Magnet device, magnet connection structure and magnet connection method

Abstract

A magnet device includes an anisotropic magnet and one or more engagement bodies. The anisotropic magnet guides the surface of the magnet to a stable rotating posture through magnetic force. The one or more engagement bodies are positioned on the surface of the magnet in a magnetically guided rotational attitude.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnet device, a magnet connection structure, and a magnet connection method. Background Art

[0002] There are known products that utilize the adsorptivity of magnets for installing and attaching devices, and for housing the devices in a charging case. In any such product, the shape difference (asymmetry) of the product's outer shape is used for positioning the installation direction.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: JP 2003-077587 A Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical Problem

[0007] In the above products, it is necessary to install the device in the correct direction while visually checking the installation direction. This imposes an additional burden on the user.

[0008] Therefore, the present disclosure proposes a magnet device, a magnet connection structure, and a magnet connection method that can easily install a device in the correct direction.

[0009] Solution to the Problem

[0010] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a magnet device including: an anisotropic magnet that guides the magnet surface to a stable rotational posture by magnetic force; and one or more engaging members that position the magnet surface in the rotational posture.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a magnet connection structure including: a plurality of magnet devices each including an anisotropic magnet; and a plurality of engaging members that position the magnet devices having stable rotational postures by engaging the magnet devices with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices.

[0012] According to the present disclosure, there is provided a magnet connection method including: facing a plurality of magnet devices each having an anisotropic magnet to each other; and positioning the magnet devices having stable rotational postures by engaging the magnet devices with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Figure 1 Illustrates an example of a magnet connection structure.

[0014] Figure 2 Illustrates an example of a magnet connection structure.

[0015] Figure 3 Illustrate the composition of the sensor and the charging case.

[0016] Figure 4 Illustrate the composition of the sensor and the charging case.

[0017] Figure 5 Illustrate the composition of the retainer.

[0018] Figure 6 Illustrate the fixing structure of the sensor.

[0019] Figure 7 Illustrate how the sensor is mounted on the retainer.

[0020] Figure 8 Illustrate application examples of the sensor. Detailed implementation manners

[0021] The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following embodiments, the same parts are given the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0022] Note that the description will be carried out in the following order.

[0023] [1. Magnet connection structure]

[0024] [2. Structural examples of magnet devices]

[0025] [2-1. Sensor]

[0026] [2-2. Charging case]

[0027] [2-3. Retainer]

[0028] [2-4. Installation examples of the sensor]

[0029] [2-5. Application examples of the sensor]

[0030] [3. Variation examples]

[0031] [4. Effects]

[0032] [1. Magnet connection structure]

[0033] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Illustrate an example of the magnet connection structure CS.

[0034] The magnet connection structure CS includes a plurality of magnet devices MD connected by magnetic force. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 's example, as the plurality of magnet devices MD, a sensor SE and a charging case CH are shown. The magnet device MD includes an anisotropic magnet MG (see Figure 4) and one or more engaging bodies EB. The anisotropic magnet MG is disposed at a position facing the magnet surface MS.

[0035] The magnet surface MS refers to the surface that is connected to other magnet devices MD by the magnetic force of the anisotropic magnet MG. The anisotropic magnet MG refers to a magnet in which, when observed from the direction facing the magnet surface MS (facing direction), the S pole PS (see Figure 4 ) and the N pole PN (see Figure 4 ) are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the facing direction. For example, the anisotropic magnet MG is a magnetic sheet magnetized along the sheet surface facing the magnet surface MS. The anisotropic magnet MG guides the magnet surface MS to a stable rotational posture by magnetic force. The engaging body EB is positioned on the magnet surface MS in the rotational posture guided by magnetic force.

[0036] Between multiple magnet devices MD, magnetic force is generated due to the proximity of their anisotropic magnets MD to each other. The magnetic force includes attractive force and repulsive force. The attractive force acts between different magnetic poles of the anisotropic magnet MD. The repulsive force acts between the same magnetic poles of the anisotropic magnet MD. The magnetic force acting between multiple magnet devices MD stabilizes the rotational postures of the multiple magnet devices MD such that their different magnetic poles face each other.

