JP2005024515A - Magnetism detecting system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a low priced, small-sized, and stable magnetism detecting system, capable of detection using a low-cost magnetic sensor without the need for electric power supply to generate an external magnetic field. <P>SOLUTION: The magnetism detecting system comprises a magnetism field generating means 10 and a magnetic detection means; the magnetic field generating means and magnetism detecting means are arranged so that the magnitude of the external magnetic field of the magnetic field generating means to be detected by the magnetism detecting means is varied, when an article of an object to be detected containing a metal of a magnetic material is presented on a location to be detected; and the presence of the article of the object is determined by the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetism detecting means. The magnetism generating means includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in straight line form; permanent magnets 11 are arranged mutually adjacent by facing the predetermined same polarities of the permanent magnets in a predetermined vertical direction with respect to the straight line direction where the permanent magnets are arranged; and the magnetism detecting means are Hall elements or magnetoresistive elements. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention includes a magnetic field generation unit and a magnetic detection unit, and an external magnetic field of the magnetic field generation unit detected by the magnetic detection unit when an object to be detected including a metal that is a magnetic material is present at a location to be detected. The present invention relates to a magnetic detection system in which a magnetic field generation unit and a magnetic detection unit are arranged so that the magnitude of the magnetic field changes, and the presence of an article to be detected is determined by the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit.

  Conventionally, various systems have been proposed as detection systems for detecting an article including a metal that is a magnetic material.

  For example, a detection system using an optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor is conventionally known as a detection unit of a detection system for detecting the presence of a vehicle in a parking lot, where the article to be detected is a vehicle.

  In a detection system using a light emitting unit and an optical sensor, when a vehicle is not present, light emitted from the light emitting unit enters the optical sensor without being blocked by the vehicle, and the optical sensor detects a large amount of light. On the other hand, when the vehicle is present, the light emitted from the light emitting means is blocked by the vehicle, and the optical sensor detects a light amount of light that is smaller than when the vehicle is not present. In this way, the light emitting means and the optical sensor are arranged in the parking lot so that the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes depending on the presence of the vehicle.

  Such a vehicle detection system in a parking lot using an optical sensor as the detection means has the following problems.

  Although it is necessary to expose at least the light emitting unit of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor to the external environment, the installation environment has a great influence on the operation of the light emitting unit and the optical sensor, particularly in the case of outdoors. There is. For example, the amount of light that the light emitting means emits to the outside, such as snow, rain, fog, smoke, dust, mud, and dead leaves at least partially covers the light emitting part of the light emitting means or the light receiving part of the optical sensor, or the optical sensor The amount of received light may be reduced. For this reason, in order to eliminate the influence of such an installation environment, maintenance management is necessary, which is a laborious work.

  Furthermore, the light emitting means and the optical sensor must be arranged in the parking lot so that the amount of light detected by the optical sensor changes depending on the presence of the vehicle. From the viewpoint of effective use of the parking space in the parking lot, these means are used. It could not be installed in a free place. For this reason, these means may break down due to contact with the vehicle, or these means may interfere with vehicle traffic. Furthermore, since the light emitting means must always emit light, a wiring for supplying power to the light emitting means is necessary, and the light emitting means always consumes power, which is a disadvantageous detection system from the viewpoint of low power consumption. there were.

  In the detection system using the ultrasonic radiation means and the ultrasonic sensor, the ultrasonic radiation means and the ultrasonic sensor are installed adjacent to each other in a place where the vehicle exists. When there is no vehicle, the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the ultrasonic radiation means is not reflected by the vehicle, and almost no ultrasonic wave is incident on the ultrasonic sensor. On the other hand, when a vehicle is present, the ultrasonic wave irradiated from the ultrasonic radiation means is reflected by the vehicle, so that a high intensity ultrasonic wave is incident on the ultrasonic sensor. Thus, the presence of the vehicle can be detected by the intensity of the ultrasonic wave detected by the ultrasonic sensor.

  Such a detection system for detecting a vehicle using an ultrasonic sensor as the detection means has the same problem as the detection system using the optical sensor described above.

