DE3327158A1 - Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one fibre arranged therebetween - Google Patents

Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one fibre arranged therebetween

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Publication number
DE3327158A1
DE3327158A1 DE19833327158 DE3327158A DE3327158A1 DE 3327158 A1 DE3327158 A1 DE 3327158A1 DE 19833327158 DE19833327158 DE 19833327158 DE 3327158 A DE3327158 A DE 3327158A DE 3327158 A1 DE3327158 A1 DE 3327158A1
Authority
DE
Germany
Prior art keywords
measuring point
optical fiber
detector according
area
detector
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
DE19833327158
Other languages
German (de)
Inventor
Josef L. Dr.Rer.Nat. Jostan
Anton 7900 Ulm Knoll
Anita 7906 Blaustein-Dietingen Marten
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH
Original Assignee
Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH filed Critical Licentia Patent Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority to DE19833327158 priority Critical patent/DE3327158A1/en
Publication of DE3327158A1 publication Critical patent/DE3327158A1/en
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D5/00—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D5/26—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light
    • G01D5/32—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light
    • G01D5/34—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells
    • G01D5/353—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre
    • G01D5/35338—Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing member; Means for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for converting; Transducers not specially adapted for a specific variable characterised by optical transfer means, i.e. using infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light with attenuation or whole or partial obturation of beams of light the beams of light being detected by photocells influencing the transmission properties of an optical fibre using other arrangements than interferometer arrangements
    • G01D5/35341—Sensor working in transmission
    • G01D5/35345—Sensor working in transmission using Amplitude variations to detect the measured quantity

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a detector which contains as sensor element at least one optical fibre which is subjected to mechanical stresses. This is achieved by a body, the volume of which is dependent on a quantity to be measured, for example temperature and/ôor air humidity. Such a detector is particularly suitable for domestic appliances, for example laundry driers.

Description

Beschreibungdescription

"Detektor bestehend aus einer Lichtquelle, einem Lichtempfänger sowie mindestens einer dazwischen angeordneten Faser" Die Erfindung betrifft einen Detektor, bestehend aus einer Lichtquelle, einem Lichtempfänger sowie mindestens einer dazwischen angeordneten optischen Faser, nach dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1."Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver as well at least one interposed fiber "The invention relates to a detector, consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one in between arranged optical fiber, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Ein derartiger Detektor ist bekannt aus der DE-OS 32 32 059. Bei dem dort angegebenen Detektor wird eine optische Glasfaser mit einem Kern und einem Mantel benutst. Im Bereich der eigentlichen Meßstelle ist der Mantel entfernt, so daß dort aus der Glasfaser Licht ausgekoppelt werden kann. Dieses ist abhängig von dem Brschungsindex der Umgebung der Meßstelle. Ist die Umgebung, z.B. Luft, mit Verunreinigungen und/oder Schadstoffen belastet, so ändert sich der Brechungsindex und als Folge davon das in der Glasfaser transmittierte Licht, das gemessen wird und aus dem die Konzentration der Verunreinigungen und/oder Schadstoffe berechenbar ist. Zum Schutz des freiliegenden Kerns der Glasfaser ist die Meßstelle mit einem Gehäuse umgeben, das eine Verbindungsöffnung zur Umgebung besitzt.Such a detector is known from DE-OS 32 32 059. In the There specified detector is an optical fiber with a core and a Coat in use. The jacket has been removed in the area of the actual measuring point, see above that there light can be coupled out of the glass fiber. This is dependent on the refractive index of the Around the measuring point. Is the environment e.g. air, polluted with impurities and / or pollutants, then the changes Refractive index and, as a result, the light transmitted in the glass fiber, the is measured and from which the concentration of impurities and / or pollutants is predictable. The measuring point is used to protect the exposed core of the glass fiber surrounded by a housing which has a connection opening to the environment.

Ein derartiger Detektor ist in nachteiliger Weise störanfällig, denn bei starken mechanischen Beschleunigungen und/oder bei einer Reinigung des Detektors ist es möglich, daß die lediglich aus dem Kern bestehende Glasfaser zerstört wird. Denn der Kern einer optischen Glasfaser besitzt derzeit einen Durchmesser von höchstens ungefähr 50um (Glas-Gradientenfaser).Such a detector is disadvantageously prone to failure because with strong mechanical accelerations and / or when cleaning the detector it is possible that the glass fiber consisting only of the core is destroyed. Because the core of an optical glass fiber currently has a diameter of at most about 50um (glass gradient fiber).

