JP2013228274A - Flexible sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent separation between a main body part and a cover that are connected to each other.SOLUTION: A flexible sensor comprises a sensor cable 2 and a connection mechanism for performing connection and disconnection between both ends of the sensor cable 2. The connection mechanism comprises a first connection part fixed with either one of both the ends of the sensor cable 2 and a second connection part that is fixed with the other one of both the ends and can be connected to and disconnected from the first connection part. The first connection part comprises: a cylindrical main body part 11 where one end of the sensor cable 2 is fixed to a base end part side; a cylindrical cover 12 that is configured to be connectable to the main body part 11 and covers the main body part 11 in a connection state; and an operation part that is configured to be connectable to the main body part 11 and is used for performing operation of connection and disconnection between the first connection part and the second connection part. Protrusion parts 21 and claw parts 31 that cannot be released from an engagement state from an outside while being engaged with one another and connecting the body part 11 and the cover 12 are formed on the main body part 11 and the cover 12, respectively.

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 70 illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 18. Has already been developed. As shown in FIG. 16, the flexible sensor coupling mechanism 70 includes a first coupling portion 71 and a second coupling portion 72.

  The 1st connection part 71 is provided with the main-body part 81 and the cover 82 which were each formed in the cylindrical shape. The main body 81 is configured such that one end of the sensor cable (not shown) is fixed and the second connecting portion 72 can be inserted as shown in FIG. Further, the main body 81 is provided with a cantilevered elastic piece 81 a that can be elastically deformed along the radial direction of the main body 81. Further, a claw portion 81b that protrudes toward the central axis side of the main body portion 81 is formed at the distal end portion of the elastic piece 81a. The cover 82 is connected to the outside of the main body 81 by an engaging portion (not shown) so as to be slidable relative to the main body 81 along the length. In this case, both are connected by inserting the main body 81 into the cover 82. Further, the elastic piece 81a of the main body 81 is moved to the distal end (right end in the figure) of the cover 82 when the cover 82 is slid toward the base end (left end in the figure) of the main body 81. A protrusion 82a is provided for contacting the tip and elastically deforming the elastic piece 81a outward. The 2nd connection part 72 is being fixed to the other edge part in the sensor cable outside a figure. The second connecting portion 72 is formed with a groove 72a along the outer periphery.

  In this connecting mechanism 70, as shown in FIG. 16, the first connecting portion 71 and the second connecting portion are inserted by inserting the second connecting portion 72 from the front end portion (right end portion in the figure) side of the main body portion 81 and the cover 82. 72 is connected. In this case, as shown in the figure, when the second connecting portion 72 is inserted, the tip of the second connecting portion 72 comes into contact with the claw portion 81b of the elastic piece 81a of the main body portion 81 so that the elastic piece 81a Elastically deforms outward. Next, when the second connecting portion 72 is further inserted into the back side of the main body portion 81, the claw portion 81b of the main body portion 81 is engaged with the groove portion 72a of the second connecting portion 72, as shown in FIG. The 2nd connection part 72 and the main-body part 81 are maintained in the connected state.

  Moreover, in this connection mechanism 70, when releasing the connection state of the 2nd connection part 72 and the main-body part 81, as shown in FIG. 18, the cover 82 is faced toward the base end part of the main-body part 81 (in the same figure). Slide (in the direction of the arrow shown). At this time, the protrusion 82a of the cover 82 abuts on the tip of the elastic piece 81a of the main body 81, and elastically deforms the elastic piece 81a outward. As a result, the engagement between the groove portion 72 a of the second connecting portion 72 and the claw portion 81 b of the main body portion 81 is released. Next, in this state, the second connecting portion 72 is pulled out from the main body portion 81 and the cover 82. As described above, the connected state between the second connecting portion 72 and the main body portion 81 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, since the cover 82 is configured to slide toward the base end side of the main body 81, the user erroneously recognizes that the main body 81 and the cover 82 are separated to release the connected state. Sometimes. In this case, when the main body 81 and the cover 82 are forcibly separated from each other due to such misrecognition, the cover 82 may come off from the main body 81, and the claw 81b of the main body 81 that is relatively easily damaged is exposed. There is a fear. Moreover, in this flexible sensor, since both the main-body part 81 and the cover 82 are formed cylindrically, it is in the position shifted in the rotation direction centering on the central axis (state shifted from the original connection position). But sometimes you can connect. For this reason, when the cover 82 removed as described above is reconnected to the main body 81, there is a possibility that the misconnected state is shifted. In such an erroneous connection state, there is a possibility that a display (for example, an arrow indicating a current flowing through the measurement object) attached to the cover 82 may not perform its original function.

