JP2013072761A - Flexible sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent occurrence of breakage due to operation errors while improving operability when releasing a connection state.SOLUTION: A connection mechanism 3 is configured including a first member 11 fixed to an end of a sensor cable, a second member 12 configured such that the end of the sensor cable is fixed to a proximal end part side and the first member can be inserted from the side of a distal end part 12b, and a third member 13 attached to the side of the distal end part 12b of the second member 12 turnably between a first position and a second position. The third member 13 is provided with an elastically deformably configured first elastic piece 31 having a first projection 31a that can be engaged with a groove part 11b of the first member 11, and the second member 12 is provided with a contact part 24 for allowing elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 when the third member 13 is positioned at the first position, and regulating the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 by being in contact with an outer peripheral part of the first elastic piece 31 when the third member 13 is positioned at the second position.

Description

  The present invention relates to a flexible sensor that is disposed so as to surround a measurement object and detects a physical quantity of the measurement object.

  As this type of flexible sensor, a current detector disclosed in JP-A-2006-329826 is known. This current detector is connected to a detection unit that is annularly wound around the current line to be measured, a holding member that holds both ends of the detection unit joined, and an output line of the detection unit to process an output signal. A signal processing unit is provided, and a current flowing through the current line to be measured can be detected. In this case, the holding member includes a socket-type holding member fixed to one end of the detection unit and a plug-type holding member fixed to the other end of the detection unit. Further, the socket-type holding member has an inner surface provided with a concave groove engaging portion, and the plug-type holding member has an outer surface provided with a convex engaging portion. By engaging, the end faces of the detection unit are joined together.

  On the other hand, the inventor has improved the above-described holding member, and as a configuration capable of more reliably connecting both ends of the detection unit (sensor cable), a flexible sensor including the connection mechanism 50 illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24. Has already been developed. As shown in FIG. 22, the flexible sensor coupling mechanism 50 includes a first member 51, a second member 52, and a third member 53. In this case, the first member 51 is fixed to one end of the sensor cable (not shown). The first member 51 has a groove 51a formed along the outer periphery.

  The second member 52 is configured such that the other end of the sensor cable (not shown) is fixed and the first member 51 can be inserted as shown in FIG. Further, the second member 52 is provided with a cantilevered elastic piece 52 a that can be elastically deformed along the radial direction of the second member 52. In addition, a claw portion 52b that protrudes toward the central axis of the second member 52 is formed at the tip of the elastic piece 52a. The third member 53 is disposed outside the second member 52 so as to be slidable relative to the second member 52 along the length. Further, the third member 53 has a distal end portion (right end portion in the figure) at the second member when the third member 53 is slid toward the proximal end portion (left end portion in the figure) of the second member 52. A protrusion 53a is provided to abut against the tip of the elastic piece 52a of 52 and elastically deform the elastic piece 52a outward.

  In this coupling mechanism 50, as shown in FIG. 22, the first member 51 and the second member are inserted by inserting the first member 51 from the distal end portion (right end portion in the figure) side of the second member 52 and the third member 53. 52 (both ends of the sensor cable) are connected. In this case, as shown in the figure, when the first member 51 is inserted, the tip of the first member 51 comes into contact with the claw portion 52b of the elastic piece 52a of the second member 52, and the elastic piece 52a is outside. It is elastically deformed. Next, when the first member 51 is further inserted into the back side of the second member 52, the claw portion 52b of the second member 52 is engaged with the groove portion 51a of the first member 51, as shown in FIG. The first member 51 and the second member 52 are maintained in a connected state.

  Moreover, in this connection mechanism 50, when releasing the connection state of the 1st member 51 and the 2nd member 52, as shown in FIG. 24, the 3rd member 53 is faced to the base end part of the 2nd member 52 ( Slide it in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. At this time, the protrusion 53a of the third member 53 comes into contact with the tip of the elastic piece 52a of the second member 52, and elastically deforms the elastic piece 52a outward. As a result, the engagement between the groove 51 a of the first member 51 and the claw 52 b of the second member 52 is released. Next, the first member 51 is pulled out from the second member 52 and the third member 53 in this state. As described above, the connection state between the first member 51 and the second member 52 is released.

