JP3179928U

JP3179928U - Pressure sensor

Info

Publication number: JP3179928U
Application number: JP2012005608U
Authority: JP
Inventors: 真人林; 伸之二宮
Original assignee: Alps Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Alps Alpine Co Ltd
Priority date: 2012-09-13
Filing date: 2012-09-13
Publication date: 2012-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-13

Abstract

【課題】バネの腐食を防ぐとともに、正圧と負圧の両方を検知可能な圧力センサを提供する。
【解決手段】圧力センサ１００では、測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを内部に有するケース１と、ケース１に取り付けられ測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを隔てるとともに、測定室１ｄがある方向および基準室１ｅがある方向への可撓性を有したダイヤフラム２と、ダイヤフラム２の基準室１ｅ側に取り付けられ、ダイヤフラム２が撓むのに伴い、ダイヤフラム２が撓む方向へ変位可能な可動体３と、可動体３の変位を検出する検出手段４と、ダイヤフラム２を測定室１ｄのある方向へ付勢可能な第１弾発手段５と、ダイヤフラム２を基準室１ｅのある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発手段６と、を備えた圧力センサであって、第１弾発手段５および第２弾発手段６を基準室１ｅの内部に配置する構成とした。
【選択図】図３A pressure sensor that prevents corrosion of a spring and can detect both positive pressure and negative pressure is provided.
In a pressure sensor 100, a case 1 having a measurement chamber 1d and a reference chamber 1e therein, a measurement chamber 1d attached to the case 1 and the reference chamber 1e are separated from each other, and the direction in which the measurement chamber 1d is located and a reference A diaphragm 2 having flexibility in a certain direction, and a movable body 3 attached to the reference chamber 1e side of the diaphragm 2 and capable of being displaced in a direction in which the diaphragm 2 is bent as the diaphragm 2 is bent. A detecting means 4 for detecting the displacement of the movable body 3, a first impacting means 5 for biasing the diaphragm 2 in a direction with the measurement chamber 1d, and a biasing of the diaphragm 2 in the direction with the reference chamber 1e. And a second bulleting means 6. The first bulleting means 5 and the second bulleting means 6 are arranged inside the reference chamber 1e.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

本考案は、洗濯機の水位等の検出に用いられる圧力センサに関し、特に、バネの腐食を防ぐとともに、正圧と負圧の両方の圧力を検知可能な圧力センサに関するものである。 The present invention relates to a pressure sensor used for detecting a water level or the like of a washing machine, and more particularly to a pressure sensor capable of detecting both positive pressure and negative pressure while preventing corrosion of a spring.

昨今、洗濯機のドラム内の水位を測るセンサとして圧力センサが用いられることがある。このような圧力センサは、洗濯機のドラム内の水が入り込んだ計測用パイプに取り付けられている。計測用パイプ内には水の層と空気の層があり、圧力センサは空気の層につなげて取り付けられている。ドラム内の水位が変化すると、計測用パイプの内部の水位も変化し、水位変化に合わせて計測用パイプの中にある空気の層の圧力も変化する。このような空気の圧力の変化を計測することで、水位の変化を検知する。このように空気の圧力の変化を計測する圧力センサとしては、下記の特許文献１に記載の圧力センサが知られている。 Recently, a pressure sensor is sometimes used as a sensor for measuring the water level in the drum of a washing machine. Such a pressure sensor is attached to a measuring pipe into which water in the drum of the washing machine has entered. The measuring pipe has a water layer and an air layer, and the pressure sensor is attached to the air layer. When the water level in the drum changes, the water level in the measuring pipe also changes, and the pressure of the air layer in the measuring pipe also changes in accordance with the change in the water level. By measuring such a change in air pressure, a change in the water level is detected. As a pressure sensor for measuring a change in air pressure as described above, a pressure sensor described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

以下、図９を用いて、特許文献１に記載の圧力センサについて説明する。図９は特許文献１に記載の圧力センサ９００の構造を示す断面図である。 Hereinafter, the pressure sensor described in Patent Document 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the pressure sensor 900 described in Patent Document 1.

特許文献１に記載の圧力センサ９００は、ケース９０１と、このケース９０１内を２つの圧力室である圧力室９０Ａと圧力室９０Ｂとに区画するように配置されて２つの圧力室内の圧力差にともなって変位する金属製の電着ベローズ９０９からなる圧力検知素子と、この圧力検知素子の変位に連動するプランジヤ９１０と、このプランジヤ９１０の先端に取付けられた磁石９１１と、この磁石９１１に対向して配置されたホール素子９１３と、このホール素子９１３と上記磁石９１１との対向距離の変化を電気量として検出する回路部９１４とを具備している。圧力室９０Ａは圧力ポート９０２を介して、圧力室９０Ｂは圧力ポート９０５を介してそれぞれ外部と繋がっており、外気の流入および流出が可能である。また、圧力室９０Ａには補助ばね９１５が配置され、圧力室９０Ｂには補助ばね９１６が配置され、圧力室９０Ａと圧力室９０Ｂとの差圧がゼロのときの電着ベローズ９０９の位置をバランスさせる構成となっている。 The pressure sensor 900 described in Patent Document 1 is arranged so as to partition the case 901 into two pressure chambers, that is, a pressure chamber 90A and a pressure chamber 90B. A pressure sensing element composed of a metal electrodeposition bellows 909 that is displaced together, a plunger 910 that interlocks with the displacement of the pressure sensing element, a magnet 911 that is attached to the tip of the plunger 910, and this magnet 911. And a circuit unit 914 that detects a change in the facing distance between the Hall element 913 and the magnet 911 as an electric quantity. The pressure chamber 90A is connected to the outside via the pressure port 902, and the pressure chamber 90B is connected to the outside via the pressure port 905, so that inflow and outflow of outside air are possible. Further, an auxiliary spring 915 is disposed in the pressure chamber 90A, an auxiliary spring 916 is disposed in the pressure chamber 90B, and the position of the electrodeposition bellows 909 when the differential pressure between the pressure chamber 90A and the pressure chamber 90B is zero is balanced. It is the composition which makes it.

特開平０３−２３５０２９号公報Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 03-235029

近年は、より高度な制御を行うために密閉されたドラム内が負圧になったことを計測するというニーズがある。特許文献１に記載の圧力センサ９００は、圧力室９０Ａに補助バネ９１５が配置され、圧力室９０Ｂに補助バネ９１６が配置され、電着ベローズ９０９の位置をバランスさせる構成となっているため、正圧がかかった場合でも、負圧がかかった場合でも問題なく計測することが出来る。しかしながら、洗濯機の水位を検出するセンサとして用いた場合に、以下のような事が懸念される。例えば、圧力ポート９０２を介して圧力室９０Ａとドラム内の水が入り込んだ槽と繋いで、水位の変化に伴う槽内の空気の圧力変化を検知することで水位を計測するとする。この場合、圧力ポート９０２を通って圧力室９０Ａの内部に水が入り込むことや蒸発した水分が入り込むことなどにより、補助バネ９１５が腐食して圧力センサとして機能しなくなることが懸念される。 In recent years, there is a need to measure that the inside of a sealed drum has become negative pressure in order to perform more advanced control. The pressure sensor 900 described in Patent Document 1 has a configuration in which an auxiliary spring 915 is disposed in the pressure chamber 90A, an auxiliary spring 916 is disposed in the pressure chamber 90B, and the position of the electrodeposition bellows 909 is balanced. Even when pressure is applied or when negative pressure is applied, measurement can be performed without any problem. However, when used as a sensor for detecting the water level of a washing machine, there are concerns about the following. For example, it is assumed that the water level is measured by detecting the pressure change of the air in the tank accompanying the change in the water level by connecting the pressure chamber 90A to the tank in which the water in the drum enters through the pressure port 902. In this case, there is a concern that the auxiliary spring 915 may corrode due to corrosion of the auxiliary spring 915 due to water entering the inside of the pressure chamber 90A through the pressure port 902 or evaporated water.

