Case structure and sensor element

Abstract

To provide a case structure capable of preventing or suppressing entry of liquid into a case, and provide a sensor element.SOLUTION: There is provided a case structure. The case structure includes a first part, a sealing part with elasticity, and a second part. The sealing part is located between the first part and the second part. The case structure is so configured that when a sheet-like or film-like electrode or an electrode substrate is sandwiched between the sealing part and the second part such that the electrode or the electrode substrate extends from the inside to the outside of the case structure, the sealing part is pressurized by reducing a distance between the first part and the second part, so that it becomes possible to prevent or suppress entry of liquid into the inside from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part or between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part, and when a cable is inserted inside the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate can conduct with the cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a case structure and a sensor element.

Background Art

[0002] In an aquarium, in order to maintain the living organisms, the water in the aquarium is constantly circulated, and the water is replaced daily to maintain the water quality in the aquarium. However, due to clogging of the circulation device with dust or the like, water may leak, or water may overflow when replacing the water. Thus, due to water leakage or water overflow, water as a resource is wasted, and damage to facilities without waterproof treatment occurs.

[0003] For example, there is disclosed a water level electrode portion of an aquarium including an electrode inserted into the aquarium and having an outer surface waterproofly covered with an electrically insulating film, a voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the electrode, and a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the aquarium based on a change in a detected value of a capacitance detected through the electrode and outputting a signal for forcibly interrupting energization to an electrical appliance provided in the aquarium when a decrease in the water level is detected (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a case structure and / or a sensor element that can prevent or suppress the intrusion of liquid into the case.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The problems of the present invention are [1] A case structure comprising a first part, a sealing part having elasticity, and a second part, wherein the sealing part is located between the first part and the second part, and when a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate is sandwiched between the sealing part and the second part so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the case structure, the distance between the first part and the second part is reduced to pressurize the sealing part, thereby preventing or suppressing the intrusion of liquid from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part or from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part into the interior, and when a cable is inserted into the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate is configured to be electrically connected to the cable; [2] The case structure according to [1], further comprising an attachment part that is attached to the first part and / or the second part to fix the first part, the sealing part, and the second part, and to reduce the distance between the first part and the second part to pressurize the sealing part; [3] The case structure according to [1] or [2], further comprising a convex part inside the case structure, and the electrode or the electrode substrate is fixed to the case structure by inserting the convex part into a hole of the electrode or the electrode substrate; [4] The case structure according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the electrode or the electrode substrate is electrically connected to the cable by fixing the electrode or the electrode substrate to the case structure by a predetermined method; [5] A sensor element comprising a case structure having a first part, a sealing part with elasticity, and a second part, and a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate, arranged in the order of the first part, the sealing part, and the second part, with the electrode or the electrode substrate sandwiched between the sealing part and the second part so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the case structure, and the sealing part being in a pressurized state from the first part and the second part, thereby preventing or suppressing the intrusion of liquid into the case structure between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part or between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part, and configured such that when a cable is inserted into the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to the cable; [6] The sensor element according to [5], wherein a cable is inserted into the case structure; which can be solved by.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a case structure and / or a sensor element that can prevent or suppress the intrusion of liquid into the case.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments as long as it does not contravene the gist of the present invention. Also, the description of the effects is one aspect of the effects of the embodiments of the present invention and is not limited to what is described herein.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the mounting position of a sensor element and an overview of the system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view of the water tank 1 from the side. The sensor element 4 according to the embodiment of the present invention is used in a system for detecting the water in the wall 1b of the water tank or the overflow tank 2 of the water tank. The water tank 1 may be not only a commercial water tank such as an aquarium but also a household water tank.

[0011] The water tank 1 includes a water tank main body 1a and an overflow tank 2. Water 3 is stored in the water tank main body 1a. For example, when replacing the water 3 in the water tank 1, new water 3 is poured into the water tank 1 using a hose or the like from the outside. The replacement operation of the water 3 is performed by pouring new water 3 and draining the old water 3.

[0012] The overflow tank 2 is a tank provided for draining water 3 to the outside when the water level of the water 3 in the water tank 1 rises. The water tank 1 and the overflow tank 2 are in communication with each other. When the water level of the water 3 in the water tank 1 rises, a part of the water 3 is supplied from the water tank 1 to the overflow tank 2. The overflow tank 2 is provided with a drain port 2a, and the water 3 overflowing from the water tank main body 1a can be discharged from the drain port 2a to the outside of the water tank 1.

[0013] When water 3 is being supplied to the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 with the drain port 2a blocked, or when the supply rate of water 3 to the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 is greater than the drainage rate of water 3 discharged from the drain port 2a, the water level of water 3 in the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 rises. When the water level of water 3 in the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 rises and reaches the upper end 1c of the wall 1b of the water tank 1, or reaches the upper end 2c of the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2, water 3 overflows from the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2.

[0014] The sensor element 4 can be installed on either the inside or the outside of the wall 1b of the water tank 1, or it may be installed on only one of the inside and the outside of the wall 1b. For example, it may be installed inside the wall 1b like the sensor element 4a, or it may be installed outside the wall 1b like the sensor element 4b. In the present invention, "installing a sensor element on the wall of a water tank" includes not only the case of installing it on a transparent wall of a water tank (e.g., glass or acrylic plate), but also the case of installing it on a non-transparent wall of a water tank or on the wall of equipment (e.g., a circulation device or a filtration device) provided in the water tank.

