Module with integrated wireless local area network ethernet data interface

Abstract

The invention relates to an antenna (1) for a wireless local area network Ethernet data interface, having a rectangular printed circuit board (10), wherein on the printed circuit board (10) a signal line (11) and a reference ground line (12) are each provided by means of suitably configured printed conductors, and the signal line (11) is configured as a planar coil (11) on a first side (S1), and wherein the antenna (1) comprises a region (103) for providing a magnetically coupled state of a suitable data transmission of a first antenna (1) with a second antenna (1) of identical construction, which is configured such that by means of an adjacent arrangement of the regions (103) of the first and second antennas (1) a magnetically coupled state is provided, wherein the antennas (1) are each rotated by 180° relative to one another in the coupled state. The invention also relates to a module (M) with an integrated wireless local area network Ethernet data interface, which has a housing (3), a shielding element (2), a positioning element (4) and / or a protective cap (5) and a suitable antenna (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a module carrier equipped with a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) Ethernet data interface. The invention also particularly relates to an antenna suitable for the module, and a module suitable for connecting connectors and / or electric clutches.

[0002] Plug-in connector modules are needed to construct modular plug-in connectors. Here, a plug-in connector module houses modular contact inserts, and multiple plug-in connector modules with identical or different contact inserts are combined into a single plug-in connector. This allows for highly flexible assembly and configuration of the plug-in connector.

[0003] The connector module is either directly installed into the connector housing or first installed into and secured within the module frame. The module frame, containing the connector module, is then installed into the connector housing.

[0004] There are many plug connector modules known in the prior art for use with modular plug connectors. They vary in size, the number of contacts they accommodate, the size design of the contacts, and the type of contacts. Depending on the design of the plug connector module, it can be used to transmit signals and currents of various types, such as digital, analog, electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, optical, or hydraulic.

[0005] With increasing digitization, there is a growing need to transmit ever-increasing amounts of information. Interfaces for high-frequency signals and data transmission can be achieved through plug-in connections, such as those known from Ethernet cables. However, such plug-in connectors are not suitable for many applications, especially in industrial and outdoor settings, because they become unusable very quickly due to unavoidable contamination during use.

[0006] Therefore, in the prior art, for example in electric clutches used in railways, it is known to establish high-frequency data transmission from one carriage to the next or from a motor vehicle in one train section to a motor vehicle in a second train section via a radio link. Background Technology

[0007] For example, EP 3 011 643 B1 describes a retaining frame for mating connector modules, in which multiple different mating connector modules can be arbitrarily combined to provide a modularly constructed mating connector. The retaining frame holds the mating connector modules together and secures them to each other. The retaining frame can then be inserted into and secured within the mating connector housing. The mating connector can be connected to a mating mating connector that is also modular. Alternatively, the retaining frame can be used as a so-called attachment frame mounted on and secured to a housing or device wall.

[0008] This type of modular plug connector can be combined and assembled from multiple individual plug connectors. This requires a variety of standardized plug connector modules.

[0009] An electric clutch for railways is known from EP 2 616 304 B1. This electric clutch has a first clutch component and a second clutch component, each having a carrier. Multiple coupling components are arranged within the carriers, enabling electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic coupling between one clutch component and the other. A high-frequency coupling element is provided. This high-frequency coupling element is formed by an antenna in one clutch component and an antenna in the other clutch component. The high-frequency coupling element has two interacting high-frequency coupling components, each implemented as a plastic body that completely surrounds the antenna.

[0010] Known high-frequency couplers implemented as loop antennas, especially in electric clutches used in railways, can only be retrofitted and expanded in an unfavorable manner as an alternative to existing interfaces for high-frequency signal and data transmission via plug-in connections.

[0011] The German Patent and Trademark Office cited the following prior art in the priority application of this application: US 2016 / 0 149305A1. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of this invention is to provide a WLAN Ethernet data interface suitable for a variety of applications, which is particularly easy to install and modify. In this regard, an antenna suitable for this WLAN Ethernet data interface is also provided.

[0013] The objective is achieved through the features of the independent claims.

[0014] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims and / or the description below.

[0015] The present invention relates in particular to an antenna with a printed circuit board for a WLAN Ethernet data interface, wherein near-field antenna elements are constructed on the printed circuit board as printed conductors, and the printed circuit board is configured such that it cooperates with a second antenna of the same structure in a prescribed manner to provide high-speed data transmission.

[0016] Printed circuit boards can also be manufactured in large quantities at a cost-effective pace. Providing a wireless data interface using two identical, cooperating interfaces is also advantageous in terms of manufacturing technology and allows for easy installation in a variety of applications.

[0017] Antennas provided on printed circuit boards are particularly space-saving due to their essentially two-dimensional construction and their flexible applications.

