DE102018219396A1 - Sensor arrangement, window arrangement and control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A sensor arrangement (10) comprises at least one sensor (14) which is designed and set up to detect radiation, a carrier section (16) on which the sensor (14) is attached and a first interface (18) which is provided with a sensor signal. It is proposed that the sensor arrangement (10) have a plurality of linearly arranged sensors (14) and of respective carrier sections (16) which support them and are integrally connected to one another, and that the first interface (18) is designed and set up to detect the Provide sensor signals of all sensors (14).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement, a window arrangement and a control device according to the preambles of the independent claims.

Strip-shaped lighting elements are known from the market, in which a plurality of LED lighting elements are arranged on a flexible band. Such strip-shaped lighting elements can emit light both in the visible range and in the non-visible range, for example in the infrared range. A light sensor with an elongated housing is also known.

Disclosure of the invention

The problem underlying the invention is solved by a sensor arrangement, a window arrangement and a control device with the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

A sensor arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one sensor which is designed and set up to detect radiation. For example, the sensor can be an infrared sensor that detects invisible light in the infrared range. Such an infrared sensor can be miniaturized, for example as a phototransistor, in particular and by way of example as an NPN silicon phototransistor, or as a pyroelectric infrared sensor. Furthermore, the sensor arrangement according to the invention includes a thin, for example plate-like or foil-like carrier section on which the sensor is fastened, for example in the form of a PCB. Finally, part of the sensor arrangement according to the invention also includes a first interface at which a sensor signal is provided. Such an interface can include plug contacts or solder contacts or the like. As will be explained further below, the first interface can also be used to connect a plurality of sensor arrangements in order to enable the sensor arrangement to be extended and / or to provide the sensor signals to an evaluation / communication device.

It is proposed according to the invention that the sensor arrangement has a plurality of linearly arranged sensors and respective carrier sections which support them and are integrally connected to one another, and that the first interface is designed and set up to provide the sensor signals of all sensors. A rectilinear or curvilinear, in any case, however, elongated row of sensors is created, which are connected to one another via the carrier sections integrally molded onto one another. This means that the integrally molded carrier sections form a single continuous part on which the sensors are arranged. The regions of said part adjacent to the sensors then form the mentioned carrier sections. The distances between adjacent sensors can be the same within the sensor arrangement, but they can also vary, for example in particular decrease continuously towards one end of the linear arrangement.

The sensor arrangement according to the invention has the advantage that it can be used in an extremely varied and simple manner without having to pull separate measurement lines for the individual sensors. The linear arrangement also allows a geometrical course of radiation to be detected in a simple manner.

A possible further development is characterized in that the carrier sections are designed and set up in such a way that at least one sensor with the carrier section carrying it can be cut off from an adjacent carrier section or separated by hand, preferably that the carrier sections as a whole form a one-piece and preferably flexible strip form. As a result, the sensor arrangement can be adapted to the individual operating conditions in a very simple manner. For example, the separation can be done with scissors or with a knife. However, it is also possible for a material weakening, for example in the form of a perforation, to be present between two adjacent carrier sections, which material allows the sensor / carrier section combination to be torn off or kinked.

A possible further development is characterized in that it comprises at least one radiation emitter, preferably arranged between two sensors. This extends the area of application of the sensor arrangement according to the invention. The sensors are then not dependent on the radiation emitted by an external radiation source, but rather (also) detect that radiation emitted by the radiation emitter, which is reflected, for example, by an object arranged opposite the sensor arrangement.

A possible development is characterized in that an adhesive layer and preferably a peelable film covering the adhesive layer are present on a rear side of the carrier sections arranged by the sensors. This makes it easier to attach the sensor arrangement to a surface.

A possible further development is characterized in that it comprises a processing device communicating with the first interface. In this way, an “intelligent” sensor arrangement is created, which makes the sensor signals available for further use by means of the processing device, for example in a standardized form. This further simplifies the use of the sensor arrangement according to the invention.

