DE102010064086A1 - Vehicle antenna system for V2X communication - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle antenna system (1) for V2X communication is provided. The vehicle antenna system (1) has a first antenna (A1) suitable for V2X communication, a second antenna (A2) for V2X communication, and a communication unit suitable for V2X communication, which is connected to the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2) is connected. The first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2) can be integrated into vehicle components (F), the antennas (A1, A2) being arranged at essentially corresponding positions to the right (R) and left (L) of the vehicle (F) will.

Description

The invention relates to a vehicle antenna system for V2X communication

State of the art

Co-operative applications based on so-called vehicle-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-infrastructure or vehicle-to-traffic center or Generally based on vehicle-to-X (V2X) communications, they are becoming increasingly popular. This area is sometimes referred to as car-to-car or car-to-infrastructure communication.

The popularity is driven essentially by the idea that these applications in new traffic safety and information systems may be able to prevent accidents and / or avoid congestion, in other words to optimize traffic flow.

For vehicle safety, especially automotive WLAN (vehicle-based wireless local area network) based on IEEE 802.11p is interesting, which is operated in the frequency band at about 5.9 GHz. This communication is also called ITS-G5.

Due to the high frequency of 5.9 GHz, the integration of the antennas into the vehicle design is difficult. A good solution would be to place the antenna on the roof of the vehicle so that there would be enough "visibility" on all sides.

However, that is not always feasible. So z. Convertibles, for example, do not always have a roof and in normal vehicles, roof racks restrict reception. In addition, designers do not like it when visible (external) antennas need to be used.

However, due to design constraints on the one hand and due to aerodynamic considerations, the design and arrangement of the antenna in the vehicle area, a tight corset is created.

Further difficulties arise also by metallic body parts, which additionally affect the characteristics of an antenna.

This is z. As in coupe vehicles a problem when the antenna is located in the rear roof area or in the trunk area. Then it often turns out to be problematic to reach the area in front of the vehicle through the antenna.

A similar problem occurs in convertibles, where the roof is not metallic under certain circumstances or due to mechanical boundary conditions for antennas is not suitable.

Even if an antenna could be placed, it would have to be designed for closed vehicle operation as well as open vehicle operation.

Frequently, when the antenna is arranged in the rear of the vehicle, an attenuation of 10 dB or more is achieved compared to the front footprint. However, this is a significant disadvantage, especially in the case of so-called car-to-car (C2C) or car-to-infrastructure (C2I) applications or, more generally, C2X applications.

task

Based on the above-described conditions, it is an object of the invention to provide a vehicle antenna system that better meets the requirements.

The object is achieved by a vehicle antenna system or a vehicle antenna arrangement according to claim 1. In the dependent claims each preferred developments of the invention are given.

According to the invention, a vehicle antenna system for V2X communication is provided. The vehicle antenna system includes a first antenna suitable for V2X communication, a second antenna suitable for V2X communication, and a communication unit for V2X communication connected to the first antenna and the second antenna.

The first antenna and the second antenna can be integrated into vehicle components, wherein the antennas are arranged at substantially corresponding positions to the right or left of the vehicle.

In a development of the invention, the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged on or in a front or rear window or in the A-pillars or in the front apron or a bumper or the tailgate or the exterior mirrors or the lights of a vehicle.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the communication unit is in a rearview mirror or a sensor for attachment to a front or rear window of a vehicle or in one of the A-pillars or in the front apron or in one of the bumper or the tailgate or in one of the exterior mirrors Vehicle arranged.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle antenna system further comprises one or more further antennas suitable for V2X communication.

In one development of the invention, the vehicle antenna system further comprises one or more further antennas suitable for V2X communication and a switching matrix for selectively switching through connections to the antennas.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, either the communication unit and the first antenna or the communication unit and the second antenna form a structural unit.

The invention will be explained below by way of example with reference to the drawing. However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment.