JP 2006-329826 A (page 3-4, FIG. 2)

  However, the above-described flexible sensor already developed by the inventor has the following problems to be improved. That is, in this flexible sensor, the third member 53 in the coupling mechanism 50 is pressed against the base end side of the second member 52 to engage the groove portion 51a of the first member 51 and the claw portion 52b of the second member 52. The connection state between the first member 51 and the second member 52 is released by releasing the first member 51 in this state. In this case, in order to reliably press the third member 53 against the proximal end side of the second member 52, it is necessary to grasp the second member 52 with one hand and grasp the third member 53 with the other hand. It is relatively difficult to further pull out the first member 51 in the state. As described above, the flexible sensor has a problem that the operation of releasing the connected state is somewhat difficult. Further, in this flexible sensor, since the third member 53 is configured to slide with respect to the second member 52, an error that the user releases the connected state by pulling the second member 52 and the third member 53 apart. There is also a problem that the connection mechanism 50 (particularly the elastic piece 52a of the second member 52) may be damaged due to an erroneous operation such as forcibly pulling the second member 52 and the third member 53 apart. Exists.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a flexible sensor capable of preventing the occurrence of breakage due to an operation error while improving the operability when releasing the connected state.

  In order to achieve the above object, the flexible sensor according to claim 1 is a sensor cable for detecting a physical quantity of the measurement object in a state of being arranged so as to surround the measurement object, and connection between both ends of the sensor cable. And a connecting mechanism for releasing the connection, wherein the connecting mechanism is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a groove formed along the outer periphery, and the both ends of the sensor cable. A first member fixed to any one of the first and second members, and the other end of the both ends of the sensor cable is inserted and fixed from the proximal end side, and the first member is fixed from the distal end side. A second member configured to be insertable, and a first position formed so that the first member can be inserted and allowing insertion and withdrawal of the first member And an annular third member attached to the tip end side of the second member so as to be rotatable with respect to the second member between the second positions for restricting insertion and extraction of the first member, Either one of the second member and the third member is configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the one member, and protrudes toward the central axis side of the one member. A first elastic piece having a first protrusion that can be engaged with the groove of the first member in the inserted state is provided, and the other member of the second member and the third member is provided with the third member. The third member allows elastic deformation of the first elastic piece toward the other member without contacting the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece in the state of being located at the first position, and the third member. In the state in which is located at the second position. Abutment is provided which on the outer peripheral portion in contact with the restricting the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece toward the other member.

  A flexible sensor according to a second aspect is the flexible sensor according to the first aspect, wherein the first elastic piece is provided on the third member, and the contact portion is provided on the second member.

  Further, the flexible sensor according to claim 3 is the flexible sensor according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an attachment portion for detachably attaching the third member to the second member, A second convex portion provided on one of the second member and the third member and configured to be elastically deformable along a radial direction of the one member and projecting toward the other member A second elastic piece, and a fitting portion provided on the other member of the second member and the third member and capable of fitting the second convex portion of the second elastic piece. ing.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the flexible sensor of the third aspect, the second elastic piece is provided in the third member, and the fitting portion is provided in the second member.

  The flexible sensor according to claim 1, comprising a first member, a second member into which the first member can be inserted, and a third member attached to be rotatable with respect to the second member. One of the second member and the third member is provided with a first elastic piece having a first protrusion that can be engaged with the groove of the first member, and the second member and the third member. The other member is not in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece in the state where the third member is located in the first position, and in the state where the third member is located in the second position. A contact portion that contacts the outer peripheral portion of the elastic piece is provided. For this reason, according to this flexible sensor, the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece toward the second member can be achieved simply by rotating the third member located at the second position so as to be located at the first position. Is allowed, and the first member can be pulled out from the second member and the third member. By pulling out the first member in this state, the connected state of the first member and the second member (The connected state of the two ends of the sensor cable) can be easily released. Therefore, according to this flexible sensor, the third member is operated against the second member in comparison with the conventional configuration in which the first member is pulled out in a direction opposite to the pressing direction to release the connected state. Can be improved sufficiently. Moreover, according to this flexible sensor, since the third member does not slide with respect to the second member, there is an erroneous recognition by the user that the connected state is released by pulling the second member and the third member apart. As a result of being reliably prevented, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of breakage due to an erroneous operation such as forcibly pulling the second member and the third member apart.

