Proximity sensor automated testing apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses an automated proximity sensor detection device, comprising a control output component, a high-low temperature chamber, and a proximity sensor. The control output component includes a motor and an angular displacement sensor, with the angular displacement sensor connected in series with the motor's output shaft. A rotating shaft is coaxially connected to the motor's output shaft, extending into the high-low temperature chamber. A proximity sensor target is mounted on the rotating shaft. A mounting plate is installed inside the high-low temperature chamber, and the proximity sensor is mounted on the mounting plate. When the output shaft rotates to bring the proximity sensor target to a vertical position, the proximity sensor probe engages with the proximity sensor target. This device can replace manual operation, enabling automated proximity sensor detection in high-low temperature environments, improving detection efficiency and effectiveness.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sensor detection and relates to an automated detection device for proximity sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Proximity sensors are widely used detection units in the field of automation, applied in areas such as switch status detection and intelligent identification. During production, proximity sensors inevitably develop defects of varying quantities and types, necessitating post-production testing of their electromagnetic characteristics. Traditional testing methods involve manual operation: fixing the proximity sensor probe, rotating the target to alter their position, and then using electronic instruments to detect the sensor's output electrical signal to determine if it meets design quality requirements. Manual factory testing of switch sensors is not only time-consuming, labor-intensive, and inefficient, but also inevitably introduces interference due to human error, making it difficult to synchronize experimental and actual values, resulting in significant errors in the test results. Furthermore, it cannot withstand parallel testing in high and low temperature environments, making the test conditions unable to accurately reflect the actual operating environment, thus casting doubt on the reliability of the test results. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an automated proximity sensor detection device that can replace manual operation, perform automated proximity sensor detection in high and low temperature environments, and improve detection efficiency and effectiveness.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] An automated detection device for proximity sensors includes a control output component, a high and low temperature chamber, and a proximity sensor.

[0006] The control output component includes a motor and an angular displacement sensor. The angular displacement sensor is connected in series with the output shaft of the motor. The output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected to a rotating shaft, which extends into the high and low temperature chamber. A proximity sensor target is installed on the rotating shaft.

[0007] The high and low temperature chamber is equipped with a mounting plate, on which a proximity sensor is mounted. When the output shaft rotates to make the proximity sensor target vertical, the proximity sensor probe is in contact with the proximity sensor target.

[0008] Preferably, the output shaft of the motor is coaxially connected in sequence to a motor-end dedicated coupling, a shaft-end dedicated coupling, and a rotating shaft, and the angular displacement sensor is coaxially connected to the motor-end dedicated coupling.

[0009] Preferably, the thickness of the proximity sensor mounting station on the mounting plate is the same as the thickness of the flange portion of the proximity sensor, and the proximity sensor mounting station is provided with a groove of the same size as the flange portion of the proximity sensor; each proximity sensor mounting station is provided with a rotating stop on both sides, and the rotating stop blocks cover the flange portion of the proximity sensor.

[0010] Furthermore, the rotating block includes a quick-release shaft, a spring, and two quick-release bars. The quick-release shaft is rotatably connected in the mounting plate, and the two quick-release bars are fixedly connected to both ends of the quick-release shaft. The spring is nested on the quick-release shaft, and both ends of the spring contact the back of the proximity sensor mounting station and the quick-release bar located on the back, respectively. When the spring is in its natural state, the quick-release bar located on the front of the proximity sensor mounting station is in contact with the front of the proximity sensor mounting station.

[0011] Preferably, a target buckle is connected to the rotating shaft, and the target buckle is provided with a T-shaped through groove. The proximity sensor target is connected to a target quick-release block, and the target quick-release block is provided with a T-shaped mounting block. The target quick-release block is connected to the target buckle through the through groove via the mounting block.

[0012] Furthermore, both the rotating shaft and the target buckle are provided with keyways, and the two keyways are connected by a key.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting plate has fixing plates on both sides, the rotating shaft passes through the two fixing plates, and the rotating shaft is connected to the fixing plates by bearings.

[0014] Preferably, the mounting plate is equipped with multiple proximity sensors, and the rotating shaft is provided with proximity sensor targets that are the same number of proximity sensors and have corresponding positions.

