Sensor device for spectroscopically detecting a substance

Abstract

The invention relates to a kind of optical spectrum sensor device (10) for detecting at least one predetermined analyte component of measuring fluid, wherein the sensor device (10) includes: - sensor housing (12);- radiation source (64);- detector device (66);- barrier device (28) that is permeable to measuring radiation and is not permeable to analyte component;- polymer matrix (40), the polymer matrix receives and releases analyte component;- reflector device (36;136), the reflector device has signal side (36b;136b) that is directed to polymer matrix (40) and barrier device (28);Wherein reflector device (36;136) has at least one channel (54;154) that is through the reflector device, through the channel, exchanges analyte component between measuring environment (M) and polymer matrix (40) on the signal side (36b;136b) of the reflector device (10), wherein the reflector device (10) is reflected back to the direction of the device section (18) towards the incident measuring radiation.It is proposed according to the invention that the sensor device (10) has a different spacing guarantee mechanism (48) from polymer matrix (40), and the spacing guarantee mechanism is configured to prevent the reflector device (36;136) from approaching the barrier device (28).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a spectroscopic sensor device for detecting at least one predetermined analyte component in a measuring fluid, wherein the sensor device comprises:

[0002] - A sensor housing having a device section and a sample section;

[0003] - A radiation source disposed in the equipment section, the radiation source being configured to emit electromagnetic measurement radiation that interacts with at least one predetermined analyte component in the direction of the sample section;

[0004] - A detector device installed in the equipment section, the detector device being configured to detect electromagnetic radiation incident in a direction toward the sample section;

[0005] - For measuring a barrier device that is permeable to radiation and impermeable to at least one predetermined analyte component, wherein the barrier device is disposed between the device section and the sample section;

[0006] - A polymer matrix disposed in a sample section, the polymer matrix being configured to receive and re-release at least one analyte component;

[0007] - A reflector device disposed in the sample section, the reflector device having a signal side pointing towards the polymer matrix and the barrier device and a fluid side opposite to the signal side;

[0008] The reflector device has at least one channel through the reflector device, through which at least one analyte component is exchanged between the external measurement environment containing the measurement fluid on the fluid side of the reflector device and the polymer matrix located on the signal side of the reflector device during the conventional measurement operation of the sensor device. The reflector device is configured and arranged to reflect back the measurement radiation incident on its signal side from the device segment through the polymer matrix in a direction toward the device segment. Background Technology

[0009] Such sensor devices are known in DE 20 2004 013 614 U1. Known sensor devices, such as the preferred sensor device of the present invention, are used to determine the analyte composition of a measuring fluid, preferably CO2, by non-dispersive infrared spectroscopy, which is also simply referred to in the art as "NDIR" spectroscopy.

[0010] A fundamental measurement principle of this invention utilizes the absorption of electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength or wavelength range by the analyte component as an interaction between the analyte component and the measurement radiation. Typically, the analyte component, physically dissolved in the measurement fluid, can diffuse from the measurement environment into the polymer matrix via a diffusion process. There, the analyte component absorbs electromagnetic measurement radiation of a specific wavelength according to its concentration, while electromagnetic reference radiation of a different wavelength passes through the analyte-rich polymer matrix without absorption. By comparing characteristic radiation characteristics, such as the intensity of the reference radiation received by the detector device and the intensity of the absorbed measurement radiation received by the detector device, the presence of the analyte component in the measurement fluid can be determined, and the concentration of the analyte component in the measurement fluid can also be determined when the measurement operation is appropriately controlled. For this purpose, after the sensor device section with the polymer matrix is ​​exposed to the measurement environment, a period of time is typically waited until the proportions of the analyte component diffused into the polymer matrix and the analyte component in the measurement fluid reach equilibrium.

[0011] In this application, at least one "analyte component" refers to at least one of a plurality of components that should be detected by means of a sensor device. The analyte component is predetermined by setting up a radiation source and detector device to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation, which is altered through interaction with the analyte component, for example, by absorption. The selection of the polymer matrix material also helps in the predetermined determination of the analyte components that can be detected by this sensor device, because the molecules of the analyte component must be able to diffuse into and out of the polymer matrix.

[0012] The barrier device, as described in DE 20 2004 013 614 U1, is a sapphire glass component that physically separates the device section of the sensor housing, which houses the radiation source and detector, from the sample section. The sample section is located, at least partially, in the external measurement environment and thus in contact with the measurement fluid. The barrier device prevents analyte components diffusing into the polymer matrix from reaching the space containing the radiation source and detector within the device section. This ensures that only the amount of analyte absorbed in the polymer matrix alters the measurement radiation emitted by the radiation source and detected by the detector after passing through the polymer matrix, being reflected at the reflector device, and then passing through the polymer matrix again.

[0013] The reflector device reflects back the portions of both reference and measurement radiation incident on it to the device section, where these portions can be detected by the detector device. The reflector device represents a trade-off between competing technical objectives: on the one hand, its reflective area should be as large as possible to reflect back the largest possible portion of the measurement radiation to the device section housing the detector device. On the other hand, at least one channel through the reflector device should have as large an area as possible to enable the sensor device in the polymer matrix to have the shortest possible response time to changes in the concentration of the analyte component in the measurement environment. The larger the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel in the reflector device, the larger the exchange area of ​​the polymer matrix, on which molecules of the analyte component can diffuse from the polymer matrix into the measurement environment and / or from the measurement environment into the polymer matrix. Here, an increase in the cross-sectional area of ​​the channel indicates a decrease in the area available for reflection, and vice versa.

[0014] Other spectroscopic sensor devices for measuring reflectance radiation are known in WO 2019 / 074442 A1 or EP 2 887 054 A. These known sensor devices also operate based on the NDIR principle.

[0015] In sensor devices known from DE 20 2004 013 614 U1, the reflector device is configured as a metal mesh or formed from metal particles. In the case where the reflector device is configured as a metal mesh, the reflector device of the known sensor device is directly applied to and supported by the polymer matrix.

[0016] The spectral reflectance sensor device discussed here comes into contact with various measurement fluids throughout its service life in order to typically quantitatively verify the composition of analytes in the respective measurement fluids. This necessitates cleaning the sensor device between uses. A particularly advantageous, rapid, and safe cleaning method requires heating at least the sample section of the sensor device to significantly above 100°C, for example, to 140°C, as is the case in so-called “sterilization in place” (SIP) and / or “clean in place” (CIP) cleaning methods. At the temperatures encountered in CIP cleaning, the polymer matrix serving as the substrate supporting the reflector device may thermally soften, potentially altering the orientation of the reflector device relative to the radiation source and / or detector device. However, with this change in the relative orientation of the reflector device, the overall detection characteristics of the sensor device change. This can cause results obtained with the sensor device before such cleaning to be no longer comparable to those obtained after cleaning. Summary of the Invention

[0017] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to improve the sensor device mentioned at the beginning so that it can be used reliably and remain reliable in heat loads typically and preferably in the range of 100°C to 150°C, especially in SIP sterilization methods and / or CIP cleaning methods.

[0018] The present invention achieves the aforementioned objective in the sensor device by having a spacing guarantee mechanism different from the polymer matrix, the spacing guarantee mechanism being configured to prevent the reflector device from approaching the barrier device.

[0019] By constructing a spacing guarantee mechanism in different ways and methods, the aforementioned spacing reduction caused by the sinking of the reflector device into the softened polymer matrix is ​​prevented, thereby achieving constant detection characteristics of the sensor device even after the polymer matrix is ​​heated.

[0020] The spacing guarantee mechanism is formed of a material that is sufficiently heat-resistant, preferably a metal, especially stainless steel, and / or a metal alloy, and / or a plastic that does not soften up to at least 200°C, such as polyphenylene sulfone, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate or polytetrafluoroethylene and / or glass and / or mineral, such as sapphire glass.

[0021] Preferably, the spacing guarantee mechanism not only prevents the reflector device from approaching the barrier device, and consequently the radiation assembly including the radiation source and detector devices, but also prevents the spacing between the reflector device and the barrier device from increasing. Particularly preferably, the spacing guarantee mechanism fixes the reflector device relative to the barrier device and / or relative to the radiation assembly, and prevents relative translational and rotational movement between the reflector device and the barrier device and / or the radiation assembly.

[0022] According to a first preferred embodiment, the spacing guarantee mechanism can have an abutment section disposed on the reflector device, the abutment section and a mating abutment section rigidly connected to the sensor housing abutting each other in a manner that prevents the abutment section from approaching the barrier device. The mating abutment section can have a mating abutment surface that is away from the direction of the barrier device for planar contact with the mating surface of the abutment section. The mating abutment surface does not necessarily have to be away from the direction of the barrier device, but can also have an orientation component orthogonal to the direction away from the direction of the barrier device, for example, so as to enable the reflector device to be centered relative to the member carrying the mating abutment section. The abutment section and the mating abutment section can comprise the material mentioned above for the spacing guarantee mechanism, preferably stainless steel, or formed therefrom.

[0023] The mating abutment section with a mating surface can be integrally formed on the sensor housing, for example, integrally formed by a shoulder or shoulder. Alternatively, the mating abutment section can be formed by a mating abutment member separately from the sensor housing, wherein the mating abutment member is preferably fixed to the sensor housing, for example by bonding, brazing, welding, thereby forming a connection through material fitting, and / or by providing the mating abutment member in an opening or groove on the sensor housing in a press-fit manner, i.e., a force-fit connection.

[0024] The sensor housing is preferably entirely, or at least in at least a portion of, the region containing the sample section and the device section, a tubular sensor housing. The tubular sensor housing extends along a housing axis, which is also the tube axis of the tubular sensor housing. Preferably, the sample section then extends to a longitudinal end of the tubular sensor housing. Through this longitudinal end, the sensor housing is exposed to a measurement environment containing the measuring fluid. In this application, the environment of the sensor housing including the longitudinal end of the sample section or near the longitudinal end of the sample section is always referred to as the "measurement environment," even if the measurement environment is completely devoid of measuring fluid between two measurement operations.

