The invention relates to a modular bus system for data and/or power transfer, and also relates to a bus subscriber for use in such modular bus system.
Systems in which electronic modules such as measuring devices, automation modules, or control devices can be arranged and which enable electrical power supply of the electronic modules and communication via a radio link are known from prior art.
However, the prior art systems may be problematic because the efficiency of the wireless power transfer is not sufficient, so that the transferred power is subject to rather narrow limits.
The invention is based on the object to provide for a more efficient wireless power transfer to subscriber devices of a bus system.
One aspect of the invention relates to a modular bus system for data and/or power transfer, wherein the bus system comprises at least two bus subscribers that can be placed side by side. In the present context ‘side by side’ means that the bus subscribers can be arranged directly adjacent to each other or spaced from each other.
Another aspect of the invention relates to a bus subscriber for use in a modular bus system for data and/or power transfer.
The bus subscriber or each bus subscriber may comprise a housing having a plurality of walls. An electronic circuit or an electronic module is arranged or arrangeable in the housing. Alternatively, the bus subscriber may be adapted to be coupled to an electronic module.
The housing may comprise pairs of walls that are substantially parallel to each other, and may optionally have a substantially parallelepipedal shape. The housing may also have a shape in which the pairs of walls are obliquely or non-parallel to each other.
The bus subscribers may be arranged or arrangeable side by side, so that the first bus subscriber and a last bus subscriber each has one immediate neighbor and each of the other bus subscribers has two immediate neighbors.
In or on a first wall of the housing at least one antenna may be arranged. Here, the first wall does not define a specific order of the walls but refers to that wall in which or on which the antenna is arranged. The first wall may be considered as an antenna wall.
Each of the bus subscribers may be electrically coupled to its immediate neighbor(s) by having an antenna of each bus subscriber electromagnetically coupled to an antenna of its immediate neighbor(s).
Each of the bus subscribers may be arranged or arrangeable on a support rail which is preferably in form of a hat rail in which, optionally, an electrical line is arranged. A power supply module may preferably be coupled to or may be adapted for being coupled to the electrical line, for example galvanically, in particular by means of a T-connector, or optionally inductively or capacitively.
Each of the bus subscribers may be adapted for being mechanically coupled to the support rail by a plug-in connection.
Optionally, the first bus subscriber may be the same as the last bus subscriber, so that the bus has a ring topology.
The bus system is referred to as modular. Here, “modular” may mean that the bus subscriber can be inserted into the bus system and removed from the bus system without thereby affecting or impairing the functionality of the bus system. “Modular” may further mean that the functionality of the bus subscriber can be expanded using expansion cards, so that the bus subscriber does not have to be equipped with all functionality already in the manufacturing stage.
The antenna of the bus subscriber may have a geometric antenna area.
In case of a substantially two-dimensional antenna which is for example arranged in a plane of the wall, with dimensions perpendicular to the plane substantially smaller than the dimensions along the plane, the geometric antenna area may be regarded as the surface area delimited by an outer contour of the antenna. Such an antenna may be a thin wound antenna, or a printed antenna, or a planar antenna implemented in stripline technology, e.g. a patch antenna, or a stripline slot antenna.
In case of an antenna that has dimensions perpendicular to the wall which are not negligible, such as a coil having turns arranged along a longitudinal axis, the geometric antenna area is disposed in a wall surface which is delimited by an outer contour of a projection of the antenna onto the wall surface.
The geometric antenna area may be related to the surface of the first wall defining an area ratio. The area ratio may be considered as a mathematical quotient of the antenna area to the surface of the first wall, or antenna wall. The area ratio may have a value of at least 0.5, or for example at least 0.6, 0.7, or 0.8. This ensures that the power transfer between the bus subscribers is less sensitive to an inaccurate alignment of the bus subscribers with respect to each other.
The bus subscriber may be adapted for being electrically coupled to at least one further bus subscriber by electromagnetically coupling an antenna of the bus subscriber with an antenna of the further bus subscriber, for data and/or power transfer.