[0015] The sensor element 4 can be installed on either the inside or the outside of the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2, or it may be installed on only one of the inside and the outside of the wall 2b. For example, it may be installed inside the wall 2b like the sensor element 4c, or it may be installed outside the wall 2b like the sensor element 4d.

[0016] The sensor element 4 includes, for example, an electrode part. The electrode part can include at least two electrodes. Here, the two electrodes included in the electrode part are referred to as the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are preferably arranged to be parallel.

[0017] The sensor element 4 includes an electrode portion and is formed in a sheet or film shape. It can be installed on the wall of the water tank or the wall of the overflow tank of the water tank by means of electrodes, and can detect the water on the surface. In the electrode portion, the method of detecting the water on the surface is not particularly limited. For example, in a state where a voltage is applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, when water contacts the first electrode and the second electrode, it can be configured to detect that conduction has occurred between the first electrode and the second electrode. When the water in contact with the first electrode and the water in contact with the second electrode are physically continuous, a current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode. By detecting this, it is possible to detect that water has contacted the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0018] When installing the sensor element 4 inside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2, it is preferably installed such that the first electrode and the second electrode are in a position facing each other in the horizontal direction. By installing it in this way, it is possible to detect that the water 3 in the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 has reached a predetermined water level.

[0019] One water tank 1 can be provided with a plurality of sensor elements 4. Similarly, one overflow tank 2 can be provided with a plurality of sensor elements 4. For example, the sensor elements 4 can be installed at different height positions inside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2. By doing so, based on whether conduction is occurring between the first electrode and the second electrode for any of the sensor elements 4 at different heights, it is possible to specify to what height the water level of the water 3 has reached.

[0020] As will be described later, in the sensor element 4, when it is detected that conduction is occurring between the first electrode and the second electrode, it is also possible to notify different information to the user terminal 7 owned by the user of this system according to the installation height of the sensor element 4 energized by the water 3.

[0021] When the sensor element 4 is installed outside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2, it is preferably installed such that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other in the direction of gravity. By installing it in this way, it is possible to detect that the water 3 in the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 has overflowed.

[0022] When installing the sensor element 4 outside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2, the position where the sensor element 4 is installed is not particularly limited. For example, by installing it near the upper end 1c of the water tank 1 or near the upper end 2c of the overflow tank 2, it is possible to more reliably detect that the water 3 has overflowed from the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2. Here, the vicinity of the upper end 1c or the vicinity of the upper end 2c means that both the first electrode and the second electrode of the sensor element 4 are installed within a predetermined range downward from the upper end 1c or the upper end 2c. If the sensor element 4 is installed at a position far downward from the upper end 1c or the upper end 2c, there may be a case where it is impossible to detect that the water 3 has overflowed even when the water 3 has overflowed.

[0023] The sensor element 4 is electrically connected to the management device 5. The management device 5 is provided with, for example, a voltage generator that applies a voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode. In the voltage generator, a voltage may be constantly applied between the first electrode and the second electrode, or a voltage may be intermittently applied between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0024] In addition, the management device 5 is provided with a circuit that detects that the first electrode and the second electrode have come into contact with the water 3 and are energized. When the circuit detects energization, a predetermined signal is transmitted from the communication device 6 connected to the management device 5 to the user terminal 7 by wire or wirelessly. The predetermined signal may include, for example, identification information that can identify which sensor element 4 the signal corresponds to.

[0025] The user terminal 7 is not particularly limited as long as it is a computer device. For example, it is preferably a device that can be carried by a user, such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. The user terminal 7 includes, for example, a control unit, a RAM, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a communication interface, which are connected by a bus.

[0026] The control unit is composed of a CPU and a ROM. The control unit executes a predetermined program to control the user terminal 7. The output unit has a display screen. The communication interface can be connected to a communication network wirelessly or by wire, and can transmit and receive data to and from the communication device 6 via the communication network.

[0027] When the first electrode and the second electrode of the sensor element 4 come into contact with water 3 and are energized, and a predetermined signal is transmitted to the user terminal 7, the control unit identifies the information to be output according to the received signal, and the output unit outputs the identified information. The output method by the output unit is not particularly limited, and it may be to display a predetermined message or symbol on the display screen, or to output a predetermined message or notification sound by voice.

[0028] As described above, when the signal transmitted from the communication device 6 to the user terminal 7 includes identification information indicating which sensor element 4 it corresponds to, the user terminal 7 can change the content of the message to be output according to the identification information, that is, according to which sensor element 4 the signal corresponds to.

[0029] For example, when the sensor element 4 is installed inside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2 such that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other in the horizontal direction, a message indicating that the water level 3 in the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 is rising is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 7 as a push notification. Also, for example, when the sensor element 4 is installed outside the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2 such that the first electrode and the second electrode face each other in the gravitational direction, a message indicating that the water 3 is overflowing from the water tank 1 or the overflow tank 2 is displayed on the display screen of the user terminal 7 as a push notification.

[0030] <First Embodiment> Next, the configuration of the sensor element and the case structure of the sensor element according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sensor element according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the sensor element according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the sensor element according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the cross-section of the sensor element perpendicular to the left-right direction as viewed from the left.

