MODULE WITH INTEGRATED WLAN ETHERNET DATA INTERFACE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a module of a module carrier equipped with a WLAN Ethernet data interface. The invention also relates in particular to an antenna suitable for the module, as well as a module suitable for a connector and / or an electrical coupling.

[0002] Connector modules are required to build modular connectors. These modules contain modular contact inserts, and several modules with identical or different contact inserts are combined to form a complete connector. This allows for a high degree of flexibility in assembling and configuring the connector.

[0003] Connector modules are either inserted directly into a connector housing or first inserted into a module frame and secured. The module frame, with the connector modules it contains, is then mounted into the connector housing.

[0004] Connector modules for modular connectors are known in a wide variety from the prior art. They vary in size, number of integrated contacts, contact dimensions, and contact type. Depending on the design of the connector module, they can be used for the transmission of, for example, digital, analog, electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, optical, or hydraulic signals and currents.

[0005] With increasing digitalization, it becomes necessary to transmit a constantly growing amount of information. Interfaces for high-frequency signal and data transmission can be implemented using connectors, such as those found in Ethernet cables. However, such connectors are unsuitable for many applications, particularly in industrial and outdoor environments, as they would quickly become inoperable due to unavoidable contamination during use.

[0006] From the state of the art, it is therefore known, for example, in an electric coupling for railways, to establish high-frequency data transmission by means of a radio connection from one car to the next or from the power car of one train section to the power car of a second train section. Stand der Technik

[0007] For example, EP 3 011 643 B1 describes a mounting frame for connector modules into which several different connector modules can be combined in any way to create a modular connector. The mounting frame holds the connector modules together and secures them to each other. The mounting frame can then be inserted into a connector housing and fixed in place.

[0008] The connector can be connected to a matching, also modular, mating connector. Alternatively, the mounting frame can be used as a so-called surface-mount frame and attached to a housing or device wall.

[0009] This type of modular connector allows for the combination and assembly of a wide variety of individual connectors.

[0010] This requires various standardized connector modules.

[0011] From EP 2 616 304 B1, an electrical coupling for railways is known, comprising a first and a second coupling part, each having a carrier in which several coupling elements are arranged, with which an electrical, pneumatic and / or hydraulic coupling can be established from one coupling part to the other coupling part, wherein a high-frequency coupling is provided. The high-frequency coupling is formed by an antenna in one coupling part and an antenna in the other coupling part, wherein the high-frequency coupling has two cooperating high-frequency coupling elements, each designed as a plastic body that completely encloses the antenna.

[0012] The well-known high-frequency coupling, implemented as a loop antenna, is particularly disadvantageous in its retrofitting and scalability as a replacement for existing interfaces for high-frequency signal and data transmission via plug connections, even in electrical couplings for railways.

[0013] The TW 200 701 558 A shows a broadband antenna that uses a loop structure aspect ratio and a non-uniform loop line width to achieve broadband operating characteristics and provide a quasi-omnidirectional radiation pattern.

[0014] DE 10 2016 205 586 A1 shows a data bus connector for establishing a data connection between two vehicle parts for the transmission of data with a data rate of over 1 Gbit / s.

[0015] DE 10 2011 079 551 A1 discloses a data transmission device for establishing a data connection between two couplingable conveying units of a conveying device, in particular between two vehicle units of a passenger vehicle, with a first interface assigned to a first conveying unit and, in the coupled state with a second conveying unit, for establishing the data connection by interacting with a second interface assigned to the second conveying unit.

[0016] US 2016 / 0149305 shows an antenna device with a substrate and two rectangular coils formed on an upper surface of the substrate. Aufgabenstellung

[0017] The object of the invention is to provide a WLAN Ethernet data interface suitable for many applications, which is particularly easy to install and retrofit. A further object is, in particular, to provide an antenna suitable for the WLAN Ethernet data interface.

[0018] The problem is solved by the characteristics of independent claims.

[0019] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and / or the following description.

[0020] The invention relates in particular to an antenna for a WLAN Ethernet data interface with a printed circuit board on which elements of a near-field antenna are formed as conductor tracks, and which is designed to cooperate with a second identical antenna as intended in such a way that high-speed data transmission is provided.

[0021] Printed circuit boards are cost-effective, especially when manufactured in large quantities. Providing a wireless data interface using two identical, interacting interfaces is also advantageous from a manufacturing perspective and enables easy installation in a wide variety of applications.

[0022] Antennas provided on a printed circuit board are also particularly space-saving and flexible in their application due to their essentially two-dimensional design.

[0023] On the first side of the antenna's circuit board, a signal line and a first and second reference ground are provided in a first section, each by means of suitably designed conductor tracks. Following the first section, the signal line is suitably implemented as a planar coil in a second section of the circuit board.

