Fastening element, sensor unit having sensor and fastening element, sensor unit, and fastening method for sensor unit

Abstract

To provide a fastening element that can be manufactured at low cost and attached to a structure to be monitored at low cost and with little labor. The present invention relates to a holding device (10) for a sensor (12), which can be fastened to a structure (3) by a light-curable adhesive (24). The light-curable adhesive (24) cures under direct and / or indirect lighting within a cavity (20) provided for receiving the light-curable adhesive (24). The present invention further relates to a sensor unit (2) having a sensor (12) and the holding device (10), an apparatus (1) having the sensor unit (2) and a structure (3), and a method for providing the apparatus (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening element for fastening a sensor to a structure to be monitored, in particular to a rail, a sensor unit having such a fastening element, a sensor device for fastening the sensor unit to the structure to be monitored and a method for positioning the sensor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Fastening elements fastened by adhesive substances are already known from the prior art and are used for attaching components, in particular sensors, to structures. A typical application field for this is rail monitoring elements. The components of the rail monitoring elements, in particular sensors that measure the forces acting on the rail, can be fastened to the rail, for example by drilling holes, without weakening the structure.

[0003] Fastening elements for fastening photovoltaic modules to structures using elastic adhesives are known from non-patent document 1 and non-patent document 2 (reference documents [1] and [2]). Elastic adhesives are highly resistant to weathering and aging, but they also compensate for the expansion and movements of the structure and are therefore not suitable for fastening sensors intended to measure forces acting on the structure.

[0004] For this reason, the fastening elements of the rail monitoring elements with sensors are fastened by means of an adhesive which can have a very high rigidity after curing. In particular, when attaching the fastening elements to the rails, a thermal adhesive method is mainly used.

[0005] US Patent No. 5,399,433 (reference [4]) discloses a method for installing rail monitoring elements using a heat-activated film. The connection is made by inductively heating the rail. However, this requires a significant energy input in the form of heat, which not only entails high energy costs, but also requires equipment that can provide the necessary energy even in remote and difficult-to-access track sections. The heavy and bulky equipment required for induction heating must be transported to the site of use by trained specialists, ultimately involving a huge logistical effort.

[0006] The applicant's patent application WO 2005 / 023363 (reference [3]) discloses a rail monitoring element attached to a rail by means of a heat-activatable adhesive. The rail monitoring element is pressed against the rail and the adhesive is heated by a hot wire placed in the adhesive layer to form an adhesive connection. However, using this method the heat input for hardening the adhesive occurs only at points. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] EP 19180254.5 (Citation [3]) [Patent Document 2] DE 102017216811 A1 (reference [4]) [Non-Patent Document 1] Elastic Bonding-Reducing System Costs in the Solar Industry; Issue 6 / November-December 2011: solar energy; pp. 50, 51 (reference [1]) [Non-Patent Document 2] Renewable Energies-Sealing / Gluing / Casting-Photovoltaic Modules;OTTO-Chemie;https: / / www.otto-chemie.de / de / erneuerbare-energien(Cited document [2]) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a fastening element and a sensor unit comprising such a fastening element that can be manufactured cheaply and that can be attached to a structure to be monitored cheaply and with little effort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by a fastening element according to claim 1, a sensor unit according to claim 11, a sensor device according to claim 13 and a method according to claim 14.

[0010] The fastening element according to the invention comprises a base support element, a sealing frame for sealing the base support element to a structure, a cavity for receiving a light-curing adhesive, the cavity being bounded on one side by the base support element and on the periphery by the sealing frame, and at least one light-emitting diode for coupling a light beam into the cavity. surface In addition, the fastening element may also comprise other elements, in particular a protective cover.

[0011] The base support element is used to receive components, in particular sensors, and is particularly advantageously designed in the form of a rectangular plate. It may have other shapes, depending on the sensor to be fastened, as well as the surface of the structure to which the fastening element is intended to be fastened. In particular, circular and / or polygonal shapes are conceivable. The base support element is designed to be placed on the structure to be monitored. In general, it is conceivable to place fastening elements on all surfaces. In the following, the arrangement of fastening elements in the field of application of rail monitoring elements will be discussed, in particular with the monitored structures represented as rails and train axles as examples. The list should not be understood as exhaustive.