  That is, the problem that the ultrasonic radiation means and the ultrasonic sensor exposed to the external environment are easily affected by the installation environment, the problem that these means are likely to fail due to contact with the vehicle, and the vehicle passage by these means. It is a problem of obstructing, and a problem of requiring power supply to the ultrasonic radiation means.

  As one detection system for solving these problems, a detection system using a magnetic field generation unit and a magnetic sensor as a detection unit has been proposed. In such a detection system, the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic sensor have an advantageous feature that they are hardly affected by the external environment. Furthermore, it is not always necessary to expose the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic sensor to the external environment. Therefore, the detection system using a magnetic sensor can solve the above-described various problems inherent in the detection system using an optical sensor and an ultrasonic sensor.

  For example, a detection system using a loop coil is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-236498 as a first detection system for detecting an article containing a metal that is a magnetic material using a magnetic sensor as such a detection means. Yes.

  The first detection system disclosed in this patent application embeds a loop coil in a parking lot and detects a metal reaction, that is, the presence or absence of a vehicle based on a change in inductance detected by the loop coil.

  However, the first detection system using such a loop coil has the following drawbacks.

  That is, since the loop coil has low durability against external force, it is necessary to bury the loop coil in the ground in order to prevent the loop coil from being damaged. Therefore, the construction cost is high. Furthermore, since it is buried in the ground, the distance between the loop coil and the vehicle becomes long, and the size of the loop coil becomes large in order to ensure vehicle detection sensitivity (about 1 m × 1 m). Therefore, the power consumption of such a large loop coil is also increased. In addition, if there is a metal object such as a reinforcing bar near the place where it is installed, the S / N ratio of the inductance detected by the loop coil cannot be sufficiently obtained due to the influence thereof.

  As another second detection system for detecting an article containing a metal, which is a magnetic material, using a magnetic sensor as a detection means, for example, a detection system using a detected amount of geomagnetism is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-144187. Has been.

  In the second detection system disclosed in this patent application, a high-sensitivity magnetic sensor is installed in a parking lot where a vehicle to be detected is parked. When the vehicle is not present, the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor detects a certain amount of geomagnetism, but when the vehicle is over the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor, the geomagnetism is blocked by the vehicle, and the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor Detects less intense geomagnetism than when no vehicle is present. Thus, the presence of the vehicle is detected based on the magnitude of geomagnetism detected by the high sensitivity magnetic sensor.

  However, the second detection system that detects geomagnetism using such a high-sensitivity magnetic sensor has a problem that the strength of the geomagnetism detected by the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor is affected by the location where the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor is installed. Have That is, the high-sensitivity magnetic sensor detects the earth's magnetism due to the surrounding environment such as reinforcing bars and steel frames existing on pillars, walls, floors, etc., or under the influence of an external magnetic field from a magnetic material existing in the surrounding environment. This is a problem in which stable detection cannot be achieved because the magnitude of magnetism changes.

  Furthermore, as another third detection system for detecting an article containing a metal, which is a magnetic material, using a magnetic sensor as detection means, for example, a detection system for detecting a magnetic field generated from the vehicle itself is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-211114. It is disclosed in the gazette.

  In the third detection system disclosed in this patent application, a fluxgate magnetic detection element capable of detecting a magnetic field with high sensitivity is installed in a place where a vehicle to be detected exists, such as a steel plate of a vehicle. A magnetic field generated from a metal material that is easily magnetized is detected by a fluxgate magnetic detection element.

  However, the detection system that detects the magnetic field generated from the vehicle itself with such a fluxgate type magnetic detection element has a very weak magnetic field generated from the vehicle itself, so the influence of the surrounding magnetic material, etc. It was easily affected by the surroundings and easily malfunctioned. Furthermore, since it is necessary to detect such a very weak magnetic field, it is necessary to use an expensive flux gate type magnetic detection element, which is expensive.

  Further, as another fourth detection system for detecting an article including a metal that is a magnetic material using a magnetic sensor, for example, a detection system that detects a magnetic field from a magnetic field generating unit with a magnetic sensor is disclosed in JP-A-2001-250195. It is disclosed in the gazette.

