Optoelectronic sensor

Abstract

Optoelectronic sensor (1) comprising a housing (2), a light transmitter (3), a light receiver (4), and a front panel (8) arranged in front of the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4), wherein a cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is arranged associated with the light transmitter (3) and / or the light receiver (4), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) provides gap-free shielding of the light rays from the light transmitter (3) and / or the received light rays from the light receiver (4) within the housing (2), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) rests gap-free against adjacent components (7) with its respective opening edges (6), and wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.wherein the light rays of the light transmitter (3) and / or the light rays for the light receiver (4) are guided through the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an optoelectronic sensor according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Optoelectronic sensor systems according to the state of the art comprise a light transmitter and a light receiver in a single housing. The emitted light beams of the light transmitter are directed towards an object, and the reflected light is evaluated by the light receiver. The light transmitter and the light receiver together form a photoelectric sensor. If an object is within the detection range, it is detected by the light receiver, which then generates and outputs an object detection signal.

[0003] In the assembly of optoelectronic sensors, a reliable separation of the transmitting beam from the receiving beam is necessary to prevent internal crosstalk of the transmitting beam into the receiving channel. A transmitting beam should only be reflected back into the receiving channel by a detection probe or background.

[0004] Due to design tolerances and process tolerances, residual gaps arise which can lead to these undesirable effects of crosstalk between the transmit and / or receive paths. This is already relevant for photoelectric barriers and / or photoelectric sensors.

[0005] To prevent crosstalk in the windshield area, solutions are known, for example, in which a transmitter tube is passed through the windshield.

[0006] However, a windshield feedthrough represents increased effort in terms of construction, parts and process costs, and carries the risk of sealing problems at the transition from pipe to windshield, even if these are joined, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0007] US Patent 2020 / 0096612 A1 discloses a sealing element arranged in a vehicle sensor unit. The vehicle sensor unit comprises an optical sensor and a cover. The optical sensor is configured to emit light from inside the vehicle and to receive light that strikes and is reflected by an object outside the vehicle. The cover is positioned in front of the optical sensor in the direction of light transmission and covers the optical sensor, allowing light to pass through. The sealing element connects the optical sensor and the cover and simultaneously seals any gap between the optical sensor and the cover.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide an improved optoelectronic sensor that has improved optical shielding of the transmitting light path and / or the receiving light path.

[0009] The problem is solved according to claim 1 by an optoelectronic sensor comprising a housing, a light transmitter, a light receiver, and a front panel arranged in front of the light transmitter and the light receiver, wherein a cylindrical elastic compensating element is arranged associated with the light transmitter and / or the light receiver, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element provides gap-free shielding of the light rays from the light transmitter and / or the received light rays from the light receiver within the housing, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element rests gap-free against adjacent components with its respective opening edges, and wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.wherein the light rays from the light transmitter and / or the light rays for the light receiver are guided through the cylindrical elastic compensating element.

[0010] The cylindrical elastic compensating element can also be a tubular or pipe-shaped elastic compensating element. In particular, the elastic compensating element has an opening at each end, each with an opening edge. The elastic compensating element has a cylindrical, tubular, or pipe-shaped body with an inner wall and an outer wall. The light rays are guided through the cylindrical, tubular, or pipe-shaped body of the elastic compensating element.

[0011] The term "cylindrical" is used here in a general sense. "Cylindrical" is used synonymously with "tube-shaped." A cylindrical body can specifically refer to a circular cylinder. However, "cylindrical" also encompasses other geometric cylindrical shapes, which need not be circular. For example, it can also refer to an oblique cylindrical shape.

[0012] The light-tight seal between the opening edges and the adjacent component prevents light rays from passing from the light source to the light receiver within the housing. This prevents interference from stray light affecting the light receiver.

[0013] The cylindrical, tubular, or pipe-shaped elastic compensating element is elastically clamped under preload. This preload is generated by the spring-like properties of the elastic compensating element. At least one component adjacent to the elastic compensating element is pressed against it, causing the element to be slightly compressed. The resulting preload then holds the elastic compensating element between the two components. The edges of the openings rest against an adjacent component, forming a gap-free and light-tight connection between the elastic compensating element and the component.

