Patent Description:
In order to provide a solution that allows a more space saving connection, a redirecting device for mm-waves, can comprise an input section, an output section and a rigid, dielectric waveguide member extending from the input section to the output section, wherein the input section and the output section are at <NUM> degrees to each other.

With this solution, flexible elements no longer have to be attached perpendicular to the other element, for example the PCB, but can rather be installed such that they run parallel to it. Such an arrangement is thus more space saving.

<CIT> shows a waveguide with a reflector at a curve. <CIT> shows a bent waveguide supported between two boards. In <CIT>, a wave is guided in a central element that is surrounded by a cladding. <CIT> relates to shielding structures for electrical conductors.

The object of the invention is to provide a solution that allows an easy manufacturing while the waveguide member is supported.

According to the invention, this is achieved with a redirecting device according to the claims.

A connection assembly comprises a redirecting device according to the invention.

The support structure supports the waveguide member. Due to the fact that the entire redirecting device including the support structure is a single monolithic piece, it is easy to manufacture.

The solution according to the invention can further be improved by the following further developments and advantageous embodiments, which are independent of each other and can be combined arbitrarily, as desired.

To improve the stability, the input section and the output section can be mechanically connected to each other. For example, they can be connected rigidly so that they cannot move relative to each other.

The waveguide member can be a solid element. In contrast, for example, to a hollow waveguide member, a solid waveguide member can be manufactured more easily.

In a simple design, the input section and/or the output section can comprise planar end surfaces of the waveguide member.

In order to achieve an easy coupling, the input section can comprise a first coupling face for coupling to a first external member and the waveguide member extends away from the first coupling face. The first coupling face can in particular be planar or flat to achieve a good coupling efficiency. The first external member can, in particular, be a cable or a flexible element like a dielectric waveguide. The waveguide member can preferably extend away perpendicularly from the first coupling face.

Similarly, the output section can comprise a second coupling face for coupling to a second external member, and the waveguide member can extend away from the second coupling face. The second coupling face is also preferably planar and the waveguide member extends preferably perpendicularly away from the second coupling face. The second external member can be a PCB (printed circuit board). The PCB can, for example, comprise wave-emitting elements like an antenna.

Preferably, the first and the second coupling face are <NUM> degrees to each other. This can simplify the coupling.

In a simple design, the waveguide member can run along a <NUM> degree curve. The curve can have a constant radius to make the production simple. The waveguide member can comprise one or more curves with an angle different from <NUM> degrees, or straight sections.

In order to avoid disturbances, the waveguide member can have a low or no elastic and plastic deformability. It can, for example, not be as flexible as a flexible element attached to it, for example a dielectric waveguide.

For a good volume-to-length ratio, the waveguide member may be an elongated element. One dimension of the waveguide member can be larger than the other two dimensions by a factor of at least five. For example, the waveguide member can have a length that is larger than its width and/or height by a factor of at least five. The length can here be measured along a non-straight line, for example a curved line.

The waveguide member may have a constant cross-section. This can result in good transmission characteristics. The cross-section, in particular the shape of the cross-section and the area of the cross-section, can be constant from the input section to the output section. The cross-section can be taken perpendicular to a length extension of the waveguide member. The cross-section in a plane comprising a width and a height can thus be constant along the length direction.

The waveguide member can have various cross-sections. For example, a circular, an elliptical, or a rectangular shape are possible for transmitting different modes and orientations of the waves.

In order to be adapted for the transmission of mm-waves, a dimension of the cross-section can be greater than <NUM> times the wavelength. and/or less than <NUM> times the wavelength. The wavelength can in particular relate to the wavelength that is to be transmitted.

To minimize losses, the cross-section of the input section and/or the output section can be similar or identical to the cross-section of the waveguide member.

Also to minimize losses, the cross-section of the waveguide member can be adapted to the cross-section of an attached waveguide, in particular the core of such a waveguide.

To achieve a sufficient performance in the mm-range, a minimum curvature radius of the waveguide member can be greater than one wavelength.

