Sensor unit and multi-connect sensor using the same

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sensor unit capable of detecting a wide range of physical quantity changes with a higher degree of freedom than in the prior art and capable of notifying detection information, and a multi-link sensor using the same. A flow sensor (1) according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a substrate (2); a sensor unit (3) that is disposed on the substrate and detects a change in physical quantity; a plurality of external connection terminals (4, 5) electrically connected to the sensor unit; and a notification unit (6) that notifies the outside of the detection information from the sensor unit. In the present invention, a change in physical quantity in a wide range can be detected with high degree of freedom. In addition, the sensor can be used for a wide variety of applications by connecting a plurality of sensor units.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the PCT application entering the Chinese national phase, whose international application date is August 29, 2018, the date of entering the Chinese national phase is March 10, 2020, the national application number is 201880058626.4, and the invention name is "Sensor unit and multi-connected sensor using the same". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a sensor unit and a multiple-connected sensor using the same. Background Art

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses an invention regarding a wind speed sensor capable of measuring wind speed. For example, the wind speed sensor of Patent document 1 includes a substrate, a heater resistor mounted on the substrate, and a signal extraction pin, etc. The wind speed is detected based on the magnitude of the heat dissipation effect of the heater resistor.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-35978 Summary of the invention

[0005] However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has a single chip structure and cannot detect wind speeds in a wide range.

[0006] Furthermore, the wind speed sensor of Patent Document 1 does not envision a means for notifying a user of the state of the wind speed, and does not consider various applications using the wind speed sensor.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its object is to provide a sensor unit that can detect a wide range of physical quantity changes with a high degree of freedom compared with the past and can notify the detection information, and a multiple sensor using the same.

[0008] The sensor unit of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a substrate; a sensor unit disposed on the substrate and detecting a change in a physical quantity; a plurality of external connection terminals electrically connected to the sensor unit; and a notification unit that notifies the detection information of the sensor unit to the outside.

[0009] Preferably, in the present invention, data communication is achieved via the external connection terminal.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, each of the plurality of external connection terminals can identify a connection direction.

[0011] In the present invention, preferably, the plurality of external connection terminals have different shapes and sizes.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, at least one of the plurality of external connection terminals is marked with a mark indicating a connection direction.

[0013] In the present invention, preferably, the sensor portion, the external connection terminal, and the notification portion are arranged on the same surface side of the substrate.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the sensor portion is disposed at the center of the substrate, and the two external connection terminals are disposed on both sides of the sensor portion.

[0015] In the present invention, preferably, the notification unit is a light emitting unit that emits light based on detection information of the sensor unit.

[0016] In the present invention, preferably, the sensor unit is a flow rate detection unit.

[0017] The multi-connected sensor of the present invention is characterized in that it has a sensor unit and a communication cable, wherein the sensor unit has: a substrate; a sensor part, detecting changes in physical quantities arranged on the substrate; a plurality of external connection terminals, electrically connected to the sensor part; and a notification part, notifying the detection information of the sensor part to the outside, the communication cable is configured with a plurality of the sensor units and connected between the sensor units, and the multi-connected sensor can perform data communication via the external connection terminals.

[0018] According to the present invention, a plurality of sensor units can be simply connected to form a multi-connected sensor. Since it is a multi-connected sensor, it is possible to detect a wide range of physical quantity changes. In addition, the number of sensor units connected can be freely set. In addition, the total length of the multi-connected sensor can be freely adjusted. Therefore, the detection range can be freely set. In addition, since the sensor unit itself has a means for notifying the outside of the detection information, it can be used for various applications by forming a multi-connected sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 middle Figure 1 A is a top view of the sensor unit according to this embodiment. Figure 1 B is along Figure 1 A is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit taken along line AA and viewed from the direction of the arrow.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the sensor unit.

[0021] Figure 3 It is a plan view showing a state where a plurality of sensor units according to the present embodiment are connected.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a multiple-connected sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a multiple-connected sensor according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Figure 6 middle Figure 6 A means Figure 1 A is a plan view of a sensor unit according to another embodiment in which a portion of the sensor unit is different. Figure 6 middle Figure 6 B means Figure 1 A is a plan view of a sensor unit according to another embodiment in which a portion of the sensor unit is different. Figure 6 middle Figure 6 C is for Figure 1 A is a plan view of a sensor unit according to another embodiment in which a portion of the sensor unit is different.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of the sensor unit according to this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of the communication line side when a plurality of sensor units according to the present embodiment are connected.

