EP0879472A1 - Position determining device for the armature of a contactor - Google Patents

Position determining device for the armature of a contactor

Info

Publication number
EP0879472A1
EP0879472A1 EP97900576A EP97900576A EP0879472A1 EP 0879472 A1 EP0879472 A1 EP 0879472A1 EP 97900576 A EP97900576 A EP 97900576A EP 97900576 A EP97900576 A EP 97900576A EP 0879472 A1 EP0879472 A1 EP 0879472A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensors
armature
marking
positioning device
movement
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP97900576A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0879472B1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Dieter NÜRENBERG
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.)
Eaton Industries GmbH
Original Assignee
Kloeckner Moeller GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kloeckner Moeller GmbH filed Critical Kloeckner Moeller GmbH
Publication of EP0879472A1 publication Critical patent/EP0879472A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0879472B1 publication Critical patent/EP0879472B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/16—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off"
    • H01H9/168—Indicators for switching condition, e.g. "on" or "off" making use of an electromagnetic wave communication
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H71/00—Details of the protective switches or relays covered by groups H01H73/00 - H01H83/00
    • H01H71/04—Means for indicating condition of the switching device
    • H01H2071/048—Means for indicating condition of the switching device containing non-mechanical switch position sensor, e.g. HALL sensor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a position determining device for the armature of a contactor, the armature having a marking and being movable between an ON and an OFF position, and the position determining device having a plurality of sensors, by means of which the marking of the armature can be detected and the position of the armature can be determined is.
  • DE 44 09 010 AI describes a switching device in which the position of the movable member, in particular the armature of a contactor, can be determined by means of a sensor during the switching operation.
  • the sensor is a potentiometer, consisting of an elongated sensor element and a movable rotor attached to the armature, which is supported on the sensor element.
  • the coil current is controlled over the entire displacement distance during the switching operation, which on the one hand increases the closing force of the contactor and on the other hand improves the electrical and mechanical durability of the device.
  • a current sensor is connected in series to the coil.
  • the coil current is controlled as a function of the difference between the target coil current and the measured actual coil current by means of a pulse modulation circuit, the Coil current depends on the level of pulse size modulation.
  • a potentiometer as a position sensor has several disadvantages.
  • the resistance of the potentiometer is temperature-dependent, so that the actual position of the armature in the event of temperature fluctuations cannot be determined by the switching device without additional outlay on circuitry.
  • the armature moved by the coil is braked by the required contact pressure of the sliding contacts of the potentiometer. Due to the relatively fast movement of the armature, the resistance area of the potentiometer is additionally stressed, which leads to changes in resistance due to detachment or abrasion of the resistance material. In this case, it is no longer possible to control the contactor.
  • a switching magnet control is known from DE 38 22 342 C2, the switching magnet control having a number of light barriers arranged in the direction of movement of the armature.
  • the light barriers consist of photodiodes and a series of light-emitting diodes, which are arranged on both sides of the armature.
  • the armature has a hole that opens the light path of only one light barrier individually or one after the other when the armature is moved.
  • the position of the armature can be determined by evaluation electronics by evaluating the light barrier signals.
  • the speed of the armature can also be determined by measuring the time it takes for the marking to pass two light barriers located next to one another.
  • a disadvantage of this switching magnet control is that only n position signals can be generated by means of the n light barriers, as a result of which the resolution of the position determination is poor in relation to the number of light barriers used. Only if the hole opens a light barrier, the position of the armature can be clearly determined. If the armature is moved a bit, all light barriers are interrupted. The solenoid control has no information at this moment as to whether the armature has been moved in the direction of the ON or OFF position. An exact determination of the position is therefore impossible.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of providing a simple position determining device which allows the movement sequence of the armature to be monitored when a contactor is switched on or off, the position of the armature being the same with the same number of position sensors used can be determined more precisely than in the prior art.
  • the marking of at least two sensors can be detected simultaneously.
  • the sensors can be coded for the position of the armature.
  • the dimensions of the marking are to be selected in relation to the sensor positions so that, for example, only in the OFF position, no sensor detects the marking. If the armature is moved in the direction of the ON position, a first sensor detects the marking after a certain stroke distance. If the armature is moved further into the ON position, a second sensor detects the marking in addition to the first sensor. However, if the armature had been moved back to the OFF position immediately after detection of the marking by the first sensor, no sensor would again detect the marking.
  • the fact that after closing a light barrier of the solenoid control that has just been opened DE 38 22 342 C2 the position of the armature can no longer be precisely determined, is thus advantageously avoided.
  • the evaluation electronics of the position determining device can advantageously work digitally, so that the signals can be evaluated with a microprocessor. If you code the digital signals of the n sensors, there are a maximum of 2 n possible combinations. If the shape of the marking is selected accordingly, the lifting distance of the armature can be divided into a maximum of 2 n determinable positions by means of the n sensors. For this purpose, the marking must be dimensioned such that the marking can be detected by all sensors simultaneously in one position of the armature. In order to enable all 2 n combinations, the marking must be subdivided into at least two markings, for example to enable coding "1011" with 4 sensors.
  • the geometric dimensions of the sensors determine the distance between the sensors.
  • the sensors cannot be arranged as close together as desired.
  • the accuracy of the position determining device can thus only be increased by a larger number of sensors arranged side by side.
  • the number of sensors is limited by the total stroke of the armature itself.
  • the above-mentioned object is therefore also advantageously achieved if the sensors are arranged in a row transversely to the direction of movement of the armature or the marking.
  • the marking extends over the width of the sensors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature and is designed such that, for example, in the OFF position of the armature, no sensor detects the marking and in all other positions at least one sensor detects the marking.
  • the sensors arranged transversely to the direction of movement may be slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature.
  • the marking extending transversely to the direction of movement does not have to have a special shape so that the position of the armature can be determined very precisely. This can advantageously be achieved by a width of the marking which corresponds to the width of the sensor line formed by the individual sensors.
  • the marking consists of several markings and each marking changes the state of at least one sensor when the armature is moved between the OFF and the ON position, in particular if the markings are arranged offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature .
  • the outer edges of the marking, which run transversely to the direction of movement of the armature are in particular step-shaped, as a result of which the sensors are activated in succession when the armature is moved.
  • the sensors are arranged in a grid or in rows and columns, which advantageously reduces the spatial dimensions of the position-determining device, since the packing density of the sensors is greater than if the sensors were only are arranged in a row.
  • the individual columns lie parallel to the direction of movement of the armature.
  • the anchor has at least one separate marking for each of the columns consisting of several sensors.
  • the sensors can be mechanical switches, induction, capacitance, light, magnetic or Hall sensors.
  • the marking advantageously consists of a ferromagnetic material. If, on the other hand, light sensors or light barriers are used, the marking consists of one or more passages, bores or light-reflecting surfaces.
  • the marking is a permanent magnet or consists of several individual smaller permanent magnets attached to different locations on the armature.
  • the sensors detect the markings or the individual markings for distances of different lengths in the direction of movement of the armature.
