Measuring element with mounting end and mounting thread for attaching to a sensor-equipped anchoring base

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a measuring element, an arrangement and a method for manufacturing a measuring element.

[0002] Various fasteners are known to be used in a substrate, for example to attach a component to the substrate. Examples of such fasteners include wood screws, anchor bolts, and dowels.

[0003] DE 10 2009 007 425 B3 discloses a sensor bolt for force detection. The sensor bolt has a sensor element made of a material with variable light transmission properties depending on external forces. This sensor element is arranged in a light beam path between a light source and a light receiver. The sensor element is mechanically connected to a force-absorbing device. The sensor element can be inserted between a main shell part and a mold shell part, which is secured by bearing shells. A light beam from a light source located in an end cap is emitted through the sensor element and detected by a light receiver located in a housing. When the mold shell part is subjected to an external force, the epoxy core of the sensor element deforms, and the light transmission is reduced.The change in the light signal can be detected by the light receiver and evaluated by a downstream signal processing device.

[0004] DE 10 2014 112 151 B4 discloses an electronic screw. The electronic screw comprises a body and a torque sensor element. The body includes a screw head, a shaft connected to the screw head, and a recess located on the side wall of the shaft. The torque sensor element is arranged in the recess and measures the torque value of the electronic screw. The torque sensor element is electrically connected to an electronic torque display, which displays the torque value determined by the torque sensor element.

[0005] US 2003 / 000314 A1 discloses a measuring element comprising: a shaft section with a mounting thread; a first mounting end at a first end of the shaft section for fastening in an anchoring base; a sensor spaced apart from the mounting thread for detecting anchoring data of the measuring element in the anchoring base, wherein the sensor is arranged on a radially tapered tapered section of the shaft section, the radially tapered tapered section being designed as an annular recess on a radial outside of the shaft section; a transmission device for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor to an external receiver device and an internal protective device for protecting the sensor.

[0006] Other measuring elements are known from WO 2021 010 263 A1, EP 3 279 628 A1, EP 39 133 44 A1, US 2019 203 599 A1 and EP 3 290 721 A1.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to be able to characterize a substrate in a simple and reliable manner.

[0008] This problem is solved by the articles with the features according to the independent claims. Further embodiments are shown in the dependent claims.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a measuring element is provided, comprising a shaft section with at least one mounting thread, a first mounting end at a first end of the shaft section for fastening in an anchoring base, a sensor spaced apart from the mounting thread for detecting anchoring data of the measuring element in the anchoring base, and a transmission device for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor to an external receiver device. The sensor is arranged axially between the first mounting end and the second mounting end on a radially tapered section of the shaft. The measuring element has a protective device for protecting the sensor, wherein the protective device is arranged in a fully enclosed manner within the radially tapered section and covers the sensor protectively.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, an arrangement is provided which has a measuring element with the features described above and a receiver device which is communicatively coupled or can be coupled to the sensor in order to receive anchoring data detected by means of the sensor.

[0011] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a measuring element is provided, wherein the method comprises forming a first fastening end - which is provided for anchoring in an anchoring base - at a first end of a shaft section provided with at least one fastening thread in an anchoring base, arranging a sensor spaced apart from (i.e. separated from) the at least one fastening thread on the measuring element for detecting anchoring data of the measuring element in the anchoring base, forming a transmission device for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor to an external receiver device, and forming a protective device for protecting the sensor, wherein the protective device is arranged in a circumferentially closed manner in the radially tapered tapered section and protectively covers the sensor.The sensor is arranged on a radially tapered tapered section of the shaft section, the radially tapered tapered section being formed as an annular recess on a radial outside of the shaft section.

[0012] Within the scope of this application, the term "anchoring base" can be understood to mean, in particular, a substrate suitable for anchoring the measuring element. Such an anchoring base can be, in particular, a wall, especially a vertical wall. A bridge or other structure or building can also constitute an anchoring base. It is also possible that the anchoring base is formed by a structural component, for example, by a connecting element or a beam. Materials for such an anchoring base include, in particular, wood or wood-based materials, but also concrete and masonry materials, metal, or plastic components. Furthermore, such an anchoring base can also be any composite material made up of several different material components. The anchoring base can contain cavities or can be solid (i.e., free of cavities).

[0013] Within the scope of the present application, the term "measuring element" can be understood to mean, in particular, a body, a component, or an assembly of several components, suitable for anchoring to or in an anchoring base in order to sensorially characterize the properties of the anchoring base. According to one embodiment, such a measuring element can be largely free of a fastening function and force absorption, i.e., provide a purely measuring function in the anchoring base.

[0014] Within the scope of this application, the term "shaft section" can be understood to mean, in particular, a substantially cylindrical, bolt-shaped, or rod-shaped body, which may, for example, be made of a metal or a plastic. Such a shaft section may be a hollow or a solid body, on and / or in which one or more functional sections are formed.

[0015] Within the scope of this application, the term "first fastening end" can be understood to mean, in particular, an end section of the shaft section or of the shaft section that is functionally designed for anchoring in the anchoring base. This can be achieved by the first fastening end alone (for example, by means of a fastening or anchoring thread or by means of a conical body with an expansion sleeve) or in conjunction with at least one other body or element (for example, a separate expansion body or chemical anchoring compound, such as mortar).

[0016] Within the scope of this application, the term "sensor" can be understood to mean any functional entity with which sensor information can be detected and transmitted for evaluation during and / or after the setting of the measuring element (especially long after setting, for example, years later). For example, such a sensor can be a single component that acquires sensor data (especially anchoring data) and transmits it as a signal (e.g., electrical, optical, electromagnetic, etc.). It is also possible for a sensor to be formed from several structurally separate but functionally interacting sensor components. Sensors can be designed to detect at least one physical and / or chemical parameter, for example, pressure, temperature, mechanical stress, torque, force, chemical environment, subsurface properties, etc.According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor can be, for example, a strain gauge, a humidity sensor, a vibration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an inductive sensor, and / or a capacitive sensor. Optical, electrical, or electromagnetic sensors are also possible.

[0017] Within the scope of this application, the term "anchorage data" can be understood to mean, in particular, any parameter that provides indicative information about an anchorage condition and / or the condition of the anchorage substrate and / or any corresponding changes over time. Sensor-acquired anchorage data can provide information about one or more parameters. If such anchorage data is transmitted to a transmission device, in particular once, regularly or irregularly, or continuously, the anchorage data can be used to determine and detect a substrate condition or a problem related to the mechanical integrity of the anchorage substrate (for example, reduced stability of the anchorage substrate or reduced pull-out force of the measuring element or a fastening element from the anchorage substrate).This allows long-term changes in the anchoring force of the measuring element in the anchoring base to be detected by sensors.

[0018] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a measuring element serving as a measuring probe is provided, which can be inserted into an anchoring base to measure anchoring data for characterizing the anchoring base, for example, tensile stresses. In this way, long-term changes in the force distribution in the anchoring base can be detected, which can, for example, indicate the need for maintenance, replacement of fastening elements, or other safety measures. For example, in a bridge or in the segments of a tunnel structure, a mechanical weakening that develops over time can be detected and remedied using such measuring elements, thus ensuring the operational safety of such and other structures.Using a transmission device on the measuring element, sensor data (e.g., electrical, optical, or electromagnetic) can be transmitted from the sensor's location to an external component of the anchoring base for further processing or evaluation. Advantageously, at least one mounting thread on the measuring element ensures simple and reliable attachment of the measuring element to or within the anchoring base. If the sensor is positioned separately from or outside of the at least one mounting thread, undesirable interference with the sensor, particularly in connection with the mounting of the measuring element using the mounting thread, can be avoided. Furthermore, a weakening of the mounting effect due to interaction between the sensor and the mounting thread can then be prevented.