[0027] Fig. 9 It means Figure 8 Block diagram of the communication line side of different structures.

[0028] Fig.10 This is a block diagram of the power supply wiring side when a plurality of sensor units according to the present embodiment are connected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Next, an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as “embodiment”) will be described in detail. The present invention is not limited to the following embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the gist thereof.

[0030] Figure 1 A is a top view of the sensor unit of this embodiment. Figure 1 B is along Figure 1 A is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit taken along line AA and viewed from the direction of the arrow.

[0031] The sensor unit 1 in this embodiment is, for example, a flow sensor.

[0032] The sensor unit 1 includes a substrate 2 , a sensor section 3 disposed on a surface 2 a of the substrate 2 , external connection terminals 4 and 5 electrically connected to the sensor section 3 , and a notification section 6 for notifying the outside of detection information of the sensor section 3 .

[0033] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1A , the sensor unit 3 is arranged substantially in the center of the surface 2a of the substrate 2. In addition, the external connection terminals 4 and 5 are arranged on both sides of the sensor unit 3 on the surface 2a of the substrate 2. Therefore, the sensor unit 3 and the external connection terminals 4 and 5 are arranged in a row on the substrate 2. Figure 1 A. Figure 1 The external connection terminals 4 and 5 shown in B have different shapes and sizes of the openings 4 a and 5 a . Figure 1 A. Figure 1 The external connection terminals 4 and 5 shown in B are USB terminals. For example, a USB-A type is connected to the external connection terminal 4 , and a micro USB type is connected to the external connection terminal 5 .

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , a plurality of notification parts 6 are arranged at the four corners of the substrate 2 (the housing 7 is not shown). In addition, there is no limit to the number of notification parts 6 and there is no limit to the arrangement position of the notification parts 6. For example, the notification parts 6 may also be arranged to overlap with the surface of the sensor part 3.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 2B , the surface of the sensor unit 3 is covered by a housing 7. The housing 7 may be transparent or non-transparent. A through hole 7a is provided in the housing 7. The through hole 7a is, for example, a hole for supplying air to the sensor unit 3, and wind detection can be performed through the through hole 7a. In addition, the housing 7 may not be provided. Alternatively, the surface of the sensor unit 3 may be covered with a sealing resin.

[0036] Next, the structure of the sensor unit 3 will be described. Figure 2 3 is a circuit diagram of the sensor unit 3. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the flow rate detection resistor element 13, the temperature compensation resistor element 14, and the resistors 16 and 17 constitute a bridge circuit 18. Figure 2 As shown, the flow rate detection resistor element 13 and the resistor 16 form a first series circuit 19, and the temperature compensation resistor element 14 and the resistor 17 form a second series circuit 20. The first series circuit 19 and the second series circuit 20 are connected in parallel to form a bridge circuit 18.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the output portion 21 of the first series circuit 19 and the output portion 22 of the second series circuit 20 are respectively connected to a differential amplifier (amplifier) ​​23. The bridge circuit 18 is connected to a feedback circuit 24 including the differential amplifier 23. The feedback circuit 24 includes a transistor (not shown) and the like.

[0038] The resistors 16 and 17 have a smaller temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) than the flow detection resistor element 13 and the temperature compensation resistor element 14. The flow detection resistor element 13 has a specified resistance value Rs1, for example, in a heating state controlled to be higher than a specified ambient temperature by a specified value, and the temperature compensation resistor element 14 is controlled to have a specified resistance value Rs2 at the above ambient temperature. In addition, the resistance value Rs1 is smaller than the resistance value Rs2. The resistor 16 constituting the flow detection resistor element 13 and the first series circuit 19 is, for example, a fixed resistor having a resistance value R1 that is the same as the resistance value Rs1 of the flow detection resistor element 13. In addition, the resistor 17 constituting the temperature compensation resistor element 14 and the second series circuit 20 is, for example, a fixed resistor having a resistance value R2 that is the same as the resistance value Rs2 of the temperature compensation resistor element 14.

