DE102015219492A1 - RF transmission path from independent waveguide structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is described which comprises a housing (200). Furthermore, the device comprises a communication unit (201) and a module antenna (202), which are set up to receive an electromagnetic signal, the communication unit (201) and the module antenna (202) in the housing (FIG. 200) are arranged. In addition, the device comprises at least one waveguide structure (100, 110, 120) with a first antenna (101, 121) and a second antenna (103, 122). The waveguide structure (100, 110, 120) is arranged to receive an electromagnetic signal emitted by the module antenna (202) by means of the first antenna (101, 121) and to emit it by means of the second antenna (103, 122). In addition, the waveguide structure (100, 110, 120) is arranged to receive an electromagnetic signal by means of the second antenna (103, 122) and to transmit it to the module antenna (202) by means of the first antenna (101, 121). In this case, the second antenna (103, 122) is arranged such that an electromagnetic signal can be transmitted to a receiver outside the housing (200) or received by a transmitter outside the housing (200) by means of the second antenna (103, 122) ,

Description

The invention relates to waveguide structures for establishing an RF transmission path. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device comprising an RF transmission path from such independent waveguide structures.

Devices such as home appliances (e.g., washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, ovens, refrigerators, etc.) often have a metallic housing shielded for RF (high frequency) radiation for stability. As a result, it is usually difficult to provide wireless communication capabilities (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, UMTS, LTE, etc.) in such devices.

The present document addresses the technical problem of providing cost-effective and reliable wireless communication capabilities in devices, particularly home appliances, having a shielding housing.

The object is solved by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described i.a. in the dependent claims.

In one aspect, an apparatus is described. The device may comprise or correspond to a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic appliance such as a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a dishwasher, an oven, or a refrigerator. The device includes a housing having a plurality of housing walls. In this case, one or more (possibly all) housing walls may comprise an electrically conductive material (for example a metal). The housing can thus have shielding properties for electromagnetic waves (in particular in the range from 30 MHz to 300 GHz).

The device further comprises a communication unit (also referred to herein as a communication module) and a module antenna configured to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may include a frequency in the above-mentioned frequency range of 30MHz to 300GHz. The electromagnetic signal may include, for example, a Bluetooth signal or a WLAN signal. In particular, the electromagnetic signal may be one of the frequency band standards IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.1 correspond.

The communication unit and the module antenna are arranged in the housing (ie in the interior of the housing), so that by the arrangement of the communication unit and the module antenna communication between the communication unit and a communication partner (ie a transmitter or receiver) outside the housing of the device is difficult (in particular due to a shielding effect of the housing).

The device further comprises at least one waveguide structure having a first antenna and a second antenna. The waveguide structure is at least partially disposed in the housing of the device. The waveguide structure is configured to receive an electromagnetic signal emitted by the module antenna by means of the first antenna and to emit (re) it by means of the second antenna. In the reverse direction, the waveguide structure is set up to receive an electromagnetic signal by means of the second antenna and to transmit it to the module antenna by means of the first antenna. For this purpose, at least the first antenna is typically arranged in the housing of the device. The waveguide structure is thus configured to pass an electromagnetic signal within the housing of the device. In this case, the waveguide structure is preferably a passive structure (without an electrical power supply), which is thus provided in a particularly cost-effective manner.

The second antenna is arranged such that an electromagnetic signal can be transmitted to a receiver outside the housing or received by a transmitter outside the housing by means of the second antenna. The second antenna can be arranged outside the housing of the device for this purpose. Alternatively, for this purpose, the second antenna may be disposed at a location of the housing where the housing has a relatively high transmittance of the electromagnetic signal (eg, a transmittance of 50%, 70%, compared to another location of the housing). 90% or more).

The use of a waveguide structure arranged in this way makes it possible to provide communication capabilities in a device, in particular in a domestic appliance, in a cost-efficient and reliable manner. Thus, wirelessly networked devices can be efficiently provided.

The waveguide structure may include an electrically conductive trace configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal between the first antenna and the second antenna. For example, the electromagnetic signal can pass through the track from the first antenna within of the housing to the second antenna outside the housing (or vice versa). Thus, the communication unit can efficiently communicate with an external communication partner outside the housing (eg, with a WLAN access point).

