Sensor device

Abstract

A sensor device (D1) is used by being attached to a meter (G1) having a scale plate (G16) on which a scale (G161) is marked, a pointer (G14) that rotates on the scale plate (G16), and a shaft member that rotates the pointer (G14), and acquires a measurement value of the meter (G1) in a non-contact manner. A sensor device (D1) is provided with a main body part (M1) and a battery part (B1). The main body part (M1) is provided with a main body case (1) for accommodating a sensor circuit, the sensor circuit acquires a measured value, and the battery part (B1) is provided with a battery case (5) for accommodating a battery for supplying power to the sensor circuit. The main body part (M1) and the battery part (B1) can be assembled by laminating the main body case (1) and the battery case (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device which is mounted on a meter and used to obtain a measurement value of the meter in a non-contact manner. Background Art

[0002] In the past, with the development of automation in manufacturing plants, the use of robots and the like in assembly and inspection equipment has increased. Many instruments are installed on robotic devices used for automatic assembly and automatic inspection to monitor the operating status. In such manufacturing plants, flammable gases are sometimes used, and explosion-proof specifications are required for the devices used. On the other hand, when many instruments are used in the same manufacturing plant, sensor devices are provided to read the measured values ​​of the instruments for the purpose of saving manpower. In order to operate these sensor devices, a large number of power supplies are also required. When an external power supply is used to supply power to each instrument measurement sensor device, a power supply cable connecting the external power supply and the instrument measurement sensor device is required, which is equivalent to the number of instrument measurement sensor devices. In addition, a large number of power supply cables must be arranged in the manufacturing plant. Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned explosion-proof specifications, explosion-proof measures are also required at the connection portion between the power cable and the instrument measurement sensor device, which results in the power cable and connector becoming special specifications, which is a major cause of increased costs. Therefore, technologies to solve this problem have been developed (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an explosion-proof device equipped with a battery storage structure and installed in a manufacturing plant or factory as a sensor device for detecting pressure differentials and temperature. A capacitor is used to maintain the operation of the explosion-proof device during battery replacement. However, if the device can maintain operation during the battery replacement process, the capacitor can be omitted. In other words, Patent Document 1 describes an explosion-proof device that allows for quick battery replacement while maintaining the device's operation in areas requiring explosion-proof standards.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-78414 Summary of the Invention

[0007] In the battery storage structure for explosion-proof equipment described in Patent Document 1, batteries are individually stored in a first storage section and a second storage section. The structure also includes a swinging member that swings when either the first or second storage section is pressed in, ejecting the other. This makes the swinging member complex, leading to increased costs. Furthermore, battery replacement in areas requiring explosion-proof standards requires a short timeframe. However, in the battery storage structure for explosion-proof equipment described in Patent Document 1, the swinging member allows only batteries in the first and second storage sections to be replaced one by one. Furthermore, the inclusion of the swinging member increases the size of the sensor device. Furthermore, when two or more battery packs are used, the swinging member becomes even more complex, leading to increased costs and size, and preventing simultaneous and quick replacement of two or more battery packs.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a sensor device that can replace the battery in a short time without using a complicated mechanism even in an area requiring explosion-proof specifications.

[0009] The characteristic structure of the sensor device of the present invention is that it is installed on an instrument and uses to obtain the measurement value of the instrument in a non-contact manner. The instrument has a scale plate with scale marks, a pointer that rotates on the scale plate, and a shaft component that causes the pointer to rotate. The sensor device includes a main body and a battery unit. The main body includes a main body housing that accommodates a sensor circuit, and the sensor circuit obtains the measurement value. The battery unit includes a battery housing that accommodates a battery that supplies power to the sensor circuit. The main body and the battery unit can be assembled by stacking the main body housing and the battery housing.

[0010] If such a characteristic structure is used, the main body and the battery part can be easily assembled by stacking the main body shell and the battery shell while the main body is mounted on the meter. In addition, the main body and the battery part can be separated by removing the battery shell from the main body shell while the main body is mounted on the meter. In addition, by setting the sensor device to explosion-proof specifications, it can be used in explosion-proof areas. Furthermore, by forming the main body and the battery part separately and independently with explosion-proof specifications, in areas where explosion-proof specifications are required for equipment using the sensor device, the battery part can be replaced together with the battery without taking the sensor device out of the area. Therefore, the battery can be replaced in a short time even in areas where explosion-proof specifications are required.

[0011] In addition, preferably, the main body is attached to the meter in a posture facing the meter.

[0012] With this configuration, when the sensor circuit acquires a value measured by the meter, if the main body has a bottom, only the bottom of the main body is between the sensor circuit and the meter, allowing the sensor circuit to be close to the meter. Consequently, the sensor circuit can acquire a measured value with high accuracy.

[0013] In addition, preferably, a sealing member is provided at a boundary between the main body casing and the battery casing.

[0014] With this structure, the spaces formed inside the main housing and the battery housing can be made dustproof and waterproof, thereby preventing water droplets, dust, etc. from adhering to the sensor circuit housed in the main housing and the battery housed in the battery housing, thereby preventing functional degradation.

[0015] In addition, preferably, a plurality of the batteries are accommodated in the battery casing, and the plurality of the batteries are supported by a retaining frame in the battery casing, the retaining frame having a separation portion arranged between two adjacent batteries and made of insulating material, and the battery casing will accommodate a battery substrate electrically connected to the plurality of batteries together with the retaining frame.

[0016] With this structure, the battery can be arranged at a desired position in the battery case by the holder.

[0017] Furthermore, preferably, the plurality of batteries are button batteries housed in a stacked state in the battery case, and two adjacent batteries are arranged with their positive electrodes and negative electrodes facing each other.

[0018] With such a structure, the potential difference between the electrodes facing each other of the batteries connected in parallel can be reduced, thereby suppressing the risk of discharge occurring between the electrodes facing each other.

[0019] In addition, preferably, the plurality of batteries are stacked in a manner such that their respective axes are parallel to the axis of the axis component, the battery substrate is arranged with the plate surface along the stacking direction of the plurality of batteries, and the batteries are electrically connected to the battery substrate via extended terminals extending from the positive pole and the negative pole of each of the plurality of batteries.

[0020] With this structure, the plurality of batteries can be arranged so that their length along the axial direction is the shortest possible, and the plurality of batteries can be easily electrically connected to a single battery substrate.

[0021] In addition, preferably, the battery case has a cylindrical accommodating portion for accommodating the battery and a substrate accommodating portion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical accommodating portion and accommodates the battery substrate, and the main body case is formed into the following shape, that is, when viewed axially along the axis of the shaft component when installed on the instrument, it has the same outer shape as the battery case.

[0022] If such a structure is set, the axial area of ​​the sensor device can be minimized when the sensor device is installed on the instrument by designing the cylindrical housing portion of the battery case that accommodates the battery to the minimum size that can accommodate the retaining frame, and designing the substrate housing portion of the battery case to the minimum size that can accommodate the battery substrate and a part of the retaining frame.