[0031] In the embodiment of the present invention, the sensor element 4 and the case structure 100 can take a fixed state in which the sealing portion 31 is pressurized by reducing the distance between the cover portion 21 and the case portion 41, and a separated state in which the sealing portion 31 is not pressurized. The fixed state and the separated state can be arbitrarily switched by the operation of the user. The perspective view shown in FIG. 2 and the schematic cross-sectional view shown in FIG. 4 show the sensor element 4 and the case structure 100 in the fixed state. The perspective view shown in FIG. 3 shows an example of the sensor element 4 and the case structure 100 in the separated state.

[0032] Hereinafter, in the fixed state, the direction in which the cover portion 21 and the case portion 41 of the sensor element 4 are aligned is defined as the vertical direction. The directions orthogonal to the vertical direction are defined as the left - right direction and the front - rear direction. The left - right direction is orthogonal to the front - rear direction. The front - rear direction coincides with the direction in which the electrode portion 11 of the sensor element 4 extends. Note that the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - rear direction are directions defined for convenience of explanation. Therefore, the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - rear direction do not necessarily coincide with the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - rear direction when the sensor element 4 is in use. The upper direction and the lower direction may be interchanged, the left direction and the right direction may be interchanged, and the front direction and the rear direction may be interchanged.

[0033] In addition, in this specification, when a member extends upward, it includes the case where the member is parallel to the upward direction and the case where the member is inclined with respect to the upward direction. In this case, the angle formed by the member and the upward direction is 45 degrees or less.

[0034] The sensor element 4 includes a case structure 100 and an electrode portion 11. The case structure 100 includes a cover portion 21, a sealing portion 31, and a case portion 41. The cover portion 21 is an example of the first portion. The case portion 41 is an example of the second portion. A cable ground 62 is fixed to the case structure 100. By inserting the cable 61 into the cable ground 62, the cable 61 is inserted into the inside of the case structure 100.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2, the case structure 100 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape in the fixed state. Note that the shape of the case structure 100 is not particularly limited, and it may be cylindrical, elliptical cylindrical, hemispherical, or the like. The case structure 100 is a combination of a cover portion 21, a sealing portion 31, and a case portion 41. The case structure 100 has a space inside and houses a plurality of components.

[0036] The case structure 100 includes attachment parts 51a and 51b, a pressing plate 71, a spacer 71a, and pin terminals 75a and 75b. In the fixed state, the pressing plate 71, the spacer 71a, and the pin terminals 75a and 75b are housed inside the case structure 100. The pressing plate 71, the spacer 71a, and the pin terminals 75a and 75b are examples of components.

[0037] [Cover part] The cover part 21 covers the case part 41. As shown in FIG. 3, the cover part 21 includes a main body part 21a, an edge part 22, and connection parts 23a to 23d. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower end of the main body part 21a is connected to the edge part 22. The main body part 21a protrudes upward from the edge part 22.

[0038] The edge part 22 is provided along the outer periphery of the main body part 21a. The edge part 22 is the edge of the main body part 21a and is formed to surround the main body part 21a when the case structure 100 is viewed from above. The edge part 22 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface of the edge part 22 have a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a right side, and a left side. The central portions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the edge part 22 have a rectangular space. The edge part 22 has a width in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction.

[0039] The connection part 23a is provided at the rear end or near the rear end of the right side of the edge part 22. The connection part 23b is provided at the front end or near the front end of the right side of the edge part 22. The connection parts 23a and 23b extend in the right direction. The connection part 23c is provided at the rear end or near the rear end of the left side of the edge part 22. The connection part 23d is provided at the front end or near the front end of the left side of the edge part 22. The connection parts 23c and 23d extend in the left direction. The connection parts 23a to 23d have a shape that can be connected to the connection parts 52a to 52d described later.

[0040] [Sealing part] The sealing portion 31 has a rectangular shape. The central portion of the sealing portion 31 has a rectangular space. The sealing portion 31 has a width in the vertical direction, the left - right direction, and the front - back direction. The lengths of the widths in the left - right direction and the front - back direction are the same as the lengths of the widths of the edge portion 22 and the edge portion 42. Alternatively, the lengths of the widths in the left - right direction and the front - back direction may be shorter or longer than the lengths of the widths of the edge portion 22 and the edge portion 42.

[0041] In the fixed state, the sealing portion 31 is in contact with the electrode portion 11, the edge portion 22, and the edge portion 42. Specifically, the upper surface of the sealing portion 31 is in contact with the lower surface of the edge portion 22. The lower surface of the sealing portion 31 is in contact with the upper surface, the right surface, and the left surface of the electrode portion 11, or the upper surface of the edge portion 42. Note that the sealing portion 31 may be fixed to the edge portion 22 with an adhesive or the like.

[0042] The sealing portion 31 has elasticity. The sealing portion 31 sandwiches the electrode portion 11 between the sealing portion 31 and the edge portion 42 and reduces the distance between the edge portion 22 and the edge portion 42. When the sealing portion 31 is in a state of being pressurized in the vertical direction, it is not particularly limited as long as it has elasticity such that no gap is formed between the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 and / or between the electrode portion 11 and the edge portion 42. The material of the sealing portion 31 is formed of, for example, ethylene - propylene rubber, natural rubber, silicone rubber, fluorine rubber, acrylic rubber, styrene rubber, butadiene rubber, butyl rubber, etc.

[0043] [Case portion] As shown in FIG. 3, the case portion 41 includes a main body portion 41a, an edge portion 42, a hole portion 43, and fixing portions 44a, 44b. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper end of the main body portion 41a is connected to the edge portion 42. The main body portion 41a protrudes downward from the edge portion 42. The main body portion 41a has a rectangular parallelepiped - shaped space. A structure for attaching components is provided in this space.

