Tilt sensor with zero indication

Abstract

The invention relates to a tilt sensor with a zero position indication for indicating a predetermined zero position, comprising an indicating device with an optical indicator and a control unit for controlling the indicating device. The indicating device is configured to emit a fixed first signal by means of the optical indicator at the zero position and a fixed second signal by means of the optical indicator at a position deviating from the zero position. The second signal comprises information about the degree of deviation of the position from the zero position, and the optical indicator consists of only one light source. In a method of indicating a predetermined zero position, a current position relative to the predetermined zero position is detected; a control signal is generated, and the indicating device with the optical indicator is controlled on the basis of the control signal such that a fixed first signal is emitted at the zero position and a fixed second signal is emitted at the current position deviating from the zero position. The second signal comprises information about the degree of deviation of the position from the zero position, and the optical indicator consists of only one light source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a tilt sensor with a zero-position indicator. The invention also relates to a method for indicating a predetermined zero position. Background Technology

[0002] In many technological fields, such as process automation, accurately knowing the position of components or parts in space is crucial. In this context, tilt sensors are known, which can, for example, output a tilt value relative to a reference position via a serial interface.

[0003] A recurring problem is that aligning such tilt sensors and potentially related components requires considerable effort when they are put into use. In particular, serial communication with the device must first be established to read the values, which involves a significant amount of work and requires appropriate hardware.

[0004] Furthermore, when tilt sensors that output zero position via electronic analog signals are put into operation, special measuring equipment is required to bring the sensor to zero. This complicates the use of such sensors, especially for tilt sensors that detect tilt on multiple axes, which require multiple measuring instruments.

[0005] It is known that attempts are made to resolve the tilt value output via a digital display or via a bar or bar graph indicator with a series of light sources. This also implies a considerable amount of additional work. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the tilt sensor and the method for indicating a predetermined zero position, thereby enabling particularly simple verification of a fixed zero position, especially when the tilt sensor is in operation.

[0007] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives is described in the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The solution according to the present invention to achieve the above-mentioned objective is a tilt sensor having a zero-position indicator for indicating a predetermined zero position. The tilt sensor includes an indicating device with an optical indicator and a control unit for controlling the indicating device. The indicating device is configured to emit a fixed first signal via the optical indicator at the zero position and a fixed second signal via the optical indicator at positions deviating from the zero position. In this case, the second signal includes information about the degree of deviation from the zero position. Furthermore, the optical indicator consists of only one light source.

[0009] The basic concept of this invention lies in using a single light source to output information. This allows the user to easily determine whether the current position corresponds to or deviates from a predetermined zero point. The deviation is also quantitatively specified because the second signal includes information about the degree of deviation. Specifically, the first signal is configured to be optically distinguishable from the second signal.

[0010] Specifically, a tilt sensor with an optical indicator consisting of only one light source is employed to indicate the zero position or deviation from zero of a particular tilt axis. This tilt axis can correspond to the axis of a device, such as the longitudinal or transverse axis of a component or element to which the tilt sensor is attached to monitor its tilt. In another example, multiple tilt sensors can be provided for each tilt axis, each with a light source for indicating the zero position, and integrated into a common unit.

[0011] Compared to known tilt sensors that only qualitatively indicate whether the current position corresponds to or deviates from zero (binary indication), the tilt sensor of the present invention can easily detect the quantitative distance between the current tilt and the set zero position.

[0012] This invention enables easy identification of near-zero positions, especially during commissioning, thereby simplifying installation and alignment.

[0013] Compared to ordinary levels, it also avoids the risks to the environment and user health that may arise from leaks, freezing, or glass breakage within the level tube.

[0014] Compared to other tilt measurement methods, tilt sensors also do not exhibit parallax error during reading. Otherwise, such errors must be considered, especially in non-electronic methods.

[0015] Furthermore, no additional accessories are required, and no additional manufacturing costs are incurred.

[0016] The tilt sensor uses only a single light source for its output, allowing it to be used in darkness without external illumination. It can also operate at low temperatures, which is challenging for some displays, LCDs, or liquid level tubes. Furthermore, it enables long-distance visual detection and quantitative assessment of signals emitted by the light source, signals that are difficult for displays to read under conditions, especially in darkness.

[0017] In one implementation, information about the deviation from zero is provided in the form of the blink frequency and / or color and / or variable duty cycle and / or brightness impression of an optical indicator. This allows the user to advantageously and simply record and interpret the signal intuitively.