[0014] The optoelectronic sensor comprises, for example, a housing, a connecting cable, at least the light transmitter, the light receiver, and, for example, optics for beam shaping. Furthermore, the optoelectronic sensor includes, for example, a control and evaluation unit for controlling the light transmitter and evaluating the light receiver.

[0015] The light source or light source element can be, for example, a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. However, the light source can also consist of, for example, multiple LEDs or laser diodes.

[0016] The light receiver or light-receiving element can be, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor. The light receiver can also be formed by several photodiodes or phototransistors, such as a photodiode array or similar device.

[0017] The elastic compensating element is elastically compressible. This means that the elastic compensating element is elastically compressed when subjected to a compressive force. The elastic compensating element consists, for example, of an elastic material such as rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylonitrile butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, silicone, or a similar material. Elastic plastics, such as thermoplastic elastomers, are also suitable for use as elastic compensating elements.

[0018] Optoelectronic sensors are used for a wide variety of monitoring tasks. Examples of such sensors include light barriers. Other examples are photoelectric sensors or reflective photoelectric sensors, in which a light transmitter emits a light beam that is reflected and captured by a light receiver located next to the light transmitter.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, the optoelectronic sensor is a time-of-flight sensor. Time-of-flight sensors determine the distance to an object according to the time-of-flight principle.

[0020] For example, a transmission pattern modulated onto the light beam is reflected by an object and, after being received by the sensor, compared with an internally generated reference pattern to determine the light travel time. From this, the light path and thus the distance can be calculated. In practice, two main methods are used. In one method, the transmission pattern is a simple light pulse whose travel time is measured. In the other method, the transmission pattern is a sinusoidal modulation, where the phase of the sine wave relative to a reference sine wave corresponds to the travel time modulo the period of the sine wave.

[0021] In particular, the light receiver features at least one single-photon avalanche diode. Single-photon avalanche diodes are also known synonymously as "single photon avalanche diodes" or abbreviated SPADs. Other common names include "silicon photomultiplier" (SiPM), "Geiger-mode avalanche photon diode," or "single photon counting diode." Single-photon avalanche diodes are photosensitive detectors that can be implemented using standard CMOS technology. Similar to avalanche photodiodes, they convert incident photons into current pulses. However, unlike avalanche photodiodes, single-photon avalanche diodes are operated across a breakdown voltage. This means that even a single incident photon triggers an avalanche effect that can be detected as a current pulse. Due to their high sensitivity, namely a gain factor of 10⁻⁵, they can be used to detect a wide range of photons. 6 Even the smallest reception powers, down to single photons, can be detected.

[0022] Various light-time-of-flight methods with corresponding evaluation can be implemented for distance measurement.

[0023] A pulsed measurement method may be employed. For example, one or more time-to-digital converters are used for the pulsed method, in which each individual photon event is timestamped. Therefore, several correlated timestamps occur for a single signal. Measurement data generation is statistical. In contrast, background light produces randomly distributed timestamps.

[0024] Furthermore, a CW (Continuous Wave) method, or the synonymous continuous wave method, can be used, employing a time-constant light signal. In this method, the individual photon events are distributed between two counters via a gating signal, and a phase is calculated from the ratio of the counter readings.

[0025] Furthermore, analog signals from a single-photon diode array can be evaluated. These are compared with a threshold value, sampled, or evaluated using statistical methods.

[0026] When evaluating data using the time-of-flight method, an amplitude value can be generated in addition to the distance value, e.g., from a histogram of the timestamps, the count rate, or the voltage amplitude in an analog evaluation. The amplitude value allows for plausibility checks, particularly in safety-related applications.

