Sensor module, sensor strip, sensor roll and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor module comprising at least one sensor pair with a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each have an electrode E1, e.g. a ground connection and an electrode E2, e.g. a signal connection, and wherein the sensor module has at least one ground line and a first signal line and a second signal line, wherein the first signal line is connected to the signal connection of the first sensor, the second signal line is connected to the signal connection of the second sensor, and the ground line is connected to the ground lines of the first and second sensor. According to the invention, the sensor module extends in a longitudinal direction L from a start to an end, and the ground line and the first and second signal line run from the start to the end of the sensor module without crossing.

Description

[0001] Sensor module, sensor belt, sensor roller and process

[0002] The invention relates to a sensor module according to the preamble of claim 1, a sensor strip with such sensor modules, a sensor roller with such a sensor strip and a method for measuring a pressure profile by means of a sensor roller.

[0003] In plants for the production and processing of fiber webs – hereinafter referred to as "paper machines" for simplicity's sake – the web typically passes through several treatment nips, where it is, for example, dewatered, coated, or smoothed. These treatment nips are also called "nips." The nips are usually formed by a roll and a counter element, particularly a counter roll.

[0004] Such treatment gaps also occur in a variety of other fields of application, particularly where nonwovens, fabrics, films, metal sheets or similar web-like materials are manufactured or processed.

[0005] For example, in the textile industry, calenders are used to finish textiles. Printing on substrates is also done using suitable transfer nips.

[0006] The fibrous webs can in particular be paper webs, cardboard webs or pulp webs.

[0007] Conditions such as pressure and temperature in this nip are very important for the treatment result. Not only the average value is relevant, but also the profile of these values ​​across the width of the nip, or rather the material web. In modern systems, this width can be up to 10 meters or more.

[0008] It is therefore known from the prior art to measure the pressure profile by providing a number of pressure sensors distributed across the width of a paper web in a roller that forms the treatment nip. Document EP2331923 B1 proposes the use of fiber optic sensors for this purpose. For this purpose, an optical fiber with Bragg gratings is inserted into the roller cover or between the cover and the core. While these systems allow for precise measurement, they are comparatively expensive and require comparatively high installation effort.

[0009] Piezo sensors have proven to be a cost-effective and practical alternative. The use of piezo sensors in sensor rollers of paper machines is also already known, and is described, for example, in EP 1 753 912. A series of piezo sensors are connected to a common ground line and a common signal line. The pressure in the nip generates an electrical signal that can be picked up via the signal line. This type of sensor roller is comparatively inexpensive to manufacture, but has several disadvantages.

[0010] However, the ceramic sensors described are comparatively thick and inflexible. Due to the constant loading and unloading cycles during operation of the sensor roller, the risk of delamination and thus destruction of the roller is relatively high.

[0011] Since all signals run over the same signal line, special measures must be taken to ensure a clear assignment of signal and sensor. In particular, it must be ensured that only one sensor is located in the nip at a time. Providing a separate signal line and ground line for each sensor is not only very complex, but also further increases the risk of delamination and damage, especially when individual lines cross.

[0012] As an improvement to this technology, utility model FL 12489 proposes replacing the ceramic piezo sensors with printed sensors. Such printed piezoelectric sensors are known per se and are described, for example, in WO2014037016A1. However, FL 12489 does not provide the skilled person with any indication of how these sensors should be precisely designed to enable simple and efficient use in a sensor roller.

[0013] It is therefore the object of the invention to overcome the problems of the prior art mentioned.

[0014] It is a further object of the invention to propose a sensor system that can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, and yet can be installed easily and without risk in a sensor roller.

[0015] The object is achieved according to the invention by an embodiment according to the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0016] A sensor module is proposed that comprises at least one sensor pair with a first sensor and a second sensor, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor each have an electrode E1 - e.g. a ground connection - and an electrode E2 - e.g. a signal connection. Furthermore, the sensor module has at least one central line, in particular a ground line, as well as a first signal line and a second signal line, wherein the first signal line is connected to the electrode E2 of the first sensor, the second signal line is connected to the electrode E2 of the second sensor, and the central line (e.g. the ground line) is connected to the electrodes E1 of the first sensor and the second sensor.

[0017] According to the invention, it is provided that the sensor module extends in a longitudinal direction L from a beginning to an end, and the central line (e.g. ground line) and the first and second signal lines run from the beginning to the end of the sensor module without crossing each other.

