EP1673792B1 - Device for the optical display of n switch states - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for the optical display of n switching states of a switching device or sensor, with a plurality of differently coloured lighting devices for the optical display of the information to be transmitted and each lighting device has at least one lighting element. The device is characterized in that, for receiving the lighting elements, a transparent casing part is provided that for avoiding optical cross-talk, particularly in the case of simultaneously active lighting elements, the transparent casing part is subdivided into segments by optical interfaces and in which the lighting elements are received, and that the transparent casing part with the segments and lighting devices is so constructed and positioned that the lighting devices are visible to a user from any azimuth angle within a polar angle range.

Description

The invention relates to a sensor with a device for optically displaying n switching states of the sensor according to the preamble of claim 1.

A generic sensor with a device having a plurality of differently colored lighting devices for optical representation of the information to be transmitted, each lighting device having at least one luminous element is in DE 202 17 773 U1 described. In order to enable visibility of display devices from virtually all spatial directions, there is proposed a housing for receiving an electrical switching device or sensor, in which each lighting device comprises a plurality of lighting elements, which are arranged on the housing opposite each other so that from each display device Virtually every viewing direction at least one light element is visible.

In electronic circuits that are accommodated in sleeves or housings made of plastic or metal or encapsulated in any other way, often a light source in the form of a light bulb or light emitting diode, in particular also used as an SMD LED, for displaying switching states. It should be ensured, if possible, a very good visibility of the ads in as many as possible three spatial axes. Often there is the problem that such ads then appear very weak.

Out DE 195 12 915 C1 is an electrical connection element, such as a plug or coupling is known, in which for improving the visibility of a filament, a device for deflecting the light emitted by the filament is present.

In DE 196 27 211 A1 discloses an ultrasonic proximity switch in the form of a parking garage sensor, in which an upper housing part and a lower housing part are rotated against each other, whereby, as needed, a visual display can be aligned.

In DE 296 20 001 U1 a light emitting device equipped with light-emitting devices is described in which a radiation area is divided by means of partitions into different segments.

DE 200 08 944 U1 refers to a lighting unit in which a plurality of LEDs are inserted in a transparent housing part.

In US 4,045,667 An optical control system for motor vehicles is described in which information is visually displayed on a shift lever, for example on a windscreen wiper lever.

The DE 86 29 097 U discloses a sensor with a sensor housing according to the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to provide a sensor with a device of the type specified above with improved visibility of the optical display even in daylight and more reliable visibility of the information shown.

This object is achieved by the sensor with the features of claim 1.

Advantageous variants and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A device for indicating n switching states of a sensor, as used in a sensor according to the invention, is referred to below as a device.

The sensor of the type mentioned above is further developed according to the invention that for receiving the light elements, a transparent housing part is provided that the transparent housing part to avoid optical crosstalk, in particular at the same time active light elements, is divided with optical interfaces in segments in which the light elements are received, and that the transparent housing part with the segments and the lighting devices is formed and arranged so that the lighting devices within a polar angle range from each azimuthal angle are visible to a user.

The term of an electrical switching device should be understood here very generally. In principle, switching states, for example a transistor stage, of any electrical and / or electronic devices can be represented in the sensor according to the invention.

As a first core idea of the invention can be considered transparent to form a part of a housing for receiving an electrical switching device or sensor and this transparent housing part for receiving a plurality of display or lighting devices for displaying different electrical switching states of the electrical switching device or sensor by means of optical Divide divisions into segments. As a result, an optical crosstalk can be avoided in particular with simultaneously active display or lighting devices.

Another core idea of the invention can be regarded as the transparent housing part, which can also be designed as a transparent adapter or transparent end termination, with the segments and the lighting devices and arrange so that the display or lighting devices, especially within a useful range, from practically each spatial direction are visible to the user. This allows a very good visibility of the lighting devices and thus a Significantly improved visibility of the optical information shown, ie in particular the switching states of the device concerned, can be achieved. Looking from any spatial direction on the majority of example, flat or spatially executed segments of the transparent housing part, it is or are due to the segmentation, the display or lighting devices simultaneously visible from any direction in space. In particular, because of the outstanding at one end of the sensor transparent end of the dead zone of the visible solid angle can be kept smaller than 20 °. In a further advantageous embodiment, because of the transparent design of an entire part of the housing, the dead zone of the solid angle, in which individual segments of the display can not be seen, can be kept very small, in particular smaller than 20 °.

Furthermore, the inventive arrangement and distribution of the display devices or lighting devices, for example, a sensor in segments that more than one illuminant lights at the same time, without the light spots run into each other. It is thus a very good all-round visibility of one or more ads that can light up at the same time, allows. The sensor according to the invention is thus suitable in addition to the simple switching state indicator / s also for communication with an operator.

In order to display the n switching states, the lighting devices can in particular be activated independently of one another. In addition, if the lighting devices are different in color, 2-bit information can be displayed and transmitted, for example, with two lighting devices regardless of their geometric positioning.

In the respective segment of the n-segment display, which can be assigned in each case one or more light sources, the segmentillumierende light energy on the way the alignment of the bulbs, as well as through the use of photoconductive material is fed. In the concrete Case, clear cast resin can be used, as this is the best coupling is achieved.

