DE102017121933A1 - Battery powered device for evaluation of sensor signals - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery powered device (100) for evaluating sensor signals comprises: a first board (110), a second board (120), a flexible electrical connector (130), a microcontroller (140), and a wireless communication device (150). The first circuit board (110) and the second circuit board (120) each have an electrical contact surface (112, 122) for contacting at least one electrical energy store (50). The flexible electrical connection element (130) connects the first circuit board (110) and the second circuit board (120) and has a length such that the electrical energy store (50) can be contacted on both sides by the two contact surfaces (112, 122). The microcontroller (140) is used to process the sensor signals and is formed on the first board (110) and connected to the two electrical contact surfaces (112,122) of the first board (110) and the second board (120) to after insertion of the electrical Energy storage (50) to be powered. The device (150) for wireless data transmission is designed to connect the microcontroller (140) to an external evaluation unit.

Description

The present invention relates to a battery powered device for evaluating sensor signals, and more particularly to a threaded housing (e.g., a threaded sleeve) for electronics in a confined space.

background

In many applications, it is necessary to accommodate a sensor together with electronics and energy supply in a small space. In particular, this poses a problem when - apart from the limited space - a harsh environment prevails or when the sensor should be housed together with the electronics and the power supply to moving parts where a wiring or power supply is limited.

One example is a tool holder through which coolant passes, which, for example, is to be adapted in order to integrate an active sensor system and to transmit the associated sensor signals wirelessly, without thereby generating an interference contour. A well-known example of this is the placement of the electronics in a more or less elaborate groove in the interior of the tool holder, which, however, can be equipped only with considerable additional effort and also has no own power supply.

Another example is vibration, force or strain measurements to be performed on rotating parts. Again, the space is often very limited and wiring is just as possible.

Therefore, there is a need for further ways to provide electronics as much as possible with a power supply as a self-sufficient unit.

Summary

At least part of the above-mentioned problems is solved by a battery-operated device for evaluating sensor signals according to claim 1, a threaded sleeve according to claim 6 and a method for their production according to claim 8.

The present invention relates to a battery powered device for evaluating sensor signals. The device comprises a first circuit board, a second circuit board, a flexible electrical connection element, a microcontroller and a device for wireless data transmission. The first board and the second board each have an electrical contact surface for contacting at least one battery. The flexible electrical connection element connects the first circuit board and the second circuit board with one another and has a length such that the battery can be contacted on both sides by the two contact surfaces. The microcontroller is designed to evaluate the sensor signals and is arranged on the first circuit board. It is connected to the two electrical contact surfaces of the first board and the second board to be powered after inserting the battery with power. The device for wireless data transmission is designed to connect the microcontroller with an external evaluation / control unit.

The battery-powered device does not necessarily comprise the battery itself (e.g., one or more button cells), but is merely adapted to receive a corresponding battery. The battery is thus not a mandatory part of the device. In addition, the device according to further embodiments, exactly two or more than two boards, between which one or more batteries can be sandwiched and contacted. The second board may optionally be formed of a flexible circuit board material (similar to the connection element).

Optionally, the device for wireless data transmission is designed to receive sensor signals from an external sensor and to forward the sensor signals to the microcontroller and to pass on the results of the evaluation to the external evaluation unit.

Optionally, the device further comprises at least one sensor, which detects sensor data and transmits it to the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is designed to perform at least one preprocessing of the sensor data. Optionally, the at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one of the following metrics: vibration, temperature, acceleration, force, strain, sound, structure-borne noise, rotation angle, slope, time, position data (e.g., GPS data).

In addition, the wireless data transmission device may be configured to receive control commands from an external control unit and, based thereon, for example, to cause the sensor to acquire sensor data.

The at least one sensor can be arranged on the first board or the second board or on the connecting element. It is also possible that an antenna for wireless data transmission is formed as part of the flexible electrical connection element. It continues it is possible for a number of sensors to have a part of the sensors on the first board and another part of the sensors on the second board or on the connecting element.

Optionally, the first board and the second board have a shape (e.g., a round shape) so that the first board and the second board together with the battery can be inserted into a bore or into a threaded sleeve.