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es daher, einen gattungsgemäßen Detektor ansugeben, der kostengünstig herstellbar ist, der mechanisch robust ist und der insbesondere in Haushaltsgeräten, z.B. Wäschetrocknern, einsetzbar ist.The object of the invention is therefore to provide a detector of the generic type to indicate that is inexpensive to manufacture, that is mechanically robust and that can be used in particular in household appliances, e.g. tumble dryers.

Diese Aufgabe wird gelöst durch die im kennzeichnenden Teil des Patentanspruchs l angegebenen Merkmale. Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen sind den Unteransprüchen entnehmbar.This object is achieved by the characterizing part of the claim l specified features. Refinements and developments are the subclaims removable.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand von Ausführungsbeispielen und Weiterbildungen unter Bezugnahme auf eine schematische Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen FIG. l ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel FIG. 2 ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel Die Erfindung beruht auf der an sich bekannten Erkenntnis, daß die Transmissionseigenschaften einer optischen Faser abhängig sind von den auf die Faser ausgeübten mechanischen Spannungen.The invention is illustrated below with reference to exemplary embodiments and Developments explained in more detail with reference to a schematic drawing. Show it FIG. l a first embodiment FIG. 2 a second Embodiment The invention is based on the per se known knowledge that the transmission properties of an optical fiber depend on the Mechanical stresses exerted on the fiber.

Gemäß FIG. 1 wird das von einer Lichtquelle i, z.B. einer Halbleiter-Lummineszenzdiode, ausgesandte Licht in ein optisches Faserbündel eingekoppelt, das beispielsweise aus einer Vielzahl von optischen Fasern 3, z.B. Quarzglas-Lichtwellenleiter für die optische Nachrichtenübertragung, besteht, die von einem Schutzmantel 6, z.B. einem PVC-Schlauch umgeben sind. Das über die optischen Fasern 3 übertragene Licht wird in einem Lichtempfänger 2, z.B.According to FIG. 1 the light source i, e.g. a semiconductor luminescent diode, emitted light coupled into an optical fiber bundle, for example from a variety of optical fibers 3, e.g. quartz glass optical waveguides for the optical communication, which consists of a protective jacket 6, e.g. are surrounded by a PVC hose. The light transmitted through the optical fibers 3 is in a light receiver 2, e.g.

einem Fototransistor, in ein elektrisches Signal umgewandelt und ausgewertet. Im Bereich einer Meßstelle 4 ist der Schutzmantel 6 entfernt. Die nun freiliegenden optischen Fasern 3 sind derart in ein Vergußmaterial eingebettet, daß ein Körper 5 entsteht, der mechanische Spannungen auf die optischen Fasern 3 ausüben kann. Durch diese Spannungen wird beispielsweise die Intensität des transmittierten Lichts geändert. Diese Änderung ist auswertbar. Das Material des Körpers 5 ist nun derart gewählt, daß beispielsweise bestimmte thermodynamische Größen meßbar sind, z.B.a phototransistor, converted into an electrical signal and evaluated. In the area of a measuring point 4, the protective jacket 6 is removed. The now exposed optical fibers 3 are embedded in a potting material that a body 5 arises, which can exert mechanical stresses on the optical fibers 3. These voltages determine, for example, the intensity of the transmitted light changed. This change can be evaluated. The material of the body 5 is now like this chosen that, for example, certain thermodynamic quantities are measurable, e.g.

Temperatur und/oder eine Dampfkonzentration, z.B. die Luftfeuchte. Wird beispielsweise der Körper 5 aus einem Metall mit einem großen thermischen Ausdehnungskoeffizien- ten hergestellt, so entsteht letztendlich eine temperaturabhängige Intensitätsänderung des im Licht empfänger 2 empfangenen Lichts.Temperature and / or a vapor concentration, e.g. the air humidity. If, for example, the body 5 is made of a metal with a large coefficient of thermal expansion th produced, there is ultimately a temperature-dependent change in intensity of the light received in the light receiver 2.