[0024] The second area of ​​the circuit board includes a third area for providing a magnetic coupling state suitable for data transmission between a first antenna and an identical second antenna, which is particularly advantageously designed such that the magnetic coupling state is provided by means of an adjacent arrangement of the third area of ​​the identical first and second antennas.

[0025] The antenna is suitably designed such that the magnetic coupling state is provided when the two adjacent third areas are arranged at a small distance of 1 to 10 mm and advantageously about 2.5 mm without touching each other.

[0026] The conductor tracks on the circuit board are advantageously designed, particularly in conjunction with the signal line, such that the two antennas are rotated 180° relative to each other when coupled. This antenna arrangement is also particularly space-saving.

[0027] The coil of the signal line is designed as a planar spiral rectangular coil with at least one turn and can preferably have three to five turns to provide a desirablely reliable and efficient coupling.

[0028] Designing the coil as a rectangular coil allows, in particular, the achievement of a desirable magnetic coupling state by arranging only selected sections of the coils of the two antennas adjacent to each other. In this way, providing the magnetic coupling state is achieved in a space-saving and simple manner.

[0029] Suitablely, the third area intended for coupling is provided at an edge of the printed circuit board and includes a predetermined area of ​​the coil intended to provide magnetic coupling.

[0030] The coil is suitably designed such that the windings of the coil each have at least one first section parallel to a longitudinal direction of the circuit board and at least one second section transverse to the first section, wherein the third area provided at an edge of the circuit board comprises at least one second section and preferably two or three second sections of the coil.

[0031] For a desirable impedance of around 50 Ω for WLAN / Ethernet compatibility of a cable connection of the antenna, the signal line extends from a cable connection located at one edge of the circuit board in the first area of ​​the circuit board, centrally between a first and second reference ground, which are suitably located adjacent to opposite longitudinal edges of the circuit board.

[0032] The printed circuit board with the aforementioned edges is suitably rectangular, with the third area and the cable connection located on opposite wide edges of the printed circuit board. The cable connection is suitably designed for connecting a coaxial cable.

[0033] On the first side of the circuit board, to provide a suitable impedance for the cable connection of the antenna, in the first area of ​​the circuit board, a first width of the signal line, a distance of the signal line to the first and second reference grounds and a width of the reference grounds are each designed such that the first area is occupied by the signal line and the reference grounds.

[0034] Suitablely, the signal line in the first area of ​​the printed circuit board has a width approximately equal to its distance to the first and second reference grounds, wherein the width of the reference grounds is advantageously about 1.2 to 2 times, and particularly preferably about 1.5 times, the width of the signal line. The first and second reference grounds are each formed as a rectangle extending longitudinally along the printed circuit board.

[0035] Unlike in the first area described above, in the second area of ​​the circuit board the signal line is designed to form a suitable coil by means of a narrow conductor track with a width of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm and preferably of about 0.5 mm.

[0036] The first sections of the coil are suitably arranged at a first spacing of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and preferably 0.3 mm. To provide desirable magnetic coupling, the second sections of the coil are advantageously arranged at a second spacing that is 2 to 10 times, and preferably 5 times, the first spacing.

[0037] In the second section, the signal line extends spirally with the windings of its coil to the center of the coil and then leads to the opposite side of the circuit board. On this second side, the signal line extends centrally into the first section of the circuit board, which, adjacent to the first edge of the circuit board and the cable connection, is covered by a third reference ground to provide the desired impedance.

[0038] The second impedance matching section can vary in length without affecting its function. However, the size of the first section, which contains the antenna, and its distance from the second section are crucial for its proper function.

[0039] The antenna with the features described above is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling in a range of 2 to 3 cm. With these features, the antenna exhibits a favorable feed point impedance of 50 Ω at the cable connection and is designed for a frequency range of 5 GHz with a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s. The antenna is therefore suitable for providing a high-speed WLAN Ethernet data interface.

[0040] For easy antenna mounting, the circuit board has a first and second through-hole in the area adjacent to the cable connector, each extending through the first and third reference grounds and the second and third reference grounds, respectively. It is clear that the aforementioned reference grounds provided on the circuit board are electrically connected to a reference ground of the cable connector.

[0041] The first and second bores are provided together with a first and second spacer element designed as a metal sleeve for mounting the antenna, in particular in a suitable housing, which, according to the invention, can advantageously be a module, in particular of a connector.

[0042] The invention therefore relates in particular to a module with an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface with a suitable antenna, which is suitable for use in a module carrier and thus for many applications.

[0043] The antenna is advantageously arranged in the module such that it protrudes from an opening of the module by a predetermined amount, and the magnetic coupling state of the antennas is provided by means of a first module with a first antenna and a second identical module rotated by 180° with a second antenna, which is arranged in a plane adjacent to the first module, by means of an adjacent arrangement of the areas of the first and second antennas protruding from the opening of the module.

