EP0879472B1 - Position determining device for the armature of a contactor - Google Patents

Position determining device for the armature of a contactor Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0879472B1
EP0879472B1 EP97900576A EP97900576A EP0879472B1 EP 0879472 B1 EP0879472 B1 EP 0879472B1 EP 97900576 A EP97900576 A EP 97900576A EP 97900576 A EP97900576 A EP 97900576A EP 0879472 B1 EP0879472 B1 EP 0879472B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
sensors
armature
marking
determination apparatus
position determination
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EP97900576A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0879472A1 (en
Inventor
Klaus Dieter NÜRENBERG
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Eaton Industries GmbH
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Moeller GmbH
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    • 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 being a mark and can be moved between an ON and an OFF position and the position determining device has a plurality of sensors has, by means of which the marking of the anchor is detectable and the position of the anchor can be determined.
  • DE 44 09 010 A1 describes a switching device in which the position of the movable organ by means of a sensor, especially the armature of a contactor during the switching process is determinable.
  • the sensor is a potentiometer consisting of an elongated sensor element and a movable rotor attached to the anchor, which is on the Sensor element supported.
  • the coil current is dependent on the difference between target coil current and measured actual coil current controlled by a pulse modulation circuit, the Coil current depends on the level of pulse size modulation.
  • a potentiometer as a position sensor several disadvantages. So for one is the resistance of the Potentiometers are temperature dependent, making the actual Position of the armature in the event of temperature fluctuations from the switching device not without additional circuitry Effort can be determined. On the other hand, that of the The armature moves through the required pressure force of the coil Sliding contacts of the potentiometer braked. Through the relative fast movement of the anchor will also add the resistance area of the potentiometer is stressed, causing it to Changes in resistance due to detachment or abrasion of the resistance material comes. A control of the contactor is no longer possible in this case.
  • DE 38 22 342 C2 is a solenoid control known, the shift solenoid control a number of in Has direction of movement of the armature arranged light barriers.
  • the light barriers consist of photodiodes and one Row of light emitting diodes, which on both sides of the anchor are arranged.
  • the anchor has a hole that the light path of only one light barrier when moving of the anchor opens individually or one after the other.
  • the light barrier signals can be evaluated by means of evaluation electronics the position of the anchor can be determined.
  • the speed of the anchor can also be determined if the Time is measured that the marking needs to be next to each other by two to drive through lying light barriers.
  • EP 152 067 A2 describes a generic position determination device known to have a magnetic Sensor consisting of four transmitters, each with one Primary and a secondary winding, and a rod that is periodically occupied with magnetic markings on which the sensor is guided along.
  • the sensor is longitudinally extended by a quarter of a period larger than the periodic spacing of the markings.
  • the four Transformers are primarily phase-shifted excited.
  • the four that can be tapped at the secondary windings Secondary signals are sent to the sensor when the sensor moves along Markings according to the periodically changing Reluctances more or less weakened.
  • the four Secondary signals are superimposed positively or negatively and a phase difference evaluation circuit supplied as Result the linear position of the sensor between two Outputs markings with fairly accuracy.
  • This position determination device has a phase difference evaluation circuit the crucial disadvantage, only within one, by the periodic distance between two Markings of defined area the position of the sensor to be able to grasp absolutely with regard to the staff, against which after exceeding this range, the measurement signal repeated periodically accordingly.
  • the invention is therefore based on the task of a simple one Provide position determining device that allows the movement sequence of the anchor when entering or Turn off a contactor to monitor, at the same time the position of the anchor with the same number of used Position sensors can be determined more precisely than at the state of the Technology.
  • This object is achieved in that the Marking of at least two sensors can be detected simultaneously is.
  • the sensors encode the position of the armature is noticeable.
  • the dimensions of the marking are in Select the relationship to the sensor positions so that e.g. just no sensor detects the marking in the OFF position. If the armature is moved in the direction of the ON position, so a first sensor detects the marking after one certain stroke distance. The armature continues to the ON position moved, detects in addition to the first sensor a second sensor detects the mark.
  • a second sensor detects the mark.
  • the evaluation electronics of the position determining device can advantageously work digitally, as a result of which 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 divided into at least two markings, for example to enable coding "1011" with 4 sensors.
  • the sensors are not as close together as desired can be arranged.
  • the accuracy of the positioning device can therefore only by a larger Number of sensors arranged side by side can be increased.
  • the number of sensors is determined by the total stroke of the Ankers limited himself. This problem is eliminated if the Sensors transverse to the direction of movement of the armature or the Marking are arranged in a row.
  • the several slightly offset markings existing marking in this case extends across the width of the Direction of movement of the armature arranged sensors and is designed such that e.g. in the exhibition of the anchor no sensor detects the mark and in all other positions at least one sensor each the marking detected.