本考案は、上述した課題を解決して、バネの腐食を防ぐとともに、正圧と負圧の両方を検知可能な圧力センサを提供するものである。 The present invention solves the above-described problems, and provides a pressure sensor that prevents corrosion of a spring and can detect both positive pressure and negative pressure.

請求項１に記載の圧力センサは、測定室と基準室とを内部に有するケースと、前記ケースに取り付けられ前記測定室と前記基準室とを隔てるとともに、前記測定室がある方向および前記基準室がある方向への可撓性を有したダイヤフラムと、前記ダイヤフラムの前記基準室側に取り付けられ、前記ダイヤフラムが撓むのに伴い、前記ダイヤフラムが撓む方向へ変位可能な可動体と、前記可動体の変位を検出する検出部材と、前記ダイヤフラムを前記測定室のある方向へ付勢可能な第１弾発部材と、前記ダイヤフラムを前記基準室のある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材と、を備えた圧力センサであって、前記第１弾発部材および前記第２弾発部材を前記基準室の内部に配置した、という特徴を有する。 The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein a case having a measurement chamber and a reference chamber therein, and attached to the case to separate the measurement chamber and the reference chamber, and the direction in which the measurement chamber is located and the reference chamber A diaphragm having flexibility in a certain direction, a movable body that is attached to the reference chamber side of the diaphragm and that can be displaced in a direction in which the diaphragm bends as the diaphragm bends, and the movable A detection member for detecting a displacement of the body, a first resilient member capable of biasing the diaphragm in a direction of the measurement chamber, and a second resilient member capable of biasing the diaphragm in a direction of the reference chamber And the first elastic member and the second elastic member are arranged inside the reference chamber.

請求項２に記載の圧力センサは、前記第１弾発部材はコイルバネからなり、前記第２弾発部材は板バネからなり、前記第２弾発部材は、中央付近を前記可動体に係止され、外周端部を前記ケースの内壁に挟持されている、という特徴を有する。 The pressure sensor according to claim 2, wherein the first elastic member is a coil spring, the second elastic member is a leaf spring, and the second elastic member is locked near the center to the movable body. The outer peripheral end is sandwiched between the inner walls of the case.

請求項３に記載の圧力センサは、前記ケースは前記測定室を成す測定室ケースと前記基準室を成す基準室ケースとからなり、前記ダイヤフラムは外周端部に沿って環状パッキン部を備え、前記ダイヤフラムと前記第２弾発部材とを重ねて、前記第２弾発部材が前記基準室ケース側に配置され、前記環状パッキン部と前記第２弾発部材の外周端部とが、前記測定室ケースと前記基準室ケースとにより圧接挟持されている、という特徴を有する。 The pressure sensor according to claim 3, wherein the case includes a measurement chamber case forming the measurement chamber and a reference chamber case forming the reference chamber, and the diaphragm includes an annular packing portion along an outer peripheral end portion, The diaphragm and the second resilient member are overlapped, the second resilient member is disposed on the reference chamber case side, and the annular packing portion and the outer peripheral end of the second resilient member are in the measurement chamber. It is characterized in that it is pressed and clamped between the case and the reference chamber case.

請求項４に記載の圧力センサは、前記検出部材は、前記第１弾発部材により前記可動体側に付勢されるとともに、前記可動体の動きに応じて移動可能なプランジャと、前記プランジャの動作を検出するセンサ部を備え、前記可動体は前記プランジャが当接する当接面を備え、前記当接面は平面形状に形成されている、という特徴を有する。 The pressure sensor according to claim 4, wherein the detection member is urged toward the movable body by the first elastic member and is movable according to the movement of the movable body, and the operation of the plunger The movable body has a contact surface with which the plunger contacts, and the contact surface is formed in a planar shape.

請求項５に記載の圧力センサは、前記可動体は、前記ダイヤフラムに取り付けられる本体部と、前記本体部に取り付けられ前記検出部材を駆動する駆動部と、を有し、前記駆動部は、前記本体部に対して前記可動体の移動方向の位置を調整可能に前記本体部に取り付けられている、という特徴を有する。 The pressure sensor according to claim 5, wherein the movable body includes a main body part attached to the diaphragm, and a drive part attached to the main body part for driving the detection member, The movable body is attached to the main body so that the position of the movable body in the moving direction can be adjusted with respect to the main body.

請求項１の考案によれば、ダイヤフラムを測定室のある方向へ付勢可能な第１弾発部材と、ダイヤフラムを基準室のある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材と、を設けることで、正圧および負圧の両方の圧力を計測することが可能となる。また、測定室側を洗濯機のドラムに繋がる槽に繋ぐことで、仮に洗濯機のドラムから水蒸気や水が浸入したとしても、第１弾発部材および第２弾発部材を基準室の内部に配置してあるため、第１弾発部材および第２弾発部材は腐食し難くなる。第１弾発部材および第２弾発部材が腐食し難くなるため、長期間安定した検出精度を保つことができる、という効果を奏する。 According to the first aspect of the present invention, the first elastic member capable of urging the diaphragm in the direction of the measurement chamber and the second elastic member capable of urging the diaphragm in the direction of the reference chamber are provided. Thus, it is possible to measure both positive and negative pressures. In addition, by connecting the measurement chamber side to a tank connected to the drum of the washing machine, even if water vapor or water enters from the drum of the washing machine, the first and second resilient members are placed inside the reference chamber. Since it arrange | positions, it becomes difficult to corrode the 1st elastic member and the 2nd elastic member. Since the first elastic member and the second elastic member are hardly corroded, there is an effect that stable detection accuracy can be maintained for a long time.

請求項２の考案によれば、ダイヤフラムを基準室のある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材を基準室の内部に配置している。第２弾発部材を板バネとし、外周端部をケースの内壁で挟持する構成としたことで、第２弾発部材をコイルバネとした場合に比べて、組み立てが容易にできる、という効果を奏する。 According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second resilient member capable of urging the diaphragm in a certain direction of the reference chamber is disposed inside the reference chamber. Since the second elastic member is a leaf spring and the outer peripheral end is sandwiched between the inner walls of the case, the second elastic member can be easily assembled as compared with the case where the second elastic member is a coil spring. .

請求項３の考案によれば、第２弾発部材およびダイヤフラムを測定室ケースと基準室ケースとにより圧接挟持する構成としたことで、固定用の特別な部品や、半田付けや接着など特別な手法を用いることなく第２弾発部材およびダイヤフラムを保持できる。これにより、容易に組立ができる、という効果を奏する。 According to the third aspect of the invention, the second elastic member and the diaphragm are configured to be pressed and sandwiched between the measurement chamber case and the reference chamber case, so that special parts for fixing, special parts such as soldering and bonding can be used. The second elastic member and the diaphragm can be held without using a technique. Thereby, there exists an effect that it can assemble easily.

請求項４の考案によれば、可動体に平面形状に形成された当接面を設けて、プランジャが当接面に当接する構成とした。このように構成することで、検出部材と可動体との取り付け位置にバラツキがあったとしても、プランジャと可動体との当接が確実に行なえる。したがって、検出部材は可動体の動きをより正確に検知することができる、という効果を奏する。 According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the movable body is provided with a contact surface formed in a planar shape, and the plunger contacts the contact surface. With this configuration, even if there is variation in the attachment position between the detection member and the movable body, the plunger and the movable body can be reliably brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the detection member has an effect that the movement of the movable body can be detected more accurately.