[0044] The edge portion 42 is provided along the outer periphery of the main body portion 41a. The edge portion 42 is the edge of the main body portion 41a and is formed so as to surround the main body portion 41a when the case structure 100 is viewed from above. The edge portion 42 has an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface and the lower surface of the edge portion 42 have a rectangular shape having a front side, a rear side, a right side, and a left side. The central portions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the edge portion 42 have a rectangular space. The edge portion 42 has a width in the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction.

[0045] The hole portion 43 is provided on the rear surface of the main body portion 41a. The hole portion 43 penetrates the central portion of the rear surface of the main body portion 41a. The hole portion 43 is a hole for inserting the cable ground 62. The cable ground 62 is inserted into the hole portion 43 and fixed to the case portion 41. The fixing portion 44a is provided at the central portion of the lower right surface of the edge portion 42. The fixing portion 44b is provided at the central portion of the lower left surface of the edge portion 42.

[0046] [Electrode portion] The electrode portion 11 is a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate. Since the electrode portion 11 is a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate, even if the electrode portion 11 is installed on the wall 1b of the water tank 1, a decrease in visibility inside the water tank can be suppressed.

[0047] The electrode portion 11 will be described. The electrode portion 11 has flexibility and is preferably deformable in accordance with the shapes of the surfaces of the edge portion 42 and the sealing portion 31 in contact with the electrode portion 11. The electrode portion 11 has a sheet-like or film-like shape. The electrode portion 11 extends in the front-rear direction. The electrode portion 11 includes a first electrode 12a, a second electrode 12b, a main body portion 15, and a support portion 16. The first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are formed across the main body portion 15 and the support portion 16. The main body portion 15 is, for example, a transparent sheet or a transparent film.

[0048] The first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are arranged so as not to contact each other. For example, the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b may be arranged such that the tip of the first electrode 12a and the tip of the second electrode 12b approach each other, or may be arranged such that the tip of the first electrode 12a and the tip of the second electrode 12b are separated from each other. Further, when the case structure 100 is viewed from above, the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are respectively arranged so as to be parallel to the front-rear direction.

[0049] The first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are not particularly limited, and are, for example, a carbon electrode, a silver electrode, or the like. In the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are provided on a transparent sheet or a transparent film. For example, an electrode printed on a transparent film such as PET can be used as the electrode portion 11. Since the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are provided on a transparent sheet or a transparent film, it is possible to suppress a decrease in visibility when the electrode portion 11 is installed on the wall 1b of the transparent water tank 1. The first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are also said to be sheet-like or film-like electrodes.

[0050] The thickness of the electrode portion 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 25 μm or more, and more preferably 50 μm or more. Further, the thickness of the electrode portion 11 is preferably 150 μm or less, and more preferably 135 μm or less.

[0051] The electrode unit 11 may be attached to the wall 1b of the water tank 1 or the wall 2b of the overflow tank 2. The method of attaching the electrode unit 11 to the walls 1b, 2b, etc. is not particularly limited, and for example, it may be attached with an adhesive, tape, double-sided tape, etc. Alternatively, the electrode unit 11 may be installed so as to be suspended inside or outside the water tank 1. Installing so as to be suspended includes, for example, a mode in which the case structure 100 is fixed to the upper end 1c or the wall 1b of the water tank 1 and the electrode unit 11 is hung inside or outside the water tank 1. The electrode unit 11 does not have to be attached to the wall 1b of the water tank 1 and does not have to be fixed to the wall 1b of the water tank 1. Further, it is preferable that the case structure 100 is fixed to the outside of the upper end 1c or the wall 1b of the water tank 1 and the electrode unit 11 is installed without being fixed to the wall 1b of the water tank 1. By installing the electrode unit 11 in the water tank 1 without using an adhesive or the like inside the water tank, it is possible to prevent components such as the adhesive from dissolving and affecting the organisms in the water tank. By such methods, the electrode unit 11 can be easily installed in the water tank 1.

[0052] The first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are formed on the main body portion 15 and the support portion 16 by printing or the like. Then, while a part of the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b can be brought into contact with the outside, the remaining portions of the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are masked by an insulating layer. The portions of the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b that can be brought into contact with the outside are arranged so as to be able to come into contact with water.

[0053] The insulating layer is obtained by printing the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b on a transparent sheet or a transparent film, and then coating a resin composition that has insulating properties when solidified, such as a urethane resin. When the tips of the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are installed so as to extend in the direction of gravity with respect to the water tank 1, the insulating layer is formed such that the portion where the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b face each other in the horizontal direction can be in contact with the outside. When the tips of the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b are installed so as to extend in the horizontal direction with respect to the water tank 1, the insulating layer is formed such that the portion where the first electrode 12a and the second electrode 12b face each other in the direction of gravity can be in contact with the outside.

[0054] The main body portion 15 extends forward from a part of the front side of the support portion 16. The main body portion 15 has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction. The length of the main body portion 15 in the front-rear direction can be appropriately designed according to the installed water tank or the like. The support portion 16 is connected to at least a part of the rear side of the main body portion 15. The support portion 16 has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the left-right direction. The support portion 16 includes connection portions 13a, 13b and hole portions 14a, 14b. The connection portions 13a, 13b are provided so as to be exposed on the lower surface of the electrode portion 11.

