Sensor device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor device which suppresses separation of a sensor fixed to a sensing object from the sensing object by an adsorption force generated by a magnetic force generated between a magnet and the sensing object. A sensor device (1) is provided with: a sensor (11) which is disposed on the outer peripheral surface (201) of a connecting rod (200) as an object, which is a magnetic metal member to be sensed, and which senses the connecting rod (200); a magnet (12) configured to clamp the sensor (11) between the magnet (12) and the connecting rod (200); and a non-magnetic cover member (14) fixed to the outer peripheral surface (201) of the connecting rod (200) in a state in which a plurality of members including at least the magnet (12) and the sensor (11) are housed as housed members, the sensor (11) being fixed to the outer peripheral surface (201) of the connecting rod (200) by an adsorption force generated by a magnetic force generated between the magnet (12) and the connecting rod (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-092497, filed on June 6, 2024. The entire contents of that Japanese application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a sensor device. Background Technology

[0003] A known technique involves placing a sensor on the surface of a metal component (i.e., an object) that serves as the sensing object, further placing a magnet on the sensor, and then pressing and fixing the sensor to the surface of the object using the magnetic force generated between the magnet and the object (e.g., Patent Document 1). According to this technique, the sensor can be fixed to the surface of the object with fewer components.

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2013-68552

[0005] However, since the sensor is fixed to the object using the attraction force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the object, if a magnetic external object approaches the sensor, the magnet may sometimes be affected and detach from the sensor. At this time, the attraction force generated by the magnetic force weakens, the sensor separates from the object, and sometimes it becomes unable to sense. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to suppress the separation of a sensor from a sensing object by means of an attraction force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the sensing object.

[0007] The present invention, made in view of this purpose, is a sensor device characterized by comprising: a sensor disposed between a magnetic metal component, i.e., the surface of an object, which is the object to be sensed, and a magnet, and fixed to the surface of the object by an adsorption force generated by the magnetic force generated between the magnet and the object, and performing the sensing; and a non-magnetic cover component fixed to the surface of the object in a state in which at least a plurality of components, including the magnet and the sensor, are housed inside as housed components.

[0008] Here, it can be characterized by the following features: a magnetic yoke that enhances the attraction force generated by the magnetic force is fixed on the magnet, and the cover component is arranged on the surface of the object in a state that accommodates the contained component, including at least the magnetic yoke, the magnet, and the sensor.

[0009] Furthermore, it can be characterized in that, when no magnetic force is generated between the external object and the magnet, the cover component does not contact the contained component.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be characterized in that when the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the external object and the magnet is greater than the adsorption force, and the magnet separates from the sensor and a portion of the contained part contacts the inner side of the cover component, the inner side of the cover component supports the portion of the contained part; when the attractive force weakens and the adsorption force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the object becomes greater than the attractive force, a portion of the contained part separates from the inner side of the cover component, and the magnet contacts the sensor again through the adsorption force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the object, and the sensor is fixed to the surface of the object again.

[0011] Furthermore, it may have the following features: it also has a fixing member that is fixed to be wound around the surface of the cylindrical or tubular object in a circumferential direction and to fix the cover member to the object. The fixing member has: a cover member fixing part for fixing the cover member; and a suppressing wall for suppressing the movement of the accommodated member along the surface of the object.

[0012] Furthermore, it can be characterized by the following feature: a gap of a predetermined width is formed between the cover component and the object when the cover component is fixed to the fixing part of the cover component.

[0013] Furthermore, it can be characterized by the following features: the cover component and the fixing component are plastic and have the same strength relative to external forces.

[0014] Furthermore, it may have the following characteristics: the cover component is made of non-magnetic stainless steel or resin.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be characterized by the following features: the object is a connecting rod of an injection molding machine, and the sensor senses the connecting rod.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the separation of a sensor from a sensing object by an adsorption force generated by the magnetic force generated between the magnet and the sensing object. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the sensor device according to this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the situation when a hammer with a magnetic metal component approaches a sensor device fixed to the outer periphery of a connecting rod.

[0020] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the situation that occurs with conventional sensor devices that do not have a cover component.

[0021] Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) means Figure 1 A diagram showing a specific example of the structure of the fixed component.

[0022] Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 (B) means Figure 1 A diagram showing a specific example of the structure of the cover component.

[0023] Figure 6 (A) and Figure 6 (B) is a diagram showing a specific example of a state in which a sensor device is fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the connecting rod.

