JP4567582B2

JP4567582B2 - Level sensor

Info

Publication number: JP4567582B2
Application number: JP2005342556A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 富夫濱
Original assignee: Hama International KK
Current assignee: Hama International KK
Priority date: 2005-11-28
Filing date: 2005-11-28
Publication date: 2010-10-20
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-28
Also published as: JP2007147455A

Description

本発明は、容器内の流動体（粉や粒等の流動性の固体や、液体等）が所定レベルに達しているか否かを検出するレベルセンサに関する。 The present invention relates to a level sensor that detects whether or not a fluid (a fluid solid such as a powder or a particle or a liquid) in a container has reached a predetermined level.

従来より、容器内の所定レベルに対応する位置で羽根を回転させ、その羽根が容器内の流動体に接した際の抵抗による羽根の回転の抑止を検出することで、容器内の流動体が所定レベルに達しているか否かを検出するレベルセンサが知られている。 Conventionally, the fluid in the container is detected by rotating the blade at a position corresponding to a predetermined level in the container and detecting the suppression of the rotation of the blade due to resistance when the blade contacts the fluid in the container. A level sensor that detects whether or not a predetermined level has been reached is known.

従来の代表的なレベルセンサの構成が、特許文献１に開示されている。
特許文献１に開示されたレベルセンサは、流動体が収容される容器に取り付け可能な装置ケースと、装置ケース内に設けられたモータと、装置ケースに回動可能に軸支され、モータにより回転駆動される、一端側が装置ケースから外方に突出した回転軸と、回転軸の前記一端側に放射状に取り付けられた羽根とを備える。モータのハウジングは、回転軸を中心に装置ケースに対して回動可能に設けられ、羽根が回転軸を介してモータにより回転されている際に、羽根に流動体が接触した際の抵抗で羽根および回転軸の回転が抑止されたときには、モータの駆動力の反作用によりモータのハウジングが回転軸に対して回動し、当該ハウジングに固定された操作子が装置ケースに支持されたリミットスイッチを作動させることで、容器内の流動体が所定レベルに達したことを検出する。 A configuration of a conventional typical level sensor is disclosed in Patent Document 1.
The level sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a device case that can be attached to a container in which a fluid is accommodated, a motor provided in the device case, and a shaft that is pivotally supported by the device case and is rotated by the motor. A rotating shaft that is driven and has one end projecting outward from the device case, and blades that are radially attached to the one end of the rotating shaft. The motor housing is provided so as to be rotatable with respect to the device case about the rotation shaft, and when the blades are rotated by the motor via the rotation shaft, the blades are caused by resistance when the fluid contacts the blades. When the rotation of the rotating shaft is inhibited, the motor housing rotates with respect to the rotating shaft due to the reaction of the driving force of the motor, and the operating element fixed to the housing operates the limit switch supported by the device case. By doing so, it is detected that the fluid in the container has reached a predetermined level.

特開２００３−２４７８８０号公報（段落００１１）JP2003-247880 (paragraph 0011)

しかしながら、特許文献１に記載されたような従来のレベルセンサには、以下のような課題がある。
すなわち、構成要素の中で重要でかつ重量のあるモータを、装置ケースに対して回動可能に設ける必要があるから、その回動機構は、高い動作信頼性と強度とを有する必要があり、機構の大型化および高コスト化が避けられない。また、モータは電気的要素でもあるから、その回動に影響を与えないように配線を行う必要があり、配線コードの物理的強度（硬さ等）に制限があったり、配線経路に制限があったりするという不都合がある。さらに、装置ケースに対して回動可能に設けたモータのハウジングの外面近傍に、装置ケースに対して固定されたリミットスイッチ等の検出部を設ける必要があるため、装置ケース内にフレーム（特許文献１における第１および第２フレーム等）を設ける必要があるなど、装置構成が複雑化および高コスト化してしまう。
このように、従来のレベルセンサには、配線等の装置構成に制限があるとともに、装置構成が大型、複雑、かつ高コストであるという課題がある。 However, the conventional level sensor described in Patent Document 1 has the following problems.
That is, since it is necessary to provide an important and heavy motor among the components to be rotatable with respect to the device case, the rotation mechanism needs to have high operation reliability and strength. Larger mechanisms and higher costs are inevitable. In addition, since the motor is also an electrical element, it is necessary to perform wiring so as not to affect the rotation of the motor. There are restrictions on the physical strength (hardness, etc.) of the wiring cord, and there are restrictions on the wiring path. There is inconvenience that there is. Furthermore, since it is necessary to provide a detection unit such as a limit switch fixed to the device case in the vicinity of the outer surface of the motor housing provided to be rotatable with respect to the device case, a frame (Patent Document) 1) and the like, the apparatus configuration becomes complicated and expensive.
As described above, the conventional level sensor has a problem that the device configuration such as wiring is limited and the device configuration is large, complicated, and expensive.

本発明は上記課題を解決すべくなされ、その目的とするところは、装置構成を従来に比較して小型化、単純化、低コスト化することが可能なレベルセンサを提供することにある。 The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a level sensor capable of reducing the size, simplification, and cost of the apparatus configuration as compared with the conventional apparatus.

