PROTECTIVE CAPSULES FOR EARTH MOVING MACHINES HAVING A SLOT ANTENNA

Abstract

A capsule for protecting an electronic device for an earth moving machine, the capsule comprising walls enclosing an inner chamber configured for housing an electronic device or components thereof, the capsule comprising a slot antenna arranged in at least one of the walls, the at least one of the walls in which the slot antenna is arranged is a cover that can be removably coupled to one or more of the walls of the capsule. Also, a device for an earth moving machine comprising a capsule, a process of manufacturing a capsule, and a process of manufacturing a device for an earth moving machine.

Claims

1. A capsule for protecting an electronic device for an earth moving machine, the capsule comprising walls enclosing an inner chamber configured for housing an electronic device; characterized in that the capsule comprises a slot antenna arranged in at least one of the walls, and the at least one of the walls in which the slot antenna is arranged is a cover, wherein the cover can be removably coupled to one or more walls of the walls of the capsule.

2. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the slot antenna is adapted for operation at a frequency less than 1000 MHz.

3. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising dielectric material filling the slot of the slot antenna.

4. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the walls has a maximum length in a particular longitudinal direction, a maximum width in a particular first transversal direction and a thickness in a second transversal direction, wherein the maximum length is greater than or equal to the maximum width and wherein the slot antenna has a maximum length in the longitudinal direction which is at least 60% and is less than or equal to 100% of the maximum length of the at least one of the walls.

5. The capsule of claim 1, further comprising the electronic device, wherein the electronic device comprises an electric power source and is at least configured for wireless data transmission; wherein the electronic device is electrically connected to the slot antenna; and wherein the inner chamber houses the electronic device or at least one or more components thereof.

6. The capsule of claim 5, wherein the electronic device further comprises at least one sensor configured for sensing one or more of: strain, wear, pressure, temperature, acceleration, position, material or terrain, or falling off of a wear element.

7. The capsule of claim 1, wherein slot antenna has a single straight segment or a plurality of segments, each segment being connected to one or more other segments.

8. The capsule of claim 1, wherein the cover where the slot antenna is arranged comprises an electrically conductive material.

9. A device an earth moving machine, comprising: a capsule comprising walls enclosing an inner chamber configured for housing an electronic device, a slot antenna arranged in at least one of the walls, and the at least one of the walls in which the slot antenna is arranged is a cover; wherein the cover can be removably coupled to one or more walls of the walls of the capsule; wherein the device is one of: a wear element, digging implements, a boom, a stick, a hydraulic cylinder, traction means, or a cabin.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a cavity having the capsule arranged therein.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is a wear element comprising a tooth, and wherein one of: the cavity is inside a female portion of the tooth; the cavity is on a surface, of the tooth at an end opposite a wear end of the tooth; or the cavity is on an external surface.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the device is a wear element comprising an adapter or an intermediate adapter, the adapter or the intermediate adapter having a male portion adapted for insertion into a female portion of a tooth and delimiting a first end of the wear element, and a rear portion delimiting a second end of the wear element, and wherein one of: the cavity is in the male portion, either on a surface at a tooth engaging end, or adjacent to a through hole of the adapter or intermediate adapter for receiving a pin for mechanically coupling the adapter or the intermediate adapter with the tooth and preferably parallel to the through hole; or the cavity is in the rear portion either on a surface from which the male portion protrudes, or on an external surface.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein an outermost surface of the at least one of the walls having the slot antenna arranged therein is flush with a surface of the wear element where an opening of the cavity is formed.

14. A process comprising: manufacturing walls of a capsule of an alloy using a mold, or manufacturing the walls of the capsule of a resin with a potting process using a device for an earth moving machine as a mold wherein at least one wall of the walls comprises or is made of electrically conductive material; forming or adding a slot antenna in the at least one wall; wherein the at least one wall is manufactured such that it forms a cover that can be removably coupled to one or more walls of the walls of the capsule to close the inner chamber.

15. The process of claim 14, wherein the process comprises the step of manufacturing the walls with the potting process, and the potting process is carried out with the electronic device of the capsule introduced in the mold.

16. The process of claim 14, further comprising: providing attaching means; and coupling the cover with the one or more walls using the attaching means in a removable manner.

17. (canceled)

18. The process of claim 15, further comprising carrying out a potting process on the manufactured capsule so as to at least fill the slot of the slot antenna with dielectric material.

19. The process of claim 14, further comprising: forming, on a device for an earth moving machine, a cavity for receiving the capsule; and introducing the capsule in the formed cavity.

20. The process of claim 14, wherein the process comprises the step of manufacturing the walls using the mold.

21. The capsule of claim 2, wherein the slot antenna is adapted for operation at a frequency between 430.0 MHz and 440.0 MHz.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0129] To complete the description and in order to provide for a better understanding of the disclosure, a set of drawings is provided. Said drawings form an integral part of the description and illustrate embodiments of the disclosure, which should not be interpreted as restricting the scope of the disclosure, but just as examples of how the disclosure can be carried out. The drawings comprise the following figures:

[0130] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a capsule according to embodiments.

[0131] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a wall of a capsule according to embodiments, the wall including a slot antenna.

[0132] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a capsule according to embodiments.

[0133] FIGS. 4-6 show perspective views of capsules according to embodiments.

[0134] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of wear elements illustrating positions where cavities for capsules are arrangeable according to embodiments.

[0135] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of a tooth with a capsule according to embodiments.

[0136] FIGS. 9-10 show perspective views of wear elements.

