Detection device

Abstract

Providing a detection device that is small in size yet has a sufficient waterproof function. 【Solution means】 A detection device comprising a housing and a temperature and humidity sensor housed in the housing and having a detection surface for detecting temperature and humidity, wherein a sensor opening is formed in the housing, the temperature and humidity sensor is arranged such that the detection surface faces the outside in the penetration direction of the sensor opening, and the detection surface is exposed to the outside of the housing through the sensor opening, and a first waterproof material is filled in the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor and the sensor opening when viewed from the penetration direction, and the side surface of the temperature and humidity sensor is covered by the first waterproof material with the detection surface exposed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection device.

Background Art

[0002] A detection device (sensor) used for measuring environmental changes is required to be miniaturized and thinned so that it can be installed in a small space, for example. Further, when this type of detection device incorporates a sensor unit for detecting temperature and humidity in a state where it is exposed to the outside air environment, it is necessary to have a waterproof structure for protecting internal electronic components and electrical wiring parts from rainwater and sprinkling (water discharge).

[0003] For example, in the detection device described in Patent Document 1, the housing of the humidity sensor and its peripheral circuit components are covered with a waterproof resin to obtain a waterproof function.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the detection device described in Patent Document 1, with the moisture absorption port opened, the circuit components are integrally covered with a waterproof resin. Therefore, the coating area of the waterproof resin increases, and it is necessary to secure that space, so it is difficult to miniaturize the device. Further, since the periphery of the sensor is not waterproof, the waterproof function is insufficient.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a detection device that is small in size and has a sufficient waterproof function.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. A detection device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a housing and a temperature and humidity sensor housed in the housing and having a detection surface for detecting temperature and humidity. A sensor opening is formed in the housing, and the temperature and humidity sensor is arranged such that the detection surface faces the outside in the penetrating direction of the sensor opening, and the detection surface is exposed to the outside of the housing through the sensor opening. A first waterproof material is filled in the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor and the sensor opening when viewed in the penetrating direction, and the side surface of the temperature and humidity sensor is covered by the first waterproof material in a state where the detection surface is exposed.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detection device that is small in size and has a sufficient waterproof function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, the detection device according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping description of those configurations may be omitted.

[0011] [Detection Device 100] The detection device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 14. First, the overall configuration of the detection device 100 will be described. However, the detection device 100 does not necessarily have all of the configurations described below, and some configurations may be appropriately omitted.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the detection device 100 according to this embodiment. The detection device 100 is a device capable of measuring temperature and humidity. As shown in FIG. 1, the detection device 100 includes a probe 10, a communication module 20, and a receiver (not shown).

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the probe 10 as seen from the upper side H1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the probe 10 as seen from the lower side H2. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the probe 10. The probe 10 is a device that detects temperature and humidity and transmits the detected temperature and humidity data to the communication module 20. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the probe 10 includes a housing 1, a sensor substrate 2 housed inside the housing 1, and a cable 3.

[0014] The housing 1 is a member that can accommodate members including the sensor substrate 2 and the cable 3 inside. A sensor opening 44 for exposing a detection surface 61 that detects temperature and humidity is formed in the housing 1. The cable 3 is inserted into the housing 1.

[0015] In the housing 1, the direction in which the cable 3 is inserted is defined as the front - rear direction L, the side where the cable 3 is inserted is defined as the base end side L2, and the side opposite to the base end side L2 is defined as the tip side L1. Among the directions orthogonal to the front - rear direction L, the direction in which the sensor opening 44 is formed is defined as the vertical direction (height direction) H, the side where the sensor opening 44 is formed is defined as the upper side H1, and the side opposite to the upper side H1 is defined as the lower side H2. Furthermore, the direction orthogonal to both the front - rear direction L and the vertical direction H is defined as the width direction W, the right side toward the tip side L1 is defined as the right side W1, and the left side toward the tip side L1 is defined as the left side W2.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 4, the housing 1 has a box - shaped case 4 having an opening surface 43 and a cover 5 that closes the opening surface 43 of the case 4. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the case 4 has an upper wall 41 and side walls 42.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the upper wall 41 is a member that forms the upper surface of the housing 1. The upper wall 41 has a flat portion 41a and a curved portion 41b formed on the base end side L2 of the flat portion 41a. The flat portion 41a is formed in a plate shape with the vertical direction H as the plate - thickness direction. The curved portion 41b is formed in a plate shape that curves so as to bulge upward H1 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction H. The curved portion 41b bulges from the upper surface 41s of the flat portion 41a to above the upper side H1.

[0018] A detection portion 41c is formed in the flat portion 41a. The detection portion 41c is a recess that is buried from the upper surface 41s downward H2. The detection portion 41c is formed on the tip side L1 of the flat portion 41a. The detection portion 41c is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the upper side H1. A sensor opening 44 is formed in the bottom 41d of the concave shape of the detection portion 41c.