[0055] The connection portion 13a is connected to the first electrode 12a. In the fixed state, the connection portion 13a contacts a pin terminal 75a that protrudes upward. Therefore, the connection portion 13a is electrically connected to the pin terminal 75a. The pin terminal 75a is connected to an electric wire 63a. Therefore, the first electrode 12a can be electrically connected to the cable 61 via the electric wire 63a.

[0056] The connection portion 13b is connected to the second electrode 12b. In the fixed state, the connection portion 13b contacts a pin terminal 75b that protrudes upward. Therefore, the connection portion 13b is electrically connected to the pin terminal 75b. The pin terminal 75b is connected to an electric wire 63b. Therefore, the second electrode 12b can be electrically connected to the cable 61 via the electric wire 63b.

[0057] The pin terminal 75a passes through the hole 73c and the hole 73a and contacts the connection part 13a. The pin terminal 75b passes through the hole 73d and the hole 73b and contacts the connection part 13b. The holes 73c and 73d are included in the spacer 71a. The holes 73a and 73b are included in the presser plate 71. The pin terminals 75a and 75b are positioned by the spacer 71a and are prevented from coming off by the presser plate 71.

[0058] The hole 14a and the hole 14b are provided diagonally in the support part 16. Specifically, the hole 14a is provided in the right front region of the support part 16, and the hole 14b is provided in the left rear region of the support part 16.

[0059] The support part 16 is fixed to the presser plate 71. Specifically, the hole 14a is inserted into the convex part 72a, and the hole 14b is inserted into the convex part 72b. Thereby, the electrode part 11 is fixed to the case structure 100. Note that "the electrode part 11 is fixed to the case structure 100" includes not only the case where the position of the electrode part 11 with respect to the case structure 100 is completely fixed, but also the case where the movement of the electrode part 11 with respect to the case structure 100 is restricted within a range that can withstand practical use. The presser plate 71 includes the convex parts 72a and 72b and the holes 73a and 73b. It can also be said that the case structure 100 has the convex parts 72a and 72b inside the case structure 100.

[0060] [Mounting part] The mounting part 51a includes connection parts 52a and 52b and a fixing part 53a. The connection part 52a extends rearward from the upper side and the left side ends of the mounting part 51a. The connection part 52a is connected to the connection part 23a of the cover part 21. The connection part 52b extends forward from the upper side and the right side ends of the mounting part 51a. The connection part 52b is connected to the connection part 23b of the cover part 21. By connecting the connection part 52a and the connection part 23a, and the connection part 52b and the connection part 23b, the mounting part 51a can be attached to the cover part 21. Thereby, the mounting part 51a can be rotated around an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0061] The fixing part 53a protrudes leftward from the left surface of the mounting part 51a. The fixing part 53a has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction and a short side direction in the left-right direction. The fixing part 53a contacts the fixing part 44a of the case part 41. It is also said that the upper surface of the fixing part 53a meshes with the lower surface of the fixing part 44a.

[0062] The mounting part 51b has a structure symmetric to the mounting part 51a with respect to a plane perpendicular to the left-right direction. The mounting part 51b includes connecting parts 52c, 52d and a fixing part 53b. The connecting part 52c extends rearward from the ends of the upper side and the left side of the mounting part 51b. The connecting part 52c is connected to the connecting part 23c of the cover part 21. The connecting part 52d extends forward from the ends of the upper side and the right side of the mounting part 51b. The connecting part 52d is connected to the connecting part 23d of the cover part 21. By connecting the connecting part 52c and the connecting part 23c, and the connecting part 52c and the connecting part 23c, the mounting part 51c can be attached to the cover part 21. Thereby, the mounting part 51c can be rotated around an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0063] The fixing part 53b protrudes rightward from the right surface of the mounting part 51b. The fixing part 53b has a rectangular shape with a longitudinal direction in the front-rear direction and a short side direction in the left-right direction. The fixing part 53b contacts the fixing part 44b of the case part 41. It is also said that the upper surface of the fixing part 53b meshes with the lower surface of the fixing part 44b. With the mounting parts 51a, 51b attached to the cover part 21, by bringing the fixing parts 53a, 53b into contact with the fixing parts 44a, 44b respectively, the distance between the cover part 21 and the case part 41 is reduced and the sealing part 31 is in a pressurized state.

[0064] That is, the attachment portions 51a and 51b are attached to the cover portion 21. The fixing portions 53a and 53b of the attachment portions 51a and 51b are brought into contact with the fixing portions 44a and 44b of the case portion 41, respectively. Thereby, the cover portion 21, the sealing portion 31, and the case portion 41 are fixed. Thereby, the case structure 100 is in a fixed state. Further, by removing the fixing portions 53a and 53b of the attachment portions 51a and 51b from the fixing portions 44a and 44b of the case portion 41, the fixing of the cover portion 21, the sealing portion 31, and the case portion 41 can be released. Thereby, the case structure 100 is in a separated state. Therefore, the user can easily remove the cover portion 21 of the case structure 100 from the case portion 41. Further, by the attachment portions 51a and 51b, the user can apply a predetermined force with the same force each time regarding the fixed state of the case structure 100.