[0024] Explanation of symbols

[0025] 1: Sensor device; 11: Sensor; 12: Magnet; 13: Magnetic yoke; 14: Cover component; 15: Fixing component; 146: Inner side; 151: Cover component fixing part; 152: Suppression wall; 300, 600: Gap; 200: Connecting rod; 201: Outer peripheral surface. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] <Structure of Sensor Device>

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the sensor device 1 according to this embodiment. Additionally, in Figure 1 And then Figure 2 In order to facilitate understanding of the positional relationship of the included components housed inside the cover component 14 (described later), a portion of the cover component 14 and the fixing component 15 (described later) are shown in a transparent state.

[0029] Sensor device 1 is a device for sensing the connecting rod 200 of the injection molding machine. The connecting rod 200, which is the object being sensed by sensor device 1, is a cylindrical and magnetic metal part that has the functions of guiding the opening and closing of the mold of the injection molding machine and fastening the mold.

[0030] Here, Figure 1 The left and right directions indicate the direction in which the centerline 210 of the connecting rod 200 extends (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the "centerline direction"). Furthermore, Figure 1The vertical direction indicates the radial direction of the connecting rod 200. Hereinafter, the side with the center line in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200 will be referred to as the "inner side in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200", and the opposite side will be referred to as the "outer side in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200".

[0031] (sensor)

[0032] The sensor device 1 includes a sensor 11 disposed on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 and a magnet 12 disposed between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200 to clamp the sensor 11. The sensor 11 is a sensor with a housing having a generally quadrangular prism shape. The sensor 11 is fixed by an attraction force generated by the magnetic force generated between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, in a manner that presses the sensor 11 against the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 from the outside to the inside in the radial direction. The sensor 11 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface 201 and fits tightly against it, thereby further improving the sensing accuracy. The sensing function of the sensor 11 is not particularly limited. For example, the sensor 11 can also perform sensing for purposes such as strain measurement of the connecting rod 200.

[0033] (magnet)

[0034] Magnet 12 is a generally square prism-shaped magnet. The sensor 11 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 by an attractive force generated by the magnetic force between it and the connecting rod 200. Magnet 12 is made of a permanent magnet or the like. The size of magnet 12 is not particularly limited as long as it can be accommodated inside the cover member 14 described later. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the length of magnet 12 in the centerline direction is the same as or approximately the same as the length of sensor 11 in the centerline direction. And, although in Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the magnet 12 and the sensor 11 are configured such that their respective lengths in the direction from the front side of the figure to the far side of the figure are the same or approximately the same.

[0035] (Magnetic yoke)

[0036] Furthermore, the sensor device 1 has a magnetic yoke 13 for enhancing the attraction force generated by the magnetic force of the magnet 12. The magnetic yoke 13 is a magnetic metal component, and it enhances the attraction force of the magnet 12 on the connecting rod 200 by being disposed on the outer side of the connecting rod 200 in the radial direction relative to the magnet 12. The magnetic yoke 13 is engaged with the magnet 12. The method of engaging the magnet 12 and the magnetic yoke 13 is not particularly limited; for example, bonding can be used. The size of the magnetic yoke 13 is not particularly limited as long as it can be accommodated within the cover component 14 described later. In this embodiment, the length of the magnetic yoke 13 in the centerline direction is longer than the length of the magnet 12 in the centerline direction. Furthermore, although in Figure 1Although not shown in the figure, the length of the magnetic yoke 13 in the direction from the front side of the figure to the far side of the figure is also longer than the length of the magnet 12 in the direction from the front side of the figure to the far side of the figure.

[0037] Furthermore, although not illustrated, a typical magnetic yoke is box-shaped or U-shaped and is configured to surround a magnet disposed on the surface of a magnetic metal component from the outside. In this case, the end (edge ​​portion) of the yoke is fixed in contact with or close to the surface of the magnetic metal component. As a result, magnetic flux flows from the end of the yoke toward the magnetic metal component, thus increasing the attraction force of the magnet on the magnetic metal component. In contrast, the yoke 13 according to this embodiment differs from a typical magnetic yoke in that its end does not contact or approach the connecting rod 200 (the magnetic metal component), yet it still enhances the attraction force of the magnet 12 on the connecting rod 200. This is because, in this embodiment, the cover member 14 and the fixing member 15 surrounding the yoke 13 are both non-magnetic components and do not allow magnetic flux to flow. Therefore, even though the end of the yoke 13 does not contact or approach the connecting rod 200, magnetic flux flows from the end of the yoke 13 toward the connecting rod 200. As a result, the attraction force of the magnet 12 on the connecting rod 200 is increased.