[0137] FIG. 11 shows an earth moving machine illustrating devices thereof with positions where capsules can be arranged according to embodiments.

[0138] FIGS. 12A-12E diagrammatically show cross-sections of capsules according to embodiments.

[0139] FIGS. 13A-13E diagrammatically show geometries of slot antennas for capsules according to embodiments.

[0140] FIGS. 14A-14B show different views of an apparatus according to embodiments.

[0141] FIGS. 15A-15B, 16A-16B, and 17A-17B show apparatuses according to embodiments, including cross-sections of the apparatuses while introduced in a cavity.

[0142] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of an apparatus according to embodiments while introduced in a cavity.

[0143] FIGS. 19A-19B show different cross-sections of a capsule according to embodiments.

[0144] FIGS. 20A-20B show different views of a protector as provided in a capsule according to embodiments like those of FIGS. 19A-19B.

[0145] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of a capsule according to embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF WAYS OF CARRYING OUT THE DISCLOSURE

[0146] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0147] The capsule 10 is adapted for introduction in a wear element of an earth moving machine, preferably in a cavity formed in a wear element. The capsule 10 has two or more walls 15a, 15b, at least one first wall 15a thereof has a slot antenna 20 formed therein. Either the totality of the at least one first wall 15a or at least a portion surrounding the slot of the slot antenna comprises or is made of an electrically conductive material such as metal like e.g. an alloy, thereby enabling the flow of current(s) for radiation and capturing of electromagnetic waves. The capsule 10, when all the walls 15a, 15b thereof are mechanically coupled, has an inner chamber (illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3 as inner chamber 16) adapted for housing and protecting an electronic device (illustrated in e.g. FIG. 3 as electronic device 30). In this embodiment, the slot of the slot antenna 20 is filled with dielectric material 22 so that e.g. soil does not get into the inner chamber.

[0148] The first wall 15a (or first walls 15a) has a maximum length in a particular longitudinal direction, in this case along the Y axis illustrated, a maximum width in a particular first transversal direction, in this case along the X axis illustrated, and a thickness in a second transversal direction, in this case along the Z axis illustrated. The slot antenna 20 preferably has a maximum length, which is the length measured along one axis that results in the maximum dimension of the slot antenna 20, in the longitudinal direction that is at least 60% and is less than or equal to 100% of the maximum length of the wall 15a (or walls 15a).

[0149] In this example, the first wall 15a is a cover removably couplable to a second wall or walls 15b, which in this case is a single second wall 15b shaped such that it forms a container, whereas, in some other embodiments, two or more second walls 15b are arranged and coupled so as to form the container with the inner chamber 16 therein. The first wall 15a mechanically couples to one or more of the second walls 15b by way of attaching means such as e.g. screws 19a. The attaching means of the first wall 15a also include respective threaded through holes, and the second wall(s) 15b include attaching means in the form of respective threaded holes or threaded through holes (not seen in FIG. 4).

[0150] The first wall 15a preferably comprises one or more protruding surfaces 65 extending parallel to the largest surface of the first wall 15a; the one or more protruding surfaces 65 preferably comprise or are of a metallic material, e.g. steel. The protruding surface(s) 65 aids in the extraction process of the capsule 10 by supporting a torque applied thereto for rotating the capsule 10.

[0151] For the sake of clarity, the X, Y and Z axes represented in FIG. 1 are also represented in the following Figures with the same orientation relative to the elements shown. It will be apparent that other X, Y and Z definitions are also possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0152] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a wall 15a of a capsule 10 according to embodiments, the wall 15a including a slot antenna 20 arranged therein. The side of the wall shown corresponds to an innermost side of the wall 15a, that is to say, it is the side of the wall 15a facing towards an inner chamber of the capsule. In some examples, the wall 15a shown is provided as wall 15a in the capsule 10 of FIG. 1.

[0153] In this exemplary embodiment, the wall 15a includes a projecting surface 23 that projects towards the inner chamber when the capsule is provided. The projecting surface 23 can be formed for improving the attachment of the wall 15a to other wall or walls of the capsule for closing the capsule; hence, the projecting surface 23 may result in a hermetic seal of the walls. The slot antenna 20 is also formed in this projecting surface 23.

[0154] The wall 15a includes attaching means in the form of threaded through holes 18a for removable coupling with other wall or walls of the capsule, and threaded holes 18b for attachment of a printed circuit board 32, i.e. PCB, of an electronic device. The electronic device includes attaching means as well by way of screws 39 that cooperate with the threaded holes 18b of the wall 15a. The PCB 32, which is arranged parallel to the wall 15a and adjacent thereto, also includes holes for receiving the screws 39. It will be apparent that other attaching means can be used instead of these threaded holes 18a, 18b and respective screws 39.

[0155] In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic device connects to the slot antenna 20 by way of the PCB 32, more particularly terminals 35, 36 of the PCB or the wall 15a for feeding the slot antenna 20. The terminals 35, 36 can be, for instance, spring contacts with connectors, soldered terminals as shown in FIG. 2, press-fit contact pads, etc. Likewise, in some embodiments, one or more cables connect the electronic device with the slot antenna 20.

[0156] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a capsule 10 according to embodiments. The plane intersecting the capsule 10 for the cross-section view is an XZ plane.

[0157] As explained above and best seen in this Figure or in FIG. 4, the second wall 15b has a shape such that it forms a container.

