Sensor module

Abstract

To provide a sensor module capable of acquiring information by a sensor part and transmitting the information by radio without being hindered by a battery.SOLUTION: The sensor module includes the module case 10, the sensor 21 mounted on the 3S of the substrate surface of the substrate 3 housed in the module case 10, the wireless communication unit 22 mounted on the 3S of the substrate surface, and the battery 4 housed in the module case 10 and configured to supply power to the sensor 21 and the wireless communication unit 22, and the battery 4 is disposed at a position not overlapping the wireless communication unit 22 when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the 3S of the substrate surface of the substrate 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] As a technology related to sensor modules, Patent Document 1 describes a foundation pile evaluation system that includes a detection device with a sensor attached to a foundation pile with reinforcing bars, and an evaluation device that evaluates abnormalities in the foundation pile based on the detection information from this detection device.

[0003] In this foundation pile evaluation system, a detection device is electrically connected to the reinforcing bars of foundation piles, such as reinforced concrete piles, allowing the detection device's battery to be charged by supplying power via the reinforcing bars and the sensor's detection information to be extracted via the reinforcing bars.

[0004] Patent document 2 also describes an electronic pile that includes a GPS unit with a GPS antenna, a correction information signal receiving unit that receives correction information signals from a correction information receiving antenna and creates GPS position correction information, a position data signal transmitting / receiving unit that transmits position data from a position data transmitting / receiving antenna and receives instruction signals, and an electronic pile main unit that supplies power.

[0005] This electronic stake is driven into the ground, has sensors that measure temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide gas concentration, and is configured to be wirelessly connectable to the Internet, etc. This allows the position of the electronic stake to be corrected even if it moves, making it possible to obtain environmental data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-21058 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-139321 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] For example, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 can be used to acquire information such as temperature, humidity, gas concentration, and the like at multiple locations, not just on the ground, at any installation location.

[0008] In addition, it is effective to use wireless communication technology to obtain information from multiple installation locations. To transmit information wirelessly, a battery is required as a power source.

[0009] When considering a sensor module that acquires information using sensors and transmits the acquired information using wireless communication technology, what is required is a sensor module that is easy to handle, easy to assemble, and capable of reliably transmitting signals wirelessly.

[0010] In contrast, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not describe a configuration that takes into consideration space saving, ease of assembly, and reliable wireless information transmission. For example, the battery is one of the components of the sensor module that is large, and it was thought that it might interfere with wireless radio wave transmission.

[0011] For these reasons, there is a demand for a sensor module that can acquire information using a sensor unit and transmit the information wirelessly without being hindered by a battery. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The characteristic configuration of the sensor module of the present invention is that it comprises a module case, a sensor unit mounted on the substrate surface of a substrate housed in the module case, a wireless communication unit mounted on the substrate surface, and a battery housed in the module case and supplying power to the sensor unit and the wireless communication unit, the battery being positioned so as not to overlap the wireless communication unit when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

[0013] This configuration enables detection by the sensor unit using power supplied from the battery, and enables wireless information transmission by the wireless communication unit. Furthermore, because the battery is positioned so as not to overlap with the wireless communication unit when viewed perpendicular to the substrate surface, the battery does not interfere with the transmission of wireless signals. Therefore, a sensor module has been constructed that can acquire information with the sensor unit and transmit that information wirelessly without interference from the battery.

[0014] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the wireless communication unit has an antenna unit, and the battery is arranged in a position that does not overlap the antenna unit when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

[0015] This means that the battery is positioned so that it does not overlap the antenna section when viewed perpendicular to the substrate surface, thereby reliably suppressing the phenomenon in which the battery interferes with the transmission of radio waves and enabling good transmission of wireless signals.

[0016] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the module case has a cylindrical main body case having an insertion side opening at at least one end, and an internal frame that is housed in the main body case by being inserted through the insertion side opening, and that the internal frame has, along the insertion direction into the main body case, a board placement section where the board is placed from one side in a direction perpendicular to the board surface, a battery placement section where the battery is placed from the other side in a direction perpendicular to the board surface, and an intermediate wall section that is placed between these.

[0017] According to this, the module case has a cylindrical main body case and an internal frame inserted into the main body case. The internal frame has a board placement section where a board is placed, a battery placement section where a battery is placed, and an intermediate wall section between them, so that the board can be placed in the board placement section and the battery can be placed in the battery placement section. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to place the board in the board placement section on one side of the internal frame in a direction perpendicular to the board surface, and to place the battery in the battery placement section on the other side of the internal frame in a direction perpendicular to the board surface.

[0018] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the intermediate wall portion has an opening formed therein through which a power cable can be inserted to supply power from the battery arranged in the battery arrangement portion to the board.

[0019] With this, since the intermediate wall portion has an opening through which the power cable from the battery in the battery placement portion can be inserted, the power cable can be easily passed through the position of the intermediate wall portion.

[0020] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the board has a power connector on a surface thereof that can be connected to a power plug portion connected to the power cable.

[0021] This allows power from the battery to be supplied to the board by connecting the power plug at the end of the power cable to the power connector on the board surface. Also, because the power plug is connected to the power connector, the connection can be made easier than, for example, a configuration in which wiring is connected by soldering.

