Magnetic Sensor Unit

Abstract

A magnetic sensor unit is provided that allows a magnetic sensor to be brought close to an object to be measured and allows the magnetic sensor to be easily attached and detached. [Solution] The magnetic sensor unit 3 includes a magnetic sensor 10 and a holding member 20 that detachably holds the magnetic sensor 10. A first locking portion 13 configured as a recess 14 is formed on a side surface 10c of the magnetic sensor 10. The holding member 20 has a base portion 21 and an extending portion 22 extending from the base portion 21, the extending portion 22 having a second locking portion 24 configured as a protrusion 25 that corresponds to the recess 14. The second locking portion 24 is locked to the first locking portion 13, whereby the magnetic sensor 10 is detachably held by the holding member 20.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a magnetic field detection device that includes a housing (headgear) to be worn on the subject's head and multiple magnetic sensors that detect magnetic field vectors emanating from the subject's head. In the device described in Patent Document 1, the magnetic sensors are fixed to the headgear by a sensor fixing part having a sensor fixing pin (Fig. 15). When fixed, the sensor fixing pin catches on the magnetic sensor, thereby fixing the magnetic sensor to the headgear. Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a configuration in which the magnetic sensors are fixed by screws (Fig. 5). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-146408 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-168138 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The magnetic sensors described above are required to measure magnetic fields with high sensitivity. Because magnetic fields attenuate in proportion to the square of the distance, it is necessary to place the magnetic sensors as close as possible to the object to be measured (e.g., a subject). In this regard, with the clamping method of fixing the magnetic sensor as in Patent Document 1, the magnetic sensor may become separated from the object to be measured, making it impossible to measure the magnetic field with high sensitivity. Furthermore, in the devices described above, multiple magnetic sensors are attached to an attachment member such as headgear. The headgear may be replaced to match the shape of the object to be measured, in which case the magnetic sensors must be attached to a different headgear. Therefore, the magnetic sensors are required to be easily attached and detached.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a magnetic sensor unit that allows the magnetic sensor to be brought close to the object to be measured and allows the magnetic sensor to be easily attached and detached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention is [1] "a magnetic sensor unit comprising: a magnetic sensor; and a holding member that detachably holds the magnetic sensor; a first locking portion formed on the outer surface of the magnetic sensor and consisting of at least one of a recess and a protrusion; the holding member having a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion, the extension portion having a second locking portion formed on the extension portion and consisting of at least one of a protrusion corresponding to the recess and a recess corresponding to the protrusion; the second locking portion being engaged with the first locking portion, thereby detachably holding the magnetic sensor by the holding member."

[0007] In this magnetic sensor unit, a first locking portion composed of at least one of a recess and a protrusion is formed on the outer surface of the magnetic sensor, and a second locking portion composed of at least one of a protrusion corresponding to the recess of the first locking portion and a recess corresponding to the protrusion of the first locking portion is formed on the extension portion of the holding member. The second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, thereby detachably holding the magnetic sensor by the holding member. By adopting such a holding structure, the magnetic sensor can be brought closer to the object to be measured compared to, for example, a case in which the magnetic sensor is sandwiched between two holding members. Furthermore, since the magnetic sensor is detachably held by the engagement between the first locking portion formed on the outer surface of the magnetic sensor and the second locking portion formed on the extension portion, the magnetic sensor can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, this magnetic sensor unit allows the magnetic sensor to be brought closer to the object to be measured and the magnetic sensor to be easily attached and detached.

[0008] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [2] "the magnetic sensor unit according to [1], wherein the holding member further has a guide portion extending from the base portion, and the magnetic sensor is guided by the guide portion when the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be easily attached to the holding member.

[0009] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [3] "the magnetic sensor unit according to [2], wherein the guide portion is arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between the guide portion and the extension portion." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be more easily attached to the holding member.

[0010] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [4] "the magnetic sensor unit according to [2] or [3], wherein the length by which the guide portion extends from the base portion is longer than the length by which the extension portion extends from the base portion." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be easily attached to the holding member.

[0011] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [5] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein at least one of the first locking portion and the second locking portion is formed with an inclined surface that guides the first locking portion or the second locking portion when the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member and / or when the magnetic sensor is detached from the holding member." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be easily attached to or detached from the holding member. In this specification, "A and / or B" means "at least one of A and B."

[0012] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [6] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the magnetic sensor is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion, the extension portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are each provided in pairs, and the pair of extension portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a direction perpendicular to the long side of the magnetic sensor." In this case, the shape of the magnetic sensor unit when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion can be made compact.

[0013] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [7] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the magnetic sensor is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the extending direction of the extending portion, the extending portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are each provided in pairs, and the pair of extending portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a direction perpendicular to the short side of the magnetic sensor." In this case, when multiple magnetic sensor units are arranged along a direction parallel to the short side of the magnetic sensor, dead space can be reduced, thereby improving arrangement efficiency.

[0014] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be [8] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the magnetic sensor is formed in a square or rectangular shape when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion, four extension portions, four first locking portions, and four second locking portions are provided, and the four extension portions are arranged so as to face four outer surfaces of the magnetic sensor, respectively, when viewed from the extension direction." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be stably held by a holding member.

[0015] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [5], [9] wherein the magnetic sensor is formed in a square or rectangular shape when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion, the extension portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are each provided in pairs, the pair of extension portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction, the holding member further has a pair of guide portions extending from the base portion, the magnetic sensor is guided by the pair of guide portions when the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member, and the pair of guide portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a second direction perpendicular to the extension direction and the first direction. In this case, the pair of extension portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them, so that the magnetic sensor can be securely held by the holding member, and the pair of guide portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them, so that the magnetic sensor can be easily attached to the holding member.

