Patent Description:
Electromagnetic radiation, in particular radio waves are largely used for wireless communication by electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving devices, such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

Besides all advantages of using wireless communication, an increasing number of studies reveal that electromagnetic radiation may have significant effects on living organisms. In many studies, electromagnetic radiation is considered as possibly acting carcinogenic on the human body, or being capable of mutating genetic material.

In particular, mobile phones are often used multiple times daily and are often placed in the immediate proximity to human bodies. Thereby, the human body is largely exposed to electromagnetic radiation transmitted and/or received from the mobile phone. Electromagnetic shielding devices for electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving devices are known from <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> , and <CIT>.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electromagnetic shielding device which reduces exposure of a user to electromagnetic radiation transmitted and/or received from the mobile phone, while maintaining operability of the mobile phone.

The above object is solved by an electromagnetic shielding device according to claim <NUM>.

Electromagnetic radiation particularly refers to mobile radio communication. Mobile radio communication may be particularly transmitted by an electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device, such as a mobile phone, a mobile phone base station, a digital wireless systems, a wireless internet gateway, a laptop, or similar devices. Electromagnetic radiation may particularly refer to signals emitted in the frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM>. More specifically, electromagnetic radiation may refer to signals emitted in the frequency range of <NUM> to <NUM> (GSM), <NUM> to <NUM> (LTE), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM>), or <NUM> to <NUM> (Wifi), up to <NUM>.

According to the invention, the electromagnetic shielding device is capable of shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device, which is accommodated in the shielding case. The shielding case is configured to form a Faraday cage around the accommodating space. Accordingly, a Faraday cage can be formed around the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device accommodated in the accommodating space.

The internal antenna allows transmitting and/or receiving of electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. The internal antenna is placed in the accommodating space inside the shielding case. In other words, a configuration is provided, in which there is no component between the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device and the internal antenna that is shielding electromagnetic radiation, when the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device is accommodated in the accommodating space. The internal antenna can be constituted by a cable or an electrically insulated printed circuit board.

The antenna cable is located inside the accommodating space and connected with one end to the internal antenna. The antenna cable is guided to a portion of the shielding case so as to be connectable to an external antenna arranged outside the shielding case. The portion of the shielding case may be a wall surface of the shielding case or a hole in the shielding case. Accordingly, the antenna cable is suitable for connecting the internal antenna placed inside the shielding case to the external antenna arranged outside the shielding case. On the other hand, the external antenna can be moved to a suitable position away from the shielding case such that a power of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device in a region around the shielding case is reduced. At the same time, the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device accommodated in the accommodating space remains fully functional by transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation to the outside of the shielding case via the internal antenna and the antenna cable. The antenna cable may be a coaxial cable or any other type of conventional cables.

According to the invention, the shielding case includes a base having an accommodating area for accommodating the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device thereon and a cover for covering the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. The cover is placeable on the base such that the cover and the base surround the accommodating space in a closed state.

According to such a configuration, the cover can be placed on the base such that the cover and the base entirely surround the accommodating space in a closed state. The closed state refers to an arrangement, in which the cover is placed on the base so as to seal the accommodating space from an outside of the shielding case. The base can be placed on a flat surface. The accommodating area of the base is a surface that is suitable for holding the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device thereon. The cover can be placed on the base such that the cover is in contact with the base along an entire circumference of the accommodating area. Accordingly, the shielding effect of the Faraday cage is improved and electromagnetic radiation can be shielded more effectively.

In a further preferred embodiment, the internal antenna overlaps with the accommodating area when viewed in a plan view of the accommodating area.

According to such a configuration, the internal antenna may be placed in the closest possible distance from the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device for an optimum communication between the internal antenna and the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the internal antenna overlaps with a center of the accommodating area when viewed in a plan view of the accommodating area.

