Device for detecting at least one drop

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for detecting at least one drop (2), comprising - a detection region (3), through which at least one drop (2) to be detected passes, - at least one lighting apparatus (4, 5) for emitting a first light beam (6) which is guided or guidable to the detection region (3), either directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means (8), and for emitting a second light beam (7) which is guided or guidable to the detection region (3), either directly or by means of optical deflection means (9), - the first and the second light beams (6, 7) in the detection region (3) crossing the drop (2) to be detected, and - at least one optical sensor (10) on which the first and the second light beams (6, 7) are incident.

Description

[0001] Device for detecting at least one drop

[0002] The invention relates to a device for detecting at least one drop, in particular a drop that is dispensed from a dispenser, also referred to as an applicator or drop dispenser device.

[0003] Corresponding devices for detecting at least one drop, in particular a liquid drop, are known in principle from the prior art. For example, it is known to detect the drop dispensed from a dispenser using at least one camera. The resulting detection information can typically be used for quality assurance purposes and can indicate whether a drop was dispensed at a predetermined time and / or at a predetermined dispensing location.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of specifying a device which, in particular with regard to a simple and cost-effective measure, has a low overall height at least in sections and at the same time a high level of informativeness and / or a high information content in the detection information generated by an optical sensor of the device.

[0005] The object is achieved by a device for detecting a droplet according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the device. Furthermore, the object is achieved by a method according to claim 17 and by an arrangement according to claim 18.

[0006] The invention relates to a device for detecting at least one drop, wherein the device has a detection zone through which at least one drop to be detected passes. The detection zone can be designed, for example, as a recess and / or as an opening in a housing body of the device. The detection zone serves as the intended location of the device, past which or through which the drop to be detected is or moves past. For example, the device is arranged below a dispenser, wherein a dispensing nozzle of the dispenser that dispenses the drop runs in the close range, in particular axially parallel, particularly preferably coaxial, to a vertically extending axis of the detection zone.The device comprises at least one illumination device for emitting a first light beam, which is or can be guided to the detection area directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means, and for emitting a second light beam, which is or can be guided to the detection area directly or by means of optical deflection means. The exposure device can be designed, for example, as an LED (light-emitting diode), in particular as an RGB LED with a variable light color. The first light beam and the second light beam can, for example, emerge from the same exposure device, or a first exposure device can be used for the first light beam and a second exposure device, separate from the first, can be used for the second light beam.

[0007] The device is designed or constructed such that the first and second light beams intersect the drop to be detected in the detection area, in particular simultaneously. This makes it possible for a drop to be intersected by a first and second light beam at the same time. In this case, the first and at least one second light beam can also intersect. In the direction of light beam propagation, after the light beams intersect with the drop, the first and second light beams strike the at least one optical sensor. An image of the drop crossed by the light beams is thus generated in the optical sensor as detection information. Because two light beams that do not cross the drop in parallel are used, this detection information can be used to generate a three-dimensional model of the drop that is highly informative.In particular, the volume and / or shape of the drop can be generated, in particular modeled, based on the detection information. The two light beams can intersect the drop in a common plane or in different planes. For example, the drop can be intersected by the first light beam at a detection location that is closer to the dispenser dispensing the drop than another detection location at which the drop is intersected by the at least one second light beam. The drop dispensed by the dispenser or by the drop dispensing device can comprise a liquid or a pasty medium, in particular a fluid.

[0008] The device can optionally comprise at least two detection areas, through each of which at least one droplet can pass, so that a first droplet can be detected in the first detection area and a second droplet in the second detection area at the same time, wherein in the respective detection areas a first and at least one second light beam cross and these light beams impinge on at least one optical sensor, in particular on at least one single optical sensor, for each detection area.

[0009] It can also happen that two or more drops emerge from a dispenser simultaneously and pass through a detection zone of the device. In this case, the at least two drops can be detected simultaneously by the optical sensor or imaged in an image information generated by this sensor.

[0010] The first and / or the at least one second light beam can move within or be guided through channel sections defined or formed by the device. A channel section can, for example, have a rectilinear shape. Optionally, a channel section can consist of channel walls that form an open or closed channel. At least one channel wall, in particular all of the channel walls, of the device can have a reflective surface at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely. For example, at least one channel wall is coated with a coating that has light-reflecting properties.

[0011] It is possible for the device to comprise a first illumination device for emitting the first light beam, which is guided to the detection area directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means, and a second illumination device for emitting the second light beam, which is guided or can be guided to the detection area directly or by means of optical deflection means. Because the device uses different illumination devices to generate the first and the at least one second light beam, the property and / or nature of the respective light beams can be specified and / or changed in a simple manner by appropriately selecting the respective illumination device and / or by appropriately controlling the respective illumination devices.Furthermore, by a targeted arrangement of the at least two illumination devices, the use of deflection elements, in particular deflection mirrors, can be saved due to the fact that two light beams have to be extracted from one illumination device.

[0012] It is possible that (a) the arrangement of the at least one illumination device and the detection area and the optical sensor is selected such that at least one light beam, in particular a center beam of the at least one light beam, impinges on the optical sensor at an angle other than 90°. Alternatively or additionally, (b) by means of at least one optical deflection element arranged in the beam path between the detection area and the optical sensor, at least one light beam, in particular a center beam of the at least one light beam, impinges on the optical sensor at an angle other than 90°.Preferably, the first light beam and the at least one second light beam, particularly preferably all light beams of the device, are generated or directed by means of the targeted arrangement or by means of optical deflection elements in such a way that they, in particular their center beams, each impinge on the optical sensor at an angle other than 90°. By impinging the first and / or the at least one further light beam at an angle other than 90°, it is possible for the light beams to impinge on one, in particular a single, optical sensor after they have crossed the droplet, using a small number of optical deflection elements.The incidence of the first and / or the at least one second light beam at an angle other than 90° also has the advantage of enabling an overall compact design of the device, in particular a compact design within a plane oriented perpendicular to the intended direction of passage of the light beam.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, it can be provided that the first light beam runs along a first rectilinear beam axis, in particular immediately before striking the at least one optical sensor, and the second light beam runs along a second rectilinear beam axis, in particular immediately before striking the at least one optical sensor, and the first and second rectilinear beam axes enclose an interior angle in the range from 1° to 90°, preferably in the range from 2° to 50°, particularly preferably in the range from 3° to 30°, most preferably in the range from 4° to 20°. The beam axis can be understood to be a beam axis or central beam axis representing the central beam. The central beam - also referred to as the main beam - represents a beam path for a light beam via an illumination device emitting the light beam, in particular taking into account the beam path orThe channel sections defining the beam channel represent the main or resulting direction of travel of the light beam. If at least one channel wall, a reflective surface and / or optical deflection means are arranged in the beam path, the light beam can also be referred to as being guided.

[0014] Optionally, the value range of the angle enclosing the two beam axes can be, for example, at least 1°, preferably at least 4°, particularly preferably at least 6°, most preferably at least 10°. Alternatively or additionally, the upper limit of these lower value range limits can be a maximum of 90°, preferably a maximum of 50°, particularly preferably a maximum of 30°, most preferably a maximum of 20°.

[0015] It is possible for the first and the at least one second light beam to strike the same optical sensor. This makes it possible to keep the number of sensors in the device low and / or to achieve a particularly compact design for the device. Preferably, the first light beam strikes a first sensor section of the optical sensor and the second light beam strikes a second sensor section of this optical sensor. These at least two sensor sections can be designed, in particular with regard to the light beam guidance of the device, such that each sensor section is exclusively assigned the first or the at least one second light beam. For this purpose, the possible points of impact of the respective light beam are considered and designed such that there can be no overlap between the first and the at least one second light beam on the surface of the optical sensor.