[0018] Since in most common applications the central line will be implemented as a ground line, the term "ground line" will be used throughout this application—unless explicitly stated otherwise—as a synonym for the generic term "central line." In particular, the concept described here is not limited to the implementation with a ground line.

[0019] With such a sensor module, the two sensors can share a common ground wire, but each has its own signal wire. This allows the signals within a sensor module to always be precisely assigned to the corresponding sensor. Using a common ground wire is harmless in this respect. On the one hand, this reduces the effort compared to a solution in which each sensor has its own ground wire, which is already an advantage in itself.

[0020] However, within the scope of this invention, it should not be ruled out that the sensor module may have additional elements, in particular additional lines. For example, a second ground line may also be provided, and each sensor may have its own ground line.

[0021] However, the sensor modules do not have to be limited to two sensors. In advantageous embodiments, for example, the sensor module can have n >1 sensor pairs, where n is preferably equal to 2, 3, or 4, and where each of the n sensor pairs has a first sensor i1 and a second sensor i2, a first and second signal line, and a ground line. All n*3 lines run from the beginning to the end of the sensor module without crossing.

[0022] Advantageously, the sensors can be arranged one behind the other in the length direction of the sensor module.

[0023] At least one, and in particular all, of the sensors can be a pressure-sensitive sensor, in particular a piezoelectric sensor. Within the scope of this application, the invention will also be explained using this type of sensor. However, other sensors can also be used alternatively or additionally. For example, temperature sensors can also be used. The measurement of a temperature profile can also be performed without providing a treatment gap. The use of other sensors, such as FSR (Force Sensing Resistors - piezoresistive sensors), is also possible.

[0024] In principle, such a sensor module can be designed large enough to cover the entire width of the material web, e.g., the fiber web or the roller. However, this significantly increases the number of required wires. Assuming a roller with a width of 10 m and the goal of achieving a resolution with a distance between adjacent sensors of 25 cm, a sensor module with n=20 sensor pairs would be necessary, which would require 40 signal wires and 20 ground wires. This would result in a very wide sensor module, especially if the wires should be prevented from crossing or overlapping.

[0025] Therefore, the sensor module is designed so that the ground line and the signal lines are continuous in the longitudinal direction from the beginning to the end of the sensor module. This makes it possible, in particular, to connect several such sensor modules in series to create a sensor band. Thus, a single sensor module can be kept relatively small—e.g., two or three sensor pairs—and yet, by chaining several sensor modules together, a sensor band of any length can be obtained. The number of lines does not increase, but corresponds to the number of lines of a single sensor module.

[0026] This interlinking can be implemented particularly easily if the sensor module has a width direction B, and the ground lines and the first and second signal lines at the beginning of the sensor module each occupy the same position in the width direction as at the end. In preferred embodiments, the sensors and the lines can be arranged on a carrier medium, in particular on a carrier film.

[0027] Particularly preferred are designs in which the cables and sensors are printed on the carrier medium.

[0028] The printing of such electrical or electronic structures is not new per se.

[0029] For measuring pressure distribution in the NIP, piezoelectric sensor elements are an obvious solution. Individual pressure measurement points on non-planar surfaces are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 8,479,585 B2. This document describes the use of piezoelectric copolymers as individual sensors and as a matrix.

[0030] If you want to use piezoelectric polymers based on PVDF, you can either use pre-stretched films made from the pure polymer or a copolymer whose ferroelectric phase (ß-phase), in particular the ferroelectrically active, stereochemical chain structure, is self-aligned, such as P(VDF-TrFE). Due to the self-alignment properties of the polymers, the material can also be printed, e.g., using screen printing, inkjet printing, etc. One printing formulation that has proven to be advantageous is described, for example, in EP2609142B1. In principle, however, other printing processes, such as gravure, flexographic, or offset printing, can also be used.

[0031] There are numerous other publications on the printing of piezoelectric polymers and the generation of piezoelectric sensors, such as WO 20074075 A1 or WO 2014037016 A1 .

[0032] The construction of a long sensor strip made up of many short sensor modules, as proposed according to aspects of the invention, proves to be very helpful, as it allows for "roll-to-roll" printing using one or more printing rollers. A (roller-fed) screen printing process can advantageously be used for this purpose. The size of the motif is limited by the circumference of the printing roller. Such printing rollers typically have a circumference between 30 cm and 2 m.