[0018] Specifically, regarding the second signal, the optical or photoelectric parameters of the optical indicator are selected so that the user's eye can perceive quantitative changes in the parameters. For example, depending on the degree of deviation to be indicated, the parameters can change gradually or continuously.

[0019] The first signal can, for example, include the continuous illumination of an optical indicator, particularly one with a certain brightness. Alternatively, it can be emitted by being unlit, particularly in a dark state where the light source is obscured.

[0020] The second signal may include, for example, the blinking of an optical indicator, particularly the periodic changes in brightness between different levels of brightness or between on / off states of the optical indicator. The blinking frequency can vary with the degree of deviation; for example, the greater the deviation of the current position from zero, the faster the blinking frequency.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, a second signal can be generated based on the deviation amount. That is, the second signal varies depending on the degree to which the current position deviates from a predetermined zero position. For example, the second signal can be generated based on the degree of tilt of the current position relative to the predetermined zero position. The generation of the second signal can be independent of the direction of deviation from the zero position, so that the second signal is output solely based on the deviation amount.

[0022] In one example, the light source remains lit when the current position corresponds to a predetermined zero point, and the flicker frequency decreases as the current position deviates further from the predetermined zero point. In other examples, different relationships between the flicker of the light source and a quantitative deviation from the predetermined zero point can be provided, such as a flicker frequency that increases with increasing deviation, or another type of flicker signal modulation.

[0023] In addition, the first and / or second signals can be output acoustically, and the deviation (especially the direction and / or amount of deviation) can be output through acoustic parameters such as volume, acoustic oscillation frequency and / or acoustic signal.

[0024] In another embodiment, a second signal may be specified based on the direction of deviation from a predetermined zero position. Specifically, the information regarding the degree of deviation included in the second signal may relate to both the direction and amount of deviation. For example, an optical indicator may have different colors depending on the direction of deviation, and the flashing frequency may also depend on the amount of deviation.

[0025] Specifically, the current position is detected by a sensor element. The sensor element may be contained within or connected to a tilt sensor via a data link. Specifically, the sensor element is configured to detect the current position, such as relative to a predetermined zero position.

[0026] For example, tilt can be recorded as a degree of rotation or tilt about a specific tilt axis in space. This degree of rotation can include a quantity that can be specified in degrees. It can also include direction, particularly the possibility of two opposing directions of rotation about the axis.

[0027] The zero point can be set relative to exactly one axis of rotation; the tilt sensor can indicate the deviation from the zero point in two opposite directions. In other examples, the zero point can be specified as an orientation in a specific plane, which is extended by two mutually perpendicular axes of rotation; the tilt sensor can then indicate the deviation from the zero point by tilting around these two axes.

[0028] The tilt sensor specifically includes a light source for indicating the zero position or deviation from a predetermined zero position. In particular, the indication by the light source relates to tilting about a specific tilt axis, especially relative to a tilt axis fixed to the tilt sensor.

[0029] In another embodiment, the light source is a light-emitting diode (LED). Alternatively or additionally, another self-emissive indicator element may be used instead of the LED.

[0030] A single light source can also be understood as multiple components that control a common lighting effect. These components can be integrated, for example, in a common component or on a single circuit board, and controlled together in the same way.

[0031] The predetermined zero point can be set, for example, relative to the Earth's gravitational field in a manner corresponding to a horizontal or vertical position. In this case, the predetermined zero point is parallel to or perpendicular to the direction of the Earth's gravitational field.

[0032] In one implementation, any position can be freely set as the predetermined zero point, particularly a position deviating from the horizontal or vertical direction. The use of the tilt sensor of this invention is thus independent of the direction of gravitational acceleration; that is, it is not limited by the horizontal "horizon" or vertical direction in the gravitational field. Specifically, the zero point can actually be set arbitrarily.

[0033] For this purpose, for example, an interface can be provided through which the input used to set the desired value of a predetermined zero position can be detected.

[0034] In another example, the predetermined zero point is set by bringing the tilt sensor or its sensor element to the desired zero point and confirming that this is the predetermined zero point. This predetermined zero point is then stored, and in future measurements, deviations from this predetermined zero point are detected, with the deviation amount output as necessary.

[0035] In another embodiment, the predetermined zero position can be selected by choosing from a plurality of predetermined positions. For example, different preset positions can be provided in a menu or table, such as through an interface or a display or output unit coupled to the tilt sensor. Selection can also be made, for example, by user input.

[0036] For example, a switch can be set to set a preset value in a list of preset sequences to zero by manipulating the switch; the output of the currently set zero value can also be set.