[0044] The antenna of the module can suitably be a planar antenna and in particular an antenna as described above according to the invention provided on a printed circuit board, wherein the area protruding from the opening of the module is the third area of ​​the antenna.

[0045] The antenna is suitably arranged within the module with its circuit board spaced away from a central area of ​​the opening such that the module antennas, particularly in their coupled state, are each arranged parallel to the plane of the modules. The third areas of the antennas described above are arranged adjacent to each other at a distance of 1 to 10 mm, and advantageously at a distance of approximately 2.5 mm, without contact.

[0046] The module has a suitable housing and a shielding element for forward positioning of the antenna within the module.

[0047] The shielding element is advantageously made of metal. The antenna is suitably attached to the shielding element via its bores through the reference grounds and the spacers in such a way that the antenna's reference grounds and a reference ground of the antenna's cable connection are electrically connected to the shielding element.

[0048] The module housing is suitably made of plastic and has an inner contour that interlocks with an outer contour of the shielding element in such a way that the shielding element is contained and held within the housing. The housing suitably has an outer contour that corresponds to a contour of the module carrier.

[0049] For particularly precise, reliable and safe positioning of the antenna in the module and for particularly safe use of the module even in outdoor areas, the module has a positioning element and / or a protective cap, which are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0050] The module described above is particularly suitable for use together with other identical modules and / or other modules in a connector, wherein the module carrier is a mounting frame of the connector corresponding to the module.

[0051] A mounting frame for a connector can be designed to accommodate a large number of modules, meaning that the mounting frame can also accommodate more than one module with an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface as described above.

[0052] By using more than one such module, the data transfer rate of a high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission can be easily scaled. With three modules, each designed for a data transfer rate of 450 Mbit / s, a data transfer rate of more than 1 Gbit / s can be achieved. The modules can each be used for a specific frequency channel within a frequency band.

[0053] The module described above is also particularly suitable for use together with other identical modules and / or other modules in an electrical coupling of a coupling part of a coupling that is provided between two interconnected train sections, wherein the module carrier is part of the electrical coupling.

[0054] In the electrical coupling, as in a connector, more than one protruding module can be provided, whereby a desired data transmission rate can be easily scaled by means of the module.

[0055] The module described above is particularly suitable as a replacement for existing interfaces for high-frequency signal and data transmission via plug connections, even in electrical couplings for railways, and can be easily retrofitted and scaled.

[0056] Further features and advantages, especially of the module described above, are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Ausführungsbeispiele

[0057] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. They show: Fig. 1A an antenna according to an embodiment of the invention in the coupled state with a second antenna; Fig. 1B the coils of the antennas of Fig. 1A from another perspective; Fig. 2 an exploded view of a module according to an embodiment of the invention together with an enlarged view of the module's antenna from another perspective; Fig. 3 two combined modules of Fig. 2 in the coupled state of their antennas; Fig. 3B three modules in a module carrier; Fig. 4 an enlarged view of the shielding element of the module of Fig. 2 from another perspective with the antenna inserted into the shielding element; Fig. 5A the shielding element with the antenna inserted into the housing of the module of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 5B the module of Fig. 5A fitted with a protective cap; Fig. 6A two modules of Fig. 5B in the coupled state of their antennas; Fig. 6 Longitudinal section through the modules of Fig. 6A ; Fig. 7A two train sections with a coupling arranged between them; and Fig. 7Legs schematic representation of an electric coupling of the coupling of Fig. 7A .

[0058] The figures contain simplified, schematic representations. In some cases, identical reference symbols are used for elements that are the same but may not be identical. Not all reference symbols are shown in all drawings. Different views of the same elements may be scaled differently.

[0059] Fig. 1A Figure 1 shows an antenna 1 according to an embodiment of the invention in the coupled state with a second identical antenna 1. The antenna 1 has a rectangular printed circuit board 10 with a length L10 and a width B10. A cable connection 14 for a coaxial cable is provided on a first edge B1 of the printed circuit board 10, arranged centrally on the edge B1. From this connection, a signal line 11 extends along the longitudinal direction L of the printed circuit board 10, parallel to the two longitudinal edges of the printed circuit board 10, on one side S1 of the printed circuit board 10.

[0060] The signal line 11 extends in a first area 101 of the printed circuit board 10 centrally between two reference grounds 12, which, like the signal line 11, also extend from the cable connection 14 in the longitudinal direction L parallel to the two longitudinal edges of the printed circuit board 10. The two reference grounds 12 are arranged adjacent to the two longitudinal edges of the printed circuit board 10.