[0023] Furthermore, preferably, the main body portion and the battery portion can be attached and detached by rotating about an axis parallel to a pressing direction in a state where the battery case is pressed against the main body case.

[0024] If such a structure is used, for example, when the battery case is mounted on the main body shell, the battery case can be removed from the main body shell by rotating the battery case counterclockwise by a specified angle. In addition, the battery case removed from the main body shell can be assembled onto the main body shell when it is rotated clockwise by a specified angle. Therefore, in the process of mounting the battery case on the main body shell, no fixing parts such as screws are required, and the main body shell and the battery case can be easily mounted and dismounted. In addition, since the battery replacement operation can be simplified, the battery can be replaced in a short time.

[0025] In addition, preferably, the sensor circuit has a sensor unit and a sensor control unit, the sensor unit obtains position information indicating the position of the pointer, and the sensor unit, when mounted on the instrument, is arranged at a position opposite to the bottom of the main body housing and is arranged at a position overlapping with the shaft member when viewed axially along the axis of the shaft member.

[0026] If such a structure is used, for example, when the instrument has a magnet that rotates together with the pointer, the sensor unit reads the magnetic field changes caused by the rotation of the magnet, and the sensor control unit converts the output of the sensor unit into position information indicating the position of the pointer, thereby enabling the sensor device to detect the position of the pointer.

[0027] Preferably, the device further comprises a wireless circuit having an antenna for transmitting the position information of the pointer to a receiver, wherein the antenna is arranged at a position not overlapping with the shaft member when viewed in the axial direction when attached to the meter.

[0028] With this configuration, position information acquired by the sensor unit can be wirelessly transmitted via an antenna to a receiver located remotely from the meter, allowing the meter's readout results to be confirmed remotely. Therefore, for example, if the meter measures pressure at multiple locations on equipment installed within a factory, there is no need for an inspector to visually check all the multiple pressure gauges to ensure the equipment is receiving normal pressures before proceeding. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a state where the sensor device is mounted on the meter.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor device.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the battery unit removed from the main body.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the battery unit removed from the main body.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view of the main body.

[0034] Figure 6 This is an exploded perspective view of the main body.

[0035] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery section.

[0036] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery section.

[0037] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the connection between the holder and the battery substrate.

[0038] Figure 10 It is a diagram showing the operating state and the released state of the main body and the battery unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The sensor device of the present invention is described below. It should be noted that the components of the embodiments described below can be combined as long as they do not conflict with each other. Furthermore, it should be noted that the materials, shapes, dimensions, quantities, and arrangements of the components in the various embodiments described below are merely examples, and any design variations are possible as long as the same function is achieved.

[0040] As an example of the sensor device D1, refer to Figures 1 to 10 Provide explanation. Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a state where the sensor device D1 is mounted on the meter G1. Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the sensor device D1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a state where the battery unit B1 is removed from the main body unit M1. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is an exploded perspective view of the main body M1.

[0041] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit B1. Figure 9 It is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the inner holder 7 and the battery substrate 8 . Figure 10 : is a diagram showing the operating state and release state of the main body M1 and the battery unit B1. Figures 1 to 9 The axial direction Z is shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the axial direction one side is referred to as the Z1 side (sometimes also referred to as the "axial direction one side Z1") and the axial direction the other side is referred to as the Z2 side (sometimes also referred to as the "axial direction the other side Z2"). Figure 2 The direction shown corresponds to the axis of the shaft member G17 (described later), and the axial direction Z of the sensor device D1 corresponds to the direction along the axis of the shaft member G17 when the sensor device D1 is installed on the meter G1 (the stacking direction of the main body M1 and the battery part B1).

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensor device D1 is mounted on a separate instrument G1 for use. The instrument G1 includes a pointer G14, a scale plate G16, and a shaft member G17. Scale G161 is marked on the surface of the scale plate G16. In this embodiment, the scale G161 is circumferentially arranged in a radially outer region of the scale plate G16. The shaft member G17 is provided along the axial direction Z, extending through the scale plate G16. The shaft member G17 rotates the pointer G14. Thus, the pointer G14 rotates on the scale plate G16, and is configured so that the measurement value of the instrument G1 can be identified based on the position of the scale G161 that is overlapped (overlapped) by the tip G141 of the pointer G14.

[0043] The sensor device D1 obtains the measurement value of the installed meter G1 in a non-contact manner. The measurement value of the meter G1 refers to the measurement result measured by the meter G1. Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the sensor device D1 includes a main body portion M1 and a battery portion B1.

[0044] The sensor device D1 is installed with the main body M1 and the meter G1 facing each other. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the main body M1 is attached in a state where it is positioned closer to the meter G1 than the battery unit B1.

[0045] First, the main body M1 will be described. Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the main body M1 includes a main body housing 1 .

[0046] The main body housing 1 includes a cylindrical (including substantially cylindrical) bottomed tube portion 11 and a convex portion 12 protruding radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the tube portion 11 .

[0047] The cylindrical portion 11 defines a main body accommodating space 111 therein and has a bottom portion 112 on one axial side Z1 of the main body accommodating space 111 .

[0048] The end 122 of the axial side Z1 of the convex portion 12 can be formed to be flush with the bottom 112 of the end corresponding to the axial side Z1 of the cylindrical portion 11. In addition, the end 123 of the axial other side Z2 of the convex portion 12 can be formed to be flush with the end 141 of the axial other side Z2 of the cylindrical portion 11. In addition, the cross-sectional shape of the convex portion 12 when viewed from above along the axial direction Z and perpendicular to the axial direction Z can be either rectangular (including approximately rectangular), trapezoidal (including approximately trapezoidal), or other shapes. Furthermore, it is also possible to configure the convex portion 12 not to be provided.

[0049] The sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 are accommodated in the main body accommodating space 111 .

[0050] The sensor circuit 2 acquires the measurement value of the meter G1. The sensor circuit 2 includes a sensor unit 21 and a sensor control unit 22. The sensor unit 21 is disposed at a position facing the bottom 112 of the main body housing 1. The sensor unit 21 acquires position information indicating the position of the pointer G14.

[0051] Next, a specific example of the main body M1 of the sensor device D1 will be described. The sensor unit 21 of the sensor circuit 2 can be, for example, an IC for a magnetic sensor. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the main body M1 includes a main substrate 4. The main substrate 4 has a first surface 41 on one axial side Z1 in the axial direction Z, and a second surface 42 on the other axial side Z2. The sensor portion 21 of the sensor circuit 2 is mounted on the first surface 41, and the sensor control portion 22 and the wireless circuit 3 of the sensor circuit 2 are mounted on the second surface 42. The sensor portion 21 is arranged at a position overlapping with the shaft member G17 when viewed in the axial direction Z in a state where the sensor device D1 is mounted on the meter G1. In addition, an antenna 31 of the wireless circuit 3 is provided on the second surface 42. As shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the antenna 31 can be formed by patterning on the second surface 42. The antenna 31 transmits the position information of the pointer G14 acquired by the sensor unit 21 to a receiver (not shown).