According to such a configuration, the internal antenna can be placed at a closest possible distance from the center of the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. Specifically, the internal antenna may be placed within a range of <NUM> to <NUM> from the center of the accommodating area. Thereby, an optimum communication between the internal antenna and the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device is ensured.

In a further preferred embodiment, the internal antenna overlaps within a perimeter of the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

According to such a configuration, the internal antenna is positioned in a further optimum position with regard to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the accommodating area is spaced apart from an outer circumference of the base by at least <NUM> millimeters when viewed in a plan view of the accommodating area.

According to such a configuration, a supplemental space of at least <NUM> millimeters is provided on the outer circumference of the base such that a closure system may be provided on the shielding case. By additionally providing the closure system, the cover can be detachably attached to the base so as to obtain a secure positioning between the cover and the base. The closure system may comprise stitches close to a fold of the fabric, and an additional weight incorporated along an outer circumference of the cover. Specifically, the accommodating area may be spaced apart from the outer circumference of the base by <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters when viewed in a plan view of the accommodating area.

In a further preferred embodiment, the internal antenna is attached to the base or the cover of the shielding case.

According to such a configuration, the internal antenna is securely held in its position. Thereby, a displacement of the internal antenna is prevented, when the cover or the entire electromagnetic shielding device is moved.

According to the invention, the electromagnetic shielding device further comprises an inner layer permeable for electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device. The inner layer is attached to an inner surface of the base facing the accommodating space in the closed state, and the internal antenna is placed between the inner layer and the base. Alternatively, the inner layer is attached to an inner surface of the cover facing the accommodating space in the closed state, and the internal antenna is placed between the inner layer and the cover.

According to such a configuration, the inner layer provides mechanical protection of the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device from the internal antenna. Thereby, damage such as scratches on the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device as a result of accommodating the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device in the accommodating space are effectively prevented.

According to the invention, the inner layer comprises at least one antenna pocket opened to the accommodating space for receiving the internal antenna.

According to such a configuration, the antenna pocket holds the internal antenna in place with respect to the shielding case. Thereby, an undesired displacement of the internal antenna is prevented. In addition, the antenna pocket is opened to the accommodating space such that the internal antenna can be selectively placed in the antenna pocket by a user. Particularly, two or three antenna pockets may be provided that are displaced from each other along the inner layer. In other words, two or more antenna pockets may be located at different positions along the inner layer. Accordingly, a user may selectively place the internal antenna in one of the two or more antenna pockets for an optimum transmission of electromagnetic radiation between the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device and the internal antenna. This allows the user to adapt a position of the internal antenna according to a size of the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the at least one antenna pocket faces the accommodating area.

According to such a configuration, a further reduced distance between the internal antenna placed in the antenna pocket and the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device is obtained. Thereby, a further optimum communication between the internal antenna and the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device is achieved.

In a further preferred embodiment, each of the base and the cover is made of one or more layers of fabric and each one of the layers of fabric includes metal fibers or carbon fibers for shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

According to such a configuration, the Faraday cage is formed by fabric which includes metal fibers or carbon fibers. The metal fibers may be fibers entirely made of a metal material or any fiber coated with a metal material. Preferably, the base and the cover may be integrally made from one piece of a multi-layer fabric, which is folded along a centerline so as to form an envelope. In case at the at least one antenna pocket is provided, the antenna pocket may further be sewn-in on the base or cover.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metal fibers include silver, copper, aluminium, or steel for shielding of electromagnetic radiation.

According to such a configuration, a particularly effective shielding of electromagnetic radiation can be provided.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding device further comprises an outer layer permeable for electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device. The outer layer is attached to an outer surface of the base facing away from the accommodating space in the closed state and the outer layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover facing away from the accommodating space in the closed state.

According to such a configuration, the outer layer is provided on the shielding case, which protects the shielding case. Thereby, it can be prevented that the shielding case is damaged and the shielding effect of the Faraday cage can be maintained. The outer layer may be made of a durable fabric.