[0019] The sensor opening 44 is an opening that exposes the detection surface 61, which will be described later, to the outside of the housing 1. The sensor opening 44 penetrates the bottom portion 41d in the vertical direction H from the upper surface of the bottom portion 41d to the lower surface thereof. The sensor opening 44 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction H. The upper wall 41 is formed in a stepped shape from the upper surface 41s of the flat portion 21a, through the bottom portion 41d of the detection portion 41c, to the sensor opening 44.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the side wall 42 is formed so as to surround the outer peripheral end of the upper wall 41. The side wall 42 has a front wall 42a connected to the end of the tip side L1 of the upper wall 41, a rear wall 42b connected to the end of the base end side L2 of the upper wall 41, a right wall 42c connected to the end of the right side W1 of the upper wall 41, and a left wall 42d connected to the end of the left side W2 of the upper wall 41. The right wall 42c extends in the front-rear direction L from the end of the right side W1 of the front wall 42a to the end of the right side W1 of the rear wall 42b. The left wall 42d extends in the front-rear direction L from the end of the left side W2 of the front wall 42a to the end of the left side W2 of the rear wall 42b.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 4, a cable opening 45 through which the cable 3 is inserted is formed in the rear wall 42b. The cable opening 45 penetrates the rear wall 42b in the front-rear direction L from the outer surface to the inner surface thereof. The cable opening 45 is formed in a circular shape when viewed in the front-rear direction L.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the housing 1. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the housing 1. Note that FIG. 5 shows a state in which the opening surface 43 of the case 4, which will be described later, is open. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a stepped portion 42e is formed on the inner surface 42s of the side wall 42 of the side wall 42. The stepped portion 42e is a step formed from the lower end 42t of the side wall 42 to the inner surface 42s of the side wall 42. The stepped portion 42e is formed on the entire circumference of the inner surface 42s of the side wall 42. The stepped portion 42e has a stepped surface 42f facing the lower side H2 at a position spaced upward by H1 from the lower end 42t of the side wall 42.

[0023] Of the side surfaces of the case 4, the side surface facing the upper wall 41 is the opening surface 43. An opening is formed in the opening surface 43 by the lower end 42t of the side wall 42.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the F7-F7 line of the probe 10 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a detailed view showing the region surrounded by the broken line D8 of the housing 1 shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a detailed view showing the region surrounded by the broken line D9 of the housing 1 shown in FIG. 7. Inside the case 4, as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, a housing portion 46 is formed. The housing portion 46 is a space capable of housing members including the sensor substrate 2 and the cable 3. The housing portion 46 is a space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper wall 41 and the inner side surface 42s of the side wall 42. The housing portion 46 has a substrate housing portion 46a and a cable housing portion 46b formed at the proximal end side L2 of the substrate housing portion 46a. The substrate housing portion 46a and the cable housing portion 46b communicate with each other.

[0025] The substrate housing portion 46a is a space for housing the sensor substrate 2. The substrate housing portion 46a is a space surrounded by the lower surface of the flat portion 41a, the inner side surface of the front wall 42a, the inner side surface of the right wall 42c, and the inner side surface of the left wall 42d.

[0026] In the substrate housing portion 46a, as shown in FIG. 8, a sensor housing portion 46c for housing a temperature and humidity sensor 6 to be described later is formed. The sensor housing portion 46c is formed below the detection portion 41c at the lower side H2. On the lower surface of the detection portion 41c, a sensor housing portion partition wall 47a protruding downward from the proximal end to the lower side H2 is provided, and the substrate housing portion 46a is partitioned in the front-rear direction L by the sensor housing portion partition wall 47a. The sensor housing portion 46c is a space surrounded by the inner side surface of the front wall 42a, the inner side surface of the right wall 42c, the inner side surface of the left wall 42d, and the sensor housing portion partition wall 47a. The upper surface of the sensor housing portion 46c is the sensor opening 44.

[0027] The cable housing portion 46b is a space for housing the cable 3. As shown in FIG. 9, the cable housing portion 46b is a space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper wall 41, the inner surface of the rear wall 42b, the inner surface of the right wall 42c, and the inner surface of the left wall 42d.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 9, in the cable housing portion 46b, a waterproof material filling portion 46d filled with a second waterproof material 72 to be described later is formed. In the case 4, a cable housing portion partition wall 47b that divides the cable housing portion 46b into a distal end side L1 and a proximal end side L2 is provided. Among the cable housing portion 46b, the proximal end side L2 from the cable housing portion partition wall 47b is the waterproof material filling portion 46d. The waterproof material filling portion 46d is a space surrounded by the lower surface of the upper wall 41, the inner surface of the rear wall 42b, the inner surface of the right wall 42c, the inner surface of the left wall 42d, and the side surface of the proximal end side L2 of the cable housing portion partition wall 47b. The cable housing portion 46b communicates with the cable opening 45.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the distal end portion 48 of the case 4 is formed in a semicircular shape in which the distal end side L1 bulges when viewed in the vertical direction H. A through hole 48a is formed in the distal end portion 48. The through hole 48a penetrates in the vertical direction H from the upper surface to the lower surface of the distal end portion 48. The housing portion 46 and the through hole 48a are separated by a wall and do not communicate with each other.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover 5 is a plate-shaped member with the vertical direction H as the plate thickness direction. As shown in FIG. 4, a recessed portion 51 that is recessed upward H1 from the lower surface 5t is formed in the cover 5. The recessed portion 51 is formed on the proximal end side L2 of the lower surface 5t of the cover 5. The recessed portion 51 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction H.

