CN113474943A

CN113474943A - Antenna for soil sensor

Info

Publication number: CN113474943A
Application number: CN201980088305.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 阿里·哈蒂拉; 萨米·希耶诺宁
Original assignee: Husqvarna AB
Current assignee: Husqvarna AB
Priority date: 2019-02-25
Filing date: 2019-12-09
Publication date: 2021-10-01
Anticipated expiration: 2039-12-09
Also published as: CN113474943B; WO2020173592A1; TW202103367A; EP3931905A1

Abstract

A transceiver device (100) includes a housing (110). The transceiver device (100) comprises at least one battery (116) accommodated within a housing (110). The transceiver device (100) comprises an antenna (230) accommodated within a housing (110). In addition, the antenna (230) has a metal surface (240) below the antenna (230). The transceiver device (100) includes a sensor (200) electrically coupled with at least one battery (116) and configured with an antenna (230). The transceiver device (100) is characterized in that the housing (110) is provided with spacing means such that the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other.

Description

Antenna for soil sensor

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to transceiver devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to transceiver devices that provide the benefits of improved characteristics associated with antennas of the transceiver devices.

Background

The transceiver device comprises an antenna to exchange data with a mobile unit, such as a lawnmower, typically in the case of outdoor applications. During application, the transceiver device is mounted in a ground surface from which exchange of data with the mobile unit takes place. There have been concerns regarding low range antenna characteristics (particularly the range of the antenna) rendering a less efficient implementation. This seems to be the case when the deep fitting of the transceiver device into the ground surface causes a loss of range of antenna characteristics. To cope with this problem, one may specify an increase in size, i.e. the length of the antenna, or there may be a compromise of the range (of the antenna characteristics), which is often unacceptable for several reasons.

Moreover, such problems render unreliable and less efficient operation with lawnmowers, which requires correct guidance from the antenna for better steering. Efforts have been made in the past to address such issues, but solutions are still needed to reduce the loss of antenna characteristics and direct it above the ground for efficient operation.

One example of a transceiver device is provided by US 93,26,462 (hereinafter the' 462 reference). The' 462 reference provides a soil moisture sensor. The soil moisture sensor includes a sensor body having a horizontally elongated shape. The sensor circuit assembly is disposed horizontally within the sensor body, and the antenna is coupled to the sensor circuit assembly and oriented horizontally within the sensor body. A sensor probe assembly is connected to the sensor body at a first end thereof so as to be generally perpendicular to the horizontally elongated shaped sensor body. However, the' 462 reference does not appear to mention improving the antenna characteristics of the soil moisture sensor. Additionally, the' 462 reference may be limited by constraints associated with any other shape/size/type of antenna as compared to its current configuration.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved transceiver device that provides the benefits of on-ground and wide-range antenna characteristics without substantial changes to the transceiver device.

Disclosure of Invention

In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to solve or at least reduce the above discussed drawbacks. This object is at least partly achieved by a transceiver device. The transceiver device includes a housing. The transceiver device includes at least one battery housed within a housing. The transceiver device includes an antenna housed within a housing. In addition, the antenna has a metal surface under the antenna. The transceiver device includes a sensor electrically coupled to the at least one battery and configured with an antenna. The transceiver device is characterized in that the housing is provided with spacing means such that the antenna and the metal surface are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other. The present disclosure thus provides for simple, convenient and efficient operation of the transceiver device by better control of the range and range (scope) of the antenna characteristics.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the housing includes an antenna housing and a battery housing. Providing separation between the antenna housing and the battery housing results in, for example, low interference between the electronic components and the antenna signal, better ergonomics, ease of maintenance, and other benefits.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the spacer means is a spacer frame having dimensions according to a predefined distance. The spacer frame can be easily inserted or removed, allowing the predefined distance and the desired antenna characteristics to be changed as required.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the spacer means is a part of the housing in the form of an indentation or a protrusion of the housing to meet the predefined distance. This may be more suitable in installations requiring a semi-permanent or fixed mounting of the transceiver device, where the spacer arrangement does not need to be changed frequently.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the spacing means between the antenna and the metal surface gives the desired antenna properties. This allows the transceiver device to be widely used in outdoor applications such as robotic weeders and the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the metal surface is a radio frequency module PCBA. The metal surface may be any other electronic device or module, PCB, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the antenna is at least partially covered by the top cover. The presence of the cap protects the transceiver device from external media (e.g., dust, moisture) while extending the operational life of the transceiver device.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensor may measure at least one parameter associated with the surroundings of the sensor. The transceiver device may then transmit the measured parameters to any connected device, such as a robotic weeder, user equipment (laptop, smartphone, etc.), or the like.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the sensor is a soil sensor. The transceiver device of the present disclosure can be easily implemented with any sensor, in particular a sensor used in outside (garden) applications, such as a soil sensor.

