Communication device

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for non-contact near-field data transmission (55), preferably for a vehicle (1), comprising: - a near-field frontend (12), which is arranged on a circuit board (13) and forms at least part of a basic unit (11), - a near-field antenna (15) which is suitable for non-contact data transmission with an external mobile device (50). According to the invention, the near-field antenna (15) is designed as structurally separate from the near-field frontend (12), wherein at least one wired connection line (16.4) between the near-field frontend (12) and the near-field antenna (15) is provided as a connection element (16), and the near-field antenna (15) with the connection element (16) forms a near-field antenna unit (14), wherein the near-field frontend (12) has at least one antenna tuner (17) for adjustment to the near-field antenna unit (14).

Description

[0001] Communication device

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device having the features of the independent device claim, an access system having the features of the independent system claim and a vehicle having the features of the independent vehicle claim.

[0004] Numerous electrical devices for contactless data transmission in connection with a vehicle access system are known from the prior art. The vehicle door handle is often used to house at least part of the electrical device for contactless data transmission and / or user proximity. An emergency release in the form of a mechanical locking cylinder is also often provided in the area of ​​the door handle to provide access to the vehicle's interior in the event of a power failure.

[0005] Such vehicle access systems typically utilized an external ID transmitter to enable contactless access. The ID transmitter exchanged data wirelessly with at least one electrical device. This requires the vehicle user to always carry an external ID transmitter to operate the vehicle's access system (whether active or passive). Increasingly, the user's mobile phone, in the form of a cellular phone, is being used to perform the ID transmitter's functions. The trend in vehicles is also moving toward e-mobility, requiring larger electrical energy storage units. Furthermore, vehicle door handles are being replaced by purely electric access systems, partly for aerodynamic reasons.A disadvantage is that the user, despite having a mobile phone, still has to carry a mechanical emergency key in order to be able to trigger an emergency release of the access system in an emergency. For this reason, the mechanical locking cylinder for the emergency release is also being replaced by an electrical device. This device must enable data transmission between the mobile phone and the access system under all circumstances and at all times. This means that this device is at least always switched on when there is an emergency, particularly one involving the power supply. This makes it particularly important that the electrical energy consumption of the device for emergency operation of the access system is particularly low. Another disadvantage is that such devices do not function optimally behind a shield, such as a vehicle panel.Consequently, the device must be mounted on the vehicle without being shielded by vehicle parts, if possible.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the invention is to achieve a particularly energy-efficient device for contactless data transmission. The installation of the device on the vehicle must also be as flexible as possible to ensure effective data transmission between the device and the mobile phone.

[0007] The above object is achieved by a device having the features of the independent device claim, by an access system having the features of the independent system claim, and by a vehicle having the features of the independent vehicle claim. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the access system according to the invention and / or in connection with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that reciprocal reference is or can always be made to the individual aspects of the invention with regard to the disclosure. According to the invention, a device for contactless near-field data transmission, preferably for a vehicle, is provided, comprising:

[0008] - a near-field front-end arranged on a circuit board and forming at least part of a base unit,

[0009] - a near-field antenna suitable for contactless data transmission with an external mobile device.

[0010] In this case, the near-field antenna is structurally designed separately from the near-field front-end, wherein at least one wired connecting line is provided as an (electrical) connecting element between the near-field front-end and the near-field antenna, and the near-field antenna forms a near-field antenna unit with the connecting element, wherein the near-field front-end has at least one (analog and / or digital) antenna tuner for adaptation to the near-field antenna unit.

[0011] The structural separation of the near-field antenna from the near-field front-end makes it possible to arrange the near-field antenna in areas of the vehicle that would otherwise not be suitable for an entire near-field communication device due to simply not enough space. Furthermore, the entire device would potentially be unnecessarily exposed to external interference, such as moisture, electromagnetic fields, etc. This allows the device according to the invention to be used in a particularly flexible manner on the vehicle. However, this requires that the existing near-field front-end is designed in such a way that electrical and electromagnetic interference introduced by the near-field antenna and / or the connecting element can be compensated. For this purpose, for example, an antenna tuner according to document EP 3 001 561 B1 can be used, which is additionally optimized with regard to the layout of the circuit board, as described below.

[0012] Near-field communication technology, in particular, is particularly susceptible to external interference, so the existing near-field antenna must always be tuned by the antenna tuner to enable interference-free and flawless communication. Unfortunately, the antenna tuner's circuitry must always be individually adapted and constructed using electronic components. In other words, for every change to the near-field antenna and the connecting element, a separate adjustment of the antenna tuner must be made. This makes series production of the device very difficult, for example, if it involves a change in the length of the connecting element and / or a geometric change to the near-field antenna, since the antenna tuner must be adjusted again by using modified components.

