CH706852A1 - Disposal container. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a disposal container (1) comprising a data radio module with an antenna (200) for transmitting data, wherein the disposal container (1) comprises a metallic region (120) in which the antenna (200) is formed as a slot antenna (200) ,

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a disposal container, comprising a radio data transmission module with an antenna for transmitting data.

State of the art

Emptying of disposal containers are typically carried out at regular intervals, regardless of the filling of the disposal container. In order to optimize the emptying, so that in each case only an emptying of the disposal container takes place, even if it is full, various systems have already been developed.

The CH 689 123 A5 (Envicomp) discloses a method for detecting the level of distributed over an area established bulk, garbage or recycling containers, especially for glass or paper, where there are several distributed over an area established recyclables container, which are set up either individually or in groups. Each recyclable container is equipped with a level sensor and connected to a central unit via a radio link. The containers of a container group on the parking spaces can be connected via radio to a data concentrator, which in turn is connected via a radio link to the control center. For the radio link, the data concentrator, the material container and the center each have an antenna.

DE 4 336 334 C1 (Aerospace AG) discloses a computer-controlled recycling collection container, which automatically and independently requests from external sources of energy at the central disposal point its emptying. In the process can be sent and received by a municipal utility with a computer and an antenna running or if necessary radio signals. The received signals come from the collection containers. The emitted signals are intended primarily for communication with transport vehicles, but may also be directed to collection container. The collecting container comprises a level sensor. The collecting container comprises an integrated antenna, which can be designed as a stretched dipole or as a container lifting ring, so that wanton damage can be prevented.

To equip disposal containers with data radio antennas are needed. Solutions with antennas integrated inside the container, for example in the radio data transmission module itself, have the disadvantage that the radiation characteristics are difficult to predict and possibly insufficient. In addition to the shielding effect in a completely closed metal shell and a detuning of the antenna (change in the resonant frequency) and a change in the Fußpunktimpedanz by approaching the metal is possible and problematic, even if the container contains sufficient openings. Likewise, the formation of the antenna outside the container as a container cam ring is not satisfactory, since the dimension of the cam ring does not typically correspond to the optimum shape of an antenna. In addition, this antenna can only be used for lifting ring containers.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide a the aforementioned technical field belonging disposal container with a transmitting device for data, which has a high efficiency and is also designed to be robust.

The solution of the problem is defined by the features of claim 1. According to the invention, the disposal container comprises a metallic area, in which the antenna is designed as a slot antenna.

slot antenna

In their elemental form, slot antennas are slots in very (ideally infinite) ground planes. The physical structure as well as the resulting field line image are dual to that of a wire dipole, i. E (electric field strength) and H field (magnetic field strength) are reversed, i. a vertical slot results in a horizontally polarized omnidirectional. The principle of Babinet applies. The slot antenna theory is widely known and described in detail in the book "Antennas for all Applications" by J.D. Kraus, R.J. Marhefka, McGraw-Hill, Boston 2003, pages 304 ff and 322 ff.

The shortest resonant slot radiator has a length of λ / 2 (where λ is the wavelength). At a wavelength of λ = 1.76 m and at 169 MHz, the shortest slot radiator has a length of 0.88 m. Thus, such a slot radiator respectively such a slot antenna without major shortening measures in the outer shell of the metallic portion of the disposal container, in particular in the metallic area of a commercial disposal container, for example, a disposal container 1 Brüco, or the like are admitted.

The Fußpunktwiderstand of a λ / 2 slot in a large area may be about 500 Ω in the middle; By moving the tap towards one side of the slot, adaptation, for example to a 50 Ω cable, can be achieved (distance from the edge approx. λ / 20).

The flat surface which houses the slot can also be bent or closed to a tube (see Fig. 2). The latter results in a tube slot radiator. The diameter D may be quite small (e.g., λ / 8, corresponding to 220mm at 169MHz). But the slot must then be longer than λ / 2 (in the example mentioned 0.75 I). The width of the slot is less critical and may be as low as 10 mm at 169 MHz, for example.

Slot antennas of length <λ / 2 can be made by widening the ends, e.g. ring-shaped, extend electrically and bring it into resonance. In contrast to a vertical slot in an infinite surface, such a slot in a small area (such as in a λ / 2 and 3/4 λ length with a λ / 2 slot is central to the face and parallel to the length of the surface) no omnidirectional. The reason is topological nature. In practice, the edges of the conductive surface also each form a radiator, which together with the slot form an array (a group antenna). A slit in a surface can be shielded on one side by putting a cavity, ie a closed cavity, over it. Referring to the above example, the cavity may be formed as an open parallelepiped comprising a bottom coincident with the slot and having side walls of height λ / 4. If the cavity has the right dimensions, the slot is not affected, except that it only radiates into a half-space and doubles the foot-point resistance at resonance. The cavity can be considered as a short-circuited waveguide at the end. Since its phase velocity is width dependent> c (with c = speed of light in free space), the length of this waveguide piece must be> λ / 4, based on the free space wavelength.