[0016] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[10] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the locking positions of the first locking portion and the second locking portion are located on the base end side of the magnetic sensor in the extension direction of the extension portion." In this case, the extension portion can be shortened, and the magnetic sensor unit can be made compact.

[0017] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[11] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the locking positions of the first locking portion and the second locking portion are located on the tip side of the magnetic sensor in the extension direction of the extension portion." In this case, the extension portion can be made longer, and the magnetic sensor can be stably held by a holding member.

[0018] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[12] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein a plurality of the first locking portions are formed in the magnetic sensor, and the second locking portion is selectively locked to any one of the plurality of first locking portions." In this case, the holding position of the magnetic sensor by the holding member can be adjusted by changing the first locking portion to which the second locking portion is locked.

[0019] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[13] "the magnetic sensor unit according to

[12] , wherein the plurality of first locking portions are aligned along a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the extension portion." In this case, the holding position of the magnetic sensor by the holding member can be adjusted in the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the extension portion.

[0020] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[14] "the magnetic sensor unit according to

[12] , wherein the plurality of first locking portions are aligned in a direction parallel to the extension direction of the extension portion." In this case, the holding position of the magnetic sensor by the holding member can be adjusted in the direction parallel to the extension direction of the extension portion.

[0021] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[15] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to

[14] , wherein a plurality of second locking portions are formed on the extending portion, and the first locking portion is selectively locked to any one of the plurality of second locking portions." In this case, the holding position of the magnetic sensor by the holding member can be adjusted by changing the second locking portion to which the first locking portion is locked.

[0022] The magnetic sensor unit of the present invention may be

[16] "the magnetic sensor unit according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the holding member holds the magnetic sensor so that a gap is formed between the extension part and the magnetic sensor." In this case, the magnetic sensor can be cooled by flowing cooling air through the gap. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a magnetic sensor unit that allows the magnetic sensor to be brought close to the object to be measured and allows the magnetic sensor to be easily attached and detached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a sensor module in which a plurality of magnetic sensor units are attached to a mounting member. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a magnetic sensor that constitutes a magnetic sensor unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a holding member that constitutes the magnetic sensor unit, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the holding member. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic sensor unit. [Figure 6] 1A is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a comparative example, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] (a) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a second modified example, (b) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a third modified example, and (c) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 8] 10(a) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a fifth modified example, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 9] (a) is a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to the fifth and sixth modified examples, (b) is a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to the second and third modified examples, and (c) is a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to the fourth modified example. [Figure 10] 10(a) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a seventh modified example, and FIG. 10(b) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to an eighth modified example. [Figure 11]13(a) is a side view and a plan view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a ninth modified example, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view showing another mounting state of the magnetic sensor unit according to the ninth modified example. [Figure 12] 13(a) is a side view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a tenth modified example, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view of a magnetic sensor unit according to an eleventh modified example. [Figure 13] 13(a) is a side view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a twelfth modified example, and FIG. 13(b) is a side view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a thirteenth modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 20(a) is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic sensor unit according to a fourteenth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, a sensor module 1 according to the embodiment includes a mounting member 2 and a plurality of magnetic sensor units 3 mounted on the mounting member 2. The sensor module 1 is used to measure a magnetic field generated in a measurement object A. The measurement object A is, for example, a human being, and in this case, the sensor module 1 is used for biomagnetic field measurement to measure a magnetic field generated in the human (living body). In this example, the measurement object A is the human brain (head 4), and the sensor module 1 is used as a magnetoencephalograph to measure a magnetic field generated in the brain (magnetoencephalography (MEG)). The sensor module 1 is mounted on the human head 4, and the magnetic field is measured by a magnetic sensor 10 (FIG. 3) provided in the magnetic sensor unit 3.

[0027] 1 and 2, the attachment member 2 is configured to be attachable to the measurement object A, and is detachable from the measurement object A. In this example, the attachment member 2 is headgear (helmet) to be worn on the head 4, and is formed in a hemispherical shape corresponding to the head 4.

[0028] The mounting member 2 has a plurality of mounting portions 2a and a plurality of connecting portions 2b that connect the mounting portions 2a. The mounting portions 2a are formed, for example, in a substantially circular shape, and each mounting portion 2a has a mounting hole 2c formed therein, into which the magnetic sensor unit 3 is attached. The mounting hole 2c is formed, for example, in an octagonal shape. The magnetic sensor unit 3 is attached to the mounting portion 2a by fitting it into the mounting hole 2c.

[0029] The multiple mounting portions 2a are arranged, for example, in a predetermined arrangement pattern over the entire mounting member 2. In this example, the multiple mounting portions 2a are arranged so as to be aligned at equal intervals in a first direction along the hemispherical surface and in a second direction along the hemispherical surface and intersecting the first direction. Adjacent mounting portions 2a in the first direction are joined by joining portions 2b extending along the first direction, and adjacent mounting portions 2a in the second direction are joined by joining portions 2b extending along the second direction.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the magnetic sensor unit 3 includes a magnetic sensor 10 and a holding member 20 that detachably holds the magnetic sensor 10. The magnetic sensor unit 3 is attached to a mounting portion 2a (mounting hole 2c) of a mounting member 2. More specifically, a circular base portion 21 of the holding member 20 (described later) is fitted into the mounting hole 2c, whereby the magnetic sensor unit 3 is attached to the mounting portion 2a so that a measurement surface 10a of the magnetic sensor 10 (described later) faces the object to be measured A. In the attached state, the magnetic sensor 10 protrudes from the mounting member 2 on the side opposite the object to be measured A. The magnetic sensor unit 3 is detachable from the mounting portion 2a and is detachable from the mounting member 2. The following description focuses on one magnetic sensor unit 3, and defines the direction perpendicular to the measurement surface 10a of the magnetic sensor unit 3 as the Z direction, the direction perpendicular to the Z direction as the X direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions as the Y direction.