[0013] Within the scope of the invention, it can therefore be advantageous for the antenna tuner to have at least one matching circuit and / or a filter circuit to achieve matching to the existing near-field antenna unit. Due to the basic design of the antenna tuner with the matching circuit and / or a filter circuit, this can be individually but particularly easily matched to the existing near-field antenna with the existing connecting element.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, it is further conceivable for the filter circuit to have at least a first filter arrangement in order to operate the near-field front-end in a single mode. This design of the filter circuit is particularly simple and can therefore be implemented in a space-saving manner. It is also conceivable for the filter circuit to have at least a first and a second filter arrangement in order to operate the near-field front-end in a differential mode, wherein preferably the first and second filter arrangements form an (electrically) symmetrical filter circuit, or wherein preferably the first and second filter arrangements form an asymmetrical filter circuit. By using a first and a second filter arrangement in differential mode, further energy can be saved and further signal processing in near-field communication can be facilitated.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the connecting element has at least two wired connecting lines between the near-field front end and the (exactly "1") near-field antenna. This configuration makes technical sense, particularly in differential mode. In particular, a connector can be provided at one end of the connecting lines for detachable contact with the near-field front end or the near-field antenna. In particular, one connector can also be provided for each end of the connecting lines for detachable contact with the near-field front end and the near-field antenna. By using at least one connector, storage, assembly, and repair of the device according to the invention can be significantly simplified. Ideally, the actually present connectors are taken into account when adapting the antenna turner to the existing near-field antenna.It is also conceivable for a socket connector for the connector of the connecting element to be soldered onto the circuit board, and preferably for a mechanical connection to be provided between the connector and the circuit board. By directly contacting the socket connector with the circuit board, external interference can be reduced. Furthermore, the physical size of the base unit and, if applicable, the near-field antenna unit, which may also have a separate circuit board, can be reduced. The additional mechanical connection of the socket connector to the respective circuit board increases the mechanical stability of the entire device.

[0016] It is also conceivable for the connecting element to have at least one soldering point at one end of the connecting line for permanent contact with the near-field front end or the near-field antenna. In particular, one soldering point can also be provided for each end of the connecting lines for permanent contact with the near-field front end and the near-field antenna, wherein the existing soldering points of the connecting lines are preferably provided with at least one mechanical strain relief. By directly soldering the connecting lines to the near-field front end or the near-field antenna, in particular to the respective circuit boards, the contact resistances can be reduced and kept constant over time. Furthermore, the corresponding soldering points ensure long-term and good contact.

[0017] Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the connecting element to have at least one shield, in particular in the form of a metallic foil and / or a metallic (wire) grid (also called wire mesh), around the connecting lines. The shielding significantly reduces the external interference, such as inductive and capacitive coupling, on the connecting element, thereby enabling reliable use of the device according to the invention. The shield is expediently connected to ground, in particular on one side.

[0018] It is also conceivable for at least two connecting lines from the connecting element to be twisted together to form a twisted-pair cable, with each of the two connecting lines, which are in particular twisted together, preferably being provided with shielding. By twisting the two connecting lines, better protection against electrical and magnetic interference fields can be achieved. External interference can be further reduced by additional shielding of the two (twisted) connecting lines.

[0019] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, a two-wire, twisted-pair cable (with or without shielding) can be provided as the connecting element for connecting the near-field antenna. It goes without saying that the two wires or the two connecting lines are encased in an electrically insulating layer within the connecting element.

[0020] Each connecting line of the connecting element can also have a cross-section between 0.25 and 1.00 mm 2 , preferably between 0.27 and 0.75 mm 2 and particularly preferably between 0.30 to 0.50 mm 2 to enable good, lossless signal transmission.

[0021] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the connecting element has a length between 25 and 125 cm, preferably between 25 and 95 cm, particularly preferably between 30 and 75 cm. This allows a significant distance between the base unit and the near-field antenna unit to be achieved. Nevertheless, it is recommended to keep the length of the connecting element as short as possible to avoid unnecessary interference.

[0022] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least one (first or second) housing is provided, each of which separately houses the near-field front end or the near-field antenna. Preferably, at least the near-field front end and / or the near-field antenna can be encapsulated with potting compound in the respective housing to reliably prevent moisture problems and / or reduce mechanical stress on the electrical components. Ideally, at least part of the housing serves as a collecting tray for the potting compound, with all electrical components, including the circuit board and solder joints, ideally being completely covered by the potting compound.

[0023] Within the scope of the invention, it can also be advantageous for the (preferably first) housing to be constructed in two parts, with a housing cover and a housing base, wherein, in particular, the two housing parts are welded or glued together after the electrical components and component assemblies have been installed inside the housing (and potted with potting compound). This can additionally prevent moisture or dirt from penetrating the housing and thus causing problems. Existing plug sockets can also be molded onto the housing. Ideally, the housing is a plastic injection-molded part, which allows for a complex housing shape. Consequently, the provided plug sockets can be manufactured (or molded) directly with the respective housing part, thereby avoiding sealing problems.

[0024] Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that holding means, in particular in the form of clips, locking means, cable ties, adhesives, rivets and / or screws, are arranged at least on the near-field antenna unit for fastening to the vehicle. By means of the aforementioned holding means, the device can be fastened to the vehicle at least partially or in sections in a force-fitting, material-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. A combination of the aforementioned holding means is also conceivable in order to achieve optimal and simple fastening. Furthermore, at least one holding means can be provided in the area of ​​or on the near-field antenna and / or the connecting element, and / or preferably at least one holding means can be present on the housing, in particular directly molded onto it. The holding means, like the plug sockets, can be injection-molded directly during production.The retaining means can be designed as tabs with through holes, thus enabling simple screwing, riveting, and / or connection, e.g., using cable ties, to the vehicle, in particular an inner door panel. It is also conceivable for the retaining means themselves to be provided with locking elements and / or adhesives (see, for example, Figs. 6, 7).