[0012] When placed on the rail, the fastening element is preferably arranged in a vertical section of the rail profile (rail neck). In the preferred installation position, the base support element is therefore positioned parallel to the rail. The base support element is spaced apart from the rail in at least one sub-section. In other words, a space is formed between the base support element and the rail.

[0013] The sealing frame is arranged removably or non-removably on the base support element, which frame keeps the base support element at a constant distance relative to the structure. The sealing frame seals the space between the base support element and the rail, in particular over the entire periphery, forming a cavity together with the base support element. For this purpose, the sealing frame can be designed to be flexible, in particular as an elastomer, particularly preferably as silicone, and / or to be rigid. The sealing frame may be formed integrally with the base support element. A flexible configuration is particularly advantageous for the sealing frame which faces stationarily as tightly as possible against the surface of the structure in the fastening area. This improves the sealing effect of the sealing frame.

[0014] A cavity is formed between the base support element and the structure and is circumferentially bounded by the sealing frame, in other words the cavity is mainly closed, in particular completely closed, on the side facing the base support element and mainly open, in particular completely open, on the side facing the structure.

[0015] The cavity is designed to receive a light-curing adhesive, which is understood to mean an adhesive bonding agent which hardens under the action of light, in particular ultraviolet light (UV light).

[0016] The fastening element has a light emitting surface for coupling light into the cavity. The light emitting surface forms a boundary surface with the cavity. In other words, the fastening element is a surface through which light is emitted into the cavity. Boa Examples of light-emitting surfaces include a light-transmitting light-emitting diode housing, in particular an LED lens, a surface of a transparent layer facing the cavity in which the light means is accommodated, or a surface of a light-guiding film or plate, but this list is non-exhaustive. The incident light can be emitted directly to the light-emitting surface and / or guided to the light-emitting surface via a light-guiding structure (light-guiding film / plate). The guidance of light into the cavity when the fastening element is placed on the structure allows the curing of the light-curing adhesive and thus the fastening of the fastening element to the structure.

[0017] Preferred are embodiments in which the fastening element has at least one passage recess for guiding the light-curing adhesive into the cavity. The at least one passage recess can be formed in the base support element and / or in the sealing frame, connecting the cavity with the environment of the fastening element. The passage recess can in particular be designed in the form of a gap in the sealing frame. The passage recess has a particularly advantageously well-defined width of 1 to 30 millimeters, in particular 2 to 20 millimeters, particularly preferably 5 to 10 millimeters. As a result, the adhesive can be injected into the cavity in a particularly simple manner by means of an injection device, in particular by means of a cartridge pistol.

[0018] Particularly preferred are developments in which the fastening element has at least one further passage recess and / or a filling control means. The further passage recess allows air to escape particularly easily from the cavity when the sealing frame is in particularly close contact with the structure during the adhesive filling process. In addition, the further recess allows conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which the cavity is filled, since the excess adhesive expands and emerges from the further passage recess after the cavity has been largely, particularly completely, filled. The filling control means can alternatively or additionally be designed in the base support element and / or in the sealing frame in the form of a partially transparent area, in particular a very transparent viewing window, which allows at least conclusions to be drawn as to the extent to which the cavity is filled.

[0019] Also preferred are embodiments in which the fastening element has at least one light source, in particular a light-emitting diode, for illuminating the cavity directly or indirectly, at least partially, in particular completely. The light source is aligned with the light-emitting surface in such a way that the light is emitted, in particular completely, mainly into the cavity. In other words, the light-emitting effect of the light source is directed directly and / or indirectly into the cavity, in particular via a light-guiding film or light-guiding plate. In this case, the light emission is directed in particular from the base support element towards the side of the cavity opposite the base support element.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment, the fastening element has a number of light sources arranged at a constant, in particular equidistant, distance from one another, which allows a particularly uniform and complete illumination of the cavity.

[0021] An embodiment in which the light source is arranged in the cavity of the fastening element is preferred. The light source itself can have a light-emitting surface. In this embodiment, the cavity is directly illuminated by the light source. It is particularly advantageous to arrange the light source in one plane and facing the cavity, in particular on the base support element. A uniform arrangement of the light source in the cavity allows a particularly uniform illumination. The light-emitting surface is arranged between the cavity and the light source and protects the light source from direct contact with the light-curing adhesive. In order to allow the largest possible illumination area of ​​the light source, the light-emitting surface can be particularly light-scattering, particularly preferably diffusely scattering. As a result, the light-curing adhesive is cured particularly uniformly and completely. After the adhesive has cured, the light source remains as a so-called "lost element" in the cavity.