請求項５の考案によれば、駆動部を、本体部に対して可動体の移動方向の位置を調整可能に本体部に取り付けたことで、ダイヤフラムが正圧も負圧も受けていない初期状態における可動体と検出部材との当接位置を調整することができる。これにより、必要に応じて初期状態における検出部材の出力値を容易に調整することできる、という効果を奏する。 According to the invention of claim 5, the drive unit is attached to the main body so that the position of the movable body in the moving direction can be adjusted with respect to the main body, so that the diaphragm is not subjected to positive pressure or negative pressure. The contact position between the movable body and the detection member can be adjusted. Thereby, there exists an effect that the output value of the detection member in an initial state can be adjusted easily as needed.

以上より、本考案によれば、バネの腐食を防ぐとともに、正圧と負圧の両方の圧力を検知可能な圧力センサを提供することができる。 As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pressure sensor capable of detecting both positive pressure and negative pressure while preventing corrosion of the spring.

第１実施形態における圧力センサ１００の外観を示す図であり、図１（ｂ）は圧力センサ１００の上方からの外観を示す平面図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the pressure sensor 100 in 1st Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) is a top view which shows the external appearance from the upper side of the pressure sensor 100. FIG. 第１実施形態における圧力センサ１００の構成を示す分解斜視図である。It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the structure of the pressure sensor 100 in 1st Embodiment. 図１（ｂ）に示す断面Ａ−Ａを示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section AA shown in FIG.1 (b). 第１実施形態における検出部材４の外観を示す図であり、図４（ｂ）は検出部材４の上方からの外観を示す平面図である。It is a figure which shows the external appearance of the detection member 4 in 1st Embodiment, FIG.4 (b) is a top view which shows the external appearance from the upper direction of the detection member 4. FIG. 図４（ｂ）に示す断面Ｂ−Ｂを示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the cross section BB shown in FIG.4 (b). 洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位の変化を示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the change of the water level in the drum D of a washing machine. 図６に示すドラムＤ内の水位の変化にともなったダイヤフラム２の動きを示す模式図である。It is a schematic diagram which shows the motion of the diaphragm 2 with the change of the water level in the drum D shown in FIG. 図６に示すドラムＤ内の水位と圧力センサ１００の出力電圧の関係を例示したグラフである。7 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the water level in the drum D shown in FIG. 6 and the output voltage of the pressure sensor 100. 特許文献１に記載の圧力センサ９００の構造を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the pressure sensor 900 of patent document 1. As shown in FIG.

［第１実施形態］
以下に第１実施形態における圧力センサ１００について説明する。まず始めに本実施形態における圧力センサ１００の構成について図１ないし図５を用いて説明する。図１は第１実施形態における圧力センサ１００の外観を示す図であり、図１（ａ）は圧力センサ１００の外観を示す斜視図であり、図１（ｂ）は圧力センサ１００を図１（ａ）に示すＺ１方向側から見た外観を示す平面図である。図２は第１実施形態における圧力センサ１００の構成を示す分解斜視図である。第１実施形態においては、第１弾発部材５は検出部材４の内部に組み込まれているため、図２においては図示されていない。図３は図１（ｂ）に示す断面Ａ−Ａを示す断面図である。図４は第１実施形態における検出部材４の外観を示す図であり、図４（ａ）は第１実施形態における検出部材４の外観を示す斜視図であり、図４（ｂ）は検出部材４を図４（ａ）に示すＺ１方向側から見た外観を示す平面図である。図５は図４（ｂ）に示す断面Ｂ−Ｂを示す断面図である。 [First Embodiment]
The pressure sensor 100 in the first embodiment will be described below. First, the configuration of the pressure sensor 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a view showing the appearance of the pressure sensor 100 in the first embodiment, FIG. 1A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the pressure sensor 100, and FIG. 1B is a view showing the pressure sensor 100 in FIG. It is a top view which shows the external appearance seen from the Z1 direction side shown to a). FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the pressure sensor 100 in the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the first resilient member 5 is not shown in FIG. 2 because it is incorporated in the detection member 4. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section AA shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing the appearance of the detection member 4 in the first embodiment, FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing the appearance of the detection member 4 in the first embodiment, and FIG. 4B is a detection member. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an external appearance when 4 is viewed from the Z1 direction side shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section BB shown in FIG.

圧力センサ１００は、図１に示すように、略円筒形の外観をしており、図２に示すようにケース１と、ダイヤフラム２と、可動体３と、検出部材４と、第１弾発部材５と、第２弾発部材６とを備えている。 As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure sensor 100 has a substantially cylindrical appearance, and as shown in FIG. 2, the case 1, the diaphragm 2, the movable body 3, the detection member 4, and the first elastic member. A member 5 and a second elastic member 6 are provided.

第１弾発部材５は、金属線材からなり、図５に示すようなコイルバネである。 The first elastic member 5 is made of a metal wire and is a coil spring as shown in FIG.

検出部材４は、図４に示すように、略直方体形状に形成されており、被検出物の位置の変化を検出可能な位置検出センサである。検出部材４は、略直方体形状に形成されたカバー部材４ｃと、略棒状に形成され、カバー部材４ｃの上面４ｄから突出するとともに上面４ｄに対して垂直な方向へ移動可能なプランジャ４ａと、図５に示すようにプランジャ４ａの動作を検出するセンサ部４ｂと、を備えており、プランジャ４ａの移動をセンサ部４ｂで検出することで位置検出を行なう位置検出センサである。なお、第１弾発部材５は、検出部材４の内部に配設され、上面４ｄが突出する方向へプランジャ４ａを付勢する。 As shown in FIG. 4, the detection member 4 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and is a position detection sensor that can detect a change in the position of an object to be detected. The detection member 4 includes a cover member 4c formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a plunger 4a formed in a substantially rod shape, protruding from the upper surface 4d of the cover member 4c and movable in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface 4d, 5 is a position detection sensor that detects the movement of the plunger 4a by detecting the movement of the plunger 4a with the sensor unit 4b. The first resilient member 5 is disposed inside the detection member 4 and biases the plunger 4a in the direction in which the upper surface 4d protrudes.

センサ部４ｂは磁気センサであり、第１実施形態においては、ホール素子を用いている。プランジャ４ａは、一端側がカバー部材４ｃの上面４ｄから突出する軸部４ｅと、軸部４ｅの他端側の側面から対向する２方向にそれぞれ延出して形成されたガイド部４ｆとを有しており、一方のガイド部４ｆには磁石４ｇが配設されている。なお、磁石４ｇの磁界はガイド部４ｆの延出方向に対して垂直、かつ軸部４ｅの延出方向に対して垂直な方向に向かって形成されている。また、軸部４ｅの内部には、軸部４ｅの他端側の端部に開口を有する中空部４ｈが、第１弾発部材５の一部を配設可能な大きさに形成されている。カバー部材４ｃは、内部にプランジャ４ａが移動可能な収納部４ｋを有する。また、カバー部材４ｃの上面４ｄに対向する底面４ｍには外方へ突出するとともに、外部と電気的に接続可能な端子部４ｎが形成されている。 The sensor unit 4b is a magnetic sensor, and a Hall element is used in the first embodiment. The plunger 4a has a shaft portion 4e whose one end projects from the upper surface 4d of the cover member 4c, and a guide portion 4f formed to extend in two opposite directions from the side surface on the other end side of the shaft 4e. The one guide portion 4f is provided with a magnet 4g. The magnetic field of the magnet 4g is formed in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide portion 4f and perpendicular to the extending direction of the shaft portion 4e. In addition, a hollow portion 4h having an opening at the end on the other end side of the shaft portion 4e is formed in the shaft portion 4e so that a part of the first resilient member 5 can be disposed. . The cover member 4c has a storage portion 4k in which the plunger 4a can move. A terminal portion 4n that protrudes outward and can be electrically connected to the outside is formed on the bottom surface 4m facing the top surface 4d of the cover member 4c.