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the circuit board has an electromechanical layout for arranging the electrical components, at least from the near-field front end. The circuit board layout is designed such that, regardless of the individual components for adapting the antenna tuner to the respective near-field antenna unit, the layout is identical. This means that, in particular, the circuit board with its identical layout can be used with the connecting element even when different components are used for adapting to the respective near-field antenna. Consequently, the (identically) designed circuit board with its identical layout can always be designed for all conceivable (component-specific) adaptations of the antenna tuner, so that the circuit board can be manufactured in series production.The antenna tuner is then adapted to the near-field antenna by selecting the appropriate components, which are then subsequently populated onto the circuit board. SMD components with different electrical characteristics are used, but which essentially have the same geometric size. The circuit board layout provides the appropriate solder pads for the SMD components, allowing for their precise arrangement and attachment by soldering. This process is made possible by a special circuit design of the antenna tuner.

[0026] It is also conceivable that exactly one near-field front end with the existing antenna tuner is suitable for operating at least two near-field antenna units. This means that no additional near-field front end is required to achieve full functionality of both near-field antennas. However, the antenna tuner should be adapted in advance to the two near-field antenna units to be used, including their respective connecting elements. In this case, it is conceivable that at least the first ends of the two connecting elements are connected to the near-field front end via a common connector.

[0027] On the one hand, it is also conceivable for the near-field antenna to be manufactured on a second circuit board using a photolithographic process. This allows the near-field antenna to be manufactured cost-effectively and consistently with the same electrical properties. This further reduces the number of components required for series production. On the other hand, it is also possible for the near-field antenna to be formed by at least a partial or complete loop of the connecting element, which is not shielded (and / or twisted) in the antenna region, wherein the loop is held in the housing of the near-field antenna by at least one fixing means. These fixing means can protrude in rod form from the interior of the housing and be manufactured with the housing. With this design of the antenna, the connecting line (as antenna) is essentially looped through and then returned.In this case, no separation of the connecting cable is necessary, so that it is designed to be endless in the antenna area. In addition, in both designs (circuit board and cable loop) of the near-field antenna, a (conductive) surface, which can also be photo-technically manufactured on the circuit board and is designed to be electrically conductive, can improve the transmission quality of the near-field antenna. However, the (conductive) surface can also be constructed from an electrically conductive foil (with or without a circuit board). Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for at least one further component group to be present in addition to the near-field front-end as a basic unit, for example in the form of a voltage regulator, a protection circuit, a driver circuit, a control unit, an antenna control unit, an interface, an energy storage device and / or an A / D or DA converter.It is advantageous here if the additional component groups present are at least partially also arranged on the circuit board for the near-field front-end. The voltage regulator can reduce the vehicle's on-board voltage to the voltage preferably required (of approximately 5 V) for the near-field front-end. The at least one protective circuit can protect the device from overvoltages and interference from the vehicle's on-board electrical system. The protective circuit can also protect the vehicle's on-board electrical system from interference from the device. Using the driver circuit, the near-field front-end can be operated as an NFC module, for example. Initial signal processing can already be carried out by the control unit. The interface serves for communication between the device according to the invention and the vehicle communications network. The energy storage device can be used, for example, to absorb external energy from the mobile radio device.

[0028] It should also be mentioned at this point that the device according to the invention may optionally have additional communication units, such as a UWB unit, LF and / or HF radio units, and / or a Bluetooth radio unit. The device can also be used to control and evaluate connectable sensors, such as capacitive sensors, inductive sensors, proximity sensors, and radar sensors.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be provided within the scope of the invention that the contactless near-field data transmission takes place in the frequency range between 12.80 MHz and 14.2 MHz, preferably in the frequency range between 13.25 MHz and 13.75 MHz and particularly preferably in the frequency range around or at 13.56 MHz (standardized N FC data transmission) and at least the near-field antenna unit and / or the near-field front-end is designed for this frequency range.

[0030] The transmission rate (between the mobile device and the near-field antenna unit) can preferably be 106 kbit / s, 212 kbit / s, or 424 kbit / s, and / or the maximum transmission range can preferably be 10 cm. This short transmission range makes the entire near-field communication highly secure against eavesdropping and attacks.

[0031] With regard to the present invention, it is conceivable that the device is designed as an emergency unlocking device and preferably generates an emergency unlocking signal after positive authentication and / or a positive code comparison of the mobile device. It is also possible for electrical energy to be transmitted from the external mobile device to the device, particularly via the near-field antenna. For this purpose, the base unit is preferably provided with an electrical energy storage device to maintain functionality in all circumstances.

[0032] The above object is further achieved by an access system according to the invention for a vehicle having at least one device according to the invention (as already described), wherein the base part of the device is connected electrically, in terms of control technology, and / or data technology, in particular via the interface and the connector, to the vehicle-mounted control unit in order to trigger at least one emergency unlocking function there. This allows an electromechanical lock on a movable part of the vehicle to be actuated, allowing the user to access the vehicle.