In this shows:

1 a schematic representation of an exemplary vehicle,

2 a first schematic embodiment of the invention,

3 a second schematic embodiment of the invention,

4 a third schematic embodiment of the invention,

5 a fourth schematic embodiment of the invention, and

6 a fifth schematic embodiment of the invention.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the figures.

According to the invention, a vehicle antenna system 1 or a vehicle antenna arrangement 1 for the V2X communication, ie proposed a communication of the vehicle with (components) of the vehicle environment. As far as the same reference numerals are used below, this is an indication that similar components are used.

The basic idea of the invention is that a spatial distribution of antennas in vehicles can lead to a better illumination on the one hand and to a better integration into the vehicle and its design.

Although the attachment of a first antenna A1 in the front vehicle area and a second antenna A2 in the rear area would be possible, this is disadvantageous because of the necessary cables to a communication unit, because these would have to be designed significantly longer overall.

From this knowledge is now according to 1 a vehicle antenna system 1 provided in which a first antenna A1 suitable for V2X communication and a second antenna A2 suitable for V2X communication is provided.

The first antenna A1 and the second antenna A2 can be integrated into components of the vehicle F, wherein the antennas are arranged at substantially corresponding positions on the right R and left L of the vehicle F, respectively.

Both antennas A1 and A2 thereby provide illumination of their respective hemisphere, that is to say the right or the left side of the vehicle F (that is to say essentially in each case to the right or left of the center line ML) - in particular in the direction of travel of the vehicle and the direction of the vehicle opposite one another.

Both antennas A1 and A2 are as in the following 2 to 6 shown connected to a communication unit KE for V2X communication.

In this case, the communication unit KE provides a transmitter or receiver for the transmission (that is to say for the transmission or reception) of information in the high-frequency range in the context of the V2X communication.

It is advantageous to keep the line lengths of the antennas A1 and A2 (and other antennas A3) to the communication unit KE short because these lines are lossy.

In a first schematically illustrated embodiment of the invention according to 2 For example, the antennas A1 and A2 are integrated into the windshield. For this purpose, the communication unit KE preferably mounted in the height of the rearview mirror attachment, z. B. by being integrated into the rearview mirror or the Rückspiegelfuß of the vehicle F.

Another possibility is the combination of the communication unit KE with a located on the windshield (environment) sensor (SE), such. As a rain sensor, a (stereo) camera or a CV sensor, see 4 ,

This reduces the cabling effort. The antennas A1 and A2 can then, for example, right and left in the A-pillars to get integrated. The antenna cables run along, for example, at the top of the disc.

This embodiment is suitable for both convertibles and coupes.

In a second schematically illustrated embodiment of the invention according to 3 the antennas A1 and A2 are integrated into the front apron (bumper and / or grille) of the vehicle F. Frequently, these components extend to the wheel arches, which are typically furthest outwardly and therefore a preferred mounting location for the antennas.

The communication unit KE can continue as in 4 shown with another device of the front bumper, such. As a radar sensor, a Lidarsensor (Light Detection and Ranging), the control unit for the ultrasonic / parking sensors, the camera for the night vision device, etc. be executed combined.

For easier and less costly production, it is useful if the cables and antennas A1 and A2 are integrated directly into a component that is assembled as a whole, such. B. typically the bumper.

Furthermore, it can be provided to integrate the antennas A1 and A2 in the tailgate of the vehicle F. The tailgate of the vehicle F often goes as far as the lateral end of the vehicle F, which offers itself as a favorable position for the antennas.

Furthermore, the communication unit KE can then be combined with a reversing camera as an embodiment of a sensor element SE - see 4 - to reduce the wiring effort.

The accommodation of the antennas A1 and A2 in the region of the tailgate of the vehicle F also has the advantage that in the event of an accident or a breakdown, the tailgate can be opened and the antennas are so higher above the ground, which positively influences the radiation behavior. Thus, the reliable warning subsequent vehicle is fostered by the V2X system.