[0022] Also preferred is an embodiment of the fastening element in which the base support element comprises a transparent layer in which the light sources are arranged. The light sources are arranged in the transparent layer so as to transmit light directly into the cavity. Together with the light sources, the transparent layer forms a "luminous layer" and ensures that the cavity is bounded by flat surfaces. This makes it easier to fill the cavity.

[0023] The fastening element is preferably a development of the fastening element in which the light source is designed to emit UV light, which promotes particularly rapid curing when using UV light-curing adhesives.

[0024] Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the fastening element has at least one light-guiding element for light-guidingly connecting the light source to the light-emitting surface. As a result, the light source can be arranged at a spatial distance from the cavity. In other words, the light source can be arranged outside the cavity in the fastening element. The light source emits light into a light-guiding element, in particular into a light-guiding film, which has at least one light exit area directed into the cavity. In other words, the cavity is indirectly illuminated. The light-guiding element, in particular the light-guiding film, has a light-emitting surface in the light exit area, which allows a uniform separation of the light. This promotes the light distribution in the cavity.

[0025] In a particularly preferred development of the fastening element, the light source is arranged on and / or in the sealing frame in the circumferential direction of the sealing frame. The sealing frame can be at least partially, in particular completely, transparent. The sealing frame can also have a light-emitting surface. Alternatively, light can be coupled through the transparent frame into a light-guiding element adjacent to the frame. As a result, the base support element can remain unchanged, which has particularly favorable effects for existing manufacturing processes.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally, the sealing frame can have a passage recess designed to place the light source. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the light source is arranged in and / or on at least one passage recess designed to fill the cavity after it has been filled.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the fastening element, the sealing frame has an adhesive, in particular a resin or an adhesive tape, on its side facing the structure, which allows the fastening element to be temporarily attached to the structure and simplifies the injection of the adhesive as well as the curing process.

[0028] Particularly preferred is a development of the fastening element in which the light source is detachably and / or loosely arranged on the base support element and / or on the sealing frame. Here, the light source can be particularly advantageously arranged on the fastening element for a period during which the adhesive is cured and then removed. As a result, no "lost elements" remain on or in the fastening element and the light source can be particularly advantageously reused.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally, the light source can be positioned next to the fastening element and can be connected to the fastening element, in particular to the cavity, via at least one light-guiding element, in particular for a limited time only. A first light-guiding element can be arranged on the light source and a second light-guiding element can be arranged on the fastening element, the first light-guiding element being arranged on the second light-guiding element for the period of time for illuminating the cavity.

[0030] Preferred are embodiments in which a protective cover is arranged on the fastening element, in particular on the base support element and / or on the sealing frame. The protective cover can be arranged removably and / or non-removably on the fastening element. In particular, latching and / or screwing devices can be provided for arranging the protective cover on the fastening element. The protective cover can effectively protect the fastening element and the components arranged thereon against unauthorized access and against weather and / or environmental influences.

[0031] The sensor unit according to the invention comprises a fastening element and a sensor. The sensor can be arranged on the fastening element removably or non-removably. The sensor is arranged on the side of the base support element facing away from the cavity. This makes it possible in a particularly advantageous manner for the sensor to be arranged on the fastening element after the fastening element has been arranged on the structure. In general, however, it is also conceivable that the sensor is already arranged on the base support element when the fastening element is arranged on the structure.

[0032] The fastening elements are designed to accommodate a wide variety of sensors. Sensors are understood to mean any type of measurement probe and / or detector for detecting a physical or chemical property. Examples include, but are not limited to, temperature sensors, strain gauges, humidity, pressure, or ionic strength.

[0033] In a preferred development of the sensor unit, the sensor is a rail monitoring element which comprises a strain sensor, preferably an optical fiber with a fiber Bragg grating.

[0034] The sensor device according to the invention comprises a sensor unit and a structure to be monitored. The sensor unit is arranged on the structure such that the light-curing adhesive introduced into the cavity forms a connection between the base support element and the structure. In other words, the cavity of the fastening element is mainly filled with the light-curing adhesive, particularly completely, when the sensor unit is arranged on the structure.