[0031] The magnetic sensor 10 is, for example, an optically pumped magnetometer (OPM). The magnetic sensor 10 has, for example, a cell 11 in which a gas containing an alkali metal is sealed, and a housing 12 that houses the cell 11 (FIG. 5). The housing 12 may house various components other than the cell 11 that make up the magnetic sensor 10. These components include, for example, a light source that outputs laser light, a photodetector, and the like, as described below. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, but the internal structure of the housing 12 is shown in a simplified manner, and components other than the cell 11 are not shown (the housing 12 is actually formed in a box shape). In FIG. 5, the location of the cell 11 is indicated by a dashed line.

[0032] During measurement, for example, cell 11 is filled with alkali metal vapor, and circularly polarized laser light passes through cell 11, causing the alkali metal vapor in cell 11 to become spin-polarized by optical pumping (optical excitation). The laser light that passes through cell 11 is detected by a photodetector. The intensity of the laser light detected by the photodetector changes depending on the spin-polarized state of the alkali metal vapor in cell 11. Here, the spin-polarized state of the alkali metal vapor in cell 11 changes under the influence of the magnetic field of the object A to be measured. Therefore, changes in the magnetic field of the object A to be measured can be detected based on the intensity of the detected laser light.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the magnetic sensor 10 (housing 12) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The outer surface of the magnetic sensor 10 is formed by the outer surface of the housing 12. In this example, the length of the magnetic sensor 10 along the Z direction is longer than the length of the magnetic sensor 10 along the X direction and the length of the magnetic sensor 10 along the Y direction. The magnetic sensor 10 has a measurement surface 10a (bottom surface), a top surface 10b opposite the measurement surface 10a, and a side surface 10c connected to the measurement surface 10a and the top surface 10b. The measurement surface 10a, the top surface 10b, and the side surface 10c form the outer surface of the magnetic sensor 10.

[0034] The measurement surface 10a is the surface that faces the measurement target A during measurement, and in this example is a flat surface perpendicular to the Z direction. The measurement surface 10a is the surface of the outer surface of the magnetic sensor 10 that is closest to the cell 11. For example, the distance from the measurement surface 10a to the cell 11 is shorter than the distance from the top surface 10b to the cell 11. A connector C into which a wire (not shown) is inserted is provided at the end of the magnetic sensor 10 on the top surface 10b side. The wire is electrically connected to the magnetic sensor 10 at the connector C.

[0035] The side surface 10c is a surface extending along the Z direction, and in this example, is a flat surface perpendicular to the Y direction. A first locking portion 13 is formed on the side surface 10c. In this example, the first locking portion 13 is configured by a recess 14 (groove portion) extending along the X direction. In a cross section perpendicular to the X direction (extension direction of the recess 14), the recess 14 is formed in a rectangular shape. The recess 14 has a bottom surface 14a and side surfaces 14b and 14c. The bottom surface 14a is a flat surface perpendicular to the Y direction, and the side surfaces 14b and 14c are flat surfaces facing each other in the Z direction. In this example, the recess 14 is located in the middle of the side surface 10c in the X direction and slightly below the center of the side surface 10c in the Z direction.

[0036] 4 and 5, the holding member 20 has a base portion 21, an extension portion 22, and a guide portion 23. The holding member 20 is integrally formed from, for example, a resin material or a non-magnetic metal material. The holding member 20 can be formed, for example, by a 3D printer, cutting, or injection molding.

[0037] The base portion 21 is formed in a circular plate shape and has a surface 21a on one side in the Z direction and a surface 21b opposite to surface 21a. During measurement, surface 21a faces the measurement target A. An opening 21c is formed in the center of the base portion 21. In this example, opening 21c is formed in a rectangular shape with long sides parallel to the X direction. Opening 21c is formed in a shape corresponding to (in this example, identical to) the outer shape of the magnetic sensor 10 when viewed from the Z direction, allowing the magnetic sensor 10 to be disposed therein. Recessed portions 21d are formed in each corner of opening 21c. Recessed portions 21d are formed, for example, during cutting, but may not be formed.

[0038] The extension portion 22 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and extends straight in the Z direction from the surface 21b of the base portion 21 toward the opposite side to the measurement object A. When viewed from the Z direction (extension direction of the extension portion 22), the extension portion 22 is disposed on one side of the opening 21c in the Y direction. In this example, the extension portion 22 is disposed along the edge of the opening 21c in the Y direction. The extension portion 22 is disposed at a position corresponding to the middle of the opening 21c in the X direction. In the following description, the tip side of the extension portion 22 is referred to as the first side S1, and the side opposite the first side S1 is referred to as the second side S2. The second side S2 is on the measurement surface 10a side.

[0039] A second locking portion 24 is formed at the tip of the extending portion 22. In this example, the second locking portion 24 is configured by a protrusion 25 formed on a surface 22a of the extending portion 22. The surface 22a is the surface on one side in the Y direction of the extending portion 22, and is the surface that faces the side surface 10c of the magnetic sensor 10 when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20. The protrusion 25 extends along the X direction and is provided over the entire extending portion 22 in the X direction.

