Sensor device

Abstract

To provide a sensor device that suppresses deterioration of accuracy.SOLUTION: A sensor device 100 acquires a measurement value of an instrument G1 having a magnet G18 that rotates together with a pointer G14 around an axis AX of a shaft member G17 orthogonal to a scale surface G16a on which a scale plate G16 is marked, and a transparent plate G15 that covers the scale plate G16, the pointer G14, and the magnet G18. A sensor device 100 is arranged so as to overlap with the axis AX in an axial direction Z along the axis AX, has a sensor section 21 for acquiring positional information of the magnet G18, and includes a sensor device body D1 for acquiring a measured value based on the positional information, and a mounting section A1 for mounting the sensor device body D1 to the instrument G1. The mounting section A1 is fixed to a transparent plate G15 so as not to overlap with the sensor section 21 in the axial direction Z.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, automation has progressed in manufacturing factories, and the use of robots (robot devices) as devices for assembling products, inspecting products, and the like is increasing. Many instruments are attached to such robot devices to monitor the operating status of the robot device, and the operating status of the robot device is monitored by, for example, having a worker read the scale indicated by a pointer. However, many instruments are often distributed and placed in a factory, and the task of manually reading the measured values ​​of multiple instruments one by one is cumbersome. As a technology for solving such problems, Patent Document 1 discloses an instrument sensor that collects data from many instruments without the manual intervention of a worker and transmits it to an external device. This instrument sensor is attached to the transparent cover of the instrument with double-sided tape, and an image analysis unit analyzes an image of the pointer captured by a camera included in the instrument sensor to obtain the angle of the pointer, and transmits the angle of the pointer or data of a value corresponding to the angle to the external device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2022-32602 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when the meter sensor is attached to the meter with double-sided tape, as in the case of the meter sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1, the double-sided tape is interposed between the sensor and the meter, which may reduce the accuracy of the sensor.

[0005] Therefore, there is a demand for a sensor device that suppresses the deterioration of sensor accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A characteristic configuration of the sensor device of the present invention is a sensor device that acquires measurement values ​​of an instrument having a magnet that rotates together with a pointer around the axis of an axis member that is perpendicular to the scale surface on which the scale plate is graduated, and a transparent plate that covers the scale plate, the pointer and the magnet, and is equipped with: a sensor device main body that is arranged so as to overlap with the axis when viewed in the axial direction along the axis, has a sensor unit that acquires position information of the magnet and acquires the measurement values ​​based on the position information, and an attachment part for attaching the sensor device main body to the instrument, and the attachment part is fixed to the transparent plate so as not to overlap with the sensor unit when viewed in the axial direction.

[0007] With this characteristic configuration, the mounting portion does not overlap with the sensor portion when viewed in the axial direction, so the sensor portion can be brought closer to the magnet. Also, the variation in the distance between the sensor portion and the magnet caused by at least one of the dimensional accuracy of the mounting portion and the variation in the mounting state can be reduced. Therefore, the deterioration of the accuracy of the sensor portion can be suppressed.

[0008] In addition, the mounting portion has an opposing portion that faces the transparent plate, and a protruding portion that has the opposing portion as its base end and protrudes in a direction away from the sensor device main body along the axial direction along the axis, and it is preferable that the mounting portion is fixed to the transparent plate by welding the protruding portion to the transparent plate.

[0009] With this configuration, the mounting portion is fixed to the transparent plate by welding the protruding portion, eliminating the need to use separate materials such as double-sided tape or adhesive to mount the sensor device main body to the instrument.

[0010] In addition, it is preferable that the sensor device main body further has a main body case that houses the sensor portion, the main body case including a first space that is open on one side in the axial direction along the axis, and the mounting portion is configured separately from the main body case and at least a portion of the mounting portion is housed in the first space.

[0011] With this configuration, the attachment portion, which is separate from the main body case, is housed in the main body case. That is, the attachment portion is disposed inside the main body case, so that an increase in size of the sensor device can be avoided.

[0012] It is also preferable that the main body case further includes a second space that houses the sensor unit, and the first space and the second space are separated from each other.

[0013] With this configuration, it is possible to prevent water, dust, and the like from entering the second space through the first space as an inlet.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sensor device main body further has a main body case that houses the sensor portion, the mounting portion is configured separately from the main body case, and further has an engaging portion that fits externally to the main body case in an axial direction along the axis, and the main body case includes a fitted portion that is fitted into the engaging portion.

[0015] With this configuration, the mounting portion fits onto the outside of the main case, so that the mounting portion is not hidden by the fitted portion of the main case, and the main case can be fixed to the mounting portion, thereby improving the efficiency of the work of attaching the main case to the mounting portion.

[0016] Furthermore, it is preferable that the sensor device main body includes a main body facing portion that faces the transparent plate and further has a main body case that houses the sensor portion, and that the mounting portion is integrally formed with the main body case and includes a mounting axis that protrudes beyond the main body facing portion, and that the mounting axis fits into a through hole that penetrates the transparent plate, thereby fixing the main body case to the transparent plate.

[0017] With this configuration, since the mounting portion is integral with the main body case, the sensor device can be easily mounted on the transparent plate without using a separate mounting portion.

[0018] In addition, the sensor device main body further has a battery case that contains a battery that generates electricity to be supplied to the sensor unit, and it is preferable that the battery case be separable from the main body case and be positioned on the side of the main body case that is farther from the transparent plate.

[0019] With this configuration, it is possible to replace the battery housed in the battery case while the main body case remains attached to the transparent plate.

[0020] It is also preferable that the sensor portion includes a magnetic sensor.

[0021] With this configuration, by using a general-purpose magnetic sensor as the sensor section, it is possible to easily realize a sensor device that obtains the measurement value of the meter without contacting the pointer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a sensor device and a meter according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the meter shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main body shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is an exploded perspective view of the main body as seen from an angle different from that of FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the mounting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a side view of the mounting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the attachment portion according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion and the main body portion shown in FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 12]12 is a diagram showing a main body portion to which the attachment portion shown in FIG. 11 is attached. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an attachment portion and a main body portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a perspective view showing the attachment portion and the main body portion as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 13. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the attachment portion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a sensor device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 17] 17 is a perspective view showing the sensor device as viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 16. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] The sensor device according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below. The components of the embodiments described below can be combined with each other as long as they are not inconsistent. The materials, shapes, dimensions, numbers, arrangements, etc. constituting the components in each aspect of the embodiments described below are merely examples, and the design can be modified as desired as long as the same functions can be realized.

[0024] [First embodiment] An overview of the sensor device 100 will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the sensor device 100 and a meter G1. As shown in Fig. 1, the sensor device 100 is attached to the meter G1 and acquires a measurement value of the meter G1. The meter G1 is placed in a factory that includes an inspected device, for example, to monitor the operating status of the inspected device.