[0052] The antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap the shaft member G17 when the sensor device D1 is mounted on the meter G1 and viewed in the axial direction Z. Specifically, when the sensor device D1 is viewed along the axis of the shaft member G17, the antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap the shaft member G17.

[0053] Therefore, the antenna 31 of the wireless circuit 3 is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the sensor portion 21 of the sensor circuit 2 when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0054] The main substrate 4 can be either a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. Furthermore, the main substrate 4 can be a double-sided substrate (double-layer substrate) consisting of two layers, a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 (i.e., two layers, a pattern on the first surface 41 side and a pattern on the second surface 42 side), or a multi-layer substrate having three or more layers (an inner layer) between the first surface 41 and the second surface 42. Furthermore, the main substrate 4 can be supported and fixed to the main housing 1.

[0055] The main body M1 can be formed to explosion-proof specifications. Explosion-proof specifications specify that the sensor device D1 will not become an ignition source for combustible materials (e.g., gas, dust, etc.) located outside the sensor device D1. Examples of such explosion-proof specifications include extending the insulation distance by separating adjacent components in spaces or component surfaces where a potential difference occurs; applying a resin material such as potting compound to the target components; or insert molding, which seals the interior of the main body M1 (i.e., within the main housing 1) with a resin material.

[0056] Next, the battery unit B1 will be described. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the battery unit B1 is configured to include a battery case 5 , batteries 6 , an internal holder 7 (an example of a “holder”), and a battery substrate 8 .

[0057] The battery case 5 includes a cylindrical housing portion 51 having a bottomed cylindrical shape (including a substantially cylindrical shape), and a substrate housing portion 52 protruding radially outward from the cylindrical housing portion 51 .

[0058] The cylindrical housing portion 51 has an internal retainer storage space 511 formed therein and a bottom portion 512 disposed on one axial side Z1. The internal retainer storage space 511 houses the battery 6 and the internal retainer 7. The battery 6 supplies power to the sensor circuit 2. A through-hole 512a is formed in the radially central portion of the bottom portion 512, connecting the internal retainer storage space 511 to the outside.

[0059] The substrate accommodating portion 52 includes a battery substrate accommodating space 521 for accommodating the battery substrate 8. The battery substrate accommodating space 521 is configured to communicate with the inner holder accommodating space 511.

[0060] In this embodiment, a portion of the inner holder 7 is housed in the inner holder housing space 511 together with the battery 6. In addition, a portion of the inner holder 7 is housed in the battery substrate housing space 521 together with the battery substrate 8.

[0061] In this embodiment, three batteries 6 are housed in the inner holder housing space 511. The three batteries 6 are button cells and are housed in the inner holder housing space 511 in a stacked state along the axial direction of the batteries 6. In this embodiment, the three batteries 6 are stacked along the axial direction Z.

[0062] Two adjacent batteries 6 among the three batteries 6 are arranged in a state where one of the positive poles and the negative poles is facing each other. In the present embodiment, as for the batteries 6, one end of a conductive tab (an example of an "extended terminal") 61 is welded to the positive pole and the negative pole of each of the three batteries 6. The other end of the tab 61 extends from the positive pole and the negative pole to the radial outside of the battery 6 and is electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 by soldering or other methods. Therefore, the three batteries 6 are electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 via the tabs 61 respectively. In addition, regarding the connection between the battery 6 and the battery substrate 8, as long as it has conductivity and has the function of electrically connecting the button battery 6 to the battery substrate 8, components other than the tab 61 may also be used.

[0063] The inner retainer 7 is formed into a cylindrical shape using an insulating material. Figure 2 As shown, the internal holder 7 has a battery receiving portion 71 for receiving the battery 6. In this embodiment, the battery receiving portion 71 is configured to be able to receive three batteries 6 individually. Specifically, it has a separation portion 72 made of an insulating material. The separation portion 72 is provided in the battery case 5 between two adjacent batteries 6. Therefore, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the top plate 71A of the inner holder 7, the contact piece 61, the battery 6, the contact piece 61, the separation portion 72, the contact piece 61, the battery 6, the contact piece 61, the separation portion 72, the contact piece 61, the battery 6, the contact piece 61, and the bottom plate 71B of the inner holder 7 are arranged in sequence along the axial direction Z. Figure 9 As shown, a portion of the inner holder 7 along the circumferential direction is open, and the inner holder 7 is configured so that the battery 6 can be inserted from the open portion into the battery receiving portion 71 . Therefore, the open portion corresponds to the battery insertion portion 73 .

[0064] like Figure 2As shown, the battery substrate 8 has a first surface 81 and a second surface 82. In this embodiment, the battery substrate 8 is arranged so that the plate surface (the first surface 81 and the second surface 82) are along the stacking direction of the three batteries 6. As described above, the batteries 6 are stacked along the axial direction Z. Therefore, the battery substrate 8 is arranged with the plate surface parallel to the axial direction Z. Here, the second surface 82 is the surface opposite to the battery 6, and the first surface 81 is the back surface of the second surface 82. In addition, the end of the battery substrate 8 on the axial side Z1 is set as the first end 83, and the end on the other axial side Z2 is set as the second end 84.

[0065] The battery substrate 8 is configured to cover (lid) at least a portion of the battery insertion portion 73 of the inner holder 7 that accommodates the battery 6. The first end portion 83 is configured to abut against the bottom surface of the battery case 5, and the second end portion 84 is configured to support the cover portion 9 provided on the battery case 5 via the sheet S.

[0066] As described above, the three batteries 6 are arranged such that the positive and negative electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6 face each other. The three batteries 6 are electrically connected in parallel by the pattern formed on the battery substrate 8. A control unit for controlling the output of the batteries 6 may also be mounted on the battery substrate 8. Figure 9 As shown, a connection member 10 is provided on the battery substrate 8. One end of the connection member 10 is soldered to the battery substrate 8 or electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 by other methods.

[0067] It should be noted that, although three batteries 6 are provided in the present embodiment, there may be two or less, or more than four. In addition, in the case of a plurality of batteries 6, they may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. In addition, a combination of series connection and parallel connection may be used. In addition, although two batteries 6 adjacent to each other are configured in a state where the same poles of the positive and negative poles are opposite to each other, for example, in the case of series connection or in the case of parallel connection where the potentials of the positive and negative poles of the two batteries 6 opposite to each other are different, the separation portion 72 between the two adjacent batteries 6 can be configured to overlap with the entire battery 6 when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0068] The battery part B1 is provided with the cover part 9 on the other axial side Z2. Figure 8 As shown, the sheet S may be placed in the middle.