[0022] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the internal frame has an external connector in a position exposed from the insertion side opening when the main body case is inserted through the insertion side opening, and that when the internal frame is inserted into the main body case, a cable space for placing an information cable electrically connecting the external connector and the board is formed to the side of the battery placed in the battery placement section.

[0023] This allows cables for acquiring external information to be connected to the external connector exposed from the insertion opening of the main case while the internal frame is housed in the main case. In addition, the information cable electrically connecting the external connector to the board is located in the cable space to the side of the battery in the battery placement section, making it easy to arrange the information cable.

[0024] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the substrate has, on the same substrate surface, the sensor unit, the wireless communication unit, and an information connector that can be connected to a connection plug unit connected to the information cable.

[0025] This allows the external connector and the board to be electrically connected by connecting the connection plug, which is connected to the connection wire electrically connecting to the external connector, to the information connector. Also, in this configuration, since the connection plug portion is connected to the information connector, the connection can be made easier than in a configuration in which wiring is connected by soldering, for example.

[0026] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the main body case has a restriction wall opening formed in the shape of a through hole in a restriction wall that determines the insertion limit when the internal frame is inserted, and the internal frame has an internal wall opening formed in the shape of a through hole in the internal wall into which the internal frame is inserted that is close to or abuts the restriction wall at the insertion limit, and that the restriction wall opening and the internal wall opening are in a positional relationship that overlaps at the insertion limit.

[0027] According to this, by inserting the internal frame into the main body case to the insertion limit, the internal wall of the internal frame overlaps with the restricting wall of the main body case. Since the restricting wall opening of the restricting wall and the internal wall opening of the internal wall overlap in this way, it is possible to insert, for example, a connector for obtaining information through this overlapping portion.

[0028] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that when the internal frame is inserted into the main body case up to the insertion limit, an annular seal seals the gap between the outer periphery of the internal frame near the insertion side opening and the inner periphery of the insertion side opening of the main body case, and when the restriction side opening of the main body case opposite the insertion side opening is closed with a cap, an annular seal seals the gap between the outer periphery of the main body case and the inner periphery of the cap.

[0029] This allows the annular seal to seal between the outer periphery of the inner frame near the insertion-side opening and the inner periphery of the insertion-side opening of the main case when the inner frame is inserted into the main case to its insertion limit. Also, with the restriction-side opening of the main case closed with the cap, the annular seal can seal between the outer periphery of the main case and the inner periphery of the cap. This prevents water and dust from entering the interior space of the main case.

[0030] In addition to the above configuration, it is preferable that the inner frame has an outer wall formed at an end opposite to the inner wall in the insertion direction, with a through hole formed in the outer wall, and the through hole is closed with a membrane body that allows air to pass through but not water.

[0031] This allows air to pass through the membrane as the pressure (atmospheric pressure) outside the module case changes, equalizing the pressure inside the module case with the external pressure. This makes it possible to accurately measure the atmospheric pressure outside the module case even in a configuration where the atmospheric pressure sensor is mounted on the board. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an outer case and a sensor module. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor module as viewed from the side. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor module as viewed from the front-rear direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an outer case and a sensor module. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an inner frame provided with a substrate, as viewed from the inner wall side. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a restricting wall and an inner wall. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the restriction wall and the inner wall in a separated state. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main body case and the vicinity of the outer wall of the inner frame. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sensor module according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The sensor module is not limited to the following embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0034] [Basic configuration] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, an information acquisition unit A is configured by housing a sensor module S in an outer case 1. The information acquisition unit A is installed inside a factory or outdoors, and transmits information detected by the internal sensor module S to the outside via wireless communication. The sensor module S is also configured to receive wireless communication signals from the outside and to be able to perform necessary settings.

[0035] By using multiple information acquisition units A, it is possible to acquire information about an area where multiple information acquisition units A are installed. When multiple information acquisition units A are used in this way, information transmitted by wireless communication from each information acquisition unit A is received by a management unit (not shown) located outside the information acquisition unit A. The management unit identifies the installation location of each of the multiple information acquisition units A based on the information received from the sensor module S, and acquires environmental information for each installation location. This enables the management unit to analyze and manage the environmental information. The management unit may be fixed or movable.

[0036] 2, the sensor module S is connected to an external cable 2, which is drawn out from a hole in the outer case 1. The external cable 2 can be connected to an external sensor (not shown), and the sensor module S is configured to be able to obtain information obtained by the external sensor via the external cable 2 and transmit the information via wireless communication.

[0037] The sensor module S is configured to be able to obtain power from an external power supply device or the like via an external cable 2. The sensor module S is configured to be able to operate using power obtained via the external cable 2 and to charge the obtained power into the battery 4. The battery 4 is configured to include a first battery pack 4a (an example of a battery) and a second battery pack 4b (an example of a battery). The first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b can be combined into a single battery pack, or either the first battery pack 4a or the second battery pack 4b can be omitted.

[0038] The outer case 1 is used in the position shown in Fig. 1. For this reason, the horizontal direction along the board surface 3S of the board 3 shown in Fig. 3 is referred to as the horizontal direction X, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the board surface 3S shown in Fig. 2 is referred to as the front-back direction Y, and the up-down direction (the direction of gravity and the opposite direction) is referred to as the vertical direction Z.

