Cover and method for communication

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] Coverage and communication procedures

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a cover, in particular for construction, further in particular for drainage devices for draining liquid.

[0004] In urban areas, mitigating heavy rainfall events is becoming increasingly problematic as the proportion of sealed ground continues to rise. At the same time, soils are becoming increasingly dry due to climate change. Given this, modern and intelligent rainwater management is essential to prevent flooding and proactively retain precipitation so that the water can be used elsewhere or for irrigation at a later date.

[0005] Drainage systems represent a technical solution for draining rainwater. Appropriate sensors in the drainage systems enable monitoring of the water level, the degree of sedimentation, and other parameters within the drainage system. The data collected in this way makes it possible to analyze the correlations between weather events and their impacts on the environment, and to adjust the function of the entire system accordingly.

[0006] Such drainage systems are generally installed in the ground. Due to the strong attenuation of radio waves in the ground, radio communication from the outside with corresponding sensors or communication devices within the drainage systems is problematic. For example, WO 2021 / 157028 A1 discloses a radio unit with an antenna for wireless communication between the interior and exterior of a radio-blocking structure. However, a disadvantage here is that the antenna is not protected against environmental influences such as temperature or humidity. It is also known to arrange antennas in a cover of a drainage system. Such an antenna arrangement is disclosed, for example, in JP H11-66484 A or US 2008 / 0106434 A1. Covers, such as manhole covers, are usually made of metal such as cast iron and impair signal transmission.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a cover, particularly for construction, and more particularly for drainage systems for draining liquids, that enables improved communication between the interior and exterior of a building. The invention is further based on the object of providing a method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a cover having the features of claim 1. With regard to the method, this object is achieved by the independent claims 16 and 17.

[0009] Specifically, the problem is solved by a cover, particularly for construction, and more particularly for drainage systems for draining liquid, with a radio unit that can be inserted or is inserted into an opening in the cover. The radio unit comprises at least one antenna support housing and at least one antenna with at least one fundamental frequency. The antenna is arranged in the antenna support housing and is designed to receive or transmit radio signals. During use, the antenna has at least one resonant frequency due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing and / or in the cover, wherein the fundamental frequency of the antenna is 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency.

[0010] Preferably, the cover has at least a first and a second antenna. The invention is not limited to a cover with at least two antennas, but encompasses covers with a single antenna.

[0011] The basic principle of the invention, of making the fundamental frequency of at least one antenna 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency, works with a single antenna. The cover with at least two antennas, each designed according to the basic principle of the invention, is a particularly preferred embodiment. The cover according to the invention is particularly suitable for applications in construction, for example in building construction or civil engineering. The cover is particularly suitable for drainage systems for draining liquid, without being restricted thereto. The invention can generally be used in construction when radio signals are to be transmitted from the interior of a building to its exterior. Examples of applications are manhole covers or covers for attachments in construction.

[0012] The drainage system can be designed for the removal of liquid, in particular water, for example as a drainage shaft, drainage channel, trench, or generally as a drainage device suitable for installation in the ground or in a structure, such as a roof. The cover can be designed, for example, as a cover, in particular a manhole cover, inlet grating, inlet grate, or similar.

[0013] The invention has several advantages.

[0014] The radio unit is used for communication between an interior and exterior area of ​​a building by transmitting signals. On the one hand, the cover separates the interior and exterior areas. On the other hand, the cover, through the radio unit arranged therein, establishes the communication link between the interior and exterior areas of the building. The radio unit thus enables a signal connection, for example, between underground sensors (interior area) and above-ground communication devices (exterior area). This allows, for example, meter readings, water level data, or data on the degree of sedimentation to be transmitted from the interior of the building to an above-ground receiver. These applications are to be understood as examples. The invention is applicable to the transmission of other data between the interior and exterior areas.

[0015] Data transmission can be monodirectional or bidirectional.

[0016] The radio unit can, for example, enable data transmission via NBIoT or LoRaWAN. The at least one antenna of the radio unit is arranged in the antenna support housing during use. For example, the antenna is cast or embedded in the antenna support housing, or the antenna is completely surrounded or enclosed by the encapsulating material of the antenna support housing. The antenna support housing is preferably designed to provide good radio transmission. Furthermore, the antenna support housing protects the antenna from environmental influences such as temperature fluctuations or moisture.