[0158] As shown in this Figure, the inner chamber 16 houses and protects the electronic device 30, which includes the PCB 32 and a battery 40. The battery 40 is electrically connected to the PCB 32 for powering the electronic components thereof and the slot antenna 20. The battery 40 remains secured within the inner chamber 16 by way of securing means such as clamps (illustrated in e.g. FIG. 4 as clamps 48), screws 49 and thread holes 18d formed in the second wall 15b.

[0159] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0160] The attaching means of the wall 15b in the form of threaded holes receive screws 19a for coupling the first wall or cover 15a to the second wall or container 15b.

[0161] Although the battery 40 illustrated takes a significant amount of the volume within the inner chamber 16, it will be noted that other types of battery or batteries are also possible within the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example only, one or several button cells can be used.

[0162] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0163] The capsule 10 includes first, second and third walls 15a-15c. The first wall 15a is removably coupled to the second wall 15b of the capsule 10, and the second wall 15b is preferably permanently coupled to the third wall 15c, the latter being shaped like a container for housing an electronic device in a protected manner. The second wall 15b is shaped such that it provides the third wall 15c with a flange, and the first wall 15a has a similar shape for forming a flange as well.

[0164] When the capsule 10 is provided with a flange, the removal of the first wall 15a may become easier so as to inspect the interior of the capsule 10, retrieve the contents or replace them, for maintenance purposes or for recycling, for example.

[0165] In comparison with the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10 of FIG. 5 is a straight slot antenna with a single straight segment.

[0166] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0167] In comparison with the embodiment of FIG. 5, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10 of FIG. 6 is not straight and comprises a plurality of segments. In this case, there are three straight segments arranged such that a longitudinal axis of each segment forms an angle different from 0 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the segment or segments it is connected to.

[0168] Even though the slot antennas 20 of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6 are arranged in an exterior wall of the capsule 10, it is noted that slot antennas 20 arranged in one or more interior walls of the capsule 10, or between an interior wall and an exterior wall, are also within the scope of the present disclosure. When the slot antenna is arranged in an interior wall, wall(s) between said interior wall and an opening of the cavity where the capsule is arranged is/are of materials that are non-electrically conductive so as not to produce interference or block the propagation of electromagnetic waves.

[0169] FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of wear elements 100, 200 illustrating positions 60a-60c and 61a-61e where cavities for receiving capsules are arrangeable according to embodiments; for the sake of the illustration only, cavity positions 60a-60c and 61a-61e are shown as rectangular polygons for representing possible placement of cavities in accordance with embodiments. The plane intersecting the wear elements 100 and 200 for the cross-section view is an XZ plane. For the sake of clarity only, said plane is illustrated both in FIG. 9 with arrowed line 150, and in FIG. 10 with arrowed line 250.

[0170] A first wear element 100 is a tooth 100, and a second wear element 200 is an intermediate adapter 200, but in other embodiments the second wear element is an adapter when a two-part system of wear elements is provided.

[0171] The tooth 100 comprises a female portion 110 adapted to receive a male portion 205 of the intermediate adapter 200 when an earth moving machine is to carry out ground engaging operations.

[0172] A first position 60a for a capsule receiving cavity (illustrated in FIG. 8 as cavity 126) in the tooth 100 is inside the female portion 110. Preferably, the cavity is formed on a wall 111 of the female portion 110 that is closest to a wear end intended for wearing off with use. The wear end is the front-most part of the tooth 100 and is the end intended to engage ground during operation of the earth moving machine. The wear end is opposite a rear end through which the male portion 205 of the intermediate adapter 200 is received. Both the wear end and the rear end are illustrated in FIG. 8 as wear end 101 and rear end 102.

[0173] A second position 60b for a cavity (illustrated in FIG. 9 as cavity 127 with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the tooth 100 is an external surface (illustrated in FIG. 9 as external surface 106) that is intended to come into contact with ground during operation of the earth moving machine; namely, the external surface is surface intended to wear off with use.

[0174] Another position 60c for a capsule receiving cavity (illustrated in FIG. 9 as cavities 125a, 125b, the latter with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the tooth 100 is a surface at the rear end of the tooth 100; with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, said surface is surface 121. The cavity, which is shown in FIG. 9 as cavity 125a or cavity 125b, is on a side of the rear end that contacts the intermediate adapter 200 when mechanically coupled.

[0175] For mechanical coupling of both the tooth 100 and the intermediate adapter 200, the male portion 205 of the intermediate adapter introduces in the female portion 110 of the tooth 100 for receiving the intermediate. While inserted, attaching means in the form of e.g. a pin are introduced in both a through hole (shown with reference sign 120 in FIG. 8) of the tooth 100 and a through hole 220 of the intermediate adapter 200.

[0176] First and second positions 61a, 61b for a cavity (illustrated in FIG. 10 as cavities 225, 226, the latter with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the intermediate adapter 200 are in the male portion 205. The cavity can be adjacent to the through hole 220 for receiving the pin, and is preferably parallel thereto. The cavity can be arranged either in a portion of the male portion 205 closest to a front end thereof (i.e. the end to be introduced in the female portion 110 of the tooth 100, shown as cavity 226 in FIG. 10) or in a portion of the male portion 205 closest to a rear end thereof. It may be preferable to arrange the cavity according to the latter, i.e. as cavity 225 in the embodiment of FIG. 10, in order to minimize reductions in the mechanical resistance of the male portion 205 on its front end, which generally undergoes higher stress during operation of earth moving machine.

[0177] A third position 61c for a cavity (illustrated in FIG. 10 as cavity 227 with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the intermediate adapter 200 is the surface 206 of the male portion 205 that is at the frontmost part.