[0025] The fluid being measured can be a liquid, gas, or paste.

[0026] Therefore, if the sensor housing is preferably a tubular sensor housing, the mating contact surface of the mating contact section can be primarily or entirely oriented towards the direction of the housing axis. In order for the reflector device to be centered relative to the spatial region surrounded by the sensor housing, the mating contact surface can have a radial component that is oriented towards the housing axis that runs through the sensor housing towards the intended center, or less preferably away from the housing axis.

[0027] In the sense of this application, a face or face segment points in the direction that its normal vector points to.

[0028] Preferably, the reflector device is constructed with low weight, for example, by constructing the reflector device very thinly. Noble metals, such as gold, silver, platinum, or stainless steel, preferably 1.4310 or 1.4404, or even self-passivating metals, have proven to be particularly robust materials, capable of resisting large amounts of measuring fluid and reflecting electromagnetic radiation well within the relevant wavelength range. Therefore, the reflector device comprises, but preferably entirely comprises, gold, silver, platinum, palladium, high-alloy stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, copper, etc., or is formed from at least one of these materials, at least on its signal side where it reflects. Due to the low material cost while maintaining high chemical resistance and high structural strength, the reflector device comprises stainless steel, preferably from the signal side to the fluid side, at least on its signal side where it reflects. To improve its reflectivity, the reflector device can be coated with a noble metal, especially gold, on its signal side where it reflects. With the aid of a polished metal surface, stainless steel preferably achieves very good reflectivity. However, in general, a low-cost, common surface made of stainless steel, for example, obtained through roll forming, is sufficient.

[0029] The fluid side is away from the barrier device and points towards the measurement environment containing the measuring fluid during the normal measurement operation of the sensor device.

[0030] To achieve a low weight while maintaining the largest possible reflective surface, the reflector device preferably has a disc-shaped configuration. Preferably, the thickness of the reflector device does not exceed 200 μm, and particularly preferably does not exceed 160 μm. To impart sufficient rigidity or stability to the reflector device, it is preferably not thinner than 60 μm, and particularly preferably not thinner than 40 μm.

[0031] In the case of a disc-shaped configuration, the abutment section can be formed in the edge region of the disc-shaped reflector device, so that the central region of the reflector device, which is the potential surface for reflection, remains unaffected by the formation of the abutment section.

[0032] In principle, the entire surrounding edge region of the disc-shaped reflector device can be configured as a mating section, which is placed, for example, on a mating section that surrounds the device intermittently or continuously. However, it is sufficient that the mating section is configured in at least one corner sector of the edge region of the reflector device. The mating section configured only in at least one corner sector of the edge region of the reflector device can be configured, for example, as a protruding section that projects radially outward from the reflector device, such as a protruding tongue, protrusion, etc.

[0033] To secure the reflector device not only in the direction approaching the barrier device but also in the opposite direction, an advantageous improvement proposes that at least a portion of the edge region of the reflector device is accommodated in a gap space, which is defined by a mating abutment section in the direction toward the barrier device and by a fixing member rigidly connected to the sensor housing away from the barrier device. The fixing member can then be material-fitted to the sensor housing, for example by welding, especially laser welding, brazing, or bonding. Alternatively or additionally, the fixing member can also be force-fitted onto a section of the sensor housing by clamping or press-fitting. If the fixing member, such as a retaining ring, is press-fitted radially inside the housing section surrounding the fixing member, the latter is particularly feasible in the preferred case of a tubular sensor housing. For this purpose, the fixing member can, for example, be intensely cooled and then thermally contracted into the housing section, which is heated and then thermally expanded under desired conditions, thereby allowing the temperatures of the fixing member and the housing section to equalize.

[0034] To avoid unwanted movement gaps, the abutment section of the reflector device can abut against the mating abutment section and the fixing component when the sensor device is fully installed, and can be sandwiched between these structures.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the spacing guarantee mechanism can have a support section on the reflector device, which is solidly supported on the barrier device. For example, the reflector device can have one or more protrusions extending toward the barrier device as support sections, which form a solid barrier, like spacers, to prevent the reflector device from approaching the barrier device. Similarly, such support sections can be formed on the edges of the reflector device so that the central region of the reflector device can reflect the measurement radiation incident on the reflector device without being affected by the support sections. For example, the reflector device can be constructed in a basin shape, wherein the side surfaces of the basin-shaped configuration form support sections, and the basin-shaped bottom has at least one channel, and a face section on the signal side for reflecting measurement radiation. Instead of the surrounding side surfaces, the support sections can have at least two, preferably more than two, protrusions spaced apart from each other in a circumferential direction surrounding the central region of the reflector device.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the spacing guarantee mechanism can have a force-fit and / or material-fit engagement between the retaining section of the reflector device and the mating retaining section of the sensor housing. Therefore, the retaining section can be bonded, welded, brazed to the mating retaining section formed on the sensor housing or on a member firmly connected to the sensor housing, or, if the retaining section is sufficiently stable, fixed to the mating retaining section by, for example, a press fit, force fit, or friction fit. For particularly reliable fixation of the reflector device to the sensor housing, the aforementioned support section can also be a retaining section. For example, the aforementioned side surface of a basin-shaped reflector device can be supported on a barrier device by its free edge and can be bonded, brazed, or welded to the sensor housing or a member fixed to the sensor housing by its radially outward side.

[0037] Similarly, the abutting section mentioned above can also be a retaining section, for example, when the abutting section is connected to a mating abutting section material, such as by bonding, brazing or welding.

[0038] Although the above-mentioned reflector device has a raised basin or disc shape, the reflector device can still be constructed completely disc-shaped and flat. Thus, the reflector device can be simply formed as a stamped component or by laser-cutting a thin, flat layer of material. In the preferred case of a tubular sensor housing, the flat reflector device or the flat reflective section of the reflector device is preferably oriented orthogonally to the housing axis.

[0039] The reflector device is preferably constructed as a single piece, including a contact section and / or a support section and / or a retaining section, to facilitate manufacturing.

[0040] In particular, if the radiation source and / or detector device is asymmetrically configured and / or arranged with respect to the reflector device, then the twisting of the reflector device around a reference axis orthogonally passing through the reflective surface on the signal side of the reflector device, especially around a reference axis parallel to the aforementioned housing axis or around the housing axis, will affect the signal quality of the reflected measurement signal detected by the detector device.

[0041] Therefore, the reflector device can have an anti-torsion mechanism that prevents the reflector device from twisting relative to the sensor housing, or allows the reflector device to be positioned relative to the sensor housing within only at least one predetermined relative torsion position range, particularly within only at least one predetermined relative torsion position.

[0042] Preferably, the anti-torsion mechanism is the spacing guarantee mechanism mentioned above. The reflector device can have an anti-torsion structure with a raised or recessed configuration, especially in its edge region, and the sensor housing or the component fixedly connected to the sensor housing can have an anti-torsion mating structure with a recessed or raised configuration. When the reflector device is mounted on the sensor housing in an operationally ready manner, the structure consisting of the anti-torsion structure and the anti-torsion mating structure can be form-fitted into the corresponding other structure. Thus, the reflector device is only allowed to be conventionally mounted on the sensor housing when the anti-torsion structure and the anti-torsion mating structure are oriented relative to each other such that they can form-fittically engage with each other.

[0043] In the case of a disc-shaped reflector device, the anti-torsion structure can be achieved through a non-rotationally symmetric configuration of the reflector device's edges. The anti-torsion fitting structure can then have correspondingly complementary grooves or recesses forming the edges, into which the reflector device can only be inserted at at least one discrete angular position relative to the sensor housing. For example, the reflector device can have polygonal edges to form the anti-torsion structure.

[0044] The polymer matrix can include, for example, silicone resins, fluorinated silicone, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluoroethylene-propylene (FEP), and / or polymethylpentene (PMP). These polymer materials allow a large number of known analytes to migrate into and out of the material, and these analytes alter, in particular, their absorption of electromagnetic radiation at known wavelengths. Preferably, the analyte in this sensor device is CO2.

[0045] To avoid gas storage space, the polymer material preferably extends continuously from the barrier device to the reflector device. According to a preferred embodiment, the polymer matrix, preferably silicone, is coated onto the reflector device and cross-linked thereon. Thus, the polymer matrix adheres to the reflector device. However, it should not be excluded that a cross-linked silicone layer is disposed on the reflector device and adhesively bonded to it.

[0046] The connection between the polymer matrix and the barrier device is preferably established via an adhesive layer that connects the surface of the polymer matrix away from the reflector device to the surface of the barrier device. Preferably, the adhesive layer is a material selected from the same plastic category as the polymer matrix. If the polymer matrix is ​​silicone, then silicone is also preferred as the adhesive layer. Therefore, the polymer matrix is ​​preferably connected to the barrier device material via the adhesive layer. To also eliminate gas storage spaces near the polymer matrix, where analyte components accumulate and could distort the detection results of the sensor device, the polymer material of the polymer matrix, together with the polymer material of the adhesive layer used to connect the polymer matrix to the barrier device, preferably completely fills the cavity, which is defined by the barrier device, the reflector device, and a section of the sensor housing or a component housed on the sensor housing located between the barrier device and the reflector device. Therefore, except in at least one channel of the reflector device, the polymer material of the polymer matrix, together with the polymer material of the adhesive layer, is preferably adjacent to the solid on all sides.

[0047] To protect the reflector from the composition of the measuring fluid, polymer materials can be present on both the signal and fluid sides. Since the polymer material on the fluid side is primarily used for shielding the reflector, while the polymer material on the signal side is used to receive the analyte components, a polymer matrix on the signal side can cover a larger area and / or have a greater thickness than a layer of polymer material on the fluid side to achieve the most favorable signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally or alternatively, to improve the lifespan of the sensor, the polymer matrix on the signal side can have higher heat resistance and / or a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the polymer material layer coated on the fluid side. Thus, temperature changes in the sample section region have the least possible impact on the functional layer of the sensor, namely the polymer matrix. With a minimal coefficient of thermal expansion, the mechanical load on the reflector caused by heating the polymer matrix can be reduced or even avoided.