[0033] However, the sensor rollers in which such sensor tapes are intended to be used are often significantly wider than 2 meters. For example, textile calenders with a width of 7 meters are not uncommon. Paper machine rollers are very often 10 meters wide or more. To print a 10-meter-long sensor tape in this way, a printing cylinder with a diameter of more than three meters would be required. This is impractical.

[0034] Within the scope of this invention, it is now possible to adjust the length of the sensor module to the circumference of the existing printing cylinder, so that, for example, the length of the sensor module corresponds exactly to the circumference of the printing cylinder.

[0035] If the ground lines and the first and second signal lines at the beginning of the sensor module each occupy the same position in the width direction as at the end, the print image is repeated iteratively for each screen printing roll circumference. The supply lines to the individual sensors are connected to each other at each print image revolution, allowing the creation of very long (e.g., 150 m) sensor strips with continuous contact lines that can contact a defined number of printing elements per revolution, if necessary. These very long print images are made possible by precise registration and alignment of the screen to the already printed structures at each revolution, ensuring that the offset across and along the roll remains below a certain tolerance.

[0036] Because the number of wires isn't arbitrarily large, but rather corresponds to the number of wires in a single sensor module, the sensor strip also remains very narrow. This is advantageous because it allows the use of most commercially available pressure rollers, which can be as wide as 60 cm, for example.

[0037] The lines can in particular have a width between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.6 mm. The spacing between the lines can in particular have a width between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2.6 mm.

[0038] The sensor size is scalable and can deviate from the round shape if required.

[0039] The elements of the sensor module are typically printed in multiple layers. A sensor module according to aspects of the invention can, for example, be printed in five layers:

[0040] 1st layer: Conductor tracks

[0041] 2nd layer: Electrode E1 (e.g. ground)

[0042] 3rd layer: sensory layer 1

[0043] 4th layer: sensory layer 2

[0044] 5th layer: Electrode E2 (e.g. signal)

[0045] If the sensor module is to be designed as a piezoelectric sensor, the 3rd and / or 4th layer sensor layers can contain piezoelectric polymers.

[0046] The third and / or fourth layers can also have an insulating effect, especially in piezoelectric sensors, to isolate the electrodes E1 and E2 from each other. However, when using piezoresistive sensors (FRS sensors), layers 3 and 4 are generally not insulating.

[0047] In addition, additional layers may also be provided.

[0048] In particular, the sensor module can

[0049] 6. Layer protective layer. This final protective layer can protect the electrodes and conductor tracks both during handling (e.g., installation in a roller) and during operation of the sensor module.

[0050] Depending on the application, additional layers may also be provided, such as adhesive layers for attaching to a substrate.

[0051] The functional layers described above can each be produced in a single printing process. Alternatively, one or more of these functional layers can be produced by repeated overprinting, thus forming a layered structure within themselves.

[0052] How a suitable cable routing can be realized according to aspects of the invention will be explained later with reference to the figures.

[0053] In order to avoid crossing of lines, it can be advantageous if the lines are arranged in such a way that for each sensor pair, from the beginning to the end of the sensor module, the respective ground line runs in the width direction between the associated first signal line and the second signal line.

[0054] The sensor pair can then be positioned so that the first sensor is located between the first signal line and the ground line, while the second sensor is located between the ground line and the second signal line. This eliminates any crossover between the three lines themselves, nor does it interfere with the connection of the sensors to the lines.

[0055] In the sensor modules and sensor strips according to various aspects of the invention, sensor pairs and their arrangement are a central element. Typically, the sensor modules or sensor strips are constructed from a certain number of sensor pairs, thus comprising an even number of sensors. These are generally the most advantageous designs, but they are not absolutely necessary. For example, a sensor module comprising a certain number of sensor pairs can also comprise one or more additional individual sensors.

[0056] A sensor band that includes a plurality of sensor modules can also have additional, individual sensors.

[0057] The figures show exemplary variants for such sensor modules or sensor bands.

[0058] According to a further aspect of the invention, a sensor band for use in a roller in a machine for producing or processing a material web is proposed, wherein the sensor band comprises at least 2, in particular 5 or more sensor modules according to one aspect of the invention, wherein the sensor modules are arranged one behind the other in the length direction L on a common carrier medium, in particular a common carrier film.

