GB2453740A - Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement - Google Patents

Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2453740A
GB2453740A GB0720192A GB0720192A GB2453740A GB 2453740 A GB2453740 A GB 2453740A GB 0720192 A GB0720192 A GB 0720192A GB 0720192 A GB0720192 A GB 0720192A GB 2453740 A GB2453740 A GB 2453740A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
sensor
sensing apparatus
output
output port
connector
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0720192A
Other versions
GB0720192D0 (en
Inventor
Nick Pridham
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.)
Hamersham Ltd
Original Assignee
Hamersham Ltd
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 Hamersham Ltd filed Critical Hamersham Ltd
Priority to GB0720192A priority Critical patent/GB2453740A/en
Publication of GB0720192D0 publication Critical patent/GB0720192D0/en
Publication of GB2453740A publication Critical patent/GB2453740A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current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
    • G01D11/00—Component parts of measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
    • G01D11/24—Housings ; Casings for instruments
    • G01D11/245—Housings for sensors
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01K—MEASURING TEMPERATURE; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01K1/00—Details of thermometers not specially adapted for particular types of thermometer
    • G01K1/14—Supports; Fastening devices; Arrangements for mounting thermometers in particular locations
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
    • G01L19/0007—Fluidic connecting means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L19/00—Details of, or accessories for, apparatus for measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluent medium insofar as such details or accessories are not special to particular types of pressure gauges
    • G01L19/14—Housings
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)

Abstract

A sensing apparatus and connector arrangement 1 comprises a sensor head 2 for sensing a parameter and providing an output sensor signal related to the sensed parameter; a sensor body 3 connected to the sensor head, the sensor body comprising an output port 12 arranged in a sensor body face and a signal processing means 6, the signal processing means being adapted to receive the output sensor signal, convert it to an output signal and provide it to the output port; and, a connector 15 for connection to the output port; characterised in that the connectors is adapted to push fit into engagement with the output port. Pulling collar 16 away from the rear face 11 of the connector body 3 disengages connector 15 from output port 12. The apparatus allows insertion of the sensing apparatus into deep blind holes.