[0016] The optical sensor can, for example, be designed as a linear sensor or as a sensor with a linear or flat sensor surface. If, for example, the device comprises only two light beams (a first and a second light beam), the optical sensor can be divided into a first sensor section and a second sensor section, wherein the sensor sections of the optical sensor can have a similar size (deviation of a maximum of 15%, preferably 10%, particularly preferably 5%) or an identical size with regard to the sensor section diagonal and / or the sensor section area. If the device has three or more light beams, the optical sensor can have three or correspondingly more sensor sections.In other words, for each light beam that crosses the drop in the detection area, the device can have a sensor section assigned to this light beam, in particular one that does not overlap with other sensor sections.

[0017] The at least one optical sensor and the at least one lighting device can be arranged, for example, on a common, one-piece and / or flat, electrical circuit board 2. The circuit board can, for example, be designed in one or more pieces. In the case of a multi-piece circuit board, this consists of at least two partial circuit boards that form a rigid connection. Alternatively or additionally, at least two partial circuit boards forming a circuit board can be electrically connected to one another via a plug-in and / or soldered connection. Thus, it is possible for the first lighting device and the at least one second lighting device as well as the at least one optical sensor to be attached, in particular directly, to the same circuit board.Thus, the preferably common electrical circuit board can serve as a carrier for the at least one lighting device, in particular the first and second lighting devices, and as a carrier for the at least one optical sensor. This allows for a simple technical design, since the elements to be electrically contacted (optical sensor and lighting device) are arranged close together, and any electrical line connections can be implemented through the circuit board. The at least one lighting device, in particular the first and second lighting devices, can be arranged in a common plane with the at least one optical sensor, in particular with the only optical sensor of the device. This, in turn, enables a compact design of the device.

[0018] The first and second light beams emitted by the at least one illumination device can, for example, be arranged, e.g., directed or guided, at least predominantly, preferably exclusively, within a light beam plane from the at least one illumination device to the detection zone and / or from the detection zone to the optical sensor, or extend within this light beam plane. This light beam plane is preferably aligned perpendicular to a designated direction of movement and / or axis of movement of the drop to be detected passing through the detection zone. The designated direction of movement or axis of movement of the drop passing through the detection zone refers to the planned main direction of movement of the drop as it exits the dispenser.It may happen that, due to contamination at the dispenser outlet, the droplet's direction of movement and / or axis of movement deviates from the intended direction of movement. However, even a droplet deviating from this intended direction of movement or axis of movement can be detected by the light beams, provided it passes through the detection zone.

[0019] The first light beam and the second light beam can, for example, (a) from the illumination device(s) emitting them to the detection zone and / or (b) from the detection zone to the optical sensor, at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, have a mirror-symmetrical path to each other along an axis of symmetry. The point of passage of the detection zone intended for the intended passage of the droplet can be located on the axis of symmetry. The axis of symmetry can preferably have a, in particular exclusively, rectilinear shape.At least one illumination device can, in particular all of the illumination devices can each have a distance from the axis of symmetry that is (a) greater than the distance from the point of incidence of a central beam of at least one light beam on the optical sensor to the axis of symmetry and / or (b) greater than the distance from the point of incidence of a central beam of at least one light beam on a mirror element arranged downstream of the detection area in the direction of light beam propagation to the axis of symmetry and / or (c) greater than the maximum distance of the optical sensor to the axis of symmetry. This symmetrical design of the device enables a high degree of compactness of the device and furthermore enables a high level of informative value and a high information content of the image of the drop determined by the optical sensor, since the influence of the respective light beams on the image and / oron which sensor information can be easily compared and / or adjusted or further processed, for example, the risk of evaluation inaccuracies due to a different time behavior (latency) of the first and the at least one further light beam when it hits the optical sensor is reduced.

[0020] It is possible for the first and / or the at least one second light beam to pass, at least partially, preferably predominantly, from at least one illumination device to the detection zone through an at least partially curved optical fiber. For example, a fiber optic cable can be used as the optical fiber to guide at least one light beam at least partially within the device. The optical fiber can, for example, extend at least predominantly, particularly preferably completely, from an illumination device to a light guide path located in front of the detection zone in the direction of light beam propagation.

[0021] The first light beam can, for example, be deflected by a first mirror element, in particular a single one, assigned to the first light beam after it has passed through the detection area and before it strikes the optical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one second light beam can be deflected by a second mirror element, in particular a single one, assigned to the second light beam after it has passed through the detection area and before it strikes the optical sensor. The first and second mirror elements can, for example, be arranged mirror-symmetrically in or on the device. The first mirror element assigned to the first light beam and the second mirror element assigned to the second light beam can be of the same type, in particular identical, or different.

[0022] The first light beam, in particular the first center beam of the first light beam, and the second light beam, in particular the second center beam of the second light beam, can intersect, for example, at a first intersection point located in the detection zone and additionally intersect at least one further intersection point located (a) between the at least one illumination device and the detection zone and / or (b) downstream of the detection zone and upstream of the optical sensor in the direction of light beam propagation. By providing these optional at least two, preferably at least three intersection points of the first and the at least one further light beam, a compact design of the device is achieved, so that it requires little space in the vertical direction, i.e. in a direction running parallel to the intended direction of passage of the drop through the detection zone.Alternatively or additionally, the first and the at least one second light beam can intersect, in addition to the first intersection point located in the detection zone, at a second intersection point located before the first light beam passes through the detection zone. Preferably, the second light beam crossing the first light beam at the second intersection point has already passed through the detection zone before the first light beam passes through the detection zone.

[0023] It is possible for the first light beam, in particular the first center beam of the first light beam, and the second light beam, in particular the second center beam of the second light beam, to intersect at a first intersection point located in the detection area and additionally intersect at at least one further intersection point located (a) between the at least one lighting device and the detection area and / or downstream of the detection area and upstream of the optical sensor in the direction of light beam propagation. The intersection points mentioned here can lie in relation to one another and / or the light beams forming the intersection points can lie at least partially in a common plane or in different planes. If the intersection points and / or the light beams lie in different planes, the intersection points and / or the light beams can be skewed orlie in planes enclosing an angle to one another or in planes shifted parallel to one another. For example, it is possible for the at least two, preferably the at least three, intersection points of the first and second light beams to result when viewing a projection of the light beams onto a plane oriented, in particular perpendicular, to the direction of movement of the drop. Alternatively or additionally, the light beams can each intersect at their intersection points in a plane which is predetermined by the course of the light beams in the immediate vicinity (before and / or after) of the respective intersection point, wherein these intersection planes of the respective intersection points can lie in a common plane or in different planes.For example, two light beams intersecting at a first intersection point lie in a first plane, and two intersecting light beams from a further intersection point lie in a further plane, whereby the first and the further planes can lie in a common plane or in different planes. This means, for example, that the first and the further planes can (a) enclose an angle with each other or (b) be aligned parallel and spaced from each other.