  • the cross to the direction of movement arranged sensors in the direction of movement of the armature to each other are slightly offset.
  • extending transversely to the direction of movement Marking does not have a special shape, so the position of the anchor can be determined very precisely. That can be advantageous by a width of the mark that the Width of the sensor line formed by the individual sensors corresponds.
  • the marking consists of several Markings exist and each marking has at least the state of a sensor when moving the anchor between the OFF and ON position changed, especially when the Markings offset from each other in the direction of movement of the armature are arranged.
  • the outer, transverse to the direction of movement The edges of the marking of the anchor are at this Embodiment in particular stair-shaped, whereby the Moving the anchor activated the sensors one after the other become.
  • the Sensors arranged in a grid or in rows and columns, whereby the spatial dimensions of the positioning device can be advantageously reduced because of the packing density of the sensors is larger than if the sensors were merely are arranged in a row.
  • the individual lie Columns parallel to the direction of movement of the anchor. At This embodiment has the anchor for each of them If there are multiple sensors, at least one column separate marking.
  • the sensors can be mechanical in all embodiments Switches, induction, capacitance, light, magnetic or Hall sensors.
  • the marking advantageously consists of a ferromagnetic material.
  • the marking if light sensors or Light barriers used, the marking consists of a or more passages, bores or light reflecting surfaces.
  • the marking is a permanent magnet or consists of several individual at different locations on the anchor attached smaller permanent magnets.
  • the Sensors in the direction of movement of the armature make the markings or the individual markings for different lengths Detect distances.
  • Optimal use of the Possible combinations arise when the location of the Sensors the distances over which the individual sensors cover the Detect mark, and number, size and relative Position of the marking or the individual markings are determined to each other in such a way that in the process of Anchor between the OFF and ON position all possible Combinations of states of the sensors occur.
  • Fig. 1 shows a position determining device 1 with four arranged parallel to each other in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 Sensors 5.
  • the sensors 5 are photodetectors that form 6 light barriers together with the illuminants.
  • the Illuminants 6 are in particular photodiodes.
  • the sensors 5 and illuminant 6 are arranged on a base plate 4.
  • the base plate 4 can be a circuit board that the evaluation electronics, not shown, for processing the carries signals generated by the sensors 5.
  • the anchor 2 has a mark 3 through a recess in the armature 2 is formed. If the anchor 2 by means of a not shown If the coil moves, then the marking 3 passes through the detection area Move 8 of sensors 5.
  • the sensor 5 then sends the signal "1" to the Evaluation electronics.
  • the marking 3 has a spatial extent in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that the Mark 3 of at least two sensors 5 simultaneously is detectable. In Fig. 2 the length of the marking 3 is so dimensioned that all sensors 5 (see position E) is detectable.
  • the four sensors 5 one can such a simple design of the marker 3 eight positions the anchor 3 can be determined very precisely.
  • the accuracy of the Position determining device 1 depends among other things from the distance between the individual detection areas 8 Sensors 5 from.
  • 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.
  • the marking 3 is also 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.
  • the four sensors 5 can be used to achieve a resolution (positions A to M) of the stroke distance of thirteen positions covered by the armature 2 between the OFF position (position A) and the ON position (position M).
  • a resolution of a maximum of 2 n positions can be achieved with n sensors 5 used.
  • the sensors are 5 Hall detectors.
  • the mark In this case, 3 is in particular a permanent magnet.
  • the magnet 3 is in the detection area 8 of a sensor 5 is located by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3 Hall voltage generated in the Hall detector.
  • There is a Hall voltage to the output terminals of the Hall detector this is evaluated as signal "1”. If there is a Hall voltage, then so the output signal is "0".
  • the signals can also be defined the other way around.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show a position determining device 1 arranged transversely to the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 Hall detectors 5.
  • the marks 3 are Permanent magnets facing each other in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 are slightly offset so that they are in the process of the armature 2 in the direction of movement 7 one after the other in the Detection areas 8 of the sensors 5 occur and these activate.
  • the number of magnets used 3 and the size the displacements of the individual magnets 3 to each other can be chosen arbitrarily fine so that the stroke of the armature 2 can be subdivided as desired.
  • the number of used Magnet 3 depends only on the width of the armature 2 and not the one limited by the stroke length of the armature 2 Length of anchor 2 from.
  • the step-by-step transfers can thereby using an etching process or a laser other suitable process.
  • FIG. 7 Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 shown.
  • 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 cutouts 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 installation and simple installation in the contactor. Due to the arrangement with respect 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 of 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)
  • Transmission And Conversion Of Sensor Element Output (AREA)
  • Braking Arrangements (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
  • Laser Beam Processing (AREA)
  • Butt Welding And Welding Of Specific Article (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