[0025] [Instruments] The gauge G1 is an analog gauge. In this embodiment, the gauge G1 is a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure of a fluid F, such as air, injected through an injection port of the gauge body G11. The gauge G1 is, for example, a Bourdon tube pressure gauge according to "JIS 7505-1 Aneroid Pressure Gauges - Part 1: Bourdon Tube Pressure System." Note that the gauge G1 is not limited to a pressure gauge as long as it is an analog gauge.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2, the meter G1 includes a meter body G11, a housing G12, an outer frame G13, a pointer G14, a transparent plate G15, a scale plate G16, a shaft member G17, and a magnet G18. In the following, the direction along the axis AX of the shaft member G17 is described as the axial direction Z, and when the sensor device 100 is attached to the meter G1, one side of the axial direction Z (the meter G1 side) is referred to as the "axial one side Z1", and the other side of the axial direction (the sensor device 100 side) is referred to as the "axial other side Z2". Therefore, the direction in which the sensor device 100 is arranged with respect to the meter G1 (stacking direction) corresponds to the axial other side Z2.

[0027] The meter body G11 is housed in the housing G12 together with the pointer G14, the scale plate G16, the shaft member G17, and the magnet G18. The meter body G11 is configured so that the pointer G14 indicates a value corresponding to the pressure of the fluid F (scale G161 on the scale plate G16).

[0028] The pointer G14 is disposed in the axial direction Z between the transparent plate G15 and the scale plate G16.

[0029] The transparent plate G15 is a plate-like member made of translucent glass, translucent resin, or the like, and has a flat surface. The transparent plate G15 is incorporated into the housing G12 in a state where it is fitted into the outer frame G13. When incorporated into the housing G12, the transparent plate G15 covers the pointer G14, the scale plate G16, the shaft member G17, and the magnet G18.

[0030] A scale G161 for indicating a value equivalent to the pressure of the fluid F (measured value) is provided on the surface of the scale plate G16 facing the transparent plate G15.

[0031] The shaft member G17 is disposed so as to be perpendicular to the scale surface G16a on which the scale G161 of the scale plate G16 is provided. The shaft member G17 is supported by the housing G12 so as to be rotatable about the axis AX. When the fluid F flows in from the inlet of the meter body G11, the shaft member G17 rotates about the axis AX. In this embodiment, the shaft member G17 penetrates the scale plate G16 along the axial direction Z. One end of the shaft member G17 is connected to the meter body G11, and the pointer G14 is fixed to the other end.

[0032] The pointer G14 extends radially outward from the shaft member G17. The pointer G14 rotates with the rotation of the shaft member G17 (the pointer G14 moves together with the shaft member G17). As a result, the tip of the pointer G14 points to a scale G161 that corresponds to the pressure of the fluid F that has flowed into the meter body G11. The operator can check the scale G161 (measurement value of the meter G1) indicated by the pointer G14 through the transparent plate G15.

[0033] The magnet G18 is fixed to the shaft member G17 between the pointer G14 and the transparent plate G15. The magnet G18 rotates together with the pointer G14 around the axis AX (the magnet G18 moves together with the pointer G14). The magnet G18 has at least two magnetic poles when viewed from the axial direction Z. In this embodiment, the magnet G18 is circular when viewed from the axial direction Z, and one semicircular N pole and one semicircular S pole are arranged.

[0034] [Sensor device] The sensor device 100 detects the direction of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the magnet G18 to obtain information (hereinafter referred to as "position information") indicating the position of the magnet G18 (on the scale plate G16 of the pointer G14), and obtains the measurement value of the gauge G1 based on the obtained position information. The sensor device 100 can obtain the measurement value without contacting the pointer G14, i.e., without contacting the pointer G14.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor device 100 includes a sensor device body D1 and an attachment part A1. The attachment part A1 is a member for attaching the sensor device body D1 to a meter G1. In this embodiment, the attachment part A1 is configured separately from the sensor device body D1 (see Fig. 6).

[0036] [Sensor device main body] The sensor device main body D1 includes a main body portion M1 and a battery portion B1. The main body portion M1 is disposed closer to the meter G1 than the battery portion B1 (one axial side Z1).

[0037] [Main body] The main body M1 acquires the measurement value of the meter G1. As shown in FIG.

[0038] The main body case 1 has a cylindrical (circular when viewed in the axial direction Z) main body tubular portion 11 with a bottom, and a main body protrusion 12 protruding from the outer circumferential surface of the main body tubular portion 11 radially outward.

[0039] The tubular main body portion 11 includes a main body bottom surface portion 111 (an example of a main body facing portion), a main body outer peripheral portion 112, and a first main body space 11S (see FIG. 3). The first main body space 11S is an example of a second space.

[0040] 4, the main body bottom portion 111 has a main body facing surface 111a that faces the transparent plate G15 when the sensor device main body D1 is attached to the instrument G1. The main body facing surface 111a is a plane (flat surface) perpendicular to the axial direction Z.

[0041] The main body outer circumferential portion 112 is circular when viewed in the axial direction Z, and extends from the main body bottom surface portion 111 in a direction perpendicular to the main body opposing surface 111a (the other axial direction side Z2).

[0042] 3, the first body space 11S is a space defined by the body bottom surface 111 and the body outer peripheral portion 112. The first body space 11S is open on the side facing the body facing surface 111a (the other axial side Z2). The first body space 11S accommodates a body board 4 on which the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 are mounted.

[0043] The first body space 11S is configured to be liquid-tight. The first body space 11S is filled with, for example, an insulating first filling member P1 (see FIG. 5). This makes the body M1 explosion-proof. The explosion-proof specification refers to a specification that is configured so as not to become an ignition source of flammable materials (gas, dust, etc.) provided outside the sensor device 100. Methods for making the first body space 11S explosion-proof include, in addition to filling the first body space 11S with the first filling member P1, securing an insulating distance in a space where a potential difference occurs, on a member surface, etc., applying a resin material such as a potting agent to a target member, overmolding, etc. When filling the first body space 11S with the first filling member P1, for example, the main body board 4 is buried in the first filling member P1 together with the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 to be mounted. The connector mounted on the main board 4 may be explosion-proof by lengthening the space between exposed terminals where a potential difference occurs, the surface distance, etc., instead of completely immersing the connector in the first filling member P1. The main body M1 may be explosion-proof by combining at least two of the above methods.

[0044] The main body protrusion 12 has a protrusion top surface portion 121, a protrusion outer circumferential portion 122, and a second main body space 12S (see FIG. 4). Note that the second main body space 12S is an example of the first space.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the protruding portion top surface portion 121 has a protruding portion top surface 121t that is flush with the end surface of the main body outer peripheral portion 112 opposite to the main body facing surface 111a (the end surface on the other axial side Z2).

[0046] The convex outer peripheral portion 122 constitutes the outer wall of the main body case 1 together with the main body outer peripheral portion 112. The convex outer peripheral portion 122 extends from the convex top surface portion 121 in a direction perpendicular to the convex top surface 121t (one side in the axial direction Z1). The convex outer peripheral portion 122 has a first edge portion 122a facing the main body outer peripheral portion 112, and a second edge portion 122b and a third edge portion 122c extending from both ends of the first edge portion 122a toward the main body outer peripheral portion 112. The second edge portion 122b and the third edge portion 122c are parallel to each other. The first edge portion 122a is an arc shape with a larger radius of curvature than the main body outer peripheral portion 112 of the main body tube portion 11 when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0047] 4, the second body space 12S is a space defined by the convex top surface portion 121, the convex outer peripheral portion 122, and the body outer peripheral portion 112 of the main body tubular portion 11. The second body space 12S is open on the side opposite to the side on which the first body space 11S is open (one side Z1 in the axial direction).