[0039] Figure 2 The flow rate detection resistor element 13 is arranged at Figure 1 On the housing 7 side of the sensor unit 3 shown in B, the temperature compensation resistor element 14 is arranged Figure 1 B shows the substrate 2 side.

[0040] Wind passing Figure 1 The through hole 7a shown in B reaches the flow detection resistor element 13 arranged on the detection surface. At this time, the temperature of the flow detection resistor element 13 as a heating resistor drops, so the potential of the output part 21 of the first series circuit 19 connected to the flow detection resistor element 13 changes. As a result, a differential output is obtained by the differential amplifier 23. Then, in the feedback circuit 24, a driving voltage is applied to the flow detection resistor element 13 based on the differential output. Then, based on the change in the voltage required for heating the flow detection resistor element 13, the wind speed can be converted and output by the microcomputer described later.

[0041] in addition, Figure 2 The circuit configuration of the sensor unit 3 shown is an example and is not limited to this.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, a plurality of sensor units 1 can be connected via a communication cable 8. Figure 3 As shown, one end of the communication cable 8 is, for example, a micro USB plug 9, and the other end is, for example, a USB-A plug 10. Furthermore, the micro USB plug 9 is connected to the external connection terminal 5 on the small opening side of the sensor unit 1, and the USB-A plug 10 is connected to the external connection terminal 4 on the large opening side of the sensor unit 1.

[0043] like Figure 4As shown, a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected in a row through communication cables 8, and the front end thereof is connected to a host 11. The host 11 is a device for controlling communication, indicating a device that becomes the master in communication. The host 11 is a computer device such as a laptop or a portable terminal with a communication control function, and has no specific form.

[0044] In the present embodiment, a plurality of sensor units 1 can be connected in a daisy chain to form a multiple sensor 12 .

[0045] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, the plurality of channels 11a provided on the host 11 can be connected to Figure 4 The multi-connected sensor 12 shown. Figure 5 The connection structure can arrange multiple sensor units 1 in a matrix.

[0046] In the present embodiment, the number of sensor units 1 connected is not limited, but the number of sensor units 1 connected can be from a few to hundreds to form a multi-connected sensor 12. Thus, in the present embodiment, since each sensor unit 1 only needs to be connected via the communication cable 8, the number of sensors of the multi-connected sensor 12 can be easily and freely increased, and the multi-connected sensor 12 can be used for various applications.

[0047] In the multi-connected sensor 12, for example, the wind speed can be detected in a wide range. In addition, the method of sending information from the notification unit 6 of each sensor unit 1 to the outside can be appropriately changed based on the detection information of the wind speed of each sensor unit 1. For example, the notification unit 6 is an LED, thereby providing a color change to the multi-connected sensor 12, and can be used as a lighting, or as an analysis of the fluid to appeal to the user's vision.

[0048] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , since the shapes and sizes of the external connection terminals 4 and 5 are different, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection. For example, when it is specified that the external connection terminal 5 is the communication side with the host 11 located upstream, and the external connection terminal 4 is the communication side with the sensor unit 1 located downstream, it is possible to prevent erroneous connection such as reverse connection.

[0049] However, in this embodiment, if Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1A , the external connection terminals 30 and 31 provided on the sensor unit 1 may also be the same connector. In this case, in order to prevent wrong connection, for example, a mark 32 indicating the direction of connection may be provided on at least one of the external connection terminals 30. For example, it can be recognized that the side provided with the mark 32 is the host 11 side (upstream side), and wrong connection can be prevented.

[0050] In the present embodiment, as long as the connection direction of the external connection terminals 30 and 31 can be identified, the external connection terminals 30 and 31 can be made different in shape and size or by structures other than the marking marks 32 to prevent erroneous connection.