[0065] Here, the positional relationship of each component will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the sealing portion 31 is located between the cover portion 21 and the case portion 41. It can also be said that the cover portion 21, the sealing portion 31, and the case portion 41 are arranged in the order of the cover portion 21, the sealing portion 31, and the case portion 41. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the sealing portion 31 is located between the edge portion 22 and the edge portion 42.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode portion 11 is sandwiched between the sealing portion 31 and the edge portion 42. The electrode portion 11 extends from the inside to the outside of the case structure 100. Specifically, the electrode portion 11 extends rightward from the central portion of the case structure 100. The upper surface of the electrode portion 11 is in contact with the lower surface of the sealing portion 31 on the right side of the case structure 100. The lower surface of the electrode portion 11 is in contact with the upper surface of the edge portion 42 on the right side of the case structure 100.

[0067] The electrode part 11 is fixed to a pressing plate 71 installed inside the case structure 100. Specifically, since the electrode part 11 is inserted into the convex part 72a, its movement in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction is restricted. As a result, the electrode part 11 is fixed to the case structure 100 without adhering the pressing plate 71 and the electrode part 11 with an adhesive or the like. Also, regarding the electrode part 11, the electrodes and the electrode substrate are easy to replace. Therefore, even when the first electrode 12a or the second electrode 12b deteriorates due to use, it is easy to replace the electrode part 11 from the case structure 100. The upper surface of the pressing plate 71 is preferably located on the same plane as the upper surface of the edge part 42.

[0068] A cable ground 62 is fixed to the rear surface of the case structure 100. The cable 61 is inserted into the cable ground 62. The cable 61 is electrically connected to the management device 5. Also, the cable 61 is electrically connected to an electric wire 63a. The electric wire 63a is electrically connected to a pin terminal 75a. The pin terminal 75a contacts the connection part 13a and is electrically connected to the first electrode 12a. Although not shown, similarly, the cable 61 is electrically connected to an electric wire 63b, and the electric wire 63b is electrically connected to a pin terminal 75b. Also, the pin terminal 75b contacts the connection part 13b and is electrically connected to the second electrode 12b. That is, the cable 61 is inserted into the case structure 100, and the electrode part 11 can be electrically connected to the cable 61. Since the cable 61 is electrically connected to the management device 5, the electrode part 11 is electrically connected to the management device 5 via the cable 61.

[0069] Also, by fixing the electrode part 11 to the case structure 100 by a predetermined method, the electrode part 11 can be electrically connected to the cable 61. The predetermined method is not particularly limited, and examples include a method of inserting a hole provided in the electrode part 11 into a convex part provided inside the case structure 100, a method of sandwiching at least one part of the electrode part 11 with a predetermined member provided inside the case structure 100, and a method of adhering at least one part of the electrode part 11 inside the case structure 100 with double-sided tape or the like.

[0070] Next, the operation of the case structure according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the case structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the front surface of the case structure 100, as viewed from the rear in a cross-section perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrode portion 11 is sandwiched between the sealing portion 31 and the edge portion 42. Further, the electrode portion 11 extends in the front-rear direction, and the electrode portion 11 extends from the inside to the outside of the case structure 100. The length of the electrode portion 11 in the left-right direction is shorter than the lengths of the edge portion 22, the sealing portion 31, and the edge portion 42 in the left-right direction. Also, the length of the electrode portion 11 in the up-down direction is shorter than the length of the sealing portion 31 in the up-down direction. In this case, by reducing the distance between the edge portion 22 and the edge portion 42, the sealing portion 31 is in a pressurized state (fixed state, see the lower figure in FIG. 5).

[0072] When the sealing portion 31 is in a pressurized state, the sealing portion 31 deforms along the shape of the electrode portion 11. Specifically, when the electrode portion 11 is sandwiched between the sealing portion 31 and the edge portion 42, the lower surface of the sealing portion 31 is positioned along the upper surface, the right surface, and the left surface of the electrode portion 11, and the lower surface of the electrode portion 11 is positioned along the upper surface of the edge portion 42. That is, the upper surface of the electrode portion 11 is substantially parallel to the lower surface of the sealing portion 31, and the lower surface of the electrode portion 11 is parallel to the upper surface of the edge portion 42. Thereby, it is possible to prevent or suppress the intrusion of liquid into the case structure 100 from between the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 or between the electrode portion 11 and the edge portion 42.

[0073] Note that the liquid includes not only water but also aqueous solutions containing solutes, other organic solvents, and the like.

[0074] Similarly, in the sensor element 4, the electrode portion 11 is sandwiched between the sealing portion 31 and the case portion 41 so that the electrode portion 11 extends from the inside to the outside of the case structure 100. Since the sealing portion 31 is in a pressurized state by the cover portion 21 and the case portion 41, it is possible to prevent or suppress the intrusion of liquid into the case structure 100 from between the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 or between the electrode portion 11 and the case portion 41.

[0075] In FIG. 5, the upper surface of the electrode portion 11 in contact with the sealing portion 31 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. Similarly, the lower surface of the sealing portion 31 in contact with the electrode portion 11 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. The surfaces of the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 that are in contact with each other preferably have a shape such that no gap is formed between the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 when the electrode portion 11 and the sealing portion 31 come into contact.

[0076] In FIG. 5, the lower surface of the edge portion 22 in contact with the sealing portion 31 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. Similarly, the upper surface of the sealing portion 31 in contact with the edge portion 22 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. The surfaces of the edge portion 22 and the sealing portion 31 that are in contact with each other preferably have a shape such that no gap is formed between the edge portion 22 and the sealing portion 31 when the edge portion 22 and the sealing portion 31 come into contact.