[0040] The protrusion 25 is formed in a shape corresponding to the recess 14 constituting the first locking portion 13 (for example, a shape that can fit into the recess 14 and be locked in the recess 14). In this example, the protrusion 25 has an inclined surface 25a on the first side S1 and an inclined surface 25b located on the second side S2 relative to the inclined surface 25a. The inclined surface 25a is inclined so as to approach the second side S2 as it approaches the tip of the protrusion 25. The inclined surface 25b is inclined so as to approach the first side S1 as it approaches the tip of the protrusion 25. The protrusion 25 is formed in a triangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the X direction (the extension direction of the protrusion 25).

[0041] When the protrusion 25 enters the recess 14, the protrusion 25 (second locking portion 24) is locked in the recess 14 (first locking portion 13), and the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20. During this attachment, for example, the magnetic sensor 10 is moved from the first side S1 to the second side S2 and inserted between the extension portion 22 and the guide portion 23, and the recess 14 is brought closer to the protrusion 25. Then, the opening edge of the recess 14 on the side surface 14c side slides on the inclined surface 25b of the protrusion 25, and the recess 14 is guided by the inclined surface 25b, and the protrusion 25 enters the recess 14. During removal, the magnetic sensor 10 is moved to the first side S1, and the opening edge of the recess 14 on the side surface 14c side slides on the inclined surface 25b of the protrusion 25, and the recess 14 is guided by the inclined surface 25b, and the protrusion 25 comes out of the recess 14.

[0042] The guide portion 23 is formed in a rectangular plate shape and extends straight in the Z direction from the surface 21b of the base portion 21. The guide portion 23 is arranged on the other side of the opening 21c in the Y direction (the opposite side to the extending portion 22) so as to face the extending portion 22 across the opening 21c when viewed from the Z direction. The guide portion 23 is arranged so as to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between itself and the extending portion 22 when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20. In this example, the guide portion 23 is arranged along the edge of the opening 21c in the Y direction.

[0043] As described above, when attaching the magnetic sensor 10 to the holding member 20, for example, the magnetic sensor 10 is moved from the first side S1 to the second side S2 and inserted between the extending portion 22 and the guide portion 23, and the convex portion 25 (second locking portion 24) is locked in the concave portion 14 (first locking portion 13). At this time, the magnetic sensor 10 is inserted between the extending portion 22 and the guide portion 23 while being guided by the guide portion 23. The extending portion 22 and the guide portion 23 may be flexible, and may be pressed by the magnetic sensor 10 and bend outward in the Y direction when the magnetic sensor 10 is inserted between the extending portion 22 and the guide portion 23. In a state where the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20, the magnetic sensor 10 is disposed between the extending portion 22 and the guide portion 23 and also disposed in the opening 21c of the base portion 21.

[0044] The length L1 over which the extension portion 22 extends from the base portion 21 (the height of the extension portion 22 in the Z direction) is shorter than the length L2 over which the guide portion 23 extends from the base portion 21 (the height of the guide portion 23 in the Z direction). In this example, the length L1 is approximately half of the length L2. This allows the position at which the protrusion 25 provided at the tip of the extension portion 22 engages with the recess 14 to be approximately half the height of the guide portion 23, allowing the engaging pressure of the protrusion 25 to be applied evenly to the guide portion 23. In other words, the length L2 over which the guide portion 23 extends from the base portion 21 is longer than the length L1 over which the extension portion 22 extends from the base portion 21. This allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be suitably guided by the guide portion 23 when inserted between the extension portion 22 and the guide portion 23, making it possible to easily attach the magnetic sensor 10 to the holding member 20. [Action and effect]

[0045] In the magnetic sensor unit 3, a first locking portion 13 composed of a recess 14 is formed on the side surface 10c (outer surface) of the magnetic sensor 10, and a second locking portion 24 composed of a protrusion 25 corresponding to the recess 14 is formed on the extending portion 22 of the holding member 20. The second locking portion 24 is locked to the first locking portion 13, thereby detachably holding the magnetic sensor 10 by the holding member 20. By adopting such a holding structure, the magnetic sensor 10 can be brought closer to the measurement object A than when the magnetic sensor 10 is held by being sandwiched between holding members, for example. Furthermore, because the magnetic sensor 10 is detachably held by the locking between the first locking portion 13 formed on the side surface 10c of the magnetic sensor 10 and the second locking portion 24 formed on the extending portion 22, the magnetic sensor 10 can be easily attached and detached. Therefore, the magnetic sensor unit 3 allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement object A and the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached.

[0046] Furthermore, in the magnetic sensor unit 3, the magnetic sensor 10 can be attached to and detached from the holding member 20 simply by moving the magnetic sensor 10 relative to the holding member 20 along the Z direction (i.e., without spreading the holding member 20 with fingers). This also makes it easy to attach and detach the magnetic sensor 10. Furthermore, because the magnetic sensor 10 can be attached and detached to and from the holding member 20 without using tools, when arranging (stacking) multiple magnetic sensor units 3 on the mounting member 2, there is no need to ensure gaps between the magnetic sensor units 3 to allow a tool to pass through. Therefore, the magnetic sensor units 3 can be arranged on the mounting member 2 at high density.

[0047] The holding member 20 has a guide portion 23 extending from the base portion 21, and when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20, the magnetic sensor 10 is guided by the guide portion 23. This makes it possible to easily attach the magnetic sensor 10 to the holding member 20.