本発明に係るレベルセンサは、上記課題を解決するために、以下の構成を備える。すなわち、容器内の流動体が所定レベルに達しているか否かを検出するレベルセンサにおいて、容器に取り付け可能な筐体と、該筐体内に設けられたモータと、該モータの駆動軸と同軸に配設されるとともに、駆動軸とは独立して回転可能に前記筐体に軸支され、一端側が筐体から外方に突出した回転軸と、該回転軸の前記一端側に設けられた羽根と、前記駆動軸および前記回転軸のうちの一方に、当該一方に対して軸線方向には移動可能、かつ周方向には回転不能に取り付けられた移動部材と、該移動部材を、前記駆動軸および前記回転軸のうちの他方の対向端部に向かって付勢し、該対向端部と移動部材との対向面同士を圧接させる付勢部材と、前記両対向面に形成された面カムと、前記モータにより、前記移動部材、前記面カム、および前記回転軸を介して前記羽根が回転され、容器内に搬入される流動体が所定レベルに達した際、羽根が流動体に接触して抵抗を受けることにより生じる前記駆動軸と回転軸との相対回転差により、移動部材が面カムに押されて前記付勢部材の付勢力に抗して所定距離移動したことを検出可能な検出部とを備え、前記面カムには、前記対向面同士を前記駆動軸および前記回転軸の周方向に係合する凹凸部が形成され、前記凹凸部は、容器内の流動体のレベルが減じた際、前記羽根にかかる流動体の抵抗負荷が減じて、前記付勢部材の付勢力によって、該凹凸部が係合し、前記移動部材が軸線方向に復帰移動するように、互いに逆方向の螺旋形が１／４周ごとに連続した形状に形成されていることを特徴とする。
これによれば、駆動軸と回転軸とを同軸に配設して、両者を移動部材および面カムを介して圧接させることで回転軸を駆動軸に伴わせて回転させ、羽根に掛かった抵抗負荷を移動部材の軸線方向の移動で検出する構成であるから、モータのハウジングを回動可能に設ける従来の構成に比較して、機構を小型化、単純化、低コスト化することができる。 In order to solve the above problems, a level sensor according to the present invention has the following configuration. That is, in a level sensor that detects whether or not the fluid in the container has reached a predetermined level, a casing that can be attached to the container, a motor provided in the casing, and a drive shaft of the motor are coaxial. And a rotary shaft that is pivotally supported by the housing so as to be rotatable independently of the drive shaft and has one end protruding outward from the housing, and a blade provided on the one end of the rotary shaft A moving member attached to one of the drive shaft and the rotating shaft in an axial direction relative to the one and non-rotatable in the circumferential direction; and And an urging member that urges toward the other opposed end of the rotating shaft, presses the opposed surfaces of the opposed end and the moving member, and a surface cam formed on the opposed surfaces. The motor, the moving member, the surface cam, and When the blade is rotated through the rotating shaft and the fluid carried into the container reaches a predetermined level, the blade is brought into contact with the fluid and receives resistance so that the drive shaft and the rotating shaft A detection unit capable of detecting that the moving member is pushed by the surface cam and moved by a predetermined distance against the urging force of the urging member due to a relative rotation difference, and the surface cam includes the opposing surfaces Is formed in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft and the rotating shaft, and the uneven portion reduces the resistance load of the fluid on the blades when the level of the fluid in the container is reduced. The urging portions of the urging member are engaged by the urging force so that the moving member returns and moves in the axial direction, and spirals in opposite directions are formed in a continuous shape every ¼ turn. It is characterized by.
According to this, the driving shaft and the rotating shaft are arranged coaxially, and both are pressed against each other via the moving member and the surface cam to rotate the rotating shaft along with the driving shaft, and the resistance applied to the blades. Since the load is detected by the movement of the moving member in the axial direction, the mechanism can be reduced in size, simplified, and reduced in cost as compared with the conventional configuration in which the motor housing is rotatably provided.

さらに、駆動軸と回転軸とを好適に係合させて、駆動軸の回転を回転軸へ伝達できる。 Moreover, the the shaft drive and the rotary shaft suitably engaged, can transmit the rotation of the drive shaft to the rotary shaft.

また、前記筐体は、接合可能な複数の筐体部材から成り、前記駆動軸と前記回転軸とは、それぞれ別々の前記筐体部材に設けられ、各前記筐体部材が接合された際に、前記両対向面同士が係合するよう設けられていることを特徴とする。
これによれば、もともと別体に設けられた駆動軸と回転軸との間で筐体を分解することができ、また、このことから、装置の組み立てや分解が容易となり、製造やメンテナンスを簡単に行うことができる。 In addition, the housing includes a plurality of housing members that can be joined, and the drive shaft and the rotation shaft are provided in separate housing members, respectively, and the housing members are joined together. The two opposing surfaces are provided so as to engage with each other.
According to this, the housing can be disassembled between the drive shaft and the rotary shaft originally provided separately, and this makes it easy to assemble and disassemble the device, and simplify manufacturing and maintenance. Can be done.

さらに、前記移動部材は、前記駆動軸に取り付けられ、前記検出部は、前記モータおよび前記駆動軸が設けられた前記筐体部材に設けられていることを特徴とする。
これによれば、モータや検出部といった電気的要素を一つの筐体部材に組み付けることができ、装置の構成を簡単にすることができる。 Further, the moving member is attached to the drive shaft, and the detection unit is provided in the casing member provided with the motor and the drive shaft.
According to this, electrical elements such as a motor and a detection unit can be assembled to one housing member, and the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified.

また、前記移動部材の外周面には、放射方向に突出する突周部が形成され、前記検出部は、前記軸線方向から前記突周部に接触して前記移動部材の移動を検出する接触式センサであることを特徴とする。
これによれば、小型化、単純化、低コスト化が可能な機構で、移動部材の軸線方向の移動の検出をすることができる。 In addition, a projecting portion protruding in the radial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the moving member, and the detection unit is a contact type that detects the movement of the moving member by contacting the projecting portion from the axial direction. It is a sensor.
According to this, the movement of the moving member in the axial direction can be detected by a mechanism that can be reduced in size, simplified, and reduced in cost.

また、前記検出部として、第一検出部と第二検出部との二つを備え、前記第一検出部は、前記第二検出部よりも、前記移動部材の前記付勢力に抗した移動の量が少ない時点で、当該移動を検出するよう設けられ、前記第一検出部による前記検出を、外部機器に対して出力可能に設けられ、前記第二検出部による前記検出がなされた際には、前記モータの駆動を停止することを特徴とする。
これによれば、流動体のレベルの検出を外部機器へ出力した後に、モータの駆動を停止するから、当該出力を確実に行うことができる。 The detection unit includes two detection units, a first detection unit and a second detection unit, and the first detection unit is more resistant to the urging force of the moving member than the second detection unit. When the amount is small, provided to detect the movement, provided that the detection by the first detection unit can be output to an external device, and when the detection by the second detection unit is made The driving of the motor is stopped.
According to this, since the drive of the motor is stopped after outputting the detection of the fluid level to the external device, the output can be reliably performed.

