Sensor

Abstract

Sensor with a housing (2) and a housing surface (3), as well as with an evaluation unit (4), with a memory (5) for storing configuration settings, where at least one actuation area (6) is arranged on the housing surface (3) of the sensor (1), wherein the actuation area (6) has a sensor element (8), wherein the sensor element (8) is connected to the evaluation unit (4), wherein at least one acceleration sensor (7) is arranged in the sensor (1), wherein the actuation area (6) can be mechanically struck by an object (9), thereby generating an acceleration of the housing (2), wherein the acceleration can be detected by the acceleration sensor (7), characterized in that at least one configuration setting can be made depending on the acceleration signal and a temporally corresponding detection of the object (9) on the actuation area (6) by the sensor element (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for configuring a sensor according to claim 8.

[0002] Sensors with extended functionality usually require an input option for the user to set or activate parameters, behavior, or functions of the sensor.

[0003] This is often achieved using tactile buttons or capacitive or inductive touch surfaces.

[0004] Tactile switches are susceptible to contamination. Furthermore, high demands are placed on the housing technology to ensure the sensor's sealing properties. Tactile pushbuttons also require a significant amount of space. In addition, flexibility in housing design and circuit board layout is limited.

[0005] Capacitive switches are highly susceptible to accidental activation. Even contact with water can cause a malfunction. Furthermore, capacitive switches are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference. They only function correctly if the contact area is sufficiently large and / or if there are no interfering materials surrounding it. This is particularly problematic with very small sensors. Additionally, with cylinder sensors used to detect piston movement, it can be difficult to distinguish between the cylinder wall and the switch activation. Due to the risk of accidental activation, the operating concept must be adapted accordingly, for example, by requiring a double activation of the switches. Furthermore, the design of the sensor housing is limited, as a minimal capacitive area must be present while maintaining minimal wall thickness.

[0006] Inductive pushbuttons are complex because they require a coil, an actuation surface, and resonant circuit electronics. Furthermore, there is a risk of accidental activation by metallic objects. Additionally, the housing design for inductive pushbuttons is complex.

[0007] US Patent 2012 / 0 154 292 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for activating a function of an electronic device. The method comprises detecting a first input by a motion sensor. Furthermore, the method activates a touch sensor of the electronic device in response to the detection of the first input. The method then detects a second input by the motion sensor within a predetermined time interval from the first input. Next, in response to the detection of the second input, the method determines whether contact has occurred at the touch sensor and activates a function of the electronic device in response to the determination that contact has occurred at the touch sensor when the second input is detected.

[0008] One object of the invention is to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages and provide an improved input method for the user to adjust or activate parameters, behavior, or functions of the sensor. The solution should be integrable into as many sensors as possible. Furthermore, the solution should be cost-effective.

[0009] The problem is solved according to claim 1 by a sensor with a housing and a housing surface, as well as with an evaluation unit with a memory for storing configuration settings, wherein at least one actuation area is arranged on the housing surface of the sensor, wherein the actuation area has a sensor element, wherein the sensor element is connected to the evaluation unit, wherein at least one acceleration sensor is arranged in the sensor, wherein the actuation area can be mechanically struck by an object, whereby an acceleration of the housing can be generated, wherein the acceleration can be detected by the acceleration sensor and, depending on the acceleration signal and a temporally corresponding detection of the object at the actuation area by the sensor element, at least one configuration setting can be made.

[0010] The problem is further solved according to claim 8 by a method for configuring a sensor with a housing and a housing surface, as well as with an evaluation unit with a memory for storing configuration settings, wherein at least one actuation area is arranged on the housing surface of the sensor, wherein the actuation area has a sensor element, wherein the sensor element is connected to the evaluation unit, wherein at least one acceleration sensor is arranged in the sensor, wherein the actuation area is mechanically struck by an object, thereby generating an acceleration of the housing, wherein the acceleration is detected by the acceleration sensor and at least one configuration setting is made depending on the acceleration signal and a temporally corresponding detection of the object at the actuation area.

[0011] The area where the object is actuated can also be referred to as the actuation surface. The actuation area is preferably identified or marked, for example, by a colored marking. The actuation area or actuation surface does not need to conform to any particular shape or contour, meaning that the actuation area can be located on almost any surface of the housing.

