Sensor fixing jig

Abstract

To provide a sensor fixing jig that is suitable for easily attaching the jig to the surface of a measurement target object and for bringing a measurement part of a sensor into close contact with the surface of the measurement target object.SOLUTION: The sensor fixing jig is for attaching a sensor to the surface of a measurement target object. Block members 11, 17 are to hold the sensor and are located between end bracket members 20, 32. If there is a plurality of block members 11, 17, central bracket members 46, 62 connect the block members 11, 17. The bracket members and block members are connected in a state of allowing bending and stretching. The end bracket members 20, 32 are provided with fixing parts 23, 35 for fixing the sensor fixing jig on the measurement target object. At least one block member is provided with a sensor pressing part 15 for pressing the measuring part of the sensor on the measurement target object.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor fixing jig for attaching a sensor to the surface of a measurement object.

Background Art

[0002] As described in Patent Document 1, the applicant has proposed a sensor having a flexible measurement unit.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is difficult to achieve both easy attachment of the jig to the surface of the measurement object and close contact of the measurement unit of the sensor with the surface of the measurement object.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor fixing jig suitable for easily attaching the jig to the surface of the measurement object and bringing the measurement unit of the sensor into close contact with the surface of the measurement object.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a sensor fixing jig for attaching a sensor to the surface of an object to be measured, comprising two end bracket members and one or more block members. The block member holds the sensor. If there is one block member, the two end bracket members are connected to the block member. If there are multiple block members, the multiple block members are connected by a central bracket member, and the two block members located at the ends are connected to the two end bracket members. The bracket member and the block member are connected in a state where they can be bent and stretched. At least the end bracket member is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the object to be measured, and at least one of the block members is provided with a sensor pressing portion for pressing the measuring portion of the sensor against the object to be measured.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is the sensor fixing jig according to the first aspect, wherein the object to be measured is an object attached to a magnet, and the fixing portion and the sensor pressing portion use a magnet.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is the sensor fixing jig according to the first or second aspect, wherein the bracket member connected to the block member provided with the sensor pressing portion is provided with a fixing portion for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the object to be measured.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the sensor fixing jig according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the sensor pressing portion uses a pressing member attached to the block member.

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, the bracket member and the block member are connected so that they can be bent and stretched. By bending along the surface of the object to be measured between the bracket member and the block member, the block member can be brought into close contact with the surface of the object to be measured. Therefore, the jig can be easily attached to the surface of the object to be measured. Furthermore, by using the sensor pressing portion of the block member, the measuring portion of the sensor can also be brought into close contact with the surface of the object to be measured.

[0011] Furthermore, in the present invention, by appropriately combining the block member and the bracket member as needed to form a sensor fixing jig, a sensor fixing jig that can easily hold the necessary sensors can be created. Therefore, the number of sensors can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] 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.

[0014] FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sensor fixing jig according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The sensor fixing jig is formed by connecting one or more block members and a plurality of bracket members. The connecting portion between the block member and the bracket member is in a state where it can be bent and stretched, and has a multi-joint structure.

[0016] Figs. 1(a) and (b) are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a block member. The block member holds a sensor. The sensor may be one that presses the measurement part against the measurement object or one that is used separated from the measurement object. The block member is made of a material that does not inhibit the measurement process by the sensor and can be made of, for example, metal.

[0017] Fig. 1(a) shows a block member 11 that holds a sensor for pressing the measurement part against the measurement object. The block member 11 holds, for example, an ultrasonic sensor (see Patent Document 1) for measuring ultrasonic waves generated in the measurement object, a surface temperature sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the measurement object, etc. The measurement part of the sensor held by the block member 11 adheres to the surface of the measurement object when pressed against the surface of the measurement object. The measurement part of the sensor held by the block member 1 is, for example, flexible. The block member 11 includes a sensor holding part 13 and a sensor pressing part 15. The sensor holding part 13 is for holding the sensor. The sensor pressing part 15 is for pressing the measurement part of the sensor against the measurement object.

[0018] Fig. 1(b) holds a sensor that is used separated from the measurement object. The block member 17 holds, for example, an environmental temperature sensor for measuring the temperature around the measurement object. The block member 17 includes a sensor holding part 19. The sensor holding part 19 is for holding the sensor.

[0019] Figs. 1(c), (d), (e) and (f) are block diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a bracket member. The bracket member may be one that connects to one block member or one that connects between two block members. Figs. 1(c) and (d) are bracket members that connect to one block member. Figs. 1(e) and (f) are bracket members that connect between two block members.

