Non-contact photo-optical position detector with electronic counter

Abstract

The non-contact, photoelectric position detector with electronic counter is characterized by the fact that it can be used wherever a mechanically moving target is to be detected as a function of time.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a contactless photo-optical position detector with an electronic counter.

[0002] The position detector can be used wherever a mechanically moving target is to be detected as a function of time.

[0003] The distance measurement is carried out contactlessly via an optical position detector.

[0004] For correct positioning, a semi-manual positioning aid is available via software and feedback via the built-in display.

[0005] After successful positioning, the relevant distance required for the object to be detected is stored in the non-volatile memory (EPROM). This ensures that objects above the object to be detected, such as a hood or a lamp, do not distort the counting result. The setting range is 1-15 cm.

[0006] For safe operation, a battery backup is used to counteract possible power interruptions and prevent excessive data writing to the EEPROM. The non-contact, photoelectric position detector can also be operated without power for approximately 1.5 hours, if desired.

[0007] When not in use, the display turns off after 15 seconds to keep power consumption as low as possible during standby. Moving the monitored object automatically reactivates the display.

[0008] For applications in which the object to be detected has already experienced a certain period of use, the existing period of use can be manually set before commissioning using a software-implemented presetting routine.

[0009] For use cases where a warning / reminder is to be set after a certain period of use, this can be set as a supplementary part of the software-implemented pre-setting routine.

[0010] Reaching or exceeding the preset end of the usage time is signaled by a change of the time display from white to yellow (-10h) and red (>-0h).

[0011] The timing accuracy is displayed visually as a number in hours and minutes. The seconds are displayed with 2-second accuracy via a scroll bar at the bottom of the display.

[0012] Currently, for the intended primary application, only manually operated stopwatches are available on turntables to determine the operating hours of the cartridge in use. The main goal of the invention described here is fully automatic operation without manual operation and to signal the expiration of the end of the operating period.

[0013] The functional features described in points 03-12 eliminate the disadvantages of manual operation.

[0014] The crucial and essential part of the invention is that the timekeeping by the contactless photo-optical position detector is completely maintenance-free and fully automatic. Furthermore, the use of a battery backup prevents any potential data loss. Detailed description[1.1]

[0015] The invention of the non-contact photo-optical position detector with electronic counter described under points 01-10 essentially consists of the following elements: a. non-contact photoelectric sensor b. recessed button for presetting an existing period of use of the object to be monitored c. recessed button for semi-automatic positioning of the detector d. recessed button for action confirmation e. Display showing battery status, running time, and second-by-second time bar, as well as subscreens for positioning and presetting elapsed usage time and maximum usage time. f. Magnetic Power Connector g. non-contact photoelectric sensor h. buffer battery g. Mainboard with display and buttons Structure[1.2] • The non-contact, photoelectric position detector is connected to the supplied magnetically holding power cable and supplied with voltage (5V) using the supplied power adapter • Pressing button (b) starts the semi-automatic, software-assisted positioning routine. The display changes from red to green when the correct position is found. After the position is fixed for 3 seconds, it is automatically saved. • Pressing button (d) starts the software-supported routine for setting an elapsed usage time and the maximum usage time warning. Both times can be set using buttons (b) and (d). Pressing button (b) increases the hours by +1 hour, while button (d) decreases the minutes by -5 minutes. This allows up to 9998 hours and 55 minutes to be set. Values ​​from 1 to 9998 hours are possible for the usage time warning. The data is then saved by pressing button (c). Function[1.3]

[0016] The non-contact, photoelectric position detector is supplied as a complete assembly.

[0017] During installation, the user is supported by a semi-automatic, software-guided positioning routine.

[0018] In addition, in the next step of the installation, both the period of use of the object to be monitored and a warning after a freely definable maximum period of use can be specified.

[0019] The non-contact, photoelectric position detector is completely maintenance-free and fully automatic.

[0020] Intelligent energy management turns off the display when not in use, reducing standby power consumption to less than 0.2 W.

[0021] To maximize functional reliability and service life, a battery storage is also available, which allows 1.5 hours of power-free operation and minimizes the number of write operations to the EPROM.

Claims

[1] The non-contact, photoelectric position detector with electronic counter is characterized by that it can be used wherever a mechanically moving target is to be detected in dependence on time. [2] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized by that it can be used very variably due to the variable, adjustable detection height. [3] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized by that it has a semi-automatic positioning function. [4] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized by that a known usage time can be specified before the initial installation. [5] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized by that a maximum usage time warning can be specified. [6] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized bythat a battery buffer both increases reliability and reduces writing to the EPROM to a minimum, thus maximizing runtime. [7] The non-contact photoelectric position detector is characterized by that it reduces standby consumption to less than 0.2 watts through intelligent power management.

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