Sensor unit

Abstract

To appropriately maintain humidity in a sensor unit.SOLUTION: A sensor unit is provided with: an enclosing member having an internal space in which a living body to be measured is disposed; a moisture absorption / desorption member disposed in the internal space; and a sensor that is disposed in the internal space and that performs predetermined measurement. The enclosing member includes a passage communicating from the internal space to the outside of the enclosing member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a plant biosensor capable of measuring environmental and bioinformation of a plant. For example, a sap flow sensor calculates the sap flow rate of a plant by heating the stem of the plant with a heater and measuring the heat transfer caused by the sap flow of the plant with a temperature sensor. For this reason, a sealed structure has been used in which the stem and heater are surrounded by a thermally insulating housing so that the heat generated by the heater does not escape to the surroundings of the plant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-69353 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As in Patent Document 1, when a living body is used as a measurement target and measurement is performed in a close contact state or in a sealed space, moisture accumulates in the internal space, causing problems specific to living bodies. For example, in a plant such as a tomato, the humidity inside the housing increases as sap evaporates from the surface of the stem, and condensation occurs inside the housing, causing water to form between the inner wall of the housing and the plant. If water does not evaporate and remains in the housing for a long time, the aerial roots of the plant may grow, causing gaps to form between the temperature sensor or heater and the plant. In such cases, there is a problem that the measurement results are affected and the fixed sensor or heater itself may be deteriorated or destroyed by the pressure of the water or aerial roots. In addition, there is also a problem that the measurement results are affected by the water acting as a medium and creating a path for the diffusion and transfer of heat, which deviates from the original premise of temperature measurement. Alternatively, there is also a problem that the humidity in the internal space of the human body increases, making the user feel uncomfortable and deteriorating usability.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to maintain an appropriate humidity level inside a sensor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a sensor unit comprising an enclosure member having an internal space in which a living body to be measured is placed, a moisture absorbing and releasing member placed in the internal space, and at least one sensor placed in the internal space for performing a predetermined measurement, the enclosure member having a passageway leading from the internal space to the outside of the enclosure member. According to the above configuration, humidity within the sensor unit is appropriately maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent humidity within the sensor unit from increasing and causing condensation, and water from being generated within the sensor unit. By appropriately maintaining humidity within the sensor unit, the sensor can perform measurements stably for a long period of time.

[0007] The sensor unit may further include a permeable member disposed in the passage and connected to the moisture absorption and release member. The moisture absorbed by the moisture absorption and release member permeates into the permeable member, thereby preventing water from accumulating in the sensor unit and allowing the humidity in the sensor unit to be appropriately maintained.

[0008] A part of the permeable member may be disposed outside the enclosure member. By disposing a portion of it outside the enclosing member, it is possible to release a large amount of moisture to the outside of the enclosing member.

[0009] The permeation member may have a first portion disposed in the passage and a second portion disposed outside the enclosing member, and the second portion of the permeation member may be formed to extend outward beyond the passage. By forming the second portion of the permeation member to extend outward beyond the passage leading from the internal space to the outside of the enclosing member, a large amount of moisture can be released to the outside of the enclosing member.

[0010] The enclosing member may have a lower moisture permeability than the permeation member. Even if the enclosing member has a lower moisture permeability than the permeation member, the humidity inside the sensor unit can be appropriately maintained. The permeation member may be a member having moisture absorption and release properties.

[0011] The sensor unit may include a moisture permeable member that has moisture permeability and is provided so as to cover the path from the passage to the outside air. The moisture permeable member has a function of passing moisture but not passing water or wind and blocking heat. By covering the path from the passage to the outside air, which is the air outside the sensor unit, with the moisture permeable member, the intrusion of water, wind and heat from the outside of the sensor unit into the inside of the sensor unit is suppressed. The moisture permeable member may also have a function of passing moisture from one direction to the other direction but not passing moisture from the other direction to the one direction. Moisture may pass through the moisture permeable member from inside the sensor unit to the outside of the sensor unit, but moisture may not pass through the moisture permeable member from the outside of the sensor unit to the inside of the sensor unit.

[0012] The enclosing member may have a lower moisture permeability than the moisture permeable member. Even if the enclosing member has a lower moisture permeability than the moisture permeable member, the humidity inside the sensor unit can be appropriately maintained.