プランジャ４ａは、軸部４ｅの一端側をカバー部材４ｃの外方に突出させた状態で、カバー部材４ｃの収納部４ｋの内部に移動可能に配置されている。このとき、プランジャ４ａの中空部４ｈには第１弾発部材５の一端側が配設されるともに、第１弾発部材５の他端側は収納部４ｋの底面４ｍ側の内壁に弾接し、プランジャ４ａは第１弾発部材５により上面４ｄ方向に付勢されている。また、センサ部４ｂは、プランジャ４ａの一方のガイド部４ｆに配設された磁石４ｇから離間すると共に、磁石４ｇと対向可能に、収納部４ｋ内に配設されている。このように各構成部品を配設することで検出部材４は形成される。このように構成することで、プランジャ４ａの移動に伴って、磁石４ｇがセンサ部４ｂに対向する位置を移動し、センサ部４ｂは磁石４ｇの磁界を検出し、検出した磁界の大きさに応じた出力電圧を、端子部４ｎを介して外部に出力する。プランジャ４ａの移動に伴って、磁石４ｇとセンサ部４ｂとの相対位置が変化することで、センサ部４ｂが検出する磁界の大きさも変化し、センサ部４ｂが出力する出力電圧も変化する。したがって、検出部材４は、プランジャ４ａの移動をセンサ部４ｂで検出することで位置検出が可能となる。 The plunger 4a is movably disposed inside the housing portion 4k of the cover member 4c with one end side of the shaft portion 4e protruding outward from the cover member 4c. At this time, one end side of the first resilient member 5 is disposed in the hollow portion 4h of the plunger 4a, and the other end side of the first resilient member 5 is in elastic contact with the inner wall on the bottom surface 4m side of the storage portion 4k, The plunger 4a is urged in the direction of the upper surface 4d by the first resilient member 5. The sensor unit 4b is disposed in the storage unit 4k so as to be separated from the magnet 4g disposed in the one guide unit 4f of the plunger 4a and to face the magnet 4g. Thus, the detection member 4 is formed by disposing each component. With this configuration, as the plunger 4a moves, the magnet 4g moves to a position facing the sensor unit 4b, the sensor unit 4b detects the magnetic field of the magnet 4g, and according to the magnitude of the detected magnetic field. The output voltage is output to the outside via the terminal portion 4n. As the plunger 4a moves, the relative position between the magnet 4g and the sensor unit 4b changes, so that the magnitude of the magnetic field detected by the sensor unit 4b also changes, and the output voltage output by the sensor unit 4b also changes. Therefore, the detection member 4 can detect the position by detecting the movement of the plunger 4a by the sensor unit 4b.

ケース１は、合成樹脂材からなり、図１ないし図３に示すように、内部が中空で略円筒形状に形成されている。ケース１は、測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを内部に有し、測定室１ｄを成す測定室ケース１ａと基準室１ｅを成す基準室ケース１ｆとからなる。測定室ケース１ａは側面（図１に示すＸ２方向側の面）から円筒状に突出して形成されたノズル部１ｋを有し、測定室１ｄはノズル部１ｋを介してケース１の外方に繋がっている。基準室ケース１ｆは上ケース１ｂと下ケース１ｃとからなり、上ケース１ｂの内部に基準室１ｅが形成されており、下ケース１ｃの上方であるＺ１方向側に上ケース１ｂを重ねて配置することで基準室ケース１ｆが形成される。また、図２に示すように、下ケース１ｃには検出部材４を収容可能な収容部１ｇが形成され、上ケース１ｂには検出部材４を保持可能な保持部１ｈが形成されている。 The case 1 is made of a synthetic resin material, and is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape with a hollow interior as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The case 1 has a measurement chamber 1d and a reference chamber 1e inside, and includes a measurement chamber case 1a forming the measurement chamber 1d and a reference chamber case 1f forming the reference chamber 1e. The measurement chamber case 1a has a nozzle portion 1k formed so as to protrude in a cylindrical shape from a side surface (surface in the X2 direction shown in FIG. 1), and the measurement chamber 1d is connected to the outside of the case 1 through the nozzle portion 1k. ing. The reference chamber case 1f includes an upper case 1b and a lower case 1c. A reference chamber 1e is formed inside the upper case 1b, and the upper case 1b is disposed on the Z1 direction side above the lower case 1c. Thus, the reference chamber case 1f is formed. As shown in FIG. 2, the lower case 1c is formed with a receiving portion 1g capable of holding the detection member 4, and the upper case 1b is formed with a holding portion 1h capable of holding the detection member 4.

ダイヤフラム２は、ゴム材料からなり可撓性を有し、図２および図３に示すように、略円盤状に形成されている。ダイヤフラム２は外周端部に沿って環状パッキン部２ａを備え、中央部には略円盤状に形成された可動部２ｂを備え、環状パッキン部２ａと可動部２ｂとの間は、シート状に形成された膜部２ｃにより開口することなく連結されている。 The diaphragm 2 is made of a rubber material and has flexibility, and is formed in a substantially disc shape as shown in FIGS. The diaphragm 2 includes an annular packing portion 2a along the outer peripheral end portion, a central portion includes a movable portion 2b formed in a substantially disc shape, and a sheet shape is formed between the annular packing portion 2a and the movable portion 2b. The film portions 2c are connected without opening.

可動体３は、合成樹脂材からなり、図２および図３に示すように、ダイヤフラム２に取り付け可能な本体部３ａと、本体部３ａに取り付けられ検出部材４のプランジャ４ａを駆動可能な駆動部３ｂと、を有している。本体部３ａは円盤状に形成された取付部３ｇを有し、取付部３ｇの中央部には一方側（図２および図３に示すＺ２方向側）へ突出して雌ネジ部３ｄが形成され、雌ネジ部３ｄの中央には円形の穴が形成され、穴の内周面にネジ山が形成されている。駆動部３ｂは円盤状に形成された当接部３ｅを有し、当接部３ｅの中央部には他方側（図２および図３に示すＺ１方向側）へ突出して雄ネジ部３ｆが形成され、雄ネジ部３ｆの外周面にはネジ山が形成されている。また、当接部３ｅは一方側（図２および図３に示すＺ２方向側）に当接面３ｃを備え、当接面３ｃは平面形状に形成されている。なお、雄ネジ部３ｆは雌ネジ部３ｄにネジ締め可能な大きさに形成されており、雄ネジ部３ｆと雌ネジ部３ｄとをネジ止めして本体部３ａと駆動部３ｂとを一体にすることで可動体３が形成される。 The movable body 3 is made of a synthetic resin material, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a main body 3a that can be attached to the diaphragm 2, and a drive part that is attached to the main body 3a and can drive the plunger 4a of the detection member 4 3b. The main body portion 3a has a mounting portion 3g formed in a disc shape, and a female screw portion 3d is formed at the center portion of the mounting portion 3g so as to protrude to one side (the Z2 direction side shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). A circular hole is formed in the center of the female screw portion 3d, and a screw thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the hole. The drive portion 3b has a contact portion 3e formed in a disk shape, and a male screw portion 3f is formed at the center portion of the contact portion 3e so as to protrude to the other side (Z1 direction side shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). A screw thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the male screw portion 3f. The contact portion 3e includes a contact surface 3c on one side (the Z2 direction side shown in FIGS. 2 and 3), and the contact surface 3c is formed in a planar shape. The male screw portion 3f is formed in a size that can be screwed to the female screw portion 3d. The male screw portion 3f and the female screw portion 3d are screwed together so that the main body portion 3a and the drive portion 3b are integrated. By doing so, the movable body 3 is formed.