The waveguide member can, in particular, be curved in a plane that comprises a length direction.

The redirecting device can comprise a planar sheet or board member located at or next to the input section and/or the output section. The board member can serve as a fixation element or a closure element when the redirecting device is attached to an external element. The board member can extend away from the input section or the output section to an extent that an open end of the attached external element is covered.

The redirecting device comprises a support structure for supporting the waveguide member.

The support structure can extend along the waveguide member from the input section to the output section, preferably continuously and/or uninterruptedly.

In one embodiment, the input section defines a first mounting plane and/or the output section defines a second mounting plane and the support structure extends from the waveguide member to the first mounting plane and/or the second mounting plane. This increases the stability of the waveguide member. The first mounting plane may be perpendicular to the second mounting plane.

For improving the transmission performance, the support structure can enclose an air cladding and/or an air volume. Preferably, the air cladding and/or the air volume extends to the first mounting plane and/or the second mounting plane.

In a lightweight embodiment having a good transmission performance, apart from the input section, the output section, and the support structure, no further material may be present next to the waveguide member. The expression "next to" can be understood as within <NUM> times the wavelength and/or a maximum width of waveguide member.

In an alternative embodiment with a similarly good transmission performance, material with a low permittivity, e.g. foam, can be present next to the waveguide member. Such a material with a low permittivity can act as a spacer, ensuring that no material or elements with high permittivity can come close to the waveguide member and disturb the transmission performance.

In a preferred embodiment, in which the transmission performance is improved, in a cross-section, the thickness of a part of the support structure extending away from the waveguide member is less than <NUM>% of a maximum thickness of the waveguide member. The thickness can, for example, be measured at a distance of <NUM>-times the wavelength away from the waveguide member. The thickness of this part can be measured in a circumferential direction. Preferably, the thickness of a part of the support structure extending away from the waveguide member is less than <NUM>% of a maximum thickness of the waveguide member, especially <NUM>%.

Also for improving the transmission performance, in a cross-section, any part of the support structure extending away from the waveguide member can make up less than <NUM> degrees, preferably less than <NUM> degrees, more preferably less than <NUM> degrees. The angle can be measured at a distance of <NUM> times the wavelength away from the waveguide member taking the center of the waveguide member as the vertex of the angle. The sum of different angles of different parts in total can be less than <NUM> degrees, preferably less than <NUM> degrees, more preferably less than <NUM> degrees.

The support structure can comprise a web, a strut, or a sheet-like element to maintain a low weight.

To reduce the weight further while providing sufficient stability and improving the transmission performance, a part of the support structure extending away from the waveguide member can taper towards the waveguide member.

In a preferred embodiment, the support structure comprises two parts extending away from the waveguide member and extending away from each other. This results in a good compromise between stability and weight. Preferably, the two parts extend away from each other at an angle. The angle can, for example, be <NUM> degrees or <NUM> degrees.

A first part of the two parts can be connected to a first wall section and a second part of the two parts can be connected to a second wall section. The first wall section and the second wall section can run parallel to each other. They can extend up to the first mounting plane and/or the second mounting plane.

For waveguide members with a rectangular cross section, a fixation point at which a part of the support structure is attached to the waveguide member should preferably be located at a corner of the rectangle, as the energy density there is low and the losses are thus minimal.

In order to keep the weight down, the support structure can be arranged at an inner side of a curve of the waveguide member.

The waveguide member and the support structure are integral or one-piece in order to facilitate manufacturing.

The redirecting device is configured to be moldable with a two-piece die. This simplifies the production. For example, a demolding direction can exist, along which no undercuts are present, such that the redirecting device can be removed from the two pieces of the die.

The redirecting device is a single monolithic piece. This can make the production easy. Preferably, the redirecting device comprises only plastic, and no other materials like metal. Especially, the redirecting device can be a monolithically moulded piece.