[0013] The at least one sensor may be a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature. The sensor unit may include a heater disposed in the internal space. The enclosing member may include a heat insulating material disposed so as to surround the internal space. The living organism to be measured may be a plant. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the humidity inside the sensor unit can be maintained at an appropriate level. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the measurement device. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the measurement device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the state in which the thin film is attached to the stem of a plant. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the state in which the thin film is attached to the stem of a plant. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the thin film in an expanded and stretched state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, application examples and embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The application examples and embodiments described below are aspects of the present application and do not limit the scope of the present application.

[0017] <Application Examples> The present invention can be applied to, for example, a measuring device 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the overall configuration of the measuring device 1. The measuring device 1 includes a sensor unit (sensor head) 10, a controller 20, and a cable 30. The sensor unit 10 is capable of gripping or clamping a predetermined portion (measurement target) such as a stem or branch of a plant (crop) 2 under cultivation. The plant 2, which is a living organism to be measured, is, for example, a tomato, but is not limited to a tomato and may be another plant. For example, the sensor unit 10 measures the temperature of the plant 2 and sends the measurement data to the controller 20. The controller 20 is a device that controls the entire measuring device 1 and executes arithmetic processing based on the measurement data of the sensor unit 10. The cable 30 has a power supply wiring and a signal wiring. The controller 20 supplies power to the sensor unit 10 via the cable 30. The controller 20 also sends a control signal to the sensor unit 10 via the cable 30 and acquires measurement data from the sensor unit 10.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the measurement device 1. The sensor unit 10 has a heater 11, a constant current circuit 13, temperature sensors 14 to 17, an amplifier (amplifier) ​​18, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 19. The controller 20 has a microcomputer 21 and a constant voltage source 22. The heater 11 is a heating device that heats the plant 2 to which the sensor unit 10 is attached, and the temperature of the heater 11 increases when a constant voltage is applied to the heater 11 from the constant voltage source 22. The constant current circuit 13 controls the current input to the heater 11 to be constant. The temperature sensors 14 to 17 measure the temperature of the plant 2 to which the sensor unit 10 is attached. The amplifier 18 amplifies the signals output from the temperature sensors 14 to 17. The analog-to-digital converter 19 converts the analog signal into a digital signal. The microcomputer 21 includes, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory as a main storage device, and a memory 21 as a main storage device. It may also be configured by a computer equipped with storage as an auxiliary storage device.

[0019] <Embodiment> Fig. 3 is a perspective view of sensor unit 10. Figs. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of sensor unit 10. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 4. Sensor unit 10 has outer jacket (first housing) 101, inner jacket (second housing) 102, heat insulating material 103, thin film 104, moisture conditioning member 105, moisture permeable member 106, elastic members 107 and 108, and opening / closing member 109.

[0020] The outer jacket 101 is a member forming the exterior of the sensor unit 10. The outer jacket 101 functions as a light-shielding member that prevents sunlight (e.g., infrared components) from entering the inside of the sensor unit 10 from the outside. The outer jacket 101 also functions as a heat-shielding member that prevents heat from being transferred from the outside to the inside of the sensor unit 10. Furthermore, the outer jacket 101 functions as a waterproof member that prevents water from entering the inside of the sensor unit 10 from the outside. A heat insulating material 103 is disposed inside the outer jacket 101. The heat insulating material 103 is an example of an enclosure member disposed so as to surround the plant 2, and insulates the plant 2 so that heat generated by the heater 11 does not escape to the outside of the outer jacket 101. The heat insulating material 103 is, for example, a fiber-based insulation material or a foamed plastic-based insulation material. Examples of the fiber-based insulation material include inorganic fiber-based insulation materials such as rock wool and glass wool, and wood fiber-based insulation materials such as cellulose fiber and insulation board. Examples of the expanded plastic insulating material include urethane foam, bead method polystyrene foam, extrusion method polystyrene foam, polyethylene foam, and phenol foam. The insulating material 103 may be a part of an enclosure member. That is, an enclosure member including the insulating material 103 may be arranged so as to surround the plant 2. The insulating material 103 has a cylindrical shape, and the inner jacket 102, the thin film 104, and the humidity control member 105 are arranged inside the insulating material 103. In other words, the insulating material 103 is provided so as to surround the inner jacket 102, the thin film 104, and the humidity control member 105.

