Fixing element, sensor unit comprising a sensor and a fixing element, sensor unit, and method for fixing a sensor unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (10) for a sensor (12), which can be fixed to a structure (3) by means of a light-curing adhesive (24). The light-curing adhesive (24) is cured by direct and / or indirect irradiation of a cavity (20) which is provided for receiving the light-curing adhesive (24). The invention also relates to a sensor unit (2) having a sensor (12) and a holding device (10), an apparatus (1) having a sensor unit (2) and a structure (3), and a method for providing the apparatus (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element for fastening a sensor to a structure to be monitored, in particular a rail, a sensor unit having such a fastening element, a sensor device for fastening the sensor unit to a structure to be monitored, and a method for arranging the sensor unit. Background Art

[0002] Fastening elements secured with adhesive are known in the prior art and are used to attach components, in particular sensors, to structures. A typical application area for this is rail monitoring elements. Components of these elements, in particular sensors for measuring forces acting on the rail, can be fastened to the rail, for example, by drilling holes, without weakening the structure.

[0003] [1] and [2] disclose fixing elements for fixing photovoltaic modules to structures using elastic adhesives. Although elastic adhesives are highly resistant to weathering and aging, they also compensate for expansions and movements of the structure and are therefore unsuitable for fixing sensors that are intended to measure forces acting on the structure.

[0004] Therefore, the fixing element of the track monitoring element with the sensor is fixed by means of an adhesive which has the highest possible rigidity after curing. In particular, when the fixing element is mounted on the track, thermal bonding methods are mainly used.

[0005] [4] discloses a method for installing track monitoring elements using a heat-activatable membrane. This document establishes the connection by inductively heating the track. However, this requires a large amount of energy in the form of heat, which, in addition to high energy costs, requires equipment that can also provide the required energy in remote and difficult-to-reach sections of track. The heavy and bulky equipment required for inductive heating must be transported to the site of use by specialists, ultimately resulting in a significant logistical effort.

[0006] The applicant [3] discloses a track monitoring element that is fixed to a track using a heat-activatable adhesive. In this document, the track monitoring element is pressed against the track, and the adhesive is heated via a heating wire located in the adhesive layer to create the adhesive connection. However, in this method, the heat input for curing the adhesive occurs only at a point. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening element and a sensor unit having such a fastening element, which can be produced cost-effectively and can also be mounted cost-effectively and effortlessly on a structure to be monitored.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the following fixing element, the following sensor unit, the following sensor device and the following method.

[0009] The fixing element according to the invention comprises a base support element, a sealing frame for sealing the base support element relative to the structure, a cavity for receiving a light-curing adhesive, and at least one light-emitting surface for coupling a light beam into the cavity, wherein the cavity is bounded on one side by the base support element and on the periphery by the sealing frame. Furthermore, the fixing element may comprise further elements, in particular a protective cover.

[0010] The base support element serves to accommodate components, in particular sensors, and is particularly advantageously designed in the form of a rectangular plate. Due to the sensors to be fixed and the surface of the structure to which the fixing element is to be fixed, other shapes are possible. In particular, circular and / or polygonal shapes are conceivable. The base support element is designed to be arranged on the structure to be monitored. In general, it is conceivable to arrange the fixing element on all surfaces. In the following, in particular, the application area of ​​the arrangement of the fixing element in a track monitoring element is discussed by way of example, wherein the structures to be monitored represent in particular tracks and train axles. This enumeration is not to be understood as being complete.

[0011] When mounted on the rail, the fixing element is preferably arranged in a vertical section of the rail profile (rail neck). In the preferred installation position, the base support element is thus positioned parallel to the rail. Here, the base support element is spaced apart from the rail in at least one subsection. In other words, a gap is created between the base support element and the rail.

[0012] The sealing frame is arranged on the base support element in a detachable or non-detachable manner, and the sealing frame keeps the base support element at a certain distance from the structure. The sealing frame seals the gap between the base support element and the rail, in particular over the entire periphery, and forms a cavity together with the base support element. To this end, the sealing frame can be constructed to be flexible, in particular as an elastomer, particularly preferably as silicone, and / or rigid. The sealing frame can be constructed integrally with the base support element. A flexible construction is particularly advantageous with respect to the sealing frame resting on the surface of the structure in the fixing area as close to a gap as possible. This improves the sealing effect of the sealing frame.