  According to the flexible sensor of the second aspect, the first elastic piece is provided on the third member and the contact portion is provided on the second member, so that, for example, the second member connected to the sensor cable is connected to the second member. Unlike the configuration in which one elastic piece is provided, even if the first elastic piece is broken, it is not necessary to remove the second member from the sensor cable for replacement, and it is only necessary to replace the third member. Can be replaced.

  According to the flexible sensor of the third aspect, the second member is provided with the mounting member (the second elastic piece and the fitting portion) and the third member can be attached to and detached from the second member. When one of the third members is damaged, only the damaged one can be replaced and the other not damaged can be reused, so that the cost can be reduced.

  According to the flexible sensor of the fourth aspect, the second elastic piece is provided on the third member, and the fitting portion is provided on the second member, so that, for example, the second member connected to the sensor cable is connected to the second member. Unlike the configuration in which the two elastic pieces are provided, even if the second elastic piece is damaged, it is not necessary to remove the second member from the sensor cable for replacement, and it is only necessary to replace the third member. Can be replaced.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a flexible sensor 1. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a first member 11. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a first member 11. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a second member 12. FIG. 3 is a front view of a second member 12. FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second member 12. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second member 12. FIG. 4 is a front view of a third member 13. FIG. FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of a third member 13. It is the sectional view on the AA line in FIG. FIG. 10 is a second perspective view of the third member 13. It is the BB sectional view taken on the line in FIG. It is explanatory drawing explaining the assembly method of the connection mechanism. FIG. 3 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining how to use the flexible sensor 1. It is the 2nd explanatory view explaining how to use flexible sensor 1. It is the 3rd explanatory view explaining how to use flexible sensor 1. It is the 4th explanatory view explaining how to use flexible sensor 1. FIG. 10 is a fifth explanatory diagram illustrating how to use the flexible sensor 1. 3 is a first cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a coupling mechanism 103. FIG. FIG. 6 is a second cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the coupling mechanism 103. FIG. 6 is a second cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the coupling mechanism 203. It is the 1st explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 50. It is the 2nd explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 50. It is the 3rd explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 50.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a flexible sensor will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  Initially, the structure of the flexible sensor 1 shown in FIG. 1 as an example of a flexible sensor is demonstrated. As shown in the figure, the flexible sensor 1 includes a sensor cable 2, a coupling mechanism 3, and a cable 4, and in a state where the flexible sensor 1 is arranged so as to surround the measurement object 100, the current (measurement object) An example of a physical quantity for 100) is configured to be detectable.

  The sensor cable 2 is a Rogowski coil formed by winding an insulated conductor (not shown) around the coil support, and the insulated conductor is connected to a measuring instrument (not shown) via the cable 4. The

  The connection mechanism 3 is a mechanism for connecting and releasing the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2, and as shown in FIG. 1, the first member 11, the second member 12, and the third member 13 are connected. It is configured with.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the first member 11 is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape (an example of a cylindrical shape) in which a tip portion (left end portion in both drawings) is closed. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the first member 11 has either one of both end portions 2a and 2b (in this example, the end portion 2a) of the sensor cable 2 inserted from the opening portion 11a (see FIG. 3). In the state, it is fixed to the end 2a. Moreover, the groove part 11b engaged with the 1st convex part 31a of the 1st elastic piece 31 in the 3rd member 13 mentioned later is formed in the 1st member 11 along the outer periphery.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, the second member 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape (an example of a cylindrical shape) as a whole. Further, a bottomed cylindrical fixing portion 21 is formed on the base end portion 12a side of the second member 12, and the other of the two end portions 2a and 2b (the end portion 2b in this example) of the sensor cable 2 is formed. The second member 12 is inserted and fixed to the fixing portion 21 from the base end portion 12a side. In addition, a connection portion between the insulated conductor and the cable 4 constituting the sensor cable 2 is accommodated in the fixed portion 21.