  • the combination possibilities can be optimally used if the position of the sensors, the distances over which the individual sensors detect the marking, and the number, size and relative position of the marking or of the individual markings relative to one another are determined such that the method of the armature between the OFF and ON position, all possible combinations of states of the sensors occur.
  • Figure 1 A position determining device with four sensors arranged parallel to each other in the direction of movement of the armature, the sensors being light barriers;
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a position determination device, all possible positions of the marking that can be determined by means of the sensors being shown;
  • FIG. 3 a schematic illustration according to FIG. 2, the marking being divided into two;
  • FIG. 4 a position determining device with inductive sensors
  • FIG. 5 a position determining device with Hall detectors as sensors and a magnet as a marker
  • FIG. 6 a position determining device with Hall detectors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, the magnets being arranged as markings slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature;
  • FIG. 7 a position determination device with Hall detectors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, the Hall detectors being arranged slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature;
  • Figure 8 a position determining device with sensors arranged in two columns and two rows.
  • the 1 shows a position determining device 1 with four sensors 5 arranged parallel to one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2.
  • the sensors 5 are photodetectors which, together with the illuminants 6, form light barriers.
  • the illuminants 6 are in particular photodiodes.
  • the sensors 5 and illuminants 6 are arranged on a base plate 4.
  • the base plate 4 can be a circuit board that carries the evaluation electronics, not shown, for processing the signals generated by the sensors 5.
  • the armature 2 has a marking 3, which is formed by a recess in the armature 2. If the armature 2 is moved by means of a coil (not shown), the marking 3 is moved through the detection area 8 of the sensors 5.
  • the marking or recess 3 is located between a photodetector 5 and the associated photodiode 6, this light barrier is opened or the sensor 5 is activated. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the sensor 5 then sends the signal "1" to the evaluation electronics.
  • the marking 3 has a spatial expansion in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that the marking 3 can be detected simultaneously by at least two sensors 5. 2, the length of the marking 3 is dimensioned such that it can be detected by all sensors 5 (see position E). With such a simple design of the marking 3, eight positions of the armature 3 can be determined very precisely by means of the four sensors 5. The accuracy of the position determination device 1 depends, among other things, on the distance between the individual detection areas 8 of the sensors 5.
  • the detection area 8, 10 of each sensor 5 can, as shown in FIG. 3, have different dimensions in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2. This determines the distance for which the respective sensor 5 detects the marking 3 when the armature 2 is moved. 3 is also the marking 3 divided into two by the intermediate area 9. The intermediate area 9 is not detected by the sensors 5, ie the sensors 5 are deactivated or send the signal “0” when the intermediate area is in the detection area 8, 10 of the respective sensor 5. By dividing the marking 5 into two, the four sensors 5 can be used to resolve (positions A to M) the thirteen travel distances covered by the armature 2 between the OFF position (position A) and the ON position (position M) achieve. With a corresponding arrangement of the sensors 5 to one another and a corresponding subdivision and arrangement of the markings 3 on the armature, a resolution of a maximum of 2 n positions can be achieved with n sensors 5 used.
  • sensors 1 to 3 are activated in succession. Due to the greater distance between the detection areas 8 and 10 of the sensors 3 and 4 from one another, after passing through the position D, the intermediate area 9 enters the detection area 8 of the sensor 1, whereby this is deactivated.
  • the distance between the detection areas 8 and 10 of the sensors 3 and 4 is dimensioned such that when the armature 2 is moved from the position F to the position G, the upper marking 3 no longer activates the sensor 3 precisely when the Sensor 4 is activated.
  • the wide detection range 10 of the sensor 4 at positions G to M ensures that the sensor 4 is always activated.
  • the sensors 1 to 3 are activated in succession between the positions H and L by means of the lower marking 3.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the position determining device 1, the sensors 5 in FIG. 4 being inductive sensors that register a change in the magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic marking 3.
  • the sensors are 5 Hall detectors.
  • the marking 3 is in particular a permanent magnet.
  • a Hall voltage is generated in the Hall detector by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3. If there is a Hall voltage at the output terminals of the Hall detector, this is evaluated as signal "1". If a Hall voltage is present, the output signal is "0".
  • the signals can also be defined the other way round.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 show a position determination device 1 with Hall detectors 5 arranged transversely to the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2.
  • the marking 3 is divided into individual markings 3.
  • the markings 3 are permanent magnets which are arranged slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that they move successively into the direction of movement of the armature 2 in the direction 7
  • the number of magnets 3 used and the size of the displacements of the individual magnets 3 with respect to one another can be chosen to be as fine as desired, so that the stroke length of the armature 2 can be subdivided as desired.
  • the number of magnets 3 used depends only on the width of the armature 2 and not on the length of the armature 2 limited by the stroke length of the armature 2.
  • the stair-step dislocations can be generated by means of a laser of an etching process or another suitable process.
  • permanent magnets can not be made arbitrarily small, since this would not be enough through them ⁇ magnetic field generated from a certain size of the permanent magnets more, to produce a reasonable Hall voltage in the Hall detector.
  • the Hall detectors 5 which can be produced in a miniaturized construction by means of the known manufacturing methods are arranged offset with respect to one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that when the armature 2 is moved, the detectors 5 pass one after the other under the permanent magnets 3 and are activated .
  • the armature 2 has two marking carriers 14, 15, on each of which an elongated marking 16, 17 is arranged.
  • the marker carriers 14, 15 are mechanically connected to one another by a connecting web 13.
  • the markings 16, 17 are recesses due to the fork light barriers used, which release the light beam from the light-emitting diodes 18 towards the photodetectors 11, whereby the respective photodetector 11 of the fork light barriers 12 is activated.
  • the fork light barriers 12 are arranged on a base plate 4 for easy assembly and simple installation in the contactor. Due to the arrangement relative to one another and the number of markings 16, 17 used on the marking carriers 14, 15, a resolution of the position determining device 1 of up to a maximum resolution 2 n positions of the armature 2 can be achieved with n sensors 12 used.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Length, Angles, Or The Like Using Electric Or Magnetic Means (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
  • Butt Welding And Welding Of Specific Article (AREA)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a position determining device (1) for the armature (2) of the switch magnet of a contactor, said device being used to control and check the course of movement of the armature (2). Said armature (2) has a mark (3) and can be moved between an OFF and an ON position. The position determining device (1) has a plurality of sensors (5) which can be used to detect the marking (3) of the armature (2), thereby determining the position of said armature (2). The marking (3) can be simultaneously detected by at least two sensors (5).

Description

B e s c h r e i b u n g Description
Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung für den Anker eines SchützesPositioning device for the armature of a contactor
Technisches GebietTechnical field
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung für den Anker eines Schützes, wobei der Anker eine Markierung hat und zwischen einer EIN- und einer AUS-Stellung verfahrbar ist, und die Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mehrere Sensoren hat, mittels derer die Markierung des Ankers detektierbar und die Position des Ankers bestimmbar ist.The invention relates to a position determining device for the armature of a contactor, the armature having a marking and being movable between an ON and an OFF position, and the position determining device having a plurality of sensors, by means of which the marking of the armature can be detected and the position of the armature can be determined is.