[0020] The end bracket member 20 in Fig. 1(c) includes a bracket main body portion 21, a fixing portion 23, bracket end portions 25 and 27, and connecting portions 29 and 31. The fixing portion 23 is for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object. For example, when the measurement object is attached to a magnet (for example, when it is a metal attached to a magnet), the fixing portion 23 is a magnet. Also, for example, adhesion or the like may be used. A part of the bracket end portions 25 and 27 is integrally formed with the bracket main body portion 21, and the connecting portions 29 and 31 are present in the portion where the bracket main body portion 21 is not present. The connecting portions 29 and 31 are for connecting the block member so that it can be bent and stretched, and are realized, for example, by connecting to the block member with screws or the like.

[0021] The end bracket member 32 in Fig. 1(d) includes a bracket main body portion 33, a fixing portion 35, bracket end portions 39 and 41, and connecting portions 43 and 45. It is symmetric with the bracket member in Fig. 1(c) and can be realized in the same way. The fixing portion 35 is for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object. A part of the bracket end portions 39 and 41 is integrally formed with the bracket main body portion 33, and the connecting portions 43 and 45 are present in the portion where the bracket main body portion 33 is not present. The connecting portions 43 and 45 are for connecting the block member so that it can be bent and stretched.

[0022] The central bracket member 46 in Fig. 1(e) includes a bracket main body portion 47, a fixing portion 49, bracket end portions 51 and 53, and connecting portions 55, 57, 59 and 61. The fixing portion 49 is for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object. It can be realized in the same way as the fixing portions 23 and 35. A part of the central portion of the bracket end portions 51 and 53 is integrally formed with the bracket main body portion 47. Among the end portions where the bracket main body portion 47 is not present, the connecting portions 57 and 61 are present on one side, and the connecting portions 55 and 59 are present on the other side. The connecting portions 55, 57, 59 and 61 are for connecting the block member so that it can be bent and stretched. The connecting portions 55, 57, 59 and 61 can be realized in the same way as the connecting portions 29, 31, 43 and 45.

[0023] The central bracket member 62 in Fig. 1(f) includes a bracket main body portion 63, bracket end portions 65 and 67, and connecting portions 69, 71, 73 and 75. The bracket member in Fig. 1(f) can be realized by removing the fixing portion 49 from the bracket member in Fig. 1(e). The bracket end portions 65 and 67 are partially integrated with the bracket main body portion 63 at the center. Among the portions at the ends without the bracket main body portion 63, the connecting portions 69 and 73 exist on one side, and the connecting portions 71 and 75 exist on the other side. The connecting portions 69, 71, 73 and 75 are connected to the block members so that they can be bent and stretched.

[0024] The sensor fixing member of this embodiment can be realized by connecting a plurality of bracket members to one or more block members so that they can be bent and stretched.

[0025] The end bracket members 20 and 32 in Figs. 1(c) and (d) are located at the ends in the sensor fixing member, and each includes a fixing portion 23 and 35 for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object.

[0026] Since the central bracket members 46 and 62 in Figs. 1(e) and (f) are connected between the block members, there is one less number than the number of block members in the sensor fixing member. If there is one block member in the sensor fixing member, there is no central bracket member. If there are n block members (n is a natural number of 2 or more) in the sensor fixing member, there are n - 1 central bracket members. The central bracket members may all be provided with fixing portions for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object, some may be provided with fixing portions and the rest may not be provided with fixing portions, or all may not be provided with fixing portions.

[0027] Fig. 1(g) is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the sensor fixing member. The sensor fixing jig in Fig. 1(g) is formed by connecting, in order from the left, the end bracket member in Fig. 1(d), the block member in Fig. 1(b), the central bracket member in Fig. 1(e), the block member in Fig. 1(a), and the end bracket member in Fig. 1(c).

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of the sensor fixing member.

[0029] The sensor fixing jig in FIG. 2(a) is formed by connecting, in order from the left, the end bracket member in FIG. 1(d), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(e), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(e), the block member in FIG. 1(a), and the end bracket member in FIG. 1(c).

[0030] The sensor fixing jig in FIG. 2(b) is formed by connecting, in order from the left, the end bracket member in FIG. 1(d), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(f), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(e), the block member in FIG. 1(a), and the end bracket member in FIG. 1(c).

[0031] The sensor fixing jig in FIG. 2(c) is formed by connecting, in order from the left, the end bracket member in FIG. 1(d), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(f), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(f), the block member in FIG. 1(a), and the end bracket member in FIG. 1(c).