また、前記付勢部材による前記付勢力を調節することで、前記両対向面における前記移動部材と前記対向端部との圧接力を調節可能な検出感度調節手段を備えることを特徴とする。
これによれば、流動体の種類等に応じて、検出感度を調節することができる。 In addition, a detection sensitivity adjusting means is provided that can adjust the pressure contact force between the moving member and the opposing end portion on the opposing surfaces by adjusting the urging force of the urging member.
According to this, detection sensitivity can be adjusted according to the kind of fluid, etc.

本発明に係るレベルセンサによれば、装置構成を従来に比較して小型化、単純化、低コスト化することができる。 According to the level sensor of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size, simplification, and cost of the device configuration as compared with the conventional device.

以下、本願発明に係るレベルセンサを実施するための最良の形態を説明する。
本実施の形態に係るレベルセンサＡの説明図を図１，図２に示す。図１は、レベルセンサＡの筐体２の一部を切断してその内部構成を示した斜視説明図であり、図２は、レベルセンサＡの組み立て分解図である。 The best mode for carrying out the level sensor according to the present invention will be described below.
1 and 2 are explanatory diagrams of the level sensor A according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view showing the internal structure of a part of the casing 2 of the level sensor A. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the level sensor A. FIG.

筐体２は、互いに接合されて一つの筐体を成す、別体の二つの筐体部材２ａおよび２ｂから成る。
図１および図２に示すように、レベルセンサＡは、筐体２と、モータ４と、回転軸６と、複数（二つ）の羽根８，８と、移動部材１０と、付勢部材としてのスプリング１２と、面カム１３と、二つの検出部としての、第一接触式センサ１４（第一検出部）および第二接触式センサ１５（第二検出部）とを備える。 The housing 2 is composed of two separate housing members 2a and 2b joined together to form one housing.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the level sensor A includes a housing 2, a motor 4, a rotating shaft 6, a plurality (two) of blades 8 and 8, a moving member 10, and an urging member. Spring 12, surface cam 13, and first contact sensor 14 (first detector) and second contact sensor 15 (second detector) as two detectors.

筐体２（筐体部材２ｂ）内には、駆動軸４ａを有するモータ４が設けられる。
回転軸６は、支持部２２およびベアリング２０を介して筐体２（筐体部材２ａ）に、駆動軸４ａとは独立して回転可能、かつ軸線方向には移動不能に軸支され、一端側が筐体２から外方に突出して設けられる。回転軸６は、モータ４の駆動軸４ａの軸線方向に並んで、かつ駆動軸４ａと同軸に配設される。
二つの羽根８，８は、回転軸６の前記一端側に、放射状に設けられる。 A motor 4 having a drive shaft 4a is provided in the housing 2 (housing member 2b).
The rotating shaft 6 is supported by the housing 2 (housing member 2a) via the support portion 22 and the bearing 20 so that the rotating shaft 6 can rotate independently of the drive shaft 4a and cannot move in the axial direction. Projecting outward from the housing 2 is provided. The rotary shaft 6 is arranged in the axial direction of the drive shaft 4a of the motor 4 and is coaxial with the drive shaft 4a.
The two blades 8 and 8 are provided radially on the one end side of the rotating shaft 6.

本願発明に係るレベルセンサＡにおいては、流動体の抵抗負荷を検出する羽根８，８が固定された回転軸６は、モータ４の駆動軸４ａとは別体に設けられている。以下、本レベルセンサＡにおいて、モータ４の駆動軸４ａの回転を回転軸６に伝達するとともに、羽根８，８に掛かった流動体の抵抗負荷を検出するための構成について説明する。 In the level sensor A according to the present invention, the rotary shaft 6 to which the blades 8 and 8 for detecting the resistance load of the fluid are fixed is provided separately from the drive shaft 4 a of the motor 4. Hereinafter, in the present level sensor A, a configuration for transmitting the rotation of the drive shaft 4a of the motor 4 to the rotating shaft 6 and detecting the resistance load of the fluid applied to the blades 8 and 8 will be described.

モータ４の駆動軸４ａには、移動部材１０が取り付けられている。移動部材１０は、筒状に形成され、その外面には、軸線方向に延びる長孔１０ａが形成されている。筒状の移動部材１０には、円柱状の駆動軸４ａが挿入され、移動部材１０は、長孔１０ａを挿通するピンによって、駆動軸４ａに取り付けられている。移動部材１０は、当該駆動軸４ａに対して相対的に軸線方向には移動可能、かつ、前記ピンによって周方向には回転不能に係止されている。
移動部材１０の一部の外周面には、放射方向に突出する突周部１０ｂが形成されている。突周部１０ｂには、前記軸線方向から二つの接触式センサ１４，１５が接触し、移動部材１０の軸線方向の移動を検出可能に設けられている。 A moving member 10 is attached to the drive shaft 4 a of the motor 4. The moving member 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and a long hole 10a extending in the axial direction is formed on the outer surface thereof. A cylindrical driving shaft 4a is inserted into the cylindrical moving member 10, and the moving member 10 is attached to the driving shaft 4a by a pin that passes through the long hole 10a. The moving member 10 is movable in the axial direction relative to the drive shaft 4a and is locked by the pin so as not to rotate in the circumferential direction.
On a part of the outer peripheral surface of the moving member 10, a protruding peripheral portion 10b that protrudes in the radial direction is formed. Two contact-type sensors 14 and 15 are in contact with the projecting portion 10b from the axial direction so that the movement of the moving member 10 in the axial direction can be detected.

