Cover and method for communication

Abstract

The invention relates to a cover (11), particularly for civil engineering, more particularly for drainage devices (10) for leading away liquid, comprising a radio unit (12) which is insertable or inserted into an opening (13) in the cover (11) and comprises the following: - at least one antenna support housing (14), and - at least one antenna (15) having at least one fundamental frequency, which is arranged in the antenna support housing (14) and is designed to receive or emit radio signals, in particular at least a first and a second antenna (15a, 15b), the at least one antenna (15) having at least one resonant frequency when in use owing to its arrangement in the antenna support housing (14) and / or in the cover (11), the fundamental frequency of the antenna (15) being 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency.

Description

   Cover and method for communication  Description  The invention relates to a cover, particularly for construction, more particularly for drainage devices for leading away liquid.Mitigation of heavy rainfall events is becoming increasingly problematic in built-up areas since the proportion of sealed soils continues to increase. At the same time, soils are becoming drier and drier as a result of climate change. In view of this, modern and intelligent handling of rainwater is imperative in order to prevent flooding and preemptively retain precipitation in order to be able to use the water elsewhere or at a later time, specifically for irrigation.Drainage devices represent a technical solution for leading away rainwater. Corresponding sensors systems in the drainage devices make it possible to monitor the water level, the degree of sedimentation or the like in the drainage device. The data collected in this way allows the relationships between weather events and their effects on the environment to be analyzed and the function of the entire installation to be correspondingly adjusted.In general, drainage devices of this kind are arranged in the ground. Owing to the heavy attenuation of radio waves in the ground, radio communication from the outside with corresponding sensors or communication means within the drainage devices is problematic. WO 2021 / 157028 A1, for example, discloses a radio unit having an antenna for wireless communication between the interior and exterior of a radio wave-blocking structure. However, it is disadvantageous here that the antenna is not protected against environmental influences, such as temperature or moisture.It is also known to arrange antennas in a cover of a drainage device. Arrangement of the antenna in this way is disclosed, for example, in JP H11-66484 A or US 2008 / 0106434 A1. Covers, such as shaft covers, are usually formed from metal, such as cast iron for example, and have an adverse effect on signal transmission.The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a cover, particularly for construction, more particularly for drainage devices for leading away liquid, which cover allows improved communication between the interior and exterior of a building. The invention is further based on the object of specifying a method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cover having the features of claim 1. With regard to the method, this object is achieved by each of additional independent claims 16 and 17.Specifically, the object is achieved by a cover, particularly for construction, more particularly for drainage devices for leading away liquid, having a radio unit which can be inserted or is inserted into an opening in the cover. The radio unit comprises at least one antenna support housing and at least one antenna having at least one fundamental frequency. The antenna is arranged in the antenna support housing and is designed to receive or emit radio signals. The antenna has at least one resonant frequency during use due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing and / or in the cover, wherein the fundamental frequency of the antenna is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency.The cover preferably has at least a first and a second antenna. The invention is not restricted to a cover having at least two antennas, but rather includes covers having a single antenna. The basic principle of the invention, designing the fundamental frequency of the at least one antenna to be designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency, functions with a single antenna. The cover having at least two antennas, each of which is designed according to the basic principle of the invention, is a particularly preferred embodiment.The cover according to the invention is suitable particularly for applications in the construction sector, for example in building construction or civil engineering. The cover is particularly suitable for drainage devices for leading away liquid, without being restricted thereto. In general, the invention can be used in the construction sector when radio signals are to be transmitted from the interior of a building to the outer region thereof. Examples of applications are shaft covers or covers for gullies in the construction sector.The drainage device can be designed for leading away liquid, particularly water, for example as a drainage shaft, drainage channel, trench or in general as a drainage apparatus which is suitable for arrangement in the ground or in a building, such as a roof. In this case, the cover can be designed, for example, as a top, particularly a shaft top, inlet grid, inlet grate or the like.The invention has various advantages.The radio unit is used for communication between an inner region and an outer region of a building by signal transmission. The cover firstly separates the inner region and the outer region. Secondly, the cover establishes the communication connection between the inner region and outer region of the building by way of the radio unit arranged in the cover. The radio unit thus enables a signal connection, for example between sensors arranged underground (inner region) and communication means arranged above ground (outer