Sensor device attachment method and sensor attachment device

Abstract

To provide a sensor attachment device etc. which is suitable for attaching a sensor device while adjusting its position.SOLUTION: A sensor device 3 is attached to an object member 7 by using a sensor attachment device 5. The sensor device 3 includes a case part 11 and a measurement part 13. The measurement part 13 is located outside the case part 11 and contacts with the object member 7 to measure the object member. The sensor attachment device 5 includes a foundation component 15 and a body component 17. The body component 17 is combined with the foundation component 15 by a slide mechanism 23. The body component 17 includes a case attachment component 19 and a measurement part pressing component 21. The case attachment component 19 attaches the case part 11 to the body component 17. The foundation component 15 is fixed to the object member 7. In a state where the foundation component 15 is fixed to the object member 7, the slide mechanism 23 slides the body part 17 in one or multiple directions. The measurement part pressing component 21 presses the measurement part 13 against the object member 7.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for attaching a sensor device and a sensor attachment device, and a method for attaching a sensor device to a target member using the sensor attachment device, etc.

Background Art

[0002] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a sensor device (sol-gel composite piezoelectric sensor) proposed by the inventors (see Patent Document 1). FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of attaching the measurement part of the sensor device in FIG. 4 to a pipe with a band.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the sensor device of FIG. 4, the measurement part of the sensor device is flexible. When the measurement part is fixed with a band or the like as in FIG. 5, it may be difficult to adjust the position of the sensor device.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor attachment device or the like suitable for attaching a sensor device to a target member while adjusting its position.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a method for attaching a sensor device to a target member using a sensor attachment device. The sensor device includes a case portion and a measurement portion. The measurement portion is outside the case portion and contacts the target member for measurement. The sensor attachment device includes a base component and a main body component. The main body component is combined with the base component by a movement mechanism. The main body component includes a case attachment component and a measurement portion pressing component. The case attachment component attaches the case portion to the main body component. The method includes a base fixing step of fixing the base component to the target member, a movement step of moving the main body component by the movement mechanism with the base component fixed to the target member, and a pressing step of pressing the measurement portion against the target member by the measurement portion pressing component.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is the sensor device attachment method according to the first aspect. The base component includes a first base component and a second base component. In the main body component, the measurement portion pressing component exists between a position combined with the first base component and a position combined with the second base component. In the pressing step, the measurement portion pressing component presses the measurement portion between the position combined with the first base component and the position combined with the second base component.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is the sensor device attachment method according to the first or second aspect. The measurement portion is a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device. Here, the target member is, for example, a pipe.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a sensor mounting device for mounting a sensor device on a target member. The sensor device includes a case portion and a measurement portion. The measurement portion is located outside the case portion and contacts the target member for measurement. The sensor mounting device includes a base component and a main body component. The main body component is combined with the base component by a moving mechanism and can move with the base component fixed to the target member. The main body component includes a case mounting component and a measurement portion pressing component. The case mounting component mounts the case portion on the main body component, and the measurement portion pressing component presses the measurement portion against the target member.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the sensor mounting device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the base component includes a first base component and a second base component, and in the main body component, the measurement portion pressing component exists between a position combined with the first base component and a position combined with the second base component.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the sensor mounting device according to the fourth or fifth aspect, wherein the measurement portion is a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device. Here, the target member is, for example, a pipe.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, since the main body component and the base component are combined by a moving mechanism, the main body component can be moved with the base component fixed to the target member. Therefore, after the base component is fixed to the target member, the position of the main body component can be adjusted by the moving mechanism, and the measurement portion pressing component presses the measurement portion against the target member, so that the sensor device can be mounted on the target member.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensor system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The sensor system 1 includes a sensor device 3 and a sensor mounting device 5.

[0017] The sensor device 3 includes a case portion 11 and a measurement portion 13.

[0018] The case portion 11 covers a location in the sensor device 3 where wiring is connected to the measurement portion 13.

[0019] The measurement portion 13 measures by contacting the target member 7. The measurement signal obtained by measurement is output to a signal processing device through wiring connected in the case portion 11 and the like. The sensor device 3 can be used, for example, as a pressure / vibration sensor, and can also be used, for example, as a pipe thickness sensor, a pipe clogging sensor, etc. for a pipe. The measurement portion 13 is outside the case portion 11, is flexible, and deforms so as to bend in response to an external force. Therefore, for example, in FIG. 1, when a force is applied from above, the measurement portion 13 is pressed against the target member 7.

[0020] The sensor mounting device 5 includes a base component 15 and a main body component 17. The base component 15 and the main body component 17 are combined by a slide mechanism 23. The main body component 17 includes a case mounting component 19 and a measurement unit pressing component 21.

[0021] The base component 15 is fixed to the target member 7.