[0048] Therefore, it is ensured that at least one analyte component can migrate through the polymer layer on the fluid side into the polymer matrix, preferably the polymer layer on the fluid side is selected from the same plastic category as the polymer matrix. In this preferred example, the polymer layer on the fluid side is also preferably silicone.

[0049] Preferably, the thickness of the polymer matrix on the signal side is 3 to 5 times that of the polymer layer on the fluid side of the reflector device. The thickness of the polymer matrix on the signal side is preferably 140 μm to 180 μm, particularly preferably 160 μm. The thickness of the polymer layer on the fluid side is preferably 30 μm to 60 μm, particularly preferably 40 μm to 50 μm. The polymer layer on the fluid side can be formed of at least two sublayers, for example, a protective layer as mentioned above and a sealing layer coated onto the side of the protective layer opposite to the reflector device. The sealing layer can be applied after the reflector device is mounted on the sample section to fill or seal the reflector device and any possible gaps and / or interlayer spaces between the reflector device and the sample section surrounding the reflector device. The thickness of the sealing layer can be 5 μm to 15 μm, preferably 10 μm. The thickness of the adhesion layer mentioned above between the polymer matrix and the barrier device is preferably 5 μm to 45 μm, preferably 40 μm. The polymer matrix, the polymer layer on the fluid side, and the adhesive layer can be formed from the same polymer, preferably from silicone, to achieve a particularly advantageous uniform polymer structure.

[0050] Preferably, the polymer matrix is ​​thicker than the reflector device, which in turn is thicker than the protective layer.

[0051] Another advantageous improvement of the invention involves the optimal utilization of measurement radiation emitted by a radiation source to obtain a signal detectable by a detector device while maintaining a short response time of the polymer matrix to changes in the concentration of analyte components in the measurement fluid of the measurement environment. As mentioned earlier, optimal utilization of the measurement radiation requires the reflector device to have the largest possible reflective surface. A short measurement cycle, conversely, requires the achievement of a short response time and the largest possible channel area through the reflector. Due to the limited total area of ​​the reflector device, increasing the channel area can only come at the cost of sacrificing the area for reflection, and vice versa. A very good trade-off between these two conflicting objectives is achieved by configuring the reflector device having multiple channels running through it, which are non-uniformly distributed and / or arranged on the surface accessible to at least one analyte component on the fluid side and / or on the signal side of the reflector device in an area unobstructed by the measurement radiation. However, it should not be excluded that, when observed on the fluid side of the surface accessible to at least one analyte component and / or on the signal side of the reflector device in an area unobstructed for measuring radiation, the channels are uniformly distributed and / or arranged, i.e., in a regular pattern with uniform dimensions and uniform spacing of channels along the corresponding sequential direction of the pattern, in which the channels are arranged following each other in the pattern.

[0052] This application also relates to sensor devices of the type mentioned at the beginning as a separate subject matter, wherein the reflector device of the sensor device has a plurality of channels penetrating the reflector device, wherein, when viewed on the fluid side of the reflector device on a surface accessible to at least one analyte component, the channels are configured and / or arranged in a non-uniformly distributed manner, or in other words, a combination of the preamble of claim 1 and the features of claim 10. This subject matter can be improved based on the above description, i.e., particularly by means of the features of the feature portion of claim 1 and / or the features of at least one of claims 2 to 9.

[0053] By constructing multiple channels and distributing them in a non-uniform manner over the area of ​​the reflector device having channels and a reflective surface, it is possible to construct at least one area with an increased channel cross-section and at least one other area with an increased reflective surface, wherein each of these two areas is preferably larger than one-quarter of the total unobstructed area on the signal side for measuring radiation, and especially larger than one-quarter of the section of the reflector device that extends laterally, and especially orthogonally, to the aforementioned housing axis.

[0054] To achieve the aforementioned non-uniformity of the channels in the reflector device, the reflector device can have channels with different cross-sectional areas, i.e., channels of different sizes. Additionally or alternatively, the reflector device can have channels with different cross-sectional configurations. Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the reflector device can have surface regions with different channel densities on its fluid-side surface accessible to at least one analyte component, i.e., surface regions with more channels per unit area than other surface regions.

[0055] The area share of the channel cross-section relative to the total area of ​​the unobstructed region of the signal plane is preferably at least 20%, particularly preferably at least 25%, and most preferably at least 30%. This area share is preferably at most 50%, particularly preferably at most 42.5%, and most preferably at most 35%.

[0056] In this application, the surface of the fluid side of the reflective device that is accessible to the analyte components corresponds to the surface of the fluid side that can be wetted by the measured fluid. If necessary, it is coated with a polymer material as described above, i.e., for example, a protective layer and a sealing layer coated on the protective layer.

[0057] The radiation source, preferably an LED, typically radiates electromagnetic radiation along an optical axis. The radiation occurs in a radiation cone, the axis of which is the optical axis of the radiation source. According to a preferred embodiment, to obtain the highest possible amount of reflected radiation on the signal side of the reflector device, the reflector device has a channel cross-sectional area that is at least 20% smaller in the circular region compared to an annular region of the same area surrounding the circular region. The circular region includes the incident position as its center point, at which the optical axis emanating from the radiation source reaches the signal side.

[0058] The area of ​​the circular region is at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of the total unobstructed area on the signal side for measuring radiation. For clarification: this does not refer to a smaller than 20 percent of the channel cross-sectional area, but rather to a practically smaller than 20 percent area share. The annular region preferably concentrically surrounds the circular region and is preferably annular. The total unobstructed area of ​​the reflector device on the signal side by the sensor housing includes the unobstructed channel cross-sectional area for measuring radiation.

[0059] By setting the low-pass region in the incident region of the optical axis of the radiation source, it can be ensured that a large portion of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the radiation source is reflected back to the device section at the location where it is incident on the signal side and reflected. In the region farther from the incident region of the optical axis on the signal side, it is possible to ensure the largest possible diffusion exchange surface on the polymer matrix by providing an increased channel share there.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the signal side of the reflector device has a channel cross-sectional area share of at least 20% smaller in the circular region than in the annular region of the same area surrounding the circular region, wherein the circular region has the center of the area of ​​the signal side on the signal side for the total unobstructed area for the measured radiation as its center point, and its area corresponds to at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, of the total unobstructed area of ​​the reflector device on the signal side for the measured radiation. The annular region here preferably concentrically surrounds the central region and is preferably itself annular. When the low-passage area is located in the central region of the unobstructed surface, the structural space for accommodating the radiation source and detector devices can be distributed approximately equally across the two devices. Typically, the incident area from the optical axis of the reflector device to the signal side is located in the central region of the surface unobstructed by the sensor housing.

[0061] To evaluate the unshielded surface of the signal side for measuring radiation, it is necessary to consider shielding the signal side by means of a shielding structure located in the area between the radiating component and the reflector device.

[0062] The circular region with reflector device mentioned above, which is at least 10%, preferably at least 20% of the total unobstructed area of ​​the measured radiation on the signal side, preferably no more than 35%, particularly preferably no more than 25% of the unobstructed area.

[0063] Preferably, at least a plurality of channels, particularly preferably all channels, are circular grooves with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 1.2 mm, more preferably 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm. These channels can be distributed very well at different densities on the fluid side of the surface accessible to at least one analyte component, or on the signal side of the surface unobstructed from the measured radiation.

[0064] Another feasible design for the non-uniformity of the channels in the reflector device can be achieved as follows: a circular region exists within the total unobstructed area of ​​the reflector device on the signal side for measuring radiation. The area of ​​this circular region corresponds at least to 1.3 times the average cross-sectional area of ​​the channels within the total unobstructed area of ​​the reflector device on the signal side for measuring radiation, and this circular region does not have a channel cross-section. This is particularly suitable for reflector devices where the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel is no more than 1 mm², preferably no more than 0.8 mm². Preferably, the cross-sectional area of ​​each channel is at least 0.2 mm².

[0065] Preferably, the diameter of at least the sample section of the tubular sensor housing is no more than 12 mm, wherein the outer surface of the sensor housing is preferably cylindrical or conical, at least in the sample section. Preferably, at least one portion of the device section that houses the radiation component also has a diameter of no more than 12 mm.

[0066] The detector device has a detector surface sensitive to the measured radiation. The detector surface is typically rectangular, although this is not mandatory. To accommodate the radiation source and detector device within the smallest possible structural space, the radiation exit surface of the radiation source is preferably closer to the barrier device than the detector surface. Also, to reduce the structural space occupied by the radiation components to house them in the sensor housing, additionally or alternatively, the optical axis of the radiation source is more inclined relative to the housing axis than the normal to the detector surface, along which the sensor housing extends. For example, the detector surface can be orthogonal to a line parallel to the housing axis, or form an angle of not less than 75°, preferably not less than 80°. Then, the normal to the detector surface is parallel to a line parallel to the housing axis or forms an angle of 15° or 10° with the housing axis. The optical axis of the radiation source can form an angle between 15° and 35°, particularly 17° to 25°, and especially preferably 19° to 21°, with a line parallel to the housing axis or with the normal to the detector surface.

[0067] To facilitate the installation of the sensor device, the radiation source and detector device can be housed in a common holding device within the equipment section. This common holding device can be made of a material with good thermal conductivity, particularly metal, to draw heat away from the radiation source. Preferably, the sensor housing, at least in the portion of the equipment section housing the holding device, is also made of a material with good thermal conductivity, and more preferably metal. For high chemical resistance and high strength, the sensor housing, at least in the portion of the equipment section housing the holding device, and / or the holding device itself, is also particularly preferably made of high-alloy stainless steel. The holding device preferably contacts the inner wall surface of the equipment section of the sensor housing, allowing the holding device to conduct heat emitted from the radiation source to the sensor housing.