  This invention is made | formed in view of this subject, and it aims at providing the flexible sensor which can prevent isolation | separation with the main-body part and the cover which are connected.

  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 includes a first connecting part to which either one of the two ends of the sensor cable is fixed, and the other of the two ends. And a second connecting portion that can be connected to and disconnected from the first connecting portion, and the first connecting portion is a cylindrical shape whose one end is fixed to the base end side. A main body part, a cylindrical cover configured to be connectable to the main body part and covering the main body part in a connected state, and configured to be connectable to the main body part, the first connecting part and the second And an operation unit for performing an operation of coupling and releasing the connection with the connection unit, and the main body unit and the cover are engaged with each other to connect the main body unit and the cover and from the outside of the cover First engaging portions that cannot be released from the engaged state are formed.

  The flexible sensor according to claim 2 is the flexible sensor according to claim 1, wherein the first engagement portion is formed on one of the main body and the cover, and the main body in the connected state and the A projecting portion that projects toward the other side of the cover, and a claw portion that is formed on the other side and projects toward one of the connected states and engages with the projecting portion.

  The flexible sensor according to claim 3 is the flexible sensor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main body and the cover are engaged with each other when the main body and the cover are connected to each other. A second engaging portion for positioning the cover is formed.

  The flexible sensor according to claim 4 is the flexible sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the operation unit is inserted inside the main body when connected to the main body, and An elastic piece having a convex portion that is configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the operation portion and protrudes outward in the radial direction is formed, and the convex portion of the inserted elastic piece is formed on the main body portion. A fitting hole is formed to fit the part and maintain the connection state of the main body part and the operation part, and the convex part that fits the fitting hole is pressed on the cover. A release hole for inserting a member for releasing the fitting state between the portion and the fitting hole is formed.

  A flexible sensor according to a fifth aspect is the flexible sensor according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the main body portion and the operation portion are engaged with each other when the main body portion and the operation portion are connected. And a third engagement portion for positioning the main body portion and the operation portion.

  In the flexible sensor according to claim 1, the main body portion and the cover are connected to each other to connect the main body portion and the cover, and first engagement portions that cannot be released from the outside of the cover are formed on the main body portion and the cover, respectively. Yes. For this reason, in this flexible sensor, after the main body portion and the cover are once connected, the engagement state between the first engagement portions cannot be released, and the connection state between the main body portion and the cover (the state in which the first engagement portion is not separated) is established. It can be reliably maintained. For this reason, according to this flexible sensor, even if operation which pulls apart a main-body part and a cover is performed, isolation | separation with the main-body part and cover which are connected can be prevented reliably.

  According to the flexible sensor of the second aspect of the present invention, the projection includes a protrusion formed on one of the main body and the cover, and a claw formed on the other of the main body and the cover and engaged with the protrusion. By configuring the first engaging portion, the projecting portion and the claw portion are reliably engaged with each other with a simple configuration, so that the connection state between the main body portion and the cover can be reliably maintained. .

  According to the flexible sensor of the third aspect, when the main body part and the cover are connected, the second engaging part that engages with each other when the main body part and the cover are connected is formed on the main body part and the cover, respectively. By engaging the second engaging portions, the main body portion and the cover can be reliably positioned.

