Charger for a Sensor-TAG

Abstract

Charging device (101) with an energy storage device and transmission means for transmitting energy from the energy storage device to an energy storage device of a sensor unit (103) to be charged, which is provided with bores for fixing to a machine, a vehicle, or to goods to be transported; characterized by at least one fixing means (107) for fixing the charging device (101) to the sensor unit (103).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device according to the preamble of claim 1, a device according to the preamble of claim 4 and a method according to claim 10.

[0002] Sensor units that use a battery as an energy storage device are known from the prior art. One or more sensors are integrated into a sensor unit, powered by the battery. Sensor data is transmitted from the sensor units to a receiver via Bluetooth. The energy required for this is also provided by the battery.

[0003] The disadvantage is that the battery only has a limited lifespan. When the battery is discharged, it must be replaced. This usually requires replacing the entire sensor unit, as its housing cannot be opened without causing damage due to environmental protection.

[0004] CN 1 05 595 582 A discloses a mobile phone with a rechargeable dry battery.

[0005] Protective cases for mobile phones with a charging function are known from CN 2 03 313 233 U, US 2015 / 0 263 775 A1 and CN 204 167 967 U.

[0006] The invention is based on the object of circumventing the disadvantages inherent in the sensor units described above. This object is achieved by a charging device according to claim 1, a sensor unit according to claim 4, and a method according to claim 10. Preferred developments are contained in the subclaims and will become apparent from the following description and the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures.

[0007] The charging device has an energy storage device. This can consist of one or more storage cells. Preferably, this is a storage device for electrical energy, i.e., a battery or accumulator.

[0008] Furthermore, the charging device has transmission means for transmitting at least a portion of the energy stored in the energy storage device to another energy storage device. The other energy storage device is part of a sensor unit, which is provided with holes for attachment to a machine, a vehicle, or goods to be transported. The energy is transferred from the energy storage device of the charging device to the energy storage device of the sensor unit in order to charge the energy storage device of the sensor unit.

[0009] According to the invention, the charging device has at least one fixing means. This allows the charging device to be mechanically fixed to the sensor unit. To fix the charging device to the sensor unit, a positive and / or non-positive connection is established between the charging device and the sensor unit by means of the fixing means. The fixing of the charging device to the sensor unit is preferably releasable.

[0010] The invention makes it possible to charge the energy storage devices of the sensor unit without dismantling the sensor unit. During the charging process, the sensor unit can remain in its installed location and continue to operate. This makes it possible to charge sensor units installed in machines or vehicles while the machines or vehicles are in use.

[0011] Preferably, the energy storage device of the charging device and the at least one fixing means are designed to be fixed to the housing. This means that the energy storage device of the charging device and the at least one fixing means are immovably mounted relative to a housing of the charging device. In particular, the energy storage device of the charging device and / or the at least one fixing means can be mounted on or in the housing. This development makes it possible to fix the energy storage device of the charging device to the sensor unit by means of the at least one fixing means. This is advantageous because energy storage devices are usually very heavy.

[0012] The transmission means are preferably further developed to transmit the energy wirelessly. In particular, the energy can be transmitted inductively or resonantly. Corresponding technologies are known from the prior art.

[0013] Alternatively, the charging device can have one or more electrical contacts that contact corresponding contacts of the sensor unit when the charging device is fixed to the sensor unit using the at least one fixing means. This creates an electrically conductive connection between each two contacts.

[0014] The inventive idea of fixing the charging device to the sensor unit can also be implemented by means of a fixing means on the sensor side. A corresponding sensor unit according to the invention has an energy storage device which can consist of one or more storage cells. In particular, it can be an electrical energy storage device, i.e. a battery or an accumulator. Furthermore, the sensor unit has receiving means for receiving energy transmitted from a charging device. For fixing to a machine, a vehicle or to goods to be transported, the sensor unit has bores. According to the invention, the sensor unit is provided with at least one fixing means for fixing the charging device to the sensor unit.

[0015] The at least one fixing means is preferably designed to be fixed to the housing. This means that the at least one fixing means is immovably mounted relative to a housing of the sensor unit. In particular, the at least one fixing means can be attached to the housing. The charging device can be fixed to the housing of the sensor unit by means of the fixing means fixed to the housing.