[0027] Distance measurement is required in various applications, including vehicle safety, logistics and factory automation, and security technology. Specifically, a distance meter based on a reflected light beam can react to changes in the distance of the reflector or the reflecting or remitting target. A particular application is a distance-measuring reflective light barrier, which monitors the distance between the light source and the reflector.

[0028] Optical crosstalk between the transmit and receive paths of an optoelectronic sensor impairs the sensor's performance. Therefore, these two light paths must be separated. Specifically, separation is necessary from the electronics board containing the light transmitter and receiver to the windshield.

[0029] According to the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the windshield and is pressed against it. An adjacent component is formed by the windshield.

[0030] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent windshield with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight connection between the windshield and the elastic compensating element.

[0031] In a further development of the invention, a transmitting optic is arranged in front of the light emitter and / or a receiving optic is arranged in front of the light receiver. The transmitting optic or the receiving optic allows for the adjustment of the monitoring angle and various ranges. The component can, for example, also be formed by the transmitting optic and / or receiving optic.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, an optical carrier for the light transmitter is arranged, and / or an optical carrier for the light receiver is arranged, and / or an optical carrier for the light transmitter and the light receiver is arranged, wherein the optical carrier for the light transmitter is arranged between the light transmitter and the front window, the optical carrier for the light receiver is arranged between the light receiver and the front window, and / or the optical carrier for the light transmitter and the light receiver is arranged between the light transmitter, the light receiver, and the front window, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element is arranged on the optical carrier for the light transmitter, on the optical carrier for the light receiver, and / or on the optical carrier for the light transmitter and the light receiver. An adjacent component is formed by the optical carrier.

[0033] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent optical carrier with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight connection between the optical carrier and the elastic compensating element.

[0034] The optical support can also be called a tube. The optical support is preferably made of black, matte plastic. This allows the optical support to absorb unwanted light rays.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the elastic compensating element is made of dark, in particular black, material and has a matte surface on at least one inner wall.

[0036] In addition to eliminating tolerance gaps to adjacent components or windshields, the optically matte, dark material reduces stray light caused by multiple reflections. This results in a more precise light spot on both the transmitting and receiving sides, affecting the detection target as well as the light receiver or receiving element.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, the elastic compensating element has a bellows structure. The bellows structure is used to mechanically compress the elastic compensating element by squeezing the structure together.

[0038] Various line designs and structures can be useful here. In particular, a bellows-like structure is advantageous. Theoretically, other specific shapes are also conceivable. However, it is essential that these do not break into the optical areas or fold inwards when compressed, thus obstructing the optical beam.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element has a round, square, oval, elliptical, or freeform cross-section. This allows the elastic compensating element to be adapted to various required cross-sections.

[0040] The bellows can be made of various elastic materials and take on different geometric shapes, depending on the requirements regarding available installation space or channel separation.

[0041] Generally, various configurations are conceivable. A single channel or multiple interconnected channels can be provided.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element has a conical or conical shape. The conical or conical shape is arranged with an increasing cross-section towards the front window. This creates a funnel-shaped elastic compensating element that is adapted to the shape of the light beam for the light transmitter or the light receiver.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is formed in one piece. "In one piece" means that, according to this further development, the elastic compensating element consists of only a single piece and is not formed in multiple parts. For example, the elastic compensating element is manufactured using injection molding.

[0044] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is bonded to the windshield.

[0045] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent windshield with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, material-bonded connection between the windshield and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the windshield are bonded, welded, or connected by another material-bonded connection.

[0046] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is positively connected to the windshield.

[0047] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent windshield with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, form-fit connection between the windshield and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the windshield are connected by means of an undercut or another form-fit connection.

[0048] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is materially bonded to the optical carrier.

[0049] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent optical carriers with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, material-bonded connection between the optical carriers and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the optical carriers are bonded, welded, or connected by another material-bonded connection.

[0050] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is positively connected to the optical carriers.

[0051] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent optical carriers with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, form-fit connection between the optical carriers and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the optical carriers are connected to each other by means of an undercut or another form-fit connection.