[0061] In the first region 101, a first width of the signal line 11, a distance of the signal line 11 from the reference grounds 12, and a second width of the reference grounds 12 are each configured such that the first region 101 is occupied by the signal line 11 and the reference grounds 12. In this region, the signal line 11 has a width of approximately 3 mm and a distance of approximately 2 mm from the reference grounds 12. The width of the reference grounds 12 is greater than the width of the signal line 11 and corresponds to approximately 4.5 mm. Specifically, the reference grounds 12 are formed as a rectangle extending in the longitudinal direction L of the printed circuit board 10.

[0062] The signal trace is 3 mm wide, the distance to the first and second reference grounds is 2 mm, and the width of the reference grounds is 4.3 mm. All of this, together with the PCB thickness of approximately 1.6 mm and a standard PCB material, results in an impedance of 50 ohms. Specifying the individual properties listed does not provide a meaningful impedance value.

[0063] Adjacent to terminal 14, the circuit board 10 has a bore at each of the reference grounds 12, at which a spacer element 13 is arranged on side S1 of the circuit board 10. The bores and the spacers 13 are provided for fastening and positioning the circuit board 10, particularly in a module M described below.

[0064] The first region 101 described above extends longitudinally L approximately to the center of the printed circuit board 10. A second region 102 of the printed circuit board 10 adjoins the first region 101 at this point. It is clear that the signal line 11 and the reference grounds 12 are each formed as conductive traces on the printed circuit board 10, which have a planar extent in the first region 101 as described above.

[0065] In the second area 102, the signal line 11 is much narrower and designed as a rectangular, planar, and spiral coil 11, which in this embodiment of the antenna 1 has four turns. The turns of the coil 11 each have first 111 and second 112 sections that are perpendicular to each other. The sections 111 are arranged parallel to each other and to the longitudinal direction L of the circuit board 10.

[0066] In this embodiment of the antenna 1, the coil 11 is configured such that the first sections 111 of the first turn of the coil 11 are arranged adjacent to the two opposite longitudinal edges of the circuit board 10. A second section 112 of the first turn of the coil 11 is arranged parallel to and adjacent to the edge B2 of the circuit board 10 opposite the cable connection 14.

[0067] Starting from its first turn described above, the signal line 11 extends spirally through the second region 102, along with the turns of its coil 11, to the center of the planar spiral coil 11, and then leads to the other side S2 of the circuit board 10. On side S2, the signal line 11 extends centrally in the longitudinal direction L of region 102 to the first region 101, which is adjacent to the first edge B1 of the circuit board 10 and the antenna connection 14 and is covered by a third reference ground 12. In this embodiment of the antenna 1, the first 101 and second 102 regions are suitably approximately the same size.

[0068] The two antennas 1 of Fig. 1A As described above, the antennas are arranged in their coupled state, with their respective sections 103 opposite the cable connection 14 positioned one above the other. The first sides S1 of each antenna, containing the coils 11, are arranged adjacent to one another, and the antennas 1 are rotated 180° relative to each other transversely to the longitudinal direction L. The antennas 1 are suitably arranged without touching each other at the smallest possible distance, which may, for example, correspond approximately to the thickness of their circuit board 10. The circuit boards 10 may suitably be standard circuit boards with a thickness of 1.6 mm.

[0069] Fig. 1B This shows the coils 11 of antenna 1 of Fig. 1A from another perspective with the adjacent coils 11 arranged one above the other, each having the first 111 and second 112 winding sections, wherein in this embodiment of the antenna 1 in particular two second winding sections 112 are arranged such that in particular a magnetic coupling is provided.

[0070] For this purpose, the signal line 11 of the coil 11 is suitably formed by means of a conductor track with a width of 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm, and preferably of about 0.5 mm. The first sections 111 are suitably arranged at a distance of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm, and preferably of about 0.3 mm, while the distance of the second sections 112 is comparatively larger, particularly in the area 103 of interest for coupling, and is preferably about 5 times the distance of the first sections 111. In this embodiment, the distance of the second sections 112 is suitably about 1.5 mm.

[0071] The spacing of the conductor tracks in area 112 is approximately 1.5 mm, which is about 5 times greater than the spacing in area 111 (which is 0.28 mm). The conductor track width is 0.52 mm.

[0072] In this embodiment of the invention, the region 103 is designed by way of example such that a magnetic coupling state suitable for high-frequency transmission of the antennas 1 is provided by means of two adjacent second sections 112 of the coil 11, namely by means of a second section 112 of the first turn of the coil 11 and a second section 112 of the turn adjacent to the first turn of the coil 11, which is adjacent to this second section 112. It is clear that the region 103 can also be advantageously designed such that a coupling state suitable for high-frequency transmission of the antennas 1 is provided by means of more than two adjacent second sections 112 of the coil 11.

