EP4143930A1

EP4143930A1 - Electrical connecting device, transceiver system and method for operating the electrical connecting device

Info

Publication number: EP4143930A1
Application number: EP21725425.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sharang Deepak PARNERKAR; Marcel RUFF
Original assignee: Netwake GmbH; ETO Magnetic GmbH
Current assignee: Netwake GmbH; ETO Magnetic GmbH
Priority date: 2020-04-30
Filing date: 2021-04-30
Publication date: 2023-03-08
Also published as: CN116057791A; US20230178940A1; WO2021219876A1; DE102020111868A1

Abstract

The invention proceeds from an electrical connecting device (40, 50), in particular an electrical plug connector device, having at least one connecting element (10) which is provided for physical connection to a data line (12). According to the invention, the electrical connecting device (40, 50) has a signal harvesting unit (14), in particular an RS-232 signal harvesting unit, which is provided to divert at least part (20, 22) of an electrical data signal (16) emitted by the data line (12) in order to obtain electrical energy, in particular at least to obtain electrical operating energy for signal-based data conversion and/or radio-based signal transmission.

Description

Electrical connection device, transceiver system and method of operating the electrical connection device

PRIOR ART The invention relates to an electrical connection device according to the

The preamble of claim 1, a transceiver system according to claim 19 and a method for operating the electrical connection device according to the preamble of claim 22.

Electrical connection devices with at least one connection element, which is provided for a physical connection to a data line, such as, for example, various forms of commercially available D-subminiature plugs, are already known.

The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a device of the generic type with advantageous properties with regard to the simplest possible operability and / or with regard to flexibility of use. The object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claims 1, 19 and 22, while advantageous configurations and developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION The invention is based on an electrical connection device, in particular an electrical plug connector device, with at least one connection element which is provided for a physical connection to a data line. It is proposed that the electrical connection device has a signal harvesting unit, in particular an RS-232 signal harvesting unit, which is provided for the purpose of generating at least part of an electrical data signal output by the data line for generating electrical energy, in particular at least to generate electrical operating energy for signaling data conversion and / or for radio signal transmission. In this way, particularly simple operability and / or high flexibility of use can advantageously be achieved, in particular in that an additional power supply for the electrical connection device, which is required, for example, for signaling data conversion, can be dispensed with. In particular, many places of use are conceivable at which a permanent power supply via power supply units or via USB connections cannot be provided or cannot be provided without a great deal of additional effort, such as within means of transport such as land, air and / or water vehicles. For example, many control devices are not equipped with a current output and not with a data output, which is also partially provided for a current output, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) data output. For example, many plugs, especially those already installed a long time ago, laid and / or built into the walls, floors or cable ducts of means of transport, are not provided with energy-transferring connections, such as a USB connection. For example, one advantage of an RS-232 connection is that cable lengths of over 100 m at 9600 baud are not uncommon, with other technologies, such as USB cables, being limited to lengths of around 5 m. In addition, a power supply by means of energy storage devices such as batteries or accumulators can advantageously be dispensed with, whereby maintenance expenditure can advantageously be kept low. A high level of energy efficiency can advantageously be achieved. In addition, special programming, in particular by the user, of the system transmitting the data signal can advantageously be dispensed with. A plug-in and play compatible connection device with signaling data conversion capacity can be obtained.

An “electrical connection device”, in particular an “electrical connector device”, should preferably be understood to mean at least a part, in particular a subassembly, of an electrical connector which is provided for separating and / or connecting electrical lines. In particular, the electrical connection device can comprise an entire plug connector. In particular, the electrical connection device is designed as a serial interface connector. In particular, the electrical connector has a D-subminiature design, preferably a DE-09 design, a DB-25 design or another standardized D-subminiature design used in particular for RS-232 interfaces. Alternatively, but less preferred, it is also conceivable that the electrical connector has a mini-DIN design, a modular 8P8C design or a completely company-specific design. In particular, the electrical connection device comprises one or more connection elements. For example, at least one of the connecting elements can be designed as a male connecting part, in particular a plug with outwardly pointing contact pins, of an electrical plug connection. For example, at least one of the connecting elements can be designed as a female connecting part, in particular a socket with inwardly facing contact openings, of an electrical plug connection. In particular, the electrical connection device forms a type of dongle, preferably a dongle. In particular, the electrical connection device, preferably the dongle, has a radio transmission capacity. In particular, the dongle is intended to communicate in terms of radio transmission with at least one further, in particular at least essentially identical, dongle. A "physical connection to the data line" is to be understood in particular as a connection which is intended to to establish electrical contact with the data line, and / or which is provided to pick up and / or transmit an electrical signal. “Provided” is to be understood in particular as specifically programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is provided for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

A “signal flarvesting unit” is to be understood in particular as an electrical component which is provided to extract and / or obtain electrical energy from an electrical data signal, for example a serial data signal from an RS-232 interface. The signal flarvesting unit is preferably provided to feed the withdrawn and / or obtained electrical energy to a new purpose (for example radio signal transmission, signal data conversion and / or energy storage charge) different from the original purpose (for example cable-based signal transmission). In particular, the signal flarvesting unit is provided to extract electrical energy from the transmitted data signal during an active data transmission through the data line and / or to obtain electrical energy from the transmitted data signal. In addition, the signal flarvesting unit is preferably provided to extract electrical energy from an idle signal of the data line during an idle state (“idle” state) of the data line and / or to obtain electrical energy from the idle state signal of the data line. In particular, the signal flarvesting unit is provided to extract electrical energy from the transmitted simplex data signal during an active simplex data transmission operation of the data line and / or to obtain electrical energy from the transmitted simplex data signal. In particular, the signal flarvesting unit is provided during an active duplex data transmission operation of the data line to the transmitted duplex Data signal to extract electrical energy and / or to obtain electrical energy from the transmitted duplex data signal. The data line is designed in particular as an electrical data line. An “electrical data signal output by the data line” is to be understood in particular as a current signal or preferably a voltage signal, which is preferably generated and / or output by a device connected to an opposite end of the data line, for example a computer. A “signaling data conversion” is to be understood in particular as a conversion of an input data signal, for example the (serial RS-232) data signal of the data line, into an output data signal, for example a (Bluetooth Low Energy) radio data signal.

