DE102020102831A1 - Device for connecting a sensor and manufacturing method therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A device is disclosed, comprising: a first part which is set up to be connected to the textile; a second part which is set up to be arranged on the data processing device; wherein the first part and the second part are designed to be detachably connected to one another; and wherein the device is designed to transmit information on one or more channels between the sensor and the data processing device.

Description

Technical field

The disclosure relates to devices for connecting a sensor, which is comprised by a textile, to a data processing device. The disclosure also relates to methods of manufacturing parts for the corresponding devices.

background

For quality assurance and work simplification, textiles are to be used in production in the future, which include sensors and actuators that provide the worker with information and / or provide the information for documentation and evaluation and control of the work results.

In-house developments relate, for example, to gloves whose fingertips are equipped with sensors. The information recorded by the gloves should be forwarded to a signal processing unit and / or to a data center after it has been recorded. The data is then evaluated and processed there. In order to be able to forward the recorded information within the textiles to a transponder, for example, which can send the information to a data center, a connection must be established that is adapted to the complexity of the textile equipped with sensors. In particular, this should not be too large or too heavy so as not to hinder the worker in his work. Furthermore, the connection must be practical for the worker.

description

In contrast, the task arises of improving a connection between a sensor on a textile and a data processing device.

This problem is solved by the invention, which is defined by the subjects of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to corresponding developments. Various aspects and embodiments of these aspects are disclosed below that provide additional features and advantages.

Some embodiments solve the problem of connecting sensors which are arranged on a glove to a data processing device. The data processing device is not located on the glove, but on another textile that is worn by the worker wearing the glove. Such a textile can be, for example, an arm cuff or wrist cuff. Accordingly, the worker must connect these two devices to one another when putting on the glove and the transponder arm cuff. The device for connection can be designed as a push button. One side of the push button is arranged on the cuff. The other side of the push button is arranged on the glove. After putting on the cuff and glove, the worker can quickly and easily connect the two parts to one another using the push button and thereby establish contact between the sensor on the glove and the data processing device on the cuff.

• - einen ersten Teil, welcher dazu eingerichtet ist mit einem Textil verbunden zu werden;
• - einen zweiten Teil, welcher dazu eingerichtet ist an einer

A first aspect relates to an apparatus comprising:

• a first part which is set up to be connected to a textile;
• - a second part, which is set up for this purpose on a

Data processing device to be arranged;
wherein the first part and the second part are adapted to be releasably connected to one another;
and wherein the device is set up to transmit information on one or more channels between the sensor and the data processing device.

A textile can in particular be a piece of clothing or a piece of clothing. In particular, a textile can be a jacket, a shirt, a glove, a cuff, a patch and / or a cuff. In particular, a textile can be a glove and / or a thumb.

The data processing device can in particular be a transponder. In particular, the data processing device can be worn on the body of a worker. For example, if the textile is a glove or a thumb, the data processing device can be encompassed by a cuff as a transponder, the cuff being worn in particular around the wrist that leads to the hand that encompasses the sensor glove.

A sensor can in particular comprise a piezoresistive sensor. Additionally or alternatively, a sensor can also comprise a magnetoresistive and / or a capacitive sensor. A sensor can comprise several sub-sensors. A sensor can be woven or interwoven into the textile and / or at least partially embroidered into it.

A first part of the device relates in particular to a device which can be arranged on a textile. Additionally or alternatively, a first part can also be a feature of the textile, for example a buttonhole if the device comprises a button or is a button.

The channel or channels can in particular be set up to exchange energy and / or information between the first part and the second part of the device and accordingly to exchange this information between the sensor and the data processing device. The communication of information via the channel or channels can in particular take place serially and / or in parallel.

Additionally or alternatively, the communication can be wireless and / or wired.

Accordingly, the device represents a system which comprises at least the first part and the second part. Both parts are described in the following disclosure. They can be produced and sold both together and differently, in particular by different manufacturers. The first and the second part are accordingly disclosed as independent subjects in the following disclosure.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the first and the second part being designed to be mechanically and / or magnetically connected to one another, in particular by the device comprising one or more push buttons.

A push button is a fastening means made up of several parts. In particular, one can comprise a depression. Another can be provided with a matching head. In particular, they can be sewn and / or riveted on opposite sides of a fabric. In particular, the parts can be pressed into one another to close the push button. So that the head snaps in and the button only opens when there is a certain tensile force, the recess can accordingly be shaped as an open cavity and / or ring. In particular, a push button can comprise an additional resilient element. A push button can in particular comprise metal and / or plastic. Additionally or alternatively, the device according to the first aspect can also comprise one or more buttons that function according to a different principle, in particular ball heads, tailcoat buttons and / or push-through buttons. Buttons that are connected by a buttonhole can also be included by the device and include the functionalities described in this disclosure.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, wherein the first part is set up to be woven with the textile and / or the second part is set up to be materially connected, in particular woven, to the data processing device.

