Sensor device

Abstract

To provide a sensor device that can replace a battery even in an area that requires explosion-proof specifications.SOLUTION: A sensor device D1 which is used by being attached to a measuring instrument G1 which has a scale plate G16 with a scale G161, a pointer G14 that rotates on the scale plate G16, and a shaft member that rotates the pointer G14 and which acquires a measurement value of the measuring instrument G1 in a non-contact manner, includes a body part M1 and a battery part B1. The body part M1 includes a body case 1 which stores a sensor circuit that acquires the measurement value. The battery part B1 includes a battery case 5 which stores a battery that feeds power to the sensor circuit. The body part M1 and the battery part B1 can be assembled by stacking the body case 1 and the battery case 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor device that is attached to an instrument and acquires measurement values of the instrument in a non-contact manner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, automation in manufacturing factories has advanced, and the use of robots and the like in assembly devices and inspection devices has been increasing. Many instruments are attached to robot devices for automatic assembly and inspection to monitor their operating states. In such manufacturing factories, flammable gas may be used, and explosion-proof specifications are required for the devices used. On the other hand, when many instruments are used within the same manufacturing factory, a sensor device for reading measurement values of the instruments for the purpose of labor saving is installed, and a large number of power sources are also required to operate these sensor devices. If power is supplied to each instrument measurement sensor device using an external power source, the number of power cables connecting the external power source and the instrument measurement sensor device is required as many as the number of instrument measurement sensor devices, and many power cables must be laid within the manufacturing factory. Furthermore, due to the above-described explosion-proof specifications, explosion-proof measures for the connection part between the power cable and the instrument measurement sensor device are also required, resulting in cost increases such as special specifications for the power cable and connection connector. Therefore, technologies for solving such problems have been studied (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an explosion-proof device that is a field device installed in a plant or factory as a sensor device including a battery storage structure and detecting differential pressure and temperature. When replacing the battery pack, a capacitor is used to maintain the operating state of the explosion-proof device, and the capacitor can be omitted if the operation of the explosion-proof device can be maintained during battery replacement. That is, Patent Document 1 describes an explosion-proof device that can replace the battery in a short time while maintaining the operating state of the explosion-proof device in an area requiring explosion-proof specifications.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2014-78414 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In the battery storage structure for explosion-proof equipment described in Patent Document 1, batteries are individually housed in a first storage section and a second storage section. A rocking member is provided that rocks to eject the other battery from the first storage section when either the first or second storage section battery is pushed in. Thus, the rocking member has a complex structure, which contributes to increased costs. Furthermore, when replacing batteries in areas where explosion-proof specifications are required, replacement must be done quickly. However, in the battery storage structure for explosion-proof equipment described in Patent Document 1, the rocking member allows only one battery from the first storage section and one from the second storage section to be replaced at a time, resulting in a large sensor device. Moreover, when using two or more battery packs, the rocking member becomes even more complex, contributing not only to increased costs and size, but also making it impossible to replace two or more battery packs simultaneously in a short amount of time.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a sensor device that allows for quick battery replacement without requiring complex mechanisms, even in areas where explosion-proof specifications are necessary. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The characteristic configuration of the sensor device according to the present invention is a sensor device that is used attached to an instrument having a scale plate with markings, a pointer that rotates on the scale plate, and a shaft member that rotates the pointer, and acquires the measured value of the instrument without contact, comprising a main body and a battery unit, wherein the main body includes a main body case that houses the sensor circuit that acquires the measured value, and the battery unit includes a battery case that houses a battery that supplies power to the sensor circuit, and the main body and the battery unit can be assembled by stacking the main body case and the battery case.

[0008] With this configuration, the main unit and battery unit can be easily assembled by stacking the main unit case and battery case while the main unit is attached to the instrument. Furthermore, while the main unit is attached to the instrument, the main unit and battery unit can be separated by removing the battery case from the main unit case. In addition, by making the sensor device explosion-proof, it can be used in explosion-proof areas. Moreover, by forming the main unit and battery unit independently with explosion-proof specifications, it is possible to replace the battery unit along with the sensor device without taking the sensor device out of the area where explosion-proof specifications are required. Therefore, battery replacement can be performed in a short time even in areas requiring explosion-proof specifications.

[0009] Furthermore, it is preferable that the main body is mounted to the instrument in a position facing each other.

[0010] With this configuration, when the sensor circuit acquires the measured value from the instrument, the only space between the sensor circuit and the instrument is the bottom of the main unit (if the main unit has a bottom), allowing the sensor circuit to be placed close to the instrument. Therefore, the sensor circuit can acquire the measured value with high accuracy.

[0011] Furthermore, it is preferable that a sealing member be provided at the boundary between the main body case and the battery case.

[0012] With this configuration, the spaces formed inside the main unit case and the battery case can be made dustproof and waterproof. Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations where water droplets, dust, etc. adhere to the sensor circuit housed in the main unit case or the battery housed in the battery case, causing a decrease in functionality.

[0013] Furthermore, it is preferable that the battery case houses a plurality of the batteries, and that the plurality of batteries are supported within the battery case by a holder having a separation portion made of insulating material, which is provided between two adjacent batteries, and that the battery case, together with the holder, houses a battery substrate that is electrically connected to each of the plurality of batteries.

[0014] With this configuration, the battery can be positioned in the desired location within the battery case using the holder.

[0015] Furthermore, each of the multiple batteries is a coin-type battery housed in the battery case in a stacked state, and it is preferable that two adjacent batteries are arranged so that one of their positive or negative electrodes faces the other.

[0016] This configuration reduces the potential difference between opposing electrodes in batteries connected in parallel. This suppresses the risk of discharge occurring between opposing electrodes.

[0017] Furthermore, it is preferable that the plurality of batteries are stacked such that the axis of each battery is parallel to the axis of the axis member, the battery substrate is provided so that its surface is aligned with the stacking direction of the plurality of batteries, and the batteries are electrically connected to the battery substrate via extension terminals extending from the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each of the plurality of batteries.

[0018] With this configuration, multiple batteries can be arranged so that their axial length is minimized. Furthermore, it becomes possible to easily electrically connect multiple batteries to a single battery board.

[0019] Furthermore, the battery case preferably has a cylindrical housing portion for housing the battery and a substrate housing portion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical housing portion for housing the battery substrate, and the main body case, when attached to the instrument, preferably has the same external shape as the battery case when viewed in the axial direction along the axis of the shaft member.

[0020] With such a configuration, the cylindrical housing portion of the battery case that houses the battery is designed to be the minimum size that can accommodate the holder, and the substrate housing portion of the battery case is designed to be the minimum size that can accommodate a part of the battery substrate and the holder. In this way, when the sensor device is attached to the instrument, the area in the axial direction of the sensor device can be minimized.