  Further, the second member 12 is configured so that the third member 13 can be attached to the distal end portion 12b side, and the first member 11 can be inserted to the distal end portion 12b side when the third member 13 is attached. It is configured. Further, as shown in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7, the second elastic piece in the third member 13 to be described later is provided at the tip of the outer peripheral wall 22 constituting the second member 12 (tip 12 b of the second member 12). Two slits 23 (corresponding to fitting portions) into which the 32 second convex portions 32a can be fitted are formed along the outer periphery.

  As shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, the groove portion 25 that engages with a third convex portion 33 of the third member 13 to be described later is further on the distal end portion 12 b side than the formation portion of the slit 23 in the outer peripheral wall 22. Are formed at positions close to both ends of each slit 23 (two for one slit 23, four in total). Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the second member 12 has two locations on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 22 (for example, on the proximal end portion 12 a side) slightly behind the distal end portion 12 b of the second member 12 (for example, A contact portion 24 that protrudes toward the central axis of the second member 12 is provided at an intermediate position between the positions where the two slits 23 are formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 to 12, the third member 13 is formed in an annular shape (short cylindrical shape) into which the first member 11 can be inserted, and is attached to the distal end portion 12 b side of the second member 12. The third member 13 is provided with two cantilevered first elastic pieces 31 configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the third member 13. Further, the groove portion of the first member 11 in a state where the first elastic piece 31 protrudes toward the central axis side of the third member 13 and is inserted into the third member 13 at the intermediate portion in the length direction. The 1st convex part 31a which can be engaged with 11b is formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 11, and 12, the third member 13 has two cantilevered second elastic pieces 32 configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the third member 13. Is provided. Further, the second elastic piece 32 protrudes toward the outside of the third member 13 (that is, protrudes toward the second member 12 when attached to the second member 12). A convex portion 32a is formed.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the second member 32 is engaged with the second protrusion 32 a of the second elastic piece 32 in the slit 23 formed in the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second member 12, and the third member 13 is moved to the second member. The third member 13 can be rotated with respect to the second member 12 by being attached to the front end portion 12b side of the twelve. The attachment portion is configured by the slit 23 and the second elastic piece 32 formed in the second member 12.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 14, the second convex portion 32a of the second elastic piece 32 of the third member 13 is located at the lower end portion of the slit 23 in the drawing (hereinafter referred to as “first position”). 13), each of the third members 13 is formed in a portion where the contact portion 24 is not formed inside the outer peripheral wall 22 constituting the second member 12, as shown in FIG. Since the first elastic piece 31 is positioned and the contact portion 24 is not in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece 31, the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 (outward) toward the second member 12 is performed. Is acceptable. Therefore, in this state, when the first member 11 is pushed in the insertion direction with respect to the second member 12 and the third member 13, the tip of the first member 11 comes into contact with the first convex portion 31a and the second The first elastic piece 31 pressed toward the member 12 is elastically deformed toward the second member 12, thereby inserting the first member 11 into the second member 12 and the third member 13 (the end of the sensor cable 2). Connection between the portions 2a and 2b).

  Further, the first member 11 is inserted into the second member 12 and the third member 13, and the first convex portion 31 a of the first elastic piece 31 in the third member 13 is engaged with the groove portion 11 b of the first member 11. When the third member 13 is in the first position described above (see FIG. 16), elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 is allowed. Therefore, in this state, when the first member 11 is pulled in such a direction as to be pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13, the edge of the groove 11b of the first member 11 comes into contact with the first convex portion 31a and the second The first elastic piece 31 pressed toward the member 12 is elastically deformed toward the second member 12, whereby the first member 11 can be pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 17, the second convex portion 32a of the second elastic piece 32 in the third member 13 is located at the upper end portion of the slit 23 in FIG. 18), each contact portion 24 of the second member 12 contacts the outer peripheral portion of the two first elastic pieces 31 in the third member 13, and the second member 12 Elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the member 12 is restricted. For this reason, the first member 11 is inserted into the second member 12 and the third member 13, and the first convex portion 31a of the first elastic piece 31 is engaged with the groove 11b of the first member 11 (sensor When the third member 13 is located at the second position in the state where the ends 2a and 2b of the cable 2 are connected to each other, the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 is caused. The state in which the first convex portion 31a is engaged with the groove portion 11b is maintained and is connected to the first member 11 and the second member 12 (the connected state between the end portions 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2). Is maintained.