図３（ａ），（ｂ）に、回転軸６、アタッチメント６ａ、移動部材１０、およびスプリング１２の組み立て分解図を示す。
回転軸６の、駆動軸４ａおよび移動部材１０と対向する端部には、アタッチメント６ａが固定される。アタッチメント６ａは、その開口部６ｃに回転軸６が挿入されて回転軸６に固定される。
回転軸６のアタッチメント６ａの、移動部材１０と対向する対向端部には、円柱形部６ｂが形成される。他方、移動部材１０には、アタッチメント６ａが移動部材１０に対して相対回転可能に、アタッチメント６ａの円柱形部６ｂが遊嵌する、開口部１０ｃが形成される。さらに、移動部材１０には、アタッチメント６ａの外周より若干大径に形成されてアタッチメント６ａが遊嵌する、筒状部１０ｄが形成される。円柱形部６ｂ、開口部１０ｃ、および筒状部１０ｄにより、移動部材１０とアタッチメント６ａとは、互いに遊嵌するとともに同軸に相対回転可能となっている。 FIGS. 3A and 3B show an exploded view of the rotating shaft 6, the attachment 6 a, the moving member 10, and the spring 12.
An attachment 6 a is fixed to an end portion of the rotating shaft 6 that faces the drive shaft 4 a and the moving member 10. The attachment 6a is fixed to the rotation shaft 6 by inserting the rotation shaft 6 into the opening 6c.
A cylindrical portion 6 b is formed at the opposite end of the attachment 6 a of the rotating shaft 6 that faces the moving member 10. On the other hand, the moving member 10 is formed with an opening 10c into which the columnar portion 6b of the attachment 6a is loosely fitted so that the attachment 6a can rotate relative to the moving member 10. Further, the moving member 10 is formed with a cylindrical portion 10d that is formed to have a slightly larger diameter than the outer periphery of the attachment 6a and into which the attachment 6a is loosely fitted. Due to the cylindrical portion 6b, the opening 10c, and the cylindrical portion 10d, the moving member 10 and the attachment 6a are loosely fitted to each other and can be relatively rotated coaxially.

さらに、図３（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との両対向面には、面カム１３が形成されている。面カム１３は、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０とが互いに圧接された状態で両者が相対的に回転した際には、両者が接離動するよう形成されている。
より具体的には、面カム１３には、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との前記対向面同士を、駆動軸４ａおよび回転軸６の周方向に係合する、前記軸線方向の凹凸部が形成されている。図３（ａ），（ｂ）に示すように、この凹凸部は、円柱形部６ｂおよび開口部１０ｃのそれぞれの周りに、互いに逆方向の螺旋形が１／４周ごとに連続した形状に形成されている（なお、図３（ａ）において、この凹凸部の形状が分かり易いよう、移動部材１０の下方に、その筒状部１０ｄを取り除いた移動部材１０を二つ図示している。これらの二つの図は、移動部材１０が互いに１／４周回転した状態を示している）。 Further, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, surface cams 13 are formed on both opposing surfaces of the attachment 6 a and the moving member 10. The surface cam 13 is formed such that when the attachment 6a and the moving member 10 are in pressure contact with each other and the two rotate relatively, the two come in contact with each other.
More specifically, the surface cam 13 is formed with an uneven portion in the axial direction that engages the opposing surfaces of the attachment 6a and the moving member 10 in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft 4a and the rotating shaft 6. ing. As shown in FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), the concavo-convex part has a shape in which spirals in opposite directions are continuous every quarter turn around each of the cylindrical part 6b and the opening part 10c. (In FIG. 3A, two moving members 10 are shown below the moving member 10 so that the cylindrical portion 10d is removed so that the shape of the concave and convex portions can be easily understood. These two figures show a state in which the moving member 10 has rotated 1/4 turn relative to each other).

図２に示すように、スプリング１２は、移動部材１０の外周部を覆い、一端部が突周部１０ｂに当接し、他端部がアタッチメント１８を介して板ばね１６の一端部に当接するよう配設される。スプリング１２は、移動部材１０を、回転軸６のアタッチメント６ａの前記対向端部に向かって付勢し、その対向端部と移動部材１０との対向面同士を圧接させる。
板ばね１６は、他端部が筐体部材２ｂの取り付け部２ｃに取り付けられ、一端部に駆動軸４ａが挿通される孔部が形成され、スプリング１２を、前記軸線方向に、前記対向端部に向かって付勢する。なお、板ばね１６も、スプリング１２とともに、移動部材１０を回転軸６のアタッチメント６ａの前記対向端部に向かって付勢する、本願請求の範囲でいうところの付勢部材の機能を果たしている。 As shown in FIG. 2, the spring 12 covers the outer periphery of the moving member 10, one end abuts against the projecting periphery 10 b, and the other end abuts against one end of the leaf spring 16 via the attachment 18. Arranged. The spring 12 urges the moving member 10 toward the opposed end portion of the attachment 6 a of the rotating shaft 6 and presses the opposed surfaces of the opposed end portion and the moving member 10 together.
The leaf spring 16 is attached to the attachment portion 2c of the housing member 2b at the other end, and a hole portion through which the drive shaft 4a is inserted is formed at one end, and the spring 12 is disposed in the axial direction in the opposite end portion. Energize towards. In addition, the leaf | plate spring 16 has fulfill | performed the function of the urging | biasing member as used in the claim of this application which urges | biases the moving member 10 toward the said opposing edge part of the attachment 6a of the rotating shaft 6 with the spring 12. FIG.