[0016] The receiving means are preferably further developed to receive wirelessly transmitted energy. In particular, the energy can be transmitted inductively or resonantly.

[0017] The sensor unit is preferably further developed with at least one sensor that is powered by the energy storage device of the sensor unit. A power-conducting connection, for example, suitable cabling, exists to the at least one sensor.

[0018] Furthermore, the sensor unit is preferably further developed with a device for wireless data transmission. This device is designed to transmit and / or receive data wirelessly. A Bluetooth transmitter and / or receiver, for example, is considered as such a device.

[0019] An arrangement according to the invention comprises a charging device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a sensor unit according to the preamble of claim 4. According to the invention, at least one fixing means is provided with which the charging device is fixed to the sensor unit.

[0020] The fixing means can be part of the charging device and / or the sensor unit. Furthermore, within the scope of the arrangement according to the invention, it is possible to use a separate fixing means that is neither part of the charging device nor part of the sensor unit.

[0021] A method according to the invention serves to charge an energy storage device of a sensor unit using a charging device. This can be an energy storage device according to the invention and / or a charging device according to the invention. The energy storage device and the charging device can also be part of the inventive arrangement described above. The method provides that the charging device is fixed to the sensor unit for charging.

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the figures. Corresponding reference numerals indicate identical or functionally equivalent features. In detail: Fig. 1a a top view of a sensor unit with a charger; and Fig. 1b a corresponding side view.

[0023] In the Fig. 1a and Fig. Figure 1b shows a charger 101 used to supply energy to a sensor tag 103. The charger is equipped with its own energy storage device. This energy is wirelessly transferred to the sensor tag 103 via inductive or capacitive coupling.

[0024] The Sensor TAG 103 is provided with holes 105. These are used to fix the Sensor TAG 103 to a machine, a vehicle, or goods being transported using screws or rivets.

[0025] To carry out the charging process, the charger 101 is fixed to the sensor TAG 103. For this purpose, a Fig. 1b. The fixing means 107 establishes a positive connection between the charger 101 and the sensor tag 103. This connection is detachable, so that the charger 101 can be removed after the charging process is complete. Reference symbol 101 Charger 103 Sensor TAG 105 Bore 107 Fixatives

Claims

[1] Charging device (101) with an energy storage device and transmission means for transmitting energy from the energy storage device to an energy storage device of a sensor unit (103) to be charged, which is provided with holes for fixing to a machine, a vehicle or to goods to be transported; characterized by at least one fixing means (107) for fixing the charging device (101) to the sensor unit (103). [2] Charging device (101) according to claim 1; characterized by that the energy storage device of the charging device (101) and the at least one fixing means (107) are fixed to the housing. [3] Charging device (101) according to one of the preceding claims; characterized by that the transmission means are designed to transmit the energy wirelessly. [4] Sensor unit (103) with an energy storage device, with receiving means for receiving energy transmitted from a charging device (101) and with holes for fixing to a machine, a vehicle or goods to be transported; characterized by at least one fixing means (107) for fixing the charging device (101) to the sensor unit (103). [5] Sensor unit (103) according to the preceding claim; characterized by that the at least one fixing means (107) is fixed to the housing. [6] Sensor unit (103) according to one of the preceding two claims; characterized by that the receiving means are designed to receive wirelessly transmitted energy. [7] Sensor unit (103) according to one of claims 4 to 6; characterized by at least one sensor that is powered by the energy storage device. [8] Sensor unit (103) according to one of claims 4 to 7; characterized by a device for wireless data transmission. [9] Arrangement with a charging device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 3 and a sensor unit (103) to be charged according to one of claims 4 to 8; wherein the charging device (101) and the sensor unit (103) each have an energy storage device; with Transmission means for transmitting energy from the energy storage device of the charging device (101) to the energy storage device of the sensor unit (103); characterized by at least one fixing means (107) with which the charging device (101) is fixed to the sensor unit (103). [10] Method for charging an energy storage device of a sensor unit (103) according to one of claims 4 to 8 by means of a charging device (101) according to one of claims 1 to 3; characterized by ; that the charging device (101) is fixed to the sensor unit (103) for charging.

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