[0021] Moreover, it is preferable that the main body portion and the battery portion can be attached and detached by rotation with an axis parallel to the pressing direction as the rotation axis in a state where the battery case is pressed against the main body case.

[0022] With such a configuration, for example, in a state where the battery case is attached to the main body case, the battery case can be removed from the main body case by rotating the battery case counterclockwise by a predetermined angle. Also, the battery case removed from the main body case can be assembled to the main body case by rotating it clockwise by a predetermined angle. Therefore, in the process of attaching the battery case to the main body case, fixing members such as screws are not required, and it is possible to easily attach and detach the main body case and the battery case. In addition, the battery replacement work can be simplified, so the battery can be replaced in a short time.

[0023] Moreover, the sensor circuit has a sensor unit that acquires position information indicating the position of the pointer and a sensor control unit. The sensor unit is disposed at a position facing the bottom of the main body case in a state where it is attached to the instrument, and is preferably disposed at a position overlapping the shaft member in an axial view along the axis of the shaft member.

[0024] With such a configuration, for example, when the instrument includes a magnet that rotates together with the pointer, the sensor unit reads the change in the magnetic field caused by the rotation of the magnet, and the sensor control unit converts the output of the sensor unit into position information indicating the position of the pointer, so that the sensor device can detect the position of the pointer.

[0025] Furthermore, it further includes a wireless circuit having an antenna for transmitting the position information of the pointer to a receiver, and it is preferable that the antenna is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the shaft member in the axial direction view when attached to the instrument.

[0026] With such a configuration, the position information acquired by the sensor unit can be wirelessly communicated from the instrument to a receiver separated from the instrument via the antenna, and it becomes possible to confirm the needle inspection result of the instrument at a location separated from the instrument. Therefore, for example, in the case where the instrument measures pressures at a plurality of locations installed in facilities within a factory, it is not necessary for an inspector to visually inspect all of the plurality of pressure gauges to check whether the facilities are operating with normal pressures as part of the inspection work at the start of the factory operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a state where a sensor device is attached to an instrument. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view of the sensor device. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a state where the battery unit is removed from the main body unit. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a state where the battery unit is removed from the main body unit. [Figure 5] It is an exploded perspective view of the main body unit. [Figure 6] It is an exploded perspective view of the main body unit. [Figure 7] It is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit. [Figure 8] It is an exploded perspective view of the battery unit. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the connection between the holder and the battery substrate. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the operating state and the released state of the main body unit and the battery unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] The sensor device of the present invention will be described below. Please note that the components of the embodiments described later can be combined with each other as long as they do not contradict each other. Also, please note that the materials, shapes, dimensions, number, and arrangement of the components in each aspect of the embodiments described later are just examples, and can be arbitrarily modified as long as similar functions can be achieved.

[0029] An example of the sensor device D1 will be described with reference to Figures 1-10. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the sensor device D1 attached to the instrument G1. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor device D1. Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the battery unit B1 removed from the main body M1. Figures 5 and 6 are exploded perspective views of the main body M1. Figures 7 and 8 are exploded perspective views of the battery unit B1. Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram of the connection between the internal holder 7 and the battery board 8. Figure 10 is a diagram showing the operating state and the released state of the main body M1 and the battery unit B1. The axial direction Z is shown in Figures 1-9. Hereafter, one axial side will be referred to as the Z1 side (sometimes called "axial side Z1"), and the other axial side will be referred to as the Z2 side (sometimes called "other axial side Z2"). The axial direction Z of instrument G1 corresponds to the direction along the axis of shaft member G17 (described later), as shown in Figure 2, and the axial direction Z of sensor device D1 corresponds to the direction along the axis of shaft member G17 (the stacking direction of the main body M1 and battery B1) when sensor device D1 is attached to instrument G1.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the sensor device D1 is used attached to a separate instrument G1. The instrument G1 has a pointer G14, a scale plate G16, and a shaft member G17. The surface of the scale plate G16 is marked with a scale G161. In this embodiment, the scale G161 is provided circumferentially in the radially outer region of the scale plate G16. The shaft member G17 is provided penetrating the scale plate G16 along the axial direction Z. The shaft member G17 rotates the pointer G14. As a result, the pointer G14 rotates on the scale plate G16, and the position on the scale G161 where the tip of the pointer G141 overlaps (contrasts) allows for the recognition of the measured value of the instrument G1.

[0031] The sensor device D1 acquires the measured value of the attached instrument G1 in a non-contact manner. The measured value of instrument G1 is the measurement result measured by instrument G1. As shown in Figures 1-4, the sensor device D1 comprises a main body M1 and a battery unit B1.

[0032] The sensor device D1 is mounted with its main body M1 facing the instrument G1. Therefore, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the main body M1 is mounted so that it is positioned closer to the instrument G1 than the battery unit B1.

[0033] First, let's describe the main body M1. As shown in Figures 2-6, the main body M1 includes the main body case 1.

[0034] The main body case 1 has a cylindrical portion 11 that is bottomed (including a substantially cylindrical portion) and a protrusion 12 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 11.

[0035] The cylindrical portion 11 has a main body housing space 111 formed inside, and has a bottom portion 112 on one axial side Z1 of the main body housing space 111.

[0036] The protrusion 12 may have an end portion 122 on one axial side Z1 that is flush with the bottom portion 112 of the cylindrical portion 11, which is at the end portion Z1 on one axial side. Alternatively, the protrusion 12 may have an end portion 123 on the other axial side Z2 that is flush with the end portion 141 of the cylindrical portion 11, which is at the end portion Z1 on one axial side. Furthermore, the shape of the protrusion 12 in a plan view along the axial direction Z and in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the axial direction Z may be rectangular (including substantially rectangular), trapezoidal (including substantially trapezoidal), or any other shape. Moreover, it is possible to construct the structure without providing the protrusion 12.

[0037] The main unit housing space 111 houses the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3.

[0038] Sensor circuit 2 acquires the measured value of instrument G1. Sensor circuit 2 has a sensor unit 21 and a sensor control unit 22. Sensor unit 21 is positioned opposite the bottom 112 of the main body case 1. Sensor unit 21 acquires position information indicating the position of pointer G14.

[0039] Next, a specific example of the main body M1 of the sensor device D1 will be described. The sensor unit 21 of the sensor circuit 2 can be, for example, a magnetic sensor IC. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the main body M1 includes a main body substrate 4. The main body substrate 4 has a first surface 41 on one axial side Z1 in the axial direction Z, and a second surface 42 on the other axial side Z2. The sensor unit 21 of the sensor circuit 2 is mounted on the first surface 41, and the sensor control unit 22 and the wireless circuit 3 of the sensor circuit 2 are mounted on the second surface 42. The sensor unit 21 is positioned to overlap with the axial member G17 in an axial Z view when the sensor device D1 is attached to the instrument G1. The antenna 31 of the wireless circuit 3 is also provided on the second surface 42. As shown in Figure 5, the antenna 31 can be formed on the second surface 42 by patterning. The antenna 31 transmits the position information of the pointer G14 acquired by the sensor unit 21 to a receiver (not shown).