A possible further development is characterized in that it comprises a second interface connected to the processing device, the second interface preferably working wirelessly. In this way, the communication of the sensor arrangement with further devices, for example a control device for controlling a device depending on the sensor signals and / or a gateway or a cloud of a smart home system, is significantly simplified. A wireless communication leads to a considerably increased flexibility and enables the application without having to pull additional lines.

A possible further development is characterized in that it comprises an electrical energy store and that it preferably comprises at least one photovoltaic device for charging the energy store. This creates the possibility of an autonomous and possibly time-unlimited operation of the sensor arrangement.

A possible further development is characterized in that the sensor arrangement has at least one connection interface which is complementary to the first interface, so that the connection interface can be connected to the first interface and thus both a mechanical and an electrical connection can be established enables several sensor arrangements to be connected together. Depending on the location of the sensor arrangement at which the connection interface is arranged, the sensor arrangement can be extended in this way and / or a sensor arrangement with sections arranged at an angle to one another can then be created.

The window arrangement according to the invention comprises a window frame with at least one elongated frame element. Such a frame element can be both straight and curved. It should also be noted at this point that the term “window” is to be understood very broadly in the present context and also includes, for example, French windows or the like. The window arrangement according to the invention comprises at least one sensor arrangement according to at least one of the preceding claims, the sensor arrangement being arranged on the frame element and being aligned overall parallel to a longitudinal direction of the frame element. This creates an "intelligent" window arrangement, the integrated sensor arrangement of which can be used for a wide variety of purposes.

For example, the sensor arrangement can be used: in particular if it is arranged towards the interior of a room, for light control, in particular if it is arranged towards the outside, for controlling a shading device, for example a roller shutter, also if it is arranged on the outside, for the control of an alarm system, or if, for example, it is arranged between the frame element of a window sash and a frame element of a window frame, for the control of a display which indicates the closed state of the window.

A possible further development is characterized in that it comprises a shading device that can be moved in front of the window and that the sensor arrangement is arranged parallel to a direction of movement of the shading device. This allows the shading device to be controlled very precisely, since the course of the opening process and / or the closing process of the shading device can be traced in accordance with the signals from the sensor arrangement. In this way, errors such as a jamming roller shutter can be detected, for example. A targeted darkening is also made possible in that the shading device, for example the roller shutter, is only closed to such an extent that the areas which are most affected by radiation, for example where the sun is shining the most, are shaded.

It is also conceivable that the shading device is opened automatically when the radiation detected at the unshaded sensors falls below a limit value. An unwanted closing or opening is prevented by a corresponding hysteresis between the respective limit values. In addition, the entire system is advantageously taught in via an initial calibration process, for example adapted to the opening speed or closing speed of the shading device.

It is also possible that, for example, in the dark, for example at night, the shading device is closed automatically, but is only moved so far over the individual sensors that, for example, individual (last) sensor is not covered by the shading device. The latter can thus continue to detect the brightness of the outside environment and, for example, the next morning when the brightness increases, can cause the shading device to be partially or completely opened. It is of course also conceivable that this sensor is not part of the sensor arrangement, but is mounted at another location.

If the sensor arrangement of the window arrangement comprises at least one radiation emitter, an exact positioning of the shading device is also possible, for example, at night. The radiation emitted by the radiation emitter, preferably radiated in the infrared region, is reflected by the shading device arranged opposite the radiation emitter, and this reflected radiation is in turn received by at least one sensor. It can also be used to determine whether a person is trying to push away or destroy the shading device, for example when attempting to break in. In this way, an alarm signal can be triggered in connection with an alarm system.

The control device according to the invention is designed and programmed to process the sensor signals of a sensor arrangement of a window arrangement of the type described above. In particular, it is programmed to control the shading device depending on the sensor signals of the sensor arrangement, and / or programmed to trigger an alarm signal depending on the sensor signals of the sensor arrangement.