[0033] The above object is also achieved by a vehicle according to the invention with at least one device according to the invention. It is provided that (exclusively) the near-field antenna is arranged in the window area of ​​a movable part, such as a door or hatch, of the vehicle, and / or wherein the near-field antenna is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the B-pillar of the vehicle or on an exterior mirror of the vehicle or a wing element on the movable part. At these positions, the near-field antenna is easily accessible to the user, and interference-free communication between the mobile device and the near-field antenna is possible. Since only the near-field antenna or the near-field antenna unit is arranged at these positions, the available space is generally sufficient.

[0034] Furthermore, it is conceivable that at least the base unit with the near-field front end and its housing is arranged in a dry area of ​​the vehicle, preferably inside the moving part. In this position, the base unit is well protected from external weather and interference. Furthermore, the near-field antenna unit with the connecting element can be attached to the vehicle by the holding means at other positions, as previously described.

[0035] Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous for an additional near-field antenna of the device to be present in the interior of the vehicle, preferably in the area of ​​a storage compartment for the mobile device. The additional near-field antenna can, for example, enable the engine management system to be activated by the mobile device via the device according to the invention. Furthermore, the position of the mobile device in the vehicle can be detected particularly easily, as can data transmission to the vehicle (preferably bidirectionally). It is also conceivable that a charging process for the mobile device can be achieved using the device according to the invention.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes several embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. The invention is illustrated in the following figures:

[0037] Fig. 1 is a side view of a vehicle with the device according to the invention and the access system according to the invention,

[0038] Fig. 2 is a plan view of a comparable vehicle as in Fig. 1,

[0039] Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a movable part, in the form of a door, of the vehicle with the device 10 according to the invention with a total of 2 near-field antenna units,

[0040] Fig. 4 schematic view of a near-field antenna unit with a near-field antenna on a circuit board,

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a schematic near-field antenna unit comparable to Figure 4, but with the near-field antenna being designed as a loop of the connecting line, Fig. 6 shows another schematic near-field antenna unit with a connecting element for electrically contacting the near-field front-end and differently indicated holding means,

[0042] Fig. 7 exemplary holding means for the connecting element in side view, wherein the connecting element is shown in cross section,

[0043] Fig. 8 schematic view of a base unit with at least the near-field front end on a circuit board and further component groups,

[0044] Fig. 9 Cross section through the circuit board in the area of ​​the near-field front-end with a side view of a component in SMD form,

[0045] Fig. 10 schematic plan view of a housing of the base unit with the near-field front end,

[0046] Fig. 11 schematic side view of a comparable base unit 11 in a housing with molded plug sockets, and

[0047] Fig. 12 schematic representation of an optimized frequency response of a tuned near-field antenna

[0048] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 100 with at least one device 10 according to the invention. This device 10 has at least two separate structural units, namely a base unit 11 and a near-field antenna unit 14. These two structural units 11, 14 are connected at least data-wise and / or electronically via a connecting element 16. The base unit 11 is described in more detail in Figures 8 to 11. The near-field antenna unit 14 is shown in detail in Figures 4 to 7. In this Figure 1, the device 10 according to the invention is indicated in the area of ​​the driver's door, which is also referred to as the movable part 101. The device 10 has the base unit 11, which is housed in the interior of the movable part 101, protected from the effects of the weather.To enable emergency unlocking by the device 10, at least the near-field antenna 15 of the near-field antenna unit 14 in the area of ​​the B-pillar 103 is accessible to a user 200. Advantageously, the user 200 can control an existing access system 30 with their external mobile radio device 50, thus enabling convenient access to the vehicle 100. In an emergency, the access system 30 according to the invention can now be controlled by the device 10 according to the invention such that the external mobile radio device 50 communicates with the device 10 via a near-field data transmission 55 in order to generate an emergency unlocking of the access system 30. For this purpose, the user 200 must hold their external mobile radio device 50 as close as possible to the near-field antenna unit 14, whereby a minimum distance of 10 cm should not be exceeded.When a minimum distance is reached between the mobile device 50 and the near-field antenna 15, the device 10 registers this approach and initiates an authentication communication and / or a data exchange with an access code. Upon successful authentication (with a corresponding access code), the device 10 according to the invention can generate a trigger signal, which then first unlocks and then opens an electromechanical lock 105 on the movable part 101. This ultimately grants access to the vehicle 100 to the user 200.

[0050] In addition to the device 10 according to the invention, the access system 30 according to the invention can also have a vehicle-mounted control unit 107, which can communicate via bus interfaces, such as LIN, CAN, and / or U-Type interfaces. The control unit 107 can be integrated as a separate unit or into a central control unit of the vehicle 100.

[0051] Since metallic objects, such as vehicle sheet metal or chrome trim or the like, interfere with communication during near-field data transmission 55, the near-field antenna 15 should be as freely accessible as possible for the user 200. For this reason, the invention provides for the near-field antenna 15 to be arranged in the area of ​​the B-pillar 103, in the window area 102 of the movable part 101 and / or in the area of ​​the exterior mirror 104.

[0052] In Figure 1, additional wing elements 106 are provided in the transition area from the window to the door panel on the movable part 101. These wing elements 106 can comprise further components of the access system 30 to enable automatic access to the vehicle 100. The wing elements 106 can be arranged fixedly or retractably on the movable part 101.