Slot antennas in the outer skin of the container offer an attractive alternative to the said internal antennas as well as to outdoor antennas. The advantages are the following: Slot antennas are compliant, i. they do not depend on the outer shell. This minimizes the risk of damage, e.g. external rod antennas are inherent, and the appearance is hardly affected. - Slotted antennas require also on the inside of the container only small volume, if they are properly shielded against the inside; this is in contrast to conventional internal antennas, which require sufficient free field space around them for high efficiency (rule of thumb: radius = λ / 6). This also applies to miniaturized antennas such as e.g. Helix antennas or inverted-F antennas, regardless of the degree of miniaturization. - Compared to internal antennas, they have a high efficiency, since the metallic container neither shields nor detuned (but part of the antenna itself is).

disposal containers

As disposal containers of any type can be used, which include a sufficiently large-area metallic area, so that the slot antenna can be embedded in this metallic area. The following disposal containers are provided as a non-exhaustive list: - Underfloor containers with a volume of up to 5 m <3>; - Semi-underground containers with a volume of up to 5 m <3>; such as - surface containers with a volume of up to 4 m <3>; such as - Small container with a volume between 40 L and 1000 L, in particular between 50 L and 350 L, preferably about 100 L.

The skilled person will appreciate that other sizes of disposal containers can be provided. For example, trashcans with less than 50 L capacity or large containers with more than 5 m 3 capacity can also be provided. Finally, the use would be in Abrollcontainer, Absetzcontainer and Umleerbehälter with volume in the range of 3 m <3> to 40 m <3>, in particular in the range of 7 m <3> to 35 m <3>, preferably with a capacity of approximately 12 m <3>, conceivable.

The disposal container can be used as a collection container for bulk, waste or recyclables such as glass, various metals, various plastics, paper, cardboard, cardboard, textiles, batteries, chemicals and hazardous waste, bulky gypsum, gypsum, wood, paints and varnishes, medicines, scrap tires , Rubble, electrical appliances / electronics, etc. may be provided. Further, combinations are also conceivable, such as, for example, glass / metal, combustible waste, etc. Furthermore, the disposal containers can also be provided as collection containers for waste oil, etc. Next, the disposal containers can also be designed for household waste, organic waste, industrial waste, etc. The disposal containers can also be designed as mobile refuse collection containers, for example four-wheeled or two-wheeled.

Metallic area

As mentioned above, the metallic portion of the disposal container is sized and shaped so that a slot antenna can be formed thereon, that is, it is not necessarily the entire disposal container made of metal. It is sufficient if, for example, the outer skin, or even only a portion of the outer skin, such as the lid or a design element on the outer skin is designed as a metallic area.

Data radio module

The data radio module is preferably designed as a transmitting and receiving module for electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency range. Such radio data transmission modules are well known to the person skilled in the art. In the application, for example, an interrogator can send a request to the radio data module of the disposal container, for example to query a status. The data radio module can then send a response with the desired status. With several disposal containers and optionally a data concentrator or a central unit, a radio network can thus be set up, with which data and requests can be sent and received among each other.

Preferably, the metallic portion is formed as an outer shell of the disposal container. Thus, a slot antenna can be formed on the disposal container in a simple and elegant way. Existing disposal containers, which already have a metallic outer skin, can thus be easily upgraded. For this purpose, a disposal container wall can be easily slotted. In a disposal container with a door or lid and a distance between the door or lid and the outer wall of the disposal container may be formed as a slot antenna, especially if the slot is sufficiently precise. However, it should be noted that the slot antenna can only be active when the door or the lid is closed. The slot antenna can also be formed on the lid of the disposal container. As stated above, the slot antenna can in principle not be straight, but curved in shape, so that the slot antenna in the lid, for example, the shape of a partial circle ring, in particular have the shape of a semicircular ring.

In variants, the metallic region can also be attached as an additional element to the container and be designed, for example, as a design element in order to achieve recognition of the disposal container with slot antenna.

Preferably, an inner side of the disposal container comprises an inner screen for the slot antenna. This can be reduced or prevented disturbances, which are caused for example by introduced into the disposal container items. In particular, a change in the Fußpunktwiderstands can be prevented by a randomly placed at the slot of the slot antenna metallic object. In addition, it can be prevented that objects protrude from the disposal container when, for example, a pointed object pierces an inner bag, or even falls out. The inner shield is preferably made of metal, in particular of a sheet metal. The inner shield is preferably over the entire length of the slot of the slot antenna, but may also be arranged only over a region of the slot.

In variants can also be dispensed with the inner shield. This depends inter alia on the requirements for the performance of the slot antenna and thus on the distances to be bridged between the disposal containers, the concentrator and / or the center.

