Central buffer coupler, signal transceiver, vehicle component and computer-implemented method

Abstract

A central buffer coupler has a first coupling head adapted to be mounted on a first vehicle component of a multi-component vehicle. The first coupling head comprises a first signal transceiver (100) for communicating with a second signal transceiver (200) mounted on a second coupling head on a second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle. When the first coupling head and the second coupling head are mechanically interconnected, the first signal transceiver (100) and the second signal transceiver (200) are positioned facing each other in a physical matching manner such that the respective microwave transmitter (111, 211) and the microwave receiver (121, 221) thereof face each other in the interface module pair (151, 251), wherein a first waveguide transmit antenna (131) of a first microwave transmitter (111) in the first signal transceiver (100) physically matches a second waveguide receive antenna (232) configured to communicatively connect to a second microwave receiver (221) in the second signal transceiver (200). Similarly, a first waveguide receive antenna (132) of a first microwave receiver (121) in the first signal transceiver (100) physically matches a second waveguide transmit antenna (231) configured to communicatively connect to a second microwave transmitter (211) in the at least one second signal transceiver (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to the communication of signals, information, and data between vehicle components in a multi-component vehicle, such as a railway vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a central buffer coupler according to the preamble of claim 1, and also to a signal transceiver included in the central buffer coupler and a vehicle component carrying the central buffer coupler. Furthermore, the present invention includes a software-implemented method for use with the proposed signal transceiver. Background Art

[0002] For safe and reliable operation of railway trains, it is crucial that commands, status information and signals can be communicated bidirectionally without interruption between the railway vehicles in the train.

[0003] For example, GB2450520 shows a communication system for transmitting communications within a railway train, which includes a data bus adapted to transmit data via point-to-point connections according to the Internet Protocol. Devices are connected to the data bus, wherein the devices are adapted to receive and / or transmit safety-related data (e.g., braking, door control) via the data bus. The data bus may be a ring with ring switches, allowing data to be sent along multiple paths, and such a ring in each car or group of cars is connected to a main bus running throughout the train and connected via train switches.

[0004] For efficiency reasons, it is more important that railway vehicles can be coupled and decoupled from a train in a convenient manner while ensuring continuous communication between the railway vehicles comprised in the train before and after coupling / decoupling, respectively.

[0005] Due to the harsh environments in which couplers operate, it can be advantageous to avoid galvanic connectors at the interfaces between different railway vehicles. US Pat. No. 8,985,356 describes an embodiment of an electric coupler for railways, comprising a first coupling part and a second coupling part, each of which includes a support in which a plurality of connection parts are arranged for establishing an electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic connection from one coupling part to the other. Furthermore, at least one high-frequency link is provided, formed by an enclosed antenna in one coupling part and an enclosed antenna in the other coupling part.

[0006] WO 2007 / 079501 discloses another contactless data communication coupler. Here, a contactless data connection suitable for transmitting data across an air gap is provided. The data connection comprises a first substrate and a loosely coupled broadband pulse transformer for transmitting data across an air gap separating a primary winding from a secondary winding of the transformer. The primary winding of the transformer comprises at least two planar windings formed in parallel planes on and / or within the first substrate to eliminate transmission line resonances caused by the distributed capacitance and inductance of the planar windings.

[0007] US 2007 / 0054562 discloses an automatic central buffer coupler for a multi-unit vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, comprising a coupling head and a signal transmission device for transmitting and / or receiving electrical signals between a first vehicle body and a second vehicle body. The signal transmission device is integrated into the central buffer coupler and is designed to be robust and compact, while also being based on a system that is as wear- and maintenance-free as possible. The signal transmission device, disposed in the central buffer, comprises at least one coupling element and at least one counter-coupling element. The coupling element is integrated into the contact plate of the coupling head of the coupler, and the counter-coupling element is integrated into the contact plate of the coupling head of the countercoupler, such that the front face of the coupling element is arranged opposite the front face of the counter-coupling element integrated into the coupling head of the countercoupler in the contact plane of the coupling head. Each of the coupling element and the counter-coupling element comprises an antenna component comprising a disk monopole antenna configured to transmit data in the GHz frequency range.