[0052] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is bonded to a printed circuit board, wherein the light transmitter and the light receiver are arranged on the printed circuit board. The adjacent component is formed by the printed circuit board or a circuit card.

[0053] For example, the light transmitter and receiver are arranged on a common circuit board. In this way, the light transmitter and receiver have a well-defined distance from each other with very low tolerance.

[0054] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent circuit board with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, material-bonded connection between the circuit board and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the circuit board are bonded, welded, or connected by another material-bonded connection.

[0055] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element is positively connected to a printed circuit board, wherein the light transmitter and the light receiver are arranged on the printed circuit board. The adjacent component is formed by the printed circuit board or a circuit card.

[0056] For example, the light transmitter and receiver are arranged on a common circuit board. In this way, the light transmitter and receiver have a well-defined distance from each other with very low tolerance.

[0057] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent circuit board with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. This creates a light-tight, form-fit connection between the circuit board and the elastic compensating element. For example, the elastic compensating element and the circuit board are connected by means of an undercut or another form-fit connection.

[0058] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensating element has an integrated aperture.

[0059] An optical aperture can also be integrated into the elastic compensating element if required. The aperture can be integrated directly into the base material of the elastic compensating element, or it can be connected as a second component or insert (e.g., a plastic or metal aperture part) during an injection nulcanization process.

[0060] The directly integrated cover eliminates the need for subsequent separate assembly, thus offering economic and tolerance-related advantages.

[0061] In a further development of the invention, the cylindrical elastic compensation element is arranged between the circuit board and the optical carrier. The circuit board and the optical carrier each form adjacent components.

[0062] The cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent circuit board with at least one of its opening edges without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. The other opening edge of the cylindrical elastic compensating element rests against the adjacent optical carrier without a gap.

[0063] The elastic compensating element can also be positioned on the back side of the optical transmitter / receiver.

[0064] Here, the compensating element rests against the optical tube or the optical carrier and seals the transmit / receive channels to the circuit board surface.

[0065] This can be particularly advantageous if the sealing does not have to be carried out on a planar surface, but rather, for example, on a conditionally defined grout, such as a Globtop grout of bonded components. The elastic leveling element allows, within certain limits, a variable seal on an uneven surface / structure.

[0066] 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 to 4 each have an optoelectronic sensor; Fig. 5 different cross-sections of an elastic compensation element; Fig. 6 to 7 each show a longitudinal section of an elastic compensating element with bellows structure; Fig. 8 a wall of an elastic compensating element with bellows structure; Fig. 9 an elastic compensating element with bellows structure; Fig. 10 an elastic compensating element with two adjacent light channels with bellows structure; Fig. 11 an elastic compensating element with two adjacent light channels with bellows structure with a space between; Fig. 12 an optoelectronic sensor; Fig. 13 to 16 each have a printed circuit board with elastic compensating elements; Fig. 17 to 20 each an optical carrier with elastic compensating elements; Fig. 21 to 23 each contain a printed circuit board with elastic compensating elements; Fig. 24 to 27 each have an optoelectronic sensor; Fig. 28 to 31 each have an elastic compensating element with an aperture; Fig. 32 to 35 each contain a circuit board with elastic compensation elements and an optical carrier;

[0067] In the following figures, identical parts are labelled with identical reference symbols.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 shows an optoelectronic sensor 1 with a housing 2, a light transmitter 3, a light receiver 4, and a front panel 8, which is arranged in front of the light transmitter 3 and in front of the light receiver 4, wherein a cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is arranged associated with the light transmitter 3 and / or associated with the light receiver 4, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 provides gap-free shielding of the light rays from the light transmitter 3 and / or the received light rays from the light receiver 4 within the housing 2, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests gap-free against adjacent components 7 with its respective opening edges 6, and wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.wherein the light rays from the light transmitter 3 and / or the light rays for the light receiver 4 are guided through the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5.

[0069] Fig. 2 is a supplementary cross-sectional representation to Fig. 1.