Preferably, there is a cavity between the inner shield and the slot antenna. Thus, the slot of the slot antenna can be optimally shielded. Particularly preferably, the cavity has a height of more than A / 4 at right angles to the slot plane, in particular the cavity preferably has a constant height to the metallic region with the slot antenna. In the case of a circular-cylindrical disposal container, the inner shield thus comprises a corresponding circular cylindrical jacket region which runs parallel to the lateral surface of the disposal container. The cavity may further be such that the slot comes to lie in an edge region of the cavity. The cavity may be open in both directions of the slot.

In variants, the cavity of the inner shield can also be dispensed with.

Preferably, the slot antenna comprises a dielectric filling. Thus, the aesthetics and the stability of the slot antenna can be improved.

In variants, it is also possible to dispense with the dielectric filling.

Preferably, the disposal container comprises a prismatic shell shape, wherein the slot antenna is formed as a straight slot on the jacket. Particularly preferably, the slot is arranged perpendicular to a base surface or support surface of the disposal container. On the other hand, in the case of a disposal container having a polygonal base area and a cross section, the slot may also be formed diagonally in a side surface.

In variants, the slot can also be arranged in a circular arc, for example in a lid. Furthermore, the slot can also run helically in the case of a circular-cylindrical disposal container.

Preferably, a slot width of the slot antenna is between 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm to 12 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm.

The skilled person is clear that other slot widths can be provided. This optimum slot width can also be determined empirically, but is generally relatively uncritical.

Preferably, a slot length of the slot antenna is between 790 mm and 830 mm, preferably 810 mm, or between 150 mm and 162 mm, preferably 156 mm. The slot length depends essentially on the transmission frequency used. For example, for a frequency of 169 MHz, a slot length of 810 mm is advantageous, while for a frequency of 869 MHz, a slot length of 156 mm is preferable.

In variants, other slot lengths may be provided. In particular, a radio frequency of 433 MHz or other frequencies may be provided. It is also conceivable to provide the disposal container with a plurality of slots of different lengths, so that it can be operated at different frequencies.

Preferably, the slot antenna comprises a capacitor, in particular a trim capacitor. Thus, in particular in the slot center with respect to the slot width, the resonance frequency can be achieved.

In variants, if the resonance frequency has already been achieved by other means (dielectric filling, etc.), the capacitor can also be dispensed with.

Preferably, the disposal container comprises more than one slot antenna. Thus, as explained above, a disposal container can be created, which can be used at several different transmission frequencies.

In variants, exactly one slot antenna can also be formed on the disposal container.

Preferably, the disposal container comprises a sensor, in particular a level sensor for determining a level of the disposal container. Thus, the disposal container at regular intervals or on request of a center determine the level, so that it is recognizable whether the disposal container must be emptied.

The fill level sensor can be designed as a capacitive or optical sensor. Furthermore, in the case of products with a substantially constant density, the mass can also be determined. In liquid products, such as waste oil or the like, a mass sensor (a balance), a float or the like may also be provided as a sensor. Next, the level can be determined optically with ultrasound, microwaves, radar and the like.

Instead of the level sensor, a device for detecting the mass of the contents of the disposal container may be provided. Furthermore, sensors for detecting the disposing person or company can additionally or alternatively be provided. For this purpose, the sensor can be covered by a card reader. Further, cameras, magnets for material testing, etc. may be provided.

In variants, it is also possible to dispense with the sensor. In this case, also non-sensory recorded data, such as master data of the container (location, time of last emptying, etc.) can be sent with the data radio module.

Preferably, the disposal container comprises a data transmitter, in particular a sender comprising the slot antenna, for transmitting data determined by the sensor. In this way, several disposal containers, data concentrators and / or the control center can form a network. This can be used to calculate an optimal route for emptying the disposal containers depending on the data determined by the sensor. These data are preferably level data, but may also be a date of the last emptying, the average emptying frequency being adapted, for example, to the catchment area of the disposal container.

Preferably, the slot antenna comprises a tuning sensor, whereby an automatic antenna shielding can be achieved. Thus, a voting network does not necessarily have to be accommodated in the disposal container, but can also be taken over by a corresponding electronics and microcontroller part, so that the transceiver unit automatically adjusts the impedance.

The slot antenna can therefore also be operated without a matching network, in particular if, instead of the adaptation electronics, a said tuning sensor is provided.

In variants but also a voting network can be provided. Furthermore, it may be possible to dispense with both the matching network and also the adaptation sensor.