[0048] The guide portion 23 is arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between itself and the extension portion 22 when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20. This makes it easier to attach the magnetic sensor 10 to the holding member 20.

[0049] Length L2 by which guide portion 23 extends from base portion 21 is longer than length L1 by which extension portion 22 extends from base portion 21. This allows guide portion 23 to suitably guide magnetic sensor 10 when magnetic sensor 10 is inserted between extension portion 22 and guide portion 23, making it possible to easily attach magnetic sensor 10 to holding member 20.

[0050] The protrusion 25 of the second locking portion 24 is formed with an inclined surface 25b that guides the recess 14 of the first locking portion 13 when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20 and when the magnetic sensor 10 is removed from the holding member 20. This allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached to or removed from the holding member 20.

[0051] Fig. 6(a) is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic sensor unit 103 according to a comparative example, and Fig. 6(b) is a cross-sectional view of a magnetic sensor unit 3A according to a first modified example. Advantages of the magnetic sensor unit 3 according to the embodiment and the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modified example will be described with reference to Fig. 6.

[0052] In the magnetic sensor unit 103 of the comparative example shown in FIG. 6(a), no recesses are formed on the side surface (outer surface) of the magnetic sensor 110. In the magnetic sensor unit 103, the magnetic sensor 110 is held by being sandwiched between a base portion 121 and a claw portion 122 of a holding member 120. Note that, like the magnetic sensor 110, magnetic sensors generally have a flat shape with no irregularities formed on the outer surface. This is because the smaller the magnetic sensor, the closer it can be to the object A to be measured, which is advantageous from the viewpoint of higher sensitivity.

[0053] In the magnetic sensor unit 3A of the first modified example shown in FIG. 6(b), a first locking portion 13 (recess 14) is formed on the side surface 10d of the magnetic sensor 10 in addition to the side surface 10c. The side surface 10d is the surface opposite to the side surface 10c on which the first locking portion 13 is formed. In the first modified example, the recess 14 is formed in a triangular shape in a cross section perpendicular to the X direction. The side surface 14b of the recess 14 is inclined so as to approach the second side S2 as it approaches the bottom of the recess 14. The side surface 14c of the recess 14 is inclined so as to approach the first side S1 as it approaches the bottom. That is, in the magnetic sensor unit 3A of the first modified example, the side surfaces 14b and 14c are inclined surfaces. In the first modified example, the guide portion 23 is not provided, and a pair of extending portions 22 is provided to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10. A second locking portion 24 (protrusion 25) is formed on each extending portion 22.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6(a), in the magnetic sensor unit 103 of the comparative example, the magnetic sensor 110 is spaced apart from the measurement object A by an amount corresponding to the thickness of the base portion 121 in the Z direction. Because the magnetic field attenuates in proportion to the square of the distance, if the magnetic sensor 110 is spaced apart from the measurement object A, sufficient measurement sensitivity may not be obtained. Furthermore, because the magnetic sensor 110 is held by sandwiching it between the holding members 120 on both sides in the Z direction, the claws 122 must be deformed when attaching or detaching the magnetic sensor 110, which makes the attachment and detachment process time-consuming. Furthermore, the claws 122 may interfere with the cable connected to the magnetic sensor 210, potentially damaging the cable.

[0055] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 6( b), in the magnetic sensor unit 3A of the first modified example, the magnetic sensor 10 is held by the engagement between the first locking portion 13 formed on the outer surface of the magnetic sensor 10 and the second locking portion 24 formed on the extension portion 22. This allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target A than in the comparative example. For example, the magnetic sensor 10 can be held so that it directly contacts the measurement target A. Furthermore, because the magnetic sensor 10 is detachably held by the engagement between the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24, the magnetic sensor 10 can be attached to the holding member 20 by, for example, moving the magnetic sensor 10 to the second side S2, and the magnetic sensor 10 can be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide the claw portion 122 as in the comparative example, damage to the cable as described above can be suppressed. Furthermore, because there is no need to provide the claw portion 122, the holding member 20 can be made more compact. These advantages of the first modified example are also achieved in the magnetic sensor unit 3 according to the above embodiment.

[0056] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams showing magnetic sensor units 3B to 3D according to second to fourth modified examples. In each of Fig. 7(a) to 7(c), a side view is shown on the upper side and a plan view is shown on the lower side. This also applies to Fig. 8 and Fig. 10 described later.

[0057] A magnetic sensor unit 3B according to a second modified example shown in FIG. 7(a) and a magnetic sensor unit 3C according to a third modified example shown in FIG. 7(b) are configured similarly to the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modified example. In the second and third modified examples, a pair of extending portions 22, a pair of first locking portions 13 (recessed portions 14), and a pair of second locking portions 24 (protruding portions 25) are provided. The pair of extending portions 22 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the Y direction perpendicular to the long sides of the magnetic sensor 10. The extending portions 22, the first locking portions 13, and the second locking portions 24 according to the third modified example are wider than those according to the second modified example. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 7(b), the widths of the extending portions 22, the first locking portions 13, and the second locking portions 24 in the X direction are greater than half the width of the magnetic sensor 10. In this case, the magnetic sensor 10 can be more stably held by the holding member 20.

[0058] In a magnetic sensor unit 3D according to a fourth modification shown in FIG. 7(c), a pair of extension portions 22 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the X direction perpendicular to the short side of the magnetic sensor 10. The fourth modification is otherwise configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification. Similarly to the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor units 3B to 3D according to the second to fourth modifications also allow the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, compared to a case where, for example, three or more extension portions 22 (first locking portion 13 and second locking portion 24) are provided, the number of locking portions can be reduced and the occupied area when viewed from the Z direction can be made smaller.