If the electrical data signal used in particular by the signal harvesting unit to generate energy is an electrical voltage signal, an effective, in particular an energy-efficient, signal harvesting can advantageously be made possible. In particular, the electrical data signal is a data signal of a voltage interface. Alternatively, but less preferably, the electrical data signal could also be a data signal of a power interface. The electrical data signal is preferably a modulated voltage signal. In particular, the electrical data signal is an, in particular digital, data signal in which preferably binary states are implemented by changing the electrical voltage level, for example through different, preferably positive and negative, electrical voltage levels.

If, in addition, the electrical data signal used in particular by the signal harvesting unit to generate energy is a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) signal or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) signal from a serial interface, in particular an RS-232 Interface or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) interface, can advantageously be an adapter for a widely used data transmission standard, which is usually free of an integrated power supply, without the need for an additional power supply unit additional energy storage or a, in particular user-side, special programming of a system that transmits the data signal can be obtained. In this way, an energy supply for the electrical connection device can advantageously already be implemented through the typical (standardized) UART settings and / or through the typical (standardized) RS-232 settings. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the electrical data signal is a data signal from a serial Dual Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (DUART) interface or a data signal from a serial Universal Synchronous / Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (USART) interface. In particular, a UART signal converts between 0 V and a maximum of about +5 V, preferably between 0 V and about +3 V. In particular, the RS-232 signal converts between -12 V and +12 V. In particular, a voltage level of the RS- 232 signal evaluated as 0 (space) if the voltage level of the RS-232 signal is between +3 V and +15 V.

In particular, the voltage level of the RS-232 signal is evaluated as 1 (mark) if the voltage level of the RS-232 signal is between -3 V and -15 V. In particular, it is conceivable that the electrical connection device, preferably the UART interface, comprises a level converter, which is provided at least to adapt voltages to a typical UART voltage level and / or to a typical RS-232 voltage level, preferably voltages between the typical UART voltage level and the typical RS-232 voltage level.

It is also proposed that the electrical data signal used in particular by the signal harvesting unit for energy generation have at least one Tx signal of the serial interface, in particular a signal of a Transmitted exchange Data (TxD) data line of the UART interface and / or the RS -232- interface. As a result, an energy supply for the electrical connection device can advantageously already be implemented through the typical (standardized) UART settings and / or through the typical (standardized) RS-232 settings. In particular, the signal harvesting Unit the electrical energy from the Tx line, alternatively, however, energy generation from an Rx line or from a GND line, in particular any line of the RS-232 connection to which a voltage is applied, is also conceivable.

If the electrical connection device has a plug-and-play functional principle, particularly simple and / or particularly user-friendly handling can advantageously be made possible. In particular, a “plug-and-play operating principle” is to be understood as meaning that the electrical connection device is fully functional immediately after being connected to a device, for example to a computer, a control device or the like, without any settings being made on the device or on the electrical connection device must be made and / or without drivers or other software programs must be installed on the device. In particular, firmware integrated in the electrical connection device allows direct, in particular full, operation of the electrical connection device with the typical settings of an RS-232 interface to which the electrical connection device is connected “plug and play”. In addition, the plug-and-play functional principle advantageously means that no external power supply of the electrical connection device, in particular no power supply different from the TxD data line of the RS-232 interface, which is preferably operated according to the typical RS-232 settings, is required.

It is also proposed that the signal harvesting unit is provided to at least partially, preferably completely, the part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that has a negative sign for the generation of electrical energy, in particular by means of an inversion of the from the data line output electrical data signal. In this way, a high level of efficiency can advantageously be achieved. A particularly effective signal harvesting can advantageously be achieved, in particular since the electrical data signal output by the data line is predominantly a negative one Voltage (see, among others, the RS-232 "idle" status). In addition, the negative voltage part in particular does not form part of the UART signal, so it can advantageously be completely removed without negatively affecting the data transmission. In particular, the electrical connection device has at least one discrete or an integrated electrical circuit, for example the level converter, a clamper, a clipper and / or an electrical valve, in particular with at least one diode, which is provided at least to the part of the voltage of the electrical A voltage signal with a negative sign is to be branched off, possibly inverted, and preferably forwarded to a DC-DC converter, to an energy store and / or to a data processing unit, for example a microcontroller.

It is also proposed that the signal harvesting unit is provided at least to reduce the part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that has a positive sign to a reduced voltage level, in particular to a voltage level that is minimal on the input side (on the PC or on the ASIC) is necessary in order to successfully reconstruct the data contained in the original electrical data signal, for example to regulate and / or limit it to a voltage level compatible with transistor-transistor logic (TTL). This advantageously enables an, in particular direct, connection, in particular the data line, to a pin, in particular a data input pin, of a data processing unit, in particular a microcontroller (pC). As a result, a particularly advantageous construction of the electrical connection device, in particular of the electronic components of the electrical connection device, can be achieved. In particular, the discrete or the integrated electrical circuit of the electrical connection device, for example the level converter, the clamper, the clipper and / or the electrical valve is provided to branch off that part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that has a positive sign, and preferably to the Pin, in particular the data input pin of the PC. In addition, the Discrete or the integrated electrical circuit of the electrical connection device is provided to limit and / or regulate a current passed on to the pin, in particular the data input pin, to a current value that is safe for the PC. As a result, the pC, in particular a data input of the pC, can advantageously be secured against an overcurrent. A “reduced voltage level” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a positive voltage level below 5 V, preferably a positive voltage level below 3.3 V and particularly preferably a voltage level between approximately 1.2 V and approximately 5 V. The reduced voltage level can in particular be the TTL-compatible voltage level or another logic voltage level (e.g. a typical "complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor" (CMOS) voltage level, a 0 V-3 V logic level, a 0 V-5 V logic level, or the like). In particular, the data signal is completely extracted from that part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal which has a positive sign.