[0035] The method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit to a structure comprises the following method steps: a) applying a sensor unit to a structure; b) introducing a light curable adhesive into the cavity of the sensor unit; c) introducing light into the cavity for the purpose of curing the adhesive.

[0036] This particular sequence is particularly advantageous with regard to optimal dosing of adhesive and filling of cavities, since underdosing is effectively prevented and at the same time overflow of adhesive in case of overdosing can be prevented.

[0037] However, the steps of the method are not limited to the order described, for example, it is conceivable that the light curing adhesive could be introduced into the cavity before the sensor unit is attached to the structure.

[0038] Preference is given to a development of the method according to the invention in which, in particular between method step b) and method step c), a light source is arranged on the fastening element.

[0039] Preference is given to a development of the method according to the invention, in which, in particular between method steps b) and c), the light source is positioned next to the fastening element on the light-guiding element.

[0040] Preference is given to a development of the method according to the invention in which, in particular after method step c), the light source is detached from the fastening element.

[0041] Preference is given in particular to a development of the method according to the invention in which after method step c) a protective cover is arranged on the fastening element.

[0042] Further advantages of the present invention can be found in the description and drawings. Likewise, according to the present invention, the features mentioned above and those described below can be used individually or in any desired combination. The illustrated and described embodiments should not be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather have an exemplary nature for the explanation of the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sensor arrangement including a first embodiment of a sensor unit and a structure to be monitored; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the sensor unit of FIG. 1, showing the fastening element having a single cavity; [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the sensor unit, in which the fastening element has two cavities. [Figure 4a] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor device with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the frame side. [Figure 4b] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor device with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the frame side. [Figure 4c] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor device with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the frame side. [Figure 4d] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor device with a sensor unit according to a third embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the frame side. [Figure 5a] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the side of the base support element. [Figure 5b] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the side of the base support element. [Figure 5c]5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the side of the base support element. [Figure 5d] 5A-5C show cross-sectional views of the method steps of the method according to the invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fourth embodiment, in which the fastening element is provided with a cavity and a passage recess on the side of the base support element. [Figure 6a] A cross-sectional view showing the various method steps of the method according to the present invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment, in which the fastening element has two cavities, one with a passage recess on the frame side and one with a passage recess on the base support element side. [Figure 6b] A cross-sectional view showing the various method steps of the method according to the present invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment, in which the fastening element has two cavities, one with a passage recess on the frame side and one with a passage recess on the base support element side. [Figure 6c] A cross-sectional view showing the various method steps of the method according to the present invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment, in which the fastening element has two cavities, one with a passage recess on the frame side and one with a passage recess on the base support element side. [Figure 6d] A cross-sectional view showing the various method steps of the method according to the present invention for fastening a sensor unit according to a fifth embodiment, in which the fastening element has two cavities, one with a passage recess on the frame side and one with a passage recess on the base support element side. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a sensor arrangement 1 with a sensor unit 2 arranged on a rail as a structure 3 to be monitored. The sensor unit 2 comprises a fastening element 10 and a sensor 12 mounted on the fastening element 10. The structure 3 has a vertical section (rail neck) on which the sensor unit 2 is attached. The attachment of the sensor unit 2 does not place any great demands on the underlying structure and is flexible in terms of the arrangement area. For example, the fastening element 10 can be attached to the structure 3 in such a way that its contact surface with the structure 3 is arranged parallel to the direction of gravity or at an angle to the direction of gravity. In other words, in the installation position on the side of the structure 3 the mounting surface is aligned substantially vertically. However, other installation positions are also possible.

[0045] The fastening element 10 has a plate-shaped base support element 14 and is arranged parallel to the extension direction 16 of the structure 3 on a vertical rail section. A sealing frame 18 is arranged on the base support element 14 and bears primarily, in particular completely, form-fittingly against the structure 3. The sealing frame 18, the base support element 14 and the structure 3 define a cavity 20. The sensor 12 is attached to the base support element 14 at a point opposite the cavity.

[0046] The sealing frame 18 has a frame passage recess 22a designed to fill the cavity 20 with a light-curing adhesive 24. Preferably, the frame passage recess 22a is also filled with adhesive 24 after the cavity 20 has been completely filled, which allows conclusions to be drawn about how much the cavity 20 has been filled.