Alternatively, it can also be provided to arrange the antennas A1 and A2 in the exterior mirrors of the vehicle F. Since the mirrors are relatively far away from the metal body of the vehicle F, the antennas A1 and A2 have good radiating and receiving characteristics, respectively. In this case, offers a common wiring of the communication unit KE with the wiring of an electric mirror adjustment and / or a mirror heater.

Such a solution offers z. B. also for trucks.

Alternatively, it can also be provided to integrate the antennas A1 and A2 in the rear lamps. Again, the preferred arrangement on the side again.

Such a solution offers z. B. also for trucks.

In addition to the detailed solutions with regard to certain sensors detailed above, the invention is in accordance with FIG 4 the communication unit KE generally part of another sensor element SE. This allows a cost-effective production.

In a further embodiment according to 5 can also be provided that another antenna A3 part of the vehicle antenna system 1 is.

This can, for. B. be designed so that in the event of an accident or breakdown, it has a substantially rearward radiation characteristic to z. B. to warn the backward traffic.

In this case, a switching matrix SM can be provided for selectively switching through connections to the antennas A1, A2, A3. This can be designed as part of the communication unit KE or separately from the communication unit KE on the one hand.

Furthermore, the communication unit can also be part of another vehicle component that has an antenna. One such embodiment is shown schematically in FIG 6 shown.

Of course, it goes without saying that the combination of the aforementioned embodiments is possible and thereby optimal results for each vehicle type can be achieved.

It also proves to be advantageous if the communication unit KE is integrated into another component, since this way the cabling effort for the energy supply can be minimized.

Furthermore, the antenna A1, A2 can be integrated into one or more components, so that the assembly effort is reduced here as well.

By using 2 antennas or more antennas, which divide the all-round view by means of antenna diversity, also convertibles, coupes and trucks with vehicle antenna system for V2X communication are equipable.

In addition, greater freedom for the designers arise.

In summary, therefore, a vehicle antenna system is created in which no longer an antenna alone requires the free view to all sides, but several antennas can share this field of view. In the proposed solution, therefore, the antenna system is constructed so that a central transmitter / receiver chip (communication unit) is connected to two or more antennas respectively mounted on opposite sides of the vehicle. Advantageously, the communication chip is structurally combined with another device, so that only once a power supply is necessary. To simplify production, it is also advisable if the entire communication system or at least the antennas are integrated in an assembly, which is then completely assembled.

By using 2 or more antennas, which divide the all-round view in particular by means of antenna diversity, also convertibles can be displayed. In addition, greater freedom for the designers arise.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Vehicle antenna system

A1

first antenna

A2

second antenna

A3

another antenna

KE

communication unit

SE

sensor

SM

switching matrix

R

right

L

Left

F

vehicle

Claims (6)

Vehicle antenna system ( 1 ) for V2X communication comprising: • a first antenna (A1) suitable for V2X communication and • a second antenna (A2) suitable for V2X communication, and • a communication unit (KE) for V2X communication connected to the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2), characterized in that • the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A1) can be integrated into vehicle components (F), the antennas being connected at substantially corresponding positions to the right (R) and left (L) of vehicle (F) are arranged. Vehicle antenna system according to claim 1, characterized in that the first antenna (A1) and the second antenna (A2) on or in a front or rear window or in the A-pillars or in the front apron or a bumper or the tailgate or the exterior mirrors or the lights of a vehicle (F) are arranged. Vehicle antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication unit (KE) in a rearview mirror or a sensor (SE) for attachment to a front or rear window of a vehicle (F) or in one of the A-pillars or in the front apron or is arranged in one of the bumper or the tailgate or in one of the exterior mirrors of a vehicle (F). Vehicle antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle antenna system further comprises one or more further antennas (A3) suitable for V2X communication. Vehicle antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the vehicle antenna system further comprises one or more further antennas (A3) suitable for V2X communication and a switching matrix (SM) for selectively switching through connections to the antennas (A1, A2, A3). Vehicle antenna system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - The communication unit (KE) and the first antenna (A1) or The communication unit (KE) and the second antenna (A2) form a structural unit.

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