The display devices are designed as, in particular punctiform, lighting devices, which may have, for example, at least one luminous element, in particular at least one incandescent lamp or an LED. In principle, however, any device for displaying optical information, for example also one, in particular sufficiently illuminated, liquid crystal display, can be used as a lighting or display device.

In order to achieve a particularly good all-round visibility, it is also expedient to arrange the lighting elements belonging to a lighting elements on opposite sides of the transparent housing part. For most applications, two light elements per lighting device will be sufficient. However, a particularly good all-round visibility can be achieved by providing more than two, for example three or four light-emitting elements, which are each distributed over the circumference of the transparent housing part.

The sensor according to the invention with a transparent body or housing part serves to display n switching states in the n-segments of the display of the sensor or for the transmission of information from sensors for the purpose of communication with the operator. For example, sensor information can be read out, whereby a low-level programming can be carried out by the operator with the aid of the luminous display information. Here, the transparent body is designed as an n-segment display on cylindrical, polygonal or round sensor housings.

The sensor according to the invention can be any common sensor type in automation technology.

Furthermore, the sensor according to the invention enables a very good quasi-all-round visibility of the individual different or same color bulbs at the same time, in particular laterally and behind the sensor, and, although hidden by the unavoidable dead zone of the sensor itself, from the front, i. at the end of the sensor where the respective sensor element is located.

In order to increase the reliability of the function or to achieve an even better visibility of the lighting devices, it is expedient to provide a plurality of lighting elements in one or more of the lighting devices, for example in the respectively opposite or any other segment which is a spatial circle, sphere or polygonal running transparent body or Endabschlusses is located (see Fig. 7, 8 ). To improve the visibility and recognizability, these light-emitting elements can be arranged in particular in consideration of their respective radiation characteristics and the order of the arrangement, namely in series and parallel to the respective extremities of the circuit board on a support side of the electrical circuit in the segments of the transparent housing part.

A further improvement of the visibility and visibility can be achieved if the segments of the transparent housing part are formed flat and / or spatially-spatially expanded. In contrast to the prior art, such flat and / or spatially-extensively designed radiators are less easily obscured or overlooked by objects of small extent.

In the sensor according to the invention, the display devices for displaying various electrical switching states or switching positions of the sensor from each spatial direction can be clearly recognized. Single or multiple bulbs can be equilateral and / or surface and / or area-spatially illuminate, without that they influence each other.

The device is extremely inexpensive to implement and in particular very easy to assemble.

Preferably, the attachment of the display element, i. the transparent housing part, at the ends of cylindrical, polygonal or round sensors. A central mounting is also possible with longitudinally extending sensors. In this case, however, then, for example, for a cylindrical sensor results in a second Totbereichskeule in the sensor longitudinal direction, which may, for example, depending on the effective diameter of the elongated housing, additionally again have a second dead zone with an opening angle of about 20 °.

Basically, there is a very large freedom in the design of the transparent housing part. For example, the transparent housing part may be formed for housing of the switching device or sensor which are substantially cylindrical, round, polygonal, in particular rectangular or cuboidal. In particular, it may be inductive, optical, capacitive, ultrasonic, microwave, temperature, level, infrared, ultraviolet, pressure and / or flow sensors. It is expedient in particular in each case at least two different colored switching displays can be provided.

By suitable application of the inventive concept, a quasi-all-round visibility of the displays can be achieved. Even more complex applications in which the user wants to communicate with the sensor via light emitting diodes can be realized very easily and inexpensively with this type of display. The display technology is ideal for sensors with plugs and with direct cable passage, but also for wireless sensors. In principle, the application potential of the invention is very high, since the concept is completely independent of the switching device or sensor to be monitored.

In particular, the transparent housing part may be designed for end-side and / or central mounting on a housing. Preferably, the transparent housing part is formed so that the lighting devices depending on the number of segments at least in a half space and / or in a specific polar angle range, in particular in a range of polar angle between 20 ° and 160 ° for central arrangement, or 20 ° up to 180 ° for end-side arrangement, from any azimuthal direction are visible to the user. Here, the polar angle is understood to mean the angle to a cylinder axis. The azimuthal angle is in accordance with the measured in a circumferential direction about the cylinder axis angle.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical interfaces are formed of printed circuit boards, which carry the lighting elements. As a result, a very compact design can be achieved and production and material costs can be saved. Appropriately, light-emitting diodes, in particular SMD LEDs, are used as light-emitting elements.

A further advantageous development in this context is that a printed circuit board equipped with lighting elements can be inserted into the transparent housing part. The production of the sensor according to the invention can then take place in a particularly simple manner. For fixing or guiding the printed circuit board relative to the transparent housing part or the transparent end termination, snap-in connections can be provided, for example.

For mounting therefore a with bulbs, ie SMD LEDs or conventional light bulbs, can be fitted rigid or flexible circuit board inserted into the transparent body at the ends of the sensor. On the other hand, a transparent body can be arranged centrally on the longest side of the sensor, wherein a printed circuit board or other suitable visual separation surfaces, for example, surfaces of casting resins, introduced parts, such as cables or separate dividing planes, provide for the optical separation of the segments.