In a further preferred embodiment, the base and the cover are formed as a box and a lid and each of the base and the cover comprise a metal sheet for shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

According to such a configuration, a particularly sturdy and durable shielding case can be provided. The metal sheet of the base and the cover may entirely surround the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device so as to form the Faraday cage. Preferably, there are no holes in the metal sheet. The cover may be formed as a lid that is attached to the base by a hinge for opening and closing the box by a rotation of the cover around the hinge.

In a further preferred embodiment, the metal sheet includes silver, copper, aluminium, or steel for shielding of electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. Alternatively, a carbon sheet may be employed.

According to such a configuration, particularly effective shielding of electromagnetic radiation for a box can be provided.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding device further comprises a connector attached to the portion of the shielding case. The connector is connected to the antenna cable and provides an outside connection for connecting the external antenna from the outside of the shielding case.

According to such a configuration, the electromagnetic shielding device may be quickly and conveniently connected and disconnected from the external antenna. This allows to use the electromagnetic shielding device in a functional mode, i.e. when the antenna cable is connected to the external antenna, and in a shielding mode, i.e. when the antenna cable is disconnected from the external antenna. On the other hand, the external antenna does not have to be moved, but can be fixedly installed in its position. Specifically, the connector may comprise a metal plate integrated in a hole provided in the shielding case so as to seal the hole.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding device further comprises the external antenna arranged outside the shielding case and connected to the antenna cable, for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic radiation.

According to such a configuration, the external antenna can be arranged outside the shielding case in a spot where desired wireless networks have a clear signal. The transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic radiation transmitted from and/or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device can be performed by the external antenna. The external antenna may be calculated and tested to operate in the required frequency range which is connected to the antenna cable for this frequency range and with a length the antenna cable.

In a further preferred embodiment, the external antenna includes a cable having a length of <NUM> meters or more.

According to such a configuration, the external antenna may be placed far away from the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. The level of electromagnetic radiation decreases with increasing distance following the inverse square law, i.e. the level decreases by the square of the difference of the distance. For example, a distance <NUM> times greater reduces the radiation level by <NUM> times or by <NUM>%. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce exposure of the user to electromagnetic radiation transmitted from the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. Particularly, the cable of the antenna cable may have a length of <NUM> meters or more, <NUM> meters or more, up to <NUM> meters.

The aspects of the invention may be best understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. These and other aspects, features and/or technical effect will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the illustrations described hereinafter, in which:.

However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practised without these specific details.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electromagnetic shielding device according to a first embodiment. The electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> comprises a shielding case <NUM>. The shielding case <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> (right-side portion of the shielding case <NUM> in <FIG>) and a cover <NUM> (left-side portion of the shielding case <NUM> in <FIG>).

In the first embodiment, the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> of the shielding case <NUM> are integrally made from one piece of a multi-layer fabric. As shown in <FIG>, the one piece of the multi-layer fabric can be folded along a centerline so as to form the base <NUM> on one side of the centerline (right-side portion of the shielding case <NUM> in <FIG>) and to form the cover <NUM> on the other side of the centerline (left-side portion of the shielding case <NUM> in <FIG>). A portion located at the centerline between the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> may also be called a folding region. The shielding case <NUM> of the first embodiment may also be referred to as an envelope.

The base <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape. The base <NUM> is configured to be placed on a flat surface of another element, such as that of a table. Thereby, the base <NUM> comes into contact with the flat surface of the other element. As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> has an accommodating area <NUM> for accommodating the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device thereon. The accommodating area <NUM> of the base <NUM> is a surface that is suitable for holding the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device thereon.