[0040] The antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft member G17 when viewed in the axial Z-axis view with the sensor device D1 attached to the instrument G1. In other words, when viewing the sensor device D1 along the axial direction of the shaft member G17, the antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap with the shaft member G17.

[0041] Therefore, the antenna 31 of the wireless circuit 3 is positioned so as not to overlap with the sensor unit 21 of the sensor circuit 2 in the axial Z view.

[0042] The main substrate 4 may be a rigid substrate or a flexible substrate. Furthermore, the main substrate 4 may be a double-sided substrate (two-layer substrate) consisting of two layers, a first surface 41 and a second surface 42 (i.e., two layers, a pattern on the first surface 41 side and a pattern on the second surface 42 side), or it may be a multilayer substrate of three or more layers having a layer (inner layer) between the first surface 41 and the second surface 42, and may be supported and fixed by the main case 1.

[0043] The main body M1 can be constructed to be explosion-proof. An explosion-proof specification is defined to prevent the sensor device D1 from becoming an ignition source for flammable materials (e.g., gas or dust) located outside the sensor device D1. Examples of such explosion-proof specifications include increasing the insulation distance by spacing adjacent components apart in spaces or on component surfaces where a potential difference occurs, applying a resin material such as a potting agent to the component in question, or overmolding the internal space of the main body M1 (i.e., inside the main body case 1) with a resin material.

[0044] Next, the battery unit B1 will be described. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery unit B1 consists of a battery case 5, a battery 6, an internal holder 7 (an example of a "holder"), and a battery substrate 8.

[0045] The battery case 5 has a cylindrical housing portion 51 with a bottom (including a substantially cylindrical shape) and a substrate housing portion 52 that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical housing portion 51.

[0046] The cylindrical housing portion 51 has an internal holder housing space 511 formed inside, and a bottom portion 512 is provided on one axial side Z1. The internal holder housing space 511 houses the battery 6 and the internal holder 7. The battery 6 supplies power to the sensor circuit 2. A through hole 512a is formed in the radial center of the bottom portion 512, and this through hole 512a allows the internal holder housing space 511 to communicate with the outside.

[0047] The substrate housing section 52 has a battery substrate housing space 521 for housing the battery substrate 8. The battery substrate housing space 521 is configured to communicate with the internal holder housing space 511.

[0048] In this embodiment, the internal holder housing space 511 houses the battery 6 along with a portion of the internal holder 7. Additionally, the battery substrate housing space 521 houses the battery substrate 8 along with a portion of the internal holder 7.

[0049] In this embodiment, three batteries 6 are housed in the internal holder housing space 511. Each of the three batteries 6 is a coin-type battery, and they are housed in the internal holder housing space 511 in a stacked state along the axial direction of the batteries 6. In this embodiment, the three batteries 6 are stacked along the axial direction Z.

[0050] Of the three batteries 6, two adjacent batteries 6 are arranged so that one of their positive and negative electrodes faces the other. In this embodiment, one end of a conductive tab (an example of an "extended terminal") 61 is welded to the positive and negative electrodes of each of the three batteries 6. The other end of the tab 61 extends radially outward from the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 6 and is electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 by soldering or other methods. Therefore, each of the three batteries 6 is electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 via the tab 61. Note that, for the connection between the battery 6 and the battery substrate 8, it is also possible to use something other than the tab 61, as long as it is conductive and has the function of electrically connecting the coin-type battery 6 and the battery substrate 8.

[0051] The internal holder 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape using an insulating material. As shown in Figure 2, the internal holder 7 has a battery housing section 71 for housing batteries 6. In this embodiment, the battery housing section 71 is configured to accommodate three batteries 6 individually. Specifically, it has a separation section 72 made of an insulating material. The separation section 72 is positioned within the battery case 5 between two adjacent batteries 6. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, in this embodiment, the internal holder 7 is arranged in the following order along the axial direction Z: top plate 71A, tab 61, battery 6, tab 61, separation section 72, tab 61, battery 6, tab 61, separation section 72, tab 61, battery 6, tab 61, bottom plate 71B of the internal holder 7. As shown in Figure 9, the internal holder 7 has an open section along the circumferential direction, and is configured so that batteries 6 can be inserted into the battery housing section 71 from this open section. Therefore, this open section corresponds to a battery insertion section 73.

[0052] As shown in Figure 2, the battery substrate 8 has a first surface 81 and a second surface 82. In this embodiment, the battery substrate 8 is provided such that its surface (first surface 81 and second surface 82) is aligned with the stacking direction of the three batteries 6. As described above, the batteries 6 are stacked along the axial direction Z. Therefore, the battery substrate 8 is provided with its surface parallel to the axial direction Z. Here, the second surface 82 is the surface facing the batteries 6, and the first surface 81 is the back surface of the second surface 82. Furthermore, the end of the battery substrate 8 on one axial side Z1 is designated as the first end 83, and the end on the other axial side Z2 is designated as the second end 84.

[0053] The battery substrate 8 is positioned to cover (lid) at least a portion of the battery insertion portion 73 of the internal holder 7 that houses the battery 6. The first end 83 is positioned to abut against the bottom surface of the battery case 5, and the second end 84 is positioned to support the lid portion 9 provided on the battery case 5 via the sheet S.

[0054] As described above, the three batteries 6 are arranged such that two adjacent batteries 6 have their positive and negative terminals facing each other. The three batteries 6 are electrically connected in parallel by a pattern formed on the battery substrate 8. A control unit for controlling the output of the batteries 6 may be mounted on the battery substrate 8. As shown in Figure 9, a connecting member 10 is provided on the battery substrate 8. One end of the connecting member 10 is soldered to the battery substrate 8, or it is electrically connected by other means.

[0055] In this embodiment, three batteries 6 are provided, but there may be two or fewer, or four or more. Also, when multiple batteries 6 are provided, they may be electrically connected in series or in parallel. Alternatively, a combination of series and parallel connections may be used. Furthermore, although it is assumed that two adjacent batteries 6 are arranged with their positive and negative electrodes facing each other, for example, in the case of a series connection or in a parallel connection where the potentials of the positive and negative electrodes of two opposing batteries 6 are different, the separation portion 72 between the two adjacent batteries 6 can be configured to overlap with the entire battery 6 in the axial Z view.

[0056] The battery section B1 is provided with the aforementioned cover 9 on the other axial side Z2, but as shown in Figure 8, it may also be provided with the sheet S interposed.