[0178] Another position 61d for a cavity (illustrated in FIG. 10 as cavity 228 with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the intermediate adapter 200 is the surface 208 of the rear portion 207. Typically said surface 208 is in contact with the rear surface of the tooth 100 thereby blocking the opening of the cavity, in this way the capsule cannot fall out from the cavity even if the attaching means securing the capsule within the cavity fail.

[0179] Yet another position 61e for a cavity (illustrated in FIG. 10 as cavity 229 with dashed lines for illustration purposes only) in the intermediate adapter 200 is an external surface (illustrated in FIG. 9 as external surface 106) of the rear portion 207 and which may wear off with use since it comes into contact with ground.

[0180] It will be noted that even though FIG. 7 shows a system of wear elements in which the tooth 100 comprises a female portion 110 in its attachment end, and the intermediate adapter 200 comprises a male portion 205 in its first attachment end (namely, the end for attachment to the tooth 100), in another embodiments the system of wear elements comprises same wear elements (or an adapter instead of the intermediate adapter 200) in which the tooth 100 comprises a male portion in its attachment end, and the intermediate adapter 200 comprises a female portion in its first attachment end. In those cases, the positions 60a, 61a-61c for cavities described can be swapped such that they are in the female portion of the intermediate adapter 200 and the male portion of the tooth 100, respectively.

[0181] FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of a wear element 100, particularly a tooth 100, with a capsule 10 according to embodiments. The plane intersecting the tooth 100 and 200 for the cross-section view is an XZ plane like the plane corresponding to arrowed line 150 in FIG. 9.

[0182] A cavity 126 is formed inside a female portion 110, in a front-most wall 111 of the female portion 110, that is to say, in a wall 111 closest to the wear end 101; it is noted that, in other embodiments, the cavity 126 is formed in other wall within the female portion 110. As it can be observed, the female portion 110 is shaped and dimensioned for receiving a male portion of an intermediate, whereas the cavity 126 is shaped and dimensioned for receiving the capsule 10. The through hole 120 of the tooth 100 is to be aligned with the through hole of the intermediate adapter when the latter is introduced in the tooth, thereby making possible to mechanically couple both wear elements with a pin.

[0183] Preferably, the cavity 126 is shaped such that a cover 15a of the capsule 10 is closest to the rear end 102, particularly when said cover 15a provides the capsule 10 with a flange. Upon removing attaching means of the cover 15a, either while the capsule 10 is within the tooth 100 or once the capsule 10 has been extracted therefrom, personnel can inspect the device(s) and components thereof housed in the capsule 10. It may also be preferable to dimension the cavity 126 and the capsule 10 such that, when the capsule 10 is within the cavity 126 and the slot antenna is formed on e.g. the cover 15a, the slot antenna is flush with the wall 111. It is understood that the slot antenna is flush when an outermost face of the slot antenna is coplanar or almost coplanar with at least a portion of the wall where the opening of the capsule receiving cavity 126 is formed; the face and the wall are almost coplanar when there is a difference in depth smaller than 20 mm, and is preferably less than or equal to 10 mm and/or 5 mm. When not arranged flush with the wall 111, the capsule and the slot antenna are preferably more inwards in the cavity for increasing the protection of both.

[0184] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a wear element 100, particularly a tooth 100.

[0185] In this embodiment, the tooth 100 does not include the capsule receiving cavity of the embodiment of FIG. 9, but includes a cavity 125a formed in surface 121 that is on the rear end 102 of the tooth 100. As seen in FIG. 7, whenever the intermediate adapter 200 gets coupled to the tooth 100, a surface thereof adjacent to the male portion 205 (or female portion when the first attachment end of the intermediate adapter or adapter includes it) becomes in contact with the surface 121 thereby securing the capsule aside from the securing of the attachment means thereof.

[0186] In FIG. 9 is also shown, with dashed lines, another possible cavity 125b formed in the surface 121 but such that the opening of the cavity is L-shaped. A first portion of the opening is on the surface 121, whereas a second portion of the opening is on a surface within the female portion 110. When the intermediate adapter attaches to the tooth, the two portions of the opening are blocked by the intermediate.

[0187] Also, another possible cavity 127 is shown with dashed formed in the external surface 106 of the tooth 100.

[0188] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a wear element 200, particularly an intermediate adapter 200, but could equally be an adapter when the system of wear elements is a two-part system.

[0189] The intermediate adapter 200 has a front end 201 with the male portion 205 and a rear end 202 with a rear portion 207 that provides a second attachment end for attachment with a blade of the earth moving machine, through an adapter, a weld-on nose, or a cast nose.

[0190] A cavity 225 is arranged in the male portion 205 and next to the through hole 220 for the pin. In this case, the cavity 225 is, relative to the through hole 220, closer to the rear end 202 than to the front end 201. By contrast, in other embodiments, a cavity 226 is arranged closer to the front end 201 than to the rear end 202 in comparison with the position of the through hole 220. This part of the male portion 205, which is either proximate to or on the neutral plane, is subjected to less stress and deformation than other parts of the adapter 200, and it also subjected to less lateral hits or of lower intensity than other parts of the adapter 200 too. Moreover, said part of the male portion 205 is less prone to material compaction, which under normal circumstances takes place in surfaces between the teeth and the adapters and where the egress of said material is more difficult, like in the front-most part of the adapter 200. These characteristics make the cavities 225 and 226 next to the through hole 220 convenient for the arrangement of a capsule, not only for increasing the useful life thereof and of the electronic device it protects, but also for both reduced losses in the transmission and reception of wireless signals, and the provision of data about the terrain during operation of the machine resulting from the measurements of the electronic device.