[0021] The inner jacket 102 fixes the thin film 104 in close contact with the stem (e.g., main stem) of the plant 2. The inner jacket 102 is configured with two curved members facing each other, and the stem of the plant 2 passes between the two curved members. That is, the central portion of the inner jacket 102 is hollow, and the stem of the plant 2 can be inserted into the hollow in the central portion of the inner jacket 102. With the sensor unit 10 attached to the stem of the plant 2, the inner jacket 102 is disposed so as to surround the stem of the plant 2, and holds the plant 2 as the target object. The inner jacket 102 is an example of a holding member.

[0022] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing a state in which the thin film 104 is attached to the inner jacket 102 and is in close contact with the stem of the plant 2. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view seen from the growth direction of the stem of the plant 2, and Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view seen from a direction perpendicular to the growth direction of the stem of the plant 2. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the thin film 104 in an unfolded and extended state. The thin film 104 has a heater 11.

[0023] The heater 11 is, for example, a copper wire pattern formed on a thin film 104. The heater 11 transfers a desired amount of heat to the stem of the plant 2. By providing the thin film 104 on the inside of the inner jacket 102, the heater 11 is disposed on the inside of the inner jacket 102. When the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, the heater 11 is disposed between the stem of the plant 2 and the inner jacket 102. By bringing the thin film 104 into close contact with the stem of the plant 2, the heater 11 is brought into close contact with the stem of the plant 2, and the heat of the heater 11 is efficiently transferred to the stem of the plant 2.

[0024] Temperature sensors 14-17 are attached to the inner jacket 102. The temperature sensors 14-17 are temperature measuring elements such as thermistors, and perform predetermined measurements. When the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, the temperature sensors 14-16 are disposed inside the inner jacket 102, and the temperature sensor 17 is disposed outside the inner jacket 102. When the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, the temperature sensors 14-16 are disposed between the stem of the plant 2 and the inner jacket 102. The thin film 104 comes into close contact with the stem of the plant 2, so that the temperature sensors 14-16 come into close contact with the stem of the plant 2, and the temperature sensors 14-16 accurately measure the temperature of the stem of the plant 2.

[0025] When the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, the temperature sensors 14 and 15 are arranged along the growth direction of the stem of the plant 2. Therefore, the temperature sensors 14 and 15 measure the temperatures at any two positions in the growth direction of the stem of the plant 2. When the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, the temperature sensors 16 and 17 are arranged along the radial direction of the stem of the plant 2. Therefore, the temperature sensors 16 and 17 measure the temperatures at any two positions in the radial direction of the stem of the plant 2. The temperature sensor 16 measures the temperature inside the inner jacket 102, and the temperature sensor 17 measures the temperature outside the inner jacket 102.

[0026] The controller 20 measures the sap flow rate of the plant 2. The controller 20 may measure the sap flow rate of the plant 2 by a stem heat balance method. The stem of the plant 2 is heated by the heater 11, and the heat transfer of the sap flow of the plant 2 is measured by the temperature sensors 14 to 17. The controller 20 measures the sap flow rate of the plant 2 based on the temperature data measured by the temperature sensors 14 to 17. When the stem of the plant 2 is heated by the heater 11, the temperature of the sap flowing through the stem of the plant 2 increases, and the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors 14 to 17 change. The controller 20 measures the sap flow rate of the plant 2 from the change in the measured temperatures of the temperature sensors 14 to 17. The controller 20 may measure the sap flow rate of the plant 2 by a method other than the stem heat balance method. The controller 20 may store the sap flow rate data of the plant 2 in the memory or storage of the controller 20, or in an external storage device connected to the controller 20. In addition, the controller 2 0 may send the sap flow rate data of the plant 2 to an information processing device such as a personal computer via a communication interface.

[0027] The heat insulating material 103 has an internal space (first space) 121. In the internal space 121, the plant 2, the inner jacket 102, the thin film 104 provided with the heater 11 and the temperature sensors 14 to 17, and a part of the humidity control member 105 are arranged. The heat insulating material 103 is arranged so as to surround the internal space 121. The heat insulating material 103 has a passage 122 that leads from the internal space 121 to the outside of the heat insulating material 103. The passage 122 may be, for example, a through hole, a slit, a gap, or an opening that penetrates the heat insulating material 103 from one side (outer side) of the heat insulating material 103 to the other side (inner side).

