Sensor with pull-out preventer

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor element (2) for measuring force distributions, having: at least one sensor cell (3), which forms a sensitive region, and a plug outlet (4), which makes it possible to make contact with a sensor-signal-processing unit in a plugging direction (R), wherein the plug outlet (4) has, in a transitional region into the sensor-signal-processing unit, a pull-out preventer (5) with at least two bearing surfaces (5a, 5b) which can interlock and / or overlap with at least largely parallel bearing surfaces (13) of a housing (10) of the sensor-signal-processing unit during assembly.

Description

[0001] 202403259 1

[0002] Description

[0003] Sensor with pull-out protection

[0004] The present invention relates to a sensor with pull-out protection for measuring force distributions by means of printed electronics as well as for measuring force distributions with force guide studs which are fixed on a separate element, not in a fixed position on the sensor.

[0005] It is known that no temperature can be measured on the sensor mat. This is necessary to compensate for the temperature dependence of the cells in order to enable an exact measurement of absolute forces.

[0006] GB 2482192B

[0007] US 2020319044 A1

[0008] DE 10 2011 016 344 A1

[0009] DE10 2021 211 795

[0010] One object of the present invention is therefore the contacting and fixing of a sensor element in an electronic unit. Preferably, this involves compensating for large tolerance ranges in the position of the connector housing or the crimped plug contacts relative to the outer contour of the sensor.

[0011] The problem is solved according to the invention as follows:

[0012] A sensor element (preferably using pressure-sensitive resistive sensor elements, alternatively electroactive polymers or other capacitive or inductive sensors) with one or more sensitive areas (sensor cells). 202403259 2

[0013] For contact, the sensor element has a connector outlet that enables connection to a sensor signal processing unit. This outlet preferably projects radially from the sensor element, particularly preferably in the rear third on the outer side.

[0014] The connector outlet has at least two contact surfaces in the transition area to the sensor signal processing unit. On the side of the sensor signal processing unit housing, at least largely parallel contact surfaces are formed, which interlock / overlap with the contact surfaces of the sensor during assembly.

[0015] In other words, the above-mentioned task is solved by a sensor element for measuring force distributions, comprising:

[0016] - at least one sensor cell forming a sensitive area,

[0017] - a connector outlet that enables contact with a sensor signal processing unit in one plugging direction, wherein the connector outlet has a pull-out protection in a transition area into the sensor signal processing unit with at least two contact surfaces which can interlock and / or overlap with at least largely parallel contact surfaces of a housing of the sensor signal processing unit during assembly.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connector outlet preferably protrudes radially, particularly preferably in the rear third on the outside of the sensor element, from the sensor element.

[0019] Preferably, the contact surfaces are essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction. Preferably, at least one contact surface is oriented in the insertion direction and one contact surface is oriented in the opposite direction. 202403259 3

[0020] In other words, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the contact surfaces are formed essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the plug exit, in particular wherein at least one contact surface is oriented in the insertion direction and one contact surface in the opposite direction.

[0021] Preferably, plug contacts are crimped onto the end of the plug outlet, which are preferably guided and protected by a housing.

[0022] In other words, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, plug contacts are crimped onto one end of the plug outlet, which are preferably guided and protected by a plug housing.

[0023] Preferably, the pull-out protection restricts the positioning between sensor and housing essentially in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0024] In other words, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the pull-out protection is designed to restrict the positioning between the sensor element and the housing essentially in a direction parallel to the insertion direction.

[0025] Preferably, the pull-out protection offers tolerance compensation perpendicular to the insertion direction. This allows for compensation of lateral positional tolerances between the crimp and the sensor.

[0026] The compensation for the positional tolerance of the crimps relative to the sensor parallel to the insertion direction can be achieved via the plug contact itself.

[0027] Sensor element with ring-shaped arrangement of sensor cells close to the outer contour. 202403259 4

[0028] In other words, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor element has a ring-shaped arrangement of several sensor cells, preferably three to nine sensor cells, close to the outer contour of the sensor element.

[0029] Optionally, add another cell in the center.

[0030] 3-9 cells in total. Preferably 7 cells around the perimeter.

[0031] 1 sensor centrally at the front (toe sensor), two sensors at the rear left and right (heel sensors).

[0032] Optionally or preferably 1-2 sensors per side between the toe and heel sensors.

[0033] Optionally, an additional sensor can be installed in the center at the rear and another sensor on the central axis between the front and rear sensors.

[0034] A temperature-sensitive element (for example, NTC, PTC) is preferably integrated onto the sensor element. Particularly preferably, the temperature sensor is in the form of a long printed electrical conductor, preferably arranged in a meandering shape in the middle.