The transparent body or the transparent housing part couples the light defined in n-segments, for example, in an advantageous embodiment n = 1 to 4, the areal and / or area-spatially configured light output surface. In this case, in particular the printed circuit board, a printed circuit board element, cables or other defined introduced separations can act as optical interfaces within the transparent body.

An increase in the light scattering and thus an improvement in the visibility of the lighting devices is achieved when an outer surface of the transparent housing part is at least partially or partially roughened.

Further improvements can be achieved in this context by the fact that, to increase the light scattering in the material of the transparent housing part, light scattering elements are at least partially incorporated in a distributed manner.

The all-round visibility can therefore be improved by inserting gloss or color pigments and corresponding design of the surface in conjunction with the transparent housing part or transparent body. In addition to the roughened surfaces and mixing of different plastics, pigments, for example pearlescent pigments, can be introduced into the plastic for better scattering and refraction of the light, in spite of the potting compound. For example, Irodin Pearlescent can be used. In addition, the transparent light body, ie the transparent body or the transparent end closure, the cylindrical, round or polygonal transparent body with longitudinally extended sensors and the strainer insert in a higher-quality design thereby also appear. The sensor is therefore upgraded optically.

In order to use as much as possible the entire light emitted by a luminous element and to guide this light to the outside, the interior of the transparent housing part may be at least partially mirrored. The light is then coupled via the transparent housing wall, between the outer surface and the mirror coating.

The radiation characteristic of the lighting devices can also be influenced by defined in the transparent housing part introduced voids. In particular, a radiation angle of the light for a segment can be limited thereby.

The device is particularly suitable for sensors with connectors and cable outlets with direct cable connection or with plug devices as they are common in sensors.

Because of the encapsulation and the light energy limiting diffusion of the emitted light amount of the sensor according to the invention is also well suited for applications in the explosion-proof area.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the transparent housing part is formed as part of a sensor housing or as, in particular fully transparent tubular, plug insert, which is designed as applicable to the corresponding shape of the housing sleeve plugged and / or carried out by the housing sleeve. This embodiment, as well as a transparent housing part designed as a compact end closure, enables full visibility around the entire body, ie. n = 1, if only the indication of two switching states at different times is required.

A particularly compact construction is achieved if the transparent housing part has one or a plurality of cable feedthroughs, which in particular can be designed as part of an optical separating surface. Number and diameter The size of the cable (s) determines the number and division of the segments.

The device is also ideal for use in fork-shaped housings, wherein the transparent housing part or the transparent end termination can be provided for example at the fork ends of the respective fork leg and / or optionally on both fork legs. However, variants are also possible in which the sensor is grasped in a completely transparent housing for better visibility of the light with fork-shaped barriers. In this case, the sensor housing is practically identical to the transparent housing part. The separating surfaces of the housing, printed circuit boards and connecting elements in the housing in this embodiment allow a segmentation of the display, preferably in four quadrants, but also in one or two or more segments (n-segments).

The optical interface, which can also be referred to as visual separation surfaces, can be made, for example, from cast resins or other suitable and spatially-surface-shaped plastics. For example, cables can also serve as part of the parting surfaces.

An increased number of possibilities of information transmission can be achieved if in each case a plurality of, in particular different colored, lighting devices is provided in the segments. These can in principle be arranged both parallel and in one of the sensor axes, in particular also in polygonal sensors, on a printed circuit board, so that for certain display modes several segments can light up simultaneously in different colors selectable by the user.

In a further advantageous variant, the transparent housing part is transparent not only for visible but also for infrared and / or ultraviolet light. Appropriately, in this context, in particular one or several segments as optical interface for an external computer device, in particular as an IR or UV interface for a PC, be formed. In this variant, therefore, not only visible light is divided into a plurality of segments by the transparent body, but at the same time a favorable connection setup with a PC interface is also made possible. The interruption of the sensor and thus the shielding on the extended side of the switching device allows in addition to the status indicators also the radio-based communication with other peripherals.

For some applications it is expedient and desirable if the segments adjacent to a luminous segment are illuminated, provided that the luminous means arranged therein are not themselves active. On the other hand, if the lighting devices of adjacent segments are active at the same time, however, color mixing should nevertheless be avoided. This functionality, ie the avoidance of mixing of the colors and also a coupling of the light or a defined transmission of the light from one segment to another segment, can be achieved if the transparent luminous body, such as housing center, plug part or end termination, at least a specially shaped optical bridge from one segment to the adjacent segment. In such a device, the optical interfaces will be connected to each other with or without encapsulation via the wall of the transparent filament. The transparent luminous body ensures a transfer of part of the light of one segment into the other, in particular adjacent segments, provided that they are not active at the same time, as a result of which they light up, in particular if the individual segments themselves are in turn filled with encapsulation. On the other hand, however, the optical interfaces prevent mixing of the colors when in two adjacent segments the lighting devices are simultaneously active.

Advantageous applications of the n-segment display according to the invention also result in the automotive sector and in consumer technology.

In the automotive sector, in general, the principle of the n-segment display can be used particularly advantageously in the case of longitudinally shaped functional levers, in particular at their ends. In this case, a status display, a function display and / or a simple Illuminations- or lighting function can be achieved. Incidentally, in all applications, an end cap or lid, i. the transparent housing part of the device, light-milky transparent, so in a white color, or as a so-called smoked glass, so transparent, but with dark brown or black color, running. In this way, the design can fit seamlessly into the vehicle design and it is also ensured that an internal circuit board is not visible.