[0031] The cover 5 is formed with a slit 52. The slit 52 penetrates in the vertical direction H from the upper surface 5s to the lower surface 5t of the cover 5. The slit 52 is formed at the position where the recessed portion 51 is formed in the cover 5. The slit 52 is formed in a rectangular shape having the longitudinal direction L in the front-rear direction when viewed from the vertical direction H.

[0032] The slit 52 is covered by a sheet S. The sheet S covers the slit 52 from the lower surface 5t side of the cover 5. The sheet S is attached to the recessed portion 51. The sheet S is formed in a rectangular shape. The sheet S is formed of a material having higher flexibility than the housing 1. The sheet S is formed including, for example, a PET material. The housing 1 is formed including, for example, polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a material having lower flexibility compared to a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material.

[0033] The sensor substrate 2 is a member capable of detecting temperature and humidity. The sensor substrate 2 is housed and fixed in the substrate housing portion 46a. The sensor substrate 2 is fixed to the case 4 by, for example, a screw G as shown in FIG. 4. The sensor substrate 2 is arranged with the surface facing the upper side H1 and the back surface facing the lower side H2. The sensor substrate 2 has a temperature and humidity sensor 6 and a cable connection portion 21. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the cable connection portion 21 are connected by, for example, electrical wiring.

[0034] The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is a member capable of detecting temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is housed in the sensor housing portion 46c. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is formed in a square shape when viewed from the vertical direction H. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is configured to detect temperature and humidity from the upper surface side.

[0035] The upper surface of the housing of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 is covered by a waterproof cover 62. The waterproof cover 62 is a member that cannot pass liquid but can pass gas. By covering the upper surface of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 with the waterproof cover 62, the upper surface of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 can be waterproofed while allowing water vapor to pass through. The upper surface of the waterproof cover 62 serves as a detection surface 61 for detecting temperature and humidity. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is arranged in a state where the detection surface 61 is exposed by the sensor opening 44.

[0036] The waterproof cover 62 is a sealing member formed in a square shape. The waterproof cover 62 has a notch formed at one corner so that its orientation can be visually recognized.

[0037] The cable connection part 21 is a member connected to the cable 3. The cable connection part 21 is provided on the proximal side L2 from the temperature and humidity sensor 6. The cable connection part 21 is, for example, a connector.

[0038] A heat conduction sheet 22 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the back surface of the sensor substrate 2. The heat conduction sheet 22 is a member with high heat conductivity. The heat conduction sheet 22 is formed in a square shape when viewed in the vertical direction H. Both the front and back surfaces of the heat conduction sheet 22 are adhesive surfaces. The front surface is attached to the back surface of the sensor substrate 2, and the back surface is attached to the upper surface of the cover 5.

[0039] The cable 3 is a member for transmitting the signal transmitted from the sensor substrate 2 to the communication module 20. The tip 3s of the cable 3 is connected to the sensor substrate 2, and the base end 3t is connected to the communication module. The cable 3 is inserted through the cable opening 45 and is connected to the sensor substrate 2 in a state where a part of it is accommodated in the cable accommodation part 46b. The outer diameter of the cable 3 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the cable opening 45.

[0040] At the tip 3s of the cable 3, a board connection part 31 is formed. The board connection part 31 is a member that can be fitted with the cable connection part 21. When the cable connection part 21 and the board connection part 31 are fitted together, the sensor board 2 and the cable 3 are connected. The board connection part 31 is, for example, a connector.

[0041] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F10-F10 of the housing 1 shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F11-F11 of the housing 1 shown in FIG. 9. In the cable 3, at the cable housing part 46b, a retaining member N is fitted. The retaining member N is a cylindrical member through which the cable 3 is inserted. The retaining member N is a deformable member. After the cable 3 is inserted through the cable opening 45 and a part of the cable 3 is housed in the cable housing part 46b, and the retaining member N is fitted to the cable 3 in the cable housing part 46b, as shown in FIG. 11, by crushing the retaining member N, the retaining member N becomes in a state where it cannot pass through the cable opening 45, and the cable 3 cannot come out from the cable opening 45.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the sensor opening 44. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F13-F13 of the sensor opening 44 shown in FIG. 12. When viewed from the vertical direction H, as shown in FIG. 13, the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the sensor opening 44 is filled with a first waterproof material 71. The first waterproof material 71 is a member that cannot permeate liquid and has a waterproof effect. The first waterproof material 71 is filled in the sensor housing part 46c as shown in FIG. 13. The first waterproof material 71 covers the side surface of the temperature and humidity sensor 6. The first waterproof material 71 covers the inner surface of the front wall 42a. The first waterproof material 71 covers the inner surface of the right wall 42c. The first waterproof material 71 covers the inner surface of the left wall 42d. The first waterproof material 71 covers the side surface of the tip side L1 of the sensor housing partition wall 47a. The first waterproof material 71 covers the upper surface of the sensor board 2.