[0008] Therefore, there are solutions for the contactless exchange of commands, status information, signals, etc. between railway vehicles in a train. However, today's train operators require data communication at higher bit rates than are possible with the aforementioned designs. At the same time, the communication interfaces must be robust, reliable, and cost-optimized. Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution which solves the above-mentioned problems and enables wireless and bidirectional data communication between railway vehicles at multi-gigabits per second and which can be realized by simple parts which are resistant to deformation.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, the aforementioned object is achieved by a central buffered coupler for a multi-component vehicle, the central buffered coupler comprising a first coupling head adapted to be mounted on a first vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle. The first coupling head further comprises at least one first signal transceiver and a coupling element configured to be mechanically coupled to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle. The second coupling head is configured to comprise at least one second signal transceiver, the second signal transceiver being arranged such that when the coupling element is mechanically coupled to the counter-coupling element, the at least one first signal transceiver and the at least one second signal transceiver are positioned facing each other in a physically mated manner. The at least one first signal transceiver comprises at least one microwave transmitter and at least one microwave receiver, the microwave transmitter and the microwave receiver being arranged such that, in at least one first interface module pair, at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna of the at least one first microwave transmitter of the at least one first signal transceiver physically mates with at least one second waveguide receiving antenna of the at least one second waveguide receiving antenna configured to be communicatively coupled to at least one second microwave receiver of the at least one second signal transceiver. Similarly, when the coupling element is mechanically coupled to the counter-coupling element, the at least one first waveguide receive antenna of the at least one first microwave receiver in the at least one first signal transceiver is physically matched with the at least one second waveguide transmit antenna, and the second waveguide transmit antenna is configured to be communicatively coupled to the at least one second microwave transmitter in the at least one second signal transceiver.

[0011] This central buffer coupler is advantageous because it enables bidirectional transmission of data at very high bit rates between, for example, railway vehicles, with a low risk of signal degradation due to spurious emissions or intermodulation distortion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, each of the at least one interface module pair includes at least one shielding wall member configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the at least one first signal transceiver and the at least one second signal transceiver during operation. Thus, undesirable spurious emissions can be further reduced.

[0013] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the at least one first signal transceiver is included in the first communication unit, and the at least one second signal transceiver is configured to be included in the second communication unit. The first communication unit has a first front side that is arranged to face a second front side that is configured to be included in the second communication unit. In addition, at least one of the first and second front sides includes at least one protruding element that is configured to be received by at least one matching groove in an opposing one of at least one of the first and second front sides when the first coupling head is mechanically connected to the second coupling head. Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna is arranged so that it physically matches the at least one second waveguide receiving antenna, and that the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna physically matches the at least one second waveguide transmitting antenna. As a result, duplex communication with relatively low transmission loss can be achieved.

[0014] It is further advantageous if each of the first front side and the second front side further comprises at least one respective electrical coupler configured to transmit power between the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component, said at least one respective electrical coupler likewise being arranged to physically mate with one another. Thus, feeding power between different vehicle components, such as a railway vehicle, is straightforward, should this be necessary during operation of a multi-component vehicle.

[0015] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the first communication unit includes a cover that is selectively arranged in a first position or a second position. In the first position, the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna and the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna are physically shielded by the cover, i.e., the antennas are mechanically protected and inoperable. However, in the second position, the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna and the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna are exposed for potential signal exchange with the at least one second waveguide receiving antenna and the at least one second transmitting antenna, respectively. The first signal transceiver is further configured to cause the at least one first microwave transmitter to transmit a detection signal, examine the reception characteristics of the detection signal via the at least one first microwave receiver, and, based on the detection signal, determine whether the cover is arranged in the first position or the second position. Thus, the first signal transceiver can verify that it is mechanically ready for connection to the second signal transceiver before proceeding to do so.

[0016] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the at least one first signal transceiver includes a first modem configured to convert incoming packet data information from the first vehicle component into an outgoing microwave signal for transmission via the at least one first microwave transmitter, and to convert microwave signals received via the at least one first microwave receiver into outgoing packet data information to the first vehicle component. Thus, full-duplex communication can be performed via the at least one first signal transceiver, which is configured to be connected to at least one second signal transceiver in another vehicle component.

[0017] Preferably, the first modem is configured to transmit packet data information in Ethernet format via at least one data bus carried by at least one twisted pair cable, at least one coaxial cable, and / or at least one optical fiber. Thus, it is convenient to exchange commands, signals, states, etc. between the first vehicle component and other vehicle components.

[0018] It is also advantageous if the first modem is configured to transmit packet data information while implementing traffic classification and resource reservation control mechanisms that comply with quality of service standards. This allows information, commands, signals, etc. of varying criticality to be exchanged in parallel via the first modem while ensuring that the most important information, commands, signals, etc. are transmitted in a timely manner.