From the following detailed description and the totality of the claims, there are further advantageous embodiments and feature combinations of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The drawings used to explain the embodiment show: <Tb> FIG. 1A <SEP> is a schematic representation of a front view of a disposal container; <Tb> FIG. 1B is a schematic representation of a rear view of the disposal container according to FIG. 1A; <Tb> FIG. 1C <SEP> is a schematic representation of a side view of the disposal container according to FIG. 1A; <Tb> FIG. 2 <SEP> is a schematic representation of a vertical section on the inside of the rear wall of the disposal container according to FIG. 1A; <Tb> FIG. 3 <SEP> is a schematic representation of a horizontal section of the disposal container according to FIG. 1A; <Tb> FIG. 4 <SEP> the coupling to the slot 200 of the 169 MHz antenna; <Tb> FIG. 5 <SEP> the coupling to the slot 210 of the 869 MHz antenna; <Tb> FIG. 6 <SEP> a variant of a disposal container as underfloor container; <Tb> FIG. 7 <SEP> is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 169 MHz slot without internal shielding with the door open and closed; <Tb> FIG. Figure 8 is a plot of the measured path loss of the vertical 169 MHz slot against a horizontal half-wave dipole; <Tb> FIG. 9 <SEP> is a graph of measured path loss between 169 MHz vertical slot without internal shield and a dipole; <Tb> FIG. 10 <SEP> a diagram of the measured reception power from the disposal container and from the reference dipole along a traveled route; <Tb> FIG. Figure 11 is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 169 MHz slot with internal shielding with the door open and closed; <Tb> FIG. 12 <SEP> is a graph of the adjustment curve of the 169 MHz vertical slot with inner shielding with and without garbage bag retaining ring; <Tb> FIG. FIG. 13 is a graph comparing the measured path loss of the vertical 169 MHz slot with and without internal shielding against a horizontal half-wave dipole; FIG. <Tb> FIG. Figure 14 is a graph of path loss of the vertical 869 MHz slot with and without internal shielding against a Hyperlog30100 antenna and the theoretical value at +2 dBi antenna gain; <Tb> FIG. 15 <SEP> is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 869 MHz slot without internal shielding with the door open; <Tb> FIG. 16 <SEP> is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 869 MHz slot without internal shielding with the door closed; <Tb> FIG. 17 <SEP> is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 869 MHz slot with internal shielding with the door open; <Tb> FIG. 18 <SEP> is a graph of the reflection factor of the vertical 869 MHz slot with internal shielding with the door closed; <Tb> FIG. 19 <SEP> a diagram of the reflection factor of the vertical 869 MHz slot with additionally sealed inner shielding with self-adhesive copper foil with the door open and closed.

Basically, the same parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

Ways to carry out the invention

1A shows a schematic representation of a front view of a disposal container 1. In the present embodiment, the disposal container 1 has a substantially circular cylindrical shape, but the top surface or the lid 110 has an angle of approximately 45 °. Thus, the top surface 110 has an elliptical shape. On the front of the disposal container 1, in the region of the lateral surface 120 with the greatest height is the throw-in opening 100 for the waste. The present disposal container 1 has an outer diameter of 506 mm and is 1192 mm high and has a volume of about 150 L. The casing 120, the bottom 130 and the lid 110 of the disposal container 1 are formed of 2 mm thick steel sheet.

FIG. 1B shows a schematic representation of a rear view of the disposal container 1 according to FIG. 1A. On the back, that is, the insertion opening 100 opposite side of the shell 120, several possible arrangements of slot antenna slots 200, 210, 250 are shown in the disposal container 1 for illustration, which are designed for a frequency of 169 and 869 MHz (Megaherz). All have a slot width of 10 mm.

The slot 200 is perpendicular to the base or bearing surface of the disposal container 1, that is perpendicular or vertical aligned and has a length of 810 mm. This slot is designed for the 169 MHz antenna. The circular arcuate slot 250 in the lid is also designed as a 169 MHz antenna and has space reasons this shape.

The slot 210 is also at right angles to the base or support surface of the disposal container 1, that is also perpendicular or vertically aligned, but has a length of 156 mm. This slot is designed for the 869 MHz antenna. The slots 220, 230, 240 have the same dimension as the slot 210. However, the slots 220, 230 are aligned at right angles to the slots 200, 210, ie horizontally or horizontally. The slot 240 is finally arranged in the lid.

The slots 200, 250 of the 169 MHz antennas are thus in principle too short for resonance, even if they were in a large, flat area; as a tube slot in a tube of well λ / 4 diameter, they would even be rather even longer. The length of the slots for these antennas was chosen on the one hand for reasons of space, on the other hand, but also because with a later to be mounted for optical and mechanical reasons dielectric filling of the slot 200, 250, the resonant frequency will be reduced again. With a capacitor in the slot center, the resonance frequency can be achieved (see below, Fig. 3 and 4). On the capacitor can also be dispensed with a suitable slot length.

FIG. 1C shows a schematic representation of a side view of the disposal container 1 according to FIG. 1A. In particular, the lid 110, which is inclined at an angle of approximately 45 °, can be seen. The region of the jacket 120, which comprises the insertion opening 100, is designed as a door, which can be opened, for example, with a square key. The door comprises approximately half the circumference of the disposal container 1. The side is indicated by the line 121, which represents the door gap.