Description

A sensing apparatus The present invention relates to a sensing apparatus. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a sensing apparatus comprising an output port and a connector, the connector being adapted to push fit into interengagement with the connector.
Sensing apparatus for insertion into deep blind holes are known. Such apparatus typically comprises a sensor head attached to a sensor body. The sensor head measures a parameter and provides an output sensor signal to the sensor body. The sensor body comprises a signal processor which processes the signal and provides it to an output port. The data provided at the output port can be read by a computer or interface box connected to the output port by a cable. * *.
* 15 Known sensing apparatus are connected to the cable by a connector with a screw thread.
a.... In small blind holes this can be difficult. There may not be the space around the sides of the connector for an engineer to grip the connector to turn it to form the connection.
Disconnection is equally difficult.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a sensing apparatus comprising * * a. *
a sensor head for sensing a parameter and providing an output sensor signal related to the sensed parameter; a sensor body connected to the sensor head, the sensor body, the sensor body comprising an output port arranged in a sensor body face and a signal processing means, the signal processing means being adapted to receive the output sensor signal, convert it to an output signal and provide it to the output port; and, a connector for connection to the output port; characterised in that the connectors is adapted to push fit into interengagement with the output port.
With such a sensing apparatus the connector can simply be pushed into interengagement with the output port. The extra space around the connector is not required which facilitates connection of the cable to the output port in small blind holes.
Preferably the sensor head and output port are arranged on opposite faces of the sensor body.
The output port and connector can be arranged such that the connector is urged into interengagement with the output port in a direction normal to the port receiving face.
The sensor can be a pressure sensor. * *. * . S
*.. 15 *Se* Alternatively, the sensor can be a temperature sensor. ***s I * *
The signal processing means can comprise an amplifier for amplifying the output sensor *** signal. * S. * . *
*. The signal processing means can comprise an analogue to digital converter for converting the output sensor signal to a digital output signal.
Preferably, the analogue to digital converter receives the output of the amplifier.
The signal processing means can further comprise a buffer memory for storing the output of analogue to digital converter before provision to the output port.
The sensor body can be cylindrical.
The connector can comprise a collar which can be displaced to disengage the connector and output port.
The present invention will now be described by way of example only and not in any limitative sense with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in cross section; and, Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention in cross section.
Shown in figure 1 is a sensing apparatus 1 according to the invention. The apparatus I comprises a sensor head 2 connected to a sensor body 3. The sensor head 2 comprises a * S. "S.., 15 pressure sensing bridge. When no force is applied the outputs are balanced. When a force S..
is applied the bridge becomes unbalanced and produces a voltage across the two outputs 4 4,5. The voltage between the two outputs 4,5 comprises the output sensor signal. * S. 5,
I
Within the sensor body 3 is a signal processing means 6. The signal processing means 6 comprises an amplifier 7 which amplifies the output sensor signal. The amplified signal is passed to an analogue to digital converter 8. The digital output of the analogue to digital converter is then passed to a PlC microcontroller 9 which samples the signal and stores it in a buffer memory (not shown). The components 7,8,9 of the signal processing means 6 are arranged on a printed circuit board which is vibrationally and electrically isolated from the sensor body 3.
The sensor body 3 of this embodiment is cylindrical The sensor head 2 is attached to one end face 10 of the cylinder 3. Arranged in the opposite face 11 of the sensor body 3 is an output port 12. The output port 12 is connected to the PlC microcontroller 9. A computer 13 is connected to the output port 12 via a cable 14.
In use the buffer memory of the microcontroller 9 is polled by the computer 13 over a IJSB connection. The data received from the buffer memory is displayed by software on the computer 13. The sensing apparatus I also comprises non-volatile memory which contains non-volatile data such as sensor serial number, calibration data, sensor name and sensor type. This non-volatile smart' data can also be transmitted to the computer 13.
The USB connectivity characteristics enables the sensing apparatus 1 to be hot plugged into the computer 13 at any time.
The cable 14 is connected to the output port 12 by a connector 15. The connector 15 and output port 12 are adapted such that they may be pushed into interengagement. Typically the connection process involves lining up a mark on the connector 15 with a mark on the output port 12. The connector 15 is then pushed into interengagenient with the output port 12. A tactile and audible click occurs when the two are engaged. * **
*** 15 In addition to a visual alignment feature the connector 15 and output port 12 also include *::::. a tactile alignment feature. The connector 15 is pushed into abutment with the output port 12. It is then rotated until an indent notch is felt. Finally the connector 15 is pushed into S * interengagement with the output port 12..
S
* *. 20 The outer diameter of the connector 15 is less than that of the sensor body 3. This ensures that the sensing apparatus I can be installed down a blind hole with a simple torque tube or extra deep socket.
In this embodiment the output port 12 is arranged on the opposite face 11 of the cylindrical body 3 to the sensor head 2. The sensing apparatus 1 can be inserted into a blind hole sensor head 2 first. After insertion the output port 12 faces along the hole towards the exit. The connector 15 may then be inserted into the hole along the same axis as the sensor body 3, normal to the rear face 11 of the sensor body 3 and into interengagement with the output port 12. As the connector 15 can be push fit in this way there is no need for there to be sufficient clearance around the connector 15 for the user to be able to grip the connector 15 and screw it into interengagement with the output port 12. This simplifies connection in small holes.
Arranged around the connector 15 is a collar 16. By pulling the collar 16 away from the rear face 1 1 of the connector body 3 one can disengage the connector 15 and output port 12.
Both the end of the cable 14 and the output port 12 comprise dust caps (not shown) for keeping them dry and dust free when not in use.
Shown in figure 2 is a fl.irther embodiment of a sensing apparatus I according to the invention. The embodiment of figure 2 is similar to that of figure 1 except it lacks the microcontroller 9. The output from the analogue to digital converter 8 is passed directly to the output port 12. The data presented at the output port 12 is received directly by an interface box 13 which stores the data. The interface box 13 is then connected to a computer (either directly or remotely) which downloads the data and displays it.
The sensor head 2 of this embodiment is a temperature sensor. Other sensor heads 2 which measure a parameter and produce an output signal dependent upon the measured * , 20 parameter are considered to be within the scope of the invention. S...
.. : The sensor head 2 of this embodiment plugs, via a socket, into the sensor body 3 of the sensing apparatus 1. This enables the sensor head 2 to be replaced if required. * .. * . * U.
S S..
S

Claims (12)