  In the flexible sensor according to claim 4, the elastic piece having the convex portion is formed in the operation portion, and the fitting hole for fitting the convex portion to maintain the connection state between the main body portion and the operation portion is formed in the main body portion. The cover is formed with a release hole through which a member that is formed and allows the member to be released from the fitted state of the fitting hole and the convex portion to be inserted. Therefore, according to this flexible sensor, since the release member is inserted through the release hole of the cover and the convex portion is not pressed, the connection state between the main body portion and the operation portion cannot be released. It is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the operation unit is easily detached from the main body by a normal operation for releasing the connection between the first connection unit and the second connection unit.

  According to the flexible sensor of the fifth aspect, the main body portion and the operation portion are connected by forming the third engagement portion that engages with each other when the main body portion and the operation portion are connected to each other. In doing so, the main body portion and the operation portion can be reliably positioned by engaging the third engagement portions.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a flexible sensor 1. FIG. It is the perspective view of the main-body part 11 seen from the base end part 11a side. It is the perspective view of the main-body part 11 seen from the front-end | tip part 11b side. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a main body portion 11. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover 12. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a cover 12. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an operation unit 13. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of an operation unit 13. FIG. It is a perspective view of the 2nd connection part 3b. It is sectional drawing of the 2nd connection part 3b. FIG. 5 is a first explanatory view for explaining an assembly method of the coupling mechanism 3. FIG. 6 is a second explanatory view for explaining an assembling method of the coupling mechanism 3. It is the 3rd explanatory view explaining the assembly method of connecting mechanism 3. 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 1st explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 70. It is the 2nd explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 70. It is the 3rd explanatory view explaining composition of conventional connection mechanism 70.

  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 is arranged so as to surround the measurement object 100 (the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2 are coupled to each other). In this state, an annular body is configured so that a current flowing through the measurement object 100 (an example of a physical quantity for the measurement object 100) can be detected.

  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 connecting mechanism 3 is a mechanism for connecting and releasing the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2 and includes a first connecting part 3a and a second connecting part 3b as shown in FIG. It is configured.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the first connecting portion 3 a includes a main body portion 11, a cover 12, and an operation portion 13.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the main body 11 is formed in a small diameter cylindrical shape (an example of a cylindrical shape) on the base end portion 11a side, and a large diameter cylindrical shape (an example of a cylindrical shape) on the distal end portion 11b side. Has been. One of the two end portions 2a and 2b (see FIG. 1) of the sensor cable 2 (in this example, the end portion 2a) is inserted and fixed to the base end portion 11a of the main body portion 11. In addition, a connection portion between the insulated conductor and the cable 4 constituting the sensor cable 2 is accommodated in the base end portion 11a.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the base end portion 11 a of the main body portion 11 is formed with a protruding portion 21 that protrudes toward the outside of the base end portion 11 a (the cover 12 in the connected state). The projecting portion 21 forms a first engaging portion together with a later-described claw portion 31 of the cover 12, and the claw portion is in a connected state between the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 (a state where the main body portion 11 is inserted into the cover 12). 31 is engaged.

  Moreover, the main-body part 11 is comprised so that the operation part 13 can be connected (attached) to the front-end | tip part 11b. In this case, the operation unit 13 is connected to the distal end portion 11b by inserting a first elastic piece 41 and a second elastic piece 42 described later into the distal end portion 11b. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a slit 23 (corresponding to a fitting hole) is formed in the distal end portion 11 b of the main body portion 11. The slit 23 has a function of maintaining the connection state between the main body 11 and the operation unit 13 by fitting the second convex portion 42 a of the second elastic piece 42 in the inserted operation unit 13. .