[0012] The activation area is struck or tapped by an object, for example, the tip of a screwdriver, pliers, a pen, or a similar item. This activation occurs at an approach speed that corresponds to a measurable acceleration in the sensor. In addition to the accelerometer, the sensor contains another sensor element to detect the object within the activation area. A simultaneous acceleration and activation within the activation area is interpreted as activation or user input. The detection of the object within the activation area can be performed either by a dedicated sensor element or by the sensor element responsible for the sensor's primary measurement function.

[0013] According to the present invention, no separate mechanical interface is required on the exterior of the sensor, thus improving its sealing and robustness. Furthermore, the sensor is insensitive to interference from water, contamination, or temperature differences. The combination of two measured variables makes the actuation insensitive to unintentional activation or manipulation. No separate actuation tool is required; a standard object suffices. The actuation mechanism is suitable for a wide variety of sensors and sensor housings. The actuation area can be very small. Furthermore, the accelerometer does not need to be located in close proximity to the sensor element but can be positioned separately. Finally, a uniform operating concept can be provided for a wide range of sensors.

[0014] In a further development of the invention, a magnetic sensor element is assigned to the actuation area for detecting a field-influencing object. This allows the sensor element to be actuated by a field-influencing object, for example, a hard magnetic or ferromagnetic object, or by a field-influencing tip of an object. This could be, for example, a screwdriver tip. This prevents actuation by other objects, such as those made of plastic.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, an inductive, capacitive, or optical sensor element is assigned to the actuation area for detecting the object. The inductive sensor element can detect a metallic object in order to make a configuration setting. Actuation can be performed, for example, with a bare finger using a capacitive sensor element, whereby the actuation area of ​​the sensor can be activated, for example, with a fingernail. The optical sensor element can detect, for example, a variety of objects, including non-metallic objects.

[0016] In a further development of the invention, a display unit is provided which is designed to show the configuration setting. The display unit can be a light-emitting diode (LED) display unit, an LCD display unit, a segment display unit, a bar graph display unit, a digital display unit, or similar. With the aid of the display unit, the user can check whether the desired configuration is set and can verify any changes to the configuration values.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, the sensor element is designed to detect a rotational movement of the object, thereby enabling a configuration setting. A configuration input is initiated by striking the actuating area. A configuration setting can then be made by rotating the object against the actuating area. This allows, for example, the function of a rotary knob or a potentiometer to be replicated, but without the need for any rotating parts in the sensor housing itself. The evaluation unit evaluates the signals from the sensor element and is designed to make or change a configuration setting based on the rotation of the object. For example, a value range, sensitivity, range, or similar settings can be changed.

[0018] In a further development of the invention, several actuation areas are arranged. These are assigned, for example, to different functions in order to activate various functions or to differentiate between inputs. For example, a first actuation area is provided for unlocking the sensor, and a second actuation area is provided for switching between a current and a voltage output. Furthermore, a third actuation area can be provided, for example, to calibrate a measuring range. However, only a single accelerometer is required for all actuation areas.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the sensor itself is a magnetic, inductive, capacitive or optoelectronic sensor for detecting objects in order to output an object detection signal depending on the detection of the objects.

[0020] The invention is further explained below with regard to its advantages and features, with reference to the accompanying drawing and by means of exemplary embodiments. The figures in the drawing show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 each a sensor with a housing and an actuation area; Fig. 3 a sensor with a housing and three actuation areas.

[0021] In the following figures, identical parts are labelled with identical reference symbols.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a sensor 1 with a housing 2 and a housing surface 3, as well as with an evaluation unit 4 with a memory 5 for storing configuration settings, wherein at least one actuation area 6 is arranged on the housing surface 3 of the sensor 1, wherein the actuation area 6 has a sensor element 8, wherein the sensor element 8 is connected to the evaluation unit 4, wherein at least one acceleration sensor 7 is arranged in the sensor 1, wherein the actuation area 6 can be mechanically struck by an object 9, whereby an acceleration of the housing 2 can be generated, wherein the acceleration can be detected by the acceleration sensor 7 and depending on the acceleration signal and a detection of the object 9 at the actuation area 6 by the sensor element 8, at least one configuration setting can be made.