[0191] Another possible cavities are shown in the same Figure for illustrative purposes only. By way of example, cavity 227 is shown formed in the surface 206 at the front end 201, i.e. the tooth attaching end. By way of another example, cavity 228 is formed in the surface 208 of the rear portion 207 from which the male portion 205 protrudes. And like in a tooth, another possible cavity 229 is formed in an external surface 229 of the rear portion 207; this surface 229 can contact ground during ground engaging operations.

[0192] FIG. 11 shows an earth moving machine 300 illustrating devices thereof with positions where capsules can be arranged according to embodiments.

[0193] The machine 300 comprises a stick 301, a hydraulic cylinder 302, a boom 303, wear elements 304, digging implements 305, traction means 306 and a cabin 307. A capsule according to the present disclosure is arrangeable in each of these devices 301-307 in different embodiments.

[0194] By way of example, capsules can be arranged in a position 311 of the stick 301 that is, for instance, not subject to regular contact with ground during ground-engaging operations, for example in an upper half of the stick 301, and in a similar position 312 along the length of the hydraulic cylinder 302. The capsules can be arranged in a position 313 of the boom 303 that is preferably closest to a joint with the stick 301. The capsules can be arranged in different positions 314 of wear elements 304 as described, for instance, with reference to FIGS. 7-10, and in side faces or the inside 315 of the digging implements. The capsules can be arranged in tracks 316 of continuous tracks of traction means 306, or below the cabin 307.

[0195] When capsules are arranged in positions prone to wear, earth compaction or hits, preferably the capsules are arranged in cavities formed in the devices 301-307 in these locations. Otherwise, the capsules can also be arranged directly on the surface of the devices 301-307, namely not in any cavities, in which case the capsules are attached to the devices 301-307 with attaching means like bolts, welding, etc.

[0196] FIGS. 12A-12E diagrammatically show cross-sections of capsules 10a-10c according to embodiments.

[0197] In FIG. 12A, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10a is arranged at the middle in relation to the X axis illustrated. A PCB 32 of the electronic device 30 is arranged oriented along an axial direction (the Z axis illustrated) and is parallel to the slot antenna 20. More particularly, a length of the PCB 32 (along the Z axis illustrated) is parallel to the slot antenna 20 (along the Z axis illustrated). Notwithstanding, the PCB 32 is offset from the position of the slot antenna 20 (along the X axis illustrated). The electronic device 30 preferably also includes at least one sensor 45 soldered on the PCB 32. The at least one sensor 45 may also be remote from the PCB 32 like in FIGS. 12B-12D in which the at least one sensor 45 is attached to a wall of the inner chamber 16, or even remote from the capsule; in these cases, the electronic device 30 comprises an electrical connection and/or a wireless communications link between the at least one sensor 45 and the PCB 32 for sending the measurements, and through the same electrical connection or another one, the battery 40 energizes the at least one sensor if not provided with its own battery.

[0198] In FIG. 12B, the slot antenna 20 of the capsule 10b is arranged offset from the middle in relation to the X axis illustrated. In this embodiment, the PCB is also oriented along the axial direction, and not only it is parallel to the slot antenna 20 but is also aligned with the slot antenna 20.

[0199] In FIG. 12C, the slot antenna 20 is arranged like in the embodiment of FIG. 11B. The PCB 32 is perpendicular to the axial direction and is attached to the wall 15a such that at least a portion of the slot antenna 20 is covered by the PCB 32. Such arrangement may ease the electrical connection of the PCB 32 to the slot antenna 20.

[0200] The capsules 10 of FIGS. 12A-12C each include four walls 15a-15d, a first wall 15a where the slot antenna 20 is provided, and second, third and fourth walls 15b-15d mechanically coupled (preferably in a permanent manner, for example welded together) to form a container. The first wall 15a can be removably coupled to the second and fourth walls 15d. In these examples, the wall 15a containing the slot antenna 20 comprises, either in an area surrounding the slot or in an entirety of the wall, electrically conductive material so that the slot antenna 20 is capable of radiating and capturing electromagnetic waves. When not an entirety of the wall 15a comprises the electrically conductive material, one or more portions thereof may comprise other material like e.g. resin. The remaining walls, i.e. walls may comprise electrically conductive or non-conductive material.

[0201] In this example, a couplable lid or cap of dielectric material 22 is arranged in the slot of the slot antenna 20. The lid or cap can be attached to the walls delimiting the slot with e.g. adhesive or attaching means.

[0202] In FIG. 12D, the capsule 10c comprises at least one wall 15a where the slot antenna is provided that is of electrically conductive material, and the at least one wall 15a is coupled with other walls 15b-15d of a different material, either electrically conductive or non-conductive. In this example, a couplable lid or cap of dielectric material 22 is provided on the at least one wall 15a where the slot antenna 20 is arranged. The lid or cap can be attached to the wall 15a of the capsule with e.g. adhesive or attaching means.

[0203] In FIG. 12E, the capsule 10c comprises the same walls 15a-15d and slot antenna, but instead of a couplable lid or cap, the dielectric material 22 fills the entirety of the inner chamber 16 in addition to the slot of the slot antenna 20.