The first walls of bus subscribers that are electrically coupled to each other may be arranged approximately in parallel to each other.
The described features of the bus system and of the bus subscriber are very beneficial.
The high area ratio of the antennas, the parallel arrangement of the first walls, and the aligned antennas provide for an efficient transfer of electromagnetic radiation between the antennas of the bus subscribers involved and for a transfer of high electromagnetic powers.
The use of antennas that are disposed in or on a wall, allows a space-saving arrangement for supplying the bus subscribers with electrical energy, because a use of conventional transformers can be avoided in this manner.
Thus, the advantages include:
Advantageous embodiments and modifications will now be described below. The features of the embodiments may be combined with one another and with each of the aspects of the invention, as far as technologically feasible.
According to one embodiment, the bus system may comprise a supply module for feeding electrical power and/or data to the bus subscribers or to electronic modules associated therewith or to the bus. The supply module may be configured as a first bus subscriber.
The electromagnetic energy may be transferred in a transfer chain from one bus subscriber to the next one, i.e. from the supply module to the first bus subscriber, from the first bus subscriber to the second bus subscriber, and so on. The transfer chain may constitute or define the bus.
The electromagnetic energy may likewise be transferred in a star topology from one bus subscriber to a plurality of bus subscribers, for example at least two, three, four, or five bus subscribers. For example, the electromagnetic radiation from the first bus subscriber may be received by all or at least part of the bus subscribers.
The supply module may comprise means for signal processing or signal amplification or signal regeneration. Advantageously, this allows to process a signal fed into the bus system from outside.
Particularly advantageously, this further allows for a signal from the supply module within the bus system to be received, processed, and relayed in the bus system, i.e. to be transferred to a further bus subscriber.
Such signal processing permits to compensate for losses along the bus transfer path.
The supply module may be connected to a mains voltage, which preferably is about 220 or 110 volts and has a frequency of about 50 or 60 Hz.
According to one embodiment, the antenna may be provided in form of a spiral antenna, a circular antenna, a coil, or a capacitive plate.
With regard to manufacturing technology, the antenna may be formed as a molded interconnect device (MID), or inlay, or as an overmolded antenna, or a thin wound or printed antenna, or an adhesive antenna.
Alternatively, the antenna may be a planar antenna implemented in stripline technology, for example a patch antenna or a stripline slot antenna. Such antennas are in particular contemplated for transferring data signals.
The antenna may be arranged on a foil which is attached to the first wall. This embodiment advantageously provides for an efficient and low-cost installation/removal or replacement of the antenna.
According to one embodiment, a minimum value of the area ratio may be 0.7, or preferably 0.8, or in particular 0.9.
The antenna may extend over the entire surface of the wall. In this case, the area ratio is equal to or approximately equal to 1.
According to one embodiment, the antenna of a bus subscriber may have a number of turns which depends on the distance of the bus subscriber to the supply module, which distance is measured as the number of intermediary bus subscribers.
The antenna of a bus subscriber that has a distance to the supply module which is greater than the distance of a second bus subscriber to the supply module may have a number of turns that is greater than the number of turns of the antenna of the second bus subscriber, in order to compensate for losses, in particular transfer losses or losses in the electronic circuits of the bus subscribers.
According to one embodiment, the housing of at least some of the bus subscribers may have a further antenna arranged in a second wall thereof. Here, the second wall does not define a specific order among the walls but rather refers to a further wall in addition to the first wall, in or on which the antenna is arranged. That means, a respective antenna or, if appropriate, multiple antennas may be arranged on or in two, three, four, five, or more walls.
The first and/or the second wall of the housing of at least some of the bus subscribers may have a plurality of antennas arranged therein.
Data and power may be transferable via different antennas, or optionally via one antenna. Advantageously, this allows to adapt the antenna parameters, such as size or manufacturing technology, to the parameters of the signal to be transferred, such as frequency or power.
According to one embodiment, an electronic circuit or an electronic module may be arranged in the housing of each bus subscriber. The electronic module may in particular be a measuring device, an automation module, or a control device.