[0037] In an example with two selectable predetermined zero positions, the horizontal zero position and the vertical zero position can be switched by manipulating a switch, for example.

[0038] In another embodiment, the tilt sensor also includes an indicating element for outputting the degree of deviation from zero via alphanumeric characters. Advantageously, the user can identify the degree of deviation of the current position from zero with particular precision. Specifically, an optical indicator is configured with exactly one light source in combination with the alphanumeric indicating element.

[0039] In one embodiment, the tilt sensor also includes an interface for data linking with an external device, particularly via an IO-Link link or other methods. Thus, data detected by the tilt sensor can be advantageously transmitted to the external device, and / or the tilt sensor can be configured via the external device. For example, the external device can be used to set a zero point, particularly through a user interface provided by the external device and / or through input data recorded by the external device.

[0040] If the tilt sensor has a digital communication interface, such as via IO-Link or a similar protocol, then any position can be set as the tilt sensor's "zero position".

[0041] For example, a predetermined zero point can be set relative to the horizontal or vertical orientation. However, without a zero point indication, the user cannot easily estimate whether the tilt corresponds to or deviates from the zero point. In this case, the particular advantage of the tilt sensor of the present invention is that the user can easily detect the current deviation from the zero point even if the zero point is not initially known.

[0042] Tilt sensors may include energy storage devices for power supply, such as batteries, or may be connected to an external power supply port.

[0043] The present invention also relates to a sensor device having at least two tilt sensors as described in this specification. The tilt sensors are configured to indicate predetermined zero positions along their respective degrees of freedom.

[0044] This means that, for example, the sensor device uses a first light source to indicate a predetermined zero point or deviation from zero relative to a first tilt axis. It also uses a second light source to indicate a predetermined zero point or deviation from zero relative to a second tilt axis. The first and second tilt axes may be perpendicular to each other. In another example, the sensor device may include a third light source through which a predetermined zero point or deviation from zero is indicated relative to a third tilt axis. The third tilt axis may also be perpendicular to the first and / or second tilt axes.

[0045] A common sensor element can be used to detect tilt about one or more tilt axes. For example, a triaxial accelerometer sensor element (MEMS) can be used, which includes a vibrating mass whose vibration is affected by acceleration (e.g., gravitational acceleration). Various sensor components within the sensor element detect this vibration, for example, relative to three axes oriented perpendicularly to each other. The sensor element can then output these three components as three acceleration values, thereby determining the current position of the device. For example, for a single-axis tilt sensor, the three components are projected onto one tilt axis through computation; for a dual-axis tilt sensor, the three components are projected onto two axes, specifically the device's pitch and roll axes. Each device axis uses a light source to indicate the tilt relative to a respective preset zero point.

[0046] This type of sensor device can be used to check the orientation along a plane and quantitatively output the deviation from zero. In this case, a predetermined zero point is set along two axes or directions, which are specifically oriented perpendicularly to each other and unfold over the plane where the zero point is located.

[0047] The sensor device has at least two tilt sensors, each with exactly one light source, which can be easily distinguished by different light parameters, such as different colors of light sources used to output different directional deviations.

[0048] In particular, the tilt sensor is integrated into the common housing.

[0049] It may also be specified that the device includes one or more tilt sensors specifically arranged in a common housing. Each tilt sensor includes a light-emitting unit, specifically for indicating the zero position or deviation from zero relative to the tilt axis of the device. To detect tilt, the tilt sensors may use a common sensor element or multiple separate sensor elements as physical sensors.

[0050] In methods for indicating a predetermined zero position, the current position relative to the predetermined zero position is detected, for example, by a sensor element. A control signal is generated by a control unit, and an indicating device with an optical indicator is controlled based on the control signal, such that a fixed first signal is emitted at the zero position and a fixed second signal is emitted at the current position deviating from the zero position. In this case, the second signal includes information about the degree of deviation of the position from the zero position. The optical indicator consists of only one light source.

[0051] The method described above is particularly suitable for operating the tilt sensor. Therefore, it has the same advantages as the tilt sensor and can be improved in a similar manner. Attached Figure Description

[0052] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0053] In the picture:

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the tilt sensor is shown; and

[0055] Figure 2 Examples of the first and second signals are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the tilt sensor.

[0057] The tilt sensor 1 includes sensor element 5.

[0058] It also includes a control unit 20, which is a processor in this example.

[0059] It also includes an optical indicating device 10.

[0060] The indicating device 10 includes an indicating mechanism 15.

[0061] In this embodiment, the indicating mechanism 15 is composed of a light source 16, namely LED 16.