An interweaving can in particular comprise a classic interweaving and / or an interlacing. Classic weaving relates to a technique in which different threads, in particular a piezoresistive thread and a jersey thread, essentially cross at right angles. Braiding includes techniques in which different threads, in particular a piezoresistive yarn, do not cross at right angles, but in particular essentially diagonally. In order to be able to be materially connected to the data processing device, the data processing device must comprise a substance, for example a material of a cuff on which the communication part of the data processing device is arranged.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the first part being set up to be connected to the textile via one or more cables.

A cable can in particular provide energy for operating the sensor. Additionally or alternatively, a cable can transmit an information signal which, for example, includes information captured by the sensor to the data processing device. Additionally or alternatively, an information signal can also include information which is to be communicated from the data processing device to the textile or the sensor. In the case of a piezoresistive sensor, a cable can also contain information and energy to operate the piezoresistive sensor as an actuator and to stimulate it accordingly, so that the worker receives actual feedback at the point where the sensor or actuator is closest to the body of the work . A cable can comprise several sub-cables.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, wherein the first part and / or the second part comprise an electrically conductive material, in particular metal.

Metals can in particular include gold, silver and / or steel, in particular stainless steel. In comparison to silver, stainless steel has the advantage that it does not or not so easily oxidizes and is therefore more durable.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, set up a plurality of connections, in particular electrical ones and / or optical connections to connect to the textile.

An important function of the device is to supply the sensor with the energy required for operation. In the case of a piezoresistive sensor in particular, it should be supplied with energy for using the sensor as an actuator, for haptic feedback to the worker. Additionally or alternatively, an important function of the device is to provide one or more channels for data transmission. The communication can take place between one or more sensors on or in the textile and the data processing device. In particular in the case of several channels that operate through electrical cables and / or optical waveguides, it is important to provide a corresponding interface through the device via which the various channels can be connected to both the first part and / or the second part of the device. In particular, the first part of the device can be constructed in such a way that different wire-bound or light guide-bound channels are connected to the first part of the device at different connection points. If necessary, in particular if the channels operate via an electrical cable, the first part of the device must be designed in such a way that appropriate insulation takes place between the channels.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the device comprising a plurality of electrical channels and being set up to connect the plurality of electrical channels to the textile and / or to the data processing device isolated from one another via a plurality of electrodes.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the electrodes being connected to the first part and / or the second part in segments, in particular so that a distance between the individual electrodes is maximized.

In particular, the connections can be made via segment-shaped contact surfaces on the first part and / or on the second part of the device. Alternatively, the device can also be divided up differently than via segments and, for example, comprise one or more rectangular contact surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the first part and / or the second part of the device can also comprise 3-, 5-, 6-cornered contact surfaces and / or contact surfaces which have more than six corners. Additionally or alternatively, the first part and / or the second part of the device can comprise one or more round contact surfaces. Additionally or alternatively, the device, that is to say the first part and / or the second part, can comprise one or more elliptical contact surfaces.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the first part being designed to be connected to the textile in such a way that it cannot change a position relative to the textile.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the first part and the second part being designed to be connected relative to one another in one or more predetermined positions.

In particular, such a function can be implemented in that the first part of the device and the second part of the device are designed according to the key-lock principle. This can include a corresponding mechanical shape, for example such that the first part of the device and / or the second part of the device comprises a certain mechanical feature, the opposite side of which is on the other of the first part of the device or the second part of the device is formed and whereby the connection between the first part and the second part can be established in a positionally stable manner by means of these coordinated mechanical properties. In this way, when the first part is joined to the second part, the channels cannot be assigned incorrectly.

Additionally or alternatively, a key-lock principle can be achieved by a corresponding magnetic feature, which is located on the first part of the device and / or on the second part of the device and a counterpart on the corresponding other of the first part of the device or the second part of the Device is arranged. A position-stable connection between the first part of the device and the second part of the device can then be ensured via a magnetic mode of action. In this way, different connections, for example a power connection and / or a signal connection, can advantageously be uniquely assigned and correctly connected to one another. Additionally or alternatively, different channels between the first part of the device and the second part of the device can be clearly assigned and correctly connected to one another.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, the first and / or the second part comprising an electrically insulating material on the sides that are not configured to be electrically contacted in a connected state.

Such external insulation can in particular take place by means of a cap. Additionally or alternatively, external insulation can take place both on the first part of the device and / or on the second part of the device by a corresponding coating of the first part of the device or the second part of the device. A coating can be, for example, an insulating rubber or an insulating varnish.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device, wherein the first and / or the second part on the respective sides that are not configured to be electrically contacted in a connected state of the first part with the second part, electrical contacts for connection to the Textile or include with the data processing device.