[0013] A cavity is formed between the base support element and the structure and is circumferentially bounded by the sealing frame. In other words, the cavity is mostly, especially completely closed on the side facing the base support element and mostly, especially completely open on the side facing the structure.

[0014] The cavity is designed to accommodate a light-curing adhesive. A light-curing adhesive is understood to be an adhesive connection that cures under the action of light, in particular ultraviolet light (UV light).

[0015] The fixing element has a light emitting surface for coupling light into the cavity. The light emitting surface forms an interface with the cavity. In other words, the fixing element points in the direction in which the light is radiated into the cavity. Examples of light emitting surfaces are a light-permeable light-emitting diode housing (in particular an LED lens), the surface of a transparent layer facing the cavity in which the light-emitting device is accommodated, or the surface of a light-guiding film or light-guiding plate, wherein this list is not exhaustive. The incident light can be emitted directly at the light emitting surface and / or guided to the light emitting surface via a light-guiding structure (light-guiding film / light-guiding plate). By introducing light into the cavity with the fixing element arranged on the structure, curing of the light-curing adhesive is achieved and thus the fixing element can be fixed to the structure.

[0016] A preferred embodiment is one in which the fixing element has at least one through-hole for introducing the light-curing adhesive into the cavity. The at least one through-hole can be formed in the base support element and / or in the sealing frame and connects the cavity to the surroundings of the fixing element. The through-hole can, in particular, be designed as a recess in the sealing frame. The through-hole particularly advantageously has a clear width of 1-30 mm, in particular 2-20 mm, and particularly preferably 5-10 mm. This makes it particularly easy to fill the cavity with adhesive using a filling device, in particular a cartridge gun.

[0017] Particularly preferred is a development in which the fixing element has at least one additional through-hole and / or a fill control. During the filling process with adhesive, when the sealing frame rests particularly tightly against the structure, the additional through-hole makes it particularly easy for air to escape from the cavity. Furthermore, the additional through-hole allows inferences about the filling level of the cavity, since after the cavity has been largely, in particular completely, filled, excess adhesive may swell out of the additional through-hole. Alternatively or additionally, the fill control can be designed in the form of a partially transparent area, in particular a completely transparent viewing window, in the base support element and / or in the sealing frame, and allows at least inferences about the filling level of the cavity to be drawn.

[0018] Another preferred embodiment is one in which the fixing element comprises at least one light source, in particular a light-emitting diode, for directly or indirectly illuminating the cavity, at least partially, in particular completely. The light source is oriented relative to the light emission surface such that the light is emitted primarily, in particular completely, into the cavity. In other words, the luminous effect of the light source is directed directly and / or indirectly, in particular via a light-guiding film or light-guiding plate, into the cavity. The light emission is in particular directed from the base support element in the direction of the side of the cavity opposite the base support element.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the fixing element has a plurality of light sources which are arranged at a distance from one another, in particular equidistantly, thereby enabling particularly uniform and complete illumination of the cavity.

[0020] An embodiment is preferred, in which the light sources are arranged in the cavity of the fixing element. These light sources themselves can have a light emitting surface. In this embodiment, the cavity is directly illuminated by the light source. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the light sources in a plane pointing in the direction of the cavity, in particular on a base support element. The planar arrangement of the light sources in the cavity enables particularly uniform illumination. The light emitting surface is arranged between the cavity and the light source and protects the light source from direct contact with the light-curing adhesive. The light emitting surface can in particular be constructed to be light-scattering, particularly preferably diffusely scattering, in order to achieve the largest possible illumination area of ​​the light source. As a result, the curing of the light-curing adhesive takes place particularly evenly and completely. Here, after the adhesive has cured, the light source remains in the cavity as a so-called "lost element".

[0021] Furthermore, an embodiment of the fixing element is preferred in which the base support element comprises a transparent layer in which a light source is arranged. The light source is oriented in the transparent layer so as to transmit light directly into the cavity. The transparent layer and the light source together form a "luminous layer," so that the cavity is bounded by a single plane. This facilitates filling of the cavity.

[0022] A development of the fixing element is preferred, in which the light source is designed to emit UV light. This facilitates particularly rapid curing when using UV light-curing adhesives.