[0017] The cover according to the invention provides a compensation area for the fundamental frequency of the antenna, by means of which the attenuation of the fundamental frequency by components of the cover and / or the antenna support housing can be compensated.

[0018] The fundamental frequency is the frequency of the antenna before installation in the drainage system, i.e., without attenuation by components of the cover and / or the antenna support housing. The fundamental frequency of the antenna can be measured before the antenna is installed in the drainage system. The fundamental frequency differs from the desired final frequency of the antenna when installed.

[0019] When installed, the antenna has a resonant frequency. The resonant frequency of the antenna can be measured after the antenna has been installed in the drainage system. The resonant frequency is therefore dependent on or influenced by those components of the drainage system that surround the antenna or are located near the antenna. These include, for example, the antenna support housing or the cover. The resonant frequency corresponds to the desired final frequency of the antenna, which is necessary for efficient communication, especially with an external transmitter / receiver. The desired final frequency or resonant frequency is achieved after the cover components have been assembled by changing or attenuating the fundamental frequency of the antenna.

[0020] In general, all components located in the immediate vicinity of the antenna will alter, particularly attenuate, the fundamental frequency of the antenna. This is especially true when metallic materials are located near the antenna and / or when the antenna is in direct contact with other materials, for example, when the antenna is cast or embedded in the antenna support housing.

[0021] Therefore, the invention provides that the fundamental frequency of the antenna and the resonant frequency of the antenna are different when installed and during use. Specifically, the fundamental frequency is higher than the resonant frequency.

[0022] Due to the dependence of the resonance frequency or the desired final frequency on the components of the cover and / or the antenna support housing or generally on non-antenna components that are located in the vicinity of the antenna, such as the material of the cover and / or the antenna support housing, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is adjusted before final assembly, i.e. before the antenna is poured into the antenna support housing and before the radio unit is inserted into the cover. The fundamental frequency is set such that the antenna, when installed, has the frequency required to transmit or receive signals. In other words, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is set so that the desired resonance frequency is achieved when installed. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the surface area of ​​the antenna, such as cutting the antenna to size. Other methods of frequency tuning are conceivable.

[0023] According to the invention, the fundamental frequency of the antenna is 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency. This compensation range for the fundamental frequency of the antenna allows the desired final frequency, i.e., the resonant frequency, to be achieved particularly well in the installed state. It has been shown that the attenuation of the antenna frequency by the components of the drainage system can be compensated particularly well if the fundamental frequency is 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency.

[0024] In particular, it is possible that the fundamental frequency is 0.3% to 20%, in particular 0.3% to 15%, in particular 0.3% to 10% higher, in particular 0.3% to 5% higher than the resonance frequency.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims. These relate to embodiments of the invention with at least two antennas, in particular exactly two antennas. An embodiment of the invention with at least one antenna, in particular a single antenna, is also disclosed and claimed.

[0026] The radio unit preferably comprises at least a first and a second antenna, wherein the fundamental frequency of the first and second antennas is each designed for a different frequency range. This advantageously takes into account that the frequency of the first and second antennas can be influenced differently by their arrangement within the coverage area.

[0027] For example, the first antenna can be arranged closer to a ground surface than the second antenna. In this case, the antenna near the surface can be subject to less frequency attenuation than the antenna further away from the surface. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second antennas can be arranged in different antenna support housings or different parts of an antenna support housing. The two antennas can be surrounded by a different potting compound, which can lead to different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies of the antennas. In order to take the different attenuation of the fundamental frequency of the two antennas into account, the first and a second antenna can therefore be set to different fundamental frequencies. For example, the area of ​​the two antennas can be changed or adjusted differently.

[0028] Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna is advantageously designed for the same frequency range. Consequently, the two antennas advantageously have the same desired final frequency. This is particularly advantageous for communication between the antennas. To ensure that the two antennas have the same resonant frequency, the fundamental frequency of each antenna can be different. The fundamental frequency of the first and second antennas can be adjusted such that the antennas, when installed, achieve the same resonant frequency due to the different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies.