[0048] 3 and 4, the second body space 12S is separated from the first body space 11S by the outer circumferential body portion 112 of the tubular body portion 11. This prevents the liquid-tight state of the first body space 11S from being disturbed.

[0049] 3, the protrusion top surface portion 121 is formed with a first screw hole 121h penetrating the protrusion top surface portion 121 along the axial direction Z, and a bottomed groove portion 121m recessed from the protrusion top surface 121t along the axial direction Z. The first screw hole 121h communicates with the second main body space 12S described with reference to FIG.

[0050] A screw S for fixing the attachment portion A1 and the main case 1 to each other is inserted into the first screw hole 121h.

[0051] A protrusion 52t (see FIG. 6) of the battery unit B1 (battery case 5, described below) fits into the groove 121m.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the sensor circuit 2 has a sensor section 21 (see FIG. 4) and a sensor control section 22 (see FIG. 3).

[0053] 5, the sensor unit 21 is disposed at a position overlapping with the shaft member G17 when viewed from the axial direction Z when the sensor device 100 is attached to the instrument G1. The sensor unit 21 is mounted on a surface 41 (hereinafter referred to as the "first surface 41") of the main body substrate 4 that faces the main body bottom surface portion 111. Note that in this embodiment, the main body substrate 4 is a two-layer substrate consisting of the first surface 41 and a second surface 42 opposite to the first surface 41, but may be a multi-layer substrate having three or more layers. The main body substrate 4 is, for example, a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate.

[0054] The sensor unit 21 includes a magnetic sensor. The magnetic sensor outputs data indicating the direction of the magnetic field and the magnitude of the magnetic force generated by the magnet G18 described with reference to FIG. 2. As the magnetic sensor, a magnetic sensor using a sensing method such as the Hall effect, the MR effect, or the MI effect is adopted. The magnetic sensor is selected on the condition that its use is guaranteed based on the distance between the magnetic sensor and the magnet G18 of the meter G1 and the magnetic force of the magnet G18.

[0055] 3, the sensor control unit 22 is mounted on the second surface 42 of the main body substrate 4. The sensor control unit 22 acquires position information of the magnet G18 (pointer G14) described with reference to FIG. 2 based on the data output from the sensor unit 21, and acquires the measurement value of the gauge G1 based on the position information.

[0056] The wireless circuit 3 is mounted on the second surface 42 of the main body board 4. The wireless circuit 3 has an antenna 31. Data indicating the acquired measurement value is transmitted via the antenna 31 to an external device (not shown).

[0057] A receptacle R is mounted on the second surface 42 of the main body substrate 4, and is electrically connected to the pattern formed on the main body substrate 4. The receptacle R, together with a plug P that fits into the receptacle R and an electric wire L having one end connected to the plug P (see FIG. 6), constitutes a connection member C provided in the sensor device 100. The other end of the electric wire L is electrically connected to the battery unit B1 (battery substrate 7 described below).

[0058] The main body M1 and the battery B1 are electrically connected together by fitting the plug P into the receptacle R. As a result, electricity is supplied from the battery B1 to the main body M1 (the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3).

[0059] [Battery section] The battery unit B1 supplies electricity to the main body unit M1. As shown in FIG. 5, the battery unit B1 has a battery case 5, a battery 6, a battery board 7, and a lid unit 8. The battery 6 generates electricity to be supplied to the main body unit M1 (sensor unit 21). The battery 6 is composed of, for example, three coin-type batteries. The three coin-type batteries are electrically connected to the battery board 7 via conductive members (terminals). The number of coin-type batteries is not limited to three, and may be two or less, or four or more.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 6, the battery case 5 has approximately the same outer dimensions and outer shape as the main body case 1 when viewed in the axial direction Z. The battery case 5 houses a battery 6 and a battery substrate 7 (see Fig. 5). The battery case 5 is separable from the main body case 1 and is disposed on the side of the main body case 1 farther from the transparent plate G15 (the other axial direction side Z2).

[0061] In this embodiment, the battery case 5 has a battery cylindrical portion 51 and a battery protrusion 52 that protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the battery cylindrical portion 51 toward the outside in the radial direction of the battery cylindrical portion 51 .

[0062] The battery cylindrical portion 51 is cylindrical and includes a battery outer periphery portion 511 and a battery space 5S. The battery outer periphery portion 511 is circular when viewed from the axial direction Z.

[0063] The battery space 5S is a space partitioned by the battery outer periphery 511. The battery space 5S is open at both ends in the axial direction Z (one axial side Z1 and the other axial side Z2). One side of the battery space 5S (one axial side Z1) is covered by the main body case 1 by being coupled to the main body case 1, and the other side (the other axial side Z2) is covered by the lid portion 8. Alternatively, the other side of the battery space 5S may be closed by a second filling member P2 described later. The battery case 5 and the lid portion 8 may be integral with each other or may be separate.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 5, the battery space 5S accommodates a battery 6 and a battery substrate 7. In this embodiment, the battery space 5S is filled with an insulating second filling material P2, similar to the first main body space 11S. This makes the battery unit B1 explosion-proof. In addition to filling the battery space 5S with the second filling material P2, methods for making the battery unit B1 explosion-proof include securing an insulating distance in a space where a potential difference occurs, on the surface of a component, applying a resin material such as a potting agent to a target component, and overmolding. The battery unit B1 can also be explosion-proof by combining at least two of the above methods.

[0065] The battery protrusion 52 has a projection 52t for engaging with the groove 121m of the main body case 1 (see also FIG. 6). The projection 52t protrudes from the battery protruding end surface 52a (the end surface facing the main body case 1) of the battery protrusion 52 along the axial direction Z (toward one axial direction side Z1). The projection 52t fits into the groove 121m described with reference to FIG. 3, whereby the main body case 1 and the battery case 5 are coupled to each other (the battery case 5 is attached to the main body case 1).

[0066] 5 and 6, the sensor device 100 further includes a sealing member M such as an O-ring, and the sealing member M is disposed at the boundary between the main body part M1 (main body case 1) and the battery part B1 (battery case 5). This makes it possible to make the battery space 5S and the first main body space 11S (see FIG. 5) liquid-tight.

[0067] [Mounting part] The mounting portion A1 is made of an insulating material, and in this embodiment, the mounting portion A1 has an outer size and an outer shape corresponding to the second body space 12S described with reference to FIG.

[0068] Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the attachment portion A1 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and has a top surface portion 91, a bottom surface portion 92 (an example of an opposing portion), side surfaces 93, and a protruding portion 94.

[0069] 7 and 8, the mounting portion A1 is formed with a second screw hole 9h into which a fastening member such as a screw is fastened. The second screw hole 9h is formed at a position coaxial with the first screw hole 121h formed in the main body protrusion 12 (protrusion top surface portion 121) described with reference to FIG. 3 when the mounting portion A1 is accommodated in the second main body space 12S.