Hereinafter, the slots 200, 210 will be discussed in detail.

2 shows a schematic oblique view of a vertical section on the inside of the rear wall of the disposal container 1 according to FIG. 1A. The view is obliquely from below and the bottom 130 is quite apparent. 3 shows a schematic representation of a horizontal section of the disposal container 1 according to FIG. 1A. In the following description, reference is made to the two FIGS. 2 and 3.

In order to isolate the slot antennas 200, 210, 250 against the interior of the disposal container 1 and in particular to prevent interference by the often incalculable filling (waste, recycled material, etc.) is in the two vertical slots 200, 210, which are primarily tested, an inner shield 201 and 211 mounted in the form of a cavity, but not perpendicular to the slot 200, 210 away, but the inner wall or inside of the shell 120 along. Both are made of one piece each corresponding bent sheet and include in two opposite edge regions each have an L-shaped outwardly projecting flange. The two inner shields 201, 211 are each screwed by means of welded M5 threaded bolt to the inner wall and respectively to the inside of the shell 120. Not shown is an optional einbringbare dielectric filling in the slot.

The still unbent sheet used for the 169 MHz screen or inner shield 201 has a total width of 565 mm and a height of 660 mm. The distance of the inner shield 201 of the slot 200 from the inner wall is 40 mm. The inner shield 201 extends through an angle with respect to the circular cylindrical shape of the disposal container 1 of 121 ° without the flange and over an angle of 125 ° with the flange. In this case, the flange has a width of 20 mm and the elbow of the inner shield 201 has an arc length measured between the two flanges (ie without the flanges) of 445 mm. On the jacket 120, also measured on the circumference of the circular cylinder, the width or arc length with the flanges is 530 mm. The distance to the circular cylinder center axis of the disposal container 1 for the inner shield over the 445 mm arc length of the "distance range" is 211 mm, while the inner radius of the disposal container is 1251 mm. During installation, it should be noted that the inner screen 201 does not touch the floor 130. Per side or per flange approximately 6 threaded bolts, evenly distributed over the height, are used for mounting (not shown).

The still unbent sheet used for the 869 MHz screen and the inner shield 211 has a total width of 181 mm and a height of 170 mm. The distance of the inner shield 211 of the slot 210 from the inner wall is 20 mm. The inner shield 211 extends over an angle with respect to the circular cylindrical shape of the disposal container 1 of 25 ° without the flange. In this case, the flange has a width of 20 mm and the elbow of the inner shield 201 has an arc length measured between the two flanges (ie without the flanges) of 101 mm. Measured on the jacket 120, also on the circumference of the circular cylinder, the width or the arc length without flanges is 110 mm. The distance to the circular cylinder center axis of the disposal container 1 is for the inner shield over the 101 mm arc length of the "distance range" 231 mm. Per side or per flange about 4 threaded bolts, evenly distributed over the height, are used for mounting (not shown).

The slots 200, 210 are each disposed in the edge region within the inner shield 201 and 211, respectively. For slot 200 of the 169 MHz antenna it is on the right and for slot 210 of the 869 MHz antenna it is on the left. The length of the cavities thus formed, open at the top and at the bottom, is about λ / 4 in air.

For practical reasons (garbage bag retaining ring), the slot 200 of the 169 MHz antenna is not covered over its entire length by the inner screen (it can be seen in the top right-hand corner of FIG. 2); However, the filling is normally not in this range, so the inner shield for the present case may be sufficient. If possible, however, the slots are preferably completely covered by the inner shield.

Finally, FIG. 2 schematically shows a fill level sensor 140, which is connected via an electronic transmission device, not shown, to a slot antenna, in FIG. 2 by way of example with the slot antenna of the slot 210. An external transmitter / receiver can thus send a request to the disposal container 1, wherein the level sensor 140 the level qualitatively (fully / not fully) or quantitatively (X% filled) determine and a transmitting device comprising a slot antenna with one of the slots 200, 210, 250 can send to the external transmitter / receiver.

On the flanges of the inner shields 201, 211, SMA adapters (Sub-Miniature-A) can be screwed in for front panel mounting, for example, lower right for the inner shield 201 and upper left for the inner shield 211. Thus, from both sides a cable with SMA connector (male) to the adapter and on the outside as a feeder to the radio data TRX (also called transceiver or transceiver), on the inside to the feed point at the respective slot 200 and 210, respectively. The cables on the inside each have a length of about λ / 4 and thus simultaneously serve as balancing between (unbalanced) coaxial cable and symmetrical feed point at the slots 200 and 210, respectively.