[0015] Preferably, three control output components are provided on each side of the high and low temperature chamber along the vertical direction. The operating surfaces of the control output components on both sides face the door of the high and low temperature chamber, and the control output components on both sides are staggered in the vertical direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the high and low temperature chamber is equipped with two layers of support plates, and the bottom of the mounting plate is equipped with feet. The upper two layers of mounting plates are placed on the support plates through the feet.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention controls the rotation of the proximity sensor target by a motor, replacing manual operation. Furthermore, no additional adjustments are required after each proximity sensor replacement, improving detection efficiency and effectiveness. It allows for real-time testing of the proximity sensor in environments with varying high and low temperatures, maximizing the reproduction of the proximity sensor's performance under various temperature conditions. The angular displacement sensor is connected in series with the motor's output shaft, enabling closed-loop control of the transmission shaft and precise measurement of the rotation angle of the proximity sensor target in the high and low temperature chamber.

[0019] Furthermore, by setting up dedicated couplings for the motor end and shaft end, a fully closed-loop feedback of the power output and rotation angle of the entire control output component is achieved.

[0020] Furthermore, by embedding the proximity sensor flange into the groove of the mounting plate and using a rotating block to cover the proximity sensor flange, the proximity sensor can be installed quickly, improving loading and unloading efficiency and facilitating manual loading and unloading operations.

[0021] Furthermore, a spring connects the quick-release shaft and the quick-release stop bar to achieve a self-resetting function, ensuring that the two quick-release stop bars always block the proximity sensor flange area and guarantee a secure fixation effect.

[0022] Furthermore, by setting a T-shaped through groove on the target buckle and a T-shaped mounting block on the target quick-assembly block, the T-shaped mounting block on the connected target quick-assembly block can be inserted into the T-shaped through groove of the target buckle, thereby realizing the rapid installation of the proximity sensor target, improving the loading and unloading efficiency and facilitating manual loading and unloading operations.

[0023] Furthermore, a keyway is used to limit the rotation between the rotating shaft and the target latch, ensuring synchronous rotation between the rotating shaft and the target latch, thus guaranteeing reliable detection accuracy.

[0024] Furthermore, the rotating shaft is connected to two fixed plates on both sides of the mounting plate via bearings, ensuring eccentric rotation at the end of the rotating shaft, which causes a decrease in detection accuracy.

[0025] Furthermore, considering efficiency and heat distribution in the high and low temperature chambers, a three-row, two-column layout is adopted, with two columns featuring staggered openings on the left and right sides. This allows a single testing device to simultaneously measure multiple proximity sensors, improving testing efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the testing equipment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a front view of the overall layout of the testing equipment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3This is a top view of the interior of the high and low temperature chamber of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the detection principle of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control output component of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the proximity sensor detection principle of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor probe quick-release assembly of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 This is a front view of the sensor detection fixture of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the back of the sensor detection fixture of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor target installation station of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sensor target quick-assembly assembly of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the target snap-fit ​​structure of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the 7 sets of proximity sensor target quick-mount components of the present invention.

[0039] In the diagram, 1. Control output component, 2. High and low temperature chamber, 3. Sensor detection fixture, 4. Coupling, 5. Motor, 6. Motor bracket, 7. Motor end coupling, 8. Angular displacement sensor, 9. Shaft end coupling, 10. Proximity sensor, 11. Mounting plate, 12. Proximity sensor target, 13. Rotating shaft, 14. Flange, 15. Quick-release stop bar, 16. Spring, 17. Block-mounted shaft, 18. Limit screw, 19. Target quick-release block, 20. Target clip, 21. Clip mounting screw, 22. Key, 23. Target mounting screw, 24. Keyway. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] It should be noted that the terms “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the attached diagram, while the terms “inside” and “outside” refer to the directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] The automated detection device for proximity sensors in high and low temperature environments described in this invention, such as... Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the system includes a control output component 1, a high and low temperature chamber 2, and a sensor detection fixture 3.

[0044] The sensor detection fixtures 3 are evenly distributed in three rows and two columns inside the high and low temperature chamber 2. The control output components 1 are installed on the outer wall of the high and low temperature chamber 2 in the same manner, and are connected to the sensor detection fixtures 3 one by one to provide them with the power required for operation.

[0045] like Figure 4 , 5 As shown. The control output component 1 includes a motor 5, a motor bracket 6, a dedicated coupling 7 for the motor end, an angular displacement sensor 8, and a dedicated coupling 9 for the shaft end. The motor 5 is mounted on the motor bracket 6, and the motor output shaft is fixed to the dedicated coupling 7 for the motor end by screws. The angular displacement sensor 8 is mounted on the dedicated coupling 7 for the motor end, and the dedicated coupling 9 for the shaft end is connected to the dedicated coupling 7 for the motor end by screws. The output shaft end of the dedicated coupling 9 for the shaft end is then connected to the rotating shaft 13 through a coupling 4. The rotating shaft 13 extends into the high and low temperature chamber 2 and is mounted on the sensor detection fixture 3, thereby realizing a closed-loop feedback of the power output and rotation angle of the entire control output component 1.

