Sensor band with a band-shaped housing

Abstract

Sensor band (1) with a band-shaped housing (2) and cut-to-length sections (3), wherein a first section (4) has at least one control and evaluation unit (5), wherein a second section (6) has at least one sensor element (7), wherein the sensor band (1) has at least one second section (6) or a plurality of second sections (6), wherein a connection means (8) for a power supply and electronic signals is provided on the first section (4), and wherein the second section (6) is arranged on the sensor band (1), and wherein the sections (4, 6) are integrally connected to one another and the second section (6) is arranged so as to be separable.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor band with a band-shaped housing according to claim.

[0002] Common sensors, especially position sensors, are available in various fixed lengths. Depending on the application, in the worst case, no sensor with a suitable length is available.

[0003] Position sensors with fixed lengths are available on the market, housed in robust plastic or plastic-aluminum combinations. Depending on the product family, these sensors can be mounted on pneumatic actuators using adapters or directly via mounting elements in T-slots or C-slots.

[0004] This disadvantage requires separate housings for each sensor length. This requires the user to stock or order different sensors. The disadvantage is that the fixed sensor length requires compromises during installation. For example, a sensor housing may be too short or extend beyond the drive, which could result in damage.

[0005] EP 0 867 732 B1 discloses a light grid, wherein the essential components of the optical light grid, namely the diffractive / refractive optical elements and the circuit board carrying the transmitting and receiving elements, are formed from prefabricated elements sold by the meter in the optimal required length by simple measuring and cutting.

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide an improved sensor or an improved sensor housing.

[0007] The object is achieved according to claim 1 by a sensor band with a band-shaped housing and sections that can be cut to length, wherein a first section has at least one control and evaluation unit, wherein a second section has at least one sensor element, wherein the sensor band has at least one second section or a plurality of second sections, wherein a connection means for a power supply and electronic signals is provided on the first section, and wherein the second section is arranged on the sensor band and wherein the sections are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner and the second section is arranged so that it can be separated.

[0008] The sensor band with the band-shaped housing has the advantage of reducing the number of sensor variants required. The sensor band can be shortened directly to the required length by the user. There's no longer a need to provide individual sensor housings with different lengths.

[0009] The length of the sensor tape can be directly and precisely adjusted to the desired application. This allows the sensor tape to be adapted to virtually any desired application. This eliminates the need for compromises when mounting the sensor tape.

[0010] The sensor tape or sensor housing has cuttable sections. The sensor housing can thus be shortened in sections and precisely adapted to a desired application. For example, the sensor housing can be shortened in the simplest case by cutting or breaking off sections.

[0011] The first section of the sensor strip comprises at least the control and evaluation unit, which is designed to control and evaluate the sensor elements. The control and evaluation unit is electronically connected to the sensor elements. For example, the control and evaluation unit is connected to the sensor elements via a bus system. The control and evaluation unit is thus provided for a plurality of sensor elements and is connected to them. The sensor elements can be connected serially, for example.

[0012] In addition to the control and evaluation unit, the first section also includes a connector. This connector serves to connect the sensor strip, for example, to a controller for an application. The connector can be formed, for example, by a connector plug, a connector socket, a connecting cable, or similar.

[0013] The second section, which directly follows the first section, is arranged at the first section.

[0014] The second sections are arranged one after the other in a row on the first section. At least one single second section can be provided. In particular, it is provided that two, more than two, in particular a plurality or multiplicity of second sections are arranged one behind the other.

[0015] The second section(s) comprise the sensor elements. The second section comprises at least one sensor element. However, each second section can also comprise a plurality or a multiplicity of sensor elements. The sensor elements are arranged, for example, in a row next to one another. However, the sensor elements can also be arranged in other geometric configurations.

[0016] The sensor element can be different sensor elements for detecting different physical quantities.

[0017] The sections are connected to each other by a material bond. This creates a one-piece connection. The second sections are connected to each other by a material bond, and the connection between the first section and the second section is also a material bond. The material bond is formed by the strip-shaped housing or the sensor strip itself.

[0018] "Material-to-material bonding" means that the strip-shaped housing is formed as a single piece, for example, using injection molding.

[0019] The sections are designed to be separable. Separation is achieved by applying force. For example, the sections can be cut, sawed off, broken off, or similarly separated. The separation can be performed using a simple tool such as a knife, scissors, or a saw.