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a groove 22 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the distal end portion 11 b in the main body portion 11. The groove 22 constitutes a second engaging portion together with a rib 32 (to be described later) of the cover 12, and the rib 32 is engaged with the groove 22 when the main body portion 11 is inserted into the cover 12 and connected to each other. And has a function of positioning the main body 11 and the cover 12.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the edge portion 24 of the tip end portion 11 b in the main body portion 11 is formed to be thick, and a cutout 25 is formed in the edge portion 24. This notch 25 constitutes a third engagement portion together with an instruction portion 43 (to be described later) of the operation portion 13, and engages the instruction portion 43 when connecting the operation portion 13 to the distal end portion 11 b of the main body portion 11. Thus, the main body 11 and the operation unit 13 are positioned.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, a contact projecting toward the central axis side of the main body 11 at a position closer to the base end 11 a than the formation site of the slit 23 inside the distal end 11 b of the main body 11. A portion 26 is formed. The abutment portion 26 abuts on the first elastic piece 41 of the operation portion 13 when the operation portion 13 is positioned at a lock position described later, and restricts outward elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41. It has a function to do.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 12 is formed in a cylindrical shape (an example of a tubular shape) into which the main body portion 11 can be inserted, and covers the main body portion 11 in a state of being connected (attached) to the main body portion 11. It is configured to be possible. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, ribs 32 that engage with the grooves 22 of the main body 11 are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cover 12.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the base end portion 12 a of the cover 12 has a claw portion 31 (in this example, two claw portions 31) constituting the first engagement portion together with the protruding portion 21 of the main body portion 11 described above. ) Is formed. As shown in FIG. 12, the claw portion 31 is engaged with the edge portion on the tip end portion 11b side (the right edge portion in the figure) of the protruding portion 21 of the main body portion 11 when the main body portion 11 is inserted into the cover 12. Together, the main body 11 and the cover 12 are connected. In this case, in this flexible sensor 1, as shown in the figure, the claw portion 31 is formed inside the cover 12, and when the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 are connected, the claw portion 31 is pressed or deformed. Operation becomes impossible. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, after the main body part 11 is inserted into the cover 12 and the main body part 11 and the cover 12 are connected, the engagement state between the protruding part 21 and the claw part 31 cannot be released. Yes. That is, in this flexible sensor 1, after the main body 11 is inserted into the cover 12 and the main body 11 and the cover 12 are once connected, the main body 11 and the cover 12 are not damaged unless the main body 11 and the cover 12 are destroyed. The connection state cannot be released (separation of both) (so-called fitting structure).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a release hole 33 is formed in the distal end portion 12 b of the cover 12. When the release hole 33 presses the second convex portion 42a of the second elastic piece 42 in the operation portion 13 fitted in the slit 23 of the main body portion 11 with a member for release (for example, a rod-shaped member), Used to insert the member. For this reason, the release hole 33 is formed at a position facing the slit 23 of the main body 11 when the main body 11 and the cover 12 are connected.

  The operation unit 13 is a member for performing operations of coupling and uncoupling the first coupling unit 3a and the second coupling unit 3b, and as shown in FIGS. ). As shown in FIG. 13, the operation unit 13 is configured to be connectable (attachable) to the main body 11 by inserting the front end 13 b into the front end 11 b of the main body 11. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the operation portion 13 is formed with a cantilevered first elastic piece 41 and a second elastic piece 42 configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the operation portion 13. Has been.

  In this case, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the first elastic piece 41 protrudes toward the central axis side of the operation portion 13 at the intermediate portion in the length direction of the first elastic piece 41, and the first connection portion 3 a (operation portion 13 The first convex portion 41a that can be engaged with the groove portion 54 (see FIG. 9) of the second connecting portion 3b in the state of being inserted into the second connecting portion 3b is formed. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the distal end portion of each second elastic piece 42 protrudes toward the outside of the operation portion 13 (that is, toward the main body portion 11 in a state of being connected to the main body portion 11). A second protrusion 42a is formed.

  In this flexible sensor 1, as shown in FIG. 13, by engaging the second convex portion 42 a of the second elastic piece 42 with the slit 23 formed in the distal end portion 11 b of the main body portion 11, On the other hand, the operation unit 13 is connected to the main body unit 11 so as to be relatively rotatable.