As already stated, the housing may comprise a (first) wall with an electrically conductive material (e.g., metal). The waveguide structure may comprise a dielectric layer on which the conductor track is arranged. The dielectric layer can serve as a carrier layer for the conductor track. The waveguide structure may be disposed on the first wall such that the dielectric layer isolates the trace from the first wall. For example, the waveguide structure may have an adhesive layer with which the dielectric layer can be adhered to the first wall. Thus, an electrically conductive (first) wall of the housing can be efficiently used as a ground for a microstrip. The resulting stripline is configured to transmit the electromagnetic signal with relatively low losses between the first antenna and the second antenna.

Alternatively, the waveguide structure may be designed such that the electromagnetic signal between the first antenna and the second antenna is transmitted by electromagnetic coupling, in particular by resonant coupling, the first antenna and the second antenna. For this purpose, the first antenna and the second antenna may be constructed such that the first antenna and the second antenna have a common resonance frequency. In particular, the first antenna and the second antenna can be of identical construction. Through the use of resonantly coupled antennas, a relatively lossless transmission of the electromagnetic signal between the first and the second antenna can be effected. In an analogous manner, the first antenna of the waveguide structure and the module antenna can be coupled via a resonant, electromagnetic coupling in order to enable as lossless transmission of the electromagnetic signal as possible.

The device may comprise a plurality of waveguide structures. In this case, the waveguide structures are arranged such that in each case a second antenna of a first waveguide structure is (resonantly) coupled to a first antenna of an adjacent second waveguide structure. Thus, the plurality of waveguide structures may form a path for the electromagnetic signal from the module antenna out of the housing, or from outside the housing to the module antenna. In particular, the first antenna of a first waveguide structure on the path may be resonantly coupled to the module antenna. Furthermore, the second antenna of a last waveguide structure on the path can enable a radio connection with a communication partner outside the housing. By using concatenated waveguide structures, a communication link between an external communication partner (e.g., a WLAN access point) and the communication unit can be established in a cost-efficient and reliable manner.

The waveguide structure may include a support layer (which includes, for example, the dielectric layer). The first antenna and the second antenna may be printed on the carrier layer. Also, a trace of the waveguide structure may be printed on the carrier layer. Thus, a cost-effective printed waveguide structure can be used in the device.

The waveguide structure may include an adhesive layer with which the (printed) waveguide structure may be adhered to a wall of the housing. Thus, an efficient shoring of the waveguide structure in the housing of the device is made possible.

The device may include a touch-sensitive screen that allows a user of the device to enter control instructions to the device. Such a screen is typically located at a convenient location (for the user) of the housing. The second antenna may be disposed in or on the touch-sensitive screen. Thus, it can be achieved that the second antenna can transmit the electromagnetic signal in a reliable (i.e., as undamped as possible) manner to an external communication partner or receive from it.

The touch screen typically includes electrically conductive structures configured to detect a touch of the screen. For example, (triangular) traces may be disposed on the touch screen to detect the position of a touch of the screen. The second antenna may comprise at least a part of the electrically conductive structures. In other words, the second antenna may be at least partially integrated in the electrically conductive structures of the screen. This enables a particularly cost and space-effective provision of wireless communication capabilities in a device.

The electrically conductive structures may at least partially comprise a metamaterial which confers the property of an antenna on the electrically conductive structures. In particular, the metamaterial may have a plurality of (same) microscopic structures (eg, each having a size of 2mm, 1mm or less), each having an antenna function. Due to the multiplicity of microscopic structures, a second antenna can then be provided which can emit or receive electromagnetic signals with a specific range (eg 50 m, 100 m or more). For example, the metamaterial may include a variety of (microscopic) electromagnetic resonant circuits. Thus, the function of a touch-sensitive screen can be effectively combined with an antenna function.

Alternatively or additionally, the second antenna can be arranged in a contact-insensitive part of the screen. This ensures that the second antenna can exchange electromagnetic signals with an external communication partner as far as possible without attenuation.

In another aspect, a waveguide structure for propagating an electromagnetic signal is described. The waveguide structure may include one or more of the features described in this document. In particular, the waveguide structure may comprise a (typically dielectric) carrier layer having a first side and a second side. The backing layer may be self-adhesive on the first side so that the waveguide structure may be secured to a first surface (e.g., on a housing wall).

Furthermore, the waveguide structure comprises a first antenna and a second antenna, which are arranged on the second side of the carrier layer. In particular, the first antenna and the second antenna may be printed on the second side of the carrier layer. The antennas are designed such that the waveguide structure can receive an electromagnetic signal by means of the first antenna and can emit the electromagnetic signal by means of the second antenna (and / or vice versa). Thus, the waveguide structure can be efficiently used for relaying an electromagnetic signal (e.g., for transmission through a shielding case). In particular, by a juxtaposition of waveguide structures, a transmission path for an electromagnetic signal can be established.