  In a fourth detection system disclosed in this patent application, a transmission coil as a magnetic field generation means is installed, and the magnetic field generated from the transmission coil is affected by the presence of an article to be detected, so that the magnetic sensor This utilizes the fact that the magnitude of the magnetic field detected at 1 changes.

  However, in order to generate a magnetic field from the transmission coil, it is necessary to pass a current through the transmission coil. In order to detect the vehicle, a current must be constantly flowed through the transmission coil, which is disadvantageous from the viewpoint of low power consumption. Met.

  As described above, many detection systems that detect the presence of a vehicle in a parking lot using a magnetic sensor as detection means have been proposed, but there has been no inexpensive, small, and stable detection system.

  Furthermore, as another detection system for detecting an article containing metal that is a magnetic material, the article to be detected is a metal can, and the passage of the metal can in the metal can input path of the vending machine is detected. It is possible to apply. In other words, when a metal can is put into a vending machine for replenishment, a metal that is a product stored in the vending machine is detected by detecting the passage of the inserted metal can, It is possible to control the quantity of cans. In particular, in the case of metal cans that are heated and stored, the shelf life such as the expiration date is set for the products contained in the metal cans. It is necessary to detect the number of ejected metal cans.

  The detection of the number of discharged metal cans by sales can be reliably performed in a vending machine. However, there was no appropriate detection system for detecting the number of metal cans inserted into the vending machine.

  In the detection system in which the light emitting means and the optical sensor are installed in the metal can introduction path, the door of the vending machine is opened at the time of replenishment, and external light enters the vending machine. Therefore, a configuration for reducing the influence of external light on the optical sensor is necessary, and there is a problem that the detection system becomes expensive. In addition, in the case of a system that detects the insertion of a metal can using a mechanical sensor, a sufficient response to a high charging speed (a charging speed of several cans per second) cannot be obtained, or at a high speed. There is the problem that maintenance of mechanical sensors that will come in contact with heavy metal cans is necessary.

  Therefore, the magnetic field generation means and the magnetic detection means are installed in the metal can introduction path so that the magnitude of the external magnetic field of the magnetic field generation means detected by the magnetic detection means is changed by the passage of the metal can. A detection system that detects the passage of the metal can through the input path according to the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the sensor can be considered. However, when a normal magnetic field generating means is used, it is difficult to realize such a detection system because the settable distance between the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic sensor is short.

JP-A-6-236498 JP-A-11-144187 JP 9-2111144 A JP 2001-250195 A

  An object of the present invention is a magnetic detection system for detecting an article including a metal, which is a magnetic material, and does not detect geomagnetism or weak magnetic fields, but has a fixed external size from a novel magnetic field generation means. An object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive, small, and stable magnetic detection system that detects a magnetic field with an inexpensive magnetic sensor and does not require power supply to generate an external magnetic field.

According to the magnetic detection system of the first aspect of the present invention, when an article to be detected including a metal that is a magnetic material is present at a place to be detected, the magnetic detection system includes a magnetic field generation unit and a magnetic detection unit. The magnetic field generation means and the magnetic detection means are arranged so that the magnitude of the external magnetic field of the magnetic field generation means detected by the means changes, and the presence of the article to be detected is determined by the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection means. A magnetic sensing system to determine,
The magnetic field generating means includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a straight line, and the permanent magnets are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction. The magnetic detection means is a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element.

  Electric power for generating a magnetic field by using magnetic field generating means including a plurality of permanent magnets arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction Therefore, a stable and constant external magnetic field can be generated over a long distance. Furthermore, the external magnetic field from such a magnetic field generating means can be detected using an inexpensive and small magnetic sensor such as a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element. By using such a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic sensor, an inexpensive, small, and stable magnetic detection system can be provided.

  According to the magnetic detection system of the present invention, the article to be detected is a vehicle, and the presence of the vehicle in the parking lot is detected.

  By using the magnetic detection system of the present invention for detection of a vehicle in a parking lot, an inexpensive, small and stable magnetic detection system that can detect the presence of the vehicle without being affected by the environment of the installed parking lot. Can be provided.

  According to the magnetic detection system of the third aspect of the present invention, the article to be detected is a metal can, and the insertion of the metal can into a vending machine including the metal can is detected.