[0035] In other words, according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it has an integrated temperature-sensitive element, in particular in the form of a centrally arranged, meandering electrical conductor. 202403259 5

[0036] Sensor element preferably manufactured as printed electronics, at least partially enclosed on one or both sides with at least one first carrier film, preferably a PET film.

[0037] A reaction force measuring system with such a sensor plate.

[0038] A diagnostic system with such a reaction force measurement system and sensor signal transmission and reception unit, as well as a data processing unit and display on an end device.

[0039] In other words, the problem stated at the outset is also solved by a reaction force measuring system that includes a sensor element according to the invention. The reaction force measuring system optionally includes the sensor signal processing unit described above.

[0040] In other words, the problem initially set out is also solved by a diagnostic system comprising a reaction force measuring system according to the invention, as well as a sensor signal transmission and reception unit, a data processing unit and a display on an end device.

[0041] A shoe with such a sensor element.

[0042] In other words, the problem initially posed is also solved by a shoe, in particular a work shoe for occupational health monitoring, which has a sensor element according to the invention.

[0043] This results in the following advantages:

[0044] - Applying the load at the edge allows for particularly good determination of the symmetry behavior during ground contact with the element being measured (hoof).

[0045] - Small number of sensors enables compact contacting due to a low number of cable strands 202403259 6

[0046] Temperature sensor with low additional costs and very good performance

[0047] Temperature measurement directly at the sensor element

[0048] Applications:

[0049] - Performance or stress assessment on humans for integration into shoes (e.g., work shoes for occupational health checks)

[0050] - Performance or stress assessment on other animals (e.g. camel racing)

[0051] - Determination of loads and load distributions at the support points of machines or systems

[0052] Exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following schematic figures. These show:

[0053] Figure 1 shows a top view of a sensor element 2 according to the invention in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 2 shows a view of a shoe according to the invention with an integrated sensor element according to one embodiment; and

[0055] Figure 3 shows a side view of the shoe according to the invention from Figure 2 with a contacted sensor signal processing unit.

[0056] Figure 1 shows a sensor element 2 according to the invention. The sensor element 2 has at least one sensor cell 3 forming a sensitive area. The sensor element 2 has a connector outlet 4. The connector outlet 4 serves to establish contact with a (not shown)

[0057] To enable a sensor signal processing unit. For this purpose, the connector outlet 4 is designed to be plugged into such a sensor signal processing unit in a plugging direction R. The 202403259 7

[0058] The sensor signal processing unit serves to receive and process the sensor signals or sensor data recorded by sensor element 2. The sensor signal processing unit can also be referred to as an electronics unit or control unit.

[0059] Within the framework of the required signal connection between the sensor element 2 and the sensor signal processing unit, a key challenge lies in the reliable electrical contacting as well as the mechanical fixing of the sensor element 2 to the sensor signal processing unit.

[0060] Of particular importance here is the compensation for manufacturing tolerances that can occur when a connector 7 – as shown in Figures 2 and 3 – is attached or crimped onto the connector outlet 4. Due to production processes, the positioning of the connector 7 on the connector outlet is subject to certain variations and is therefore not always precisely in the same position. These tolerances can affect the exact positional relationship between the connector and the sensor and must be compensated for by suitable design measures to ensure a permanently stable and reliable connection.

[0061] To overcome the described challenges in the area of ​​contacting and fixing, the connector outlet 4 in the transition area to the sensor signal processing unit has a specially designed pull-out protection device 5. This device is provided with at least two contact surfaces 5a and 5b, which are designed to interact with corresponding, preferably largely parallel, contact surfaces – for example, as part of ribs 13 (see Figure 3) – of the housing 10 of the sensor signal processing unit.

[0062] The contact surfaces 5a, 5b enable a positive interlocking and / or overlapping with the housing elements, thereby ensuring reliable mechanical securing of the connector 7. At the same time, this design 202403259 8 helps to effectively compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the area of ​​connector positioning and to permanently ensure the functional reliability of the signal connection.

[0063] The contact surfaces 5a, 5b are essentially perpendicular to the insertion direction R of the connector outlet 4. A first contact surface 5a is oriented in the insertion direction R and a second contact surface 5b in the opposite direction.

[0064] The pull-out protection 5 is designed to restrict the positioning between sensor element 2 and housing 10 essentially in a direction parallel to the insertion direction R.

[0065] The pull-out protection 5 forms a tolerance compensation perpendicular to the insertion direction R. This allows a positional tolerance existing perpendicular to the insertion direction R between sensor element 2 and the crimped connector 7 to be compensated.