The accommodating area <NUM> is smaller than a size of the rectangular-shaped base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the first embodiment, the accommodating area <NUM> is spaced apart from an outer circumference of the base <NUM> at three edges of the rectangular-shaped base <NUM> by <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters when viewed in a plan view of the accommodating area <NUM>. The fourth edge of the rectangular-shaped base <NUM> corresponds to the position where the one piece multi-layer fabric is folded (centerline of the one piece multi-layer fabric; folding region). In the first embodiment, the fourth edge of the rectangular-shaped base <NUM> coincides with a part of the accommodating area <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The cover <NUM> has a substantially rectangular shape. The cover <NUM> is configured to cover the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. The cover <NUM> can be folded along the centerline (folding region) of the one piece of the multi-layer fabric so as to be placed on the base <NUM>. Thereby, the cover <NUM> comes in contact with the base <NUM> so as to surround the accommodating area <NUM> along an entire circumference of the accommodating area <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a weight member <NUM> is incorporated in the cover <NUM> at least at a part of the circumference of the cover <NUM>. The weight member <NUM> provides gravitational force for pressing the cover <NUM> towards the base <NUM> at least at a part of the circumference of the cover <NUM>. The weight member <NUM> is suitable for providing sufficient gravitational force so as to deform the stiff metal fibers included in the cover <NUM> in order to place the outer circumference of the cover <NUM> on the outer circumference of the base <NUM>. The base <NUM> does not have a weight member <NUM> incorporated at a part of the circumference of the base <NUM>.

When the cover <NUM> is folded towards the base <NUM> along the centerline (folding region) of the one piece of the multi-layer fabric, as shown in <FIG>, an accommodating space <NUM> is formed between the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device can be accommodated in the accommodating space <NUM>. The accommodating area <NUM> is located entirely inside the accommodating space <NUM>. The position of the cover <NUM> being placed on the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, is also called a closed state.

The multi-layer fabric of the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> is made of one or more layers of fabric and each one of the layers of fabric includes metal fibers for shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. In the first embodiment, the multi-layer fabric is made of two layers of fabric and each of the layers comprises silver fibers.

On an inner surface of the multi-layer fabric, which faces the accommodating space <NUM> in the closed state, an inner layer is provided. The inner layer is permeable for electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device. The inner layer is made from a woven fabric. The inner layer is attached to the inner surface of the one piece multi-layer fabric (i.e. the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM>) facing the accommodating space <NUM> in the closed state.

On an outer surface of the multi-layer fabric, which faces away from the accommodating space <NUM> in the closed state, an outer layer is provided. The outer layer is permeable for electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device. The outer layer is made from a woven fabric. The outer layer is attached to the outer surface of the one piece multi-layer fabric (i.e. the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM>) facing away from the accommodating space <NUM> in the closed state.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of an electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the first embodiment. As shown in <FIG>, the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> further comprises an internal antenna <NUM>, which is arranged inside the accommodating space <NUM> of the shielding case <NUM>. The internal antenna <NUM> is constructed in a manner as to induce electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device.

In the first embodiment, the internal antenna <NUM> is placed in a center of the accommodating area <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Specifically, the internal antenna <NUM> is placed inside an antenna pocket <NUM> that is sewn onto the inner layer of the base <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> comprises a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> provides an outside connection for connecting an external antenna from the outside of the shielding case <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG>, the connector <NUM> is provided in the folding region of the one piece multi-layer fabric, which includes the centerline of the one piece multi-layer fabric. The connector <NUM> further comprises a metal plate (sealing plate) that is integrated in a hole provided in the multi-layer fabric of the shielding case <NUM> so as to seal the hole. In other words, the metal plate of the connector <NUM> is integrated in the shielding case <NUM> so as to provide a shielded interface between the accommodating space <NUM> and the outside of the shielding case <NUM>.

The electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> further comprises an antenna cable <NUM>. The antenna cable <NUM> is a coaxial cable. One end of the antenna cable <NUM> is connected to the internal antenna <NUM> and the other end of the antenna cable <NUM> is connected to the connector <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The antenna cable <NUM> provides an electrical connection between the internal antenna <NUM> and the connector <NUM>.