  By using the magnetic detection system of the present invention to detect the insertion of a metal can into a vending machine, it is possible to detect the number of metal cans inserted into the vending machine, which has been difficult in the past. It is possible to manage the quantity of metal cans stored in the container, manage the storage period of the metal cans in the vending machine such as the expiration date, and realize quality control of the products contained in the metal cans.

  Hereinafter, a more detailed description of the magnetic sensing system of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a magnetic field generating means 10 used in the magnetic detection system of the present invention.

  A magnetic field generating means 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 11 made of, for example, neodymium magnets arranged in a straight line. These permanent magnets 11 are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole facing a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the linear direction in which the permanent magnets 11 are arranged. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the permanent magnets 11 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the base material 12 so as to be adjacent to each other with the south pole facing the opposite side of the base material 12. That is, the surface of the permanent magnet 11 facing the substrate 12 in FIG. Here, the base material 12 is a material having high magnetic permeability such as iron.

  The permanent magnets 11 arranged in a straight line are fixed to the base material 12 by an adhesive or mechanical fixing means, covered with a coating such as rubber (not shown), or in a case of a nonmagnetic material such as aluminum. Be contained. In FIG. 1, the interval between the permanent magnets 11 is spaced for the sake of clarity, but actually, the permanent magnets 11 are arranged almost closely.

  2A and 2B are schematic views of the magnetic flux from the magnetic field generating means 10 to the outside.

  FIG. 2A shows the magnetic flux from the magnetic field generating means 10 used in the magnetic detection system of the present invention to the outside. Moreover, FIG. 2B is a figure for the purpose of comparison, and the magnetic field when the permanent magnets 11 are arranged adjacent to each other so that the poles are alternately replaced in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction. The schematic diagram of the magnetic flux from the generating means 10 to the outside is shown.

  In the case of the magnetic field generating means 10 in FIG. 2A, it can be seen that the magnetic flux near the boundary between the permanent magnets 11 extends to the outside. In FIG. 2A, the range of the magnetic flux from the surface of the magnetic field generating means 10 to the outside is indicated by D.

  In the case of the magnetic field generating means 10 in FIG. 2B, it is shown that the magnetic flux near the boundary between the permanent magnets 11 proceeds to the adjacent permanent magnet 11 of the opposite pole, and there is no magnetic flux extending far away to the outside. In FIG. 2B, the range of magnetic flux spreading from the surface of the magnetic field generating means 10 to the outside is indicated by D ′.

  In one example, using the same permanent magnet 11, the arrangement of the permanent magnet 11 can be changed as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B described above, so that D can be made four times D '. In one example, the distance from the magnetic field generating means including a neodymium magnet that can be detected by a magnetic sensor, which is a normal Hall element, is directed to a predetermined same pole in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the linear direction in which the permanent magnet 11 is disposed. By arranging them adjacent to each other, it was possible to make the range from 90 cm to 150 cm.

  Next, a magnetic detection system using such a magnetic field generation means 10 and a magnetic sensor as a magnetic detection means will be described.

  FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B are diagrams illustrating an example of a detection system that detects the presence of a vehicle in a parking lot, where an article to be detected including a metal that is a magnetic material is a vehicle. Here, FIG. 3A shows a case where no vehicle exists in the parking lot, and FIG. 3B shows a case where a vehicle exists in the parking lot.

  In these FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, the magnetic field generating means is indicated by 10, the magnetic sensor that is the magnetic detecting means is indicated by 20, and the vehicle that is the article to be detected is indicated by 30.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic field generating means 10 includes a plurality of permanent magnets 11 made of, for example, neodymium magnets arranged in a straight line on a base material 12 such as iron. The permanent magnet 11 can have a width, a length, and a thickness of about several mm to several cm, for example. The magnetic field generating means 10 can include several to several hundred permanent magnets 11.