[0018] On a first side of the antenna's printed circuit board, in a first region, signal lines and a first reference ground line and a second reference ground line are provided respectively by means of appropriately constructed printed conductors. Immediately following the first region, the signal lines are configured as planar coils in a suitable manner in a second region of the printed circuit board.

[0019] The second region of the printed circuit board includes a third region for providing a magnetic coupling state suitable for data transmission for the first antenna and the second antenna having the same structure. This third region is particularly advantageously configured such that a magnetic coupling state is provided by means of the adjacent arrangement of the third regions of the first and second antennas having the same structure.

[0020] For this purpose, the antenna is constructed in a suitable manner to provide the magnetic coupling state when two adjacent third regions are arranged with a small spacing of 1 to 10 mm, advantageously about 2.5 mm, and without touching each other.

[0021] The printed conductors on the printed circuit board are advantageously configured to interact with the signal lines, allowing the two antennas to rotate 180° relative to each other in a coupled state. This arrangement of the antennas is particularly space-saving.

[0022] The coil of the signal line is suitably constructed as a planar helical rectangular coil with at least one turn, and preferably has three to five turns to provide the desired reliable and high-performance coupling.

[0023] The coils are constructed as rectangular coils so that the desired magnetic coupling state is achieved, particularly by means of adjacent arrangement of only selected regions of the coils of the two antennas. In this way, space can be saved and the magnetic coupling state can be provided simply.

[0024] The third region for the coupling setup is therefore appropriately positioned on the edge of the printed circuit board and includes a coil setup for providing a predetermined area for magnetic coupling.

[0025] The coil is therefore constructed in a suitable manner, wherein the turns of the coil each have at least one first segment parallel to the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board and at least one second segment transverse to the first segment, wherein a third region disposed on the edge of the printed circuit board includes at least one second segment of the coil and preferably two or three second segments.

[0026] For WLAN / Ethernet compatibility, the impedance is expected to be within the range of 50Ω at the cable connector of the antenna. The signal line starts from the cable connector located at one edge of the printed circuit board and extends centered between a first reference ground line and a second reference ground line in a first region of the printed circuit board. The first reference ground line and the second reference ground line are arranged adjacent to the opposite longitudinal side edges of the printed circuit board in a suitable manner.

[0027] Here, the printed circuit board with the aforementioned edges is suitably constructed as a rectangle, with the third region and the cable connector respectively located on opposite wide side edges of the printed circuit board. The cable connector is suitably adapted for connecting a coaxial cable.

[0028] On the first side of the printed circuit board, in order to provide a suitable impedance for the cable connector of the antenna, the first width of the signal line, the spacing between the signal line and the first reference ground line and the second reference ground line, and the width of the reference ground line in the first region of the printed circuit board are respectively configured such that the first region is occupied by the signal line and the reference ground line.

[0029] In a suitable manner, the signal line has a width in a first region of the printed circuit board corresponding to the distance between the signal line and the first and second reference ground lines, wherein the width of the reference ground lines advantageously corresponds to about 1.2 to 2 times, particularly preferably about 1.5 times, the width of the signal line. Here, the first and second reference ground lines are respectively planarly configured as rectangles extending along the longitudinal direction of the printed circuit board.

[0030] Unlike the first region, the signal lines in the second region of the printed circuit board are constructed using narrow printed conductors with a width of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm, to form suitable coils.

[0031] The first section of the coil is arranged in a suitable manner with a first pitch of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably 0.3 mm. The second section of the coil is advantageously arranged with a second pitch of 2 to 10 times, preferably 5 times, the first pitch to provide the desired magnetic coupling.

[0032] The signal line extends in a suitable manner in the second region in a spiral shape with the turns of its coil until the middle of the coil and then leads to the opposite second side of the printed circuit board. The signal line extends centrally on the second side of the second region into the first region of the printed circuit board, which is planarly occupied on the second side of the printed circuit board adjacent to its first edge and cable connector by a third reference ground line to provide the desired impedance.

[0033] The length of the second region used for impedance matching can be varied without compromising functionality. However, the size of the first region containing the antenna and its spacing from the second region are crucial for functionality.

[0034] The antenna with the aforementioned features is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling within a 2 to 3 cm range. These features result in a favorable 50 Ω feed point impedance at the cable connector and a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s for a frequency of 5 GHz. Therefore, this antenna is suitable for providing a high-speed WLAN Ethernet data interface.

[0035] For ease of antenna mounting, the printed circuit board has a first through hole and a second through hole adjacent to the cable connector in a first region. The first through hole and the second through hole extend through the first reference ground line and the third reference ground line, as well as the second reference ground line and the third reference ground line, respectively. It is clear that the aforementioned reference ground lines on the printed circuit board are electrically connected to the reference ground line of the cable connector.

[0036] The first and second holes are respectively provided with a first spacer element and a second spacer element configured as a metal sleeve, so as to mount the antenna, in particular, in a suitable housing according to the invention, which is advantageously a module, in particular, for example, a module of a plug-in connector.