[0020] The sensor band remains functional even after being shortened. The control and evaluation unit is designed to electronically adjust and set the changed sensor length. For this purpose, for example, a signal is received from the last second section of the sensor band indicating that this second section is the last of the sensor band. For example, the control and evaluation unit is designed to determine and store the number of second sections.

[0021] The band-shaped sensor housing remains sealed even after sections have been separated.

[0022] The tightness of the strip-shaped housing can be further improved or made more robust, for example, with the help of an end cap that is slipped over the end. For example, the end cap has sealing ribs on an inner contour or the end cap is glued. The open cut surface at the separation surface of the sections can be further sealed, for example, by an additional process step, e.g., gluing. For example, the tightness of shortened sections can be achieved by melting potting material during separation. For example, a heated tool or a heated cutting edge is provided for separating the sections.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the strip-shaped housing or a housing covering of the sections is made of a flexible plastic. For example, the plastic has a Shore value of less than 100 (A). In particular, the plastic has a Shore value of, for example, 20 (A) to 80 (A). This allows the strip-shaped housing of the sensor strip to be rolled up after production and for storage and delivery. For use, the sensor strip can be unrolled and cut or shortened to the desired length. In particular, the flexible strip-shaped housing can also be adapted to a contour for the application. This allows the sensor strip to be attached to curved or uneven surfaces.

[0024] For example, the band-shaped housing is transparent or translucent, so that display elements arranged inside the band-shaped housing, such as display LEDs, are visible from the outside.

[0025] In a further development of the invention, the strip-shaped housing or a housing covering the sections consists of a rigid plastic or a metallic material. For example, the housing consists of a thermoplastic. For example, the housing consists of aluminum, die-cast zinc, steel, stainless steel, or other metals or metal alloys.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the first section also comprises sensor elements. In particular, to realize particularly small strip-shaped housings, it is provided that sensor elements are also arranged in the first section. Thus, the first section comprises the control and evaluation unit as well as sensor elements. This allows the second section to be separated from the first section, forming a sensor strip with a minimal length equal to only the first section.

[0027] In a further development of the invention, markings are arranged between the sections to identify and mark the separating sections. The markings or markings can, for example, be lines or dividing lines that indicate the possible separating sections between the sections. The markings or markings can also include symbols indicating a possible separation, for example, a scissors symbol or the like.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, a predetermined breaking point is arranged between the sections. This predetermined breaking point facilitates the separation of the sections and occurs at the intended location. The predetermined breaking point is formed, for example, by a notch, a groove, a slit, a depression, a material constriction, or the like.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second sections have identical lengths. This allows the length of the sensor strip to be adjusted in equal length sections.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the second sections (6) have different lengths.

[0031] It can thus also be provided that the second sections have different lengths. In particular, it can be provided that the second sections become increasingly longer with increasing distance from the first section. This allows the strip-shaped housing of the sensor strip to be adjusted in small length sections for small desired lengths and in larger length sections for larger desired lengths. Furthermore, second sections with shorter and longer dimensions can alternate over the entire length of the sensor strip to ensure coarse and fine length adjustment across the entire length of the sensor strip.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the sections are electrically connected by means of a flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board is designed to be separable at the connection points between the sections. The flexible circuit board allows the sensor strip or strip-shaped housing to be bent, so that the sensor strip can be rolled up after production. At the separation points between the sections, the flexible circuit board can also have a predetermined breaking point, so that the flexible circuit board is also designed to be separable at the intended separation points.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, the sections are electrically connected by means of flexible conductive plastic strips, wherein the plastic strips are designed to be separable at the connection points. For example, the flexible conductive plastic strips have the same material base as the strip-shaped housing of the sensor strip. This creates a material bond between the housing material of the sensor strip and the electrical connection by means of the flexible conductive plastic strips, eliminating potential creepage distances. This leads to improved sealing after the sections are separated.

[0034] In a further development of the invention, a double-sided adhesive tape for mounting is arranged on at least one side of the sensor strip. This allows for very easy attachment of the sensor strip. Simply peel off a protective layer of the double-sided adhesive tape and mount the sensor strip at the desired mounting position.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, the sections have fastening openings. The fastening openings or fastening holes serve for fastening using fastening means, such as fastening screws or fastening pins.