[0070] 5, at least a portion of the mounting portion A1 (in this embodiment, the entire mounting portion A1 when the protrusion 94 is welded) is accommodated in the second body space 12S. When accommodated in the second body space 12S, the mounting portion A1 does not overlap with the shaft member G17 when viewed in the axial direction Z. As described above, when the sensor device 100 is attached to the meter G1, the sensor portion 21 is disposed at a position where it overlaps with the shaft member G17 when viewed in the axial direction Z. In other words, the mounting portion A1 is disposed at a position where it does not overlap with either the shaft member G17 or the sensor portion 21 in the axial direction Z.

[0071] The mounting portion A1 is accommodated in the second body space 12S such that the top surface portion 91 is on the side farther from the transparent plate G15 (the other axial side Z2) and the bottom surface portion 92 is on the side closer to the transparent plate G15 (the one axial side Z1). The bottom surface portion 92 has an opposing mounting surface 92a that faces (or contacts) the transparent plate G15 when the mounting portion A1 is accommodated in the second body space 12S.

[0072] 7 and 9, the side surface portion 93 extends from the top surface portion 91 to the bottom surface portion 92. The side surface portion 93 includes two first side surface portions 931 opposed to each other in the short side direction and two second side surface portions 932 opposed to each other in the long side direction.

[0073] As shown in Fig. 8, one of the first side surface portions 931 has a shape (arc shape) corresponding to the main body outer peripheral portion 112 of the main body tubular portion 11 described with reference to Fig. 4, and the other has a shape (arc shape with a larger radius of curvature than one of the first side surface portions 931) corresponding to the first edge portion 122a of the main body protrusion portion 12. Hereinafter, one of the first side surface portions 931 will be referred to as the "first inner side surface portion 931a" and the other will be referred to as the "first outer side surface portion 931b". The attachment portion A1 is accommodated in the second main body space 12S such that the first inner side surface portion 931a is on the side closer to the main body outer peripheral portion 112 and the first outer side surface portion 931b is on the side farther from the main body outer peripheral portion 112 (see Fig. 5).

[0074] 5, in a state in which the attachment portion A1 is accommodated in the second body space 12S, the top surface portion 91 contacts the convex top surface portion 121 that defines the second body space 12S, the first outer side surface portion 931b contacts the convex outer periphery portion 122 that defines the second body space 12S, and the first inner side surface portion 931a contacts the main body outer periphery portion 112 of the main body tubular portion 11. In addition, the second side surface portion 932 also contacts the convex outer periphery portion 122 (the second edge portion 122b and the third edge portion 122c shown in FIG. 3) that defines the second body space 12S.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 94 has the bottom surface portion 92 as a base end and protrudes in a direction away from the top surface portion 91 (sensor device main body D1) (direction toward one axial direction side Z1). In this embodiment, the protrusion 94 is a portion to be welded (ultrasonic welding in this embodiment) to the transparent plate G15. The attachment portion A1 is fixed to the transparent plate G15 by welding the protrusion 94 to the transparent plate G15. When the protrusion 94 is welded to the transparent plate G15, the attachment facing surface 92a of the bottom surface portion 92 is joined to the transparent plate G15 via the portion to which the protrusion 94 is welded (welded portion). The protrusion 94 may be a continuous shape or may be a plurality of scattered shapes.

[0076] [Method of mounting the sensor device on the instrument] Next, a method for mounting the sensor device 100 to the meter G1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0077] After the mounting portion A1 is positioned (positioned) at a predetermined position on the transparent plate G15 using a special jig, the mounting portion A1 is fixed to the transparent plate G15 by welding the protrusion 94 (see Figures 7 and 9) to the transparent plate G15.

[0078] Thereafter, the main body case 1 (main body portion M1) is arranged so that the attachment portion A1 fixed to the transparent plate G15 is accommodated in the second main body space 12S.

[0079] Then, the screw S is inserted through the first screw hole 121h (see FIG. 3) of the main case 1 and the second screw hole 9h (see FIG. 7) of the mounting part A1 from the other axial side Z2 to the one axial side Z1 to fasten the main case 1 and the mounting part A1 together. This fixes the mounting part A1 and the main case 1 to each other.

[0080] The main body case 1 fixed to the mounting portion A1 may or may not have a battery case 5 attached to it. If the battery portion B1 is not attached to the main body portion M1, the battery case 5 (battery portion B1) may be attached to the main body case 1 after the main body case 1 (main body portion M1) is fixed to the mounting portion A1.

[0081] This completes the attachment of the sensor device 100 to the transparent plate G15. Thereafter, the transparent plate G15 to which the sensor device 100 is attached is attached to the meter G1 as shown in FIG. 1, thereby completing the attachment of the sensor device 100 to the meter G1. The transparent plate G15 to which the sensor device 100 is attached may be attached to the meter G1 in a state in which the meter G1 is attached to the inspected device that is the measurement target of the measurement value by the meter G1, or in a state in which the meter G1 is detached from the inspected device. The transparent plate G15 may be attached to the meter G1 before the battery unit B1 is attached to the main body unit M1.

[0082] [Modification of the first embodiment] 10 and 11, the mounting portion A1 may have a flange portion 921 in which a bottom surface portion 92 protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z beyond a side surface portion 93. The flange portion 921 has a shape that is slightly larger than the bottom surface portion 92 (similar shape) when viewed in the axial direction Z. The protruding portion 94 is disposed at the same position and has the same shape as in the first embodiment, and is formed inside the outer edge of the flange portion 921.

[0083] When the mounting portion A1 is configured as described above, it is preferable that the shape of the main body case 1 (shape of the main body protrusion 12) is also changed according to the shape of the flange portion 921, as shown in FIG. 11. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the end face (hereinafter referred to as the "main body protrusion end face 12t") on the opposite side (one axial side Z1) of the main body protrusion 12 to the side on which the battery case 5 is attached is set back from the main body facing surface 111a of the main body bottom surface portion 111 to the side on which the battery case 5 is attached (the other axial side Z2). That is, a first step d1 is formed in the main body case 1 between the main body facing surface 111a and the main body protrusion end face 12t. The height H1 of the first step d1 is set to be equal (including approximately equal) to the length L1 of the flange portion 921 in the axial direction Z. Therefore, when the mounting portion A1 is accommodated in the second main body space 12S, there is no step between the mounting surface 92a of the flange portion 921 and the main body facing surface 111a, and the mounting surface 92a and the main body facing surface 111a are flat (flush). The mounting surface 92a is the surface of the flange portion 921 that faces the transparent plate G15 and is the end surface opposite to the side where the battery case 5 is attached. As described above, when the protrusion 94 is welded to the transparent plate G15, the mounting surface 92a (including the flange portion 921) is joined to the transparent plate G15 via the welded portion.

[0084] Second Embodiment Next, a sensor device 100 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13 and Fig. 14. In the second embodiment, the shapes of the attachment part A1 and the main body case 1 are different from those of the first embodiment, and the attachment part A1 is fitted onto the main body case 1 in the axial direction Z. In the following description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0085] [Main unit case] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the main body case 1 in this embodiment has a second step d2 formed along its outer wall, and the main body case 1 has a stepped upper wall portion 1a above the second step d2 (the outside of the main body case 1) and a stepped lower wall portion 1b (an example of a mating portion) below the second step d2 (the inside of the main body case 1).