According to an embodiment of the invention, the metal surface comprises a wing (wing). This presence of wings may benefit from considerations such as radiation, isolation optimization, and any other benefits, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Other features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the invention together with some important parts thereof;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a sensor of a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an assembly of a sensor in a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an assembly of a sensor in a transceiver device according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a sensor element assembling a spacer element into a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a sensor and transceiver device after potting, according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a closed perspective view of an antenna of a sensor in a transceiver device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 8 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device provided with a top cover attached thereto according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device having a battery cap (cap) attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 10 shows a perspective view of a transceiver device having a battery cover attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and is

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the interior portion of a transceiver device without a battery cover, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of the invention incorporating one or more aspects of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. For example, one or more aspects of the present invention may be utilized in other embodiments and even other types of structures and/or methods. In the drawings, like numbering refers to like elements.

Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. For example, "upper," "lower," "anterior," "posterior," "lateral," "upward (upwards)," downward, "" forward, "" rearward, "" sideways, "" left, "" right, "" horizontal, "" vertical, "" upward (upwards), "inner," "outer," "inward," "outward," "top," "bottom," "higher," "upper," "lower," "center," "middle," "intermediate," "between … …," "end," "adjacent," "near," "adjacent," "distal," "remote," "radial," "circumferential," and the like, merely describe the configuration shown in the figures. Indeed, the components may be oriented in any direction and the terminology, therefore, should be understood as encompassing such variations unless specified otherwise.

In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Fig. 1 shows a transceiver device 100 together with some important parts of the transceiver device 100. The transceiver device 100 finds application in outdoor environments, such as gardens, lawns, etc., where ground/soil/environmental factors (e.g., temperature, humidity, solar radiation) need to be monitored. The transceiver device 100 is typically mounted substantially inside the ground in an outdoor environment, and the transceiver device 100 has an antenna 230 (shown in fig. 2) to communicate monitored information (of the soil, etc.) to external devices, such as robotic weeders, user devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, smart phones). In some applications, the transceiver device 100 may be easily removed from the ground of the outside environment for purposes such as maintenance, data collection, and the like. The present disclosure primarily discusses the effect on the antenna characteristics of the antenna 230 of the transceiver device 100 when the antenna 230 is placed near a metal surface 240 (shown in fig. 2) or the like, however, the present disclosure may be readily applied to any electronic device using an antenna, PCB, or similar component.

As shown, the transceiver device 100 includes a housing 110. The housing 110 is divided into a battery housing 112 and an antenna housing 114. The separation of the battery housing 112 and the antenna housing 114 may be for ergonomic considerations, ease of maintenance, and low interference from the antenna 230, radio frequency and electronics, and other operations (e.g., signals) of the transceiver device 100. The housing 110 includes at least one battery 116 housed within the housing 110, while the present disclosure shows two batteries 116 housed within the housing 110. From an implementation perspective, the battery 116 is inserted into the housing 110 from below the housing 110 (as viewed with respect to the perspective views shown herein), however other mounting positions, directions or orientations have been contemplated and are well within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, housing 110 includes rails 118 or any other attachment means for mating with sensor 200 (such as the attachment assembly previously shown in FIG. 3). In some embodiments, the battery 116 may be a rechargeable battery, in particular, a rechargeable battery may be charged in time during outdoor applications by using solar radiation or the like.

Also, when the battery 116 is inserted into the housing 110, then the battery cap 120 (with the assembled O-ring and battery spring contacts 302) may be secured to the housing 110. This will provide benefits such as proper positioning and operation of the battery 116 within the housing 110. After assembly of the battery cap 120, the battery cover 130 is used to cover the housing 110 from below and to check for any undesired removal or loss of the battery 116. The transceiver device 100 of the present disclosure also includes additional elements, such as a spacing frame 140 as shown herein. In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the spacer frame 140 is disclosed as having a general "H" shape, however the present disclosure is not limited by any shape/size/dimension/type of spacer frame 140. Therefore, the spacer frame 140 may be any other shape, such as "I", "T", "O", or any letter or convenient shape suitable for mass production and convenient assembly with the transceiver device 100. Moreover, the spacer frame 140 may be produced from any material, such as, but not limited to, metal, fiberglass, rubber, with particular consideration given to not interfering with the operation of the antenna 240, PCBA, and other electronic components of the transceiver device 100. Accordingly, the present disclosure is in no way limited by the choice of material for the spacer frame 140.