面カム１３が形成された、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との対向面同士は、スプリング１２の付勢力により圧接されているから、流動体の抵抗が羽根８，８を介して回転軸６およびアタッチメント６ａに掛かっていないときには、前記凹凸部が互いに係合する。これにより、モータ４によりその駆動軸４ａおよび移動部材１０が回転された際には、凹凸部で移動部材１０と周方向に係合されたアタッチメント６ａも、それに伴って回転される。
また、羽根８，８に掛かる流動体の抵抗負荷が、前記対向面同士の周方向の係合力に勝った場合には、対向面同士が空回りして、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との間に相対的な回転差が生じ、面カム１３の作用によって、移動部材１０がスプリング１２の付勢力に抗して軸線方向に移動する。 Since the facing surfaces of the attachment 6a and the moving member 10 on which the surface cam 13 is formed are pressed against each other by the urging force of the spring 12, the resistance of the fluid flows through the blades 8 and 8 and the rotary shaft 6 and the attachment. When not hanging on 6a, the concave and convex portions engage with each other. Accordingly, when the drive shaft 4a and the moving member 10 are rotated by the motor 4, the attachment 6a engaged with the moving member 10 in the circumferential direction at the uneven portion is also rotated accordingly.
Further, when the resistance load of the fluid applied to the blades 8 and 8 wins the engagement force in the circumferential direction between the opposing surfaces, the opposing surfaces are idle, and the attachment 6a and the moving member 10 are interposed. A relative rotational difference is generated, and the moving member 10 moves in the axial direction against the urging force of the spring 12 by the action of the surface cam 13.

二つの接触式センサ１４，１５は、前述の通り、この移動部材１０の軸線方向の移動を検出する。接触式センサ１４，１５は、回路基板３２に取り付けられる。
第一接触式センサ１４は、第二接触式センサ１５よりも、移動部材１０の前記付勢力に抗した移動の量が少ない時点で、当該移動を検出するよう設けられる。これは、例えば、突周部１０ｂの内周部と外周部とに前記軸線方向の段差を形成して、第一接触式センサ１４と第二接触式センサ１５とが当接する突周部１０ｂ上の位置をそれぞれ内周側と外周側とにずらしたり、または、第一接触式センサ１４と第二接触式センサ１５との取り付け位置を前記軸線方向にずらしたりして、突周部１０ｂが第一接触式センサ１４と第二接触式センサ１５とに接触するのに時間差が生じるように設けることで実現できる。 As described above, the two contact sensors 14 and 15 detect the movement of the moving member 10 in the axial direction. The contact sensors 14 and 15 are attached to the circuit board 32.
The first contact sensor 14 is provided to detect the movement at a time when the amount of movement of the moving member 10 against the biasing force is smaller than that of the second contact sensor 15. This is because, for example, a step in the axial direction is formed between the inner peripheral portion and the outer peripheral portion of the protrusion portion 10b, and the first contact sensor 14 and the second contact sensor 15 are in contact with each other. By shifting the positions of the first contact sensor 14 and the second contact sensor 15 in the axial direction. This can be realized by providing a time difference in contact with the one-contact sensor 14 and the second contact sensor 15.

レベルセンサＡは、第一接触式センサ１４による移動部材１０の移動の検出を、回路基板３２、および、回路基板３２に接続され、パッキン２４を通って外部機器に接続可能な図示しない信号線コードを介して、外部機器（例えばコンピュータ等の制御装置）に対して電気的な信号として出力可能に設けられる。なお、パッキン２４を介して筐体内に導かれるコードとしては、前記信号線コードの他、モータ４の電源線コード、および接地線コード等がある。
また、レベルセンサＡは、第一接触式センサ１４の検出よりも遅れてなされる、第二接触式センサ１５による移動部材１０の移動の検出がなされた際には、モータ４への電源供給を切って、モータ４の駆動を停止するよう設けられる。 The level sensor A detects the movement of the moving member 10 by the first contact sensor 14, and is connected to the circuit board 32 and the circuit board 32, and a signal line cord (not shown) that can be connected to an external device through the packing 24. Via, the external device (for example, a control device such as a computer) can be output as an electrical signal. In addition, as a code | cord | chord guide | induced in a housing | casing through the packing 24, there exist a power wire cord of the motor 4, a ground wire cord, etc. other than the said signal wire cord.
Further, the level sensor A supplies power to the motor 4 when the movement of the moving member 10 is detected by the second contact sensor 15 which is delayed from the detection of the first contact sensor 14. It cuts off and it is provided so that the drive of the motor 4 may be stopped.

なお、本実施の形態においては、駆動軸４ａに移動部材１０を取り付ける構成を採用したが、本発明はこれに限定されず、回転軸６側に移動部材を取り付け、移動部材と駆動軸４ａとの両対向面に面カムを構成としてもよい。すなわち、移動部材は、駆動軸および回転軸のうちの一方に取り付け、スプリング１２に該当する付勢部材は、駆動軸および回転軸のうちの他方の対向端部に向かって付勢して、対向端部と移動部材との対向面同士を圧接させるよう設ければよい。 In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the moving member 10 is attached to the drive shaft 4a is adopted. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the moving member is attached to the rotating shaft 6 side. It is good also considering a surface cam as a structure on both opposing surfaces. That is, the moving member is attached to one of the drive shaft and the rotary shaft, and the biasing member corresponding to the spring 12 is biased toward the other opposing end of the drive shaft and the rotary shaft, and is opposed to What is necessary is just to provide so that the opposing surfaces of an edge part and a moving member may be press-contacted.

また、レベルセンサＡは、スプリング１２による付勢力を調節することで、前記両対向面における移動部材１０と前記対向端部との圧接力を調節可能な検出感度調節手段を備える。
検出感度調節手段は、前述の板ばね１６と、筐体部材２ａに、軸部２８を支軸としてユーザーにより回動操作可能に設けられた操作レバー２６と、操作レバー２６の筐体部材２ａとの対向面に形成された爪部２６ａと、筐体部材２ａの外周面に形成された、爪部２６ａと係合して操作レバー２６の前記回動を係止する係合部３０と、一端が板ばね１６の一面に当接して板ばね１６を押圧するとともに、筐体部材２ａ内に設けられた図示しないねじ部に螺合し、操作レバー２６による軸部２８の回動によって前記軸線方向に移動可能に設けられた図示しない当接部材とから成る。 Further, the level sensor A includes a detection sensitivity adjusting means that can adjust the pressure contact force between the moving member 10 and the opposing end portion on both the opposing surfaces by adjusting the urging force of the spring 12.
The detection sensitivity adjusting means includes the above-described leaf spring 16, the casing member 2a, an operation lever 26 that can be rotated by a user with the shaft portion 28 as a support shaft, and the casing member 2a of the operation lever 26. A claw portion 26a formed on the opposite surface of the housing member 2a, an engagement portion 30 formed on the outer peripheral surface of the housing member 2a for engaging the claw portion 26a and locking the rotation of the operation lever 26, and one end Abuts against one surface of the leaf spring 16 to press the leaf spring 16, engages with a screw portion (not shown) provided in the housing member 2 a, and rotates the shaft portion 28 by the operation lever 26 to move in the axial direction. And a contact member (not shown) movably provided.