[0024] The compact design of the device can be increased, for example, in that a housing has a first housing section in which at least one lighting device, in particular a first and a second lighting device, and / or the optical sensor is accommodated or can be accommodated, and has at least one further housing section which comprises a passage opening for the passage of the drop to be detected, wherein the maximum extension of the first housing section along a passage direction of the drop passing through the passage opening corresponds to at least 1.25 times, preferably at least 1.50 times, particularly preferably at least 2.00 times, most preferably at least 2.50 times, the maximum extension of the further housing section along the passage direction of the drop passing through the passage opening. The detection area orThe housing section comprising the passage opening can be arranged below a dispenser, and the further housing section comprising the at least one optical sensor and / or the at least one exposure device can be located laterally offset from the location of the dispenser where the drop is dispensed, preferably laterally offset from the dispenser. This allows for a compact design of the dispenser and the device for detecting the drop emerging from the dispenser.

[0025] It is possible that (a) the at least one illumination device and / or (b) a light beam modification device, e.g. a color filter, arranged upstream of the optical sensor in the light beam preparation direction, is or are configured or arranged to cause the first light beam to have or impose a first, predefined wavelength, in particular wavelength range, and the second light beam to have or impose a wavelength, in particular wavelength range, that differs from the first light beam. This ensures that the first and the at least one second light beam have differences in their wavelengths, so that their respective images can also be detected on the optical sensor due to the different wavelengths of the light beams.Thus, the shadow image (due to the crossed drop) of the first and at least one second light beam can be detected on the optical sensor even if the incident surfaces of the two light beams overlap at least partially, in particular completely. This allows the use of an optical sensor with a smaller sensor surface, since the sensor surfaces assigned to the respective light beam can overlap or completely coincide, and due to the different wavelengths of the light beams, an assignment of the respective image information to the respective light beams is possible. The device can, for example,comprise an evaluation unit or the device can be assigned an evaluation unit which is configured to generate evaluation information which is generated on the basis of image information generated by the optical sensor, taking into account a difference in the wavelength and / or in the wavelength ranges of the first and second light beams and which describes at least one piece of drop image information assigned to the first and / or second light beam. The drop image information can thus comprise partial information which can be derived due to the distinguishability (due to the wavelength differences) of the at least two light beams impinging on the optical sensor, even if the impact surfaces of the two light beams overlap on the sensor surface at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely.

[0026] The device may, for example, comprise a trigger control unit or the device may be assigned a trigger control unit which is used to trigger a sensor recording ora sensor image recording by the optical sensor, wherein the trigger control unit is configured to be activated as a function of a sensor activation signal, wherein (a) the device has a data interface for receiving a digital drop dispenser activation signal provided by a control unit controlling a drop dispenser device, and the sensor activation signal can be generated as a function of the drop dispenser activation signal or corresponds thereto, and / or (b) the device has a detection means for detecting a vibration of a drop dispenser device and / or a noise of a drop dispenser device, wherein the sensor activation signal can be generated as a function of detection information generated by the detection means and describing the detected vibration and / or the detected noise. The quality of the image recording orAfter the optical sensor detects the information, it is advantageous to activate its detection phase with a sensor activation signal so that the sensor's sensor technology can generate a temporally and geometrically precise image. The event that triggers the drop is the activation of the dispenser. This occurs via a drop dispenser activation signal, which is fed from a control unit assigned to the dispenser to an actuator on the dispenser. Depending on this drop dispenser activation signal, a sensor activation signal can be generated and fed or provided to the device for detecting the at least one drop.

[0027] It is possible for the dispenser, particularly due to its design, to emit a characteristic noise and / or vibration during or before a drop emerges. This noise and / or vibration can be detected by a detection means, and a sensor activation signal can be generated and / or modified depending on the event detected by the detection means, so that the optical sensor is activated or ready to receive shortly before the drop passes through the detection area. The detection means can, for example, be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in or on the housing of the device. For example, the detection device comprises a contact element which is actuated by means of a biasing means (e.g.a spring) in the final assembly state of the device relative to a dispenser is pressed onto the dispenser in order to detect a vibration and / or a noise of the dispenser via the contact point, e.g. a structure-borne sound generated in the dispenser is transmitted to the detection means by means of the contact means.

[0028] Alternatively, the detection means can be arranged or configured as a separate element from the drop detection device in or on the dispenser. For example, the detection means can be detachably or permanently connected to a housing of the dispenser. A drop dispenser activation signal generated by the detection means can be transmitted to the device via a data interface of the device in order to trigger a detection event or activate a standby state of the optical sensor depending on this activation signal.

[0029] An arrangement comprising a device for detecting a drop as described herein and a drop dispenser device can also achieve the stated object of the invention. In this case, the device can have a first contact structure and the drop dispenser device can have a second contact structure, and the first and second contact structures can be designed to correspond to one another such that when the device and the drop dispenser device are brought together, a predefined alignment and / or positioning of the device and the drop dispenser device is achieved. For example, the contact structures of the device for detecting the at least one drop and the drop dispenser device are designed in the manner of guide and / or centering sections, which achieve a targeted alignment or positioning of the devices relative to one another through a bringing together movement.Preferably, the predefined position and / or orientation of the device for detecting the drop and of the drop dispenser device is selected such that an outlet opening of the drop dispenser device is aligned coaxially with the detection area on the device side.

[0030] In addition to the device for detecting at least one drop, the invention also relates to a method for detecting at least one drop, in particular by means of a device according to one of the preceding claims, with the following method steps:

[0031] Moving at least one drop to be detected through a detection area of ​​a device,

[0032] Generating a first and at least one second light beam with at least one illumination device of the device,

[0033] - Emitting a first light beam which is guided to the detection area directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means and emitting at least one second light beam which is guided to the detection area directly or by means of optical deflection means, wherein the first and the at least one second light beam cross the drop to be detected in the detection area and the first and the second light beam impinge on at least one optical sensor.

[0034] The specified order of the method steps is not necessarily the order in which they are applied or carried out. The method provides that a drop emerging from a dispenser passes through a detection area of ​​a device or moves through the detection area and while this passage or movement of the drop is crossed by at least two light beams, whereby this contact of the drop with the light beams at the point of impact of the drop on the at least one optical sensor, on the sensor surface of which leads to a shadow image or to an image of the drop characterizing the drop. This detection information from the optical sensor can be used to qualify or determine the volume and / or length and / or width and / or shape and / or orientation (longitudinal axis) of the detected drop.For example, the shape and / or location of the detected droplet, e.g., relative to an absolute center of the detection area, can be used to derive the droplet's direction of movement or flight. A droplet's flight angle can also be calculated from the detection information. Finally, the detection information obtained from the optical sensor can be used to calculate, predict, and / or document the point of impact of the droplet passing through the device on a target surface of a third-party object. Such calculations can be performed using trigonometric calculations.

[0035] Because at least two light beams strike the drop and image it on at least one sensor, the detection information generated by the optical sensor can be evaluated. For example, an algorithm-supported evaluation of the detected drop takes place, taking into account the light beams striking it from two different angles. In this way, in the discrete pixel format, the individual geometric bodies captured automatically by image capture can be summed up. For example, these geometric bodies are elliptical disks, whereby a volume pixel / volume of the drop is determined, if necessary using a scaling factor. This can be carried out for each drop passing through the detection area.

[0036] It may prove advantageous if the first and / or the at least one second light beam passes through an optical diffuser in their light beam flow direction before passing through or penetrating the detection area. The diffuser evens out the luminous effect of the light beam before its intersection with the drop. This can enhance the contrast between the separation contour of the drop's shadow image and the illuminated sections of the optical sensor and / or place areas of the separation contour line in a state that facilitates the evaluation of the detection information.