[0028] The humidity control member 105 is a sheet member having moisture absorption and release properties. The humidity control member 105 absorbs moisture generated from the plant 2 and releases the absorbed moisture. The humidity control member 105 is arranged on the outside of the inner jacket 102 so as to wrap the stem of the plant 2. The humidity control member 105 has a cylindrical portion 131, and the inside of the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 is capable of inserting the stem of the plant 2. The humidity control member 105 has a bent portion 132 connected to the cylindrical portion 131. The cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 is arranged in the internal space 121. In detail, the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 is arranged between the inner jacket 102 and the heat insulating material 103 so as to surround the plant 2. The bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 is arranged in a passage 122 leading from the internal space 121 to the outside of the heat insulating material 103. The bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 passes through the passage 122 of the heat insulating material 103 and covers a part of the outside of the heat insulating material 103. That is, a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 is inserted into the passage 122 of the heat insulating material 103, and another part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 is disposed outside the heat insulating material 103.

[0029] The outer jacket 101 is formed with a hole 110. The hole 110 may be, for example, a through hole, a slit, a gap, or an opening penetrating the outer jacket 101 from one side (outer side) of the outer jacket 101 to the other side (inner side) of the outer jacket 101. The sensor unit 10 may have an external space (second space) 123 connected to the passage 122. In the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the sensor unit 10 has the external space 123, but is not limited to the configuration example shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, and the formation of the external space 123 for the sensor unit 10 may be omitted. When the sensor unit 10 does not have the external space 123, a part of the inner surface of the outer jacket 101 and a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 are in contact with each other. A part or the whole of the path from the passage 122 to the outside air may overlap with a part of the external space 123. The outside air is the air outside the sensor unit 10. Another part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be disposed in the external space 123. The bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 has a first portion disposed in the passage 122 and a second portion disposed outside the heat insulating material 103. The second portion of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 is formed to extend outward beyond the passage 122 of the heat insulating material 103.

[0030] The cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 functions as a moisture absorbing and releasing member that absorbs moisture in the internal space 121. The portion of the humidity control member 105 that functions as a moisture absorbing and releasing member is, for example, silica gel. The moisture absorbed by the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 permeates and diffuses throughout the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105. The cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 then transports the moisture to the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105, and the moisture is propagated to the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105. The bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 functions as a permeation member. The moisture absorbed by the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 permeates into the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105. Moisture in internal space 121 is absorbed by cylindrical portion 131 of humidity control member 105 and permeates into bent portion 132 of humidity control member 105, thereby preventing water from accumulating within sensor unit 10 and allowing the humidity within sensor unit 10 to be maintained at an appropriate level. The moisture that has penetrated into the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 is released from the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 and is released to the outside air through the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101. As a result, the moisture absorbed by the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 constantly penetrates into the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105. Therefore, the humidity inside the sensor unit 10 can be appropriately maintained for a long period of time. By disposing the second portion of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 outside the thermal insulation material 103, it is possible to release a large amount of moisture to the outside air. By forming the second portion of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 to extend outward beyond the passage 122 of the thermal insulation material 103, it is possible to release a large amount of moisture to the outside air.

[0031] The cylindrical portion 131 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be integral, or the cylindrical portion 131 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be separate. Both the cylindrical portion 131 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be sheet members, or one of the cylindrical portion 131 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be a sheet member. By making at least one of the cylindrical portion 131 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 a sheet member, the humidity control member 105 can be flexibly arranged, and the sensor unit 10 can be made smaller. The cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 may be a member having a higher moisture absorption property than the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105. The bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 may be a member having at least one of moisture permeability, diffusibility, transportability, and release property higher than the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105.

[0032] The moisture permeable member 106 is provided so as to cover a path leading from the passage 122 of the heat insulating material 103 to the outside air. For example, the moisture permeable member 106 may be provided in the outer jacket 101 so as to cover a hole 110 formed in the outer jacket 101. In the configuration example shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the moisture permeable member 106 is provided inside the outer jacket 101 so as to cover the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 from the inside of the outer jacket 101. Without being limited to the configuration example shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the moisture permeable member 106 may be provided outside the outer jacket 101 so as to cover the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 from the outside of the outer jacket 101. The moisture permeable member 106 may be provided inside the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101.