[0051] In addition, Figure 1 In A, the sensor unit 3 and the external connection terminals 4 and 5 are arranged in a row, but for example Figure 6 As shown in B, the external connection terminals 4 and 5 may be arranged in a direction of approximately 90 degrees with the sensor unit 3 sandwiched therebetween. Figure 6 When the sensor unit 1 shown in B is used in at least a part of the multiple sensor 12, the arrangement direction of the sensor unit 1 can be bent by 90°. Of course, the bending angle of the arrangement direction of the sensor unit 1 can be changed according to the angle between the external connection terminals 4 and 5 through the sensor part 3.

[0052] In addition, if Figure 6 As shown in C, the external connection terminals 33 and 34 may be arranged on the same side when viewed from the sensor unit 3. Figure 6 The sensor unit 1 shown in C is used for at least a part of the multiple-connected sensor 12, and the arrangement direction of the sensor unit 1 can be bent by 180°. Figure 1 The sensor unit 1 shown in A has external connection terminals 4 and 5 arranged in a row. Figure 6 The external connection terminals 33 and 34 shown in C are arranged on the same side of the sensor unit 1. Thus, for example, even if the channel 11a of the host 11 is one, the sensor unit 1 can constitute a multiple-connected sensor 12 arranged in a zigzag shape.

[0053] Next, a control structure of the sensor unit 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 7 A block diagram of the sensor unit 1 according to the present embodiment is shown.

[0054] like Figure 7 As shown, the sensor unit 1 includes a sensor section 3 and a microcomputer 40 which is electrically connected to the sensor section 3 and serves as a control section for processing a detection signal of the sensor section 3 .

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 , an AD converter (ADC) 42 , an input / output port (I / O port) 43 , an upstream communication control unit 44 , and a downstream communication control unit 45 .

[0056] As described above, in the microcomputer 40, the CPU 41, the AD converter 42, the input / output port 43, and the communication control units 44 and 45 are constituted by a single chip.

[0057] The detection signal from the sensor unit 3 is AD-converted by an AD converter (ADC) 42 and processed by the CPU 41. Based on the sensor output, the CPU 41 controls the lighting of the LED 47 as a notification unit, writes data based on the sensor output into a host transmission memory, etc. In addition, the CPU 41 performs various processes such as processing based on commands from the host 11.

[0058] like Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the communication control unit is divided into an upstream communication control unit 44 and a downstream communication control unit 45. The upstream communication control unit 44 performs transmission and reception control with the sensor unit 1 on the host 11 side as an upstream device, or the host 11. In addition, the downstream communication control unit 45 performs transmission and reception control with the sensor unit 1 as a downstream device. Here, the line 46 connecting the upstream communication control unit 44 and the downstream communication control unit 45 represents the communication cable 8 (refer to Figure 3 ) in the communication line 46. Figure 1 In the relationship between the external connection terminals 4 and 5 shown in A, the external connection terminal 5 side corresponds to the upstream communication control unit 44 side, and the external connection terminal 4 side corresponds to the downstream communication control unit 45 side.

[0059] As in this embodiment, the upstream communication control unit 44 and the downstream communication control unit 45 are separated. Figure 8 As shown, even when a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected to form a multi-connected sensor 12, commands can be sent and data can be sent and received only between adjacent sensor units 1 (or only between adjacent host computers 11 and sensor units 1). Figure 8 In FIG. 1 , only a part of the control unit is shown. In addition, it is possible to identify whether the communication is with the host 11 located in the upstream device or with the sensor unit 1 located in the downstream device. Therefore, for example, when a command is sent from Figure 8 When the sensor unit 1 in the middle shown transmits to the sensor unit 1 on the left side of the figure as the upstream device, the command can be appropriately transmitted to the sensor unit 1 as the upstream device via the upstream communication control unit 44 .

[0060] As described above, in the present embodiment, since communication is achieved between adjacent sensor units 1 or between the host 11 and the sensor unit 1, the communication quality can be maintained at a high level.

[0061] Furthermore, in a multi-connected sensor 12 to which a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected, for example, when connected to a host-flow sensor A-flow sensor B-flow sensor C-flow sensor D-flow sensor E, communication can be performed between the sensors and between the host and flow sensor A. For example, when communication is performed between the host and flow sensor A, separate communication can also be performed between flow sensor A-flow sensor B and between flow sensor B-flow sensor C. Therefore, the degree of freedom of data transmission and reception can be improved.