[0086] The stepped upper wall portion 1a constitutes the outermost surface (hereinafter referred to as "outer surface 1g") of the outer wall of the main body case 1. The stepped upper wall portion 1a is disposed on the side of the main body case 1 to which the battery case 5 is joined (the other axial side Z2).

[0087] The stepped lower wall portion 1b is disposed on the opposite side (one axial side Z1) of the main case 1 from the side to which the battery case 5 is joined. The stepped lower wall portion 1b is configured to be more inward of the main case 1 than the stepped upper wall portion 1a. The mounting portion A1 is fitted (engaged) to the outside of the stepped lower wall portion 1b.

[0088] In this embodiment, the main body case 1 further has at least one recess 1c (an example of a locking portion) for restricting movement of the fitted attachment portion A1 in a direction along the axial direction Z. The recess 1c is configured by a depression formed on the main body cylindrical portion 11 side of the stepped down wall portion 1b.

[0089] 13, the main body bottom portion 111 of the main body case 1 further has a recessed portion 111k that is recessed from the main body facing surface 111a toward the side to which the battery case 5 is coupled (the other axial direction side Z2). The recessed portion 111k is formed in an annular shape surrounding the outer periphery of the main body facing surface 111a when viewed in the axial direction Z. In other words, the main body facing surface 111a has a circular shape that is one size smaller than the main body cylindrical portion 11 when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0090] [Mounting part] The mounting portion A1 is configured to have the same (or substantially the same) outer dimensions and shape as those of the main body case 1 when viewed in the axial direction Z. In detail, the bottom surface portion 92 of the mounting portion A1 is configured to have the same outer dimensions and shape as those of the stepped lower wall portion 1b (recessed portion 111k) when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0091] In this embodiment, a side surface portion 93 (an example of a fitting portion) of the attachment portion A1 fits onto the main body case 1 in the axial direction Z. More specifically, the side surface portion 93 is configured to have the same outer dimensions and outer shape as the stepped upper wall portion 1a when viewed in the axial direction Z. The side surface portion 93 extends along the axial direction Z from the outer edge of the bottom surface portion 92 as a base end. Therefore, when the attachment portion A1 fits onto the stepped lower wall portion 1b of the main body case 1, there is no step between the outer surface of the side surface portion 93 and the outer surface 1g of the main body case 1 in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z, and the two become flat (flush).

[0092] In this embodiment, a fitting hole 92h is formed in the bottom surface portion 92 of the mounting portion A1, penetrating the bottom surface portion 92. When viewed in the axial direction Z, the outer dimensions and outer shape of the fitting hole 92h correspond to the shape (circular) and dimensions of the main body facing surface 111a surrounded by the recessed portion 111k, and the main body facing surface 111a may be fitted into the fitting hole 92h. Note that the fitting hole 92h may have a shape larger than the main body facing surface 111a when viewed in the axial direction Z. The center of the fitting hole 92h coincides (including approximately coincidence, the same applies below) with the center of the main body cylindrical portion 11 when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0093] Furthermore, the attachment portion A1 further has at least one claw portion 95 that is engaged with the recess 1c of the main case 1.

[0094] The claw portion 95 is configured to be elastically deformable along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z. The claw portion 95 fits into the recess 1c by utilizing its elastic force (snap fit). When the claw portion 95 fits into the recess 1c, the movement of the main body case 1 relative to the mounting portion A1 in the axial direction Z is restricted. This prevents the main body case 1 fitted onto the mounting portion A1 from falling off. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, three claw portions 95 are provided, and the three claw portions 95 are arranged on the side surface portion 93 that fits into the main body tube portion 11. The three claw portions 95 are arranged at approximately equal intervals (90 degree intervals around the axis AX) as viewed in the axial direction Z. The positions and number of the recesses 1c of the main body case 1 described above are provided corresponding to the positions and number of the claw portions 95.

[0095] The attachment portion A1 further includes a cylindrical extension portion 96 that extends from the bottom surface portion 92 along the axial direction Z (in the same direction as the extension direction of the side surface portion 93).

[0096] A third screw hole 96h is formed in the extension 96. The third screw hole 96h is formed at a position coaxial with the first screw hole 121h of the main body case 1 on which the mounting portion A1 is fitted. A screw S is inserted through the first screw hole 121h (see FIG. 14) and the third screw hole 96h of the main body case 1 to fasten the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 together. This makes the main body case 1 more firmly fixed to the mounting portion A1. In this case, the claw portion 95 of the mounting portion A1 and the recessed portion 1c of the main body case 1 may be of a half-lock shape that can be released from the lock without being destroyed by pulling. In addition, in a state in which the mounting portion A1 is fitted on the main body case 1, the end surface of the extension 96 opposite to the bottom surface portion 92 may contact the protruding portion top surface portion 121 that defines the second main body space 12S (see FIG. 13).

[0097] [Method of mounting the sensor device on the instrument] In the method of mounting the sensor device 100 to the meter G1 according to the second embodiment, the mounting portion A1 is welded to the mounting portion A1 as in the first embodiment. After that, the main body case 1 is mounted to the mounting portion A1, but the method of fixing the mounting portion A1 to the main body case 1 (main body portion M1) is different from that of the first embodiment. In detail, in the method according to the second embodiment, the main body case 1 is fitted inside the mounting portion A1, that is, the mounting portion A1 is fitted outside the main body case 1, and the claw portion 95 of the mounting portion A1 is engaged with the recess 1c of the main body case 1, thereby fixing the main body case 1 to the mounting portion A1. Also, if necessary, the screw S is inserted through the first screw hole 121h (see FIG. 14) and the third screw hole 96h of the main body case 1 to fasten the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 together.

[0098] [Modification of the second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 15, the mounting portion A1 may have a flange portion 921 in which the bottom surface portion 92 protrudes further outward from the mounting portion A1 than the protruding portion 94. The flange portion 921 extends further outward than the main body case 1 fixed to the mounting portion A1 when viewed in the axial direction Z. For example, the flange portion 921 is preferably configured to be 1 mm or more and 5 mm or less larger than the main body case 1 when viewed in the axial direction Z. It is also preferable that the flange portion 921 does not overlap the scale G161 on the scale plate G16 when viewed in the axial direction Z. In addition, as a modified example of the second embodiment, the flange portion 921 may not be provided, and the position where the protruding portion 94 is formed may be located inside the mounting portion A1 according to the second embodiment.

[0099] Third Embodiment Next, a sensor device 100 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 16 and Fig. 17. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the attachment portion A1 is integrally formed with the main body case 1. In the following description, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same components as those in the first and second embodiments will be omitted.

[0100] [Main unit case] 16 and 17, in this embodiment, the shape of the main body protrusion 12 of the main body case 1 is different from that of the first and second embodiments. In detail, the main body protrusion 12 does not have a second main body space 12S that houses the attachment portion A1, and further has two recessed portions 12k.

[0101] The recessed portion 12k is formed by a recessed portion of the main body protrusion 12. More specifically, the recessed portion 12k is formed by a portion recessed from the protrusion facing surface 12a of the main body protrusion 12 toward the side to which the battery case 5 is joined (the other axial direction side Z2) along the axial direction Z. The protrusion facing surface 12a is a surface of the main body protrusion 12 that faces the transparent plate G15 when the sensor device 100 is attached to the transparent plate G15, and is flush with the main body facing surface 111a of the main body bottom portion 111.