[0059] Preferably, the sensor modules are of the same type, and the ground lines and signal lines at the end of the preceding sensor module are connected to the corresponding lines at the beginning of the subsequent module.

[0060] To produce such a sensor tape, a very long master roll can be printed with repeating sensor modules (e.g., 100m or more). The required length can then be cut off as needed to create a sensor tape. This allows the printing of the sensors to be completely separated from the application. This results in cost advantages and a reduction in production time, as the sensor tape is available immediately upon receipt of the order, eliminating the need to wait for the printing process.

[0061] The width of the sensor bands can vary from application to application, but is typically less than 60 cm, in particular less than 40 cm. Finally, a sensor roller for a machine for producing or processing a material web, for example, a fibrous web, a textile web, a plastic web, or a metal web, is proposed. The roller comprises a roller core and a roller shell made of a polymer material. The roller also comprises at least one sensor band according to one aspect of the invention.

[0062] The sensor band can be provided in various positions. For example, the sensor band can be arranged between the core and the cladding. Alternatively, it can be embedded in the polymer material of the cladding.

[0063] Finally, it is also possible to arrange the sensor tape on the roll surface. This is particularly advantageous for maintenance work, as the sensor tape can be used as a mobile measuring system to correctly adjust the profile of a treatment gap. The sensor tape can then be removed again. This allows even rolls that were not already equipped with a sensor tape during manufacture to be measured.

[0064] Since each signal line typically connects to one sensor per sensor module, the sensor strip must be arranged so that only one sensor per signal line passes through the treatment gap at any given time, to ensure reliable assignment of the signals to the corresponding sensors. This can be achieved, for example, by arranging the sensor strip helically in or on the sensor roller. The angle of the helix can be selected to be relatively flat. It is not problematic for multiple sensors to pass through the treatment gap simultaneously, as long as they are connected to different signal lines.

[0065] In advantageous embodiments, the sensor roller can be assigned an evaluation unit configured to receive and evaluate the sensor signals. The evaluation unit can be attached directly to the roller, for example, to a front cover. Alternatively, it can also be provided that only a data unit is attached to the roller, which transmits the detected signals to the actual evaluation unit. The transmission can be wireless, in particular.

[0066] The data or signals can be transmitted to the evaluation unit continuously. Alternatively, the transmission can also occur only at discrete times, particularly upon explicit request. This allows the sensor system to be designed to be more energy-efficient.

[0067] The evaluation unit can, in particular, determine and / or display a profile, in particular a pressure profile, across the width of the material web or the treatment gap from the received signals.

[0068] One task is for the evaluation unit to be able to determine which of the sensors a signal on a signal line originates from. One of the methods known from the state of the art can be used for this purpose. For example, the roller can have a separate sensor that determines the current rotational position of the roller (Hall sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.).

[0069] Alternatively or additionally, the assignment can also be made based on the type of placement of the sensor strip. If the sensor strip is applied in a uniform helix, the angular distance between two adjacent sensors on a signal line is always the same. The helix can now be applied so that it runs significantly less than 360° around the roller. This makes the angular distance between the last sensor and the first sensor greater than the other distances. The evaluation unit can therefore very easily determine which signal originates from the first sensor on the strip. The assignment of the remaining sensors is then simple. For such an embodiment, it is very advantageous that the sensor strips can be laid in a very flat helix according to aspects of the invention. This ensures that the sensor strip runs significantly less than 360° around the roller, even with long rollers.Furthermore, the sensor roller can be configured to form a second treatment gap with a second counter element. If the helix is ​​arranged sufficiently flat, it is possible to measure both treatment gaps with the same sensor strip.

[0070] In advantageous embodiments, two sensor bands can also be attached to a sensor roller. For example, one can be connected while the other serves as a backup. This increases the system's reliability without incurring significant additional costs.

[0071] Finally, a method for measuring a pressure profile in a treatment nip in a process for processing fibrous webs, nonwovens, fabrics, films, metal webs, or other material webs is also proposed, wherein the treatment nip is formed by a sensor roller and a counter element, in particular a counter roller. It is provided that the sensor roller is designed according to one aspect of the invention, and each sensor generates a signal corresponding to the pressure in the treatment nip upon passing through the treatment nip.