[0062] On the other hand, Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a structure where each sensor unit 1 is provided with only one communication control unit 48 and each sensor unit 1 is connected to a bus, a command sent from the host is sent to all sensor units 1 including sensor units 1 that should not be included. That is, even if a command sent from the host is for example for Fig. 9 In the case of the sensor unit 1 in the middle shown, commands are also sent to all sensor units 1. Therefore, during the communication, other command communications cannot be performed between sensor units 1 or between the host and sensor units 1. In addition, as the number of connected sensor units 1 increases, the data signal gradually attenuates toward the sensor unit 1 at the end (the side farthest from the host), which easily leads to deterioration of communication quality.

[0063] However, in this embodiment, it is not excluded Fig. 9 The bus connection communication in can be used in one embodiment. That is, depending on the specific situation, through Figure 8 The connection communication shown or Fig. 9 The bus connection communication shown is carried out, or it can also be used Figure 8 and Fig. 9 connection communication.

[0064] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the sensor unit 1 of this embodiment has a circuit power generation unit 51, which generates a driving power supply for the circuit function unit 50 including the sensor unit 3, the microcomputer 40 and the LED 47 (notification unit). The circuit power generation unit 51 is connected to the communication cable 8 (see Figure 3 ) is connected to the power supply wiring 49 inside.

[0065] The circuit power generation unit 51 is connected to a step-down circuit to generate driving power for the circuit function unit 50. For example, on the host side, AC100V is converted to DC24V by an AC / DC converter and supplied to the sensor unit 1. In the sensor unit 1, the circuit power generation unit 51 having a step-down circuit steps down the voltage to a predetermined voltage to drive the circuit. At this time, the voltage is stepped down to 5V and 3V, for example, in accordance with the IC mounted.

[0066] On the other hand, in a configuration without the circuit power generation unit 51 of the present embodiment, the voltage is stepped down to a predetermined voltage on the host side, for example, to 5V, which is the driving voltage of the sensor unit 1, and supplied to the sensor unit 1. In such a configuration, if a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected in multiple connections, the voltage drop will increase as they are farther from the host, and if the number of connected sensor units 1 increases too much or the communication cable is too long, the sensor unit 1 on the end side may not be properly driven.

[0067] In this regard, Fig.10 As shown, by providing a circuit power generation unit 51 in each sensor unit 1, it is possible to generate driving power for the circuit function unit 50 in each sensor unit 1 after the voltage supplied from the host is sufficiently increased. In this embodiment, the power of the microcomputer 40 and the sensor unit 3 constituting the circuit function unit 50 can be supplied from the circuit power generation unit 51. As a result, in the multi-connected sensor 12, it is possible to suppress voltage drop and appropriately drive each sensor unit 1. In addition, in Fig.10 In FIG, only a part of the control unit is shown.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, it is also possible to configure a combination of Fig. 9 The bus connections shown communicate and Fig.10 The control unit of the circuit power supply generating unit 51.

[0069] The characteristic structure of the present embodiment is described. The sensor unit 1 of the present embodiment is characterized by having a substrate 2, a sensor unit 3 configured on the substrate 2 for detecting a change in a physical quantity, a plurality of external connection terminals 4 and 5 electrically connected to the sensor unit 3, and a notification unit 6 for notifying the detection information of the sensor unit 3 to the outside.

[0070] Here, the sensor unit 1 is exemplified above as the sensor unit 1 , but the sensor unit 1 is not limited to the sensor unit 1 , and a sensor unit 1 capable of detecting a change in a physical quantity such as a temperature change, a humidity change, or a pressure change may be provided.

[0071] In the above description, USB terminals are exemplified as the external connection terminals 4 and 5, but any terminal that enables communication between the sensor units 1 is not limited to a USB terminal.

[0072] In addition, in this embodiment, LED is exemplified as the notification unit 6, but it is not limited to LED, and other light emitting devices may be used. Alternatively, in addition to light emitting objects, a method of notifying a change in physical quantity by actions such as sound and vibration may be used.