[0059] A magnetic sensor unit 3E according to a fifth modified example shown in FIG. 8(a) has four extension portions 22, four first locking portions 13, and four second locking portions 24. The four extension portions 22 are composed of a pair of extension portions 22A and a pair of extension portions 22B. The pair of extension portions 22A are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 in the Y direction perpendicular to the long sides of the magnetic sensor 10. The pair of extension portions 22B are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 in the X direction perpendicular to the short sides of the magnetic sensor 10. That is, the four extension portions 22 are arranged to face the four outer surfaces of the magnetic sensor 10 when viewed from the Z direction. The fifth modified example is otherwise configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modified example. As with the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3E according to the fifth modified example allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the holding member 20 can stably hold the magnetic sensor 10 in both the X and Y directions.

[0060] A magnetic sensor unit 3F according to a sixth modified example shown in FIG. 8(b) has a pair of extension portions 22 arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the Y direction and a pair of guide portions 23 arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the X direction. The sixth modified example is otherwise configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modified example. When the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20, the pair of guide portions 23 guide the magnetic sensor 10. Similarly to the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3F according to the sixth modified example allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought close to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, since the pair of extension portions 22 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them, the magnetic sensor 10 can be securely held by the holding member 20. Furthermore, since the pair of guide portions 23 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them, the magnetic sensor 10 can be easily attached to the holding member 20. Furthermore, similar to the magnetic sensor unit 3E of the fifth modified example, the magnetic sensor 10 can be stably held by the holding member 20 in both the X direction and the Y direction.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 9, the occupied areas of the magnetic sensor units 3B to 3F according to the second to sixth modifications will be compared when viewed from the Z direction. In FIG. 9(a), a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 3F according to the sixth modification is shown at the top, and a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 3E according to the fifth modification is shown at the bottom. In FIG. 9(b), a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 3B according to the second modification is shown at the top, and a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 3C according to the third modification is shown at the bottom. In FIG. 9(c), a plan view of the magnetic sensor unit 3D according to the fourth modification is shown, with one magnetic sensor unit 3D shown at the top and two magnetic sensor units 3D lined up along the Y direction shown at the bottom.

[0062] In FIG. 9, except for the lower view of FIG. 9(c), plan views of the magnetic sensor units 3B to 3F are indicated by dashed lines, each of which has a diameter equal to the length of the longest part when viewed from the Z direction. The density at which multiple magnetic sensor units 3 are arranged (stacked) on the mounting member 2 can be determined by the size (occupied area) of the circle. That is, the smaller the size of the circle and the occupied area, the denser the multiple magnetic sensor units 3 can be arranged. As shown in FIG. 9, in the magnetic sensor units 3B and 3C (FIG. 9(b)) according to the second and third modifications, a pair of extension portions 22 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the Y direction perpendicular to the long side of the magnetic sensor 10. This allows the occupied area to be smaller than that of the magnetic sensor units 3D to 3E (FIGS. 9(a) and 9(c)) according to the fourth to sixth modifications. Therefore, in the magnetic sensor units 3B and 3C, multiple magnetic sensor units 3 can be arranged densely. On the other hand, as shown in the lower diagram of Figure 9(c), in the magnetic sensor unit 3D of the fourth modified example, a pair of extension portions 22 are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor 10 between them in the X direction perpendicular to the short side of the magnetic sensor 10.Therefore, when arranging multiple magnetic sensor units 3 along the Y direction, the dead space between the multiple magnetic sensor units 3 can be reduced, improving arrangement efficiency, and multiple magnetic sensor units 3 can be arranged at high density.

[0063] In a magnetic sensor unit 3G according to the seventh modification shown in FIG. 10(a), a plurality of first locking portions 13 (recessed portions 14) are formed in the magnetic sensor 10. In this example, three first locking portions 13 are formed on each of the side surfaces 10c and 10d of the magnetic sensor 10, aligned along the X direction (a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the extending portion 22). A second locking portion 24 (protruding portion 25) is selectively locked to one of the plurality of first locking portions 13. In the example of FIG. 10(a), the second locking portion 24 is locked to the first locking portion 13 located in the center of the three first locking portions 13. In other respects, the seventh modification is configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification.

[0064] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3G according to the seventh modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, by changing the first locking portion 13 to which the second locking portion 24 is locked, the holding position of the magnetic sensor 10 by the holding member 20 can be adjusted. In this example, the holding position of the magnetic sensor 10 by the holding member 20 can be adjusted in the X direction.

[0065] A magnetic sensor unit 3H according to an eighth modification shown in FIG. 10(b) differs from the magnetic sensor unit 3G of the seventh modification in that two extension portions 22 are provided on one side of the magnetic sensor 10 in the Y direction and one extension portion 22 is provided on the other side of the magnetic sensor 10 in the Y direction. The two extension portions 22 on one side in the Y direction are respectively engaged with two first engagement portions 13 at both ends of the three first engagement portions 13 formed on the side surface 10c. In other respects, the eighth modification is configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A of the first modification.

[0066] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3H according to the eighth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the three extension portions 22 and the second locking portion 24 allow the magnetic sensor 10 to be stably held.

[0067] In a magnetic sensor unit 3I according to a ninth modified example shown in FIG. 11(a), a plurality of first locking portions 13 (recesses 14) are arranged side by side along both the X and Z directions. Specifically, twelve first locking portions 13 are formed on each of the side surfaces 10c and 10d of the magnetic sensor 10. In this example, the twelve first locking portions 13 are arranged in groups of three along the X direction and four along the Z direction. In other respects, the ninth modified example is configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modified example.