  L shown in FIG. 3A is the length L of the magnetic field generation means 10 and is a dimension necessary for the magnetic sensor 20 to detect whether the vehicle 30 is present or not, for example, several tens cm to several m Is the length of Moreover, it is desirable that the thickness of the magnetic field generating means 10 be as thin as possible. In particular, when the magnetic field generating means 10 is installed in a configuration protruding from the surface of the parking lot, it is desirable that the traveling of the vehicle passing over the magnetic field generating means 10 is not affected as much as possible. Further, the magnetic field generating means 10 can be arranged on a flap for restraining the parked vehicle 30.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the magnetic field generating means 10 installed on the surface of the parking lot does not need to be supplied with power, is not affected by the installation environment, and has almost no need for maintenance and inspection.

  The magnetic sensor 20 is, for example, a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element, and is an inexpensive and small magnetic sensor. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the magnetic sensor 20 is accommodated in a member 21 that stands on the side of the parked vehicle 30. The distance between the magnetic sensor 20 and the magnetic field generating means 10 is several tens of centimeters to several hundreds of centimeters. Such a long distance is achieved for the first time by the magnetic field generating means 10 in which a plurality of permanent magnets 11 are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the linear direction of the arrangement. It is what is done.

  In the state shown in FIG. 3A, the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generation means 10 is detected by the magnetic sensor 20 without being blocked by the vehicle 20. On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 3B, the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generation means 10 is blocked by the vehicle 30 existing on the magnetic field generation means 10, and the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 is reduced. Thus, the presence of the vehicle can be detected based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20.

  4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of other detection systems in which an article to be detected is a vehicle.

  In the other detection system shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the magnetic field generating means 10 is housed in the member 13 instead of being installed on the parking lot surface. The member 13 is erected so as to face the member 21 in which the magnetic sensor 20 is accommodated. The height at which the magnetic field generating means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 are accommodated is, for example, several tens of centimeters, and the distance between the member 13 that accommodates the magnetic field generating means 10 and the member 21 that accommodates the magnetic sensor 20 is, for example, one hundred. It is 10 cm to two hundred and several tens of cm. Such a long distance is achieved for the first time by the magnetic field generating means 10 in which a plurality of permanent magnets 11 are arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction. It is what is done.

  When the vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 4A exists, the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generation means 10 is blocked by the vehicle 30. Therefore, the magnitude of the external magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 is reduced. On the other hand, when the vehicle 30 shown in FIG. 4B does not exist, the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generation means 10 is detected by the magnetic sensor 20 without being blocked by the vehicle 30. Thus, the presence of the vehicle can be detected based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20.

  3A, FIG. 3B, FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4B, the vehicle 30 exists between the magnetic field generation means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20, and the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generation means 10 to the magnetic sensor 20 is transmitted to the vehicle. Although the configuration in which the shield 20 is shielded is shown, the arrangement of the magnetic field generating means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 in the magnetic detection system of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B or FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, when the vehicle 30 is parked, the vehicle 30 covers the magnetic field generator 10 or the magnetic sensor 20 so as to cover the magnetic field generator. 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 may be installed. In the example shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the magnetic field generating means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 are installed on the surface of the parking lot. When the vehicle 30 is not present, an external magnetic field having a predetermined magnitude from the magnetic field generation means 10 is detected by the magnetic sensor 20. On the other hand, when the vehicle 30 is present, the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generating means 10 is affected by the metal that is the magnetic material of the vehicle 30, so the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 is reduced. . Thus, the presence of the vehicle 30 can be detected based on the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20. Moreover, in the example shown by FIG. 6A and 6B, the magnetic field generation | occurrence | production means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 are installed in the parking lot surface as a separate means.

  As described above, the magnetic field generation means 10 and the magnetic sensor 20 are installed in different ways depending on whether the article to be detected is present or not, and the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 is changed. Any installation method can be adopted as long as the presence can be detected.

  Further, when there is no article to be detected, the output of the magnetic sensor 20 is adjusted so that the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 becomes 0, and the magnetic sensor 20 detects a magnetic field exceeding a predetermined value. Sometimes it can be configured to determine that an article to be detected exists.