[0057] The internal holder 7 is housed in the internal holder housing space 511 with the cylindrical body 7A on one axial side Z1 inserted through the through hole 512a in the bottom 512. The lid 9 closes the other axial side Z2 of the battery case 5 and is supported and fixed to the battery case 5. At this time, a part of the axial side Z1 of the internal holder 7 may be exposed to the axial side Z1 through the through hole 512a in the bottom 512 of the battery case 5.

[0058] The internal holder 7 may be a structure molded onto the structure in which the battery 6 is electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 using an insulating material, or it may be a structure molded onto the battery 6. The molding method may be injection molding or transfer molding, or a potting method in which a thermosetting resin or UV-effect resin is injected into a mold and cured, or any other method may be used. Furthermore, the shape of the internal holder 7 does not have to be cylindrical, and it is sufficient if it is a shape that is supported within the internal holder housing space 511.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 can be attached by stacking the main body case 1 and the battery case 5. At this time, an O-ring (an example of a "sealing member") O is provided at the boundary between the main body case 1 and the battery case 5. The O-ring O is attached to the battery case 5, and with the battery unit B1 fixed to the main body M1, it is possible to make the main body housing space 111 liquid-tight. The sheet S is sandwiched between the battery case 5 and the lid 9, and together with the O-ring O, makes the internal holder housing space 511 and the battery substrate housing space 521 liquid-tight. The O-ring O may also be configured to be attached to the main body case 1. The sheet S may use a packing material such as an O-ring instead of a sheet-like member, or a sealant may be applied. Alternatively, the packing material may be integrally molded, or the lid 9 and the battery case 5 may be ultrasonically welded or adhesively fixed to prevent water droplets from entering from the fitting portion between the battery case 5 and the lid 9.

[0060] The battery section B1 can be constructed with explosion-proof specifications, similar to the main body section M1. The battery section B1 can be constructed in a similar manner to the main body section M1, for example, by increasing the insulation distance by arranging adjacent components at a distance from each other in the space or on the surface of the components where a potential difference is generated, by applying a resin material such as a potting agent to the component in question, or by overmolding the space inside the main body section M1 (i.e., inside the main body case 1) with a resin material.

[0061] The sensor device D1 can be constructed with explosion-proof specifications by combining the main body M1 and the battery unit B1.

[0062] The connecting member 10 electrically connects the main body M1 and the battery unit B1. As shown in Figures 5 and 9, the connecting member 10 can consist of a board-to-board connection harness comprising a wire 10a and a plug 10b, and a receptacle 10c mounted on the main board 4. The wire 10a consists, for example, of a pair of power wires and ground wires. As described above, one end of the wire 10a is electrically connected to the battery board 8 by soldering or other means, and the other end is connected to the plug 10b of the power wire and ground wire. The plug 10b has a plug body 10b1 and a plug contact 10b2 held by the plug body 10b1, and is electrically connected to the central conductor of the wire 10a. As shown in Figure 4, a portion of the wire 10a and the plug 10b are provided exposed on one axial side Z1 through the through hole 512a of the battery case 5. As shown in Figure 5, the receptacle 10c is mounted on the main board 4 and electrically connected to a pattern formed on the main board 4. The receptacle 10c has a receptacle body 10c1 and a receptacle terminal 10c2 held by the receptacle body 10c1. When the plug body 10b1 and the receptacle body 10c1 are mated together, the plug contact 10b2 and the receptacle terminal 10c2 are electrically connected. This electrically connects the main board 4 and the battery board 8.

[0063] The main body M1 and the battery unit B1 can be mounted by stacking the main body case 1 and the battery case 5. Here, the state in which the sensor device D1 can perform its sensor function is defined as the "operating state," and the state in which the sensor device D1 cannot perform its sensor function is defined as the "deactivated state." Furthermore, when the main body case 1 is attached to the instrument G1, it is formed to have the same external shape as the battery case 5 in an axial Z view along the axis of the shaft member G17.

[0064] The main body M1 and the battery unit B1 can be attached to and detached by rotating the battery case 5 around an axis parallel to the direction of pressure while the battery case 5 is pressed against the main body case 1. Specifically, with the battery case 5 pressed against the main body case 1, the battery case 5 can be attached to the main body case 1 and the sensor device D1 can be put into operation by rotating it clockwise around the axis of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5, in an axial Z view, as shown in Figure 10(A), so that the battery case 5 aligns with the main body case 1 when viewed toward one side Z1 in the axial direction. On the other hand, the battery case 5 can be removed from the main body case 1 and the sensor device D1 can be released by rotating it counterclockwise around the axis of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5, in an axial Z view, as shown in Figure 10(B), so that the battery case 5 does not align with the main body case 1.

[0065] To attach and detach the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 in this manner, a locking mechanism 35 is provided on the battery case 5 and the main body case 1. The locking mechanism 35, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, for example, is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the main body case 1 and consists of a locking portion 513 that protrudes radially inward and a locked portion 113 that protrudes from the battery case 5 in one axial direction Z1. When viewed toward one axial direction Z1, the locked portion 113 has an open end on the clockwise side and a closed end on the counterclockwise side. This allows the battery unit B1 to be attached to the main body M1 by pressing the battery case 5 against the main body case 1 while it is not aligned with the main body case 1 and rotating it clockwise, causing the locking portion 513 to enter and lock into the locked portion 113. Furthermore, while the locking portion 513 is locked to the locked portion 113, the battery case 5 can be removed from the main body M1 by rotating it counterclockwise (for example, by 25 degrees) relative to the main body case 1.

[0066] As described above, the main unit M1 is installed in a position closer to the instrument G1 than the battery unit B1. As described above, the battery unit B1 can be attached to the main unit M1 by rotating the battery case 5 clockwise relative to the main unit case 1, and the battery unit B1 can be removed from the main unit M1 by rotating the battery case 5 counterclockwise relative to the main unit case 1. Therefore, it is possible to remove and replace the battery unit B1 while the main unit M1 remains attached to the instrument G1.

[0067] To completely remove the battery unit B1 from the main body M1, remove the plug 10b from the receptacle 10c of the connecting member 10. To attach the battery unit B1 to the main body M1, insert the plug 10b of the connecting member 10 into the receptacle 10c before pressing the battery unit B1 against the main body M1 in one axial direction Z1. The battery unit B1 may be configured to be rotated counterclockwise when attached to the main body M1 and rotated clockwise when removed from the main body M1. The rotation angle when removing may be 25 degrees or more, or less than 25 degrees.