Wird beispielsweise der Körper 5 aus einem feuchtigkeitsempfindlichen Material hergestellt, so entstehen durch feuchtigkeitsbedingte Volumenänderungen des Körpers 5 in der optischen Faser mechanische Spannungsänderungen, die auswertbare Intensitätsänderungen des transmittierten Lichts bewirken. Eine beispielhafte Messung der Luftfeuchte ist möglich mit einem Körper 5, der aufs Acrylharz besteht, in das besonders quellbare Materialien eingelagert sind, z.B. Gelatine, Pektine, Alginate, Guargummiprodukte und/oder Kaolin, Kieselsäure oder Tonerde.If, for example, the body 5 consists of a moisture-sensitive Material produced in this way is caused by changes in volume due to moisture of the body 5 in the optical fiber mechanical stress changes that can be evaluated Cause changes in the intensity of the transmitted light. An exemplary measurement the humidity is possible with a body 5, which is based on acrylic resin, in the particularly swellable materials are stored, e.g. gelatine, pectins, alginates, Guar gum products and / or kaolin, silica or clay.

Das in FIG. 2 dargestellte Ausführungsbeispiel unterschei det sich von dem gemäß FIG. 1 beschriebenen dadurch, daß lediglich eine optische Faser 3 verwendet wird. Diese Faser 3 ist innerhalb des Körpers 5 mäander- und/oder schraubenförmig angeordnet.The in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment is different of the according to FIG. 1 described in that only one optical fiber 3 is used. This fiber 3 is meandering and / or helical within the body 5 arranged.

Die Erfindung ist nich auf die beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele beschränkt, sondern sinngemäß auf weitere anwendbar. Beispielsweise sind optische Fasern verwendbar, die vollständig aus Kunststoff bestehen. Je nach dem gewählten Material des Körpers ist es weiterhin möglich auch die Konzentration eines Dampfes und/oder einer Flüssigkeit zu messen.The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described limited, but can be applied mutatis mutandis to others. For example, optical Fibers can be used that are made entirely of plastic. Depending on the chosen Material of the body it is still possible to concentrate a vapor and / or a liquid to be measured.

Claims (7)

Patentansprüche Detektor, bestehend aus einer Lichtquelle, einem Lichtempfänger sowie mindestens einer dazwischen angeordneten optischen Faser, die in mindestens einem Bereich als Meßstelle ausgebildet ist, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Merkmale: a) die Transmissionseigenschaften der optischen Faser (3) sind zumindest im Bereich der Meßstelle (4) empfindlich gegenüber mechanischen Spannungen b) die optische Faser (3) ist im Bereich der Meßstelle (4) in einen Körper (5) eingebettet, dessen Volumen abhängig ist von einer zu messenden Größe c) die Volumenänderungen des Körpers erzeugen die mechanischen Spannungen in der optischen Faser.Claims detector, consisting of a light source, a light receiver as well as at least one optical fiber arranged therebetween, which in at least an area is designed as a measuring point, characterized by the following features: a) the transmission properties of the optical fiber (3) are at least in the range the measuring point (4) sensitive to mechanical stresses b) the optical The fiber (3) is embedded in a body (5) in the area of the measuring point (4) Volume depends on a variable to be measured c) the volume changes of the body generate the mechanical stresses in the optical fiber. 2. Detektor nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die optische Faser (3) zumindest im Bereich der Meßstelle (4) als optisches Faserbündel ausgebildet ist.2. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical The fiber (3) is designed as an optical fiber bundle at least in the area of the measuring point (4) is. 3. Detektor nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die optische Faser (3) zumindest im Bereich der Meßstelle (4) mäander- und/oder schraubenförmig angeordnet ist.3. Detector according to claim 1, characterized in that the optical Fiber (3) at least in the area of the measuring point (4) meander and / or helical is arranged. 4. Detektor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Volumenänderungen des Körpers (5) abhängig sind von der zu messenden Temperatur und/oder Dampfkonzentration in der Umgebung des Körpers (5).4. Detector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the volume changes of the body (5) are dependent on the temperature to be measured and / or vapor concentration in the vicinity of the body (5). 5. Detektor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Volumenänderungen des Körpers (5) im wesentlichen abhängig sind von der den Körper (5) umgebenden Luftfeuchte.5. Detector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the volume changes of the body (5) are essentially dependent on the the body (5) surrounding humidity. 6. Detektor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die optische Faser (3) als Quarzglas-Lichtwellenleiter mit einem Kern und einem Mantel unterschiedlicher Brechungsindizes ausgebildet ist, die auch im Bereich der Meßstelle (4) vorhanden sind.6. Detector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the optical fiber (3) as a quartz glass optical waveguide with a core and a Sheath of different refractive indices is formed, which also in the area of Measuring point (4) are available. 7. Detektor nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Lichtquelle (1) und/oder der Lichtempfänger (2) als Halbleiterbauelemente ausgebildet sind.7. Detector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the light source (1) and / or the light receiver (2) as semiconductor components are trained.
DE19833327158 1983-07-28 1983-07-28 Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one fibre arranged therebetween Ceased DE3327158A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19833327158 DE3327158A1 (en) 1983-07-28 1983-07-28 Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one fibre arranged therebetween