[0047] In FIG. 1, the cavity 20 is already completely filled with a light-curing adhesive 24 which is the bond between the fastening element 14 and the structure 3 .

[0048] 2 shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the sensor unit 2 of FIG. 1, seen from the assembly side of the fastening element 10. The sealing frame 18 has a frame passage recess 22a on the upper periphery of the sealing frame 18. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the installation positions in the direction of gravity on the contact surface that extends mainly vertically. The arrangement of the frame passage recess 22a on the upper periphery of the sealing frame 18 shown in FIG. 2 makes it particularly advantageous to use gravity to inject the adhesive 24 (not shown in FIG. 2). In general, it is conceivable to form the frame passage recess 22a at any point on the sealing frame 18.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, the base support element 14 has a multi-layer design, including a transparent layer 26 having a light-emitting surface 28. The light-emitting surface 28 faces into the cavity 20.

[0050] The transparent layer 26 comprises several light sources arranged in a transparent layer 30 (shown in black) and distributed equidistantly on the connection surface to the base support element 14, in particular to a cavity 20 formed on the transparent layer 26. The transparent layer 26 comprises a light emitting surface 28 in the area of ​​each light source 30, this light emitting surface / light source being formed in the cavity 20, in order to better distribute the light 36 uniformly (see Figures 4c, 5c, 6c) (for the sake of clarity, only two light sources 30 and two light emitting surfaces 28 are numbered).

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 20 has a cross section as large as possible on the side facing the base support element 14 as on the side facing the structure 3. As a result, when the fastening element 10 is placed on the structure 3, the same holding forces can be formed between the adhesive 24 and the structure 3 in a particularly favorable manner as between the adhesive 24 and the base support element 14, preventing the introduction of too much adhesive 24 into the cavity 20. In a particularly advantageous manner, the size of the interface between the adhesive 24 and the base support element 14 as well as between the adhesive 24 and the structure 3 can be adapted to the surface finish of the base support element 14 and the structure 3, for example, such that the interface between the adhesive 24 and the base support element 14 is larger or smaller than the interface between the adhesive 24 and the structure 3. As a result, the holding forces with respect to the surface can still be formed uniformly over different area ratios.

[0052] FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the sensor unit 302. The base support element 14 together with the two sealing frames 18 form two cavities 320 that are spatially separated from each other. By forming a number of cavities 20 that do not cover the entire surface of the base support element 14, as in the example shown in FIG. 3, the dimensions of the fastening element 310 are the same, while the number of light sources 30 and the amount of adhesive 24 required (not shown in FIG. 3) are reduced compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2. Each of the two cavities 20 has two frame passage recesses 22a for injecting adhesive 24 therein (see FIGS. 4c, 5c, 6c) (for clarity, only one light source 30 is numbered). The cavities 20 can be arranged on the base support element 14, particularly preferably at a functionally relevant point on the base support element 14 with respect to the sensor 12. The arrangement of the cavities 20 when the strain sensor is arranged on the base support element 14 is given by way of example, but is not exhaustive. After the adhesive 24 has hardened in the area of ​​the strain measuring point of the strain sensor arranged on the base support element 14, the cavity 20 is arranged, thus reinforcing the fastening element 310, so that the expansion of the structure (not shown) can be transmitted to the sensor 12 particularly accurately.

[0053] 4a-4d show a sensor arrangement 401 with a sensor unit 402 which is provided with a fastening element 410 with an integrated light source 30 and which is applied to the structure 3 according to method step a). For temporary attachment of the sensor unit 402 to the structure 3, the sealing frame 18 has an adhesive 32, for example in the form of an adhesive strip, on the side which is in contact with the structure 3. As a result, the subsequent method steps can be carried out in a particularly simple manner, since the sensor unit 402 does not have to be permanently pressed against the structure 3. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor unit 402 can be pressed manually or mechanically.

[0054] 4b shows the injection of adhesive 24 into cavity 20 according to method step b) via frame passage recess 22a formed in the upper side of sealing frame 18. Adhesive 24 is supplied by cartridge 34. In general, adhesive 24 can be supplied in various ways, but introduction by cartridge 34 is particularly advantageous in terms of the dosage of adhesive 24.