The present invention also relates to a threaded sleeve having a sleeve-shaped body having an external thread and an inner portion. The threaded sleeve further comprises one of the devices described above, which is insertable together with at least one battery in the inner region, so that the threaded sleeve is screwed together with the device into a bore.

Optionally, the threaded sleeve has a cover element which is designed to close the sleeve-shaped body accordingly after inserting the device into the sleeve-shaped body. Optionally, a bias may be applied to the device such that the first board and the second board contact the interposed battery under a bias voltage. In addition, bumps could be inside the sleeve so that the boards are held inside.

• - Bereitstellen einer zuvor beschriebenen Vorrichtung und eines hülsenförmigen Körpers, der ein Außengewinde und einen Innenbereich aufweist;
• - Einsetzen zumindest eines elektrischen Energiespeichers (z.B. eine Batterie) zwischen der ersten Platine und zweiten Platine;
• - Einsetzen der Vorrichtung zusammen mit der Batterie in den Innenbereich des hülsenförmigen Körpers, sodass die Gewindehülse zusammen mit der Vorrichtung in eine Bohrung einschraubbar ist.

The present invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a threaded sleeve with mounted electronics. The method comprises the steps:

• - Providing a device and a sleeve-shaped body described above, which has an external thread and an inner region;
• Inserting at least one electrical energy store (eg a battery) between the first board and the second board;
• - Inserting the device together with the battery in the inner region of the sleeve-shaped body, so that the threaded sleeve can be screwed together with the device in a bore.

It is also possible for the electronics (the device described above) to be inserted in a cylinder with an external thread and then screwed into an exemplary tool holder or another component in order to detect or evaluate sensor data there. The present invention therefore also relates to corresponding uses of the device.

• - Die Elektronik kann effizient in bestehende Werkzeughalter integriert werden, ohne dass die Struktur und Beschaffenheit des Werkzeughalters beeinträchtigt wird.
• - Es ist auf einfacher Weise möglich, die Elektronik auszutauschen, wobei es nur einen geringen Eingriff in den Werkzeughalter oder das Werkstück bedarf (z.B. das Ausbilden einer Bohrung mit einem optionalen Innengewinde, an dem beispielsweise die Gewindehülse eingeschraubt wird).
• - Eine einfache Nachrüstung der Sensorik ist möglich.

Advantages of exemplary embodiments emerge in particular from the following aspects:

• - The electronics can be efficiently integrated into existing tool holders without affecting the structure and condition of the tool holder.
• - It is easily possible to replace the electronics, with only a small intervention in the tool holder or the workpiece is required (eg forming a hole with an optional internal thread on which, for example, the threaded sleeve is screwed).
• - A simple retrofitting of the sensors is possible.

list of figures

• 1 zeigt eine batteriebetriebene Vorrichtung zur Auswertung von Sensorsignalen gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung.
• 2 zeigt die Vorrichtung aus der 1 von der gegenüberliegenden Seite.
• 3 zeigt das Resultat nach dem Einsetzen der Batterien in die Vorrichtung aus der 1.
• 4A, 4B zeigen ein beispielhaftes Einsetzen der Vorrichtung aus der 1 zusammen mit mehreren Batterien in eine Gewindehülse.

The embodiments of the present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings of the different embodiments, which should not, however, be construed as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but for explanation and understanding only.

• 1 shows a battery-powered device for evaluation of sensor signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.
• 2 shows the device from the 1 from the opposite side.
• 3 shows the result after inserting the batteries in the device of the 1 ,
• 4A . 4B show an exemplary insertion of the device from the 1 together with several batteries in a threaded sleeve.