The use of the n-segment principle according to the invention can also serve to relocate the flood of information from the cockpit of the motor vehicle to the individual information core centers where the information is generated. Thus, the driver is supplied especially in the dashboard area only with the most important information and can thus focus better on the traffic.

In addition, the driver's visual perception and tactile sense, the sense of touch, is concentrated at a crucial moment within the vehicle and the driver can instantly understand the operating state of the respective equipment on the vehicle. This information acceleration gives the driver more freedom to concentrate on the essentials, namely traffic.

Furthermore, the present at all vehicle handbrake levers push button for locking or releasing the handbrake in a particularly advantageous manner with the device equipped, ie illuminated or illuminated. For example, a green lighting for the released state of the handbrake can be provided as a status indicator. Accordingly, a red illumination is possible for the locked state of the parking brake as a status display. Alternatively, for example, a red and green illuminated display as proof of the locked state of the handbrake and at the same time perfect condition of the handbrake system can be provided as a combined state and function display. A red flashing display could then serve as a functional check for the faulty state of the handbrake system.

In such a system, the driver can be given an additional optical function and / or state control even at night. In addition, the design stands out clearly from the usual handbrake systems.

Another application arises in the field of gear shift lever. Here, the indication of the shift transmission function or the shift transmission health state, i. proper function or not, also in the upper, usually slightly thickened tail of the generally cylindrically shaped shift lever done. Nevertheless, an emblem of the vehicle brand or a functional diagram of the gearbox can continue to be displayed in the topmost piece. Furthermore, the emblem of the vehicle make or the transmission function scheme can be illuminated by an additional, for example white, light-emitting diode or other light source even in the dark.

It is possible, for example, that the currently engaged gear is displayed via an optical waveguide coupling on the multi-row staggered light-emitting diodes in the shift lever cover upper part. This can be illuminated to support the currently engaged gear with a fixed light color. To further enhance the visual reminiscence, so memory effect, and the dome-shaped transparent end of the transmission shift lever can below a Brand emblems are illuminated with the appropriate color, so that a brief side view of the driver on the lever is sufficient to check the currently engaged gear.

An illumination of the lever is, even if it is monochrome, but for each gear separately, is helpful, especially in automatic motor vehicle. In any case, it must be checked every time the car is parked (P) or if the gearshift lever is idle (N).

Other possible applications of the device arise for the windscreen wiper lever, for the turn signal lever and more generally for multi-function or valve lever, which are arranged in the region of the steering wheel.

In a cylindrically shaped turn signal lever, which is generally located to the left of the steering wheel, a lighting can be done at the end and / or in the middle, whereby the driver is informed in the dark, if or in which direction the turn signal is set. You can set this one color for the current direction, for example, green for right and red for left, or just a right-left arrow illuminate by an internally inserted circuit board.

Even with a windscreen wiper lever arranged generally to the right of the steering wheel, a printed circuit board inserted in the cylindrical end unit can indicate the respective windscreen wiper functions, in particular interval switching or current windscreen wiper speed. A color combination can also pass the fundamental data of the current settings to the driver of the car.

A control button for the air conditioning system can also benefit from the principle of the n-segment display. It must generally be indicated whether hot and cold air is supplied. Generally, this is done by the adjustment knob for the air conditioner surrounding red-blue circle, which can be particularly illuminated and changes over the circumference, often 180 °, from solid red to full blue.

The innovation of the invention in this context is that this display is on the knob itself, in such a way that on the one hand the mounted in the center of the knob PCB, which contains all the lighting elements, can be plugged together with the knob on the corresponding knob receptacle and that a temperature display , eg as a mixed color combination with red and blue LEDs, depending on the position of the knob in the transparent housing part of this knob itself.

Applications remain in the field of mirror adjustment, the window and the sunroof.

The adjustment of the exterior mirrors is usually done today with the help of a mounted in the vehicle interior, in particular cylindrical knob. This button can advantageously be illuminated with the aid of the n-segment display according to the invention. The alternate control of white LEDs allows, for example, ever to control a directional arrow for the adjustment of the mirror, so that the driver of the car knows immediately in darkness, in which direction one of the mirrors is currently adjusted upon actuation of the Spiegelverstellknopfes.

Similarly, in the case of a power window button, besides a simple lighting, it may be indicated whether the window is properly closed, for example by a green illumination of the lifter button, or if the window is still open, for example by a red illumination of the lifter button.

Finally, in the case of a sunroof button, it is advantageously possible to perform a function check and a function display with the aid of the n-segment display according to the invention. The End positions of the sunroof control can be done so that, for example, a green LED illuminated the sunroof button and during the opening of the sunroof a red indicator, ie for the open and dangerous condition occurs.

An application for the n-segment display according to the invention also exists for a door lock button. Here again, the state of the door lock, so locked or open, can be displayed with the help of different colored lighting elements.