[0029] The resonant frequency of the first antenna and second antenna can be designed for a frequency range between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz. The frequency ranges can be adapted to a location and / or other local conditions. This increases the flexibility of the radio unit.

[0030] Preferably, the first and second antennas are connected to each other via a signal line, in particular a coaxial cable, for transmitting or receiving radio signals. This enables bidirectional transmission of the radio signal through the cover in a simple manner without significantly attenuating the signal being transmitted. This significantly improves signal transmission.

[0031] In one embodiment, the first antenna and / or the second antenna comprises a ceramic antenna. An advantage here is that ceramic antennas are comparatively insensitive to metal in their immediate vicinity. This is advantageous because ceramic antennas can easily be placed in direct contact with metal or very close to metal without, for example, causing a short circuit. Especially with manhole covers made of a metal such as cast iron, ceramic antennas can therefore be attached in a structurally simple manner. This also enables a compact design. Particularly compared to conventional (wire) antennas, the use of ceramic antennas with manhole covers made of cast iron results in a significant improvement in signal transmission.

[0032] In general, the cover can be partially or entirely made of a metallic material.

[0033] Furthermore, the first and second antennas can be substantially planar. The area ratio of the first antenna to the second antenna can be between 1:2 and 1:12.

[0034] The second antenna, which is preferably positioned farther from the surface than the first antenna, can have a larger surface area than the second antenna. A larger antenna surface area on the inside of the cover, which faces the interior of the structure, e.g., the shaft, enables reception of even weak signals from the interior. Overall, it has been shown that different antenna surfaces within the range of the above-mentioned area ratios enable particularly good signal transmission through covers, especially metallic ones.

[0035] In one embodiment, the first antenna and the second antenna are arranged such that they radiate in substantially opposite directions. This enables bidirectional transmission of the radio signal through the cover in a particularly simple design.

[0036] Furthermore, the first and second antennas can be arranged separately in a longitudinal direction of the radio unit, and in particular centered perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This is preferably to be understood in such a way that the two antennas can be arranged at a distance from one another within the radio unit. For example, the antennas can be separated by the antenna support housing. The antennas can be arranged in different antenna support housings, i.e. each in a separate antenna support housing, whereby they are spaced apart from one another. This construction of the radio unit or this arrangement of the first and second antennas makes it possible to reduce the signal-interfering or attenuating properties of the cover through appropriate arrangement. This improves the signal transmission quality.

[0037] Furthermore, the first and second antennas can be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the radio unit, separated by substantially the maximum thickness of the cover. In other words, the two antennas are arranged or inserted in the two surfaces of the cover that, during use, face the interior and exterior areas. The antennas are spaced apart from each other by a maximum distance. This design minimizes the influence of the cover on the signal quality, thus improving the transmission quality.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the radio unit can be inserted into the opening of the cover such that the first antenna faces an outer side of the cover and the second antenna faces an inner side of the cover. The first antenna can preferably communicate with an above-ground transmitter / receiver, i.e. the first antenna can receive signals from an above-ground transmitter or transmit signals to an above-ground receiver. The second antenna can communicate with an underground transmitter / receiver, i.e. the second antenna can receive signals from an underground transmitter or transmit signals to an underground receiver. The first and second antennas can communicate with each other in such a way as to transmit signals from the underground transmitter to the above-ground receiver. Conversely, the antennas can transmit signals from the above-ground transmitter to the underground receiver.The arrangement of the antennas thus enables bidirectional signal transmission. Furthermore, this design of the radio unit allows the appropriate arrangement of the antennas to reduce the signal-interfering or attenuating properties of the coverage. This improves signal transmission quality.