第２弾発部材６は、金属板からなり、図２に示すように、略円盤状に形成された板バネである。第２弾発部材６は、外周に沿って円環状に外周端部６ａが形成され、中央部には円環状に形成された固定部６ｂが形成されており、外周端部６ａと固定部６ｂは蛇行した形状に形成された連結部６ｃにより連結されている。なお、連結部６ｃは固定部６ｂを中心に等間隔に４箇所設けられている。 The 2nd elastic member 6 consists of a metal plate, and as shown in FIG. 2, it is a leaf | plate spring formed in the substantially disk shape. The second elastic member 6 has an outer peripheral end 6a formed in an annular shape along the outer periphery, and an annular fixed portion 6b formed in the center, and the outer peripheral end 6a and the fixed portion 6b. Are connected by a connecting portion 6c formed in a meandering shape. In addition, the connection part 6c is provided in four places at equal intervals centering on the fixing | fixed part 6b.

次に圧力センサの構造について図３を用いて説明する。 Next, the structure of the pressure sensor will be described with reference to FIG.

図３に示すように、第２弾発部材６は、本体部３ａの雌ネジ部３ｄの突出方向先端に固定部６ｂが固定されている。このとき、第２弾発部材６と可動体３の本体部３ａとは、円環状に形成された固定部６ｂの中央にある開口の中心と雌ネジ部３ｄの穴の中心とがほぼ一致するように配設されている。また、駆動部３ｂは、雄ネジ部３ｆを固定部６ｂの開口を介して雌ネジ部３ｄにネジ止めすることで、本体部３ａと一体となる。なお、駆動部３ｂは、本体部３ａに対してＺ１−Ｚ２方向の位置を、ネジ締め量を変えることで調整可能に本体部３ａに取り付けられている。このように可動体３が固定された第２弾発部材６は、本体部３ａの取付部３ｇがダイヤフラム２の可動部２ｂに臨むように、ダイヤフラム２に対して基準室ケース１ｆ側（図３に示すＺ２方向側）に重ねて配置されている。このとき、可動体３の取付部３ｇはダイヤフラム２の可動部２ｂに固定されている。また、第２弾発部材６の外周端部６ａ（図２参照）は、ダイヤフラム２の環状パッキン部２ａにほぼ対応する位置に配設されている。 As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed part 6b is being fixed to the 2nd elastic member 6 at the protrusion direction front-end | tip of the internal thread part 3d of the main-body part 3a. At this time, the center of the opening at the center of the annular fixed portion 6b and the center of the hole of the female screw portion 3d of the second resilient member 6 and the main body 3a of the movable body 3 substantially coincide with each other. It is arranged like this. Moreover, the drive part 3b becomes integral with the main-body part 3a by screwing the external thread part 3f to the internal thread part 3d through opening of the fixing | fixed part 6b. In addition, the drive part 3b is attached to the main-body part 3a so that adjustment of the position of the Z1-Z2 direction with respect to the main-body part 3a is possible by changing the amount of screw fastening. In this way, the second elastic member 6 to which the movable body 3 is fixed has the reference chamber case 1f side (FIG. 3) with respect to the diaphragm 2 so that the mounting portion 3g of the main body 3a faces the movable portion 2b of the diaphragm 2. In the Z2 direction side). At this time, the attachment portion 3 g of the movable body 3 is fixed to the movable portion 2 b of the diaphragm 2. Further, the outer peripheral end 6 a (see FIG. 2) of the second elastic member 6 is disposed at a position substantially corresponding to the annular packing portion 2 a of the diaphragm 2.

検出部材４は、下ケース１ｃの収容部１ｇ内に、プランジャ４ａをＺ１方向に向けて配設されている。さらに、下ケース１ｃのＺ１方向側に上ケース１ｂを重ねて配設することで、検出部材４は上ケース１ｂに形成された保持部１ｈに上面４ｄが当接し、上ケース１ｂと下ケース１ｃとによって挟持されている。また、上ケース１ｂと下ケース１ｃと重ねて配置し固定することで、基準室ケース１ｆが形成される。 The detection member 4 is disposed in the accommodating portion 1g of the lower case 1c with the plunger 4a facing in the Z1 direction. Further, by arranging the upper case 1b so as to overlap the Z1 direction side of the lower case 1c, the upper surface 4d of the detection member 4 comes into contact with the holding portion 1h formed on the upper case 1b, so that the upper case 1b and the lower case 1c It is pinched by. Moreover, the reference | standard chamber case 1f is formed by arrange | positioning and fixing to the upper case 1b and the lower case 1c.

第２弾発部材６および可動体３と一体となったダイヤフラム２は、第２弾発部材６および可動体３が配設された側を基準室ケース１ｆが配設される方向に向けて、測定室ケース１ａと基準室ケース１ｆとの間に配設され、環状パッキン部２ａと第２弾発部材６の外周端部６ａとが、測定室ケース１ａと基準室ケース１ｆとにより圧接挟持されている。これにより、ダイヤフラム２はケース１の内部の測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを隔て、第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６を基準室１ｅの内部に配置される。このとき、ダイヤフラム２は第２弾発部材６により基準室１ｅのあるＺ２方向へ付勢され、可動体３の当接面３ｃはプランジャ４ａに当接している。また、ダイヤフラム２は、検出部材４に内蔵された第１弾発部材５により、プランジャ４ａを介して測定室１ｄのあるＺ１方向へ付勢されている。なお、第１実施形態の初期状態においては、検出部材４のプランジャ４ａは可動体３により適量分押し込まれている。また、ダイヤフラム２は可撓性を有しているため、可動体３はダイヤフラム２が撓むのに伴い、ダイヤフラム２が撓む方向へ変位可能である。すなわち、測定室１ｄがある方向および基準室１ｅがある方向への可撓性を有している。このようにして圧力センサ１００は構成されている。 The diaphragm 2 integrated with the second elastic member 6 and the movable body 3 has the side on which the second elastic member 6 and the movable body 3 are disposed in the direction in which the reference chamber case 1f is disposed. Arranged between the measurement chamber case 1a and the reference chamber case 1f, the annular packing portion 2a and the outer peripheral end 6a of the second resilient member 6 are pressed and clamped between the measurement chamber case 1a and the reference chamber case 1f. ing. As a result, the diaphragm 2 separates the measurement chamber 1d and the reference chamber 1e inside the case 1, and the first elastic member 5 and the second elastic member 6 are arranged inside the reference chamber 1e. At this time, the diaphragm 2 is urged by the second elastic member 6 in the Z2 direction where the reference chamber 1e is located, and the contact surface 3c of the movable body 3 is in contact with the plunger 4a. Further, the diaphragm 2 is urged by the first elastic member 5 built in the detection member 4 in the Z1 direction where the measurement chamber 1d is located via the plunger 4a. In the initial state of the first embodiment, the plunger 4a of the detection member 4 is pushed in an appropriate amount by the movable body 3. Further, since the diaphragm 2 has flexibility, the movable body 3 can be displaced in the direction in which the diaphragm 2 is bent as the diaphragm 2 is bent. That is, it has flexibility in the direction in which the measurement chamber 1d is present and the direction in which the reference chamber 1e is present. Thus, the pressure sensor 100 is configured.