[0068] The main body case 1 may or may not have the axis of the cylindrical portion 11 coincide with the axis of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the main body case 1 has a guide groove 121 formed in the convex portion 12, with the other axial side Z2 being open. The battery case 5 also has a projection 522 formed in the substrate housing portion 52 that protrudes in one axial direction Z1. The projection 522 is preferably inserted into the guide groove 121 in the operating state shown in Figure 10(A) and the release state shown in Figure 10(B). The guide groove 121 has a bottom surface 121a that exposes the other axial side Z2, and the projection 522 has a tip portion 522a on one axial side Z1. During the transition from one to the other between the operating state and the release state, as described above, the battery case 5 is preferably pressed against the main body case 1, with the tip portion 522a in contact with the bottom surface 121a. There may be a gap between the bottom surface 121a and the tip portion 522a.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the instrument G1 comprises a main body G11, a case G12, an outer frame G13, a pointer G14, a transparent plate G15, a scale plate G16, and a shaft member G17. The main body G11 is housed in the case G12 together with the scale plate G16 and attached to the transparent plate G15. The transparent plate G15 is fitted into the outer frame G13 and then incorporated into the case G12. As a result, the transparent plate G15 is enclosed within the outer frame G13. The instrument can function as a pressure gauge, allowing the measured value to be read by positioning the pointer G14 to align with the scale G161. The axis of the cylindrical portion 11 of the main body case 1 of the main body portion M1 is positioned to coincide with the central axis on which the pressure gauge pointer G14 rotates in an axial Z view. Furthermore, when attached to the instrument G1, the sensor portion 21 of the sensor circuit 2 can be positioned to coincide with the shaft member G17, which is the central axis on which the pressure gauge pointer G14 rotates, in an axial Z view.

[0071] [Other Embodiments] The connecting member 10 was described as being composed of an electric wire 10a, a receptacle 10c, and a plug 10b. However, instead of the connecting member 10, it is also possible to configure the device so that, for example, the connector on the main body M1 side and the connector on the battery unit B1 side make elastic contact, thereby electrically connecting the main body M1 and the battery unit B1.

[0072] The main board 4 may have a main power control unit 43 that controls the power supply to the main unit M1, and the battery board 8 may have a control unit (not shown) that controls the output of the battery unit B1. Specifically, the main power control unit 43 may control the power from the battery unit B1 in order to drive the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3. The control unit may also control the power from the battery 6 output from the battery board 8 via the connecting member 10.

[0073] The battery unit B1 is configured such that, when in the operating state shown in Figure 10(A), it can supply power from the battery 6 to the main unit M1 via the connecting member 10, and when in the deactivated state shown in Figure 10(B) or when it is detached from the main unit M1, the power supply from the battery 6 stops, and no potential difference is generated at the output terminal of the connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side. In such a configuration, for example, a magnet may be provided on the main unit M1 and a Hall element (an example of a control unit) may be provided on the battery unit B1. In such a case, when in the operating state, the Hall element detects the magnetic flux of the magnet and causes the battery 6 to output power, and when in the deactivated state or when it is detached from the main unit M1, the Hall element cannot detect the magnetic flux of the magnet, so the power output of the battery 6 is cut off. Alternatively, the main unit M1 may be provided with a main unit-side terminal made of a conductive material which is part of the connecting member 10, and the battery unit B1 may be provided with a battery-side terminal having an elastically displaceable contact part made of a conductive material which is part of the connecting member 10. In this case, when the device is operating, the contact portion of the battery-side terminal is displaced and elastically contacts the main unit-side terminal, thereby creating an electrical connection. When the device is deactivated or in the transition between the operating and deactivated states, the contact portion of the battery-side terminal does not contact the main unit-side terminal, and therefore no electrical connection is made.

[0074] Furthermore, the main body M1 may be configured to have a main body-side terminal made of a conductive material that is part of the connecting member 10, and the battery unit B1 may be configured to have a battery-side terminal made of a conductive material that is part of the connecting member 10 and has an elastically displaceable contact portion. In this case, when in operation and deactivation states, the contact portion of the battery-side terminal displaces and elastically contacts the main body-side terminal, thereby creating an electrical connection. When a magnet is provided on the main body M1 and a Hall element is provided on the battery unit B1, when in operation states, the Hall element detects the magnetic flux of the magnet and causes the battery 6 to output power, and when in deactivation states and when detached from the main body M1, the Hall element cannot detect the magnetic flux of the magnet. In this case, it is possible to shut off the power output of the battery 6. It is also possible to stagger the timing of the electrical connection between the main body M1 and the battery unit B1 and the timing of turning on the output of the battery 6 in the battery unit B1.

[0075] The main body case 1, battery case 5, and lid 9 can also be formed from, for example, a transparent insulating material.

[0076] The cylindrical portion 11 of the main case 1 and the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 may each have an indicator that allows visual confirmation of whether the sensor device D1 is in an operating state or a deactivated state.

[0077] In the above embodiment, a pressure gauge was used as an example of the instrument G1 to which the sensor device D1 is attached. However, the instrument G1 is not limited to a pressure gauge; for example, it may be a voltmeter, ammeter, power meter, energy meter, etc. It can also be used as a flow meter, etc.

[0078] [Technical Features and Effects] The sensor device D1, which is attached to and used with the instrument G1 configured as described above, exhibits the following technical characteristics and effects.

[0079] (1) First technical features and effects With the main unit M1 attached to the instrument G1, the battery case 5 can be attached to the main unit case 1 to electrically connect the main unit M1 and the battery unit B1. Conversely, with the main unit M1 attached to the instrument G1, the electrical connection between the main unit M1 and the battery unit B1 can be disconnected by removing the battery case 5 from the main unit case 1. Furthermore, by making the sensor device D1 explosion-proof, it can be used in explosion-proof areas. Moreover, since the main unit M1 and the battery unit B1 are each independently constructed with explosion-proof specifications, the battery unit B1 can be replaced along with the battery 6 without having to take the sensor device D1 out of the area where the equipment using the sensor device D1 is required to be explosion-proof.

[0080] Furthermore, by preparing the battery unit B1 in advance, with the battery 6 housed in the battery case 5, when replacing the battery 6, the main unit M1 can remain attached to the meter G1, and the entire battery case 5 can be replaced. In this case, the work of removing the old battery 6 from the battery case 5, setting the new battery 6 into the internal holder 7, and the associated work of opening and closing the lid 9 of the battery case 5 are unnecessary when replacing the battery, so the battery replacement can be done in a short time. Therefore, the work time required to replace the battery unit B1 can be shortened. In addition, by adding a function to the main power control unit 43 of the main unit M1 to maintain power supply to the sensor circuit 2 and the wireless circuit 3 during the replacement work, the meter reading of the meter G1 by the sensor device D1 can be prevented from stopping when the battery unit B1 is replaced.