[0053] As can be clearly seen in Figure 1, the base 111 is designed at a distance from the near-field antenna unit 14 with the near-field antenna 15. The two units 14 and 15 are electronically connected for data transmission by a connecting element 16, which is not shown in Figure 1. Since the near-field antenna 15 is connected to the near-field front-end 12 by the connecting element 16, a corresponding antenna tuner 17 must be tuned to the entire near-field antenna unit 14 with the connecting element 16. For this purpose, the near-field front-end 12 is designed with an appropriately optimized electrical design.

[0054] Figure 2 shows a top view of a comparable vehicle 100 from Figure 1. However, this vehicle 100 does not have the wing elements 106 on the moving parts. Instead, the arrangement or positioning of the near-field antenna unit 14 with the antenna 15 arranged therein on the vehicle 100 is clearly visible.

[0055] Figure 3 schematically shows a driver's door as a movable part 101 of the vehicle 100. The movable part 101 comprises the device 10 according to the invention in an exemplary embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 3, the device 10 is equipped with a total of two near-field antenna units 14, both of which are connected to exactly one near-field front end 12. The corresponding near-field front end 12 is tuned for the use of the two near-field antennas 15. During this tuning, the two existing connecting elements 16 are also taken into account, since otherwise optimal operation of the device 10 for data exchange with the external mobile radio device 50 is not possible. As can be clearly seen from Figure 3, the base unit 11 is structurally spaced and provided separately from the near-field antenna unit 14. The two connecting elements 16 each have a first end 16.1 and a second end 16.2. The first end of 16th1 of the connecting element 16 serves for connection to the near-field front end 12 of the base unit 11. The second end 16.2 of the connecting element 16 leads to the near-field antenna unit 14 and is electrically connected to the near-field antenna 15 or even represents the near-field antenna 15 itself (see Figure 5). In order to reduce (electromagnetic) interference with the near-field antenna unit 14 and the connecting element 16 as much as possible, it is recommended to arrange the latter securely and firmly on the movable part 101 via holding means 25. The holding means 25 can be used to fasten the near-field antenna unit 14 and the connecting element 16 in a force-fitting, material-fitting, and / or form-fitting manner. The existing near-field antenna unit 14, which is arranged on the right side of the base unit 11 in the window area 102 (near the B-pillar of the vehicle), serves the user 200 for the planned emergency unlocking and is thus accessible from the outside of the vehicle 100.The additional near-field antenna unit 14, which is arranged above the base unit 11 in the movable part 101 (below the window area 102), is accessible from the interior of the vehicle 100 and can preferably be provided in the area of ​​a receptacle 108 for a mobile radio device 50. This near-field antenna 15 in the near-field antenna unit 14 can be used to easily check the extent to which the user's 200 essential mobile radio device 50 is located in the vehicle 100, in order to, for example, also enable the engine management of the vehicle 100 to start the engine. It is also conceivable that a charging process and / or data exchange with the external mobile radio device 50 is possible via the near-field antenna unit 14 in the interior of the vehicle 100.

[0056] Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate the near-field antenna 15 in different configurations. In Figure 4, the near-field antenna 15 is photo-technically mounted on a circuit board 15.1, in particular as a multiple loop 15.2. Contacting of the near-field antenna 15 is achieved via the two soldering points 19, which establish a connection to the two connecting lines 16.4 of the connecting element 16. As can be clearly seen from Figures 4 and 5, the near-field antenna 15 is constructed with an enlarged surface in order to optimize data transmission to the external mobile radio device 50. In addition, a (conductive) surface 15.3, which is also photo-technically manufactured on the circuit board 13 and is designed to be electrically conductive, can improve the transmission quality of the near-field antenna 15. The (conductive) surface 15.3 can also be constructed from an electrically conductive foil.To protect the near-field antenna 15 from external influences, it is recommended to encapsulate the electrical components with a potting compound to minimize external interference. Ideally, the near-field antenna 15 and its circuit board 15.1 are housed in a second housing 21, which is structurally separate from the first housing 20 of the base unit 11.

[0057] In Figure 5, the near-field antenna 15 is not implemented by a circuit board 15.1, as in Figure 4, but rather by a loop 15.2 of the connecting line 16.4 from the connecting element 16 within the near-field antenna unit 14. To enable this loop to be produced in a simple manner, additional fixing means 22 can be provided for mechanically guiding the connecting line 16.4. Ideally, these fixing means 22 are injected into the housing 21 of the near-field antenna unit 14. As in the embodiment of Figure 4, an electrically conductive surface 15.3 in the form of a metal foil can also be provided in Figure 5. In the embodiment of Figure 5, it is recommended to loop the connecting line 16.4 without interruption from the base unit 11 through the near-field antenna unit 14 and back again. This eliminates the need for contact points that could lead to potential interference.It is also recommended to use loop 15.2 for the near-field antenna.

[0058] 15 within the housing 21 with potting compound.

[0059] Figure 6 shows the near-field antenna unit 14 with the near-field antenna 15 and the connecting element 16. In the present case, the second end 16.2 of the connecting element 16 is connected to the near-field antenna 15 by a plug 23, in particular a second plug 23.2. In the present case, the connecting element

[0060] 16 is designed as a two-wire twisted connecting cable 16.4, in particular with additional shielding 16.3. Within the insulation 16.6, the two connecting cables 16.4 are twisted together to form the twisted region 16.5. By twisting the two connecting cables 16.4, electromagnetic interference can be compensated, thereby enabling improved operation of the near-field antenna unit 14. At the first end 16.1 of the connecting element 16, the two connecting cables 16.4 are shown untwisted. These can either be electrically connected to the base unit 11 via a connector 23, in particular only a first connector 23.1, or connected directly to the near-field front end 12 without a connector 23.