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Die DE 44 09 010 AI beschreibt eine Schaltvorrichtung, bei der mittels eines Sensors die Position des beweglichen Organs, insbesondere des Ankers eines Schützes, während des Schaltvor¬ gangs bestimmbar ist. Der Sensor ist dabei ein Potentiometer, bestehend aus einem längsgestreckten Fühlerelement und einem am Anker befestigten beweglichen Läufer, welcher sich auf dem Fühlerelement abstützt. Mittels der ermittelten Position des beweglichen Organs des Schützes wird während des Schaltvor¬ gangs der Spulenstrom über die gesamte Verschiebungsstrecke gesteuert, womit zum einen die Schließkraft des Schützes erhöht und zum anderen die elektrische und mechanische Halt- barkeit der Vorrichtung verbessert wird. Zur Steuerung des Spulenstroms ist der Spule ein Stromsensor in Reihe geschal¬ tet. Der Spulenstrom wird dabei in Abhängigkeit der Differenz zwischen Soll-Spulenstrom und gemessenem Ist-Spulenstrom mittels einer Impulsmodulations-Schaltung gesteuert, wobei der Spulenstrom vom Niveau der Impulsgrößenmodulation abhängt. Der Einsatz eines Potentiometers als Positionssensor hat jedoch mehrere Nachteile. So ist zum einen der Widerstand des Potentiometers temperaturabhängig, wodurch die tatsächliche Position des Ankers bei Temperaturschwankungen von der Schalt¬ vorrichtung nicht ohne zusätzlichen schaltungstechnischen Aufwand ermittelt werden kann. Zum anderen wird der von der Spule bewegte Anker durch die erforderliche Andruckkraft der Schleifkontakte des Potentiometers gebremst. Durch das relativ schnelle Verfahren des Ankers wird zusätzlich die Widerstands¬ fläche des Potentiometers stark beansprucht, wodurch es zu Widerstandsveränderungen bedingt durch Ablösungen bzw. Abrieb des Widerstandsmaterials kommt. Eine Ansteuerung des Schützes ist in diesem Fall nicht mehr möglich.DE 44 09 010 AI describes a switching device in which the position of the movable member, in particular the armature of a contactor, can be determined by means of a sensor during the switching operation. The sensor is a potentiometer, consisting of an elongated sensor element and a movable rotor attached to the armature, which is supported on the sensor element. By means of the determined position of the movable member of the contactor, the coil current is controlled over the entire displacement distance during the switching operation, which on the one hand increases the closing force of the contactor and on the other hand improves the electrical and mechanical durability of the device. To control the coil current, a current sensor is connected in series to the coil. The coil current is controlled as a function of the difference between the target coil current and the measured actual coil current by means of a pulse modulation circuit, the Coil current depends on the level of pulse size modulation. However, using a potentiometer as a position sensor has several disadvantages. On the one hand, the resistance of the potentiometer is temperature-dependent, so that the actual position of the armature in the event of temperature fluctuations cannot be determined by the switching device without additional outlay on circuitry. On the other hand, the armature moved by the coil is braked by the required contact pressure of the sliding contacts of the potentiometer. Due to the relatively fast movement of the armature, the resistance area of the potentiometer is additionally stressed, which leads to changes in resistance due to detachment or abrasion of the resistance material. In this case, it is no longer possible to control the contactor.
Aus der DE 38 22 342 C2 ist eine Schaltmagnetansteuerung bekannt, wobei die Schaltmagnetansteuerung eine Reihe von in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Lichtschranken hat. Die Lichtschranken bestehen dabei aus Fotodioden und einer Reihe von lichtemittierenden Dioden, welche zu beiden Seiten des Ankers angeordnet sind. Der Anker hat eine Bohrung, die den Lichtpfad jeweils nur einer Lichtschranke beim Verfahren des Ankers einzeln bzw. nacheinander öffnet. Durch Auswertung der Lichtschrankensignale kann mittels einer Auswertelektronik die Position des Ankers bestimmt werden. Die Geschwindigkeit des Ankers kann zusätzlich dadurch bestimmt werden, wenn die Zeit gemessen wird, die die Markierung benötigt um zwei neben¬ einander liegende Lichtschranken zu durchfahren. Durch Verar¬ beitung der Positionssignale und der hierdurch ermittelbaren Geschwindigkeit des Ankers ist es möglich, ein ungleichmäßiges Schalten des Schützes über alle drei Phasen des zu schließen¬ den und zu öffnenden Stromkreises hinweg zu erkennen. Nach¬ teilig bei dieser Schaltmagnetansteuerung ist, daß mittels der n Lichtschranken lediglich n Positionssignale erzeugbar sind, wodurch die Auflösung der Positionsbestimmung im Verhältnis zur Zahl der verwendeten Lichtschranken schlecht ist. Nur wenn die Bohrung eine Lichtschranke öffnet, kann die Position des Ankers eindeutig bestimmt werden. Wird der Anker ein Stück verfahren, so sind alle Lichtschranken unterbrochen. Die Schaltmagnetansteuerung hat in diesem Moment keine Information darüber, ob der Anker in Richtung der EIN- oder AUS-Stellung verfahren wurde. Eine genaue Bestimmung der Position ist somit unmöglich.A switching magnet control is known from DE 38 22 342 C2, the switching magnet control having a number of light barriers arranged in the direction of movement of the armature. The light barriers consist of photodiodes and a series of light-emitting diodes, which are arranged on both sides of the armature. The armature has a hole that opens the light path of only one light barrier individually or one after the other when the armature is moved. The position of the armature can be determined by evaluation electronics by evaluating the light barrier signals. The speed of the armature can also be determined by measuring the time it takes for the marking to pass two light barriers located next to one another. By processing the position signals and the speed of the armature that can be determined in this way, it is possible to detect an uneven switching of the contactor across all three phases of the circuit to be closed and opened. A disadvantage of this switching magnet control is that only n position signals can be generated by means of the n light barriers, as a result of which the resolution of the position determination is poor in relation to the number of light barriers used. Only if the hole opens a light barrier, the position of the armature can be clearly determined. If the armature is moved a bit, all light barriers are interrupted. The solenoid control has no information at this moment as to whether the armature has been moved in the direction of the ON or OFF position. An exact determination of the position is therefore impossible.
Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine einfache Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die es er¬ laubt, den Bewegungsablauf des Ankers beim Ein- bzw. Ausschal- ten eines Schützes zu überwachen, wobei gleichzeitig die Position des Ankers bei gleicher Zahl der verwendeten Posi¬ tionssensoren genauer bestimmbar ist als beim Stand der Tech¬ nik.The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a simple position determining device which allows the movement sequence of the armature to be monitored when a contactor is switched on or off, the position of the armature being the same with the same number of position sensors used can be determined more precisely than in the prior art.
Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Markierung von mindestens zwei Sensoren gleichzeitig detek¬ tierbar ist. Hierdurch wir vorteilhaft erreicht, daß mittels der Sensoren eine Codierung der Position des Ankers vornehmbar ist. Die Abmessungen der Markierung sind dabei im Verhältnis zu den Sensorpositionen so zu wählen, daß z.B. nur in der AUS- Stellung kein Sensor die Markierung detektiert. Wird der Anker in Richtung der EIN-Stellung bewegt, so detektiert ein erster Sensor die Markierung nach einer bestimmten Hubstrecke. Wird der Anker weiter in die EIN-Stellung bewegt, so detektiert zusätzlich zum ersten Sensor ein zweiter Sensor die Markie¬ rung. Wäre der Anker jedoch sofort nach Detektierung der Markierung durch den ersten Sensor zurück in die AUS-Stellung bewegt worden, so würde erneut kein Sensor die Markierung detektieren. Der Umstand, daß nach dem Schließen einer gerade geöffnet gewesenen Lichtschranke der Schaltmagnetansteuerung der DE 38 22 342 C2 die Position des Ankers nicht mehr genau bestimmbar ist, wird somit vorteilhaft vermieden.This object is achieved in that the marking of at least two sensors can be detected simultaneously. In this way we advantageously achieve that the sensors can be coded for the position of the armature. The dimensions of the marking are to be selected in relation to the sensor positions so that, for example, only in the OFF position, no sensor detects the marking. If the armature is moved in the direction of the ON position, a first sensor detects the marking after a certain stroke distance. If the armature is moved further into the ON position, a second sensor detects the marking in addition to the first sensor. However, if the armature had been moved back to the OFF position immediately after detection of the marking by the first sensor, no sensor would again detect the marking. The fact that after closing a light barrier of the solenoid control that has just been opened DE 38 22 342 C2 the position of the armature can no longer be precisely determined, is thus advantageously avoided.
Da die Sensoren lediglich die Signale aktiviert oder deakti- viert bzw. "I" oder "0" an die Auswertelektronik senden, kann die Auswertelektronik der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung vorteilhaft digital arbeiten, wodurch die Auswertung der Signale mit einem Mikroprozessor erfolgen kann. Codiert man die digitalen Signale der n Sensoren, so ergeben sich maximal 2n Kombinationsmöglichkeiten. Wählt man die Form der Markierung entsprechend, so kann mittels der n Sensoren die Hubstrecke des Ankers in maximal 2n bestimmbare Positionen unterteilt werden. Hierzu muß die Markierung so bemessen sein, daß in einer Position des Ankers die Markierung von allen Sensoren gleichzeitig detektierbar ist. Um alle 2n Kombinationen zu ermöglichen, muß die Markierung in mindestens zwei Markierun¬ gen unterteilt werden, um z.B. die Codierung "1011" bei 4 Sensoren zu ermöglichen.Since the sensors merely activate or deactivate the signals or send "I" or "0" to the evaluation electronics, the evaluation electronics of the position determining device can advantageously work digitally, so that the signals can be evaluated with a microprocessor. If you code the digital signals of the n sensors, there are a maximum of 2 n possible combinations. If the shape of the marking is selected accordingly, the lifting distance of the armature can be divided into a maximum of 2 n determinable positions by means of the n sensors. For this purpose, the marking must be dimensioned such that the marking can be detected by all sensors simultaneously in one position of the armature. In order to enable all 2 n combinations, the marking must be subdivided into at least two markings, for example to enable coding "1011" with 4 sensors.
Sind die Sensoren nebeneinander parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordnet, so bestimmen die geometrischen Abmes¬ sungen der Sensoren den Abstand zwischen den Sensoren.If the sensors are arranged side by side parallel to the direction of movement of the armature, the geometric dimensions of the sensors determine the distance between the sensors.
Dies bedeutet, daß die Sensoren nicht beliebig dicht nebenein- ander angeordnet werden können. Die Genauigkeit der Positions- bestimmungsvorrichtung kann somit nur durch eine größere Anzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Sensoren erhöht werden. Die Anzahl der Sensoren ist jedoch durch den Gesamthub deε Ankers selbst beschränkt.This means that the sensors cannot be arranged as close together as desired. The accuracy of the position determining device can thus only be increased by a larger number of sensors arranged side by side. However, the number of sensors is limited by the total stroke of the armature itself.
Die oben genannte Aufgabe wird daher ebenfalls dadurch vor¬ teilhaft gelöst, wenn die Sensoren quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers bzw. der Markierung in einer Reihe angeordnet sind. Die Markierung erstreckt sich in diesem Fall über die Breite der quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Senso¬ ren und ist derartig gestaltet, daß z.B. in der AUS-Stellung des Ankers kein Sensor die Markierung detektiert und in allen anderen Stellungen jeweils mindestens ein Sensor die Markie¬ rung detektiert.The above-mentioned object is therefore also advantageously achieved if the sensors are arranged in a row transversely to the direction of movement of the armature or the marking. In this case, the marking extends over the width of the sensors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature and is designed such that, for example, in the OFF position of the armature, no sensor detects the marking and in all other positions at least one sensor detects the marking.
Es ist jedoch auch möglich, daß die quer zur Bewegungsrichtung angeordneten Sensoren in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zuein¬ ander leicht versetzt angeordnet sind. In diesem Fall muß vorteilhaft die sich quer zur Bewegungsrichtung erstreckende Markierung keine spezielle Form aufweisen, damit die Position des Ankers sehr genau bestimmbar ist. Das läßt sich vorteil¬ haft durch eine Breite der Markierung erreichen, die der Breite der durch die einzelnen Sensoren gebildeten Sensorzeile entspricht.However, it is also possible for the sensors arranged transversely to the direction of movement to be slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature. In this case, the marking extending transversely to the direction of movement does not have to have a special shape so that the position of the armature can be determined very precisely. This can advantageously be achieved by a width of the marking which corresponds to the width of the sensor line formed by the individual sensors.
Es weiterhin vorteilhaft, wenn die Markierung aus mehreren Markierungen besteht und jede Markierung den Zustand minde¬ stens eines Sensors beim Verfahren des Ankers zwischen der AUS- und der EIN-Stellung verändert, insbesondere wenn die Markierungen in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander ver- setzt angeordnet sind. Die äußeren, quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers verlaufenden Kanten der Markierung sind bei dieser Ausführungsform insbesondere treppenförmig, wodurch beim Verfahren des Ankers die Sensoren nacheinander aktiviert werden. Durch die Anordnung der Sensoren quer zur Bewegungs- richtung des Ankers, ist die Zahl der verwendeten Sensoren nicht durch den Gesamthub beschränkt, sondern kann den Anfor¬ derungen entsprechend erhöht werden. Zur Erhöhung der Kombina¬ tionsmöglichkeiten ist es von Vorteil, wenn mindestens zwei Markierungen zeitweise von mindestens zwei Sensoren gleich- zeitig detektierbar sind.It is also advantageous if the marking consists of several markings and each marking changes the state of at least one sensor when the armature is moved between the OFF and the ON position, in particular if the markings are arranged offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature . In this embodiment, the outer edges of the marking, which run transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, are in particular step-shaped, as a result of which the sensors are activated in succession when the armature is moved. By arranging the sensors transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, the number of sensors used is not limited by the total stroke, but can be increased in accordance with the requirements. To increase the possible combinations, it is advantageous if at least two markings can be detected simultaneously by at least two sensors at the same time.
Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform sind die Sensoren raster-förmig bzw. in Reihen und Spalten angeordnet, wodurch die räumlichen Abmessungen der Positionsbestimmungs- Vorrichtung vorteilhaft verkleinert werden, da die Packungs¬ dichte der Sensoren größer ist, als wenn die Sensoren ledig- lieh in einer Reihe angeordnet sind. Dabei liegen die einzel¬ nen Spalten parallel zur Bwegungsrichtung des Ankers. Bei dieser Ausführungsform hat der Anker für jede der aus mehreren Sensoren bestehenden Spalten mindestens eine separate Markie- rung.In a further advantageous embodiment, the sensors are arranged in a grid or in rows and columns, which advantageously reduces the spatial dimensions of the position-determining device, since the packing density of the sensors is greater than if the sensors were only are arranged in a row. The individual columns lie parallel to the direction of movement of the armature. In this embodiment, the anchor has at least one separate marking for each of the columns consisting of several sensors.
Die Sensoren können bei allen Ausführungsformen mechanische Schalter, Induktions-, Kapazitäts-, Licht-, Magnet- oder Hall- Sensoren sein. Bei der Verwendung von Induktionssensoren besteht die Markierung vorteilhaft aus einem ferromagnetischen Material. Werden dagegen Lichtsensoren bzw. Lichtschranken verwendet, so besteht die Markierung aus einem oder mehreren Durchlässen, Bohrungen oder lichtreflektierenden Flächen. Bei der Verwendung von Hall-Sensoren ist die Markierung ein Dauer- magnet oder besteht aus mehreren einzelnen an verschiedenen Stellen des Ankers befestigten kleineren Dauermagneten.In all embodiments, the sensors can be mechanical switches, induction, capacitance, light, magnetic or Hall sensors. When using induction sensors, the marking advantageously consists of a ferromagnetic material. If, on the other hand, light sensors or light barriers are used, the marking consists of one or more passages, bores or light-reflecting surfaces. When using Hall sensors, the marking is a permanent magnet or consists of several individual smaller permanent magnets attached to different locations on the armature.
Für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Sensoren in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers die Markierungen bzw. die einzelnen Markierungen für unterschiedlich lange Weg¬ strecken detektieren. Eine optimale Ausnutzung der Kombina- tionsmöglichkeiten ergibt sich, wenn die Lage der Sensoren die Wegstrecken, über die die einzelnen Sensoren die Markierung detektieren, und die Anzahl, Größe und relative Lage der Markierung bzw. der einzelnen Markierungen zueinander derart bestimmt sind, daß beim Verfahren des Ankers zwischen der AUS- und EIN-Stellung alle möglichen Zustandskombinationen der Sensoren auftreten. Zweckmäßig ist schließlich die Verbindung der Sensoren mit einer Auswertelektronik.For certain applications it is advantageous if the sensors detect the markings or the individual markings for distances of different lengths in the direction of movement of the armature. The combination possibilities can be optimally used if the position of the sensors, the distances over which the individual sensors detect the marking, and the number, size and relative position of the marking or of the individual markings relative to one another are determined such that the method of the armature between the OFF and ON position, all possible combinations of states of the sensors occur. Finally, it is expedient to connect the sensors to evaluation electronics.
Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings
Nachfolgend werden mögliche Ausführungsformen anhand von Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Es zeigen: Figur 1: Eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit vier in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers parallel zueinander angeordneten Sensoren, wobei die Sensoren Licht¬ schranken sind;Possible embodiments are explained in more detail below with the aid of drawings. Show it: Figure 1: A position determining device with four sensors arranged parallel to each other in the direction of movement of the armature, the sensors being light barriers;
Figur 2: eine schematische Darstellung einer Positionsbestim¬ mungsvorrichtung, wobei alle möglichen mittels der Sensoren bestimmbaren Positionen der Markierung dargestellt sind;FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a position determination device, all possible positions of the marking that can be determined by means of the sensors being shown;
Figur 3: eine schematische Darstellung gemäß Fig. 2, wobei die Markierung zweigeteilt ist;FIG. 3: a schematic illustration according to FIG. 2, the marking being divided into two;
Figur 4 : eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit induktiven Sensoren;FIG. 4: a position determining device with inductive sensors;
Figur 5: eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit Hall- Detektoren als Sensoren und einem Magneten als Mar¬ kierung;FIG. 5: a position determining device with Hall detectors as sensors and a magnet as a marker;
Figur 6: eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Hall- Detektoren, wobei die Magnete als Markierungen in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander leicht ver- setzt angeordnet sind;FIG. 6: a position determining device with Hall detectors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, the magnets being arranged as markings slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature;
Figur 7: eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Hall- Detektoren, wobei die Hall-Detektoren in Bewegungs- richtung des Ankers zueinander leicht versetzt ange¬ ordnet sind;FIG. 7: a position determination device with Hall detectors arranged transversely to the direction of movement of the armature, the Hall detectors being arranged slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement of the armature;
Figur 8: eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit in zwei Spalten und zwei Reihen angeordneten Sensoren. Ausführung der ErfindungFigure 8: a position determining device with sensors arranged in two columns and two rows. Implementation of the invention
Fig. 1 zeigt eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 mit vier in Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 parallel zueinander ange- ordneten Sensoren 5. Die Sensoren 5 sind Photodetektoren, die zusammen mit den Leuchtmitteln 6 Lichtschranken bilden. Die Leuchtmittel 6 sind dabei insbesondere Photodioden. Die Senso¬ ren 5 und Leuchtmittel 6 sind auf einer Grundplatte 4 angeord¬ net. Die Grundplatte 4 kann dabei eine Leiterplatte sein, die die nicht dargestellte Auswertelektronik zur Verarbeitung der mittels der Sensoren 5 erzeugten Signale trägt. Der Anker 2 hat eine Markierung 3 , die durch eine Aussparung des Ankers 2 gebildet ist. Wird der Anker 2 mittels einer nicht dargestell¬ ten Spule verfahren, so wird die Markierung 3 durch den Detek- tierungsbereich 8 der Sensoren 5 verfahren. Befindet sich die Markierung bzw. die Aussparung 3 zwischen einem Photodetektor 5 und der dazugehörigen Photodiode 6, so wird diese Licht¬ schranke geöffnet bzw. der Sensor 5 aktiviert. Wie aus Fig. 2 ersichtlich, sendet der Sensor 5 dann das Signal "1" an die Auswertelektronik. Die Markierung 3 hat eine räumliche Aus¬ dehnung in Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 , so daß die Markierung 3 von mindestens zwei Sensoren 5 gleichzeitig detektierbar ist. In Fig. 2 ist die Länge der Markierung 3 so bemessen, daß sie von allen Sensoren 5 (siehe Position E) detektierbar ist. Mittels der vier Sensoren 5 können bei einer derart einfachen Gestaltung der Markierung 3 acht Positionen des Ankers 3 sehr genau bestimmt werden. Die Genauigkeit der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 hängt dabei unter anderem von dem Abstand der einzelnen Detektierungsbereiche 8 der Sensoren 5 ab.1 shows a position determining device 1 with four sensors 5 arranged parallel to one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2. The sensors 5 are photodetectors which, together with the illuminants 6, form light barriers. The illuminants 6 are in particular photodiodes. The sensors 5 and illuminants 6 are arranged on a base plate 4. The base plate 4 can be a circuit board that carries the evaluation electronics, not shown, for processing the signals generated by the sensors 5. The armature 2 has a marking 3, which is formed by a recess in the armature 2. If the armature 2 is moved by means of a coil (not shown), the marking 3 is moved through the detection area 8 of the sensors 5. If the marking or recess 3 is located between a photodetector 5 and the associated photodiode 6, this light barrier is opened or the sensor 5 is activated. As can be seen from FIG. 2, the sensor 5 then sends the signal "1" to the evaluation electronics. The marking 3 has a spatial expansion in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that the marking 3 can be detected simultaneously by at least two sensors 5. 2, the length of the marking 3 is dimensioned such that it can be detected by all sensors 5 (see position E). With such a simple design of the marking 3, eight positions of the armature 3 can be determined very precisely by means of the four sensors 5. The accuracy of the position determination device 1 depends, among other things, on the distance between the individual detection areas 8 of the sensors 5.