[0033] The moisture permeable member 106 is a sheet member having moisture permeability. The moisture permeable member 106 has a function of passing moisture but not passing water or wind and blocking heat. By covering the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 with the moisture permeable member 106, the intrusion of water, wind and heat into the inside of the sensor unit 10 through the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 is suppressed. The moisture permeable member 106 may also have a function of passing moisture from one direction to another direction but not passing moisture from the other direction to one direction. Moisture may pass through the moisture permeable member 106 from inside the sensor unit 10 to the outside of the sensor unit 10, but moisture may not pass through the moisture permeable member 106 from the outside of the sensor unit 10 to the inside of the sensor unit 10. One hole 110 may be formed in the outer jacket 101, or multiple holes 110 may be formed in the outer jacket 101. A plurality of moisture permeable members 106 may be provided in the outer jacket 101, and each of the moisture permeable members 106 may cover a plurality of holes 110 in the outer jacket 101. Also, at least one of the plurality of holes 110 in the outer jacket 101 may be covered by the moisture permeable member 106. The position of the hole 110 formed in the outer jacket 101 is not particularly limited. Also, in the configuration example shown in Figures 4 and 5, the moisture permeable member 106 is provided in the outer jacket 101, but the configuration is not limited to the configuration example shown in Figures 4 and 5, and the installation of the moisture permeable member 106 on the outer jacket 101 may be omitted.

[0034] Various materials can be used as the material of the heat insulating material 103. For example, the heat insulating material 103 may be a material having lower moisture permeability than the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106. In the case where the heat insulating material 103 is a material having lower moisture permeability than the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106, Even if the outer jacket 101 is made of a material having lower moisture permeability than the insulating material 103, the humidity inside the sensor unit 10 can be appropriately maintained. Furthermore, the outer jacket 101 may be made of a material having lower moisture permeability than the insulating material 103. Even if the outer jacket 101 is made of a material having lower moisture permeability than the insulating material 103, the humidity inside the sensor unit 10 can be appropriately maintained.

[0035] Moisture in the internal space 121 is absorbed by the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 and is released to the outside air from the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105. The humidity control member 105 exerts a greater moisture absorbing power as the humidity in the internal space 121 increases, and releases the absorbed moisture when the humidity in the internal space 121 decreases, thereby controlling the humidity in the internal space 121. This allows the humidity in the sensor unit 10 to be appropriately maintained. This makes it possible to prevent condensation due to an increase in humidity in the sensor unit 10 and to prevent water from being generated in the sensor unit 10, thereby suppressing the growth of aerial roots.

[0036] By maintaining an appropriate humidity level within the sensor unit 10, the measuring device 1 can stably measure the sap flow rate of the plant 2 for a long period of time. Also, since there is no need to remove aerial roots during maintenance of the sensor unit 10, the amount of work required is reduced. Furthermore, deterioration and damage to the temperature sensors 14-17 and heater 11 is prevented, so the lifespan of the sensor unit 10 is extended, and costs are also improved.

[0037] The inside of the sensor unit 10 dries easily in the event that a pesticide solution gets mixed into the sensor unit 10 when spraying pesticides, or that rain gets mixed into the sensor unit 10 when used outdoors. In addition, since water is prevented from accumulating in the sensor unit 10, the occurrence of pests in the plant 2 can be suppressed.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 and a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 face each other. That is, in the radial direction of the stem of the plant 2, the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 and a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 overlap each other. By facing the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 and a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105, moisture released from the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 easily passes through the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101, and thus moisture is easily released to the outside air. The sensor unit 10 is not limited to the configuration example shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, and may have a configuration in which the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 and the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 do not face each other.

[0039] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 faces the moisture permeable member 106. That is, in the radial direction of the stem of the plant 2, a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106 overlap. A hole 110 of the outer jacket 101 faces a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105, and a part of the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 faces the moisture permeable member 106. This makes it easier for moisture released from the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 to pass through the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101, and prevents water, wind, and heat from directly contacting the humidity control member 105 through the hole 110 of the outer jacket 101. The sensor unit 10 is not limited to the configuration example shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and may have a configuration in which the bent portion 132 of the humidity control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106 do not face each other.

