Detection sensor and measurement system

Abstract

This detection sensor comprises a detection sensor body and a cable. The detection sensor body is fixed to an electric wire and configured to detect the signal. The cable is electrically connected to the detection sensor body and configured to transmit the signal detected by the detection sensor body to a measurement device. The detection sensor body includes a band and an electrode part. The electrode part is attached to the band and faces the electric wire in a state where the band is wound around the electric wire. The band includes a belt-shaped band body and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is configured to fix the band body so that the state in which the band body is wound around the electric wire is maintained.

Description

Detection sensor and measurement system

[0001] The present invention relates to a detection sensor and a measurement system.

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2014-153181 (Patent Document 1) discloses a voltage probe. This voltage probe includes a conductive sponge. The conductive sponge is wrapped around an electric wire. With the conductive sponge wrapped around the electric wire, the voltage probe measures the voltage between the electric wire and ground.

[0003] JP 2014-153181 A

[0004] In the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to secure the voltage probe to the electric wire, it is necessary to wrap a conductive sponge around the electric wire and then wrap a band-like fixing band around the conductive sponge. It is not necessarily easy to wrap the fixing band around the conductive sponge while keeping the conductive sponge wrapped around the electric wire.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and its object is to provide a detection sensor configured to detect a signal related to a voltage applied to an electric wire, and which can be relatively easily stabilized in position relative to the electric wire.

[0006] A detection sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is configured to detect a signal related to a voltage applied to an electric wire. The detection sensor includes a detection sensor main body and a cable. The detection sensor main body is fixed to the electric wire and configured to detect the signal. The cable is electrically connected to the detection sensor main body and configured to transmit the signal detected by the detection sensor main body to a measurement device. The detection sensor main body includes a band and an electrode portion. The band is wrapped around the electric wire. The electrode portion is attached to the band and faces the electric wire when the band is wrapped around the electric wire. The band includes a strip-shaped band main body and a fixing mechanism. The fixing mechanism is configured to fix the band main body so that the band main body remains wrapped around the electric wire.

[0007] In this detection sensor, the fixing mechanism fixes the band body so that the band body remains wrapped around the electric wire. Therefore, with this detection sensor, the position of the electrode portion relative to the electric wire can be stabilized relatively easily, and a signal related to the voltage applied to the electric wire can be detected with relatively high accuracy.

[0008] In this detection sensor, the fixing mechanism may include a head portion provided at a first longitudinal end of the band body and configured to be penetrated by a second longitudinal end of the band body, and the head portion may fix the outer circumferential length of the loop formed by the second end penetrating the head portion.

[0009] In this detection sensor, simply passing the second end of the band body through the through-hole causes the electrode portion to face the electric wire and fixes the outer circumferential length of the loop formed by the band. Therefore, with this detection sensor, the position of the electrode portion relative to the electric wire can be stabilized relatively easily, and a signal related to the voltage applied to the electric wire can be detected with relatively high accuracy.

[0010] In the detection sensor, the band may be a binding band.

[0011] In this detection sensor, the band is formed by a cable tie. Therefore, with this detection sensor, the position of the electrode portion relative to the electric wire is stable, and a signal related to the voltage applied to the electric wire can be detected with relatively high accuracy.

[0012] In the detection sensor, the detection sensor body may further include a holding portion fixed to the band and configured to hold the cable.

[0013] In this detection sensor, the cable electrically connected to the detection sensor main body is held by a holding portion of the detection sensor main body. Therefore, with this detection sensor, the load on the connection between the detection sensor main body and the cable is reduced by holding the cable by the holding portion, and the connection between the detection sensor main body and the cable can be maintained more stably.

[0014] In the above detection sensor, the electrode portion may be constructed of metal arranged from the first surface to the second surface of the band, and the area of ​​the metal located on the first surface may face the electric wire when the band is wrapped around the electric wire, and the detection sensor main body and the cable may be electrically connected to each other in the area of ​​the metal located on the second surface.

[0015] In this detection sensor, the connection portion connecting the detection sensor main body and the cable and the electrode portion are located on opposite sides of the band, so that the connection portion and the electrode portion are not on the same side of the band and the connection portion does not interfere with the position where the electrode portion and the electric wire face each other, making it possible to more steadily position the electrode portion relative to the electric wire.

[0016] In the detection sensor, the detection sensor body may further include an insulator covering the metal.

[0017] In this detection sensor, the metal is covered with an insulator, so that even if the covering of the electric wire is damaged, the detection sensor can prevent electrical continuity between the electric wire and the electrode portion.

[0018] A measurement system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above detection sensor and a measurement device.