[0023] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the fixing element has at least one light-guiding element for connecting the light source to the light-emitting surface for light-guiding connection. This allows the light source to be arranged with a spatial distance from the cavity. In other words, the light source can be arranged outside the cavity on the fixing element. The light source emits light into the light-guiding element, in particular into a light-guiding film, wherein the light-guiding element has at least one light-emitting area pointing into the cavity. In other words, the cavity is indirectly illuminated. The light-guiding element, in particular the light-guiding film, has a light-emitting surface in the light-emitting area, thereby enabling uniform coupling-out of light. This is beneficial to the light distribution within the cavity.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the fixing element, the light source is arranged on and / or in the sealing frame in the circumferential direction of the sealing frame. The sealing frame can be designed to be at least partially, in particular completely, transparent. The sealing frame can also have a light-emitting surface. Alternatively, light can be coupled into a light-guiding element of an adjacent frame via the transparent frame. This allows the base support element to remain unchanged, which has a particularly advantageous effect on existing manufacturing processes.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing frame may have a through-slot configured for arranging a light source. In a particularly advantageous design, after filling the cavity, the light source is arranged in and / or on at least one through-slot configured for filling the cavity.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the fixing element, the sealing frame has an adhesive, in particular a resin or an adhesive tape, on its side facing the structure. This allows the fixing element to be temporarily adhered to the structure and simplifies the filling and curing process of the adhesive.

[0027] Particularly preferred is an extension of the fixing element, in which the light source is detachably and / or loosely arranged on the base support element and / or the sealing frame. In this case, the light source can be arranged on the fixing element while the adhesive cures and then removed. This means that no "lost elements" remain on or in the fixing element, and the light source can be reused particularly advantageously.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, the light source can be positioned next to the fixing element and connected to the fixing element, in particular to the cavity, only (in particular for a limited time) via the at least one light-conducting element. In this case, provision can be made for a first light-conducting element to be arranged on the light source and a second light-conducting element to be arranged on the fixing element, wherein the first light-conducting element is arranged on the second light-conducting element during illumination of the cavity.

[0029] An embodiment is also preferred in which a protective cover is arranged on the fixing element, in particular on the base support element and / or the sealing frame. The protective cover can be arranged on the fixing element detachably and / or non-detachably. In particular, a locking device and / or a screwing device can be provided for attaching the protective cover to the fixing element. The protective cover effectively protects the fixing element and the components arranged thereon from unauthorized access, weather influences, and / or environmental influences.

[0030] The sensor unit according to the present invention comprises a fixing element and a sensor. The sensor can be arranged on the fixing element detachably or non-detachably. The sensor is arranged on the side of the base support element facing away from the cavity. This particularly advantageously allows the sensor to be arranged on the fixing element after the fixing element has been attached to the structure. However, it is generally conceivable that the sensor is already arranged on the base support element when the fixing element is attached to the structure.

[0031] The fixing element is configured to accommodate various sensors. A sensor should be understood as any type of sensing element and / or detector for detecting a physical or chemical property. Exemplary, but not exhaustive, sensors include temperature sensors, strain gauges, air humidity, pressure, or ionic strength.

[0032] In a preferred development of the sensor unit, the sensor is a strain sensor, preferably a track monitoring element having an optical fiber with a fiber Bragg grating.

[0033] The sensor device according to the present invention comprises a sensor unit and a structure to be monitored. The sensor unit is positioned on the structure such that a light-curing adhesive introduced into the cavity forms a connection between the base support element and the structure. In other words, when the sensor unit is positioned on the structure, the cavity of the mounting element is largely, in particular completely, filled with the light-curing adhesive.

[0034] The method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit to a structure comprises the following method steps:

[0035] a) applying the sensor unit to the structure;

[0036] b) introducing a light-curing adhesive into the cavity of the sensor unit;

[0037] c) introducing light into the cavity to cure the adhesive.

[0038] The given sequence is particularly advantageous for optimal metering of the adhesive and filling of the cavity, since under-metering is effectively prevented and, at the same time, overflow of the adhesive in the event of over-metering can be prevented.

[0039] However, the steps of the method are not limited to the given order. For example, it is also conceivable to introduce a light-curing adhesive into the cavity before applying the sensor unit to the structure.