If, in addition, the signal harvesting unit is provided at least to branch off that part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that has a positive sign to generate electrical energy, a particularly high level of energy efficiency can advantageously be achieved. As a result, a residual energy of the part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal which has a positive sign can advantageously be used for charging the energy store or for operating the PC. In particular, the signal harvesting unit is provided to branch off the excess part of the part of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that has a positive sign that remains after the adjustment to the reduced voltage level in order to generate electrical energy.

It is also proposed that the signal harvesting unit is provided at least to completely branch off at least one, in particular a temporal, part of an electrical voltage signal, which has a positive sign and forms a bit, in order to generate electrical energy. As a result, particularly high energy efficiency, in particular particularly high signal harvesting efficiency, can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the signal harvesting unit is provided to, after successful detection of a state of a bit, a remainder of the electrical voltage signal forming the bit with the positive sign, which remains at least essentially constant in particular until the next bit is expected to arrive Branch generation of electrical energy. It is further proposed that the electrical connection device has a data processing unit, in particular a microcontroller, for signal-related conversion of the electrical data signal output by the data line. As a result, an effective, in particular energy-efficient and / or space-efficient implementation can advantageously be made possible. In particular, the pC receives the electrical data signal, preferably regulated to the reduced voltage level or the TTL-compatible voltage level. In particular, the pC converts the electrical data signal using signals. In particular, the pC outputs the signal-technically converted data signal, preferably to a radio module, preferably to a Bluetooth LE radio module (BLE> 5.0 radio module). In particular, the data processing unit can also include a programmable or hard-wired logic. In particular, the data processing unit can be designed as an “Application-Specific Integrated Circuit” (ASIC) or as a “Field-Programmable Gate Array” (FPGA).

If the data processing unit, in particular the microcontroller, is supplied with electrical energy directly or indirectly by the signal flarvesting unit, a plug-and-play functionality of the electrical connection device can advantageously be achieved. An independence from external power sources and / or batteries / accumulators can advantageously be achieved. A “direct supply of electrical energy by the signal flarvesting unit” is intended to mean, in particular, an (indirect) energy supply by the electrical energy, which, in particular without intermediate storage, is connected to a Input of the connecting device is received, can be understood. An “indirect supply of electrical energy by the signal harvesting unit” is to be understood as meaning, in particular, an energy supply by electrical energy that is taken from an energy store that was previously charged by energy that was received at the input of the connecting device.

In addition, it is proposed that the electrical connection device has a radio module with a transmitter, which is provided at least to wirelessly transmit the information contained in the electrical data signal. In this way, wireless signal forwarding can advantageously be made possible. A simple and inexpensive installation can thereby advantageously be made possible. In this way, flexible and / or versatile applicability can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the transmitter is designed as a Bluetooth transmitter, preferably as a Bluetooth 5.0 transmitter, advantageously as a Bluetooth Low Energy transmitter and preferably as a Bluetooth Low Energy> 5.0 (BLE> 5.0) transmitter. In particular, the transmitter has a range of at least 100 m and preferably of at least 75 m. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the radio module has an ANT transmitter, an ANT + transmitter, a ZigBee transmitter and / or a Z-Wave transmitter. In particular, the radio module is provided to transmit the electrical data signal converted by the pC as a wireless radio signal. As an alternative or in addition to wireless data transmission, however, it is also conceivable that the electrical connection device is provided to convert the electrical data signal, in particular the RS-232 signal, into another wired electrical data signal. In this case, the electrical connection device is designed as an adapter, which advantageously manages without an additional external power supply and without an integrated battery / accumulator (examples: RS-232 to Ethernet adapter, RS-232 to CAN adapter, RS-232 to WLAN adapter, RS -232 to USB adapter, RS-232 to UART adapter etc.). It is further proposed that the electrical connection device has a radio module with a receiver, which is provided at least to receive radio data signals. In this way, wireless signal forwarding can advantageously be made possible. A simple and inexpensive installation can thereby advantageously be made possible. In this way, flexible and / or versatile applicability can advantageously be achieved. In particular, the receiver is designed as a Bluetooth receiver, preferably as a low energy receiver, advantageously as a Bluetooth 5.0 receiver and preferably as a Bluetooth Low Energy> 5.0 (BLE> 5.0) receiver. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that the radio module has an ANT receiver, an ANT + receiver, a ZigBee receiver and / or a Z-Wave receiver. In particular, the electrical connection device, in particular the PC, is provided to convert the signal received by the receiver in terms of signal technology and to transmit it as an electrical data signal. In particular, it is conceivable that the transmitter and the receiver are at least partially formed in one piece with one another, for example as a single antenna that can be operated in a dual mode, in particular a Bluetooth low energy antenna. The radio module is preferably provided to communicate with further radio modules of at least essentially identically designed electrical connection devices.

It is also proposed that the data processing unit, in particular the microcontroller, be provided to convert the radio data signals received by the receiver into an electrical data signal, in particular into an RS-232 data signal or, for example, into a UART data signal with TTL level, which into a data line, in particular another data line to which the electrical connection device is connected, preferably into a Tx data line of the RS-232 interface, into an Rx data line of the RS-232 interface, into an Rx data line of the UART Interface and / or in a corresponding data line of the UART interface, can be fed. This enables two-way communication to be advantageous be made possible. In particular, the electrical data signal, preferably during the conversion from the radio signal or after the conversion from the radio signal, is regulated up to an RS-232-compliant voltage by the electrical connection device. In particular, the discrete or the integrated electronic circuit, preferably the level converter, of the electrical connection device is provided to upregulate the electrical data signal to a valid RS-232 level before it is fed into the (Rx) data line of the RS-232 interface. For example, the voltage level to which the level converter is used can be a voltage level in a range just within a valid RS-232 level of just over ± 5 V, e.g. ± 5.5 V or a default RS-232 Voltage level of approximately ± 12 V. The discrete or the integrated electronic circuit, preferably the level converter, preferably has a charge pump for floch control of the electrical data signal.