[0073] Antenna 1, with the features described above, is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling in a range of 2 to 3 cm and is suitable for a high-speed WLAN Ethernet data interface. Antenna 1 with these features has a cable connection impedance of 50 Ω and is designed for a frequency range of 5 GHz with a transmission rate of 450 Mbit / s. Antenna 1 as described above is particularly suitable for integration into a module M described below.

[0074] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a module M according to an embodiment of the invention with a module housing 3, a shielding element 2, an antenna 1 and a positioning element 4.

[0075] The circuit board 10 of the antenna 1 is only shown schematically in the exploded view; therefore, the antenna 1, including its circuit board 10, its cable connection 14, and the two spacer elements 13, is also shown enlarged from another perspective, assembled as intended. The design of the antenna 1 of Fig. 2 This essentially corresponds to the design of antenna 1 described above. Fig. 1A , therefore reference is made to their corresponding description.

[0076] In contrast to the execution of Fig. 1A The coil 11 is narrower, and the two longitudinal edges of the circuit board 10 each have a step, particularly in area 103, whereby area 103 of the circuit board 10 is correspondingly tapered. For the sake of simplicity, the aforementioned tapering is not shown in the exploded view of the schematic circuit board 10.

[0077] Module M, with its housing 3, is designed and configured for a suitable module carrier 6. The module carrier 6 can, in particular, be a mounting frame 6, especially for a connector. For this purpose, the housing 3 has an outer contour that corresponds positively to the mounting frame 6 and includes suitable locking and retaining elements. The assembled module M, inserted into the mounting frame 6, is described below with reference to Fig. 3B described.

[0078] The housing 3 has an opening 30 and an inner contour that engages with the outer contour of the shielding element 2 in a form-fitting manner such that the shielding element 2, inserted into the housing 3 through the opening 30, is properly contained and held within the housing 3. The housing 3 is suitably made of plastic.

[0079] The shielding element 2 is suitably made of metal and, as mentioned above, has an outer contour that interlocks with the inner contour of the housing 3. The shielding element 2 provides a suitable support element for receiving and housing the antenna 1 in the module M.

[0080] The shielding element 2 has an opening 20 and two threaded holes 22 for this purpose, which correspond to the spacers 13 provided at the holes of the circuit board 10 such that the circuit board 10 of an antenna 1 inserted into the shielding element 2 via the opening 20 can be positioned and fastened as intended at the threaded holes and in the shielding element 2 by means of screws (not shown in the drawings) that pass through the holes of the circuit board 10 and the spacers 13. The spacers 13 are suitably designed as metal sleeves for this purpose, so that an electrical contact is provided between the reference grounds 12 of the antenna 1 and the cable connection 14 with the shielding element 2.

[0081] It is clear that the shielding element 2 and the housing 3 each also have a rear opening opposite the openings 20 and 30, through which the screws described above and the connector 14 for a cable connection are accessible. The connector 14 is suitably designed as an SMA screw terminal and is therefore particularly suitable for a coaxial cable.

[0082] The shielding element 2 is flange-shaped on its outer side at its opening 20 with two threaded bores 21, which are for fastening further elements such as the positioning element 4 and / or a subsequently described element. Fig. 5B The protective cap described in section 5 is suitable.

[0083] The positioning element 4 provides a rail-like guide and positioning for the antenna 1 and is designed with its two recesses 42 to accommodate the circuit board 10. The positioning element 4 is provided with its two bores 41 for attachment to the flange-like edge of the opening 20 of the shielding element 2 and can be attached to the shielding element 2 as intended using appropriate screws (not shown) via the bores 41 and the threaded bores 21.

[0084] The positioning element 4 also has an angled section 43 with a dimension that essentially corresponds to a predetermined length by which the circuit board 10 of the antenna 1 mounted in the shielding element 2, in particular with its coupling area 103, projects from the opening 20 of the shielding element 2. The angle 43 is provided for the lateral protection of the circuit board 10.

[0085] The spacer elements 13 and the positioning element 4 with its recesses 42 are designed such that the antenna 1, which protrudes from the opening 20 of the module M with a predetermined area 103 intended for coupling the antenna 1, is spaced acentrically from a central area of ​​the modules M. This spacer is designed such that a first module M and a second, structurally identical module M rotated by 180°, with their antennas 1 protruding from the modules M, can be brought into a coupling state of the antennas 1 that allows high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission.

[0086] Fig. 3A This shows two composite modules M of Fig. 2 in the coupled state of their antennas 1, wherein in this state the areas 103 of the antennas 1 are arranged adjacent to each other without contact and are protected on two opposite sides by the angled areas 43 of the positioning elements 4. In this drawing, the already mentioned above with reference to Fig. 2 The described rear opening of the housing 3 is shown, with the cable connection 14 accessible for connecting a cable, which is equipped as an SMA connector with a screw terminal. The identical modules M, each rotated 180° relative to the other, are arranged in one plane.