[0036] In a further development of the invention, the sensor elements are magnetic or inductive sensor elements. The sensor elements can be Hall elements, for example.

[0037] For example, the sensor band serves to determine a current position of a drive device along a stroke path, wherein the drive device has a first movable encoder magnet.

[0038] For example, the drive element of the drive device is a piston of a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder as a linear drive, whereby the stroke of the piston can be determined based on the measuring magnet.

[0039] Such piston / cylinder assemblies are used in the automation of handling machines, for example, in the packaging or processing industries for piece goods. The piston / cylinder assemblies are driven pneumatically or hydraulically. To cover a wide variety of applications, the piston / cylinder assemblies are offered in a wide variety of stroke lengths. Stroke lengths range from a few millimeters to several meters. In particular, the sensor strip according to the invention can be used with different stroke lengths, since the sensor strip with the strip-shaped housing can be adjusted in length by shortening the strip-shaped housing.

[0040] One possible measurement method, for example, uses two Hall elements in a second section, both of which evaluate a radial component of a magnetic field and are arranged at a defined distance from each other, thus always delivering a clear measurement signal. Using a teach function, or "teach" for short, two independent switching points can be taught, or the position along the second section(s) can be recorded and output.

[0041] Another possible measurement method, for example, uses a 2D magnetic element that can evaluate two orthogonally directed magnetic field components. Using an arctangent function, for example, the angle of a magnetic field vector is evaluated, thus generating an output signal analogous to the position of the piston magnet.

[0042] In a further development of the invention, the sensor elements are optoelectronic sensor elements.

[0043] For example, one sensor strip comprises optoelectronic transmitting elements, and another sensor strip arranged opposite comprises optoelectronic receiving elements. This allows a light grid to be formed with a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, with the transmitting unit and the receiving unit each being formed by a sensor strip with a strip-shaped housing.

[0044] In a further development of the invention, an electrical interface between the sections is designed to be pluggable. For example, after separation, the interface between the sections forms a socket that can be connected to each other by pins. This allows cut-off sections to be reused with another first section with a control and evaluation unit or with other first sections.

[0045] The invention will be explained below with reference to further advantages and features, using exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures of the drawing show: Fig. 1 to Fig. 7 each a sensor band with a band-shaped housing.

[0046] In the following figures, identical parts are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0047] Fig. 1 shows a sensor band 1 with a band-shaped housing 2 and cut-to-length sections 3, wherein a first section 4 has at least one control and evaluation unit 5, wherein a second section 6 has at least one sensor element 7, wherein the sensor band 1 has at least one second section 6 or a plurality of second sections 6, wherein a connection means 8 for a power supply and electronic signals is provided on the first section 4, and wherein the second section 6 is arranged on the sensor band 1 and wherein the sections 3, 4, 6 are connected to one another in a materially bonded manner and the second section 6 is arranged so as to be separable.

[0048] In Fig. In Figure 1, the sensor strip 1 is not shown in its entirety. This is indicated by a cut line on the left side of the image. Fig. 2 shows an exemplary sensor band 1 according to Fig. 1 in a complete presentation.

[0049] The strip-shaped housing 2 or sensor housing can thus be shortened in sections and thus precisely adapted to a desired application. For example, the strip-shaped housing 2 can be shortened in the simplest case by cutting or breaking off sections.

[0050] The first section 4 of the sensor strip 1 has at least the control and evaluation unit 5, which is designed to control and evaluate the sensor elements 7. The control and evaluation unit 5 is electronically connected to the sensor elements 7. For example, the control and evaluation unit 5 is connected to the sensor elements 7 via a bus system. The control and evaluation unit 5 is thus provided for a plurality of sensor elements 7 and is connected to them. The sensor elements 7 can, for example, be connected serially.

[0051] In addition to the control and evaluation unit 5, the first section 4 also has a connection means 8. The connection means 8 serves to connect the sensor strip 1, for example, to a controller for an application. The connection means 8 can be formed, for example, by a connector plug, a connector socket, a connecting cable, or the like.

[0052] The second section 6, which directly follows the first section 4, is arranged on the first section 4.

[0053] The second section(s) 6 are arranged one after the other in a row on the first section 4. At least two second sections 6 can be provided. It is contemplated that more than two, in particular a plurality or multiplicity of second sections 6 are arranged one behind the other.