Applikationsmöglichkeiten for the device continue to exist in the outdoor area of motor vehicles and motorcycles, scooters or mopeds. These vehicles each have orange or yellow-orange flashing lights for the exterior of the turn signal, which are generally housed in a suitably colored transparent housing. By the n-segment display according to the invention, for example, a parking light, for example red or white, can be additionally added, for example. In this case, only differently colored bulbs, such as light emitting diodes, must be used and it is not necessary, as usual, the color of, for example, monochrome, transparent cover material to be changed.

Applications for the device also arise for a joystick, which can be used for computer games, ie in the consumer sector, but also in avionics, ie for aircraft control. In the field of computer games, the user can be communicated particularly effectively with the aid of the device a multiplicity of information about the joystick, at the end of which the transparent housing part of the device is arranged. For example, a red light element "fire" and correspondingly a green light element "no fire" signal. Other color combinations are of course possible. In addition to the consumer sector, the security-related area is particularly important. For example, can be easily displayed in crane controls, whether the crane leaves a predetermined swivel range or a predetermined load is exceeded. A self-evident prerequisite here is that corresponding sensors are installed to collect the relevant data.

In the field of aircraft control, which takes place on all newer types of aircraft via a joystick, the pilot, for example, malfunctions of systems can be displayed by the red color of the semi-transparent joystick end.

Further advantages and features of the invention will be described below with reference to the schematic figures.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 2

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 3

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung;

Fig. 4

in schematischer perspektivischer Teil ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 6

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 7

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung eines Teilschritts bei der Herstellung des erfindungsgemäßen Sensors;

Fig. 8

eine schematische Schnittansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 9

eine schematische perspektivische Teilansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 10

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 11 bis 14

schematische perspektivische Ansichten von weiteren Ausführungsbeispielen der Vorrichtung;

Fig. 15

eine schematische Ansicht einer Anzeigevorrichtung nach dem Stand der Technik;

Fig. 16

eine weitere Querschittsanssicht des Ausführungsbeispiels nach Fig. 8;

Fig. 17

eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels der Erfindung; und

Fig. 18

eine Teildarstellung der in Fig. 13 gezeigten Vorrichtung.

There show:

Fig. 1

a schematic sectional view of a first embodiment of the device;

Fig. 2

a schematic sectional view of a second embodiment of the device;

Fig. 3

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4

in schematic perspective part of a further embodiment of the device;

Fig. 5

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the device;

Fig. 6

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the device;

Fig. 7

a schematic perspective view of a substep in the manufacture of the sensor according to the invention;

Fig. 8

a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of the device;

Fig. 9

a schematic perspective partial view of another embodiment of the device;

Fig. 10

a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the device;

Fig. 11 to 14

schematic perspective views of further embodiments of the device;

Fig. 15

a schematic view of a display device according to the prior art;

Fig. 16

a further Querschittsanssicht the embodiment according to Fig. 8 ;

Fig. 17

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 18

a partial representation of in Fig. 13 shown device.

A display device 10 according to the prior art is in Fig. 15 shown schematically. Such a full display is for example in DE 195 12 915 C1 and essentially comprises a segment 18 in which, for example, a plurality of LEDs can be arranged as light-emitting elements.

In the FIGS. 1 to 3 16, examples of devices 10 are shown schematically. Equivalent components are indicated in the figures with the same reference numerals.

According to the invention, the devices 10 each have a transparent housing part or end termination 14, which is provided with one or more optical parting surfaces 16, which form optical parting planes 50, in two, three; four; or n segments is divided.

The in the FIGS. 1 to 3 , 16 transparent housing parts 14 shown schematically in a sectional view can be formed in particular for the end-side mounting on a cylindrical, polygonal plug or cable housing 46, as shown in FIG FIG. 4 is illustrated for a Endabschluss.Kabelabgang. As continues in FIG. 4 shown, light from arranged in the segments 18 lighting devices in the direction indicated by the arrows 40, 42 and 44 directions, ie in the entire half-space in front of the transparent housing part 14, as well as in the back of the Endabschlusses to the optical boundary by the sensor, ie be decoupled from the optical dead zone of about 20 °. The arrow 40 also shows the limitation of the dead zone. The transparent housing part 14 shown schematically in Figure 4 is also provided with cable glands 30, to which below in connection with the FIGS. 5 and 6 is still received.

A further embodiment of a device 10 according to the invention is shown in a schematic sectional view in FIG FIG. 8 . 16 shown, where there is the transparent housing part 14 by means of optical interfaces 16, which may in particular be printed circuit boards 22, in an advantageous embodiment, for example, rigid flex or completely flexible circuit boards, divided into a total of n = six segments 18 '. In each of the segments 18, in each case at least one luminous element 20 is arranged as luminous means 12, which may in particular be light-emitting diodes which are arranged on printed circuit boards 22.

The lighting elements 20 may in principle be the same or different colors. For example, yellow, green or red light-emitting elements, such as LEDs, are frequently used in automation technology.

In order to improve the all-round visibility of each luminous color, 18 lighting elements 20 of the same color are arranged in each opposite segments. If now lighting elements 20 of the same color are controlled simultaneously, at least one of the lighting elements 20 is visible to the user largely independent of the direction of observation.

At the in FIG. 8 shown variant, which may be in particular a transparent middle or end part of a cylindrical sensor unit, the lighting means or lighting elements 20 are arranged side by side on printed circuit boards 22, for example, rigid-flex circuit boards.