  As shown in FIGS. 9, 11, and 12, the base end side of the second elastic piece 32 of the third member 13 is engaged with a groove portion 25 formed on the outer peripheral wall 22 of the second member 12. A third convex portion 33 is formed. In this case, as described above, one groove portion 25 is formed at a position close to each end portion of each slit 23. Therefore, when the third member 13 is positioned at the first position and when it is positioned at the second position, the third convex portion 33 and the groove portion 25 are engaged with each other. The third member 13 positioned at the first position and the second position is prevented from rotating due to vibration or the like.

  Next, a method for assembling the flexible sensor 1 will be described. First, the first member 11 is fixed to the end 2 a of the sensor cable 2. Specifically, an adhesive is applied to the end 2a of the sensor cable 2, and then the end 2a is inserted from the opening 11a (see FIG. 3) of the first member 11. Thereby, the 1st member 11 is fixed to end 2a.

  Next, the end 2 b of the sensor cable 2 is fixed to the second member 12. Specifically, the insulated lead wire constituting the sensor cable 2 and the cable 4 are connected, and then an adhesive is applied to the end 2b of the sensor cable 2, and then the connecting portion between the insulated lead wire and the cable 4 is connected. The end portion 2 b is inserted into the fixed portion 21 so as to be accommodated in the fixed portion 21 formed at the base end portion 12 a of the second member 12. As a result, the end 2 b is fixed to the fixing portion 21.

  Subsequently, the third member 13 is attached to the second member 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, each first elastic piece 31 of the third member 13 and the inside of the distal end portion (the distal end portion 12 b of the second member 12) in the outer peripheral wall 22 constituting the second member 12 and Each 2nd elastic piece 32 is inserted, and the 2nd convex part 32a currently formed in each 2nd elastic piece 32 is each fitted to each slit 23 currently formed in the outer peripheral wall 22. As shown in FIG. Thereby, the 3rd member 13 is attached to the front-end | tip part 12b of the 2nd member 12 so that rotation between the above-mentioned 1st position and 2nd position is possible. Thus, the assembly of the flexible sensor 1 is completed.

  Next, the usage method of the flexible sensor 1 is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

  For example, when measuring the current flowing through the measurement object 100 shown in FIG. 1 (an example of a physical quantity for the measurement object 100) using the flexible sensor 1, as shown in FIG. Is surrounded by a sensor cable 2. Next, the third member 13 of the coupling mechanism 3 is rotated with respect to the second member 12, and the second convex portion 32a of the second elastic piece 32 in the third member 13 is moved to the second member as shown in FIG. 12 slits 23 are positioned at the lower end of the figure (the third member 13 is positioned at the first position).

  Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, the first member 11 is pushed into the second member 12 and the third member 13 in the insertion direction. In this case, in the state where the third member 13 is positioned at the first position, as shown in FIG. 13, the contact portion 24 of the second member 12 is not in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece 31. Elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 is allowed. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 15, the first elastic piece is pressed toward the second member 12 by the front end of the first member 11 being brought into contact with the first convex portion 31 a by the pressing of the first member 11. 31 is elastically deformed toward the second member 12. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the first member 11 is inserted into the second member 12 and the third member 13.

  Next, when the first member 11 is inserted until the groove 11b formed in the first member 11 faces the first convex portion 31a formed in the first elastic piece 31, as shown in FIG. The first protrusion 31a is engaged with the groove 11b by the elastic force of the first elastic piece 31. Thereby, the 1st member 11 and the 2nd member 12 (end part 2a, 2b of sensor cable 2) are connected.