[0072] The fibrous webs can in particular be paper webs, cardboard webs or pulp webs.

[0073] The process for processing nonwovens, fabrics, films, metal sheets or other web-like materials is preferably selected from the group consisting of:

[0074] • Coating processes

[0075] - Encapsulations, especially in photovoltaics

[0076] - Packaging technology, especially food packaging

[0077] - Battery manufacturing, especially in the production of anodes, cathodes and separators - OLED and optical layers

[0078] - Anti-scratch coating, anti-dust coating, electrostatic coatings

[0079] • Bonding processes, laminating processes, calendering processes

[0080] • Laminations

[0081] - Encapsulation

[0082] - Multi-network

[0083] - PCB laminates

[0084] - Packaging or pouches

[0085] - Battery and fuel cell production

[0086] - Wound capacitors

[0087] - Flexible electronic circuits and solar cells, displays

[0088] - Medical applications, especially plaster production, test strips

[0089] • Assembly processes

[0090] - Electronic components

[0091] • Grinding and rolling mills

[0092] • Conveyor belts

[0093] - Recycling

[0094] - Sorting

[0095] • Extrusion lines

[0096] - Film production

[0097] • Printing processes

[0098] - Graphic printing

[0099] - Newspaper paper printing, labels

[0100] - Money printing

[0101] - Printed electronics

[0102] - Offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, OLED and optical applications

[0103] • Imprint process

[0104] - Nanoimprint lithography - Hot stamping, especially of anti-reflective coatings

[0105] • Web run optimization

[0106] - Measurement of web tension

[0107] - Tensile force measurement

[0108] - Vacuum coating, especially metal coatings, also for food

[0109] • Finishing of textiles, in particular by printing, coating or dyeing,

[0110] • Steel and metal strip production

[0111] • Condition monitoring for large substrates, especially wind turbines

[0112] Another possible application for the sensor bands according to the invention is one in which the sensor band is installed on a fixed surface to detect collisions over a large area in a specific region. To determine the location of the collision, the speed and start time of the moving collision object (=test body) – or the velocity vector component parallel to the sensor surface – can be used. This can be advantageously used, for example, in drop towers.

[0113] Compared to a sensor strip known from the prior art, in which all sensors are connected to the same signal line and the same ground line, a sensor strip according to aspects of the invention enables a more precise determination of the collision point. This is possible because the position of the sensor that generated the signal can be precisely determined within a sensor module. For example, with large test bodies, it is possible to determine more precisely which part of the test body triggered the collision.

[0114] Alternatively or additionally, sensor bands according to the invention also make it possible to correct inaccuracies in location determination. Such inaccuracies can be caused, for example, by deviations from the ideal trajectory due to friction or impact pulses—particularly when multiple collisions occur during the movement. Thus, a sensor band according to the invention can not only determine the collision location but also correct errors in location determination.

[0115] The listed applications are intended to illustrate the possible uses of the invention. The invention is not limited to these applications.

[0116] The invention is explained below with reference to figures, but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. The figures show in detail:

[0117] Figure 1 shows a sensor module according to one aspect of the invention

[0118] Figure 2a shows a sensor module according to a further aspect of the invention. Figure 2b shows a sensor module according to a further aspect of the invention. Figure 2c shows a sensor module according to a further aspect of the invention. Figure 3 shows a sensor band according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0119] Figure 4 shows an apparatus for carrying out a method according to a further aspect of the invention.

[0120] Figure 1 shows a simple variant of a sensor module 1. The sensor module 1 has exactly one sensor pair 10 consisting of a first sensor 11 and a second sensor 12. These are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the sensor module 1 has a first signal line 15 and a second signal line 16, as well as a ground line 17.

[0121] The first sensor 11 is connected to the first signal line 15 and the ground line 17, while the second sensor 12 is connected to the second signal line 16 and the ground line 17.

[0122] The three lines 15, 16, 17 run essentially in the length direction L and extend from the beginning A to the end O of the sensor module 1. To prevent the lines 15, 16, 17 from crossing, the signal lines 15, 16 run on the outside when viewed in the width direction B, and the two sensors 11, 12 of the sensor pair 10 are arranged between the signal lines 15, 16.

[0123] The ground line 17 also runs between the signal lines 15, 16. It runs below the first sensor 11 and then above the second sensor 12.