[0054] The second section(s) 6 comprise the sensor elements 7. The second section 6 comprises at least one sensor element 7. However, each second section 6 can also comprise a plurality or a multiplicity of sensor elements 7. The sensor elements 7 are arranged, for example, in a row next to one another. However, the sensor elements 7 can also be arranged in other geometric configurations.

[0055] The sensor element 7 can be different sensor elements 7 for detecting different physical quantities.

[0056] Sections 3 are integrally connected to one another. Thus, sections 3 are integrally connected to one another. The second sections 6 are integrally connected to one another, and the connection between the first section 4 and the second section 6 is also a material connection. The material connection is formed by the band-shaped housing 2 or the sensor band 1 itself.

[0057] "Material-to-material connection" means that the strip-shaped housing 2 is formed in one piece, for example. For example, the strip-shaped housing 2 is manufactured by injection molding.

[0058] The sections 3 are designed to be separable. In particular, the separation is achieved by applying force. For example, the second sections 6 can be cut, sawed off, broken off, or similarly separated. The separation can be performed using a simple tool such as a knife, scissors, or a saw.

[0059] The sensor strip 1 remains functional even after being shortened. The control and evaluation unit 5 is designed to electronically adjust and set the changed sensor length. For this purpose, for example, a signal is received from the last second section 6 of the sensor strip 1 indicating that this second section 6 is the last of the sensor strip 1. For example, the control and evaluation unit 5 is designed to determine the number of second sections 6 and store it in a memory in the first section 4.

[0060] The band-shaped sensor housing 2 is sealed even after the separation of second sections 6.

[0061] The tightness of the band-shaped housing 2 can be determined, for example, according to Fig. 5 can be further improved or made more robust with the aid of an end cap 16, which is slipped over the end. For example, the end cap 16 has sealing ribs on an inner contour or the end cap 16 is glued. The open cut surface at the separating surface of the second sections 6 can be further sealed, for example, by an additional process step, e.g., gluing. For example, tightness of shortened sections can be achieved by melting potting material during separation. For example, a heated tool or a heated cutting edge is provided for separating the sections.

[0062] For example, the strip-shaped housing 2 or a housing covering the sections 3 is made of a flexible plastic. This allows the strip-shaped housing 2 of the sensor strip 1 to be rolled up after production and for storage and delivery. For use, the sensor strip 1 can be unrolled and cut or shortened to the desired length.

[0063] For example, the band-shaped housing 2 is transparent, so that display elements arranged inside the band-shaped housing 2, such as display LEDs, are visible from the outside.

[0064] According to Fig. 3, the strip-shaped housing 2 or a housing covering the sections 3 consists of a rigid metallic material. For example, the strip-shaped housing 2 consists of aluminum, die-cast zinc, steel, stainless steel, or other metals or metal alloys.

[0065] For example, according to Fig. 4, the first section 4 also has sensor elements 7. In particular, in order to realize particularly small strip-shaped housings 2, it is provided that sensor elements 7 are also arranged in the first section 4. Thus, the first section 4 has the control and evaluation unit 5 and also sensor elements 7. This allows the second section 6 to be separated from the first section 4, forming a sensor strip 1 with a minimum length of only the first section 4.

[0066] According to Fig. 4, markings 10 are arranged between the sections 3 to identify and mark separating sections 11. The markings 10 or markings can, for example, be lines or dividing lines that indicate the possible separating sections 11 between the sections 3. The markings 10 or markings can also have symbols to indicate a possible separation, for example, a scissors symbol or the like.

[0067] According to Fig. 4, a predetermined breaking point is arranged between the sections 3. The predetermined breaking point facilitates the separation of the sections 3 and occurs at the intended location. The predetermined breaking point is formed, for example, by a notch, a groove, a crack, a depression, a material constriction, or similar.

[0068] According to Fig. 2, the second sections 6 have identical lengths. This allows the length of the sensor band 1 to be adjusted in equal length sections.

[0069] However, it can also be provided that the second sections 6 have different lengths. In particular, it can be provided that the second sections 6 are each increasingly longer with increasing distance from the first section 4. This allows the band-shaped housing 2 of the sensor band 1 to be adjusted in small length sections for small desired lengths and also in larger length sections for larger desired lengths. Furthermore, second sections 6 with shorter and longer dimensions can alternate over the entire length of the sensor band 1 in order to ensure coarse and fine length adjustment over the entire length of the sensor band 1.

