Hollow Waveguide Assembly, Waveguide System, and Use of a Hollow Waveguide Assembly

Abstract

A hollow waveguide assembly having a hollow waveguide body with a first aperture, extending from a first end of the body to a second to end of the body, forming a first hollow waveguide. An outer surface, at the first end of the body, has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface. An end face, at the second end of the body, has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face. The hollow waveguide body has a second aperture, extending from the first end of the body to the second end of the body, forming a second hollow waveguide. The at least one damping means suppresses, on the end face, and on the outer surface, propagation of electromagnetic waves from the first hollow waveguide to the second hollow waveguide.

Claims

1. A hollow waveguide assembly raving comprising: a hollow waveguide body defining a first aperture extending from a first end of the hollow waveguide body to a second end of the hollow waveguide body to form a first hollow waveguide, and wherein an outer surface on the first end of the hollow waveguide body has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface; and wherein an end face on the second end of the hollow waveguide body has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face; and wherein the hollow waveguide body defines a second aperture that extends from the first end of the hollow waveguide body to the second end of the hollow waveguide body to form a second hollow waveguide; and wherein the at least one damping means is designed and arranged to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face and on the outer surface, starting from the first hollow waveguide to the second hollow waveguide.

2. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one damping means suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face, and on the outer surface completely starting from the first aperture and/or from the second aperture.

3. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one damping means is arranged running partly annularly, or completely annularly, around at least one of the apertures.

4. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one of the damping means is formed as a recess defined in the end face or in the outer surface.

5. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one of the damping means is an elevation on the end face or an elevation on the outer surface.

6. A waveguide system comprising: a waveguide assembly; and a first hollow waveguide assembly, that has a hollow waveguide body; and a waveguide transition between the waveguide assembly and the hollow waveguide body of the first hollow waveguide assembly, and the waveguide transition is for transmitting an electromagnetic wave between at least one first hollow waveguide of the first hollow waveguide assembly and at least one waveguide of the waveguide assembly, and wherein the hollow waveguide body has at least one damping means on an end face facing the waveguide assembly, which suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face.

7. The waveguide system as claimed in claim 6 and wherein the waveguide assembly is a second hollow waveguide assembly that has a hollow waveguide body, and wherein each of the second hollow waveguide assembly, and the first hollow waveguide assembly, defines a first aperture that extends from a first end of the respective hollow waveguide body to a second end of the respective hollow waveguide body to form a respective first hollow waveguide, and wherein the second hollow waveguide assembly and the first hollow waveguide assembly are positioned relative to one another in such a way that the respective first apertures extend coaxially and the end faces of the respective second ends of the respective hollow waveguide bodies are opposite one another.

8. The waveguide system as claimed in claim 7 and wherein the hollow waveguide body of the second hollow waveguide assembly has at least one damping means on an end face of the hollow waveguide body facing the first hollow waveguide assembly to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face of the hollow waveguide body of the second hollow waveguide assembly.

9. The waveguide system as claimed in claim 6 and wherein the hollow waveguide body of the first hollow waveguide assembly and the hollow waveguide body of the second hollow waveguide assembly each define a second aperture and each second aperture extends from the first end of the respective hollow waveguide body to the second end of the respective hollow waveguide body to form a respective second hollow waveguide, which extend coaxially with respect to each other.

10. The waveguide system as claimed in claim 6 and further comprising: an electric module that has an antenna assembly is positioned and aligned relative to the first hollow waveguide assembly to introduce the electromagnetic wave into at least one of the first hollow waveguide and/or second hollow waveguide of the first hollow waveguide assembly starting from the first end of the hollow waveguide body of the first hollow waveguide assembly.

11. The waveguide system as claimed in claim 6 and wherein the waveguide assembly and the first hollow waveguide assembly form a plug-in connection.