[0019] Further exemplary embodiments of the measuring element, the arrangement and the method are described below.

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can have a second fastening end at an opposite second end of the shaft section, which, when anchored in the anchoring base, is to be fastened to an outside surface of the anchoring base or in the anchoring base itself. Similarly, the method can include forming a second fastening end at an opposite second end of the shaft section, which, when anchored in the anchoring base, is to be fastened to an outside surface of the anchoring base or in the anchoring base itself. Within the scope of this application, the term "second fastening end" can be understood to mean an end section of the shaft section or on the shaft section, which, when the measuring element is embedded in a substrate, may be located outside the anchoring base or in an outer end region of an anchoring hole in the anchoring base.Securing the device at two mounting ends can further improve the reliability of the installed measuring element.

[0021] According to a comparative example, the sensor can be arranged at the first fastening end. For example, the sensor can be arranged on an end face of the shaft section at the first fastening end. The sensor can be designed to detect signals indicative of the anchorage data from a sensor counterpart (for example, a reflector or a vibration plate) of the measuring element, which is to be installed separately from the shaft section in the anchoring base. Corresponding comparative examples are given in Figures 9 to 11As shown, the shaft section with sensor on one side and the sensor counterpart on the other can be arranged separately at different positions and spaced apart within an anchoring blind hole in the anchoring base. By transmitting signals between the sensor and the sensor counterpart, both mounted in the anchoring base, conclusions can be drawn about the mechanical properties of the anchoring base, especially if these properties change over time. For example, vibrations and / or spatial displacements in the anchoring base can be detected in this way.

[0022] According to a comparative example, the sensor counterpart can be a response signal generator attached to the anchoring base for generating response signals in response to sensor signals received by the sensor configured as a signal source, with the response signals being received by the sensor. In other words, according to the described configuration, the sensor can emit primary sensor signals that reach the sensor counterpart. The sensor signals can interact with the sensor counterpart embedded in the anchoring base, so that response signals generated by the sensor counterpart anchored in the anchoring base, based on the sensor signals, also contain information about the properties of the anchoring base. These response signals can be detected by the sensor and can contain information about the static and / or dynamic properties of the anchoring base.Therefore, the nature of the anchoring ground, and in particular changes in the nature of the anchoring ground over time, can be inferred from the response signals, especially from changes in the nature of the anchoring ground over time.

[0023] According to a comparative example, the sensor counterpart, designed as a response signal generator, can be a signal reflector for reflecting sensor signals emitted by the sensor. In other words, the sensor signals generated by the sensor can be reflected upon striking the sensor counterpart and then propagated back to the sensor. In such a configuration, the sensor counterpart can be purely passive, for example, as an optical mirror. The properties of the reflected sensor signals can depend on the nature of the substrate or its force configuration and thus provide anchoring data. For example, a laser beam emitted by the sensor can be reflected by a signal reflector designed as an optical mirror and reflected back to the sensor, where the reflected laser beam can be detected and evaluated.

[0024] According to a comparative example, a sensor configured as a signal source can be designed to emit optical sensor signals, and the sensor counterpart can be configured to send back optical response signals in response to said optical sensor signals for reception by the sensor. An optical sensor signal can, for example, consist of visible light, ultraviolet light, and / or infrared radiation. Depending on the described configuration, the sensor can include an electromagnetic radiation source, such as a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode. Furthermore, the sensor can include an electromagnetic radiation detector, such as a photodiode or a photodiode array. The sensor counterpart can then be configured as an optical mirror. Light waves generated by the sensor can be reflected by the sensor counterpart and detected by the sensor.

[0025] According to a comparative example, a sensor configured as a signal source can be designed to emit acoustic sensor signals, in particular ultrasonic sensor signals, and the sensor counterpart can be configured to send back acoustic response signals in response to said acoustic sensor signals for reception by the sensor. An acoustic sensor signal can, for example, be an ultrasonic signal. The sensor can accordingly have an ultrasonic source, for example, configured using a piezoelectric component. Furthermore, the sensor can have an acoustic detector, for example, an ultrasonic detector formed using a (particularly additional) piezoelectric component. According to the described configuration, the sensor counterpart can be configured as an acoustic reflector, in particular an ultrasonic reflector.Ultrasonic waves generated by the sensor can be reflected by the sensor counterpart and detected by the sensor. Using the described ultrasonic sensor technology, the substrate properties can be characterized based on a force-dependent response signal in order to determine the anchoring data.

[0026] According to a comparative example, a sensor configured as a signal source can be designed to emit electrical sensor signals, in particular current sensor signals, and the sensor counterpart can be configured to send back electrical response signals in response to said electrical sensor signals for reception by the sensor. The sensor can, for example, have an induction source based on electric current. A time-dependent electric current can induce a magnetic field in a sensor counterpart, which, for example, contains a coil, and this field can in turn generate an electrical response signal detectable by the sensor. In this way, anchorage data can be acquired to characterize the force-related properties of the subsurface.

[0027] In the previously described embodiments, it can be advantageous to attach a power source (in particular an electrical power source such as a battery pack) to the sensor, for example, integrated into the shaft section. This power source can then supply the sensor with energy for generating, detecting, and / or evaluating sensor signals. In one embodiment, it is also possible to supply electrical power to operate the measuring element via a power cable, for example, from outside the anchoring base. According to yet another alternative, the power supply to the measuring element can be provided by a self-powering device within the measuring element itself, which can, for example, obtain power from vibrations of the measuring element or the anchoring base and / or incorporate a solar cell.

[0028] According to another comparative example, the sensor counterpart can be a signal source attached to the anchoring base for transmitting signals for reception by the sensor. The sensor counterpart can then function as an active signal source. In this embodiment, the sensor counterpart, which is attached to the anchoring base separately from the shaft section, can generate, for example, an optical, acoustic, or electrical sensor signal to illuminate or actuate the sensor. Since the sensor counterpart is mounted on the anchoring base, the sensor signal detected by the sensor can be indicative of the properties of the anchoring base (for example, in the case of vibrations in the anchoring base or in the case of a static displacement in the anchoring base). In this embodiment, a power source for supplying the sensor counterpart with operating energy to generate the sensor signals can be integrated into the sensor counterpart.

[0029] According to a comparative example of the arrangement, the shaft section including the sensor can be spaced from an end face of an anchoring blind hole in the anchoring base, and the sensor counterpart can be attached to this end face. The end face can, for example, define the bottom of the anchoring blind hole. For instance, the end face can be a flat surface, a conical surface, or a truncated conical surface. The geometry of the end face can depend on a tool (for example, a drill bit) used to create the anchoring blind hole. The sensor counterpart can be attached to the end face, for example, by gluing. The sensor counterpart can, for example, be designed as a disc. The shaft section including the sensor can be a separately handled part of the measuring element and can, for example, be fastened in the anchoring blind hole by means of a mounting thread.In the installed state, the sensor can be axially spaced from its counterpart, creating a gap between them. A sensor signal can propagate along this gap. Displacements in the substrate can shorten or lengthen this gap, which can be detected by the sensor.