[0055] FIG. 4c shows the emission of a light beam 36 into the cavity 20 according to method step d) for curing the light-curing adhesive 24. For this purpose, the sensor unit 401 according to FIGS. 4a-4d has a light source 30 arranged in the cavity 20. A light-emitting surface 428 is arranged directly on the light source 30, in particular in the form of a housing, particularly preferably in the form of an epoxy resin lens (for the sake of clarity, only one light source 30, one light-emitting surface 428 and one representative light beam 36 are labeled). To supply energy to the light source 30, the sensor unit 402 has an integrated battery (not shown) connected to the light source 30 via a switchable electrical conductor 40 (for example in the form of a printed circuit board). After the adhesive 24 has been injected, the light source 30 is switched on. In this case, the battery (not shown) has an electrical capacity to supply energy for the duration of illumination by the light source 30 required for curing the adhesive 24. After the adhesive 24 has cured, the light source 30 and the battery (not shown) remain on the sensor unit 402 as so-called "lost elements". In general, an external power source is also contemplated. If the sensor 12 itself includes a power source, it is also contemplated that the light source 30 is provided with energy via a power source (not shown) provided to operate the sensor 12.

[0056] The sensor unit 402 has a protective cover 38 arranged on the fastening element 410, in particular on the base support element 14 and the sealing frame 18. According to the embodiment of figures 4c and 4d, the protective cover 38 is arranged on the sensor unit 402 by means of a press fit.

[0057] FIG. 4 d shows the sensor device 401 in its final state with the cured adhesive 24 .

[0058] 5a to 5d show how to fasten a sensor unit 502 according to the fourth embodiment onto a structure 3 to obtain a sensor device 501. The fastening element 510 has a completely surrounding sealing frame 18. In the base support element 514 and in the printed circuit board 40 a support passage recess 22b is formed.

[0059] FIG. 5b shows the injection of light-curing adhesive 24 into cavity 20 through support passage recess 22b of base support element 514, so that the cartridge (light-tight) can be applied more easily and the filling process can be carried out in a better manner.

[0060] FIG. 5 c illustrates the curing of adhesive 24 by irradiation with light from light source 30 .

[0061] After the adhesive 24 has hardened, the light irradiation can be terminated (FIG. 5d).

[0062] 6a to 6d show how a sensor device 601 is provided by fastening a sensor unit 602 to a structure 3 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0063] The fastening element 610 has a light-guiding element 42 between the base support element 614 and the two cavities 20. The light source 30 is arranged removably around the light-guiding element 42. The light source 30 emits a light beam 36 into the light-guiding element 42. The light-guiding element 42 is designed to guide the light beam 36 introduced by the light source 30 through the light-guiding element 42 into the cavity 20 and to decouple said light beam towards the inside of the cavity. For this purpose, the light-guiding element 42 has a light-emitting surface 628 in the region of the cavity 20. The introduced light beam 36 emerges again from the light-guiding element 42 via the light-emitting surface 628 (FIG. 6c). The cavity 20 is thus indirectly illuminated by the light source 30, by coupling light in from the outside. The light is coupled into the light-guiding element 42 at least at one point, in particular at several points, particularly preferably over the entire circumference of the light-guiding element 42.

[0064] 6b shows the filling of the cavity 20 through the frame passage recess 22a and the support passage recess 22b. The frame passage recess 22a is formed in the sealing frame 18, and the support passage recess 22b is formed in the base support element 614 and the light-guiding element 42. The sealing frame 18 is formed circumferentially and does not have a passage recess in the example shown. However, it is also possible to fill both cavities 20 through the frame passage recess 22a of the corresponding sealing frame 18 and / or through appropriately positioned support passage recess 22b in the base support element 614.

[0065] 6c shows the curing process of the light-curing adhesive 24 after the cavity 20 has been filled. The light-guiding element 42 can have nano- and / or microstructures for decoupling the light beam 36 in the direction of the structure 3, especially in the region of the light-emitting surface 628, in order to be able to illuminate the cavity 20 as homogeneously as possible. The light source 30 is supplied with energy, for example by an external battery (not shown).

[0066] Fig. 6d shows the sensor device 601 in the completed state (sensor unit 602 fastened to the structure 3). The light source 30 has been removed from the fastening element 610 after the curing process. The protective cover 38 is placed on the fastening element 610 by press-fitting.