[0037] It is possible for the at least one optical sensor, preferably the majority of the optical sensors, particularly preferably all of the optical sensors, and the at least one lighting device, preferably the majority of the lighting devices, particularly preferably all of the lighting devices, to be arranged on a common side of the detection area. The side of the detection area can, for example, be defined by a lateral separation plane running along the direction of movement of a drop through the detection area, or the separation plane divides the device into a first and a second side. This means, for example, that the normal vector of a lateral separation plane is aligned perpendicular to a vector which points in the (main) direction of movement of a drop, through the detection area. In other words, a lateral separation line or a lateral separation line runs through the detection area or through a center point of the detection area.a side parting plane, wherein preferably the at least one optical sensor and the at least one, in particular the at least two, illumination devices are arranged at least partially, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, on the same side of the side parting line or side parting plane. For example, this side parting line or the side parting plane is not touched by the at least one optical sensor and / or by the at least one illumination device. The side parting line as well as the arrangement of the illumination device(s) and the arrangement of the at least one optical sensor can be viewed in their projection or arrangement in a projection plane; preferably, the projection plane is oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of a drop passing through the detection area.For example, the at least one optical sensor and the at least one illumination device are arranged in a circular arc segment emanating from the detection zone, wherein the circular arc segment has an interior angle of a maximum of 160°, preferably 135°, particularly preferably 120°, most preferably 110°, further preferably 105°. In particular, all optical sensors and all illumination devices are arranged at least partially, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, within an area of ​​the same circular arc segment. The circular arc segment as well as the arrangement of the illumination device(s) and the arrangement of the at least one optical sensor can be viewed in their projection or arrangement in a projection plane; this projection plane is preferably oriented perpendicular to the direction of movement of a drop passing through the detection zone.In other words, starting from the detection area, there may be a cylinder segment within which the at least one, preferably all, optical sensors and at least one, preferably all, lighting device(s) are arranged.

[0038] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the first and / or second light beam passes through a lens in the light beam flow direction after passing through the detection area and before hitting the optical sensor or passes through a lens assigned to the respective light beams.

[0039] It can be provided that the first and / or second light beam is deflected by a, in particular by a single, first or second mirror element after it has passed through the detection area and before it strikes the optical sensor.

[0040] Optionally, at least one exposure device, i.e. the first and / or the at least one second exposure device, can be designed as an LED light source or comprise such an LED. In particular, all exposure devices are designed as LED light sources. It is possible for the at least one exposure device, in particular all exposure devices, to be designed to specifically change their wavelengths and / or the range of emitted wavelengths or to change them into a predefined range using a control signal. In this case, it can be provided, for example, that a first light beam has a first wavelength and a second light beam a second wavelength and both light beams impinge on a common sensor, and the first and second light beams impinge at least in sections on common or overlapping sensor sections of the sensor.This can result in at least one sensor surface section experiencing double exposure by the first and second light beams. The optical sensor used and / or an evaluation device associated with this sensor can be configured to derive or extract detailed information associated or assignable to the respective light beams from detection information exhibiting such double exposure. For this purpose, the optical sensor can be designed, for example, as a so-called RGB sensor.

[0041] All advantages, details, embodiments and / or features of the device according to the invention and its embodiments and concretizations are also transferable or applicable to the arrangement according to the invention and the method according to the invention and vice versa.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments in the drawings. In the drawings:

[0043] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a device according to a first embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a device according to a second embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a device according to a third embodiment;

[0046] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a device according to a fourth embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a device according to Figure 2 showing various points of passage of a drop passing through the device;

[0048] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram of an arrangement comprising a device for detecting a drop and a drop dispenser device according to an embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of drops imaged on a sensor surface of an optical sensor;

[0050] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly or arrangement comprising a device for detecting at least one drop and a dispenser in an assembled state; Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view of an assembly according to Fig. 8 in a spaced-apart state from the device for detecting and the dispenser;

[0051] Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of the assembly according to Figure 8;

[0052] Fig. 11 is a schematic side view from the left of the assembly from Figure 8.

[0053] The figures illustrate exemplary embodiments of the device 1 described herein. The device 1 serves to detect at least one drop 2 (a drop) and comprises a detection area 3 through which at least one drop 2 to be detected passes, wherein an image of this drop 2 is detected by an optical sensor 10 of the device 1. In other words, the device 1 detects a drop 2 passing through the detection area 3.

[0054] The device 1 further comprises at least one illumination device 4, 5 for emitting a first light beam 6, which is or can be guided to the detection area 3 directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means 8. Furthermore, a second light beam 7 is emitted via the same (not shown) or via a further illumination device 5 present alongside a first illumination device 4, which second light beam 7 is or can be guided to the detection area 3 directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means 9. The design of the components of the device 1 is selected or arranged such that the first and second light beams 6, 7 cross the drop 2 to be detected in the detection area 3. This means:the light rays 6, 7 pass through the detection area 3 in such a way that they impinge on a drop 3 passing through the detection area 3 and thus a shadow cast by the light rays 6, 7 strikes or forms on the at least one optical sensor 10.

[0055] As shown by way of example in Figures 1 to 5, the device 1 has a first illumination device 4 for emitting the first light beam 6, which is guided to the detection area 3 directly, i.e. without optical deflection means 8 (see Figures 1 and 4 - only a diffuser and no optical means that changes the direction of the central beam 11, 12 is provided there) or by means of at least one optical deflection means 8 (see Figures 2, 3 and 5), and a second illumination device 5 for emitting the second light beam 7, which is guided or can be guided to the detection area 3 directly or by means of optical deflection means 9. The embodiment according to Figures 1 and 4 in each case enables implementation with a small number of optical means and a short design (short length in the Y direction, see Figure 1 or in the X direction, see Figure 4).

[0056] The arrangement of the at least one illumination device 4, 5 and the detection area 3 and the optical sensor 10 can, for example, be selected such that at least one light beam 6, 7, in particular a center beam 11, 12 of the at least one light beam 6, 7, strikes the optical sensor 10 at an angle a not equal to 90° and / or that at least one light beam 6, 7, in particular a center beam 11, 12 of the at least one light beam 6, 7, strikes the optical sensor 10 at an angle a not equal to 90° by means of at least one optical deflection element arranged in the beam path between the detection area 3 and the optical sensor 10, e.g. by means of a mirror element 27, 27'. By impinging the light beam 6, 7 at an angle a of other than 90° to the sensor surface, a compact design of the device 1 is achieved, since the center beams 11, 12 can be guided obliquely to the sensor.

[0057] The first light beam 6 can, for example, in particular immediately before striking the at least one optical sensor 10, run along a first rectilinear beam axis 13 or move along this, and the second light beam 7 can, in particular immediately before striking the at least one optical sensor 10, run along a second rectilinear beam axis 14 or move along this. The first and second rectilinear beam axes 13, 14 can enclose an interior angle β in the range from 1° to 90°, preferably in the range from 2° to 50°, particularly preferably in the range from 3° to 30°, most preferably in the range from 4° to 20°, with each other. The first rectilinear beam axis 13 can correspond to a first center ray 11 of the first light beam 6 in the region, in particular immediately, in front of the optical sensor 10.Analogously, the second rectilinear beam axis 14 can correspond to the second center beam 12 of the second light beam 7 in the area, in particular directly in front of the optical sensor 10.