[0039] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the antenna support housing is constructed in several parts, in particular in two parts. The antenna support housing can comprise an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The first antenna is preferably arranged in the upper housing part. The upper housing part can be inserted into the opening in the cover from a first direction, such that an upper side of the upper housing part closes the opening in the cover. The second antenna is preferably arranged in the lower housing part. The lower housing part can be inserted into the opening in the cover from a second direction, such that an underside of the lower housing part closes the opening in the cover. By inserting the elements of the antenna support housing from two sides (two directions), the radio unit is robustly and securely fastened in the cover. Inserting the upper housing part from above (first direction) ensures secure hold.Inserting the housing base from the opposite direction ensures that the radio unit is firmly seated and the antennas are securely positioned within the antenna support housing. This synergistically enables the radio unit to be securely mounted while also providing protection (from weather, etc.) for the antennas.

[0040] In particular, this ensures that the radio unit cannot be removed from the outside (i.e., is protected against theft) and is simultaneously held in place so that it cannot fall into the shaft. As an alternative to the multi-part, particularly two-part, design of the antenna support housing, two essentially independent antenna support housings can be used. The first antenna can be arranged in an upper (near-surface) housing. The second antenna can be arranged in a lower (far-from-surface) housing. The two housings can be connected to each other to ensure good communication between the antennas.

[0041] Preferably, the antenna support housing or the upper housing part and / or the lower housing part is made of polyurethane (PUR). If the radio unit has two antenna support housings, both housings can be made of polyurethane (PUR). Polyurethane advantageously exhibits high abrasion resistance, high temperature stability, and high chemical resistance to environmental influences. This ensures optimal protection of the antennas.

[0042] During use, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to one another in a form-fitting manner, a material fit, and / or a force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the upper housing part preferably has a plurality of, in particular four, projections, and the lower housing part has a corresponding number of recesses. Conversely, it is possible for the projections to be arranged on the lower housing part and the recesses to be arranged on the upper housing part. The projections are designed to engage in the recesses. This allows a secure, form-fitting connection between the housing parts to be achieved. Furthermore, the connection has a high torsional strength. Alternatively or additionally, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to one another in a material fit. For example, the projections and recesses of the housing parts can be glued to one another to ensure a secure connection between the housing parts.

[0043] Furthermore, the upper housing part and the lower housing part can be connected to the cover in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. For this purpose, the cover can have an intermediate floor. The intermediate floor can have a corresponding number of through-openings through which the projections of the upper housing part or the lower housing part can pass. The intermediate floor advantageously serves to absorb loads, in particular loads arising from above, for example from vehicles driving over it. Alternatively or additionally, it is again possible for the upper housing part and the lower housing part to be connected to the cover in a material-fitting manner, in particular by gluing. This makes it possible to achieve a watertight connection. In this way, the signal line, in particular the coaxial cable, between the first and second antenna can be protected from corrosion.

[0044] Furthermore, the upper surface of the housing upper part can have ribbing, in particular such that the upper surface is designed to be non-slip, preferably in accordance with DIN EN ISO 124-1. The ribbing allows the upper surface of the antenna support housing to be used directly as a (visible) element of the upper surface of the cover without impairing its slip resistance. This eliminates the need for an additional (non-slip) element above the antenna support housing, allowing the upper antenna to be positioned relatively close to the upper surface of the cover. This synergistically improves the signal properties and ensures anti-slip safety when walking or driving over the upper surface of the shaft radio unit (or the shaft cover).

[0045] The two methods of claims 16 and 17 each protect a unidirectional communication or signal transmission. Additionally, the combination of the two methods, i.e., a bidirectional method (i.e., sending and / or receiving), is also disclosed and claimed.

[0046] Both methods offer the same advantages as those already described in connection with the cover.

[0047] The invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment in conjunction with schematic drawings.

[0048] In these show

[0049] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a cover according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a section through the cover according to Fig. 1; and

[0050] Fig. 3 shows an enlarged section of the radio unit of the cover according to Fig. 1.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a cover 11 for a drainage device 10 according to the invention. Specifically, this is the cover 11 for a shaft. Other covers are possible, for example, for a drainage channel or trench, or other construction applications in which the cover separates an interior area within the structure from an exterior area outside the structure. The drainage device 10 can generally serve to drain liquid and is suitable for installation in a ground.

[0052] The cover 11 is made of a metal, specifically cast iron. Other materials are conceivable.