[0124] The sensors 11, 12 are arranged such that in the first sensor 11 the electrode E2 is directed upwards and the electrode E1 downwards, while in the second sensor 12, conversely, the electrode E1 is directed upwards and the electrode E2 downwards.

[0125] As can be seen in Figure 1, this arrangement is advantageous since neither the actual signal lines 15, 16, 17 nor the connections of the sensors 11, 12 with the signal lines cross over the entire sensor module 1.

[0126] Figure 2a shows a sensor module 1 constructed from two sensor pairs 10, 20. In terms of the systematic arrangement of the signal lines 15, 16, 25, 26 and the ground lines 17, 27, this sensor module 1 is comparable to a duplication of the sensor module 1 from Figure 1. The three lines 15, 16, 17 are routed after the second sensor 12 above the first signal line 25 of the second sensor pair 20 to the end O of the sensor module 1, while the lines 25, 26, 27 of the second sensor pair 20 are routed from the beginning A of the module 1 to the second sensor pair 20 below the second signal line 16 of the first sensor pair 10.

[0127] A person skilled in the art will recognize that sensor modules 1 with additional sensor pairs 1 can also be realized in this way, in which the lines do not cross despite the ever-increasing number. However, due to the increasing number of lines, such sensor modules 1 become increasingly wider.

[0128] In the sensor module 1, the four sensors 11, 12, 21, 22 are arranged one behind the other in the length direction L of the sensor module 1. In the width direction B of the sensor module 1, they are arranged at the same height. To avoid crossovers, the lines 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 are arranged such that for each sensor pair 10, 20, from the beginning A to the end O of the sensor module 1, the ground line 17 runs in the width direction B between the first signal line 15 and the second signal line 16, and the ground line 27 runs in the width direction B between the first signal line 25 and the second signal line 26.

[0129] All ground lines 17, 27 as well as signal lines 15, 16, 25, 26 are routed in such a way that they each occupy the same position in the width direction B at the beginning A of the sensor module 1 as at the end O. This makes it easier for several sensor modules 1 to be connected to one another to form a sensor band 2.

[0130] Both the sensors 11, 12, 21, 22 and the lines 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 are arranged on a carrier medium 5, usually a carrier film 5.

[0131] Such sensor modules 1 can be produced very efficiently using a printing process, for example using a roller screen printing process.

[0132] The sensor module 1 of Figure 2b is a possible embodiment in which the sensor module 1 is not exclusively constructed from sensor pairs 10, 20, but also includes an additional sensor.

[0133] The sensor module 1 in Figure 2b largely corresponds to the sensor module in Figure 2a and comprises two sensor pairs 10, 20. The only difference is that an additional sensor 11a is provided in the sensor module 1. In this case, the additional sensor 11a is identical to the first sensor 11 of the first sensor pair 10, and is arranged analogously to it and is also connected to the ground line 17 and the first signal line 15. It is easily apparent that in this way, several additional sensors 11a can also be provided at other locations. Such additional sensors 11a can be advantageous, for example, in order to obtain a redundant system that continues to receive measured values ​​even if the first sensor 11 fails.

[0134] Figure 2c also shows a further embodiment in which the sensor module 1 is not exclusively constructed from sensor pairs 10, 20. Compared to the sensor module 1 in Figure 2a, the second sensor 22 of the second sensor pair 20 is omitted in Figure 2c for illustrative purposes.

[0135] The embodiments in Figures 2a, 2b, and 2c illustrate the diverse ways in which sensor modules can be constructed according to aspects of the invention. The invention is not limited to the alternatives presented here.

[0136] Figure 3 shows a sensor tape 2 consisting of several (here: three) sensor modules 1, such as those in Figure 2a. These sensor modules 1 were printed on a common carrier medium 5. The design of the sensor modules 1 can be adapted to the printing roll so that a whole number of sensor modules 1 fit on the printing roll. Sensor tapes 2 of almost any length can be printed in advance onto a roll. For a specific application, a sensor tape 2 of the required length can then be cut from the roll and processed.

[0137] The lines 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 can in particular have a width between 1 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1.5 mm and 2.6 mm. The spacing between the lines 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 can in particular have a width between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, preferably between 1 mm and 2.6 mm.