[0043] Even if the first waterproof material 71 is filled around the temperature and humidity sensor 6, the detection surface 61 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1. At least 90% or more of the detection surface 61 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1. The first waterproof material 71 is filled upward from the bottom surface 6b of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 to the upper side H1 up to the position P1 which is 50% of the total length of the side surface 6a in the vertical direction H. In addition, if the detection surface 61 is in a state of being exposed to the outside of the housing 1, the first waterproof material 71 may be filled upward to the upper side H1 from the detection surface 61 in the vertical direction H.

[0044] FIG. 14 is a detailed view showing the region surrounded by the broken line D14 of the housing 1 shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 14, in order to explain the location where the second waterproof material 72 is filled, only the proximal end side L2 of the second waterproof material 72 is shown. In the waterproof material filling portion 46d of the cable accommodating portion 46b, the second waterproof material 72 is filled. The second waterproof material 72 is a member through which liquid cannot pass and has a waterproof effect. The second waterproof material 72 fills the gap between the periphery of the cable 3 and the cable opening 45 as viewed from the front-rear direction L. The second waterproof material 72 covers the inner surface of the rear wall 42b. The second waterproof material 72 covers the inner surface of the right wall 42c. The second waterproof material 72 covers the inner surface of the left wall 42d. The second waterproof material 72 covers the side surface of the proximal end side L2 of the cable accommodating portion partition wall 47b. The second waterproof material 72 covers the inner surface of the upper wall 41.

[0045] The second waterproof material 72 is filled upward from the position P2 where the vertical distance H to the step surface 42f is 0.5 mm to the upper side H1. The second waterproof material 72 is filled downward from the step surface 42f to the lower side H2 in the vertical direction H. The second waterproof material 72 is filled in the waterproof material filling portion 46d with the cable 3 enclosed. The second waterproof material 72 is further filled with the retainer N enclosed. The first waterproof material 71 and the second waterproof material 72 are formed including a material having a waterproof effect. The first waterproof material 71 and the second waterproof material 72 are formed including, for example, a silicon material.

[0046] The communication module 20 is a member that receives a signal transmitted from the sensor substrate 2 via the cable 3. The communication module 20 is connected to the proximal end 3t of the cable 3. The communication module 20 transmits the received signal toward a receiver (not shown). The receiver is connected to, for example, a monitor, and can confirm the temperature and humidity detected by the detection device.

[0047] Next, the assembly procedure of the probe 10 will be described. First, place the sensor substrate 2 in the substrate housing portion 46a of the case 4. At this time, it is preferable to perform the operation with the opening surface 43 of the case 4 facing upward. Then, insert the cable 3 through the cable opening 45 from the tip 3s, and insert the cable 3 through the retainer N in the cable housing portion 46b. Note that the retainer N may be inserted after the cable 3 is inserted through the cable opening 45, or the cable 3 may be inserted through the cable opening 45 after being inserted through the retainer N. With the cable 3 inserted through the cable opening 45, deform the retainer N by crushing it in the cable housing portion 46b.

[0048] Next, connect the sensor substrate 2 and the cable 3. At this time, fit the cable connection portion 21 and the substrate connection portion 31. Next, fix the sensor substrate 2 to the case 4 with the screw G. Since the sensor substrate 2 may shift when the screw G is screwed, it is preferable to temporarily fix the sensor substrate 2 to the case 4 with tape P or the like.

[0049] Next, fill the second waterproof material 72 into the waterproof material filling portion 46d. At this time, the cable 3 and the retainer N are enclosed in the second waterproof material 72. In the present embodiment, the second waterproof material 72 contains a silicon material, and the second waterproof material 72 is poured into the waterproof material filling portion 46d in a liquid state. The second waterproof material 72 is poured from the opening surface 43. Next, cure the liquid second waterproof material 72 filled in the waterproof material filling portion 46d. The second waterproof material 72 cures, for example, when irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

[0050] Next, the sensor housing portion 46c is filled with the first waterproof material 71. At this time, it is preferable to perform the operation with the sensor opening 44 of the case 4 facing upward. In the present embodiment, the first waterproof material 71 contains a silicon material, and the first waterproof material 71 is poured into the sensor housing portion 46c in a liquid state. The first waterproof material 71 is poured in from the sensor opening 44. Next, the liquid first waterproof material 71 filled in the sensor housing portion 46c is cured. The first waterproof material 71 is cured, for example, by being irradiated with ultraviolet rays.