[0058] The first and the at least one second light beam 6, 7 can, for example, impinge on the same optical sensor 10. This reduces the number of required optical sensors 10, since only a single sensor 10 is used to detect the at least two light beams 6, 7. Preferably, the first light beam 6 impinges on a first sensor section

[0059] 15 of the optical sensor 10 and the second light beam 7 onto a second sensor section

[0060] 16 of this optical sensor 10. As shown in Figure 7, the sensor surface of the optical sensor 10 has two sensor sections 15, 16, wherein the respective sensor sections 15, 16 are each assigned to the possible incidence areas of the (here: two) light beams 5, 6. Preferably, the first sensor section 15 assigned to the first light beam 6 is arranged on the side of the optical sensor 10 facing away from the illumination device 4 generating the first light beam 6. Alternatively or additionally, the second sensor section 16 assigned to the second light beam 7 can be arranged on the side of the optical sensor 10 facing away from the illumination device 5 used to generate the second light beam 7.

[0061] In Figures 5 and 7, the letters a, b, and c depict three exemplary positions of a drop 2 passing through the detection area 3. Based on the position of the drop 2 on the detection surface of the optical sensor 10, it can be deduced at which location in the detection area 3 the drop 2 passed through the detection area. The location of the drop 2 on the first and the at least one further sensor section 15, 16 can be taken into account to derive the position of the drop 2 in the detection area 3. This position information of the drop 2 and / or longitudinal information of the drop 2 describing the longitudinal axis of the drop 2 can be used to determine the movement or movement path and / or the point of impact and / or the time of impact of the drop 2 at a location lying behind the detection area 3 in the direction of movement of the drop 2.

[0062] The at least one optical sensor 10 and the at least one lighting device 4, 5 can be arranged on a common, in particular one-piece and / or flat, electrical circuit board 17. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 5, the circuit board 17 is configured, for example, as a support structure for supporting the lighting devices 4, 5 and for supporting the optical sensor 10. It is possible for at least one lighting device 4, 5, in particular all lighting devices 4, 5, and / or the optical sensor 10 to be supported relative to a housing of the device exclusively via the circuit board 17.

[0063] The first and second light beams 6, 7 emitted from the at least one illumination device 4, 5 can, for example, lie from the at least one illumination device 4, 5 to the detection area 3 and / or from the detection area 3 to the optical sensor 10 at least predominantly, preferably exclusively, within a light beam plane 18. This light beam plane 18 can, for example, correspond to the drawing plane of Figures 1 to 5. This results in the at least two light beams 6, 7 crossing and their crossing with the drop 2. In particular, this light beam plane 18 is aligned perpendicular to a movement axis and / or direction 19 or the movement axis representing this movement of the drop 2 to be detected passing through the detection area 3.

[0064] The first light beam 6 and the second light beam 7 can, for example, from the illumination device 4, 5 emitting them or from the illumination devices 4, 5 emitting them to the detection area 3 and / or from the detection area 3 to the optical sensor 10, at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, have a mirror-symmetrical course to one another along an axis of symmetry 20. The symmetrical structure of the beam path or the center rays 11, 12 of the light beams 6, 7 increases their similarity, which makes it easier to evaluate the information detected by the light beams 6, 7 or amplified by the light beams 6, 7 at the optical sensor 10. The symmetrical structure of the device 1 also enables the possibility of using identical parts for modification (e.g. diffuser or color filter) and / or for deflection (e.g.Mirror element 27, 27') of the light rays 6, 7.

[0065] It can also be provided that at least one illumination device 4, 5, in particular all of the illumination devices 4, 5 each, has or have a distance 21 from the axis of symmetry 20 that is greater than the distance 22 of an impact point 25 of a central beam 11, 12 of at least one light beam 6, 7 on the optical sensor 10 from the axis of symmetry 20. Alternatively or additionally, the distance 21 of the at least one illumination device 4, 5 from the axis of symmetry 20 can be greater than the distance 23 of an impact point 28 of a central beam 11, 12 of at least one light beam 6, 7 on a mirror element 27 arranged downstream of the detection area 3 in the light beam propagation direction from the axis of symmetry 20 and / or greater than the maximum distance 24 of the optical sensor 10 from the axis of symmetry 20, see Figure 2.The maximum distance 24 of the optical sensor 10 refers to its area furthest from the axis of symmetry 20, e.g., its outer edge 30.

[0066] The first and / or second light beam 6, 7 can, for example, at least partially, preferably predominantly, pass through an at least partially curved light guide 29 from at least one illumination device 4, 5 to the detection area 3. As shown by way of example in Figure 3, a first light guide 29 is used to guide the first light beam 6 from the first illumination device 4 to the detection area 3. A second light guide is used analogously for the second light beam 7. For example, the two light guides can have a shape that is at least partially, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, symmetrical to one another, in particular with respect to the axis of symmetry 20.

[0067] The first light beam 6 can, for example, be deflected by a first mirror element 27, in particular a single one, assigned to the first light beam 6, after it has passed through the detection area 3 and before it strikes the optical sensor 10. Alternatively or additionally, the second light beam 7 can be deflected by a second mirror element 27', in particular a single one, assigned to the second light beam 7, after it has passed through the detection area 3 and before it strikes the optical sensor 10. The two mirror elements 27, 27' can be designed as identical parts and / or arranged and formed mirror-symmetrically to an axis of symmetry 20.

[0068] The first light beam 6, in particular the first center beam 11 of the first light beam 6, and the second light beam 7, in particular the second center beam 12 of the second light beam 7, can intersect at a first intersection point 31 located in the detection area 3 and additionally intersect at at least one intersection point between the at least one illumination device 4, 5 and the detection area 3, and thus at a second intersection point 32. Alternatively or additionally, the at least two light beams 6, 7 can intersect, in addition to the first intersection point 31 located in the detection area 3, at a further intersection point 33 located downstream of the detection area 3 and upstream of the optical sensor 10 in the light beam propagation direction. Such beam guidance with, for example, three intersection points 31, 32, 33 enables a compact design of the device 1, particularly in the X and Y directions.In particular, at least two, preferably at least three or exactly three, crossing points 31, 32, 33 can lie in the light beam plane 18 of the light beams 6, 7. Alternatively or additionally, the crossing points 31, 32, 33 can result from or be present by a projection of the light beams 6, 7 into a projection plane which runs in particular perpendicular to the direction of movement 19 of the drop 2. For example, the crossing points 31, 32, 33 of the light beams 6, 7 each lie in a crossing plane, wherein at least two crossing planes, preferably at least three crossing planes, do not coincide. By projecting the light beams into the projection plane, a crossing of the light beams 6, 7 at the crossing points 31, 32, 33 in three-dimensional space can be depicted in a planar view of the projection plane.In other words, a first crossing point 31 can be located in a first plane and a second crossing point 32 can be located in a second plane, wherein the first and the second planes enclose an angle to each other in three-dimensional space or are arranged parallel to each other.