[0069] The internal holder 7 is housed in the internal holder housing space 511, with the cylindrical body 7A on one axial side Z1 inserted into the through-hole 512a of the bottom 512. The cover 9 closes the other axial side Z2 of the battery case 5 and is supported and fixed to the battery case 5. In this case, a portion of the axial side Z1 of the internal holder 7 may be exposed from the through-hole 512a of the bottom 512 of the battery case 5 toward the axial side Z1.

[0070] Internal retainer 7 can be formed from an insulating material relative to a structure that electrically connects battery cell 6 to battery substrate 8, or it can be formed relative to battery cell 6. Molding methods include injection molding, transfer molding, potting by injecting a thermosetting resin or UV-curable resin into a mold and curing it, or other methods. Furthermore, internal retainer 7 can be shaped other than cylindrical, as long as it can be supported within internal retainer storage space 511.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the main body M1 and the battery part B1 can be installed by stacking the main body shell 1 and the battery shell 5. At this time, an O-ring (an example of a "sealing component") O is provided at the boundary between the main body shell 1 and the battery shell 5. The O-ring O is installed on the battery shell 5, and can make the main body accommodating space 111 liquid-tight when the battery part B1 is fixed to the main body M1. The sheet S is clamped by the battery shell 5 and the cover 9, and together with the O-ring O, makes the internal retaining frame accommodating space 511 and the battery substrate accommodating space 521 liquid-tight. The O-ring O can also be constructed to be installed on the main body shell 1. The sheet S can also use a sealing material such as an O-ring instead of a sheet component, and can also be coated with a sealant. In addition, the sealing material can be molded as one piece, or it can be set to a structure in which the cover 9 and the battery shell 5 are ultrasonically welded or adhesively fixed to prevent water droplets from invading the interlocking part between the battery shell 5 and the cover 9.

[0072] Like the main body M1, the battery unit B1 can be constructed to explosion-proof specifications. Similar to the main body M1, the battery unit B1 can be configured as follows: In spaces or component surfaces where a potential difference occurs, for example, by separating adjacent components to extend insulation distances; or by applying a resin material such as potting compound to the target components; or by insert molding, sealing the interior of the main body M1 (i.e., within the main housing 1) with a resin material. These can be accomplished through, for example,

[0073] The sensor device D1 can be formed with explosion-proof specifications by combining the main body portion M1 and the battery portion B1.

[0074] The connecting member 10 electrically connects the main body M1 and the battery unit B1. Figure 5 and Figure 9 As shown, the connecting component 10 can be composed of a substrate-to-substrate connection harness composed of an electric wire 10a and a plug 10b, and a socket 10c mounted on the main substrate 4. The electric wire 10a is composed of, for example, a set of electric wires for power supply and a grounding wire. As described above, one end side of the electric wire 10a is electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 by soldering or other methods, and the other end side is connected to the plug 10b of the power supply wire and the grounding wire. The plug 10b has a plug body 10b1, and a plug contact 10b2 retained in the plug body 10b1, and is electrically connected to the center conductor of the electric wire 10a. As Figure 4 As shown, a portion of the electric wire 10a and the plug 10b are provided in a state where they are exposed from the through hole 512a of the battery case 5 on one axial side Z1. Figure 5 As shown, the socket 10c is mounted on the main substrate 4 and electrically connected to the pattern formed on the main substrate 4. The socket 10c includes a socket body 10c1 and socket terminals 10c2 retained by the socket body 10c1. When the plug body 10b1 is mated with the socket body 10c1, the plug contacts 10b2 are electrically connected to the socket terminals 10c2. This electrically connects the main substrate 4 to the battery substrate 8.

[0075] The main body M1 and battery unit B1 can be assembled by stacking the main body case 1 and the battery case 5. Here, the state in which the sensor device D1 can perform its sensor function is referred to as the "operating state," and the state in which the sensor device D1 cannot perform its sensor function is referred to as the "disabled state." The main body case 1 is formed so that, when mounted on the meter G1, it has the same outer shape as the battery case 5 when viewed in the axial direction Z along the axis of the shaft member G17.

[0076] The main body M1 and the battery part B1 can be installed and removed by rotating the battery case 5 with the axis parallel to the pressing direction as the rotation axis while the battery case 5 is pressed on the main body case 1. Specifically, when the battery case 5 is pressed on the main body case 1, the battery case 5 is rotated clockwise with the axis of the cylindrical container 51 of the battery case 5 as the center so that the battery case 5 is rotated clockwise when viewed in the axial direction Z. Figure 10 As shown in (A) of FIG, when viewed toward one axial side Z1, the battery case 5 is aligned with the main body case 1, thereby enabling the battery case 5 to be mounted on the main body case 1 and the sensor device D1 to be in an operating state. On the other hand, the battery case 5 is rotated counterclockwise around the axis of the cylindrical housing 51 of the battery case 5 so that when viewed in the axial direction Z, the battery case 5 is aligned with the main body case 1. Figure 10 As shown in (B), the battery case 5 and the main body case 1 are not aligned, whereby the battery case 5 can be removed from the main body case 1 and the sensor device D1 can be released.

[0077] Regarding the installation and removal of the main body M1 and the battery unit B1, a locking mechanism 35 may be provided on the battery case 5 and the main body case 1. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the locking mechanism 35 is composed of a locking portion 513 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body shell 1 and protruding radially inward, and a locked portion 113 protruding from the battery shell 5 toward the axial side Z1. When viewed toward the axial side Z1, the end of the locked portion 113 on the clockwise side is open, and the end on the counterclockwise side is closed. Thus, by pressing the battery shell 5 onto the main body shell 1 and rotating it clockwise when the battery shell 5 is not aligned with the main body shell 1, the locking portion 513 enters the locked portion 113 and is locked, so that the battery part B1 can be installed on the main body M1. In addition, when the locking portion 513 is locked on the locked portion 113, the battery part B1 can be removed from the main body M1 by rotating the battery shell 5 counterclockwise (for example, 25 degrees) relative to the main body shell 1.

[0078] As described above, the main body M1 is mounted closer to the meter G1 than the battery unit B1. As described above, the battery unit B1 can be attached to the main body M1 by rotating the battery case 5 clockwise relative to the main body housing 1. The battery unit B1 can be removed from the main body M1 by rotating the battery case 5 counterclockwise relative to the main body housing 1. Therefore, the battery unit B1 can be removed and replaced while the main body M1 remains mounted on the meter G1.

[0079] To completely remove the battery unit B1 from the main body M1, the plug 10b is removed from the socket 10c of the connecting component 10. The plug 10b of the connecting component 10 can be inserted into the socket 10c before pressing the battery unit B1 axially toward the main body M1 toward the side Z1 to attach it to the main body M1. Alternatively, the battery unit B1 can be rotated counterclockwise when attached to the main body M1 and rotated clockwise when removed from the main body M1. The rotation angle during removal can be either 25 degrees or less.

[0080] The axis of the cylindrical portion 11 of the main body case 1 may or may not coincide with the axis of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 .