  Further, in the flexible sensor 1, the second convex portion 42a is positioned at one end portion 23a of the slit 23 (the right end portion in FIG. 2; hereinafter, the position of the end portion 23a is also referred to as “unlock position”). The contact portion 26 of the main body portion 11 does not contact the first elastic piece 41. Therefore, at this time, elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41 (outward) toward the main body 11 is allowed. On the other hand, when the second convex portion 42a is located at the other end portion 23b of the slit 23 (left end portion in FIG. 2; hereinafter, the position of the end portion 23b is also referred to as “lock position”), FIG. As shown, the contact portion 26 of the main body portion 11 contacts the first elastic piece 41. For this reason, at this time, the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41 (outward) toward the main body 11 is restricted.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, an instruction portion 43 is formed at the base end portion 13 a of the operation portion 13. The instructing portion 43 engages with a notch 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) formed in the distal end portion 11b of the main body portion 11 to position the operation portion 13 with respect to the main body portion 11 and also performs the above-described unloading operation. It also functions as a pointer indicating the lock position and the lock position.

  As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the second connecting portion 3 b is configured in a substantially cylindrical shape with the tip 51 closed. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the second connecting portion 3 b has an opening 53 (FIG. 9, FIG. 9) where the other end (in this example, the end 2 b) of the sensor cable 2 is the other end 2 a, 2 b. 10)) and fixed in the inserted state. Moreover, the groove part 54 engaged with the 1st convex part 41a of the 1st elastic piece 41 in the operation part 13 is formed in the 2nd connection part 3b along the outer periphery.

  Next, a method for assembling the flexible sensor 1 will be described. First, the sensor cable 2 is passed (inserted) through the cover 12, and then the end 2b (see FIG. 1) of the sensor cable 2 is fixed to the second connecting portion 3b. Specifically, an adhesive is applied to the end 2b of the sensor cable 2, and then the end 2b is inserted from the opening 53 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the second connecting portion 3b. Thereby, the edge part 2b is fixed to the 2nd connection part 3b.

  Next, the end 2 a (see FIG. 1) of the sensor cable 2 is fixed to the main body 11. Specifically, the insulated conductor and the cable 4 constituting the sensor cable 2 are connected, and then an adhesive is applied to the end 2a of the sensor cable 2, and then the connecting portion between the insulated conductor and the cable 4 is connected. It is inserted into the base end portion 11 a of the main body portion 11. Thereby, the end 2 a of the sensor cable 2 is fixed to the main body 11.

  Subsequently, the main body 11 and the cover 12 are connected (the main body 11 is covered with the cover 12). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the base end portion 11 a of the main body portion 11 is inserted from the opening portion of the cover 12 on the front end portion 12 b side. At this time, the rib 32 formed on the cover 12 is inserted while being engaged with the groove 22 (see FIG. 2) formed on the main body 11. By inserting in this way, the main body 11 and the cover 12 are positioned.

  Next, the main body 11 is further inserted into the cover 12. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12, the claw portion 31 of the cover 12 is engaged with the edge portion (right edge portion in the figure) of the protruding portion 21 of the main body portion 11 on the front end portion 11b side, thereby The part 11 and the cover 12 are connected. Here, in this flexible sensor 1, as shown in the figure, since the claw portion 31 is formed inside the cover 12, in this state (connected state), the protrusion 21 and the claw portion 31 are pressed and deformed. Such an operation cannot be performed from the outside of the cover 12. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, after the main body part 11 is inserted into the cover 12 and the main body part 11 and the cover 12 are once connected, the engagement state between the projecting part 21 and the claw part 31 becomes impossible. The main body 11 and the cover 12 are maintained in a connected state (a state where they are not separated).

  Subsequently, the main body 11 and the operation unit 13 are connected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the first elastic piece 41 and the second elastic piece 42 of the operation unit 13 are inserted inside the distal end portion 11 b of the main body portion 11. At this time, the pointing portion 43 (see FIG. 7) formed at the base end portion 13a of the operation portion 13 is engaged with the notch 25 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) formed at the distal end portion 11b of the main body portion 11. Insert them together. By inserting in this way, the main-body part 11 and the operation part 13 are positioned.