[0038] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the magnetic yoke 13 is quadrilateral, but its shape is not particularly limited. Also, as described above, the end of the magnetic yoke 13 does not contact the connecting rod 200, but it could also be a structure where the end of the magnetic yoke 13 contacts the connecting rod 200. Furthermore, the magnetic yoke 13 engages with the magnet 12, but it could also be a structure where the magnetic yoke 13 does not engage with the magnet 12. In this case, for example, the cover member 14 could press the magnetic yoke 13 from the outer side towards the inner side in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200. Additionally, the magnetic yoke 13 is not a necessary component of the sensor device 1, but having the magnetic yoke 13 can improve the attraction force generated by the magnetic force of the magnet 12. As a result, the stability of the sensor 11 fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 is improved.

[0039] (Cover component)

[0040] Furthermore, the sensor device 1 includes a cover member 14 for protecting the sensor 11, magnet 12, and yoke 13 from external forces and for preventing the sensor 11 from separating from the connecting rod 200. The cover member 14 is a box-shaped, non-magnetic component with an opening 148, and houses the sensor 11, magnet 12, and yoke 13 as contained components. The cover member 14 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 with the contained components inside. The cover member 14 is made of, for example, non-magnetic stainless steel, plastic, rubber, silicone, polyurethane, etc. In this embodiment, the cover member 14 is made of non-magnetic stainless steel, and its thickness is approximately 1 mm. As one of its functions, the cover member 14 buffers external forces to protect the contained components.

[0041] The cover member 14 does not contact the housed component when there is no magnetic force between the magnet 12 housed within it and an externally existing object. For example, a small gap is formed between the inner surface 146 of the cover member 14 and the portion closest to the housed component. Specifically, a gap 300 is formed between the housed component, i.e., the magnetic yoke 13, closest to the inner surface 146 and the inner surface 146. Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the extent that a portion of the cover member 14 is recessed, the housed component, including the magnetic yoke 13, is protected as long as the recess is not large enough to fill the gap 300.

[0042] From the perspective of protecting the housed components, including the magnetic yoke 13, a wider gap 300 between the inner surface 146 of the cover component 14 and the housed components makes it easier to protect the housed components. However, depending on the condition of the sensor device 1, the magnet 12 may sometimes detach from the sensor 11. In this case, if the gap 300 is too wide, the magnet 12, which has detached from the sensor 11, may sometimes fall completely inside the cover component 14. If the magnet 12 falls completely, sensing becomes impossible, and therefore repair work is required by the operator. That is, work is required to restore the sensor 11 to a state where it is fixed by the attraction force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, pressing it against the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Therefore, the gap 300 is preferably formed such that the distance d1 between the inner surface 146 of the cover component 14 and the magnetic yoke 13 in the centerline direction and the distance d2 between the inner surface 146 of the cover component 14 and the magnetic yoke 13 in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200 are both about 3 mm.

[0043] (Fixed components)

[0044] Furthermore, the sensor device 1 has a fixing member 15 for fixing the cover member 14 to the connecting rod 200. The fixing member 15 is a ring-shaped metal component, also referred to as a bracket, and is fixed to be wound around the outer peripheral surface 201 of the cylindrical connecting rod 200 in a circumferential direction. Both the cover member 14 and the fixing member 15 are plastic and have the same strength relative to external forces. Therefore, if an external force is applied to the cover member 14, depending on the magnitude of the force, the cover member 14 and the fixing member 15 may deform or leave marks on the cover member 14. Thus, the operator can determine the type of external force applied afterward based on the condition of the cover member 14 and the fixing member 15.

[0045] The fixing member 15 has a cover member fixing portion 151 for fixing the cover member 14 and an inhibiting wall 152 for inhibiting the movement of the accommodated member on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Furthermore, a specific example of the structure of the fixing member 15 including the cover member fixing portion 151 and the inhibiting wall 152 will be referred to... Figure 4 The details will be provided later.

[0046] Here, an example of a situation in which magnet 12 is separated from sensor 11 will be described.

[0047] Figure 2 This diagram shows the situation when a hammer 400 with a magnetic metal part 401 approaches the sensor device 1, which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200.