[0051] The first waterproof material 71 and the second waterproof material 72 are filled, for example, using a syringe that is injected by stepping on a pedal. The filling of the first waterproof material 71 and the second waterproof material 72 is performed, for example, using a microscope.

[0052] Note that the order in which the first waterproof material 71 and the second waterproof material 72 are filled is not limited. For example, after the first waterproof material 71 is filled in the sensor housing portion 46c, the second waterproof material 72 may be filled in the waterproof material filling portion 46d.

[0053] Next, the opening surface 43 of the case 4 is closed by the cover 5. At this time, the cover 5 closes the opening surface 43 with the upper surface 5s in contact with the stepped surface 42f of the case 4. Next, the cover 5 is fixed to the case 4. At this time, for example, it is fixed by welding. The contact surfaces of the cover 5 and the case 4 are melted and fixed.

[0054] Next, a method for checking the waterproof performance of the housing 1 will be described. It is possible to check whether the housing portion 46 of the housing 1 is sufficiently waterproof from the outside of the housing 1.

[0055] When the accommodation part 46 is sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1, even if the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is changed, the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46 hardly changes. On the other hand, when the accommodation part 46 is not sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1, if the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is changed, the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46 is likely to change. Therefore, by examining the change in the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46 when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is changed, it is possible to examine whether the accommodation part 46 is sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1.

[0056] Furthermore, in the housing 1 of the present embodiment, the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 and the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46 can be compared using the sheet S. When there is a difference in atmospheric pressure between the outside of the housing 1 and the accommodation part 46, pressure is applied to the housing 1. For example, when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is higher than the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46, pressure is applied from the outside to the inside of the housing 1. Also, when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is lower than the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part, pressure is applied from the inside to the outside of the housing 1. When pressure is applied to the housing 1, the housing 1 deforms. In particular, since the sheet S formed including the PET material is more flexible compared to the case 4 and the cover 5 formed including polycarbonate, it is likely to deform. Therefore, by measuring the degree of deformation of the sheet S, the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 and the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46 can be compared.

[0057] Specifically, when the sheet S is recessed from the lower side H2 toward the upper side H1 (when it is recessed from the outside to the inside of the housing 1), since pressure is applied from the outside to the inside of the housing 1, it can be seen that the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is higher than the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46. Also, when the sheet S bulges from the upper side H1 toward the lower side H2 (when it bulges from the inside to the outside of the housing 1), since pressure is applied from the inside to the outside of the housing 1, it can be seen that the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is lower than the atmospheric pressure in the accommodation part 46.

[0058] That is, when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is changed, it is possible to determine whether the housing portion 46 is sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1 by measuring the degree of deformation of the seat S.

[0059] In order for the housing portion 46 to be determined to be sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1, it is necessary to simultaneously satisfy two conditions, a first condition and a second condition. The first condition is that the seat S deforms when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is changed. The second condition is that when the change in the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is stopped while the first condition is being satisfied, the seat S hardly deforms.

[0060] Specifically, when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is increased and the seat S is depressed from the lower side H2 toward the upper side H1 (when it is depressed from the outside to the inside of the housing 1), it is determined that the first condition is being satisfied. Thereafter, when the change in the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is stopped and the seat S hardly changes from the state of being depressed from the lower side H2 toward the upper side H1, it is determined that the second condition is being satisfied, and it is determined that the housing portion 46 is sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1.

[0061] Similarly, when the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is decreased and the seat S bulges from the upper side H1 toward the lower side H2 (when it bulges from the inside to the outside of the housing 1), it is determined that the first condition is being satisfied. Thereafter, when the change in the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is stopped and the seat S hardly changes from the state of bulging from the upper side H1 toward the lower side H2, it is determined that the second condition is being satisfied, and it can be determined that the housing portion 46 is sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1.

[0062] On the other hand, even if the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is increased and the seat S hardly deforms, it can be determined that the housing portion 46 is not sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1 because the first condition is not being satisfied. Similarly, even if the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is decreased and the seat S hardly changes, it is determined that the housing portion 46 is not sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1 because the first condition is not being satisfied.

[0063] Also, even if the first condition is satisfied, when the change in the atmospheric pressure outside the housing 1 is stopped, if the sheet S returns from the deformed state (the state where the sheet S is recessed from the lower side H2 toward the upper side H1, or the state where the sheet S bulges from the upper side H1 toward the lower side H2) to the original state (the state where the sheet S is not recessed from the lower side H2 toward the upper side H1, or the state where the sheet S does not bulge from the upper side H1 toward the lower side H2), it is determined that the second condition is not satisfied, and thus the accommodating portion 46 is not sufficiently waterproofed from the outside of the housing 1.