[0053] The cover 11 has a radio unit 12. The radio unit 12 is used for communication between underground and above-ground communication devices. Specifically, the radio unit 12 sends information from the drainage shaft, such as water level data, to a receiver located outside the shaft. The radio unit 12 also serves to receive information from a transmitter outside the shaft.

[0054] It can be seen in Figs. 1 and 2 that the radio unit 12 is inserted into an opening 13 of the cover 11. The opening 13 of the cover 11 and the radio unit 12 are shaped accordingly.

[0055] The radio unit 12 comprises an antenna support housing 14. The antenna support housing 14 serves to accommodate a planar antenna 15. The antenna 15 is arranged in the antenna support housing 14 such that the antenna 15 is completely surrounded or enclosed by the housing material. Specifically, the antenna 15 is cast into the antenna support housing 14. The antenna support housing 14 protects the antenna 15 from environmental influences and ensures correct alignment of the antenna 15. The antenna 15 has a fundamental frequency and is designed to receive or transmit radio signals. The fundamental frequency is preset before the antenna 15 is inserted or installed in the radio unit 12. Specifically, the fundamental frequency is set by appropriately cutting the antenna 15. The fundamental frequency can be measured before the antenna 15 is installed in the cover 11.

[0056] During use, the antenna 15 exhibits a resonant frequency due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing 14 and in the cover 11. The resonant frequency is therefore measurable after the antenna 15 has been installed in the radio unit 12. The resonant frequency depends on those components of the drainage system 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 that surround the antenna 15 or are arranged near the antenna 15. These include the antenna support housing 14 and the cover 11. These components modify or attenuate the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 such that the resonant frequency is achieved. The resonant frequency corresponds to the desired final frequency of the antenna 15, which is necessary for communication with the underground and above-ground communication devices.

[0057] To appropriately account for this frequency attenuation, the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 must be designed to be a certain amount higher than the resonant frequency. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3, the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15 is designed to be 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency. Through this compensation range for the fundamental frequency of the antenna 15, the desired final frequency, i.e., the resonant frequency, is achieved in the installed state shown. The attenuation of the antenna frequency by the cover 11 and the antenna support housing 14 can be compensated particularly well if the fundamental frequency is designed to be 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency.

[0058] In particular, it is possible that the fundamental frequency is 0.3% to 20%, in particular 0.3% to 15%, in particular 0.3% to 10% higher, in particular 0.3% to 5% higher than the resonance frequency.

[0059] 2 and 3 further show that the radio unit 12 comprises a first and a second antenna 15a, 15b. The first antenna 15a is arranged closer to a ground surface than the second antenna 15b. The fundamental frequencies of the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are each designed for a different frequency range. This takes into account the different arrangement of the antennas 15a, 15b in the cover 11. Thus, due to its arrangement close to the surface, the first antenna 15a experiences less attenuation than the second antenna 15b. Furthermore, the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are arranged in different antenna support housings 14 or different parts of the antenna support housing 14. This also leads to different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies of the two antennas 15a, 15b.In order to take into account the different attenuation of the fundamental frequency of the two antennas 15a, 15b, the first and a second antenna 15a, 15b are therefore set to different fundamental frequencies.

[0060] Specifically, the surface of the two antennas 15a, 15b is designed differently.

[0061] Furthermore, the resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna 15a, 15b is designed for the same frequency range. This is necessary for communication between the antennas 15a, 15b. Therefore, the fundamental frequency of the first and second antennas 15a, 15b is each adjusted such that the antennas 15a, 15b have the same resonant frequency when installed, despite the different attenuation of the fundamental frequencies.

[0062] The resonant frequency of the first antenna and the second antenna 15a, 15b is designed for a frequency range between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz, thus encompassing LoRaWAN, NBIOT in the gigahertz range, and military frequencies. Other frequency ranges are possible.

[0063] Fig. 3 further shows that the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are connected to each other via a signal line 16. This signal line 16 serves for communication between the antennas 15a, 15b and for transmitting or receiving radio signals. Specifically, the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are connected to each other via a coaxial cable, enabling bidirectional transmission of the radio signal. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3, the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b comprise a ceramic antenna. In other words, both antennas 15a, 15b are designed as ceramic antennas.