[0062] The tilt sensor 1 also includes an interface 25.

[0063] Sensor element 5 and optical indicator 10 are coupled to control unit 20.

[0064] The control unit 20 is configured to receive sensor data recorded by the sensor element 5.

[0065] The control unit 20 is also configured to control the indicator device 10.

[0066] Specifically, the indicator device 10 is controlled based on the received sensor data. For example, the control unit 20 generates control data, which is transmitted to the indicator device 10, and the light source 16 displays a specific lighting state according to the control data.

[0067] In addition, interface 25 is coupled to control unit 20.

[0068] In this embodiment, the interface is configured to establish a data link 45 to an external device 40. Data exchange can be performed through the data link 45.

[0069] In this embodiment, there is an IO-Link link 45 between the interface 25 of the tilt sensor 1 and the external device 40. Here, the external device 40 is configured as an IO-Link master station 40. In this example, the tilt sensor 1 is configured as an IO-Link device, which can provide other configurations, protocols and linking methods, especially any wired or wireless data link.

[0070] In another example, the link 45 between the tilt sensor 1 and the external device 40 is accomplished via a "single-pair Ethernet" link (SPE).

[0071] Power can also be supplied to tilt sensor 1 via link 45.

[0072] In other examples, an additional port may be provided for external power supply, or the tilt sensor 1 may include a battery.

[0073] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The following describes an embodiment of a method for indicating a predetermined zero position or a deviation from a predetermined zero position. The following detailed description is based on the embodiment of the tilt sensor 1 described above.

[0074] Sensor element 5 detects the current position, i.e., the current tilt. In this embodiment, detection is achieved by detecting the tilt around a specific axis. Sensor data containing information about the current tilt is generated and transmitted to control unit 20.

[0075] In this example, the current position is recorded as a deviation from a predetermined zero point, which is used as a reference position or reference tilt. In this embodiment, the amount of deviation from the predetermined zero point is detected. In other embodiments, the direction of deviation is also detected.

[0076] The control unit 20 generates a control signal based on the received sensor data and transmits it to the optical indicating device 10.

[0077] In other embodiments, information about the detected tilt is transmitted to an external device 45 via interface 25 and data link 45, or the information is available for the external device to access.

[0078] The optical indicator 10 receives a control signal. Based on the control signal, the indicator 10 is controlled to cause the light source 16 to present a specific lighting state.

[0079] The indicating device 10, which has an optical indicator 15, is controlled in such a way that when the detected current position corresponds to a predetermined zero position, a fixed first signal 30 is emitted by the light source 16. A certain tolerance is set, such as between 0.1° and 2°, preferably 0.5°, within which deviation from the predetermined zero position is allowed.

[0080] Conversely, if a deviation from zero is detected in the current position, a fixed second signal 35 is emitted. The second signal 35 includes information about the degree of deviation from zero.

[0081] The optical indicator 15 consists of only a single light source 16. In other embodiments, the light source 16 may include multiple light-emitting elements, but these light-emitting elements produce a light impression that is indistinguishable to the user. For example, the light source 16 may include layers or light-emitting elements that emit light in different colors so that the color of the light emitted by the light source 16 can be controlled.

[0082] exist Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a first signal 30 and a second signal 35. The intensity I(t) of the light emitted by the light source 16 is plotted as a function of time t. With the first signal 30, the light source 16 is continuously lit at intensity I1. With the second signal 35, the light source 16 flickers, periodically jumping back and forth between an intensity I of 0 and another intensity I2; thus, the light source 16 periodically switches on and off. In another example, the intensities I1 and I2 of the first signal 30 and the second signal 35 are the same.

[0083] The second signal 35 also functions as a function of the detected deviation from the zero position. In this embodiment, the closer the current position is to the predetermined zero position, the higher the flashing frequency; when the zero position is reached, the second signal 35 becomes the first signal 30 and the light source 16 remains lit. A certain tolerance can be set within which the zero position is considered to have been reached, for example, + / - 0.5°. In another embodiment, the farther the current position is from the zero position, the faster the light source 16 flashes.

[0084] In another embodiment, alternatively or additionally, the more the current position deviates from zero, the brighter the light source 16 emits light.

[0085] In another implementation, the light source 16 is illuminated in different colors depending on the direction of deviation from zero.

[0086] In another embodiment, it can be specified that the output of the tilt sensor 1 with light source 16 is activated in the event of a change in the current position or in response to an operational action. A timeout, such as 5 to 60 seconds, preferably 10 seconds, can also be specified, during which the output of light source 16 is terminated if no change in tilt is detected within this time period.