[0081] In addition, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a guide groove 121 is formed on the convex portion 12 of the main housing 1, which is open on the other axial side Z2. In addition, a protrusion 522 is formed on the substrate receiving portion 52 of the battery housing 5, which protrudes toward the one axial side Z1. Figure 10 (A) working status and Figure 10 In the released state (B), the battery case 5 can be inserted into the guide groove 121. The guide groove 121 has a bottom surface 121a exposed on the other axial side Z2, and the protrusion 522 has a front end 522a on the one axial side Z1. During the transition from one of the operating state and the released state to the other, while the battery case 5 is pressed against the main body case 1 as described above, the front end 522a can be in contact with the bottom surface 121a. A gap may also be provided between the bottom surface 121a and the front end 522a.

[0082] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the instrument G1 comprises a main body G11, a housing G12, an outer frame G13, a pointer G14, a transparent plate G15, a scale plate G16, and a shaft member G17. The main body G11 and scale plate G16 are housed within the housing G12 and mounted on the transparent plate G15. The transparent plate G15 is assembled to the housing G12 while being embedded in the outer frame G13. Thus, the transparent plate G15 is enclosed within the outer frame G13. This allows for a pressure gauge in which the measured value is read based on the position where the pointer G14 overlaps with the scale G161. The axis of the cylindrical portion 11 of the main housing 1 of the main body M1 can be positioned so that it overlaps with the central axis of rotation of the pressure gauge pointer G14 when viewed in the axial direction Z. Furthermore, when mounted on the instrument G1, the sensor portion 21 of the sensor circuit 2 is positioned so that it overlaps with the shaft member G17, the central axis of rotation of the pressure gauge pointer G14, when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0083] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0084] While the connection component 10 is described as being composed of the electric wire 10a, the socket 10c, and the plug 10b, the connection component 10 may be replaced with a configuration in which the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 are electrically connected, for example, by elastically contacting a connector on the main body M1 side with a connector on the battery unit B1 side.

[0085] The main body substrate 4 may also include a main body power supply control unit 43 for controlling the power supply to the main body unit M1, and the battery substrate 8 may also include a control unit (not shown) for controlling the output of the battery unit B1. Specifically, the main body power supply control unit 43 can control the power from the battery unit B1 to drive the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3. Furthermore, the control unit can control the power from the battery 6 output from the battery substrate 8 via the connecting member 10.

[0086] The battery unit B1 can be configured as follows: Figure 10 In the working state shown in (A), it becomes possible to supply power from the battery 6 to the main body M1 via the connecting member 10; Figure 10In the released state shown in (B) or when removed from the main body M1, the power supply from the battery 6 is stopped, and no potential difference is generated at the output end of the connecting part 10 on the battery part B1 side. In the case of such a structure, for example, a magnet can be provided on the main body M1, and a Hall element (an example of a control unit) can be provided on the battery part B1. In this case, it is possible that: in the working state, the Hall element detects the magnetic flux of the magnet and sets the state in which the battery 6 outputs power; in the released state and when removed from the main body M1, since the Hall element cannot detect the magnetic flux of the magnet, the power output of the battery 6 is cut off. In addition, a main body side terminal made of a conductive material as a part of the connecting part 10 can be provided on the main body M1, and a battery side terminal made of a conductive material with an elastically displaceable contact portion can be provided on the battery part B1 as a part of the connecting part 10. In this case, it can be constructed so that: in the working state, the contact portion of the battery side terminal is displaced and elastically contacts the main body side terminal to thereby be electrically connected; in the released state or during the transition between the working state and the released state, the contact portion of the battery side terminal does not contact the main body side terminal to thereby not be electrically connected.

[0087] Alternatively, the main body M1 may include a main body-side terminal made of a conductive material as part of the connecting component 10, and the battery unit B1 may include a battery-side terminal made of a conductive material and having an elastically displaceable contact portion as part of the connecting component 10. In this case, in both the operating and released states, the contact portion of the battery-side terminal displaces and elastically contacts the main body-side terminal, thereby achieving electrical connection. If a magnet is provided on the main body M1 and a Hall element is provided on the battery unit B1, in the operating state, the Hall element detects the magnetic flux of the magnet, enabling the battery 6 to output power. In the released state or when removed from the main body M1, the Hall element cannot detect the magnetic flux of the magnet. In this case, the battery 6 can be shut off from outputting power. Furthermore, the timing of electrical connection between the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 and the timing of enabling the battery 6 to output power from the battery unit B1 can be staggered.

[0088] The main body case 1 , the battery case 5 , and the cover 9 may be formed of, for example, a transparent insulating material.

[0089] The cylindrical portion 11 of the main body case 1 and the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 may each include an indication for visually recognizing whether the sensor device D1 is in the activated state or the deactivated state.

[0090] In the above embodiment, a pressure gauge is used as an example of the instrument G1 to which the sensor device D1 is attached. However, the instrument G1 is not limited to a pressure gauge and may also be, for example, a voltmeter, an ammeter, a power meter, an electric energy meter, or the like. Furthermore, a flow meter, etc., may also be used.

[0091] 〔Technical features and effects〕

[0092] The sensor device D1 configured as described above and mounted on the meter G1 for use has the following technical features and effects.

[0093] (1) The first technical feature and effect

[0094] With the main body M1 mounted on the meter G1, the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 can be electrically connected by attaching the battery case 5 to the main body housing 1. Furthermore, with the main body M1 mounted on the meter G1, the electrical connection between the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 can be disconnected by removing the battery case 5 from the main body housing 1. Furthermore, by designating the sensor device D1 as explosion-proof, it can be used within an explosion-proof area. Furthermore, since the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 are each independently designed to be explosion-proof, in areas where explosion-proof standards are required for equipment using the sensor device D1, the battery unit B1 can be replaced along with the battery 6 without having to remove the sensor device D1 from the area.

[0095] Furthermore, by pre-preparing the battery unit B1, which houses the battery 6 within the battery case 5, the main body M1 can be replaced along with the battery case 5 while the battery 6 remains attached to the meter G1. This eliminates the need to remove the old battery 6 from the battery case 5, insert the new battery 6 into the internal holder 7, and subsequently open and close the cover 9 of the battery case 5. This allows for quick battery replacement. Consequently, the time required to replace the battery unit B1 can be shortened. Furthermore, by adding a function to the main body power supply control unit 43 of the main body M1 to maintain power to the sensor circuit 2 and wireless circuit 3 during the replacement process, the sensor device D1's ability to read the meter G1 does not cease due to the replacement of the battery unit B1.

[0096] Furthermore, by linking the meter lookup data of sensor device D1 to the power supply of factory equipment, batteries can be replaced without shutting down the equipment. Furthermore, if, for example, sensor device D1 is configured to calibrate its meter lookup function for the measured values ​​read by meter G1 at the start of operation, the meter lookup function of sensor device D1 is not stopped during battery replacement, eliminating the need for calibration and reducing the time required for calibration. Furthermore, if battery 6 is incorrectly connected to the positive and negative terminals, the time required to restore the battery to its proper state can be eliminated, thereby preventing situations such as reverse voltage or excessive voltage from being applied to the circuit.