In particular, a data processing device or a data communication device can be arranged on a side of the first part of the device and / or the second part of the device facing away from the contact side, for example a data transmission device which is set up to transmit data wirelessly to a receiver or data wirelessly from to receive this recipient. Additionally or alternatively, on the side facing away from the contact side, conductor-bound channels can be discharged, which for example are connected to the data processing device and / or which are connected to one or more sensors of the textile.

One embodiment of the first aspect relates to a device which is set up to be connected via an adapter plate which is located between the first and the second part and which is attached to the textile and / or to the data processing device.

An adapter plate can be arranged, for example, on a cuff which comprises the data processing device. Additionally or alternatively, the second part of the device can of course also be connected differently to the data processing device, in particular the second part of the device can be woven, braided and / or glued into the cuff.

A second aspect relates to a method for producing a device according to the first aspect, the first part and / or the second part being designed in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims.

Figure list

• 1a einen ersten Teil einer Vorrichtung nach der vorliegenden Offenbarung, welcher mit einem Textil verbunden wird;
• 1b einen zweiten Teil einer Vorrichtung nach der vorliegenden Offenbarung, welcher mit einer Datenverarbeitungseinrichtung verbunden wird;
• 2 einen ersten oder zweiten Teil einer Vorrichtung nach der vorliegenden Offenbarung, wobei dieser Teil segmentförmige Kontaktflächen aufweist und ein Merkmal zur positionsstabilen Verbindung des ersten und des zweiten Teils der Vorrichtung umfasst.

Further advantages and features emerge from the following embodiments, which refer to the figures. The figures do not always show the embodiments true to scale. The dimensions of the various features may be enlarged or reduced accordingly, particularly for the sake of clarity of the description. This shows, partly schematically:

• 1a a first part of a device according to the present disclosure which is connected to a textile;
• 1b a second part of a device according to the present disclosure, which is connected to a data processing device;
• 2 a first or second part of a device according to the present disclosure, this part having segment-shaped contact surfaces and a feature for the positionally stable connection of the first and the second part of the device.

In the following descriptions, identical reference symbols relate to identical or at least functionally or structurally similar features.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the disclosure and in which there are shown, for purposes of illustration, specific aspects in which the present disclosure may be understood.

In general, a disclosure about a described method also applies to a corresponding device in order to carry out the method, or to a corresponding system which comprises one or more devices, and vice versa. If, for example, a special method step is described, a corresponding device can comprise a feature in order to carry out the method step described, even if this feature is not explicitly described or illustrated. On the other hand, if, for example, a special device is described on the basis of functional units, a corresponding method can comprise a step that executes the functionality described, even if such steps are not explicitly described or illustrated. Likewise, a system can be provided with corresponding device features or with features in order to carry out a specific method step. It goes without saying that features of the various aspects and embodiments described above or below can be combined with one another, unless expressly stated otherwise.

Description of the figures

1a discloses a first part of the device for connecting a sensor according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The first part is designed to be arranged on a textile. The textile can be a sensor glove, for example. The first part 100a , includes a cap 101 , which is set up for this, initially with a spherical part 105 to be connected. Both elements are designed to be connected to one another in such a way that the textile is between them 102 is arranged. The connection becomes the first part 100a , consisting of the cap 101 and the ball part 105 , firmly on the textile 102 arranged. The moreover one are the cap 101 and the ball part 105 set up so that they connect to each other and to the textile 102 the end of a conductor path 104 to contact. The conductor track 104 is in particular woven and / or interwoven in the textile and comprises one or more electrically conductive sections which are formed from stainless steel yarn. In addition, the conductor track includes 104 an insulating section which electrically insulates the conductive section (s) from the environment. The insulating portion may be formed from an ordinary non-electrically conductive yarn. At the end of the track 104 there is a star-shaped fan-out 103 the various channels contained in the conductor track, which are isolated from each other accordingly, and at the end of the conductor track 104 fanned out so that they go through the cap 101 and the ball part 105 can be electrically contacted accordingly. This type of electrical contact is required in order to contact the individual channels isolated from one another via the connection, the connection between the first part 100a and the second part 100b the device takes place.