[0064] The measurement of the degree of deformation of the sheet S is performed using a device for inspecting the sheet S. The device for inspecting the sheet S includes, for example, a cell in which the housing 1 is disposed, a pressure change mechanism for changing the atmospheric pressure in the cell, a measurement mechanism for measuring the degree of deformation of the sheet S, and a control unit.

[0065] [Operation of Detection Device 100] Next, the operation of the detection device 100 will be described. According to the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, it includes a housing 1 and a temperature and humidity sensor 6 accommodated in the housing 1 and having a detection surface 61 for detecting temperature and humidity. A sensor opening 44 is formed in the housing 1. The temperature and humidity sensor 6 is arranged such that the detection surface 61 faces the upper side (outer side) H1 of the vertical direction (penetration direction) H of the sensor opening 44, and the detection surface 61 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1 through the sensor opening 44. When viewed from the vertical direction (penetration direction) H, a first waterproof material 71 is filled in the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the sensor opening 44. With the detection surface 61 exposed, the side surface 6a of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 is covered by the first waterproof material 71, so that it is possible to suppress liquid from entering the inside of the housing 1 from the sensor opening 44. Therefore, the detection device 100 has a sufficient waterproof function. For this reason, even if the detection device 100 is used in an environment where it is exposed to a large amount of liquid such as during rainy days or inside a vinyl greenhouse where watering is done, it is possible to protect electronic devices such as the sensor substrate 2 and the cable 3 accommodated inside the housing 1. Furthermore, since it is waterproofed by filling the first waterproof material 71 in the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the sensor opening 44, the detection device 100 has a waterproof function while being small in size.

[0066] According to the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, since 90% or more of the detection surface 61 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1, the detection device 100 has a sufficient waterproof function while maintaining the function of detecting temperature and humidity.

[0067] According to the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, since the first waterproof material 71 is filled from the bottom surface 6b of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 to a position of 50% or more of the total length of the side surface 6a in the vertical direction (penetration direction) H, it is possible to effectively suppress liquid from entering the inside of the housing 1 from between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the sensor opening 44.

[0068] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, it includes a sensor substrate 2 accommodated in the housing 1 and having a temperature and humidity sensor 6, and a cable 3 whose tip (one end) 3s is connected to the sensor substrate 2. The housing 1 is formed with a cable accommodation portion 46b for accommodating the cable 3 and a cable opening 45 communicating with the cable accommodation portion 46b for drawing the cable 3 to the outside of the housing 1. Since the cable accommodation portion 46b is filled with a second waterproof material 72, it is possible to effectively suppress the intrusion of liquid into the housing 1 from between the cable 3 and the cable opening 45.

[0069] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the housing 1 has a box-shaped case 4 with a cable accommodation portion 46b formed inside and an opening surface 43 constituting a part of the cable accommodation portion 46b, and a cover 5 for closing the opening surface 43. The case 4 is provided on the inner surface 42s of the side wall, faces the vertical direction (height direction) H, and has a step surface 42f in contact with the cover 5 that closes the opening surface 43. The second waterproof material 72 is filled in the cable accommodation portion 46b up to a position where the distance in the vertical direction (height direction) H to the step surface 42f is 0.5 mm or less. Therefore, the cover 5 can close the opening surface 43 in a state of being in contact with the step surface 42f, improving the design property of the housing 1. Furthermore, since the second waterproof material 72 is sufficiently filled while suppressing interference with the cover 5 that closes the opening surface 43, it is possible to effectively suppress the intrusion of liquid into the housing 1 from between the cable 3 and the cable opening 45.

[0070] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the cable 3 has a retaining portion N that is fitted in the cable accommodation portion 46b, and the second waterproof material 72 is filled so as to enclose the retaining portion N. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the cable 3 from coming out of the cable opening 45 and suppress the intrusion of liquid into the housing 1 from between the cable 3 and the cable opening 45.

[0071] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the housing 1 includes a box-shaped case 4 having an opening surface 43 and a cover 5 for closing the opening surface 43. Since the case 4 and the cover 5 are fixed by welding, the case 4 and the cover 5 can be fixed without using additional members such as screws, and the detection device 100 can be easily miniaturized. Further, since the durability of the close contact state between the case 4 and the cover 5 is improved, it is possible to suppress the fixing between the case 4 and the cover 5 from being released, and it is possible to suppress liquid from entering the inside of the housing 1 from between the case 4 and the cover 5.

[0072] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, a slit 52 is formed in the housing 1, and a sheet S that covers the slit 52 and has flexibility more than the housing 1 is further provided, so that the waterproof function of the housing 1 can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to remove the housing 1 that does not sufficiently have a waterproof function due to manufacturing errors or the like, and it is possible to provide the detection device 100 having a sufficient waterproof function.