[0037] Therefore, the present invention also relates in particular to a module having an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface with a suitable antenna, the module being suitable for mounting in a module carrier and thus suitable for a variety of applications.

[0038] The antenna is advantageously arranged in the module such that it protrudes from the opening of the module by a predetermined amount, and the magnetic coupling state of the antenna is provided by the adjacent arrangement of the regions of the first and second antennas protruding from the opening of the module, through the first module having the first antenna and the second module having the second antenna, which is structurally identical and rotated 180°, arranged in a plane adjacent to the first module.

[0039] The module's antenna can be suitably configured as a planar antenna, particularly the aforementioned antenna provided on a printed circuit board according to the invention, wherein the region protruding from the opening in the module is the third region of the antenna.

[0040] Therefore, the antennas are arranged in the module in a suitable manner, spaced apart from the central area of ​​the opening by their printed circuit boards, such that the antennas of the module are arranged parallel to the plane of the module, especially in their coupled state. The aforementioned third region of the antennas is arranged adjacent to each other with a spacing of 1 to 10 mm, advantageously about 2.5 mm, without touching.

[0041] With regard to the aforementioned positioning of the antenna within the module, the module has a suitable housing and shielding elements.

[0042] The shielding element is advantageously made of metal. The antenna is secured in the shielding element in a suitable manner via a hole and spacer elements through which a reference ground wire passes, such that the reference ground wire of the antenna and the reference ground wire of the antenna cable connector are electrically connected to the shielding element.

[0043] The module's housing is suitably constructed of plastic and has an inner contour that engages with the outer contour of the shielding element, such that the shielding element is housed within and held therein. The housing also suitably has an outer contour that corresponds to the contour of the module carrier.

[0044] For particularly accurate, reliable and secure positioning of the antenna within the module, and for particularly reliable use of the module in outdoor areas, the module has positioning elements and / or protective covers, which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] The aforementioned module is particularly suitable for use in plug connectors together with other modules of the same structure and / or other modules, wherein the module carrier is the retaining frame of the plug connector corresponding to the module.

[0046] The retaining frame of the plug connector can be designed to accommodate multiple modules, and thus the retaining frame can also accommodate more than one of the aforementioned modules, which have an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface.

[0047] By using more than one of these modules, the data transmission rate of high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission can be extended in a simple way. Data transmission rates greater than 1 Gbit / s can be achieved in this way by using modules designed separately for a data transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s. The modules can be used individually for frequency channels in different frequency bands, depending on the specific configuration.

[0048] The aforementioned module is also particularly suitable for use in conjunction with other modules of the same structure and / or other modules in the clutch components of an electric clutch, where the clutch is located between two train sections connected to each other, wherein the module carrier is a component of the electric clutch.

[0049] In an electric clutch, more than one of the aforementioned modules can be installed, just as in a plug-in connector, thereby enabling the desired data transmission rate to be extended in a simple manner.

[0050] The aforementioned module is particularly suitable as a replacement for existing interfaces for high-frequency signal and data transmission via plug-in connections in electric clutches on railway tracks, and can be easily retrofitted and expanded.

[0051] Other features and advantages of the aforementioned module are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail below. Wherein are shown:

[0053] Figure 1A An antenna in a coupled state with a second antenna is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 1B It shows from another perspective Figure 1A The antenna coil;

[0055] Figure 2 An exploded view of a module according to an embodiment of the present invention and an enlarged schematic diagram of the module's antenna are shown from another perspective.

[0056] Figure 3A The coupling state of its antenna is shown. Figure 2 Two modules combined together;

[0057] Figure 3B The three modules in the module carrier are shown;

[0058] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the shielding element of the module from another perspective, showing an antenna inserted into the shielding element;

[0059] Figure 5A A shielding element is shown, which has an insertion point. Figure 2 The antenna inside the module's housing;

[0060] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A Modules equipped with protective covers;

[0061] Figure 6A It shows Figure 5B The two modules are in a coupled state with their antennas;

[0062] Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A longitudinal sectional view of the module;

[0063] Figure 7A The diagram shows two train sections and the clutch positioned between them; and

[0064] Figure 7B It shows Figure 7A A schematic diagram of an electric clutch. Detailed Implementation

[0065] The accompanying drawings contain partially simplified schematic diagrams. Partially, the same reference numerals are used for the same, but not entirely identical, elements. Not all reference numerals are given in all drawings. Different views of the same elements may be shown at varying degrees of scaling.

[0066] Figure 1A Antenna 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is coupled to a second antenna 1 with the same structure. Antenna 1 includes a rectangular printed circuit board 10 having a length L10 and a width B10. A cable connector 14 for a coaxial cable is provided on a first edge B1 of the wide side of the printed circuit board 10, which is disposed in the middle of the edge B1. Signal lines 11 extend from the cable connector along one side S1 of the printed circuit board 10 in the longitudinal direction L of the printed circuit board 10, parallel to the two longitudinal side edges of the printed circuit board 10.