If the radio module is supplied with electrical energy directly or indirectly by the signal flarvesting unit, plug-and-play functionality of the electrical connection device can advantageously be achieved. An independence from external power sources and / or batteries / accumulators can advantageously be achieved.

It is also proposed that the electrical connection device has an energy store for storing at least part of the electrical energy obtained by the signal flarvesting unit. In this way, a high level of operational readiness can advantageously be guaranteed. A cold start can thereby advantageously be made possible, for example. Operation at a very slow baud rate, for example, can advantageously be ensured in this way. In particular, the energy store is designed as an accumulator or as a supercapacitor. In particular, the energy store is intended to supply the PC with electrical energy. In particular, the energy store is provided for the radio module, in particular the transmitter and / or to supply the receiver with electrical energy. In particular, the energy store is provided to supply the discrete or the integrated circuit with electrical energy. In particular, the energy store is provided to supply the level converter and / or the voltage pump with electrical energy.

If, in addition, the signal harvesting unit has a current and / or voltage converter, in particular a DC-DC converter, preferably an inverse converter (“inverting buck-boost converter”), which is electrical branched off by the signal harvesting unit Energy is fed and which is provided to supply the energy store with a charging current, an advantageous use of the branched off signal energy for charging the energy store can be made possible. In particular, the (positive and / or negative) voltage signal branched off by the signal harvesting unit is passed on to the DC-DC converter. In particular, the DC-DC converter is intended to supply the PC with electrical energy. In particular, on the one hand, residual energy from the DC-DC converter that is not required by the PC is passed on to the energy store and used to charge the energy store. In particular, on the other hand, in the, in particular temporary, case that the energy from an output of the DC-DC converter is insufficient to adequately supply the pC, electrical energy is taken from the energy store and fed to the pC. A fail-safe exchange of data via the electrical connection device can thereby advantageously be ensured. The DC-DC converter is provided in particular to keep a current at the output of the DC-DC converter at least essentially stable. The DC-DC converter is provided in particular to at least partially compensate and / or smooth the rapidly converting input voltage at an input of the DC-DC converter. For example, the DC-DC converter can be provided to regulate the current at the output of the DC-DC converter in such a way that the energy store has an at least substantially constant charging current being charged. In particular, it is conceivable that the DC-DC converter is replaced by a further suitable current and / or voltage converter.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the current and / or voltage converter fed by the electrical energy branched off from the signal harvesting unit, in particular the DC-DC converter, is provided at least to provide at least one functional component of the electrical connection device, in particular the To supply the radio module and / or the data processing unit and / or a Tx return channel of the electrical connection device, in particular the discrete or integrated circuit, the level converter and / or the voltage pump, with electrical energy. As a result, plug-and-play functionality of the electrical connection device can advantageously be achieved. An independence from external power sources and / or batteries / accumulators can advantageously be achieved.

In addition, it is proposed that the signal flarvesting unit is provided to generate the entire electrical data signal output by the data line for generating electrical energy at least in segments, in particular at least in an idle state (RS-232 “idle” state) of the electrical data signal branch off. As a result, particularly high efficiency, in particular energy efficiency, can advantageously be achieved. In particular, in the RS-232 "idle" state, there is a permanent RS-232 voltage level, for example a voltage level of around -12 V (higher or lower RS-232 voltage levels can occur), on the TxD data line of the RS-232 Interface which can be used advantageously for generating a continuous charging current for charging the energy store.

Furthermore, a transceiver system with at least one first electrical connection device and with at least one second electrical connection device is proposed, wherein the first electrical connection device has at least one radio module with a transmitter and wherein the second electrical connection device has at least one radio module with a receiver. As a result, a wireless transmission and / or forwarding of an RS-232 signal and / or a UART signal can advantageously be achieved, which in particular neither has an integrated power supply nor an additional power supply unit or an additional energy storage device or, in particular user-side, special programming of a das Data signal sending system required. In particular, the first electrical connection device and the second electrical connection device are designed to be at least substantially identical to one another. In particular, the first electrical connection device and the second electrical connection device form a pair of dongles which can communicate with each other by radio transmission. A “transceiver system” is to be understood in particular as a transmitter-receiver system. Alternatively or additionally, it is conceivable that at least one side of the transceiver system is designed differently from the electrical connection device. For example, one side could have a radio interface, for example a Bluetooth low energy interface, which communicates directly with the electrical connection device on the other side. It is also conceivable that the transceiver system comprises more than just one transmitter and / or more than just one receiver. For example, the transceiver system could support a “one to many” radio connection with at least one transmitter and two or more receivers and / or a “many to many” radio connection with two or more transmitters and two or more receivers. In particular, it is conceivable that more than two electrical connection devices communicate with one another via radio signals within the transceiver system. In particular, the transceiver system is provided to advantageously replace a cable connection, in particular an RS-232 cable connection.

It is also proposed that a power supply for the connection devices is independent of an external power supply, which is different from a data line transporting an electrical data signal, in particular is independent of an external power supply, which is different from a TxD data line of an RS-232 interface or a UART interface. As a result, a transceiver system with a plug-and-play functionality can advantageously be achieved. An independence of the transceiver system from additional external power sources and / or additional batteries / accumulators can advantageously be achieved.

It is also proposed that the radio signals communicated between the electrical connection devices are encrypted. In this way, a high level of data security can advantageously be achieved. For example, a symmetrical cryptography system, an asymmetrical cryptography system or another suitable cryptography system can be used to encrypt the radio signals. In particular, the encryption of the radio signals is optional. However, it is also conceivable that the encryption can be activated and deactivated and / or that the transceiver system is designed to be free from encryption of the radio signals.