Der Detektierungsbereich 8, 10 jedes Sensors 5 kann dabei, wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt, unterschiedliche Abmessungen in Bewe¬ gungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 haben. Hierdurch bestimmt sich, für welche Wegstrecke der jeweilige Sensor 5 die Markierung 3 beim Verfahren des Ankers 2 detektiert. In Fig. 3 ist zudem die Markierung 3 durch den Zwischenbereich 9 zweigeteilt. Der Zwischen-bereich 9 wird von den Sensoren 5 nicht detektiert, d.h. , die Sensoren 5 sind deaktiviert bzw. senden das Signal "0", wenn der Zwischenbereich im Detektierungsbereich 8, 10 des jeweiligen Sensors 5 ist. Durch die Zweiteilung der Markierung 5 läßt sich mittels der vier Sensoren 5 eine Auf¬ lösung (Positionen A bis M) der vom Anker 2 zwischen der AUS- Stellung (Position A) und der EIN-Stellung (Position M) zurückgelegten Hubstrecke von dreizehn Positionen erzielen. Bei einer entsprechenden Anordnung der Sensoren 5 zueinander und einer entsprechenden Unterteilung und Anordnung der Markierungen 3 auf dem Anker, läßt sich eine Auflösung von maximal 2n Positionen bei n verwendeten Sensoren 5 erzielen.The detection area 8, 10 of each sensor 5 can, as shown in FIG. 3, have different dimensions in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2. This determines the distance for which the respective sensor 5 detects the marking 3 when the armature 2 is moved. 3 is also the marking 3 divided into two by the intermediate area 9. The intermediate area 9 is not detected by the sensors 5, ie the sensors 5 are deactivated or send the signal “0” when the intermediate area is in the detection area 8, 10 of the respective sensor 5. By dividing the marking 5 into two, the four sensors 5 can be used to resolve (positions A to M) the thirteen travel distances covered by the armature 2 between the OFF position (position A) and the ON position (position M) achieve. With a corresponding arrangement of the sensors 5 to one another and a corresponding subdivision and arrangement of the markings 3 on the armature, a resolution of a maximum of 2 n positions can be achieved with n sensors 5 used.
Wird der Anker 2 von der AUS-Stellung (Position A) in Richtung der EIN-Stellung (Position M) verfahren, so tritt die obere Markierung 3 zuerst in den Detektierungsbereich 8 des SensorsIf the armature 2 is moved from the OFF position (position A) in the direction of the ON position (position M), the upper marking 3 first enters the detection area 8 of the sensor
1 (Position B) ein, wodurch der Sensor 1 aktiviert wird und das Signal "1" sendet. Alle anderen Sensoren 2 bis 4 werden noch nicht aktiviert und senden das Signal "0". Wird der Anker1 (position B), which activates sensor 1 and sends signal "1". All other sensors 2 to 4 are not yet activated and send the signal "0". Will the anchor
2 weiter in Richtung der EIN-Stellung verfahren, so werden nacheinander die Sensoren 1 bis 3 aktiviert. Durch den größe¬ ren Abstand der Detektierungsbereiche 8 und 10 der Sensoren 3 und 4 voneinander tritt nach Durchfahren der Position D der Zwischenbereich 9 in den Detektierungsbereich 8 des Sensor 1, wodurch dieser deaktiviert wird. Der Abstand der Detektie¬ rungsbereich 8 und 10 der Sensoren 3 und 4 voneinander ist dabei so bemessen, daß beim Verfahren des Ankers 2 von der Position F in die Position G, die obere Markierung 3 den Sensor 3 genau dann nicht mehr aktiviert, wenn der Sensor 4 aktiviert wird. Durch den breiten Detektierungsbereich 10 des Sensors 4 wird bei den Positionen G bis M gewährleistet, daß der Sensor 4 stets aktiviert ist. Mittels der unteren Markie¬ rung 3 werden nacheinander zwischen den Positionen H und L die Sensoren 1 bis 3 aktiviert. Ab der Position K verläßt die untere Markierung 3 die Detektierungsbereiche 8 der Sensoren 1 bis 3 nacheinander. Die Figuren 4 und 5 zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsform der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1, wobei die Sensoren 5 in der Figur 4 induktive Sensoren sind, die eine Veränderung des erzeugten Magnetfeldes durch die ferroma- gnetische Markierung 3 registrieren. Durch das Verfahren der Markierung 3 mittels des Ankers 2 in den Detektierungsbereich eines induktiven Sensors 5 wird dieser nach verwendeter Aus¬ wertlogik der Auswertelektronik aktiviert oder deaktiviert. In der Figur 5 sind die Sensoren 5 Hall-Detektoren. Die Markie- rung 3 ist in diesem Fall insbesondere ein Dauermagnet. Sobald sich der Magnet 3 im Detektierungsbereich 8 eines Sensors 5 befindet, wird durch das Magnetfeld des Dauermagneten 3 eine Hall-Spannung im Hall-Detektor erzeugt. Liegt eine Hall- Spannung an den Ausgangsklemmen des Hall-Detektors an, so wird dies als Signal "l" gewertet. Liegt eine Hall-Spannung an, so ist das Ausgangssignal "0". Je nach verwendeter Logik können jedoch die Signale auch andersherum definiert werden.2 move further in the direction of the ON position, sensors 1 to 3 are activated in succession. Due to the greater distance between the detection areas 8 and 10 of the sensors 3 and 4 from one another, after passing through the position D, the intermediate area 9 enters the detection area 8 of the sensor 1, whereby this is deactivated. The distance between the detection areas 8 and 10 of the sensors 3 and 4 is dimensioned such that when the armature 2 is moved from the position F to the position G, the upper marking 3 no longer activates the sensor 3 precisely when the Sensor 4 is activated. The wide detection range 10 of the sensor 4 at positions G to M ensures that the sensor 4 is always activated. The sensors 1 to 3 are activated in succession between the positions H and L by means of the lower marking 3. From position K, the lower marking 3 leaves the detection areas 8 of the sensors 1 to 3 in a row. FIGS. 4 and 5 show a further embodiment of the position determining device 1, the sensors 5 in FIG. 4 being inductive sensors that register a change in the magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic marking 3. By moving the marker 3 by means of the armature 2 into the detection area of an inductive sensor 5, this is activated or deactivated according to the evaluation logic of the evaluation electronics used. In FIG. 5 the sensors are 5 Hall detectors. In this case, the marking 3 is in particular a permanent magnet. As soon as the magnet 3 is in the detection area 8 of a sensor 5, a Hall voltage is generated in the Hall detector by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3. If there is a Hall voltage at the output terminals of the Hall detector, this is evaluated as signal "1". If a Hall voltage is present, the output signal is "0". Depending on the logic used, however, the signals can also be defined the other way round.