The spatial position of the parting lines 50 in the in Fig. 8 Example shown is schematically in Fig. 16 played.

An example in which the light-emitting elements 20 on a printed circuit board 22 in series with any number and combination of LEDs, but preferably mostly with two, or are arranged in parallel, is in FIG. 7 shown. The printed circuit board 22 with the luminous elements 20 arranged thereon, which in turn may be of different colors, is furthermore designed such that it can be inserted into the transparent housing part 14 in the direction of the arrow 56 for assembly. For example, on the left side of the printed circuit board 22, a red and a green LED and on the right side a red and a yellow LED are provided. The segmentation of the transparent housing part 14 is ensured by the circuit board 22 itself or by any n-angular geometric shape representing a segmentation.

Further examples of devices are shown schematically in FIGS FIGS. 5 and 6 shown.

At the in Fig. 7 In the embodiment shown, the transparent housing part 14 can also be designed as a part to be arranged centrally. Accordingly, the lighting elements 20 can be positioned centrally on the board 22, which is designed to be pushed through the housing part 14 accordingly. Furthermore, lighting devices 20 may not only be as shown in FIG Fig. 7 shown, on the top, but also on the underside of the circuit board 22 in series and / or arranged in parallel.

At the in FIG. 5 shown example of a device 10 is an end of a sensor housing for n = four segments 18, in each of the lighting elements 20 are added. The optical separation of the segments 18 in the transparent housing part 14 is ensured by a printed circuit board 22 on which the light-emitting elements 20 are arranged and by cable bushings 30. The lighting elements in turn have different colors, for example, yellow, green and red, which is due to the different hatching in FIG. 5 is illustrated. In a further advantageous embodiment, the lighting elements, as in Fig. 5 also indicated, also be set in parallel. A further optical parting plane 50 is also provided by the cable glands 30, provided that it introduces an additional parting plane (in this case air) into the transparent end by means of an insertion bevel.

Also, in FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the possibilities of light emission by arrows 52. The light emanating from a luminous element 20 can on the one hand pass directly through the transparent housing part 14 to the outside, which is indicated by a solid arrow in FIG FIG. 5 is shown. Furthermore, the light can be coupled out by total reflection on a medium having a significantly different refractive index than the exit medium. This is indicated by the dashed arrows 52 illustrates. In order to increase the light scattering and thus to improve the visibility of a luminous segment 18, an outer side 24 of the transparent housing part 14 is roughened in segments and, if necessary, a coloring of the transparent material is undertaken. These measures also avoid an undesirable view into the interior of the sensor. A further increase in the light scattering is achieved by spatially-spatially distributed light scattering elements in the transparent housing part or end termination, which are not shown in the figures. The body is made in an advantageous embodiment of a, preferably inexpensive and easy to manufacture, plastic.

An evolution of the in FIG. 5 example shown is in Fig. 6 shown. In order to use the light emitted by the light-emitting elements 20 as optimally as possible, inner surfaces of the transparent housing part 14 are provided with Verspiegelungen 54. Furthermore, the in FIG. 6 shown transparent housing part 14 in each segment 18 a defined introduced cavity or voids 28, by the beam angle of the light for a segment 18 can be limited by total reflection, if the segments should appear smaller. By omitting the voids, a whole segment is completely illuminated. In addition, light scattering and focusing can be achieved by utilizing the optical waveguide effect (LWF effect) if approximately the same optical material is used within the edge of the end termination, ie the transparent housing part 14. An optimal decoupling of the emitted light in the transparent housing part or the Endabschlusses via the Lichtauskoppelarme 21, if a not completely transparent or even a colored casting is used. For this purpose, the LEDs are glued with clear adhesive before filling the sensor with potting compound. In order to achieve an improved light emission, optical bridges 23 are also incorporated into the wall of the transparent body 14 at four points.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a device 10, in which the transparent housing part 14 is provided on the end side on a connector housing 46. The transparent housing part 14 is according to the invention by optical separation surfaces 16 in this example in total n = 4 segments 18, which can be referred to in the present case as quadrants divided. Even divisions with n = 5 and n = 6 can be technically meaningful for certain applications. To separate the segments 18 also contribute to cables 31, which are guided by provided in the transparent housing part 14 provided with insertion bevels 30 in the plug housing 46. Practical tests of the light extraction with the in FIG. 9 illustrated embodiment of a device have shown that through the transparent housing part 14 as a transparent luminous body, a portion of the light despite the separation surface to the respective adjacent and opposite spatial axis through the optical bridges 23 (see Fig. 6 ) is transported when the respective adjacent bulbs or lighting elements 20 are not active. The effect is reinforced by the full potting of the segments. If, however, lighting elements in adjacent segments 18 are simultaneously active, the separating surfaces 16 and the now negligible amount of light, which is coupled in via the optical bridge, ensure that optical crosstalk is largely reduced.