In addition, a method for operating the electrical connection device with the at least one connection element, which is physically connected to a data line, is proposed, wherein for generating electrical energy, in particular at least for generating electrical operating energy for signaling data conversion and / or for radio signal transmission, at least part of an electrical data signal output by the data line is branched off by means of a signal flarvesting unit, in particular an RS-232 signal flarvesting unit. In this way, particularly simple operability and / or high flexibility of use can advantageously be achieved, in particular in that an additional power supply for the electrical connection device, which is required, for example, for signaling data conversion, can be dispensed with. In particular, many locations are conceivable where a permanent power supply via power supply units or via USB connections cannot be provided or cannot be provided without high additional effort.

The electrical connection device according to the invention, the transceiver system according to the invention and the method according to the invention are not intended to be restricted to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the electrical connection device according to the invention, the transceiver system according to the invention and the method according to the invention can have a number of individual elements, components and units that differs from a number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein for fulfilling a mode of operation described herein.

drawings

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawings. Several exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The specialist will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

Show it:

1 shows a schematic representation of a transceiver system with two electrical connection devices within a building,

2 shows a schematic representation of the transceiver system within a means of transport,

3 shows a schematic perspective illustration of the electrical connection device,

4 shows an exemplary representation of a serial UART data signal (top) and a serial RS-232 data signal (bottom) in voltage-time diagrams, Fig. 5 is a schematic profile of the in the electrical

Connection device incoming RS-232 data signal and FIG. 6 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for operating the electrical connection device,

7 shows a schematic illustration of the transceiver system within a means of transport designed as a utility vehicle, and FIG. 8 shows a schematic illustration of the transceiver system within a traffic infrastructure.

Description of the exemplary embodiments

Figures 1 and 2 show a transceiver system 38 in two different application examples. The application example of FIG. 1 relates to a building 42. The building 42 comprises a data line 12 which is permanently installed in a wall 44 of the building 42. The data line 12 is provided for the transmission of an electrical data signal 16. The electrical data signal 16 is an electrical voltage signal. The electrical data signal 16 is a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) signal. The data line 12 is designed as an RS-232 data line. The data line 12 comprises two data sockets 46, 48 arranged in different rooms of the building 42. The data sockets 46, 48 are designed as RS-232 data sockets, for example as D-subminiature DE09 data sockets. A system 52, which transmits the electrical data signal 16, in particular an RS-232 signal, is plugged into a data socket 46. The system 52 feeds the data signal 16 into the data line 12. In this example, the system 52 forms a generator of the electrical data signal 16. The system 52 is designed, for example, as a computer server. Via the transceiver system 38, data signals, in particular RS-232 data signals and / or UART data signals, can be sent to a further system 64, for example designed as a computer server, which is located, for example, in a third room of the building 42, be transmitted without having to modify a cable routing inside or outside the walls 44 of the building.

The application example of FIG. 2 relates to a means of transport 54. The means of transport 54 is designed, for example, as a vehicle, in particular an automobile. The means of transport 54 has an engine 56 with an engine control unit 58. The engine control unit 58 has a data socket 46 designed as an RS-232 data socket. The data socket 46 of the engine control unit 58 forms a data output of the engine control unit 58. The means of transport 54 has a dashboard 60. The dashboard 60 has a display and / or instrument panel 62. The dashboard 60 has a data socket 48 designed as an RS-232 data socket. The data socket 48 of the dashboard 60 forms a data input for the display and / or instrument panel 62. In this example, data signals can be exchanged between the engine control unit 58 and the display and / or instrument panel 62 via the transceiver system 38 without having to modify a cable harness of the means of transport 54 for this purpose.

The transceiver system 38 has a first electrical connection device 40. In the example of FIG. 1, the first electrical connection device 40 is installed in the data socket 48. The transceiver system 38 in each case has a second electrical connection device 50. In the example of FIG. 1, the second electrical connection device 50 is installed in a connection of the further system 64. The first electrical connection device 40 has at least one radio module 26 with a transmitter 28 (see also FIG. 3). The second electrical connection device 50 has at least one radio module 26 with a receiver 30 (see also FIG. 3). The radio modules 26 of the electrical connection devices 40, 50 are provided to exchange radio signals. The radio signals communicated between the electrical connection devices 40, 50 can be encrypted or unencrypted. The first electrical connection device 40 and the second electrical connection device 50 are at least substantially identical or designed complementary to each other. The power supply of the connection devices 40, 50 is independent of an external power supply, which is different from the data line 12 transporting the electrical data signal 16. In the example of FIG . In the example in FIG. 1, an electrical data signal 16 output by the further system 64 is used to supply power to the second connecting device 50.

3 shows a perspective view of the electrical connection device 40, 50 in an exemplary embodiment. The electrical connection device 40, 50 is designed as an electrical connector device, in particular as an electrical connector. The electrical connection device 40, 50 forms a serial interface 18. The electrical data signal 16 is therefore a Tx signal of the serial interface 18.

The electrical connection device 40, 50 forms an RS-232 interface or a UART interface. The electrical data signal 16 is therefore a signal of a TxD data line of the RS-232 interface or the UART interface. The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a connection element 10. The connecting element 10 is provided for a physical connection to the data line 12. The connecting element 10 is designed as a male D-subminiature DE-09 plug. Alternative, in particular also female, plug shapes are conceivable. The connecting element 10 has a TxD connection pin 66 for connection to a TxD data line.

The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a plug-and-play functional principle. The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a signal flarvesting unit 14, in particular for implementing the plug-and-play functional principle. The signal flarvesting unit 14 is designed as an RS-232 signal flarvesting unit. The signal flarvesting unit 14 is provided for at least a part 20, 22 of one of the data line 12 output electrical data signal 16 for generating electrical energy. The signal harvesting unit 14 is provided to branch off the part 20, 22 of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12 for generating electrical operating energy for signaling data conversion and / or for a radio signal transmission of the information content of the electrical data signal 16. The signal harvesting unit 14 is provided to branch off the part 20, 22 of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12 in order to obtain an electrical charging current for energy storage. The signal harvesting unit 14 has an electrical circuit which diverts the part 20, 22 of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12 to obtain the electrical operating energy and / or to obtain the charging current. The signal harvesting unit 14 has an electrical circuit which only lets through a portion of the electrical data signal 16 (minimally) necessary for the transmission of information.