  Next, the operation unit 13 is further inserted into the main body unit 11. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, the second convex portion 42 a formed on the second elastic piece 42 is fitted into the slit 23 formed on the distal end portion 11 b of the main body portion 11. Thereby, the operation part 13 is connected to the front-end | tip part 11b of the main-body part 11 so that rotation between the above-mentioned unlock position and lock 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, the operation unit 13 of the coupling mechanism 3 is connected to the main body 11. The second convex portion 42a of the second elastic piece 42 in the operation portion 13 is positioned at the position (unlock position) of the end portion 23a (see FIG. 2) of the slit 23 of the main body portion 11, Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the measurement object 100 is surrounded by the sensor cable 2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the second connecting portion 3b is inserted from the base end portion 13a side of the operation portion 13 toward the distal end portion 13b side (the back side of the first connecting portion 3a). In this case, when the second convex portion 42a of the second elastic piece 42 is positioned at the unlock position, the contact portion 26 of the main body portion 11 is not in contact with the first elastic piece 41. The elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41 is permitted. For this reason, the front-end | tip part of the 2nd connection part 3b contact | abuts to the 1st convex part 41a by pushing in the 2nd connection part 3b, and, thereby, the 1st elastic piece 41 elastically deforms toward the main-body part 11. FIG. As a result, the second connecting portion 3 b is inserted into the cover 12 and the operation portion 13.

  Subsequently, when the second connecting portion 3b is further inserted, the first convex portion 41a is engaged with the groove portion 54 by the elastic force of the first elastic piece 41 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the 1st connection part 3a and the 2nd connection part 3b are connected (end part 2a, 2b of the sensor cable 2).

  Subsequently, the operation part 13 is rotated with respect to the main body part 11, and the 2nd convex part 42a of the 2nd elastic piece 42 is located in the position (lock position) of the edge part 23b (refer FIG. 2) of the slit 23. FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the abutment portion 26 of the main body portion 11 abuts on the outer peripheral portion of the first elastic piece 41, and the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41 toward the main body portion 11 is restricted. Is done. For this reason, the state where the first convex portion 41a of the first elastic piece 41 is engaged with the groove portion 54 is maintained, and the first connecting portion 3a and the second connecting portion 3b are connected to each other (the ends 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2). Is maintained in a connected state.

  Subsequently, the cable 4 is connected to a measuring device (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. Next, when the measurement is finished and the flexible sensor 1 is removed from the measurement target body 100 (the state surrounding the measurement target body 100 is released), the operation portion 13 of the coupling mechanism 3 is rotated with respect to the main body portion 11. Thus, the second convex portion 42 a of the second elastic piece 42 is positioned at the unlock position of the slit 23.

  At this time, the contact of the contact portion 26 with the first elastic piece 41 is released, and the restriction of the elastic deformation of the first elastic piece 41 toward the main body portion 11 is released. Then, the 2nd connection part 3b is pulled in the direction pulled out from the 1st connection part 3a. At this time, the edge portion of the groove portion 54 of the second connecting portion 3b abuts on the first convex portion 41a of the first elastic piece 41, and the first elastic piece 41 is elastically deformed toward the cover 12, so that the first convex portion The engagement state between the portion 41a and the groove portion 54 is released. As a result, the second connection portion 3b is pulled out from the first connection portion 3a, and the connection state between the first connection portion 3a and the second connection portion 3b (the connection state between the end portions 2a and 2b of the sensor cable 2) is released. Is done.

  In this flexible sensor 1, the second connecting portion 3 b can be connected to the second connecting portion 3 b only by rotating the operating portion 13 so that the second convex portion 42 a of the second elastic piece 42 positioned at the locked position is positioned at the unlocked position. It will be in the state which can be pulled out from the 1 connection part 3a. For this reason, unlike the conventional configuration in which the cover 82 is slid to the base end side of the main body 81 to release the connection state between the first connection portion 71 and the second connection portion 72, the main body portion 81 and the cover 82 It is possible to reliably prevent an erroneous operation such as forcibly pulling apart. Further, in this flexible sensor 1, the main body 11 and the cover 12 are connected by the engagement between the protrusion 21 that cannot be operated from the outside of the cover 12 and the claw 31, and the connection state of the main body 11 and the cover 12 is maintained. It has a structure. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, even if operation which pulls apart the main-body part 11 and the cover 12 is performed, isolation | separation with the connected main-body part 11 and the cover 12 is prevented reliably.