[0039] In the following explanation, the positional relationship of each part of the sensor module S will be explained in accordance with these directions. In particular, the lower side of the outer case 1 and the sensor module S in the vertical direction Z will be referred to as the lower end, and the opposite side will be referred to as the upper end.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the outer case 1 has a case portion 1a and a lid portion 1b that closes the opening at the top end of the case portion 1a.

[0041] [Sensor module] As shown in Fig. 4, the sensor module S is configured by housing a substrate 3 and a battery 4 in a cylindrical module case 10. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the module case 10 has a cylindrical main body case 11 and an internal frame 15 housed in the main body case 11.

[0042] [Sensor module: main body case] The main body case 11 is cylindrical and, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, has an insertion side opening 11a formed on the lower side in the vertical direction Z, and a restriction side opening 11b formed on the upper side in the vertical direction Z, opposite to the insertion side opening 11a.

[0043] The main body case 11 has a restriction wall 12 inside near the restriction side opening 11b. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, this restriction wall 12 has a restriction wall opening 12a formed in the shape of a through hole. The restriction wall 12 has a plurality of (three in this embodiment) engagement recesses 12b formed along the vertical direction Z and recessed upward in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the main body case 11 has a male thread portion 11s formed on the outer periphery near the restriction side opening 11b.

[0044] The restriction-side opening 11b of the main body case 11 is closed by screwing the cap 13, which has a female thread portion 13s on its inner periphery, onto the male thread portion 11s. Note that the method for attaching the cap 13 to the main body case 11 is not limited to screwing, as long as it closes the restriction-side opening 11b.

[0045] In this manner, in the module case 10, with the restriction side opening 11b of the main case 11 closed by the cap 13, the gap between the outer periphery of the main case 11 and the inner periphery of the cap 13 is sealed by the annular seal 31.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the main body case 11 accommodates a first battery pack 4a and a second battery pack 4b, each of which serves as a battery 4. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the first battery pack 4a is arranged in the battery arrangement section 15b of the inner frame 15, and the second battery pack 4b is arranged in a battery arrangement space 15g formed by the inner frame 15 and the main body case 11 on the back side of the board surface 3S of the board 3. The first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are fixed to the inner frame 15. The battery 4 may be at least one primary battery or a secondary battery, and can be configured to supply power based on power obtained by at least one of self-power generation and wireless power supply. Self-power generation refers to ambient power generation using, for example, photovoltaic power generation, thermal power generation, or kinetic energy such as vibration. In this case, the battery 4 may be configured using a self-power generation element. Contactless power supply is power supply that is performed without contacting the terminals of a wireless power supply receiving coil or a rod-shaped, horn-shaped, or a receiving antenna formed in a pattern on a substrate, for example. Of course, it can also be configured using other elements with power supply functions.

[0047] In this embodiment, the first battery pack 4a is capable of outputting a predetermined voltage, and the second battery pack 4b is capable of outputting either the same voltage as the first battery pack 4a or a different voltage, for example, a voltage approximately half that of the first battery pack 4a.

[0048] [Sensor module: internal frame] As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 5 to 7, the inner frame 15 has an inner wall 16 formed integrally with the upper end (hereinafter also referred to as the leading end) in the vertical direction Z. Also, as shown in Figures 2, 3, and 8, the inner frame 15 has an outer wall 17 formed integrally with the end (hereinafter also referred to as the rear end) opposite the inner wall 16. The inner wall 16 and the outer wall 17 are formed in the shape of plates perpendicular to the vertical direction Z.

[0049] An inner wall opening 16a is formed in the shape of a through hole in the inner wall 16. Furthermore, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) engaging protrusions 16b protruding along the vertical direction Z are formed in the inner wall 16. The engaging protrusions 16b are arranged at positions where they can engage with the engaging recesses 12b described above when viewed in the vertical direction Z.

[0050] With this configuration, when the internal frame 15 is inserted into the main body case 11 of the module case 10 and the multiple engaging protrusions 16b are engaged with the multiple engaging recesses 12b, the relative posture of the internal frame 15 with respect to the circumferential direction of the main body case 11 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "relative posture") is determined.

[0051] By determining the relative posture in this manner, in the module case 10, the restriction wall opening 12a of the restriction wall 12 and the inner wall opening 16a of the inner wall 16 overlap when viewed in the direction along the vertical direction Z. In particular, the opening area of ​​the restriction wall opening 12a is set to be larger than the opening area of ​​the inner wall opening 16a, but the opening areas may be the same or may be smaller than the opening area of ​​the inner wall opening 16a, as long as the restriction wall opening 12a and the inner wall opening 16a at least partially overlap when viewed in the direction along the vertical direction Z.

[0052] In the module case 10, the internal frame 15 is inserted into the main body case 11, and as shown in Figure 6, the protruding ends of the engaging protrusions 16b abut against the bottoms of the engaging recesses 12b in a state where the multiple engaging protrusions 16b fit into the multiple engaging recesses 12b, thereby determining the insertion limit of the internal frame 15.