[0087] Fig. 3B Figure 1 shows three modules M in a first mounting frame 6, which is particularly suitable for a modular connector and is designed to hold six modules. The mounting frame 6 is designed as a hinged frame and is shown schematically in a simplified form in the drawing. The outer contour of the modules M corresponds to contour elements of the mounting frame 6 in such a way that the modules M are fixed in the mounting frame 6.

[0088] The mounting frame 6 can accommodate three further modules, which may be designed differently and which may be equipped for the transmission of, for example, digital, analog, electrical, pneumatic, mechanical, optical or hydraulic signals and currents.

[0089] By using more than one M module, the data transfer rate of a high-speed WLAN Ethernet data transmission can be easily scaled. With three M modules, each capable of a data transfer rate of 450 Mbit / s, a data transfer rate of more than 1 Gbit / s can be achieved. Ideally, each M module is used for a separate frequency channel within a frequency band.

[0090] The retaining frame 6 can be inserted and secured in the housing of a connector as intended. A second, identical retaining frame 6, rotated by 180°, can also hold three modules M at positions corresponding to the positions of the three modules M. These modules correspond to the modules M and are rotated by 180° for their intended coupling. The second retaining frame 6 can be inserted and secured in the housing of a mating connector that corresponds to the connector housing.

[0091] The modules M are designed to correspond with the mounting frames 6 in such a way that the modules M fixed in the first and second mounting frames 6, when the connector is connected as intended in its insertion direction S with the mating connector, correspond to the above with reference to Fig. 3A The described position of a coupling state of the antennas 1 of the modules M is provided. The areas 103 of the printed circuit boards 10 projecting from the modules M in the plug-in direction S are arranged adjacent to each other as intended with the coils 11 of two oppositely arranged corresponding modules M and have a predetermined small distance.

[0092] Fig. 4 For better understanding, especially of module M, an enlarged representation of the shielding element 2 of module M is shown. Fig. 2 From a different perspective. Antenna 1 of Fig. 2 is inserted into the shielding element 2 as intended, which is why, for the sake of clarity and comprehensibility, the antenna 1 without the shielding element 2 is also considered together in Fig. 4 is shown again.

[0093] The circuit board 10 of the antenna 1 protrudes by a predetermined amount L2 from the opening 20 of the shielding element 2, which is surrounded by the flange-like edge with the two threaded holes 21, in the connection direction S of module M with a corresponding identical second module M rotated by 180°. The circuit board 10 also protrudes from the rear opening of the shielding element 2 with its end opposite the opening 20 and its cable connection 14.

[0094] Adjacent to the cable connection 14, the circuit board 10 is fastened to the threaded holes 22 of the shielding element 2 by means of screws, wherein the circuit board 10 is spaced away from a central area of ​​the opening 20 by means of the spacer elements 13 as intended, which is shown in the drawing by the dashed line extending transversely to the opening 20 and through the threaded holes 21.

[0095] The antenna 1 is arranged in the shielding element 2 such that its circuit board 10 extends parallel to the connection direction S of the module M. The distance described above from the central area of ​​the opening 20 is predetermined such that the circuit boards 10 of two modules M arranged in their coupled state are adjacent to each other with a predetermined small distance and do not touch each other.

[0096] It is clear that the connection direction S of the modules M, for providing their coupling state, corresponds to the insertion direction S of a connector comprising the modules M. The modules M, with their antennas 1 positioned in the shielding elements 2, are designed such that the circuit boards 10 of the antennas 1 are arranged parallel to the connection direction S or insertion direction S and the plane of the modules.

[0097] Fig. 5A To better understand module M in particular, an enlarged view of the shielding element 2 with the antenna 1 inserted into the housing 3 of module M is shown. Fig. 2 The shielding element 2, together with the circuit board 10, protrudes from the rear opening of the housing 3. Only the upper and lower edges of the housing 3 slightly extend beyond the flange-like edge of the opening 20 of the shielding element 2 in the connection direction S.

[0098] Fig. 5B shows the module M of Fig. 5A , whose opening 20 is provided with a protective cap 5. The protective cap 5 is made of a suitable plastic and has an advantageous dual function. Firstly, it protects the area 103 of the antenna 1 from contamination, and secondly, like the positioning element 4, it stabilizes the circuit board 10 in its position. For this purpose, the protective cap 5, like the edge of the opening 20, is also flange-shaped with two bores 51 that correspond to the threaded bores 21 of the shielding element 2, allowing the protective cap 5 to be attached to the module M by means of screws. Furthermore, the shape of the protective cap 5 corresponds to that of the circuit board 10 protruding from the opening 20.