  1. I. A sensing apparatus comprising a sensor head for sensing a parameter and providing an output sensor signal related to the sensed parameter; a sensor body connected to the sensor head, the sensor body, the sensor body comprising an output port arranged in a sensor body face and a signal processing means, the signal processing means being adapted to receive the output sensor signal, convert it to an output signal and provide it to the output port; and, a connector for connection to the output port; characterised in that the connectors is adapted to push fit into interengagement with the output port.
  2. 2. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor head and output port are arranged on opposite faces of the sensor body. 20 *S..
  3. 3. A sensing apparatus as claimed in either of claims I or 2, wherein the output port **S* * and connector are arranged such that the connector is urged into interengagement with the output port in a direction normal to the port receiving face. * **
    25
  4. 4. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims Ito 3, wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.
  5. 5. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 3, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor.
  6. 6. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 5, wherein the signal processing means comprises an amplifier for amplifying the output sensor signal.
  7. 7. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 6, wherein the signal processing means comprises an analogue to digital converter for converting the output sensor signal to a digital output signal.
  8. 8. A sensing apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the analogue to digital converter receives the output of the amplifier.
  9. 9. A sensing apparatus as claimed in either of claims 7 or 8, wherein the signal processing means further comprises a buffer memory for storing the output of analogue to digital converter before provision to the output port.
  10. 10. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 9, wherein the sensor body is cylindrical.
  11. 11. A sensing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 10, wherein the connector comprises a collar which can be displaced to disengage the connector 20 andoutputport. S...
  12. 12. A sensing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described. S.. * .* * S * ..
    S S..
GB0720192A 2007-10-16 2007-10-16 Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement Withdrawn GB2453740A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720192A GB2453740A (en) 2007-10-16 2007-10-16 Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0720192A GB2453740A (en) 2007-10-16 2007-10-16 Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0720192D0 GB0720192D0 (en) 2007-11-28
GB2453740A true GB2453740A (en) 2009-04-22

Family

ID=38813889

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0720192A Withdrawn GB2453740A (en) 2007-10-16 2007-10-16 Sensing apparatus and connector arrangement

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2453740A (en)

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2509851A1 (en) * 1981-07-17 1983-01-21 Tesa Sa ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT SENSOR
US4929189A (en) * 1988-04-13 1990-05-29 Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd. Connector with locking mechanism
US5072174A (en) * 1988-12-21 1991-12-10 Weber Hans R Measurement configuration comprising at least one electronic linear measuring probe
EP0923168A2 (en) * 1997-12-09 1999-06-16 Mannesmann VDO Aktiengesellschaft Sealing device for a rotational speed sensor
DE20319759U1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2004-02-26 Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh Connector part for a switch device, has a sleeve-shaped main body to slide into/onto a casing sleeve and guide devices to fix a printed circuit board with an electronic circuit
EP1580532A1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-09-28 Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG Contact-free sensor
US20070217179A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2007-09-20 Dierk Schoen Method for the manufacture of a switching device and method for a switching device
WO2008080761A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-10 Continental Automotive Gmbh Pulse generator with a sealing device

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2509851A1 (en) * 1981-07-17 1983-01-21 Tesa Sa ELECTRONIC MEASUREMENT SENSOR
US4929189A (en) * 1988-04-13 1990-05-29 Hosiden Electronics Co., Ltd. Connector with locking mechanism
US5072174A (en) * 1988-12-21 1991-12-10 Weber Hans R Measurement configuration comprising at least one electronic linear measuring probe
EP0923168A2 (en) * 1997-12-09 1999-06-16 Mannesmann VDO Aktiengesellschaft Sealing device for a rotational speed sensor
DE20319759U1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2004-02-26 Pepperl + Fuchs Gmbh Connector part for a switch device, has a sleeve-shaped main body to slide into/onto a casing sleeve and guide devices to fix a printed circuit board with an electronic circuit
US20070217179A1 (en) * 2003-12-19 2007-09-20 Dierk Schoen Method for the manufacture of a switching device and method for a switching device
EP1580532A1 (en) * 2004-03-23 2005-09-28 Micro-Epsilon Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG Contact-free sensor
WO2008080761A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2008-07-10 Continental Automotive Gmbh Pulse generator with a sealing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0720192D0 (en) 2007-11-28

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WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)