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19833327158 DE3327158A1 (en) 1983-07-28 1983-07-28 Detector consisting of a light source, a light receiver and at least one fibre arranged therebetween

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DE3327158A1 true DE3327158A1 (en) 1985-02-07

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3524101A1 (en) * 1985-07-05 1987-01-08 Battelle Institut E V Method and device for continuously monitoring the state of wear of materials
DE3802527A1 (en) * 1987-01-29 1988-08-11 Bridgestone Corp PRESSURE SENSITIVE PROBE
EP0357253A2 (en) * 1988-08-16 1990-03-07 Gec-Marconi Limited Fibre optic sensor
EP0525717A1 (en) * 1991-08-02 1993-02-03 Alcatel Cable Fiber optical humidity sensor
EP3376170B1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2021-06-16 Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden gemeinnützige GmbH Sensor system for monitoring changes to pressure and moisture on a textile pad and a method for application of the sensor system

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2856183A1 (en) * 1978-12-27 1980-07-10 Aeg Telefunken Kabelwerke Mechanical or thermo-optical transducer with dielectric waveguide - is coiled around measurement body and uses waveguide attenuation load variation
DE3047308A1 (en) * 1979-12-21 1981-09-17 Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. Optical fibre acoustic sensor - with optical fibre spiral embedded in low elasticity modules block
US4358678A (en) * 1980-11-19 1982-11-09 Hersey Products, Inc. Fiber optic transducer and method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2856183A1 (en) * 1978-12-27 1980-07-10 Aeg Telefunken Kabelwerke Mechanical or thermo-optical transducer with dielectric waveguide - is coiled around measurement body and uses waveguide attenuation load variation
DE3047308A1 (en) * 1979-12-21 1981-09-17 Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minn. Optical fibre acoustic sensor - with optical fibre spiral embedded in low elasticity modules block
US4358678A (en) * 1980-11-19 1982-11-09 Hersey Products, Inc. Fiber optic transducer and method

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3524101A1 (en) * 1985-07-05 1987-01-08 Battelle Institut E V Method and device for continuously monitoring the state of wear of materials
DE3802527A1 (en) * 1987-01-29 1988-08-11 Bridgestone Corp PRESSURE SENSITIVE PROBE
EP0357253A2 (en) * 1988-08-16 1990-03-07 Gec-Marconi Limited Fibre optic sensor
EP0357253A3 (en) * 1988-08-16 1992-03-25 Gec-Marconi Limited Fibre optic sensor
EP0525717A1 (en) * 1991-08-02 1993-02-03 Alcatel Cable Fiber optical humidity sensor
FR2680004A1 (en) * 1991-08-02 1993-02-05 Alcatel Cable FIBER OPTIC MOISTURE SENSOR.
US5243670A (en) * 1991-08-02 1993-09-07 Alcatel Cable Optical fiber moisture sensor
EP3376170B1 (en) * 2017-03-15 2021-06-16 Institut für Holztechnologie Dresden gemeinnützige GmbH Sensor system for monitoring changes to pressure and moisture on a textile pad and a method for application of the sensor system

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