Fig. 4 shows the coupling to the slot 200 of the 169 MHz antenna. The coupling to the slot 200 is 86 mm away from a slot end, for example by means of 6.3 mm tabs 202a, 202b, which are laterally welded to the jacket 120 next to the slots. The tabs 202a, 202b are connected to a piece of FR4 printed circuit board 203 (standard or halogen-free), which is electrically interrupted in the middle (the two tabs are not electrically connected via the circuit board) connected to the printed circuit board 203 6.3 mm sockets connected (not shown ). The cable 204 is connected to the inside of the SMA adapter. The outer conductor of the cable 204 is electrically connected to the tongue 202a, and the core of the cable 204 is electrically connected to the tongue 202b.

The slot center of the slot 200 may additionally comprise a capacitor, in particular a trim capacitor (not shown). This can be designed as a pipe trimmer and with a 2.7 pF capacitor and, for example, be adjustable through the slot 200.

Fig. 5 shows the coupling to the slot 210 of the 869 MHz antenna. The coupling to the slot 210 is 22 mm away from a Schlitzend, for example by means of 6.3 mm tabs 212a, 212b, which are welded laterally next to the slots on the jacket 120 or other adapters, such as by means of angles brass sheet or the like. The tabs 212a, 212b are connected to a piece of FR4 printed circuit board 213 (standard or halogen-free), which is electrically interrupted in the middle (the two tabs are not electrically connected via the circuit board) connected via soldered to the circuit board 213 6.3 mm sockets (not shown). The cable 214 is connected to the inside of the SMA adapter. The outer conductor of the cable 214 is electrically connected to the tongue 212a and the core of the cable 214 to the tongue 212b. In contrast to FIG. 4, however, a coil 215 is additionally interposed between the outer line of the cable 214 and the tongue 212b. The coil has approximately 100 nH (100 Nanohenry) and is disposed parallel to the slot. It consists of 7 turns, which is made of a 0.8 mm CuAg wire on a 4 mm mandrel with a length of 12 mm. Further, between the core of the cable 214 and the tongue 212b, a 0.8 pF capacitor is peeled therebetween. The capacitor and the coil serve as a matching network for compensating the inductance of the connection structure.

Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a container 300, which is also formed with a slot antenna 310. In contrast to the previous example, I am talking about a so-called underfloor container 300 with a throw-in tube 320, which lies above the ground, and a collecting container 330, which is lowered into the ground. If the collecting container 330 is full, this is detected by a level sensor, not shown, and transmitted via a transmitting device comprising the slot antenna 310 to a central office or initially to a data concentrator and then to a central office. From the center of the emptying of the disposal container 300 can then be organized.

In order to arrive at the above-described embodiment of the slot antennas, extensive experiments were carried out, which will be discussed below.

All antennas were first tested for matching (reflection factor) on the electrical interface (coaxial cable connection). These measurements provide information about whether the desired center frequency and footpipe impedance has been hit, how large the antenna's bandwidth is, and how sensitive it is to external influences such as approaching various structures and materials. In contrast, a statement about the gain or the efficiency of the antenna is obtained only with a transmission measurement against a known measuring antenna. Because of the inevitable

Multiple reflections on the environment (ground, walls of buildings, etc.) are many measurements with subsequent averaging necessary. The absolute accuracy is relatively low. However, comparative measurements are quite meaningful. If you also want to know the directional diagram of the antenna, several series of measurements in different directions are necessary. Such measurements are useful because of the expense only in absorber chambers. Due to the relative low frequency and the size of the measurement object only a few service providers come into question. Adaptation and transmission measurements at small distances and in one direction were performed for the following three antennas: Vertical 169 MHz slot 200 Vertical 869 MHz slot 210 - Ring slot for 169 MHz in the lid 250

In order to obtain a reliable statement about the suitability of the vertical 169 MHz slot 200 for the given task, without having to go into an absorber chamber, a slightly different approach was taken:

The vertical 169 MHz slot 200 in the disposal container 1 and a half-wave dipole were placed side by side and both fed with a transmission signal of the same power and a frequency difference of 12.5 kHz. The receive levels of both transmitters were then recorded at 35 different locations within approximately 500 m of the transmitters in a real, suburban environment with a receiver (spectrum analyzer with half wave dipole) to visualize a difference in efficiency or radiation characteristic of the two transmit antennas.

The 3 dB adaptation bandwidth of the ring slot 250 in the lid 110 of the disposal container 1 is about 10 MHz. This is slightly less than the vertical 169 MHz slot without inner shield 201. The center frequency can be adjusted as provided by a capacitor 216 in the slot center of the slot 210.

As part of the reflectance measurements, it has been found that the annular slot 250 behaves differently than the vertical slot 200. This could be because of the curvature of the slot 250 or the different shape of the surrounding conductor material (cover 110, jacket 120).