次に圧力センサ１００の動作について図６ないし図８を用いて説明する。図６は洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位の変化を示す模式図であり、図６（ａ）は初期状態におけるドラムＤ内の水位示す模式図であり、図６（ｂ）は初期状態よりもドラムＤ内の水位が高くなった状態を示す模式図であり、図６（ｃ）は初期状態よりもドラムＤ内の水位が低くなった状態を示す模式図である。図７は図６に示すドラムＤ内の水位の変化にともなったダイヤフラム２の動きを示す模式図であり、図７（ａ）は初期状態におけるダイヤフラム２の状態を示す図であり、図７（ｂ）は初期状態よりもドラムＤ内の水位が高くなった状態におけるダイヤフラム２の状態を示す図であり、図７（ｃ）は初期状態よりもドラムＤ内の水位が低くなった状態におけるダイヤフラム２の状態を示す図である。なお、図7においては、説明を容易にするために部品形状を簡略化するとともに、第２弾発部材６は図示していない。図８は図６に示すドラムＤ内の水位と圧力センサ１００の出力電圧の関係を例示したグラフである。図８においては、Ｖ２（Ｖ）、Ｖ０（Ｖ）およびＶ１（Ｖ）の大小関係を、Ｖ２（Ｖ）＜Ｖ０（Ｖ）＜Ｖ１（Ｖ）としたが、必要に応じて変えても良い。 Next, the operation of the pressure sensor 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a change in the water level in the drum D of the washing machine, FIG. 6 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the water level in the drum D in the initial state, and FIG. 6 (b) is more than in the initial state. FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the water level in the drum D is high, and FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which the water level in the drum D is lower than that in the initial state. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the diaphragm 2 in accordance with the change in the water level in the drum D shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 (a) is a diagram showing the state of the diaphragm 2 in the initial state. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing the state of the diaphragm 2 in a state where the water level in the drum D is higher than that in the initial state, and FIG. 7C is a diagram in the state where the water level in the drum D is lower than that in the initial state. It is a figure which shows the state of 2. FIG. In FIG. 7, the part shape is simplified for ease of explanation, and the second elastic member 6 is not shown. FIG. 8 is a graph illustrating the relationship between the water level in the drum D shown in FIG. 6 and the output voltage of the pressure sensor 100. In FIG. 8, the magnitude relationship between V2 (V), V0 (V), and V1 (V) is V2 (V) <V0 (V) <V1 (V), but may be changed as necessary. .

圧力センサ１００は、図６に示すように、洗濯機のドラムＤに繋がったパイプＰの先端にノズル部１ｋが連結して取り付けられ、ノズル部１ｋを介してパイプＰ内の空気が圧力センサ１００の内部に入るものとする。初期状態においては、図６（ａ）に示すように、洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位はＨ０（ｍ）であり、図７（ａ）に示すように、ダイヤフラム２は測定室１ｄがある方向であるＺ１方向および基準室１ｅがある方向であるＺ２方向のどちらの方向にも撓んでおらず、図８に示すように、検出部材４の出力電圧はＶ０（Ｖ）である。図６（ａ）の状態から洗濯機のドラムＤ内にさらに水を足すと、図６（ｂ）に示すように、洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位はＨ１（ｍ）となる。洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位がＨ０（ｍ）よりも高いＨ１（ｍ）となることで、パイプＰ内の空気は圧力センサ１００の測定室１ｄ内に押し込まれ、ダイヤフラム２には正圧が加わる。ダイヤフラム２に正圧が加わると、図７（ｂ）に示すように、ダイヤフラム２はＺ２方向に撓み、ダイヤフラム２の動きに連動して可動体３はＺ２方向へ移動し、検出部材４のプランジャ４ａを押圧し、プランジャ４ａはＺ２方向へ押し込まれる。プランジャ４ａがＺ２方向へ押し込まれることで検出部材４は可動体３の変位を検出し、図８に示すように、検出部材４の出力電圧はＶ１（Ｖ）に変化する。また、図６（ａ）の状態から洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水を減らすと、図６（ｃ）に示すように、洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位はＨ２（ｍ）となる。洗濯機のドラムＤ内の水位がＨ０（ｍ）よりも低いＨ２（ｍ）となることで、圧力センサ１００の測定室１ｄ内の空気はパイプＰ内に吸い出され、ダイヤフラム２には負圧が加わる。ダイヤフラム２に負圧が加わると、図７（ｃ）に示すように、ダイヤフラム２はＺ１方向に撓み、ダイヤフラム２の動きに連動して可動体３はＺ１方向へ移動し、検出部材４のプランジャ４ａに掛かる押圧が弱まり、プランジャ４ａはＺ１方向へ移動する。プランジャ４ａがＺ１方向へ移動することで、図８に示すように、検出部材４の出力電圧はＶ２（Ｖ）に変化する。このように、ドラムＤ内の水位の変化に連動して出力電圧が変化するため、例えば、ドラムＤ内の水位に比例して出力電圧が変化するようにするなど、ドラムＤ内の水位と出力電圧を関連付けることで、出力電圧からドラムＤ内の水位を検知することができる。 As shown in FIG. 6, the pressure sensor 100 has a nozzle portion 1k connected to the tip of a pipe P connected to the drum D of the washing machine, and the air in the pipe P passes through the nozzle portion 1k. Shall enter the interior of In the initial state, as shown in FIG. 6A, the water level in the drum D of the washing machine is H0 (m), and as shown in FIG. 7A, the diaphragm 2 is in the direction in which the measurement chamber 1d is located. Are not bent in either the Z1 direction or the Z2 direction where the reference chamber 1e is present, and the output voltage of the detection member 4 is V0 (V) as shown in FIG. When water is further added into the drum D of the washing machine from the state of FIG. 6A, the water level in the drum D of the washing machine becomes H1 (m) as shown in FIG. 6B. When the water level in the drum D of the washing machine becomes H1 (m) higher than H0 (m), the air in the pipe P is pushed into the measurement chamber 1d of the pressure sensor 100, and the diaphragm 2 has a positive pressure. Join. When positive pressure is applied to the diaphragm 2, as shown in FIG. 7B, the diaphragm 2 bends in the Z2 direction, the movable body 3 moves in the Z2 direction in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm 2, and the plunger of the detection member 4 4a is pressed, and the plunger 4a is pushed in the Z2 direction. When the plunger 4a is pushed in the Z2 direction, the detection member 4 detects the displacement of the movable body 3, and the output voltage of the detection member 4 changes to V1 (V) as shown in FIG. When water in the drum D of the washing machine is reduced from the state of FIG. 6A, the water level in the drum D of the washing machine becomes H2 (m) as shown in FIG. 6C. When the water level in the drum D of the washing machine becomes H2 (m) lower than H0 (m), the air in the measurement chamber 1d of the pressure sensor 100 is sucked into the pipe P, and the diaphragm 2 has a negative pressure. Will be added. When a negative pressure is applied to the diaphragm 2, as shown in FIG. 7C, the diaphragm 2 bends in the Z1 direction, the movable body 3 moves in the Z1 direction in conjunction with the movement of the diaphragm 2, and the plunger of the detection member 4 The pressure applied to 4a is weakened, and the plunger 4a moves in the Z1 direction. As the plunger 4a moves in the Z1 direction, the output voltage of the detection member 4 changes to V2 (V) as shown in FIG. As described above, since the output voltage changes in conjunction with the change in the water level in the drum D, for example, the output voltage changes in proportion to the water level in the drum D. By associating the voltages, the water level in the drum D can be detected from the output voltage.

以下、第1実施形態としたことによる効果について説明する。 Hereinafter, the effects of the first embodiment will be described.