[0067] Taking all the figures of the drawings together, the invention relates to a holding device 10, 310, 410, 510, 610 for a sensor 12 which can be fastened to a structure 3 by means of a light-curing adhesive 24. The light-curing adhesive 24 is cured by direct and / or indirect illumination of a cavity 20 provided for receiving the light-curing adhesive 24. The invention further relates to a sensor unit 2, 302, 402, 502, 602 comprising a sensor 12 and a holding device 10, 310, 410, 510, 610, a sensor device 1, 401, 501, 601 comprising a sensor unit 2 and a structure 3, and a method for providing the device 1, 401, 501, 601. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1, 401, 501, 601 Sensor device 2, 302, 402, 502, 602 Sensor Unit 3 structure 10, 310, 410, 510, 610 Fastening elements 12 Sensors 14, 514, 614 Base support element 16 Extension direction of structure 18 Sealing frame 20, 320 cavities 22a Frame passage recess 22b Support passage recess 24 Light-curing adhesive 26 Transparent layer 28, 428, 628 emitting surface 30 light source 32 Adhesive 34 Cartridge 36 Light Beam 38 Protective cover 40 Switchable Conductors / Printed Circuit Boards 42 Light guide element

[0069] References list [1] Elastic Bonding-Reducing System Costs in the Solar Industry; Issue 6 / November-December 2011: solar energy; Pages 50, 51 [2] Renewable Energies-Sealing / Gluing / Casting-Photovoltaic Modules;OTTO-Chemie;https: / / www.otto-chemie.de / de / erneuerbare-energien [3] European Patent Application Publication No. 19180254.5 [4] DE 102017216811 A1

Claims

1. A fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) for fastening a sensor (12) to a structure (3) to be monitored, said fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) comprising: a base support element (14, 514, 614), a sealing frame (18) for sealing said base support element (14, 514, 614) to said structure (3); a cavity (20, 320) for receiving a light-curing adhesive (24), the cavity (20, 320) being bounded on one side by said base support element (14, 514, 614) and on a periphery by said sealing frame (18); at least one light emitting surface (28, 428, 628) for coupling a light beam (36) into said cavity (20, 320); at least one passage recess (22a, 22b) for introducing said light-curing adhesive (24) into said cavity (20, 320); A fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610), characterized in that it has

2. Fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one light source (30) for at least partially illuminating, directly or indirectly, said cavity (20, 320).

3. 3. Fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to claim 2, characterized in that a plurality of light sources (30) are arranged at a fixed distance from each other.

4. Fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the light source (30) is arranged in the cavity (20, 320).

5. Fastening element (10, 310) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the base support element (14) comprises a transparent layer (26) on which the light source (30) is arranged.

6. Fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the light source (30) is designed to emit UV light.

7. 7. The fastening element (610) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a light-guiding element (42) for light-guidingly connecting the light source (30) to the light-emitting surface (628).

8. The fastening element (610) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the light source (30) is removably arranged on the base support element (614) and / or on the sealing frame (18).

9. A sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) having a sensor (12) and a fastening element (10, 310, 410, 510, 610) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensor (12) is arranged on a side of the base support element (14, 514, 614) opposite the cavity (20, 320).

10. 10. The sensor unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the sensor (12) is a strain sensor.

11. A sensor device (1, 401, 501, 601) comprising a sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) according to any one of claims 9 or 10 and a structure (3) to be monitored, characterized in that the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) is positioned on the structure (3) such that the cavity (20, 320) of the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) is partitioned from the structure (3) on the side opposite the base support element (14, 514, 614), and the cavity (20, 320) is at least partially filled with a light-curing adhesive.

12. The sensor device according to claim 11, characterized in that a lighting fixture having at least one light source (30) can be arranged on the sensor unit (602), the lighting fixture being designed to directly and / or indirectly illuminate the cavity (20, 320).

13. A method for fastening a sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) according to any of claims 9 and 10 to a structure (3), said method comprising the steps of: a) attaching said sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602) to said structure (3); b) introducing the light curing adhesive (24) into the cavity (20, 320) of the sensor unit (2, 302, 402, 502, 602); c) introducing light (36) into said cavity (20, 320) for the purpose of curing said adhesive (24); The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

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