[0019] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the first modem is configured to be communicatively coupled to one or more full-duplex microwave transceiver modules, each of which includes a pair of at least one first microwave transmitter and at least one second microwave receiver. This is advantageous because it facilitates expanding the bandwidth of the first signal transceiver by an amount equal to the communication capacity of one of the modules.

[0020] That is, preferably, each of the one or more full-duplex microwave transceiver modules is configured to process bidirectional data traffic at a specific bit rate (eg, 6 to 10 Gbit / s).

[0021] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, each of the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna includes a corresponding horn antenna, and each of the at least one first waveguide receive antenna includes a corresponding horn antenna. Thus, physical matching of the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna to the at least one first waveguide receive antenna is relatively straightforward with overall low signal loss.

[0022] Further preferably, each of the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna and each of the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna are covered by a sealing film configured to allow only unidirectional passage of moisture from the first signal transceiver and the second signal transceiver, respectively; and / or the first signal transceiver is provided with a drainage system. Alternatively, the first signal transceiver may be encapsulated in a moisture-proof material or covered with a moisture-proof coating.

[0023] According to other aspects of the present invention, the object is achieved by a signal transceiver included in the proposed central buffer coupler and a vehicle component each configured to form part of a multi-component vehicle, the vehicle component including the proposed central buffer coupler. From the above discussion with reference to the proposed central buffer coupler, the advantages of such a signal transceiver and vehicle component as well as preferred embodiments thereof are apparent.

[0024] According to another aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a computer-implemented method comprising the following steps: Controlling at least one first microwave transmitter to transmit a detection signal, wherein the at least one first microwave transmitter is included in a first signal transceiver of a first coupling head, wherein the first coupling head is mounted on a first vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle; controlling at least one first microwave receiver to check a reception characteristic of the detection signal, the at least one first microwave receiver being included in the first signal transceiver; and based on this Determine if a cover is placed on: a first position in which at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna of at least one first microwave transmitter and at least one first waveguide receiving antenna of at least one first microwave receiver are physically shielded by the cover, or and a second position in which the cover exposes the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna and the at least one first waveguide receive antenna for potential signal exchange with at least one second waveguide receive antenna and at least one second waveguide transmit antenna, respectively, included in a second signal transceiver of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle.

[0025] Only when it is determined that the cover is disposed in the second position, the at least one first microwave transmitter and the at least one first microwave receiver are enabled to operate in the communication mode.

[0026] Thus, it may be verified that the first signal transceiver is mechanically ready for connection to the second signal transceiver before proceeding to connect the first signal transceiver to the second signal transceiver.

[0027] Further advantages, advantageous features and applications of the invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of preferred embodiments disclosed as examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 A block diagram of a first signal transceiver and a second signal transceiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 shows a side view of a first signal transceiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A block diagram of a first signal transceiver and a second signal transceiver according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 4 A perspective view of a first signal transceiver according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 5 shows a side view of a first signal transceiver according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a central buffer coupler according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a first communication unit according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 illustrates how a cover according to one embodiment of the present invention may be arranged on a first communication unit; and Figure 9 The flow chart shows the Figure 8 The computer-implemented method for applying the cover shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Figure 1 1 shows a block diagram of a first signal transceiver 100 and a second signal transceiver 200 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A side view of the first signal transceiver 100 according to this embodiment is shown.

[0031] It is assumed that the first signal transceiver 100 is included in the central buffer coupler 600, for example Figure 6 As shown, the second signal transceiver 200 is included in another central buffer coupler, and the second signal transceiver 200 is mechanically connected to the first signal transceiver 100. Specifically, according to the present invention, the central buffer coupler 600 and its mechanical counterpart are suitable for inclusion in a multi-component vehicle (e.g., a train), wherein the central buffer coupler 600 is arranged on a first vehicle component (e.g., a first railway vehicle) and the mechanical counterpart is arranged on a second vehicle component (e.g., a second railway vehicle).

[0032] The central buffer coupler 600 further includes a first coupling head 610, which is adapted to be mounted on a first vehicle component. Figure 7 As discussed, a first coupling head 610 includes at least one first signal transceiver 100. The first coupling head 610 also includes a coupling element 611 configured to be mechanically connected to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head, the second coupling head being mounted on a second vehicle component of a multi-component vehicle. Here, the second coupling head is presumed to include at least one second signal transceiver 200, which is arranged such that when the coupling element 611 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, the at least one first signal transceiver 100 and the at least one second signal transceiver 200 are respectively positioned facing each other in a physically mated manner.