A second part 100b the device is in 1b shown. This part is shown so that it is directly below the first part 100a so that a vertical center line (dotted line) goes through the first part 100a which one out of the cap 101 and the ball part 105 consists, and the second part 100b , which from the spring part 106 and a cap 108 for the spring part 106 exists, runs. The vertical line shows how the first part 100a and the second part 100b be put together accordingly to create the connection between the textile 102 and the adapter plate 107 to enable the data processing device. The spring part 106 is shaped so that it merges with the cap 108 on an adapter plate 107 can be arranged in a stable position. The adapter plate 107 is part of a data processing device (not shown). This data processing device can be located, for example, on a cuff, part of which is the adapter plate 107 is. The spring part 106 is also shaped so that it fits into the ball part 105 of the first part 100a the device can be inserted. This plug connection can in particular take place by pressure and can in turn be released by a corresponding tensile force. Thus put the cap 101 that spherical part 105 that spring part 106 and the cap 108 a push button system through which the connection between the textile 102 and the data processing device (via adapter plate 107 ) can be made solvable and practicable for a worker.

2 represents a first or a second part 200 a device of the present disclosure, wherein the illustrated part segment-shaped contact surfaces 201 having. The part shown can be an element of the cap 101 , as well as the ball part 105 , as well as the spring part 106 , and / or the cap 108 being. It is used to correctly transmit the various energy channels and / or signal channels of the device between the sensors of the textile and the data processing device. The segment-shaped contact surfaces are over an insulation 202 each delimited from one another and electrically isolated from one another. On the segment-shaped contact surfaces 201 becomes one channel of an electrical conductor track, for example the electrical conductor track 104 , brought up and electrically contacted accordingly. This can be done, for example, by a soldered connection. As a result, the conductor track can be isolated with respect to the individual channels which are transported in the conductor track, so that the limited area in the part shown 200 of the device is optimally used to both electrically contact the channels with the respective part and to achieve maximum isolation between the channels or to avoid different channels touching each other when they are brought together in the device and thereby the communication carried over them becomes unusable or a misdirected electrical energy even destroys the device or the sensor of the textile to which contact is made by the device. The illustrated first or second part also shows 200 a mechanical characteristic of the device 204 , which is set up to always achieve a predetermined arrangement of the various channels, for example via the push-button connection which in the 1a , 1b is shown to be able to correctly transfer the channels from the first part to the second part. A rotation of the first part or the second part, so that different channels could be assigned to one another in the case of multiple connections, is made possible by the feature 204 excluded.

List of reference symbols

100a

first part of the device

100b

second part of the device

101

cap

102

Textile

103

End of the track

104

Track

105

Ball part

106

Spring part

107

Adapter plate

108

Cap for spring part

200

Element from the first or second part

201

Contact area

202

isolation

203

Cable for one channel

204

mechanical feature for a stable connection

Claims (14)

A device for connecting a sensor, which is comprised by a textile (102), to a data processing device, comprising: - A first part (100a) which is set up to be connected to the textile (102); - A second part (100b) which is set up to be arranged (108) on the data processing device; wherein the first part and the second part are adapted to be releasably connected to one another; and wherein the device is set up to transmit information on one or more channels (104) between the sensor and the data processing device. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and the second part are set up to be mechanically and / or magnetically connected to one another, in particular in that the device comprises one or more push buttons (101, 105, 106, 108). The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100a) is set up to be woven with the textile (102) and / or the second part (100b) is set up to be materially connected, in particular woven, to the data processing device . The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100a) is set up to be connected to the textile (102) via one or more cables (104). The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100a) and / or the second part (100b) comprise an electrically conductive material, in particular metal. The device according to one of the preceding claims, set up to connect a plurality of connections (203), in particular electrical and / or optical connections, to the textile (102). The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device comprises a plurality of electrical channels (104, 203) and the plurality of electrical channels is set up for this purpose via a plurality of electrodes (201) insulated from one another on the textile (102) and / or on to connect the data processing device. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein the electrodes (201) are connected segment-wise to the first part (100a) and / or the second part (100b), in particular in such a way that a distance between the individual electrodes (201) is maximized. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100a) is set up to be connected to the textile (102) in such a way that it cannot change a position relative to the textile (102). The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first part (100a) and the second part (100b) are designed to be connected relative to one another in one or more predetermined positions (204). The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second part (100a, 100b) comprise an electrically insulating material on the sides which are not configured to be electrically contacted in a connected state. The device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and / or the second part (100a, 100b) on the respective sides which are not configured to do so in a connected state of the first part (100a) with the second part (100b) electrically to be contacted, in particular electrical, contacts for connection to the textile (102) or to the data processing device. The device according to one of the preceding claims, set up for this purpose via a Adapter plate (108), which is located between the first and the second part (100a, 100b) and which is attached to the textile (102) and / or to the data processing device. A method for producing a first part (100a) and / or a second part (100b) for a device for connecting a sensor, which is comprised by a textile (102), to a data processing device, wherein the first part (100a) and / or the second part (100b) can be designed in accordance with one or more of the preceding claims.

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