The connection assembly can further comprise a housing element, wherein the housing element is spaced at least <NUM> times the wavelength away from the waveguide member, at any point. This can improve the transmission performance as undesired coupling is avoided.

The housing can be integral with the redirecting device. Both can be a single monolithic part.

The invention will now be described in greater detail and in an exemplary manner using advantageous embodiments and with reference to the drawings. The described embodiments are only possible configurations in which, however, the individual features as described above can be provided independently of one another or can be omitted.

In <FIG>, several embodiments of a redirecting device <NUM> are shown.

In <FIG>, a first embodiment of a redirecting device <NUM> is shown together with further components. The redirecting device <NUM> comprises an input section <NUM> for connecting to a first external element <NUM>, which in this case is a waveguide <NUM>. Electromagnetic waves of certain frequencies can pass through the waveguide <NUM> and be directed to a second external element <NUM> located at output section <NUM> at an opposite side of the redirecting device <NUM>. The second external element <NUM> is a PCB <NUM> in the depicted example.

For fixing the first external element <NUM> to the redirecting device <NUM>, a plug <NUM> can be used. For a good connection, the redirecting device <NUM> can comprise a first fixing element <NUM>. The redirecting device <NUM> further comprises a second fixing element <NUM> for connecting to the second external member <NUM>. This second fixing element <NUM> can, for example, comprise a through-hole through which a bolt or similar element can be inserted.

The redirecting device <NUM> further comprises a rigid, dielectric waveguide member <NUM> extending from the input section <NUM> to the output section <NUM>. The waveguide member <NUM> serves to guide the electromagnetic waves from the waveguide <NUM> to the element on the PCB <NUM> or from the element on the PCB <NUM> to the waveguide <NUM>. For example, mobile communication signals can be created on the element on the PCB <NUM> and then be directed to a distribution element further away.

The input section <NUM> and the output section <NUM> are at <NUM> degrees to each other. This results in a space saving configuration, as the waveguide <NUM> can be parallel to the PCB <NUM>.

To stabilize the configuration, the input section <NUM> and output section <NUM> are mechanically connected to each other. The waveguide member <NUM> has a low or no elastic and plastic deformability to improve the transmission performance. The waveguide member <NUM> can be a solid element. In contrast to a hollow element, such a solid element can be easier to produce.

The waveguide member <NUM> is an elongated element. The dimension in a length direction <NUM> that goes along a curve from the input section <NUM> to the output section <NUM> is greater by a factor of at least <NUM> than the dimensions in a width direction <NUM> and a height direction <NUM>. The length direction <NUM>, the width direction <NUM> and the height direction <NUM> are each perpendicular to each other at a certain point of the waveguide member <NUM>. The absolute orientations of these directions however changes along the extension of the waveguide member <NUM>.

The waveguide member <NUM> runs along a <NUM> degree curve <NUM>. In an easy embodiment, the curve <NUM> could have a constant radius. However, the curvature radius can vary along the waveguide member <NUM>. A minimum curvature radius <NUM> should not be below a certain limit in order to be able to appropriately transmit the mm-waves, which have wavelengths of approximately <NUM> to <NUM> in vacuum.

The redirecting device <NUM> comprises a support structure <NUM> for supporting the waveguide member <NUM>. The support structure <NUM> extends along the waveguide member <NUM> from the input section <NUM> to the output section <NUM>. In the depicted example, the support structure <NUM> extends continuously or uninterruptedly from the input section <NUM> to the output section <NUM>. However, in an embodiment that is more lightweight, holes or recesses could be present in the material. The support structure <NUM> can comprise webs, struts and/or sheet-like sections. The support structure <NUM> can comprise or contain basically flat sections to keep the weight low.

The support structure <NUM> is arranged at an inner side <NUM> of the curve <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>, in order to save space.

In <FIG> and <FIG>, further details of an embodiment of the redirecting device <NUM> can be seen.