  Furthermore, the output of the magnetic sensor 20 can be adjusted so that the polarity of the magnetic field to be detected is reversed depending on whether the article to be detected is present or not. When the external magnetic field from the magnetic field generating means 10 detected by the magnetic sensor 20 is reduced in the presence of an article and the detected magnetic field is mainly geomagnetic, the output of the magnetic sensor 20 is, for example, 0.1 mT of N pole. On the other hand, the output of the magnetic sensor 20 can be adjusted so that the magnetic field detected when no article is present is 0.1 mT of the south pole. By adjusting in this way, the polarity and the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 20 change depending on whether the article is present or not. The presence of the article can be detected based on the two characteristics changes of the detected magnetic field, and more reliable and various applications are possible.

  Furthermore, the magnetic detection system of the present invention can also be applied to articles that are other detection targets.

  For example, the object to be detected is a metal can such as a steel can, and the magnetic detection system of the present invention can be applied to detect the passage of the metal can in the charging path of the metal can into the vending machine.

  In this case, the magnetic field generating means and the magnetic sensor are arranged in the metal can loading path of the vending machine. The magnetic field generating means are arranged adjacent to each other with the same poles directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction, as described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Including a plurality of permanent magnets. However, since the article to be detected is a metal can, its dimensions, particularly the length, are smaller than those in the above-described example, and the dimensions are such that they can be installed in the metal can input path to the vending machine.

  The principle of operation is the same as when detecting a vehicle in the parking lot described above. When there is no metal can, the magnetic sensor detects an external magnetic field of a predetermined magnitude from the magnetic field generating means, but when there is a metal can, the magnetic sensor is blocked by the metal can. A reduced magnitude magnetic field will be detected. Based on the change in the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor, it can be determined whether the metal can has passed through the input path.

  A magnetic field generating means including a plurality of permanent magnets arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction, and a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element Can be used to detect the passage of the metal can without any problem.

  With such a configuration, there is no problem as in the case of detecting the passage of metal in the input route to the vending machine using the optical sensor or the mechanical sensor as described above, and the metal can of the metal can with a simple configuration. Passage can be detected. Therefore, it is possible to manage the quantity of metal cans stored in the vending machine, manage the storage period of metal cans in the vending machine such as the expiration date, and realize quality control of products contained in the metal cans. It will be possible.

  Moreover, the following magnetic detection system can also be considered as another embodiment regarding the vending machine of the magnetic detection system of the present invention.

  That is, the article to be detected is a magnetic field induction unit made of a metal plate or the like that is a magnetic material capable of inducing a magnetic field from the magnetic field generation unit, and the magnetic detection unit changes the position of the magnetic field induction unit. It is a magnetic detection system to detect. In this magnetic detection system, when a product is put into a vending machine, the position of the magnetic field guiding means changes, and the change of the position of the magnetic field guiding means is detected by the magnetic detecting means. Is detected.

  Such a magnetic detection system can detect the introduction of any other product such as an aluminum can or a plastic bottle, which is a product other than a metal can such as a steel can, into a vending machine.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 2B, permanent magnets such as a plurality of neodymium magnets arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole facing a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a linear direction to be arranged A magnetic field generating means including a magnet is disposed at one end of a magnetic field guiding means made of a metal plate including a magnetic material such as iron. The magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generating means is guided to the inside of the metal plate of the magnetic field guiding means, extends to the opposite end of the metal plate where the magnetic field generating means is not disposed, and the magnetic field from the opposite end to the outside. Will be extended. Even if a conventional magnet is arranged at one end of such a magnetic field guiding means, a magnetic field that can be detected by a magnetic sensor cannot be extended from the opposite end of the magnetic field guiding means. However, by using the magnetic field generating means as described above, a sufficient magnetic field is generated from the magnetic field generating means, the magnetic field is guided to the inside of the magnetic field guiding means, and from the opposite end of the magnetic field guiding means. The magnetic field can be extended to the outside.

  The magnetic field guiding means is installed on the commodity loading path of the vending machine so that the position of the opposite end of the metal plate of the magnetic field guiding means changes when an arbitrary commodity is loaded into the vending machine. Further, magnetic detection means such as a Hall element is disposed at a position where it can be detected that the opposite end of the metal plate has changed its position.