[0204] In similar embodiments, the dielectric material 22 forms the walls (e.g. the walls 15b-15d not including the slot antenna 20, or all the walls 15a-15d) and also fills the inner chamber 16, thus the walls and the inner chamber filled are made of a single piece; in this sense, the outer faces of the filling are walls of the capsule. Such capsules can be produced, for instance, with a potting process.

[0205] In other embodiments, the PCB 32, a sensor attached or connected to the PCB 32 and/or the battery 40 may be outside the inner chamber 16, for instance in another cavity formed to receive said component(s), or can be attached to one of the walls 15a-15d of the capsule 10 from the outside. In these embodiments, the electrical connection between component(s) outside the inner chamber 16 and component(s) within the inner chamber 16 can be made by way of e.g. one or more cables, flexible printed circuit boards, etc.

[0206] It is to be noted that the slot antenna 20 of embodiments such as those described with reference to FIGS. 12A-12E can be formed in the space existing between two or more adjacent walls. By way of example, the top and bottom walls 15a illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12E can each be a separate wall and arranged such that the slot is present between the two walls 15a, thereby forming a slot antenna 20 when at least the portion surrounding the slot is electrically conductive. This means the slot antenna 20 thanks to two or more walls 15a and the way they are coupled together.

[0207] FIGS. 13A-13E diagrammatically show geometries of slot antennas 20a-20e for capsules according to embodiments. The slot antennas 20a-20e can be formed in one or more walls of the capsules.

[0208] A first slot antenna 20a is a straight slot antenna owing to a single segment 21a thereof, which furthermore is straight in this example. The capsule of FIG. 5 includes a slot antenna like the first slot antenna 20a.

[0209] A second slot antenna 20b comprises three segments 21a-21c arranged such that a middle-most first segment 21a is connected, on a first end thereof, to a second segment 21b and, on a second end thereof, to a third segment 21c. With regards to the first and third segments 21a, 21c, longitudinal axes have been represented with dashed lines for illustrative purposes only. Likewise, an angle 22 formed between said longitudinal axes is represented. A similar representation could be made in respect of the first and second segments 21a, 21b. The smallest or the largest angle 22 could be measured too, but it is clear that whichever the angle 22 that is measured, the longitudinal axes form an angle different from 0.

[0210] A third slot antenna 20c comprises three segments 21a-21c arranged such that a middle-most first segment 21a is connected, on respective ends thereof, to second and third segments 21b, 21c such that angles of 90 are formed. As shown in this example, the segments 21a-21c do not necessarily have to be connected at ends thereof, but they can be connected at some point along the length of the segments. The capsule of FIG. 6 includes a slot antenna like the third slot antenna 20c.

[0211] A fourth slot antenna 20d comprises five segments 21a-21e. A middle-most first segment 21a is connected, on a first end thereof, to a second segment 21b, in turn connected to a third segment 21c that is parallel to the first segment 21a. The middle-most first 21a is connected, on a second end thereof, to a fourth segment 21d, which in turn is connected to a fifth segment 21e that is parallel to the first segment 21a.

[0212] Another slot antenna 20e comprises a plurality of segments 21a-21e including five segments. The arrangement of the segments 21a-21e is somewhat similar to the arrangement of the fourth slot antenna 20d but, in this example, the third and fifth segments 21c, 21e extend inwardly. In this way, the length of the wall or walls where the slot antenna 20e is arranged is reused by the slot antenna 20e to lengthen the radioelectric length thereof, that is to say, to lengthen the path that currents will follow for radiating and/or capturing electromagnetic waves. In this case, said path is the concatenation of all segments 21a-21e, thus the length thereof is the sum of the lengths of the segments 21a-21e.

[0213] The different arrangements of the second, third, fourth and fifth slot antennas 20b-20e are intended to increase an effective length of the slot antenna 20 based on, for example, a size of the wall of the capsule in which they are formed. In this way, the frequency of operation of the slot antenna 20 can be reduced with a wall featuring a minor length.

[0214] Although the exemplary slot antennas 20a-20e of FIGS. 13A-13E have straight segments, in other embodiments similar or different slot antenna geometries can be arranged in which one, some or all segments thereof are curvilinear. Likewise, it is not necessary that the slot antennas 20a-20e feature symmetry and can even have an irregular geometry. The slot antennas may also feature a meander-like geometry intended to make use of a greater portion of the surface of the wall or walls where it is arranged to increase the radioelectric length.

[0215] In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of the slot antenna 20 (of embodiments such as, but without limitation, any one of those of FIGS. 1 to 6, 12A to 12E and 13A to 13E) is at least 40 mm. In some embodiments, the maximum dimension of the slot antenna 20 (of embodiments such as, but without limitation, any one of those of FIGS. 1 to 6, 12A to 12E and 13A to 13E) is equal to or less than 115 mm. By maximum dimension it is meant the greatest edge of a rectangle (like the rectangle 25 shown with dashed lines in FIG. 13D, but it is readily apparent that a similar rectangle 25 can be drawn for any other slot antenna) enclosing a shape of the slot 20 with sides of the rectangle being tangent to the slot 20; with reference to the rectangle 25 of FIG. 13D, the maximum dimension corresponds to the length of the edge indicated with letter L, which is greater than the length of the edge indicated with letter W.