[0037] The magnet connection structure CS includes multiple engaging bodies EB for positioning the magnet devices MD. The multiple engaging bodies EB position the magnet devices MD whose rotational postures have been stabilized by engaging the magnet devices MD with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the multiple magnet devices MD. In Figure 1 and Figure 2 's example, the engaging body EB is configured as a protrusion PR or a groove RC (see Figure 3 ) for engaging the magnet surface MS with other magnet surfaces MS.

[0038] Through positioning, the magnet surfaces MS are well electrically connected and mechanically connected to each other. In Figure 1 's example, the magnet surface MS of each magnet device MD includes one or more terminals TM for connecting to other magnet surfaces MS. Through positioning, the terminals TM are reliably connected to each other.

[0039] [2. Structural examples of magnet devices]

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Illustrate the configurations of a sensor SE and a charging case CH as examples of the magnet device MD. Figure 4 Illustrate Figure 3 The anisotropic magnet MG observed in perspective in

[0041] [2-1. Sensor]

[0042] The sensor SE is a motion sensor capable of detecting changes in acceleration in three axes. In the sensor SE, the back side connected to the charging case CH corresponds to the magnet surface MS1. The anisotropic magnet MG1 is provided inside the magnet surface MS1 (the inner side of the sensor SE). The anisotropic magnet MG1 is a rectangular magnetic sheet in which the magnetization direction is set along the sheet surface. The magnet surface MS1 has a dome-shaped curved surface portion where the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG1 protrudes the most. When viewed from the direction facing the anisotropic magnet MG1, the magnet surface MS1 has a circular shape in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG1 is defined as the center. Note that the "center of the anisotropic magnet" is defined as the center of gravity of the anisotropic magnet MG, for example.

[0043] A plurality of grooves RC for positioning are provided on the magnet surface MS1. In Figure 3 the example, two grooves RC are provided. The groove RC serves as an engaging body EB that engages with the protrusion PR of the charging case CH. The two grooves RC are opposed to each other with the anisotropic magnet MG1 interposed therebetween in a direction orthogonal to the magnetization direction. In Figure 4 the example, the two grooves RC are arranged on the circumference where the center of the anisotropic magnet MG1 is defined as the center of the circle. The two grooves RC are arranged at positions symmetric with respect to the center point of the anisotropic magnet MG1.

[0044] A plurality of terminals TM1 for charging are provided on the magnet surface MS1. In Figure 4 the example, two terminals TM1 are provided. The two terminals TM1 are opposed to each other with the anisotropic magnet MG1 interposed therebetween in the magnetization direction.

[0045] [2-2. Charging Case]

[0046] The charging case CH includes one or more housings HS capable of accommodating the sensor SE. The sensor SE is charged by accommodating the sensor SE in the housing HS. In the charging case CH, the surface of the housing HS on which the sensor SE is mounted corresponds to the magnet surface MS2.

[0047] An anisotropic magnet MG2 is provided inside the magnet surface MS2 (the inner side of the charging case CH). The anisotropic magnet MG2 is a rectangular magnetic sheet in which the magnetization direction is set along the sheet surface. The magnet surface MS2 has an inverted dome-shaped curved surface portion where the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG2 is recessed the most. When viewed from the direction facing the anisotropic magnet MG2, the magnet surface MS2 has a circular shape in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG2 is defined as the center.

[0048] A plurality of protrusions PR1 for positioning are provided on the magnet surface MS2. The same number of protrusions PR1 as the grooves RC are provided. The positional relationship between the anisotropic magnet MG2 and the protrusions PR1 is the same as the positional relationship between the anisotropic magnet MG1 and the grooves RC.

[0049] A plurality of terminals TM2 for charging are provided on the magnet surface MS2. In Figure 4 's example, two terminals TM2 are provided. The two terminals TM2 are opposed to each other across the anisotropic magnet MG2 in the magnetization direction. The terminals TM1 and TM2 are connected in a state where they are accurately positioned by the protrusions PR1 and the grooves RC that engage with each other.

[0050] [2-3. Holder]

[0051] Figure 5 Illustrate the structure of the holder HD as an example of the magnet device MD. Figure 6 Illustrate the fixing structure of the sensor SE.

[0052] The holder HD is mounted on a sensing target (e.g., a person's arm and leg) while holding the sensor SE. In the holder HD, the surface on which the sensor SE is mounted corresponds to the magnet surface MS3. Although not shown, an anisotropic magnet MG similar to the anisotropic magnet MG2 of the charging case CH is provided inside the magnet surface MS3 (the inner side of the holder HD). The magnet surface MS3 has an inverted dome-shaped curved surface portion similar to the magnet surface MS2.