[0068] To prevent the detector device from overheating within the holding device, a thermal insulation layer can be provided between the detector device and the holding device. The thermal insulation layer preferably has a thermal conductivity at least an order of magnitude lower than that of the holding device material. For example, the detector device can be housed in a cylindrical or frustoconical sleeve that completely surrounds the detector device, the sleeve being open at both ends to ensure that electromagnetic radiation is incident on the detector surface at the longitudinal ends and that signal transmission lines are routed away from the detector device at the opposite longitudinal ends. These signal transmission lines transmit detection signals from the detector device to signal processing electronics, and / or transmit control signals from control electronics to the detector device. The thermal insulation layer can be formed of plastic, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyphenylene sulfone, or polyimide.

[0069] For temperature compensation of the detection signal from the detector device, it is advantageous to configure the radiation component temperature sensor such that it detects the temperature in the region of the radiation component having the radiation source and the detector device, particularly the temperature of the holding device and / or the temperature of the volume transmitted by electromagnetic radiation from the radiation source between the holding device and the barrier device. Preferably, the holding device is capable of carrying the radiation component temperature sensor for temperature detection. The radiation component temperature sensor also has a signal transmission line, which preferably extends away from the radiation component temperature sensor on the side of the holding device away from the barrier device.

[0070] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the sensor device can be continuously used in an area extending away from the sample section from the barrier device, and that the sample section can be releasably mounted as a sensor component on the remaining sensor housing section containing the device section. For this purpose, the barrier device can be divided into a device-side barrier device section and a fluid-side barrier device section. Similarly, the sensor housing can be divided into a device-side housing section carrying the device-side barrier device section and a fluid-side housing section carrying the fluid-side barrier device section. In the operationally ready, installed state, the two barrier device sections are preferably abutted against each other or separated by an air gap, wherein the air gap is preferably smaller than the combined thickness of the two barrier device sections, so as to avoid undesirable large deviations due to multiple refractions of the measured radiation at transitions of different densities, i.e., at the interface of the barrier device sections. As interchangeable components, the fluid-side barrier device section can be housed together with the polymer matrix and reflector device on the fluid-side housing section and can be conventionally and releasably coupled to the device-side housing section. The fluid-side housing section can be inserted into or screwed onto the device-side housing section. The fluid-side housing portion can be prevented from being lost, for example, by means of a snap-lock on the device-side housing portion.

[0071] Unlike the above, the barrier device can be entirely mounted on the housing portion on the device side. Then, the housing portion on the fluid side can have a polymer matrix and a reflector device, and, if necessary, a protective layer configured as described above on the fluid side of the reflector device.

[0072] Similarly, the barrier device can also be installed entirely on the fluid-side housing portion, although this is not preferred because the barrier device can protect components located in the equipment-side housing portion, such as radiation sources, sensors, and possibly other electronic components, from external influences.

[0073] The fluid-side housing portion can be removably mounted on the device-side housing portion, for example, as some type of cover. Here, the fluid-side housing portion can be a separate, loose housing portion. Alternatively, the fluid-side housing portion can be connected to the wall of a container, such as the wall of a bioreactor, through which the measuring fluid or the fluid to be measured flows.

[0074] Then, if the fluid-side housing portion has at least one wall segment made of a material compatible with the material of the container wall of the container containing the measuring fluid or through which the measuring fluid flows, the wall segment of the fluid-side housing portion can be integrally formed or connected to the container wall or at least one segment of the container wall.

[0075] For example, when the container wall is made of plastic, and when the wall sections of the fluid-side shell portion are made of the same or compatible plastic, then the container wall and the wall sections of the fluid-side shell portion can be welded together by plastic welding, or can be formed in one piece, for example, by injection molding. The same applies to container walls made of metal and metal wall sections of the fluid-side shell portion. These can also be inseparably connected by welding, for example, or can be formed in one piece, for example, by deep drawing and / or machining.

[0076] The advantage of welded connections is that, when performed correctly, they not only provide a reliable and robust connection, but the sealing properties of the connection also prevent measuring fluid from passing through the joint.

[0077] In principle, bonding of the container walls and the wall sections of the shell portion on the fluid side is also conceivable. However, welding is preferred in comparison because it requires no adhesive, thus eliminating or virtually eliminating the risk of material components migrating from the joint into the measuring fluid during welding. However, if a sufficiently inert adhesive is provided, adhesive bonding can also be applied to reactors for biological and / or chemically sensitive processes, where the adhesive cannot be dissolved by the measuring fluid or, if necessary, the cleaning fluid used to clean the container.

[0078] When incompatible materials are used for the wall sections of the container wall and the fluid-side shell section, one of the two components, particularly the fluid-side shell section, can have an anchoring structure that extends into the material of the other component and is either surrounded by or embedded in that material. This allows one component to be shaped-fitted and anchored to the other component.

[0079] Preferably, components made of more rigid materials, such as materials with a larger modulus of elasticity, have an anchoring structure, and components made of less rigid materials will surround or embed the anchoring structure.

[0080] The anchoring structure can be a structure that protrudes towards other corresponding components. For example, in the case of the shell portion on the fluid side, the carrier of the anchoring structure is a disc-shaped structure, a support structure, or a grid structure that extends radially outward from the shell portion on the fluid side about the central axis of the shell portion. The anchoring structure is preferably as flat as possible, that is, it has the smallest possible axial dimension along the shell axis, but at the same time still has the largest possible surface area for securely embedding into the material of the other corresponding components, preferably into the material of the wall section of the container used to contain or transport the measuring fluid.

[0081] Preferably, the anchoring structure extends continuously or intermittently along the circumferential direction of the shell axis surrounding the shell portion on the fluid side, so as to ensure that there is a high connection strength that is as uniform as possible around the circumference of the shell portion on the fluid side.

[0082] Until the equipment-side housing portion is mounted on the fluid-side housing portion, the equipment-side housing portion and / or the fluid-side housing portion can be protected from external influences, such as contaminants, by a cover. The cover can be held onto the equipment-side and / or fluid-side housing portions using the same fastening mechanism as the corresponding other housing portions, such as a form-fit structure, like threads or a structure consisting of bent slide rails with protrusions and snap-locks. Alternatively or additionally, the cover can be frictionally held onto its associated housing portion.

[0083] To enable maximum autonomy, i.e., to provide the sensor device with as few peripheral devices as possible, control and / or signal processing electronics can be provided in the device section of the sensor housing for controlling the radiation source and / or detector device and / or for evaluating the detection signal of the detector device. The aforementioned signal from the radiation component temperature sensor can also be received by the signal processing electronics and used for temperature compensation of the detection signal of the detector device.

[0084] Because control and / or signal processing electronics are also subject to temperature fluctuations and performance differences caused by these fluctuations, according to an advantageous improvement, an electronic device temperature sensor is incorporated within the equipment section for detecting the temperature in the area of ​​the control and / or signal processing electronics. The sensor signal from the electronic device temperature sensor can be used for temperature compensation, particularly for use with the control and / or signal processing electronics. Preferably, the control and / or signal processing electronics utilize both the temperature signal from the radiating component temperature sensor to compensate for the temperature effects on the radiating component and the temperature signal from the electronic device temperature sensor to compensate for the temperature effects on the control and / or signal processing electronics.

[0085] The sensor housing can be fitted with a trapping material, also known as an "acquisition material," capable of capturing the gas volume within the device section, to bind moisture and / or substances escaping from control and / or signal processing electronics. Silica gel, molecular sieves, zeolites, and / or other hygroscopic materials, such as calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), or magnesium perchlorate (Mg(ClO4)2), can be deposited in the device section as such trapping materials.

[0086] To better dissipate heat from the radiation source, the wall thickness of the sensor housing in the region housing the radiation source and detector is preferably less than the wall thickness in the region housing the control and / or signal processing electronics. Compared to a thicker wall, the smaller local mass achieved by the smaller wall thickness of the sensor housing results in stronger and faster heat transfer from the radiation source. Due to this stronger heat transfer, sections of the sensor housing can more effectively transfer heat to their external environment, whether through conduction and / or convection. The larger wall thickness of the sensor housing in the region housing the control and / or signal processing electronics provides mechanical protection for the electronics against external influences and, in the case of the preferred metallic construction of the sensor housing mentioned above, also provides excellent electromagnetic shielding.

[0087] The sensor housing can be assembled from multiple housing components. To achieve a stable sensor housing, the housing components can be welded together, wherein the joints are preferably surface-machined after the joining process, such as by cutting, turning and / or grinding, and polishing if necessary, so that the sensor housing can be fitted as precisely as possible into the base near the predetermined measurement position.

[0088] The barrier device can be formed from diamond, cadmium telluride, thallium iodide bromide, silicon, germanium, zinc selenide, cesium chloride, silver chloride, calcium fluoride, and / or potassium bromide. Preferably, the barrier device has a sapphire glass plate. Sapphire glass is low-cost, non-toxic, has relatively high thermal conductivity, and is transparent, especially to infrared radiation. To shield the device section against at least one analyte component of the measuring fluid, the barrier device is preferably connected to the sensor housing material in a manner that mates with the material. The barrier device, particularly as a sapphire glass plate, can be bonded or glued to the sensor housing, and is particularly preferably connected to the sensor housing by fusion bonding. Fusion bonding is formed using a material that can be at least heat-softened once and can be re-cured, such as fused glass. However, the connection between the barrier device and the sensor housing can also be formed using a thermosetting material, such as a curable, especially thermosetting, plastic.