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 being a mark and can be moved between an ON and an OFF position and the position determining device has a plurality of sensors has, by means of which the marking of the anchor is detectable and the position of the anchor can be determined.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die DE 44 09 010 A1 beschreibt eine Schaltvorrichtung, bei der mittels eines Sensors die Position des beweglichen Organs, insbesondere des Ankers eines Schützes, während des Schaltvorgangs 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 Schaltvorgangs der Spulenstrom über die gesamte Verschiebungsstrecke gesteuert, womit zum einen die Schließkraft des Schützes erhöht und zum anderen die elektrische und mechanische Haltbarkeit der Vorrichtung verbessert wird. Zur Steuerung des Spulenstroms ist der Spule ein Stromsensor in Reihe geschaltet. 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 Schaltvorrichtung 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 Widerstandsfläche 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 A1 describes a switching device in which the position of the movable organ by means of a sensor, especially the armature of a contactor during the switching process is determinable. The sensor is a potentiometer consisting of an elongated sensor element and a movable rotor attached to the anchor, which is on the Sensor element supported. By means of the determined position of the Movable organ of the contactor is during the switching process the coil current over the entire displacement distance controlled, on the one hand the closing force of the contactor increases and on the other hand the electrical and mechanical durability the device is improved. To control the Coil current, the coil is connected to a current sensor in series. The coil current is dependent on the difference between target coil current and measured actual coil current controlled by a pulse modulation circuit, the Coil current depends on the level of pulse size modulation. The However, using a potentiometer as a position sensor several disadvantages. So for one is the resistance of the Potentiometers are temperature dependent, making the actual Position of the armature in the event of temperature fluctuations from the switching device not without additional circuitry Effort can be determined. On the other hand, that of the The armature moves through the required pressure force of the coil Sliding contacts of the potentiometer braked. Through the relative fast movement of the anchor will also add the resistance area of the potentiometer is stressed, causing it to Changes in resistance due to detachment or abrasion of the resistance material comes. A control of the contactor is no longer possible in this case.

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 nebeneinander liegende Lichtschranken zu durchfahren. Durch Verarbeitung der Positionssignale und der hierdurch ermittelbaren Geschwindigkeit des Ankers ist es möglich, ein ungleichmäßiges Schalten des Schützes über alle drei Phasen des zu schließenden und zu öffnenden Stromkreises hinweg zu erkennen. Nachteilig 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.DE 38 22 342 C2 is a solenoid control known, the shift solenoid control a number of in Has direction of movement of the armature arranged light barriers. The light barriers consist of photodiodes and one Row of light emitting diodes, which on both sides of the anchor are arranged. The anchor has a hole that the light path of only one light barrier when moving of the anchor opens individually or one after the other. By evaluation The light barrier signals can be evaluated by means of evaluation electronics the position of the anchor can be determined. The speed of the anchor can also be determined if the Time is measured that the marking needs to be next to each other by two to drive through lying light barriers. By processing the position signals and the ones that can be determined thereby Speed of the anchor it is possible to have an uneven Switching the contactor over all three phases of the to be closed and to recognize open circuit. Disadvantageous in this solenoid control is that by means of n light barriers only n position signals can be generated, whereby the resolution of the position determination in relation the number of light barriers used is bad. Only if the hole opens a light barrier, the position of the Anchor can be clearly determined. The anchor becomes a piece all light barriers are interrupted. The Shift solenoid control has none at this moment Information about whether the anchor is in the ON or OFF position has been moved. An exact determination of the Position is therefore impossible.