[0030] According to a comparative example of the arrangement, a cavity in the anchoring blind hole between the sensor counterpart and the shaft section including the sensor can be at least partially filled with a backer rod that is transparent to the signal. By completely or partially filling a cavity remaining after the measuring element has been inserted into an anchoring blind hole in the anchoring base, the reproducibility of the sensor measurement can be improved, and the operational reliability of the anchoring base, which is then free of macroscopic cavities, can be enhanced. However, such a backer rod should not interfere with the sensor's acquisition of the anchoring data and can therefore be made of a material that is permeable to the relevant sensor signals. For example, if the signals transmitted between the sensor and sensor counterpart are optical signals, the backer rod can be optically transparent.If the signals traveling between the sensor and its counterpart are acoustic signals, the backfill material may be permeable to acoustic waves.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be arranged on the shaft section, preferably on its outer surface. Corresponding embodiments are described in Figures 1 to 8 depicted.

[0032] Within the scope of this application, the term "radially tapered taper section" can be understood, in particular, as an axially central region of the shaft section that has a smaller radial extent than any adjacent region of the shaft section. The radially tapered taper section can be dimensioned such that it forms a radially recessed receiving space for at least one sensor, thus protecting the sensor from mechanical damage caused by unwanted interaction with a wall of the anchoring base during installation of the measuring element. The radial taper section can also constitute the mechanically weakest section of the measuring element, as its tapered shape makes it particularly susceptible to bending and / or tensile stresses.Therefore, the tapered section is particularly suitable for arranging the sensor, as it can detect a particularly strong sensor signal at this position when a load is applied.

[0033] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element has a protective device for protecting the sensor. Within the scope of this application, the term "protective device" can be understood to mean any physical structure and / or any mechanism that provides protection to at least one sensor housed in the tapered section, particularly against mechanical damage caused by surrounding material in the anchoring base, without impairing the sensor's function or accuracy. Protection against impairment can specifically refer to protection against mechanical damage during and / or after the setting of the measuring element in the anchoring base, but can also refer to undesirable interaction with a gaseous, liquid, and / or solid medium during and / or after the setting of the measuring element in the anchoring base.Such an interaction can occur with the material of the anchoring base or with an auxiliary material (such as an epoxy resin or mortar in the case of a chemical anchor) in an area surrounding the measuring element.

[0034] Thus, a measuring element can be provided that includes at least one sensor which can be protected within a tapered shaft section. Such a sensor can be designed and configured to detect at least one anchoring parameter or other anchoring data during and / or after the installation of the fastener in an anchoring base. By arranging the at least one sensor in the radially recessed tapered section of the fastener, damage to the at least one sensor during installation can be reliably prevented, for example, when driving a bolt anchor into an anchoring hole in an anchoring base made of, for example, concrete.Furthermore, such a radial recession of the sensor can protect it from the transmission of sheath-side forces from the anchoring base to the sensor, which could distort the sensor data intended for acquisition. It has proven particularly advantageous to equip the sensor, which is at least partially located in the tapered section, with a protective device (in particular, to cover it). This device maintains the sensor's sensing activity undisturbed while simultaneously protecting the sensor from damage or even destruction during installation or operation of the fastening element. In this way, it is possible to position a sensor at a point of interest that, once installed, is located inside the anchoring base. Anchoring data can then be transmitted from the installed sensor to the outside of the anchoring base specifically at this precisely selectable point of interest.The user thus receives sensory feedback indicating the success and / or failure of an anchoring process, enabling them to verify the correctness of the installation. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor integrated into the fastener can also provide information about the settling status even after – and even years after – the fastener has been installed. This can reveal, for example, a reduction or loss of the fastener's setting force in the substrate. Such a reduced setting force can occur, for instance, after a prolonged period in a building (such as a bridge) where a dowel or anchor bolt has been installed. A critical reduction in setting force can therefore be detected sufficiently long before failure occurs, allowing for timely countermeasures.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be configured to acquire anchoring data that includes relative and / or absolute information regarding a measurement parameter. Relative information regarding a measurement parameter can, for example, be or include information about whether the measurement parameter has changed, whether it has increased or decreased, etc. Absolute information regarding a measurement parameter can quantitatively indicate the value to which, or the difference in, the measurement parameter has changed.

[0036] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmission device can have at least one transmission cable that runs at least partially along the shaft section. In such a configuration, sensor information can be transmitted via cable from the sensor to a target entity or a receiver device. This represents a simple and fault-resistant solution. Such a transmission cable can, for example, be routed externally along the shaft section (e.g., recessed in a further tapered area, such as a groove) or internally within the shaft section.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmission device can be configured for wireless transmission of the anchoring data, in particular using at least one technology from the group consisting of Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN). According to such a configuration, data from the sensor can be wirelessly transmitted from the interior of the anchoring base to an exterior of the anchoring base for further processing or evaluation by a receiver device. Cables can then be advantageously dispensed with, at least in sections. For example, the transmission can be carried out using radio waves of a suitable frequency, particularly in the high-frequency range.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor can be configured to detect at least one parameter from a group consisting of temperature, tensile stress, strain, and torque. For example, an actual temperature of the sensor that deviates from a target temperature or a target temperature range can indicate problems caused by excessive friction or force transmission. Excessive strain of the shaft section can be detected, for example, by means of a strain gauge or another appropriately designed sensor. A torque acting on the measuring element in the anchoring base can also provide a user with information about the force conditions in the anchoring base. This ensures the reliability of a user's assessment of the condition of the anchoring base, particularly in safety-critical applications.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor can incorporate a strain gauge. Preferably, the sensor can be designed as a strain gauge sensor and detect strain in the shaft section. This allows, for example, the reliable detection of critical tensile stresses. A strain gauge can easily be installed in a tapered section of the shaft. Even when covered by a protective device, such as a compressible foam, the functionality of a strain gauge can be maintained to precisely and reliably detect strain in the shaft section.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can have at least one further sensor, arranged at least partially in the tapered section, for acquiring additional anchorage data of the measuring element in the anchoring base. Thus, it is also possible to integrate multiple sensors on the measuring element. This can then, for example, enable spatially resolved measurement of an anchorage parameter, for instance, by means of several strain gauges arranged along a circumference and / or along an axial direction of the shaft section of the measuring element. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple sensors can also acquire different (especially complementary) parameters, such as strain and temperature. This allows for a more refined inference of the properties or force conditions of the anchoring base.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device can comprise a compressible material, in particular a compressible solid foam. It is especially preferred to manufacture the protective device from a compressible material, such as a foam or rubber. In this way, it is possible to reliably protect the sensor located in the tapered section from mechanical and / or chemical damage while simultaneously maintaining the sensor's sensitivity for detecting anchorage data. Parasitic forces that should not be detected by the sensor can therefore be kept away from it.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device can be made of moisture-impermeable material, in particular a moisture-impermeable foam. If the protective device is made of a moisture-impermeable material, even a moisture-sensitive sensor of the measuring element can reliably acquire the anchorage data even in humid environments (for example, in damp masonry).

[0043] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device can comprise an aromatic isocyanate. Isocyanate has proven particularly effective in simultaneously providing compressibility and a mechanical protective function that safeguards the sensor from artifacts and maintains its sensitivity. Furthermore, such a material is impermeable to liquids, thus allowing the use of the measuring element and sensor in humid environments.

[0044] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device can be arranged at least partially within the radially tapered section, thus covering the sensor. By arranging the protective device wholly or partially within the tapered section, i.e., radially recessed or flush with the rest of the shaft section, the protective device does not interfere with the installation process of the measuring element, such as driving in a bolt anchor or screwing in a wood screw. Furthermore, excessive mechanical stress on the sensor covered by the protective device during installation of the measuring element is reliably prevented.