[0097] In particular, if multiple batteries 6 are replaced individually on-site, for example, replacement time can be prolonged, increasing the likelihood of incorrectly connecting the positive and negative terminals. Therefore, by shortening battery 6 replacement time and maintaining concentration during replacement work, such incorrect connections can be prevented. Furthermore, battery 6 replacement can be simplified, shortening replacement time, thereby shortening the time during which power is interrupted to the sensor circuit 2 and wireless circuit 3.

[0098] (2) Second technical feature and effect

[0099] The main body M1 is mounted on the meter G1 in a posture opposite to the meter G1. Therefore, when the sensor unit 21 obtains the measurement value measured by the meter G1, only the bottom 112 exists between the sensor unit 21 and the meter G1, which can reduce the reduction in the function of obtaining the measurement value by the sensor unit 21.

[0100] Furthermore, if the sensor unit 21 is a magnetic sensor IC that reads the position of the pointer G14 of the meter G1 in a non-contact manner, arranging it away from the battery 6 reduces the likelihood of measurement value acquisition being affected by the battery 6. For example, even if the battery 6 does affect measurement value acquisition, countermeasures such as placing an electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet between the sensor unit 21 and the battery 6 can be employed.

[0101] (3) Technical Features and Effects of the Third Technology

[0102] An O-ring O is provided at the boundary between the main body housing 1 and the battery housing 5. This provides a dust-proof and waterproof structure for the main body housing space 111 enclosed by the main body housing 1 and the battery housing 5. This prevents water droplets, dust, and the like from adhering to the sensor unit 21 housed in the main body housing space 111 and thereby degrading sensor functionality.

[0103] Furthermore, the sheet S can be configured so that it is sandwiched between the battery case 5 and the lid 9, and the interlocking of the battery case 5 and the lid 9 prevents liquids such as water and oil from entering the internal retainer storage space 511 and the battery substrate storage space 521. Thus, the O-ring O can maintain a liquid-tight state in the main body storage space 111 while also maintaining a liquid-tight state in the internal retainer storage space 511 and the battery substrate storage space 521, thereby preventing damage to the battery 6 and the battery substrate 8 due to corrosion or short circuits caused by water droplets.

[0104] (4) Technical Features and Effects of the Fourth Article

[0105] Multiple batteries 6 are supported by an internal retaining frame 7 in the battery casing 5. The internal retaining frame 7 has a separation portion 72 provided between two adjacent batteries 6 and made of insulating material. Therefore, the batteries 6 can be arranged at a specified position in the internal retaining frame 7, and the connection operation to the battery substrate 8 becomes easy.

[0106] Furthermore, even if individual batteries 6 meet explosion-proof standards, if battery section B1 is not arranged with the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent batteries 6 facing each other, and the batteries 6 are connected in parallel via battery substrate 8, a potential difference exists between the opposing electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6, creating a risk of discharge. Therefore, it may not meet explosion-proof standards. Furthermore, if battery section B1 is arranged with the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent batteries 6 facing each other, and the batteries 6 are connected in series via battery substrate 8, a potential difference exists between the opposing electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6, creating a risk of discharge. Therefore, it may not meet explosion-proof standards. In either case, a separator 72 is provided between the two adjacent batteries 6. If the separator 72 is configured to overlap the entire battery 6 when viewed in the axial direction Z, for example, when the batteries 6 are connected in series and there is a potential difference between the opposing electrodes, the spatial distance between the opposing electrodes can be increased. This can suppress discharge caused by the potential difference.

[0107] (5) Fifth technical feature and effect

[0108] With respect to the plurality of batteries 6, adjacent batteries 6 are arranged with one of their positive and negative electrodes facing each other. Therefore, the opposing electrodes of the adjacent batteries 6 are the same. For example, when two adjacent batteries 6 are electrically connected in parallel, not only can the risk of discharge due to a potential difference between the opposing electrodes be suppressed, but also, tabs 61 can be connected to the electrodes at positions offset from the center of the battery 6 electrodes by welding, etc., so that the tabs 61 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 6 are positioned at different positions relative to the axial direction Z than the tabs 61 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the adjacent batteries 6. This allows the surface electrodes (pads) on the first surface 81 of the battery substrate 8, formed for electrically connecting the tabs 61, to be offset from the surface electrodes (pads) formed for electrically connecting the tabs 61 of the adjacent batteries 6, thereby increasing the creepage distance between the surface electrodes (pads). Consequently, the risk of discharge due to a potential difference on the battery substrate 8 can be suppressed. The electrodes formed on the battery substrate 8 may be through-hole electrodes that penetrate from the first surface 81 to the second surface 82 .

[0109] (6) Technical Features and Effects of Article 6

[0110] The multiple batteries 6 are stacked with their respective axes parallel to the axis of the shaft member G17. The battery substrate 8 is positioned so that its surface extends along the stacking direction of the multiple batteries 6. The batteries 6 are electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 via tabs 61 extending from the positive and negative electrodes of each of the multiple batteries 6. This arrangement allows the multiple batteries 6 to be arranged so that their length along the axial direction Z is minimized, allowing multiple batteries 6 to be electrically connected on a single battery substrate 8.

[0111] The length of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z is set to be equal to or slightly longer than the length of the plurality of batteries 6 along the axial direction Z. This shortens the length of the battery unit B1 along the axial direction Z. In other words, the height of the sensor device D1 in the axial direction Z relative to the mounting surface of the meter G1 to which the sensor device D1 is mounted can be reduced.

[0112] If the length of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z is shorter than the length of the plurality of batteries 6 along the axial direction Z, the distances from the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 located between the first end 83 and the second end 84 of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z to the battery substrate 8 differ from the distances from the electrodes of the batteries 6 located to the one side Z1 of the first end 83 or to the other side Z2 of the second end 84 of the battery substrate 8 in the axial direction Z. Consequently, the connection configurations between the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 and the tabs 61 must differ depending on the distances from the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 to the battery substrate 8. This makes it necessary to confirm the connection configurations between the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 and the tabs 61 while accommodating the batteries 6 in the battery accommodating portion 71 of the inner holder 7, which is very cumbersome. In this case, if the batteries 6 are accommodated in the battery accommodating portion 71 in the incorrect order, the tabs 61 cannot be connected to the battery substrate 8. However, this configuration can avoid this problem.