[0070] Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows the elastic compensation element 5 in an uncompressed representation. The windshield 8 is shown here as component 7 only to better illustrate the uncompressed elastic compensation element 5.

[0071] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 can also be a tubular or pipe-shaped elastic compensating element 5. In particular, the elastic compensating element 5 has an opening at each end, each with an opening edge 6. The elastic compensating element 5 has a cylindrical, tubular, or pipe-shaped body with an inner wall 13 and an outer wall. The light rays are guided through the cylindrical, tubular, or pipe-shaped body of the elastic compensating element 5.

[0072] Due to the light-tight seal of the opening edges 6 with the adjacent component 7, light rays cannot pass within the housing 2 from the light transmitter 3 to the light receiver 4. This prevents interference from stray light affecting the light receiver 4.

[0073] The cylindrical, tubular, or tubular elastic compensating element 5 is elastically clamped under preload. The preload is generated by the spring properties of the elastic compensating element 5. At least one component 7 adjacent to the elastic compensating element 5 is pressed against it, causing the elastic compensating element 5 to be slightly compressed. The resulting preload holds the elastic compensating element 5 between the two components 7. The respective opening edges 6 abut each adjacent component 7, forming a gap-free and light-tight connection between the elastic compensating element 5 and the component 7.

[0074] The optoelectronic sensor 1 comprises, for example, the housing 2, a connecting cable, at least the light transmitter 3, the light receiver 4, and, for example, optics for beam shaping. Furthermore, the optoelectronic sensor 1 comprises, for example, a control and evaluation unit for controlling the light transmitter 3 and for controlling and evaluating the light receiver 4. Component 7 could, for example, also be optics.

[0075] The light emitter 3, or a light emitting element, could be, for example, a light-emitting diode or a laser diode. The light receiver 4, or a light receiving element, could be, for example, a photodiode or a phototransistor.

[0076] The elastic compensating element 5 is elastically compressible. This means that the elastic compensating element 5 is elastically compressed when subjected to a compressive force.

[0077] For example, optoelectronic sensor 1 is a time-of-flight sensor. Time-of-flight sensors determine the distance to an object based on the time-of-flight method.

[0078] For example, a transmission pattern modulated onto the light beam is reflected by an object and, after reception in the optoelectronic sensor 1, compared with an internally generated reference pattern to determine the light travel time. From this, the light path and thus the distance can be calculated. In particular, the light receiver 4 has at least one single-photon avalanche diode. Single-photon avalanche diodes are also synonymously referred to as SPADs.

[0079] According to Fig. 12 The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the windshield 8 and is pressed against the windshield 8. An adjacent component 7 is formed by the windshield 8.

[0080] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent front window 8 with at least one of the opening edges 6 without gaps, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 being elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.

[0081] According to Fig. In the 12 assembly, a transmitting optic 9 is arranged in front of the light transmitter 3 and / or a receiving optic 10 is arranged in front of the light receiver 4. Component 7 can also be, for example, the transmitting optic 9 and / or the receiving optic 10.

[0082] For example, an optical carrier 11 is arranged for the light source 3 and / or an optical carrier 11 is arranged for the light receiver 4 and / or an optical carrier 11 is arranged for both the light source 3 and the light receiver 4, wherein the optical carrier 11 for the light source 3 is arranged between the light source 3 and the front window 8, the optical carrier 11 for the light receiver 4 is arranged between the light receiver 4 and the front window 8, and / or the optical carrier 11 for both the light source 3 and the light receiver 4 is arranged between the light source 3, the light receiver 4, and the front window 8, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is arranged on the optical carrier 11 for the light source 3, on the optical carrier 11 for the light receiver 4, and / or on the optical carrier 11 for both the light source 3 and the light receiver 4. An adjacent component 7 is formed by the optical carrier 11.

[0083] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests without gaps against the adjacent optical carrier 11 with at least one of the opening edges 6, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.

[0084] The optical carrier 11 can also be referred to as a tube. The optical carrier 11 is preferably made of black, matte plastic. This allows the optical carrier 11 to absorb unwanted light rays.