[0048] Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a situation that occurs with a conventional sensor device that does not have a cover component 14.

[0049] Sensor device 1 is initially in Figure 2 The state shown in the left figure. That is, in the following state: the sensor 11 is fixed by being pressed against the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 by the attraction force generated by the magnetic force generated between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200.

[0050] For example, suppose a worker (not shown) approaches sensor device 1 while holding hammer 400. Hammer 400 has a magnetic metal part 401. At this time, a magnetic force is generated between the metal part 401 of hammer 400 and the magnet 12 of sensor device 1, thereby generating an attractive force. As a result, as... Figure 2As shown in the right figure, magnet 12 and yoke 13 are pulled in the direction of arrow 500, so that magnet 12 sometimes separates from sensor 11. This state is such that the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the metal part 401 of hammer 400 and magnet 12 of sensor device 1 is greater than the attractive force generated by the magnetic force generated between magnet 12 and connecting rod 200.

[0051] As described above, the sensor device 1 has a cover member 14 that houses and protects the included components, including the magnet 12 and the yoke 13. Therefore, even if the magnet 12 is separated from the sensor 11, as... Figure 2 As shown in the right figure, a portion of the magnetic yoke 13 also comes into contact with the inner surface 146 of the cover member 14 and stops. That is, the inner surface 146 of the cover member 14 supports the magnetic yoke 13 and the magnet 12. As a result, it is possible to prevent the magnetic yoke 13 and the magnet 12 from completely detaching and becoming irrecoverable. Figure 2 The initial state is shown in the left figure. Figure 3 As a comparative example, an example is shown where the sensor device 1 described above does not have the cover component 14. Figure 3 As shown in the right figure, if the hammer approaches the sensor device without the cover component 14, the yoke and magnet completely detach and are attracted to the metal part of the hammer. At this time, the attraction force of the magnet weakens, and as a result, the sensor will separate from the connecting rod.

[0052] Return to Figure 2 Assume the operator holding the hammer 400 moves away from the sensor device 1. The attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the metal part 401 of the hammer 400 and the magnet 12 of the sensor device 1 gradually weakens. This results in a state where the attractive force generated between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200 is stronger than the attractive force generated between the metal part 401 and the magnet 12. Consequently, the sensor 11 is naturally fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 by the adsorption force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200. That is, it returns to the state where the sensor 11 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 by the attraction force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200. Figure 2 The initial state is shown in the left figure.

[0053] <Specific examples>

[0054] Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) means Figure 1 A diagram showing a specific example of the structure of the fixing component 15. Figure 4 (A) shows the fixing member 15 fixed in a state where it is wound around the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Figure 4(B) shows a cross-sectional view of the state in which the cover component 14 is fixed to the fixing component 15 and the contained component is housed inside.

[0055] As described above, the fixing member 15 is used to hold the cover member 14 (reference) Figure 1 ) A component fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. For example... Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 As shown in (B), the fixing member 15 has a cover member fixing portion 151 for fixing the cover member 14, a suppressing wall 152 for suppressing the movement of the accommodated member on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200, and a fixing member fixing portion 153 for fixing the fixing member 15 to the connecting rod 200. Figure 4 (A) and Figure 4 (B) shows specific examples of the cover member fixing part 151 and the suppression wall 152, and the fixing member fixing part 153, which are respectively formed on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200.

[0056] The cover component fixing part 151 is a quadrilateral plate made by folding a portion of the fixing member 15 toward the outer peripheral surface 201 away from the connecting rod 200. On the cover component fixing part 151, there are two screw holes 161 arranged along the center line for screws (not shown) to pass through and fix the cover component 14.

[0057] The restraining wall 152 is a four-sided plate formed by folding a portion of the fixing member 15 away from the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. The restraining wall 152 is formed to prevent the housed member from moving along the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. The restraining wall 152 is formed to enclose the area 700 where the housed member is positioned. Figure 4 In example (A), two suppression walls 152 are formed to suppress the movement of the accommodated component along the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Furthermore, three suppression walls 152 are formed to suppress the movement of the accommodated component along the centerline direction on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Thus, the accommodated component disposed in region 700 is suppressed from moving along the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200.