Fig. 2 shows a sensor 200 of the transceiver device 100. The sensor 200 includes a sensor PCBA 212 and a reset button 214 disposed on a board 210. The reset button 214 may be used to reset the sensor 200, or for any other function thereof, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In addition, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 and the antenna 230 are attached to the board 210 by a cord 250. The sensor 200 is electrically coupled with the battery 116 by way of a battery spring contact 302 and is configured with an antenna 230.

In some embodiments, the spacing frame 140 may be configured to dynamically change a predefined distance between the antenna 230 and the radio frequency module PCBA 240 to effectuate a desired change to the antenna characteristics of the transceiver device 100. This feature can be readily used to change the range of antenna characteristics, which in turn causes a change in the operating range of a mobile robotic device, such as a weeder wirelessly connected with the transceiver device 100. Also, an extended range of antenna characteristics of the transceiver device 100 may be required to supplement the reduced power of the battery 116, or to communicate a signal or notification of a depleted battery status or any other problem to a user device (e.g., a mobile phone, laptop computer, etc.).

In some embodiments, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 may be coupled to the antenna 230 by spring-loaded contact elements similar to the battery spring contacts 302 of the present disclosure. Although spring-loaded devices are preferred, other devices as known or used in the art have been contemplated and are fully within the scope of the present disclosure. The spring-loaded contact elements are preferred due to ease of operation and maintenance, among other benefits.

The sensor 200 measures at least one parameter associated with the surroundings of the sensor 200. In some embodiments, sensor 200 may be a soil sensor. The transceiver device 100 of the present disclosure may be readily implemented with any sensor, including soil sensors 200, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and the like, and the present disclosure is not limited in any way by the sensors 200.

Fig. 3 shows the assembly of the sensor 200 to the transceiver device 100. In particular, the plate 210 of the sensor 200 is attached to the rail 118 of the housing 110 by means of glue, however other attachment means such as, but not limited to, magnets, mechanical couplings are possible and fully within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the transceiver device 100 includes a battery spring contact 302 having a rivet for establishing an electrical connection between the battery 116 and the sensor 200, see fig. 4.

Fig. 4 illustrates the assembly of a PCBA, such as a radio frequency module PCBA 240 housed within the housing 110 (and in particular within the antenna housing 114). Here, the radio frequency module PCBA 240 is shown within the antenna housing 114, while the antenna 230 still moves entirely within the antenna housing 114. In addition, the antenna 230 has a metal surface 240 (i.e., a radio frequency module PCBA 240) located below the antenna 230. Fig. 5 shows that the spacer means is inserted over the radio frequency module PCBA 240 such that the antenna 230 and the metal surface 240 are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other. As shown, the spacing means is a spacing frame 140 having dimensions according to a predefined distance. The spacer frame 140 can be easily inserted or removed, allowing for a change in the predefined distance. During implementation, the presence of the spacing means between the antenna 230 and the metal surface 240 imparts the desired antenna characteristics. This allows the transceiver device 100 to be widely used in outdoor applications such as robotic weeders and the like.

As used herein, the present disclosure refers to "antenna characteristics" as the profile or extent of the antenna 230 and similar factors that have an effect on data exchange with any outdoor machine/unit/device (e.g., lawn mowing robot, smart phone, laptop computer, etc.) during operation of the antenna 230. In addition, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, "antenna characteristics" need to be defined for a wide range of terrestrial, horizontally to enhance the operation of the antenna 230.

In an embodiment, the spacing means is a portion of the antenna housing 114 in the form of an indentation or protrusion (not shown, and may be as desired) of the antenna housing 114 to meet the predefined distance. This is more applicable in installations where semi-permanent and similar solutions may not require frequent changes of the spacer.

Fig. 6 shows the sensor 200 and the transceiver device 100 after potting, according to an embodiment of the invention. A potting process is performed around the spacer frame 140 within the antenna housing 114 (by way of the soil to be tested or monitored) causing the potting 602 of the radio frequency module PCBA 240 along with the potting 602 of the sensor PCBA 212.