[0033] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the first signal transceiver 100 includes a microwave transmitter 111 and a microwave receiver 121. When the coupling element 611 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, the microwave transmitter 111 and the microwave receiver 121 are arranged such that, in the first interface module pair 151 / 251, the first waveguide transmitter antenna 131 of the first microwave transmitter 111 is physically matched with the second waveguide receiver antenna 232, which is configured to be communicatively connected to the second microwave receiver 221 of at least one second signal transceiver 200. Similarly, the first waveguide receiver antenna 132 of the first microwave receiver 121 of the first signal transceiver 100 is physically matched with the second waveguide transmitter antenna 231, which is configured to be communicatively connected to the second microwave transmitter 211 of the second signal transceiver 200. The microwave transmitters 111, 211 and the microwave receivers 121, 222 can be configured to operate in the 60 GHz range.

[0034] The microwave transmitter 111 and the microwave receiver 121 are organized in a first full-duplex microwave transceiver module 181, and the microwave transmitter 211 and the microwave receiver 221 are organized in a second full-duplex microwave transceiver module 281. Preferably, for efficient use of resources, each of the first full-duplex microwave transceiver module 181 and the second full-duplex microwave transceiver module 281 is configured to process bidirectional data traffic at the same bit rate, for example, 6 Gbit / s or greater.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interface module pair 151 / 251 includes at least one set of shielding wall members configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 during operation. For example, a first set of shielding wall members may be arranged around the first waveguide transmitting antenna 131 and the first waveguide receiving antenna 132, and a second set of shielding wall members may be arranged around the second waveguide receiving antenna 232 and the second waveguide transmitting antenna 231, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following will refer to Figures 3 to 5 and Figure 7 Another embodiment of how to arrange the shielding wall members is described.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first signal transceiver 100 includes a first modem 110 configured to convert incoming packet data information from the first vehicle component into an outgoing microwave signal MW1 for transmission via a first microwave transmitter 111. The first modem 110 is also configured to convert microwave signals MW2 received via a first microwave receiver 121 into outgoing packet data information to the first vehicle component. For example, the incoming and outgoing packet data information can be transmitted via one or more data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n in the first vehicle component.

[0037] Similarly, the second signal transceiver 200 includes a second modem 210, which is configured to convert incoming packet data information from the second vehicle component into an outgoing microwave signal MW2 for transmission via a second microwave transmitter 211, and convert the microwave signal MW1 received via a second microwave receiver 221 into outgoing packet data information to the second vehicle component, which incoming and outgoing packet data information can be transmitted via one or more data buses B21, B22, ..., B2n in the second vehicle component.

[0038] If the data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n are implemented via at least one twisted-pair cable, an Ethernet-style communication protocol, such as 10BaseT / 802.3i, 100BaseTX / 802.3u, 1000BaseT / 802.3ab, or 10GBaseT / 802.3an, can be used, depending on bandwidth requirements. If the data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n are implemented via at least one coaxial cable, an Ethernet-style protocol, such as 10Base5 / 802.3 or 10Base2 / 802.3a, can alternatively be used. For very high bit rates, the data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n can be implemented using one or more optical fibers.

[0039] Regardless of the specific protocol and / or media used, the first and second modems 110 and 210 are preferably configured to transmit the packet data information while implementing traffic classification and resource reservation management mechanisms consistent with quality of service standards. Specifically, this ensures that commands, control signals, status information, and the like critical to the operation of a multi-component vehicle, such as those related to brake control, are properly transmitted while allowing for delays or loss of less important data, such as those related to the in-vehicle infotainment system.

[0040] For example, each of the data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n can be configured to carry data traffic of a specific priority class. Specifically, this may involve transmitting the highest priority data traffic via data bus B11 in the first vehicle component and forwarding this data traffic to data bus B21 in the second vehicle component. However, the priority indication can be removed when the data packets leave the second modem 210, making the communication transparent to higher-layer applications. Furthermore, data buses B12, ..., B1n and B22, ..., B2n can be used to carry lower priority data traffic, such as image / video data from onboard cameras, infotainment data, and / or various sensor data. This prioritization allows data traffic to be scheduled via the corresponding paired first modem 110 and second modem 210, thereby meeting the overall network requirements in terms of latency, availability, and / or redundancy, particularly those representing the entire multi-component vehicle.