[0061] Figure 6 also shows exemplary holding means 25 for fastening the connecting element 16 to the vehicle 100. The left-hand holding means 25 uses a locking means with a double arrowhead, with which the holding means 25 can be easily fastened or clipped to bores or holes. The right-hand holding means 25 has an adhesive surface (adhesive strip) arranged at the lower end of the holding means 25, with which the holding means 25 can be easily glued to an at least partially flat surface in the vehicle 100. Additionally, it is advantageous if at least one holding means 25 is also provided directly on the near-field antenna unit 14, which is indicated in Figure 6 as a receiving tab and is molded onto the housing 21. As previously mentioned, however, the holding means 25 on the housing can also be configured as clips, adhesives, screws, or the like.

[0062] Figure 7 schematically shows a detailed holding means 25 for the connecting element 16. As can be clearly seen, the holding means 25 has an upper tubular portion through which the connecting element 16 is held (positively). This tubular portion can be wire-shaped or cable-tie-shaped and is attached at a lower end to a holding plate, which, for example, has a screw means, adhesive means, or locking means.

[0063] Figure 7 also shows the connecting element 16 in more detail in cross-section. The two connecting lines 16.4, which can be made of copper strands or a single copper wire each, are clearly visible inside. The two connecting lines 16.4 are each surrounded by an insulating layer and can additionally be surrounded by another common insulating layer. Furthermore, a shield 16.3, particularly in the form of a wire mesh or an electrically conductive foil, can also be present to keep out electromagnetic interference. Finally, the shield 16.3 is also surrounded by an outer insulation 16.6, which also protects the connecting line 16.4 from moisture.

[0064] Figure 8 shows the base unit 11, which is configured with the near-field front end 12 on a printed circuit board 13. Furthermore, individual electronic components 13.1 are arranged on the printed circuit board 13. Within the scope of the present invention, the same layout of the printed circuit board 13 can always be used, yet a component-specific adaptation of the antenna tuner 17 to the existing near-field antenna unit 14 can be achieved using the corresponding connecting element 16.

[0065] The antenna tuner 17 can have at least one matching circuit 17.1 and / or a filter circuit 17.2 to achieve matching to the existing near-field antenna unit 14. Figure 8 shows, by way of example, a filter circuit 17.2 constructed with mirror symmetry (see horizontal mirror plane), which forms the first and second filter arrangements. Using the two mirror-symmetrical filter arrangements, the near-field front-end 12 can be operated in a differential mode to achieve optimal performance. Additionally, further component groups 18 in the form of a voltage regulator, a protection circuit, a driver circuit, a control unit, an antenna control unit, an interface, and / or an AD / DA converter can also be present on the circuit board 13, whereby the overall use of the device 10 according to the invention can be designed to be highly individually adaptable.In Figure 8, the existing connecting element 16 is electromechanically connected to the molded socket 24 of the base unit 11 via a first plug 23.1. The socket 24 is contacted via the two solder joints 19 with the circuit board 13.

[0066] As already mentioned, there is unfortunately a technical necessity to perform an optimal component-specific adaptation of the near-field front end 12 for each near-field antenna unit 14 with the corresponding connecting element 16. This adaptation must also be carried out when the length of the connecting element 16 changes, and not only when the near-field antenna 15 itself undergoes a structural or electrical change. The goal of this optimal adaptation of the antenna tuner 17 is to achieve a frequency response, as shown by way of example in Figure 12, in which the input current (see curve K1) is as low as possible at the operating frequency and, ideally, a broad plateau of the antenna current (see curve K2) is established around the operating frequency. This allows the entire device 10 to be operated in a particularly low-energy and economical mode.In addition, the near-field antenna unit 14 is then particularly susceptible to interference from external influences, which unfortunately can be so severe in the area of ​​the near-field data transmission 55 that the entire device 10 may become inoperable.

[0067] Figure 9 illustrates what is meant by the same layout of the circuit board 13. In the present case, for example, a resistor R1 is shown as an SMD component, which has two solder caps 13.1a on the left and right sides. The SMD component is soldered onto the existing solder pads 13.2 of the circuit board 13 via these solder caps. These solder pads 13.2 are always arranged in the same place and at the same distance from one another (on the circuit board) and can nevertheless be used for different resistors, such as for the resistor R2, which is also designed as an SMD component. This allows the antenna tuner 17 to be adjusted to the respective near-field antenna unit 14 independently of the components 13.1 used, so that one and the same layout of a circuit board 13 can always be used for many different applications. However, the special circuitry of the antenna tuner 17 is advantageous for this purpose.

[0068] Figure 10 shows a plan view of the housing 20 of the base unit 11. This housing 20 is designed in at least two parts, comprising a housing cover 20.1 and a housing base 20.2, wherein the two housing parts 20.1 and 20.2 can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner via a connecting seam 20.3. The near-field front end 12 with its additional component groups 18 is then arranged within the first housing 20. An electrical and / or data connection can be established via the plug sockets 24, which are expediently formed with the housing 20. For fastening the base unit 11, corresponding tabs can also be formed on the housing 20, forming two holding means 25. Two through holes are provided in the tabs, with which the housing 20 can then be connected to the vehicle 100 via plastic rivets, screws, cable ties, or the like.