This results in particular in a clear distinction of the quadrants, for example, for displaying switching states and for communication with an operator. Overall, in the illustrated embodiment, 2 ⁴ = 16 different switching states can be displayed if one light-emitting element is provided per segment. The all-round visibility can be improved in a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, in turn, when the respective diagonally opposite quadrant has a light source or a luminous element 20 of the same color at the same time. If, for example, one only requires the display of n = 2 switching states (cf. Fig. 1 ), not must be displayed at the same time, so can with the four-quadrant display after Fig. 3 In a very advantageous embodiment of the invention, a full all-round visibility of the displays can be achieved. ie Fig. 3 can post to an equivalent full Fig. 15 be reduced. The same applies to displays with three or n switching states to be displayed independently of one another, ie only one switching state may always be displayed. Since this is often the case, this is another major benefit of the invention. In principle, however, it is also possible to provide a sequence of luminous elements of any desired color, which can be controlled in various ways. Each quadrant, or each segment 18, is in the in FIG. 9 shown optically entkopperlt by optical interfaces 16 of adjacent segments 18.

The same functionality, which can also be referred to as a multi-quadrant effect, can in principle be achieved with any desired geometry of a transparent housing part 14. For example, in FIG. 10 an embodiment of a device 10 is shown, are provided in the transparent housing parts 14 laterally and end to a plug insert 42 as part of a plug housing 46. The laterally provided transparent housing parts 14 can in turn be subdivided into several, in particular in each case n = 2 and n = 4, segments 18. This basically allows the same functionality, ie the same multi-quadrant effect, if suitable colors are used, as in the context of FIG. 9 described embodiment. Again, a quasi-visibility is achieved. A printed circuit board 22 also serves to hold luminous elements and to provide an optical interface. Each quadrant is also clearly distinguishable to a user while the light elements are simultaneously activated. This results in far-reaching possibilities of communication of the human-sensor interface, in particular when using programmable logic controller (PLC) sensors. For example, one of the segments 18 may be formed as an infrared interface be. As a support for the lighting elements, a printed circuit board (PCB) can also serve in this case, to achieve the quasi-all-round visibility, the lighting elements, so for example the LEDs are arranged diagonally opposite each other for switching display or error display.

A variant of in Fig. 10 example shown is in Fig. 17 There, the transparent housing part 14, which in turn is subdivided by a printed circuit board 22 into segments 18, extends around the entire circumference of the housing. With such a form of the transparent housing part 14, which in this case can also be regarded as an end closure, excellent full all-round visibility is achieved.

Other embodiments and applications of the device 10 are in the FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrated.

The FIGS. 11 and 12 each show fork-shaped sensor housing 34. In the in FIG. 11 As shown, a transparent housing part or end termination 14 is attached to the upper fork end 36, which in turn is subdivided into optical segments 16 in total n = 4 segments 18 in this example. In the segments 18 each light-emitting elements 20 are provided, which are arranged on a circuit board 22, wherein the board in the manner already described above serves as an optical separating surface. The vertical parting plane is provided either by separately and additionally introduced parting planes or by non-transparent webs (eg inserts) in the plastic molding which forms the transparent housing part or end cap 14. A corresponding transparent housing part 14 can of course also be provided at the lower end 36 of the fork-shaped sensor housing 34 or at both ends.

At the in FIG. 12 shown embodiment, the entire fork-shaped sensor housing 34 is formed transparent. Again via printed circuit boards as optical interfaces 16, the fork housing is divided into n = 4 segments 18, in which, for example two light-emitting elements 20 are arranged in each case. When the light elements are activated, the full individual fork segments 18 each shine. Analogous to Fig. 1-3 For example, an n = 4 segment display can be reduced to an n = 2 or n = 1 segment display at a given time by suitably selecting the switching states. Also, the fork can also be used by the diagonal illumination of the segments.

Even with fork barriers so an excellent quasi-all-round visibility is achieved by the invention.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a device 10, in which, except for a rotatable connection piece 58, the entire, substantially cube-shaped sensor housing 34 is transparent, that is designed as a transparent housing part 14. The separation of the individual segments 18 is again carried out via introduced optically non-transparent parting planes (insert in the plastic housing or metal partition, which are soldered onto the circuit board, or plastic rope, which is clicked on the circuit board) 16, which in turn a board or circuit board 22 as parting plane 16 can act. As a result, a division into n = 8 cubic segments is realized, wherein optionally n = 2 segments for the sensor holder can be omitted. Here too, light-emitting diodes (LEDs, SMD LEDs) are preferably used as light-emitting elements 20 because of the cost-effective installation. Optionally, the cube-shaped sensor housing 34 may also be formed only partially transparent. The embodiment in FIG. 13 has six spatially planar segments 18, with each segment three surfaces are illuminated. In a corresponding manner, all polygonal housing can be divided.

A single segment 18 of the in Fig. 13 shown example is shown in Fig. 18. It is clearly evident there that the segments 18 on the inside sides are delimited by the parting planes 16, the horizontal parting plane 16 being provided by the printed circuit board 23.