A single series of measurements was made against a vertically polarized half-wave dipole made over a short distance. The measuring dipole was 2 m above ground, the disposal container 1 standing upright with the lid 110 turned against the measuring antenna. The measuring distance was 2 to 5 m in increments of 0.2 m.

The ring slot 250 has at least in the examined orientation with respect to the vertical slot 200 about a 10 dB lower gain. This may be due to a different radiation characteristic (unexpected directional diagram) or lower efficiency. The ring slot could radiate mainly against the top. Depending on the placement of the disposal container 1, for example in a valley or a sink, the use of the annular slot 250 may therefore be quite advantageous. A measurement with horizontal polarization of the measuring antenna gives similar results. The comparison against the vertical slot is shown in FIG.

For the 169 MHz vertical slot without the inner screen 201, the 3 dB matching bandwidth is about 15 MHz. At the center frequency, the return loss is practically ideal (around 20 dB). However, the opening and closing of the door of the disposal container 1 exerts a significant influence on the center frequency. Fig. 7 shows the reflection factor of the vertical slot 200 without inner shield 201 in open and closed (track with markers at 168 and 170 MHz) door. Accordingly, the filling of the gap between the slot 200 and the inner shield 201 of the disposal container 1 with a dielectric or conductive material will also have a great influence.

A transmission measurement at a short distance between 2 and 5 m against a horizontally polarized half-wave dipole in 1.2 m and 2.0 m height above ground is documented in Fig. 8. Additionally entered is the theoretically expected path loss at the same distance, if both antennas have a gain of +2 dBi (theoretical value for a half wave dipole with 100% antenna efficiency).

Fig. 8 shows the measured path loss of the vertical 169 MHz slot "VS" 200 against a horizontal half-wave dipole at 1.2 and 2.0 m height above ground, and a comparison with theoretical free space propagation at + 2dBi antenna gain "Ref" and ring slot in the cover "DS".

Fig. 9 shows the path loss between vertical 169 MHz slot 200 without inner shield 201, wherein the measuring dipole is disposed at 5 m distance to the disposal container 1 and at 1.2 m height. The vertical slot 200 is thus comparable to a substantially lossless half-wave dipole. The different course of the path losses at different heights of the measuring antenna can be a consequence of the differently acting (ground) reflections. At just under 10 MHz, the 3 dB bandwidth in the transmission measurement is somewhat lower than would be expected on the basis of the reflection factor measurement, presumably because of the limited bandwidth of the measurement dipole.

A comparison of power with half-wave dipole in suburban terrain (driving campaign in Unterkulm, Switzerland) of the vertical 169 MHz slot 200 with a half-wave dipole was performed without inner screen or inner shield 201. Since the slot with inner screen differs at a short distance but not from that without an inner screen (see below, Fig. 13), the results are also valid for the version with inner shield. The measuring receiver is a FSV7 spectrum analyzer from Rohde & Schwarz with a second, identical, horizontally polarized half-wave dipole, which was positioned approximately 2.6 m above the ground on a bicycle trailer. Fig. 10 shows the field strengths measured at each measurement point.

Based on the results, the following can be recognized: - Slit and Referenzdipol are equally good on average. - Although the two transmit antennas are less than a wavelength apart and their frequency differs by only 12.5 kHz, it is found at some receiving locations level differences of almost 10 dB. This illustrates the profit to be achieved through microdiversity. - With only 30 mW (+15 dBm) and a receive antenna height of about 2.5 m, an RX level> -110 dBm was measured at all locations. In addition, sites behind house walls were often visited to simulate a worst-case situation. The farthest place is 570 m away from the transmitters.

After attaching the inner shield 201 at the slot 200, the adjustment and center frequency adjustment was checked, carried out a transmission measurement to 2 to 5 m and compared with the results without inner shield 201.

Since the center frequency with inner shield 201 (cavity) and without tuning capacitor is expected to be higher, more capacitance must be added to reach the nominal frequency of 169 MHz, which also reduces the bandwidth (about 8 MHz). On the basis of FIG. 11 it can be seen that an influence of the door on the center frequency, on the other hand, is scarcely discernible.

Fig. 12 shows the course of the adaptation of the vertical 169 MHz slot 200 with inner shield 201 with and without garbage bag retaining ring. The greatest influence on the center frequency thus exerts the retaining ring for the garbage bag, since it forms a short-circuit ring and is located close to the unshielded uppermost quarter of the slot 200. With a good 1 MHz this influence can also be accepted.

The path loss of the slot 200 with inner shield 201 against a horizontal half-wave dipole in 2 to 5 m distance differs from that without inner shield 201 hardly, the efficiency remains essentially unchanged. FIG. 13 shows that between the measurement series of the measured line losses of the vertical slot 200 with inner shield 201 and without inner shield 201 (marked in the figure with "with cavity" and "without cavity") substantially coincide. With "Ref", the theoretical free space propagation at + 2dBi antenna gain is listed as a comparison.