The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a data processing unit 24. The data processing unit 24 is designed as a microcontroller. The data processing unit 24 is provided for a signal conversion of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12. The data processing unit 24 is supplied directly from the signal harvesting unit 14 with electrical energy (branched off from the electrical data signal 16 by the signal harvesting unit 14).

The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a radio module 26. The radio module 26 includes the transmitter 28. The transmitter 28 of the radio module 26 is provided to wirelessly transmit the information contained in the electrical data signal 16. The data processing unit 24 is provided for a signal conversion of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12 into a radio data signal. The transmitter 28 of the radio module 26 is intended to be transmitted by the data processing unit 24 wirelessly transmit data that has been converted into radio data signals. The transmitter 28 is designed as a Bluetooth low energy antenna. The radio module 26 has the receiver 30. The receiver 30 is provided to receive radio data signals, preferably the radio data signals of the transmitter 28 of a further electrical connection device 40, 50 paired with the electrical connection device 40, 50. The data processing unit 24 is provided to convert the radio data signals received by the receiver 30 into an electrical data signal 16, in particular into an RS232 data signal, which can be fed into an electrical (Tx) data line 12. The connecting element 10 has a TxD connection pin 68 which is provided for outputting the electrical data signal 16 received by the receiver 30 and subsequently processed accordingly. The electrical connection device 40, 50 has a level converter 32. The level converter 32 is provided to regulate the electrical data signal 16 received by the receiver 30 and converted by the data processing unit 24 up to an RS-232 voltage level. The radio module 26, in particular the transmitter 28 and / or the receiver 30, is supplied directly by the signal flarvesting unit 14 with electrical energy (branched off from the electrical data signal 16 by the signal flarvesting unit 14).

The signal flarvesting unit 14 has a current and / or voltage converter 34. The current and / or voltage converter 34 is designed as a DC-DC converter. The current and / or voltage converter 34 is fed by electrical energy which is branched off from the electrical data signal 16 by the signal flarvesting unit 14. The current and / or voltage converter 34 is provided to supply one or more functional components of the electrical connection device 40, 50, for example the radio module 26, the data processing unit 24 or the level converter 32, directly with electrical energy. The electrical connection device 40, 50 has an energy store 36. The energy store 36 is for storage at least part of the electrical energy obtained by the signal harvesting unit 14 is provided. The energy store 36 is designed as an accumulator. The current and / or voltage converter 34 is provided to supply the energy store 36 with a charging current. Via the energy store 36, the radio module 26, in particular the transmitter 28 and / or the receiver 30, the data processing unit 24 and / or the level converter 32, can optionally be transferred indirectly from the signal harvesting unit 14 (through the signal harvesting unit 14 from the electrical data signal 16 branched off) electrical energy are supplied.

4 shows a serial UART data signal (74, top) and a serial RS-232 data signal (76, bottom) in voltage-time diagrams. A time is plotted in each case on the abscissa 70 of the voltage-time diagrams. An electrical voltage is plotted in each case on ordinates 72 of the voltage-time diagrams. The electrical data signal 16 shown in FIG. 4 forms a binary signal of the Latin capital letter “J”. Read from right to left the binary signal of the Latin capital letter "J" is 01001010. The binary signal comprises a start signal 78 (start bit) and a stop signal 80 (stop bit). Useful data 82 in the form of (eight) data bits (B0 to B7) are transmitted between the start signal 78 and the stop signal 80. Before the start signal 78 and after the stop signal 80, the data transmission can be in an idle state 84 (“idle” state).

The RS-232 serial data signal 76 represents a typical electrical data signal 16 transmitted through an RS-232 data line. The RS-232 serial data signal 76 has a voltage level that converts between +12 V and -12 V. A positive voltage level means a binary “0” (space). A negative voltage level means a binary “1” (mark). The voltage level shown in the lower voltage-time diagram in FIG. 4 is when the Latin capital letter “J” is transmitted to the TxD connection pin 66 of the electrical connection device 40, 50. The voltage level shown in the lower voltage-time diagram in FIG Voltage level becomes when the Latin capital letter “J” is transmitted to the TxD connection pin 68 of the electrical connection device 40, 50. In the idle state 84 the voltage level of the serial RS-232 data signal 76 is constant at -12 V.

The UART data signal 74 represents a TTL-compatible electrical data signal 16 which, for example, is compatible with the data processing unit 24, in particular the microcontroller. The UART serial data signal 74 has a voltage level that converts between 0V and +3V. The UART serial data signal 74 is inverted relative to the RS-232 data signal. A voltage level of zero means a binary “0” (space). A positive voltage level (+3 V) means a binary “1” (mark). The voltage level shown in the upper voltage-time diagram in FIG. 4 is output when the Latin capital letter “J” is transmitted to the data processing unit 24 of the electrical connection device 40, 50. The voltage level shown in the upper voltage-time diagram in FIG. 4 is transferred to the level converter 32 for floch control when the Latin capital letter “J” is transmitted. In the idle state 84, the voltage level of the serial UART data signal 74 is constant at +3 V.

5 shows a schematic profile of an RS-232 data signal 76 entering the electrical connection device 40, 50. Through a first electronic component 86 of the electrical connection device 40, 50, in particular the signal flarvesting unit 14, for example through a positive one Voltage clamp, by the level shifter 32, by an electric clipper, by an electric clamp or by an electric valve, the part 22 of the voltage of the RS-232 data signal 76, which has a positive sign, is reduced to a, for example a transistor- Transistor logic (TTL) compatible, voltage level regulated and / or limited. In addition, it is conceivable that the signal flarvesting unit 14 is provided to the excess part of the voltage of the electrical Voltage signal, which has a positive sign and which remains after being limited to the reduced voltage level, to be diverted to generate electrical energy. The electrical data signal 16 branched off and regulated and / or limited to the reduced voltage level is then inverted, for example by the level converter 32, and thus converted into the UART data signal 74. The UART data signal 74 is output directly to the data processing unit 24, in particular to the microcontroller. The data processing unit 24, in particular the microcontroller, converts the UART data signal 74 into a radio data signal, which in turn is emitted by the transmitter 28 of the radio module 26.