[0041] Alternatively, data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n can be unassociated with any priority level. Instead, all data buses B11, B12, ..., B1n and B21, B22, ..., B2n constitute a common resource, freely allocated by the traffic processing algorithm based on the assigned priority level of each data packet communicating thereon. In this case, the number of full-duplex microwave transceiver modules and data buses required only needs to meet bandwidth / capacity requirements.

[0042] Naturally, according to the present invention, the two aforementioned traffic processing principles can also be combined with each other.

[0043] Figure 2 The protruding element 171 of the first signal transceiver 100 is shown, and the protruding element 171 is configured to be received by the matching groove in the second signal transceiver 200 to facilitate manipulating the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 into mechanical contact with each other. Preferably, each of the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 has a corresponding one of the protruding element and the matching groove, and Figure 2The mating groove of the first signal transceiver is illustrated by reference numeral 172. In addition, the protruding member 171 and the mating groove 172 may be configured to transmit power between the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200.

[0044] Figure 3 The block diagrams of the second embodiment of the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 are shown respectively. Figure 1 or Figure 2 All reference numerals appearing in any one of the above reference numbers represent the same Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the second embodiment, the first signal transceiver 100 includes two full-duplex microwave transceiver modules 181 and 182 , and the second signal transceiver 200 includes two full-duplex microwave transceiver modules 281 and 282 .

[0045] Each of the transceiver modules 181 and 182 includes a corresponding microwave transmitter 111 and 112 and a corresponding microwave receiver 121 and 122. Therefore, each of the full-duplex microwave transceiver modules 181, 182, 281, and 282 is configured to handle bidirectional data traffic at a specific bit rate, and the communication bandwidth between the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 may be doubled. The number of data buses B11, B12, ..., B1m and B21, B22, ..., B2m may be the same as or different from the number of data buses used in the first embodiment of the present invention described above. When the coupling element 611 of the first vehicle component is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element of the second vehicle component, the transceiver modules 181, 182, 281 and 282 are preferably arranged relative to each other so that the first interface module pair 151 / 251 prevents electromagnetic radiation from leaking from the transceiver modules 181 and 281, and the second interface module pair 152 / 252 prevents electromagnetic radiation from leaking from the transceiver modules 182 and 282. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It shows how the first and second interface module pairs 151 / 251 and 152 / 252 are designed according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Here, a first set of shielding wall members 151a, 151b, and 151c are arranged around the first waveguide transmit antenna 131 and the first waveguide receive antenna 132 of the transceiver module 181 in the first signal transceiver 100, forming part of the first interface module pair 151 / 251. Similarly, a second set of shielding wall members 152a, 152b, and 152c are arranged around the second waveguide transmit antenna 141 and the second waveguide receive antenna 142 of the transceiver module 182 in the first signal transceiver 100, forming part of the second interface module pair 152 / 252. Although not shown, a corresponding set of shielding wall members is also arranged around the first and second transmit and receive antennas 231, 232, 241, and 242 of the second signal transceiver 200. The shielding wall members 151a, 151b, 151c, 152a, 152b, and 152c are configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the at least one first signal transceiver 100 and the at least one second signal transceiver 200 during operation of the units.

[0047] In addition, similar to the above reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first embodiment of the present invention is described in Figure 3 In the second embodiment, the waveguide transmitting antenna and the waveguide receiving antenna of the first signal transceiver 100 are arranged to physically match the waveguide receiving antenna and the waveguide transmitting antenna of the second signal transceiver 200. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the first signal transceiver 100 includes two full-duplex microwave transceiver modules 181 and 182 , and the second signal transceiver 200 includes two full-duplex microwave transceiver modules 281 and 282 . This means that the waveguide transmitting antenna 131 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 181 in the first signal transceiver 100 is physically matched with the waveguide receiving antenna 232 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 182 in the second signal transceiver 200, the waveguide transmitting antenna 141 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 182 in the first signal transceiver 100 is physically matched with the waveguide receiving antenna 242 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 182 in the second signal transceiver 200, the waveguide transmitting antenna 231 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 281 in the second signal transceiver 200 is physically matched with the waveguide receiving antenna 132 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 181 in the first signal transceiver 100, and the waveguide transmitting antenna 241 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 282 in the second signal transceiver 200 is physically matched with the waveguide receiving antenna 142 of the full-duplex microwave transceiver module 182 in the first signal transceiver 100.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the waveguide transmitting antennas 131 and 141 includes a corresponding horn antenna, and at least one of the waveguide receiving antennas 132 and 142 includes a corresponding horn antenna.