According to one embodiment, each bus subscriber may be configured as an adapter for being connected to an electronic module. Each adapter may be configured for data and/or power transfer. Thus, the adapter complements the modular concept of the bus system, according to which a bus subscriber or an electronic module can be easily inserted into the bus system and removed from the bus system.
The adapter may be configured for being connected mechanically and electrically to a support rail and to the electronic module. In a connected state of the adapter, for example when plugged or attached to the support rail, the adapter may be considered as an intermediate member which connects the support rail with the electronic module.
In another embodiment, the electronic module may be plugged to the support rail or placed on the support rail, and the adapter may preferably be placed on the electronic module or may be otherwise connected therewith.
The adapter may comprise a first fastening means for mechanical attachment to the support rail, by means of which the adapter may be mechanically fastened to the support rail and released therefrom. If the support rail carries electrical lines, the adapter can also be connected to the lines.
The adapter may comprise a second fastening means for mechanical attachment to the electronic module. In particular if it functions as an intermediate member between the support rail and the electronic module, the second fastening means provides for a corresponding connection.
The second fastening means may imitate a shape of the support rail, so that the electronic module can be mechanically fixed to the adapter in a similar manner as to the support rail. The adapter advantageously allows for a flexible use of the electronic module, which selectively may be connected to the support rail either directly or via the adapter, without requiring any modifications to the electronic module.
The electronic module may be adapted for being mechanically and/or electrically coupled to the adapter by a plug-in connection.
The electrical coupling between the electronic module and the adapter may be implemented galvanically, preferably by terminal points. Alternatively, the electronic module may be adapted for being electromagnetically coupled to the adapter, for example inductively or capacitively, for data and/or power transfer.
The adapter may comprise means for regenerating or amplifying an electrical signal, which signal may comprise a data signal and/or a power supply signal.
The adapter may be electromagnetically shielded from the electronic module to prevent electromagnetic interference in the electronic module. For this purpose, the adapter may be wrapped in a metal foil, at least in a region near the connection to the electronic module, which electrical connection between the adapter and the electronic module may be implemented using pins.
According to one embodiment, the bus subscriber may be configured as an adapter for being connected to the electronic module. Alternatively, the bus subscriber may be configured as an electronic module.
In order to prevent crosstalk from one antenna to another antenna in a bus subscriber or between adjacent bus subscribers, a shielding means may be provided in the housing of one bus subscriber.
The invention will now be explained in more detail by way of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the drawings wherein the same reference numerals designate the same or equivalent elements. The features of different exemplary embodiments may be combined with each other and with any aspect of the invention, as far as technologically feasible.
In the drawings:
a shows a bus subscriber having one antenna according to a first embodiment;
b shows a bus subscriber having two antennas according to a second embodiment;
a shows an adapter according to a first embodiment;
b shows an arrangement of adapter and electronic module;
c shows an adapter according to a second embodiment;
d-3g illustrate arrangements including an adapter and an electronic module;
A first wall 20a of housing 18 has an antenna 22 disposed thereon, which antenna defines a geometrical antenna area which has an area ratio of a value of about 0.7 to the surface area of the first wall 20a.
The bus subscribers 12 are electrically coupled to each other by having an antenna 22 of each bus subscriber 12 electromagnetically coupled to an antenna 22 of a further bus subscriber 12, for data and power transfer.
The first walls 20a of bus subscribers 12 that are electrically coupled to each other, are arranged approximately in parallel to each other.
The bus system 10 comprises a supply module 16 for feeding electrical power and data, which supply module 16 is configured as a first bus subscriber.
Supply module 16 is connected to a mains voltage 32 which is about 220 V and has a frequency of about 50 Hz.
The bus subscribers 12 including the supply module 16 are releasably fastened to a support rail 26.
a shows a bus subscriber 12 according to a first embodiment. Bus subscriber 12 comprises a housing 18 having a plurality of walls 20. The housing 18 substantially has a parallelepipedal shape, with pairs of walls 20 substantially parallel to each other. Housing 18 has an electronic circuit 36 arranged therein, which is indicated in the illustrated example in form of a circuit board.