• 1 eine Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform einer Sensoranordnung,
• 2 eine Draufsicht auf eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Sensoranordnung,
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine Fensteranordnung mit einer Sensoranordnung von 1 oder 2;
• 4 eine Draufsicht auf die Fensteranordnung von 3 mit einer Abschattungseinrichtung in einer ersten Position und zugehörigen Signalpegeln der Sensoranordnung;
• 5 eine Darstellung ähnlich zu 4, wobei sich die Abschattungseinrichtung in einer zweiten Position befindet; und
• 6 eine Darstellung ähnlich zu 4, wobei sich die Abschattungseinrichtung in einer dritten Position befindet.

The invention is explained below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows:

• 1 2 shows a top view of a first embodiment of a sensor arrangement,
• 2nd 2 shows a plan view of a second embodiment of a sensor arrangement,
• 3rd a plan view of a window arrangement with a sensor arrangement of 1 or 2nd ;
• 4th a plan view of the window arrangement of 3rd with a shading device in a first position and associated signal levels of the sensor arrangement;
• 5 a representation similar to 4th , wherein the shading device is in a second position; and
• 6 a representation similar to 4th , wherein the shading device is in a third position.

In the figures, functionally equivalent elements and areas have the same reference symbols. They are usually only explained in detail when they are first mentioned.

A sensor arrangement carries in 1 overall the reference symbol 10th . In the present case, it comprises, for example, a straight, elongated carrier strip 12th , which in the present case is designed as a flexible thin-layer PCB (Printed Circuit Board). On this carrier strip 12th are in the present example in a straight line and in this respect in any case a large number of sensors 14 attached or arranged, not all of which are provided with a reference numeral for reasons of clarity. The sensors 14 are designed and set up to detect radiation, in the present case, for example, infrared radiation. With the sensors 14 can be miniaturized sensors, in particular photo transistors.

One by one sensor 14 area of the carrier strip lying around 12th is in the present case as a carrier section 16 designated. Again, for reasons of clarity, not all of the support sections are present 16 provided with a reference number. It can easily be seen that the carrier sections 16 of the sensors arranged immediately adjacent to one another 14 are integrally connected to each other, whereby the overall one-piece carrier strip 12th is formed. To the sensor arrangement 10th also includes a first interface 18th , which is designed and set up to receive the sensor signals of all sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th to provide. The first interface 18th can be designed in the form of a plurality of plug contacts or as soldering points or the like.

The carrier strip 12th is so thin and / or made of such a material that it can easily be made using scissors 20th or alternatively can be cut by means of a knife, not shown, or another cutting device. In this way, two initially adjacent carrier sections 16 and the sensors carried by them and initially adjacent to each other 14 be separated from each other, resulting in an adjustment of the length of the carrier strip 12th and thus overall the sensor arrangement 10th to the individual application requirements. Alternatively, it is also possible for a material weakening, for example in the form of a perforation, to be present between adjacent carrier sections, which allows separation of adjacent carrier sections even without a tool and instead only by tearing or kinking by hand.

The sensor arrangement 10th further includes one with the first interface 18th communicating processing device 22 that are mechanically firm or rigid with the carrier strip 12th can be coupled. The processing device can be an evaluation device 22 , for example in the form of a microprocessor, and an electrical energy store 24th , the electrical energy of the processing device 22 and / or the sensors 14 provides. With the electrical energy storage 24th it can be a preferably replaceable battery or a rechargeable battery.

Not shown in 1 is also a photovoltaic device, for example in the form of a solar cell, attached to the sensor arrangement 10th , preferably in the area of the processing device 22 , can be arranged to the energy storage 24th to load. With the processing device 22 is a second interface 26 connected, which in the present example works wirelessly and is therefore symbolically drawn as a stub antenna. It is understood that the interface 26 into the processing device and / or the carrier strip 12th can be integrated. A back of the carrier strip not visible in the figures 12th and thus also the carrier sections 16 is provided with an adhesive layer before the sensor assembly is attached 10th on an in 1 not shown surface is covered by a peelable film.

A variant of a sensor arrangement 10th is in 2nd shown. These alternate in a longitudinal direction of the carrier strip 12th seen sensors 14 with radiation emitters 28 from which, in the present example, are designed as infrared LEDs. The example here is always between two sensors 14 is a radiation emitter 28 arranged. Basically conceivable, but not shown here, other “patterns” in the form of regular arrangements, for example two sensors, one emitter, two sensors, etc., are also possible, but also any other regular arrangements (for example 2-1-2, 3 -1-3, 2-2-2, etc.). The first interface 18th also serves to connect the radiation emitters 28 with the processing device 22 , which in this case is also a control module (not shown) for controlling the radiation emitter 28 includes.