[0138] Figure 4 shows a device for carrying out a method according to a further aspect of the invention. The device can be, for example, a calender or a coating unit. The device has a treatment nip (“nip”) 7 formed by a sensor roller 8 and a counter element 9 in the form of a counter roller 9.

[0139] A sensor belt 2 according to one aspect of the invention is provided at least in the sensor roller 8. The sensor belt can, for example, be arranged in or under the polymer casing of the sensor roller 1. A (usually temporary) arrangement on the roller surface is also conceivable. The sensor belt 2 extends across the entire width of the nip 7 or the material web to be treated—e.g., a fibrous web. Since the sensor belt 2 is arranged helically, the length of the sensor belt 2 can be greater than the width of the roller 8.

[0140] As can be seen in Figure 4, the helix can be very flat, and in particular, can describe significantly less than one turn around the sensor roller 8. The helical arrangement essentially aims to ensure that no two sensors 11, 12, 21, 22, which use the same signal line 15, 16, 25, 26, are located in the nip 7 at the same time. This can be achieved even with a very flat turn of the sensor strip 2.

[0141] The longer the sensor modules 1 used, the flatter the winding can be. For example, if the sensor module shown in Figure 1 is used, it must be ensured that with one sensor 11, 12, only the directly adjacent sensor 11, 12 is in nip 7, since the subsequent sensor already uses the same signal line 15, 16.

[0142] In the sensor module 1 shown in Figure 2a, four sensors 11, 12, 21, 22 can be installed simultaneously in nip 7 without causing problems. Therefore, a flatter winding can be used.

[0143] In the extreme case—which is usually technically disadvantageous—where the entire sensor strip 2 is composed of only a single sensor module 1, each sensor would have its own signal line. In this case, spiralization can be completely dispensed with.

[0144] The beginning A of the sensor strip 2 is located at one end of the sensor roller 8. There, the lines 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27 can be connected to a data unit 6, which transmits the detected signals to an evaluation unit. Transmission is best carried out wirelessly. Advantageously, a power supply is also provided in the data unit 6, for example, to ensure data transmission. The evaluation unit 6 is configured to receive and evaluate the signals from the sensors. It can also be advantageous if the data unit 6 is simultaneously designed as an evaluation unit 6, so that at least parts of the data evaluation can be performed directly on the roller. List of Reference Symbols

[0145] 1 sensor module

[0146] 2 sensor band

[0147] 5 Carrier film

[0148] 6 Data unit / evaluation unit

[0149] 7 Treatment gap / “nip”

[0150] 8 Sensor roller

[0151] 9 Counter roller

[0152] 10 first sensor pair

[0153] 11 first sensor of the first sensor pair

[0154] 11 a additional sensor in the sensor module

[0155] 12 second sensor of the first sensor pair

[0156] 15 first signal line

[0157] 16 second signal line

[0158] 17 Central line; ground line

[0159] 20 second sensor pair

[0160] 21 first sensor of the second sensor pair22 second sensor of the second sensor pair

[0161] 25 first signal line

[0162] 26 second signal line

[0163] 27 Ground wire

[0164] L Length direction

[0165] B Width direction

[0166] A beginning

[0167] 0 End

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Sensor module (1) comprising at least one sensor pair (10) with a first sensor (11) and a second sensor (12), wherein the first sensor (11) and the second sensor (12) each have an electrode E1 - e.g. a ground connection and an electrode E2 - e.g.have a signal connection, and wherein the sensor module (1) has at least one ground line (17) as well as a first signal line (15) and a second signal line (16), wherein the first signal line (15) is connected to the electrode E2 of the first sensor (11), the second signal line (16) is connected to the electrode E2 of the second sensor (12), and the ground line (17) is connected to the electrodes E1 of the first sensor (11) and the second sensor (12), characterized in that the sensor module (1) extends in a longitudinal direction L from a start (A) to an end (O), and the ground line (17) as well as the first (15) and second signal lines (16) run from the start (A) to the end (O) of the sensor module (1) without crossing each other.

2. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (1) has a number of n > 1 sensor pairs (10, 20), where n is preferably equal to 2, 3 or 4, and where each of the n sensor pairs (10, 20) has a first sensor (11, 21) and a second sensor (12, 22), a first signal line (15, 25) and second signal line (16, 26) and a ground line (17, 27), and where all n*3 lines run from the beginning (A) to the end (O) of the sensor module (1) without crossing each other.

3. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor module (1) has a width direction B, and the ground lines (17, 27) and the first signal lines (15, 25) and second signal lines (16, 26) at the beginning (A) of the sensor module (1) each occupy the same position in the width direction B as at the end (O).

4. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors and the lines are arranged on a carrier medium (5), in particular on a carrier film (5).

5. Sensor module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lines and the sensors are printed on the carrier medium (5), in particular by means of screen printing or inkjet printing.

6. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that and for each sensor pair (10, 20) from the beginning (A) to the end (O) of the sensor module (1) the respective ground line (17, 27) runs in the width direction B between the corresponding first signal line (15, 25) and the second signal line (16, 26).

7. Sensor module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that for at least one, in particular each sensor pair (10, 20), the first sensor (11, 21) is arranged between the first signal line (15, 25) and the ground line (17, 27), while the second sensor (12, 22) is arranged between the ground line (17, 27) and the second signal line (16, 26), wherein neither the three lines (15, 16, 17; 25, 26, 27) themselves nor the connection of the sensors (11, 12; 21, 22) to the lines (15, 16, 17; 25, 26, 27) cross over.

8. Sensor module (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one, in particular all sensors are pressure-sensitive sensors, in particular piezoelectric sensors.

9. Sensor band (2) for use in a roller in a machine for producing or processing a material web, in particular a fibrous web, wherein the sensor band (2) comprises at least 2, in particular 5 or more sensor modules (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and wherein the sensor modules (1) are arranged one behind the other in the length direction L on a common carrier medium (5), in particular a common carrier film (5).

10. Sensor strip (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor modules (1 ) are of the same type, and the ground lines and signal lines at the end (O) of the preceding sensor module (1 ) are connected to the corresponding lines at the beginning (A) of the following module.

11. Sensor roller (8) for a machine for producing or processing a material web, in particular a fibrous web, comprising a roller core and a roller shell made of a polymer material, characterized in that the sensor roller (8) comprises at least one sensor band (2) according to one of claims 9 or 10.

12. Sensor roller (8) according to claim 11, characterized in that the sensor band (2) is arranged helically in or on the sensor roller (8).

13. Sensor roller (8) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the sensor roller (8) is assigned an evaluation unit (6) which is designed to receive and evaluate the signals from the sensors via the signal lines.

14. Method for measuring a pressure profile in at least one treatment gap (7) in a process processing fibrous webs, nonwovens, fabrics, films, metal webs or other material webs, wherein the treatment gap (7) is formed from a sensor roller (8) and a counter element (9), in particular a counter roller (9), characterized in that the sensor roller (8) is designed according to one of claims 11 to 13, and each sensor generates a signal when passing through the treatment gap (7) which corresponds to the pressure in the treatment gap (7).

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that the process processing fibrous webs, nonwovens, fabrics, films, metal webs or other material webs is selected from the group consisting of • Coating processes - Encapsulations, especially in photovoltaics - Packaging technology, especially food packaging - Battery manufacturing, especially in the production of anodes, cathodes and separators - OLED and optical layers - Anti-scratch coating, anti-dust coating, electrostatic coatings • Bonding processes, laminating processes, calendering processes • Laminations - Encapsulation - Multi-network - PCB laminates - Packaging or pouches - Battery and fuel cell production - Wound capacitors - Flexible electronic circuits and solar cells, displays - Medical applications, in particular the production of patches or test strips • Assembly processes - Electronic components • Grinding and rolling mills • Conveyor belts - Recycling - Sorting • Extrusion lines - Film production • Printing processes - Graphic printing - Newspaper paper printing, labels - Money printing - Printed electronics - Offset printing, gravure printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, OLED and optical applications • Imprint process - Nanoimprint lithography - Hot stamping, especially of anti-reflective coatings • Web run optimization - Measurement of web tension - Tensile force measurement - Vacuum coating, especially metal coatings, also for food • Finishing of textiles, in particular by printing, coating or dyeing, • Steel and metal strip production • Condition monitoring for large substrates, especially wind turbines 16. Method for determining a collision point of a moving Test body with a fixed surface, wherein the test body moves parallel to the fixed surface, and wherein a sensor band according to one of the Claims 8 or 9 is installed on the fixed surface, and wherein the collision point is determined by means of the sensor signal and optionally using the starting time and the speed of the test body.

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