ユーザーが操作レバー２６を回動操作することにより、軸部２８が回動し、前記ねじ部に螺合する前記当接部材が前記軸線方向に移動して、当接部材の板ばね１６に対する前記軸線方向の押圧力が調節される。これにより、板ばね１６がスプリング１２を付勢する不勢力が調節されて、スプリング１２による、前記両対向面における移動部材１０と前記対向端部との圧接力が調節される。 When the user rotates the operation lever 26, the shaft portion 28 is rotated, and the contact member that is screwed into the screw portion moves in the axial direction, so that the plate member 16 with respect to the contact member is moved. The axial pressing force is adjusted. As a result, the biasing force with which the leaf spring 16 biases the spring 12 is adjusted, and the pressure contact force between the moving member 10 and the opposed end portions on the opposed surfaces by the spring 12 is adjusted.

レベルセンサＡにおいて、各部材は、筐体部材２ａと筐体部材２ｂとのいずれかに予め組み付けられる。図２に示す点線部Ｘ−Ｘより左に記載した部材は筐体部材２ａに、点線部Ｘ−Ｘより右に記載した部材は筐体部材２ｂに、それぞれ組み付けられる。すなわち、点線部Ｘ−Ｘより左に記載した、回転軸６およびアタッチメント６ａ、ベアリング２０、支持部２２、羽根８，８、操作レバー２６および軸部２８、ならびに、図示しない前記当接部材は、筐体部材２ａに組み付けられる。他方、点線部Ｘ−Ｘより右に記載した、移動部材１０、スプリング１２、アタッチメント１８、接触式センサ１４，１５、板ばね１６、および、モータ４は、筐体部材２ｂに組み付けられる。そして、各筐体部材２ａ，２ｂが接合された際に、前記両対向面同士（面カム１３）が係合する。また、各筐体部材２ａ，２ｂが接合された際に、前記当接部材が板ばね１６に当接する。
なお、筐体部材２ａと筐体部材２ｂとは、ビスにより接合可能に設けられる。 In the level sensor A, each member is assembled in advance to either the housing member 2a or the housing member 2b. The member described on the left side of the dotted line portion XX shown in FIG. 2 is assembled to the housing member 2a, and the member described on the right side of the dotted line portion XX is assembled to the housing member 2b. That is, the rotating shaft 6 and the attachment 6a, the bearing 20, the support portion 22, the blades 8 and 8, the operation lever 26 and the shaft portion 28 described on the left side of the dotted line portion XX, and the abutting member (not shown) are It is assembled to the housing member 2a. On the other hand, the moving member 10, the spring 12, the attachment 18, the contact sensors 14 and 15, the leaf spring 16, and the motor 4 described to the right of the dotted line part XX are assembled to the housing member 2 b. And when each housing | casing member 2a, 2b is joined, both said opposing surfaces (surface cam 13) engage. Further, the contact members abut against the leaf spring 16 when the casing members 2 a and 2 b are joined.
The housing member 2a and the housing member 2b are provided so as to be joined by screws.

次に、レベルセンサＡの、容器への設置形態、および使用時の動作について説明する。
筐体部材２ａの一部には、外周面にねじが形成された筒状部２ｄが設けられる。レベルセンサＡを、流動体が搬入される図示しない容器に設置する際には、回転軸６から羽根８，８を取り外した状態で、容器の所定高さ（検出すべき所定レベルに対応する位置）の位置に筒状部２ｄとほぼ同径かやや大径に形成された開口部に、筐体２が容器の外側になるよう筒状部２ｄを挿入し、容器の内側から筒状部２ｄ外周のねじにナットを螺合させて、筐体２を容器に締結する。続いて、回転軸６の容器内の端部に羽根８，８を取り付ける。 Next, the installation state of the level sensor A in the container and the operation during use will be described.
Part of the housing member 2a is provided with a cylindrical portion 2d having a screw formed on the outer peripheral surface. When the level sensor A is installed in a container (not shown) into which the fluid is carried, with the blades 8 and 8 removed from the rotating shaft 6, the container has a predetermined height (a position corresponding to a predetermined level to be detected). ), The cylindrical portion 2d is inserted into an opening formed at a position substantially equal to or slightly larger in diameter than the cylindrical portion 2d so that the housing 2 is located outside the container, and the cylindrical portion 2d is inserted from the inside of the container. A nut is screwed onto the outer peripheral screw to fasten the housing 2 to the container. Subsequently, blades 8 and 8 are attached to the end of the rotating shaft 6 in the container.

また、レベルセンサＡの、前記電源線コード、前記接地線コード、および前記信号線コードを、それぞれ、電源回路、設置回路、および前記外部機器の制御信号入力ポート等に接続する。前記外部機器は、前記制御信号入力ポートの入力状態に応じて、容器への流動体の搬入を行う搬入装置の駆動をＯＮ／ＯＦＦする制御を行うよう構成される。 Further, the power line cord, the ground line cord, and the signal line cord of the level sensor A are connected to a power circuit, an installation circuit, a control signal input port of the external device, and the like, respectively. The external device is configured to perform control to turn on / off driving of a loading device that loads a fluid into a container according to an input state of the control signal input port.

なお、ユーザーは、レベルセンサＡの使用にあたって、前記検出感度調節手段の操作レバー２６を回動操作して、容器内に搬入される流動体の種類等に応じて、検出感度を調節することができる。 In using the level sensor A, the user can adjust the detection sensitivity by rotating the operation lever 26 of the detection sensitivity adjusting means according to the type of fluid to be carried into the container. it can.