[0067] Signal line 11 extends centrally between two reference ground lines 12 in the first region 101 of printed circuit board 10. The two reference ground lines, like signal line 11, extend from cable connector 14 in the longitudinal direction L parallel to the two longitudinal side edges of printed circuit board 10. The two reference ground lines 12 are arranged adjacent to the two longitudinal side edges of printed circuit board 10.

[0068] In the first region 101, the first width of the signal line 11, the spacing between the signal line 11 and the reference ground line 12, and the second width of the reference ground line 12 are respectively configured such that the first region 101 is occupied by the signal line 11 and the reference ground line 12. The signal line 11 has a width of approximately 3 mm and a spacing of approximately 2 mm from the reference ground line 12 in this region. The width of the reference ground line 12 is greater than the width of the signal line 11 and is approximately 4.5 mm. In particular, the reference ground line 12 is planarly configured as a rectangle extending along the longitudinal direction L of the printed circuit board 10.

[0069] The signal line is 3mm wide, 2mm apart from the first and second reference ground lines, and the reference ground line is 4.3mm wide. All of these, together with a printed circuit board thickness of approximately 1.6mm and standard printed circuit board material, result in an impedance of 50 ohms. Specifying individual characteristics relative to each other does not result in a targeted impedance value.

[0070] The printed circuit board 10 and the connector 14 each have holes on the reference ground line 12 adjacent to each other, and spacers 13 are arranged at the holes on this side S1 of the printed circuit board 10. The holes and spacers 13 are specifically provided for securing and positioning the printed circuit board 10 in the module M described below.

[0071] The aforementioned first region 101 extends approximately to the middle of the printed circuit board 10 along the longitudinal direction L. Here, the second region 102 of the printed circuit board 10 is attached to the first region 101. It is clear that the signal line 11 and the reference ground line 12 are respectively configured as printed conductors on the printed circuit board 10, which have the aforementioned planar extension in the first region 101.

[0072] The signal line 11 in the second region 102 is constructed to be much narrower than the rectangular, planar, and spiral coils 11, which in this embodiment of the antenna 1 have four turns. The turns of the coil 11 here have a first segment 111 and a second segment 112, which are constructed perpendicular to each other. The segments 111 are arranged parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the printed circuit board 10.

[0073] In this embodiment of antenna 1, coil 11 is configured such that a first segment 111 of the first turn of coil 11 is arranged adjacent to two opposing longitudinal side edges of printed circuit board 10. In this case, a second segment 112 of the first turn of coil 11 is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the edge B2 of printed circuit board 10 opposite to cable connector 14.

[0074] The signal line 11 extends spirally from its first turn in the second region 102 to the center of the planar spiral coil 11 and then to the other side S2 of the printed circuit board 10. The signal line 11 extends centrally along the longitudinal direction L on this side S2 in the region 102 to the first region 101, which is planarly occupied by the third reference ground line 12 adjacent to the first edge B1 of the printed circuit board 10 and the antenna connector 14. In this embodiment of the antenna 1, the first region 101 and the second region 102 are suitably approximately the same size.

[0075] Figure 1A The two antennas 1 are arranged in their coupled state as described above and are stacked adjacently on top of each other in the regions 103 opposite to the cable connector 14. Here, the first sides S1 of the antennas with coils 11 are arranged adjacent to each other and the antennas 1 are rotated 180° relative to each other in the longitudinal direction L. Suitablely, the antennas 1 are arranged here with the smallest possible spacing without touching each other, which may be, for example, approximately equivalent to the thickness of their printed circuit board 10. The printed circuit board 10 can be a standard printed circuit board with a thickness of 1.6 mm.

[0076] Figure 1B This was shown from another perspective. Figure 1AThe antenna 1 has a coil 11, wherein the coils 11 are stacked adjacently on top of each other, and the coils have a first turn segment 111 and a second turn segment 112 respectively. In this embodiment of the antenna 1, the two second turn segments 112 are arranged in a way that provides magnetic coupling.

[0077] For this purpose, the signal lines 11 of the coil 11 are formed using printed conductors with a width of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm. In this case, the first segments 111 are arranged with a spacing of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, preferably about 0.3 mm, while the spacing of the second segments 112 is relatively larger, especially in the coupling region 103, preferably about 5 times the spacing of the first segments 111. In this embodiment, the spacing of the second segments 112 is appropriately about 1.5 mm.

[0078] The spacing of the printed conductors in region 112 is approximately 1.5 mm, which is about 5 times that in region 111 (0.28 mm). The width of the printed conductors is 0.52 mm.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, region 103 is exemplarily designed to provide a magnetic coupling state for high-frequency transmission of the antenna 1 by means of two adjacent second segments 112 of the coil 11, i.e., by means of a second segment 112 of the first turn of the coil 11 and a second segment 112 of a turn adjacent to the first turn of the coil 11. It should be understood that region 103 is also advantageously designed to provide a coupling state for high-frequency transmission of the antenna 1 by means of more than two adjacent second segments 112 of the coil 11.