[0045] The protective device is fully enclosed within the radially tapered section. This allows the protective device itself to be designed as an annular body positioned within an annular recess in the shaft section that forms the tapered section. This design ensures that the protective device remains reliably in place and also prevents the generation of excessive frictional forces when the measuring element is inserted, as the annular protective device does not protrude radially beyond the tapered section.

[0046] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device can be arranged in the radially tapered section up to a radial height such that it does not project radially beyond the shaft section, and in particular, is flush with it. Visually, the protective device and the sections of the shaft connected to it can be aligned.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective device (alternatively or additionally to the compressible material) can have at least one protective ramp which, with respect to the screw-in direction of the measuring element, is arranged behind (in particular directly behind) the sensor, especially at least partially within the radially tapered section. Alternatively or additionally to forming the protective device as a compressible ring, the protective device can also be designed as a ramp (for example, made of metal). The latter can define a radial projection relative to the sensor when the measuring element is inserted into a substrate in a rotating manner, reliably maintaining a radial distance between the sensor in the tapered section and a wall of the anchoring base.The protective ramp can be designed such that it extends continuously radially outwards from a radial end that terminates seamlessly with the tapered section. The protective ramp then extends to a radial position where it abruptly returns to a radial position corresponding to the tapered section. The sensor is attached to this radially outward-extending end of the protective ramp in such a way that it is positioned within a shielded area of ​​the ramp. Thus, in one direction of rotation, the sensor can be attached directly or at a distance to the radially outward-extending end of the protective ramp.

[0048] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first fastening end can have an anchoring thread, in particular a concrete screw thread, a wood screw thread, or a metric thread. If the first fastening end is provided with an anchoring thread, a rotating insertion of the measuring element into the anchoring base can be facilitated. The anchoring thread can terminate at a tip of the measuring element, for example, to facilitate pre-drilling-free insertion of a measuring element into a substrate, such as a wood screw into a wood anchoring base. Alternatively, the anchoring thread can also terminate at a flat end face of the measuring element, for example, when the measuring element is inserted by rotating it into an anchoring base that has a pre-drilled hole.

[0049] According to an exemplary embodiment, the second fastening end can have an external thread, in particular a metric external thread. An external thread can be provided at the second fastening end of the measuring element, which is used, for example, for clamping or expanding the measuring element. This can be the case, for example, with a bolt anchor, which can first be driven into an anchoring hole in the anchoring base before, for example, an axial pressure can be exerted on the measuring element by screwing a nut onto the external thread. This pressure causes an expansion sleeve inside the anchoring base to slide along a conical body of the bolt anchor, thus generating an anchoring force.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the shaft section can be designed to be at least partially unthreaded. Thus, it is possible for part of the shaft section to be free of threads, i.e., a smooth bolt section. This can, for example, promote low-friction installation of the measuring element. Another section of the shaft can be provided with a thread, for example, with the anchoring thread described above and / or an external thread.

[0051] According to an exemplary embodiment, the radially tapered section is designed as an annular recess on a radial outer side of the shaft section. Advantageously, the tapered section can be arranged on an outer surface of the mounting section. This allows, firstly, particularly easy mounting of the at least one sensor, which can simply be inserted into the recess on an outer surface of the shaft section and secured there (e.g., with adhesive). Secondly, the described position on an outer surface of the shaft section is a particularly suitable way to acquire sensor data at a critical location. In particular, a decrease in the setting force over time or the development of tensile stress can be detected with particularly high accuracy at such a tapered section.

[0052] According to one exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be designed as a wood screw. For example, a wood screw (with or without pre-drilling) can be inserted into the wooden anchoring base.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be designed as a concrete screw. Such a concrete screw can be inserted into the concrete anchoring base, preferably with a pre-drilled hole.

[0054] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be designed as a bolt anchor, in particular as a concrete anchor. Within the scope of the present application, a "bolt anchor" can be understood to mean, in particular, a multi-part fastening device that can be anchored in a setting hole of an anchoring base and that comprises at least a bolt body and an expansion sleeve mounted thereon. A bolt anchor can be inserted into a setting hole and then, by an axial relative displacement between the bolt body and the expansion sleeve, brought into a configuration in which the expansion sleeve is expanded radially by the penetration of an end-radially extended expansion element of the bolt body. This results in a clamping action between the expansion sleeve and a wall of the anchoring base, thereby securing the bolt anchor in the anchoring base.A bolt anchor has, for example, a conical expansion body and an expansion sleeve that can be expanded by pulling the expansion body into the expansion sleeve. The expansion body can be integrally attached to a shaft section onto which the expansion sleeve can be placed. To anchor the bolt anchor, it can be inserted, expansion body first, into a setting hole in a substrate, with the expansion sleeve also being inserted into the setting hole. The expansion body can then be withdrawn without the expansion sleeve, which is frictionally engaged in the setting hole, leaving the hole. The expansion body can be pulled into the expansion sleeve using the described procedure, causing the expansion sleeve to expand radially. This anchors the bolt anchor in the borehole.A bolt anchor can have a conical extension at its first fastening end, which can interact with an expansion sleeve movably mounted on the shaft section. If the bolt anchor has been driven into a substrate (for example, concrete), tightening a nut onto the second fastening end of the anchor can generate an axial force between the expansion sleeve and the conical body; more precisely, this causes the expansion sleeve to slide onto the conical body, resulting in a high anchoring force.

[0055] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be designed as an anchor rod, particularly for a chemical anchor. If the measuring element is designed as an anchor rod (threaded or unthreaded), it can be inserted into a fixing hole in the anchoring base. By introducing a curable medium (for example, an epoxy resin) or mortar before or after inserting the anchor rod into the anchoring base, a chemical bond can then form between the anchoring base, the measuring element, and the curable medium.

[0056] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be designed as a plastic dowel, particularly for a wood screw. If the measuring element is designed as a dowel (especially made of plastic or also of metal), such a dowel can be driven into an anchoring hole in the anchoring base. Subsequently, a screw, for example a wood screw, can be screwed into a receiving cavity of the dowel, causing the expansion elements of the dowel to expand and thus generating a high setting force.

[0057] Other measuring elements are of course also possible.

[0058] Furthermore, the arrangement can optionally also include the anchoring base if the measuring element is placed in it.

[0059] According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiver device can be configured for wireless communication with the sensor. The receiver device can therefore have a wireless communication device for wireless communication with the sensor of the measuring element, even if the sensor is located inside the anchoring base. Alternatively or additionally, the receiver device can also be configured for wired communication with the sensor, for example, using a transmission cable between the sensor and the receiver device.

[0060] According to an exemplary embodiment, the receiver device can be selected from a group consisting of a computer and a portable user device, in particular a smartphone or tablet. For example, a user can conveniently read the success of a setting operation on their laptop or mobile device if the laptop or mobile device is communicatively coupled with the sensor for data exchange. It is also possible to use a router as the receiver device, which can be implemented in a communication network.

[0061] According to an exemplary embodiment, a sensor located at least partially within the tapered section can be protected by overmolding it with foam, which is injected at least partially into the tapered section. If at least one sensor, which is to be attached, for example, to the outside of the tapered section of the shaft, is installed, the sensor can be immobilized in place and protected from mechanical influences, particularly during the setting process, by simply overmolding it with a foam (for example, epoxy-based). Simultaneously, a sensor overmolded with a compressible foam, such as a strain gauge, can detect strains or other parameters on the set measuring element without loss of accuracy. It is also advantageous to attach the protective device to the measuring element simply by overmolding.