region). As a result, for example, meter readings, data relating to the water level or data relating to the degree of sedimentation can be transmitted from the interior of the building to an above-ground receiver. These applications are to be understood as examples. The invention is applicable to the transmission of other data between the inner region and the outer region.The data transmission may be monodirectional or bidirectional.The radio unit can allow, for example, data to be relayed via NB-IoT or LoRaWAN.The at least one antenna of the radio unit is arranged in the antenna support housing during use. By way of example, the antenna is cast or embedded in the antenna support housing, or the antenna is completely surrounded or enclosed by the potting material of the antenna support housing. In this case, the antenna support housing is preferably designed in such a way that it has good radio transparency. Furthermore, the antenna support housing protects the antenna from environmental influences, such as temperature fluctuations or moisture.The cover according to the invention provides a compensation region for the fundamental frequency of the antenna, by means of which the attenuation of the fundamental frequency can be compensated for by components of the cover and / or of the antenna support housing.The fundamental frequency is to be understood to mean the frequency of the antenna before installation in the drainage device, that is to say without attenuation by components of the cover and / or of the antenna support housing. The fundamental frequency of the antenna can be measured before the antenna is installed in the drainage device. The fundamental frequency differs from the desired final frequency of the antenna in the installed state.In the installed state, the antenna has a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the antenna can be measured after the antenna has been installed in the drainage device. The resonant frequency is consequently dependent on or influenced by those components of the drainage device which surround the antenna or are arranged close to the antenna. These include, for example, the antenna support housing or the cover. The resonant frequency corresponds to the desired final frequency of the antenna, which final frequency is necessary for efficient communication, particularly with an external transmitter / receiver. The desired final frequency or resonant frequency is achieved after the components of the cover have been assembled, specifically by changing or attenuating the fundamental frequency of the antenna.In general, all components which are located in the immediate vicinity of the antenna change, particularly attenuate, the fundamental frequency of the antenna. This is the case particularly when metal materials are located in the vicinity of the antenna and / or when the antenna is in direct contact with other materials, such as, for example, by casting or embedding the antenna in the antenna support housing.According to the invention, provision is therefore made for the fundamental frequency of the antenna and the resonant frequency of the antenna to be different in the installed state or during use. Specifically, the fundamental frequency is greater or higher than the resonant frequency.On account of the resonant frequency or the desired final frequency being dependent on the components of the cover and / or of the antenna support housing or, in general, on components which are not part of the antenna and which are located in the vicinity of the antenna, such as for example on the material of the cover and / or of the antenna support housing, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is adapted before final assembly, i.e. before the antenna is cast into the antenna support housing and before the radio unit is inserted into the cover. In this case, the fundamental frequency is set in such a way that the antenna has that frequency which is required for transmitting or receiving signals in the installed state. In other words, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is set such that the desired resonant frequency is achieved in the installed state. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the surface area of the antenna, such as trimming the antenna. Other methods for frequency tuning are conceivable.According to the invention, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency. Owing to this compensation range for the fundamental frequency of the antenna, the desired final frequency, i.e. the resonant frequency, is achieved particularly readily in the installed state. It has been found that the attenuation of the antenna frequency can be compensated for particularly readily by the components of the drainage device when the fundamental frequency is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency.In particular, it is possible for the fundamental frequency to be designed to be 0.3% to 20%, particularly 0.3% to 15%, particularly 0.3% to 10%, particularly 0.3% to 5%, greater than the resonant frequency.Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. These relate to embodiments of the invention having at least two antennas, particularly exactly two antennas. An embodiment of the invention having at least one antenna, particularly a single antenna, is likewise disclosed and claimed. The radio unit preferably comprises at least a first and a second antenna, wherein the fundamental frequency of the first and the second antenna is designed for a different frequency range in each case. This advantageously takes account of the fact that the frequency of the first and the second antenna can be influenced differently due to their arrangement in the cover.The first antenna can therefore be arranged closer to a ground surface than the second antenna. In this case, the antenna close to the surface can be subject to less attenuation of the frequency than the antenna remote from the surface. In addition or as an alternative, the first and the second antenna can be arranged in different antenna support housings or different parts of an antenna support housing. In this case, the two antennas can be surrounded by a different potting compound, which can lead to different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies of the antennas. In order to accordingly take into account the different attenuation of the fundamental frequency of the two antennas, the first and a second antenna can therefore be set to a different fundamental frequency. For example, the surface area of the two antennas can be changed or adapted differently.Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna is advantageously designed for the same frequency range. Consequently, the two antennas advantageously have the same desired final frequency. This is particularly advantageous for communication of the antennas with one another. In order to ensure that the two antennas have the same resonant frequency, the fundamental frequency of each of the antennas can be different. In this case, the fundamental frequency of the first and the second antenna can each be adapted in such a way that the antennas achieve the same resonant frequency in the installed state owing to the different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies.The resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna can be designed for a frequency range of between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz. The frequency ranges can be adapted to a location and / or to another local condition. The flexibility of the radio unit is increased in this way.The first and the second antenna are preferably connected to one another via a signal line, particularly a coaxial cable, for transmitting or receiving radio signals. As a result, bidirectional transmission of the radio signal through the cover is rendered possible in a simple manner, without a signal to be transmitted being significantly attenuated. Signal transmission is considerably improved in this way.In one embodiment, the first antenna and / or the second antenna comprise / comprises a ceramic antenna. It is advantageous here that ceramic antennas are comparatively insensitive to metal in their immediate surroundings. This is advantageous since ceramic antennas can be arranged, for example, without problems in direct contact with metal or very close to metal, without, for example, generating a short circuit. Especially in the case of shaft covers made of a metal, such as cast iron, ceramic antennas can therefore be attached in a structurally simple manner. This also allows for a compact design. Particularly in comparison with conventional (wire) antennas, the use of ceramic antennas in shaft covers made of cast iron exhibits a considerable improvement in signal transmission.In general, the cover can be partially or entirely made of a metal material.Furthermore, the first and the second antenna can be of substantially planar design. A surface area ratio of the first antenna and the second antenna can be between 1:2 and 1:12.The second antenna, which is preferably arranged further away from the surface than the first antenna, can have a larger surface area than the second antenna here. A larger surface area of the antenna on the inner side of the cover, which inner side faces the inner region particularly of the building, for example of the shaft, makes it possible to receive even weak signals from the inner region. Overall, it has been found that particularly good signal transmission through, in particular metal, covers is rendered possible owing to different surfaces areas of the antennas in the range of the above surface area ratios. In one embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged such that they emit in a substantially opposite direction. As a result, bidirectional transmission of the radio signal through the cover is rendered possible in a structurally particularly simple manner. Furthermore, the first and the second antenna can be arranged in a separated manner in a longitudinal direction of the radio unit, and particularly in a centered manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This should preferably be understood in such a way that the two antennas can be arranged spaced apart from one another within the radio unit. For example, the antennas can be separated by the antenna support housing. In this case, the antennas can be arranged in different antenna support housings, i.e. each in a separate antenna support housing, as a result of which they are spaced apart from one another. This design of the radio unit or this arrangement of the first and the second antenna makes it possible to reduce the signal-disturbing or attenuating properties of the cover by means of corresponding arrangement. This improves the signal transmission quality. Furthermore, the first and the second antenna can be arranged in a manner separated substantially by the magnitude of a maximum thickness of the cover along the longitudinal direction of the radio unit. In other words, the two antennas are arranged in or inserted in the two surfaces of the cover which face the inner region and outer region during use. The antennas are at a maximum spacing from one another. This design reduces the impact of the cover on signal quality to a minimum, so that the transmission quality is improved. In a further embodiment, the radio unit can be inserted into the opening in the cover in such a way that the first antenna faces an outer side of the cover and the second antenna faces an inner side of the cover. In this case, the first antenna can preferably communicate with a transmitter / receiver arranged above ground, i.e. the first antenna can receive signals from a transmitter arranged above ground or emit signals to a receiver arranged above ground. The second antenna can communicate with a transmitter / receiver arranged underground, i.e. the second antenna can receive signals from a transmitter arranged underground or emit signals to a receiver arranged underground. In this case, the first and the second antenna can communicate with one another in such a way as to transmit signals from the underground transmitter to the above-ground receiver. Conversely, the antennas can transmit signals from the above-ground transmitter to the underground receiver. The arrangement of the antennas thus makes it possible to relay signals bidirectionally. Furthermore, this design of the radio unit makes it possible to reduce the signal-disturbing or attenuating properties of the cover by corresponding arrangement of theantennas. This improves the signal transmission quality. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antenna support housing is constructed from multiple parts, particularly from two parts. In this case, the antenna support housing can comprise a housing upper part and a housing lower part.The first antenna is preferably arranged in the housing upper part. In this case, the housing upper part can be inserted into the opening in the cover from a first direction, so that a top side of the housing upper part closes the opening in the cover. The second antenna is preferably arranged in the housing lower part. In this case, the housing lower part can be inserted into the opening in the cover from a second direction, so that a bottom side of the housing lower part closes the opening in the cover. Inserting the elements of the antenna support housing from two sides(two directions) means the radio unit is robustly and securely mounted in the cover. Inserting the housing upper part from above (first direction) ensuresit is securely held. Inserting the housing lower part from an oppositedirection ensures that the radio unit is firmly seated and the antennas are securely arranged inthe antenna support housing. In this way, it is synergisticallypossible to firstly secure the radio unit in a robust manner and secondly arrange the antennas such that they are protected (against weathering etc.). In particular, this has the effect that the radio unit cannot be removed from the outside (that is to say is protected against theft) and at the same time is held in such a way that it cannot fall into the shaft.As an alternative to the multi-part, particularly two-part, configuration of the antenna support housing, two substantially independent antenna support housings can be used. In this case, the first antenna can be arranged in an upper housing (housing close to the surface). The second antenna can be arranged in a lower housing (housing remote from the surface). The two housings can be connected to one another in order to ensure good communication between the antennas. The antenna support housing or the housing upper part and / or the housing lower part are / is preferably formed from polyurethane (PUR) or consist / consists thereof. If the radio unit has two antenna support housings, then both housings can be made of polyurethane (PUR) or consist thereof. Polyurethane advantageously has high abrasion resistance, high temperature stability and high chemical resistance to environmental influences. Optimum protection of the antennas can thereby be ensured. The housing upper part and the housing lower part can be connected to one another in a form-fitting and / or materially bonded and / or force-fitting manner during use. For this purpose, the housing upper part preferably has several, particularly four, projections and the housing lower part has a corresponding number of recesses. Conversely, it is possible for the projections to be arranged on the housing lower part and the recesses to be arranged on the housing upper part. The projections are designed in such a way as to engage in the recesses. This makes it possible to achieve a secure, form-fitting connection between the housing parts. The connection also has a high torsional strength. As an alternative or in addition, the housing upper part and the housing lower part can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner. For example, the projections from and recesses in the housing parts can be adhesively bonded to one another in order to ensure secure connection of the housing parts. Furthermore, the housing upper part and the housing lower part can be connected to the cover in a form-fitting and / or materially bonded and / or force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the cover can have an intermediate base. The intermediate base can have a corresponding number of continuous openings through which the projections from the housing upper part or the housing lower part can be passed. The intermediate base advantageously serves for load absorption, particularly of loads arising from above, for example due to vehicles driving over the cover. As an alternative or in addition, it is in turn possible for the housing upper part and the housing lower part to be connected to the cover in a materially bonded manner, particularly by adhesive bonding. A water-tight connection can be achieved as a result. In this way, the signal line, particularly the coaxial cable, between the first and the second antenna can be protected against corrosion. Furthermore, the top side of the housing upper part can have checkering, particularly in such a way that the top side is of slip-resistant design, preferably in accordance with DIN EN ISO 124-1. The checkering makes it possible to use the top side of the antenna support housing directly as a (visible) element of the top side of the cover, without adversely affecting its slip resistance. This means no further (slip-resistant) element has to be arranged above the antenna support housing, so that the upper antenna can be arranged comparatively close to the top side of the cover. In this way, it is synergistically possible to improve the signal properties and to ensure anti-slip safety for pedestrian or vehicular travel on the top side of the shaft radio unit (or the shaft cover). The two methods of claims 16, 17 each protect monodirectional communication or signal transmission. In addition, the combination of the two methods, that is to say a bidirectional method, is also disclosed and claimed (that is to say transmission and / or reception). The two methods result in the same advantages as have already been described in conjunction with the cover. The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the schematic drawing with