[0069] In Figure 11, the housing 20 is shown in a side view with a view of the plug sockets

[0070] 24. This housing 20 is a different design from the housing in Figure 10. Essentially, the holding means

[0071] 25 is not designed as a lateral tab, but as two clip connections with spring-loaded undercuts, with which the entire housing 20 can be clipped onto the vehicle 100 to achieve a positive connection. The circuit board 13 in the base unit 11 is indicated purely schematically. Figure 11 also clearly shows the connecting seam 20.3, which can be formed as a welded seam or an adhesive seam. The two housing parts 20.1 and 20.2, which are connected to each other in a watertight manner, are also clearly visible in Figure 11.

[0072] Figure 12 schematically illustrates the aforementioned frequency response of the input current (see curve K1) and the antenna current (see curve K2) around the operating frequency (13.574 MHz). As can be seen from this figure, the input current is minimal (or has a distinct dip) in the range of the operating frequency of 13.56 MHz, and a broad plateau advantageously forms in the range of the operating frequency for the antenna current. The frequency response shown can be achieved by the special circuitry of the antenna tuner 17 in order to achieve particularly energy-efficient operation with a very high performance of the near-field antenna 15. At the same time, this frequency response also enables particularly interference-resistant operation of the device 10 according to the invention.

[0073] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the present invention can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention / claims.

[0074] Bezuq szei chen li ste

[0075] 10 Device

[0076] 11 Base unit

[0077] 12 Near-field front end

[0078] 13 Circuit board

[0079] 13.1 Components

[0080] 13.1.a Solder caps from 13.1

[0081] 13.2 solder pads of 13

[0082] 14 Near-field antenna unit

[0083] 15 Near-field antenna

[0084] 15.1 Circuit board for antenna

[0085] 15.2 Loop of 15

[0086] 15.3 Surface, especially electrically conductive

[0087] 16 connecting element (between 11 and 14)

[0088] 16.1 first end of 16

[0089] 16.2 second end of 16

[0090] 16.3 Shielding

[0091] 16.4 Connecting line

[0092] 16.5 twisted area of ​​16.4

[0093] 16.6 Insulation, especially electrical

[0094] 17 antenna tuners

[0095] 17.1 Matching circuit

[0096] 17.2 Filter circuit

[0097] 18 Component group

[0098] 19 Solder joint

[0099] 20 housings, first

[0100] 20.1 Housing cover

[0101] 20.2 Case bottom

[0102] 20.3 Connecting seam

[0103] 21 Housing, second

[0104] 22 Fixatives

[0105] 23 plugs

[0106] 23.1 first connector 23.2 second connector

[0107] 24 socket

[0108] 25 holding devices

[0109] 26 Energy storage, especially gold cap or battery

[0110] 30 Access system, in particular emergency release device

[0111] 50 external mobile device

[0112] 55 Near-field data transmission

[0113] 100 vehicles

[0114] 101 movable part, in particular door, flap or the like

[0115] 102 Window area

[0116] 103 B-pillar

[0117] 104 exterior mirrors

[0118] 105 electromechanical lock for 101

[0119] 106 wing element

[0120] 107 vehicle-side control unit

[0121] 108 Mobile phone holder

[0122] 200 users

[0123] R1 / R2 SMD component, e.g. resistor

[0124] K1 curve input current

[0125] K2 antenna current curve

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device (10) for contactless near-field data transmission (55), preferably for a vehicle (1), comprising: - a near-field front end (12) arranged on a circuit board (13) and forming at least part of a base unit (11), - a near-field antenna (15) which is suitable for contactless data transmission with an external mobile radio device (50), characterized in that the near-field antenna (15) is structurally designed separately from the near-field front-end (12), wherein at least one wired connecting line (16.4) is provided as the (electrical) connecting element (16) between the near-field front-end (12) and the near-field antenna (15), and the near-field antenna (15) forms a near-field antenna unit (14) with the connecting element (16), wherein the near-field front-end (12) has at least one (analog) antenna tuner (17) for adaptation to the near-field antenna unit (14).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the antenna tuner (17) has at least one matching circuit (17.1) and / or a filter circuit (17.2) in order to effect an adaptation to the existing near-field antenna unit (14).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter circuit (17.2) has at least a first filter arrangement in order to operate the near-field front-end (12) in a single mode, or in that the filter circuit (17.2) has at least a first and second filter arrangement in order to operate the near-field front-end (12) in a differential mode, wherein preferably the first and second filter arrangement form a symmetrical filter circuit (17.2), or wherein preferably the first and second filter arrangement form an asymmetrical filter circuit (17.2).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) has at least two wired connecting lines (16.4) between the near-field front end (12) and the near-field antenna (15), wherein in particular a plug (23) is provided at one end of the connecting lines (16.4) for releasable contact with the near-field front end (12) or the near-field antenna (15), or wherein in particular a plug (23) is provided for each end of the connecting lines (16.4) for releasable contact with the near-field front end (12) and the near-field antenna (15).