3rd shows a window arrangement 30th with a sensor arrangement 10th according to 1 . The window arrangement 30th includes a stationary window frame 32 and a window sash shown here only schematically 34 . The window stick 32 is rectangular in the present example and is formed by four elongated frame elements arranged at right angles to one another. This in 3rd left vertical frame element is with the reference number 36 featured. The sensor arrangement 10th is on the frame element 36 arranged so that the carrier strip 12th with the sensors 14 overall parallel to a longitudinal direction of this frame element 36 is aligned. Furthermore, the sensor arrangement 10th on the frame element 36 arranged so that the sensors 14 point outwards. This was the length of the carrier strip 12th to the length of the frame element 36 in a simple way by cutting to length with scissors 20th customized. In one embodiment, not shown, the sensor arrangement was not shortened by means of scissors, but was supplemented by a second sensor arrangement and thereby lengthened. Such sensor arrangements would each additionally comprise a connection interface which is complementary to the first interface, so that the first interface and the connection interface can be connected to one another and both a mechanical and an electrical connection is established, and which allows two sensor arrangements to be easily implemented Way to connect to each other, for example simply by plugging.

To the window arrangement 30th also includes a shading device, for example in the form of a roller shutter 38 who in 3rd only as a dashed box inside a roller shutter box 40 is drawn. As will be explained further below, the shading device can 38 parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame element 36 and thus also parallel to the carrier strip 12th the sensor arrangement 10th in front of the window stick 32 and the casement 34 are moved, both of which form a window. The shading device 38 also has a drive, not shown, for example in the form of an electric motor by a control unit 42 is controlled.

The control unit 42 has a third interface 44 that works wirelessly and with the second interface 26 the sensor arrangement 10th communicates. In this way, the control unit 42 , as will be explained hereinafter, the shading device 38 depending on the sensor signals from the sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th Taxes. In addition, the control unit 42 depending on the sensor signals from the sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th trigger an alarm signal.

Operation of the window arrangement 30th together with the sensor arrangement 10th and the control unit 42 will now be described with reference to the 4-6 explained: in 4th is the shading device 38 in the form of the roller shutter completely in the roller shutter box 40 added so that none of the sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th from the shading device 38 is covered. All sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th are therefore exposed to daylight. The signal levels P all sensors 14 are therefore high.

In 5 became the drive of the shading device 38 from the control unit 42 controlled so that the stacking device 38 about 1/3 of the maximum way has gone down. In the 5 upper sensors 14 the sensor arrangement 10th are now from the shading device 38 covered so that the daylight is shaded, so that they are no longer exposed to daylight. Their signal level P is now low, whereas the signal level of the sensors still exposed to daylight 10th is still high.

In 6 became the drive of the shading device 38 controlled so that it has moved almost completely down and only the bottom three sensors 14 not yet from the shading device 38 be covered. These bottom three sensors 14 are therefore still exposed to daylight, whereas all other sensors 14 through the shading device 38 are shadowed by daylight. The signal level is corresponding P only with the three lowest sensors 14 high, whereas the signal levels P all other sensors 14 are low.

It can be seen that it is the linear arrangement of the sensors 14 longitudinal to the direction of movement of the shading device 38 allows the current position of the shading device 38 to capture very precisely. Through the time course of the partial darkening of the individual sensors 14 the course of the opening process and also the closing process of the shading device can thus be 38 comprehend. It goes without saying that the measurement resolution can be adjusted by a sensor arrangement 10th with appropriately spaced sensors 14 is used. The smaller the distance between the sensors 14 the higher the measurement resolution. In practice there is a distance of 10 cm between the sensors 14 as sufficient for an analog resolution of the opening process and the closing process of the shading device 38 shown.