[0049] For example, these horn antennas can be designed according to patent EP3547449, which describes a wireless communication device comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having a dielectric support and conductive traces separated by the dielectric support, and at least one horn antenna. The PCB comprises a surface mount component secured to the PCB via a flange (the flange being supported by and secured to the PCB). The horn antenna is arranged such that the waveguide and radiating opening are on either side of the PCB, and each rib directly contacts or is in close proximity to a conductive trace on the PCB, allowing for direct connection or capacitive coupling between them.

[0050] Now refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The waveguide transmitting antennas 131 and 141 and the waveguide receiving antennas 132 and 142 may be covered by corresponding sealing films 161 , 162 ; 163 , 164 , which are configured to allow only one-way passage of moisture from the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 , respectively.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 may include respective drainage systems configured to drain any moisture formed internally, such as moisture formed due to changes in internal temperature, ambient temperature, and / or air humidity.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first signal transceiver 100 and the second signal transceiver 200 are packaged in a moisture-proof material.

[0053] Figure 4 FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first signal transceiver 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 A side view of the first signal transceiver 100 viewed from a short side where the antennas 131 , 132 , 141 , and 142 are arranged is shown, the short side being configured to face the second signal transceiver 200 .

[0054] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Also shown is a protruding element 171 configured to be received by at least one matching recess in the second signal transceiver 200 when the first coupling head 610 is mechanically coupled to the second coupling head, and a recess 172 configured to receive an element protruding from the second signal transceiver 200. As described above, in addition to manipulating the first and second signal transceivers into mechanical contact with each other, the protruding element 171 and the recess 172 can be used to transfer power between the first and second signal transceivers 100, 200.

[0055] Figure 6 1 shows a perspective view of a central buffer coupler 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 A perspective view of a first communication unit 700 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. Here, a central buffer coupler 600 includes the first communication unit 700, which in turn includes two first signal transceivers 100. From a reliability perspective, this redundancy of the first signal transceivers 100 and the second signal transceivers 200 is beneficial. That is, if one of the pair of signal transceivers fails, the other pair of signal transceivers can take over responsibility for communication between the first and second vehicle components.

[0056] The second signal transceiver 200 (not shown) is configured to be included in the second communication unit (not shown). The first communication unit 700 has a first front side that is arranged to face a second front side, and the second front side is configured to be included in the second communication unit so that when the coupling element 611 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element as described above, the first front side and the second front side meet.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first front side of the first communication unit 700 includes first and second electrical couplers 710 and 720, which are configured to electrically connect with corresponding pairs of electrical couplers of the second front side of the second communication unit, thereby enabling power to be transferred between the first and second vehicle components when the coupling element 611 is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element.

[0058] exist Figure 8 In FIG. 8 , we see an embodiment of the present invention in which the first communication unit 700 is provided with a cover 810 configured to be selectively arranged in a first position or a second position.

[0059] When the cover 810 is disposed in the first position, the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna 131 and 141 and the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna 132 and 142 are physically shielded by the cover 810 .

[0060] When the cover 810 is arranged in the second position, the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna 131 and 141 and the at least one first waveguide receive antenna 132 and 142 are exposed for potential exchange of signals with the at least one second waveguide receive antenna 232 and 242 and the second waveguide transmit antenna 231 and 241 of the second signal transceiver 200, respectively.

[0061] Furthermore, to verify whether the lid 810 is positioned in the first position or the second position, the first signal transceiver 100 is further configured to implement the following process. First, the first microwave transmitters 111 and / or 112 transmit a detection signal; second, the reception characteristics of the detection signal via at least one first microwave receiver 121 and / or 122 are checked. This may include scanning the signal spectrum of the transmitted detection signal to determine whether a strong reflection of the detection signal is received, indicating that the lid 810 is positioned in the first position. Based on the reception characteristics of the detection signal, the first signal transceiver 100 is configured to determine whether the lid 810 is positioned in the first position or the second position. For example, if no reflection of the detection signal is received above a threshold level, the first signal transceiver 100 may determine that the lid 810 is positioned in the second position.

[0062] refer to Figure 9 Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 810 , we will describe a computer-implemented method for implementing the above-described process in connection with cover 810 .