[0062] According to an exemplary embodiment, the measuring element can be at least partially surrounded by a shell during the foam injection process. If at least the tapered section is surrounded on the outside by a shell during the foam overmolding, the radial extent of the foam-like protective device can be precisely defined. This allows for the assurance of low-friction installation of the measuring element in an anchoring base using simple manufacturing techniques.

[0063] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following figures. Figure 1 shows a measuring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a detail of a measuring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 3shows a cross-sectional view of a measuring element according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a measuring element according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 5 shows a measuring element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 shows a measuring element according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a measuring element according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 shows a measuring element according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figures 9 to 11 show measuring elements placed in an anchoring base according to comparative examples, in which a sensor is arranged at a first fastening end of a shaft section and is designed to detect sensor signals emitted by a sensor counterpart in the anchoring base.

[0064] Identical or similar components in different figures are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0065] Before exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures, some general aspects of the invention will be explained.

[0066] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a measuring element, designed, for example, as a sensor anchor, can be created that can be configured purely as a measuring instrument. In other words, a fastening element can be used as a measuring instrument without itself having to fulfill a fastening function. Such a measuring element can have a first anchoring end that can be fixed in the substrate. A second anchoring end can also be fixed in the substrate or fixed to a surface of the substrate. Furthermore, a measuring section can be provided between the first and the second anchoring ends. At least one sensor can be arranged in the measuring section and configured to acquire anchoring data or anchoring parameters. A transmission device can serve to transmit the sensor data to a receiver.

[0067] By mounting the sensor outside of a threaded hole used to attach the measuring element to the substrate or anchoring base, the sensor function and the mounting function are reliably protected from mutual interference. This ensures a clean force coupling between the anchoring base and the measuring element and also guarantees that the sensor can reproducibly acquire sensor data when anchored. Acquired sensor data allows for the sensory characterization of an anchoring base. For example, critical force conditions in the substrate can be detected quickly after they occur, enabling timely intervention.

[0068] For example, the sensor can be designed as a temperature sensor, strain gauge, torque sensor, humidity sensor, etc. Anchorage data or parameters measured can include, for example, temperature, strain, torque, humidity, and / or vibrations.

[0069] A wired transmission line, ideally encased in resin, can be used to transmit the anchoring data. Alternatively, a wireless transmitter can be used, capable of transmitting data or measurements via NFC, Bluetooth, and / or Wi-Fi. It can be advantageous if the measuring element can function, at least partially, as a transmission line or antenna.

[0070] A receiving device can be paired for wireless communication via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or a radio antenna, or it can be connected via cable. For example, a receiving device could be a computer, a smartphone, a tablet, a power tool, or a server that can be connected via a cloud infrastructure.

[0071] For example, such a receiver device can export received data to a BIM (Building Information Modeling) system. The position of the measuring element or instrument can be stored in a BIM system.

[0072] It is also possible, for example, to store or save documentation in a database in the form of anchoring data or anchoring parameters.

[0073] When evaluating the anchoring data, a warning can be issued if certain limits are exceeded.

[0074] For example, the measuring element can be designed as a wood screw, concrete screw, concrete anchor, anchor rod (especially in connection with a chemical anchor) or load or tension anchor.

[0075] The measuring element can have a fastening thread, particularly at an anchoring end, in the form of a concrete screw thread or a wood screw thread. For example, the anchoring end can be a bonded metric thread. The measuring section can be elastically arranged in the area of ​​expected deformation or distortion. Preferably, the sensor is arranged in a tapered section of the shaft and at a distance from the borehole. In particular, a ramp can be provided as protection for the at least one sensor, preferably at the tapered point of the shaft section.

[0076] The sensor can be configured to measure relative changes (for example, in a strain gauge, ultrasonic sensor, or induction sensor configuration). Alternatively, the sensor can also be configured to measure an absolute change in length. This can be achieved, for example, by calibrating the sensor (especially a strain gauge) to ensure an absolute change in length. Absolute changes in length can also be detected with an ultrasonic sensor. However, calibration may not be necessary for detecting absolute changes in length. For measuring an absolute change in length, it is advantageous if the total length of the extensible section of the measuring element or sensor is known or measured.

[0077] For securing the first and / or the second anchoring end in the anchoring base, a connection can be formed, for example, by means of positive locking, force locking and / or material locking.

[0078] Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a measuring element 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a detail of such a measuring element 100. Figure 3 shows a corresponding cross-sectional view of a measuring element 100.

[0079] More precisely, it shows Figure 1 An arrangement 120 comprising a measuring element 100 and a receiver 122, which is communicatively coupled to the sensor 110 for receiving anchoring data acquired by means of a sensor 110 of the measuring element 100. The receiver 122 can be configured for wireless communication with the sensor 110. Figure 1 The receiver device 122 is a portable user terminal in the form of a smartphone.

[0080] The in Figure 1 The measuring element 100, shown in detail, has a shaft section 102. A subsection of the shaft section 102 is, according to Figure 1 Designed without threads.

[0081] A first fastening end 104 at a first end of the shaft section 102 serves for anchoring in an anchoring base (see reference numeral 177 in Figures 9 to 11 ), for example, a building wall. The first fastening end 104 can have a fastening thread, in the illustrated embodiment an anchoring thread 116. This fastening thread can be, for example, a concrete screw thread, a wood screw thread, or a metric thread.

[0082] The measuring element 100 also has a second fastening end 106 at an opposite second end of the shaft section 102, which is embedded in the anchoring base (see reference numeral 177 in Figures 9 to 11The second fastening end 106 is to be attached to an outside surface of the anchoring base 177 or also within the anchoring base 177 when the measuring element 100 is anchored in the anchoring base. The second fastening end 106 preferably has a further fastening thread in the form of an external thread 118. This further fastening thread can, for example, be a metric external thread.

[0083] Furthermore, the measuring element 100 includes a radially tapered tapered section 108 of the shaft section 102 axially between the first fastening end 104 and the second fastening end 106. More precisely, the radially tapered tapered section 108 is formed as an annular recess on a radial outer surface of the shaft section 102.

[0084] Sensors 110 for acquiring anchorage data of the measuring element 100 in the anchoring base are recessed in the tapered section 108. When the sensors 110 are installed in the tapered section 108, they are located at the mechanically weakest point of the measuring element 100, i.e., in the tapered area of ​​the shaft center. This sensor data, or anchorage data, can be used to verify and monitor the properties or force configuration in the anchoring base over the long term. The sensors 110 can, for example, be designed as strain gauges that can be bonded to the shaft section 102 in the tapered section 108. For example, the sensors 110, designed as strain gauges, can be connected as a full bridge. In general, the sensors 110 can be designed to detect strain in the shaft section 102, torque in the shaft section 102, and / or temperature.

[0085] Advantageously, the sensors 110 are arranged at a distance from the mounting threads 116, 118, i.e., positioned beyond the mounting threads 116, 118. In other words, the mounting threads 116, 118 can be spatially separated from the sensors 110. This reliably prevents both interference with a particular sensor 110 by the respective mounting thread 116, 118 and interference with the thread function of the respective mounting thread 116, 118 by the respective sensor 110.

[0086] Advantageously, the measuring element 100 is further equipped with a protective device 112, described in more detail below, to protect the sensors 110 from damage during operation. The protective device 112 can advantageously comprise a compressible and moisture-impermeable foam. Preferably, such a foam can comprise an aromatic isocyanate. The protective device 112 can be arranged in the radially tapered section 108, covering the sensors 110. It is also advantageous for the protective device 112 to be arranged as a fully enclosed unit within the radially tapered section 108. Furthermore, it is advantageous if the protective device 112 is arranged in the radially tapered section 108 up to a radial height such that it does not project radially beyond the shaft section 102. Most preferably, the protective device 112 is flush with the shaft section 102.

