Sensor and associated method

Abstract

The sensor (4) comprises a magnetic detection unit (9) and a control component (6). The control component is configured to configure at least one function of the sensor into an enabled mode when a magnetic field having a predetermined value is applied on the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined duration (Tact, Tdeact, Tres, Tstart, Tstop, Ts1, Ts2) associated with said function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sensor.

[0002] More specifically, the present invention relates to the function of configuring a sensor based on a magnetic field. Background Technology

[0003] The sensor may include a housing, but the housing does not include an aperture to prevent moisture and dust from entering the housing and damaging the electronic circuitry contained within it.

[0004] Sensors, for example, are placed on the axles of a vehicle to monitor the rolling bearings that support the axles in order to measure vibrations.

[0005] The sensor may include control circuitry, measurement circuitry, and a wireless interface for transmitting measurement results to a processing device.

[0006] The battery contained in the casing cannot be replaced or recharged.

[0007] To conserve battery power, the sensor is in sleep mode, in which the battery only powers the sensor's control circuitry.

[0008] For example, when sensors are transported by aircraft, they can also be put into sleep mode to avoid emitting waves that might disrupt the aircraft's flight, in accordance with regulations.

[0009] When a sensor is mounted on a wheel axle, it is known that a magnet is applied to the Hall effect sensor during a predetermined duration to put the sensor into active mode, so that the sensor measures vibrations on the wheel axle and wirelessly transmits the measurement results.

[0010] Sensors can implement additional functions that require configuration throughout the sensor's lifespan and, for example, via mobile applications.

[0011] However, mobile applications are not always available. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide additional configurable functions that are easy to configure for wireless sensors.

[0013] According to one aspect, a method for controlling a sensor including a magnetic detection unit.

[0014] The method includes configuring at least one function of the sensor to an active mode by applying a magnetic field of a predetermined value to the magnetic detection unit for a predetermined duration, the predetermined duration being associated with the function.

[0015] The duration of applying a magnetic field with a predetermined value to the magnetic detection unit allows the sensor to be configured without using wireless communication with the mobile application intended to configure the sensor and without using a human-machine interface (such as a switch or button) integrated into the sensor housing, so that the housing has no openings that could allow dust and moisture to enter.

[0016] Preferably, the method further includes: when the sensor is in sleep mode, sending the sensor into the activation mode by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined activation duration.

[0017] Advantageously, the sensor functions to put the sensor into a sleep mode by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined deactivation duration when the sensor is in the activation mode.

[0018] Preferably, the sensor functions to reset an alarm stored in the sensor's alarm register, the method of which includes applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined reset duration to reset the sensor's alarm register.

[0019] Advantageously, the sensor functions to store measurement results measured by the sensor's measuring components in the sensor's memory, the method comprising applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined start storing duration to begin storing the measurement results in the memory.

[0020] Preferably, the sensor functions to stop storing measurement results measured by the sensor's measuring components in the sensor's memory, the method comprising applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined stop storing duration to stop storing the measurement results in the memory.

[0021] Advantageously, the sensor includes an emission means, the function of which includes transmitting a frame containing one predetermined dataset, the method comprising applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined select duration, such that the emission means transmits the predetermined frame, the predetermined dataset being identified by the predetermined select duration.

[0022] On the other hand, a sensor is proposed.

[0023] The sensor includes a magnetic detection unit and a control component, the control component being configured to enable at least one function of the sensor when a magnetic field of a predetermined value is applied to the magnetic detection unit for a predetermined duration, the predetermined duration being associated with the function.

[0024] Advantageously, the sensor also includes an alarm register, the function of which includes resetting the alarm register, and the control unit is configured to reset the alarm register when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined reset duration and the sensor is in the enabled mode.

[0025] Preferably, the sensor further includes a measuring component and a memory, the sensor functioning to store the measurement results in the memory, and the control component being configured to begin storing the measurement results in the memory when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined start storage duration and the sensor is in the enabled mode.

[0026] Advantageously, the sensor further includes a transmitting component, the function of which includes controlling the transmitting component to transmit a frame containing a predetermined dataset, and the controlling component is configured to control the transmitting component such that when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined selected duration, the transmitting component transmits a frame containing a predetermined dataset identified by the predetermined selected duration. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent upon reviewing the detailed description of the (not limiting) embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 An example of a vehicle according to the invention is shown schematically; and

[0029] - Figure 2 An example of a sensor according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 This represents an example of a vehicle 1 that includes two axles 2 and a sensor 4.

[0031] Each sensor 4 is positioned at one end of each axle 2 supporting the wheel of the vehicle 1.