further details. In the drawing, Fig. 1shows a perspective view of a cover according to an exemplary embodiment according to the invention; Fig. 2shows a section through the cover according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3shows an enlarged detail of the radio unit of the cover according to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment according to the invention of a cover 11 for a drainage device 10. Specifically, the cover is the cover 11 for a shaft. Other covers are possible, for example for a drainage channel or a trench or other construction applications in which the cover separates an inner region in the building from an outer region outside the building. The drainage device 10 can generally serve to drain off liquid and is suitable for arrangement in the ground. The cover 11 is formed from a metal, specifically cast iron. Other materials are conceivable. The cover 11 has a radio unit 12. The radio unit 12 is used for communication between communication means arranged underground and above ground. Specifically, the radio unit 12 transmits information from the drainage shaft, such as data relating to the water level for example, to a receiver arranged outside the shaft. The radio unit 12 is also used to receive information from a transmitter outside the shaft. Figs 1 and 2 show that the radio unit 12 is inserted into an opening 13 in the cover 11. The opening 13 in the cover 11 and the radio unit 12 are correspondingly shaped for this purpose.The radio unit 12 comprises an antenna support housing 14. The antenna support housing 14 is used to receive a planar antenna 15. In this case, the antenna 15 is arranged in the antenna support housing 14 in such a way that the antenna 15 is completely surrounded or enclosed by the housing material. Specifically, the antenna 15 is cast into the antenna support housing 14. The antenna support housing 14 protects the antenna 15 against environmental influences and ensures correct orientation of the antenna 15. The antenna 15 has a fundamental frequency and is designed to receive or transmit radio signals. The fundamental frequency is preset before the antenna 15 is inserted or installed in the radio unit 12. Specifically, the fundamental frequency is set by appropriately trimming the antenna 15. The fundamental frequency can be measured before the antenna 15 is installed in the cover 11.The antenna 15 has a resonant frequency during use due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing 14 and in the cover 11. The resonant frequency can consequently be measured after the antenna 15 has been installed in the radio unit 12. The resonant frequency is dependent on those components of the drainage device 10 shown in Figs 1 and 2 which surround the antenna 15 or are arranged close to the antenna 15. These include the antenna support housing 14 and the cover 11. These components change or damp the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 in such a way that the resonant frequency is achieved. The resonant frequency corresponds to the desired final frequency of the antenna 15, which is necessary for communication with the communication means arranged underground and above ground.In order to correspondingly take this frequency attenuation into account, the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 is designed to be greater than the resonant frequency by a certain magnitude. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs 1 to 3, the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency. Owing to this compensation range for the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15, the desired final frequency, i.e. the resonant frequency, is achieved in the installed state shown. The attenuation of the antenna frequency by the cover 11 and the antenna support housing 14 can be compensated for particularly readily here when the fundamental frequency is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency.In particular, it is possible for the fundamental frequency to be designed to be 0.3% to 20%, particularly 0.3% to 15%, particularly 0.3% to 10%, particularly 0.3% to 5%, greater than the resonant frequency.Figs 2 and 3 further show that the radio unit 12 comprises a first and a second antenna 15a, 15b. The first antenna 15a is arranged closer to a ground surface than the second antenna 15b. The fundamental frequencies of the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are each designed for a different frequency range. As a result, the different arrangement of the antennas 15a, 15b in the cover 11 is taken into account. The first antenna 15a thus experiences a lower attenuation than the second antenna 15b due to being arranged close to the surface. Furthermore, the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are arranged in different antenna support housings 14 or different parts of the antenna support housing 14. This also leads to different attenuation of the fundamental frequency of the two antennas 15a, 15b. In order to accordingly take into account the different attenuation of the fundamental frequency of the two antennas 15a, 15b, the first and a second antenna 15a, 15b are therefore set to different fundamental frequencies.Specifically, the surface area of the two antennas 15a, 15b is different.Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna 15a, 15b is designed for the same frequency range. This is necessary for communication of the antennas 15a, 15b with one another. Therefore, the fundamental frequency of the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b is set in each case in such a way that the antennas 15a, 15b have the same resonant frequency in the installed state despite the different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies.In this case, the resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna 15a, 15b is designed for a frequency range of between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz and thus includes not only LoRaWAN but also NB-IoT in the gigahertz range and military frequencies. Other frequency ranges are possible.Fig. 3 further shows that the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are connected to one another via a signal line 16. This signal line 16 serves for communication of the antennas 15a, 15b with one another or for transmitting or receiving radio signals. Specifically, the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are connected to one another via a coaxial cable, as a result of which bidirectional transmission of the radio signal is rendered possible.In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs 1 to 3, the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b comprise a ceramic antenna. In other words, both antennas 15a, 15b are designed as ceramic antennas.Furthermore, the first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are of substantially planar design. In this case, the antennas 15a, 15b have a different size or a different surface area. Specifically, a surface area ratio of the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b is 1:2 and 1:12. It can be seen that the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b are arranged in the cover 11 such that they emit in a substantially opposite direction. In this case, the first antenna 15a radiates in the direction of the above-ground transmitter / receiver and the second antenna 15b radiates in the direction of the underground transmitter / receiver. The first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are separated in a longitudinal direction L of the radio unit 12. In other words, the two antennas 15a, 15b are arranged spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction L within the radio unit 12. The first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are further arranged in a centered manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. The first and the second antenna 15a, 15b are arranged in a manner separated by the magnitude of a maximum thickness of the cover 11 along the longitudinal direction L of the radio unit 12, that is to say spaced apart at a maximum distance from one another in the cover 11. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs 1 to 3, the radio unit 12 is inserted into the opening 13 in the cover 11 in such a way that the first antenna 15a faces an outer side of the cover 11 and the second antenna 15b faces an inner side of the cover 11. As a result, the first antenna 15a can communicate with transmitters / receivers arranged above ground and the second antenna 15b can communicate with transmitters / receivers arranged underground. The antenna support housing 14 shown in Figs 2 and 3 is constructed from two parts. In this case, the antenna support housing 14 comprises a housing upper part 14a and a housing lower part 14b. The housing upper part 14a and the housing lower part 14b form a closed-off housing. The first antenna 15a is arranged in the housing upper part 14a. Here, the housing upper part 14a is inserted into the opening 13 in the cover 11 from a first direction R1, so that a top side of the housing upper part 14a closes the opening 13 in the cover 11. The second antenna 15b is arranged in the housing lower part 14b. Here, the housing lower part 14b is inserted into the opening 13 in the cover 11 from a second direction R2, so that a bottom side of the housing lower part 14b closes the opening 13 in the cover 11. The antenna support housing 14 or the housing upper part 14a and / or the housing lower part 14b are / is formed from polyurethane (PUR). Other materials are conceivable. For example, the antenna support housing 14 can be formed from other pourable materials, such as concrete or polymer concrete. The housing upper part 14a and the housing lower part 14b are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner in the installed state shown. It can be seen that the housing upper part 14a has four projections 17 and the housing lower part 14b has four recesses 18. The projections 17 are designed here in such a way that they engage into the recesses 18. The form-fitting connection between the housing parts 14a, 14b is achieved in this way. It can also be seen that one of the four projections 17 and the associated recess 18 are designed to be larger than the other projections 17 and recesses 18. This has the effect that the housing parts 14a, 14b can be connected to one another only in one position. This ensures correct orientation of the antennas 15a, 15b. Furthermore, the housing upper part 14a and the housing lower part 14b are connected to the cover 11 in a form-fitting and materially bonded manner. A force-fitting connection is likewise possible. For this purpose, the cover 11 has an intermediate base 19. The intermediate base 19 has four continuous openings through which the projections 17 from the housing upper part 14a engage. Furthermore, the intermediate base 10 has an additional opening through which the signal line 16 for connecting the antennas 15a, 15b is passed. In addition, the housing upper part 14a and the housing lower part 14b are connected to the cover 11 in a materially bonded manner, specifically by adhesive bonding. In other words, the antenna support housing 14 is adhesively bonded into the cover 11. Fig. 1 further shows that the top side of the housing upper part 14a has checkering. The checkering is designed in accordance with DIN EN ISO 124-1, so that it is slip-resistant. Other embodiments with a single antenna in the cover are possible. In this case, a further antenna can be arranged outside the cover, for example in the shaft, the further antenna interacting with the single antenna in the cover.The communication method uses the cover according to Figs 1–3 and allows bidirectional signal transmission through the cover.List of reference signs10Drainage device11Cover12Radio unit13Opening in the cover14Antenna14aFirst antenna14bSecond antenna15Antenna support housing15aHousing upper part15bHousing lower part16Signal line17Projections from the housing upper part18Recesses in the housing lower part19Intermediate baseLLongitudinal direction of the radio unitR1First direction for inserting the housing upper partR2Second direction for inserting the housing lower part