In the window arrangement shown 30th can be determined by analyzing the time course of the shading of the individual sensors 14 jamming or another fault in the shading device 38 detect. The control unit can accordingly 42 then issue a message to a user that informs the user of the fault. Via the control unit 42 an alarm signal can be issued or an emergency stop initiated. In addition, targeted and automatic darkening can be done using the shading device 38 Realize, in which it only moves so far down that only the area that the sun shines the most is shaded.

The system can be taught in via an initial calibration process, for example the speed at which the shading device opens or closes 38 to adjust. If necessary, the shading device 38 can also be opened automatically, for example if the sensors are not yet shadowed 14 ( 6 ) the light radiation falls below a certain limit.

It is also conceivable that when the sensors 14 detect that there is no longer sufficient daylight, i.e. the night has started, the shading device 38 is closed automatically. However, it can be provided that the shading device 38 is closed only so far that the bottom sensor 14 is not shadowed. If this registers brightness again at the end of the night, the shading device can automatically 38 through the control unit 42 be opened completely or partially.

Alternatively, but not shown, the window arrangement 30th instead of the sensor arrangement 10th the 1 also the sensor arrangement 10th the 2nd include. In this case, the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation emitters 28 is emitted from which in front of a radiation emitter 28 arranged roller shutters 38 reflected, and this reflected radiation is then from the neighboring sensors 14 detected. Manipulation of the shading device can also be manipulated in this way, for example 38 detect if it is forcibly pushed upwards at night or damaged in another way, for example as part of an attempted break-in. In this case, the control unit 42 trigger an alarm signal.

It was explained above that the second interface 26 over the third interface 44 with the control unit 42 communicates. It is also conceivable that the second interface 26 communicates with a gateway and / or a cloud of a smart home system.

A roller shutter was also used here as a shading device 38 mentioned. In principle, however, all other types of shading devices are also conceivable, for example laterally movable elements, blinds, etc.

Claims (11)

Sensor arrangement (10) comprising at least one sensor (14) which is designed and set up to detect radiation, a carrier section (16) on which the sensor (14) is fastened and a first interface (18) which provides a sensor signal, thereby characterized in that the sensor arrangement (10) has a plurality of linearly arranged sensors (14) and of respective carrier sections (16) carrying them and integrally connected to one another, and that the first interface (18) is designed and set up to receive the sensor signals of all Provide sensors (14). Sensor arrangement (10) after Claim 1 , characterized in that the carrier sections (16) are designed and set up in such a way that at least one sensor (14) with the carrier section (16) carrying it can be cut off from an adjacent carrier section (16) or separated by hand, preferably that the Carrier sections (16) form an integral and preferably flexible carrier strip (12). Sensor arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one radiation emitter (28), preferably arranged between two sensors (14). Sensor arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adhesive layer and preferably a peelable film covering the adhesive layer are present on a rear side of the carrier sections (16) arranged by the sensors (14). Sensor arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a processing device (22) communicating with the first interface (18). Sensor arrangement (10) after Claim 5 , characterized in that it comprises a second interface (26) connected to the processing device (22), the second interface (26) preferably working wirelessly. Sensor arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an electrical energy store (24) and that it preferably comprises at least one photovoltaic device for charging the energy store (24). Sensor arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a connection interface which is complementary to the first interface. Window arrangement (30) comprising at least one elongated frame element (36), characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor arrangement (10) according to at least one of the preceding claims, the sensor arrangement (10) being arranged on the frame element (36) and overall parallel to it is aligned in a longitudinal direction of the frame element (36). Window arrangement (30) after Claim 9 , characterized in that it comprises a shading device (38) that can be moved in front of a window (32, 34), and that the sensor arrangement (10) is arranged parallel to a direction of movement of the shading device (38). Control device (42), characterized in that it is designed and programmed, the sensor signals of a sensor arrangement (10) after a window arrangement (30) Claim 10 to be processed, in particular programmed to control the shading device (38) depending on the sensor signals of the sensor arrangement (10), and / or programmed to trigger an alarm signal depending on the sensor signals of the sensor arrangement (10).

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