[0102] The two recesses 12k face each other across the protrusion opposing surface 12a. Two mounting shafts 97 are disposed in each of the two recesses 12k. The two mounting shafts 97 are integrally formed with the main body case 1. The two mounting shafts 97 are disposed at positions that do not overlap with the sensor unit 21 (see FIG. 4) when viewed from the axial direction Z. In this embodiment, the two mounting shafts 97 constitute (are included in) the mounting portion A1.

[0103] [Mounting shaft] Each of the two mounting shafts 97 extends from a bottom wall (a wall on which the battery case 5 is disposed) of each of the two recesses 12k along the axial direction Z (toward one axial direction side Z1). The mounting shaft 97 protrudes in the axial direction Z beyond the protrusion opposing surface 12a (main body bottom surface portion 111).

[0104] The mounting shaft 97 includes split pieces 971 split into two along the axial direction Z, and the two split pieces 971 are elastically deformable in a direction approaching or separating them (a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z). The split pieces 971 have protruding pieces 972 at their tips that protrude in a direction separating them from the tips of the split pieces 971 that face each other. It is sufficient that the protruding piece 972 is formed on at least one of the split pieces 971.

[0105] Each of the mounting shafts 97 utilizes its elastic force to fit (snap-fit) into each of the two mounting holes 151h formed in the transparent plate G15.

[0106] Each of the two mounting holes 151h is formed to penetrate the transparent plate G15 along the axial direction Z. Note that, as viewed in the axial direction Z, the shape of the mounting hole 151h is, for example, rectangular, such that the protruding piece 972 can pass through when the divided piece 971 of the mounting shaft 97 is elastically deformed as viewed in the axial direction Z, but the protruding piece 972 cannot pass through when the elastic deformation of the divided piece 971 is restored after the protruding piece 972 has passed through.

[0107] When the mounting shaft 97 is fitted into the mounting hole 151h, the protruding piece 972 of the divided piece 971 comes into contact with the surface of the transparent plate G15 facing the scale plate G16 (the surface on one side Z1 in the axial direction).

[0108] [Support shaft] 17, in this embodiment, the mounting portion A1 includes one support shaft 98 in addition to the two mounting shafts 97. The support shaft 98 is configured integrally with the main body case 1. The support shaft 98 is disposed on a main body facing surface 111a (an end face on one axial side Z1 of the main body cylindrical portion 11) of the main body case 1, and extends from the main body facing surface 111a along the axial direction Z in a direction in which the mounting shaft 97 extends (one axial side Z1). The support shaft 98 is also disposed at a position not overlapping with the sensor unit 21 (see FIG. 4) when viewed in the axial direction Z.

[0109] The support shaft 98 fits into a support hole 152h formed in the transparent plate G15. The support hole 152h is formed to penetrate the transparent plate G15 along the axial direction Z. When viewed from the axial direction Z, the shape of the support hole 152h corresponds to the shape of the support shaft 98, and is, for example, circular, and it is preferable that the gap between the support hole 152h and the support shaft 98 is small.

[0110] [Method of mounting the sensor device on the instrument] In the method of mounting the sensor device 100 to the meter G1 according to the third embodiment, the method of mounting the main body case 1 to the transparent plate G15 is different from the first and second embodiments. More specifically, in the method according to the third embodiment, the support shaft 98 is fitted into the support hole 152h, and the two mounting shafts 97 are inserted into the mounting holes 151h of the transparent plate G15 while being elastically deformed in the direction approaching each other, and then are returned to their original state (separated). As a result, the protruding piece 972 of the divided piece 971 comes into contact with the transparent plate G15 (the surface on one side Z1 of the axial direction of the transparent plate G15) in the axial direction Z, and mounting of the main body case 1 (main body part M1) to the transparent plate G15 is completed.

[0111] [Effects of the embodiment] The sensor device 100 configured as above provides the following advantages.

[0112] According to the first to third embodiments, the mounting portion A1 does not overlap with the sensor portion 21 when viewed from the axial direction Z, so the mounting portion A1 is not interposed between the sensor portion 21 and the magnet G18. Therefore, the sensor portion 21 can be brought closer to the magnet G18. Also, it is possible to reduce the variation in the distance between the sensor portion 21 and the magnet G18 caused by at least one of the variation in the dimensional accuracy and the mounting state of the mounting portion A1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the accuracy of the sensor portion 21.

[0113] According to the first and second embodiments, since the mounting portion A1 is fixed to the transparent plate G15 by welding the protrusion 94, it is not necessary to use a separate material such as double-sided tape or adhesive to mount the sensor device main body D1 to the instrument G1. For example, even if double-sided tape of the same specifications is used, the force of the sensor device main body pressing the transparent plate may cause the double-sided tape to elastically deform, causing a change in the distance between the sensor unit and the magnet, which may result in a decrease in the accuracy of the sensor device. However, according to the first and second embodiments, it is not necessary to use double-sided tape to mount the sensor device main body D1 to the instrument G1. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the change in the distance between the sensor unit 21 and the magnet G18. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the accuracy of the sensor device 100.

[0114] Moreover, the sensor device 100 is not limited to being attached to the vertical upper side of the inspected device together with the transparent plate G15 (instrument G1), but may be attached in various directions to the inspected device. Therefore, in a configuration in which the sensor device is attached to the instrument using double-sided tape, the weight of the sensor device acts constantly on the surface to which the double-sided tape is attached, and the sensor device may fall off the transparent cover. However, according to the first and second embodiments, the sensor device 100 is attached to the transparent plate G15 by fixing (fastening with the screw S in addition to press-fitting or external fitting) the main body case 1 to the mounting portion A1 fixed to the transparent plate G15 by welding. Therefore, there is no need to use double-sided tape to attach the sensor device 100 to the instrument G1, and it is possible to prevent the sensor device 100 from falling off the instrument G1.

[0115] There is also a method of attaching the sensor device body to the transparent plate using adhesive without using double-sided tape, but this method requires time for the adhesive to harden. Furthermore, the adhesive may spread over the surface of the transparent plate, impairing the visibility of the scale indicated by the needle. In addition, the adhesive may spread to a position that overlaps with the sensor unit when viewed from the axial direction, causing a change in the distance between the sensor unit and the magnet, which may reduce the accuracy of the sensor device. However, according to the above embodiment, there is no need to use adhesive.

[0116] Furthermore, since the change in the distance between the sensor unit 21 and the magnet G18 can be suppressed as described above, when the sensor unit 21 is a magnetic sensor IC as in the first and second embodiments, the correction value for correcting the measurement value of the gauge G1 acquired by the magnetic sensor IC can be shared with other sensor devices included in the inspection system. The other sensor devices are instruments of the same type as the gauge G1 (instruments whose transparent plate has a thickness equal to that of the transparent plate G15 (including those whose thickness is approximately equal, the same applies below)) and whose distance between the magnetic sensor IC and the magnet is equal to that between the sensor unit 21 of the sensor device 100 and the magnet G18 of the gauge G1. In other words, according to this embodiment, the distance between the magnetic sensor IC of the multiple sensor devices in the inspection system and the magnet whose magnetic field direction and magnitude are detected by the magnetic sensor IC can be made uniform, and the correction value (value for correcting data acquired by the magnetic sensor IC) can be shared between the multiple sensor devices. This makes it possible to omit the task of acquiring a correction value for each of the multiple sensor devices, and improves the efficiency of the task of acquiring the measurement value.