[0046] like Figure 6As shown, the sensor detection fixture 3 includes a mounting plate 11, a proximity sensor 10, and a proximity sensor probe quick-release assembly. The proximity sensor 10 is mounted on the mounting plate 11, and the proximity sensor probe quick-release assembly fixes the proximity sensor 10 to the mounting plate 11. The proximity sensor target 12 is mounted on the rotating shaft 13 via the proximity sensor target quick-release assembly. In the initial state, the proximity sensor 10 and the proximity sensor target 12 are in a specific position, with the proximity sensor target 12 in a vertical position and the probe of the proximity sensor 10 in contact with the proximity sensor target 12. When the rotating shaft 13 is driven by the motor 5 and causes the proximity sensor target 12 to rotate counterclockwise by a specific angle, the output electrical signal of the proximity sensor 10 changes, thereby determining whether the proximity sensor 10 meets the performance indicators.

[0047] like Figure 4 As shown, mounting plate 11 has fixing plates on both sides, and rotating shaft 13 passes through the two fixing plates. Rotating shaft 13 is connected to the fixing plates by bearings.

[0048] like Figure 8 , 9 As shown, the thickness of the sensor mounting position on the mounting plate 11 is the same as the thickness of the flange portion 14 of the proximity sensor 10. The mounting plate 11 is provided with a groove of the same size as the flange portion 14 of the proximity sensor 10. The flange portion 14 of the proximity sensor 10 is embedded into the groove of the mounting plate 11, and the end face of the embedded flange portion 14 is kept flush.

[0049] like Figure 7 As shown, the proximity sensor probe quick-release assembly consists of quick-release baffles 15, springs 16, and quick-release shafts 17. The quick-release shaft 17 is rotatably connected to the mounting plate 11. Two quick-release baffles 15 are fixedly connected to both ends of the quick-release shaft 17. The spring 16 is nested on the quick-release shaft 17, with both ends of the spring 16 contacting the back of the proximity sensor mounting station and the quick-release baffle 15 located on the back. When the spring 16 is in its natural state, the quick-release baffle 15 located on the front of the proximity sensor mounting station is in contact with the front of the proximity sensor mounting station.

[0050] From the operator Figure 8 As shown, press and rotate the quick-release bar 15 from the front. The quick-release bar 15 will then... Figure 7 The transmission method shown transmits rotational power to the quick-release stop bar 15 connected to the other end of the quick-release shaft 17, i.e. Figure 9 As shown, the quick-release stop bar 15 will rotate until it is stopped by the limit screw 18. At this point, the operator can no longer rotate the quick-release stop bar 15. After releasing the screw, the operator can then... Figure 8 The spring 16 inside will extend, causing Figure 9 The quick-release retaining strip 15 presses firmly against the proximity sensor 10, thereby completing the quick installation of the proximity sensor 10.

[0051] like Figure 10 As shown, the proximity sensor target quick-release assembly is composed of a target quick-release block 19, a target clip 20, and a clip mounting screw 21. The target clip 20 is provided with a T-shaped through groove, and the proximity sensor target 12 is connected to the target quick-release block 19, which is provided with a T-shaped mounting block.

[0052] The target clip 20 is fixed to the rotating shaft 13 by the key 22 and the clip mounting screw 21. The target 12 and the target quick-release block 19 are connected by the target mounting screw 23. After the connection is completed, simply insert the T-shaped mounting block on the connected target quick-release block 19 into the T-shaped through slot of the target clip 20. Figure 11 , 12 As shown, this eliminates the need for the operator to install the sensor target 12 in the high and low temperature chamber 2.

[0053] like Figure 13 As shown, the seven sets of proximity sensor target quick-mount assemblies are mounted on the rotating shaft 13 via keys 22 and snap-fit ​​screws 21. Both the rotating shaft 13 and the target snap-fit ​​20 are provided with keyways 24, and the two keyways 24 are connected by keys 22. This ensures the consistency of the initial installation state of each set of proximity sensor target quick-mount assemblies from the outset, thus establishing the feasibility of simultaneous automated testing at seven stations.

[0054] Seven proximity sensors 10 are mounted on the mounting plate 11, and seven proximity sensor targets 12 are set on the rotating shaft 13. The positions of the seven proximity sensor targets 12 correspond to the positions of the seven proximity sensors 10. Three control output components 1 are set on each side of the high and low temperature chamber 2 along the vertical direction. The control output components 1 on both sides are mirrored on the horizontal plane, so that the operating surfaces of the control output components 1 on both sides face the door side of the high and low temperature chamber 2. The mounting plate 11 is set in the corresponding position inside the high and low temperature chamber 2.