[0080] Antenna 1, having the aforementioned features, is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling within a 2 to 3 cm range and is suitable for high-speed WLAN Ethernet data interfaces. Antenna 1, having these features, has an impedance of 50 Ω at its cable connector and is designed for a frequency range of 5 GHz with a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s. The aforementioned antenna 1 is particularly suitable for integration into module M, as described below.

[0081] Figure 2 An exploded view of a module M according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, the module having a module housing 3, a shielding element 2, an antenna 1, and a positioning element 4.

[0082] In the exploded view, the printed circuit board 10 of antenna 1 is shown only schematically, and thus antenna 1 is shown magnified from another perspective with its printed circuit board 10, its cable connector 14 and two spacer elements 13 in a prescribed combination. Figure 2 The implementation of antenna 1 basically corresponds to Figure 1AThe above-described embodiment of antenna 1 is referred to, therefore. Figure 1A The corresponding description of it.

[0083] and Figure 1A The implementation differs; the coil 11 is constructed to be narrower, and the two longitudinal side edges of the printed circuit board 10 have steps, particularly in region 103, thus region 103 of the printed circuit board 10 is constructed to be correspondingly narrower. For clarity, the aforementioned narrowed portion of the printed circuit board 10 is not shown in the exploded view.

[0084] Module M is provided with a housing 3 for a suitable module carrier 6 and is constructed accordingly. The module carrier 6 can, in particular, accommodate a retaining frame 6 for a plug-in connector. The housing 3 has an outer contour that corresponds to the shape of the retaining frame 6 and includes suitable latches and retaining elements. The assembled module M, fitted into the retaining frame 6, is described below. Figure 3B Describe it.

[0085] The housing 3 has an opening 30 and an inner contour that engages with the outer contour of the shielding element 2, such that the shielding element 2, introduced into the housing 3 through the opening 30, is housed and held within the housing 3 in a prescribed manner. The housing 3 is suitably made of plastic.

[0086] The shielding element 2 is suitably made of metal and has an outer contour that engages with the inner contour shape of the housing 3, as described above. The shielding element 2 provides a suitable carrier element for receiving and housing the antenna 1 into the module M.

[0087] The shielding element 2 has an opening 20 and two threaded holes 22, which correspond to spacer elements 13 located at holes in the printed circuit board 10. This allows the printed circuit board 10, through which the antenna 1 is introduced into the shielding element 2 via the opening 20, to be positioned and secured in the threaded holes and within the shielding element 2 by means of screws (not shown in the figures) guided through the holes in the printed circuit board 10 and the spacer elements 13. The spacer elements 13 are suitably constructed as metal sleeves to provide electrical contact between the antenna 1 and the reference ground wire 12 of the cable connector 14 and the shielding element 2.

[0088] Clearly, the shielding element 2 and the housing 3 also have rear openings respectively disposed opposite to the openings 20 and 30, through which the aforementioned screw and the connector 14 for the cable joint can be accessed respectively. For this purpose, the connector 14 is suitably configured as an SMA spiral connector and is therefore particularly suitable for coaxial cables.

[0089] The shielding element 2 has two threaded holes 21 constructed in a flange-like manner on the outside of its opening 20. The threaded holes are suitable for fixing other components, such as those shown in the following reference. Figure 5B The described positioning element 4 and / or protective cover 5.

[0090] Positioning element 4 provides track-like guidance and positioning for antenna 1 and is accordingly constructed with two recesses 42 for receiving printed circuit board 10. Positioning element 4 is provided with two holes 41 for fastening to the flange-like edge of opening 20 of shielding element 2, and can be fastened to shielding element 2 in a prescribed manner via holes 41 and threaded holes 21 by corresponding screws (not shown).

[0091] The positioning element 4 also includes an angled region 43 of a certain size, which is substantially equivalent to the predetermined length by which the printed circuit board 10 of the antenna 1 mounted in the shielding element 2 extends from the opening 20 of the shielding element 2, particularly the region 103 configured for coupling. Here, the angled portion 43 is configured to protect the printed circuit board 10 from the side.

[0092] The spacer element 13 and the positioning element 4 with a recess 42 are designed such that the antenna 1, which protrudes from the opening 20 of the module M to form a predetermined region 103 for coupling the antenna 1, is eccentrically spaced from the middle region of the module M. This spacing is designed so that the first module M and the second module M, which is structurally identical and rotated 180°, can enter the coupling state of the antenna 1 with their protruding antennas from the module M, which allows for high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission.

