DE20316117U1 - Solar sensor with a light sensitive surface as electro optical transformer with micro beads to scatter the light - Google Patents

Abstract

The solar sensor has a transformer (3) above which is provided a region, particularly a cap (2) or a housing, through which light can pass. Micro beads (6) are provided in this region which scatter light incident on this region. The beads may be adhered or welded to or formed as a layer on the transparent region. They are preferably made of plastic or glass and preferably have a diameter of between 60 and 70 micrometers.

Description

From the EP 0 492 352 B1 a sun sensor is known which has a light-sensitive surface as an electro-optical converter. The lens of the sensor located above the transducer is part of the housing which, like the lens, consists of a translucent material, for example plastic or glass. The lens material is self-scattering.

Also the DE 100 62 932 A1 describes a sun sensor. The electro-optical converter is attached below a scattering area for the incident sunlight, which is integrated in a cover. The scattering area and the electro-optical converter are arranged relative to one another in such a way that sunlight incident in a first angle of incidence of light is scattered through the scattering area before it strikes the converter. As a result, the sunlight is scattered in a predetermined angular range, while it is not scattered outside this range. Due to the scattering of the sunlight in the first angular range, a reduction in the sunlight incident on the transducer is achieved, as a result of which an excess signal in this angular range is to be avoided or reduced. The scattering area has an increased surface roughness compared to the remaining surface of the cover of the sensor.

The task now is to get one To show solar sensor that even at a flat angle of incidence Gives a signal in relation to the sun load.

The task is solved by the Features of protection claim 1.

The solution is based on the idea the inside of a cover cap or one covering the transducer of the sensor radiolucent Area with microspheres that also scatter the light, but at the same time have a much lower damping. The microspheres are preferably glued or melted into the top. Plastic or glass are conceivable as spherical material. Important is the transparency as well as an approximation spheroidal Shape.

These microspheres have a higher scatter Effect, because of their shape, they have a large rise on steeper flanks across from have known microstructures. This causes stronger additional ones Refractions, being the additional Refraction occurs when entering the ball. The microspheres themselves have low absorption or absorption behavior, so with smaller receiver areas comparable signal can be generated. The spread is also due the continuous course of the curves homogeneous.

One advantage of this solution is in the fact that a high Light intensity preserved. Another advantage is the manufacturing process of the sensor. The microspheres can applied to the entire inside of the plastic cap of the sensor become. Otherwise known sticking to the tool is avoided.

The solution will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing. The sole figure shows a cover cap for a solar sensor shown in the most essential parts 1 in partial sectional view.

The solar sensor 1 has a housing or a cap 2 on what a converter 3 as well as others in the sensor 1 located electrical components 4 and a circuit board 5 for receiving and electrical contacting of the components 3 . 4 with other, not shown electrical assemblies within the sensor 1 or outside the sensor 1 further assemblies 10 , covered. In the present embodiment, the entire cap 2 a radiation permeable area 2.2 , A smaller area is also possible. Below this sensor cap 2 , preferably on the inside 2.1 , there is a layer of microspheres 6 , through the light L after passing through the radiation-permeable area 2.2 the cap 2 again and thus additionally sprinkled and onto the converter 3 is directed.

The cap 2 consists preferably of a plastic or glass. The microspheres 6 have a similar or the same material and are like the cap 2 transparent. The shape of the microspheres 6 should preferably be spherical or at least spherical.

The microspheres can a diameter e.g. have between 40 μm - 70 μm. Other sizes can do the same could be used effectively but may cause problems during use or processing. The diameter range mentioned above is produced by sieving and is over available from different manufacturers. For example, from Potters, SiLi or Siltrade.

The converter 3 can be an electro-optical, an infrared or another known transducer that delivers an electrical signal equivalent to the radiation.

Claims (7)

Solar sensor with a converter ( 3 ) and a radiation-permeable area above it ( 2.2 ), for example in a cap ( 2 ) or in a housing, characterized in that microspheres ( 6 ) are provided at which the light emerging through this area ( L ) is scattered again. Solar sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) on the inside of the radiation-permeable area are stuck. Solar sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) are melted on the inside of the radiation-permeable area. Solar sensor according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) are applied or melted as a layer. Solar sensor according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) have a spherical shape. Solar sensor according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) consist of plastic or glass. Solar sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the microspheres ( 6 ) have a diameter between 40 μm and 70 μm.