[0022] The slide mechanism 23 is a mechanism that allows the main body component 17 to slide in one or more directions parallel to the target member 7 with the base component 15 fixed to the target member 7. After fixing the base component 15 to the target member 7, the position of the main body component 17 can be adjusted by sliding the main body component 17 using the slide mechanism 23. The slide mechanism 23 can be made slidable or non - slidable, for example, using a screw or the like. The slide mechanism 23 may be such that, for example, tightening the screw fixes the position and makes it non - slidable, and loosening the screw makes it slidable.

[0023] The case mounting component 19 is a component for attaching the case part 11 to the main body component 17. With the case part 11 attached to the main body component 17 by the case mounting component 19, the position of the case part 11 and the measurement unit 13 can be adjusted by sliding the main body component 17 using the slide mechanism 23. Basically, the case part 11 is fixed to the main body component 17 before the base component 15 is fixed to the target member 7. However, depending on the circumstances, the case part 11 may be fixed to the main body component 17 after the base component 15 is fixed to the target member 7.

[0024] The measurement unit pressing component 21 presses the measurement unit 13 against the target member 7 after determining the position of the measurement unit 13 using the slide mechanism 23.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 are diagrams showing a specific example of the sensor system 1 in Figure 1.

[0026] The pipe 31 is an example of the target member 7 in Figure 1.

[0027] The sensor device includes a measurement unit 53, a case unit 49, and a wiring 51. The sensor device has the same configuration as that in FIG. 4, and the measurement unit 53, the case unit 49, and the wiring 51 respectively correspond to the measurement unit 63, the upper case unit 61 and the lower case unit 67, and the wiring unit 65.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance of the sensor device proposed by the inventors. The sensor device in FIG. 4 is an example of the sensor device 3 in FIG. 1. The sensor device has a structure in which wiring is attached to a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device, and the sol-gel composite piezoelectric device can be used as a sensor having heat resistance up to 600° C. and flexibility with a curvature radius of about 10 mm in applications such as a pipe thickness sensor (ultrasonic probe), a pipe sensor, and a pressure / vibration sensor.

[0029] The sol-gel composite piezoelectric sensor is a piezoelectric ceramic device having flexibility and heat (thermal shock) resistance. The sol-gel composite piezoelectric sensor can be used, for example, in applications such as pipe thickness monitoring, pipe detection, pressure / vibration monitoring, and monitoring of destruction occurring in structures as an AE (Acoustic Emission) sensor.

[0030] FIGS. 4(a) and (b) are diagrams showing the sensor device viewed horizontally and from above, respectively. FIG. 4(c) is a perspective view of the sensor device.

[0031] The sensor device includes a measurement unit 63, a wiring unit 65, an upper case unit 61, a lower case unit 67, fixing parts 711 and 712, and a wiring connector part 73.

[0032] The measurement unit 63 (an example of the measurement unit 13 in FIG. 1) is, for example, a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device.

[0033] The wiring unit 65 is a heat-resistant wiring. For example, it is a wire material having heat resistance such as an MI cable.

[0034] The upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67 (the combination of these is an example of the case part 11 in FIG. 1) cover, respectively, the locations where the measurement part 63 and the wiring part 65 are joined, sandwiching them from above and below. The fixing parts 711 and 712 fix the upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67. The upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67 are connectors that improve the joining strength, and the measurement part 63 and the wiring part 65 are fixed by a method (such as crimping, welding, etc.) that ensures mechanical strength. In the upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67, the wiring part 65 is pressed and crimped at the location where it is attached to the measurement part 63 with a screw.

[0035] The measurement part 63, the wiring part 65, the upper case part 61, the lower case part 67, and the fixing parts 711 and 712 are used at high temperatures (for example, temperatures from normal temperature to 600 °C).

[0036] The wiring connector part 73 is a connector for dealing with the wiring extension of the normal temperature part with normal temperature wiring. The extension wiring part is connected. The sensor device wires the high-temperature part with heat-resistant wiring and deals with the wiring extension of the normal temperature part with normal temperature wiring. This is because, generally, cable performance such as noise resistance, flexibility, and distance attenuation during electrical signal transmission is more advantageous for signal transmission with normal temperature wiring. The wiring connector part 73 is a connector part (joint part) for connecting the high-temperature wiring and the normal temperature wiring. Note that the wirings may be directly soldered or crimped to each other without using the wiring connector part 73.

[0037] The upper case part 61, the lower case part 67, and the fixing parts 711 and 712 can stably join the measurement part 63, which is an electrode part, and the heat-resistant wiring part 65 without sacrificing heat resistance and workability. In particular, in addition to the electrical joining (which may be welding or crimping) with mechanical strength between the ground wire of the heat-resistant wiring and the base material, electrical joining by crimping between the signal transmission line of the heat-resistant wiring and the measurement part is realized. In particular, in order to stably obtain electrical joining by crimping, a crimping chip is attached to the tip of the signal transmission line of the heat-resistant wiring. Therefore, it has a structure that will not be destroyed even by mechanical external forces such as tension and vibration.