Die Figuren 6 und 7 zeigen eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrich- tung 1 mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 angeord¬ neten Hall-Detektoren 5. In Figur 6 ist die Markierung 3 in einzelne Markierungen 3 unterteilt. Die Markierungen 3 sind Dauermagnete, die in Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 zuein¬ ander leicht versetzt angeordnet sind, so daß sie beim Ver- fahren des Ankers 2 in Bewegungsrichtung 7 nacheinander in dieFIGS. 6 and 7 show a position determination device 1 with Hall detectors 5 arranged transversely to the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2. In FIG. 6, the marking 3 is divided into individual markings 3. The markings 3 are permanent magnets which are arranged slightly offset from one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that they move successively into the direction of movement of the armature 2 in the direction 7
Detektierungsbereiche 8 der Sensoren 5 eintreten und diese aktivieren. Die Anzahl der verwendeten Magnete 3 und die Größe der Versetzungen der einzelnen Magnete 3 zueinander kann beliebig fein gewählt werden, so daß die Hubstrecke des Ankers 2 beliebig fein unterteilbar ist. Die Anzahl der verwendeten Magnete 3 hängt dabei lediglich von der Breite des Ankers 2 und nicht von der durch die Hubstrecke des Ankers 2 begrenzten Länge des Ankers 2 ab. Die treppenstufigen Versetzungen können dabei mittels eines Lasers eines Ätzprozesses oder eines anderen geeigneten Vorgangs erzeugt werden. Dauermagnete können jedoch nicht beliebig klein gefertigt werden, da das durch sie^erzeugte Magnetfeld ab einer gewissen Größe des Dauermagneten nicht mehr ausreichen würde, um eine angemessene Hall-Spannung im Hall-Detektor 5 zu erzeugen. Es ist daher von Vorteil, wenn lediglich ein großer Dauermagnet verwendet wird. Eine derartige Ausführungsform ist in Fig. 7 dargestellt. Bei dieser Ausführungsform werden die mittels der bekannten Fertigungsverfahren in miniaturisierter Bauweise herstellbaren Hall-Detektoren 5 zueinander in Bewegungsrich- tung 7 des Ankers 2 versetzt angeordnet, so daß beim Verfahren des Ankers 2 die Detektoren 5 nacheinander unter den Dauer¬ magneten 3 gelangen und aktiviert werden.Enter detection areas 8 of sensors 5 and activate them. The number of magnets 3 used and the size of the displacements of the individual magnets 3 with respect to one another can be chosen to be as fine as desired, so that the stroke length of the armature 2 can be subdivided as desired. The number of magnets 3 used depends only on the width of the armature 2 and not on the length of the armature 2 limited by the stroke length of the armature 2. The stair-step dislocations can be generated by means of a laser of an etching process or another suitable process. However, permanent magnets can not be made arbitrarily small, since this would not be enough through them ^ magnetic field generated from a certain size of the permanent magnets more, to produce a reasonable Hall voltage in the Hall detector. 5 It is therefore advantageous if only a large permanent magnet is used. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the Hall detectors 5 which can be produced in a miniaturized construction by means of the known manufacturing methods are arranged offset with respect to one another in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that when the armature 2 is moved, the detectors 5 pass one after the other under the permanent magnets 3 and are activated .
Fig. 8 zeigt eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 mit in zwei Spalten und zwei Reihen angeordneten Sensoren 5. Der Anker 2 hat dazu zwei Markierungsträger 14, 15, an denen jeweils eine längliche Markierung 16, 17 angeordnet ist. Die Markierungsträger 14, 15 sind durch einen Verbindungssteg 13 miteinander in mechanischer Verbindung. Die Markierungen 16, 17 sind aufgrund der verwendeten Gabellichtschranken 12 Aus¬ sparungen, die den Lichtstrahl der Leuchtdioden 18 hin zu den Photodetektoren 11 freigeben, wodurch der jeweilige Photode¬ tektor 11 der Gabellichtschranken 12 aktiviert wird. Die Gabellichtschranken 12 sind zur leichten Montage und zum einfachen Einbau in das Schütz auf einer Grundplatte 4 ange¬ ordnet. Durch die Anordnung zueinander und die Zahl der ver¬ wendeten Markierungen 16, 17 auf den Markierungsträgern 14, 15 kann eine Auflösung der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 von bis zu maximal Auflösung 2n Positionen des Ankers 2 bei n verwendeten Sensoren 12 erzielt werden. 8 shows a position determining device 1 with sensors 5 arranged in two columns and two rows. For this purpose, the armature 2 has two marking carriers 14, 15, on each of which an elongated marking 16, 17 is arranged. The marker carriers 14, 15 are mechanically connected to one another by a connecting web 13. The markings 16, 17 are recesses due to the fork light barriers used, which release the light beam from the light-emitting diodes 18 towards the photodetectors 11, whereby the respective photodetector 11 of the fork light barriers 12 is activated. The fork light barriers 12 are arranged on a base plate 4 for easy assembly and simple installation in the contactor. Due to the arrangement relative to one another and the number of markings 16, 17 used on the marking carriers 14, 15, a resolution of the position determining device 1 of up to a maximum resolution 2 n positions of the armature 2 can be achieved with n sensors 12 used.