Aus der EP 152 067 A2 ist eine gattungsgemäße Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung bekannt, die einen magnetischen Sensor, bestehend aus vier Übertragern mit jeweils einer Primär- und einer Sekundärwicklung, und einen Stab, der periodisch mit magnetischen Markierungen belegt ist, an dem der Sensor entlang geführt wird, aufweist. Die Längserstreckung des Sensors ist um eine Viertelperiode größer als der periodische Abstand der Markierungen. Die vier Übertrager werden primär unterschiedlich phasenversetzt erregt. Die an den Sekundärwicklungen abgreifbaren vier Sekundärsignale werden beim Entlangfahren des Sensors an den Markierungen entsprechend der sich periodisch ändernden Reluktanzen mehr oder weniger abgeschwächt. Die vier Sekundärsignale werden positiv bzw. negativ überlagert und einer Phasendifferenzauswerteschaltung zugeführt, die als Ergebnis die lineare Position des Sensors zwischen zwei Markierungen mit ziemlicher Genauigkeit ausgibt. Abgesehen von dem hohen Aufwand für die jeweils vier Primär- und Sekundärwicklungen, die Bereitstellung von vier phasenversetzten Primärsignalen und die wenigstens zu einem erheblichen Teil mit analogen Schaltungsmitteln auszuführende Phasendifferenzauswerteschaltung hat diese Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung den entscheidenden Nachteil, nur innerhalb eines einzigen, durch den periodischen Abstandes zweier Markierungen festgelegten Bereiches die Position des Sensors bezüglich des Stabes absolut erfassen zu können, wogegen sich nach Überschreiten dieses Bereiches das Meßsignal entsprechend periodisch wiederholt. EP 152 067 A2 describes a generic position determination device known to have a magnetic Sensor consisting of four transmitters, each with one Primary and a secondary winding, and a rod that is periodically occupied with magnetic markings on which the sensor is guided along. The The sensor is longitudinally extended by a quarter of a period larger than the periodic spacing of the markings. The four Transformers are primarily phase-shifted excited. The four that can be tapped at the secondary windings Secondary signals are sent to the sensor when the sensor moves along Markings according to the periodically changing Reluctances more or less weakened. The four Secondary signals are superimposed positively or negatively and a phase difference evaluation circuit supplied as Result the linear position of the sensor between two Outputs markings with fairly accuracy. Except of the high effort for the four primary and Secondary windings, providing four phase-shifted primary signals and at least one considerable part to be carried out with analog circuit means This position determination device has a phase difference evaluation circuit the crucial disadvantage, only within one, by the periodic distance between two Markings of defined area the position of the sensor to be able to grasp absolutely with regard to the staff, against which after exceeding this range, the measurement signal repeated periodically accordingly.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine einfache Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung bereitzustellen, die es erlaubt, den Bewegungsablauf des Ankers beim Ein- bzw. Ausschalten eines Schützes zu überwachen, wobei gleichzeitig die Position des Ankers bei gleicher Zahl der verwendeten Positionssensoren genauer bestimmbar ist als beim Stand der Technik.The invention is therefore based on the task of a simple one Provide position determining device that allows the movement sequence of the anchor when entering or Turn off a contactor to monitor, at the same time the position of the anchor with the same number of used Position sensors can be determined more precisely than at the state of the Technology.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß die Markierung von mindestens zwei Sensoren gleichzeitig detektierbar 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 Markierung. 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 is. In this way we advantageously achieved that by means of the sensors encode the position of the armature is noticeable. The dimensions of the marking are in Select the relationship to the sensor positions so that e.g. just no sensor detects the marking in the OFF position. If the armature is moved in the direction of the ON position, so a first sensor detects the marking after one certain stroke distance. The armature continues to the ON position moved, detects in addition to the first sensor a second sensor detects the mark. Would be the anchor, however immediately after detection of the mark by the first Sensor would have been moved back to the OFF position again no sensor detect the marking. The fact, that after closing a just opened Photoelectric switch of the solenoid control DE 38 22 342 C2 the position of the anchor is no longer accurate is determinable, is thus advantageously avoided.

Da die Sensoren lediglich die Signale aktiviert oder deaktiviert bzw. "1" 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 Markierungen unterteilt werden, um z.B. die Codierung "1011" bei 4 Sensoren zu ermöglichen.Since the sensors merely activate or deactivate the signals or send "1" or "0" to the evaluation electronics, the evaluation electronics of the position determining device can advantageously work digitally, as a result of which 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 divided 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 Abmessungen der Sensoren den Abstand zwischen den Sensoren.Are the sensors side by side parallel to the direction of movement of the anchor, so determine the geometric Dimensions of the sensors the distance between the sensors.

Dies bedeutet, daß die Sensoren nicht beliebig dicht nebeneinander angeordnet werden können. Die Genauigkeit der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung kann somit nur durch eine größere Anzahl von nebeneinander angeordneten Sensoren erhöht werden. Die Anzahl der Sensoren ist jedoch durch den Gesamthub des Ankers selbst beschränkt. Dieses Problem entfällt, wenn die Sensoren quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers bzw. der Markierung in einer Reihe angeordnet sind. Die aus mehreren, leicht versetzten Markierungen bestehende Markierung erstreckt sich in diesem Fall über die Breite der quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Sensoren 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 Markierung detektiert.This means that the sensors are not as close together as desired can be arranged. The accuracy of the positioning device can therefore only by a larger Number of sensors arranged side by side can be increased. However, the number of sensors is determined by the total stroke of the Ankers limited himself. This problem is eliminated if the Sensors transverse to the direction of movement of the armature or the Marking are arranged in a row. The several slightly offset markings existing marking in this case extends across the width of the Direction of movement of the armature arranged sensors and is designed such that e.g. in the exhibition of the anchor no sensor detects the mark and in all other positions at least one sensor each the marking detected.