[0040] Preferred is a development of the method according to the invention in which, in particular between method step b) and method step c), a light source is arranged on the fastening element.

[0041] A development of the method according to the invention is preferred, in which, in particular between method step b) and method step c), the light source is positioned on a light-conducting element next to the fastening element.

[0042] Preferred is a development of the method according to the invention in which, in particular after method step c), the light source is removed from the fastening element.

[0043] Preferred is a development of the method according to the invention in which, in particular after method step c), a protective cap is arranged on the fastening element.

[0044] Further advantages of the present invention are apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. Similarly, the aforementioned features and those further described below can be used individually or in any combination according to the present invention. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as a comprehensive list, but rather as exemplary features for describing the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Figure 1 A sensor device having a first embodiment of a sensor unit and a structure to be monitored is shown in a sectional view;

[0046] Figure 2 Shown in perspective Figure 1 The first embodiment of the sensor unit in which the fixing element has a single cavity;

[0047] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the sensor unit is shown in a perspective view, wherein the fixing element has two cavities;

[0048] Figure 4a -d shows in sectional view different method steps of a method according to the invention for fastening a sensor arrangement having a sensor unit according to a third embodiment, wherein the fastening element has a cavity and a through-recess on the frame side;

[0049] Figure 5a -d shows in sectional view different method steps of a method according to the invention for fixing a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment, wherein the fixing element has a cavity and a through-recess on the base support element side;

[0050] Figure 6a -d shows in sectional view different method steps of a method according to the invention for fixing a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment, wherein the fixing element has two cavities with through-openings on the frame side and on the base support element side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Figure 1The present invention shows a sensor device 1 having a sensor unit 2, which is arranged on a track as a structure 3 to be monitored. The sensor unit 2 has a fixing element 10 and a sensor 12 mounted on the fixing element 10. The structure 3 has a vertical section (track neck) on which the sensor unit 2 is mounted. Here, the installation of the sensor unit 2 does not place high demands on the underlying structure and is flexible in terms of the arrangement area. The fixing element 10 can, for example, be mounted on the structure 3 so that the contact surface of the fixing element 10 on the structure 3 is arranged parallel to the direction of action of gravity or at an oblique angle to the direction of action of gravity. In other words, when the installation position is located lateral to the structure 3, the installation surface is oriented essentially vertically. However, other installation positions are also possible.

[0052] The fixing element 10 has a plate-shaped base support element 14 and is arranged on a vertical rail section parallel to the extension direction 16 of the structure 3. A sealing frame 18 is arranged on the base support element 14 and rests largely, in particular completely, on the structure 3 with a positive fit. The sealing frame 18, the base support element 14, and the structure 3 delimit a cavity 20. The sensor 12 is mounted on the base support element 14 at a position opposite the cavity.

[0053] The sealing frame 18 has a frame gap 22a configured for filling the cavity 20 with a light-curing adhesive 24. After the cavity 20 is completely filled, the frame gap 22a is preferably also filled with the adhesive 24. This allows the filling degree of the cavity 20 to be inferred.

[0054] exist Figure 1 In FIG. 1 , the cavity 20 has been completely filled with a light-curing adhesive 24 , which represents the connection means between the fixing element 14 and the structure 3 .

[0055] Figure 2 Shown in a perspective view from the mounting side of the fixing element 10 Figure 1 The first embodiment of the sensor unit 2 in FIG. The sealing frame 18 has a frame through-slot 22 a on the upper periphery of the sealing frame 18. The terms “above” and “below” refer to the installation position along the direction of action of gravity on the contact surface extending mostly vertically. Figure 2 The arrangement of the frame through-slots 22a shown on the upper periphery of the sealing frame 18 makes it possible to advantageously utilize gravity to fill the adhesive 24 ( Figure 2 Generally speaking, it is contemplated that the frame through-slot 22a may be formed at any location on the sealing frame 18.

[0056] In the embodiment shown, the base support element 14 is constructed in multiple layers and has a transparent layer 26 with a light-emitting surface 28 . The light-emitting surface 28 points toward the cavity 20 .