[0053] A plurality of protrusions PR2 for positioning are provided on the magnet surface MS3. The protrusions PR2 function as a engaging body EB that engages with the groove RC of the sensor SE. The number of the protrusions PR2 and the positional relationship between the anisotropic magnet MG and the protrusions PR2 are similar to those of the charging case CH.

[0054] A plurality of claws NL for fixing the sensor SE are provided on the outer peripheral portion of the holder HD. The claws NL engage with a plurality of grooves GV provided on the side surface of the sensor SE to fix the sensor SE to the holder HD. The claws NL and the grooves GV function as an engaging body EB for positioning the sensor SE and the holder HD. In Figure 5 and Figure 6 's example, two claws NL and two grooves GV are provided. The two claws NL are opposed to each other across the anisotropic magnet MG2 in the magnetization direction. The number and arrangement of the grooves GV are similar to those of the claws NL.

[0055] [2-4. Example of sensor installation]

[0056] Figure 7 Illustrate how the sensor SE is installed on the holder HD.

[0057] User US fixes the holder HD on his / her wrist with the wristband WB and installs the sensor SE on the holder HD by magnetism. Since the sensor SE has a circular shape, it is difficult to install the sensor SE in the correct orientation by visual observation alone. However, in the configuration of the present disclosure, the sensor SE is automatically positioned in the correct orientation by the magnetic force acting between the sensor SE and the holder HD. Thus, even if the user US is not aware of the installation orientation of the sensor SE, the sensor SE is installed in the correct orientation.

[0058] In Figure 7 the example, the magnetization direction DS of the anisotropic magnet MG on the sensor SE side is orthogonal to the magnetization direction DH of the anisotropic magnet MG on the holder HD side. When the sensor SE approaches the holder HD in this state, the sensor SE rotates to a position where the magnetization direction DS and the magnetization direction DH are aligned in the same direction by the repulsive force between the same magnetic poles. When the rotation attitude of the sensor SE is stable, the engaging bodies EB provided on the sensor SE and the holder HD are positioned. Then, in the state where the positioning is accurately performed, the sensor SE is attracted to the holder HD by the attractive force between different magnetic poles.

[0059] [2-5. Application examples of the sensor]

[0060] Figure 8 Illustratively explains the application examples of the sensor SE.

[0061] The sensor SE functions as a motion sensor that detects the motion of the user US. The sensor SE is installed on the wrist, ankle, elbow, waist, and head of the user US. The motion of each part detected by the sensor SE is converted into the motion of the robot serving as the avatar AB. The sensor SE is installed on the user US via the holder HD. When the sensor SE is not correctly installed on the holder HD, the angle around the rotation axis RA cannot be correctly measured. By adopting the configuration of the present disclosure, the measurement error of the sensor SE caused by incorrect installation is reduced.

[0062] [3. Modification example]

[0063] Although the specific form of the present disclosure has been described above, the configuration of the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. The configuration of the present disclosure can be applied not only to the above sensor SE, charging case CH, and holder HD, but also to various magnet devices MD connected by magnetism.

[0064] Although in the above embodiments, as the engaging bodies EB, the protrusion PR, the groove RC, the claw NL, and the groove GV are exemplified, the structure of the engaging bodies EB is not limited thereto. The number and arrangement of the engaging bodies EB are not limited to the above embodiments.

[0065] In addition, in the above-described embodiments, as the anisotropic magnet MG, a single magnetic sheet including an S pole PS and an N pole PN on the sheet surface is exemplified. However, the S pole PS and the N pole PN may be constituted by separate magnets. For example, the anisotropic magnet MG may be constituted by a first magnet and a second magnet. In the first magnet, the S pole PS faces the magnet surface MS. In the second magnet, the N pole PN faces the magnet surface MS.

[0066] In the above-described embodiments, an example in which the magnet surface MS is configured as a domed curved surface portion or an inverted domed curved surface portion is exemplified. However, the shape of the magnet surface MS is not limited thereto. Part or all of the magnet surface MS may be constituted by a plane.