Es ist jedoch auch möglich, daß die quer zur Bewegungsrichtung angeordneten Sensoren in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander 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 vorteilhaft durch eine Breite der Markierung erreichen, die der Breite der durch die einzelnen Sensoren gebildeten Sensorzeile entspricht.However, it is also possible that the cross to the direction of movement arranged sensors in the direction of movement of the armature to each other are slightly offset. In this case advantageous that extending transversely to the direction of movement Marking does not have a special shape, so the position of the anchor can be determined very precisely. That can be advantageous by a width of the mark that the Width of the sensor line formed by the individual sensors corresponds.

Es weiterhin vorteilhaft, wenn die Markierung aus mehreren Markierungen besteht und jede Markierung den Zustand mindestens eines Sensors beim Verfahren des Ankers zwischen der AUS- und der EIN-Stellung verändert, insbesondere wenn die Markierungen in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander versetzt 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 Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers, ist die Zahl der verwendeten Sensoren nicht durch den Gesamthub beschränkt, sondern kann den Anforderungen entsprechend erhöht werden. Zur Erhöhung der Kombinationsmöglichkeiten ist es von Vorteil, wenn mindestens zwei Markierungen zeitweise von mindestens zwei Sensoren gleichzeitig detektierbar sind.It is also advantageous if the marking consists of several Markings exist and each marking has at least the state of a sensor when moving the anchor between the OFF and ON position changed, especially when the Markings offset from each other in the direction of movement of the armature are arranged. The outer, transverse to the direction of movement The edges of the marking of the anchor are at this Embodiment in particular stair-shaped, whereby the Moving the anchor activated the sensors one after the other become. By arranging the sensors transversely to the direction of movement of the anchor, is the number of sensors used not limited by the overall stroke, but can meet the requirements be increased accordingly. To increase the possible combinations it is beneficial if at least two Temporary markings from at least two sensors at the same time are detectable.

Bei einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform sind die Sensoren raster-förmig bzw. in Reihen und Spalten angeordnet, wodurch die räumlichen Abmessungen der Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung vorteilhaft verkleinert werden, da die Packungsdichte der Sensoren größer ist, als wenn die Sensoren lediglich in einer Reihe angeordnet sind. Dabei liegen die einzelnen Spalten parallel zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers. Bei dieser Ausführungsform hat der Anker für jede der aus mehreren Sensoren bestehenden Spalten mindestens eine separate Markierung.In a further advantageous embodiment, the Sensors arranged in a grid or in rows and columns, whereby the spatial dimensions of the positioning device can be advantageously reduced because of the packing density of the sensors is larger than if the sensors were merely are arranged in a row. The individual lie Columns parallel to the direction of movement of the anchor. At This embodiment has the anchor for each of them If there are multiple sensors, at least one column separate marking.

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 Dauermagnet oder besteht aus mehreren einzelnen an verschiedenen Stellen des Ankers befestigten kleineren Dauermagneten.The sensors can be mechanical in all embodiments Switches, induction, capacitance, light, magnetic or Hall sensors. When using induction sensors the marking advantageously consists of a ferromagnetic material. On the other hand, if light sensors or Light barriers used, the marking consists of a or more passages, bores or light reflecting surfaces. When using Hall sensors the marking is a permanent magnet or consists of several individual at different locations on the anchor attached smaller permanent magnets.

Für bestimmte Anwendungsfälle ist es von Vorteil, wenn die Sensoren in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers die Markierungen bzw. die einzelnen Markierungen für unterschiedlich lange Wegstrecken detektieren. Eine optimale Ausnutzung der Kombinationsmöglichkeiten 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.For certain applications, it is advantageous if the Sensors in the direction of movement of the armature make the markings or the individual markings for different lengths Detect distances. Optimal use of the Possible combinations arise when the location of the Sensors the distances over which the individual sensors cover the Detect mark, and number, size and relative Position of the marking or the individual markings are determined to each other in such a way that in the process of Anchor between the OFF and ON position all possible Combinations of states of the sensors occur.