[0068] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3I according to the ninth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the object to be measured and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the position where the magnetic sensor 10 is held by the holding member 20 can be adjusted in the X and Z directions. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the magnetic sensor 10 can also be disposed at an angle to the Z direction.

[0069] 12(a), the magnetic sensor unit 3J according to the tenth modification is configured in the same manner as, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification, with the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24 positioned at the second side S2 (base end side) of the magnetic sensor 10 in the Z direction. Specifically, the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24 are positioned at the second side S2 with respect to the center of the magnetic sensor 10 in the Z direction.

[0070] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3J according to the tenth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the length of the extension portion 22 can be shortened, allowing the magnetic sensor unit 3 to be made more compact.

[0071] 12(b), the magnetic sensor unit 3K according to the eleventh modification is configured in the same manner as, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification, in which the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24 are locked at the first side S1 (tip side) of the magnetic sensor 10 in the Z direction. Specifically, the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24 are locked at the first side S1 with respect to the center of the magnetic sensor 10. In other respects, the eleventh modification is configured in the same manner as, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification.

[0072] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3K according to the eleventh modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the object to be measured and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the extension portion 22 can be lengthened, and the magnetic sensor 10 can be stably held by the holding member 20.

[0073] 13(a), the holding member 20 holds the magnetic sensor 10 so that a gap S is formed between the extension portion 22 and the magnetic sensor 10. Specifically, the gap S is formed between the surface 22a of the extension portion 22 that faces the magnetic sensor 10 and the side surfaces 10c and 10d of the magnetic sensor 10. Other points in the twelfth modification are configured in the same manner as, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A of the first modification.

[0074] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3L according to the twelfth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. In addition, for example, the magnetic sensor 10 can be cooled by flowing cooling air through the gap S.

[0075] A magnetic sensor unit 3M according to a thirteenth modification shown in FIG. 13(b) differs from the magnetic sensor unit 3L according to the twelfth modification in that the extension portion 22 has a guide protrusion 26. The guide protrusion 26 protrudes toward the magnetic sensor 10 from a surface 22a of the extension portion 22 that faces the magnetic sensor 10. In this example, the guide protrusion 26 is disposed on the second side S2 with respect to the second locking portion 24. The guide protrusion 26 guides the magnetic sensor 10 when the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20. In other respects, the thirteenth modification is configured similarly to, for example, the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification.

[0076] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3M according to the thirteenth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, the provision of the guide protrusions 26 allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached to the holding member 20.

[0077] The magnetic sensor unit 3N according to the fourteenth modification shown in FIG. 14 differs from the magnetic sensor unit 3A according to the first modification in that the first locking portion 13 is formed by a protrusion 15, the second locking portion 24 is formed by a recess 27, and a plurality of second locking portions 24 (two in this example) are provided on each extension portion 22. The protrusion 15 is trapezoidally shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the X direction. The protrusion 15 has a top surface 15a, an inclined surface 15b, and an inclined surface 15c. The top surface 15a is a rectangular flat surface extending along the X and Z directions. The inclined surface 15b is a surface on the first side S1 and is inclined toward the second side S2 as it approaches the tip of the protrusion 15. The inclined surface 15c is a surface on the second side S2 and is inclined toward the first side S1 as it approaches the tip of the protrusion 15.

[0078] The second locking portion 24 is configured with a recess 27 corresponding to the protrusion 15 of the first locking portion 13. The recess 27 is formed in a trapezoidal shape in a cross section perpendicular to the X direction. The side surface 27b of the recess 27 is inclined so as to approach the second side S2 as it approaches the bottom surface 27a of the recess 27. The side surface 27c of the recess 27 is inclined so as to approach the first side S1 as it approaches the bottom surface 27a of the recess 27. In other words, the side surfaces 27b and 27c are inclined surfaces. The first locking portion 13 is selectively locked to one of the multiple second locking portions 24.

[0079] When the magnetic sensor 10 is attached to the holding member 20, the magnetic sensor 10 is moved toward the second side S2, and the inclined surface 15b of the protrusion 15 slides on the side surface 27b of the recess 27, so that the protrusion 15 is guided by the recess 27 and enters the recess 27. When the protrusion 15 is engaged with another recess 27 arranged on the second side S2, the magnetic sensor 10 is further moved toward the second side S2, and the inclined surface 15c of the protrusion 15 slides on the side surface 27c of the recess 27, so that the protrusion 15 is guided by the recess 27 and comes out of the recess 27. When the magnetic sensor 10 is removed from the holding member 20, the magnetic sensor 10 is moved toward the first side S1, and the inclined surface 15b of the protrusion 15 slides on the side surface 27b of the recess 27, so that the protrusion 15 is guided by the recess 27 and comes out of the recess 27.

[0080] As in the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor unit 3N according to the fourteenth modification also allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be brought closer to the measurement target and allows the magnetic sensor 10 to be easily attached and detached. Furthermore, by changing the second locking portion 24 to which the first locking portion 13 is locked, the holding position of the magnetic sensor 10 by the holding member 20 can be adjusted. In this example, the holding position of the magnetic sensor 10 by the holding member 20 can be adjusted in the Z direction.