[0067] For example, the magnet surface MS1 may have a cylindrical protrusion in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG1 is defined as the center of a circle. In this case, the magnet surface MS2 has a cylindrical groove in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG2 is defined as the center of a circle. When the cylindrical protrusion is inserted into the cylindrical groove, the magnet surface MS1 is positioned in the correct direction by the magnetic force acting between the magnet surface MS1 and the magnet surface MS2.

[0068] [4. Effects]

[0069] The magnet device of the present disclosure includes an anisotropic magnet MG and one or more engaging bodies EB. The anisotropic magnet MG guides the magnet surface MS to a stable rotational posture by magnetic force. The one or more engaging bodies EB are positioned on the magnet surface MS in the rotational posture guided by magnetic force.

[0070] Even if the user US does not visually adjust the mounting direction, this configuration guides the rotational posture of the magnet surface MS to the correct direction by the magnetic force of the anisotropic magnet MG. Thus, the device can be easily mounted in the correct direction.

[0071] The anisotropic magnet MG is a magnetic sheet magnetized along the sheet surface facing the magnet surface MS.

[0072] This configuration can reduce the thickness of the anisotropic magnet MG. Thus, a thin magnet device MD is provided.

[0073] The engaging body is configured as a protrusion PR or a groove RC for engaging the magnet surface MS with other magnet surfaces MS.

[0074] According to this configuration, a magnet device MD capable of accurately positioning with a simple configuration is provided.

[0075] Two engaging bodies EB are provided.

[0076] This configuration enables precise positioning. Too many or too few engaging bodies EB will have a negative impact on the positioning accuracy. For example, if only one engaging body EB is provided, the force for fixing the magnet surface MS to the mounting target will be weakened. Too many engaging bodies EB may lead to engagement through incorrect combinations of the engaging bodies EB. A small number of combinations of two engaging bodies EB form the engaging bodies EB, which reduces the possibility of engagement through incorrect combinations.

[0077] Two engaging bodies EB are opposed to each other with the anisotropic magnet MG2 therebetween.

[0078] This configuration widens the distance between the engaging bodies EB. A short distance between the engaging bodies EB may lead to engagement through incorrect combinations of the engaging bodies EB. The widened distance between the engaging bodies EB reduces the possibility of engagement through incorrect combinations.

[0079] When viewed from the direction facing the anisotropic magnet MG, the magnet surface MS has a circular shape in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG is defined as the center.

[0080] This configuration makes the rotation of the magnet surface MS, in which the magnet center is defined as the rotation center, smooth.

[0081] The magnet surface MS has a dome-shaped curved surface portion in which the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG (magnet center) protrudes the most. Alternatively, the magnet surface MS has an inverted dome-shaped curved surface portion in which the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG is recessed the most.

[0082] This configuration makes the rotation of the magnet surface MS, in which the magnet center is defined as the rotation center, smooth. Thus, the magnet surface MS is easily guided to the correct rotation attitude.

[0083] The magnet surface MS may have a cylindrical protrusion in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG is defined as the center of the circle. Alternatively, the magnet surface MS may have a cylindrical groove in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet MG is defined as the center of the circle.

[0084] This configuration makes the rotation of the magnet surface MS, in which the magnet center is defined as the rotation center, smooth. Thus, the magnet surface MS is easily guided to the correct rotation attitude.

[0085] The magnet surface MS includes one or more terminals TM for connecting to other magnet surfaces MS.

[0086] According to this configuration, by precisely positioning the magnet surface MS, the terminals TM are well connected to each other.

[0087] The magnet connection structure CS of the present disclosure includes a plurality of magnet devices MD and a plurality of engaging members EB for positioning. The magnet device MD includes an anisotropic magnet MG. The plurality of engaging members EB perform positioning by engaging the magnet devices MD with stable rotational postures with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices MD.

[0088] Even if the user US does not visually adjust the installation direction, this configuration enables the magnet device MD to be accurately positioned in the correct direction.

[0089] The magnet connection method of the present disclosure includes a rotation step and a positioning step. In the rotation step, a plurality of magnet devices MD including anisotropic magnets MG are faced to each other, and the magnet devices MD are relatively rotated by magnetic force. In the positioning step, positioning is performed by engaging the magnet devices MD with stable rotational postures with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices MD.

[0090] Even if the user US does not visually adjust the installation direction, this configuration enables the magnet device MD to be accurately positioned in the correct direction.

[0091] Note that the effects described in this specification are merely examples and not limitations. Other effects may be obtained.