[0057] The transparent layer 26 has a number of light sources 30 (shown in black) arranged inside the transparent layer, which are distributed equidistantly on a connection surface to the cavity 20, which is formed on the base support element 14, in particular on the transparent layer 26. The transparent layer 26 has a light emission surface 28 in the region of each light source 30, which is formed in the cavity 20 to achieve a better uniform distribution of the light 36 (see Figure 4c 、 Figure 5c 、 Figure 6c ) (For reasons of clarity, only two light sources 30 and two light-emitting surfaces 28 are provided with reference numerals).

[0058] In the embodiment shown, cavity 20 has a cross-section that is substantially the same size on the side facing base support element 14 and on the side facing structure 3. This allows, when fastening element 10 is arranged on structure 3, a particularly advantageous holding force to be generated between adhesive 24 and structure 3 as between adhesive 24 and base support element 14, and prevents the introduction of excessive adhesive 24 into cavity 20. In a particularly advantageous manner, the size of the interface between adhesive 24 and base support element 14 and the interface between adhesive 24 and structure 3 can be adapted to the surface finish of base support element 14 and structure 3, such that, for example, the interface between adhesive 24 and base support element 14 is larger or smaller than the interface between adhesive 24 and structure 3. This allows surface-dependent holding forces to be generated uniformly over varying surface proportions.

[0059] Figure 3 A second embodiment of a sensor unit 302 is shown. The base support element 14 together with the two sealing frames 18 form two spatially separated cavities 320. By forming a plurality of cavities 20 (in Figure 3 In the example shown, these cavities do not cover the entire surface of the base support element 14), the number of light sources 30 and the amount of adhesive 24 required (in the case of the same size of the fixing elements 310) are the same. Figure 3 Not shown) relative to Figure 2 The embodiment shown is reduced. Each of the two cavities 20 has two frame gaps 22a for filling with adhesive 24 (see Figure 4c 、 Figure 5c 、 Figure 6c) (For the sake of clarity, only one light source 30 is provided with a reference numeral. The arrangement of the cavity 20 on the base support element 14 can be particularly advantageously carried out at a location of the base support element 14 that is relevant for the function of the sensor 12. By way of example, but not exhaustive, the cavity 20 is arranged when the strain sensor is arranged on the base support element 14. In this case, the arrangement of the cavity 20 and, therefore, the reinforcement of the fixing element 310 after hardening of the adhesive 24 in the region of the strain measuring location of the strain sensor arranged on the base support element 14 allows for particularly precise transmission of expansions of the structure (not shown) to the sensor 12.

[0060] Figure 4a Figure 4-d shows a sensor device 401 having a sensor unit 402, which includes a fastening element 410 with an integrated light source 30, applied to a structure 3 according to method step a). To temporarily adhere the sensor unit 402 to the structure 3, the sealing frame 18 has an adhesive 32, for example in the form of an adhesive strip, on its side in contact with the structure 3. This makes the subsequent method steps particularly simple to carry out, as the sensor unit 402 does not have to be permanently pressed onto the structure 3. Alternatively or additionally, manual or mechanical pressing of the sensor unit 402 may also be provided.

[0061] Figure 4b The method step b) shows that the cavity 20 is filled with adhesive 24 through the frame through-slit 22a formed on the upper side of the sealing frame 18. The adhesive 24 is provided by means of a cartridge 34. Generally, the adhesive 24 can be provided in various ways, and introduction by means of a cartridge 34 is particularly advantageous for metering the adhesive 24.

[0062] Figure 4c According to method step d), a light beam 36 is emitted into the cavity 20 to cure the light-curing adhesive 24. Figure 4aSensor unit 401 of embodiment 402 includes a light source 30 disposed within cavity 20. A light-emitting surface 428 is disposed directly on light source 30, particularly in the form of a housing, particularly preferably in the form of an epoxy resin lens (for clarity, only one light source 30, one light-emitting surface 428, and one representative light beam 36 are provided with reference numerals). To supply light source 30 with energy, sensor unit 402 includes an integrated battery (not shown), which is connected to light source 30 via a switchable electrical conductor 40 (e.g., in the form of a printed circuit board). After filling with adhesive 24, light source 30 is switched on. The battery (not shown) has a capacity to provide energy for the duration of illumination by light source 30, which is required for curing of adhesive 24. After curing of adhesive 24, light source 30 and battery (not shown) remain on sensor unit 402 as so-called "missing components." External power supply is generally also conceivable. It is also conceivable that, if sensor 12 itself includes a power supply, light source 30 is supplied with energy via a power supply (not shown) provided for operating sensor 12.