[0093] In response, Figure 3A The coupling state of its antenna 1 is shown. Figure 2 The two combined modules M, wherein in this state, the regions 103 of antenna 1 are arranged adjacent to each other without touching and are protected on two opposite sides by the angled regions 43 of positioning elements 4. The upper part of the housing 3, already referenced in the figure, is also shown in the figure. Figure 2 The description includes a rear opening and an accessible cable connector 14 for connecting cables, the cable connector being a spiral connector that functions as an SMA connector. Modules M, structurally identical and each rotating 180° relative to each other, are arranged in a single plane.

[0094] Figure 3B Three modules M are illustrated exemplary in a first retaining frame 6, which is particularly suitable for modular plug connectors and is designed to accommodate six modules. The retaining frame 6 is designed as a hinged frame and is shown schematically in the figures with a simplified representation. The outer contours of the modules M correspond to the contour elements of the retaining frame 6, such that the modules M are secured within the retaining frame 6.

[0095] The retaining frame 6 can accommodate three additional modules, which can be constructed differently and can be used to transmit signals and currents of various types, such as digital, analog, electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, optical, or hydraulic.

[0096] By using more than one module M, the data transmission rate of high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission can be extended in a simple manner. With the three modules M, each designed for a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s, a data transmission rate greater than 1 Gbit / s can be achieved in a simple manner. The modules M are used here, respectively, for frequency channels within the frequency band, as appropriate.

[0097] The retaining frame 6 can be inserted into and fixed within the housing of the plug connector in a prescribed manner. A second retaining frame 6, with identical structure, can rotate 180° to hold the three modules M in positions corresponding to the three modules M, these three held modules corresponding to the modules M and rotating 180° accordingly for their prescribed coupling. The second retaining frame 6 can be inserted into and fixed within the housing of the mating plug connector corresponding to the plug connector housing.

[0098] Module M is designed correspondingly to the retaining frame 6, such that when the plug connector is fixed in the first and second retaining frames 6, it provides a front reference for the coupling state of the antenna 1 of module M when the plug connector is connected to the mating plug connector in the prescribed direction S. Figure 3A The location described. The region 103 of the printed circuit board 10 protruding from the module M along the insertion direction S is arranged adjacent to the coils 11 of the two oppositely arranged modules M in a prescribed manner and has a small predetermined spacing.

[0099] Figure 4 In particular, to better understand module M, it is shown from another perspective Figure 2 An enlarged schematic diagram of the shielding element 2 of module M. Figure 2 Antenna 1 is installed into shielding element 2 as specified. Therefore, for clarity and explicitness, in Figure 4 The image also shows an overview of the antenna 1 without shielding element 2.

[0100] The printed circuit board 10 of antenna 1 protrudes a predetermined number L2 from the opening 20 of shielding element 2 along the connection direction S of the second module M, which is rotated 180° and has the same structure as module M. This opening is surrounded by a flange-like edge with two threaded holes 21. The printed circuit board 10 also protrudes from the rear opening of shielding element 2 with its end opposite to the opening 20 and its cable connector 14.

[0101] The printed circuit board 10 is fastened adjacent to the cable connector 14 to the threaded hole 22 of the shielding element 2 by means of screws, wherein the printed circuit board 10 is spaced apart from the central region of the opening 20 by means of spacer element 13, which is shown in the figure by a dashed line extending transversely to the opening 20 and through the threaded hole 21.

[0102] Antenna 1 is arranged within shielding element 2 such that its printed circuit board 10 extends parallel to the connection direction S of module M. The aforementioned spacing with respect to the central region of opening 20 is predetermined such that the printed circuit boards 10 of the two modules M arranged in their coupled state are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined small spacing and do not touch each other.

[0103] Clearly, the connection direction S of module M, which provides its coupling state, corresponds to the insertion direction S of the plug connector having module M. The antenna 1, positioned within the shielding element 2, is designed such that the printed circuit board 10 of antenna 1 is parallel to the connection direction S or insertion direction S of the module and is arranged in a planar manner.

[0104] Especially for a better understanding of module M, Figure 5A An enlarged view of shielding element 2 is shown, in which antenna 1 is installed. Figure 2 The shielding element 2 protrudes from the rear opening of the housing 3 along with the printed circuit board 10. Only the upper and lower edges of the housing 3 extend slightly beyond the flange-like edges of the opening 20 of the shielding element 2 along the connection direction S.

[0105] Figure 5B It shows Figure 5A The module M has an opening 20 with a protective cover 5. The protective cover 5 is made of a suitable plastic and has an advantageous dual function. On the one hand, the protective cover specifically protects the area 103 of the antenna 1 from contamination, and on the other hand, it acts as a positioning element 4 to secure the printed circuit board 10 in its position. For this purpose, the protective cover 5, like the edge of the opening 20, is flange-shaped with two holes 51, which correspond to the threaded holes 21 of the shielding element 2, thereby allowing the protective cover 5 to be fastened to the module M by means of screws. Furthermore, the shape of the protective cover 5 corresponds to the printed circuit board 10 protruding from the opening 20.