[0117] As described in the first and second embodiments, the protrusion 94 to be welded to the transparent plate G15 protrudes from the bottom surface 92 of the mounting portion A1, which is separate from the main body case 1, toward the transparent plate G15. For this reason, ultrasonic welding (hereinafter referred to as "ultrasonic welding") can be used as a welding method for the protrusion 94. In ultrasonic welding, the fixing strength for fixing the mounting portion A1 to the transparent plate G15 can be set according to the material properties of the mounting portion A1 and the transparent plate G15, the shape of the protrusion 94, and the various conditions of the device for performing ultrasonic welding (frequency, welding time, horn shape, etc.). For this reason, by adjusting the shape of the protrusion 94 and the various conditions of the ultrasonic welding device according to the material properties of the mounting portion A1 and the transparent plate G15, it is possible to fix the mounting portion A1 to the transparent plate G15 so as to achieve the desired strength. In addition, by adjusting the various conditions, the mounting portion A1 can be fixed to the transparent plate G15 in a short time.

[0118] In addition, in the method of forming a welding portion to be welded in the main case 1 and fixing the main case 1 to the transparent plate G15 by ultrasonic welding to the welding portion, at least one of the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 housed in the main case 1 may be damaged by the application of ultrasonic waves. Alternatively, cracks may occur in at least one of the first filling member P1 filled in the first body space 11S of the main case 1 and the second filling member P2 filled in the battery space 5S, which may deteriorate the explosion-proof performance, waterproof performance, etc. of the sensor device 100. However, in the first and second embodiments, the protrusion 94 of the mounting portion A1, which is separate from the main case 1, is ultrasonically welded rather than to the main case 1, and then the main case 1 is fixed to the mounting portion A1. This makes it possible to prevent damage to at least one of the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 housed in the main case 1, or a deterioration in the explosion-proof performance, waterproof properties, etc. of the sensor device 100 due to cracks in at least one of the first filling member P1 filled in the main case 1 and the second filling member P2 filled in the battery case 5.

[0119] According to the first embodiment, the attachment part A1, which is separate from the main body case 1, is housed in the main body case 1 (the second main body space 12S). That is, since the attachment part A1 is disposed inside the main body case 1, it is possible to prevent the sensor device 100 from becoming large.

[0120] According to the first embodiment, in a state where the mounting portion A1 is accommodated in the second body space 12S, the top surface portion 91 contacts the convex top surface portion 121 that defines the second body space 12S, the first outer side surface portion 931b contacts the convex outer peripheral portion 122 that defines the second body space 12S, the first inner side surface portion 931a contacts the main body outer peripheral portion 112 of the main body tube portion 11, and the second side surface portion 932 also contacts the convex outer peripheral portion 122 that defines the second body space 12S. Therefore, the movement of the main body case 1 relative to the mounting portion A1 can be restricted in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z (including a direction substantially perpendicular thereto, the same applies below). In addition, since the top surface portion 91 of the mounting portion A1 contacts the convex top surface portion 121 that defines the second body space 12S, the movement of the main body case 1 in a direction away from the mounting portion A1 can also be restricted.

[0121] In the first embodiment, the mounting portion A1 and the main body case 1 are fastened together by the screw S, so that the movement of the main body case 1 in the axial direction Z relative to the mounting portion A1 is restricted. In this case, the top surface portion 91, the first outer side surface portion 931b, the first inner side surface portion 931a, and the second side surface portion 932 of the mounting portion A1 do not need to contact the wall that divides the second main body space 12S. The method of fixing the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 is not limited to the method using the screw S. For example, the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 may be fixed by pressing the mounting portion A1 into the second main body space 12S, or the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 may be fixed by a structure in which the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 engage with each other in a direction that prevents the main body case 1 and the mounting portion A1 from separating (a direction in which they approach each other).

[0122] According to the first embodiment, since the second body space 12S is separated from the first body space 11S, it is possible to prevent water, dust, etc. from entering the first body space 11S through the second body space 12S as an entry port. This suppresses the disturbance of the liquid-tight state of the first body space 11S. Note that it is preferable that the first screw hole 121h described in the first embodiment is disposed on the outer side of the main body case 1 than the sealing member M such as an O-ring. This makes it possible to more effectively prevent the entry of water, dust, etc. into the first body space 11S.

[0123] According to the second embodiment, the attachment portion A1 fits onto the outside of the main case 1, so that the main case 1 can be fixed to the attachment portion A1 without being hidden by the step-down wall portion 1b of the main case 1. This improves the efficiency of the attachment operation of the main case 1 to the attachment portion A1.

[0124] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the attachment portion A1 is fitted onto the outside of the main body case 1, so that movement of the main body case 1 relative to the attachment portion A1 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z is restricted.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, when the fitting hole 92h of the mounting portion A1 is shaped to fit with the main body facing surface 111a, movement in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction Z of the main body case 1 relative to the mounting portion A1 is restricted.

[0126] In the second embodiment, when the sensor device 100 is attached to the transparent plate G15, the main body facing surface 111a of the main body tube portion 11 that houses the sensor unit 21 contacts the transparent plate G15 through the fitting hole 92h. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the fitting hole 92h is not provided, the area of ​​the main body case 1 that contacts the transparent plate G15 can be increased. As a result, the sensor device 100 can be attached to the transparent plate G15 more stably. Furthermore, the sensor unit 21 and the magnet G18 can be arranged closer to each other, and a decrease in the accuracy of the sensor unit 21 can be suppressed.

[0127] In the second embodiment, the fitting hole 92h of the mounting portion A1 is shaped to fit with the main body facing surface 111a, and the center of the fitting hole 92h can be aligned with the center of the main body cylindrical portion 11 when viewed from the axial direction Z. This makes it easy to position the main body case 1 (sensor device main body D1) relative to the mounting portion A1, and the sensor portion 21 can be easily disposed at a desired position relative to the instrument G1.

[0128] According to the third embodiment, since the mounting part A1 is integrally formed with the main body case 1, the sensor device 100 can be easily mounted to the transparent plate G15 without using a separate mounting part A1. Moreover, the main body case 1 can be mounted (fixed) to the transparent plate G15 simply by pressing the main body case 1 against the transparent plate G15. Therefore, for example, even the main body case 1 with the battery part B1 mounted thereon can be easily fixed to the transparent plate G15.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the third embodiment, there is no need to use welding as a method for attaching the main case 1 to the transparent plate G15, so the main case 1 can be easily attached to the transparent plate G15.

[0130] Moreover, according to the third embodiment, when the main body case 1 is attached to the transparent plate G15, the main body facing surface 111a of the main body tube portion 11 that houses the sensor unit 21 comes into more reliable contact with the transparent plate G15. As a result, the sensor device 100 can be more stably attached to the transparent plate G15. Furthermore, the sensor unit 21 and the magnet G18 can be disposed closer to each other, and a decrease in the sensitivity of the sensor unit 21 can be suppressed.