Detailed description

1 shows a battery powered device 100 for the evaluation of sensor signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device 100 includes: a first board 110 , a second board 120 , a flexible electrical connection element 130 , a microcontroller 140 and a facility 150 for wireless data transmission (may be optional along with the microcontroller 140 integrated on a chip). The first board 110 and the second board 120 each have an electrical contact surface 112 . 122 for contacting at least one battery (not shown in FIG 1 ). The flexible electrical connection element 130 connects the first board 110 with the second board 120 and has a length so that the battery on both sides by the two contact surfaces 112 . 122 is contactable. Of the microcontroller 140 is used to evaluate the sensor signals and is on the first board 110 (on the back) is formed and is with the two electrical contact surfaces 112 . 122 the first board 110 and the second board 120 connected to be powered after inserting the battery. The device 150 for wireless data transmission is designed to be the microcontroller 140 to connect to an external evaluation or control unit.

For example, the first board 110 and the second board 120 each be a disk-shaped, round board, the electronics between the first and second board 110 . 120 split and the power supply in the form of the battery 50 between the boards 110 . 120 or the corresponding contact surfaces 112 . 122 can be clamped. According to embodiments, the connecting element 130 a flexible circuit board, which is also called rigid flex. The electrical contact surfaces 112 . 122 are located on the bottom of each board 110 . 120 and form free metallic surfaces 112 . 122 between which the energy storage 50 (Batteries, rechargeable battery, etc.) are clamped.

2 shows the device 100 from the opposite side, leaving the microcontroller 140 on the first board 110 is visible. In the embodiment of 2 are on the second board 120 a plurality of sensor elements 160 and the device for wireless data transmission 150 arranged. The device for wireless data transmission 150 but can also work together with the microcontroller 140 be integrated in a package / chip or arranged on the same board. Besides, the first board 110 and the second board 120 formed as round, disc-shaped boards, for example, have a diameter that is adapted to a battery to be used. It is also possible to stack several batteries one above the other between the first contact surface 112 and the second contact surface 122 be interconnected in series.

The result is in the 3 shown where two batteries 50 between the disc-shaped first board 110 and the disk-shaped second board 120 are arranged and the microcontroller 140 is formed on a surface opposite to the battery contact. Subsequently, this electronics (device 100 ) together with the batteries 50 be used in an easy-to-make hole.

Due to the round and compact shape of the boards 110 . 120 The electronics can be easily placed in holes. It is also possible that the electronics / device 100 is mounted in a threaded sleeve, so that objects can be equipped very quickly and cost-effectively with the electronics. The electronics are mechanically fixed to the object, but can still be replaced quickly. The mechanically strong connection has the advantage that sensors 160 on the electronics continue to capture all variables from the interior of the object.

4A . 4B show an exemplary insertion of the device 100 along with the batteries 50 in a threaded sleeve 200 holding a sleeve body 210 having an external thread. 4A shows a cross-sectional view through the sleeve body 210 with the external thread, which can be screwed into a bore (not shown) with an internal thread. The sleeve body 210 includes an opening 220 and can be closed from the opposite side. In addition, surveys can 230 inside the sleeve body 210 so that the device 100 can be kept inside. Besides, the first board is 110 and the second board 120 formed in a circular shape so that they are in the sleeve body 210 as accurately as possible (see 4B) ,

Optionally, the opening 220 of the sleeve body 210 through which the device 100 was inserted, closed with a lid (in the 4B Not shown). The lid, for example, on one of the surveys 230 be fixed and under a bias the device 100 in the sleeve body 210 hold, so that there is always a reliable electrical contact with the battery. After closing the sleeve body 210 The threaded sleeve can be screwed into a bore (eg a tool holder) and there detect sensor signals and transmit them wirelessly to an external evaluation circuit.

According to embodiments, the microcontroller comprises 140 or the device 100 a Bluetooth interface as a device for wireless data transmission 150 , which for example works with a built-in antenna for 2.4 GHz. An exemplary built-in shock sensor can be used, for example, to detect vibrations in the field. Such a system is a completely self-sufficient device suitable for detecting and transmitting vibration data.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention allow existing components or tool holders or other elements to be combined into a self-powered sensor with integrated radio transmission. Likewise, a non-contact, independent of physical interfaces detection and transmission of measurement data, such as temperature, acceleration, vibration, etc., possible. Compared to previous known solutions thus an uncomplicated and cost-effective way is created to accommodate electronics together with a sensor in difficult to maintain or exchanging elements that do not require a large amount of space.