[0073] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the housing 1 is formed including polycarbonate, and the sheet S is formed including a PET material. Therefore, the sheet S is likely to be deformed by the difference in air pressure between the accommodation portion 46 and the outside of the housing 1. Therefore, it is possible to more precisely determine the waterproof function of the housing 1.

[0074] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, since the first waterproof material 71 is formed including a silicon material, it can have a waterproof function while having heat resistance.

[0075] According to the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, since the sensor opening 44 is formed in the bottom portion 41d, it is easy to fill the sensor accommodation portion 46c with the first waterproof material 71 from the sensor opening 44.

[0076] According to the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, in the vertical direction H, since the heat conduction sheet 22 is provided between the sensor substrate 2 and the cover 5, heat is easily transferred from the lower surface 5t of the cover 5 to the detection surface 61, and the temperature of the object to be measured can be measured by bringing the lower surface 5t of the cover 5 closer to the object.

[0077] As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and design changes and the like within the scope not departing from the gist of the present invention are also included. In addition, the components shown in the above embodiments can be combined as appropriate.

[0078] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the penetration direction of the sensor opening 44 is the vertical direction H, but the penetration direction of the sensor opening 44 is not limited. For example, the sensor opening 44 may penetrate in a direction deviated from the vertical direction H, or may penetrate in the front-rear direction L.

[0079] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the height direction of the case 4 is the vertical direction H, but the configuration of the case 4 is not limited. For example, the opening surface 43 of the case 4 may be formed on the right side surface W1 among the side surfaces of the case 4.

[0080] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that 90% or more of the detection surface 61 is exposed to the outside of the housing 1, but the configuration of the detection surface 61 is not limited. For example, 89% of the detection surface 61 may be exposed to the outside of the housing 1, and 11% of the detection surface 61 may be covered with the first waterproof material 71. The detection device 100 only needs to be able to detect the temperature and humidity outside the housing 1 at the detection surface 61.

[0081] In the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first waterproof material 71 is filled up to a position of 50% or more of the total length of the side surface 6a from the bottom surface 6b of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 in the vertical direction H. However, the location where the first waterproof material 71 is filled is not limited. For example, the first waterproof material 71 may be filled up to a position of 49% of the total length of the side surface 6a from the bottom surface 6b of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 in the vertical direction H. The detection device 100 only needs to be suppressed from allowing liquid to enter between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor 6 and the sensor opening 44 by the first waterproof material 71.

[0082] In the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, a sensor substrate 2 accommodated in the housing 1 and having a temperature and humidity sensor 6, and a cable 3 whose tip (one end) 3s is connected to the sensor substrate 2 are provided. The housing 1 has a cable housing portion 46b that houses the cable 3, and a cable opening 45 that communicates with the cable housing portion 46b and draws the cable 3 to the outside of the housing 1. It is preferable that the cable housing portion 46b is filled with a second waterproof material 72. However, the configuration of the detection device 100 is not limited. For example, a configuration in which a member capable of wirelessly transmitting a signal transmitted by the temperature and humidity sensor 6 to another device is provided inside the housing 1 may be used. In that case, it is not necessary to provide the cable 3, it is not necessary to form the cable opening 45, and it is not necessary to suppress liquid from entering the inside of the housing 1 between the cable 3 and the cable opening 45. The detection device 100 only needs to be waterproof at portions where there is a possibility of liquid entering from the outside to the inside of the housing 1.

[0083] In the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, in the housing 1, a cable accommodation portion 46b is formed inside, and it has a box-shaped case 4 having an opening surface 43 that constitutes a part of the cable accommodation portion 46b, and a cover 5 that closes the opening surface 43. The case 4 is provided on the inner surface 42s of the side wall, faces the vertical direction H, and has a stepped surface 42f that contacts the cover 5 with the opening surface 43 closed. The second waterproof material 72 is preferably filled in the cable accommodation portion 46b up to a position where the distance in the vertical direction H to the stepped surface 42f is 0.5 mm or less, but the location where the second waterproof material 72 is filled is not limited. For example, the second waterproof material 72 may be filled in the cable accommodation portion 46b up to a position where the distance in the vertical direction H to the stepped surface 42f is 0.6 mm. The detection device 100 only needs to be such that the second waterproof material 72 suppresses the intrusion of liquid from between the cable 3 and the cable opening 45 into the interior of the housing 1.

[0084] In the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the cable 3 has a retaining portion N that is fitted in the cable accommodation portion 46b, and the second waterproof material 72 is preferably filled so as to enclose the retaining portion N, but the configuration of the cable 3 is not limited. For example, the cable 3 may be configured such that the outer diameter increases from the base end side L2 to the tip end side L1, and the outer diameter of the portion accommodated in the cable accommodation portion 46b is larger than the inner diameter of the cable opening 45. In that case, the cable 3 is inserted into the cable opening 45 from the base end side L2 during assembly. The detection device 100 only needs to be such that the cable 3 is prevented from coming out of the cable opening 45.