[0113] (7) Technical Features and Effects of Article 7

[0114] The main body housing 1 is formed into the following shape, that is, when viewed in the axial direction Z along the axis of the shaft member G17 when installed on the meter G1, it has the same outer shape as the battery housing 5. Therefore, by designing the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery housing 5 that accommodates the battery 6 to be the minimum size that can accommodate the internal retaining frame 7, and designing the substrate housing portion 52 of the battery housing 5 to be the minimum size that can accommodate the battery substrate 8 and a portion of the internal retaining frame 7, the projected area of ​​the sensor device D1 in the axial direction Z when the sensor device D1 is installed on the meter G1 can be designed to be slightly larger than the external size of the battery 6.

[0115] For example, when a general-purpose CR2032 type button battery 6 is used, the diameter of the cylindrical portion 11 of the battery case 5 can be set to approximately 30 mm or less. In the case where the meter G1 is a pressure gauge, for example, in which the measured value is read based on the position where the pointer G14 overlaps the scale G161, even when the sensor device D1 is installed to read the measured value measured by the meter G1, there are cases where it is necessary to visually identify the position where the pointer G14 of the meter G1 overlaps the scale G161, such as when confirming whether the sensor device D1 is reading the measured value normally or when wanting to know the measured value while working near the meter G1. Therefore, the smaller the projected area of ​​the sensor device D1 in the axial direction Z, the better the visual recognition.

[0116] When using a common CR2032 button battery in the main body M1, the projected area of ​​the battery case 5 along the axial direction Z increases. However, when the size of the battery 6 is increased for reasons such as extending battery life, the size of the main body M1 remains the same as when using a CR2032. The size of the portion of the battery unit B1 that attaches to the main body M1 remains the same as when using a CR2032. Only the cylindrical accommodating portion 51 needs to be increased. Therefore, the main body M1 can be replaced with a battery unit B1 of a different battery size without replacing the already installed main body M1. In this case, the main body M1 of the sensor device D1 remains unchanged. Even if the battery unit B1's appearance increases from a position where it is elevated in the axial direction Z2 relative to the surface on which the sensor device D1 is attached, the area of ​​the sensor device D1 attachment surface of the meter G1 that is obscured by the main body M1 remains unchanged. Therefore, the increased size of the battery 6 does not impair the visibility of the position where the pointer G14 of the meter G1 overlaps with the scale G161.

[0117] (8) Technical Features and Effects of Article 8

[0118] The main body portion M1 and the battery portion B1 are configured so that the battery case 5 can be installed and removed by rotating it about an axis parallel to the pressing direction while the battery case 5 is pressed against the main body case 1. Thus, for example, when the battery case 5 is installed on the main body case 1, the battery case 5 can be removed from the main body case 1 by rotating it counterclockwise about the axis of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5. The battery case 5, which has been removed from the main body case 1, can be installed on the main body case 1 by rotating it clockwise about a predetermined angle. Therefore, the process of installing the battery case 5 on the main body case 1 eliminates the need for fixing components such as screws, simplifies the replacement of the battery 6, and allows the battery 6 to be replaced in a short period of time.

[0119] (9) Technical Features and Effects of Article 9

[0120] The sensor circuit 2 includes a sensor unit 21 and a sensor control unit 22. The sensor unit 21 acquires positional information indicating the position of the pointer G14. When mounted on the meter G1, the sensor unit 21 is positioned opposite the bottom 112 of the main housing 1 and, when viewed along the axial direction Z of the axis of the shaft member G17, overlaps with the shaft member G17. Thus, for example, if the meter G1 includes a magnet G18 that rotates along with the pointer G14, the sensor unit 21 reads changes in the magnetic field caused by the rotation of the magnet G18. The sensor control unit 22 converts the output of the sensor unit 21 into positional information indicating the position of the pointer G14, thereby enabling detection of the position of the pointer G14.

[0121] (10) Technical Features and Effects of Article 10

[0122] The device also includes a wireless circuit 3, which includes an antenna 31 for transmitting the position information of the pointer G14 to a receiver. When mounted on the meter G1, the antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap the shaft member G17 when viewed in the axial direction Z. This allows wireless transmission of position information acquired by the sensor unit 21 to a receiver located remotely from the meter G1 via the antenna 31, enabling confirmation of the meter G1's reading results from a remote location. Therefore, when the meter G1 measures pressures at multiple locations on equipment installed within a factory, there is no need for inspectors to visually check all of the multiple pressure gauges to ensure the equipment is operating at normal pressures. Furthermore, since the reading information for all pressure gauges can be confirmed in the office, pre-operation inspection time can be shortened. Furthermore, visual reading results contain uncertainties, but using sensors for reading can reduce these uncertainties. Furthermore, by establishing a system that automatically stores reading results, daily reading results can be recorded as data, which can be used to monitor factory operating hours and notify alarms regarding part replacement times.

[0123] (11) Technical Features and Effects of Article 11

[0124] The locked portion 113 and the locking portion 513 are configured as follows: in the operating state, they are locked to restrict the movement of the battery case 5 toward the other axial side Z2 relative to the main body housing 1; in the released state, they are not locked, and the main body housing 1 and the battery case 5 can move toward the other axial side Z2. In addition, the O-ring O elastically deforms in the operating state, and through the locking between the locked portion 113 of the main body housing 1 and the locking portion 513 of the battery case 5, it also functions as a force to restrict the movement of the battery case 5 toward the other axial side Z2 relative to the main body housing 1. Therefore, the sensor device D1 can prevent the battery unit B1 from falling off from the main body M1 due to accidentally becoming released during operation. In addition, according to this structure, since fixing components such as screws are not used, it can be constructed at a low cost.

[0125] (12) Technical Features and Effects of Article 12

[0126] The protrusion 522 is configured to be inserted into the guide groove 121 in both the operating and released states. Therefore, the front end 522a can also be configured to abut against the bottom surface 121a during the transition between the operating and released states. Furthermore, the portion of the bottom surface 121a that opposes the front end 522a in both the operating and released states is located on one axial side Z1 compared to the portion of the bottom surface 121a that opposes the front end 522a in both the operating and released states. Therefore, the frictional force acting on the contact surface between the locking portion 513 and the locked portion 113 in both the operating and released states is less than the frictional force acting on the contact surface between the locking portion 513 and the locked portion 113 in both the operating and released states. Thus, the operating and released states can be distinguished based on the degree of force used to rotate the battery case 5, preventing the battery unit B1 from stopping rotation during the transition between the operating and released states, thereby preventing the battery replacement from being mistakenly determined to be complete.