[0106] It is clear that module M may also have this protective cover 5 in addition to the positioning element 4. It is also clear that, taking into account the accessibility of the cable connector 14, the rear opening of the shielding element 2 may also be provided with other appropriately constructed protective covers. It is also clear that module M equipped with protective cover 5 is particularly suitable for sensitive areas in industrial settings or outdoor areas.

[0107] Figure 6A It shows Figure 5B The two modules M are in a coupled state with their antenna 1 and Figure 6B It shows Figure 6A A longitudinal sectional view of module M.

[0108] Figure 6ATwo modules M arranged adjacent to each other in a plane along the connection direction S of module M are substantially corresponding to Figure 3A Therefore, please refer to the preceding description.

[0109] Figure 6B First, the shielding element 2, which is arranged in a form-locking manner within the housing 3, is shown. Figure 6B The structure of the protective cover 5 is shown in particular. The protective cover surrounds the printed circuit board 10 in its shape. The protective cover 5 is constructed corresponding to the printed circuit board 10 and is arranged adjacent to the printed circuit board 10 from three sides, namely, adjacent to the first side S1 and the second side S2 of the printed circuit board 10 and the corresponding end edge B2.

[0110] Module M is arranged in its coupled state such that the protective shields 5 have a small gap and do not touch each other. The spacing of the printed circuit boards 10 transverse to the connection direction S is on the order of the thickness of the printed circuit board 10 and is between 1 and 10 mm, advantageously about 2.5 mm.

[0111] The antenna coils are spaced approximately 2.5 mm apart in the coupled state. Smaller spacing is more advantageous, but the structure based on the shielding element cannot be easily manufactured.

[0112] Figure 7A A schematic diagram is shown of two interconnected train sections connected by a clutch 70. Each train section includes a motor vehicle 7. The clutch 70 connects the two motor vehicles 7 and includes two clutch components, one a mechanical clutch and the other an electric clutch. Figure 7B It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0113] In modern trains, mechanical and electric clutches 71 can be operated automatically to establish mechanical connections when multiple train sections' motor vehicles or carriages of a train section are coupled together, and to provide the electrical, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic connections required for control. For this purpose, the electric clutch 71 typically has multiple plug-in connections.

[0114] At least one of the aforementioned modules M is integrated into a suitable module carrier 6 of the electric clutch 71, thereby providing high-frequency data transmission when the clutch 70 is engaged. High-frequency coupling is achieved here through modules M respectively arranged in the clutch components of the electric clutch 71.

[0115] Even though different embodiments or features of the invention are presented in combination in the accompanying drawings, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that, unless otherwise indicated, the shown and mentioned combinations are not the only possible ones. In particular, corresponding combinations of units or features in different embodiments may be interchanged with each other.

[0116] List of reference numerals

[0117] 1 antenna, near-field antenna

[0118] 10 Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)

[0119] Areas 101, 102, and 103

[0120] 11. Signal lines and coils

[0121] Sections 111 and 112, and ramp section

[0122] 12 Reference Grounding Wire

[0123] 13. Spacer elements and fastening elements

[0124] 14 connectors, cable connectors

[0125] 2. Shielding components and carrier components

[0126] 20 opening

[0127] Threaded holes 21 and 22

[0128] 3-module housing, housing

[0129] 30 opening

[0130] 4. Positioning elements

[0131] 41 holes

[0132] 42 recesses, grooves

[0133] 43 Angle Section

[0134] 5. Covers and protective shields

[0135] 51 holes

[0136] 6. Module carrier, maintaining framework

[0137] 7. Train components and motor vehicles

[0138] 70 Clutch

[0139] 71 Electric clutch

[0140] M module

[0141] B1, B2 edges

[0142] B10 width

[0143] L longitudinal direction

[0144] L10, L2 length and quantity

[0145] S Connection direction, plug-in direction

[0146] S1 and S2 sides

Claims

1. An antenna (1) for a wireless local area network Ethernet data interface, the antenna having a rectangular printed circuit board (10) having Width (B10) and length (L10) and longitudinal direction (L), and has The first edge (B1) and the second edge (B2) on the wide sides opposite to each other, and having A first region (101) and a second region (102), the first region and the second region extending sequentially from the first edge (B1) to the second edge (B2), and having First side (S1) and second side (S2), and having The signal line (11) and the reference ground line (12) are provided respectively by means of printed conductors. in, The signal line (11) is constructed as a planar coil in the second region (102) on the first side (S1), and wherein the second region (102) on the first side (S1) includes a third region (103) for providing a magnetic coupling state suitable for data transmission for a second antenna with the same structure as the first antenna, the third region being configured such that a magnetic coupling state is provided by the adjacent arrangement of the third region (103) of the first antenna and the third region (103) of the second antenna, wherein, In the coupled state, the antennas (1) rotate 180° relative to each other, such that the third regions (103) face each other adjacently. The coil is configured as a rectangular coil with at least one turn of a spiral, and the turns of the coil each have at least one first segment (111) parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the printed circuit board (10) and at least one second segment (112) transverse to the first segment (111), and the third region (103) is arranged on the second edge (B2) and includes at least one second segment (112) of the coil.