The input section <NUM> and the output section <NUM> comprise planar end surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>, which constitute a first coupling face <NUM> for coupling to the first external member <NUM> and a second coupling face <NUM> for coupling to the second external member <NUM>. The waveguide member <NUM> extends away in a perpendicular manner from the first coupling face <NUM> and the second coupling face <NUM>. The first coupling face <NUM> and the second coupling face <NUM> are <NUM> degrees to each other. The first coupling face <NUM> and the second coupling face <NUM> are configured to be in direct contact with further external elements, like the waveguide <NUM> and the element on the PCB <NUM>.

The waveguide member <NUM> has a constant cross-section <NUM> from the input section <NUM> to the output section <NUM>. Thus, the cross-section <NUM> of the input section <NUM> and the output section <NUM> are similar, in particular identical, to the cross-section <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the cross section <NUM> is rectangular. In other embodiments, the cross section <NUM> can have other shapes and, for example, be circular or elliptical. In order to achieve a good transmission, a dimension of the cross-section <NUM> should be within a certain range defined by the waves used with the redirecting device <NUM>. Further, the cross-section <NUM> can be adapted to the waveguide <NUM>, in particular to the cross-section of the core of the waveguide <NUM>.

In order to minimize losses, fixation points <NUM>, at which the support structure <NUM> is attached to the waveguide member <NUM>, are located at corners <NUM> of the rectangular cross-section <NUM>.

The input section <NUM> defines a first mounting plane <NUM> and the output section <NUM> defines a second mounting plane <NUM>. The first coupling face <NUM> and the second coupling face <NUM> are flush with the first mounting plane <NUM> or the second mounting plane <NUM>, respectively.

The support structure <NUM> extends from the waveguide member <NUM> to the first mounting plane <NUM>, and the second mounting plane <NUM>. The first mounting plane <NUM> is perpendicular to the second mounting plane <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> encloses an air volume or an air cladding <NUM>. The fact that no material is present in this area results in a good transmission of the waves. In the depicted example, the air cladding <NUM> extends to the second mounting plane <NUM>. In further embodiments, the air cladding <NUM> can also extend to the first mounting plane <NUM>.

To avoid outcoupling of signals, and thus improve the signal, apart from the input section <NUM>, the output section <NUM>, and the support structure <NUM>, no further material is present next to the waveguide member <NUM> (that means within a certain distance <NUM> from the waveguide member <NUM>). The distance <NUM> can be dependent on the wavelength that is used. In alternative embodiments, a material with a low permittivity, e.g. foam, can be present next to the waveguide member <NUM> for achieving a similar effect.

The support structure <NUM> comprises two parts <NUM>, <NUM> extending away from the waveguide member <NUM> and extending away from each other at an angle <NUM>.

A first part <NUM> is connected to a first wall section <NUM> and a second part <NUM> is connected to a second wall section <NUM>. The first wall section <NUM> and the second wall section <NUM> run parallel to each other.

As can, for example, be seen in <FIG>, in a cross-section, the thickness <NUM> of the part <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> extending away from the waveguide member <NUM> is less than <NUM>% of a maximum thickness <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>. The maximum thickness <NUM> can, in this example, be the height <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM> measured in a height direction <NUM>. It could also be the width <NUM> or a radius.

The thickness <NUM> can be measured at a distance <NUM> away from a center of the waveguide member <NUM>. It could also be measured from the outer surface of the waveguide member <NUM>. The distance <NUM> can, for example, be defined by multiples of the wavelength. The thickness <NUM> can also be the thickness of the part <NUM>, <NUM> directly next to the waveguide member <NUM>. The thickness <NUM> of the first part <NUM> is measured in a circumferential direction. The thickness <NUM> of the first part <NUM> is also similar to the thickness of the second part <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> and to the thickness of further support elements present at the input section <NUM> or the output section <NUM>.

Each of the parts <NUM>, <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> extending away from the waveguide member <NUM> tapers towards the waveguide member <NUM>, which means its thickness decreases towards the waveguide member <NUM>.

The support structure <NUM> is arranged at an inner side <NUM> of the curve <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>.