[0053] When the internal frame 15 of the module case 10 is inserted into the main case 11 up to its insertion limit, the internal wall 16 comes into close proximity with the restriction wall opening 12a. When the internal frame 15 of the module case 10 is inserted up to its insertion limit, the engagement holes 11f and the engagement protrusions 15f engage with each other, as shown in Fig. 8, thereby holding the internal frame 15 in the main case 11. If the internal frame 15 has not yet reached its insertion limit, the internal frame 15 will be rotatable within the main case 11. Therefore, insert the internal frame 15 while checking that it cannot rotate.

[0054] That is, the multiple engaging protrusions 15f can be displaced radially inward by utilizing elastic deformation of the material of the inner frame 15, and are elastically displaced radially inward when the inner frame 15 is inserted tip-first into the main body case 11. When the inner frame 15 reaches its insertion limit in this elastically displaced state, the engaging protrusions 15f are restored radially outward by elastic force and engage with the engaging holes 11f.

[0055] The insertion limit of the internal frame 15 at which the engagement state is achieved can be selected from the following design options: the protruding end of the engagement protrusion 16b abuts against the bottom of the engagement recess 12b, the internal wall 16 abuts against the restricting wall 12, or the flange 15e at the upper end of the internal frame 15 abuts against the upper end of the main body case 11. The number and positions of the engagement holes 11f and engagement protrusions 15f can be combined with the number and positions of the engagement recesses 12b and engagement protrusions 16b to create a structure in which the internal frame 15 can only be inserted to its insertion limit in a predetermined direction (the direction in which the board surface 3S is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction Y) within the main body case 11. The main body case 11 has a cylindrical exterior shape with a portion cut out (D-cut), and the rear end tubular portion 15d of the internal frame 15 has a cylindrical shape with a portion cut out (D-cut) to make it easier to identify the specified direction and facilitate insertion to the insertion limit at which the internal frame 15 is engaged.

[0056] 6, bolt insertion holes are formed in the bottom of the engagement recess 12b, and recesses are formed in the engagement protrusion 16b. As a result, the positions of the main body case 11 and the inner frame 15 in the vertical direction Z are fixed by threading the bolts 14 inserted into the respective bolt insertion holes into the recesses of the engagement protrusion 16b.

[0057] As shown in Figure 2, the internal frame 15 has, between the internal wall 16 and the external wall 17, a board placement section 15a where the board 3 is placed from one side in the front-to-back direction Y (the right side in the front-to-back direction Y in Figure 2), a battery placement section 15b where the battery 4 (the first battery pack 4a described later) is placed from the other side in the front-to-back direction Y (the left side in the front-to-back direction Y in Figure 2), and an intermediate wall section 15c located between them.

[0058] The inner frame 15, by the main body case 11, defines a battery arrangement space 15g on the rear side of the board surface 3S of the board 3 in which the battery 4 (a second battery pack 4b described later) is arranged.

[0059] The battery placement section 15b has a structure that is open toward the bottom surface of the board 3 (left direction in the front-rear direction Y in FIG. 2). The battery placement space 15g has a structure that is surrounded by the main body case 11 on the side opposite to the board 3 of the board placement section 15a (left direction in the front-rear direction Y in FIG. 2).

[0060] The inner wall 16 is disk-shaped and comes close to the inner periphery near the restriction-side opening 11b of the main body case 11 when the inner frame 15 is inserted to its insertion limit as shown in Fig. 6. The rear end tubular portion 15d of the outer wall 17 of the inner frame 15 is cylindrical and comes close to the inner periphery of the insertion-side opening 11a of the main body case 11 when the inner frame 15 is inserted to its insertion limit as shown in Fig. 8.

[0061] In particular, as partially explained above, when the internal frame 15 is inserted into the main body case 11 up to its insertion limit, the engaging protrusions 15f of the internal frame 15 fit into the engaging holes 11f of the main body case 11, thereby holding the internal frame 15 relative to the main body case 11.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, when the internal frame 15 is inserted into the main body case 11 to the insertion limit, the position of the internal frame 15 in the vertical direction Z relative to the main body case 11 is fixed by inserting the bolt 14 into the bolt insertion hole at the bottom of the engagement recess 12b of the regulating wall 12 and screwing the bolt 14 into the recess of the internal wall 16.

[0063] With the inner frame 15 inserted and fixed in the main body case 11 in this manner, an annular seal 31 is arranged between the inner periphery of the insertion-side opening 11a of the main body case 11 and the outer periphery of the rear end tubular portion 15d of the inner frame 15 so as to seal the gap between them. The annular seal 31 may be of the same specifications as the annular seal 31 arranged between the outer periphery of the main body case 11 and the inner periphery of the cap 13, or may be of different specifications with different size, cross-sectional shape, material, etc.

[0064] 2, 3, and 8, the outer wall 17 has an external connector 18 at its central position. The external cable 2 is connected to the outer end of this external connector 18. A through-hole 17a is formed in the outer wall 17, and this through-hole 17a is closed with a membrane 32 (e.g., a porous film) that allows air to pass through but prevents water from passing through.

[0065] By providing the membrane body 32 in this way, even if the atmospheric pressure outside the module case 10 changes, the pressure inside the module case 10 and the pressure outside (atmospheric pressure) will be equal.

[0066] [Internal frame: circuit board] As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the board placement portion 15a of the internal frame 15 is plate-shaped, and the board 3 is placed in a position parallel to the surface of this plate.