12. A method for data transmission comprising the steps: providing a hollow waveguide assembly, the hollow waveguide assembly having a hollow waveguide body defining a first aperture extending from a first end of the hollow waveguide body to a second end of the hollow waveguide body to form a first hollow waveguide, and wherein the hollow waveguide body defines a second aperture that extends from the first end of the hollow waveguide body to the second end of the hollow waveguide body to form a second hollow waveguide; and wherein an outer surface on the first end of the hollow waveguide body has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface; and wherein an end face on the second end of the hollow waveguide body has at least one damping means to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face; and wherein the at least one damping means is arranged to extend, at least one of, partly annularly or completely annularly, around at least one aperture; and wherein the at least one of the damping means is formed of, at least one of, a recess and/or an elevation defined in at least one of the end face or in the outer surface; and introducing an electromagnetic wave for transmitting the data into a hollow waveguide defined in the hollow waveguide body.

13. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one damping means suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face, and on the outer surface, at least in a circular section, starting from the first aperture and/or from the second aperture.

14. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one damping means is arranged between the first aperture and the second aperture.

15. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one of the damping means is at least one of a groove or a flute.

16. The hollow waveguide assembly as claimed in claim 1 and wherein the at least one of the damping means is at least one of a wall, a sleeve, or a web.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0118] In the Figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same designations.

[0119] In the Figures, schematically:

[0120] FIG. 1 shows a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective view.

[0121] FIG. 2 shows a top view of the hollow waveguide assembly of FIG. 1

[0122] FIG. 3 shows an isometric longitudinal section view of the hollow waveguide assembly of FIG. 1 taken on section line III-III of FIG. 1;

[0123] FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the sectional illustration of the first hollow waveguide of FIG. 3;

[0124] FIG. 5 shows a hollow waveguide system according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide assembly and a second hollow waveguide assembly in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0125] FIG. 6 shows a waveguide system according to the invention having an electric module and an antenna assembly in a sectional illustration.

[0126] FIG. 7 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0127] FIG. 8 shows a second exemplary embodiment of a waveguide system according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide assembly and a second hollow waveguide assembly in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0128] FIG. 9 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0129] FIG. 10 shows a third exemplary embodiment of a waveguide system according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide assembly and a second hollow waveguide assembly in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0130] FIG. 11 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0131] FIG. 12 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a waveguide system according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide assembly and a second hollow waveguide assembly in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0132] FIG. 13 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0133] FIG. 14 shows a sixth exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective sectional illustration.

[0134] FIG. 15 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a hollow waveguide assembly according to the invention having a first hollow waveguide and a second hollow waveguide in a perspective view.

[0135] FIG. 16 shows simulation results of the decoupling of a waveguide transition according to the prior art for various gap dimensions.

[0136] FIG. 17 shows simulation results of the decoupling of a waveguide system according to the invention for various gap dimensions.

DETAILED WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0137] This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the Constitutional purposes of the US Patent Laws, “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

[0138] FIG. 1 shows a hollow waveguide assembly 1 according to the invention according to a first exemplary embodiment in a perspective view. For improved clarity, FIG. 2 additionally shows a top view of the hollow waveguide assembly 1 from FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 shows an isometric sectional illustration according to section line III-III from FIG. 1.

[0139] The hollow waveguide assembly 1 has a hollow waveguide body 2 with a first aperture 3 extending from a first end 2.1 of the hollow waveguide body 2 to a second end 2.2 of the hollow waveguide body 2 to form a first hollow waveguide 4. The hollow waveguide body 2 illustrated is formed from a solid body, which is preferably an electrically conductive solid body, in particular a metal.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiment, a second aperture 5 is also provided, which likewise extends from the first end 2.1 of the hollow waveguide body 2 to the second end 2.2 of the hollow waveguide body 2 and forms a second hollow waveguide 6. In principle, more than the two hollow waveguides 4, 6 can also be provided, for example three, four, five or still more hollow waveguides, which are formed by corresponding apertures in the hollow waveguide body 2. The additional hollow waveguides can also be omitted, however; within the context of the invention, at least one of the first hollow waveguides 4 is therefore provided.