  Subsequently, the third member 13 is rotated with respect to the second member 12, and the second convex portion 32a of the second elastic piece 32 is positioned at the upper end portion of the slit 23 in the same drawing as shown in FIG. (The third member 13 is positioned at the second position). At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, each contact portion 24 of the second member 12 contacts the outer peripheral portion of each first elastic piece 31 in the third member 13, and the second member 12 faces the second member 12. The elastic deformation of the one elastic piece 31 is restricted. For this reason, the state where the first convex portion 31a of the first elastic piece 31 is engaged with the groove portion 11b is maintained, and the first member 11 and the second member 12 (the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2) are connected to each other. Is maintained.

  Next, the cable 4 is connected to a measuring instrument (not shown) and measurement is started. In this case, the measuring instrument inputs and measures the voltage induced in the sensor cable 2 through the cable 4. Subsequently, when the measurement is finished and the flexible sensor 1 is removed from the measurement object 100 (the state surrounding the measurement object 100 is released), the third member 13 of the coupling mechanism 3 is moved with respect to the second member 12. As shown in FIG. 14, the second protrusion 32a of the second elastic piece 32 of the third member 13 is positioned at the lower end of the slit 23 of the second member 12 in the same figure as shown in FIG. The member 13 is positioned at the first position).

  In this state, the contact of each contact portion 24 of the second member 12 with respect to the outer peripheral portion of each first elastic piece 31 in the third member 13 is released, and the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 is released. Is allowed to be elastically deformed. Next, the first member 11 is pulled in the direction in which the second member 12 and the third member 13 are pulled out. At this time, the edge of the groove 11 b of the first member 11 abuts against the first convex portion 31 a and presses the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12. In this case, since the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 31 toward the second member 12 is allowed, the first elastic piece 31 is elastically deformed toward the second member 12, and the first elastic piece 31 The engagement state between the first protrusion 31a and the groove 11b of the first member 11 is released, whereby the first member 11 is pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13, and the first member 11 and the second member are pulled out. 12 (end portions 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2) is released.

  In the flexible sensor 1, the first member 11 is pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13 simply by rotating the third member 13 located at the second position so as to be located at the first position. Is possible. For this reason, by pulling out the first member 11 in this state, the connection state between the first member 11 and the second member 12 (the connection state between the end portions 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2) can be easily released. it can. Therefore, in this flexible sensor 1, the operability is compared with the conventional configuration in which the first member is pulled out in the direction opposite to the pressing direction in the state in which the third member is pressed against the second member, and the connected state is released. Has been improved sufficiently.

  Moreover, in this flexible sensor 1, since the 3rd member 13 is a structure which does not slide with respect to the 2nd member 12, by the user who cancels | releases a connection state by pulling apart the 2nd member 12 and the 3rd member 13. As a result of preventing misrecognition, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of damage due to an erroneous operation such as forcibly pulling the second member 12 and the third member 13 apart.

  Subsequently, the sensor cable 2 is removed from the measurement object 100. Thus, the measurement of the current flowing through the measurement object 100 is completed. Next, when measuring the current flowing through the other measurement object 100, the above procedure is repeated. Here, the 1st elastic piece 31 and the 2nd elastic piece 32 are comprised comparatively thinly in order to enable elastic deformation. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are damaged due to repeated use compared to other parts (thick parts).

  In this case, for example, in the configuration in which the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are provided in the second member 12, when the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are damaged, the end of the sensor cable 2 It is necessary to remove the part 2b from the second member 12 and replace the second member 12. Further, in such a configuration, when the end 2b of the sensor cable 2 is firmly fixed to the second member 12 with an adhesive or the like, it is difficult to remove the second member 12 from the sensor cable 2, and therefore flexible. The sensor 1 itself may become unusable and must be discarded. On the other hand, in the flexible sensor 1, the first elastic piece 31 and the second elastic piece 32 are provided on the third member 13. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, even if the 1st elastic piece 31 and the 2nd elastic piece 32 are damaged, since it is only necessary to replace the 3rd member 13 which does not need removal of sensor cable 2, workability is good. Ten parts have been improved.