[0216] The maximum dimension of the slot antenna affects the radioelectric performance thereof for different frequencies, thereby increasing or reducing the gain at each frequency. In some embodiments, the maximum width of the at least one of the walls where the slot antenna 20 (of embodiments such as, but without limitation, any one of those of FIGS. 1 to 6, 12A to 12E and 13A to 13E) is arranged has a width of at least 20 mm. In some embodiments, the width is at most 60 mm. A rectangle enclosing the at least one wall may be drawn like the rectangle 25 for a slot antenna, but with sides of the rectangle tangent to the at least one wall; the maximum width in these cases is the length of the edge that is shortest out of the edges of the rectangle, that is to say, that corresponding to the length W shown in FIG. 13D but with a rectangle for the at least one wall. The rectangle is thus drawn with respect to a particular longitudinal direction and a first transversal direction of the at least one wall.

[0217] The width of the wall or walls affect the gain of the slot antenna; the width is measured along the direction of the two perpendicular directions that closes the capsule and has a shortest length between said two perpendicular directions.

[0218] In some embodiments, the at least one of the walls where the slot antenna 20 (of embodiments such as, but without limitation, any one of those of FIGS. 1 to 6, 12A to 12E and 13A to 13E) has a thickness of at least 1.0 mm and, preferably, is less than or equal to 20.0 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is between 2.0 mm and 8.0 mm, the endpoints being included in the range. The thickness is the third dimension of the wall that is not included in the rectangle enclosing the at least one wall, namely the thickness in in a second transversal direction.

[0219] The thickness of the wall or walls can be selected based upon the expected strains or wear that the capsule is to undergo during ground engaging operations based on the location of the capsule on the earth moving machine. The thickness is measured along the direction towards the inside of the inner chamber and, thus, is not any one of the two perpendicular directions that closes the capsule, i.e. those of the maximum length and maximum width. It has been found out that thicknesses within the aforesaid range has little or no influence on the gain of the slot antenna.

[0220] FIGS. 14A-14B show different views of an apparatus 500a according to embodiments.

[0221] The apparatus 500a comprises a sheet 515 having a slot antenna 20 arranged therein. Moreover, in preferred embodiments like in the ones of these Figures, the sheet 515 also comprises at least one groove 25 for installing a sensor 90 of an electronic device 30, such as a Hall-effect sensor, and protruding surfaces 65 that might ease the extraction of the apparatus 500a when it is introduced in a device (like in FIG. 15B) by means of an extraction tool. In other embodiments, only one of these additional features, i.e. groove(s) 25 and protruding surface(s) 65, or none of them is present.

[0222] An extraction tool can be partially introduced in a portion of the apparatus 500a that is recessed with respect to the protruding surface 65. The extraction tool is brought about to contact the protruding surface 65. Then, the extraction tool is rotated towards an opening of a cavity where the apparatus 500a is inserted, or in other words, towards an extraction direction. The extraction tool thus applies torque on the protruding surface 65 and, as a result, the apparatus 500a tends to rotate within the cavity. The extraction tool is preferably a pointy device like e.g. a punch, a screwdriver, etc.

[0223] The apparatus 500a further comprises the electronic device 30 that includes a printed circuit board 32 and a battery 40. The PCB 32 is mechanically coupled with the sheet 515 in order to better withstand e.g. impacts and stresses. To this end, attaching means like screws 39 can attach the PCB 32 to the sheet 515, which may include attaching means of its own to cooperate with those of the PCB 32, e.g. threaded holes in this case. The battery 40 is preferably likewise mechanically coupled with the PCB 32, for instance by way of clamps 48.

[0224] Terminals 35, 36 are arranged in the sheet 515, the PCB 32, or between them to electrically connect the slot antenna 20 with the PCB 32 for feeding of the former. A wireless communications module 38 mounted on the PCB 32 controls operation of the slot antenna 20 so that it may radiate and/or capture electromagnetic waves.

[0225] As aforementioned, the electronic device 30 can comprise a sensor 90 to be arranged in a groove 25, and/or a sensor not arranged in any groove, for instance mounted on the PCB 32.

[0226] In other embodiments such as the ones of FIGS. 15A to 18, the apparatus 500a can be even more compact when the battery 40 of the electronic device 30 is one or a plurality of button cells.

[0227] FIG. 15A shows a perspective of an apparatus 500b, and FIG. 15B shows a cross-section of said apparatus 500b while introduced in a cavity 97.

[0228] The apparatus 500b comprises, in addition to the sheet 515, one or more side walls 516 extending from the sheet 515 so as to form an open receptacle intended to provide additional protection to the hosted electronic device and to increase the rigidity of the apparatus 500b. The one or more side walls 516 can be mechanically coupled to the sheet 515, for instance they can be welded together, or the sheet 515 can be bended so as to form the one or more side walls 516, i.e. the sheet 515 integrally provides the side wall or walls.

[0229] As aforesaid, the battery 40 is a button cell to reduce the profile of the apparatus 500b.

[0230] The screws 19a go all the way through the sheet 515 and the side walls 516, but in other embodiments the through holes for the screws 19a are arranged in the sheet 515 only, i.e. they are outside of the projection of the walls 516. The screws 19a fix the apparatus 500b to the cavity 97, which has holes arranged in at least one wall 99 thereof.

[0231] The apparatus 500b is preferably arranged such that the sheet 515 is covering an opening 96 of the cavity 97, and is preferably arranged flush with a surface 94 where the opening 96 is formed. In this way, the propagation of the electromagnetic waves radiated by the slot antenna is enhanced, and electromagnetic waves can be received with higher power than in an arrangement in which the sheet 515 is provided within the cavity 97.