The relative bandwidth of the 869 MHz slot 210 is much larger than that of the 169 MHz slot 200 both without and with internal shielding. The suitably adapted frequency range extends with an inner shield of approximately 840 to 1130 MHz and is evident both in the Adjustment (reflection factor) as in transmission against a broadband antenna (LPDA or logarithmic-periodic dipole antenna).

Transmission measurements against a broadband antenna with known gain at 869 MHz over a short distance of 0.5... 3.0 m in increments of 0.1 m are documented in FIG. The win seems to be slightly lower than that of a lossless half-wave dipole and the inner shield seems to reduce it a bit more. The efficiency is still quite good.

The most striking difference to the 169 MHz slot 200 is in addition to the larger bandwidth of the influence of the interior: While for 169 MHz, the interior of the disposal container 1 is too small to form resonance phenomena (he represents a waveguide well below the cutoff frequency ), numerous waveguide modes are excited at 869 MHz. This is most evident when one observes the reflection factor curve of the unshielded 869 MHz slot 210 and closes the door.

FIGS. 15 and 16 show the reflection factor curve with the door open (FIG. 15) and closed (FIG. 16). A comparable picture also results in transmission measurements.

It can be assumed that energy is coupled into the interior of the reflection factor minima and is also absorbed there, depending on the filling. An inner shield is therefore useful not only in the case of a possible approach of dielectric or conductive filler. It is interesting that even with an inner screen closing the door on all measurements is clearly visible, although the ripple of the reflection factor curve with screen is much lower than without.

Referring to Figures 17 and 18, the reflectivity curves of the vertical 869 MHz slot 210 with inner shield 211 attached are compared with the door open (Figure 17) and the door closed (Figure 18).

Also in terms of path loss, closing the door is noticeable, but only in the range of just under 1 dB (see also Fig. 14). A complete shielding by means of self-adhesive copper foil made the influence of the interior completely disappear: opening and closing of the door can no longer be distinguished, as the measurement in FIG. 19 shows. However, the matching has become worse (see Fig. 17), i. the matching network would have to be modified. However, this seems sensible only together with a revision of the mechanical connection to the slot.

When coupled to the 869 MHz slot 200 with the tabs 202a, 202b, the inductance can be reduced and possibly the matching network eliminated by using a narrower slot, that is, narrower than 10mm.

The cables 204, 214 used are type Huber & Suhner K02252, which are about 50 cm long. However, basically any two-wire cable can be used. Instead of the printed circuit boards 203, 213, another device for fixing the electronic parts can be provided.

The slot width does not necessarily have to be 10 mm, but can also be optimized, for example, on the basis of empirical tests.

In practice, exactly one slot is typically provided for formation as a slot antenna. In variants, however, it is also possible to provide two or more in order, for example, to increase the transmission power or to be able to communicate over a plurality of frequencies. Further, other frequencies may be provided, this only the slot dimensions, in particular the slot length, adapted and any corrections to be made in the signal transmission between the transmitter / receiver and antenna.

Further disposal containers can be formed with a slot antenna, such as collection containers for recycling materials such as glass collection containers, aluminum collection, paper collection, waste oil collection and the like. These can be designed as Oberflur-, Halbunterflur-, underfloor or as a small or large container.

In summary, it should be noted that according to the invention a disposal container is provided which comprises an antenna substantially conforming to the disposal container and thereby has a high efficiency.

Claims (13)

1. Disposal container (1) comprising a radio data transmission module with an antenna (200) for transmitting data, characterized in that the disposal container (1) comprises a metallic region (120) in which the antenna (200) as a slot antenna (200) is formed is. 2. disposal container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metallic region (120) as an outer shell (120) of the disposal container (1) is formed. 3. Disposal container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an inner side of the disposal container (1) comprises an inner shield (201) for the slot antenna (200). 4. disposal container (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that between the inner shield (201) and the slot antenna (200) is present a cavity. 5. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the slot antenna (200) comprises a dielectric filling. 6. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the disposal container (1) comprises a prismatic shell mold (120), wherein the slot antenna is formed as a straight slot (200) on the jacket. 7. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a slot width of the slot antenna (200) between 5 mm to 20 mm, preferably between 8 mm to 12 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm. 8. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a slot length of the slot antenna (200) between 790 mm and 830 mm, preferably 810 mm, or between 150 mm and 162 mm, preferably 156 mm. 9. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the slot antenna (200) comprises a capacitor (216), in particular a trim capacitor (216). 10. Disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises more than one slot antenna (200, 210). 11. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises a sensor, in particular a level sensor (140) for determining a level of the disposal container (1). 12. disposal container (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a data transmitter, in particular a slot antenna (200) comprehensive transmitter for transmitting data determined by the sensor data. 13. disposal container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the slot antenna comprises a tuning sensor, whereby an automatic antenna shield is reached.