次に、レベルセンサＡの使用時の動作について説明する。
容器内の流動体のレベルが、レベルセンサＡが設置された容器の所定高さに対応する前記所定レベルに達していないときに、前記電源線コードを介してレベルセンサＡに電源が供給されると、モータ４が駆動して駆動軸４ａが回転する。この回転に伴って、移動部材１０、移動部材１０に係合するアタッチメント６ａ、および、アタッチメント６ａに対し固定された回転軸６を介して、回転軸６に取り付けられた羽根８，８が回転する。 Next, the operation when the level sensor A is used will be described.
When the level of the fluid in the container does not reach the predetermined level corresponding to the predetermined height of the container in which the level sensor A is installed, power is supplied to the level sensor A through the power line cord. Then, the motor 4 is driven to rotate the drive shaft 4a. With this rotation, the blades 8 and 8 attached to the rotating shaft 6 rotate via the moving member 10, the attachment 6a engaged with the moving member 10, and the rotating shaft 6 fixed to the attachment 6a. .

そして、前記搬入装置により容器内に流動体が搬入され、容器内の流動体が前記所定レベルに達した際、回転する羽根８，８が流動体に接触して抵抗を受ける。そして、羽根８，８に対する流動体の抵抗負荷が、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との対向面同士の周方向の係合力に勝ったときに、当該対向面同士が空回りして、アタッチメント６ａと移動部材１０との間に相対的な回転差が生じ、面カム１３の作用によって、移動部材１０がスプリング１２の付勢力に抗して軸線方向に移動する。 When the fluid is carried into the container by the carry-in device and the fluid in the container reaches the predetermined level, the rotating blades 8 and 8 come into contact with the fluid and receive resistance. And when the resistance load of the fluid with respect to the blades 8 and 8 wins the circumferential engagement force between the opposing surfaces of the attachment 6a and the moving member 10, the opposing surfaces rotate idly and move with the attachment 6a. A relative rotational difference is generated between the member 10 and the movement of the moving member 10 in the axial direction against the urging force of the spring 12 by the action of the surface cam 13.

移動部材１０が移動すると、まず第一接触式センサ１４がこの移動を検出して、前記信号線コードを介して信号を出力する。この信号は前記制御信号入力ポートを介して前記外部機器に入力され、外部機器は、容器への流動体の搬入を行う搬入装置の駆動をＯＦＦし、容器への流動体の搬入が停止される。続いて、さらに移動部材１０が移動し、第二接触式センサ１５がこの移動を検出すると、モータ４への電源供給が切られ、モータ４が停止する。 When the moving member 10 moves, first, the first contact sensor 14 detects this movement and outputs a signal via the signal line cord. This signal is input to the external device via the control signal input port, and the external device turns off the driving of the loading device that loads the fluid into the container, and the loading of the fluid into the container is stopped. . Subsequently, when the moving member 10 further moves and the second contact sensor 15 detects this movement, the power supply to the motor 4 is cut off and the motor 4 stops.

その後、容器内の流動体が何らかの使用に供されるなどしてそのレベルが減じると、羽根８，８に掛かる流動体の抵抗負荷が減じて回転軸６（アタッチメント６ａ）が軽い力で回転自在となるから、スプリング１２の付勢力によって、面カム１３が係合し、移動部材１０は軸線方向に復帰移動して、第一および第二接触式センサ１４，１５の検出が解除される。これにより、モータ４の電源が入ってその回転駆動が再開されるとともに、前記信号線コードを介して出力されていた第一接触式センサ１４の信号が解除（反転）されて、前記外部機器は前記搬入装置の駆動をＯＮにして流動体の容器への搬入を再開する。 After that, when the level of the fluid in the container is reduced due to some use, etc., the resistance load of the fluid on the blades 8 and 8 is reduced, and the rotary shaft 6 (attachment 6a) can rotate with a light force. Therefore, the surface cam 13 is engaged by the urging force of the spring 12, the moving member 10 returns and moves in the axial direction, and the detection of the first and second contact sensors 14, 15 is released. As a result, the power of the motor 4 is turned on and its rotational drive is resumed, and the signal of the first contact sensor 14 output via the signal line cord is canceled (inverted), so that the external device is The drive of the carry-in device is turned on to resume carrying the fluid into the container.

本実施の形態に係るレベルセンサＡによれば、駆動軸４ａと回転軸６とを同軸に配設して、両者を移動部材１０および面カム１３を介して圧接させることで回転軸６を駆動軸４ａに伴わせて回転させ、羽根８，８に掛かった抵抗負荷を移動部材１０の軸線方向の移動で検出する構成であるから、従来の、モータのハウジングを回動可能に設ける構成のように機構が大掛かりとする必要がなく、機構を小型化、単純化、低コスト化することができる。 According to the level sensor A according to the present embodiment, the drive shaft 4a and the rotary shaft 6 are arranged coaxially, and the rotary shaft 6 is driven by press-contacting them via the moving member 10 and the surface cam 13. Since the configuration is such that the resistance load applied to the blades 8 and 8 is detected by the movement of the moving member 10 in the axial direction by rotating with the shaft 4a, the conventional motor housing is configured to be rotatable. It is not necessary to make the mechanism large, and the mechanism can be reduced in size, simplified, and reduced in cost.