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a plug socket (24) for the plug (23) of the connecting element (16) is soldered onto the printed circuit board (13), and preferably a mechanical connection is present between the plug (23) and the printed circuit board (13).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) has at least one soldering point (19) at one end of the connecting line (16.4) for permanent contact with the near-field front end (12) or the near-field antenna (15), or wherein in particular one soldering point (19) is provided for each end of the connecting lines (16.4) for permanent contact with the near-field front end (12) and the near-field antenna (15), wherein preferably the existing soldering points (19) of the connecting lines (16.4) are provided with at least one mechanical strain relief.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) has at least one shield (16.3), in particular in the form of a metallic foil and / or a metallic grid, around the connecting lines (16.4), and / or that at least two connecting lines (16.4) are twisted together and form a twisted pair cable, wherein preferably two connecting lines (16.4), which are in particular twisted together, are each provided with a shield (16.3).

8. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a 2-core, twisted cable is provided as the connecting element (16) for connecting the near-field antenna (15), and / or each connecting line (16.4) has a cross-section between 0.25 and 1.00 mm 2 , preferably between 0.27 and 0.75 mm 2 and particularly preferably between 0.30 to 0.50 mm 2 has.

9. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (16) has a length between 25 to 125 cm, preferably between 25 to 95 cm, particularly preferably between 30 to 75 cm.

10. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one housing (20, 21) is present in which the near-field front end (12) or the near-field antenna (15) is accommodated, wherein preferably at least the near-field front end (12) and / or the near-field antenna (15) is potted with potting compound in the respective housing (20, 21).

11. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (20) is constructed in two parts with a housing cover (20.1) and a housing base (20.2), wherein in particular the two housing parts are welded or glued together after the assembly of the electrical components (13.1) and component groups (18) in the interior of the housing, wherein preferably existing plug sockets (24) are formed onto the housing.

12. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that holding means (25), in particular in the form of clip means, locking means, cable ties, adhesive means, rivet means and / or screw means, for fastening to the vehicle (100) are arranged at least on the near-field antenna unit (14), wherein in particular at least one holding means (25) is provided in the region of the near-field antenna (15) and / or the connecting element (16), and / or wherein preferably at least one holding means (25) is present on the housing, in particular directly formed thereon.

13. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the printed circuit board (13) has an electromechanical layout for arranging the electrical components (13.1) at least from the near-field front end (12), wherein the layout of the printed circuit board is designed such that, regardless of the individual components (13.1) for adapting the antenna tuner (17) to the respective near-field antenna unit (14) present, the layout is identical, so that in particular the printed circuit board (13) with its identical layout can also be used when using different components (13.1) for adapting to the respective near-field antenna (15) with the connecting element (16).

14. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exactly one near-field front end (12) with the existing antenna tuner (17) is suitable for operating at least two near-field antenna units (14).

15. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the near-field antenna (1) is produced on a second printed circuit board (10) using a photolithographic process or in that the near-field antenna (1) is formed by at least a partial or complete loop of the connecting element (16), which is not shielded in the antenna region, wherein in particular the loop is held in the housing of the near-field antenna (15) by at least one fixing means (22).

16. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in addition to the near-field front-end (12) as the base unit (11), at least one further component group (18) in the form of a voltage regulator, a protection circuit, a driver circuit, a control unit, an antenna control unit, an interface, an energy store (26) and / or an A / D converter is present, wherein preferably the existing further component groups (18) are at least partially also arranged on the circuit board (13) for the near-field front-end (12).

17. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contactless near-field data transmission (55) takes place in the frequency range between 12.80 MHz and 14.2 MHz, preferably in the frequency range between 13.25 MHz and 13.75 MHz and particularly preferably in the frequency range around or at 13.56 MHz and at least the near-field antenna unit (14) and / or the near-field front-end (12) is designed for this frequency range, wherein preferably a transmission rate of 106 kbit / s, 212 kbit / s or 424 kbit / s takes place, and / or wherein preferably a maximum transmission range of 10 cm is present.

18. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is designed as an emergency release device, wherein electrical energy can be transmitted from the external mobile radio device (50) to the device (10) in particular by means of the near-field antenna (15).

19. Access system (10) for a vehicle (1) with at least one device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base part of the device (10), in particular via the interface and the plug (23), is connected electrically, in terms of control technology and / or data technology to the vehicle-side control unit (107) in order to trigger at least one emergency release as a function there, whereby an electromechanical lock on a movable part (101) of the vehicle (100) can be actuated.

20. Vehicle (10) with at least one device (10) according to one of the preceding claims or an access system according to claim 19, characterized in that (exclusively) the near-field antenna (15) is arranged in the window area (102) of a movable part, such as a door or flap, of the vehicle (100), and / or wherein preferably (only) the near-field antenna (15) is arranged in the area of ​​the B-pillar (103) of the vehicle (100) or on an outside mirror (104) of the vehicle (100) or a wing element (106) on the movable part (101).

21. Vehicle (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that at least the base unit (11) with the near-field front end (12) with its housing is arranged in a dry area of ​​the vehicle (100), preferably in the interior area of ​​the movable part, and the near-field antenna unit (14) with the connecting element (16) is fastened to the vehicle (100) by the holding means (25).

22. Vehicle (10) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that a further near-field antenna (15) of the device (10) is present in the interior of the vehicle (100), preferably in the region of a storage area for the mobile radio device.

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