[0032] Vehicle 1 is a truck. In variations, the vehicle can be other types of vehicles, such as a bus or a truck trailer.

[0033] Sensor 4 can be mounted on the machine's axle.

[0034] Sensor 4 is designed to measure vibrations on axle 2 in order to monitor the bearing (not shown) supporting the axle.

[0035] Vibration measurement results can be wirelessly transmitted to processing unit 5 for further processing.

[0036] Sensor 4 can also measure the temperature of wheel axle 2.

[0037] Figure 2 Example of sensor 4.

[0038] The sensor 4 includes a housing 4a, which contains a control component 6, a measuring component 7, a transmitting component 8, a magnetic detection unit 9, an alarm register 10, a memory 11, and a battery 12.

[0039] The housing 4a does not include openings to protect the control unit 6, measuring unit 7, transmitting unit 8, magnetic detection unit 9, alarm register 10, memory 11 and battery 12 from dust and moisture (e.g., projected by the wheels of vehicle 1).

[0040] The control component 6 includes, for example, a control unit that implements the measuring component 7, the transmitting component 8, the magnetic detection unit 9, the alarm register 10, and the memory 11.

[0041] The measuring component 7 includes, for example, a vibration measuring unit 7a and a temperature measuring unit 7b.

[0042] The transmitting component 8 includes a wireless transmitting interface designed to send frames to the processing unit 5.

[0043] The magnetic detection unit 9 is designed to detect a magnetic field with a predetermined value (e.g., at least 60 Gauss at a distance of 10 mm from the magnetic detection unit 9).

[0044] The magnetic detection unit 9 includes, for example, a Hall effect sensor.

[0045] When a magnetic field with a predetermined value is applied to the magnetic detection unit 9 for a predetermined duration, the control unit 6 is designed to configure at least certain functions of the sensor to an enabled mode.

[0046] The predetermined duration is associated with the function.

[0047] The magnetic field is generated, for example, by a permanent magnet 13 that transmits a magnetic field having a value at least equal to a predetermined value.

[0048] The permanent magnet 13 may contain, for example, NdFeB.

[0049] During the activation mode of sensor 4, measuring component 7 measures vibration and temperature, transmitting component 8 sends the measurement results to processing unit 5, and magnetic detection unit 9, alarm register 10 and memory 11 are controlled by control component 6.

[0050] During the sleep mode of sensor 4, measuring component 7, transmitting component 8, and alarm register 10 are turned off to conserve battery 12. Only control component 6, magnetic detection unit 9, and memory 11 are turned on.

[0051] For example, the alarm register 10 is designed to store a temperature alarm when the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit 7b exceeds a predetermined maximum temperature, or when the vibration measured by the vibration measuring unit 7a exceeds a predetermined maximum vibration indicating a bearing failure.

[0052] The memory 11 is intended to store, for example, measurement results transmitted by the measuring component 7.

[0053] Suppose that six functions are implemented in sensor 4.

[0054] More or fewer than six functions can be implemented in sensor 4.

[0055] The first function includes putting sensor 4 into an enabled mode when sensor 4 is in sleep mode. The predetermined enable duration Tact is associated with the first function, for example, five seconds.

[0056] The second function includes putting sensor 4 into sleep mode when sensor 4 is in enabled mode. The predetermined deactivation duration Tdeact is associated with the second function, for example, one second.

[0057] The third function includes resetting the alarm stored in the alarm register 10 of sensor 4 when sensor 4 is in enabled mode. The predetermined reset duration Tres is associated with the third function, for example, thirty seconds.

[0058] The fourth function includes storing the measurement results measured by the measuring component 7 of sensor 4 in the memory 11 of sensor 4 when sensor 4 is in enabled mode. A predetermined start storage duration Tstart is associated with the fourth function.

[0059] The fifth function includes stopping the storage of measurement results measured by the measuring component 7 of sensor 4 in the memory 11 of sensor 4 when sensor 4 is in enabled mode. The predetermined stop storage duration Tstop is associated with the fifth function.

[0060] The sixth function includes transmitting a frame containing a predetermined dataset when sensor 4 is in enabled mode, causing transmitting component 8 to transmit the frame. The predetermined selection duration is associated with the sixth function.

[0061] The first selected duration Ts1 is associated with a first dataset, which includes, for example, battery level, battery voltage, and the state of alarm register 10.

[0062] The second selected duration Ts2 is associated with a second dataset, which includes, for example, battery level, measurement results transmitted by vibration measurement unit 7a, and measurement results transmitted by temperature measurement unit 7b.