[0019] According to this measurement system, a signal related to the voltage applied to the electric wire is detected with relatively high accuracy, and therefore the voltage applied to the electric wire can be measured with relatively high accuracy.

[0020] A measurement system according to another aspect of the present invention includes first and second detection sensors, each configured as the detection sensor described above, and a measurement device, wherein a cable included in the first detection sensor and a cable included in the second detection sensor are at least partially bundled into a single cable.

[0021] In this measurement system, the cable included in the first detection sensor and the cable included in the second detection sensor are at least partially bundled into a single cable, thereby making it possible to prevent the cables included in the first detection sensor and the second detection sensor from becoming tangled with each other.

[0022] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a detection sensor configured to detect a signal related to a voltage applied to an electric wire, and which can relatively easily stabilize its position relative to the electric wire.

[0023] 9 is a diagram schematically showing the electrical configuration of a power measurement system including a voltage detection sensor. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the mechanical configuration of a voltage detection sensor. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the first surface side of a detection sensor main body. FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing the second surface side (reverse surface of the first surface) of the detection sensor main body. FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section of an electric wire in a state where the detection sensor main body is wrapped around it. FIG. 14 is a diagram schematically showing the first surface side of the detection sensor main body in more detail. FIG. 15 is a diagram schematically showing the first surface side of the detection sensor main body in a state where the fluororesin tape is omitted. FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing the second surface side of the detection sensor main body in a state where the fluororesin tape is omitted. FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a cross section taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically showing the second surface of the band in a state where only the crimping metal fittings are attached. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring power in a power measurement system.

[0024] An embodiment according to one aspect of the present invention (hereinafter also referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that identical or corresponding parts in the drawings are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated. Furthermore, for ease of understanding, each drawing is drawn in a schematic manner with objects appropriately omitted or exaggerated.

[0025] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the electrical configuration of a power measurement system 10 including a voltage detection sensor 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, power measurement system 10 is configured to measure power supplied through an electric wire, and includes voltage detection sensor 100, a current detection sensor 200, and a measurement device 300.

[0026] The voltage detection sensor 100 is configured to detect a signal related to a voltage applied to the electric wire (hereinafter also referred to as a “voltage signal”) and transmit the detected voltage signal to the measurement device 300. The current detection sensor 200 is configured to detect a signal related to a current generated in the electric wire (hereinafter also referred to as a “current signal”) and transmit the detected current signal to the measurement device 300.

[0027] The measuring device 300 includes, for example, a control unit 310 and a communication unit 320. The control unit 310 includes a central processing unit (CPU), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), etc., and is configured to control each component in accordance with information processing. The communication unit 320 is configured to communicate with a server external to the measuring device 300, for example, via the Internet. The communication unit 320 is configured, for example, with a wired local area network (LAN) module or a wireless LAN module. The control unit 310 calculates power based on the voltage signal and the current signal, and controls the communication unit 320 to transmit the calculation result to the server.

[0028] As will be described in detail later, the voltage detection sensor 100 detects a voltage signal while wrapped around an electric wire. To detect a voltage signal with high accuracy, the voltage detection sensor 100 must be in stable contact with the electric wire. The voltage detection sensor 100 according to this embodiment can be relatively easily stabilized in position relative to the electric wire. The mechanical configuration of the voltage detection sensor 100 and the operation of the power measurement system 10 will be described below.

[0029] 2. Mechanical Configuration of Voltage Detection Sensor Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the mechanical configuration of voltage detection sensor 100. Referring to Fig. 2, voltage detection sensor 100 is configured to detect voltage signals from each electric wire connected to a three-phase, three-wire power source, for example. Voltage detection sensor 100 includes detection sensor main bodies 110A, 110B, and 110C, coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C, a six-core cable 130, and a connector 140.

[0030] Although details will be described later, each of the detection sensor bodies 110A, 110B, and 110C is fixed to the electric wire to be measured and is configured to detect the voltage signal of the electric wire to be measured. The detection sensor body 110A is fixed to, for example, an R-phase electric wire. The detection sensor body 110B is fixed to, for example, a T-phase electric wire. The detection sensor body 110C is fixed to, for example, an S-phase electric wire. The detection sensor bodies 110A, 110B, and 110C have the same structure.

[0031] Each of the coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C is electrically connected to one of the detection sensor bodies 110 and is configured to transmit a voltage signal detected by the detection sensor body 110 to the measurement device 300 (see FIG. 1). The coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C are connected to the detection sensor bodies 110A, 110B, and 110C, respectively. The coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C have the same structure.