By a second electronic component 88 of the electrical connection device 40, 50, in particular the signal flarvesting unit 14, for example by a negative voltage clamp, by the level converter 32, by the electric clipper, by the electric clamp or by an electric valve, the Part 20 of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal, which has a negative sign, branched off for the production of electrical energy. It is also conceivable that the signal flarvesting unit 14 is provided to branch off the entire RS-232 data signal 76 output by the data line 12 in the idle state 84 of the RS-232 data signal 76 in order to generate electrical energy. The electrical voltage signal branched off to generate electrical energy is transmitted to a current and / or voltage converter 34, in particular a DC-DC converter, which thereby provides a charging current for the energy store 36 and / or which thereby provides a direct power supply to the data processing unit 24 and / or the radio module 26 and / or the electronic components 86, 88 provides.

6 shows a flow chart of a method for operating the electrical connection device 40, 50. In at least one method step 90, the data line 12 is provided. In at least one further method step 92, the system 52 outputting the electrical data signal 16 is connected to the Data socket 46 of the data line 12 is connected. In at least one further method step 94, the electrical connection device 40 is connected to the further data socket 48, which forms a second end of the data line 12, by inserting the connection element 10. In the further method step 94, the electrical connection device 40 is immediately ready for use due to the plug-and-play functionality and without requiring any settings to be made to the system 52.

In at least one further method step 96, a part of the electrical data signal 16 output by the data line 12 is branched off by means of the signal harvesting unit 14 to generate electrical operating energy for the signaling data conversion and / or for the radio signal transmission. In at least one sub-step 98 of method step 96, the part 20 of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal, which has a negative sign, is branched off to generate the electrical energy. If the electrical data signal 16 is in an RS-232 idle state 84, in substep 98 of method step 96 an entire RS-232 idle state signal, which has a negative sign, is branched off for the generation of electrical energy. In at least one further sub-step 100 of method step 96, the part 22 of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal, which has a positive sign and which is to be used for information transmission, is adjusted and / or limited to a reduced or a TTL-compatible voltage level. In sub-step 100 of method step 96, the part 22 of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that is regulated and / or limited to the reduced or the TTL-compatible voltage level is inverted. In sub-step 100 of method step 96, the part 22 of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal that is regulated and / or limited to the reduced or the TTL-compatible voltage level is converted into the UART data signal 74. In at least one further sub-step 102 of method step 96, after the adjustment and / or limitation to the reduced or the TTL Compatible voltage level remaining, excess part of the positive voltage part 22 of the electrical voltage signal, branched off to generate electrical energy.

In at least one further method step 104, the part of the electrical data signal 16 branched off to generate electrical energy is diverted to the current and / or voltage converter 34. In at least one further method step 106, the energy store 36 is charged by the electrical energy obtained by means of the signal harvesting unit 14, in particular by means of the current and / or voltage converter 34. In at least one further method step 108, the data processing unit 24 is operated by the electrical energy obtained by means of the signal harvesting unit 14, in particular by means of the current and / or voltage converter 34. In method step 108, the level converter 32 can also be operated by the electrical energy obtained by means of the signal harvesting unit 14, in particular via the current and / or voltage converter 34. In at least one further method step 110, the radio module 26 is operated by the electrical energy obtained by means of the signal harvesting unit 14, in particular via the current and / or voltage converter 34. In at least one further method step 112, the UART data signal 74 is forwarded directly to the data processing unit 24, in particular to the microcontroller. In at least one further method step 114, the UART data signal 74 is converted into a radio data signal by the data processing unit 24, in particular by the microcontroller. The radio data signal is encrypted in at least one further optional method step 128. In at least one further method step 116, the radio data signal is emitted by the transmitter 28 of the radio module 26.

In at least one further method step 118, the radio data signal is received by the receiver 30 of a further electrical connection device 50 and, if necessary, decrypted. In at least one further method step 120, the radio data signal is from the The data processing unit 24 of the further electrical connection device 50 is converted into the RS-232 data signal 76. In at least one sub-step 122 of method step 120, the RS-232 data signal 76 is regulated up to a normal RS-232 voltage level by the level converter 32. In at least one further method step 124, the RS-232 data signal 76 is output from the further electrical connection device 50 via its TxD connection pin 68 to the further system 64 or to a further data line 126 (cf. FIG. 2).

FIGS. 7 and 8 show two further application examples of the transceiver system 38. The application example in FIG. 7 relates to a means of transport 54 designed as a utility vehicle 130. In the example shown, the utility vehicle 130 comprises a snow pusher 132 and a salt spreader 134. The salt spreader 134, for example setting the amount of salt spread of the salt spreader 134 can be controlled by means of an operating lever 136 of the utility vehicle 130 from a driver's cab 138 of the utility vehicle 130. The operating lever 136 has a data socket (not shown) designed as an RS-232 data socket. The data socket of the operating lever 136 forms a data output of the operating lever 136. The salt spreader 134, in particular a control device of the salt spreader 134, has a data socket (not shown) designed as an RS-232 data socket. The data socket of the salt spreader 134 is arranged within a housing 140 of the salt spreader 134 in order to be protected from external influences such as salt, moisture or dirt. The data socket of the salt spreader 134 forms a data input for a control of the salt spreader 134. In this example, data signals generated by an operator of the commercial vehicle 130 from the driver's cab 138 of the commercial vehicle 130 by actuating the operating lever 136 can be transmitted via the transceiver system 38 to the salt spreader 134, in particular to the control unit of the salt spreader 134, without to require complex cable laying within the utility vehicle 130. The application example of FIG. 8 relates to a traffic monitoring device 146 integrated in a traffic infrastructure 142. The traffic infrastructure 142 is designed, for example, as a sign bridge 144, on which sensors 148 of the traffic monitoring device 146 are mounted. For example, the sensors 148 of the traffic monitoring device 146 can be formed from radar sensors which are provided for a traffic count. The traffic infrastructure 142 has a data socket 46 designed as an RS-232 data socket. The traffic monitoring device 146 is connected to the data socket 46 of the traffic infrastructure 142 via a data line 12. The data socket 46 forms a data output of the traffic monitoring device 146. the