[0087] To manufacture the protective device 112, the sensors 110 arranged in the tapered section 108 are encased in foam, which is also injected into the remaining tapered section 108. During the foam injection process, the tapered section 108 can be surrounded by a shell (not shown) to define or limit the spatial extent of the protective device 112.

[0088] Furthermore, the measuring element 100 exhibits according to Figure 1 a transmission device 114 for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor 110 to the external receiver device 122. As in Figure 1As shown, the transmission device 114 can have one or more transmission cables arranged along the shaft section 102. Alternatively or additionally, the transmission device 114 can also be configured for wireless transmission of the anchoring data. For this purpose, transmission technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) can be used.

[0089] Referring again to Figure 1The figure shows how the receiver 122, designed here as a mobile communication device, is coupled to the sensors 110 of the measuring element 100 in a communication-capable manner, as indicated by the reference numeral 140, which signifies data transmission. At the first mounting end 104, the measuring element 100 is equipped with the anchoring thread 116, which allows the measuring element 100 to be screwed into a mounting hole of an anchoring base. At the opposite second mounting end 106, the external thread 118 is formed, which, for example, allows a mounting nut to be screwed on. In an axial central section of the shaft section 102, there is the tapered section 108, designed as a cylindrical section with a progressively reduced outer diameter, which is realized by an annular recess in the shaft section 102. The sensors 110, designed here as strain gauges, are bonded to this radially recessed tapered section 108.The sensors 110 thus extend to a radial position where, when the measuring element 100 is inserted into an anchoring base, they are protected from mechanical contact with a wall of the anchoring base. A transmission device 114, designed as a cable connection, transmits the electrical sensor signals of the sensors 110 to the receiver device 122 outside the anchoring base. The [transmission device] according to... Figure 1The section-by-section wired transmission device 114 guides the transmission cables axially along an outer or inner surface of the shaft section 102 to the outer edge of the anchoring hole. To protect the sensors 110, which are attached (for example, glued) to a lateral surface of the tapered section 108, from mechanical damage during and after installation, the sensors 110 can be surrounded by a compressible material that, for example, is flush or aligned with a radial lateral surface of unthreaded shaft sections 142, 144. In this way, the sensors 110 are embedded in a compressible matrix that protects them from damage and simultaneously allows for precise acquisition of anchoring data, in particular any mechanical elongation of the shaft section 102.

[0090] Reference number 146 is in Figure 1A communicating end of the measuring element 100 is shown, at which the sensor-detected anchoring data is transmitted to the receiver device 122, either wired and / or wirelessly. Reference numeral 146 may also provide an evaluation unit for connection to a receiver device 122.

[0091] In Figure 2 A detail of a shaft section 102 of a measuring element 100 is shown, as it is, for example, according to Figure 1 or Figure 4 until Figure 6 or Figure 8The electrical cables of the transmission device 114 can be connected to sensor pads of the sensors 110, for example by means of solder contacts 152. Ribs in the tapered section 108 can form protective ramps 154 of the protective device 112 and can be designed such that the electrical cables of the transmission device 114 are guided in recesses between these ribs. This provides additional protection for the sensors 110 against malfunction due to mechanical damage.

[0092] The cables of the transmission device 114 can be guided in a recess of the shaft section 102. This further improves the protection of the cables against mechanical damage. Advantageously, the recess can be filled with resin after the cables have been placed in it. Cable sections running outside the recess can be protected by a foam compound, which also surrounds the sensors 110. Such a compressible foam of the protective device 112 can absorb sheath-side forces (for example, from hardening mortar) and thus protect the sensors 110 from artificial forces. In other words, the protective device 112 can be designed to shield the sensor(s) 110 from sheath-side forces acting on the tapered section 108 from the anchoring base.This allows the sensors 110 to be protected from unwanted interference and to detect only forces of interest, in particular tensile stresses acting on the measuring element 100.

[0093] Based on the cross-sectional view of Figure 3 It is clearly visible how the configuration according to Figure 2 The sensors 110, which are set back in the radial direction, are protected against damage and receive additional protection against damage through the protective device 112.

[0094] The measuring element 100 according to Figure 1 It can be used as a threaded rod or as an anchor rod for a chemical anchor. For example, the measuring element 100 can be used according to Figure 1 function as a threaded rod or tension rod. The first fastening end 104 can be glued into a pre-drilled hole with mortar. A nut (not shown) can be attached to the second fastening end 106. Figure 1) screwed on to clamp the measuring element 100 to the anchoring base. Alternatively, the measuring element 100 can be installed according to Figure 1 for example, they can also be used for tensioning between two steel cables.

[0095] Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a measuring element 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0096] The measuring element 100 according to Figure 4 is designed as a wood screw. The measuring element 100 according to Figure 4 can be set without mortar.

[0097] The measuring element 100 according to Figure 4 differs from the measuring element 100 according to Figure 1 in particular by the fact that according to Figure 4 the anchoring thread 116 has a different pitch than according to Figure 1 and that according to Figure 4 The external thread 116 has been omitted. Therefore, the measuring element 100 is suitable according to Figure 4especially for screwing into an anchoring base (not shown) with a pre-drilled anchoring hole.

[0098] Alternatively to Figure 4 In another embodiment of the invention, a measuring element 100 designed as a wood screw can be provided with a drill tip at the first fastening end 104 and then be inserted into an anchoring base (preferably made of wood) without pre-drilling.

[0099] Figure 5 shows a measuring element 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0100] The measuring element 100 according to Figure 5 It is configured as a sensor anchor or as a concrete screw.

[0101] The in Figure 5 The measuring element 100 shown differs from the embodiment shown in the illustration. Figure 4 in particular by the fact that according to Figure 5At the second fastening end 106 a metric external thread 118 is provided, for example for clamping by means of a nut not shown.

[0102] At the first fastening end 104, the measuring element 100 can be attached according to Figure 5 It is screwed into a pre-drilled hole in an anchoring base made of, for example, concrete. The anchoring thread 116 according to Figure 5 This can therefore be a concrete thread. Mortar can be used for bonding between a wall of the anchoring base and the measuring element 100.

[0103] Figure 6 shows a measuring element 100 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0104] The measuring element 100 according to Figure 6 is designed as a bolt anchor, for example as a concrete anchor. The bolt anchor according to Figure 6 It can be installed with or without mortar in a pre-drilled hole in an anchoring base.

[0105] The measuring element 100, designed as a bolt anchor, according to Figure 6 At the first fastening end 104, a conical body 160 is formed, which tapers radially from the first fastening end 104 to the second fastening end 106. An axially displaceable expanding sleeve 162, for example made of a metal such as stainless steel, is located on the shaft section 102 in the region of the conical body 160 (which can also be referred to as the expanding body). An external thread 118 is provided in the region of the second fastening end 106, onto which a nut 164 (optionally together with a washer 166) can be screwed to secure the measuring element 100. To secure the measuring element 100 according to Figure 6To install the measuring element 100 in a pre-drilled anchor hole in a substrate (for example, concrete), the measuring element 100 is first driven into the anchor hole without the nut 164 (and the optional washer 166), i.e., under the influence of an axial force. This positions the first fastening end 104 inside the borehole. Subsequently, the fastening nut 164 (optionally after fitting the washer 166) can be screwed onto the external thread 118 from the outside. When the fastening nut 164 and the optional washer 166 reach an outer surface of the anchoring base, further tightening of the fastening nut 164 creates a relative force in the axial direction between the cone body 160 and the expansion sleeve 162. This causes the expansion sleeve 162 to move axially on the cone body 160, thereby expanding it against the wall of the anchoring base. This completes the setting process.During and after this setting process, anchoring data can be acquired using the sensors 110, documenting the anchoring process and / or the anchoring status. For example, excessive mechanical stress at the location of the sensors 110 may indicate excessive mechanical load in the anchoring base. By radially recessing the sensors 110 in the tapered section 108 and mechanically protecting them with the protective device 112 (for example, designed as compressible foam), an unimpeded setting process can be combined with reliable sensor function.