[0063] The sensor unit 402 has a protective cover 38 arranged on the fixing element 410, in particular the base support element 14 and the sealing frame 18. The protective cover 38 is arranged according to Figure 4c and Figure 4d The embodiment of is arranged on the sensor unit 402 by means of a press fit.

[0064] Figure 4d The sensor device 401 is shown in its final state with the cured adhesive 24 .

[0065] Figure 5a d shows a method for fixing a sensor unit 502 according to a fourth embodiment to a structure 3 to obtain a sensor device 501. The fixing element 510 has a completely surrounding sealing frame 18. A support body through-hole 22b is formed in the base support element 514 and the circuit board 40.

[0066] Figure 5b The light curing adhesive 24 is shown to be filled into the cavity 20 through the support body through-slot 22b in the base support element 514, whereby the filling process can be better performed since a cartridge (not light-transmissive) can be more conveniently used.

[0067] Figure 5c Curing of the adhesive 24 by light irradiation by means of a light source 30 is shown.

[0068] After the adhesive 24 is cured, the light irradiation can be terminated ( Figure 5d ).

[0069] Figure 6a-d shows a method of providing a sensor device 601 by fixing a sensor unit 602 according to the fifth embodiment to a structure 3 .

[0070] The fixing element 610 has a light guide element 42 located between the base support element 614 and the two cavities 20. The light source 30 is detachably arranged on the outer periphery of the light guide element 42. The light source 30 emits a light beam 36 into the light guide element 42. The light guide element 42 is configured to guide the light beam 36 introduced by the light source 30 into the cavity 20 through the light guide element 42 and couple it out into the cavity. To this end, the light guide element 42 has a light emitting surface 628 in the area of ​​the cavity 20. The introduced light beam 36 is emitted again from the light guide element 42 through the light emitting surface 628 ( Figure 6c ). Accordingly, cavity 20 is illuminated indirectly by light source 30 with the aid of light coupled in from the outside. In this case, light is coupled into light-conducting element 42 at at least one location, in particular at a plurality of locations, particularly preferably over the entire circumference of light-conducting element 42.

[0071] Figure 6b The cavity 20 is shown filled via a frame through-gap 22a and a support through-gap 22b. Here, the frame through-gap 22a is formed in the sealing frame 18, while the support through-gap 22b is formed in the base support element 614 and the light guide element 42. The sealing frame 18 is formed in a surrounding manner and has no through-gap in the illustrated example. However, both cavities 20 can also be filled via corresponding frame through-gap 22a in the sealing frame 18 and / or via correspondingly positioned support through-gap 22b in the base support element 614.

[0072] Figure 6c The curing process of the light-curing adhesive 24 after filling the cavity 20 is shown. Here, in order to couple out the light beam 36 in the direction of the structure 3, the light-guiding element 42 can have nanostructures and / or microstructures, particularly in the region of the light-emitting surface 628, so that the cavity 20 can be illuminated as uniformly as possible. The light source 30 is supplied with energy, for example, by an external battery (not shown).

[0073] Figure 6d The sensor device 601 is shown in the finished state (sensor unit 602 is fixed on the structure 3). After the curing process, the light source 30 is separated from the fixing element 610. The protective cover 38 is arranged on the fixing element 610 by means of a press fit.

[0074] Taking all the figures into account, the present invention relates to a holding device 10, 310, 410, 510, 610 for a sensor 12, which can be fixed to a structure 3 by means of a light-curing adhesive 24. The light-curing adhesive 24 is cured by direct and / or indirect irradiation of a cavity 20, which is provided for receiving the light-curing adhesive 24. The present invention also relates to a sensor unit 2, 302, 402, 502, 602 having a sensor 12 and a holding device 10, 310, 410, 510, 610, a sensor arrangement 1, 401, 501, 601 having a sensor unit 2 and a structure 3, and a method for providing the arrangement 1, 401, 501, 601.