[0081] Furthermore, if the meter reading data from sensor device D1 is linked to the power supply of the factory equipment, the battery can be replaced without stopping the equipment. In addition, if, for example, sensor device D1 is set to perform calibration of the function that reads the measured value read by meter G1 at the start of operation, the meter reading function of sensor device D1 will not stop when the battery is replaced, so calibration is not required and the time required for calibration can be eliminated. Moreover, if the positive and negative terminals of battery 6 are connected incorrectly, the time required to correct the connection is eliminated, and situations in which reverse voltage or excessive voltage is applied to the circuit can be avoided.

[0082] In particular, if the specifications allow for individual battery replacement at the site, having multiple batteries increases the replacement time and the likelihood of incorrectly connecting the positive and negative terminals. Therefore, shortening the battery replacement time helps maintain concentration during the replacement process, thus preventing such misconnections. Furthermore, simplifying the battery replacement process and shortening the replacement time reduces the time during which power is interrupted to the sensor circuit 2 and wireless circuit 3.

[0083] (2) Second Technical Features and Effects Since the main body M1 is mounted on the instrument G1 in a facing position, when the sensor unit 21 acquires the measured value measured by the instrument G1, only the bottom 112 exists between the sensor unit 21 and the instrument G1, which reduces the degradation of the function of the sensor unit 21 in acquiring the measured value.

[0084] Furthermore, if the sensor unit 21 is a magnetic sensor IC that reads the position of the pointer G14 of the instrument G1 without contact, it can be positioned away from the battery 6, making it less susceptible to the influence of the battery 6 on the acquisition of measured values. For example, even if the battery 6 does affect the acquisition of measured values, countermeasures such as placing an electromagnetic wave absorbing sheet between the sensor unit 21 and the battery 6 can be taken.

[0085] (3) Third Technical Features and Effects Since an O-ring O is provided at the boundary between the main body case 1 and the battery case 5, the main body housing space 111, which is closed off by the main body case 1 and the battery case 5, can be made dustproof and waterproof. Therefore, it is possible to prevent situations in which water droplets, dust, etc. adhere to the sensor unit 21 housed in the main body housing space 111, causing a decrease in sensor function.

[0086] Furthermore, the sheet S can be sandwiched between the battery case 5 and the lid 9, and the fitting of the battery case 5 and the lid 9 can prevent liquids such as water or oil from entering the internal holder housing space 511 and the battery substrate housing space 521. As a result, the O-ring O can make the main housing space 111 liquid-tight, and at the same time make the internal holder housing space 511 and the battery substrate housing space 521 liquid-tight, preventing damage to the battery 6 and battery substrate 8 from corrosion or short circuits caused by water droplets.

[0087] (4) 4 Technical Features and Effects Multiple batteries 6 are placed between two adjacent batteries 6 within the battery case 5 and supported by an internal holder 7 having a separation portion 72 made of insulating material. This allows the batteries 6 to be positioned in a predetermined location within the internal holder 7, facilitating connection to the battery board 8.

[0088] Furthermore, even if a battery 6 is individually explosion-proof, if the battery section B1 is not arranged so that one of the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent batteries 6 faces each other, and the batteries 6 are connected in parallel by the battery board 8, there is a potential difference between the opposing electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6, and there is a risk of discharge. For this reason, it may not be explosion-proof. Also, if the battery section B1 is arranged so that one of the positive and negative electrodes of two adjacent batteries 6 faces each other, and the batteries 6 are connected in series by the battery board 8, there is a potential difference between the opposing electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6, and there is a risk of discharge. For this reason, it may not be explosion-proof. In either of these cases, a separation section 72 is provided between two adjacent batteries 6. If the separation section 72 is configured to overlap with the entire battery 6 in the axial Z view, for example, when the batteries 6 are connected in series and there is a potential difference between the opposing electrodes, the spatial distance between the opposing electrodes can be increased. Therefore, discharge due to potential difference can be suppressed.

[0089] (5) Section 5 Technical Features and Effects In the multiple batteries 6, two adjacent batteries 6 are arranged so that one of their positive and negative electrodes faces each other. Therefore, in two adjacent batteries 6, the electrodes facing each other are the same. For example, when two adjacent batteries 6 are electrically connected in parallel, not only can the risk of discharge due to the potential difference between opposing electrodes be suppressed, but the tabs 61 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the battery 6 can be attached to the electrodes by welding or other means at a position offset from the center of the electrodes of the battery 6, so that they are positioned differently in the axial direction Z from the tabs 61 connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the two adjacent batteries 6. As a result, the surface electrodes (lands) of the first surface 81 of the battery substrate 8, which are formed to electrically connect the tabs 61, are offset in the axial direction Z from the surface electrodes (lands) formed to electrically connect the tabs 61 of the two adjacent batteries 6, making it possible to increase the creepage distance between the surface electrodes (lands). Therefore, the risk of discharge due to potential difference on the battery substrate 8 can be suppressed. The electrodes formed on the battery substrate 8 may be through-hole electrodes that penetrate from the first surface 81 to the second surface 82.

[0090] (6) 6 Technical Features and Effects Multiple batteries 6 are stacked so that their respective axes are parallel to the axis of the axis member G17, and the battery substrate 8 is provided so that its surface is aligned with the stacking direction of the multiple batteries 6. The batteries 6 are electrically connected to the battery substrate 8 via tabs 61 extending from the positive and negative electrodes of each of the multiple batteries 6. This allows the multiple batteries 6 to be arranged in such a way that the length along the axial direction Z is minimized, and enables the multiple batteries 6 to be electrically connected to a single battery substrate 8.

[0091] By setting the length of the battery substrate 8 along the axial Z to be equal to, or slightly longer than, the length of the multiple batteries 6 along the axial Z, the length of the battery section B1 along the axial Z can be shortened. In other words, the height of the sensor device D1 in the axial Z from the mounting surface of the instrument G1 to which the sensor device D1 is attached can be reduced.

[0092] If the length of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z is shorter than the length of the multiple batteries 6 along the axial direction Z, the distance from the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 located between the first end 83 and the second end 84 of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z to the battery substrate 8 will be different from the distance from the electrodes of the batteries 6 located on one axial side Z1 from the first end 83 or on the other axial side Z2 from the second end 84 of the battery substrate 8 along the axial direction Z to the battery substrate 8. Therefore, different types of connection configurations between the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 and the tabs 61 will be required depending on the difference in the distance from the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 to the battery substrate 8. This makes it cumbersome to install the batteries 6 into the battery housing 71 of the internal holder 7, as the connection configuration between the positive and negative electrodes of the batteries 6 and the tabs 61 must be checked during the process. In such a case, if the batteries 6 are installed into the battery housing 71 in the wrong order, it will be impossible to connect the tabs 61 to the battery substrate 8. However, this configuration avoids such a situation.