[0063] In a first step 910 , at least one first microwave transmitter is controlled to transmit a detection signal, wherein the at least one first microwave transmitter is included in a first signal transceiver of a first coupling head mounted on a first vehicle component of a multi-component vehicle.

[0064] In a subsequent or parallel step 920, at least one first microwave receiver is activated to check for any reflections of the detection signal.The at least one first microwave receiver is also included in the first signal transceiver.

[0065] Thereafter, step 930 checks whether the reflection of the probe signal is received with a signal power above a threshold level. If so, step 940 is performed; otherwise, the process continues to step 950.

[0066] In step 940, it is determined that the cover 810 is closed. Therefore, at least one of the first microwave transmitter and receiver is disabled, that is, the communication operation is cut off.

[0067] In step 950, it is determined that the cover 810 is open. Thus, the at least one first microwave transmitter and receiver are able to operate in the communication mode.

[0068] The process then ends.

[0069] refer to Figure 9The described processing steps can be controlled by means of a programmed processor. Furthermore, while the embodiments of the present invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings include processors and processes executed on at least one processor, the present invention also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, suitable for implementing the present invention. The program can be source code, object code, intermediate code between source code and object code (e.g., partially compiled form), or any other form suitable for use in implementing the processes according to the present invention. The program can be part of an operating system or a stand-alone application. The carrier can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier can include a storage medium such as flash memory, ROM (read-only memory, such as a DVD (digital video / versatile disc), CD (compact disc), or semiconductor ROM), EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), or a magnetic recording medium such as a floppy disk or hard disk. Furthermore, the carrier can be a transmissible medium, such as an electrical or optical signal that can be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio, or by other means. When the program is included in a signal that can be transmitted directly via a cable or other device or apparatus, the carrier can be constituted by such a cable or apparatus or apparatus. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted to perform or to be used in the performance of the relevant process.

[0070] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0071] The term "comprising", when used in this specification, is used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. The term does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or combinations thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word "or" should not be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes called "XOR"). On the contrary, unless otherwise stated, expressions such as "A or B" cover all cases of "A and not B", "B and not A" and "A and B". The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be interpreted as limiting the scope.

[0072] It should also be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may be freely combined, unless explicitly stated that such a combination would be inappropriate.

[0073] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described in the drawings but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A central buffer coupler (600) for a multi-component vehicle, the central buffer coupler (600) comprising: A first coupling head (610) is adapted to be mounted on a first vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle, the first coupling head (610) comprising at least one first signal transceiver (100) and a coupling element (611), the coupling element (611) being configured to be mechanically connected to a counter-coupling element of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle, the second coupling head being configured to comprise at least one second signal transceiver (200), the at least one second signal transceiver (200) being arranged such that when the coupling element (611) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, the first signal transceiver (100) is electrically connected to the second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle. At least one first signal transceiver (100) and the at least one second signal transceiver (200) are positioned facing each other in a physically matched manner, characterized in that the at least one first signal transceiver (100) comprises at least one microwave transmitter (111, 112) and at least one microwave receiver (121, 122), and when the coupling element (611) is mechanically connected to the counter-coupling element, the at least one microwave transmitter (111, 112) and the at least one microwave receiver (121, 122) are arranged such that in at least one first interface module pair (151, 251; 152, 252): At least one first waveguide transmitting antenna (131, 141) of at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) of the at least one first signal transceiver (100) is physically matched to at least one second waveguide receiving antenna (232, 242), and the at least one second waveguide receiving antenna (232, 242) is configured to be communicatively connected to at least one second microwave receiver (221, 222) of the at least one second signal transceiver (200), and At least one first waveguide receiving antenna (132, 142) of at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) of the at least one first signal transceiver (100) is physically matched with at least one second waveguide transmitting antenna (231, 241), and the at least one second waveguide transmitting antenna (231, 241) is configured to be communicatively connected to at least one second microwave transmitter (211, 212) of the at least one second signal transceiver (200).

2. The central buffer coupler (600) according to claim 1, wherein Each of the at least one interface module pair (151, 251; 152, 252) includes at least one shielding wall member (151a, 151b, 151c; 152a, 152b, 152c), the at least one shielding wall member being configured to prevent leakage of electromagnetic radiation from the at least one first signal transceiver (100) and the at least one second signal transceiver (200) during operation.