  For example, if the opposite end of the metal plate is in the initial position, the magnetic detection means detects a predetermined magnetic field from the magnetic field generating means extending outward from the opposite end of the metal plate. When the merchandise is put into the vending machine, the position of the opposite end of the metal plate of the magnetic field guiding means arranged in the merchandise throwing path changes. For example, when the product is put into a vending machine, the opposite end of the metal plate of the magnetic induction means comes into contact with or approaches the metal plate of the second iron or the like, from the metal plate of the magnetic induction means. An outwardly extending magnetic field is directed to the second metal plate so that it does not extend around the metal plate of the magnetic induction means. As a result, the magnetic detection means does not detect a predetermined magnetic field from the metal plate of the magnetic induction means, and the magnitude or polarity of the detected magnetic field changes. The input of the product can be detected by a change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection means.

  With such a configuration, it is possible to realize a magnetic detection system that can detect that a product has been put into a vending machine as well as a steel can.

  Note that the magnetic detection system of the present invention is not limited to the described article to be detected, but is adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a linear direction in which the magnetic detection system is arranged. As long as it is an article that can be detected using a magnetic field generating means including a plurality of permanent magnets arranged and a magnetic sensor such as a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element, it can be applied to any detection target.

  In the magnetic detection system of the present invention, by using magnetic field generating means including a plurality of permanent magnets arranged adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to a linear direction to be arranged. A stable and constant external magnetic field can be generated over a long distance without the need to supply power to generate the magnetic field. Further, the external magnetic field from such a magnetic field generating means can be detected by an inexpensive and small magnetic sensor such as a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element. By using such a magnetic field generating means and a magnetic sensor, an inexpensive, small, and stable magnetic detection system can be provided.

  By using the magnetic detection system of the present invention for detection of a vehicle in a parking lot, an inexpensive, small and stable magnetic detection system that can detect the presence of the vehicle without being affected by the environment of the installed parking lot. Can be provided.

  By using the magnetic detection system of the present invention to detect the insertion of a metal can into a vending machine, it is possible to detect the number of metal cans inserted into the vending machine, which has been difficult in the past. It is possible to manage the quantity of metal cans stored in the container, manage the storage period of the metal cans in the vending machine such as the expiration date, and realize quality control of the products contained in the metal cans.

An example of the magnetic field generation means used in the magnetic detection system of the present invention is shown. The magnetic flux from the magnetic field generation means used in the magnetic detection system of this invention to the exterior is shown. The schematic diagram of the magnetic flux from the magnetic field generation means to the outside when the permanent magnets are arranged adjacent to each other so that the poles are alternately switched in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the arranged linear direction is shown. An example of a detection system when a vehicle does not exist is shown. The example of a detection system in case a vehicle exists is shown. The example of the other detection system in case a vehicle exists is shown. The example of the other detection system in case a vehicle does not exist is shown. The example of another detection system in case a vehicle does not exist is shown. The example of another detection system in case a vehicle exists is shown. The example of another detection system in case a vehicle does not exist is shown. The example of another detection system in case a vehicle exists is shown.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Magnetic field generation means 11 Permanent magnet 12 Base material 13 Member which accommodates magnetic field generation means 20 Magnetic sensor 21 Member which accommodates magnetic sensors 30 Vehicle D, D 'The range of the magnetic flux which spreads outside from the surface of a magnetic field generation means L Magnetic field generation means Length of

Claims (3)

A magnetic field generating means and a magnetic detection means, and when an article to be detected including a metal that is a magnetic material is present at a place to be detected, the magnitude of the external magnetic field of the magnetic field generation means detected by the magnetic detection means The magnetic detection system is arranged such that the magnetic field generation means and the magnetic detection means are arranged such that the presence of the article to be detected is determined by the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection means,
The magnetic field generating means includes a plurality of permanent magnets arranged in a straight line, and the permanent magnets are adjacent to each other with a predetermined same pole directed in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the linear direction in which the permanent magnets are arranged. A magnetic detection system, wherein the magnetic detection means is a Hall element or a magnetoresistive element.   The magnetic detection system according to claim 1, wherein the article to be detected is a vehicle and detects the presence of the vehicle in a parking lot.   The magnetic detection system according to claim 1, wherein the article to be detected is a metal can and detects the passage of the metal can in a metal can introduction path to a vending machine.

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