[0127] (13) Other technical features and effects

[0128] The control unit can be configured to control the power outputted from the battery substrate 8 via the connecting member 10 by the battery 6. Therefore, a Hall element is used as an example of the control unit. Thus, when the battery unit B1 is in the operating state, power can be supplied from the battery 6 to the main body M1 via the connecting member 10. When the battery unit B1 is in the deactivated state or when it is detached from the main body M1, the power supply from the battery 6 is stopped, thereby preventing a potential difference from being generated at the output end of the connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side. For example, if a potential difference due to battery 6 is generated at the output end of connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side while battery unit B1 is detached from main unit M1, if the input end of connecting member 10 on the main unit M1 side is not maintained at the same potential difference, discharge may occur at the moment of electrical connection. If the input end of connecting member 10 on the main unit M1 side is maintained at the same potential as the output end of connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side, the input end with the potential difference will be exposed when battery unit B1 is detached from main unit M1. For example, a worker may touch the input end with their hand, causing a short circuit. Alternatively, the input end may contact a metal part such as a watch or a button on a worker's work uniform, causing discharge or a short circuit. However, with this configuration, damage to sensor device D1 caused by such discharge or short circuit can be prevented. In addition, as another example of a control unit, by using an overcurrent protection element on the battery substrate 8 or in a part electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 when discharge or short circuit occurs at a location with a potential difference, the battery unit B1 can be protected from becoming an ignition source in an explosion-proof area where the sensor device D1 is used.

[0129] (14) Other technical features and effects

[0130] By forming the main body housing 1 of sensor device D1 using a transparent resin, the lighting of the LED mounted on the main body substrate 4 allows the user to visually identify the operating status of the main body power supply control unit 43, which maintains the power supply to the sensor circuit 2 and wireless circuit 3, during battery 6 replacement. This allows the user to detect the time required to replace the battery 6 of sensor device D1, thereby preventing the entire system, including operating equipment in the factory, from being shut down due to the sensor device D1 being stopped during battery 6 replacement.

[0131] Furthermore, by forming the battery case 5 and cover 9 from a transparent resin, it is possible to visually detect a decrease in battery capacity by lighting up the LED mounted on the battery substrate 8. This allows for early detection of when to replace the battery 6 of the sensor device D1. This prevents situations in which the meter reading results of the meter G1 are incorrectly recognized or cannot be recognized due to the life of the battery 6, thereby preventing a situation in which the entire system, including operating equipment in the factory or outdoors, is shut down.

[0132] (15) Other technical features and effects

[0133] The battery unit B1 can fill the internal holder accommodating space 511 and the battery accommodating portion 71 with potting compound, or apply a resin material such as potting compound to a portion or the entirety of the internal holder 7, the battery 6, and the battery substrate 8, or perform partial or entire insert molding on the internal holder 7, the battery 6, and the battery substrate 8. Thus, even if there are parts or components that do not meet the explosion-proof specifications, arcs (sparks) generated by discharge can be avoided, and therefore, the battery unit B1 can meet the explosion-proof specifications in a standalone state. Thus, in order to replace the battery 6, the battery unit B1 can be brought into the explosion-proof area alone to replace the battery 6. In addition, for battery replacement, a permanent battery unit B1 can be set near the sensor device D1 in the explosion-proof area.

[0134] (16) Other technical features and effects

[0135] The cylindrical portion 11 of the main body housing 1 and the cylindrical housing 51 of the battery housing 5 can each be configured to visually identify whether the sensor device D1 is in the activated or deactivated state through integrally formed markings. This ensures that the battery unit B1 is properly attached to the main body M1, preventing battery unit B1 from being accidentally rotated in the opposite direction when rotating it from the activated state to the deactivated state, or when rotating it from the deactivated state to the activated state, to replace the battery 6. Furthermore, even if the release angle from the activated state to the deactivated state is not identified, knowing the rotation completion position prevents insufficient rotation, and further prevents excessive rotation and continued rotation. Furthermore, when the battery unit B1, removed from the main body M1, is pressed against the main body M1 to the deactivated state, it is possible to determine the optimal degree of rotation relative to the main body M1 to press the battery unit B1, thus preventing damage to the protrusion 522 of the battery housing 5.

[0136] Industrial Applicability

[0137] The present invention can be applied to a system for remotely managing the operating conditions of instruments used outside a manufacturing plant or factory where the equipment used requires explosion-proof specifications.

[0138] Description of Reference Numerals

[0139] 1: Main shell

[0140] 2: Sensor circuit

[0141] 3: Wireless circuit

[0142] 5: Battery housing

[0143] 6: Battery

[0144] 7: Cage (internal cage)

[0145] 8: Battery substrate

[0146] 21: Sensor unit

[0147] 22: Sensor control unit

[0148] 31: Antenna

[0149] 51: Cylindrical accommodating portion

[0150] 52: substrate accommodating portion

[0151] 61: Connector (Extension Terminal)

[0152] 72: Separation Department

[0153] B1: Battery Department

[0154] D1: Sensor device

[0155] G1: Instrument

[0156] G14: Pointer

[0157] G16: scale plate

[0158] G17: Shaft component

[0159] G161: Scale

[0160] M1: Main body

[0161] O: O-ring (sealing component).

Claims

1. A sensor device that is mounted on an instrument and used to obtain a measurement value of the instrument in a non-contact manner, wherein the instrument comprises a scale plate with scale marks, a pointer that rotates on the scale plate, and a shaft member that rotates the pointer. The sensor device includes a main body and a battery. The main body includes a main body housing for accommodating a sensor circuit, and the sensor circuit acquires the measurement value. The battery unit includes a battery case for accommodating a battery for supplying power to the sensor circuit. The main body portion and the battery portion can be assembled by stacking the main body case and the battery case.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein The main body is attached to the meter in a posture facing the meter.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A sealing member is provided at a boundary between the main body case and the battery case.

4. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: A plurality of batteries are housed in the battery housing. The plurality of batteries are supported in the battery case by a holder having a separation portion formed of an insulating material and provided between two adjacent batteries. The battery case houses a battery substrate electrically connected to each of the plurality of batteries together with the holder.

5. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein The plurality of batteries are button batteries housed in the battery housing in a stacked state. Two adjacent batteries are arranged with their positive electrodes and negative electrodes facing each other. The sensor device according to claim 5 , wherein: The plurality of batteries are stacked in a manner such that the axes of the batteries are parallel to the axis of the shaft member. The battery substrate is arranged so that the plate surface is along the stacking direction of the plurality of batteries. The batteries are electrically connected to the battery substrate via extension terminals extending from the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes of each of the plurality of batteries.

7. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein: The battery case includes a cylindrical housing portion for housing the battery and a substrate housing portion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical housing portion and houses the battery substrate. The main body case is formed in a shape having the same outer shape as that of the battery case when viewed in the axial direction along the axis of the shaft member in a state in which the main body case is mounted on the meter.

8. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main body portion and the battery portion can be attached and detached by rotating about an axis parallel to the pressing direction in a state where the battery case is pressed against the main body case.

9. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The sensor circuit includes a sensor unit and a sensor control unit. The sensor unit acquires position information indicating the position of the pointer. The sensor portion is disposed at a position facing the bottom of the main body case when mounted on the meter, and at a position overlapping the shaft member when viewed in the axial direction of the axis of the shaft member.

10. The sensor device according to claim 9, wherein further comprising a wireless circuit having an antenna for transmitting the position information of the pointer to a receiver, The antenna, when attached to the meter, is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the shaft member when viewed in the axial direction.

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