[0032] The six-core cable 130 is formed by bundling coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C. The six-core cable 130 includes, for example, a wire connected to an R-phase HOT, a wire connected to an R-phase GND (ground), a wire connected to an S-phase HOT, a wire connected to an S-phase GND, a wire connected to a T-phase HOT, and a wire connected to a T-phase GND. Because the coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C are at least partially bundled into a single cable, it is possible to prevent the coaxial cables 120A, 120B, and 120C from becoming tangled with one another.

[0033] The connector 140 is connected to the six-core cable 130 and is configured to be connected to the measuring device 300. The voltage signal detected by each detection sensor body 110 is transmitted to the measuring device 300 through the coaxial cable 120, the six-core cable 130, and the connector 140.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the first surface side of the detection sensor main body 110. Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the second surface side (the side opposite to the first surface) of the detection sensor main body 110. Note that some components included in the detection sensor main body 110 are omitted in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0035] 3 and 4 , the detection sensor main body 110 includes a band 111 and an electrode portion 112. The band 111 is configured to be wrapped around the electric wire to be measured. The band 111 is formed, for example, from a cable tie. The band 111 includes a strip-shaped band main body 113 and a head portion 114. With the outer peripheral surface of the electric wire to be measured facing the first surface of the band 111 and the tip of the band main body 113 passing through the through-hole O1 of the head portion 114, the tip of the band main body 113 is pulled to wrap the band 111 around the electric wire.

[0036] A printed section NP1 is formed on the band body 113 on the first surface of the detection sensor body 110. A plurality of numerical values ​​are printed on the printed section NP1. Each of the plurality of numerical values ​​corresponds to the thickness of the electric wire. When the band 111 is properly wrapped around the electric wire, the portion of the band body 113 on which the numerical value corresponding to the thickness of the electric wire to be measured is printed passes slightly through the through-hole O1. A user can determine whether the band 111 is properly wrapped around the electric wire by checking whether the numerical value indicating the thickness of the electric wire to be measured is visible when the band 111 is wrapped around the electric wire.

[0037] Serrations 118 are formed on the band body 113 on the second surface of the detection sensor body 110. The serrations 118 have a plurality of projections and depressions formed along the longitudinal direction of the band body 113. The serrations 118 have, for example, a sawtooth shape.

[0038] The head portion 114 is provided at the end opposite the tip of the band body 113. A through-hole O1 is formed in the head portion 114, through which the tip of the band body 113 passes. A claw portion 119 is formed within the through-hole O1. The claw portion 119 is configured to bend in a direction that allows the serrations 118 to pass when the band body 113 passes through the through-hole O1, but not in the direction that allows the serrations 118 to pass when a force is applied in a direction that causes the band body 113 to come out of the through-hole O1. In other words, the claw portion 119 functions as a fixing mechanism that fixes the outer circumferential length of the loop formed when the tip of the band body 113 passes through the through-hole O1 of the head portion 114.

[0039] The electrode portion 112 is made of, for example, metal disposed on a fluororesin substrate 115 and is attached to the band body 113. The electrode portion 112 has a T-shape on the fluororesin substrate 115. The fluororesin substrate 115 is fixed to the band body 113 in a bent state. The fluororesin substrate 115 is bent so that the part above the narrowed portion of the T-shape of the electrode portion 112 is located on the first surface of the band body 113 (the surface on the same side as the first surface of the detection sensor body 110), and the part below the narrowed portion of the T-shape of the electrode portion 112 is located on the second surface of the band body 113 (the surface on the same side as the second surface of the detection sensor body 110). In other words, the electrode portion 112 is formed from the first surface to the second surface of the band body 113.

[0040] The electrode portion 112 and the coaxial cable 120 are electrically connected to each other at a soldering portion SD1 located on the second surface of the band body 113. In this manner, the soldering portion SD1 connecting the detection sensor body 110 and the coaxial cable 120 and the portion of the electrode portion 112 facing the electric wire are located on opposite surfaces of the band 111. Therefore, according to the voltage detection sensor 100, the portion of the electrode portion 112 facing the electric wire and the soldering portion SD1 are not located on the same surface of the band 111, and the soldering portion SD1 does not interfere with the position where the electrode portion 112 faces the electric wire, thereby making it possible to more steadily position the electrode portion 112 relative to the electric wire.

[0041] Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross section of the electric wire EW1 with the detection sensor main body 110 wound around it. Referring to Fig. 5, the electric wire EW1 includes a copper wire CL1 and a covering portion TK1 that covers the copper wire CL1. The covering portion TK1 is made of an insulator. With the detection sensor main body 110 wound around the electric wire EW1, the electrode portion 112 faces the electric wire EW1. When a voltage is applied to the electric wire EW1, capacitive coupling occurs between the electrode portion 112 and the copper wire CL1, and a voltage signal is detected by the detection sensor main body 110.