[0032] As shown in FIGS. 1(g) and 2(a), in the present invention, for example, all bracket members include a fixing portion for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2(b), in the present invention, for example, the end bracket member includes a fixing portion, a part of the central bracket member includes a fixing portion, and the other part of the central bracket member does not include a fixing portion.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2(c), in the present invention, for example, the end bracket member includes a fixing portion, and the central bracket member does not include a fixing portion.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1(g), 2(a) and 2(b), the invention of the present application includes, for example, a sensor pressing portion that presses at least one of the block members against the measurement portion of the sensor. The bracket members connected to both sides of the block member provided with the sensor pressing portion include a fixing portion that fixes the sensor fixing jig to the measurement object. By providing the fixing portion on the bracket members connected to both sides of the block member provided with the sensor pressing portion, the sensor pressing portion can stably press the measurement portion, and high-precision measurement processing can be realized. Here, the central bracket member connected between the block members not provided with the sensor pressing portion may or may not include a fixing portion.

[0036] In the invention of the present application, the bracket member and the block member are connected so as to be bendable and stretchable. By bending along the surface of the measurement object between the bracket member and the block member, the block member can be brought into close contact with the surface of the measurement object. Therefore, the jig can be easily attached to the surface of the measurement object. Further, the measurement portion of the sensor can be brought into close contact with the surface of the measurement object by using the sensor pressing portion of the block member.

[0037] Furthermore, in the invention of the present application, by appropriately combining the block member and the bracket member as needed to form a sensor fixing jig, a sensor fixing jig that can easily hold the necessary sensors can be created. Therefore, the number of sensors can be arbitrarily increased or decreased.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example of the specific configuration of the sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) will be described. The sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) can be realized by using a pressing member attached to the block member. In FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) is realized by using a screw 93. By screwing in the screw 93, the measurement portion of the sensor is pressed against the surface of the measurement object, and by loosening the screw 93, the measurement portion of the sensor is removed from the surface of the measurement object.

[0039] Figure 3(a) shows the sensor fixing jig. The sensor fixing jigs in Figs. 3 and 4 are, referring to Fig. 3(a), in order from the left, the end bracket member of Fig. 1(d), the block member of Fig. 1(b), the central bracket member of Fig. 1(f), the block member of Fig. 1(a), and the end bracket member of Fig. 1(c) connected together.

[0040] Figs. 3(b) and (c) show the back side and the side surface of Fig. 3(a) respectively. Figs. 4(a) and (b) show the state where the sensor fixing jig is attached to the pipe 99. Fig. 4(a) shows the state of performing the operation of screwing in the screw 93, and Fig. 4(b) shows the state where the screw is screwed in.

[0041] In the end bracket members 81 and 89, three magnets are respectively attached with screws. As shown in Fig. 4, by the magnets, the end bracket members 81 and 89 can fix the sensor fixing jig to the pipe 99 which is the measurement object.

[0042] The bracket member and the block member can be bent and stretched by connecting them with screws. Therefore, the block member can be in close contact with the surface of the measurement object by bending along the surface of the pipe 99 between the bracket member and the block member.

[0043] The block member 83 holds a sensor that uses the measurement part separated from the measurement object. The block member 83 holds, for example, an ambient temperature sensor that measures the temperature around the measurement object. In this example, since it is held inside, the sensor cannot be seen from the outside. The measurement data obtained by the sensor can be processed by the information processing device through the wiring 103.

[0044] The block member 87 holds the sensor 101 that presses the measurement part against the measurement object. The sensor 101 is an ultrasonic sensor that measures the ultrasonic waves generated in the pipe 99.

[0045] The block member 87 is provided with a sensor pressing portion. The sensor pressing portion includes an auxiliary member 91 formed with a screw hole, an intermediate member 97, and a screw 93. The auxiliary member 91 is attached so as to close the open portion thereof with the intermediate member 97 placed therein with respect to a recessed depression provided in the block main body portion of the block member 87.

[0046] A through hole is provided at a position facing the screw hole of the auxiliary member 91 in the recessed depression provided in the block main body portion of the block member 87. In a state where the block member 87 is attached to the pipe 99, the through hole is at a position close to the pipe 99 and the auxiliary member 91 is at a separated position. The measurement portion of the sensor 101 is held in a space 95 between the through hole and the surface of the pipe 99. The intermediate member 97 exists between the screw hole and the through hole. When the screw 93 is screwed into the screw hole to push the intermediate member 97, the intermediate member 97 protrudes from the through hole to push the measurement portion of the sensor. The intermediate member 97 can press the measurement portion of the sensor against the surface of the pipe 99. Also, by loosening the screw 93, the measurement portion of the sensor can be brought into a state where it does not press against the surface of the measurement object.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, another example of the specific configuration of the sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) will be described. The sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) can be realized by using a pressing member that attracts with the measurement object. In FIGS. 5 and 6, the sensor pressing portion 15 in FIG. 1(a) is realized by using a magnet member 123.