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 Lichtschranken sind;
Figur 2:
eine schematische Darstellung einer Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung, wobei alle möglichen mittels der Sensoren bestimmbaren Positionen der Markierung dargestellt sind;
Figur 3:
eine schematische Darstellung gemäß Fig. 2, wobei die Markierung zweigeteilt ist;
Figur 4:
eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit induktiven Sensoren;
Figur 5:
eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit Hall-Detektoren als Sensoren und einem Magneten als Markierung;
Figur 6:
eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Hall-Detektoren, wobei die Magnete als Markierungen in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander leicht versetzt angeordnet sind;
Figur 7:
eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers angeordneten Hall-Detektoren, wobei die Hall-Detektoren in Bewegungsrichtung des Ankers zueinander leicht versetzt angeordnet sind;
Figur 8:
eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung mit in zwei Spalten und zwei Reihen angeordneten Sensoren.
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 one another in the direction of movement of the armature, the sensors being light barriers;
Figure 2:
a schematic representation of a position determining device, wherein all possible positions of the marking which can be determined by means of the sensors are shown;
Figure 3:
a schematic representation of Figure 2, wherein the marking is divided into two;
Figure 4:
a position determining device with inductive sensors;
Figure 5:
a position determining device with Hall detectors as sensors and a magnet as a marker;
Figure 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;
Figure 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.

Ausführung der ErfindungImplementation of the invention

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 mit vier in Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 parallel zueinander angeordneten Sensoren 5. Die Sensoren 5 sind Photodetektoren, die zusammen mit den Leuchtmitteln 6 Lichtschranken bilden. Die Leuchtmittel 6 sind dabei insbesondere Photodioden. Die Sensoren 5 und Leuchtmittel 6 sind auf einer Grundplatte 4 angeordnet. 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 dargestellten Spule verfahren, so wird die Markierung 3 durch den Detektierungsbereich 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 Lichtschranke 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 Ausdehnung 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.Fig. 1 shows a position determining device 1 with four arranged parallel to each other in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 Sensors 5. The sensors 5 are photodetectors that form 6 light barriers together with the illuminants. The Illuminants 6 are in particular photodiodes. The sensors 5 and illuminant 6 are arranged on a base plate 4. The base plate 4 can be a circuit board that the evaluation electronics, not shown, for processing the carries signals generated by the sensors 5. The anchor 2 has a mark 3 through a recess in the armature 2 is formed. If the anchor 2 by means of a not shown If the coil moves, then the marking 3 passes through the detection area Move 8 of sensors 5. Is the Marking or the recess 3 between a photodetector 5 and the associated photodiode 6, this is the light barrier opened or sensor 5 activated. As from Fig. 2 can be seen, the sensor 5 then sends the signal "1" to the Evaluation electronics. The marking 3 has a spatial extent in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2, so that the Mark 3 of at least two sensors 5 simultaneously is detectable. In Fig. 2 the length of the marking 3 is so dimensioned that all sensors 5 (see position E) is detectable. By means of the four sensors 5, one can such a simple design of the marker 3 eight positions the anchor 3 can be determined very precisely. The accuracy of the Position determining device 1 depends among other things from the distance between the individual detection areas 8 Sensors 5 from.

Der Detektierungsbereich 8, 10 jedes Sensors 5 kann dabei, wie in Fig. 3 dargestellt, unterschiedliche Abmessungen in Bewegungsrichtung 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 Auflösung (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. In FIG. 3, the marking 3 is also 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 in two, the four sensors 5 can be used to achieve a resolution (positions A to M) of the stroke distance of thirteen positions covered by the armature 2 between the OFF position (position A) and the ON position (position M). 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 Sensors 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 Anker 2 weiter in Richtung der EIN-Stellung verfahren, so werden nacheinander die Sensoren 1 bis 3 aktiviert. Durch den größeren 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 Detektierungsbereich 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 Markierung 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 ferromagnetische Markierung 3 registrieren. Durch das Verfahren der Markierung 3 mittels des Ankers 2 in den Detektierungsbereich eines induktiven Sensors 5 wird dieser nach verwendeter Auswertlogik der Auswertelektronik aktiviert oder deaktiviert. In der Figur 5 sind die Sensoren 5 Hall-Detektoren. Die Markierung 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 "1" gewertet. Liegt eine Hall-Spannung an, so ist das Ausgangssignal "0". Je nach verwendeter Logik können jedoch die Signale auch andersherum definiert werden.If armature 2 moves from the OFF position (position A) towards move to the ON position (position M), the upper one occurs Mark 3 first in the detection area 8 of the sensor 1 (position B), which activates sensor 1 and sends the signal "1". All other sensors 2 to 4 will be not yet activated and send the signal "0". Will the anchor 2 continue in the direction of the ON position successively activated sensors 1 to 3. By the bigger one Distance between detection areas 8 and 10 of sensors 3 and 4 occurs after passing through position D of the Intermediate area 9 into the detection area 8 of the sensor 1, whereby this is deactivated. The distance of the detection area 8 and 10 of the sensors 3 and 4 from each other dimensioned so that when moving the anchor 2 from the Position F in position G, the upper mark 3 den Sensor 3 is no longer activated exactly when sensor 4 is activated. Due to the wide detection range 10 of Sensor 4 is guaranteed at positions G to M that the sensor 4 is always activated. Using the lower mark 3 are successively between positions H and L Sensors 1 to 3 activated. From position K it leaves lower marking 3 the detection areas 8 of the sensors 1 to 3 in a row. Figures 4 and 5 show another Embodiment of the position determining device 1, wherein the sensors 5 in FIG. 4 are inductive sensors which a change in the magnetic field generated by the ferromagnetic Register mark 3. Through the process of Mark 3 by means of anchor 2 in the detection area of an inductive sensor 5 becomes this after evaluation logic used of the evaluation electronics activated or deactivated. In 5, the sensors are 5 Hall detectors. The mark In this case, 3 is in particular a permanent magnet. As soon as the magnet 3 is in the detection area 8 of a sensor 5 is located by the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 3 Hall voltage generated in the Hall detector. There is a Hall voltage to the output terminals of the Hall detector this is evaluated as signal "1". If there is a Hall voltage, then so the output signal is "0". Depending on the logic used, you can however the signals can also be defined the other way around.