[0042] Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the first surface side of the detection sensor main body 110 in more detail. Referring to Fig. 6, in the detection sensor main body 110, the electrode portion 112 (see Figs. 3 and 4) is covered with fluorine tape 116. The fluorine tape 116 is an insulator and is attached to both sides of the detection sensor main body 110. According to the voltage detection sensor 100, even if the covering portion TK1 of the electric wire EW1 is damaged, the electrode portion 112 is covered with the fluorine tape 116, so that conduction between the copper wire CL1 of the electric wire EW1 and the electrode portion 112 can be suppressed.

[0043] Fig. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the first surface side of the detection sensor main body 110 in a state where the fluororesin tape 116 is omitted. Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically showing the second surface side of the detection sensor main body 110 in a state where the fluororesin tape 116 is omitted. Fig. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the cross section taken along line IX-IX in Fig. 8.

[0044] 7, 8, and 9, a crimping metal fitting 117 is disposed on the second surface side of the band body 113. The crimping metal fitting 117 is fixed to the band body 113, and the fluororesin substrate 115 and the electrode portion 112 are fixed onto the crimping metal fitting 117. The crimping metal fitting 117 extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band body 113 and includes a holding portion GR1 that crimps and holds the coaxial cable 120. The coaxial cable 120 includes an inner conductor 121, an insulator 122 that covers the inner conductor 121, and an outer conductor 123 that is disposed around the insulator 122. The holding portion GR1 crimps and holds the outer conductor 123 (see FIG. 9). According to the voltage detection sensor 100, the coaxial cable 120 is held by the holding portion GR1, which reduces the load on the connection position (soldering portion SD1) between the detection sensor main body 110 and the coaxial cable 120, thereby making it possible to maintain a more stable connection state between the detection sensor main body 110 and the coaxial cable 120.

[0045] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a second surface of the band 111 with only the crimping metal fitting 117 attached. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a first surface of the band 111 with only the crimping metal fitting 117 attached.

[0046] 10 and 11 , the crimping metal fitting 117 includes a body BD1, two mounting portions MT1, two connection portions CT1, and a retaining portion GR1. The body BD1 is located on the second surface of the band main body 113 and has a rectangular shape. Two connection portions CT1 extend from the body BD1 in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the band main body 113. A mounting portion MT1 is provided at the end of each of the two connection portions CT1. The connection portions CT1 and the mounting portion MT1 each have a rectangular shape. The crimping metal fitting 117 is fixed to the band main body 113 by bending both longitudinal ends of each mounting portion MT1.

[0047] The length of each connection portion CT1 is shorter than the length of the body BD1 and the mounting portion MT1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band main body 113. As a result, a total of four lightening portions LT1 are formed on both ends of the two connection portions CT1. By forming these lightening portions LT1, the crimping fitting 117 is more likely to bend in the direction in which the band 111 is wrapped around it than if these lightening portions LT1 were not formed, making it easier to wrap the band 111 around the electric wire EW1.

[0048] A holding portion GR1 extends from the body BD1 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the band main body 113. The holding portion GR1 has a T-shape. By crimping the portion of the holding portion GR1 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the band main body 113, the coaxial cable 120 is held by the holding portion GR1.

[0049] 12 is a flowchart showing the procedure for measuring power in the power measurement system 10. The process shown in this flowchart is repeatedly executed by the control unit 310 of the measurement device 300 at a predetermined interval.

[0050] 12 , control unit 310 acquires a voltage signal and a current signal from voltage detection sensor 100 and current detection sensor 200, respectively (step S100). Control unit 310 calculates a power value based on the acquired voltage signal and current signal (step S110). Control unit 310 controls communication unit 320 to transmit the calculated power value to a server external to measurement device 300 (step S120).

[0051] [4. Features] As described above, in voltage detection sensor 100 according to the present embodiment, simply by inserting the tip of band body 113 into through-hole O1 of head portion 114, electrode portion 112 faces electric wire EW1 and the outer circumferential length of the loop formed by band 111 is fixed. Therefore, voltage detection sensor 100 can relatively easily stabilize the position of electrode portion 112 with respect to electric wire EW1, and can detect a signal related to the voltage applied to electric wire EW1 with relatively high accuracy.

[0052] 5. Other Embodiments The concept of the above-described embodiment is not limited to the embodiment described above. Hereinafter, examples of other embodiments to which the concept of the above-described embodiment can be applied will be described.