The redirecting device <NUM> is a single monolithic piece. It comprises only plastic, no metal, not even as a coating. This can simplify the production.

Embodiments of the redirecting device <NUM> can be configured to be moldable with a two-piece die. For example, a deformation direction can exist along which no undercuts are present. The redirecting device <NUM> can be a monolithically molded piece.

The first fixation element <NUM> is formed by a board member <NUM> of the redirecting device <NUM>. The board member <NUM> is a planar sheet like section of the redirecting device <NUM> that is in the present case located next to the input section <NUM>. A further board member <NUM> can be present at the output section <NUM>. The board member <NUM> can serve to cover or close off attached external elements to avoid damages. The board member <NUM> extends away from the input section <NUM> sideways, towards the second mounting plane <NUM> and away from the second mounting plane <NUM>.

A connection assembly <NUM> comprises a redirecting device <NUM> and can further comprise a housing element <NUM>, wherein the housing element <NUM> is spaced a certain distance away from the waveguide member <NUM>. The housing element <NUM> is, for example, shown schematically only in broken lines in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, a visualization of a calculated distribution of the electric field in an embodiment of a redirecting device <NUM> is shown. It can be seen that only a small fraction of the field is present outside the waveguide member <NUM> so that the losses are low.

Further, a second fixing element <NUM> is similar to a first fixing element <NUM>.

Several embodiments of a redirecting device <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

The embodiment shown in <FIG> is similar to the one in <FIG> and comprises a rectangular cross-section <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>. It further comprises a fixing element <NUM> next to the input section <NUM> for fixing the redirecting device <NUM> to the first external element <NUM>. The first fixing section <NUM> comprises a plate-shaped structure that can provide stop faces for a positive fit with corresponding elements on the external element <NUM> or a plug <NUM> attached to the external element <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, no such plate-shaped structure is present. Fixing can, for example, be achieved by further fixing elements <NUM> present at the sides of the redirecting device <NUM>. This embodiment also has a rectangular cross-section <NUM>.

It can further be seen that at a distance <NUM> away from the center of the waveguide member <NUM>, the parts <NUM> and <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> that extend away from the waveguide member <NUM> each take up only a small angle <NUM> around the waveguide member <NUM>, preferably less than <NUM>°, for example about <NUM>°. The angle <NUM> is in this case measured around a center <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>, that means that the center of the waveguide member <NUM> is taken as the vertex of the angle <NUM>. Further, the thickness <NUM> at the distance <NUM>, <NUM> only makes up about <NUM>% of the height <NUM> of the waveguide member <NUM>.

In the embodiment shown in <FIG>, the waveguide member <NUM> has a circular cross-section. Again, in a cross-section, any part <NUM>, <NUM> of the support structure <NUM> extending away from the waveguide member <NUM> makes up less than <NUM> degrees, preferably less than <NUM> degrees.

In <FIG>, several embodiments of an external element <NUM> that can be attached to the redirecting device <NUM> are shown.

In <FIG>, a first embodiment <NUM> is shown, which comprises a core <NUM> with a rectangular cross-section that is held in the center of a supporting ring <NUM> by support members <NUM>.

The second embodiment <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a core <NUM> with a square shaped cross-section, which is also held within a support ring <NUM> by support members <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Redirecting device (<NUM>) for mm-waves, comprising an input section (<NUM>), an output section (<NUM>), and a rigid, dielectric waveguide member (<NUM>) extending from the input section (<NUM>) to the output section (<NUM>), wherein the input section (<NUM>) and the output section (<NUM>) are at <NUM> degrees to each other, wherein the redirecting device (<NUM>) comprises a support structure (<NUM>) for supporting the waveguide member (<NUM>), wherein the redirecting device (<NUM>) is a monolithically moulded piece, and a part (<NUM>, <NUM>) of the support structure (<NUM>) extending away from the waveguide member (<NUM>) tapers towards the waveguide member (<NUM>).