[0077] In FIG. 5, the upper surface of the edge portion 42 in contact with the sealing portion 31 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. Similarly, the lower surface of the sealing portion 31 in contact with the edge portion 42 is flat, but it may be curved or may have irregularities. The surfaces of the edge portion 42 and the sealing portion 31 that are in contact with each other preferably have a shape such that no gap is formed between the edge portion 42 and the sealing portion 31 when the edge portion 42 and the sealing portion 31 come into contact without sandwiching the electrode portion 11 therebetween.

[0078] <Second Embodiment> The sensor element 4X and the case structure 100X according to the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the sensor element according to the second embodiment of the present invention, taken apart.

[0079] The configuration of the components provided inside the case structure 100X of the sensor element 4X is different from that of the sensor element 4. More specifically, the case structure 100X is different from the case structure 100 in the following points. · Instead of the pressing plate 71, a spacer 71b is provided. · The spacer 71a is not provided. · A substrate 81 is provided. · The shapes of the pin terminals 75a and 75b are different.

[0080] The spacer 71b includes convex portions 72a and 72b and hole portions 73a and 73b. The substrate 81 includes connectors 82a and 82b and hole portions 83a and 83b. The ends of the electric wires 63a and 63b are respectively connected to the connectors 82a and 82b of the substrate 81. The connection of the ends of the electric wires 63a and 63b and the connectors 82a and 82b is performed by soldering or the like.

[0081] The pin terminal 75a is fixed to the hole portion 83a, and the pin terminal 75b is fixed to the hole portion 83b. The pin terminals 75a and 75b are fixed to the hole portions 83a and 83b, for example, by applying pressure. Thereby, the pin terminals 75a and 75b are electrically connected to the electric wire 63a.

[0082] The connection portion 13a is connected to the first electrode 12a. The connection portion 13a comes into contact with the pin terminal 75a that protrudes upward in the fixed state. Therefore, the connection portion 13a is electrically connected to the pin terminal 75a. Since the pin terminal 75a is connected to the electric wire 63a, the first electrode 12a can be electrically connected to the cable 61 via the electric wire 63a.

[0083] The connection part 13b is connected to the second electrode 12b. In the fixed state, the connection part 13b contacts the pin terminal 75b that protrudes upward. Therefore, the connection part 13b is electrically connected to the pin terminal 75b. Since the pin terminal 75b is connected to the electric wire 63b, the second electrode 12b can be electrically connected to the cable 61 via the electric wire 63b.

[0084] The pin terminal 75a penetrates through the hole part 73a and contacts the connection part 13a. The pin terminal 75b penetrates through the hole part 73b and contacts the connection part 13b. Other structures of the case structure 100X are the same as those of the case structure 100. The sensor element 4X and the case structure 100X can achieve the same effects as the sensor element 4 and the case structure 100.

[0085] <Other Embodiments> The sensor element and the case structure according to one embodiment of the present invention are not limited to the sensor elements 4 and 4X, and can be changed within the scope of the gist thereof. Note that the structures of the sensor elements 4 and 4X may be arbitrarily combined. Note that the following structures may be arbitrarily combined.

[0086] In the above embodiment, in the case structure 100, the configuration in which the cover part 21, the sealing part 31, the electrode part 11, and the case part 41 are arranged in this order from above has been described, but the position of the sealing part 31 is not limited to this. For example, in the case structure 100, the cover part 21, the electrode part 11, the sealing part 31, and the case part 41 may be arranged in this order from above. That is, the cover part 21 may be an example of the second part, and the case part 41 may be an example of the first part.

[0087] Note that the case structure 100 may include two or more sealing portions 31. For example, in the case structure 100, the cover portion 21, the first sealing portion, the electrode portion 11, the second sealing portion, and the case portion 41 may be arranged from top to bottom in the order of the cover portion 21, the first sealing portion, the electrode portion 11, the second sealing portion, and the case portion 41. At this time, the first sealing portion may be fixed to the cover portion 21, and the second sealing portion may be fixed to the case portion 41. The fixing method of the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion is not particularly limited, but the first sealing portion and the second sealing portion may be fixed to the cover portion 21 and the case portion 41 respectively by an adhesive or the like.

[0088] Note that the hole portion 14a and the hole portion 14b do not have to be provided diagonally in the support portion 16. In the electrode portion 11, the hole portion 14b may be provided in the upper right region or the upper left region of the support portion 16, and the hole portion 14a may be provided in the lower left region or the lower right region of the support portion 16. Also, in the electrode portion 11, one or more hole portions may be provided in the upper right region, the lower right region, the upper left region, and / or the lower left region of the support portion 16. In the electrode portion 11, a plurality of hole portions may be provided in the support portion 16 in addition to the hole portions 14a and 14b. The hole portion may be provided in the central region of the support portion 16 or in the central rear region. In this case, the positions and the number of the convex portions 72a and 72b in the pressing plate 71 or the spacer 71b are changed.

[0089] Note that the main body portion 21a does not have to protrude upward from the edge portion 22. For example, the upper surface and the lower surface of the main body portion 21a and the edge portion 22 may be the same plane extending in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction.