[0067] The substrate 3 has a substrate surface 3S, on which a plurality of sensor units 21, a wireless communication unit 22, a card connector 23, a connector unit 24, a power connector 25, and an information connector 26 are mounted, as shown in Figures 3 and 5.

[0068] In particular, the power connector 25 and the information connector 26 are arranged near the upper end in the vertical direction Z of the board surface 3S of the board 3. The board 3 also includes a one-chip microcomputer and memory (not shown) that control the sensor module S.

[0069] The sensor unit 21 may be a sensor that functions as a global positioning system (GPS), a temperature sensor that acquires air temperature, a pressure sensor that acquires pressure such as atmospheric pressure, or a vibration sensor that detects vibration.

[0070] The sensor module S can use, as the sensor unit 21, non-contact sensors such as a millimeter wave sensor that detects millimeter waves, a magnetic sensor that detects magnetic fields, a temperature sensor that detects temperature, an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration, and a gyro sensor that detects positional changes. These sensors are set as specifications of the sensor module S.

[0071] The magnetic sensor may be a Hall sensor using the Hall effect, an MR sensor, or an MI sensor, while the pressure sensor may be a capacitance type or a piezo-resistance type.

[0072] As a modified example, the sensor module S can be configured so that the sensor unit 21 inside the main body case 11 measures the distance to an external detection target, acquires external images, acquires external light rays, etc. To realize such a modified example, by forming openings in the outer case 1 and the main body case 11, it is possible to use an ultrasonic distance sensor or the like that measures the distance to an object, an image sensor that acquires image information, etc. in the sensor unit 21, or it is also possible to import information acquired by an external sensor connected to the external cable 2.

[0073] The wireless communication unit 22 has a built-in antenna unit 22a that enables transmission and reception of signals via wireless communication. As shown in Fig. 3, the wireless communication unit 22 is not limited to being composed of a single component, but may be configured to have the antenna unit 22a formed as part of printed wiring on the board surface 3S of the board 3. Alternatively, the wireless communication unit 22 may be configured to have a plurality of components and separate antenna units 22a for transmission and reception on the board surface 3S of the board 3, or may be an antenna module connected to the board 3 by an electric wire.

[0074] The wireless communication unit 22 is one that enables the use of LPWA (abbreviation for Low Power Wide Area) as a long-distance wireless standard, a mobile communication technology standard called 5G, and LTE (abbreviation for Long Term Evolution) as a mobile phone communication standard.

[0075] This communication technology is realized by using the communication lines of a communication carrier (communication line operator). For this reason, a SIM card (not shown) storing information such as the information of the communication carrier with which a contract for use of the communication line has been made in advance is inserted into the card connector 23. SIM is an abbreviation for Subscriber Identity Module.

[0076] In addition, the wireless communication unit 22 may use communication technologies such as WiFi technology (WiFi is a registered trademark related to wireless LAN) as a short-range wireless standard, Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc., and may be compatible with both long-range and short-range wireless standards.

[0077] The connector unit 24 is disposed at the upper end of the board 3, and enables control of access to information via a terminal 24a on the back side of the board surface 3S. This terminal 24a conforms to the USB (abbreviation / registered trademark) standard, and is disposed at a position where a part of it fits inside the inner wall opening 16a of the inner wall 16.

[0078] When the internal frame 15 of the module case 10 is inserted into the main body case 11 to its insertion limit, the restriction wall opening 12a and the internal wall opening 16a are positioned so as to closely overlap each other. Therefore, the module case 10 is configured so that a USB-standard plug can be inserted through the restriction wall opening 12a and the internal wall opening 16a and connected to the terminal 24a of the connector unit 24.

[0079] The power connector 25 is supplied with power from the battery 4 by connecting the power plug portion 5a of the power cable 5 extending from the first battery pack 4a. This power cable 5 is inserted into an opening 15cs formed by cutting out a portion of the intermediate wall 15c, as shown in Figure 5. Note that if the power cable 5 does not have the power plug portion 5a at its tip and is electrically connected by soldering directly to the board 3, the board 3 may have a through-hole electrode or a surface electrode formed by a pattern instead of the power connector 25.

[0080] An information plug portion 6a of an information cable 6 extending from external connector 18 is connected to information connector 26, and external information is transmitted via external cable 2 connected to external connector 18. As shown in FIG. 2, information cable 6 is disposed in cable space 6S formed in battery placement section 15b between the outer surface of first battery pack 4a and the inner surface of main body case 11. Note that if information cable 6 does not have information plug portion 6a at its tip and is electrically connected by soldering directly to board 3, board 3 may have through-hole electrodes or surface electrodes formed by a pattern instead of information connector 26.

[0081] [Internal frame: battery placement area, etc.] As explained above, the sensor module S uses, as the batteries 4, a first battery pack 4a and a second battery having the same voltage as or a different voltage from the first battery pack 4a.

[0082] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the battery placement section 15b of the internal frame 15 has a wall structure in which a portion of the outer wall is close to the inner circumference of the main body case 11, and the first battery pack 4a is placed so that it is at least partially housed inside this wall structure.

[0083] The first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b each include a plurality of primary or secondary batteries that are integrated together using a film, tape, case, or the like.