[0066] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the sensor element 2 has the following optional structure:

[0067] The sensor element 2 is adapted for a shoe 12 for a hoofed animal (so-called hoof shoe), as shown in the arrangement of the sensor cells 3. One sensor cell 3 is located centrally at the front. Another sensor cell 3 is located at the rear left. Another sensor cell 3 is located at the rear right.

[0068] Preferably, one or two sensor cells 3 are arranged on each side between these foremost and rearmost sensor cells 3. In the present case, two sensor cells 3 per side are arranged between the foremost sensor cell 3 and the two rearmost sensor cells 3. This results in a ring-shaped arrangement of seven sensor cells 3, close to the outer contour of the sensor element 2 or on the circumference of the sensor cell 2. 202403259 9

[0069] Optionally, an additional sensor cell 3a can be positioned centrally at the rear and another sensor cell can be positioned on the central axis between the additional sensor cell 3a and the foremost sensor cell 3 (indicated by a dotted rectangle).

[0070] Optionally, the sensor element 2 includes a temperature-sensitive element 8 or a temperature sensor. This can be designed as an NTC temperature sensor (negative temperature coefficient sensor) or a PTC temperature sensor (positive temperature coefficient sensor). In this case, the temperature sensor has the form of a long, printed electrical conductor, which is meandering and integrated centrally into the sensor element 2.

[0071] Figures 2 and 3 show different views of a shoe 12 according to the invention, in this case designed as a hoof shoe, with an integrated sensor element 2 according to the invention. The sensor element 2 is covered by a pressure guide stud 2a. The connector outlet 4 with pull-out protection and crimped connector 7 is visible.

[0072] Figure 3 shows a side view of the shoe 12 with the attached sensor signal processing unit. For mechanical securing, the pull-out protection 5 is inserted between two ribs 13 of the housing in the transition area between the connector outlet 4 and the housing 10 of the sensor signal processing unit.

[0073] The plug 7 is inserted in the insertion direction R into a corresponding socket or other connecting element of the sensor signal processing unit. The pull-out protection 5 is designed to mechanically limit the positioning of the sensor element 2 relative to the housing 10 in a direction parallel to the insertion direction R. This is achieved by a positive engagement between the pull-out protection 5 and the ribs 13 of the housing 10. 202403259 10

[0074] At the same time, the pull-out protection 5 allows for tolerance compensation perpendicular to the insertion direction R, since there is no positive locking in this direction. This allows positional deviations transverse to the insertion direction R, such as those caused by manufacturing tolerances during the crimping of the connector 7, to be compensated for constructively without impairing the functional reliability of the electrical connection.

Claims

202403259 11 Patent claims 1. Sensor element (2) for measuring force distributions, comprising: - at least one sensor cell forming a sensitive area (3), - a connector outlet (4) that enables contact with a sensor signal processing unit in one plugging direction (R), wherein the connector outlet (4) has a pull-out protection (5) with at least two contact surfaces (5a, 5b) in a transition area into the sensor signal processing unit, which can interlock and / or superimpose with at least largely parallel contact surfaces (13) of a housing (10) of the sensor signal processing unit during assembly.

2. Sensor element (2) according to claim 1, wherein the contact surfaces (5a, 5b) are formed substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction (R) of the connector exit (4), in particular wherein at least one contact surface (5a) is oriented in the insertion direction (R) and one contact surface (5b) is oriented in the opposite direction.

3. Sensor element (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pull-out protection (5) is configured to restrict the positioning between sensor element (2) and housing (10) substantially in a direction parallel to the insertion direction (R).

4. Sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pull-out protection (5) forms a tolerance compensation perpendicular to the insertion direction (R). 202403259 12 5. Sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims with a ring-shaped arrangement of several sensor cells (3), preferably three to nine sensor cells (2), close to the outer contour of the sensor element (2).

6. Sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connector outlet (4) preferably extends radially, particularly preferably in the rear third on the outside of the sensor element (2), from the sensor element (2).

7. Sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein plug contacts are crimped onto one end of the plug outlet (4), which are preferably guided and protected by a housing of a plug (7).

8. Sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims with an integrated temperature-sensitive element (8), in particular in the form of a centrally arranged, meandering electrical conductor.

9. Reaction force measuring system comprising a sensor element (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Diagnostic system comprising a reaction force measurement system according to claim 9 as well as a sensor signal transmission and reception unit, a data processing unit and a display on an end device.

11. Shoe (12), in particular a work shoe for occupational health monitoring, comprising a sensor element (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8.

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