[0069] It is possible for the at least two light beams 6, 7 in the detection area 3 to enclose an angle y of, for example, 90° at the intersection point 31, in particular at the intersection point 31 intersecting the drop 2. Alternatively, the angle y can have a value other than 90°. For example, the angle y can comprise a value in the range from exclusively 0° to exclusively 180°, excluding the value 90°. By such an angular encounter of the at least two light beams 6, 7 at the intersection point 31, a reduction of the maximum extension of the device 1 with respect to the X and / or Y directions can be achieved. The resulting distortion of the image of the droplet displayed on the optical sensor 10 can be compensated or compensated for using an algorithm (e.g. a sine-cosine function), since the value of the angle y is known or its value range is known due to the design of the device 1.In a preferred embodiment, the value of the angle y could be in the range from 5° to 85° and from 95° to 175°. Particularly preferably, the value of the angle y is in the range from 35° to 80° and from 100° to 155°.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that all intersection points 31, 32, 33 of the at least two light beams 6, 7 are arranged or designed such that the intersecting light beams 6, 7 do not pass through a diffuser 47 and a lens 48 between the first intersection point 31 and the second and / or third intersection point 32, 33. It is possible, for example, for a (second) intersection point 32 to be arranged downstream of a diffuser 47 and upstream of the detection area 3 in the light beam propagation direction, and for a (third) intersection point 33 to be arranged downstream of the detection area 3, in particular downstream of a mirror element 27, and upstream of a lens 48 in the light beam propagation direction.

[0071] The device 1 can have a housing which comprises a first housing section 34 in which at least one lighting device 4, 5, in particular a first and a second lighting device 4, 5, and / or the optical sensor 10 and / or a printed circuit board 17 is accommodated or receivable, in particular enclosed or encapsulated by the housing of the housing section 34.At least one further housing section 35 of the housing, provided in addition to the first housing section 34, can comprise a passage opening 39 for the passage of the drop 2 to be detected, wherein the maximum extension 36 of the first housing section 34 along a passage direction 38 of the drop 2 passing through the passage opening 39 corresponds to at least 1.25 times, preferably at least 1.50 times, particularly preferably at least 2.00 times, most preferably at least 2.50 times, the maximum extension 37 of the further housing section 35 along the passage direction 38 of the drop 2 passing through the passage opening 39. In other words, the housing of the device 1 can comprise a flat section (further housing section 35) and a section (first housing section 34) that is raised relative to the flat section.The difference in height and / or the difference in thickness of the two housing sections 34, 35 includes their extension in the Z direction, see Figure 6. This makes it possible for the flat, further housing section 35 to be arranged or able to be arranged as close as possible to a dispenser, also referred to as a drop dispenser device 43, or adjacent to the dispenser or the drop dispenser device 43, and in the process, an overall low overall height 40 of the drop dispenser device 43 and the device 1 is substantially achieved.

[0072] The first and at least one further housing section 34, 35 can be formed from separate components and connected by means of a force-fitting and / or material-fitting and / or form-fitting connection. Alternatively, the housing sections 34, 35 can be formed at least partially, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably entirely, as a single-piece component.

[0073] The at least one lighting device 4, 5 and / or one in

[0074] A light beam modification device, e.g., a color filter, arranged in front of the optical sensor 10 in the light beam preparation direction can be configured to impart a first predefined wavelength or wavelength range to the first light beam 6 and a wavelength or wavelength range that differs from the first light beam 6 to the second light beam 7. The differences in the wavelength of the images generated by the respective light beams 6, 7 on the detection surface of the optical sensor 10 can facilitate the evaluation of the detected detection information, in particular image analysis. In particular, when the images of the first and second light beams 6, 7 are present at least partially overlapping on the detection surface, image analysis and, in particular, identification of image information attributable to the respective light beams 6, 7 is enabled or facilitated.

[0075] The device 1 can comprise an evaluation unit 40 or the device 1 can be assigned an evaluation unit 40 which is provided separately from the device 1 itself and is designed to generate evaluation information which, starting from image information generated by the optical sensor 10 and taking into account a difference in the wavelength and / or in the wavelength ranges of the first and second light beams 6, 7, describes at least one piece of drop image information assigned to the first and / or second light beam 6, 7.

[0076] It is possible for the device 1 to comprise a trigger control unit 41 for triggering a sensor recording, i.e. a sensor image recording, by the optical sensor 10, wherein the trigger control unit 41 is configured to be activated as a function of a sensor activation signal, wherein (a) the device 1 has a data interface 42 for receiving a digital drop dispenser activation signal provided by a control unit 44 controlling a drop dispenser device 43, and the sensor activation signal can be generated as a function of the drop dispenser activation signal or corresponds thereto.Alternatively or additionally, the device 1 can have a detection means 45 for detecting a vibration of a drop dispenser device 43 and / or a noise of a drop dispenser device 43, wherein the sensor activation signal can be generated or is generated in dependence on detection information generated by the detection means 45 and describing the detected vibration and / or the detected noise.

[0077] As shown by way of example in Figure 6, the detection means 45 can, for example, be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in or on the housing of the device 1. For example, the device 1 comprises a contact actuating element 49 which, in the final assembly state of the device 1, is pressed against the drop dispenser device 43 relative to a drop dispenser device 43 by means of a biasing means (e.g., a spring) in order to detect a vibration of the drop dispenser device 43. Alternatively, the detection means 45 can be arranged as a separate element in or on the drop dispenser device 43; for example, the detection means 45 can be detachably or permanently connected to a housing of the drop dispenser device 43 or to the device 1.

[0078] It is possible for the drop dispenser device 43 and the device 1 for detecting the at least one drop 2 to have corresponding housing surfaces, thus enabling a targeted assembly of the devices 1, 43. The device 1 can have a first contact structure and the drop dispenser device 43 can have a second contact structure, wherein the first and second contact structures are designed to correspond to one another in such a way that when the device and the drop dispenser device are brought together, a predefined alignment and / or positioning of the device and the drop dispenser device is achieved, cf. Figures 9 and 11. For example, the contact structures can be designed in the manner of guide and / or centering sections, which enable a targeted alignment orPositioning of the device 1 and the drop dispenser device 43 relative to one another is achieved by a targeted merging movement of these devices 1, 43. Preferably, the predefined position and / or orientation of the device 1 and the drop dispenser device 43 is selected such that an outlet opening of the drop dispenser device 43 runs coaxially with the device-side detection area 3.

[0079] Finally, the invention comprises a method for detecting at least one drop 2, in particular by means of a device 1 described herein. For this purpose, one method step provides that at least one drop 2 to be detected passes through a detection area 3 of a device 1. Furthermore, a first and at least one second light beam 6, 7 is generated with at least one illumination device 4, 5 of the device 1. A first light beam 6, which is guided directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means 8 to the detection area 3, and at least one second light beam 7, which is guided directly or by means of optical deflection means 9 to the detection area 3, impinge on an optical sensor 10, wherein the first and the at least one second light beam 6, 7 intersect the drop 2 to be detected in the detection area 3.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the first housing section 34 of the device 1 has a height or a maximum extension 36 in the Z direction in the range from 4 mm to 50 mm, preferably 4 mm to 30 mm, particularly preferably 4 mm to 20 mm, most preferably 4 mm to 15 mm, most preferably 6 mm to 10 mm. The further housing section 35 comprising the passage opening 39 can, for example, have a height or maximum extension 37 in the Z direction in the range from 2 mm to 15 mm, preferably from 2 mm to 10 mm, particularly preferably from 2 mm to 7 mm, most preferably from 3 mm to 6 mm.

[0081] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the maximum extension 36 of the first housing section 34 to the maximum extension 37 of the further housing section 35 has a ratio of at least 1.5, preferably 2.0, particularly preferably 2.5, and most preferably 3.0. In particular, the information regarding the maximum extension 37 of the further housing section 35 is to be understood as the length of the passage opening 39 provided in the further housing section 35 in the Z direction.