The waveguide structure (in particular the carrier layer) typically has a length and / or a width of 1-10 cm. Furthermore, the waveguide structure typically has a thickness (perpendicular to the carrier layer) in the range of 1 mm. A self-adhesive waveguide structure may thus be configured as a type of "patch" or "sticker" that can be adhered to the walls of a shielding housing to provide a transmission path for an electromagnetic signal.

In another aspect, the use of one or more waveguide structures described in this document to propagate an electromagnetic signal.

According to a further aspect, a domestic appliance, in particular a domestic appliance such as a washing machine, a tumble dryer, a dishwasher, an oven, or a refrigerator, is described. The home appliance includes a housing having a plurality of housing walls. In this case, one or more (possibly all) housing walls may comprise an electrically conductive material (for example a metal). The housing can thus have shielding properties for electromagnetic waves (in particular in the range from 30 MHz to 300 GHz). The home appliance may have any combination of the features described in this document.

In particular, the domestic appliance comprises a touch-sensitive screen, which is arranged on an outer wall of the housing. The touch screen allows a user of the home appliance to enter control instructions to the home appliance. Typically, the touch screen includes electrically conductive structures configured to detect a touch of the screen.

Furthermore, the domestic appliance includes a communication unit and an antenna (eg, a module antenna) configured to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal. The electromagnetic signal may include a frequency in the above-mentioned frequency range of 30MHz to 300GHz. The electromagnetic signal may include, for example, a Bluetooth signal or a WLAN signal. In particular, the electromagnetic signal may be one of the frequency band standards IEEE 802.11 or IEEE 802.15.1 correspond.

The communication unit is arranged in the housing. On the other hand, the antenna is arranged in or on the touch-sensitive screen. In particular, the antenna may comprise at least part of the electrically conductive structures of the touch-sensitive screen. This allows a space-efficient and reliable (ie, as quiet as possible) wireless Communication capability can be provided in a household appliance.

It should be understood that the devices and systems described herein may be used alone as well as in combination with other devices and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the devices and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

Furthermore, the invention will be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments. Show

1a . 1b . 1c exemplary waveguide structures for conducting electromagnetic waves;

2a . 2 B exemplary arrangements of waveguide structures in a domestic appliance; and

3a . 3b . 3c exemplary antenna structures on or in a touch-sensitive screen of a household appliance.

As set forth above, the present document is concerned with the efficient provision of wireless communication capabilities in a device having at least a partial shielding housing. The device or the device preferably correspond to a domestic appliance. Alternatively, however, other devices with at least partially shielding housings are conceivable, for example motor vehicles with a shielding body. For communication via a wireless communication connection, the domestic appliance of a communication unit 201 (please refer 2a and 2 B ) with an antenna 202 exhibit. The communication unit 201 For example, it may be configured to establish a WLAN, Bluetooth, GPS, UMTS, LTE, etc. communication link with a communication partner.

For the establishment of a reliable communication connection would have the communication unit 201 with the antenna 202 in one place inside the case 200 a household appliance may be arranged on which a loss-free radiation and a possible loss-free reception of electromagnetic beams in a frequency range between 3MHz and 300GHz, in particular between 30Mhz and 300GHz, is possible. However, this is especially true when using a metallic housing 200 typically not possible.

One possibility is the communication unit 201 anywhere in the enclosure 200 a home appliance, and an additional antenna at a convenient radiating / receiving location via a coaxial line with the communication unit 201 connect to. Such wiring through the housing 200 However, a household appliance is time-consuming and intense.

In an effective way, printed waveguide structures can instead 100 . 110 . 120 (please refer 1a . 1b . 1c ) to be used over an antenna 202 (also referred to in this document as a module antenna) of the communication unit 201 radiated electromagnetic waves from the housing 200 of the household appliance or in the opposite direction electromagnetic waves from outside the housing 200 to the antenna 202 the communication unit 201 to lead.

The waveguide structures 100 . 110 comprise a first antenna 101 , a track 102 and a second antenna 103 , An electromagnetic wave is transmitted through the first antenna 101 received, via the conductor track 102 to the second antenna 103 directed and from the second antenna 103 broadcast (or vice versa). Here is the track 102 typically on a dielectric support layer 105 the waveguide structure 100 . 110 arranged.