[0093] (7) 7. Technical Features and Effects Since the main case 1, when attached to the instrument G1, is formed to have the same external shape as the battery case 5 in an axial Z view along the axis of the shaft member G17, the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 in which the battery 6 is housed is designed to the minimum size that can accommodate the internal holder 7, and the substrate housing portion 52 of the battery case 5 is designed to the minimum size that can accommodate the battery substrate 8 and a part of the internal holder 7, the projected area of ​​the sensor device D1 in the axial Z direction when the sensor device D1 is attached to the instrument G1 can be designed to be only slightly larger than the external size of the battery 6.

[0094] For example, if a general-purpose CR2032 type is used as the coin-type battery 6, the diameter of the cylindrical part 11 of the battery case 5 can be approximately 30 mm or less. If the instrument G1 is a pressure gauge or the like, where the measured value is read from the position where the pointer G14 overlaps the scale G161, even if the sensor device D1 is attached to read the measured value measured by the instrument G1, there are times when it is necessary to visually confirm whether the sensor device D1 is reading the measured value correctly, or when it is necessary to know the measured value while working near the instrument G1, so the smaller the projected area in the axial direction Z of the sensor device D1 attached to the instrument G1, the better the visibility.

[0095] When using a general-purpose CR2032 coin-type battery, the projected area of ​​the main body M1 along the axial direction Z of the battery case 5 becomes larger. However, if the size of the battery 6 is increased for reasons such as extending battery life, the main body M1 can remain the same size as when using a CR2032 battery, and the part of the battery unit B1 that attaches to the main body M1 can remain the same size as when using a CR2032 battery. Only the cylindrical housing 51 needs to be enlarged. Therefore, it is possible to change to a battery unit B1 of a different battery size without replacing the already installed main body M1. In this case, even if the main body M1 of the sensor device D1 remains unchanged, and the external appearance of the battery unit B1 increases from a position Z2 on the other axial side of the mounting surface of the sensor device D1 on the instrument G1 by the height dimension Z in the axial direction of the main body M1, the area of ​​the mounting surface of the sensor device D1 on the instrument G1 that is hidden by the main body M1 remains unchanged. Therefore, increasing the size of the battery 6 does not impair the visibility of reading the position where the pointer G14 of the instrument G1 overlaps with the scale G161.

[0096] (8) Section 8 Technical Features and Effects The main body M1 and the battery unit B1 are configured to be attached to and detached by rotating the battery case 5 on an axis parallel to the direction of pressure while the battery case 5 is pressed against the main body case 1. For example, when the battery case 5 is attached to the main body case 1, rotating the battery case 5 counterclockwise by a predetermined angle around the axis of rotation of the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 allows the battery case 5 to be removed from the main body case 1. After being removed from the main body case 1, the battery case 5 can be attached to the main body case 1 by rotating it clockwise by a predetermined angle. Therefore, no fixing members such as screws are required in the process of attaching the battery case 5 to the main body case 1, simplifying the battery replacement process and allowing the battery 6 to be replaced in a short time.

[0097] (9) 9 Technical Features and Effects The sensor circuit 2 includes a sensor unit 21 and a sensor control unit 22 that acquire position information indicating the position of the pointer G14. When the sensor unit 21 is attached to the instrument G1, it is positioned opposite the bottom 112 of the main body case 1 and is positioned in a position that overlaps with the shaft member G17 in an axial Z view along the axis of the shaft member G17. As a result, for example, if the instrument G1 is equipped with a magnet G18 that rotates together with the pointer G14, the sensor unit 21 reads the change in the magnetic field due to the rotation of the magnet G18, and the sensor control unit 22 converts the output of the sensor unit 21 into position information of the pointer G14, thereby enabling the detection of the pointer G14's position.

[0098] (10) 10 Technical Features and Effects The system further includes a wireless circuit 3 having an antenna 31 that transmits position information of the pointer G14 to a receiver. The antenna 31 is positioned so as not to overlap with the axial member G17 in the axial Z view when attached to the instrument G1. This allows the position information acquired by the sensor unit 21 to be wirelessly transmitted via the antenna 31 to a receiver located away from the instrument G1, making it possible to check the meter reading results of the instrument G1 at a location far from the instrument G1 (a remote location). Therefore, when the instrument G1 measures pressure at multiple locations installed in factory equipment, it is not necessary for inspectors to visually inspect all of the pressure gauges to determine whether the equipment is operating with normal pressure as part of the factory's start-up inspection. In addition, since the meter reading information of all pressure gauges can be checked in the office, the time required for pre-start-up inspections can be shortened. Furthermore, while visual inspections involve uncertainty in the meter reading results, sensor-based meter readings can reduce the uncertainty in the meter reading results. Furthermore, by building a system that automatically saves meter reading results, daily meter readings can be recorded as data, and this recorded data can be used to track factory operating hours and to provide alerts about when parts need replacing.

[0099] (11) 11 Technical Features and Effects The locking portion 113 and the locking portion 513 are designed to lock together when in operation, restricting the movement of the battery case 5 in the other axial direction Z2 relative to the main body case 1. When released, they are not locked, allowing the main body case 1 and the battery case 5 to move in the other axial direction Z2. The O-ring O also elastically deforms when in operation, and the locking between the locking portion 113 of the main body case 1 and the locking portion 513 of the battery case 5 acts as a force that restricts the movement of the battery case 5 in the other axial direction Z2 relative to the main body case 1. Therefore, the sensor device D1 can be prevented from unintentionally releasing during operation, thus preventing the battery unit B1 from falling off the main body unit M1. Furthermore, this structure does not require the use of fixing members such as screws, resulting in an inexpensive construction.

[0100] (12) 12 Technical Features and Effects Since the projection 522 is configured to be inserted into the guide groove 121 in both the operating and released states, the tip portion 522a may be configured to contact the bottom surface 121a during the transition between the operating and released states. Furthermore, in both the operating and released states, the portion of the bottom surface 121a facing the tip portion 522a is formed on one axial side Z1 than the portion facing the tip portion 522a during the transition between the operating and released states. As a result, in both the operating and released states, the frictional force acting on the contact surfaces of the locking portion 513 and the locked portion 113 is smaller than the frictional force acting on the contact surfaces of the locking portion 513 and the locked portion 113 during the transition between the operating and released states. This makes it possible to recognize the operating and released states from the amount of force required to rotate the battery case 5, and prevents the erroneous judgment that the battery replacement is complete by stopping the rotation of the battery unit B1 in the transition section between the operating and released states.