[0106] Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a measuring element 100 according to a further exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0107] As in Figure 7As shown, the protective device 112 can have a protective ramp 154 ​​which is arranged behind the sensor 110 in a screw-in direction 170 of the measuring element 100. The protective ramp 154 ​​can be arranged in the radially tapered tapered section 108.

[0108] The cross-sectional view according to Figure 7 It can be seen how each sensor 110 is arranged in relation to the protective ramp 154 ​​when the measuring element 100 is inserted into an anchoring base by rotating it along the direction of rotation or screw-in direction 170. It should be noted that the screw-in direction 170 can be defined by the thread direction of an anchoring thread 116. How Figure 7As can be seen, the protective ramp 154, designed as a rib, of the protective device 112 is arranged such that the outermost radial section of the protective ramp 154 ​​adjoins the sensor 110 in the setting direction. Starting from the point furthest from the center, the radius of the protective ramp 154 ​​then decreases continuously in the boundary region with the sensor 110 and gradually tapers into the tapered section 108. This configuration places the sensor 110 within a shielded area defined by the section of the protective ramp 154 ​​furthest from the axis and facing the sensor 110. The protective ramp 154 ​​can, for example, be made of metal. Without protective ramps 154, undesirably strong notch effects may occur.The provision of one or more protective ramps 154 can also advantageously ensure that the foam surrounding a respective sensor 110 of the protective device 112 fits better and adheres better to the otherwise smooth tapered section 108.

[0109] Figure 8 shows a measuring element 100 according to yet another exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0110] According to Figure 8 At the second fastening end 106 of the shaft section 102, an elongated, unthreaded bolt section is integrally connected as an extension section 195. The extension section 195 extends from the metric external thread 118 to the communicating end 146 of the measuring element 100. Thus, according to Figure 8The measuring element 100 extends the illustrated extension section 195, which extends from the second fastening end 106 of the shaft section 102 to an outer end of the fastening element 100, thereby extending the measuring element 100 beyond the second fastening end 106 of the shaft section 102. A nut (not shown) can, for example, be mounted on the metric external thread 118 to clamp the measuring element 100 to an anchoring base. The extension section 195 can, for example, comprise more than 20% or even more than half of the total length of the measuring element 100. The elongated extension section 195 allows the measuring element 100 to protrude significantly from the anchoring base. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to attach an extension section 195 to the first fastening end 104 of the shaft section 102 (not shown).

[0111] Figures 9 to 11Figure 177 shows measuring elements 100 set in an anchoring base, according to comparative examples, in which a sensor 110 is arranged on the end face of a first fastening end 104. More precisely, according to Figures 9 to 11 The sensor 110 is attached to an end face 199 of the shaft section 102 of the measuring element 100. The sensor 110 serves to detect sensor signals received by a sensor counterpart 179 mounted at the end face of the anchoring base 177, which is spatially separated from the sensor 110.

[0112] According to Figure 9 An arrangement 120 with an anchoring base 177 and a measuring element 100 placed therein is shown. The anchoring base 177 can, for example, be a concrete wall into which an anchoring blind hole 189 is made. According to Figure 9The measuring element 100 is formed from several separate components, namely a shaft section 102 with sensor 110 as the first component and a physically separate sensor counterpart 179 as the second component. The sensor counterpart 179 can, for example, be designed as a plate or disc that is glued onto an end face 191 of the anchoring blind hole 189. For example, the sensor counterpart 179 can be inserted into the anchoring blind hole 189 by means of a mounting rod (not shown in the figure). Then, according to Figure 9The shaft section 102, including the sensor 110, is screwed into the anchoring blind hole 189 using the anchoring thread 116 and tightened with a nut 164. In the assembled state, the nut 164 is screwed onto the anchoring thread 116 on the shaft section 102 and rests against an outer surface of the anchoring base 177. The nut 164 secures the shaft section 102 against slipping into the anchoring blind hole 189. Optionally, a cavity in the anchoring blind hole 189 can be filled beforehand with an optically transparent filler material 189 to improve the structural integrity of the anchoring base 177. In the assembled state, the sensor counterpart 179 is spaced from the sensor 110 by an axial distance "D". Thus, the measuring element 100 is positioned according to... Figure 9the shaft section 102 including sensor 110 is removed by a distance "D" from the sensor counterpart 179 attached to the end face 191 of the anchoring blind hole 189.

[0113] More precisely, the sensor 110 is arranged on the end face 199 of the first fastening end 104 of the shaft section 102, so that the sensor 110 is spatially separated from the anchoring thread 116. The sensor 110 serves to detect signals indicative of the anchoring data from the sensor counterpart 179 of the measuring element 100, which is mounted separately from the shaft section 102 in the anchoring base 177.

[0114] In the comparative example Figure 9The sensor counterpart 179 has a response signal generator attached to the anchoring base 177 for generating response signals in reply to sensor signals received from the sensor 110, which acts as a signal source. The sensor 110 thus generates sensor signals that propagate to the sensor counterpart 179. These sensor signals interact with the sensor counterpart 179 and are characteristically modified depending on the properties of the anchoring base 177 to which the sensor counterpart 179 is fixedly mounted. For example, if seismic vibrations occur at the anchoring base 177, they imprint a corresponding fingerprint on the modified sensor signal, from which information about the seismic vibrations can be derived. The modified sensor signals propagate back to the sensor 110 as response signals, where they are detected. These response signals are thus received by the sensor 110.The sensor counterpart 179, designed as a response signal generator, functions here as a signal reflector to reflect sensor signals emitted by the sensor 110.

[0115] The sensor 110, configured as a signal source, has, for example, a light source (not shown) (e.g., a light-emitting diode) for emitting optical sensor signals. These optical sensor signals propagate from the sensor 110 to the sensor counterpart 179. In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor counterpart 179 is an optical reflector or mirror that reflects the optical sensor signals emitted by the light source back to the sensor 110 as optical response signals. These optical response signals are detected by a light-sensitive element (e.g., a photocell or an array of photocells) of the sensor 110 (not shown).

[0116] If the force conditions in the anchoring ground 177 change, for example over a long period of time or suddenly (for example in the case of an earthquake), the distance D between sensor 110 and sensor counterpart 179 also changes statically or dynamically. This can be according to Figure 9 optically recorded. In this way it is possible to obtain anchorage data to characterize the force conditions in the anchorage ground 177.

[0117] As previously described, a cavity in the anchoring blind hole 189 between the sensor counterpart 179 and the shaft section 102, including the sensor 110, can be filled with a signal-transparent filling material 193. For the described example of an optical signal, the filling material 193 can be optically transparent. This ensures that the optical detection is not impaired by the filling. Filling cavities in the anchoring base 177 offers the advantage of particularly reproducible sensor detection and high, undisturbed stability of the anchoring base 177, regardless of the implementation of the measuring element 100.