  Next, the sensor cable 2 is detached from the measurement object 100. Thus, the measurement of the current flowing through the measurement object 100 is completed. Subsequently, when the current flowing through the other measurement object 100 is measured, the above-described procedure is repeated.

  Here, the 1st elastic piece 41 and the 2nd elastic piece 42 currently formed in the operation part 13 are comprised comparatively thinly in order to enable elastic deformation. For this reason, there is a high possibility that the first elastic piece 41 and the second elastic piece 42 are damaged due to repeated use compared to other parts (thick parts). In this case, when the first elastic piece 41 or the second elastic piece 42 of the operation unit 13 is damaged by repeated use, the operation unit 13 is removed from the main body unit 11 and replaced.

  When removing the operation unit 13 from the main body unit 11, first, a rod-like member is inserted into the release hole 33 formed in the cover 12, and then in the operation unit 13 fitted in the slit 23 of the main body unit 11. The 2nd convex part 42a of the 2nd elastic piece 42 is pressed with the front-end | tip part of a rod-shaped member. At this time, the second elastic piece 42 is elastically deformed by the pressing, and the fitting state between the second convex portion 42a and the slit 23 is released. Subsequently, the operation unit 13 is pulled out from the main body unit 11. Thereby, the operation unit 13 is detached from the main body unit 11.

  As described above, the flexible sensor 1 has a structure in which the fitting state between the second convex portion 42 a and the slit 23 is not released unless a release rod-like member is inserted into the release hole 33 of the cover 12. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, it is possible to exchange the operation unit 13 (removal from the main body unit 11) and perform a normal operation for releasing the connection between the first connection unit 3a and the second connection unit 3b. It is possible to reliably prevent the operation unit 13 from being easily detached from the main body unit 11.

  As described above, in the flexible sensor 1, the main body part 11 and the cover 12 are connected to each other and the engagement state from the outside of the cover 12 cannot be released. Claw portions 31) are formed on the main body portion 11 and the cover 12, respectively. For this reason, in this flexible sensor 1, after the main body part 11 and the cover 12 are once connected, the engagement state between the protruding part 21 and the claw part 31 becomes impossible, and the connection between the main body part 11 and the cover 12 becomes impossible. A state (state which is not isolate | separated) can be maintained reliably. For this reason, according to this flexible sensor 1, even if operation which pulls apart the main-body part 11 and the cover 12 is performed, isolation | separation with the main-body part 11 and the cover 12 which are connected can be prevented reliably. .

  Moreover, according to this flexible sensor 1, the protrusion part 21 formed in the main-body part 11 and protruded toward the cover 12 and the nail | claw part 31 formed in the cover 12 and protruding toward the main-body part 11 are provided. By configuring the first engaging portion, the projecting portion 21 and the claw portion 31 are reliably engaged with each other with a simple configuration, so that the connection state between the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 is reliably maintained. be able to.

  Further, according to the flexible sensor 1, the second engaging portion (the groove 22 and the rib 32) that are engaged with each other when the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 are connected is formed in the main body portion 11 and the cover 12, respectively. When the main body 11 is inserted into the cover 12 and the main body 11 and the cover 12 are connected, the main body 11 and the cover 12 can be reliably positioned by engaging the groove 22 and the rib 32. .