  As described above, in the flexible sensor 1, the first member 11, the second member 12 into which the first member 11 can be inserted, and the third member 13 that is rotatably attached to the second member 12. The connecting mechanism 3 is configured, and the third member 13 is provided with a first elastic piece 31 having a first convex portion 31 a that can be engaged with the groove portion 11 b of the first member 11, and the second member 12 The first elastic piece in a state where the third member 13 is located at the second position without contacting the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece 31 in the state where the third member 13 is located at the first position. A contact portion 24 that contacts the outer peripheral portion of 31 is provided. For this reason, according to this flexible sensor 1, the 1st elastic piece toward the 2nd member 12 only by rotating the 3rd member 13 located in the 2nd position so that it may be located in the 1st position. The first member 11 can be pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13 by allowing the elastic deformation of the first member 11, and the first member 11 is pulled out in this state, so that the first member can be pulled out. 11 and the second member 12 can be easily released from the connected state (the connected state between the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2). Therefore, according to this flexible sensor 1, in comparison with the conventional configuration in which the third member is pressed against the second member and the first member is pulled out in a direction opposite to the pressing direction to release the connected state. The operability can be sufficiently improved. Moreover, according to this flexible sensor 1, since the 3rd member 13 is a structure which does not slide with respect to the 2nd member 12, use with releasing a connection state by pulling apart the 2nd member 12 and the 3rd member 13 As a result, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of breakage due to an erroneous operation such as forcibly pulling the second member 12 and the third member 13 apart.

  Further, according to the flexible sensor 1, the first elastic piece 31 is provided on the third member 13, and the contact portion 24 is provided on the second member 12, for example, the second member to which the sensor cable 2 is connected. Unlike the configuration in which the first elastic piece 31 is provided on the second member 12, even if the first elastic piece 31 is damaged, it is not necessary to remove the second member 12 from the sensor cable 2 for replacement, and the third member 13 is replaced. Therefore, the replacement work can be performed easily enough.

  Further, according to the flexible sensor 1, the third member 13 can be attached to and detached from the second member 12 by including the attachment portions (the slit 23 of the second member 12 and the second elastic piece 32 of the third member 13). By adopting a simple structure, when one of the second member 12 and the third member 13 is damaged, only the damaged one can be replaced and the other not damaged can be reused. Reduction can be achieved.

  Further, according to the flexible sensor 1, the second elastic piece 32 is provided in the third member 13 and the slit 23 is provided in the second member 12, so that, for example, the second member 12 to which the sensor cable 2 is connected is provided. Unlike the configuration in which the second elastic piece 32 is provided, even if the second elastic piece 32 is damaged, it is not necessary to remove the second member 12 from the sensor cable 2 for replacement, and only the third member 13 is replaced. Therefore, the replacement work can be performed sufficiently easily.

  The configuration of the flexible sensor is not limited to the configuration described above, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, instead of the connection mechanism 3 described above, a flexible sensor including the connection mechanism 103 shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 may be employed. In the following description, the same components as those of the flexible sensor 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted. The coupling mechanism 103 includes a first member 11, a second member 112, and a third member 113 as shown in both drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the second member 112 is formed in a cylindrical shape (an example of a cylindrical shape) as a whole, and is configured to rotatably attach the third member 113 to the distal end portion 112 b side. . Further, two cantilevered first elastic pieces 131 configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the second member 112 are provided on the distal end portion 112 b side of the second member 112. In addition, the first elastic piece 131 protrudes toward the central axis side of the second member 112 at an intermediate portion in the length direction, and can engage with the groove 11b of the first member 11 in the inserted state. One convex portion 131a is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 19, the third member 113 is formed in an annular shape (short cylindrical shape) into which the first member 11 can be inserted, and is attached to the distal end portion 112 b side of the second member 112. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the third member 113 is provided with contact portions 124 that protrude toward the central axis side of the third member 113 at two locations on the inner side slightly behind the front end portion 113a. ing.

  In the coupling mechanism 103, in the state shown in FIG. 19 (a state corresponding to the above-described “position in the first position”), the first elastic piece 131 on the inner side of the outer peripheral wall 122 constituting the second member 112. Since each contact portion 124 of the third member 113 is located in a portion where no contact is formed, and the contact portion 124 is not in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece 131, the contact portion 124 is directed toward the third member 113. Elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 131 (outward) is allowed. For this reason, in this state, the first member 11 can be inserted into the second member 112 and the third member 113 and the first member 11 can be pulled out from the second member 12 and the third member 13.