[0118] It is also possible to fill the cavity in the anchoring base 177 with an optically opaque filling material 193 and to attach a light guide between sensor 110 and sensor counterpart 179 for optical coupling of the sensor 110 with the sensor counterpart 179 (not shown).

[0119] According to Figure 9 A sensor counterpart 179, designed here as a reflector, is attached to the end of an anchoring blind hole 189, designed here as a borehole, for example by gluing. The measuring element 100 with integrated sensor 110 serves as a transmitter and receiver and is inserted into the borehole in a form-fit, force-fit, and / or material-fit manner. The described configuration can be used to measure the change in distance between sensor 110 and sensor counterpart 179. Data received from sensor 110 can be output, for example, via cable or radio.

[0120] Alternatively or in addition to Figure 9It is also possible to generate and detect acoustic sensor signals (for example, ultrasonic sensor signals) and / or electrical sensor signals (for example, current sensor signals) instead of optical signals through the interaction of sensor 110 and sensor counterpart 179. When using ultrasound, for example, sensor counterpart 179 can be designed as a vibrating plate. If an induction source in the form of an electric current is used, sensor counterpart 179 can, for example, have a coil. Other sensor principles can also be implemented in the manner described.

[0121] According to another alternative, the sensor counterpart 179 is an active signal source to be attached to the anchoring base 177 for emitting signals. These signals can then be detected by the sensor 110 and evaluated to obtain anchoring data.

[0122] According to Figure 10 is a comparative example that differs from Figure 9 differs in that according to Figure 10 No nut 164 is provided. The shaft section 102 is pushed into the anchoring blind hole 189 until an outer end face 198 of the shaft section 102 is flush or surface-mounted with an outer surface 196 of the anchoring base 177. The connection between the shaft section 102 and the anchoring base 177 can be made, for example, by a screw connection, an interference fit, or by adhesive mortar.

[0123] The comparative example according to Figure 11 differs from that according to Figure 10 because according to Figure 11 the measuring element is inserted 100 deeper into the anchoring base 177 to make the distance "D" smaller than according to Figure 10 to adjust.

[0124] It should also be noted that "having" does not exclude any other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. Furthermore, it should be noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with other features or steps of other embodiments described above. Reference numerals in the claims are not to be considered as limitations.

Claims

1. A measuring element (100), comprising: a shaft portion (102) having at least one fastening thread (116, 118); a first fastening end (104) at a first end of the shaft portion (102) for fastening in an anchoring ground (177); a sensor (110) arranged at a distance from the fastening thread (116, 118) for detecting anchoring data of the measuring element (100) in the anchoring ground (177), wherein the sensor (110) is arranged at a radially tapered tapering portion (108) of the shaft portion (102), wherein the radially tapered tapering portion (108) is formed as an annular recess at a radially outer side of the shaft portion (102); a transmission device (114) for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor (110) to an external receiver device (122); and a protection device (112) for protecting the sensor (110), characterized in that the protection device (112) is arranged in a circumferentially closed manner in the radially tapered tapering portion (108) and protectively covers the sensor (110).

2. The measuring element (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first fastening end (104) comprises at least one fastening thread (116) of the at least one fastening thread (116, 118).

3. The measuring element (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a second fastening end (106) at a second end of the shaft portion (102) opposite the first end, which is to be fastened in a state anchored in the anchoring ground (177) at an outer side of the anchoring ground (177) or in the anchoring ground (177), wherein the at least one fastening thread (116, 118) comprises an external thread (118) at the second fastening end (106), in particular a metric external thread.

4. The measuring element (100) according to claim 3, wherein the second fastening end (104) comprises at least one fastening thread (118) of the at least one fastening thread (116, 118).

5. The measuring element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sensor (110) is arranged on the shaft portion (102) on the lateral side.

6. The measuring element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one of the following features: wherein the transmission device (114) comprises at least one transmission cable which is arranged so as to run at least in portions along the shaft portion (102); wherein the transmission device (114) is designed for wirelessly transmitting the anchoring data, in particular by means of at least one technology from a group consisting of Near Field Communication, Bluetooth, Wireless Local Area Network, Narrowband Internet of Things, Long Term Evolution and Low Power Wide Area Network; wherein the sensor (110) is designed for detecting at least one parameter from a group consisting of tensile stress, elongation, torque and temperature; wherein the sensor (110) comprises a strain gauge; comprising at least one further sensor (110) for detecting further anchoring data of the measuring element (100) in the anchoring ground (177); wherein the protection device (112) comprises compressible material, in particular a compressible foam; wherein the protection device (112) comprises moisture-impermeable material, in particular a moisture-impermeable foam; wherein the protection device (112) is designed to shield forces acting from the anchoring ground (177) on the tapering portion (108) from the sensor (110); wherein the protection device (112) is arranged at least partially in the radially tapered tapering portion (108); wherein the protection device (112) is arranged in the radially tapered tapering portion (108) up to such a radial height that the protection device (112) does not protrude radially beyond the shaft portion (102), in particular terminates flush with the shaft portion (102); wherein the protection device (112) comprises at least one protection ramp (154) which is arranged circumferentially behind the sensor (110) with respect to a screwing-in direction (170) of the measuring element (100), in particular at least partially in the radially tapered tapering portion (108); wherein the at least one fastening thread (116, 118) comprises an anchoring thread (116) at the first fastening end (104), in particular a concrete screw thread, a wood screw thread or a metric thread; designed as a wood screw; designed as a concrete screw; designed as a bolt anchor, in particular as a concrete anchor; designed as an anchor rod, in particular for a chemical dowel; designed as a plastic dowel, in particular for a wood screw; wherein the sensor (110) is designed for detecting anchoring data containing relative information and / or absolute information relating to a measuring parameter.

7. The measuring element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising at least one elongated extension portion (195) extending from at least one of the first fastening end (104) of the shaft portion (102) and the second fastening end (106) of the shaft portion (102) to an end of the measuring element (100).

8. An arrangement (120), comprising: a measuring element (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and a receiver device (122) communicably coupled or coupleable to the sensor (110) for receiving anchoring data detected by means of the sensor (110).

9. The arrangement (120) according to claim 8, wherein the receiver device (122) is designed for wirelessly communicating with the sensor (110).

10. The arrangement (120) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the receiver device (122) is selected from a group consisting of a router, a computer and a portable user terminal, in particular a smartphone or a tablet.

11. The arrangement (120) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, comprising the anchoring ground (177) with an anchoring blind hole (189) in which the measuring element (100) is at least partially anchored.

12. A method for manufacturing a measuring element (100), wherein the method comprises: forming a first fastening end (104), for anchoring in an anchoring ground (177), at a first end of a shaft portion (102) provided with at least one fastening thread (116, 118); arranging a sensor (110) at a distance from the at least one fastening thread (116, 118) on the measuring element (100) for detecting anchoring data of the measuring element (100) in the anchoring ground (177), wherein the sensor (110) is arranged at a radially tapered tapering portion (108) of the shaft portion (102), wherein the radially tapered tapering portion (108) is formed as an annular recess at a radially outer side of the shaft portion (102); forming a transmission device (114) for transmitting the anchoring data from the sensor (110) to an external receiver device (122); and forming a protection device (112) for protecting the sensor (110), characterized in that the protection device (112) is arranged in a circumferentially closed manner in the radially tapered tapering portion (108) and protectively covers the sensor (110).