[0085] For example, the elastic compensating element 5 is according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 made of dark, especially black, material and has a matte surface 12 on at least one interior wall 13.

[0086] In addition to eliminating tolerances in the gap to the adjacent component 7 or to the adjacent front window 8, the optically matte, dark material offers the effect of reducing scattered light through multiple reflections.

[0087] According to Fig. From 6 to 11, the elastic compensating element 5 has a bellows structure 14. The compression of the elastic compensating element 5 is carried out mechanically by the bellows structure 14 being compressed.

[0088] According to Fig. The 5 is a cylindrical elastic compensating element with a round, square, oval, elliptical cross-section or a freeform shape. This allows the elastic compensating element 5 to be adapted to various required cross-sections.

[0089] The elastic compensating element 5 can be made of various elastic materials and can also take on various geometric shapes, depending on the requirements regarding available installation space or channel separation.

[0090] Generally, various configurations are conceivable. A single channel or multiple interconnected channels can be provided.

[0091] According to Fig. 7 The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 has a conical or conical shape. The conical or conical shape is arranged with an increasing cross-section towards the front window 8. This forms a funnel-shaped elastic compensating element 5 which is adapted to the light beam shape for the light transmitter 3 or the light receiver 4.

[0092] According to Fig. In figures 6, 7 and 9 to 11, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is formed in one piece. "In one piece" means that, according to the further development, the elastic compensating element 5 consists of only a single piece and is not formed in multiple parts.

[0093] For example, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is materially bonded to the windscreen 8.

[0094] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent windscreen 8 with at least one of its opening edges 6 without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. For example, the elastic compensating element 5 and the windscreen 8 are bonded, welded, or connected by another material-bonded connection.

[0095] For example, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is positively connected to the windscreen 8.

[0096] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent windscreen 8 with at least one of its opening edges 6 without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. For example, the elastic compensating element 5 and the windscreen 8 are connected to each other by means of an undercut or by another positive-locking connection.

[0097] According to Fig. From 17 to 20, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is connected to the optical carrier 11. For example, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is bonded to the optical carrier 11.

[0098] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent optical carrier 11 with at least one of its opening edges 6 without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. For example, the elastic compensating element 5 and the optical carriers 11 are bonded, welded, or connected to each other by another material-bonded connection.

[0099] For example, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is positively connected to the optical carrier 11.

[0100] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests without gaps against the adjacent optical carrier 11 with at least one of the opening edges 6, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose.

[0101] According to Fig. In sections 13 to 16, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is bonded to a printed circuit board 15, on which the light transmitter 3 and the light receiver 4 are arranged. The adjacent component 7 is formed by the printed circuit board 15 or a circuit board.

[0102] For example, light transmitter 3 and light receiver 4 are arranged on a common circuit board or printed circuit board 15. In this way, light transmitter 3 and light receiver 4 have a well-defined distance from each other, which has a very low tolerance.

[0103] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent printed circuit board 15 with at least one of its opening edges 6 without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. For example, the elastic compensating element 5 and the printed circuit board 15 are bonded, welded, or connected by another material-bonded connection.

[0104] For example, the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 is positively connected to a printed circuit board 15, on which the light transmitter 3 and the light receiver 4 are arranged. The adjacent component 7 is formed by the printed circuit board 15 or a circuit board.

[0105] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent printed circuit board 15 with at least one of its opening edges 6, without a gap, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. For example, the elastic compensating element 5 and the printed circuit board 15 are connected to each other by means of an undercut or by another form-fit connection.

[0106] According to Fig. 28 to 31 the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 has an integrated aperture 16.

[0107] An optical aperture 16 can also be integrated into the elastic compensating element 5 if required. The aperture 16 can be integrated directly into the base material of the elastic compensating element 5, or it can be connected as a second component or as an insert (e.g., a plastic or metal aperture part) during an injection nulcanization process.