[0099] It is clear that the module M can also have such a protective cap 5 in addition to the positioning element 4. It is also clear that the rear opening of the shielding element 2 can be provided with a suitably designed additional protective cap, taking into account the accessibility of the cable connection 14. It is also clear that a module M equipped with the protective cap 5 is particularly suitable for sensitive industrial areas or for outdoor use.

[0100] Fig. 6A shows two modules M of Fig. 5B in the coupled state of their antennas 1 and Fig. 6B shows a longitudinal section through modules M of Fig. 6A .

[0101] Fig. 6A This essentially corresponds to the two modules M arranged adjacent to each other in a plane in the connecting direction S of the modules M. Fig. 3A , which is why reference is made here to the above description.

[0102] Fig. 6B First, the shielding element 2, which is arranged in a form-fitting manner in the housing 3, is shown. Fig. 6B The figure shows in particular the design of the protective cap 5, which encloses the circuit board 10 with its shape, wherein the protective cap 5 is designed correspondingly with the circuit board 10 and is arranged adjacent to the circuit board 10 on three sides, i.e. adjacent to the first S1 and second S2 side and the corresponding end-face edge B2 of the circuit board 10.

[0103] The modules M are arranged in their coupled state such that the protective caps 5 have a slight gap and do not touch each other. The spacing of the circuit boards 10 transverse to the connection direction S is on the order of the thickness of the circuit boards 10 and is between 1 and 10 mm, and advantageously about 2.5 mm.

[0104] The distance between the antenna coils in the coupled state is approximately 2.5 mm. A smaller distance would be advantageous, but is not easily achievable due to the design of the shielding element.

[0105] Fig. 7A Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of two interconnected train sections with a coupling 70 arranged between them. Each of the two train sections contains a power car 7. The coupling 70 connects the two power cars 7 and comprises two coupling parts, each containing a mechanical coupling and an electrical coupling 71, which are schematically shown in Figure 2. Fig. 7B is shown.

[0106] Both the mechanical coupler and the electric coupler 71 can be operated automatically on modern trains to establish a mechanical connection when coupling multiple train sets or cars within the same train set, as well as to provide the electrical, hydraulic, and / or pneumatic connections required for control. For this purpose, the electric coupler 71 typically has a large number of plug connections.

[0107] At least one module M as described above is integrated into a suitable module carrier 6 of the electrical coupling 71, whereby a high-frequency data transmission is provided when the coupling 70 is closed. The high-frequency coupling is effected by the modules M, each of which is arranged in a coupling part of the electrical coupling 71. Bezugszeichenliste

[0108] 1 Antenna, near-field antenna 10 Circuit board, PCB 101, 102, 103 Section 11 Signal line, coil 111, 112 Section, winding section 12 Reference ground 13 Spacer, mounting element 14 Connector, cable connector 2 Shielding element, support element 20 Opening 21, 22 Threaded hole 3-module housing, housing 30 opening 4 Positioning element 41 Bore 42 Recess, groove 43 Angle 5 Cover, protective cap 51 Bore 6 Module carrier, mounting frame 7 Train section, power car 70 Coupling 71 Electric coupling Module B1, B2 Edge B10 Width L Longitudinal direction L10, L2 Length, Amount S Connection direction, Plug-in direction S1, S2 Side

Claims

1. Antenna (1) for a WLAN Ethernet data interface, having a rectangular printed circuit board (10) with a width (B10) and a length. (L10) and a longitudinal direction (L), and with a first broad-side edge (B1) and a second broad-side edge (B2) situated opposite each other, and with a first region (101) and a second region (102) which extend in succession from the first edge (B1) to the second edge (B2), and with a first side (S1) and a second side (S2), and with a signal line (11) and a reference ground (12) which are both provided by means of conductor tracks, wherein the signal line (11) is designed as a planar coil (11) on the first side (S1) in the second region (102), and wherein the second region (102), on the first side (S1), comprises a third region (103) for providing a magnetic coupling state, which is suitable for data transfer, of a first antenna (1) with a structurally identical second antenna (1), which third region is designed in such a way that the magnetic coupling state is provided by means of an adjacent arrangement of the third regions (103) of the first and the second antenna (1), wherein the antennas (1) are each rotated through 180° in relation to one another in the coupling state in such a way that the third regions (103) face one another adjacently and oppositely, wherein the coil (11) is designed as a spiral rectangular coil with at least one turn and with preferably three to five turns, and wherein the turns of the coil (11) each have at least one first section (111) parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the printed circuit board (10) and at least one second section (112) transverse to the first section (111), and wherein the third region (103) is arranged at the second edge (B2) and comprises at least one second section (112) and preferably two or three second sections (112) of the coil (11).