[0082] For example, the device 1 has at least two housing parts that can be fixed to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner via a fixing structure, wherein the fixing structure comprises at least one fixing element that lies on a straight line connecting the detection area and the optical sensor, in particular the center point of the optical sensor 10 (cf. Figure 1: axis of symmetry 20). Optionally, a first fixing element of the fixing structure can be arranged on a straight line connecting the optical sensor and the detection area and between the detection area and the optical sensor, and at least one further fixing element can be arranged on the same straight line and on a side of the detection area facing away from the optical sensor. The at least one fixing element can be designed, for example, as a snap-locking connection or as a clip connection. For this purpose, a first housing part can have a locking lug orhave a locking protrusion and the section of a further housing part body assigned to this locking lug or the locking protrusion has a locking recess corresponding to the locking lug or the locking protrusion.

[0083] It is possible for the first maximum extension 36 of the first housing section 34 of the device 1 comprising at least the optical sensor 10 and / or at least one lighting device 4, 5 and / or at least one printed circuit board 17 to have a ratio to a total height 40 of the assembly or the arrangement formed by the device 1 and the drop dispenser device 43 in their assembled state (cf. Fig. 11) of at most 1.0, preferably 0.75, particularly preferably 0.60, most preferably 0.50, further preferably 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the further housing section 35 comprising the passage opening 39 can have a maximum extension 37 (in the Z direction) or a height which has a maximum ratio of 0.75, preferably 0.45, particularly preferably 0.30, most preferably 0.20, further preferably 0.15 to the total height 40 of the assembly or the arrangement formed by the device 1 and the drop dispenser device 43.The value 0.05 can optionally be assumed as the lower limit.

[0084] As shown by way of example in Figure 5, the first and / or second light beams 6, 7 can pass through an optical diffuser (each) 47 before passing through the detection area 3. The diffuser 47 enables a homogenization of the at least one light beam 6, 7.

[0085] The first and / or second light beams 6, 7 can, for example, pass through a lens (each) after passing through the detection zone 3 and before striking the optical sensor 10. In particular, each light beam 6, 7 is assigned a lens 48.

[0086] It is possible for the at least one optical sensor 10, preferably the majority of the optical sensors 10, particularly preferably all of the optical sensors 10, and the at least one lighting device 4, 5, preferably the majority of the lighting devices 4, 5, particularly preferably all of the lighting devices 4, 5, to be arranged on a common or on the same side 50 of the detection area 3 or the intersection point 31. In other words, a side dividing line 51 or side dividing plane runs through the detection area 3 and / or the intersection point 31 or through a center point of the detection area 3 or the intersection point 31, wherein preferably the at least one, preferably all, optical sensors 10 and the at least one, in particular the at least two, lighting device(s) 4, 5 are arranged at least partially, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, on the same side 50 of the side dividing line 51 orare arranged on a side separation plane. For example, this side separation line 51 or side separation plane is not touched by the at least one, preferably all, optical sensor(s) 10 and / or by the at least one, preferably all, illumination device(s) 4, 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, all illumination devices 4, 5 and the optical sensor 10 can lie exclusively on the same side 50 and thus on the same side 50 of the side separation line 51 or side separation plane leading through the detection area 3. For example, the side separation line 51 or side separation plane can be aligned perpendicular to the axis of symmetry 20.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the at least one optical sensor 10 and the at least one illumination device 4, 5 are arranged in an angular segment emanating from the detection area 3 (cf. straight lines 52, 53 and angle e). In this view, the at least one optical sensor 10 and / or the at least one illumination device 4, 5 and the straight lines 52, 53 can be projected into a projection plane, so that a three-dimensional arrangement of the at least one optical sensor 10 and the at least one illumination device 4, 5 and the straight lines 52, 53 that does not lie in one plane can also be depicted in a planar view of the projection plane.In other words, the angle segment can form a three-dimensional cylinder angle segment, within the volume of which the at least one optical sensor 10 and the at least one illumination device 4, 5 are arranged; the straight lines 52, 53 accordingly form the boundary planes delimiting the cylinder angle segment with its opening angle s, wherein the opening angle s lies along a central axis, which runs in particular parallel to the direction of movement 19 of a drop through the detection area 3. In Figure 2, the central axis can be located, for example, at the intersection point of the axis of symmetry 20 and the lateral dividing line 51 as a central axis running perpendicular to the plane of the drawing.

[0088] The angle segment can be defined by two straight lines 52, 53 enclosing an interior angle s, wherein the at least one optical sensor 10 and the at least one illumination device 4, 5 lie in an area of ​​the angle segment or, in the three-dimensional view, within a volume of a cylindrical angle segment. This means, for example, that the at least one optical sensor 10 and, preferably all, illumination devices 4, 5 are arranged within the area of ​​the angle segment or within the volume of the cylindrical angle segment, which is enclosed by the two straight lines leading through the detection area 3, in particular through the center of the detection area 3. The interior angle s of the two straight lines 52, 53 leading through the detection area 3 can have an angle of a maximum of 160°, preferably 135°, particularly preferably 120°, most preferably 110°, further preferably 105°.In particular, all optical sensors 10 and all illumination devices 4, 5 are arranged at least partially, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably completely, within an area of ​​the same angular segment. The two straight lines 52, 53 can intersect in the detection area 3. Preferably, the two straight lines 52, 53 intersect in the center of the detection area 3. In this case, the straight lines 52, 53 and the interior angle s, as well as the optical sensor 10 and the illumination devices 4, 5, can be viewed in one, in particular common, plane. This plane preferably runs perpendicular to the movement axis 19 of the drop 2.

[0089] According to the embodiment shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5, the interior angle s can be, for example, less than 75°, preferably less than 60°, particularly preferably less than 51.5°, most preferably less than 45°, and further preferably less than 40°. A small interior angle s allows for a compact device 1 to be achieved.

[0090] REFERENCE MARKS LIST

[0091] device

[0092] Drops

[0093] Detection area first illumination device second illumination device first light beam second light beam first optical deflection means (before 3) second optical deflection means (before 3) optical sensor first center beam of 6 second center beam of 7 first beam axis of 6 second beam axis of 7 first sensor section of 10 second sensor section of 10

[0094] circuit board

[0095] Light beam plane

[0096] Movement axisAdirection

[0097] axis of symmetry

[0098] Distance between 4, 5 and 20

[0099] Distance between 24 and 20

[0100] Distance between 25 and 20 maximum distance between 10 and 20

[0101] Impact point of 11 , 12 on 10 , 27' mirror element (after 3)

[0102] Impact point from 11 to 27

[0103] light guide

[0104] Outer edge of 10 first crossing point second crossing point further crossing point first housing section of 1 35 further housing section of 1

[0105] 36 maximum extension along 38 of 34

[0106] 37 maximum extension along 38 of 35

[0107] 38 Direction of passage from 2 through 39

[0108] 39 passage opening of 35

[0109] 40 total height of 1 and 43

[0110] 41 Trigger control unit

[0111] 42 data interface from 1

[0112] 43 Drop dispenser device

[0113] 44 Control unit

[0114] 45 recording devices

[0115] 47 Diffuser

[0116] 48 lens

[0117] 49 Contact element

[0118] 50 pages

[0119] 51 Page dividing line or page dividing plane

[0120] 52 first straight line through 3, 31

[0121] 53 second straight line through 3, 31 a angle between 6, 7 and 10 ß angle between 13 and 14

[0122] Y angle between 6, 11 and 7, 12 at 31

[0123] 8 angles between 52 and 53

Claims

PATENTED SPEAKS 1. Device (1) for detecting at least one drop (2), comprising - a detection area (3) through which at least one drop (2) to be detected passes, - at least one illumination device (4, 5) for emitting a first light beam (6), which is guided or can be guided to the detection area (3) directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means (8), and for emitting a second light beam (7), which is guided or can be guided to the detection area (3) directly or by means of optical deflection means (9), wherein - the first and the second light beam (6, 7) in the detection area (3) cross the drop (2) to be detected and - at least one optical sensor (10) onto which the first and second light beams (6, 7) impinge.