[0090] Note that the attachment portion 51a and / or the attachment portion 51b may be attached to the cover portion 21 and / or the case portion 41. When the attachment portions 51a and 51b are attached to the case portion 41, fixing portions capable of fixing the attachment portions 51a and 51b are provided at the edge portion 22 of the cover portion 21. By bringing the attachment portions 51a and 51b into contact with the fixing portions, the cover portion 21, the sealing portion 31, and the case portion 41 are fixed, and the sensor element 4 and the case structure 100 may be in a fixed state.

[0091] Note that the shapes of the attachment parts 51a and 51b are not limited to the above shapes. The shapes of the attachment parts 51a and 51b may be, for example, the shape of a band that covers the outer periphery of the case structure 100 in the vertical and horizontal directions, or in the vertical and front-rear directions.

[0092] Note that when the case structure 100 is viewed from the left-right direction or the front-rear direction, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing part 31 may be not only a rectangular shape but also a circular shape or an elliptical shape. That is, the sealing part 31 may be in contact with the edge part 22 at at least one point when the case structure 100 is viewed from the left-right direction or the front-rear direction, and the sealing part 31 may be in contact with the edge part 42 at at least one point when the case structure 100 is viewed from the left-right direction or the front-rear direction.

[0093] Note that the shapes of the convex parts 72a and 72b are not particularly limited as long as they can be inserted into the hole parts 14a and 14b of the electrode part 11. Examples of the shapes of the convex parts 72a and 72b include a rod shape extending upward and a conical shape.

[0094] Note that the shapes and combinations of the electric wires 63a and 63b, the pressing plate 71, the spacers 71a and 71b, the pin terminals 75a and 75b, and the substrate 81 can be appropriately changed according to the parts included in the case structure 100.

[0095] According to the present invention, since the sensor element includes a case structure, and in the case structure, it is possible to prevent or suppress the intrusion of liquid from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part, or from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part into the interior, the case structure or the sensor element can be installed in a place where liquid exists.

[0096] According to the present invention, by attaching to the first part and / or the second part, there is provided an attachment part that fixes the first part, the sealing part, and the second part, and reduces the distance between the first part and the second part to make the sealing part in a pressurized state, so that the pressurized state of the sealing part can be maintained.

[0097] According to the present invention, by inserting a convex portion into a hole portion of an electrode or an electrode substrate, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be fixed to a case structure, thereby restricting the movement of the electrode or the electrode substrate in the case structure.

[0098] According to the present invention, by fixing an electrode or an electrode substrate to a case structure in a predetermined method, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to a cable.

[0099] According to the present invention, when a cable is inserted into the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to the cable, so that a signal from the electrode or the electrode substrate can be transmitted to the cable. Further, since the cable is inserted into the case structure, it can be used as a sensor for detecting a predetermined signal.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0100] 1 Water tank 1a Water tank main body 1b Wall 1c Upper end 2 Overflow tank 2a Drain port 2b Wall 2c Upper end 3 Water 4, 4a to 4d, 4X Sensor element 5 Management device 6 Communication device 7 User terminal 11 Electrode portion 12a First electrode 12b Second electrode 13a, 13b Connection portion 14a, 14b Hole portion 15 Main body portion 16 Support portion 21 Cover portion 21a Main body portion 22 Edge portion 23a to 23d Connection portion 31 Sealing portion 41 Case portion 41a Main body portion 42 Edge portion 43 Hole portion 44a, 44b Fixing portion 51a Mounting portion 51b Mounting portion 52a to 52d Connection portion 53a, 53b Fixing portion 61 Cable 62 Cable ground 63a, 63b Electric wire 71 Pressing plate 71a, 71b Spacer 72a, 72b Convex portion 73a to 73d Hole portion 75a, 75b Pin terminal 81 Substrate 82a, 82b Connectors 83a, 83b Hole parts 100, 100X Case structure

Claims

1. A case structure comprising: a first part; a sealing part having elasticity; a second part wherein the sealing part is located between the first part and the second part, and when a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate is sandwiched between the sealing part and the second part so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the case structure, the distance between the first part and the second part is reduced to pressurize the sealing part, thereby preventing or suppressing the intrusion of liquid from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part or from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part into the interior; and the case structure is configured such that when a cable is inserted into the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to the cable.

2. An attachment part that is attached to the first part and / or the second part to fix the first part, the sealing part, and the second part, and to reduce the distance between the first part and the second part to pressurize the sealing part, wherein the case structure according to Claim 1 further comprises the attachment part.

3. Inside the case structure, there is a convex part wherein the case structure according to Claim 1 or 2 is configured such that the electrode or the electrode substrate is fixed to the case structure by inserting the convex part into a hole of the electrode or the electrode substrate.

4. The case structure according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the electrode or the electrode substrate is fixed to the case structure by a predetermined method so that the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to the cable.

5. A sensor element comprising: a case structure including a first part, a sealing part having elasticity, and a second part; and a sheet-like or film-like electrode or electrode substrate wherein the first part, the sealing part, and the second part are arranged in this order, the electrode or the electrode substrate is sandwiched between the sealing part and the second part so as to extend from the inside to the outside of the case structure, the sealing part is in a pressurized state by the first part and the second part, thereby preventing or suppressing the intrusion of liquid from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the sealing part or from between the electrode or the electrode substrate and the second part into the interior of the case structure; and the sensor element is configured such that when a cable is inserted into the case structure, the electrode or the electrode substrate can be electrically connected to the cable.

6. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ The sensor element according to claim 5, wherein a cable is inserted inside the case structure.

Images