Die Figuren 6 und 7 zeigen eine Positionsbestimmungsvorrichtung 1 mit quer zur Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 angeordneten 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 zueinander leicht versetzt angeordnet sind, so daß sie beim Verfahren des Ankers 2 in Bewegungsrichtung 7 nacheinander in die 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. Figures 6 and 7 show a position determining device 1 arranged transversely to the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 Hall detectors 5. In FIG. 6, the marking 3 in individual marks 3 divided. The marks 3 are Permanent magnets facing each other in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 are slightly offset so that they are in the process of the armature 2 in the direction of movement 7 one after the other in the Detection areas 8 of the sensors 5 occur and these activate. The number of magnets used 3 and the size the displacements of the individual magnets 3 to each other can be chosen arbitrarily fine so that the stroke of the armature 2 can be subdivided as desired. The number of used Magnet 3 depends only on the width of the armature 2 and not the one limited by the stroke length of the armature 2 Length of anchor 2 from. The step-by-step transfers can thereby using an etching process or a laser other suitable process.

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 Bewegungsrichtung 7 des Ankers 2 versetzt angeordnet, so daß beim Verfahren des Ankers 2 die Detektoren 5 nacheinander unter den Dauermagneten 3 gelangen und aktiviert werden.However, permanent magnets cannot be made arbitrarily small be, since the magnetic field generated by them from a certain The size of the permanent magnet would no longer be sufficient generate adequate Hall voltage in Hall detector 5. It is therefore advantageous if only a large permanent magnet is used. Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 7 shown. In this embodiment, the means of known manufacturing processes in miniaturized design producible Hall detectors 5 to each other in the direction of movement 7 of the armature 2 arranged offset, so that in the process of the armature 2, the detectors 5 one after the other under the permanent magnets 3 arrive and be 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 Aussparungen, die den Lichtstrahl der Leuchtdioden 18 hin zu den Photodetektoren 11 freigeben, wodurch der jeweilige Photodetektor 11 der Gabellichtschranken 12 aktiviert wird. Die Gabellichtschranken 12 sind zur leichten Montage und zum einfachen Einbau in das Schütz auf einer Grundplatte 4 angeordnet. Durch die Anordnung zueinander und die Zahl der verwendeten 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 cutouts 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 installation and simple installation in the contactor. Due to the arrangement with respect 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 of 2 n positions of the armature 2 can be achieved with n sensors 12 used.

Claims (13)