  In the flexible sensor 1, the second elastic piece 42 having the second convex portion 42 a is formed in the operation portion 13, and the second convex portion 42 a is fitted to maintain the connection state of the main body portion 11 and the operation portion 13. A slit 23 is formed in the main body 11, and a release hole 33 is formed in the cover 12 for inserting a member (bar-shaped member) that releases the fitted state of the slit 23 and the second convex portion 42 a. Therefore, according to the flexible sensor 1, the connection state between the main body 11 and the operation unit 13 cannot be released unless the rod-shaped member is inserted through the release hole 33 of the cover 12 and the second convex portion 42a is pressed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the operation unit 13 from being easily detached from the main body unit 11 by a normal operation for releasing the connection between the first connection unit 3a and the second connection unit 3b.

  According to the flexible sensor 1, the third engaging portion (the notch 25 and the instruction portion 43) that are engaged with each other when the main body portion 11 and the operation portion 13 are connected to the main body portion 11 and the operation portion 13, respectively. By forming, when connecting the main-body part 11 and the operation part 13, by engaging the notch 25 and the instruction | indication part 43, the main-body part 11 and the operation part 13 can be positioned reliably.

  The configuration of the flexible sensor is not limited to the configuration described above, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the example in which the projecting portion 21 is formed in the main body portion 11 and the claw portion 31 is formed in the cover 12 has been described above, but the configuration in which the claw portion 31 is formed in the main body portion 11 and the projecting portion 21 is formed in the cover 12 is described. It can also be adopted. Moreover, although it mentioned above about the example which comprised the 1st engaging part with the protrusion part 21 and the nail | claw part 31, the structure of a 1st engaging part is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which claw portions are formed on both the main body portion 11 and the cover 12 and the claw portions are engaged with each other to connect the main body portion 11 and the cover 12.

  Further, the example in which the groove 22 is formed in the main body portion 11 and the rib 32 is formed in the cover 12 has been described above. However, a configuration in which the rib 32 is formed in the main body portion 11 and the groove 22 is formed in the cover 12 may be adopted. it can.

  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 edge part 3 Connection mechanism 3a 1st connection part 3b 2nd connection part 11 Main body part 11a Base end part 12 Cover 13 Operation part 21 Projection part 22 Groove 23 Slit 25 Notch 31 Claw part 32 Rib 33 Release hole 42 2nd elastic piece 42a 2nd convex part 43 Instruction part 100 Measuring object

Claims (5)

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 connecting mechanism includes a first connecting portion to which one of the both end portions of the sensor cable is fixed, and a second connecting portion that is fixed to the other end of the both end portions and capable of being connected to and disconnected from the first connecting portion. Two connecting parts,
The first connecting portion includes a cylindrical main body portion in which the one end portion is fixed to the base end portion side, and a cylindrical cover configured to be connectable to the main body portion and covering the main body portion in a connected state. And an operation part configured to be connectable to the main body part and for performing an operation of coupling and decoupling the first coupling part and the second coupling part,
The main body portion and the cover are each formed with a first engagement portion that is engaged with each other to connect the main body portion and the cover and that cannot be released from the outside of the cover. Sensor.   The first engaging portion is formed on one of the main body portion and the cover and protrudes toward the other of the main body portion and the cover in the connected state, and is formed on the other and connected state. The flexible sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a claw portion that protrudes toward one of the protrusions and engages with the protrusion.   The said main-body part and the said cover are respectively formed with the 2nd engaging part which mutually engages when the said main-body part and the said cover are connected, and positions the said main-body part and the said cover. Flexible sensor. The operation portion is a protrusion that is inserted inside the main body portion when connected to the main body portion, is configured to be elastically deformable along the radial direction of the operation portion, and protrudes outward in the radial direction. An elastic piece having a portion is formed,
The body portion is formed with a fitting hole for fitting the convex portion of the inserted elastic piece to maintain the connection state of the body portion and the operation portion,
The cover is formed with a release hole for inserting a member that presses the convex portion fitted in the fitting hole to release the fitting state between the convex portion and the fitting hole. The flexible sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The main body portion and the operation portion are respectively formed with third engagement portions that engage with each other when the main body portion and the operation portion are connected to position the main body portion and the operation portion. 4. The flexible sensor according to any one of 4 above.

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