[0092] [Appendix]

[0093] Note that the present technology may also have the following configuration.

[0094] (1) A magnet device, comprising:

[0095] An anisotropic magnet that guides the magnet surface to a stable rotational posture by magnetic force; and

[0096] One or more engaging members that perform positioning of the magnet surface in the rotational posture.

[0097] (2) The magnet device according to (1),

[0098] Wherein the anisotropic magnet is a magnetic sheet magnetized along the sheet surface facing the magnet surface.

[0099] (3) The magnet device according to (1) or (2),

[0100] Wherein each of the engaging members is configured as a protrusion or a groove for engaging the magnet surface with other magnet surfaces.

[0101] (4) The magnet device according to (3),

[0102] Wherein two engaging members are provided.

[0103] (5) The magnet device according to (4),

[0104] wherein the two engaging bodies are opposed to each other with the anisotropic magnet therebetween.

[0105] (6) The magnet device according to any one of (1) to (5),

[0106] wherein when viewed from the direction facing the anisotropic magnet, the magnet surface has a circular shape in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is defined as the center.

[0107] (7) The magnet device according to (6),

[0108] wherein the magnet surface includes a dome-shaped curved surface portion in which the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is the most prominent, or an inverted dome-shaped curved surface portion in which the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is the most recessed.

[0109] (8) The magnet device according to (6),

[0110] wherein the magnet surface includes a cylindrical protrusion in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is defined as the center of the circle, or a cylindrical groove in which the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is defined as the center of the circle.

[0111] (9) The magnet device according to any one of (1) to (8),

[0112] wherein the magnet surface includes one or more terminals for connecting to other magnet surfaces.

[0113] (10) A magnet connection structure, comprising:

[0114] a plurality of magnet devices, the magnet devices including anisotropic magnets; and

[0115] a plurality of engaging bodies, the plurality of engaging bodies being positioned by engaging the magnet devices with stable rotational postures with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices.

[0116] (11) A magnet connection method, comprising:

[0117] facing a plurality of magnet devices having anisotropic magnets with each other; and

[0118] positioning by engaging the magnet devices with stable rotational postures with each other by utilizing the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices.

[0119] List of reference numerals

[0120] CS Magnet connection structure

[0121] EB card combination

[0122] MD magnet device

[0123] MG, MG1, MG2 anisotropic magnets

[0124] MS, MS1, MS2, MS3 magnet surfaces

[0125] PR protrusion

[0126] RC groove

[0127] TM, TM1, TM2 terminals

Claims

1. A magnet device, comprising: An anisotropic magnet that guides the magnet surface to a stable rotational attitude by magnetic force; and One or more engaging bodies that position the magnet surface in the rotational attitude.

2. The magnet device according to claim 1, wherein the anisotropic magnet is a magnetic sheet magnetized along the surface of a sheet opposed to the magnet surface.

3. The magnet device according to claim 1, wherein each of the engaging bodies is configured as a protrusion or a groove for engaging the magnet surface with other magnet surfaces.

4. The magnet device according to claim 3, wherein two engaging bodies are provided.

5. The magnet device according to claim 4, wherein the two engaging bodies are opposed to each other with the anisotropic magnet therebetween.

6. The magnet device according to claim 1, wherein when viewed from the direction facing the anisotropic magnet, the magnet surface has a circular shape with the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet defined as the center.

7. The magnet device according to claim 6, wherein the magnet surface includes a dome-shaped curved surface portion where the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet protrudes most, or an inverted dome-shaped curved surface portion where the portion facing the center of the anisotropic magnet is recessed most.

8. The magnet device according to claim 6, wherein the magnet surface includes a cylindrical protrusion with the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet defined as the center of the circle, or a cylindrical groove with the position facing the center of the anisotropic magnet defined as the center of the circle.

9. The magnet device according to claim 1, wherein the magnet surface includes one or more terminals for connecting with other magnet surfaces.

10. A magnet connection structure, comprising: A plurality of magnet devices, the magnet devices including anisotropic magnets; and A plurality of engaging bodies that position by engaging the magnet devices with stable rotational attitudes with each other by using the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices.

11. A magnet connection method, comprising: Opposing a plurality of magnet devices having anisotropic magnets to each other; and Positioning by engaging the magnet devices with stable rotational attitudes with each other by using the magnetic force acting between the plurality of magnet devices.

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