Fig. 7 shows the closing of the antenna 230 of the sensor 200 in the transceiver device 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. This makes the transceiver device 100 almost ready to fit within the floor of any external/outdoor environment, such as a garden, lawn, etc. In addition, fig. 8 shows the antenna 230 of the transceiver device 100 after being covered by the cap 802. Fig. 8 and 9 show different views of the transceiver device 100. In some embodiments, the antenna 230 may be at least partially enclosed by the cap 802. As shown in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a cap 802 is provided to protect any components of the transceiver device 100 from external media (e.g., dust, moisture), as well as to extend the operational life of the transceiver device 100. Additionally, the top cover 802 may also serve as a shock protection and mechanical access device in view of the possible interaction of the above-ground portion of the transceiver device 100 with mobile units, such as lawnmowers and the like. During maintenance, the top cover 802 may allow for better access into the housing 110 of the transceiver device 100 as needed.

In some embodiments, the transceiver device 100 also includes a soil-mounted valve box (not shown). The soil mounted valve box may be any type of valve arrangement that may allow for better regulation of water content during operation with the transceiver apparatus 100.

Also, fig. 9 shows the transceiver device 100 having a battery cap 120, the battery cap 120 covering the battery 116 to protect the battery 116 from external elements (e.g., rain, dust, humidity, etc.) and to allow for proper orientation of the battery 116 inside the housing 110. The battery cap 120 also serves as an additional layer of protection and securement for the battery 116 before the battery cover 130 is assembled around the battery cap 120 and the housing 110, as shown in fig. 10. Also, fig. 10 shows a different view of the transceiver device 100 of the present disclosure, wherein the top cover 802 and the battery cover 130 are attached to the transceiver device 100 such that the transceiver device 100 is ready for a desired application.

Fig. 11 illustrates an internal portion of the transceiver device 100 without the battery cover 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The metal surface or rf module PCB 240 has wings 1102. The wings 1102 are shown as wall means attached to (or integrally formed with) a metal surface or the radio frequency module PCBA 240, depending on considerations such as radiation, isolation optimization. However, other shapes/styles/sizes/types of wings 1102 have been contemplated and other shapes/styles/sizes/types of wings 1102 are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in embodiments according to the present disclosure, the size/dimension/area of the metal surface/rf module PCBA 240 plane should be larger, or similar to the plane of the antenna 230. A metal surface or radio frequency module PCBA 240 with a large area would be optimal for good isolation from ground and radiation at the same time. In the case of applying the metal surface/radio frequency module PCBA 240, such as over the ground 1104, the area of the metal surface/radio frequency module PCBA 240 should be optimized such that the isolation is not unreasonably low (e.g., for very small areas) or the radiation is significantly impeded (e.g., for very large areas).

Alternatively, the antenna 230 may also have a larger size/dimension/area than the metal surface/radio frequency module PCBA 240, and all such variations have been contemplated and are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the antenna 230 may have a flat area, preferably provided with small holes depending on mechanical and any other considerations. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed preferred embodiments and examples of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Component list

100 transceiver device

110 casing

112 battery case

114 antenna housing

116 cell

118 guide rail

120 battery cover cap

130 battery cover

140 space frame

200 sensor

210 plate

212 sensor PCBA

214 reset button

230 antenna

240 metal surface/radio frequency module PCBA

250 flexible wire

302 battery spring contact

602 potting

802 coping

1102 wing

1104 ground

Claims

1. A transceiver device (100) comprising:

a housing (110);

at least one battery (116) housed within the housing (110);

an antenna (230) housed within the housing (110), wherein the antenna (230) has a metal surface (240) beneath the antenna (230);

a sensor (200) electrically coupled with the at least one battery (116) and configured with the antenna (230);

the method is characterized in that:

the housing (110) is provided with spacing means such that the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) are arranged at a predefined distance with respect to each other.

2. The transceiver device (100) of claim 1, wherein the housing (110) comprises an antenna housing (112) and a battery housing (114).

3. The transceiver apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the spacing means is a spacing frame (140) having dimensions according to the predefined distance.

4. The transceiver apparatus (100) of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spacing means is a part of the housing (110) in the form of an indentation or a protrusion of the housing (110) to meet the predefined distance.

5. The transceiver apparatus (100) of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacing means between the antenna (230) and the metal surface (240) imparts desired antenna characteristics.

6. The transceiver device (100) of claims 1 to 4, wherein the metal surface (240) is a radio frequency module, PCBA (240).

7. The transceiver device (100) of claims 1 to 6, wherein the antenna (230) is at least partially covered by a cap (802).

8. The transceiver device (100) of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the sensor (200) is configured to measure at least one parameter associated with an ambient environment of the sensor (200).

9. The transceiver device (100) of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sensor (200) is a soil sensor.

10. The transceiver apparatus (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal surface (240) comprises a wing (1102).