Embodiments also relate to use of the flexible circuit boards and associated boards for sensing sensor data and preprocessing in bores or screw-in connections, wherein an integrated antenna enables wireless data transmission. Application areas of embodiments include, in particular, the data acquisition via a sensor system, as are possible, for example, in the case of machine tools in the form of vibrations as an indicator of wear, or for a coolant flow, force detection or temperature. In particular, embodiments are applicable where there is little space available and the sensors are as invisible as possible and a physical interface should not be present (e.g., due to movement of the corresponding parts). In addition, embodiments are useful for self-sufficient systems.

• - Prozessüberwachung in der Produktion,
• - Versuchsaufbauten (Entwicklung/Forschung),
• - Alarmanlagen,
• - Wellen/drehende Teile.

Thus, embodiments may be used for the following technologies:

• - process monitoring in production,
• - experimental setups (development / research),
• - alarm systems,
• - waves / rotating parts.

The battery and the power consumption of the sensor determines the life, which can therefore be specified for example by the battery capacity. It is also possible to provide sensors with a customized lifetime.

The features of the invention disclosed in the description, the claims and the figures may be essential for the realization of the invention either individually or in any combination.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

50

at least one electrical energy store (e.g., battery)

100

battery powered device

110, 120

boards

112, 122

electrical contact surfaces

130

flexible electrical connection element

140

microcontroller

150

Device for wireless data transmission

160

at least one sensor element

200

threaded sleeve

210

sleeve body

220

sleeve opening

230

surveys

Claims (8)

Battery-powered device (100) for evaluating sensor signals, having the following features: a first circuit board (110) and a second circuit board (120) each having an electrical contact surface (112, 122) for contacting at least one electrical energy store (50); a flexible electrical connection element (130) which connects the first circuit board (110) and the second circuit board (120) and has a length such that the electrical energy store (50) can be contacted on both sides by the two contact surfaces (112, 122); a microcontroller (140) for processing the sensor signals, which is formed on the first board (110) and connected to the two electrical contact surfaces (112, 122) of the first board (110) and the second board (120) to a Inserting the electrical energy store (50) to be powered; and a device (150) for wireless data transmission in order to connect the microcontroller (140) to an external evaluation unit or control unit. Device (100) according to Claim 1 in that the device (150) for wireless data transmission is designed to receive sensor signals from an external sensor and to forward the sensor signals to the microcontroller (140) and to pass on the results of the evaluation to the external evaluation unit or control unit. Device (100) according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 further comprising at least one sensor (160) detecting sensor data and transmitting it to the microcontroller (140), wherein the microcontroller (140) is adapted to perform at least pre-processing of the sensor data. Device (100) according to Claim 3 wherein the at least one sensor (160) is designed to detect at least one of the following measured variables: vibrations, a temperature, an acceleration, a force, an elongation, sound, structure-borne sound, rotation angle, inclination, time, position data. Device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first board (110) and the second board (120) have a shape, in particular a round shape, so that the first board (110) and the second board (120) can be used together with the electrical energy store (50) in a bore or in a threaded sleeve (200). A threaded sleeve (200) comprising: a sleeve-shaped body (210) having an external thread and an interior portion; and a device (100) according to one of Claims 1 to 5 , which is insertable together with at least one electrical energy storage (50) in the inner region, so that the threaded sleeve (200) can be screwed together with the device into a bore. Threaded sleeve (200) after Claim 6 further comprising a lid member adapted to, upon insertion of the device (100) into the sleeve-shaped body (210), correspondingly close the sleeve-shaped body (210) and optionally exert a bias on the device (100) such that the first board (110) and the second board (120) contact the intermediate electrical energy store (50) under a bias voltage. Method for producing a threaded sleeve (200) with mounted electronics (100, 140), comprising the following steps: providing a device (100) according to Claim 1 and a sleeve-shaped body (210) having an external thread and an interior portion; Inserting at least one electrical energy store (50) between the first board (110) and the second board (120); Inserting the device (100) together with the electrical energy store (50) in the inner region of the sleeve-shaped body (210), so that the threaded sleeve (200) together with the device (100) can be screwed into a bore.

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