第１実施形態の圧力センサ１００では、測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを内部に有するケース１と、ケース１に取り付けられ測定室１ｄと基準室１ｅとを隔てるとともに、測定室１ｄがある方向および基準室１ｅがある方向への可撓性を有したダイヤフラム２と、ダイヤフラム２の基準室１ｅ側に取り付けられ、ダイヤフラム２が撓むのに伴い、ダイヤフラム２が撓む方向へ変位可能な可動体３と、可動体３の変位を検出する検出部材４と、ダイヤフラム２を測定室１ｄのある方向へ付勢可能な第１弾発部材５と、ダイヤフラム２を基準室１ｅのある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材６と、を備えた圧力センサであって、第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６を基準室１ｅの内部に配置した、構成とした。 In the pressure sensor 100 of the first embodiment, the case 1 having a measurement chamber 1d and a reference chamber 1e inside, the case 1 attached to the case 1 separates the measurement chamber 1d and the reference chamber 1e, and the direction in which the measurement chamber 1d exists and A diaphragm 2 having flexibility in a certain direction of the reference chamber 1e, and a movable body that is attached to the reference chamber 1e side of the diaphragm 2 and can be displaced in the direction in which the diaphragm 2 bends as the diaphragm 2 bends. 3, a detection member 4 that detects the displacement of the movable body 3, a first elastic member 5 that can bias the diaphragm 2 in a direction with the measurement chamber 1 d, and a biasing of the diaphragm 2 in the direction with the reference chamber 1 e The pressure sensor includes a second elastic member 6 that can be used, and the first elastic member 5 and the second elastic member 6 are arranged inside the reference chamber 1e.

これにより、ダイヤフラム２を測定室１ｄのある方向へ付勢可能な第１弾発部材５と、ダイヤフラム２を基準室１ｅのある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材６と、を設けることで、正圧および負圧の両方の圧力を計測することが可能となる。また、測定室１ｄ側を洗濯機のドラムに繋がる槽に繋ぐことで、仮に洗濯機のドラムから水蒸気や水が浸入したとしても、第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６を基準室１ｅの内部に配置してあるため、第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６は腐食し難くなる。第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６が腐食し難くなるため、長期間安定した検出精度を保つことができる、という効果を奏する。 Thus, the first resilient member 5 capable of biasing the diaphragm 2 in the direction of the measurement chamber 1d and the second resilient member 6 capable of biasing the diaphragm 2 in the direction of the reference chamber 1e are provided. Thus, it is possible to measure both positive and negative pressures. Further, by connecting the measurement chamber 1d side to a tank connected to the drum of the washing machine, even if water vapor or water enters from the drum of the washing machine, the first elastic member 5 and the second elastic member 6 are connected to the reference chamber. Since it is arrange | positioned inside 1e, the 1st elastic member 5 and the 2nd elastic member 6 become difficult to corrode. Since the 1st bullet member 5 and the 2nd bullet member 6 become difficult to corrode, there exists an effect that the stable detection accuracy can be maintained for a long period of time.

また、第１弾発部材５と第２弾発部材６とがそれぞれ対向する方向へダイヤフラム２を付勢しているため、相反する方向に働く付勢力を利用して、溶接や接着などの方法を取ることなく簡易な方法で第１弾発部材５および第２弾発部材６の外れを防止することができる。 In addition, since the diaphragm 2 is urged in the direction in which the first and second elastic members 5 and 6 face each other, a method such as welding or bonding is performed by using urging forces acting in opposite directions. The first projecting member 5 and the second projecting member 6 can be prevented from coming off by a simple method without taking off.

また、本実施形態の圧力センサ１００では、第１弾発部材５はコイルバネからなり、第２弾発部材６は板バネからなり、第２弾発部材６は、中央付近を可動体３に係止され、外周端部６ａをケース１の内壁に挟持されている、構成とした。 In the pressure sensor 100 of the present embodiment, the first elastic member 5 is a coil spring, the second elastic member 6 is a leaf spring, and the second elastic member 6 is engaged with the movable body 3 near the center. The outer peripheral end 6a is clamped by the inner wall of the case 1 and is configured to be stopped.

ダイヤフラム２を基準室１ｅのある方向へ付勢可能な第２弾発部材６を基準室１ｅの内部に配置し、仮に、第２弾発部材６をコイルバネで構成した場合、第２弾発部材６の一端を固定した状態で他端を引っ張りながら他端を固定する必要があり、組み立てが困難である。例えば、一端をケース１の内部底面に固定し、他端を引っ張りながら可動体３に係止する方法などである。本実施形態においては、第２弾発部材６を板バネとし、第２弾発部材６の中央付近をダイヤフラム２に可動体３を介して係止され、ダイヤフラム２の外周端部である環状パッキン部２ａとともに第２弾発部材６の外周端部６ａをケース１の内壁で挟持する構成とした。これにより、第２弾発部材を引っ張りながら固定する必要がなくなるとともに、ダイヤフラム２を基準室１ｅのある方向へ付勢可能となる。したがって、第２弾発部材６をコイルバネとした場合に比べて、組み立てが容易にできる、という効果を奏する。 When the second elastic member 6 capable of urging the diaphragm 2 in a certain direction of the reference chamber 1e is disposed inside the reference chamber 1e, and the second elastic member 6 is constituted by a coil spring, the second elastic member It is necessary to fix the other end while pulling the other end in a state where one end of 6 is fixed, and assembly is difficult. For example, there is a method in which one end is fixed to the inner bottom surface of the case 1 and the other end is locked to the movable body 3 while pulling. In the present embodiment, the second elastic member 6 is a leaf spring, the vicinity of the center of the second elastic member 6 is locked to the diaphragm 2 via the movable body 3, and the annular packing that is the outer peripheral end of the diaphragm 2 The outer peripheral end 6a of the second elastic member 6 is sandwiched between the inner wall of the case 1 together with the portion 2a. This eliminates the need to fix the second elastic member while pulling it, and allows the diaphragm 2 to be biased in the direction in which the reference chamber 1e is located. Therefore, compared with the case where the second elastic member 6 is a coil spring, there is an effect that assembly is easy.

また、本実施形態の圧力センサ１００では、ケース１は測定室１ｄを成す測定室ケース１ａと基準室１ｅを成す基準室ケース１ｆとからなり、ダイヤフラム２は外周端部に沿って環状パッキン部２ａを備え、ダイヤフラム２と第２弾発部材６とを重ねて、第２弾発部材６が基準室ケース１ｆ側に配置され、環状パッキン部２ａと第２弾発部材６の外周端部６ａとが、測定室ケース１ａと基準室ケース１ｆとにより圧接挟持されている、構成とした。 Further, in the pressure sensor 100 of the present embodiment, the case 1 includes a measurement chamber case 1a that forms the measurement chamber 1d and a reference chamber case 1f that forms the reference chamber 1e, and the diaphragm 2 has an annular packing portion 2a along the outer peripheral end. The diaphragm 2 and the second resilient member 6 are overlapped, the second resilient member 6 is disposed on the reference chamber case 1f side, and the annular packing portion 2a and the outer peripheral end 6a of the second resilient member 6 However, the pressure chamber is pressed between the measurement chamber case 1a and the reference chamber case 1f.

これにより、第２弾発部材６およびダイヤフラム２を測定室ケース１ａと基準室ケース１ｆとにより圧接挟持する構成としたことで、固定用の特別な部品や、半田付けや接着など特別な手法を用いることなく第２弾発部材６およびダイヤフラム２を保持できる。これにより、容易に組立ができる、という効果を奏する。 Thus, the second elastic member 6 and the diaphragm 2 are configured to be pressed and sandwiched between the measurement chamber case 1a and the reference chamber case 1f, so that special parts for fixing, special methods such as soldering and bonding can be used. The second elastic member 6 and the diaphragm 2 can be held without using them. Thereby, there exists an effect that it can assemble easily.