[0141] According to the invention, the end face 7 formed at or adjacent to the second end 2.2 of the hollow waveguide body 2 has at least one damping means 8, 9, 10, 21, which is designed to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7. In the exemplary embodiment, the at least one damping means 8, 9, 10, 21 is designed and arranged to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7 starting from the first hollow waveguide 4 to the second hollow waveguide 6—and vice versa.

[0142] The first aperture 3 and the second aperture 5 have a round cross section in the exemplary embodiments. In principle, however, any desired cross section can be provided, for example also a rectangular or elliptical cross section. The first aperture 3, the second aperture 5 and further apertures which may be present can differ with regard to their cross section and can preferably be determined as a function of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. In the exemplary embodiments, the cross sections of the two apertures 3, 5 are formed identically for simplification.

[0143] Preferably, the at least one damping means 8, 9 is designed and arranged to completely suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7 starting from the first aperture 3 and/or from the second aperture 5. This is the case in the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6 and 9 to 14. However, provision can also be made that the at least one damping means is designed and arranged to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7 in some sections or some regions, for example in a circular section starting from the first aperture 3 and/or from the second aperture 5.

[0144] The at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) can preferably be formed as a recess in the end face 7, in particular as a groove 8, 9 or flute. Alternatively, the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) can also be formed as an elevation on the end face 7, in particular as a wall 10 or web (cf. FIGS. 7, 8 and 15 further described below). In addition, a configuration as a sleeve 21 (cf. FIGS. 9 to 12) can be advantageous.

[0145] In the exemplary embodiment of the hollow waveguide assembly 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, in each case two damping means 8, 9 are provided for each aperture 3, 5. A first damping means is formed as a first annular groove 8 running concentrically around the corresponding aperture 3, 5, and a second damping means is formed as a second annular groove 9 running concentrically around the corresponding aperture 3, 5. In principle, still further annular grooves can also be provided, for example a third annular groove, a fourth annular groove, a fifth annular groove or still more annular grooves.

[0146] It is also possible for only a single annular groove to be provided for each aperture (cf. FIG. 13) or else only one damping starting from one of the apertures 3, 5. Preferably, the damping means or the annular grooves 8, 9 are arranged running completely annularly around the apertures 3, 5 associated therewith. If appropriate, however, it may also be sufficient if the damping means or annular grooves 8, 9 run around only partially annularly, for example in order to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves only along a circular section.

[0147] The effectiveness of the suppression or the damping can be influenced by the size relationships of the damping means 8, 9, 10, 21 and the apertures 3, 5, in particular with regard to the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves to be transmitted. The relative size relationships shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 correspond approximately to a preferred embodiment.

[0148] The relationships and size relationships can be seen particularly well from FIG. 4. The ratio of the depth T.sub.1 of the first annular groove 8 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.2 to 0.6, preferably 0.3 to 0.5 and particularly preferably about 0.4. Furthermore, the ratio B.sub.1 of the first annular groove 8 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.05 to 0.25, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 and particularly preferably about 0.15. Finally, the ratio of the radial spacing R.sub.1 of the first annular groove 8 from the corresponding aperture 3, 5 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.05 to 1, preferably 0.1 to 0.5 and particularly preferably about 0.12.

[0149] The ratio of the depth T.sub.2 of the second annular groove 9 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.1 to 0.5, preferably 0.2 to 0.4 and particularly preferably about 0.3. The ratio of the width B.sub.2 of the second annular groove 9 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.05 to 0.25, preferably 0.1 to 0.2 and particularly preferably about 0.14. Finally, the ratio of the radial spacing R.sub.2 of the second annular groove 9 from the corresponding aperture 3, 5 to the diameter D of the corresponding aperture 3, 5 can be 0.05 to 1, preferably 0.3 to 0.7 and particularly preferably about 0.43, as illustrated.

[0150] It should be emphasized that all the above size specifications can also be singled out separately or in any desired combinations and be advantageous.

[0151] A configuration of the invention in which multiple annular grooves have the same depth can also be advantageous, as illustrated by way of example by using FIG. 14.