[0089] This application also relates to reflector devices as described above, particularly having a polymer matrix and other polymer layers that may be present as mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0090] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0091] Figure 1 A rough schematic top view of the sensor device according to the invention is shown, with the viewing direction orthogonal to the housing axis of the sensor housing;

[0092] Figure 2 Showing through Figure 1 A rough schematic cross-sectional view of the free longitudinal end of the sensor device being measured in a wetted environment during routine measurement operations;

[0093] Figure 3 Show along in Figure 2 A rough schematic cross-sectional view of section III-III, which is orthogonal to the shell axis G;

[0094] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 2 A rough, schematic, enlarged view of a local area, indicated by IV;

[0095] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A feasible implementation of the reflector device for the sensor device;

[0096] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 A preferred embodiment of the reflector device of the sensor device;

[0097] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 A rough schematic exploded view of the reflector device;

[0098] Figure 8 A rough schematic exploded view shows the device housed near the barrier device inside the equipment section;

[0099] Figure 9 Showing through Figure 1 A rough schematic longitudinal section view of the sensor device, including the area measuring the longitudinal end.

[0100] Figure 10 A rough schematic longitudinal sectional view is shown through two different embodiments of the housing portion on the fluid side of the sensor device according to the invention, the housing portion on the fluid side being integrally formed with the wall of a container for containing or conveying the measuring fluid, the sensor device being covered by a protective cover respectively;

[0101] Figure 11 Showing through Figure 10 A rough schematic longitudinal sectional view of two different embodiments of the fluid-side housing portion, each of which has a device-side housing portion connected thereto; and

[0102] Figure 12 A rough schematic longitudinal sectional view is shown through two different alternative embodiments of the housing portion on the fluid side of the sensor device according to the invention, the housing portion on the fluid side being integrally formed with the wall of a container for containing or conveying the measuring fluid, the sensor device having a housing portion on the device side connected thereto. Detailed Implementation

[0103] exist Figure 1 A rough schematic front view of an embodiment of this application according to the invention is shown below and is generally designated 10. A sensor housing 12, surrounding the functional components of the sensor device, extends along the housing axis G and has a generally tubular configuration. In this example, a section of the sensor housing 12, comprising more than half the total length of the sensor device, is formed by a tubular member 14. The sensor housing 12 in… Figure 1 The lower free longitudinal end 12a has a sample section 16, which will be described in detail later, as the measurement longitudinal end 12a. The sample section is exposed to the measurement environment M during a predetermined measurement operation. The measurement environment includes a measurement fluid for checking the composition of the analyte.

[0104] The optical and electronic components of the sensor device 10 are housed in the device section 18 immediately following the sample section 16, away from the longitudinal end 12a of the measurement. The sample section 16 has components that provide at least one analyte component of the measuring fluid that can be detected by the sensor device 10 in a form suitable for the detection process.

[0105] At the longitudinal end 12b, which is axially opposite to the longitudinal end 12a of the measuring device, the sensor housing 12 has a preferably airtight connecting collar 20 for passing at least one signal transmission line from the outside into the sensor housing 12 and out from the inside of the sensor housing 12, so as to connect the sensor device 10 to peripheral devices for reading, generating and / or recording detection signals and detection results.

[0106] exist Figure 1 The view of the sensor housing 12 shown is merely exemplary, and the sensor housing 12 can have any other configuration. However, in Figure 1 The elongated configuration shown is advantageous so that the longitudinal measuring end 12a is spaced apart from the container wall inside the container containing the measuring fluid, where desired. To secure the sensor housing 12 to the container wall or base, the sensor housing 12 can have an externally threaded section 22. Preferably, the diameter of the tube member 14 is smaller than the diameter of the externally threaded section 22, such that the tube member 14 can guide the internally threaded section that mates with the externally threaded section 22 through the base or housing wall and can be positioned at its desired measuring location.

[0107] By means of the tool engagement section 24 on the side of the external threaded section 22 opposite to the measuring longitudinal end 12a, the sensor device 10 can be reliably and with the desired strength screwed into the aforementioned internal threaded section. Currently, the workpiece engagement section 24 includes a known external hexagonal structure for open-end wrench engagement.

[0108] Instead of external threads, a protrusion can be provided on the sensor housing to be inserted into an L-shaped groove on the base or housing wall, or an L-shaped groove can be provided to interact with a matching protrusion on the base or housing wall so that the sensor device 10 can be axially fixed to the base or housing wall by a snap lock.

[0109] exist Figure 2 The image shows a roughly schematic cross-sectional view through the end region of the sensor device 10, including the measuring longitudinal end 12a.

[0110] The sample section 16 extends from the barrier device 28 housed inside the sensor housing 12 26 to the measuring longitudinal end 12a of the sensor device 10. A device section 18 begins on the side of the barrier device 28 opposite to the measuring longitudinal end 12a, extending from the barrier device 28 toward the connecting longitudinal end 12b. For better clarity, in Figure 2 The interior 26 of the device section 18 of the sensor housing 12 is shown in blank space.

[0111] The barrier device 28 includes a centrally located sapphire glass plate 30 penetrated by a virtual housing axis G. The sapphire glass plate is connected to the sensor housing 12, and particularly to the tubular member 14, by a thermoplastic adhesive 32. The thermoplastic adhesive 32 can be, for example, molten glass, which, after solidification, connects the sapphire glass plate 30 to the sensor housing 12 in a high-temperature resistant manner. Alternatively, the thermoplastic adhesive 32 can be a high-temperature resistant thermoplastic or thermosetting plastic capable of withstanding temperatures exceeding 200°C without softening.

[0112] In the sample section 16, a fixing member 34, such as a fixing ring, is provided radially inside the sensor housing 12. The fixing ring will be connected below. Figure 3 and 4 The reflector device 36 described is fixed on the sensor housing 12.

[0113] Figure 3 This shows the measurement along the longitudinal end 12a or sample segment 16 when viewed in the axial direction along the housing axis G. Figure 2 A partial sectional view of section III-III. Figure 4 Show Figure 2 A magnified view of region IV using a magnifying glass.

[0114] In this example, the reflector device 36 is a disc-shaped reflector device made of stainless steel, preferably with a thickness of 50 μm or 100 μm. The reflector device 36 is positioned away from the barrier device 28. Figure 3 The fluid side 36a, as observed by the observer, has a protective layer 38 made of a polymer material that is permeable to at least one analyte component. The protective layer 38 is coated in a disk configuration. The thickness of the protective layer is preferably 40 μm, and in the example shown, it is made of silicone resin that is permeable to CO2, which is a preferred analyte component.

[0115] Especially in Figure 4 As can be seen, a polymer matrix 40 is coated on the signal side 36b, opposite to the fluid side 36a with the protective layer 38. This polymer matrix is ​​preferably also made of silicone resin and has a thickness of 160 μm. The polymer matrix 40 is bonded to the end of the sapphire glass plate 30 facing the polymer matrix via silicone resin. The silicone resin can be coated in an uncrosslinked state and then crosslinked. The polymer matrix 40 on the signal side 36b is also formed in a disk shape and extends over a larger area on the signal side 36b than the protective layer 38 on the fluid side 36a.

[0116] Especially in Figure 3 As can be seen, the reflector device 36 has a protrusion 42 integrally formed with the reflector device 36 at its edge region 36c. The protrusion forms an abutment section 44, which abuts against and engages with the mating abutment section 46. The mating abutment section is integrally connected to the sensor housing 12, and particularly to the tube section 14. The abutment engagement substantially prevents the reflector device 36 from approaching the barrier device 28 and the device section 18 located behind the reflector device 36 from its angle.

[0117] The abutment section 44 and the mating abutment section 46 together form a spacing guarantee mechanism 48. The abutment surface 44a of the abutment section 44 or the protrusion 42 abuts against the mating abutment surface 46a of the mating abutment section 46. The protrusion 42 is bonded, brazed, or preferably welded to the mating abutment section 46, for example by laser welding, so that the reflector device 36 can be clearly fixed relative to the sensor housing 12. In this embodiment, the fixing is material-fitted. Therefore, the protrusion 42 or the abutment section 44 formed by the protrusion 42 is also a retaining section in the sense of the introduction to the specification. Similarly, the mating abutment section 46 is a mating retaining section in the sense of the introduction to the specification, and the abutment section 44 or the retaining section is material-fittedly connected to the mating abutment section.

[0118] The abutment section 44 is accommodated in a recessed portion 50 on the sensor housing 12, particularly on the tube section 14. This recessed portion surrounds the abutment section 44 on both sides in a circumferential direction around the housing axis G, such that the recessed portion 50, together with the abutment section 44, allows the reflector device 36 to be positioned on the sensor housing 12 only in two defined angular positions where it rotates 180° around the housing axis G. The material-fitting fixation of the abutment section 44 to the sensor housing 12 provides not only proximity and elevation protection against movement of the reflector device 36 relative to the sensor housing 12 along the housing axis G, but also torsional protection against twisting of the reflector device 36 relative to the sensor housing 12 around the housing axis G. However, due to the shape-fitting engagement of the abutment section 44 and the recessed portion 50, the reflector device 36 is already positioned on the sensor housing 12 only in separate angular positions, currently in two angular positions, before it is finally, in the preferred example, material-fittingly fixed to the sensor housing 12.

[0119] As in Figure 4 As can be seen, the retaining ring and the recessed portion 50 together define a gap space 52, in which the protrusion 42 or the abutment portion 44 of the reflector device 36 is accommodated. On the side of the protective layer 38 away from the reflector device 36, in the operational-ready state, a sealing layer also made of silicone resin is applied, filling the gap space 52. The sealing layer preferably has a thickness of 10 μm.

[0120] The internal region of the reflector device 36 that is not obstructed by the retaining ring and the portion of the sensor housing 12 surrounding the retaining ring when observing the fluid side 36a along the housing axis G is the region of the reflector device 36 that can be reached by the analyte components of the measured fluid in the measurement environment, as described in the introduction of the specification.

[0121] The region 36f of the signal side 36b, which is not obstructed by the mating abutment section 46 when viewed along the housing axis G, is the total area of ​​the signal side 36b that is not obstructed for measuring radiation, located radially inside the opening formed by the mating abutment section 46, from the device area 18 outwards. This region is the total area of ​​the signal side 36b mentioned in the introduction of the specification.