Claims

1. A cover (11), particularly for construction, more particularly for drainage devices (10) for leading away liquid, having a radio unit (12) which can be inserted or is inserted into an opening (13) in the cover (11) and comprises the following: at least one antenna support housing (14), and at least one antenna (15) having at least one fundamental frequency, which antenna is arranged in the antenna support housing (14) and is designed to receive or emit radio signals, particularly at least a first and a second antenna (15a, 15b), wherein the at least one antenna (15) has at least one resonant frequency during use due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing (14) and / or in the cover (11), wherein the fundamental frequency of the antenna (15) is designed to be 0.3% to 30% greater than the resonant frequency.

2. The cover (11) as claimed in claim 1,characterized in thatthe fundamental frequency of the first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) is designed for a different frequency range in each case.  3. The cover (11) as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in thatthe resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna (15a, 15b) is designed for the same frequency range. 4. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna (15a, 15b) is designed for a frequency range of between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz. 5. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,characterized in thatthe first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) are connected to one another via a signal line (16), particularly a coaxial cable, for transmitting or receiving radio signals.  6. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,characterized in thatthe first and / or the second antenna (15a, 15b) comprise / comprises a ceramic antenna.

7. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) are of substantially planar design and / or a surface area ratio of the first antenna (15a) and the second antenna (15b) is between 1:2 and 1:

12.

8. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) are arranged such that they emit in a substantially opposite direction.   9. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,characterized in thatthe first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) are arranged in a separated manner in a longitudinal direction (L) of the radio unit (12), and particularly in a centered manner perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).  10. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,characterized in thatthe first and the second antenna (15a, 15b) are arranged in a manner separated substantially by the magnitude of a maximum thickness of the cover (11) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the radio unit (12). 11. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe radio unit (12) can be inserted into the opening (13) in the cover (11) in such a way that the first antenna (15a) faces an outer side of the cover (11) and the second antenna (15b) faces an inner side of the cover (11).

12. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe antenna support housing (14) comprises at least the following:a housing upper part (14a), in which the first antenna (15a) is arranged or can be arranged and which can be inserted into the opening (13) in the cover (11) from a first direction (R1) in such a way that a top side of the housing upper part (14a) closes the opening (13); anda housing lower part (14b), in which the second antenna (15b) is arranged or can be arranged and which can be inserted into the opening (13) in the cover (11) from a second direction (R2) in such a way that a bottom side of the housing lower part (14b) closes the opening.  13. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe antenna support housing (14), particularly the housing upper part (14a) and / or the housing lower part (14b), are / is formed from polyurethane (PUR).  14. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe housing upper part (14a) or the housing lower part (14b) are connected to one another and / or to the cover (11) in a form-fitting and / or materially bonded and / or force-fitting manner during use.  15. The cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims,characterized in thatthe top side of the housing upper part (14a) has checkering, particularly in such a way that the top side is slip-resistant, preferably in accordance with DIN EN ISO 124-1. 16. A method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building using a cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) separates an outer region from an inner region of the building, comprising the following steps:receiving a radio signal from the outer region by way of the first antenna (15a),forwarding the radio signal through the cover (11), particularly via a signal line, from the first antenna (15a) to the second antenna (15b),transmitting the radio signal into the inner region by way of the second antenna (15b).

17. A method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building using a cover (11) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) separates an outer region from an inner region of the building, comprising the following steps:receiving a radio signal from the inner region by way of the second antenna (15b),forwarding the radio signal through the cover (11), particularly via a signal line, from the second antenna (15b) to the first antenna (15a),transmitting the radio signal into theouter region by way of the first antenna (15a). 

Images