[0152] In a particularly preferred, but optional refinement of the invention, provision can be made that an outer surface 19 formed on the first end 2.1 of the hollow waveguide body 2 has at least one further damping means 8, 9, 10, 21, which is designed to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface 19. For simplification, this is merely illustrated by way of example in FIG. 13. In principle, damping means 8, 9, 10, 21 can be provided on the outer surface 19 for each of the exemplary embodiments mentioned above and below, or combinations and variants of these exemplary embodiments.

[0153] An exemplary waveguide system 11 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 5 in an isometric sectional illustration. FIG. 5 shows a waveguide system 11 comprising a waveguide assembly 12 and a first hollow waveguide assembly 1 having a hollow waveguide body 2, wherein, between the waveguide assembly 12 and the hollow waveguide body 2 of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1, a waveguide transition 13 for transmitting an electromagnetic wave 14 between at least one first hollow waveguide 4 of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 and at least one waveguide 4′ of the waveguide assembly 12 is formed.

[0154] The waveguide assembly 12 in the exemplary embodiment is formed as a second hollow waveguide assembly 12, wherein each of the hollow waveguide assemblies 1, 12 has a first aperture 3, 3′ extending from a first end 2.1, 2.1′ of the hollow waveguide body 2, 2′ to a second end 2.2, 2.2′ of the hollow waveguide body 2, 2′ to form a respective first hollow waveguide 4, 4′, and wherein the hollow waveguide assemblies 1, 12 are positioned relative to each other in such a way that their first apertures 3, 3′ extend coaxially and the end faces 7, 7′ of the respective second ends 2.2, 2.2′ of the hollow waveguide bodies 2, 2′ are opposite each other.

[0155] According to the invention, at least the hollow waveguide body 2 of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 has at least one damping means (in the present case, by way of example, the two annular grooves 8, 9) on an end face 7 facing the waveguide assembly or the second hollow waveguide assembly 12, which is designed to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7.

[0156] In the exemplary embodiment, the hollow waveguide body 2′ of the second hollow waveguide assembly 12 likewise has at least one damping means (in the present case, however, two concentric annular grooves 8′, 9′) on an end face 7′ facing the first hollow waveguide assembly 1, which is designed to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7′ of the second end 2.2′ of the hollow waveguide body 2′ of the second hollow waveguide assembly 12.

[0157] In addition, the outer surfaces 19, 19′ of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 and/or the second hollow waveguide assembly 12 can optionally have damping means 8, 9, 10, 21.

[0158] Any desired combinations of damping means 8, 9, 10, 21 with regard to the apertures 3, 5, the end faces 7, 7′ and the outer surfaces 19, 19′ are possible.

[0159] The hollow waveguide body 2 of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 and the hollow waveguide body 2′ of the second hollow waveguide assembly 12 each have a second aperture 5, 5′ extending from the first end 2.1, 2.1′ of the hollow waveguide body 2, 2′ to the second end 2.2, 2.2′ of the hollow waveguide body 2, 2′ to form a respective second hollow waveguide 6, 6′, which likewise extend coaxially with respect to each other.

[0160] According to the invention, with regard to the waveguide system 11 illustrated, because of the use of the damping means 8, 9, 8′, 9′, 10, 21, crosstalk between the channels and the hollow waveguides 4, 6, 4′, 6′ of the respective hollow waveguide assemblies 1, 12 can be suppressed, preferably completely avoided.

[0161] In FIG. 6, the waveguide system 11 of FIG. 5 is expanded by an electric module 15 having an antenna assembly 16. The electric module 15 can be formed, for example, as an electric printed circuit board (PCB) and with the antenna assembly 16 positioned and aligned relative to the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 in such a way that the electromagnetic wave 14 starting from the first end 2.1 of the hollow waveguide body 2 of the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 can be introduced into the first hollow waveguide 4. The antenna assembly 16 can be, for example, a patch antenna 17, which is fed by a microstrip line 18.