[0040] In the configuration example shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106 are spaced apart. That is, a space exists between the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106. The configuration example is not limited to that shown in Figs. 4 and 5, and the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106 may be in contact with each other. For example, the moisture permeable member 106 may be attached to a bent portion 132 of the moisture control member 105. Whether the moisture control member 105 and the moisture permeable member 106 are in contact or not, moisture released from the bent portion 132 of the moisture control member 105 passes through the holes 110 of the outer jacket 101 and is released to the outside. It is released into the air.

[0041] The elastic members 107 and 108 are formed of, for example, a rubber material. The elastic member 107 prevents heat and water from entering the inside of the sensor unit 10 from the portion of the sensor unit 10 where the stem of the plant 2 is inserted. The elastic member 108 prevents heat and water from entering the inside of the sensor unit 10 from the portion of the sensor unit 10 where the cable 30 is inserted.

[0042] The opening / closing member 109 is attached to the outer jacket 101. The opening / closing member 109 rotates around the axis of a rotating shaft 111 of the opening / closing member 109. The tip of the opening / closing member 109 is hook-shaped, and the rotating shaft 111 is provided at the rear end of the opening / closing member 109. By hooking the tip of the opening / closing member 109 on a protrusion 112 of the outer jacket 101, a first part (upper part) of the outer jacket 101 and a second part (lower part) of the outer jacket 101 are fixed, and the outer jacket 101 can be closed. The tip of the opening / closing member 109 is removed from the protrusion 112 of the outer jacket 101, and the first and second parts of the outer jacket 101 move around the axis of a rotating shaft 113 of the outer jacket 101. As a result, the first part of the outer jacket 101 and the second part of the outer jacket 101 are separated from each other, and the outer jacket 101 can be opened.

[0043] In a state where the outer jacket 101 is open, the stem of the plant 2, the inner jacket 102, the heat insulating material 103, the thin film 104, the humidity control member 105, and the like are accommodated in the outer jacket 101, and the outer jacket 101 is closed. The heat insulating material 103 can be divided into a plurality of pieces. In a state where the divided portions of the heat insulating material 103 are in close contact with the inner surface of the outer jacket 101, the stem of the plant 2, the inner jacket 102, the thin film 104, the humidity control member 105, and the like may be accommodated in the outer jacket 101. The humidity control member 105 can be divided into a plurality of pieces. When the humidity control member 105 is accommodated in the outer jacket 101, the divided portions of the humidity control member 105 may be in close contact with the heat insulating material 103. A portion (for example, an upper portion) of the heat insulating material 103, an upper portion of the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105, and a bent portion 132 may be removably fixed to a first portion (upper portion) of the outer jacket 101. Another portion (for example, the lower portion) of the heat insulating material 103 and the lower portion of the cylindrical portion 131 of the humidity control member 105 may be removably fixed to a second portion (the lower portion) of the outer jacket 101 .

[0044] (others) The above-described embodiment merely illustrates an exemplary configuration of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above-described specific embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the non-invasive heater 11 and the non-invasive temperature sensors 14-17 are used, but the present invention is not limited to this. The invasive heater 11 and the invasive temperature sensors 14-17 may be used. For example, when the non-invasive heater 11 and the non-invasive temperature sensors 14-17 are used, the heater 11 heats up and the temperature sensors 14-17 measure the temperature without inserting the heater 11 and the temperature sensors 14-17 into the stem of the plant 2. For example, when the invasive heater 11 and the invasive temperature sensors 14-17 are used, the heater 11 and the temperature sensors 14-17 are inserted into the stem of the plant 2, and the heater 11 heats up and the temperature sensors 14-17 measure the temperature.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the sensor unit 10 is attached to the stem of the plant 2, and the controller 20 measures the sap flow rate of the plant 2, but this is not limiting. The sensor unit 10 may be attached to the arm of a living body (e.g., a human) to be measured, and the controller 20 may measure at least one of blood pressure and pulse rate. In this case, at least one of a blood pressure sensor and a pulse rate sensor may be provided in the sensor unit 10 instead of the heater 11 and the temperature sensors 14 to 17, etc., and the controller 20 may measure at least one of the blood pressure sensor and the pulse rate. The roller 20 acquires measurement data measured by at least one of the blood pressure sensor and the pulse sensor from the sensor unit 10. The measurement data includes at least one of blood pressure data and pulse data. Since the humidity inside the outer jacket 101 is appropriately maintained, the measuring device 1 can stably measure blood pressure and pulse for a long period of time. Furthermore, since deterioration and destruction of the temperature sensors 14 to 17 and the heater 11 are suppressed, the life of the sensor unit 10 is extended, and costs are also improved.