[0084] As partially explained above, the first battery pack 4a is placed in the battery placement section 15b of the internal frame 15, and the second battery pack 4b is placed in the battery placement space 15g of the internal frame 15 on the back side of the board 3. The first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are fixed to the internal frame 15 using screws or a battery case, but the method of fixing the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b to the internal frame 15 is not limited to these.

[0085] The wireless communication unit 22 has a built-in antenna unit 22a, which radiates a strong wireless signal in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface 3S of the substrate 3. For this reason, the region that radiates a strong wireless signal is called a transmission region E, as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

[0086] In the sensor module S, the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are arranged in positions that do not overlap with the antenna unit 22a when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface 3S of the substrate 3. Furthermore, in the sensor module S, the batteries 4 (the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b) are arranged in positions that do not overlap with the transmission area E when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface 3S of the substrate 3, so as to efficiently transmit the wireless signal radiated from the antenna unit 22a.

[0087] By setting the positional relationship between the antenna unit 22a and the battery 4 in this manner, the management unit can receive the radio signal emitted from the antenna unit 22a without it being blocked by the battery 4 and without being significantly attenuated.

[0088] [How to assemble the sensor module] Next, we will explain how to assemble the sensor module S. When assembling the sensor module S, the board 3 on which the sensor section 21, wireless communication section 22, card connector 23, connector unit 24, power connector 25, information connector 26, etc. are mounted is fixed to the board placement section 15a of the internal frame 15 with screws or the like (not shown).

[0089] The first battery pack 4a is fixed in a state where it is housed in the battery placement section 15b of the internal frame 15, and the second battery pack 4b is fixed in the battery placement space 15g on the back side of the board surface 3S of the board 3. Furthermore, an external connector 18 is fixed to the external wall 17 of the internal frame 15. In this state, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the power plug section 5a of the power cable 5 that sends power from the first battery pack 4a is connected to the power connector 25 of the board 3, and the information plug section 6a of the information cable 6 that sends information from the external connector 18 is connected to the information connector 26 of the board 3.

[0090] Next, the internal frame 15 is inserted along the vertical direction Z from the insertion side opening 11a of the main body case 11, and the main body case 11 and the internal frame 15 are rotated relatively around the vertical direction Z along the circumferential direction of the main body case 11 so that the multiple engaging protrusions 16b of the tip side internal wall 16 engage with the multiple engaging recesses 12b of the regulating wall 12 of the main body case 11, and the D-cut shape of the main body case 11 and the D-cut shape of the rear end tubular portion 15d of the internal frame 15 are aligned and inserted.

[0091] By such insertion, the multiple engaging protrusions 16b engage with the multiple engaging recesses 12b, and the protruding ends of the engaging protrusions 16b come into contact with the bottoms of the engaging recesses 12b, causing the inner frame 15 to reach its insertion limit.

[0092] Furthermore, when the main body case 11 reaches its insertion limit, an engagement protrusion 15f formed on the rear end of the inner frame 15 engages with an engagement hole 11f formed near the insertion-side opening 11a of the main body case 11, thereby holding the inner frame 15 to the main body case 11. When the main body case 11 reaches its insertion limit in this manner, the bolt 14 inserted into the bolt insertion hole at the bottom of the engagement recess 12b is screwed into the recess of the engagement protrusion 16b, thereby fixing the inner frame 15 to the main body case 11.

[0093] Furthermore, when inserting the inner frame 15 into the main body case 11, the inner frame 15 is inserted with the annular seal 31 attached to the rear end tubular portion 15d of the inner frame 15 so that the annular seal 31 is positioned between the inner circumference of the insertion side opening 11a of the main body case 11 and the outer circumference of the rear end tubular portion 15d of the inner frame 15.

[0094] In this way, the inner frame 15 is housed and fixed in the main body case 11. Then, with the annular seal 31 attached to the outer periphery of the restriction side opening 11b of the main body case 11, the female thread portion 13s of the cap 13 is screwed into the male thread portion 11s of the main body case 11. Furthermore, with the annular seal 31 disposed between the outer periphery of the restriction side opening 11b and the inner periphery of the cap 13, the cap 13 is fixed.

[0095] This completes the assembly of module case 10, which has a configuration in which inner frame 15 is housed in main body case 11.

[0096] The sensor module S assembled in this manner is housed in the outer case 1 with the cap 13 of the main case 11 facing upward. When external sensors are used, an external cable 2 is connected to the external connector 18 and is drawn out to the outside of the outer case 1.

[0097] The sensor module S thus housed in the outer case 1 is installed and used in a factory work site or in an indoor or outdoor location where environmental information needs to be acquired, in the position shown in Fig. 1. The external cable 2 enables acquisition of environmental information in an area distant from the outer case 1.

[0098] [Effects of the embodiment] (1) Battery and wireless communication unit The sensor module S accommodates a sensor unit 21, a wireless communication unit 22, and a battery 4 that supplies power in a module case 10. In particular, since the battery 4 is the largest component of the sensor module S, by arranging the battery 4 in a position that does not overlap with a transmission area E based on the antenna unit 22a of the wireless communication unit 22, transmission of information by wireless communication is not impeded.