[0038] The measuring unit 63 outputs the transmission and reception of the sensed ultrasonic vibration, pressure, etc. to the outside through the attached signal line. Since it is necessary to attach the signal line, a certain height and dimensions are required between the upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67, but in practical use, it does not become an obstacle when attaching the sensing part to the object to be measured. A certain distance can be provided between the sensor sensing part and the wiring joining part, and it can be configured so as not to impair the flexibility and thinness characteristics of the sol-gel composite piezoelectric sensor.

[0039] Also, assuming that the sensor device is used under high temperature, all elements of the measuring unit 63, the wiring unit 65, the upper case part 61, the lower case part 67, and the fixing parts 711 and 712 are made of heat-resistant materials, and each configuration can be integrated.

[0040] The measuring unit 53 is an example of the measuring unit 13 in FIG. 1. The measuring unit 53 is for measuring ultrasonic vibration and the like in the pipe 31. The measuring unit 53 is outside the case part 49, is flexible, and deforms so as to bend in response to an external force applied thereto.

[0041] The case part 49 is an example of the case part 11 in FIG. 1. The case part 49 covers the location where the measuring unit 53 and the wiring 51 are connected, etc.

[0042] The sensor mounting device includes a first base part 33, a second base part 35, and a main body part 37.

[0043] The first base part 33 and the second base part 35 are examples of the base parts 15 in FIG. 1. The first base part 33 and the second base part 35 are fixed to the pipe 31.

[0044] The main body part 37 is an example of the main body part 17 in FIG. 1.

[0045] The first base part 33 and the main body part 37 are combined by a slide mechanism.

[0046] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2(b), the main body component 37 is formed with a first horizontal hole portion 45 having a horizontally long shape (a shape that is wide left and right in FIG. 2(b)). The first horizontal hole portion 45 has a protruding portion formed on the inner lower side (the side of the first base component 33).

[0047] In this example, the first combination portion 43 is realized by a screw. The screw is attached by screwing its neck portion (the portion having a shaft portion, a threaded portion, a cylindrical portion, etc.) into the first base component 33 from above in FIG. 3(a). The head is located above the neck portion and has a shape that spreads wider than the neck portion. By tightening the screw, the head of the screw presses the protruding portion formed on the inner lower side of the first horizontal hole portion 45 against the first base component 33, putting the main body component 37 in a state where it cannot slide. By loosening the screw, it is in a state where it is not pressing against the first base component 33, and the main body component 37 can slide.

[0048] Note that the first combination portion 43 may be a columnar shape (such as a cylindrical shape) extending on the first base component 33, with a protruding portion formed on the outer side of the upper side, and may realize a slide mechanism without fixing the main body component 37 to the first base component 33. When the protruding portion formed on the outer side of the upper side of the first combination portion 43 catches on the protruding portion formed on the inner lower side of the first horizontal hole portion 45, the main body component 37 can be moved horizontally (it can be moved left and right in FIG. 2(b)) even when the first base component 33 is fixed to the pipe 31.

[0049] The second base component 35 and the main body component 37 are also combined by a slide mechanism in the same way.

[0050] Specifically, referring to FIG. 2(b), the main body component 37 is formed with a second horizontal hole portion 41 having a horizontally long shape (a shape that is wide left and right in FIG. 2(b)). The second horizontal hole portion 41 has a protruding portion formed on the inner lower side (the side of the second base component 35).

[0051] In this example, the second combination part 39 is realized by a screw. The screw is attached by screwing its lower neck part into the second base part 35 from above in Fig. 3(a). The head is located above the lower neck part and has a shape that spreads wider than the lower neck part. By tightening the screw, the head of the screw presses against a protruding part formed on the lower side inside the second horizontal hole part 41 against the second base part 35, putting the main body part 37 in a state where it cannot slide. By loosening the screw, it is in a state where it is not pressing against the second base part 35, and the main body part 37 can slide.

[0052] Note that the second combination part 39 may be a columnar shape extending above the second base part 35, with a protruding part formed on the outer side of the upper side, and may realize a slide mechanism without fixing the main body part 37 to the second base part 35. When the protruding part formed on the outer side of the upper side of the second combination part 39 catches on the protruding part formed on the lower side inside the second horizontal hole part 41, the main body part 37 can move horizontally even when the second base part 35 is fixed to the pipe 31 (in Fig. 2(b), it can move left and right).

