Antenna arrangement for a vehicle

• US 6,812,901 B2
• Filed: 07/29/2002
• Issued: 11/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 07/30/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: Daimler Chrysler Company LLC (Stellantis NV)
• Inventors: Deininger, Juergen
• Primary Examiner(s): CHEN, SHIH CHAO
• Application Number:
  US10/206,795
• Publication Number:
  US 20030034927A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 343/711, 343/712, 343/713, 343/725, 343/876, 343/893
• US Class Current: 343/713
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1271 for mounting on windscreens
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/1278 in association with heating wires or layers
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/3291 mounted in or on other locations inside the vehicle or vehicle body

Abstract

An antenna arrangement for a vehicle comprises a plurality of individual antennas, at least one of which is arranged in a vehicle window. The vehicle has a cover unit for a free space between the window and a region in the vehicle interior, which cover unit comprises a metal body that forms a further antenna. A switching device controls switching between the antennas to optimize signal reception.

Claims

1. An antenna arrangement for a vehicle having a plurality of individual antennas, said antenna arrangement comprising:

at least a first antenna arranged in a window of the vehicle;

a second antenna; and

a metal cover unit which covers a free space between the vehicle window and a region in the vehicle interior;

wherein

the metal cover unit is formed by the second antenna; and

the antenna arrangement further comprises a switching device for changing over between the first and second antennas, depending on a degree of opening of an adjustable vehicle roof.

2. The antenna arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the switching device comprises one of a simple switching element and a diversity processor.

3. The antenna arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle has a control and operating unit for controlling operation of the switching device.

4. The antenna arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the control and operating unit is connected to a control unit for the adjustable vehicle roof by means of a bus system.

5. An antenna arrangement for a vehicle, comprising:

at least one first antenna disposed in a window of the vehicle;

a second antenna formed by a metallic cover unit which forms a part of interior trim of the vehicle; and

switching means for switching between said first and second antennas to optimize signal reception.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein:

said vehicle has an adjustable roof which is movable between a closed position and a storage position; and

said metallic cover unit comprises an interior ledge in a rear portion of said vehicle, which faces an open space opposite said vehicle window when the roof is in the closed position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein:

said vehicle includes means for determining a position of the vehicle roof; and

said switching means switches between said first and second antennas as a function of determined position of the vehicle roof.

8. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle body having an interior passenger compartment bounded at least partially by vehicle windows;

at least one first antenna disposed in a vehicle window; and

a shelf for storage of articles in interior of the vehicle;

wherein the shelf comprises a metallic body, and forms a second antenna; and

means are provided for switching between the first and second antennas to optimize signal reception.

9. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the shelf comprises a rear window ledge of the vehicle.

10. The vehicle according to claim 8, wherein:

said vehicle has an adjustable roof which is movable between a closed position and a storage position; and

said shell comprises an interior ledge in a rear portion of said vehicle, which faces an interior open space opposite said vehicle window when the roof is in the closed position.

11. The vehicle according to claim 10, wherein said shelf comprises a rear window ledge of the vehicle.