[0047] The measuring device 1 may include a predetermined device and apparatus for measuring blood pressure or pulse rate. The controller 20 may store the measurement data in a memory or storage of the controller 20, or in an external storage device connected to the controller 20. The controller 20 may also send the measurement data to an information processing device such as a personal computer via a communication interface. The controller 20 may be disposed in the sensor unit 10. The measuring device 1 may also be a wearable device in which the sensor unit 10 and the controller 20 are integrated.

[0048] <Appendix 1> an enclosure member (103) having an internal space (121) in which a living body to be measured is placed; a moisture absorbing and releasing member (131) disposed in the internal space (121); At least one sensor disposed in the interior space (121) for performing a predetermined measurement; Equipped with The enclosure member (103) has a passage (122) leading from the internal space (121) to the outside of the enclosure member (100). Sensor unit (10). <Appendix 2> a permeable member (132) disposed in the passage (122) and connected to the moisture absorbing and releasing member (131); 2. The sensor unit (10) of claim 1. <Appendix 3> A portion of the permeation member (132) is disposed outside the enclosure member (103). 3. The sensor unit (10) of claim 2. <Appendix 4> the permeation member (132) has a first portion disposed in the passage (122) and a second portion disposed outside the enclosure member (103); The second portion of the permeation member (132) is formed to extend outward beyond the passage (122). 4. The sensor unit (10) of claim 3. <Appendix 5> The enclosure member (103) has a lower moisture permeability than the permeable member (132). A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4. <Appendix 6> The permeable member (132) is a member having moisture absorbing and releasing properties. A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 5. <Appendix 7> and a moisture-permeable member (106) that has moisture permeability and is provided so as to cover a path from the passage (122) to outside air. A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. <Appendix 8> The enclosure member (103) has lower moisture permeability than the moisture permeable member (106). 8. The sensor unit (10) according to claim 7. <Appendix 9> The at least one sensor is a temperature sensor (14 to 17) that measures temperature. A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. <Appendix 10> A heater (11) is disposed in the internal space (121). A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. <Appendix 11> The enclosure member (103) includes a heat insulating material (103) arranged to surround the internal space (121). A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. <Appendix 12> The living body to be measured is a plant (2). A sensor unit (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1: Measuring device 2:Plant 10: Sensor unit 11: Heater 14~17: Temperature sensor 20: Controller 101: Outer jacket 102: Inner jacket 103: Insulation material 104: Thin film 105: Humidity control materials 106: Moisture permeable material 110: Hole 121:Interior space 122: Passage 123:External space 131: Cylindrical part 132: Bent part

Claims

1. an enclosure member having an internal space in which a living body to be measured is placed; A moisture absorbing and releasing member disposed in the internal space; At least one sensor disposed in the interior space and performing a predetermined measurement; Equipped with The enclosure member has a passageway leading from the internal space to the outside of the enclosure member. Sensor unit.

2. A permeable member is disposed in the passage and connected to the moisture absorbing and releasing member. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

3. A portion of the permeation member is disposed outside the enclosure member. The sensor unit according to claim 2 .

4. The permeation member has a first portion disposed in the passage and a second portion disposed outside the enclosure member, The second portion of the permeation member is formed to extend outward beyond the passage. The sensor unit according to claim 3 .

5. The enclosure member has a lower moisture permeability than the permeable member. The sensor unit according to claim 2 .

6. The permeable member is a member having moisture absorption and release properties. The sensor unit according to claim 2 .

7. A moisture-permeable member having moisture permeability and provided so as to cover a path from the passage to the outside air is provided. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

8. The enclosure member has a lower moisture permeability than the moisture permeable member. The sensor unit according to claim 7.

9. the at least one sensor is a temperature sensor for measuring temperature; The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

10. A heater is disposed in the interior space. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

11. The enclosure member includes a heat insulating material arranged to surround the internal space. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

12. The living body to be measured is a plant. The sensor unit according to claim 1 .

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