[0085] In the detection device 100 according to the present embodiment, the housing 1 has a box-shaped case 4 having an opening surface 43 and a cover 5 that closes the opening surface 43, and the case 4 and the cover 5 are preferably fixed by welding, but the fixing method of the case 4 and the cover 5 is not limited. For example, the case 4 and the cover 5 may be fixed by a highly adhesive adhesive tape. The detection device 100 only needs to be such that the case 4 and the cover 5 are firmly fixed.

[0086] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, it is preferable that a slit 52 is formed in the housing 1, and a sheet S that covers the slit 52 and has higher flexibility than the housing 1 is further provided. However, the direction for determining the waterproof function of the housing 1 is not limited. For example, the waterproof function may be determined by measuring the difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the housing 1 with a micrometer.

[0087] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the housing 1 is preferably formed including polycarbonate, and the sheet S is preferably formed including a PET material. However, the materials of the housing 1 and the sheet S are not limited. It is only necessary that the sheet S has higher flexibility than the housing 1.

[0088] In the detection device 100 according to this embodiment, the first waterproof material 71 is preferably formed including a silicon material. However, the material of the first waterproof material 71 is not limited. For example, the first waterproof material 71 may be formed including a rubber-based material. The first waterproof material 71 only needs to be formed including a material having a waterproof function.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0089] 100 Detection device 10 Probe 1 Housing 4 Case 41 Upper wall 41a Plane portion 41b Curved portion 41c Detection portion 41d Bottom 41s Upper surface 42 Side wall 42a Front wall 42b Rear wall 42c Right wall 42d Left wall 42e Step portion 42f Step surface 42s Inner surface of side wall 42t Lower end 43 Opening surface 44 Sensor opening 45 Cable opening 46 Accommodating portion 46a Substrate housing section 46b Cable housing section 46c Sensor housing section 46d Waterproofing material filling section 47a Sensor housing partition wall 47b Cable housing partition wall 48 Tip 48a Through hole 71 First waterproofing material 72 Second waterproofing material 5 Cover 5s Upper surface 5t Lower surface 51 Depression 52 Slit 2 Sensor substrate 6 Temperature and humidity sensor 6a Side surface 6b Bottom surface 61 Detection surface 62 Waterproof cover 21 Cable connection part 22 Thermal conduction sheet 3 Cable 3s Tip 3t Base end 31 Substrate connection part 20 Communication module S Sheet G Screw P Tape N Retaining part L Front - rear direction L1 Tip side L2 Base end side H Vertical direction (through - hole direction, height direction) H1 Upper side (outer side) H2 Lower side W Width direction W1 Right side W2 Left side

Claims

1. A housing, a temperature and humidity sensor housed in the housing and having a detection surface for detecting temperature and humidity, and comprising, a sensor opening is formed in the housing, the temperature and humidity sensor is arranged such that the detection surface faces the outside in the penetrating direction of the sensor opening, and the detection surface is exposed to the outside of the housing through the sensor opening, when viewed from the penetrating direction, a first waterproof material is filled in the gap between the periphery of the temperature and humidity sensor and the sensor opening, with the detection surface exposed, the side surface of the temperature and humidity sensor is covered by the first waterproof material, a detection device.

2. 90% or more of the detection surface is exposed to the outside of the housing, The detection device according to Claim 1.

3. The first waterproof material is filled up to a position of 50% or more of the total length of the side surface from the bottom surface of the temperature and humidity sensor in the penetrating direction, The detection device according to Claim 1.

4. a sensor substrate housed in the housing and having the temperature and humidity sensor, a cable having one end connected to the sensor substrate, and comprising, the housing is formed with a cable housing portion for housing the cable and a cable opening communicating with the cable housing portion for pulling the cable to the outside of the housing, the cable housing portion is filled with a second waterproof material, The detection device according to Claim 1.

5. The housing is, a box-shaped case having a cable housing portion formed inside and an opening surface constituting a part of the cable housing portion, a cover for closing the opening surface, and having, the case is provided on the inner surface of the side wall, faces the height direction, and has a stepped surface in contact with the cover closing the opening surface, the second waterproof material is filled up to a position where the distance in the height direction to the stepped surface in the cable housing portion is 0.5 mm or less, The detection device according to Claim 4.

6. The cable has a retaining means for being fitted in the cable housing portion, the second waterproof material is filled so as to enclose the retaining means, The detection device according to Claim 4.

7. The housing is, a box-shaped case having an opening surface, a cover for closing the opening surface, and having, the case and the cover are fixed by welding, The detection device according to Claim 1.

8. a slit is formed in the housing, further comprising a sheet that covers the slit and is more flexible than the housing. The detection device according to claim 1.

9. The housing is formed including polycarbonate, The sheet is formed including a PET material, The detection device according to claim 8.

10. The first waterproof material is formed including a silicone material, The detection device according to claim 1.

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