[0099] Furthermore, since the sensor module S is equipped with batteries 4 (first battery pack 4a and second battery pack 4b), information acquired by the sensor module S can be transmitted to the outside via wireless communication without an external power supply. Furthermore, the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b can be configured to output different voltages and used as separate power sources, but the second battery pack 4b can be used as an auxiliary battery to extend the battery life of the first battery pack 4a or to increase the voltage of the battery 4, making it possible to match the required battery life and the power supply voltage specifications required for the sensor module S.

[0100] (2) Battery placement The internal frame 15 has a structure in which the battery placement section 15b and the battery placement space 15g are offset in the vertical direction Z, and the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b can be attached to and separated from each other in a direction perpendicular to the board surface 3S of the board 3. Therefore, when replacing the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b, the internal frame 15 is removed from the main body case 11, and the screws that secure the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are removed, and the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are then removed and replaced.

[0101] Furthermore, because the first battery pack 4a and the second battery pack 4b are attached to the internal frame 15 from the opposite direction to the board 3, there is no need to remove the board 3 from the internal frame 15 every time the first battery pack 4a or the second battery pack 4b is replaced due to the end of its battery life, etc. In other words, the board 3 can be fixed to the internal frame 15 using tapping screws, adhesive, or the like, without having to repeatedly remove the board 3 from the internal frame 15 in order to attach it to the internal frame 15.

[0102] (3) Connector unit By removing the cap 13, the sensor module S exposes the inner wall opening 16a inside the opening of the restricting wall opening 12a, and the terminal 24a of the connector unit 24 is exposed in this inner wall opening 16a. Due to this positional relationship, a USB-standard plug can be easily connected to the terminal 24a of the connector unit 24 from a position outside the restricting wall 12.

[0103] This allows, for example, easy updating of firmware stored in the memory of a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and also makes it possible to charge the battery 4.

[0104] Furthermore, by using a connector unit 24 that is configured to acquire information from an IC card, it can be used for authentication of wireless communication standards. Furthermore, by setting a storage medium such as a flash memory as the IC card, it becomes possible to store information acquired by the sensor unit 21 in the storage medium.

[0105] (4) External cable By connecting the external cable 2 to an external sensor (not shown), it is possible to provide information acquired by the external sensor to the sensor module S, thereby expanding the area and type of information that can be acquired. Furthermore, by using, as the external sensor connected to the external cable 2, sensors that are not provided on the substrate 3, such as a water level sensor that detects the water level of a river or lake, an air flow sensor that detects airflow, a gas sensor that detects the concentration of a specific gas contained in the air, a soil moisture sensor that measures the moisture content of the soil, or a soil salinity sensor that measures the salinity concentration of the soil, it is possible to expand the range of objects that can be sensed.

[0106] Furthermore, the external cable 2 can also be used to charge the battery 4 by supplying power from an external power supply device, thereby extending the usable time of the information acquisition unit A.

[0107] (5) Relationship between the board and the cable The power connector 25 of the board 3 is supplied with power from the battery 4 by connecting the power plug portion 5a of the power cable 5 from the first battery pack 4a. This power cable 5 is inserted into an opening 15cs formed by cutting out a part of the middle wall portion 15c as shown in Figure 5, so that the power cable 5 can be easily arranged.

[0108] Furthermore, the information connector 26 of the board 3 transmits information to the board 3 by connecting an information plug portion 6a of an information cable 6 which is connected to the external connector 18. The information cable 6 is inserted into the cable space 6S between the outer surface of the first battery pack 4a and the inner surface of the main body case 11, so that the information cable 6 can be easily arranged.

[0109] (6) Sensor module The sensor module S is not limited to being configured to simply transmit information detected by the sensor unit 21 via wireless communication, but can also be configured to, for example, calculate the propagation speed of sound waves traveling through the air based on temperature information and transmit it via wireless communication.

[0110] Similarly, when multiple information acquisition units A are used, for example, when an earthquake vibration is detected by a vibration sensor, it is possible to configure the system so that the epicenter is estimated by calculation based on the difference in timing at which the multiple installed information acquisition units A detect the vibration, the direction of the vibration, the magnitude of the amplitude, etc., and then transmit this information via wireless communication. Furthermore, it is possible to compare the information obtained by the multiple information acquisition units A and perform analysis based on the relative difference in information between the information acquisition units.

[0111] (7) Sealing structure The sensor module S is configured as a module case 10 having a structure in which an internal frame 15 is inserted into a cylindrical main body case 11. The module case 10 seals the restriction side opening 11b of the main body case 11 with an annular seal 31 and a cap 13, and seals the insertion side opening 11a of the main body case 11 with an annular seal 31, thereby maintaining the internal space of the main body case 11 in a watertight and airtight state.

[0112] Such a sealed structure enables the sensor module S to prevent the inconvenience of current leakage from the battery 4 due to the influence of water, and to prevent malfunction of the sensors provided on the substrate 3. It also prevents dust from entering from the outside, which does not reduce the detection performance of the sensors.

[0113] In particular, since the outer wall 17 of the inner frame 15 is sealed with a membrane 32 that allows air to pass through but not water, when the air pressure outside the module case 10 changes, the air pressure inside and outside the module case 10 becomes equal, making it possible to measure the outside air pressure with the sensor unit 21 while maintaining an airtight state.