[0162] The waveguide assembly or the second hollow waveguide assembly 12 and the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 can, for example, form a plug-in connection. Here, a distance A can remain in the region of the waveguide transition 13, in particular as a result of tolerances, even if the plug-in connection is made. According to the prior art, the distance-induced radiation of electromagnetic waves because of the propagation of the electromagnetic waves on the end faces 7, 7′ can lead to crosstalk between the transmission channels.

[0163] Instead of the damping means illustrated as annular grooves 8, 9, 8′, 9′, within the context of the waveguide system 11 or else the individual hollow waveguide assemblies 1, 12, any desired variants for forming the damping means can be implemented, combinations also being possible. This is to be illustrated in the following FIGS. 7 to 15.

[0164] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary alternative to the damping means formed as annular grooves 8, 9 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 7 shows a variant of the invention, according to which the at least one damping means is formed as an elevation on the end face 7. For this purpose, a wall 10 is formed on the end face 7, between the first aperture 3 and the second aperture 5, in order to suppress the propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face 7 between the first aperture 3 and the second aperture 5. FIG. 8 shows an appropriately equipped waveguide system 11.

[0165] The wall 10 or the damping means is formed as a separate component in the exemplary embodiments and inserted into appropriate recesses but can also be formed in one piece with the first hollow waveguide body 1 or with the second hollow waveguide body 12. For a suitable mechanical and electrical contact of the wall 10 with the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 and/or the second hollow waveguide assembly 12, use can be made of the webs 20 illustrated, which, for example, can permit a press fit.

[0166] A further example of a wall 10 is illustrated schematically in FIG. 15. For example, provision can be made that the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 has at least one damping means formed as an elevation on the end face 7, in particular the wall 10. The waveguide assembly or the second hollow waveguide assembly 12 can then preferably have a damping means formed as a groove, into which the wall 10 can penetrate when the waveguide transition 13 is formed or the first hollow waveguide assembly 1 and the waveguide assembly or second hollow waveguide assembly 12 are brought close to each other.

[0167] It may be advantageous to arrange the wall 10 centrally between the apertures 3, 5 and preferably symmetrically between the apertures 3, 5.

[0168] Within the context of the invention, a plurality of walls can also be provided.

[0169] The wall or walls can also be arranged running annularly around at least one of the apertures 3, 5 (completely or partly), similarly or inversely to the arrangement of the annular grooves 8, 9. Exemplary damping means formed as sleeves 21 are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 (with webs 20 for a press fit) and in FIGS. 11 and 12 (with a simplified design without webs).

[0170] Combinations of walls 10, sleeves 21 and annular grooves 8, 9 can also be provided.

[0171] To illustrate the advantages of the claimed invention, FIGS. 16 and 17 show simulation results of waveguide assemblies 11 having various gap dimensions (0.1 mm/0.2 mm/0.3 mm). FIG. 16 shows decoupling between two channels according to the prior art, and FIG. 17 shows decoupling according to the invention with the described damping means 8, 9, 8′, 9′ according to the illustrations of FIGS. 1 to 6.

Operation

[0172] A principal object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) comprising: a hollow waveguide body (2) defining a first aperture (3) extending from a first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to a second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to form a first hollow waveguide (4), and wherein an outer surface (19) on the first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) has at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21), to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface (19); and wherein an end face (7) on the second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) has at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7); and wherein the hollow waveguide body (2) defines a second aperture (5) that extends from the first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to the second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to form a second hollow waveguide (6); and wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is designed and arranged to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7) and on the outer surface (19), starting from the first hollow waveguide (4) to the second hollow waveguide (6).

[0173] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face, (7) and on the outer surface (19) completely starting from the first aperture (3) and/or from the second aperture (5).

[0174] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is arranged running partly annularly, or completely annularly, around at least one of the apertures (3, 5).

[0175] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one of the damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is formed as a recess defined in the end face (7) or in the outer surface (19).

[0176] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one of the damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is an elevation on the end face (7) or an elevation on the outer surface (19).