  1. Position determination apparatus for the armature of a contactor, in which case the armature (2) has a marking (3) and can be moved between an OFF and an ON position, and the position determination apparatus (1) has a plurality of sensors (5) by means of which the marking (3) on the armature (2) can be detected and the position of the armature (2) can be determined, characterized in that the marking (3) is in such a form and is arranged such that it can be detected simultaneously at times by at least two sensors (5), and in that the sensors (5) are activated or deactivated by the marking (3) depending on the position of the armature (2) or of the marking (3), and transmit an appropriate digital signal to evaluation electronics depending on the state.
  2. Position determination apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that the position determination apparatus (1) has n sensors (5) and the marking (3) can be detected simultaneously at times by all n sensors (5).
  3. Position determination apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged alongside one another in the movement direction (7) of the armature (2).
  4. Position determination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged alongside one another transversely with respect to the movement direction (7) of the armature (2), and in that the marking (3) comprises a plurality of markings (3) which are arranged offset with respect to one another in the movement direction (7) of the armature (2).
  5. Position determination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged offset with respect to one another in the movement direction (7) of the armature (2).
  6. Position determination apparatus according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the width of the marking (3) corresponds to the width of the sensor row formed by the individual sensors (5).
  7. Position determination apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two markings (3) can be detected simultaneously at times by at least two sensors (5).
  8. Position determination apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that the sensors (5) are arranged in the form of a grid, or in columns and rows.
  9. Position determination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensors (5) are mechanical switches, induction sensors, capacitance sensors or magnetic sensors.
  10. Position determination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensors (5) are light barriers, and the marking (3) is an aperture, a hole or a light-reflective surface, in such a manner that the marking (3) either interrupts or opens the light barrier.
  11. Position determination apparatus according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the sensors (5) are Hall detectors, and the marking (3) is a magnet, in such a way that the magnet produces a Hall voltage in the sensors (5) as soon as it is in the immediate vicinity of a sensor (5).
  12. Position determination apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the movement direction (7) of the armature (2), the sensors (5) detect the markings (3) or the individual markings (3) for path distances of different lengths.
  13. Position determination apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the sensors (5), the path distances over which the individual sensors (5) detect the marking (3), and the number, size and relative position of the marking (3) or of the individual markings (3) with respect to one another are determined in such a way that all the possible state combinations of the sensors (5) occur when the armature (2) moves between the OFF position and the ON position.
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 DE29602868U1 (en) 1996-02-06 1996-02-06 Positioning device for the armature of a contactor
DE29602868U 1996-02-06
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 EP0879472A1 (en) 1998-11-25
EP0879472B1 true EP0879472B1 (en) 2000-10-18

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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

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

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10130799C1 (en) * 2001-06-22 2003-01-30 Siemens Ag Device for marking the position of a switch tongue
DE102011107896A1 (en) * 2011-07-18 2013-01-24 Abb Technology Ag Arrangement for monitoring a drive for a circuit breaker
US9418808B2 (en) * 2014-12-29 2016-08-16 Eaton Corporation RFID tag based state monitoring of contactors
EP3086346B1 (en) * 2015-04-22 2018-06-13 General Electric Technology GmbH Detection device to determine whether or not a mobile element occupies a first or a second position relative to a fixed element

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2306207A1 (en) * 1973-02-08 1974-08-15 Bbc Brown Boveri & Cie SIGNAL DEVICE FOR CONTACTORS OR SWITCHES
US4717874A (en) * 1984-02-10 1988-01-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Sg Reluctance type linear position detection device
EP0203897A1 (en) * 1985-04-26 1986-12-03 SiTek Lab AB Position-determining apparatus
DE3822342A1 (en) * 1987-07-09 1989-01-19 Mitsubishi Electric Corp CIRCUIT BREAKER
DE3731661A1 (en) * 1987-09-20 1989-03-30 Sempell Rhein Armaturen DEVICE FOR INFLUENCING THE RETURN VALUE OF A VALVE OR A PRESSURE SWITCH
DE3910873A1 (en) * 1989-04-04 1990-10-18 Stahl R Foerdertech Gmbh POSITION MEASURING DEVICE FOR CRANE AND ELECTRIC RAILWAYS
DE3910810A1 (en) * 1989-04-04 1990-10-11 Luetze Gmbh Co F Circuit arrangement for a solenoid (electromagnetic) valve
DE4031427A1 (en) * 1990-10-04 1992-04-09 Luetze Gmbh Co F Operating EM regulator at reduced energy level - reducing retention power once switched on and monitoring to boost power if change in switched state is detected
FR2674027A1 (en) * 1991-03-13 1992-09-18 Alsthom Gec DEVICE FOR INCREASEDLY MEASURING THE MOVEMENT OF A MOVING PIECE IN TRANSLATION IN PARTICULAR OF A CIRCUIT BREAKER CONTROL PIN.
FR2702880B1 (en) * 1993-03-17 1995-04-28 Telemecanique Electromagnetic switch device.
US5469054A (en) * 1993-04-22 1995-11-21 Honeywell Inc. Position sensor with two magnetically sensitive devices and two target tracks which are sensed in combination with each other to provide a synthesized signal
US5483214A (en) * 1994-04-26 1996-01-09 Kilovac Corporation Armature position sensor for a relay

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1997029498A1 (en) 1997-08-14
DE29602868U1 (en) 1996-05-30
DE59702497D1 (en) 2000-11-23
ATE197102T1 (en) 2000-11-15
EP0879472A1 (en) 1998-11-25

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