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a first illumination device (4) for emitting the first light beam (6), which is guided directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means (8) to the detection area (3), and a second illumination device (5) for emitting the second light beam (7), which is guided or can be guided directly or by means of optical deflection means (9) to the detection area (3).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that - the arrangement of the at least one illumination device (4, 5) and the detection area (3) and the optical sensor (10) is selected such that at least one light beam (6, 7), in particular a center beam (11, 12) of the at least one light beam (6, 7), strikes the optical sensor (10) at an angle other than 90° and / or - by means of at least one optical deflection element arranged in the beam path between the detection area (3) and the optical sensor (10), at least one light beam (6, 7), in particular a center beam (11, 12) of the at least one light beam (6, 7), strikes the optical sensor (10) at an angle a not equal to 90°.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light beam (6), in particular immediately before impinging on the at least one optical sensor (10), runs along a first rectilinear beam axis (13) and the second light beam (7), in particular immediately before impinging on the at least one optical sensor (10), runs along a second rectilinear beam axis (14), and the first and second rectilinear beam axes (13, 14) enclose an interior angle ß in the range from 1 ° to 90 °, preferably in the range from 2 ° to 50 °, particularly preferably in the range from 3 ° to 30 °, most preferably in the range from 4 ° to 20 °.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and the at least one second light beam (6, 7) impinge on the same optical sensor (10), preferably the first light beam (6) impinges on a first sensor section (15) of the optical sensor (10) and the second light beam (7) impinges on a second sensor section (16) of this optical sensor (10).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical sensor (10) and the at least one lighting device (4, 5) are arranged on a common, in particular one-piece and / or flat, electrical circuit board (17).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second light beams (6, 7) emitted from the at least one illumination device (4, 5) from the at least one illumination device (4, 5) to the detection area (3) and / or from the detection area (3) to the optical sensor (10) lie at least predominantly, preferably exclusively, within a light beam plane (18), in particular this light beam plane (18) is aligned perpendicular to a movement axis (19) of the drop (2) to be detected passing through the detection area (3).

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light beam (6, 7) and the second light beam (6, 7) - from the lighting device (4, 5) emitting it or from the lighting devices (4, 5) emitting it to the detection area (3) and / or - from the detection area (3) to the optical sensor (10) at least in sections, preferably predominantly, particularly preferably completely, have a mirror-symmetrical course along an axis of symmetry (20).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one lighting device (4, 5), in particular all lighting devices (4, 5) each have a distance (21) to the axis of symmetry (20), - which is greater than the distance (22) of an impact point (25) of a center beam (11, 12) of at least one light beam (6, 7) on the optical sensor (10) to the axis of symmetry (20) and / or - which is greater than the distance (23) of an impingement point (28) of a center beam (11, 12) of at least one light beam (6, 7) on a mirror element (27) arranged downstream of the detection area (3) in the light beam propagation direction to the axis of symmetry (20) and / or - which is greater than the maximum distance (24) of the optical sensor (10) to the axis of symmetry (20).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second light beam (6, 7) passes at least partially, preferably predominantly, from at least one illumination device (4, 5) to the detection area (3) through an at least partially bent light guide (29).

11. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the first light beam (6) is deflected by a first mirror element (27), in particular by a single one, assigned to the first light beam (6), after it has passed through the detection area (3) and before it strikes the optical sensor (10) and / or - the second light beam (7) is deflected by a second mirror element (27'), in particular a single one, assigned to the second light beam (7), after it has passed through the detection area (3) and before it strikes the optical sensor (10).

12. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first light beam (6), in particular the first center beam (11) of the first light beam (6), and the second light beam (7), in particular the second center beam (12) of the second light beam (7), intersect at a first intersection point (31) located in the detection area (3) and additionally intersect at least one - between the at least one lighting device (4, 5) and the detection area (3) and / or - cross another crossing point (32, 33) located after the detection area (3) and in front of the optical sensor (10) in the direction of light beam propagation.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a housing, - with a first housing section (34) in which at least one lighting device (4, 5), in particular a first and a second lighting device (4, 5), and / or the optical sensor (10) is or can be accommodated and - with at least one further housing section (35) which comprises a passage opening (39) for the passage of the drop (2) to be detected, wherein - the maximum extension (36) of the first housing section (34) along a passage direction (38) of the drop (2) passing through the passage opening (39) corresponds to at least 1.25 times, preferably at least 1.50 times, particularly preferably at least 2.00 times, most preferably at least 2.50 times, the maximum extension (37) of the further housing section (35) along the passage direction (38) of the drop (2) passing through the passage opening (39).

14. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least one lighting device (4, 5) and / or - a light beam modification device, e.g. a color filter, arranged in front of the optical sensor (10) in the light beam preparation direction, is or are configured to impart a first, predefined wavelength or wavelength range to the first light beam (6) and a wavelength or wavelength range that differs from the first light beam (6) to the second light beam (7).

15. Device (1) according to the preceding, characterized by an evaluation unit (40) which is designed to generate evaluation information which, starting from image information generated by the optical sensor (10), takes into account a difference in the wavelength and / or in the wavelength ranges of the first and second light beam (6, 7) and describes at least one drop image information associated with the first and / or second light beam (6, 7).

16. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a trigger control unit (41) for triggering a sensor recording by the optical sensor (10), wherein the trigger control unit (41) is designed to be activated in dependence on a sensor activation signal, wherein - the device (1) has a data interface (42) for receiving a digital drop dispenser activation signal provided by a control unit (44) controlling a drop dispenser device (43), and the sensor activation signal can be generated as a function of the drop dispenser activation signal or corresponds thereto and / or - the device (1) has a detection means (45) for detecting a vibration of a drop dispenser device (43) and / or a noise of a drop dispenser device (43), wherein the sensor activation signal can be generated in dependence on detection information generated by the detection means (45) and describing the detected vibration and / or the detected noise.

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical sensor (10) and the at least one illumination device (4, 5) are arranged on a common side (50) of the detection area (3), in particular the intersection point (31).

18. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one optical sensor (10) and the at least one illumination device (4, 5) are arranged in an angular segment emanating from the detection area (3), wherein the angular segment has an interior angle s of a maximum of 160°, preferably 135°, particularly preferably 120°, most preferably 110°, further preferably 105°.

19. Method for detecting at least one drop (2), in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, with the following method steps: - passing of at least one drop (2) to be detected through a detection area (3) of a device (1), - generating a first and at least one second light beam (6, 7) with at least one illumination device (4, 5) of the device (1), - Emitting a first light beam (6) which is guided to the detection area (3) directly or by means of at least one optical deflection means (8) and emitting at least one second light beam (7) which is guided to the detection area (3) directly or by means of optical deflection means (9), wherein the first and the at least one second light beam (7) cross the drop (2) to be detected in the detection area (3) and the first and the second light beam (6, 7) impinge on at least one optical sensor (10).

20. Arrangement comprising a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 18 and at least one drop dispenser device (43) from which a drop (2) can be emitted and which, after its emergence, passes through a detection area (3) of the device (1).

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