[0114] [Another embodiment] The present invention may be configured as follows in addition to the above-described embodiment (common numbers and symbols as in the embodiment are used to designate components having the same functions as in the embodiment).

[0115] (a) Only a single case is used as the module case 10. In the embodiment, the module case 10 is made up of the main body case 11 and the internal frame 15, but in this alternative embodiment (a), for example, it is also conceivable to configure the sensor module S by accommodating the substrate 3 and the battery 4 in the main body case 11 and sealing both ends of the main body case 11 with lid-like members or the like.

[0116] (b) The antenna portion 22a is formed by using part of the metal foil wiring pattern formed on the substrate surface 3S as the antenna portion 22a or by providing a conductive member on the substrate surface 3S. In this configuration, it is possible to impart directionality to the wiring pattern by changing its shape.

[0117] (c) In the embodiment, the battery 4 is configured not to be placed in an area that does not overlap with the transmission area E. Because the wireless communication unit 22 emits wireless signals (radio waves) all around the main body case 11, it is also possible to configure the battery 4 so that it does not overlap with the wireless communication unit 22 when viewed in the direction along the board surface 3S (lateral direction X). This configuration enables even better transmission of wireless signals (radio waves).

[0118] (d) The number of batteries 4 housed in the main body case 11 can be set as desired. In addition, the sensor module S can be designed so that the length of the main body case 11 along the vertical direction Z can be set as desired. Therefore, by increasing the length of the main body case 11, a large number of batteries 4 can be housed, thereby extending the usable period of the sensor module S.

[0119] Furthermore, the configurations disclosed in the above embodiments (including other embodiments, the same applies below) can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradictions arise. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are examples, and the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope that does not deviate from the purpose of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0120] The present invention can be used in a sensor module. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 3: Circuit board 3S: Board surface 4a: 1st battery (battery) 4b: 2nd battery (battery) 5: Power cable 5a: Power plug section 6: Information cable 6S: Cable space 10: Module case 11: Main unit case 11a: Insertion side opening 11b: Restriction side opening 12: Regulatory barriers 12a: Regulation wall opening 13: Cap 15: Internal frame 15a: Board placement part 15b:Battery placement part 15c: Intermediate wall part 15cs: Open part 16: Internal wall 16a: Internal wall opening 17:External wall 17a: Through hole 18: External connector 21: Sensor unit 22: Wireless communication unit 22a: Antenna section 25: Power connector 26: Information Connector 31: Annular seal 32: Membrane body S: Sensor module

Claims

1. A module case, a sensor unit mounted on a substrate surface of a substrate accommodated in the module case; a wireless communication unit mounted on the substrate surface; a battery housed in the module case and supplying power to the sensor unit and the wireless communication unit; The battery is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the wireless communication unit when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

2. the wireless communication unit has an antenna unit, The sensor module according to claim 1 , wherein the battery is disposed at a position that does not overlap the antenna portion when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate surface of the substrate.

3. the module case has a cylindrical main body case having an insertion side opening at at least one end, and an internal frame that is inserted through the insertion side opening and accommodated in the main body case, The sensor module of claim 1, wherein the internal frame is arranged along the insertion direction into the main body case, with a board placement section where the board is placed from one side perpendicular to the board surface, a battery placement section where the battery is placed from the other side perpendicular to the board surface, and an intermediate wall section arranged between them.

4. The sensor module according to claim 3 , wherein the intermediate wall portion has an opening through which a power cable can be inserted to supply power from the battery arranged in the battery arrangement portion to the circuit board.

5. The sensor module according to claim 4 , wherein the substrate is provided on a surface thereof with a power connector that can be connected to a power plug portion connected to the power cable.

6. the internal frame includes an external connector at a position exposed from the insertion-side opening when the main body case is inserted through the insertion-side opening, 4. The sensor module according to claim 3, wherein when the internal frame is inserted into the main body case, a cable space for arranging an information cable electrically connecting the external connector and the substrate is formed to the side of the battery arranged in the battery arrangement section.

7. The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the substrate has the sensor unit, the wireless communication unit, and an information connector that can be connected to a connection plug unit connected to the information cable on the same substrate surface.

8. The main body case has a restriction wall that determines an insertion limit when the internal frame is inserted, and a restriction wall opening is formed in the shape of a through hole in the restriction wall, the inner frame has an inner wall opening formed in the shape of a through hole in an inner wall into which the inner frame is inserted and which is adjacent to or abuts against the restricting wall at the insertion limit; The sensor module according to claim 6 , wherein the restriction wall opening and the inner wall opening are in a positional relationship where they overlap at the insertion limit.

9. 9. The sensor module of claim 8, wherein when the internal frame is inserted into the main body case up to the insertion limit, an annular seal seals the gap between the outer periphery of the internal frame near the insertion side opening and the inner periphery of the insertion side opening of the main body case, and when a restriction side opening of the main body case opposite the insertion side opening is closed with a cap, an annular seal seals the gap between the outer periphery of the main body case and the inner periphery of the cap.

10. 9. The sensor module according to claim 8, wherein the inner frame has an outer wall formed at an end opposite the inner wall in the insertion direction, and the outer wall has a through hole, the through hole being closed with a membrane that allows air to pass through but not water.

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