[0064] Furthermore, the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are essentially flat. The antennas 15a, 15b have different sizes and different areas. Specifically, the area ratio of the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b is between 1:2 and 1:12.

[0065] It can be seen that the first antenna 15a and the second antenna 15b are arranged in the cover 11 such that they radiate in substantially opposite directions. The first antenna 15a radiates toward the above-ground transmitter / receiver, and the second antenna 15b radiates toward the underground transmitter / receiver.

[0066] The first and second antennas 15a, 15b are separated in a longitudinal direction L of the radio unit 12. In other words, the two antennas 15a, 15b are arranged spaced apart from each other within the radio unit 12 in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the first and second antennas 15a, 15b are arranged centered perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L.

[0067] The first and second antennas 15a, 15b are arranged separated along the longitudinal direction L of the radio unit 12 by the amount of a maximum thickness of the cover 11, i.e. they are spaced apart from each other by the maximum distance in the cover 11.

[0068] In the embodiment according to Figs. 1 to 3, the radio unit 12 is inserted into the opening 13 of the cover 11 such that the first antenna 15a faces an outer side of the cover 11 and the second antenna 15b faces an inner side of the cover 11. This allows the first antenna 15a to communicate with above-ground transmitters / receivers, and the second antenna 15b to communicate with underground transmitters / receivers.

[0069] The antenna support housing 14 shown in Figs. 2 and 3 is constructed in two parts. The antenna support housing 14 comprises an upper housing part 14a and a lower housing part 14b. The upper housing part 14a and the lower housing part 14b each form a closed housing. The first antenna 15a is arranged in the upper housing part 14a. The upper housing part 14a is inserted into the opening 13 of the cover 11 from a first direction RI, so that an upper side of the upper housing part 14a closes the opening 13 of the cover 11.

[0070] The second antenna 15b is arranged in the housing base 14b. The housing base 14b is inserted into the opening 13 of the cover 11 from a second direction R2, so that an underside of the housing base 14b closes the opening 13 of the cover 11.

[0071] The antenna support housing 14, or the upper housing part 14a and / or the lower housing part 14b, are made of polyurethane (PUR). Other materials are conceivable. For example, the antenna support housing 14 can be made of other castable materials, such as concrete or polymer concrete.

[0072] The upper housing part 14a and the lower housing part 14b are positively connected to one another in the installed state shown. It can be seen that the upper housing part 14a has four projections 17 and the lower housing part 14b has four recesses 18. The projections 17 are designed to engage the recesses 18. This achieves the positive connection between the housing parts 14a, 14b. It can also be seen that one of the four projections 17 and the associated recess 18 is larger than the other projections 17 and recesses 18. This ensures that the housing parts 14a, 14b can only be connected to one another in one position. This ensures correct alignment of the antennas 15a, 15b.

[0073] Furthermore, the upper housing part 14a and the lower housing part 14b are connected to the cover 11 in a form-fitting and material-locking manner. A force-fitting connection is also possible. For this purpose, the cover 11 has an intermediate floor 19. The intermediate floor 19 has four through-openings through which the projections 17 of the upper housing part 14a extend. Furthermore, the intermediate floor 10 has an additional opening through which the signal line 16 for connecting the antennas 15a, 15b is passed. In addition, the upper housing part 14a and the lower housing part 14b are connected to the cover 11 in a material-locking manner, specifically by adhesive bonding. In other words, the antenna support housing 14 is glued into the cover 11.

[0074] Fig. 1 also shows that the upper surface of the housing upper part 14a has a knurling. The knurling is designed according to DIN EN ISO 124-1, making it slip-resistant.

[0075] Other designs with a single antenna in the cover are possible. In this case, an additional antenna can be located outside the cover, for example, in the shaft, which interacts with the single antenna in the cover.

[0076] The communication method uses the cover according to Fig. 1 - 3 and enables bidirectional signal transmission through the cover.