[0087] Another embodiment of how to use the tilt sensor 1 described above is described below.

[0088] In one example, tilt sensor 1 is put into operation, particularly in conjunction with machine components connected to tilt sensor 1, at which point the user assumes a predetermined zero point has been found. During this operation, support can be provided to the user by indicating the zero point or deviations from it.

[0089] The sensor unit 5 of the tilt sensor 1 detects the tilt relative to a set tilt axis.

[0090] In other embodiments, a plurality of tilt sensors 1 are integrated into a sensor device, wherein these tilt sensors 1 are associated with different tilt axes. In particular, two tilt sensors 1 may be associated with two tilt axes that extend perpendicularly to each other.

[0091] Multiple tilt sensors 1 can use the same sensor element 5 (such as a multi-axis MEMS unit) to detect tilt. In another embodiment, multiple sensor elements 5 can be provided.

[0092] In this embodiment, the common control unit 20 is specified to output the tilt angle around various tilt axes (such as rotation axis, roll axis, or pitch axis) of the device via multiple indicating devices 10, particularly via multiple light sources 16. The indicating devices 10 can be controlled, for example, via separate ports and / or software modules of the common control unit 20.

[0093] In this embodiment, the light source 16 is a yellow LED 16, which displays the zero position indicator. The faster the LED 16 flashes, the closer the detected current position is to zero. It remains lit when the tilt sensor 1 is within a window of ±0.5° around the predetermined zero position.

[0094] In this example, the tilt sensor 1 has a digital communication interface 25, through which an external device 40 is connected via an IO-Link link. The external device 40 can then be used, for example, to set a predetermined zero position based on configuration.

[0095] The tilt sensor 1 can be powered by a power supply or a battery. In other examples, power can also be supplied via interface 25.

[0096] List of reference numerals

[0097] 1. Tilt sensor

[0098] 5. Sensor Components

[0099] 10 Indicating devices

[0100] 15 Indicators

[0101] 16. Light source (LED)

[0102] 20 Control Units

[0103] 25 Interfaces

[0104] 30 First Signal

[0105] 35 Second signal

[0106] 40 External devices; IO-Link master station

[0107] 45. Data link; IO-Link link

[0108] I Intensity

[0109] I1 (first signal) intensity

[0110] I2 (second signal) intensity

[0111] t time

Claims

1. A tilt sensor (1) having a zero-position indication for indicating a predetermined zero position, comprising: Indicator (10) having an optical indicator (15); and Control unit (20) for controlling the indicator device (10); The indicator device (10) is configured to emit a fixed first signal (30) through the optical indicator (15) when it is at the zero position and to emit a fixed second signal (35) through the optical indicator (15) when it is at a position away from the zero position. The second signal (35) includes information about the degree of deviation of the position from zero. The second signal (35) is formed based on the deviation of the current position from the predetermined zero position, and, with respect to the second signal (35), the optical or photoelectric parameters of the optical indicator (15) can continuously change according to the deviation to be indicated; and The optical indicator (15) consists of only one light source (16).

2. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein, Information about the degree of deviation from zero is provided in the form of the flashing frequency and / or color and / or variable duty cycle and / or brightness impression of the optical indicator (15).

3. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The light source (16) is an LED.

4. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The position can be freely set to a predetermined zero position that deviates from the position perpendicular to or parallel to the Earth's gravitational field.

5. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined zero position can be selected by choosing from multiple predetermined positions.

6. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1 further includes: Indicator element used to output the deviation from zero position via alphanumeric characters.

7. The tilt sensor (1) according to claim 1 further includes: Interface (25) is used for data linking with external devices (40).

8. A sensor device having at least two tilt sensors (1) according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, The tilt sensor (1) is configured to indicate a predetermined zero position along its respective degree of freedom, wherein the tilt sensor (1) is integrated in a common housing.

9. A method for indicating a predetermined zero position, wherein, Detect the current position relative to the predetermined zero position; Generate control signals; and The control signal controls the indicator device (10) with an optical indicator (15) so that a fixed first signal (30) is emitted at the zero position and a fixed second signal (35) is emitted at the current position deviating from the zero position. The second signal (35) includes information about the degree of deviation of the position from zero. The second signal (35) is formed based on the deviation of the current position from the predetermined zero position, and, with respect to the second signal (35), the optical or photoelectric parameters of the optical indicator (15) can continuously change according to the deviation to be indicated; and The optical indicator (15) consists of only one light source (16).

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