The waveguide structure 120 includes a first antenna 121 and a second antenna 122 , which are coupled to each other (resonant), and thus the transmission of an electromagnetic wave from the first antenna 121 on the second antenna 122 (or vice versa). The antennas 121 . 122 are doing on a carrier layer 105 arranged.

Based on the waveguide structures 100 . 110 . 120 allows a path through the housing in a flexible and efficient way 200 a home appliance to form an electromagnetic wave from the module antenna 202 a communication unit 201 out of the case 200 out, or in the opposite direction an electromagnetic wave from a point outside the housing 200 to the module antenna 202 the communication unit 201 to lead. This is in the example in 2a through the waveguide structures 120 accomplished. This is one of the module antenna 202 radiated electromagnetic wave from the first antenna 121 the first waveguide structure 120 received, and to the second antenna 122 this first waveguide structure 120 to hand over. The second antenna 122 in turn emits an electromagnetic wave from the first antenna 121 the following waveguide structure 120 is received, etc. until finally the electromagnetic wave from the second antenna 122 the last waveguide structure 120 on the path out of the case 200 is emitted. In the opposite direction, such an electromagnetic wave from the second antenna 122 the last waveguide structure 120 through the housing 200 to the module antenna 202 the communication unit 201 be guided.

2 B shows the exemplary use of a waveguide structure 100 on the wall 210 a housing 200 a household appliance. The first antenna 101 the waveguide structure 100 is on a first (inner) side of the housing wall 210 arranged and can be used, one from the module antenna 202 receive radiated electromagnetic wave. For this purpose, the first antenna 101 and the module antenna 202 be resonantly coupled with each other. The received electromagnetic wave is then transmitted through the track 102 on the other (outer) side of the housing wall 210 passed and there from the second antenna 103 the waveguide structure 100 radiated. In the opposite direction, such an electromagnetic wave from the second antenna 103 received and to the module antenna 202 the communication unit 201 to get redirected.

It thus becomes the use of relatively simple printed structures 100 . 110 . 120 for HF (High Frequency) wave conduction in a domestic appliance. These structures 100 . 110 . 120 consist of coupled structures which are preferably formed resonant. Self-adhesive, these structures can be 100 . 110 . 120 flexible place in a household appliance. The structures 100 . 110 . 120 can be used to pass an RF signal through a household appliance and to broadcast at a suitable location. The structures 100 . 110 . 120 can be placed independently in the household appliance and, if necessary, freely coupled (such as in the structure) 120 ). Alternatively, two antenna structures 101 . 103 over a line 102 coupled, the line 102 the waveguide takes over. It takes the first antenna 101 the RF signal on and the second antenna 103 radiates the RF signal at a suitable location.

The use of waveguide structures 100 . 110 . 120 represents a simple and cost-effective alternative to the use of a coaxial cable with additional antenna in a household appliance.

Also when using waveguide structures 100 . 110 . 120 It may be difficult to find a suitable location on the housing 200 home appliance for the transmission / reception of electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, home appliances often have a touch screen on the outside of the housing 200 a household appliance is arranged. The touch-sensitive screen typically includes electrically conductive structures (eg, traces arranged in response to a backgammon game board).

The touch-sensitive screen can be efficiently used as an antenna for radiating or for receiving electromagnetic waves due to its positioning and possibly due to the available electrically conductive structures. This is exemplary in the 3a . 3b . 3c shown. The touch-sensitive screen 300 includes triangular-shaped tracks 301 of which a subgroup 302 can be used as an antenna (see 3a ). 3b shows an example where a subsection of the screen 300 for a dedicated antenna 312 is used (without using the electrically conductive structures 301 Of the screen 300 ). 3c shows an example in which in a triangle-shaped trace 301 a screen 300 microstructures 322 were integrated to provide an antenna. In other words, for the conductor track 301 Of the screen 300 a metamaterial be used that the conductor track 301 gives the function of an antenna.

It can thus be a touch overlay 301 (ie it can be the electrically conductive structures) of a touch display 300 for RF emission and for RF reception. For this purpose, if appropriate, additional suitable structures can be applied to the touch overlay (such as a dipole antenna, a metamaterial, etc.). Alternatively, it is possible to have an RF signal suitable in existing structures 301 of the touch display 300 couple. Here is the touch overlay 301 in addition to the actual function used as an antenna. The touch overlay 301 can be optimized with regard to an HF function. In particular, such as in 3c shown to be used for this purpose metamaterials.