2. Antenna (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the signal line (11) extends, on the first side (S1), starting from a cable connection (14) which is arranged at the first edge (B1) of the printed circuit board (10), in the first region (101) of the printed circuit board (10) centrally between a first and a second reference ground (12) which are arranged adjacent to the two longitudinal-side edges of the printed circuit board (10), and wherein, in the first region (101), a first width of the signal line (11), a spacing of the signal line (11) from the first and the second reference ground (12) and a second width of the reference grounds (12) are each designed in such a way that the first region (101) is populated by the signal line (11) and the reference grounds (12).

3. Antenna (1) according to Claim 2, wherein the signal line (11) has, in the first region (101) of the printed circuit board, a width which corresponds to approximately its spacing from the first and the second reference ground (12), and wherein the width of the reference grounds (12) corresponds to approximately 1.2 to 2 times and preferably approximately 1.5 times the width of the signal line (11), and wherein the first and the second reference ground (12) are areally designed in the form of a rectangle extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the printed circuit board (10).

4. Antenna (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein: the signal line (11), in the second region (102) of the printed circuit board (10), is formed by means of a conductor track with a width of from 0.3 mm to 0.8 mm and preferably of approximately 0.5 mm, and wherein the first sections (111) of the coil (11) are each arranged with a first spacing of from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm and preferably of approximately 0.3 mm, and the second sections (112) of the coil (11) are each arranged with a second spacing which is 2 to 10 times and preferably 5 times the first spacing.

5. Antenna (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the signal line (11) extends, in the second region (102), with the turns of its coil (11) in a spiral as far as the centre of the coil (11) and then runs onto the second side (S2) of the printed circuit board (10), and wherein the signal line (11) extends, on the second side (S2), from the second region (102) centrally as far as into the first region (101) which, adjacent to the first edge (B1) of the printed circuit board (10), is areally populated by a third reference ground (12).

6. Antenna (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (10) of the antenna (1) has, in the first region (101) adjacent to the first edge (B1), a first continuous hole through the first and the third reference ground (12) and a second continuous hole through the second and the third reference ground (12), and wherein the first and the second hole are, together with in each case one first and one second spacer element (13), which are designed as metal sleeves, for assembling the antenna (1), provided, in particular, in a housing.

7. Antenna (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the antenna (1) is designed as a near-field antenna for coupling in a range of from 2 to 3 cm, wherein the antenna (1) has an impedance at its cable connection of 50 Ω and is designed for a frequency band of 5 GHz with a transfer rate of 450 Mbit / s, and wherein the antenna (1) is designed to be suitable for providing a WLAN Ethernet data interface.

8. Module (M) with an integrated WLAN Ethernet data interface, having a housing (3), a shielding element (2), a positioning element (4) and / or a protective cap (5) and having a planar antenna (1) which is formed on a printed circuit board (10) and has a signal line (11) and a reference ground (12), for use in a module support (6), wherein the antenna (1) is arranged in the module (M) and in the process projects out of an opening (20) in the module (M) by a predetermined amount (L2) in such a way that, by means of a first module (M) with a first antenna (1) and a second structurally identical module (M) which is rotated through 180° and has a second antenna (1) and is arranged adjacent to the first module (M) in one plane, a magnetic coupling state of the signal lines (11) of the antennas (1) is provided by means of an adjacent arrangement of the first and the second antenna (1).

9. Module (M) according to Claim 8, wherein the antenna (1), by way of its printed circuit board (10), is spaced apart from a central region of the opening (20, 30), and the printed circuit board (10) is arranged parallel to the plane of the modules (M).

10. Module (M) according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the shielding element (2) consists of metal and is electrically connected to the reference ground (12) of the antenna (1) and a reference ground of a cable connection (14) of the antenna (1).

11. Module (M) according to one of Claims 8 to 10, wherein the housing (3) consists of plastic and has an inner contour which interacts in a positively locking manner with an outer contour of the shielding element (2) in such a way that the shielding element (2) is accommodated and held in the housing (3), and wherein the housing (3) has an outer contour which corresponds to a contour of the module support (6).

12. Module (M) according to one of Claims 8 to 11 for use together with further structurally identical modules (M) and / or further modules in a plug-in connector, wherein the module support (6) is a holding frame (6) of the plug-in connector.

13. Module (M) according to one of Claims 8 to 12 for use together with further structurally identical modules (M) and / or further modules in an electric coupler (71) of a coupler part of a coupler (70) which is provided between two train sections that are connected to each other, wherein the module support (6) is a constituent part of the electric coupler (71).

14. Module (M) according to one of Claims 8 to 13, wherein the antenna (1) is formed by an antenna according to one of Claims 1 to 7.