[0131] According to the first to third embodiments, the battery case 5 that houses the battery 6 is separable from the main body case 1 and is disposed on the side of the main body case 1 that is far from the transparent plate G15. Therefore, the battery 6 housed in the battery case 5 can be replaced while the main body case 1 is attached to the transparent plate G15. For example, in a factory that uses the sensor device 100, it is possible to avoid long-term downtime by keeping only the battery 6 (or the battery unit B1) on hand as a maintenance part and incorporating the replacement of the battery 6 as one of the maintenance operations. Note that in the first to third embodiments, since the main body unit M1 and the battery unit B1 are each explosion-proof, it is also possible to replace the battery 6 within an explosion-proof area.

[0132] According to the first to third embodiments, by using a general-purpose magnetic sensor as the sensor unit 21, it is possible to easily realize the sensor device 100 that acquires the measurement value of the gauge G1 without contacting the pointer G14.

[0133] As described in the first embodiment and the modified example of the second embodiment, the mounting part A1 has the flange part 921, so that the area of ​​the part that is joined to the transparent plate G15 is increased. In particular, in the modified example of the first embodiment, the projected area (joining area) of the part (flange part 921) of the mounting part A1 facing the transparent plate G15 along the axial direction Z is larger than the projected area of ​​the part (other than the flange part 921) of the mounting part A1 accommodated in the second main body space 12S along the axial direction Z. This makes it possible to improve the fixing strength of the mounting part A1 to the transparent plate G15 (the mounting strength of the sensor device 100 to the transparent plate G15). In addition, it is possible to avoid the sensor device 100 (main body case 1) from becoming larger in size in order to improve the mounting strength. As a result, it is also possible to prevent the visibility of the pointer G14 from being impaired. Alternatively, it is possible to avoid the thinning of the outer wall of the main body tube part 11 in order to improve the mounting strength while avoiding the increase in size of the sensor device 100, and to avoid the deterioration of the flame retardancy. Furthermore, since the mounting portion A1 has the flange portion 921, the trace of welding of the protrusion portion 94 is difficult to see from the outside of the sensor device 100, and the aesthetic appearance of the sensor device 100 is not impaired.

[0134] Other embodiments (a) In the first and second embodiments, the attachment portion A1 and the main body case 1 are fastened together by the screw S, but the attachment portion A1 and the main body case 1 do not have to be fastened together. In this case, in the first embodiment, it is preferable that the attachment portion A1 is press-fitted into the second main body space 12S of the main body case 1.

[0135] (b) In the first embodiment, the first body space 11S is filled with the first filling member P1, but the first body space 11S does not have to be filled with the first filling member P1. Similarly, the second body space 12S does not have to be filled with the second filling member P2.

[0136] (c) The main body case 1 described in the second embodiment may omit the step-down wall portion 1b formed to be on the inside (one step inside) of the outer surface 1g of the main body case 1. In this case, the outer surface 1g of the main body case 1 to which the mounting portion A1 is fitted and the outer surface of the mounting portion A1 are not flat, and the outer surface of the mounting portion A1 is located outside the outer surface 1g of the main body case 1.

[0137] (d) Although the mounting portion A1 described in the second embodiment has the extension portion 96, the mounting portion A1 may omit the extension portion 96.

[0138] (e) Gaskets or other sealing members may be disposed between the two mounting shafts 97 and the mounting holes 151h (gaps) and between the support shaft 98 and the support hole 152h (gaps) described in the third embodiment. This makes it possible to maintain the liquid-tight state of the meter G1.

[0139] (f) The support shaft 98 described in the third embodiment may be press-fitted into the support hole 152h, thereby preventing the main case 1 from rattling relative to the transparent plate G15.

[0140] (g) The number of each of the mounting shafts 97 and support shafts 98 described in the third embodiment is not particularly limited as long as the main case 1 can be stably attached to the transparent plate G15. The number of mounting shafts 97 may be one or three or more, and the support shafts 98 may be omitted or may be two or more. In this case, the number of each of the recesses 12k, mounting holes 151h, and support holes 152h is changed according to the number of mounting shafts 97 and support shafts 98.

[0141] (h) The sensor unit 21 may output data indicating only the magnitude of the magnetic force (for example, magnetic flux density). [Industrial Applicability]

[0142] The present invention can be used in a sensor device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 1: Main body case 1b: Lower wall part (mated part) 5: Battery case 6:Battery 11S: 1st body space (2nd space) 12S: 2nd body space (1st space) 21: Sensor section 92: Bottom part (opposing part) 93: Side part (fitting part) 94:Protrusion 97: Mounting shaft 100: Sensor device 111: Bottom surface of main body (facing main body) 151h: Mounting hole (through hole) A1: Mounting part AX: Axial center D1: Sensor device body G1: Instrument G14:Guideline G15: Transparent plate G16: Scale plate G16a: Scale face G161: Scale G17: Shaft member G18: Magnet Z: Axial direction

Claims

1. A sensor device for acquiring a measurement value of an instrument having a magnet that rotates together with a pointer about an axis of a shaft member that is perpendicular to a scale surface on which a scale plate is graduated, and a transparent plate that covers the scale plate, the pointer, and the magnet, a sensor device main body that is arranged so as to overlap with the axis when viewed in the axial direction along the axis, the sensor device main body having a sensor unit that acquires position information of the magnet, and acquires the measurement value based on the position information; a mounting portion for mounting the sensor device main body to the meter, The sensor device is configured such that the mounting portion is fixed to the transparent plate so as not to overlap with the sensor portion when viewed in the axial direction.

2. The mounting portion is An opposing portion opposing the transparent plate; a protruding portion that has the opposing portion as a base end and protrudes in a direction away from the sensor device body along the axis, The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment portion is fixed to the transparent plate by welding the protrusion portion to the transparent plate.

3. The sensor device main body further includes a main body case that houses the sensor unit, the main body case includes a first space that is open on one side in an axial direction along the axis, The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the attachment portion is formed separately from the main body case, and at least a portion of the attachment portion is accommodated in the first space.

4. The main body case further includes a second space that accommodates the sensor unit, The sensor device according to claim 3 , wherein the first space and the second space are separated from each other.

5. The sensor device main body further includes a main body case that houses the sensor unit, The mounting portion is The housing is formed separately from the main body case, The housing further includes a fitting portion that fits onto the main body case in an axial direction along the axis, The main body case includes: The sensor device according to claim 1 , further comprising a fitted portion that is fitted into the fitting portion.

6. the sensor device main body further includes a main body facing portion facing the transparent plate and a main body case accommodating the sensor portion; the mounting portion is integral with the main body case and includes a mounting shaft protruding beyond the main body facing portion, The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the mounting shaft is fitted into a through hole passing through the transparent plate, thereby fixing the main body case to the transparent plate.

7. The sensor device body further includes a battery case that accommodates a battery that generates electricity to be supplied to the sensor unit, The sensor device according to claim 3 , wherein the battery case is separable from the main body case and is disposed on a side of the main body case farther from the transparent plate.

8. The sensor device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor unit includes a magnetic sensor.

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