2. The antenna (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The coil is constructed as a rectangular coil with three to five turns in a spiral shape, and wherein... The third region (103) includes two or three second segments (112) of the coil.

3. The antenna (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The signal line (11) extends centered on the first side (S1) from a cable connector (14) disposed on the first edge (B1) of the printed circuit board (10) between a first reference ground line and a second reference ground line in a first region (101) of the printed circuit board (10), wherein the first reference ground line and the second reference ground line are disposed adjacent to the two longitudinal side edges of the printed circuit board (10), and wherein, In the first region (101), the first width of the signal line (11), the distance between the signal line (11) and the first reference ground line and the second reference ground line, and the second width of the reference ground line (12) are respectively configured such that the first region (101) is occupied by the signal line (11) and the reference ground line (12).

4. The antenna (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The signal line (11) has a width in a first region (101) of the printed circuit board corresponding to its spacing from the first reference ground line and the second reference ground line, and wherein the width of the reference ground line (12) is 1.2 to 2 times the width of the signal line (11), and wherein, The first and second reference ground lines are planarly configured to be rectangular shapes extending along the longitudinal direction (L) of the printed circuit board (10).

5. The antenna (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The width of the reference ground wire (12) is 1.5 times the width of the signal line (11).

6. The antenna (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The signal line (11) is constructed in the second region (102) of the printed circuit board (10) by means of printed conductors having a width of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, and wherein, The first sections (111) of the coil are arranged with a first spacing of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and The second section (112) of the coil is arranged with a second spacing of 2 to 10 times the first spacing.

7. The antenna (1) according to claim 6, wherein: The signal line (11) is constructed in the second region (102) of the printed circuit board (10) by means of a printed conductor with a width of 0.5 mm, wherein the first section (111) of the coil is arranged with a first spacing of 0.3 mm, and the second section (112) of the coil is arranged with a second spacing of 5 times the first spacing.

8. The antenna (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The signal line (11) extends spirally in the second region (102) with the turns of its coil until the center of the coil and then leads to the second side (S2) of the printed circuit board (10), wherein, The signal line (11) extends centrally from the second region (102) on the second side (S2) into the first region (101), which is planarly occupied by a third reference ground line adjacent to the first edge (B1) of the printed circuit board (10).

9. The antenna (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The printed circuit board (10) of the antenna (1) has a first through-hole and a second through-hole in the first region (101) adjacent to the first edge (B1), passing through a first reference ground line and a third reference ground line, and wherein, The first and second through holes are respectively provided together with the first and second spacer elements configured as metal sleeves for mounting the antenna (1) in the housing.

10. The antenna (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The antenna (1) is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling in a range of 2 to 3 cm, wherein, The antenna (1) has an impedance of 50Ω at the cable connector and is designed for a frequency range of 5GHz with a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s, and wherein, The antenna (1) is suitable for providing a WLAN Ethernet data interface.

11. A module (M) having an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface, the module having a housing (3), a shielding element (2), a positioning element (4), and / or a protective cover (5) and having an antenna (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the antenna having a signal line (11) and a reference ground line (12), for mounting into a module carrier (6), wherein, The antenna (1) is arranged in the module (M) and protrudes a predetermined value (L2) from the opening (20) of the module (M) such that the magnetic coupling state of the signal line (11) of the antenna (1) is provided by means of the first module having the first antenna and the second module having the same structure, rotated 180°, having the second antenna, and arranged in a plane adjacent to the first module, through the adjacent arrangement of the first antenna and the second antenna.

12. The module (M) according to claim 11, wherein, The antenna (1) is spaced apart from the central region of the opening (20) by its printed circuit board (10), and the printed circuit board (10) is arranged parallel to the plane of the module (M).

13. The module (M) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The shielding element (2) is made of metal and is electrically connected to the reference ground wire (12) of the antenna (1) and the reference ground wire of the cable connector (14) of the antenna (1).

14. The module (M) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The housing (3) is made of plastic and has an inner contour that engages with the outer contour of the shielding element (2) in a locking manner, such that the shielding element (2) is housed and held in the housing (3), wherein the housing (3) has an outer contour that corresponds to the contour of the module carrier (6).

15. The module (M) according to claim 11 or 12, used together with another module (M) of the same structure and / or another module in a plug connector, wherein, The module carrier (6) is the retaining frame of the plug connector.

16. The module (M) according to claim 11 or 12, used together with another module (M) of the same structure and / or another module in the electric clutch (71) of the clutch component of the clutch (70), the clutch being disposed between two train sections connected to each other, wherein, The module carrier (6) is a component of the electric clutch (71).

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