[0053] In this way, the first base part 33, the second base part 35, and the main body part 37 are combined by a slide mechanism. The main body part 37 can slide in one direction parallel to the outer surface of the pipe 31 when the first base part 33 and the second base part 35 are fixed to the pipe 31. By providing a plurality of slide mechanisms corresponding to each of the plurality of directions, the main body part 37 can slide in a plurality of directions parallel to the outer surface of the pipe 31 when the first base part 33 and the second base part 35 are fixed to the pipe 31. Such a plurality of slide mechanisms corresponding to a plurality of directions are known, for example, by slide hinges and the like.

[0054] The main body part 37 includes case attachment parts 55 and 57, and a measurement part pressing part 47.

[0055] The case mounting components 55 and 57 are an example of the case mounting component 19 in FIG. 1. In this example, the case mounting components 55 and 57 are screws, and the case part 49 (the upper case part 61 and the lower case part 67 in FIG. 4) can be attached to the main body part 37 by using the screw holes for attaching the fixing parts 711 and 712 in FIG. 4. With the case part 49 attached to the main body part 37 by the case mounting components 55 and 57, even when the main body part 37 is slid by the slide mechanism and the first base part 33 and the second base part 35 are fixed to the pipe 31, the positions of the case part 49 and the measuring part 53 can be adjusted.

[0056] The measuring part pressing component 47 is an example of the measuring part pressing component 21 in FIG. 1. The measuring part pressing component 47 exists between the first horizontal hole part 45 (the position combined with the first base part 33) and the second horizontal hole part 41 (the position combined with the second base part 35) in the main body part 37. By tightening the screw, the tip of the measuring part pressing component 47 moves downward, and a force is applied from above to the measuring part 53 by the tip. When a force is applied from above to the measuring part 53, the measuring part 53 is pressed against the outer surface of the pipe 31. Therefore, after the position of the measuring part 53 is determined by the slide mechanism, the measuring part pressing component 47 can press the measuring part 53 against the outer surface of the pipe 31.

[0057] In the present invention, the main body part and the base part may be combined by a moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is a mechanism that can move while being subject to certain constraints. The moving mechanism is, for example, a slide mechanism. The slide structure is a mechanism that can move under the constraint (restraint) of the moving direction by a rail or the like. Also, the moving mechanism may ensure two degrees of freedom, for example, by combining a slide structure and a rotation mechanism. Similarly, it may ensure three or more degrees of freedom.

[0058] In the present invention, for example, the electrical connection between the wiring and the electrode may be performed on the measuring part, and the case part may have the role of mechanically fixing the measuring part and the wiring part.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0059] 1 Sensor system 3 Sensor device 5 Sensor mounting device 7 Target member 11 Case part 13 Measuring part 15 Base part 17 Body part 19 Case mounting part 21 Measuring part pressing part 23 Slide mechanism 31 Pipe 33 First base part 35 Second base part 37 Body part 39 Second combination part 41 Second horizontal hole part 43 First combination part 45 First horizontal hole part 47 Measuring part pressing part 49 Case part 51 Wiring 53 Measuring part 55 Case mounting part 57 Case mounting part 61 Upper case part 63 Measuring part 65 Wiring part 67 Lower case part 71 Fixing part 73 Wiring connector part

Claims

1. A method for attaching a sensor device to a target member using a sensor attachment device, comprising: The sensor device includes a case portion and a measurement portion; The measurement portion is located outside the case portion and contacts the target member for measurement; The sensor attachment device includes a base component and a main body component; The main body component is combined with the base component by a moving mechanism; The main body component includes a case attachment component and a measurement portion pressing component; The case attachment component attaches the case portion to the main body component; A base fixing step of fixing the base component to the target member; A moving step of moving the main body component by the moving mechanism with the base component fixed to the target member; A pressing step of pressing the measurement portion against the target member by the measurement portion pressing component.

2. The base component includes a first base component and a second base component; In the main body component, the measurement portion pressing component is located between a position combined with the first base component and a position combined with the second base component; In the pressing step, the measurement portion pressing component presses the measurement portion between a position combined with the first base component and a position combined with the second base component. The sensor device attachment method according to claim 1.

3. The measurement portion is a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device. The sensor device attachment method according to claim 1.

4. A sensor attachment device for attaching a sensor device to a target member, comprising: The sensor device includes a case portion and a measurement portion; The measurement portion is located outside the case portion and contacts the target member for measurement; The sensor attachment device includes a base component and a main body component; The main body component is combined with the base component by a moving mechanism and can move with the base component fixed to the target member; The main body component includes a case attachment component and a measurement portion pressing component; The case attachment component attaches the case portion to the main body component; The measurement portion pressing component presses the measurement portion against the target member.

5. The base component includes a first base component and a second base component; In the main body component, the measurement portion pressing component is located between a position combined with the first base component and a position combined with the second base component. The sensor attachment device according to claim 4.

6. The sensor mounting device according to claim 4, wherein the measuring unit is a sol-gel composite piezoelectric device.

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