[0075] Reference Signs List

[0076] 1. 401, 501, 601 sensor devices;

[0077] 2, 302, 402, 502, 602 sensor units;

[0078] 3. Structure;

[0079] 10, 310, 410, 510, 610 fixing elements;

[0080] 12 sensors;

[0081] 14, 514, 614 base support elements;

[0082] 16. The direction of extension of the structure;

[0083] 18 sealing frame;

[0084] 20, 320 cavity;

[0085] 22a Frame clearance;

[0086] 22b supporting body through-gap;

[0087] 24 light-curing adhesives;

[0088] 26 transparent layer;

[0089] 28, 428, 628 light emitting surface;

[0090] 30 light sources;

[0091] 32 adhesives;

[0092] 34 tubes;

[0093] 36 beams;

[0094] 38 protective cover;

[0095] 40 Switchable electrical conductors / printed circuit boards

[0096] 42 light guide elements.

[0097] Reference List

[0098] [1] Solar Energy; Issue 6 / November-December 2011; pp. 50, 51.

[0099] [2] Erneuerbare Energien-Dichten / Kleben / Vergieβen-Photovoltaik-Module; OTTO-Chemie; https: / / www.otto-chemie.de / de / erneuerbare-energien.

[0100] [3] European patent application 19180254.5;

[0101] [4]DE 10 2017 216 811 A1.

Claims

1. A fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) for fixing a sensor (12) to a structure (3) to be monitored, wherein the fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) comprises: - a base support element (14, 514, 614); - a sealing frame (18) for sealing the base support element (14, 514, 614) relative to the structure (3); a cavity (20, 320) for receiving a light-curing adhesive (24), wherein the cavity (20, 320) is bounded on one side by the base support element (14, 514, 614) and peripherally by the sealing frame (18); - at least one light emitting surface (28, 428, 628) for coupling a light beam (36) into the cavity (20, 320), - at least one through-slot (22a, 22b) for introducing the light-curing adhesive (24) into the cavity (20, 320).

2. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 1, comprising at least one light source (30) for directly or indirectly illuminating at least partially the cavity (20, 320).

3. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 2, wherein A plurality of light sources (30) are arranged at intervals from each other.

4. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The light source (30) is arranged in the cavity (20, 320).

5. The fixing element (10, 310) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The base support element (14) comprises a transparent layer (26) in which the light source (30) is arranged.

6. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The light source (30) is configured to emit UV light.

7. The fixing element (610) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a light-guiding element (42) for connecting the light source (30) to the light-emitting surface (628) in a light-guiding manner.

8. The fixing element (610) according to claim 7, wherein The light source (30) is arranged on and / or in the sealing frame (18) along the circumferential direction of the sealing frame (18).

9. The fixing element (610) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein The light source (30) is detachably arranged on the base support element (614) and / or the sealing frame (18).

10. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 2, wherein The light source (30) is a light emitting diode.

11. The fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 3, wherein A plurality of light sources (30) are arranged at equal intervals.

12. A sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) comprising a sensor (12) and a fixing element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the sensor (12) is arranged on a side of the base support element (14, 514, 614) opposite to the cavity (20, 320).

13. The sensor unit according to claim 12, wherein The sensor (12) is a strain sensor.

14. The sensor unit according to claim 12, wherein The sensor (12) is a track monitoring element having an optical fiber with a fiber Bragg grating.

15. A sensor device (1, 401, 501, 601) comprising a sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 and a structure (3) to be monitored, wherein the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) is positioned on the structure (3) such that a cavity (20, 320) of the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) is bounded by the structure (3) on a side opposite to the base support element (14, 514, 614), and wherein the cavity (20, 320) is at least partially filled with a light-curing adhesive (24).

16. The sensor device according to claim 15, wherein An illumination device having at least one light source (30) can be arranged on the sensor unit (602), wherein the illumination device is designed to illuminate the cavity (20, 320) directly and / or indirectly.

17. The sensor device according to claim 15, wherein The cavity (20, 320) is at least partially filled with a UV light-cured adhesive (24).

18. The sensor device according to claim 16, wherein The lighting device can be fixed to the sensor unit (602).

19. Method for fastening a sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) according to any one of claims 12 to 14 to a structure (3), the method comprising the following method steps; a) applying the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) to the structure (3); b) introducing a light-curing adhesive (24) into the cavity (20, 320) of the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602); c) directing light (36) into the cavity (20, 320) to cure the adhesive (24).

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