また、筐体２は、接合可能な複数の筐体部材２ａおよび２ｂから成り、駆動軸４ａと回転軸６とは、それぞれ別々の筐体部材に設けられ、各筐体部材２ａおよび２ｂが接合された際に、前記両対向面同士が係合するよう設けられているから、駆動軸４ａと回転軸６との間で筐体２を分解することができ、このことから、装置の組み立てや分解が容易となり、製造やメンテナンスを簡単に行うことができる。
さらに、移動部材１０は、駆動軸４ａに取り付けられ、接触式センサ１４，１５は、モータ４（駆動軸４ａ）が設けられた筐体部材２ｂに設けられているから、モータ４や接触式センサ１４，１５といった電気的要素を一つの筐体部材２ｂに組み付けることができ、装置の構成が簡単となっている。 Moreover, the housing | casing 2 consists of several housing | casing members 2a and 2b which can be joined, and the drive shaft 4a and the rotating shaft 6 are provided in a respectively separate housing member, and each housing member 2a and 2b joins. When this is done, the two opposing surfaces are provided to engage with each other, so that the housing 2 can be disassembled between the drive shaft 4a and the rotary shaft 6. Disassembly becomes easy, and manufacturing and maintenance can be easily performed.
Furthermore, since the moving member 10 is attached to the drive shaft 4a and the contact sensors 14 and 15 are provided on the housing member 2b provided with the motor 4 (drive shaft 4a), the motor 4 and the contact sensor are provided. The electrical elements 14 and 15 can be assembled to one housing member 2b, and the configuration of the apparatus is simplified.

また、第一接触式センサ１４は、第二接触式センサ１５よりも、移動部材１０の前記付勢力に抗した移動の量が少ない時点で、当該移動を検出するよう設けられているため、流動体のレベルの検出を外部機器へ出力した後に、モータ４の駆動を停止するから、当該出力を確実に行うことができる。
また、前記検出感度調節手段を備えることにより、流動体の種類等に応じて、検出感度を調節することができる。 In addition, the first contact sensor 14 is provided to detect the movement when the amount of movement against the urging force of the moving member 10 is smaller than that of the second contact sensor 15. Since the drive of the motor 4 is stopped after outputting the detection of the body level to the external device, the output can be reliably performed.
Further, by providing the detection sensitivity adjusting means, the detection sensitivity can be adjusted according to the type of fluid.

本発明に係るレベルセンサの筐体の一部を切断してその内部構成を示した斜視説明図である。FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view showing a part of the casing of the level sensor according to the present invention by cutting a part thereof. 本発明に係るレベルセンサの組み立て分解図である。It is an assembly exploded view of the level sensor which concerns on this invention. 回転軸、アタッチメント、移動部材、およびスプリング（付勢部材）の組み立て分解図である。It is an assembly exploded view of a rotating shaft, an attachment, a moving member, and a spring (biasing member).

Explanation of symbols

Ａレベルセンサ
２筐体
２ａ，２ｂ筐体部材
４モータ
４ａ駆動軸
６回転軸
６ａアタッチメント
６ｂ円柱形部
８羽根
１０移動部材
１０ａ長孔
１０ｂ突周部
１０ｃ開口部
１０ｄ筒状部
１２スプリング（付勢部材）
１３面カム
１４第一接触式センサ（第一検出部）
１５第二接触式センサ（第二検出部）
１６板ばね
２６操作レバー
２６ａ爪部
２８軸部
３０係合部
３２回路基板 A level sensor 2 housing 2a, 2b housing member 4 motor 4a drive shaft 6 rotation shaft 6a attachment 6b columnar portion 8 blade 10 moving member 10a long hole 10b projecting portion 10c opening portion 10d cylindrical portion 12 spring (biasing force) Element)
13 surface cam 14 first contact type sensor (first detection unit)
15 Second contact sensor (second detector)
16 leaf spring 26 operation lever 26a claw portion 28 shaft portion 30 engaging portion 32 circuit board

Claims

In a level sensor that detects whether or not the fluid in the container has reached a predetermined level,
A housing attachable to the container;
A motor provided in the housing;
A rotation shaft that is disposed coaxially with the drive shaft of the motor, is pivotally supported by the housing so as to be rotatable independently of the drive shaft, and has one end projecting outward from the housing;
A blade provided on the one end side of the rotating shaft;
A moving member attached to one of the drive shaft and the rotating shaft, which is movable in the axial direction with respect to the one and non-rotatable in the circumferential direction;
A biasing member that biases the moving member toward the other facing end of the drive shaft and the rotating shaft, and presses the facing surfaces of the facing end and the moving member;
Surface cams formed on the opposing surfaces;
When the blade is rotated by the motor via the moving member, the surface cam, and the rotating shaft, and the fluid loaded into the container reaches a predetermined level, the blade contacts the fluid and resists. A detection unit capable of detecting that the moving member is pushed by the face cam and moved by a predetermined distance against the urging force of the urging member due to a relative rotation difference between the driving shaft and the rotating shaft caused by receiving equipped with a,
The surface cam is formed with a concavo-convex portion that engages the opposing surfaces in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft and the rotation shaft,
When the level of the fluid in the container is reduced, the concave and convex portion reduces the resistance load of the fluid applied to the blade, and the concave and convex portions are engaged by the biasing force of the biasing member. The level sensor is characterized in that the spirals in the opposite directions are formed in a continuous shape every ¼ turn so as to return and move in the axial direction .

The casing is composed of a plurality of casing members that can be joined,
The drive shaft and the rotation shaft are provided in separate casing members,
The level sensor according to claim 1, wherein the opposing surfaces are engaged with each other when the casing members are joined.

The moving member is attached to the drive shaft;
The level sensor according to claim 2, wherein the detection unit is provided in the casing member provided with the motor and the drive shaft.

On the outer peripheral surface of the moving member, a projecting peripheral portion protruding in the radial direction is formed,
The level according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the detection unit is a contact type sensor that detects the movement of the moving member by contacting the projecting portion from the axial direction. Sensor.

As said detection part, it comprises two of the first detection part and the second detection part,
The first detection unit is provided to detect the movement at a time when the amount of movement of the moving member against the biasing force is smaller than that of the second detection unit,
The detection by the first detection unit is provided so as to be output to an external device,
The level sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the detection by the second detection unit is performed, the driving of the motor is stopped.

2. A detection sensitivity adjustment unit capable of adjusting a pressure contact force between the moving member and the opposing end portion on the two opposing surfaces by adjusting the urging force of the urging member. The level sensor according to any one of 5.