[0055] Considering efficiency and heat distribution in the high and low temperature chamber 2, a three-row, two-column layout is adopted, with the two columns having staggered openings on the left and right sides, and the test fixtures are symmetrically distributed; moreover, each set of test fixtures can evenly distribute 7 sensor installation test stations, thus enabling one detection device to simultaneously measure 42 sets of proximity sensors 10 in parallel.

[0056] The high and low temperature chamber 2 is equipped with two layers of support plates. The bottom of the mounting plate 11 is provided with hoof feet, and the upper two layers of mounting plates 11 are placed on the support plates through the hoof feet.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0058] It should be understood that the above description is for illustrative purposes and not for limitation. Many embodiments and applications beyond the provided examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description. Therefore, the scope of this teaching should not be determined by reference to the above description, but rather by reference to the foregoing claims and the full scope of their equivalents. For purposes of completeness, all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference. The omission of any aspect of the subject matter disclosed herein in the foregoing claims is not intended as a waiver of that subject matter, nor should it be construed as an indication that the applicant has not considered that subject matter as part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A proximity sensor automated detection apparatus, characterized by, Includes a control output component (1), a high and low temperature chamber (2), and a proximity sensor (10); The control output component (1) includes a motor (5) and an angular displacement sensor (8). The angular displacement sensor (8) is connected in series with the output shaft of the motor (5). The output shaft of the motor (5) is coaxially connected to a rotating shaft (13). The rotating shaft (13) extends into the high and low temperature chamber (2). A proximity sensor target (12) is provided on the rotating shaft (13). A mounting plate (11) is installed inside the high and low temperature chamber (2). A proximity sensor (10) is installed on the mounting plate (11). When the output shaft rotates to make the proximity sensor target (12) vertical, the probe of the proximity sensor (10) is in contact with the proximity sensor target (12). The thickness of the proximity sensor mounting station on the mounting plate (11) is the same as the thickness of the flange part (14) of the proximity sensor (10). The proximity sensor mounting station is provided with a groove of the same size as the flange part (14) of the proximity sensor (10). Rotating blocks are provided on both sides of each proximity sensor mounting station, and the rotating blocks cover the flange part (14) of the proximity sensor (10). The rotating block includes a quick-release shaft (17), a spring (16), and two quick-release bars (15). The quick-release shaft (17) is rotatably connected in the mounting plate (11). The two quick-release bars (15) are fixedly connected to both ends of the quick-release shaft (17). The spring (16) is nested on the quick-release shaft (17). The two ends of the spring (16) are in contact with the back of the proximity sensor mounting station and the quick-release bar (15) located on the back. When the spring (16) is in its natural state, the quick-release bar (15) located on the front of the proximity sensor mounting station is in contact with the front of the proximity sensor mounting station. A target buckle (20) is connected to the rotating shaft (13). The target buckle (20) is provided with a through groove with a T-shaped cross section. The proximity sensor target (12) is connected to a target quick-release block (19). The target quick-release block (19) is provided with a mounting block with a T-shaped cross section. The target quick-release block (19) is connected to the through groove of the target buckle (20) through the mounting block. Both the rotating shaft (13) and the target buckle (20) are provided with keyways (24), and the two keyways (24) are connected by a key (22).

2. The automated proximity sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output shaft of the motor (5) is coaxially connected to a motor end special coupling (7), a shaft end special coupling (9), and a rotating shaft (13) in sequence. The angular displacement sensor (8) is coaxially connected to the motor end special coupling (7).

3. The automated proximity sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate (11) has fixed plates on both sides, and the rotating shaft (13) passes through the two fixed plates. The rotating shaft (13) is connected to the fixed plate by bearings.

4. The automated proximity sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple proximity sensors (10) are mounted on the mounting plate (11), and proximity sensor targets (12) with the same number and position as the proximity sensors (10) are set on the rotating shaft (13).

5. The automated proximity sensor detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Three control output components (1) are provided on each side of the high and low temperature chamber (2) along the vertical direction. The operating surfaces of the control output components (1) on both sides face the door of the high and low temperature chamber (2). The control output components (1) on both sides are staggered in the vertical direction.

6. The proximity sensor automated detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The high and low temperature chamber (2) is equipped with two layers of support plates. The bottom of the mounting plate (11) is equipped with hoof feet. The upper two layers of mounting plates (11) are placed on the support plates through the hoof feet.

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