[0108] According to Fig. From 32 to 35, the cylindrical elastic compensation element 5 is arranged between the circuit board 15 and the optical carrier 11. The circuit board 15 and the optical carrier 11 each form adjacent components 7.

[0109] The cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent circuit board 15 with at least one of its opening edges 6, and is elastically clamped under preload for this purpose. The other opening edge 6 of the cylindrical elastic compensating element 5 rests against the adjacent optical carrier 11 without a gap.

[0110] The elastic compensating element 5 can also be arranged on the back side of the optical transmitter / receiver.

[0111] In this case, the compensating element 5 rests on the optical tube or the optical carrier 11 and seals the transmit / receive channels to the circuit board surface.

[0112] This can be particularly advantageous if the sealing does not have to be carried out on a planar surface, but rather, for example, on a conditionally defined grout, such as a Globtop grout of bonded components. The elastic compensation element 5 allows, within certain limits, variable sealing on an uneven surface / structure. Reference symbol: 1 optoelectronic sensor 2 housings 3 light transmitters 4 light receivers 5 cylindrical elastic compensating elements 6 opening edges 7 components 8 Windscreen 9. Transmitter optics 10 Reception optics 11 optical carriers 12 matte surfaces 13 Interior wall 14 Bellows structure 15 circuit boards 16 aperture

Claims

[1] Optoelectronic sensor (1) with a housing (2), with a light transmitter (3), with a light receiver (4) and a front screen (8) which is arranged in front of the light transmitter (3) and in front of the light receiver (4), characterized bythat a cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is arranged associated with the light transmitter (3) and / or associated with the light receiver (4), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) provides gap-free shielding of the light rays of the light transmitter (3) and / or the received light rays of the light receiver (4) within the housing (2), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) bears with the respective opening edges (6) against adjacent components (7) without a gap, wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is elastically clamped under prestress for this purpose, wherein the light rays of the light transmitter (3) and / or the light rays for the light receiver (4) are guided through the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) bears against the front pane (8) and is pressed against the front pane (8),wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) rests with at least one of the opening edges (6) without a gap against the adjacent windscreen (8), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is elastically clamped under prestress for this purpose. [2] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the optoelectronic sensor (1) is a time-of-flight sensor. [3] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a transmitting optic (9) is arranged in front of the light transmitter (3) and / or a receiving optic (10) is arranged in front of the light receiver (4). [4] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat an optics carrier (11) is arranged for the light transmitter (3) and / or an optics carrier (11) is arranged for the light receiver (4) and / or an optics carrier (11) is arranged for the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4), wherein the optics carrier (11) for the light transmitter (3) is arranged between the light transmitter (3) and the front pane (8), the optics carrier (11) for the light receiver (4) is arranged between the light receiver (4) and the front pane (8) and / or the optics carrier (11) for the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4) is arranged between the light transmitter (3), the light receiver (4) and the front pane (8), wherein the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is arranged on the optics carrier (11) for the light transmitter (3), on the optics carrier (11) for the light receiver (4) and / or on the optics carrier (11) for the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4). [5] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the elastic compensating element (5) is made of dark, in particular black material and has a matt surface (12) on at least one inner wall (13). [6] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the elastic compensating element (5) has a bellows structure (14). [7] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) has a round, square, oval, elliptical or free-form cross-section. [8] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) has a conical shape or a conical shape. [9] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is formed in one piece. [10] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is integrally connected to the front windscreen (8). [11] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is positively connected to the front window (8). [12] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element is firmly connected to the optics carrier. [13] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to claim 4, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is positively connected to the optics carrier (11). [14] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is integrally connected to a printed circuit board (15), wherein the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4) are arranged on the printed circuit board (15). [15] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is positively connected to a printed circuit board (15), wherein the light transmitter (3) and the light receiver (4) are arranged on the printed circuit board (15). [16] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) has an integrated aperture (16). [17] Optoelectronic sensor (1) according to claim 5, characterized by that the cylindrical elastic compensating element (5) is arranged between a printed circuit board (15) and the optics carrier (11).

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