[0058] The fixing part 153 is a four-sided plate made by folding both ends of the fixing part 15 toward the outer peripheral surface 201 away from the connecting rod 200. For example... Figure 4 As shown in (A), fixing parts 153 for fixing the fixing part 15 to the connecting rod 200 are formed at both ends of the fixing part 15. On the fixing parts 153, two screw holes 162 are provided in a manner arranged along the center line for screws (not shown) to pass through and fix the fixing part 15 to the connecting rod 200.

[0059] According to the fixing member 15 with this structure, the sensor device 1 can be fixed at all positions on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. For example, when the top side of the connecting rod 200 in the vertical direction is set to the 12 o'clock position, the sensor device 1 can be fixed on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 in the 12 o'clock position, and also on the outer peripheral surface 201 in the 6 o'clock position on the opposite side. Furthermore, the sensor device 1 can be fixed on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 in the 3 o'clock position, and also on the outer peripheral surface 201 in the 9 o'clock position on the opposite side.

[0060] Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5 (B) means Figure 1 A diagram showing a specific example of the structure of the cover component 14.

[0061] As mentioned above Figure 1 As shown, the cover component 14 is a component that houses the sensor 11, magnet 12, and yoke 13, which are the contained components, and is fixed to the fixing component 15 on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Figure 5 As shown, the cover member 14 has five walls 141 to 145 and an opening 148. Furthermore, the cover member 14 has an inner side surface 146 and an outer side surface 147.

[0062] In this embodiment, walls 141 to 145 are formed by adding fold lines at predetermined positions on a metal plate that has been processed into a predetermined shape, and folding up the portions that will become walls 141 to 144 relative to the portion that becomes wall 145. Furthermore, the method of manufacturing the cover member 14 is not limited to this method. For example, the ends of the five generally quadrilateral metal plates forming the five walls can be joined by welding or the like to form a box shape.

[0063] Two screw holes 163 are arranged in a row on walls 141 and 142. The screw holes 163 are aligned with the aforementioned... Figure 4 The screw hole 161 of the cover member fixing part 151 of the fixed member 15 shown is aligned and a screw (not shown) is passed through, thereby fixing the cover member 14 to the fixed member 15.

[0064] Walls 143 and 144 are configured such that their height when folded relative to wall 145 is lower than that of walls 141 and 142. Therefore, as... Figure 5 (A) and Figure 5As shown in (B), a quadrilateral notch 149 is formed in the overall shape of the cover member 14. The notch 149 functions as a gap for various cables extending outward from the sensor 11 of the sensor device 1, which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200.

[0065] Furthermore, the difference in height between walls 141 and 142 and walls 143 and 144 is not particularly limited. As long as a notch 149 is formed that serves to protect the housed components while preventing tools or the like from accidentally entering the interior of the cover component 14, it is acceptable. For example, the height of walls 143 and 144 may be configured to be approximately 5 mm lower than the height of walls 141 and 142.

[0066] Furthermore, the shape of the notch 149 is not limited to a quadrilateral shape. For example, the shape of the notch 149 can be designed to match the curved shape of the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. This narrows the gap between the cover member 14 and the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200, thus improving the function of protecting the housed component. However, the diameter of the connecting rod 200 varies. Therefore, it is preferable to design the notch 149 as a quadrilateral shape, as in this embodiment, thereby allowing sufficient clearance in the gap between the cover member 14 and the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. This improves the versatility of the sensor device 1. Furthermore, by reducing the machining required to form the curved surface, the manufacturing cost of the cover member 14 can be reduced.

[0067] Wall 145 is used to fix the sensor device 1 to the above-mentioned Figure 4 The fixing member 15 is disposed on the outermost wall in the radial direction of the connecting rod 200. As described above, the cover member 14 according to this embodiment is made by folding walls 141 to 144 relative to wall 145. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown in (A), curved surfaces are formed at the respective boundaries (corners) of wall 145 and walls 141 to 144. As a result, for example, compared to the case where walls 141 to 145 are formed by joining five quadrilateral metal plates by welding or the like, the tactile sensation when an operator touches the corner of the cover component 14 becomes smoother, which is also good from a safety point of view.

[0068] Furthermore, the outer surface 147 of the walls 141 to 145 is composed of a flat surface. In addition, in this embodiment, as described above, the cover member 14 is made of a plastic material, so that, for example, if an external force is applied to the walls 141 to 145 and deformation or scratches are caused, the operator can determine the type of external force applied afterward based on its condition.