3. The central buffer coupler (600) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one first signal transceiver (100) is included in a first communication unit (700), the at least one second signal transceiver is configured to be included in a second communication unit, the first communication unit (700) includes a first front side, the first front side is arranged to face a second front side, the second front side is configured to be included in the second communication unit, and at least one of the first front side and the second front side includes at least one protruding element (171), the at least one protruding element is configured to be received by at least one matching groove when the first coupling head (610) is mechanically connected to the second coupling head, the at least one matching groove being in an opposite one of the at least one of the first front side and the second front side.

4. The central buffer coupler (600) according to claim 3, wherein Each of the first front side and the second front side further includes at least one respective electrical coupler (710, 720) configured to transfer electrical power between the first vehicle component and the second vehicle component.

5. The central buffer coupler (600) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The first communication unit (700) includes a cover (810) configured to be selectively disposed on: a first position in which the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna (131, 141) and the at least one first waveguide receive antenna (132, 142) are physically shielded by the cover (810), or a second position in which the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna (131, 141) and the at least one first waveguide receive antenna (132, 142) are exposed for potential exchange of signals with the at least one second waveguide receive antenna (232, 242) and the at least one second waveguide transmit antenna (231, 241), respectively; and The first signal transceiver (100) is further configured as: causing the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) to transmit a detection signal, Reception characteristics of the detection signal via the at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) are checked, and based on the reception characteristics, it is determined whether the cover (810) is arranged in the first position or the second position.

6. The central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The at least one first signal transceiver (100) includes a first modem (110) configured to convert incoming packet data information from the first vehicle component into outgoing microwave signals (MW1, MW3) for transmission via the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112), and to convert microwave signals (MW2, MW4) received via the at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) into outgoing packet data information to the first vehicle component.

7. The central buffer coupler (600) of claim 6, wherein: The first modem (110) is configured to transmit data via at least one data bus (B11, B12, B1n, B21, B22, B2n; B11, B12, B1m, B21, B22, B2m) transmits the packet data information in Ethernet format, and the at least one data bus is carried by at least one of at least one coaxial cable, at least one twisted pair cable and at least one optical fiber.

8. The central buffer coupler (600) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The first modem (110) is configured to transmit the packet data information while executing a traffic classification and resource reservation control mechanism that complies with quality of service standards.

9. The central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The first modem (110) is configured to be communicatively connected to one or more full-duplex microwave transceiver modules (181, 182), each of the full-duplex microwave transceiver modules including a pair of the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) and the at least one second microwave receiver (121, 122).

10. The central buffer coupler (600) of claim 9, wherein: Each of the one or more full-duplex microwave transceiver modules (181, 182) is configured to process bidirectional data traffic at a specific bit rate.

11. The central buffer coupler (600) of any preceding claim, wherein: Each of the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna (131, 141) comprises a respective horn antenna, and Each of the at least one first waveguide receive antenna (132, 142) includes a respective horn antenna.

12. The central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein Each of the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna (131, 141) and each of the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna (132, 142) includes a sealing film (161, 162; 163, 164) configured to allow only one-way passage of moisture from the first signal transceiver (100) and the second signal transceiver (200), respectively.

13. The central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first signal transceiver (100) is encapsulated in moisture-proof material.

14. A signal transceiver (100) included in the central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A vehicle component configured to form part of a multi-component vehicle, the vehicle component comprising a central buffer coupler (600) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

16. A computer-implemented method comprising the steps of: controlling at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) to transmit a detection signal, wherein the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) is included in a first signal transceiver (100) of a first coupling head (610), wherein the first coupling head (610) is mounted on a first vehicle component of a multi-component vehicle; controlling at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) to check a receiving characteristic of the detection signal, the at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) being included in the first signal transceiver (100); and based on this Determine if the cover (810) is placed on: a first position, in which the at least one first waveguide transmitting antenna (131, 141) of the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) and the at least one first waveguide receiving antenna (132, 142) of the at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) are physically shielded by the cover (810), or a second position in which the cover (810) exposes the at least one first waveguide transmit antenna (131, 141) and the at least one first waveguide receive antenna (132, 142) for potential signal exchange with at least one second waveguide receive antenna (232, 242) and at least one second waveguide transmit antenna (231, 241), respectively, included in a second signal transceiver (200) of a second coupling head mounted on a second vehicle component of the multi-component vehicle; as well as Only when it is determined that the cover (810) is arranged in the second position, the at least one first microwave transmitter (111, 112) and the at least one first microwave receiver (121, 122) are enabled to operate in a communication mode.

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