are substantially aligned with each other (ie, only outline each other).

[0057] As best shown in FIG. 8, the elements 76B, 78B, 90B may be concentrated relative to the U-shaped elements 76A, 78A, 90A. U-shaped EM

CN 110474147 A The grounding elements 76A, 90A and the concentrated signal elements 76B, 90B are configured to electromagnetically carry signal frequencies that can be changed according to the antenna design. For example, in one aspect, the antenna 24 may be configured to operate at a frequency of seven hundred (700) MHz to six (6) GHz. Other RF signal ranges are also envisaged.

[0058] The advantages and benefits of the present disclosure include the optimal packaging of the antenna system, and the ideal compromise between transparency and the conductivity of the antenna of the antenna system. Other advantages include the novel, dual-purpose use of planar antennas, and an effective means of transitioning from planar antennas embedded in translucent panes to coaxial cables.

[0059] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and elements thereof can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teaching of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.