Traffic monitoring device 146 comprises a read-out device 150. In order to read out the data from sensors 148, read-out device 150 must be connected to sensors 148 in terms of signaling. The readout device 150 has a data socket 48 designed as an RS-232 data socket. The data socket 48 of the reading device 150 forms a data input for a display 152 of the reading device 150. The electrical connection devices 40, 50 which correspond to one another and form the transceiver system 38 are plugged into the data sockets 46, 48. In this example, data signals can be exchanged between the sensors 148 and the reading device 150 via the transceiver system 38 without having to climb the gantry 144 and connect the reading device 150 directly to the data socket 46 of the traffic monitoring device 146 integrated in the gantry 144. Reference number

10 connecting element 12 data line 14 signal harvesting unit 16 electrical data signal 18 serial interface 20 part 22 part

24 data processing unit 26 radio module 28 transmitter 30 receiver 32 level converter

34 Current and / or voltage transformers

36 energy storage

38 Transceiver System

40 Electrical connection device

42 buildings

44 wall

46 data socket

48 data socket

50 Electrical connection device

52 system

54 Means of Transport

56 engine

58 Engine control unit

60 dashboard

62 Display and / or instrument panel 64 System 66 TxD connection pin RxD connection pin

abscissa

ordinate

UART data signal

RS-232 data signal

Start signal

Stop signal

Payload

Hibernation

First electronic component

Second electronic component

Process step

Partial step

Process step

Partial step

Process step

Data line

Process step Commercial vehicle

Snow shovel

Salt shaker

Control lever

Cab

casing

Transport infrastructure

Sign gantry

Traffic monitoring device

sensor

Readout device

Display

Claims

04/30/2021 claims

1. Electrical connection device (40, 50), in particular electrical connector device, with at least one connection element (10) which is provided for a physical connection to a data line (12), characterized by a signal harvesting unit (14), in particular a RS-232 signal harvesting unit, which is provided for the purpose of generating at least part (20, 22) of an electrical data signal (16) output by the data line (12) for generating electrical energy, in particular at least for generating electrical

To divert operating energy for signaling data conversion and / or for radio signal transmission.

2. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrical data signal (16) is an electrical voltage signal.

3. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrical data signal (16) is a Recommended Standard 232 (RS-232) signal or a Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) signal of a serial interface (18 is.

4. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 3, characterized in that the electrical data signal (16) is at least one Tx signal of the serial interface (18).

5. Electrical connecting device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plug-and-play functional principle.

6. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) is provided to the part (20) of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal which has a negative sign , at least partially, preferably completely, branch off to the generation of electrical energy.

7. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) is provided at least to the part (22) of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal which has a positive sign helps to regulate to a reduced voltage level ..

8. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) is provided at least to the part (22) of the voltage of the electrical voltage signal which has a positive sign contributes to branching off at least partially for the generation of electrical energy.

9. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 8, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) is provided at least to at least one, in particular temporal, part of an electrical voltage signal which has a positive sign and one bit trains to branch off completely for the generation of electrical energy.

10. Electrical connecting device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a data processing unit (24) for signal conversion of the electrical data signal (16) output by the data line (12).

11. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 10, characterized in that the data processing unit (24) is supplied with electrical energy directly or indirectly from the signal harvesting unit (14).

12. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a radio module (26) with a transmitter (28) which is provided at least to wirelessly transmit the information contained in the electrical data signal (16).

13. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a radio module (26) with a receiver (30) which is provided at least to receive radio data signals.

14. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claims 10 and 13, characterized in that the data processing unit (24) is provided for the purpose of receiving the data from the receiver (30)

To convert radio data signals into an electrical data signal (16), in particular into an RS-232 data signal, which can be fed into an electrical (Tx or Rx) data line (12).

15. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the radio module (26) is supplied with electrical energy directly or indirectly from the signal harvesting unit (14).

16. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an energy store (36) for storing at least part of the electrical energy obtained by the signal harvesting unit (14).

17. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to claim 16, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) has a current and / or voltage converter (34), in particular a DC-DC converter, which from through the signal harvesting unit (14) is fed electrical energy branched off and which is provided to supply the energy store (36) with a charging current.

18. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, in particular according to one of claims 10 to 15, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) has a current and / or voltage converter (34), in particular one DC-DC converter, which by the signal harvesting unit

(14) branched electrical energy is fed and which is provided at least to supply at least one functional component of the electrical connection device (40, 50) with electrical energy.

19. Electrical connection device (40, 50) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal harvesting unit (14) is provided to at least temporarily, in particular at least in an idle state (84) of the electrical data signal (16), all of the data line

(12) to branch off output electrical data signal (16) for generating electrical energy.

20. Transceiver system (38) with at least one first electrical connection device (40) according to one of the preceding claims and with at least one second electrical connection device (50) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first electrical connection device (40) has at least one radio module (26) with a transmitter (28) and wherein the second electrical connection device (50) has at least one radio module (26) with a receiver (30).

21. Transceiver system (38) according to claim 20, characterized in that a power supply of the connecting devices (40, 50) is independent of an external power supply which is different from a data line (12) transporting an electrical data signal (16).

22. A method for operating an electrical connection device (40, 50), in particular according to one of claims 1 to 19, with at least one connection element (10) which is physically connected to a data line (12), characterized in that for generating electrical energy , in particular at least for generating electrical

Operating energy for signaling data conversion and / or for radio signal transmission, at least part (20, 22) of an electrical data signal (16) output by the data line (12) by means of a signal harvesting unit (14), in particular an RS-232 - Signal harvesting unit, is branched off.