[0101] (13) Other technical features and effects The control unit can be configured to control the power from the battery 6 output from the battery board 8 via the connecting member 10. For example, by using a Hall element, the battery unit B1 can be configured to be able to supply power from the battery 6 to the main unit M1 via the connecting member 10 when in operation, and to stop the power supply from the battery 6 when it is deactivated or detached from the main unit M1, so that no potential difference is generated at the output terminal of the connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side. For example, if the battery unit B1 is detached from the main unit M1 and a potential difference exists at the output terminal of the connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side due to the battery 6, then if the input terminal of the connecting member 10 on the main unit M1 side is not kept at the same potential difference, there is a possibility of discharge occurring at the moment of electrical connection. However, if the input terminal of the connecting member 10 on the main unit M1 side is kept at the same potential as the output terminal of the connecting member 10 on the battery unit B1 side, then when the battery unit B1 is detached from the main unit M1, the input terminal with a potential difference will be exposed, and there is a possibility of discharge or short circuit occurring, for example, if a worker touches it with their hand and causes a short circuit, or if a metal part such as a watch or button on the worker's work clothes comes into contact with it. However, with this configuration, damage to the sensor device D1 due to such discharge or short circuit can be prevented. Another example of the control unit is that by using an overcurrent prevention element on the battery board 8 or in a component electrically connected to the battery board 8 where there is a potential difference, the battery unit B1 can be protected and it can be prevented from becoming an ignition source in an explosion-proof area where the sensor device D1 is used.

[0102] (14) Other technical features and effects The sensor device D1 is configured such that, by forming the main body case 1 using transparent resin, the operation status of the function that maintains power supply to the sensor circuit 2 and wireless circuit 3 of the main power control unit 43 during battery 6 replacement can be recognized by visually checking the illumination of the LED mounted on the main circuit board 4. This makes it possible to detect the time required to replace the battery 6 of the sensor device D1, thus avoiding a situation where the entire system, including equipment operating in the factory, would shut down due to the sensor device D1 stopping during battery 6 replacement.

[0103] Furthermore, by forming the battery case 5 and lid 9 using transparent resin, it is possible to configure the system so that the decrease in battery capacity can be recognized by visually checking the illumination of the LED mounted on the battery board 8. This makes it possible to detect in advance when it is time to replace the battery 6 of the sensor device D1, thus avoiding situations where the meter reading results of the instrument G1 are incorrectly recognized or cannot be recognized at all due to the battery 6 reaching the end of its lifespan, which could cause the entire system, including equipment operating in factories or outdoors, to shut down.

[0104] (15) Other technical features and effects The battery unit B1 can be configured to have potting agent filled into the internal holder housing space 511 and the battery housing 71, or to have a resin material such as potting agent applied to part or all of the internal holder 7, battery 6, or battery substrate 8, or to have part or all of the internal holder 7, battery 6, or battery substrate 8 overmolded. This allows the generation of arcs (sparks) due to discharge to be avoided even if there are parts or components that do not satisfy the explosion-proof specifications, so that the battery unit B1 can be configured to be explosion-proof in its standalone state. This makes it possible to bring the battery unit B1 into the explosion-proof area alone to replace the battery 6. In addition, it is possible to keep the battery unit B1 permanently located near the sensor device D1 installed in the explosion-proof area for battery replacement.

[0105] (16) Other technical features and effects The cylindrical portion 11 of the main body case 1 and the cylindrical housing portion 51 of the battery case 5 are each equipped with integrally formed markings, making it possible to visually confirm whether the sensor device D1 is in an operational or deactivated state. This allows for recognition that the battery unit B1 is properly attached to the main body unit M1, and prevents accidental rotation in the opposite direction when rotating the battery unit B1 from the operational state to the deactivated state or from the deactivated state to the operational state for battery replacement 6. Furthermore, even without recognizing the deactivation angle from the operational state to the deactivated state, the rotation completion position can be determined, preventing insufficient rotation and preventing excessive rotation that causes continuous rotation. Moreover, when pressing the battery unit B1, which has been removed from the main body unit M1, against the main body unit M1 to deactivate it, it is possible to determine how much rotation is appropriate when pressing the battery unit B1 against the main body unit M1, preventing damage to the projection 522 of the battery case 5. [Industrial applicability]

[0106] This invention can be used in a system for remotely managing the operating status of instruments used outside of plants, factories, and other facilities that require explosion-proof specifications. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1: Main unit case 2: Sensor circuit 3: Radio circuit 5: Battery case 6:Battery 7: Holder (internal holder) 8: Battery board 21: Sensor section 22: Sensor Control Unit 31: Antenna 51: Cylindrical storage section 52: Circuit board housing section 61: Tab (extended terminal) 72: Separation part B1:Battery part D1: Sensor device G1: Instruments G14: Guidelines G16: Scale plate G17: Shaft member G161: Scale M1: Main body O: O-ring (sealing component)

Claims

1. A sensor device used attached to an instrument having a scale plate with markings, a pointer that rotates on the scale plate, and a shaft member that rotates the pointer, which acquires the measured value of the instrument in a non-contact manner, It consists of a main unit and a battery unit. The main body comprises a main body case that houses the sensor circuit for acquiring the measured value, The battery unit includes a battery case that houses a battery for supplying power to the sensor circuit. The main body and the battery unit can be assembled by stacking the main body case and the battery case. Multiple batteries are housed in the aforementioned battery case. Multiple of the aforementioned batteries are supported within the battery case by a holder provided between two adjacent batteries. The battery case is a sensor device that houses battery boards electrically connected to each of the multiple batteries.

2. The sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is attached to the instrument in a position facing each other.

3. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a sealing member is provided at the boundary between the main body case and the battery case.

4. The plurality of batteries are supported by the holder having a separation portion made of an insulating material, The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery case, together with the holder, houses the battery substrate.

5. Each of the multiple batteries is a coin-type battery housed in the battery case in a stacked state, The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein two adjacent batteries are arranged such that one of their positive and negative electrodes faces the other.

6. Multiple of the aforementioned batteries are stacked such that the axis of each battery is parallel to the axis of the axis member. The battery substrate is provided such that its surface is aligned with the stacking direction of the multiple batteries. The sensor device according to claim 5, wherein the batteries are electrically connected to the battery substrate via extension terminals extending from the positive electrode and the negative electrode of each of the plurality of batteries.

7. The battery case has a cylindrical tubular housing portion for housing the battery and a substrate housing portion that protrudes radially outward from the cylindrical housing portion for housing the battery substrate. The sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the main body case, when attached to the instrument, is formed to have the same external shape as the battery case when viewed in the axial direction along the axis of the shaft member.

8. The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body and the battery unit can be attached to and detached by rotation with an axis parallel to the direction of pressing while the battery case is pressed against the main body case.

9. The sensor circuit includes a sensor unit that acquires position information indicating the position of the pointer and a sensor control unit, The sensor device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensor portion is positioned opposite the bottom of the main body case when attached to the instrument, and is positioned in a position overlapping with the shaft member in an axial view along the axis of the shaft member.

10. The wireless circuit further comprises an antenna that transmits the position information of the aforementioned guide to a receiver, The sensor device according to claim 9, wherein the antenna is positioned in a location that does not overlap with the shaft member in the axial view when attached to the instrument.

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