A first wall 20a of housing 18 has a spiral antenna 22 disposed therein, which is implemented as a molded interconnect device (MID).
The bus subscriber 12 is electrically coupled to its immediate neighbor(s) 12 by having its antenna 22 electromagnetically coupled to an antenna 22 of its immediate neighbor(s) 12, for data and power transfer.
b shows a bus subscriber 12 according to a second embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment shown in
a shows an adapter 14 configured as a bus subscriber 12 according to a first embodiment. Adapter 14 is configured for being connected to an electronic module 38 and is configured for transferring data and power between the electronic module 38 and the bus.
In the present case, the bus is implemented as a chain-like communication link from a bus subscriber 12 to its single or two immediate neighbor(s) 12.
The adapter 14 comprises an electronic circuit 36 and an antenna 22. As shown in
By means of its antenna 22, the adapter 14 of
c shows an adapter 14 having two antennas 22, 24. The first antenna 22 is disposed at a first wall 20a, the second antenna 24 is disposed at a further wall 20b. Antenna walls 20a, 20b are approximately perpendicular to each other.
First antenna 22 of antenna wall 20a which is arranged approximately in parallel to the antenna walls of adjacent adapters (not shown in this figure) serves to transfer data and power between the adapter 14 and
Between the second antenna 24 of adapter 14 and the antennas of electronic modules 38 (not shown) data and power transfer is accomplished. The antenna wall 20b of adapter 14 is disposed approximately in parallel to the antenna walls of the electronic modules 38 to which the adapter 14 is coupled.
f, 3g show two alternative arrangements of adapter 14 and electronic module 38. According to
If the adapter 14 is disposed on the electronic module (
d, 3e show alternative embodiments of adapters 14 that are adapted to be connected to the support rail 26 and/or to the electronic module 38.
According to
Referring to
The vertical arrows illustrated in this figure represent the transfer of data and power between adapter 14 and electronic module 38. The thick arrow indicates a transmission of power and data, the thin arrow indicates a transmission of data.
Electrical lines 40 are arranged in the hat rail 26 and are connected to an adapter that is configured as a supply module 16, the connection being accomplished using a T-connector, for supplying mains voltage. Supply module 16 is used for power supply to the electronic module 38 coupled therewith, and for feeding power into the bus.
The invention thus aims to transfer data and/or power between electronic modules 38 that are arranged adjacently on hat rail 26, at the same time enabling transfer of rather high powers.
Referring to
The opposing walls 20 and a high number of turns enable a transfer of large amounts of energy, or power. A transfer ratio between successive coils or bus subscribers can be adjusted through a ratio of turns of the coils 22. For example, the number of turns of a first coil 22 of an electronic component 12 is less than the number of turns of the coil arranged on the subsequent electronic component in the direction of energy transmission and facing the first coil 22. This permits to compensate for voltage losses in electronic component 12.
To compensate for losses along the bus, signal regeneration or amplification is suggested. For example, a circuit for amplifying signals or power is provided in supply module 16.
Radiation from the transmitter coil back into the electronics of the electronic component are reduced or completely suppressed by means of a foil having a metallic coating, which is disposed between the adapter and the electronic module.
An exemplary bus subscriber 12 including a shielding 50 which at least reduces radiation from an antenna and hence crosstalk, is shown in
In an alternative bus subscriber 12 (not shown), antennas 22 and 24 may be arranged on the respective outer surfaces of walls 20a and 20b. In this case, the inner surfaces of walls 20a and 20b may function as a shielding. For this purpose, a foil having a metallic coating could be applied as a shielding 50 at the respective inner surfaces of walls 20a and 20b, for example.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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10 2012 110 170.1 | Oct 2012 | DE | national |
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
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PCT/EP2013/072310 | 10/24/2013 | WO | 00 |