[0177] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11), comprising: a waveguide assembly (12); and a first hollow waveguide assembly (1), that has a hollow waveguide body (2); and a waveguide transition (13) between the waveguide assembly and the hollow waveguide body (2) of the first hollow waveguide assembly, and the waveguide transition is for transmitting an electromagnetic wave (14) between at least one first hollow waveguide (4) of the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) and at least one waveguide (4′) of the waveguide assembly (12), and wherein the hollow waveguide body (2) has at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) on an end face (7) facing the waveguide assembly (12), which suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7).

[0178] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11) wherein the waveguide assembly is a second hollow waveguide assembly (12) that has a hollow waveguide body, and wherein each of the second hollow waveguide assembly, and the first hollow waveguide assembly, (1, 12) defines a first aperture (3, 3′) that extends from a first end (2.1, 2.1′) of the respective hollow waveguide body (2, 2′) to a second end (2.2, 2.2′) of the respective hollow waveguide body (2, 2′) to form a respective first hollow waveguide (4, 4′), and wherein the second hollow waveguide assembly and the first hollow waveguide assembly (1, 12) are positioned relative to one another in such a way that their the respective first apertures (3, 3′) extend coaxially and the end faces (7, 7′) of the respective second ends (2.2, 2.2′) of the respective hollow waveguide bodies (2, 2′) are opposite one another.

[0179] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11) wherein the hollow waveguide body (2′) of the second hollow waveguide assembly (12) has at least one damping means (8′, 9′, 10) on an end face of the hollow waveguide body (7′) facing the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7′) of the hollow waveguide body (2′) of the second hollow waveguide assembly (12).

[0180] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11) wherein the hollow waveguide body (2) of the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) and the hollow waveguide body (2′) of the second hollow waveguide assembly (12) each define a second aperture (5, 5′) and each second aperture extends from the first end (2.1, 2.1′) of the respective hollow waveguide body (2, 2′) to the second end (2.2, 2.2′) of the respective hollow waveguide body (2, 2′) to form a respective second hollow waveguide (6, 6′), which extend coaxially with respect to each other.

[0181] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11) and further comprising: an electric module (15) that has an antenna assembly (16) positioned and aligned relative to the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) to introduce the electromagnetic wave into at least one of the first hollow waveguide and/or second hollow waveguide of the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) starting from the first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) of the first hollow waveguide assembly (1).

[0182] A further object of the present invention is a waveguide system (11) wherein the waveguide assembly (12) and the first hollow waveguide assembly (1) form a plug-in connection.

[0183] A further object of the present invention is a method for data transmission comprising the steps: providing a hollow waveguide assembly (1), the hollow waveguide assembly (1) having a hollow waveguide body (2) defining a first aperture (3) extending from a first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to a second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to form a first hollow waveguide (4), and wherein the hollow waveguide body (2) defines a second aperture (5) that extends from the first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to the second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) to form a second hollow waveguide (6); and wherein an outer surface (19) on the first end (2.1) of the hollow waveguide body (2) has at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the outer surface (19); and wherein an end face (7) on the second end (2.2) of the hollow waveguide body (2) has at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) to suppress propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7); and wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is arranged to extend, at least one of, Partly annularly or completely annularly, around at least one aperture (3, 5); and wherein the at least one of the damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is formed of, at least one of, a recess and/or an elevation defined in at least one of the end face (7) or in the outer surface (19); and introducing an electromagnetic wave for transmitting the data into a hollow waveguide defined in the hollow waveguide body (2).

[0184] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) suppresses propagation of electromagnetic waves on the end face (7), and on the outer surface (19), at least in a circular section, starting from the first aperture (3) and/or from the second aperture (5).

[0185] A further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is arranged between the first aperture (3) and the second aperture (5).

[0186] A still further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one of the damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is at least one of a groove or a flute (8, 9).

[0187] An even still further object of the present invention is a hollow waveguide assembly (1) wherein the at least one of the damping means (8, 9, 10, 21) is at least one of a wall, a sleeve, or a web (10, 21).

[0188] In compliance with the statute, the present invention has been described in language more or less specific, as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the Doctrine of Equivalents.