[0069] Figure 6 (A) and Figure 6Figure (B) is a specific example showing a state in which the sensor device 1 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Figure 6 (A) shows the state when the sensor device 1 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200, as viewed from the radial direction of the connecting rod 200. Figure 6 (B) shows the state in which the sensor device 1 is fixed on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 when viewed from the center line direction of the connecting rod 200.

[0070] The sensor device 1 is fixed by wrapping the fixing member 15 around the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 in a circumferential direction, and by passing a screw 164 through the screw hole 162 of the fixing member fixing part 153 provided in the fixing member 15 and tightening it. The sensor 11, which is housed inside the cover member 14 of the sensor device 1, is connected to a cable bundle 18 that houses power cables, communication cables, etc. The cable bundle 18 connected to the sensor 11 extends outward through a gap 600 formed by the notch 149 of the cover member 14.

[0071] like Figure 6 (A) and Figure 6 As shown in (B), in the structure of the injection molding machine, various components and devices are arranged near the sensor device 1, which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200. Among the components and devices arranged near the sensor device 1, there are many metal components that can generate magnetic force with the magnet 12 of the sensor device 1. Therefore, by fixing the sensor device 1 with the cover component 14 to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200, even if the above-mentioned... Figure 2 In the situation shown, the cover member 14 can also prevent the magnet 12 from completely detaching from the sensor 11. As a result, the separation of the sensor 11 from the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 is suppressed. Moreover, even if an external force is applied to the sensor device 1, the cover member 14 can also protect the housed components inside.

[0072] In summary, the sensor device used in this embodiment can be implemented in a variety of ways as long as it adopts the following structure.

[0073] That is, the sensor device 1 according to this embodiment is characterized by having: a sensor 11, which is disposed between the outer peripheral surface 201 of the magnetic metal part, i.e. the connecting rod 200 which is the object of sensing, and a magnet 12, and is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 by an adsorption force generated by the magnetic force generated between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, and performs sensing of the connecting rod 200; and a non-magnetic cover member 14, which is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 in a state in which at least a plurality of components, including the magnet 12 and the sensor 11, are housed inside it.

[0074] Therefore, even if the magnet 12 separates from the sensor 11 due to the proximity of a magnetic external object to the sensor device 1, the contained components, including the separated magnet 12, can be retained inside the cover component 14. Thus, a magnetic force can be maintained between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200. Consequently, if the magnetic external object moves away from the sensor device 1, a force is applied to restore the original state, thereby restoring the state before separation. As a result, the separation of the sensor 11, which is fixed to the connecting rod 200 by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, from the connecting rod 200 can be prevented.

[0075] Here, it can be characterized by the following features: a magnetic yoke 13 that enhances the attraction force generated by the magnetic force is fixed on the magnet 12, and the cover component 14 is arranged on the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 in a state that accommodates at least the included components, including the magnetic yoke 13, the magnet 12 and the sensor 11.

[0076] As a result, the stability of the sensor 11 fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 is improved. Consequently, it is possible to further suppress the sensor 11, which is fixed to the connecting rod 200 by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, from separating from the connecting rod 200.

[0077] Furthermore, it can be characterized by the following feature: the cover component 14 is on an external object (e.g., Figure 2 The hammer (400) and the magnet (12) do not contact the contained part when no magnetic force is generated between them.

[0078] Therefore, even if a strong external force is applied to the extent that a portion of the cover component 14 is recessed, the contained components, including the magnetic yoke 13, can be protected as long as the recess does not completely fill the gap 300.

[0079] Furthermore, it can be characterized in that if the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the external object and the magnet 12 is greater than the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, and the magnet 12 separates from the sensor 11, then a part of the contained component (e.g., the yoke 13) contacts the inner surface 146 of the cover component 14, then the inner surface 146 of the cover component 14 supports the part of the contained component. If the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the external object and the magnet 12 weakens, and the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200 becomes greater than the attractive force, then a part of the contained component separates from the inner surface of the cover component 14, and the magnet 12 contacts the sensor 11 again by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, and the sensor 11 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 again.

[0080] Therefore, even if the magnet 12 separates from the sensor 11 due to the proximity of a magnetic external object to the sensor device 1, the contained components, including the separated magnet 12, can be retained inside the cover component 14. Thus, a magnetic force can be maintained between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200. Consequently, if the magnetic external object moves away from the sensor device 1, a force is applied to restore the original state, thereby restoring the state before separation. As a result, the separation of the sensor 11, which is fixed to the connecting rod 200 by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, from the connecting rod 200 can be prevented.