[0122] The retaining ring is initially fitted into the sensor housing 12 via a press-fit. After the retaining ring is mounted on the sensor housing 12, in addition to the existing press-fit, especially in... Figure 3 and 4 The identifiable V-groove 53 is also filled by a weld and then the surface is smoothed by machining, such as turning and / or milling and / or grinding and / or polishing.

[0123] exist Figure 5A less preferred embodiment of the reflector device 136 is shown. Figure 5 In, and in Figures 2 to 4 The same and functionally identical components in the reflector device 36 are given the same reference numerals, but with the addition of the numeral 100. The embodiments of the reflector device 136 differ only in their similarity to those described so far. Figures 2 to 4 The reflector device 36 will be described in different aspects. In other aspects, the description of the reflector device 36 will refer to the above description of the reflector device 36.

[0124] Figure 5 This illustrates a reflector device 136 without a polymer matrix and protective layer, i.e., consisting only of the following components, which are oriented towards... Figure 5 The measured radiation incident on the component is reflected from the signal side 136b of the observer.

[0125] The reflector device 136 has a channel 154 in its main reflection region 136e, and a protrusion 142 extends from the main region as a contact section 144, the channel being in contact with... Figure 5 The drawing plane penetrates the reflector device 136 completely in the thickness direction orthogonal to it. Therefore, channel 154 extends from... Figure 5 The signal side 136b towards the observer extends to the opposite side. Figure 5 The fluid side of the observer 136a.

[0126] Channel 154 is configured to make reflector device 136 permeable to the analyte component to be detected by sensor device 10, allowing the analyte component to diffuse from the measurement environment M through the layers permeable to the analyte component: the sealing layer and the protective layer 38, through channel 154 into the polymer matrix 40. Then, when the measurement environment M no longer contains the measuring fluid or the measuring fluid no longer contains the analyte component, the analyte component diffuses back from the polymer matrix 40 into the measurement environment M. The concentration difference between the analyte component's fraction in the measuring fluid of the measurement environment M and its fraction in the polymer matrix 40 drives the diffusion process, which terminates when an equilibrium is reached between the concentration of the analyte component in the polymer matrix 40 and the concentration of the analyte component in the measurement environment M.

[0127] The channels 154 on the reflector device 136 have different configurations and are arranged more precisely in a non-uniform manner on the surface of the reflector device 136, in its main region 136e.

[0128] Therefore, the reflector device 136 has a plurality of circular channels 154a1 with larger diameters in this example, and a plurality of circular channels 154a2 with smaller diameters in this example. In the example shown, the circular channels 154a1 and 154a2 are located near the edge region 136c of the reflector device 136, and are positioned approximately following the edge region 136c.

[0129] Channel 154a1, having a larger diameter and thus a larger channel cross-section, can have a diameter of, for example, 0.9 mm to 1.2 mm. Channel 154a2, having a smaller diameter and thus a smaller channel cross-section, can have a diameter of, for example, 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0130] Exemplarily, at a distance shorter than that of the circular channels 154a1 and 154a2 from the housing axis G, there exists a slit-like channel 154a3 with a curved extension. Exemplarily, the four slit-like channels 154a3 are configured such that their slit surfaces follow an ellipse. The slit-like channels 154a3 need not be curved, or able to conform to... Figure 5 The different bends shown in the diagram.

[0131] No channel 154 is provided in the central region 156. The center point of the central region is both the center point of the circular main region 136e and the center point of the unobstructed area for measuring radiation. It is also the incident point H of the optical axis OA of the radiation source 64 described below (see below). Figure 9 In the central region 156, the reflector device 136 and its signal side 136b reflecting the measurement radiation are configured to provide the largest possible reflecting surface there, where most of the measurement radiation emitted by the radiation source 64 hits the reflector device 136.

[0132] The radius of region 156 surrounding the housing axis G or the incident point H is slightly less than one-third of the radius of the unobstructed area of ​​the reflector device 136 for measuring radiation, such that the area occupied by region 156 is slightly greater than 10% of the unobstructed area for measuring radiation. In this central region 156, the reflector device 186 does not have a channel 154.

[0133] The dotted line representing circle 158 and the edge of region 156 form an annular region 160, the area of ​​which is the same as that of region 156. For example, in... Figure 5 As can be easily seen, the annular region 160 includes a portion of the channel 154a3, such that the area share of the channel cross-section in the annular region 160 is 100% larger than that in the central region 156 without the channel.

[0134] exist Figure 5In one embodiment, the total average cross-sectional area realized on the reflector device 136 is therefore located outside the innermost central region 156, which accounts for at least 10% of the area of ​​the reflector device 136 that is not obstructed for measuring radiation.

[0135] The aforementioned configuration ensures that: on the one hand, sufficient channel cross-sectional area is provided on the reflector device 136 to enable a sufficiently rapid change towards a new equilibrium state when the concentration of the analyte component in the measuring fluid in the measuring environment M is changed; and on the other hand, a sufficiently high yield of reflected measuring radiation can be simultaneously obtained, which can be detected by the detector device 66 in the device section 18 (see...). Figure 9 ) detection.

[0136] exist Figure 6 The middle shows Figures 2 to 4 The reflector device 36, in addition to the protrusion 42, is implemented in a way that replaces... Figure 3 The rounded configuration, the protrusion is Figure 6 The middle part has a rectangular configuration. When using the reflector device 36 with angular protrusions 42, the recessed part 50 is correspondingly and complementaryly constructed and also has angular polyhedral edges. Figure 6 In, and in Figure 5 Components and component segments that are identical and have the same function are given the same reference numerals, but the number 100 has been reduced. Figure 5 The description of the implementation form also applies to... Figure 6 The embodiments shown herein, unless otherwise stated below.

[0137] Figure 6 An observer views the fluid side 36a of the reflector device 36, on which a protective layer 38 is coated. A polymer matrix 40 disposed on the opposite signal side extends radially slightly beyond the main region 36e of the reflector device 36.

[0138] exist Figure 6In this embodiment, the main region 36e of the reflector device 36 has only one type of channel 54, namely circular channels 54a, all of which have the same diameter. The diameter is approximately 0.8 mm to 1.1 mm, currently preferably 1.0 mm. However, the circular channels 54a are not uniformly distributed on the surface of the main region 36e or in the unobstructed area 36f of the reflector device 36 for measuring radiation. There is a central region 56, which occupies slightly more than 10% of the total area of ​​the unobstructed area 36f for measuring radiation. In this central region 56, the center point is also the incident point H of the housing axis G and the optical axis of the radiation source, and there is a channel cross-sectional area slightly smaller than that of two circular channels 54a. A total of four circular channels 54a intersect the edge of the central region 56, wherein less than half of each intersecting circular channel 54a is located within the central region 56.

[0139] The annular region 60, concentrically surrounding the central region 56 and of the same area, contains an area slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the four circular channels 54a. This annular region thus also comprises slightly more than 10% of the total area of ​​the unobstructed region 36f for measuring radiation. The inner and outer edges of the annular region 60 intersect the four circular channels 54a, respectively, and the combined area of ​​the portions within the annular region 60 is slightly smaller than the four cross-sectional areas of the circular channels 54a. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of ​​the central region 56 represents approximately 50% less of its total area than that of the concentric annular region 60 surrounding the central region.

[0140] like Figure 6 It is also shown that there is a channelless circular region 61 in region 56 on the reflector device 36, the center of which is the incident point H of the housing axis G or the optical axis of the radiation source, and its area is at least 30% larger than the average channel cross-sectional area of ​​the channel 54a of the reflector device 36.

[0141] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 An exploded view of the reflector device 36, showing a thinner and smaller diameter protective layer 38 and a thicker and larger diameter polymer matrix 40 removed from the reflector device 36. The circular channel 54a is filled with the material of the polymer matrix 40 and / or the protective layer 38.

[0142] exist Figure 8 The part closest to the barrier device 28 in the device section 18 located inside the sensor housing 12 is shown.

[0143] Closest to Figure 8The barrier device not shown is a retaining device 62, preferably made of metal, in which the radiation source 64 and the detector device 66 are positioned toward the barrier device 28 located on the side of the retaining device 62.

[0144] The radiation source 64 can be, for example, an LED that emits radiation in the infrared wavelength range. The detector device 66 can include an infrared-sensitive CCD field 66a (see [reference needed]). Figure 9 ).

[0145] To provide thermal isolation between the detector device 66 and the radiation source 64, which also serves as a heat source, the detector device 66 is surrounded by a heat-insulating layer 68 made of plastic, particularly PEEK, such as a sheath. The sheath is cylindrical, conical, or frustoconical in shape and open toward both axial sides, allowing the measuring radiation reflected by the reflector device 36 to be incident on the front side of the detector device 66, and allowing the detection signal on the back side of the detector device 66 to be conducted away from the detector device 66 via the line 70.

[0146] A seat member 72 is provided on the side of the retaining device 62 facing away from the barrier device 28. The end face of the seat member pointing towards the retaining device along the housing axis G and the back side of the retaining device 62 pointing towards the seat member 72 are at least partially complementary. The radiation source 64 and the detector device 66 are introduced into the retaining device through the end face and the back side. The complementary configuration of the faces ensures that the retaining device 62 can only be mounted on the base member 62 in a specific relative position. The retaining device 62 can be fixed to the seat member 72 by screws 74.

[0147] A circuit board 76 extends from the side of the seat member 72 away from the retaining device 62. A control and signal processing electronic device 78 is provided on the circuit board for controlling the radiation source 74 and the detector device 66, and for evaluating or partially evaluating the detection signal of the detector device 66.

[0148] Circuit board 76 via in Figure 8 Another component 80 on the sensor housing 12 (not shown) is stabilized and pre-tightened toward the barrier device 28 by means of a compression spring 82.