[0063] The values ​​of the enable duration Tact, disable duration Tdeact, reset duration Tres, start storage duration Tstart, stop storage duration Tstop, first selected duration Ts1, and second selected duration Ts2 are different from each other and are stored in memory 11.

[0064] When the permanent magnet 13 approaches the magnetic detection unit 9 such that the magnetic field measured by the magnetic detection unit 9 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 6 starts the counter (not shown), and when the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit 9 is less than the predetermined value, the control unit 6 stops the counter.

[0065] The control unit 6 determines the duration between the start and stop of the counter and compares the determined duration with the duration stored in the memory 11.

[0066] If the determined duration is equal to the activation duration Tact and sensor 4 is in sleep mode, then control unit 6 switches sensor 4 to activation mode (first function).

[0067] If the determined duration is equal to the deactivation duration Tdeact and sensor 4 is in the enabled mode, then control unit 6 switches sensor 4 to sleep mode (second function).

[0068] If the determined duration is equal to the reset duration Tres and sensor 4 is in enabled mode, control unit 6 will reset alarm register 10 (third function).

[0069] If the determined duration is equal to the start storage duration Tstart and sensor 4 is in enabled mode, then control unit 6 will store the measurement result measured by measurement unit 7 in memory 11 (fourth function).

[0070] If the determined duration is equal to the stop storage duration Tstop and sensor 4 is in enabled mode, then control unit 6 stops storing the measurement result measured by measurement unit 7 in memory 11 (fifth function).

[0071] If the determined duration is equal to the first selected duration Ts1 and the sensor 4 is in the enabled mode, the control unit 6 controls the transmitting unit 8 to send a frame containing the first dataset (sixth function).

[0072] If the determined duration is equal to the second selected duration Ts2 and the sensor 4 is in enabled mode, the control unit 6 controls the transmitting unit 8 to send a frame containing the second dataset (sixth function).

[0073] The duration of applying a magnetic field with a predetermined value to the magnetic detection unit allows the sensor 4 to be configured without using wireless communication with the mobile application intended to configure the sensor 4 and without using a human-machine interface (such as a switch or button) integrated in the housing 4a, so that the housing 4a has no openings that could allow dust and moisture to enter.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a sensor (4) including a magnetic detection unit (9), the method comprising configuring at least one function of the sensor (4) to an enabled mode by applying a magnetic field having a predetermined value to the magnetic detection unit for a predetermined duration (Tact, Tdeact, Tres, Tstart, Tstop, Ts1, Ts2), the predetermined duration being associated with the function.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: when the sensor is in sleep mode, sending the sensor (4) into the activation mode by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined activation duration (Tact).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sensor (4) functions to put the sensor into a sleep mode by applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined deactivation duration (Tdeact) when the sensor is in the enabled mode.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The function of the sensor (4) includes resetting an alarm stored in the alarm register (10) of the sensor, the method of which includes applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined reset duration (Tres) to reset the alarm register of the sensor.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The function of the sensor (4) includes storing the measurement result measured by the measuring component (7) of the sensor in the memory (11) of the sensor, the method including applying a magnetic field on the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined start storage duration (Tstart) to start storing the measurement result in the memory.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The sensor (4) includes a transmitting component (8), the function of which includes transmitting a frame containing a predetermined dataset, the method comprising applying a magnetic field to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined selected duration (Ts1, Ts2) such that the transmitting component transmits the predetermined frame, the predetermined dataset being identified by the predetermined selected duration.

7. A sensor (4) including a magnetic detection unit (9) and a control unit (6), the control unit being configured to configure at least one function of the sensor to an enabled mode when a magnetic field having a predetermined value is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined duration (Tact, Tdeact, Tres, Tstart, Tstop, Ts1, Ts2), the predetermined duration being associated with the function.

8. The sensor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sensor also includes an alarm register (10), the function of which includes resetting the alarm register, and the control unit (6) is configured to reset the alarm register when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined reset duration (Tres) and the sensor is in the enabled mode.

9. The sensor according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The sensor also includes a measurement component (7) and a memory (11). The sensor functions to store the measurement results in the memory. The control component (6) is configured to start storing the measurement results in the memory when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined start storage duration (Tstart) and the sensor is in the enabled mode.

10. The sensor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that, The sensor also includes a transmitting component (8), the function of which includes controlling the transmitting component to transmit a frame containing a predetermined dataset, and the control component (6) is configured to control the transmitting component to transmit a frame containing a predetermined dataset identified by the predetermined selected duration when a magnetic field is applied to the magnetic detection unit during a predetermined selected duration (Ts1, Ts2).

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