[0070] For example, sections 3 according to Fig. 4 are electrically connected by means of a flexible circuit board 12, wherein the flexible circuit board 12 is designed to be separable at the connection points between the sections 3. The flexible circuit board 12 enables bending of the sensor strip 1 or strip-shaped housing 2, so that the sensor strip 1 can be rolled up after production. At the separation points between the sections 3, the flexible circuit board 12 can also have a predetermined breaking point, so that the flexible circuit board 12 is also designed to be separable at the intended separation points.

[0071] According to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the sections 3 are electrically connected by means of flexible conductive plastic strips 13, wherein the plastic strips 13 are designed to be separable at the connection points. For example, the flexible conductive plastic strips 13 have the same material base as the strip-shaped housing 2 of the sensor strip 1. This achieves a material bond between the housing material of the sensor strip 1 and the electrical connection by means of the flexible conductive plastic strips 13.

[0072] For example, according to Fig. 3, a double-sided adhesive tape 14 is arranged on at least one side of the sensor strip 1 for mounting. This allows the sensor strip 1 to be attached very easily. Simply peel off a protective covering of the double-sided adhesive tape 14 and mount the sensor strip 1 at a desired mounting position.

[0073] For example, sections 3 have mounting holes. The mounting holes or holes are used for fastening using fasteners such as fastening screws or fastening pins.

[0074] According to Fig. 4, the sensor elements 7 are magnetic or inductive sensor elements. The sensor elements 7 can be Hall elements, for example. For example, the sensor strip 1 serves to determine the current position of a drive device along a stroke path, wherein the drive device has a first movable encoder magnet.

[0075] For example, the sensor elements 7 are optoelectronic sensor elements.

[0076] For example, a sensor strip 1 has optoelectronic transmitting elements, and a further sensor strip 1 arranged opposite has optoelectronic receiving elements. This allows a light grid to be formed with a transmitting unit and a receiving unit, with the transmitting unit and the receiving unit each being formed by a sensor strip 1 with a strip-shaped housing 2.

[0077] For example, an electrical interface between sections 3 is designed to be pluggable. For example, after separation, the interface between sections 3 forms a socket that can be connected to each other by pins. This allows cut-off sections 6 to be reused with another first section 4 with a control and evaluation unit 5 or with other first sections 4. Reference symbol: 1 sensor band 2 band-shaped housing 3 cuttable sections 4 first section 5 Control and evaluation unit 6 second sections 7 Sensor element 8 Connection devices 10 Labeling 11 dividing sections 12 flexible circuit boards 13 flexible conductive plastic bands 14 double-sided adhesive tape 16 End cap QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 0 867 732 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Sensor band (1) with a band-shaped housing (2) and cuttable sections (3), wherein a first section (4) has at least one control and evaluation unit (5), wherein a second section (6) has at least one sensor element (7), wherein the sensor band (1) has at least one second section (6) or a plurality of second sections (6), wherein a connection means (8) for a power supply and electronic signals is provided on the first section (4), and wherein the second section (6) is arranged on the sensor band (1), and wherein the sections (4, 6) are integrally connected to one another and the second section (6) is arranged so as to be separable. [2] Sensor band (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the band-shaped housing (2) is made of a flexible plastic. [3] Sensor band (1) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the band-shaped housing (2) is made of a rigid plastic or a metallic material. [4] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the first section (4) has sensor elements (7). [5] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that markings (10) for identifying separating sections (11) are arranged between the sections (4, 6). [6] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a predetermined breaking point is arranged between the sections (4, 6). [7] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second sections (6) have identical lengths. [8] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the second sections (6) have different lengths. [9] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sections (4, 6) are electrically connected by means of a flexible circuit board (12), wherein the flexible circuit board (12) is designed to be separable at the connection points between the sections (4, 6). [10] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sections (4, 6) are electrically connected by means of flexible conductive plastic strips (13), wherein the plastic strips (13) are designed to be separable at the connection points. [11] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a double-sided adhesive tape (14) for mounting is arranged on at least one side of the sensor band (1). [12] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sections have fastening openings (15). [13] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the sensor elements (7) are magnetic or inductive sensor elements. [14] Sensor band (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor elements (7) are optical sensor elements.

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