[0149] A portion of the control and / or signal processing electronics 78 is protected from thermal effects by a protection plate 84.

[0150] The holding device 62 carries a radiation component temperature sensor 86, which detects the temperature of the sensor device 10 in the region of the holding device 62 containing the radiation component. The radiation component includes a radiation source 74 and a detector device 66, and the radiation component temperature sensor transmits the temperature of the sensor device to a control and / or signal processing electronics 78.

[0151] The additional seat member 80 houses an electronic device temperature sensor 88, which detects the temperature of the sensor device 10 within the area of ​​the control and / or signal processing electronics and outputs it to the electronics. Therefore, the control and / or signal processing electronics 78 can compensate for the detection signal obtained by the detector device 66 regarding the temperature present in the area of ​​the detector device 66 and the temperature present on the control and / or signal processing electronics 78 itself, thereby outputting a particularly accurate detection signal.

[0152] exist Figure 9 The image shows a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device 10 in the region of its measuring longitudinal end 12a. According to... Figure 9 The reference numerals in the accompanying drawings make it easy to identify the components shown therein that have been described above.

[0153] exist Figure 9 As can be seen, the optical axis OA of the radiation source 64 is shown tilted relative to the housing axis G. Furthermore, the radiation exit surface is also tilted relative to the housing axis OA. Moreover, the radiation exit surface 64a of the radiation source 64 is positioned closer to the barrier device 28 than the radiation-sensitive detector surface 66a of the detector device 66. The radiation exit surface 64a can even contact the sapphire glass 30 of the barrier device 28.

[0154] In the example shown, the normal 66n of the detector surface 66a extends parallel to the housing axis G. Therefore, the optical axis OA of the radiation source 64 is tilted more about the housing axis G than the normal 66n of the detector surface 66a.

[0155] The optical axis OA of radiation source 64 is at Figure 6 In the central region 56 shown, the radiation preferably strikes the signal side 36b of the reflector device 36 at its center. From there, a significant portion of the incident measurement radiation is reflected toward the detector surface 66a. The analyte component, preferably CO2, disposed in the polymer matrix 40 between the sapphire glass 30 and the reflector device 36, absorbs the measurement radiation emitted by the radiation source 64 according to its concentration in the polymer matrix 40. To determine the degree of absorption of the measurement radiation, the radiation source 64 also emits reference radiation with a wavelength different from that of the measurement radiation, which is not absorbed by the analyte component in the polymer matrix 40 and remains generally unaffected. Based on, for example, the ratio of the intensity of the reflected measurement radiation detected by the detector device 66 on the one hand to the intensity of the reflected reference radiation detected on the other hand, the control and / or signal processing electronics 78 can determine the degree of absorption in the polymer matrix 40, and based on this, determine the concentration of the analyte component in the polymer matrix 40.

[0156] The wall thickness of pipe component 14 is Figure 9 The portion of the equipment section 18 closest to the barrier device 28 shown in the diagram can be made thinner than the portion of the pipe member 14 further away from the barrier device 28.

[0157] exist Figure 9 The dividing surface is shown in dashed lines in the middle, and the dividing surface will be... Figure 9 The measuring longitudinal end 12a of the sensor device 10 shown is divided into a housing portion 12c on the device side and a housing portion 12d on the fluid side, wherein the housing portion 12d on the fluid side is releasably disposed, for example, inserted into or screwed onto the housing portion 12c on the device side. Thus, the sample section 16 becomes entirely part of the housing portion 12d on the fluid side. The separated barrier device 28 further protects the internal space 26 of the sensor device 10 from external influences by means of its section securely disposed on the housing portion 12c on the device side. The housing portion 12d on the fluid side can then be replaced at the end of its service life, while the rest of the sensor device 10 can continue to be used.

[0158] exist Figure 9 The end face of the measuring longitudinal end 12a of the sensor device 10 is shown in a finished manner, that is, it has a retaining ring connected to the pipe member 14 by welding technology, wherein the weld is polished flat.

[0159] exist Figure 10 The diagram shows two slightly different embodiments of the casing portions 212d (upper) and 312d (lower) on the fluid side, with rough schematic longitudinal sectional views. In the upper half-view, components and component segments that are identical and functional to those in the aforementioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, however, ranging from 200 to 299. In the lower half-view, components and component segments that are identical and functional to those in the aforementioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, however, ranging from 300 to 399. Figure 10 The implementation details are described below only in aspects where they differ from the above description. Otherwise, the above description is also used to illustrate... Figure 10 The implementation form.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid-side housing portion 212d is made of metal, particularly stainless steel, or plastic, and more precisely, is integrally formed with the wall 290a of the housing 290 for containing or conveying the measuring fluid to be detected by means of the sensor device according to the invention. Alternatively, the fluid-side housing portion 212d can be manufactured separately from the wall 290a and can be connected to the wall material in a mateable manner, preferably by welding.

[0161] In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid-side housing portion 212d includes a reflector device 236 and a polymer matrix 240 at the measuring longitudinal end 212a, and may also include, where desired, a reflector device 236 and a polymer matrix 240. Figure 10 The protective layer, not shown, is preferably as described above. However, the fluid-side housing portion 212d does not include the portion of the barrier device that is entirely disposed on the equipment-side housing portion.

[0162] The fluid-side housing portion 212d has a sleeve section 212e extending away from the measuring longitudinal end 212a toward the housing portion 212c on the device side to be installed.

[0163] exist Figure 10 In the embodiment shown in the upper half of the view, the sleeve section 212e has an external thread 212ea, and the protective cover 291 is screwed onto the external thread by means of an internal thread 291i.

[0164] Alternative locations, such as in Figure 10 As shown in the lower half of the view, the sleeve section 312e can have an internal thread 312ei, and a protective cover 391 with an external thread is correspondingly provided to screw with the internal thread. Regarding the region of the housing portion 212d on the fluid side, the housing axis G, in the radially outer region, surrounds the sleeve section 212e with the protective cover 291, protecting both the sleeve section 212e and the fluid side housing portion 212d. This better prevents, for example, contaminants from entering the internal region of the sleeve section 212e than, in the most unfavorable case, contaminants could accumulate in the gap between the axial end face located at the longitudinal end far from the measuring environment M and the protective cover 391. Therefore, in Figure 10 The lower part of the implementation requires less structural space because the fixing section of the protective cover 391, such as the internal thread 391i and the sleeve that carries the internal thread, is located inside the sleeve section 312e.

[0165] In both cases, the threaded axis of the protective cover 291 or 391 is the housing axis G in the region of the housing portion 212d or 312d on the fluid side.

[0166] exist Figure 11 Shown in Figure 10 Two embodiments of the same fluid-side housing portion 212d or 312d are described. However, the corresponding protective cover 291 or 391 is now removed. Instead of the protective cover 291 or 391, the housing portion 212c on the device side in the upper half-view or the housing portion 312c on the device side in the lower half-view is now connected to, or more precisely, screwed onto, the fluid-side housing portion 212d or 312d. In both cases, the helical axis is the housing axis G.

[0167] For better clarity, Figure 11 The view omits the internal areas of the housing portions 212c and 312c on the device side. This view substantially corresponds to... Figure 9 The view.

[0168] As has been shown above, in Figure 11 In the embodiments described above, the entire barrier device 228 or 328 is disposed on the device-side housing portion 212c or 312c in the manner and method described above. By means of the connection between the device-side housing portion 212c or 312c and the associated fluid-side housing portion 212d or 312d, the barrier device 228 or 328 moves close to the polymer matrix 240 or 340 to abut against the polymer matrix.

[0169] exist Figure 11 The upper half-view shows the device-side housing portion 212c having a locking nut 292 with internal threads 292i for connecting the device-side housing portion to the fluid-side housing portion 212d. The locking nut 292 abuts against the shoulder 212f of the device-side housing portion 212c, thereby enabling an axial force to be applied to the device-side housing portion 212c in the direction toward the measuring environment M or the measuring longitudinal end 212a when it is helically engaged with the external threads 212ea of ​​the sleeve section 212e.

[0170] When a clearance fit is advantageously selected between the outer surface of the housing portion 212c on the device side and the inner side of the sleeve section 212e, the screw engagement between the locking nut 292 and the sleeve section 212e can be loosened without forcibly removing the housing portion 212c on the fluid side from the housing portion 212d. After loosening the screw engagement between the locking nut 292 and the sleeve section 212e, the housing portion 212c on the device side can also be held on the housing portion 212d on the fluid side by a friction fit, so that the housing portion on the device side must be manually removed from the housing portion 212d by the user. Because the housing portion 212c on the device side must be able to rotate relative to the locking nut 292, the housing portion 212c on the device side can be positioned in any rotational position relative to the housing portion 212d on the fluid side.

[0171] exist Figure 11 In the embodiment of the lower half-view of the device-side housing portion 312c, the device-side housing portion 312c has an external thread 312ca, which allows the device-side housing portion 312c to be screwed into the internal thread 312ei of the sleeve section 312e of the fluid-side housing portion 312d via the external thread. Figure 11Compared to the implementation of the upper half-view, the relative position between the housing portion 312c on the device side and the housing portion 312d on the fluid side depends on the helical engagement of the two housing portions. Therefore, the relative rotational position between the housing portion 312c on the device side and the housing portion 312d on the fluid side cannot be freely chosen.

[0172] exist Figure 12 The diagram shows two slightly different embodiments of the casing portions 412d (upper) and 512d (lower) on the fluid side, with rough schematic longitudinal sectional views. In the upper half-view, components and component segments that are identical and functional to those in the aforementioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, however, ranging from 400 to 499. In the lower half-view, components and component segments that are identical and functional to those in the aforementioned embodiments are given the same reference numerals, however, ranging from 500 to 599. Figure 12 The implementation details are described below only in aspects where they differ from the above description. Otherwise, the above description is also used to illustrate... Figure 12 The implementation form.