By using a touch-sensitive screen 300 As an antenna, the behavior of a domestic appliance with respect to RF radiation and RF reception can be improved. Due to the position of the touch-sensitive screen 300 The antenna is automatically located on the outside of the housing 200 a household appliance. There is also a touch-sensitive screen 300 typically easily accessible, and therefore usually has good RF emission / reception characteristics. A touch operation on the screen 300 Usually takes place only for a short time, so that the RF radiation or the RF reception is affected only slightly by a touch operation. Besides, one is Cover the antenna structure unlikely because the user of a household appliance screen 300 usually want to see.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended to illustrate only the principle of the proposed devices and systems.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• IEEE 802.11 [0006]
• IEEE 802.15.1 [0006]
• IEEE 802.11 [0027]
• IEEE 802.15.1 [0027]

Claims (12)

Device comprising - a housing ( 200 ); A communication unit ( 201 ) and a module antenna ( 202 ) adapted to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal, the communication unit ( 201 ) and the module antenna ( 202 ) in the housing ( 200 ) are arranged; At least one waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) with a first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) and a second antenna ( 103 . 122 ), the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ), - one of the module antenna ( 202 ) emitted electromagnetic signal by means of the first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) and by means of the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) to send out; and / or - by means of the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) to receive an electromagnetic signal and by means of the first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) to the module antenna ( 202 ) to send; the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) is arranged such that by means of the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) an electromagnetic signal to a receiver outside the housing ( 200 ) or from a transmitter outside the housing ( 200 ) can be received. Device according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) an electrically conductive trace ( 102 ), which is arranged, the electromagnetic signal between the first antenna ( 101 ) and the second antenna ( 103 ) transferred to. Device according to claim 2, wherein - the housing ( 200 ) a first wall ( 210 ) comprising an electrically conductive material; The waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) a dielectric layer ( 105 ), on which the conductor track ( 102 ) is arranged; and the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) on the first wall ( 210 ) is arranged so that the dielectric layer ( 105 ) the conductor track ( 102 ) from the first wall ( 210 ) isolated. Device according to claim 1, wherein the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) is designed such that the electromagnetic signal between the first antenna ( 121 ) and the second antenna ( 122 ) by electromagnetic coupling, in particular by resonant coupling, of the first antenna ( 121 ) and the second antenna ( 122 ) is transmitted. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of waveguide structures ( 100 . 110 . 120 ), wherein the plurality of waveguide structures ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) a path for the electromagnetic signal from the module antenna ( 202 ) out of the housing ( 200 ), or from outside the housing ( 200 ) to the module antenna ( 202 ). Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) a carrier layer ( 105 ) having; and - the first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) and the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) on the carrier layer ( 105 ) are printed; and / or the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) has an adhesive layer with which the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) on a wall ( 210 ) of the housing ( 200 ) can be glued. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the device has a touch-sensitive screen ( 300 ); and the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) in or on the touch-sensitive screen ( 300 ) is arranged. Device according to claim 7, wherein - the touch-sensitive screen ( 300 ) electrically conductive structures ( 301 ), which are set up, a touch of the screen ( 300 ) to detect; and the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) at least a part of the electrically conductive structures ( 301 ). Device according to claim 8, wherein - the electrically conductive structures ( 301 ) comprise, at least in part, a metamaterial belonging to the electrically conductive structures ( 301 ) gives the property of an antenna; and - the metamaterial in particular a plurality of electromagnetic resonant circuits ( 322 ). Waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) for transmitting an electromagnetic signal, wherein the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ), - a carrier layer ( 105 ) having a first side and a second side, wherein the carrier layer ( 105 ) on the first side is self-adhesive, so that the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) can be fixed with the first side on a surface; and a first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) and a second antenna ( 103 . 122 ) located on the second side of the carrier layer ( 105 ), wherein the waveguide structure ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) is arranged, an electromagnetic signal by means of the first antenna ( 101 . 121 ) and by means of the second antenna ( 103 . 122 ), and / or vice versa. Use of one or more waveguide structures ( 100 . 110 . 120 ) according to claim 10 for the transmission of an electromagnetic signal. Domestic appliance comprising - a housing ( 200 ); - a touch-sensitive screen ( 300 ), which is attached to an outer wall ( 210 ) of the housing ( 200 ) is arranged; A communication unit ( 201 ) and an antenna ( 202 . 103 . 122 ) adapted to receive or transmit an electromagnetic signal, the communication unit ( 201 ) in the housing ( 200 ) is arranged; and wherein the antenna ( 202 . 103 . 122 ) in or on the touch-sensitive screen ( 300 ) is arranged.

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