Claims

A n s p r ü c h e Expectations
1. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung für den Anker eines Schützes, wobei der Anker (2) eine Markierung (3) hat und zwischen einer AUS- und einer EIN-Stellung verfahrbar ist, und die Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung (1) mehrere Sensoren (5) hat, mittels derer die Markierung (3) des1. Position determining device for the armature of a contactor, the armature (2) having a marking (3) and being movable between an OFF and an ON position, and the position determining device (1) having a plurality of sensors (5) by means of which the Marking (3) of the
Ankers (2) detektierbar und die Position des Ankers (2) bestimmbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Markie¬ rung (3) zeitweise von mindestens zwei Sensoren (5) gleichzeitig detektierbar ist.Anchor (2) can be detected and the position of the anchor (2) can be determined, characterized in that the marking (3) can be temporarily detected by at least two sensors (5) at the same time.
2. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung (1) n Sensoren (5) hat und die Markierung (3) zeitweise von allen n Sensoren (5) gleichzeitig detektierbar ist.2. Position determining device according to claim 1, characterized in that the position determining device (1) has n sensors (5) and the marking (3) is temporarily detectable by all n sensors (5) at the same time.
3. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) in Bewe¬ gungsrichtung (7) des Ankers (2) nebeneinander angeordnet sind.3. Positioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors (5) in the direction of movement (7) of the armature (2) are arranged side by side.
4. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung für den Anker eines Schützes, wobei der Anker (2) eine Markierung (3) hat und zwischen einer AUS- und einer EIN-Stellung verfahrbar ist, und Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung (1) mehrere Sensoren (5) hat, mittels derer die Markierung (3) des4. Position determination device for the armature of a contactor, wherein the armature (2) has a marking (3) and can be moved between an OFF and an ON position, and position determination device (1) has a plurality of sensors (5) by means of which the marking (3) of the
Ankers (2) detektierbar und die Position des Ankers (2) bestimmbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) quer zur Bewegungsrichtung (7) des Ankers (2) neben¬ einander angeordnet εind. Anchor (2) can be detected and the position of the anchor (2) can be determined, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged next to one another transversely to the direction of movement (7) of the anchor (2).
5. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Markierung (3) zeitweise von mindestens zwei Sensoren (5) gleichzeitig detektierbar ist.5. Positioning device according to claim 4, characterized in that the marking (3) is temporarily detectable by at least two sensors (5) simultaneously.
6. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) in Bewegungsrichtung (7) des Ankers (2) zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind.6. Positioning device according to claim 5, characterized in that the sensors (5) in the direction of movement (7) of the armature (2) are arranged offset to one another.
7. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Breite der Markierung (3) der Breite der durch die einzelnen Sensoren (5) gebildeten Sensorzeile entspricht.7. Positioning device according to claim 6, characterized in that the width of the marking (3) corresponds to the width of the sensor line formed by the individual sensors (5).
8. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Markierung (3) aus mehreren Markierungen (3) besteht und jede Markierung (3) den Zustand mindestens eines Sensors (5) beim Ver¬ fahren des Ankers (2) zwischen der AUS- und der EIN- Stellung verändert.8. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the marking (3) consists of several markings (3) and each marking (3) the state of at least one sensor (5) when moving the armature (2) between the OFF and ON position changed.
9. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Markierungen (3) in Bewegungs- richtung (7) des Ankers (2) zueinander versetzt ange- ordnet sind.9. Position determining device according to claim 8, characterized in that the markings (3) in the direction of movement (7) of the armature (2) are arranged offset to one another.
10. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß mindestens zwei Markierungen (3) zeitweise von mindestens zwei Sensoren (5) gleichzeitig detektierbar sind.10. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two markings (3) are temporarily detectable by at least two sensors (5) simultaneously.
11. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) rasterförmig bzw. in Spalten und Reihen angeordnet sind. 11. Positioning device according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged in a grid or in columns and rows.
12. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) mechanische Schalter, Induktions- , Kapazitäts- oder Magnetsensoren sind.12. Positioning device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensors (5) are mechanical switches, induction, capacitance or magnetic sensors.
13. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) Lichtschranken sind und die Markierung (3) ein Durchlaß, eine Bohrung oder eine lichtreflektierende Flache ist derart, daß die Markierung (3) die Lichtschranke entweder unterbricht oder öffnet.13. Positioning device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensors (5) are light barriers and the marking (3) is a passage, a bore or a light reflecting surface is such that the marking (3) either interrupts the light barrier or opens.
14. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) Hall-Detektoren sind und die Markierung (3) ein Magnet ist derart, daß der Magnet eine Hall-Spannung in den Sensoren (5) erzeugt, sobald er in der unmittelbaren Nahe eines Sensor (5) ist.14. Positioning device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the sensors (5) are Hall detectors and the marking (3) is a magnet such that the magnet generates a Hall voltage in the sensors (5), as soon as it is in the immediate vicinity of a sensor (5).
15. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) in Bewegungsrichtung (7) des Ankers (2) die Markierungen (3) bzw. die einzelnen Markierungen (3) für unterschied¬ lich lange Wegstrecken detektieren.15. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (5) in the direction of movement (7) of the armature (2) detect the markings (3) or the individual markings (3) for different long distances.
16. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Lage der Sensoren (5) , die Wegstrecken, über die die einzelnen Sensoren (5) die Markierung (3) detektieren, und die Anzahl, Große und relative Lage der Markierung (3) bzw. der einzelnen Markierungen (3) zueinander derart bestimmt sind, daß beim Verfahren des Ankers (2) zwischen der AUS- und EIN-Stellung alle möglichen Zustandskombinationen der Sensoren (5) auftreten. 16. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the sensors (5), the distances over which the individual sensors (5) detect the marking (3), and the number, large and relative position of the marking ( 3) or the individual markings (3) to one another are determined such that when the armature (2) is moved, all possible combinations of states of the sensors (5) occur between the OFF and ON positions.
17. Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Sensoren (5) von der Markierung (3) je nach Position des Ankers (2) bzw. der Markierung (3) aktiviert oder deaktiviert sind und je nach Zustand ein entsprechendes Signal an eine Auswertelektronik übermitteln. 17. Positioning device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensors (5) of the marker (3) depending on the position of the armature (2) or the marker (3) are activated or deactivated and, depending on the state, a corresponding signal transmit to evaluation electronics.
EP97900576A 1996-02-06 1997-01-09 Position determining device for the armature of a contactor Expired - Lifetime EP0879472B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE29602868U 1996-02-06
DE29602868U DE29602868U1 (en) 1996-02-06 1996-02-06 Positioning device for the armature of a contactor
PCT/EP1997/000051 WO1997029498A1 (en) 1996-02-06 1997-01-09 Position determining device for the armature of a contactor

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0879472A1 true EP0879472A1 (en) 1998-11-25
EP0879472B1 EP0879472B1 (en) 2000-10-18

Family

ID=8019679

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP97900576A Expired - Lifetime EP0879472B1 (en) 1996-02-06 1997-01-09 Position determining device for the armature of a contactor

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0879472B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE197102T1 (en)
DE (2) DE29602868U1 (en)
WO (1) WO1997029498A1 (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE197102T1 (en) 2000-11-15
DE29602868U1 (en) 1996-05-30
WO1997029498A1 (en) 1997-08-14
DE59702497D1 (en) 2000-11-23
EP0879472B1 (en) 2000-10-18

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