[0081] Furthermore, it may have the following features: it also has a fixing member 15, which is fixed to be wound around the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200, which is a cylindrical object, in the circumferential direction and to fix the cover member 14 to the connecting rod 200. The fixing member 15 has a cover member fixing part 151 for fixing the cover member 14 and an inhibition wall 152 for inhibiting the movement of the accommodated member along the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200.

[0082] Therefore, movement of the housed component along the outer peripheral surface 201 of the connecting rod 200 is suppressed. Furthermore, movement of the housed component along the radial direction of the connecting rod 200 is suppressed by the cover component 14. As a result, accidental movement of the housed component can be suppressed, thus preventing the sensor 11, which is fixed to the connecting rod 200 by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, from separating from the connecting rod 200.

[0083] Furthermore, it may be characterized by the following feature: a gap 600 of a predetermined width is formed between the cover member 14, which is fixed to the cover member fixing part 151, and the connecting rod 200.

[0084] Thus, for example, it is possible to lay a cable bundle 18 extending outward from the sensor 11 via the gap 600.

[0085] Furthermore, it can be characterized in that the cover component 14 and the fixing component 15 are plastic and have the same strength relative to external forces.

[0086] Therefore, if an external force is applied to the cover component 14, deformation or marks may occur on the cover component 14 and the fixing component 15 depending on the magnitude of the force. Thus, the operator can determine the type of external force applied afterward based on the condition of the cover component 14 and the fixing component 15.

[0087] Furthermore, it may have the following characteristics: the cover component 14 is made of non-magnetic stainless steel or resin.

[0088] Therefore, when manufacturing the cover component 14, a thin and high-strength material can be used, thus enabling the sensor device 1 to be made compact.

[0089] Furthermore, it can be characterized as follows: the object that becomes the sensing object is the connecting rod 200 of the injection molding machine, and the sensor 11 senses the connecting rod 200 of the injection molding machine.

[0090] Therefore, even if the magnet 12 separates from the sensor 11 due to the proximity of a magnetic external object to the sensor device 1, the contained components, including the separated magnet 12, can be retained inside the cover component 14. This maintains a state where a magnetic force is generated between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200. Thus, if the magnetic external object moves away from the sensor device 1, a force is applied to restore the original state, thereby restoring the state before separation. As a result, it is possible to prevent the sensor 11, which is fixed to the connecting rod 200 by the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet 12 and the connecting rod 200, from separating from the connecting rod 200.

Claims

1. A sensor device, characterized in that, have: A sensor is disposed between the surface of a magnetic metal component (i.e., the object being sensed) and a magnet, and is fixed to the surface of the object by an attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the object, and performs the sensing; and A non-magnetic cover component is fixed to the surface of the object in a manner that accommodates at least a plurality of components, including the magnet and the sensor, as contained components.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A magnetic yoke is fixed to the magnet to enhance the attraction force generated by the magnetic force. The cover component is configured on the surface of the object to house at least the contained components, including the magnetic yoke, the magnet, and the sensor.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When no magnetic force is generated between the external object and the magnet, the cover component does not contact the contained component.

4. The sensor device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the attractive force generated by the magnetic force between the external object and the magnet exceeds the adsorption force, causing the magnet to detach from the sensor and a portion of the contained component to contact the inner surface of the cover component, the inner surface of the cover component supports the portion of the contained component. When the attractive force weakens and the magnetic force generated between the magnet and the object increases compared to the attractive force, a portion of the contained component separates from the inner side of the cover component. The magnet comes into contact with the sensor again through the attraction force generated by the magnetic force between the magnet and the object, and the sensor is fixed to the surface of the object again.

5. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing component, which is fixed to the surface of the cylindrical or tubular object in a circumferential direction, and fixes the cover component to the object. The fixing component has: Cover component fixing part, for fixing the cover component; and A suppressing wall that inhibits the movement of the contained component along the surface of the object.

6. The sensor device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A pre-defined gap of a certain width is formed between the cover component, which is fixed to the fixing part of the cover component, and the object.

7. The sensor device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The cover component and the fixing component are plastic and have the same strength relative to external forces.

8. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover component is made of non-magnetic stainless steel or resin.

9. The sensor device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The object in question is the connecting rod of an injection molding machine. The sensor senses the connecting rod.

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