[0173] Figure 12 Two implementation forms and Figure 11 The first difference from the previous representation is that the barrier device 418 or 518 is not entirely disposed in the device-side housing portion 412c or 512c, but is disposed in the device-side housing portion 412c or 512c via the device-side barrier device portion 428a or 528a, and in the fluid-side housing portion 412d or 512d via the fluid-side barrier device portion 428b or 528b. Each barrier device portion is securely connected to the housing portion supporting the barrier device portion. Correspondingly, the device-side barrier device portion 428a or 528a has a device-side sapphire glass plate portion 430a or 530a, which is connected to the device-side housing portion 412c or 512c via a device-side adhesive segment 432a or 532a. Similarly, the fluid-side barrier device portion 428b or 528b has a fluid-side sapphire glass plate portion 430b or 530b, which is connected to the fluid-side housing portion 412d or 512d by means of a fluid-side adhesive section 432b or 532b.

[0174] However, Figure 12 The essential difference between this implementation and the above-described form is that the corresponding fluid-side shell portion 412d or 512d is not connected to the wall 490a or 590a of the shell 94 or 590 in a material-matching manner, but rather in a shape-matching manner.

[0175] Wall 490a or 590a is configured as a flexible polymer wall. The fluid-side shell portion 412d or 512d, made of metal or a plastic more rigid than the polymer wall as before, has an anchoring structure 493 or 593 on its outer side, which is embedded in the flexible polymer wall 490a or 590a. Anchoring structure 493 can, for example, be configured as a closed, surrounding disc 494 extending radially outward about the shell axis G. Anchoring structure 593 can include, or can be formed by, a plurality of radially projecting, pointed protrusions 594 spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the shell axis A. This association is merely exemplary. Alternatively, anchoring structure 493 can have radially projecting pointed protrusions 594, and anchoring structure 593 can have a closed, surrounding disc 494.

[0176] With the help of Figure 12 The connection between the fluid-side housing portion 412d or 512d and the housing wall 490a or 590a shown in the figure, where the shapes fit together, allows components made of completely different materials to be reliably and tightly connected to each other.

Claims

1. A spectroscopic sensor device (10) for detecting at least one predetermined analyte component in a measuring fluid, wherein the sensor device (10) comprises: - Sensor housing (12), the sensor housing having a device section (18) and a sample section (16). - A radiation source (64) disposed in the device section (18) is configured to emit electromagnetic measurement radiation that interacts with at least one predetermined analyte component in the direction of the sample section (16); - A detector device (66) is provided in the device section (18), the detector device being configured to detect electromagnetic radiation incident from the direction of the sample section (16); - For the measured radiation-permeable barrier device (28) that is impermeable to at least one predetermined analyte component, wherein the barrier device (28) is disposed between the device section (18) and the sample section (16); - A polymer matrix (40) disposed in the sample section (16) is configured to receive and re-release at least one of the analyte components; - A reflector device (36; 136) disposed in the sample section (16) having a signal side (36b; 136b) pointing toward the polymer matrix (40) and the barrier device (28) and a fluid side (36a; 136a) opposite to the signal side (36b; 136b). The reflector device (36; 136) has at least one channel (54; 154) through which, during normal measurement operation of the sensor device (10), at least one of the analyte components is exchanged between the external measurement environment (M) containing the measurement fluid in the normal measurement operation on the fluid side (36a; 136a) of the reflector device (36; 136a) and the polymer matrix (40) located on the signal side (36b; 136b) of the reflector device (36; 136b), wherein the reflector device (36; 136) is configured and arranged to reflect back the measurement radiation incident on its signal side (36b; 136b) from the device segment (18) through the polymer matrix (40) in a direction toward the device segment (18). The sensor device (10) is characterized in that it has a spacing guarantee mechanism (48) different from that of the polymer matrix (40), the spacing guarantee mechanism being configured to prevent the reflector device (36; 136) from approaching the barrier device (28).

2. The sensor device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spacing guarantee mechanism (48) has a contact section (44; 144) on the reflector device (36; 136), the contact section and the mating contact section (46) rigidly connected to the sensor housing (12) are engaged in a manner to prevent the contact section (44; 144) from approaching the barrier device (28).

3. The sensor device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reflector device (36; 136) has at least a partially disc-shaped configuration, wherein the abutment section (44; 144) is formed in the edge region (36c; 136c) of the reflector device (36; 136).

4. The sensor device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the edge region (36c; 136c) of the reflector device (36; 136) is accommodated in a gap space (52), which is bounded toward the barrier device (28) by the mating abutment section (46) and away from the barrier device (28) by a fixing member (34) rigidly connected to the sensor housing (12).

5. The sensor device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The spacing guarantee mechanism (48) has a support section on the reflector device (36; 136) which is substantially supported on the barrier device (28).

6. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The spacing guarantee mechanism (48) has a force fit and / or material fit between the abutment section (44; 144) of the reflector device (36; 136) and the mating abutment section (46) of the sensor housing (12).

7. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The polymer material extends continuously from the barrier device (28) to the reflector device (36; 136).

8. The sensor device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The polymer material completely fills the cavity, which is bounded by the barrier device (28), the reflector device (36; 136), and the sample section (16) located between the barrier device (28) and the reflector device (36; 136) by the sensor housing (12) or by a fixing member (34) housed on the sensor housing (12).

9. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, Polymer material is present on the signal side (36b; 136b) and the fluid side (36a; 136a), wherein the polymer matrix (40) disposed on the signal side (36b; 136b) covers a larger area and / or has a larger thickness and / or has higher heat resistance than the layer (38) of polymer material coated on the fluid side (36a; 136a).

10. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The reflector device (36; 136) has a plurality of channels (54; 154) penetrating the reflector device (36; 136), wherein the channels (54; 154) are configured and / or arranged non-uniformly when viewed on the fluid side (36a; 136a) on the surface accessible to at least one of the analyte components and / or in the unobstructed area (36f) of the reflector device (36; 136) for the measured radiation.

11. The sensor device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The reflector device (36; 136) has channels (54; 154) with different channel cross-sectional areas and / or different channel cross-sectional configurations, and / or the fluid side (36a; 136a) has a surface region with different channel densities for at least one of the analyte components and / or the signal side (36b; 136b) has a surface region with different channel densities for the unshielded area (36f) of the measured radiation.

12. The sensor device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The reflector device (36; 136) has a channel cross-sectional area in the central region (56; 156) that is at least 20% smaller than the area of ​​the annular region (60; 160) surrounding the central region (56; 156), which is the same size as the area of ​​the central region (56; 156). The central region includes an incident position (H) as its center point, at which an optical axis (OA) emanating from the radiation source (64) strikes the signal side (36b; 136b), and the area of ​​the central region is at least 10% of the area of ​​the signal side (36b; 136b) that is unobstructed for the measurement radiation (36f).

13. The sensor device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The region (36f) of the signal side (36b; 136b) not obstructed by the sensor housing (12) has a channel cross-sectional area in the central region (56; 156) that is at least 20% smaller than that in the annular region (60; 160) surrounding the central region (56; 156) of the same area, wherein the central region has the center point of the face of the signal side (36b; 136b) with respect to the unobstructed region (36f) of the measured radiation as its center point, and its area is at least 10% of that of the signal side (36b; 136b) with respect to the unobstructed region (36f) of the measured radiation.

14. The sensor device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, A circular region (61) exists in the unobstructed area (36f) for measuring radiation on the signal side (36b; 136b), the area of ​​which corresponds to at least 1.3 times the average cross-sectional area of ​​the channel (54; 154) in the accessible surface, and the circular region does not have the channel cross-section.

15. The sensor device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The detector device (66) has a detector surface (66a) sensitive to measured radiation, wherein the radiation emitting surface (64a) of the radiation source (64) is closer to the barrier device (28) than the detector surface (66a), and / or wherein the optical axis (OA) of the radiation source (64) is more inclined about the housing axis (G) than the normal (66n) of the detector surface (66a), and the sensor housing (12) extends along the housing axis.

16. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The radiation source (64) and the detector device (66) are housed in a common holding device (62) in the equipment section (18).

17. The sensor device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, A heat insulation layer (68) is provided between the detector device (66) and the holding device (62).

18. The sensor device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The holding device (62) carries a radiation component temperature sensor (86) for detecting the temperature in the region of the radiation component having the radiation source (64) and the detector device (66).

19. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The barrier device (28) is divided into a device-side barrier device portion and a fluid-side barrier device portion, and the sensor housing (12) is divided into a device-side housing portion (12c) that carries the device-side barrier device portion and a fluid-side housing portion (12d) that carries the fluid-side barrier device portion, wherein the fluid-side barrier device portion is housed on the fluid-side housing portion (12d) together with the polymer matrix (40) and the reflector device (36; 136), and is conventionally releasably coupled to the device-side housing portion (12c).

20. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, A control and / or signal processing electronic device (78) is provided in the device section (18) of the sensor housing (12) for controlling the radiation source (64) and / or the detector device (66) and / or for evaluating the detection signal of the detector device (66).

21. The sensor device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that, An electronic device temperature sensor (88) is housed in the device section (18) for detecting the temperature in the area of ​​the control and / or signal processing electronics (78).

22. The sensor device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that, The wall thickness of the sensor housing (12) in the area housing the control and / or signal processing electronics (78) is greater than the wall thickness in the areas housing the radiation source (64) and the detector device (66).

23. The sensor device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The barrier device (28) has a sapphire glass plate (30) connected to the sensor housing (12).

24. The sensor device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The area of ​​the central region is at least 20% of the area of ​​the signal side (36b; 136b) relative to the area of ​​the unshielded region (36f) of the measured radiation.

25. The sensor device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The area of ​​the central region is at least 20% of the area (36f) of the signal side (36b; 136b) that is not shielded for measuring radiation.

26. The sensor device (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The sapphire glass plate material is connected to the sensor housing (12) in a coordinated manner.

27. The sensor device (10) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The sapphire glass plate is connected to the sensor housing (12) by fusion bonding.

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