[0232] As it can be appreciated, the electronic device of the apparatus 500b is arranged on a face of the sheet 515 that is facing inwardly with respect to the cavity 97. In this manner, the sheet 515 and the walls 99 of the cavity 97 delimit a chamber that is protected by each of these members; the one or more side walls 516, in the embodiments in which the apparatus 500b comprises it/them, also serve to protect the chamber. The ingress of particles may be further reduced by providing a dielectric material in the slot of the slot antenna so as to cover it. And since the slot antenna is not within this chamber, the Faraday cage formed by the sheet 515 and the walls 99 does not affect the radioelectric performance of the slot antenna.

[0233] FIG. 16A shows a perspective of an apparatus 500c, and FIG. 16B shows a cross-section of said apparatus 500c while introduced in a cavity 97.

[0234] The apparatus 500c is similar to apparatus 500b of FIGS. 15A-15B, but instead of screws, the apparatus 500c comprises a cap 70 arranged on the sheet 515 as fastening means. The cap 70 includes protrusion(s) 71 or fin(s) for fixing the apparatus 500c to the walls 99 of the cavity 97 and producing friction that maintains the apparatus 500c introduced therein more reliably. The apparatus 500c preferably also comprises the one or more side walls 516 (or the sheet 515 bended to form a side wall or walls) so that the cap 70 is supported by the side wall(s).

[0235] FIG. 17A shows a perspective of an apparatus 500d, and FIG. 17B shows a cross-section of said apparatus 500d while introduced in a cavity 97.

[0236] The apparatus 500d comprises the sheet 515 and, as fastening means, one or more edges thereof are welded to walls 99 or a surface 94 where the opening 96 of the cavity 97 is formed, thereby forming one or more welding joints 600. One or more edges of the sheet 515 can be arranged forming an angle different from 90 with respect to a largest surface of the sheet 515, i.e. they are not perpendicular to a largest surface thereof (i.e. that in which the slot antenna is arranged) which may ease the welding process.

[0237] FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of an apparatus 500e while introduced in a cavity 97.

[0238] The apparatus 500e comprises dielectric material 601 attached to the sheet 515 and electronic device, and also attached to walls 99 of the cavity. The dielectric material 601 is preferably applied by means of a potting process.

[0239] With reference to FIGS. 14A to 18, in those embodiments in which the sheet 515 comprises one or more grooves 25, and one or more Hall-effect sensors are arranged in one of those grooves 25, then said grooves 25 are preferably on a face of the sheet 515 that is facing outwardly with respect to the cavity 97 so that the sensor(s) may sense towards the outside of the device 95 without being blocked by the metallic material of the sheet 515. The Hall-effect sensors are capable of detecting magnetic fields, and better detect them when arranged in such a groove since fewer alterations of the magnetic fields exist than in the other face of the sheet 515. The sensor can be used for fall detection of the device of the earth moving machine from another device of the earth moving machine, e.g. a wear element like a tooth from another wear element like an intermediate adapter, a weld-on adapter or a mechanically-attached adapter. To this end, the sensor detects magnetic fields from one or more magnets arranged on the other device such that the magnetic fields thereof are measurable by the Hall-effect sensor.

[0240] In other embodiments, the electronic device of apparatuses as described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 18 do not include the battery 40, in which case the device and the slot antennas can be energized by a separate power source.

[0241] FIGS. 19A-19B show different cross-sections of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0242] The capsule 10 includes a plurality of walls 15a-15b, and although not seen one of the walls 15a has a slot antenna arranged thereon. Within the inner chamber formed by the plurality of walls 15a-15b is a PCB 32 electrically connected with the slot antenna and a battery 40.

[0243] The capsule 10 further includes a protector 50 arranged adjacent to the wall 15a with the slot antenna, particularly on an external surface thereof. The protector 50, which is also illustrated in FIGS. 20A-20B, protects said wall 15a from e.g. fines.

[0244] In embodiment in which the capsule 10 comprises a cap 70, like in FIGS. 19A-19B, the protector 50 is preferably between the cap 70 and the wall 15a with the slot antenna.

[0245] FIGS. 20A-20B show different views of a protector 50 as provided in a capsule according to embodiments, like those of FIGS. 19A-19B.

[0246] The protector 50 is made of an electrically non-conductive material so as not to interfere with the transmission and/or reception of wireless signals by the slot antenna. The material of the protector 50 is preferably selected to make the protector 50 rigid, including but not limited to electrically non-conductive alloys.

[0247] The protector 50 is preferably be provided with attaching means 51, in this case through holes for the introduction of screws, albeit other attaching means are possible as well, including adhesive. On one face of the protector 50 there is preferably a protrusion 52 shaped and dimensioned according to the slot of the slot antenna. When the protector 50 is arranged like in FIGS. 19A-19B, namely on the external surface of the capsule, the face with the protrusion 52 is facing towards the inner chamber, and positively couples with the slot of the slot antenna.

[0248] FIG. 21 shows an exploded view of a capsule 10 according to embodiments.

[0249] The capsule 10 at least includes the plurality of walls 15a-15b providing the inner chamber, a battery 40, a PCB 32, a slot antenna 20 in one of the walls 15a, a protector 50, attaching means in the form of screws 19a and cooperating nuts 19b, and a cap 70.

[0250] In this text, the term comprises and its derivations (such as comprising, etc.) should not be understood in an excluding sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include further elements, steps, etc.

[0251] On the other hand, the disclosure is obviously not limited to the specific embodiment(s) described herein, but also encompasses any variations that may be considered by any person skilled in the art (for example, as regards the choice of materials, dimensions, components, configuration, etc.), within the general scope of the invention as defined in the claims.