[0077] Reference symbol list

[0078] 10 Drainage system

[0079] 11 Cover

[0080] 12 radio unit

[0081] 13 Opening the cover

[0082] 14 Antenna

[0083] 14a first antenna

[0084] 14b second antenna

[0085] 15 antenna support housing

[0086] 15a Upper housing part

[0087] 15b Lower housing part

[0088] 16 Signal line

[0089] 17 projections of the upper housing part

[0090] 18 recesses in the lower housing part

[0091] 19 intermediate floor

[0092] L Longitudinal direction of the radio unit

[0093] RI first direction for inserting the upper part of the housing

[0094] R2 second direction for inserting the lower housing part

Claims

Claims 1. Cover (11) in particular for construction, further in particular for drainage devices (10) for draining liquid, with a radio unit (12) which can be inserted or is inserted into an opening (13) of the cover (11) and comprises the following: - at least one antenna support housing (14), and - at least one antenna (15) having at least one fundamental frequency, which is arranged in the antenna support housing (14) and is designed to receive or transmit radio signals, in particular at least one first and one second antenna (15a, 15b), wherein the at least one antenna (15) has at least one resonant frequency in use due to its arrangement in the antenna support housing (14) and / or in the cover (11), wherein the fundamental frequency of the antenna (15) is 0.3% to 30% higher than the resonant frequency.

2. Cover (11) according to claim 1, characterized in that the fundamental frequency of the first and second antenna (15a, 15b) is each designed for a different frequency range.

3. Cover (11) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the resonance frequency of the first antenna and second antenna (15a, 15b) is designed for the same frequency range.

4. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resonance frequency of the first antenna and second antenna (15a, 15b) is designed for a frequency range between 800 MHz and 6500 MHz.

5. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second antenna (15a, 15b) are connected via a signal line (16), in particular a coaxial cable, are connected to each other for transmitting or receiving radio signals.

6. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second antenna (15a, 15b) comprises / comprising a ceramic antenna.

7. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second antennas (15a, 15b) are substantially planar and / or an area ratio of the first antenna (15a) and the second antenna (15b) is between 1:2 and 1:

12.

8. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second antennas (15a, 15b) are arranged so that they radiate in a substantially opposite direction.

9. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second antennas (15a, 15b) are arranged separately in a longitudinal direction (L) of the radio unit (12), and in particular centered perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L).

10. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second antennas (15a, 15b) are arranged separated along the longitudinal direction (L) of the radio unit (12) substantially by the amount of a maximum thickness of the cover (11).

11. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radio unit (12) can be inserted into the opening (13) of the cover (11) in such a way that the first antenna (15a) faces an outer side of the cover (11) and the second antenna (15b) faces an inner side of the cover (11).

12. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna support housing (14) comprises at least the following: - a housing upper part (14a) in which the first antenna (15a) is arranged or can be arranged and which can be inserted into the opening (13) of the cover (11) from a first direction (Ri), such that an upper side of the housing upper part (14a) closes the opening (13); and - a housing lower part (14b) in which the second antenna (15b) is arranged or can be arranged, and which can be inserted into the opening (13) of the cover (11) from a second direction (R2) in such a way that an underside of the housing lower part (14b) closes the opening.

13. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna carrier housing (14), in particular the upper housing part (14a) and / or the lower housing part (14b), is formed from polyurethane (PUR).

14. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing upper part (14a) or the housing lower part (14b) are connected to one another and / or to the cover (11) in a form-fitting and / or material-fitting and / or force-fitting manner during use.

15. Cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side of the housing upper part (14a) has a ribbing, in particular such that the upper side is designed to be non-slip, preferably in accordance with DIN EN ISO 124-1.

16. A method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building using a cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) separates an outside area from an inside area of ​​the building, comprising the following steps: - receiving a radio signal from the outside with the first antenna (15a), - forwarding the radio signal through the cover (11), in particular via a signal line, from the first antenna (15a) to the second antenna (15b), - Transmitting the radio signal into the interior using the second antenna (15b).

17. A method for communication between a building and communication means arranged outside the building using a cover (11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover (11) separates an outside area from an inside area of ​​the building, comprising the following steps: - receiving a radio signal from the indoor area with the second antenna (15b), - forwarding the radio signal through the cover (11), in particular via a signal line, from the second antenna (15b) to the first antenna (15a), Transmitting the radio signal to the outside area using the first antenna (15a).

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