[0023] The operating area 6 for the object 9 can also be referred to as the operating surface. The operating area 6 is preferably identified or marked, for example by a colored marking.

[0024] The actuation area 6 is struck or tapped by the object 9, for example with the tip of a screwdriver, pliers, a pen, or a similar object. The actuation thus occurs with an approach speed that corresponds to a measurable acceleration in sensor 1.

[0025] In sensor 1, in addition to the accelerometer 7, there is another sensor element 8 to detect the object 9 at the actuation area 6. A temporally coincident combination of acceleration and actuation within the actuation area 6 is interpreted as actuation or as an operator input. The detection of the object 9 or the actuating object in the area of ​​the actuation area 6 can be carried out either by a sensor element 8 provided for this purpose or by the sensor element responsible for the actual measurement task of the sensor.

[0026] According to Fig. For example, a magnetic, inductive, capacitive, or optical sensor element is assigned to the actuation area 6 for detecting the object 9. The inductive sensor element can detect a metallic object in order to make a configuration setting. Actuation can be performed, for example, with a bare finger using a capacitive sensor element, whereby the actuation area of ​​the sensor can be activated, for example, with a fingernail. The optical sensor element can detect a variety of objects, including non-metallic objects.

[0027] According to Fig. 1 is sensor 1 a magnetic, inductive, capacitive or optoelectronic sensor for detecting objects in order to output an object detection signal depending on the detection of the objects.

[0028] According to Fig. 2. A magnetic sensor element 8 is assigned to the actuation area 6 for the detection of a field-influencing object 9. This allows the sensor element 8 to be actuated by a field-influencing object 9, for example, a hard magnetic or ferromagnetic object 9, or by a field-influencing tip of an object 9. This could be, for example, a screwdriver tip.

[0029] According to Fig.For example, several actuation areas 6 are arranged in 3. These are assigned to different functions, for example, to activate various functions or to differentiate between inputs. For example, a first actuation area 6.1 is intended for unlocking the sensor, and a second actuation area 6.2 is intended for switching between a current and a voltage output. Furthermore, a third actuation area 6.3 may be provided, for example, to teach in a measuring range. However, only a single accelerometer 7 is required for all actuation areas 6.

Claims

[1] Sensor with a housing (2) and a housing surface (3), as well as with an evaluation unit (4), with a memory (5) for storing configuration settings, where at least one actuation area (6) is arranged on the housing surface (3) of the sensor (1), wherein the actuation area (6) has a sensor element (8), wherein the sensor element (8) is connected to the evaluation unit (4), wherein at least one acceleration sensor (7) is arranged in the sensor (1), wherein the actuation area (6) can be mechanically struck by an object (9), thereby generating an acceleration of the housing (2), wherein the acceleration can be detected by the acceleration sensor (7), characterized by , that depending on the acceleration signal and a temporally corresponding detection of the object (9) at the actuation area (6) by the sensor element (8) at least one configuration setting can be made. [2] Sensor according to claim 1, characterized by , that a magnetic sensor element (8) is assigned to the operating area (6) for the detection of a field-influencing object (9). [3] Sensor according to claim 1, characterized by , that the operating area (6) is assigned an inductive, a capacitive or an optical sensor element (8) for the detection of the object (9). [4] Sensor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a display unit is provided which is designed to display the configuration setting. [5] Sensor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor element (8) is designed to detect a rotational movement of the object (9), thereby making a configuration setting possible. [6] Sensor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that several activity areas (6) are arranged. [7] Sensor according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the sensor (1) is a magnetic, an inductive, a capacitive or an optoelectronic sensor (1). [8] Method for configuring a sensor with a housing (2) and a housing surface (3), as well as with an evaluation unit (4) with a memory (5) for storing configuration settings, where at least one actuation area (6) is arranged on the housing surface (3) of the sensor (1), wherein the actuation area (6) has a sensor element (8), wherein the sensor element (8) is connected to the evaluation unit (4), wherein at least one acceleration sensor (7) is arranged in the sensor (3), wherein the actuation area (6) is mechanically struck by an object (9), thereby generating an acceleration of the housing (2), wherein the acceleration is detected by the acceleration sensor (7), characterized by, that depending on the acceleration signal and a temporally matching detection of the object (9) at the actuation area (6) at least one configuration setting is made.

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