[0081] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications. For example, the materials and shapes of each component are not limited to those described above, and various materials and shapes can be used. The length L2 over which the guide portion 23 extends from the base portion 21 may be shorter than or equal to the length L1 over which the extension portion 22 extends from the base portion 21. The shape of the magnetic sensor 10 when viewed from the Z direction may be any shape, such as a square. The shape of the base portion 21 (holding member 20) when viewed from the Z direction may be any shape, such as a square or a rectangle.

[0082] The first locking portion 13 may be configured with a recess 14 as in the above embodiment, or may be configured with a protrusion 15 as in the fourteenth modified example. The first locking portion 13 may be configured to include both a recess and a protrusion. The second locking portion 24 may be configured with a protrusion 25 as in the above embodiment, or may be configured with a recess 27 as in the fourteenth modified example. The second locking portion 24 may be configured to include both a recess and a protrusion.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the second locking portion 24 (protrusion 25) has inclined surfaces 25a and 25b, and in the first modified example, the first locking portion 13 (recess 14) has inclined sides 14b and 14c, and the second locking portion 24 (protrusion 25) has inclined surfaces 25a and 25b. However, an inclined surface may be formed only on the first locking portion 13, and not on the second locking portion 24. Alternatively, an inclined surface may not be formed on both the first locking portion 13 and the second locking portion 24. The extension portion 22 may be formed in a cylindrical shape so as to surround the magnetic sensor 10 when viewed from the Z direction, for example.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the magnetic sensor 10 protrudes from the mounting member 2 on the side opposite to the object to be measured A. However, the magnetic sensor 10 may protrude from the mounting member 2 on the side of the object to be measured A. In this case, for example, the extending portion 22 of the holding member 20 may extend from the base portion 21 toward the side of the object to be measured A. In this case, the measurement surface of the magnetic sensor 10 may face the object to be measured A at the tip side of the extending portion 22.

[0085] The magnetic sensor 10 is not limited to an optically pumped magnetic sensor, but may be a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, a fluxgate sensor, or the like. The measurement object A may be a part (e.g., the heart or spinal cord) other than the human brain (head 4). In this case, the shape of the attachment member 2 may be changed to match the attachment object part. The measurement object A does not have to be a living organism, and may be, for example, an industrial product, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 3,3A,3B,3C,3D,3E,3F,3G,3H,3I,3J,3K,3L,3M,3N…Magnetic sensor unit, 10…Magnetic sensor, 10c…Side (outer), 13…First stop, 14b,14c…Side (inclined), 15b,15c…Inclined, 20…Retaining material, 21…Base, 22…Extension, 23…Guide, 24…Second stop, 25a,25b…Inclined, 27b,27c…Side (inclined), S…Gap, S1…First side (apical side), S2…Second side (base side).

Claims

1. A magnetic sensor; a holding member that detachably holds the magnetic sensor, a first locking portion formed on an outer surface of the magnetic sensor and configured by at least one of a recessed portion and a protruding portion; the holding member has a base portion and an extension portion extending from the base portion, the extension portion having a second locking portion formed thereon, the second locking portion being constituted by at least one of a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion and a concave portion corresponding to the convex portion; The magnetic sensor unit is configured such that the second locking portion is locked to the first locking portion, thereby detachably holding the magnetic sensor by the holding member.

2. the holding member further includes a guide portion extending from the base portion; The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the magnetic sensor is guided by the guide portion when the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member.

3. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 2 , wherein the guide portion is disposed so as to sandwich the magnetic sensor between the guide portion and the extension portion.

4. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 2 , wherein the length by which the guide portion extends from the base portion is longer than the length by which the extension portion extends from the base portion.

5. 3. The magnetic sensor unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and second locking portions has an inclined surface formed thereon to guide the first or second locking portion when the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member and / or when the magnetic sensor is removed from the holding member.

6. the magnetic sensor is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the extending direction of the extending portion, The extending portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are provided in pairs, respectively; The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of extensions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a direction perpendicular to a long side of the magnetic sensor.

7. the magnetic sensor is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the extending direction of the extending portion, The extending portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are provided in pairs, respectively; The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of extensions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a direction perpendicular to a short side of the magnetic sensor.

8. the magnetic sensor is formed in a square or rectangular shape when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion, four of the extending portions, four of the first locking portions, and four of the second locking portions are provided, The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the four extension portions are arranged so as to face four outer surfaces of the magnetic sensor, respectively, when viewed from the extension direction.

9. the magnetic sensor is formed in a square or rectangular shape when viewed from the extension direction of the extension portion, The extending portion, the first locking portion, and the second locking portion are provided in pairs, respectively; the pair of extension portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor therebetween in a first direction perpendicular to the extension direction, The holding member further includes a pair of guide portions extending from the base portion, When the magnetic sensor is attached to the holding member, the magnetic sensor is guided by the pair of guide portions, The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of guide portions are arranged to sandwich the magnetic sensor between them in a second direction perpendicular to the extending direction and the first direction.

10. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second locking portions are locked at positions closer to a base end of the magnetic sensor in the extending direction of the extending portion.

11. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second locking portions are locked at positions on the distal end side of the magnetic sensor in the extending direction of the extending portion.

12. The magnetic sensor is provided with a plurality of first engaging portions, The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the second locking portion is selectively locked to one of the plurality of first locking portions.

13. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of first locking portions are aligned along a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the extending portion.

14. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 12 , wherein the plurality of first locking portions are aligned in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the extending portion.

15. The extending portion is formed with a plurality of the second locking portions, The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the first locking portion is selectively locked to one of the plurality of second locking portions.

16. The magnetic sensor unit according to claim 1 , wherein the holding member holds the magnetic sensor so that a gap is formed between the extension and the magnetic sensor.

Images