[0053] <5-1> In the above embodiment, the voltage detection sensor 100 includes three detection sensor bodies 110. However, the number of detection sensor bodies 110 included in the voltage detection sensor 100 is not limited to this. The number of detection sensor bodies 110 included in the voltage detection sensor 100 may be, for example, two or less, or four or more.

[0054] <5-2> In the above embodiment, the detection sensor body 110 is attached to each electric wire connected to a three-phase, three-wire power supply. However, the object to which the detection sensor body 110 is attached is not limited to this. The detection sensor body 110 may be attached to each electric wire connected to a single-phase, three-wire power supply, each electric wire connected to a single-phase, two-wire power supply, or each electric wire connected to a single-phase, four-wire power supply, for example.

[0055] <5-3> In the above embodiment, the band 111 is configured as a cable tie. When the band 111 is configured as a cable tie, the band 111 may be configured as a reusable type of cable tie or a non-reusable type of cable tie.

[0056] <5-4> In the above embodiment, the electrode portion 112 is covered with the fluororesin tape 116. However, the electrode portion 112 does not necessarily have to be covered with the fluororesin tape 116. Furthermore, the material covering the electrode portion 112 may be any insulating material, and does not necessarily have to be the fluororesin tape 116.

[0057] <5-5> In the above embodiment, the electrode portion 112 is formed on the fluororesin substrate 115. However, the location where the electrode portion 112 is formed is not limited to this. The location where the electrode portion 112 is formed may be any insulating material on which a metal pattern can be formed.

[0058] The above describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention. That is, the detailed description and the accompanying drawings are disclosed for the purpose of illustrative explanation. Therefore, some of the components described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings may be non-essential components for solving the problems. Therefore, just because these non-essential components are described in the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, it should not be immediately recognized that these non-essential components are essential.

[0059] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of the present invention in all respects. Various improvements and modifications to the above-described embodiments are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, at least a portion of the configuration of any of the embodiments may be combined with at least a portion of the configuration of any of the other embodiments. In other words, when implementing the present invention, specific configurations can be appropriately adopted depending on the embodiment.

[0060] 10 Power measurement system, 100 Voltage detection sensor, 110 Detection sensor body, 111 Band, 112 Electrode portion, 113 Band body, 114 Head portion, 115 Fluororesin substrate, 116 Fluorine tape, 117 Crimping metal fitting, 118 Serration, 119 Claw portion, 120 Coaxial cable, 121 Inner conductor, 122 Insulator, 123 Outer conductor, 130 6-core cable, 140 Connector, 200 Current detection sensor, 300 Measuring device, 310 Control unit, 320 Communication unit, BD1 Body portion, EW1 Electric wire, CL1 Copper wire, CT1 Connection portion, GR1 Holding portion, LT1 Lightening portion, MT1 Mounting portion, TK1 Covering portion, NP1 Printed portion, O1 Through hole, SD1 Soldering portion.

Claims

1. A detection sensor configured to detect a signal related to a voltage applied to an electric wire, comprising: a detection sensor main body fixed to the electric wire and configured to detect the signal; and a cable electrically connected to the detection sensor main body and configured to transmit the signal detected by the detection sensor main body to a measuring device, wherein the detection sensor main body includes: a band wound around the electric wire; and an electrode portion attached to the band and facing the electric wire when the band is wound around the electric wire, and the band includes: a strip-shaped band main body; and a fixing mechanism configured to fix the band main body so that the band main body remains wound around the electric wire.

2. The detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein the fixing mechanism includes a head portion provided at a first longitudinal end of the band body and configured to be penetrated by a second longitudinal end of the band body, and the head portion fixes the outer circumferential length of a loop formed by the second end penetrating the head portion.

3. The detection sensor according to claim 2, wherein the band is a cable tie.

4. The detection sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection sensor body further includes a holding portion fixed to the band and configured to hold the cable.

5. A detection sensor as described in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the electrode portion is made of metal arranged from the first surface to the second surface of the band, the area of ​​the metal located on the first surface faces the electric wire when the band is wrapped around the electric wire, and the detection sensor main body and the cable are electrically connected to each other in the area of ​​the metal located on the second surface.

6. The detection sensor of claim 5, wherein said detection sensor body further comprises an insulator covering said metal.

7. A measurement system comprising the detection sensor according to claim 1 or 2 and the measurement device.

8. A measurement system comprising: a first detection sensor constituted by the detection sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2; a second detection sensor constituted by the detection sensor according to claim 1 or claim 2; and the measurement device, wherein the cable included in the first detection sensor and the cable included in the second detection sensor are at least partially bundled into a single cable.

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