JP2002107239A - Pressure sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To specify a pressurized part and to recognize its pressurized condition though it is difficult to carry out these in a conventional pressure sensor. SOLUTION: A strain gauge is sealed in a gel type material. In this way, not only when the pressure is applied to just above a sensor but also when the pressure is applied to the periphery of the sensor, the pressure can be measured through pressure diffusion in the gel in a pressure sensor 3 constructed of the gel type material 2 sealing the strain gauge 1 inside.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sensor used for detecting pressure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 4, a conventional pressure sensor is covered with a hard material such as metal, so that it can measure only when pressure is applied to a range of X just above a strain gauge. No pressurization to the location (range Y) was detected.
In addition, when the pressure sensor surface is covered with a metal case or an electrode and mounted on the surface of the robot, there is a risk that the sensor may be damaged at the time of unexpected contact or that the contact partner may be seriously damaged. Further, it was difficult to mount the device on a curved surface.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor which can be easily attached to a curved surface and can minimize damage to a contact partner in case of unexpected contact.

[0004]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising a gel-like substance and a strain gauge, wherein the strain gauge is sealed in the gel-like substance. Claim 2
A plurality of strain gauges are sealed in a gel material.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a pressure sensor 3 according to the present invention,
A strain gauge 1 is sealed in a gel substance 2. The gel-like substance is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, Silicon Rubber RTV-2 manufactured by Warner Chemicals East Asia Co., Ltd. is used. Reference numeral 5 denotes an output line for outputting the deformation of the strain gauge as an electric signal, which is connected to a measuring instrument (not shown). FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanism of pressure diffusion. When pressure is applied to a part of the pressure sensor 3, the gel particles move in the direction in which the pressure is transmitted due to the pressure. When the gel particle hits the strain gauge, the strain gauge follows the degree of the pressure of the gel particle and deforms. Thus, even when pressure is applied to a portion other than immediately above the strain gauge, the pressure can be sensed. Therefore, by sticking to any surface of the arm of a robot such as a machine tool, it is possible to detect any contact with the arm, and it is possible to minimize harm to the contacted object due to unexpected contact. In addition, because the gel particles can transmit the vibration due to the delicate friction of the surface to the strain gauge,
It is possible to detect the movement of stroking the surface. FIG. 3 shows an embodiment in which a plurality of strain gauges are sealed, and when the pressure position changes on the surface of the pressure sensor in the order of arrows, that is, at the time of the pressure position, the strain gauge follows the magnitude of the pressure. Although it is deformed, the strain becomes smaller in the order from the strain gauge. Also, at the pressurized position, the deformation of the strain gauge is the largest, and the strain decreases in the order of the strain gauge, so the degree of deformation of the strain gauge,
By measuring the order, it is possible to recognize the direction in which the pressure was received and the strength of the pressure. Therefore, when the robot is used for a robot that communicates with a person, such as a pet robot, it is possible to detect a part hit by a person or to detect a stroke or the like, thereby enabling more intimate communication. In addition, since the gel is very soft and flexible, it is comfortable to touch and easy to stick on a curved surface.
The gel acts as a buffer, minimizing harm to contacted objects.

[0006]

Since the present invention is configured as described above, it has the following effects. According to the sensor of the first aspect, it is possible to minimize harm to the contacted object due to unexpected contact. In addition, attachment to a curved surface becomes easy. According to the sensor of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the first aspect, it is possible to easily specify the contact direction and the contact portion.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a pressure sensor.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of pressure propagation when pressure is applied to a gel.

FIG. 3 is a sensor enclosing a plurality of strain gauges.

FIG. 4 shows a conventional sensor.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Strain gauge 2 Gel substance 3 Pressure sensor

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A composition comprising a gel-like substance and a strain gauge,
A pressure sensor wherein a strain gauge is sealed in a gel-like substance. 2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of strain gauges are sealed in the gel material.