[0073] When the notification unit 6 is a light-emitting device, for example, the intensity and color of the light can be changed according to the wind speed. Alternatively, when the notification unit 6 is a sound device, for example, the volume and tone of the sound can be changed according to the wind speed. Furthermore, when the notification unit 6 is a vibration device, for example, the volume and rhythm of the vibration can be changed according to the wind speed.

[0074] By having the structure of the sensor unit 1 described in detail above, in this embodiment, a plurality of sensor units 1 can be simply connected via the external connection terminals 4 and 5, and physical quantity changes can be detected in a wide range. In addition, the number of sensor units 1 connected can be freely changed, and the total length of the multi-connected sensor can be freely adjusted. In addition, the sensor unit 1 itself has a means for notifying the detection information to the outside. Therefore, in a multi-connected sensor 12 connected with a plurality of sensor units 1, for example, the luminous color can be changed from the front end to the rear end of the multi-connected sensor 12 according to the change in wind speed, and can be used for various applications.

[0075] In addition, in this embodiment, it is preferable to enable data communication via the external connection terminals 4 and 5. Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, a multi-connected sensor 12 in which a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected is connected to a host computer 11 to realize data communication. As a result, the detection information of each sensor unit 1 can be appropriately processed by the host computer 11, or a command can be sent from the host computer 11. As a result, according to the use of the multi-connected sensor 12, for example, it is possible to try to change the light emission state of the multi-connected sensor 12, change the range of detection accuracy, and increase the degree of freedom of control.

[0076] In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the plurality of external connection terminals 4 and 5 can identify the direction of connection, thereby preventing erroneous connection when connecting the sensor units 1 .

[0077] For example, Figure 1 A. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , it is preferred that the shapes and sizes of the plurality of external connection terminals 4 and 5 are different. Thus, when connecting the sensor units 1, the user can easily grasp the direction of connection. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1A , at least one external connection terminal 30 may be marked with a mark 32 indicating the connection direction. Thus, when connecting the sensor units 1 , the user can easily understand the connection direction. Figure 6 In A, the same external connection terminals 30 and 31 can be used.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 A and Figure 1As shown in FIG. 2B , it is preferred that the sensor unit 3, the external connection terminals 4 and 5, and the notification unit 6 are arranged on the same surface 2a of the substrate 2. This facilitates the manufacture of the sensor unit 1. In addition, the sensor unit 3 and the notification unit 6 can be placed close to each other, and the deviation between the measurement result of the sensor unit 3 and the notification information of the notification unit 6 can be minimized. Figure 1 In A, the sensor unit 3, external connection terminals 4 and 5, and the notification unit 6 are arranged in a plane on the substrate 2, but the notification unit 6 may be arranged, for example, overlapping the sensor unit 3. In order to miniaturize the sensor unit 1 as much as possible, the substrate 2 is made smaller, and the components on the substrate 2 are thinned and overlapped.

[0079] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1A , the sensor unit 3 is preferably disposed substantially in the center of the substrate 2, and the two external connection terminals 4 and 5 are disposed on both sides of the sensor unit 3. Thus, when a plurality of sensor units 1 are connected as a multiple sensor 12, the sensor units 1 can be simply connected in a row.

[0080] In this embodiment, the notification unit 6 is preferably a light emitting unit that emits light based on the detection information of the sensor unit 3. An LED can be exemplified as the light emitting unit, but it is not limited to an LED. By constituting the notification unit 6 with a light emitting unit, it is possible to appeal to the user's vision and can be applied to various applications.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit 3 is not particularly limited as long as it is a sensor that detects a change in a physical quantity, and for example, a flow detection unit can be provided. The sensor unit 3 is preferably a wind speed sensor that can detect wind speed during flow detection. In the case of a wind speed sensor, by sending air to the sensor unit 1, the light emitting state of the notification unit 6 composed of LEDs can be changed according to the wind speed. In addition, as long as it is a wind speed sensor, a multi-connected sensor 12 that connects multiple wind speed sensors can be simply configured, whether indoors or outdoors, and can be used for various applications.