An external antenna (not shown) is arranged outside the shielding case <NUM> and connected to the connector <NUM> of the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM>. The external antenna has a cable that has a length between <NUM> and <NUM> meters. The external antenna is arranged in a spot where desired wireless networks have a clear signal.

<FIG> is a schematic plan view of an electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to a second embodiment. The electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the second embodiment is equal to the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the first embodiment, except that the internal antenna <NUM> is not placed in the antenna pocket <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, according to the second embodiment the internal antenna <NUM> is placed in the center of the base <NUM> of the shielding case <NUM> when viewed in a plan view. The internal antenna <NUM> is arranged between the base <NUM> and the inner layer attached to the base <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to a third embodiment. The electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the third embodiment is equal to the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the first embodiment, except that the shielding case <NUM> is not made from fabric, but the shielding case <NUM> is formed as a box.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are formed as a box and a lid and each of the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> comprise a metal sheet for shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. According to the third embodiment, the metal sheet of the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> is formed to entirely surround the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device so as to form the Faraday cage.

Specifically, the base <NUM> is formed as a box and the accommodating area <NUM> is provided on an inside surface of a bottom of the box. The cover <NUM> is plate-shape and formed as a lid. The cover <NUM> is attached to the base <NUM> by a hinge such that the shielding case <NUM> can be opened and closed by a rotation of the cover <NUM> around the hinge.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to a fourth embodiment. The electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the fourth embodiment is equal to the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the first embodiment, except that the shielding case <NUM> is not made from fabric, but the shielding case <NUM> is formed as a box, similar to the electromagnetic shielding device <NUM> according to the third embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> are formed as a box and a lid and each of the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> comprise a metal sheet for shielding electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device. According to the fourth embodiment, the metal sheet of the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM> is formed to entirely surround the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device so as to form the Faraday cage.

Specifically, the base <NUM> is formed as a plate and provides the accommodating area <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is formed as a box that is placeable on the base <NUM> in a detachably attachable manner. The accommodating space <NUM> is provided between the base <NUM> and the cover <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An electromagnetic shielding device (<NUM>), comprising:
a shielding case (<NUM>) having an accommodating space (<NUM>) for accommodating an electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device, and configured to shield electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device between the accommodating space (<NUM>) and an outside of the shielding case (<NUM>);
an internal antenna (<NUM>) placed in the accommodating space (<NUM>), for transmitting electromagnetic radiation from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device accommodated in the accommodating space (<NUM>); and
an antenna cable (<NUM>) connected to the internal antenna (<NUM>), and guided to a portion of the shielding case (<NUM>) so as to be connectable to an external antenna arranged outside the shielding case (<NUM>), wherein
the shielding case (<NUM>) includes
a base (<NUM>) having an accommodating area (<NUM>) for accommodating the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device thereon and
a cover (<NUM>) for covering the electromagnetic transmitting and/or receiving device, wherein
the cover (<NUM>) is placeable on the base (<NUM>) such that the cover (<NUM>) and the base (<NUM>) surround the accommodating space (<NUM>) in a closed state, wherein the electromagnetic shielding device (<NUM>) further comprises
an inner layer (<NUM>) permeable for electromagnetic radiation transmitted from or to the electromagnetically transmitting and/or receiving device, wherein
the inner layer (<NUM>) is attached to an inner surface of the base (<NUM>) facing the accommodating space (<NUM>) in the closed state, and the internal antenna (<NUM>) is placed between the inner layer (<NUM>) and the base (<NUM>) or
the inner layer (<NUM>) is attached to an inner surface of the cover (<NUM>) facing the accommodating space (<NUM>) in the closed state, and the internal antenna (<NUM>) is placed between the inner layer (<NUM>) and the cover (<NUM>), characterized in that
the inner layer (<NUM>) comprises at least one antenna pocket (<NUM>) opened to the accommodating space (<NUM>) for receiving the internal antenna (<NUM>).