FIG. 14 Finally, shows an example of a device 10, wherein the transparent housing part 14 is formed to the central arrangement on a cylindrical sensor housing 34. In the example shown, the transparent housing part 14 is divided by a printed circuit board 22 as optical separating surface 16 into n = 2 segments 18. In a corresponding manner, a cylindrical sensor with n = 4 segments can be formed, in which the transparent housing part 14 in turn extends along the cylinder axis of the sensor housing 34. In each of the segments 18, in turn, at least one light-emitting diode is arranged as a light-emitting element 20. Depending on requirements, the central housing part may also be formed only partially transparent. In the limiting case, the entire cylindrical sensor housing can be made transparent, so that this can light up in its entirety and depending on the segmentation in -Segmente. The stretched side of the sensor housing can also be polygonal, especially quadrangular, in an advantageous embodiment.

The present invention provides a device for the optical indication of switching states of a switching device or sensor, which is particularly suitable for all cylindrical sensors with one or more switching displays. By appropriate application of the concept, a quasi-visibility of the display can be achieved. Even more complex applications in which the user wants to communicate with the sensor via LEDs can be realized very easily with the device. Advantageously, the device agrees the visibility of the displays with the variety of display intentionally representable switching states and information. The device is also ideal for sensors with plugs and direct cable outlet. The applications of the present invention are very broad, since the device is in no way switching principle specific.

Claims (25)

1. Sensor with a sensor casing (34) and with a device for the optical display of n switching states of the sensor, the device comprising:

   a plurality of lighting devices (12) for the optical display of the information to be transmitted, each lighting device (12) having at least one lighting element (20), and

   transparent casing parts (14) are provided for receiving the lighting elements (20) as part of the sensor casing (34), and

   the transparent casing parts (14) for avoiding optical cross talk, particulary in the case of simultaneously active lighting elements (20), are subdivided by optical separation planes (16) into segments (18) in which the lighting elements (20) are received,

   characterized in that
   the transparent casing parts (14) with the segments (18) and the lighting devices (12) extend around the entire circumference of the sensor casing (34), such that the lighting devices (12) are visible by a user from each azimuth angle within a polar angle range,
   a transparent casing part (14) is constructed terminally on the sensor casing (34) and
   a further transparent casing part (14) is constructed as an outgoing cable or a plug insert (32), and
   said lighting devices (12) are different coloured.
2. Sensor according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   at least at one lighting device (12) a plurality of lighting elements (20), particulary light bulps or LEDs, is provided.
3. Sensor according to claim 2,
   characterized in that
   the lighting element belonging to a lighting device (12) are arranged on opposing sides of the transparent casing part (14).
4. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the lighting devices (12) placed on a printed circuit board are arranged in a row and/or in parallel to one another, in order to illuminate a lighting segment.
5. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the transparent casing part (14) is constructed for terminal and/or central installation on an, in particular cylindrical, round or polygonal casing.
6. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the lighting devices (12) are visible to the user in a polar angle range between 20° and 180° from any azimuth direction.
7. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 6,
   characterized in that
   the optical separation planes (16) are formed by printed circuit boards (22) and/or plannar shaped separations and/or insert parts and/or cables.
8. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that
   a printed circuit board (22) equipped with lighting elements (20) can be slid into the centrally or terminally positioned transparent casing part (14).
9. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 8,
   characterized in that
   an outer face (24) of the transparent casing part (14) is at least partly roughened to increase light scattering.
10. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the transparent casing part (14) is at least partly coloured to avoid viewing inside.
11. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 10,
    characterized in that
    for increasing light scattering light scattering pigments are input in a surface-distributed manner, at least zonally, into the material of the transparent casing part (14).
12. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 11,
    characterized in that
    for improved leading out of the light, the interior of the transparent casing part (14) is at least partly silvered.
13. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the light emission angle (26) for a segment (18) can be limited by cavities (28) introduced in clearly defined manner into the transparent casing part (14).
14. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 13,
    characterized in that
    the outgoing cable has a plurality of cable bushings (30), particulary with cables insertion, e.g. an insertion bevel, more particulary constructed as a part of an optical separation plane (16).
15. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 14,
    characterized in that
    the plug insert (32) is constructed tubular.
16. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 15,
    characterized in that
    the transparent casing part (14) is constructed as a, in particular compact end termination.
17. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 16,
    characterized in that
    the sensor casing (34) is forked.
18. Sensor according to claim 17,
    characterized in that
    the transparent casing part (14) is provided on one or both fork ends (36).
19. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 18,
    characterized in that
    the transparent casing part (14) forms the sensor casing (34).
20. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 19,
    characterized in that
    further optical separation planes (16) are formed into the transparent casing part (14) by casting resin.
21. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 20,
    characterized in that
    the segments (16) are filled with a random medium, preferably a sealing compound.
22. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 21,
    characterized in that
    in at least one of the segments (18) is provided a plurality of differently coloured lighting devices (12).
23. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 22,
    characterized in that
    at least one of the segments (18) is constructed as an optical interface for an external computer means, particulary as an IR or UV interface for a PC.
24. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 23,
    characterized in that
    for the clearly defined light transmission from one segment (18) into another segment (18), the transparent casing part (14) has at least one optical bridge (23) which to a limited extend overcouples the light.
25. Sensor according to one of the claims 1 to 24,
    characterized in that
    the sensor casing (34) is constructed as a casing of an inductive, optical, capacitive, ultrasonic, microwave, temperature, fill level, infrared, ultraviolet, pressure and/or flow sensor and/or a casing of a generic position sensor proximity switch or electrical switching device of the industrial automation technology.

Images