また、本実施形態の圧力センサ１００では、検出部材４は、第１弾発部材５により可動体３側に付勢されるとともに、可動体３の動きに応じて移動可能なプランジャ４ａと、プランジャ４ａの動作を検出するセンサ部４ｂを備え、可動体３はプランジャ４ａが当接する当接面３ｃを備え、当接面３ｃは平面形状に形成されている、構成とした。 Further, in the pressure sensor 100 of the present embodiment, the detection member 4 is biased toward the movable body 3 by the first elastic member 5 and is movable according to the movement of the movable body 3. The movable body 3 includes a contact surface 3c that contacts the plunger 4a, and the contact surface 3c is formed in a planar shape.

これにより、可動体３に平面形状に形成された当接面３ｃを設けて、プランジャ４ａが当接面３ｃに当接する構成とした。このように構成することで、検出部材４と可動体３との取り付け位置にバラツキがあったとしても、プランジャ４ａと可動体３との当接が確実に行なえる。したがって、検出部材４は可動体３の動きをより正確に検知することができる、という効果を奏する。 Thereby, the contact surface 3c formed in the planar shape was provided in the movable body 3, and it was set as the structure which the plunger 4a contact | abuts to the contact surface 3c. With such a configuration, even if there is a variation in the attachment position of the detection member 4 and the movable body 3, the plunger 4a and the movable body 3 can be reliably brought into contact with each other. Therefore, the detection member 4 has an effect that the movement of the movable body 3 can be detected more accurately.

また、本実施形態の圧力センサ１００では、可動体３は、ダイヤフラム２に取り付けられる本体部３ａと、本体部３ａに取り付けられ検出部材４を駆動する駆動部３ｂと、を有し、駆動部３ｂは、本体部３ａに対して可動体３の移動方向の位置を調整可能に本体部３ａに取り付けられている、構成とした。 Further, in the pressure sensor 100 of the present embodiment, the movable body 3 includes a main body 3a attached to the diaphragm 2 and a drive unit 3b attached to the main body 3a and driving the detection member 4, and the drive unit 3b. Is configured to be attached to the main body 3a so that the position of the movable body 3 in the moving direction can be adjusted with respect to the main body 3a.

これにより、駆動部３ｂを、本体部３ａに対して可動体３の移動方向の位置を調整可能に本体部３ａに取り付けたことで、ダイヤフラム２が正圧も負圧も受けていない初期状態における可動体３と検出部材４との当接位置を調整することができる。これにより、必要に応じて初期状態における検出部材４の出力電圧を容易に調整することできるという効果を奏する。また、必要に応じて初期状態の出力電圧を調整できるので、初期状態における出力電圧がことなる数種類の検出部材４を管理する必要もなく、製造コストを削減することができる、という効果を奏する。 Thereby, the drive unit 3b is attached to the main body 3a so that the position of the movable body 3 in the moving direction can be adjusted with respect to the main body 3a, so that the diaphragm 2 is in an initial state where neither positive pressure nor negative pressure is received. The contact position between the movable body 3 and the detection member 4 can be adjusted. Thereby, there exists an effect that the output voltage of the detection member 4 in an initial state can be easily adjusted as needed. In addition, since the output voltage in the initial state can be adjusted as necessary, it is not necessary to manage several types of detection members 4 with different output voltages in the initial state, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

以上のように、本考案の実施形態に係る圧力センサ１００を具体的に説明したが、本考案は上記の実施形態に限定されるものではなく、要旨を逸脱しない範囲で種々変更して実施することが可能である。例えば次のように変形して実施することができ、これらの実施形態も本考案の技術的範囲に属する。 As described above, the pressure sensor 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has been specifically described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is possible. For example, the present invention can be modified as follows, and these embodiments also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

（１）第１実施形態において、検出部材４に磁気式のセンサを用いたが、可変抵抗式のセンサを用いても良い。 (1) Although the magnetic sensor is used for the detection member 4 in the first embodiment, a variable resistance sensor may be used.

（２）第１実施形態において、検出部材４の出力電圧は、図８に示すように、水位に比例して直線的に変化するものとしたが、水位と出力電圧との相関関係が取れていれば、検出部材４の出力電圧は、図８に示すように、水位に比例して直線的に変化しなくても良い。 (2) In the first embodiment, the output voltage of the detection member 4 is assumed to change linearly in proportion to the water level as shown in FIG. 8, but there is a correlation between the water level and the output voltage. If so, the output voltage of the detection member 4 may not change linearly in proportion to the water level, as shown in FIG.

１ケース
１ａ測定室ケース
１ｂ中ケース
１ｃ下ケース
１ｄ測定室
１ｅ基準室
１ｆ基準室ケース
１ｇ収容部
１ｈ保持部
２ダイヤフラム
２ａ環状パッキン部
２ｂ可動部
２ｃ膜部
３可動体
３ａ本体部
３ｂ駆動部
３ｃ当接面
３ｄ雌ネジ部
３ｅ当接部
３ｆ雄ネジ部
３ｇ取付部
４検出部材
４ａプランジャ
４ｂセンサ部
４ｃカバー部材
４ｄ上面
４ｅ軸部
４ｆガイド部
４ｇ磁石
４ｈ中空部
４ｋ収納部
４ｍ底面
４ｎ端子部
５第１弾発部材
６第２弾発部材
６ａ外周端部
６ｂ固定部
６ｃ連結部
１００圧力センサ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Case 1a Measurement room case 1b Middle case 1c Lower case 1d Measurement room 1e Reference room 1f Reference room case 1g Storage part 1h Holding part 2 Diaphragm 2a Annular packing part 2b Movable part 2c Film | membrane part 3 Movable body 3a Main body part 3b Drive part 3c Contact surface 3d Female thread portion 3e Contact portion 3f Male screw portion 3g Mounting portion 4 Detection member 4a Plunger 4b Sensor portion 4c Cover member 4d Upper surface 4e Shaft portion 4f Guide portion 4g Magnet 4h Hollow portion 4k Storage portion 4m Bottom surface 4n Terminal portion 5 1st bullet member 6 2nd bullet member 6a outer peripheral end 6b fixed portion 6c connecting portion 100 pressure sensor

Claims

A case having a measurement chamber and a reference chamber inside;
A diaphragm that is attached to the case and separates the measurement chamber and the reference chamber, and has flexibility in a direction in which the measurement chamber is present and in a direction in which the reference chamber is present;
A movable body attached to the reference chamber side of the diaphragm and displaceable in a direction in which the diaphragm bends as the diaphragm bends;
A detection member for detecting the displacement of the movable body;
A first projecting member capable of biasing the diaphragm in a certain direction of the measurement chamber;
A pressure sensor comprising: a second resilient member capable of biasing the diaphragm in a certain direction of the reference chamber;
The pressure sensor, wherein the first elastic member and the second elastic member are disposed inside the reference chamber.

The first elastic member is a coil spring,
The second elastic member is a leaf spring,
2. The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the second elastic member is locked to the movable body in the vicinity of the center, and an outer peripheral end is sandwiched between inner walls of the case.

The case comprises a measurement chamber case forming the measurement chamber and a reference chamber case forming the reference chamber,
The diaphragm includes an annular packing portion along an outer peripheral end portion,
The second elastic member is disposed on the reference chamber case side by overlapping the diaphragm and the second elastic member,
3. The pressure according to claim 1, wherein the annular packing portion and the outer peripheral end portion of the second elastic member are pressed and sandwiched between the measurement chamber case and the reference chamber case. Sensor.

The detection member includes a plunger that is biased toward the movable body by the first elastic member and is movable according to the movement of the movable body, and a sensor unit that detects the operation of the plunger.
The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the movable body has a contact surface with which the plunger contacts, and the contact surface is formed in a planar shape.

The movable body has a main body part attached to the diaphragm, and a drive part attached to the main body part for driving the detection member,
The pressure sensor according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit is attached to the main body so that the position of the movable body in the moving direction can be adjusted with respect to the main body.