[0048] FIG. 5(a) shows a sensor fixing jig. The sensor fixing jigs in FIGS. 5 and 6 are, with reference to FIG. 5(a), in order from the left, a connection of the end bracket member in FIG. 1(d), the block member in FIG. 1(b), the central bracket member in FIG. 1(f), the block member in FIG. 1(a), and the end bracket member in FIG. 1(c).

[0049] FIG. 5(b) shows the back side of FIG. 5(a). FIG. 6(a) shows the magnet member 123. FIG. 6(b) shows a state where the sensor fixing jig is attached to the pipe 125 and the magnet member 123 is being inserted.

[0050] In the end bracket members 105 and 113, three magnets are respectively attached with screws. As shown in FIG. 6(b), by the magnets, the end bracket members 105 and 113 can fix the sensor fixing jig to the pipe 125 which is the measurement object.

[0051] The bracket member and the block member can be bent and stretched by connecting them with screws. Therefore, the block member can be in close contact with the surface of the measurement object by bending between the bracket member and the block member along the surface of the pipe 125.

[0052] The block member 107 holds a sensor that uses the measurement unit separated from the measurement object. The measurement data obtained by the sensor measurement can be processed by the information processing device through the wiring 121. In this example, the block member 107 and the wiring 121 are the same as the block member 83 and the wiring 103.

[0053] The block member 111 holds a sensor 117 that presses the measurement unit against the measurement object. The sensor 117 is an ultrasonic sensor that measures ultrasonic waves generated in the pipe 125.

[0054] The block member 111 includes a sensor pressing portion. In the block member 111, the surface in contact with the pipe 125 is referred to as the inner surface, and the surface facing the inner surface is referred to as the outer surface. The block member 111 includes a through hole 115 through which the magnet member 123 can move from the outer surface to the inner surface. The sensor pressing portion includes the magnet member 123.

[0055] The measurement unit 119 of the sensor 101 is held in the space between the through hole and the surface of the pipe 99. When the magnet member 123 is attached to the through hole and attracts the pipe 125, the magnet member 123 presses the measurement unit 119 of the sensor. The magnet member 123 can press the measurement unit 119 of the sensor against the surface of the pipe 125. Also, by removing the magnet member 123, the measurement unit 119 of the sensor can be made not to press against the surface of the measurement object.

[0056] The inventors confirmed that ultrasonic transmission and reception are possible in the cases of FIGS. 3 and 4 as well as in the cases of FIGS. 5 and 6. Therefore, for example, a sensor for measuring pipe thickness and a temperature sensor can be fixed simultaneously.

[0057] By pressing using a magnet as in the sensor fixing jigs of FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressing force can be made constant without depending on the operator.

[0058] Also, if a screw is used as in the sensor fixing jig of FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be pressed regardless of the material of the pipe to be measured. However, the pressing force may vary depending on the operator. Therefore, it is desirable to clearly specify the torque management value for a tool capable of torque management (such as a torque wrench).

Explanation of Signs

[0059] 11 Block member 13 Sensor holding part 15 Sensor pressing part 17 Block member 19 Sensor holding part 20 End bracket member 21 Bracket main body part 23 Fixing part 25 Bracket end 27 Bracket end 29 Connecting part 31 Connecting part 32 End bracket member 33 Bracket main body part 35 Fixing part 39 Bracket end 41 Bracket end 43 Connecting part 45 Connecting part 46 Central bracket member 47 Bracket main body part 49 Fixing part 51 Bracket end 53 Bracket end 55 Connecting part 57 Connecting part 59 Connecting part 61 Connecting part 62 Central bracket member 63 Bracket main body part 65 Bracket end part 67 Bracket end part 69 Connecting part 71 Connecting part 73 Connecting part 75 Connecting part

Claims

1. A sensor fixing jig for attaching a sensor to the surface of an object to be measured, comprising: two end bracket members and one or more block members, the block member holds the sensor, if there is one block member, the two end bracket members are connected to the block member, if there are a plurality of block members, the plurality of block members are connected by a central bracket member, and the two block members located at the ends are connected to the two end bracket members, the bracket member and the block member are connected in a state where they can be bent and stretched, at least the end bracket member has a fixing portion for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the object to be measured, A sensor fixing jig, wherein at least one of the block members has a sensor pressing portion for pressing the measuring portion of the sensor against the object to be measured.

2. The object to be measured is for a magnet, The sensor fixing jig according to claim 1, wherein the fixing portion and the sensor pressing portion use a magnet.

3. The sensor fixing jig according to claim 1, wherein the bracket member connected to the block member having the sensor pressing portion has a fixing portion for fixing the sensor fixing jig to the object to be measured.

4. The sensor fixing jig according to claim 1, wherein the sensor pressing portion uses a pressing member attached to the block member.

Images