[0082] In this embodiment, if Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, a multiple sensor 12 can be formed by connecting a plurality of sensor units 1 between external connection terminals 4 and 5 via communication cables 8. In this case, the number of sensor units 1 can be freely set, and the length of the multiple sensor 12 can be freely set. In addition, when the length of the multiple sensor 12 becomes longer, due to the Fig. 9 The communication quality of the bus connection communication is reduced, so it is preferred to use Figure 8 In combination, it is preferred to use Fig.10The circuit power supply generating unit 51 shown generates driving power. In this way, in the present embodiment, the multiple sensor 12 in which the plurality of sensor units 1 are connected can be manufactured easily and with high degree of freedom, and a wide range of physical quantity changes can be detected easily.

[0083] In addition, the multiple sensors 12 can be used for various applications. For example, they can be used as indoor and outdoor lighting, for wind speed analysis, etc. For example, by installing the multiple sensors 12 of this embodiment on buildings and moving objects, a wide range of fluid states can be easily analyzed.

[0084] In addition, if Figure 5 As shown, a plurality of multiple sensors 12 can be arranged in a matrix. Thus, the light emission changes of the matrix can be used to visually sense the wind gradually weakening as it moves away from the place where the wind hits strongly, the direction of the wind, etc.

[0085] In the present invention, multiple sensor units that can detect changes in physical quantities can be connected. In addition, each sensor unit is provided with a notification unit that notifies the outside of the detection information of the sensor unit. In the present invention, the number of sensor units connected to the multi-connected sensor and the length of the communication cable have a high degree of freedom. Therefore, the number of sensors and the total length of the multi-connected sensor can be changed in combination with the intended use. Furthermore, the multi-connected sensor of the present invention can be applied to a variety of applications.

[0086] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-173740 filed on September 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A sensor unit, characterized in that: have: substrate; A sensor unit is disposed on the substrate and detects wind speed; a plurality of external connection terminals electrically connected to the sensor portion; as well as a notification unit for notifying the outside of the detection information of the sensor unit; A microcomputer having an upstream communication control unit and a downstream communication control unit, wherein the upstream communication control unit performs transmission and reception control with an upstream device, and the downstream control unit performs transmission and reception control with a downstream device; as well as a circuit power generation unit that generates a driving power supply for a circuit function unit including the sensor unit, the microcomputer, and the notification unit, The sensor unit and the notification unit are connected to the microcomputer, and the microcomputer acquires detection information from the sensor unit and controls notification information from the notification unit based on the detection information.

2. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that Data communication is possible via the external connection terminal.

3. The sensor unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: Each of the plurality of external connection terminals is capable of identifying a connection direction.

4. The sensor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of external connection terminals have different shapes and sizes.

5. The sensor unit according to claim 3, characterized in that At least one of the plurality of external connection terminals is marked with a mark indicating a connection direction.

6. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor portion, the external connection terminal, and the notification portion are arranged on the same surface side of the substrate.

7. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor portion is disposed at the center of the substrate, and the two external connection terminals are disposed on both sides of the sensor portion.

8. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The notification unit is a light emitting unit that emits light based on the detection information of the sensor unit.

9. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor portion is a flow rate detection portion.

10. The sensor unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The notification unit is a light emitting device whose light intensity varies according to wind speed.

11. A multi-connected sensor, characterized in that: Having a sensor unit and a communication cable, The sensor unit comprises: a substrate; a sensor unit disposed on the substrate and detecting wind speed; a plurality of external connection terminals electrically connected to the sensor unit; and a notification unit for notifying the detection information of the sensor unit to the outside. A microcomputer having an upstream communication control unit and a downstream communication control unit, wherein the upstream communication control unit performs transmission and reception control with an upstream device, and the downstream control unit performs transmission and reception control with a downstream device; and a circuit power generation unit, which generates a driving power supply for a circuit function unit including the sensor unit, the microcomputer, and the notification unit, wherein the sensor unit and the notification unit are connected to the microcomputer, the microcomputer obtains detection information of the sensor unit, and controls notification information of the notification unit according to the detection information, The communication cable is configured with a plurality of the sensor units and connected between the sensor units. The multiple sensors are capable of data communication via the external connection terminals.

12. The multi-connected sensor according to claim 11, characterized in that: The notification unit is a light emitting device whose light intensity varies according to wind speed.

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