  On the other hand, in the state shown in FIG. 20 (a state corresponding to the above-described “state positioned at the second position”), each contact portion 124 of the third member 113 is the two first elastic pieces in the second member 112. The elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 131 toward the third member 113 is restricted by coming into contact with the outer peripheral portion of 131. Therefore, as shown in the figure, the first member 11 is inserted into the second member 112 and the third member 113, and the first convex portion 131a of the first elastic piece 131 is engaged with the groove portion 11b of the first member 11. After combining, the state corresponding to the above-mentioned “state positioned at the second position” is maintained, so that the engaged state between the first protrusion 131a and the groove 11b is maintained, and the first member 11 and the first The connected state with the two members 112 is maintained. Also in the flexible sensor including the coupling mechanism 103, the first member 11 can be moved to the second member 112 and the second member only by rotating the third member 113 located at the second position so as to be located at the first position. The three members 113 can be pulled out, and the first member 11 is pulled out in this state, thereby connecting the first member 11 and the second member 112 (the end 2a of the sensor cable 2, 2b can be easily released. For this reason, also in this flexible sensor, the effect similar to the effect which said flexible sensor 1 has is realizable.

  Moreover, although the 2nd elastic piece 32 was provided in the 3rd member 13, and the connection mechanism 3 which provided the slit 23 as a fitting part in the 2nd member 12 was mentioned as an example, as shown in FIG. The second elastic piece 232 that functions in the same manner as the second elastic piece 32 is provided in the second member 212, and the coupling mechanism 203 in which the slit 223 (fitting portion) that functions in the same manner as the slit 23 is provided in the third member 213 is adopted. You can also.

  Moreover, although the example which employ | adopted the Rogowski coil as the sensor cable 2 was demonstrated, the sensor cable in this invention is not limited to this, The coil and conducting wire for various sensing can be employ | adopted.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flexible sensor 2 Sensor cable 2a, 2b End part 3,103,103 Connection mechanism 11 1st member 11b Groove part 12,112,212 2nd member 12a Base end part 12b, 112b Tip part 13,113,213 3rd member 21 Fixing part 23,223 Slit 24,124 Contact part 31,131 1st elastic piece 31a, 131a 1st convex part 32,232 2nd elastic piece 32a 2nd convex part 100 Measuring object

Claims (4)

A flexible sensor comprising a sensor cable that detects a physical quantity of the measurement object in a state of being arranged so as to surround the measurement object, and a connection mechanism that connects and disconnects both ends of the sensor cable. Because
The coupling mechanism is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a groove portion formed along an outer periphery, and is formed in a cylindrical shape with a first member fixed to either one of the both end portions of the sensor cable. The other end of the both ends of the sensor cable is inserted and fixed from the base end side, and the second member is configured to be able to insert the first member from the front end side, and the first member can be inserted. A second position formed between the first position allowing insertion and withdrawal of the first member and a second position regulating insertion and withdrawal of the first member so as to be rotatable with respect to the second member. An annular third member attached to the tip end side of the member,
Either one of the second member and the third member is configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the one member, and protrudes toward the central axis side of the one member. A first elastic piece having a first protrusion that can be engaged with the groove of the first member in an inserted state;
The other member of the second member and the third member is the other member without contacting the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece when the third member is located at the first position. The first elastic piece is allowed to be elastically deformed toward the second side, and the third member is in contact with the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece in the state where the third member is located at the second position. The flexible sensor provided with the contact part which regulates the elastic deformation of the said 1st elastic piece toward.   The flexible sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first elastic piece is provided on the third member, and the contact portion is provided on the second member. An attachment portion for detachably attaching the third member to the second member;
The mounting portion is provided on one of the second member and the third member, is configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the one member, and projects toward the other member. A second elastic piece having a second convex part, and a fitting part that is provided on the other member of the second member and the third member and that can fit the second convex part of the second elastic piece; The flexible sensor of Claim 1 or 2 comprised by providing.   The flexible sensor according to claim 3, wherein the second elastic piece is provided on the third member, and the fitting portion is provided on the second member.

Images