JP5810190B1 - Measuring instrument and sensor for measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a measuring instrument that can flexibly cope with sensor switching while keeping the measurement point of the sensor away from the measurement result collection point. A logger includes a connection port, and measures different types of physical quantities by switching the type of a sensor connected to the connection port. The sensor 1 includes a sensor main body 11 that detects a physical quantity and generates a signal, a flexible cable 12 that extends from the sensor main body 11 to form a signal transmission path, and a connection port that is provided at the end of the flexible cable 12. And a connector that can be inserted into and removed from the connector 21. The logger 2 includes a program storage unit that stores a plurality of measurement programs in association with the type of the sensor 1, and a logger body that executes the measurement program and receives a signal from the sensor. The type of the sensor 1 with the connector inserted into the connection port 21 is identified, and the measurement program to be executed is switched according to the type of the sensor 1. [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a measuring instrument and a sensor for the measuring instrument, and more particularly to a measuring instrument capable of measuring different types of physical quantities as a measurement target, and a sensor for the measuring instrument.

  A measuring instrument for measuring a physical quantity to be measured is already known. When the configuration of a general measuring instrument is described, a sensor and a collector such as a data logger can be cited as main constituent devices. The sensor detects a physical quantity to be measured and outputs a signal corresponding to the physical quantity. The collector receives the signal output from the sensor at regular intervals, thereby collecting the physical quantity measurement results. Here, the collector has a function of performing measurement using a sensor, and this function is realized by executing a program stored in the collector.

  Of course, the above program varies depending on the type of sensor. For this reason, the collector storing the above program may be changed (use differently) according to the type of sensor. If an individual collector is used for each sensor type in this way, the number of devices increases, resulting in poor convenience. For this reason, a highly versatile collector that can be transferred between a plurality of sensors is required. In order to meet these needs, in recent years, collectors that can be diverted between a plurality of sensors have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  The device described in Patent Document 1 will be described. A sensor (a measuring instrument in Patent Document 1) is detachably attached to a mounting part provided on a side surface of a collector (an information recording device in Patent Document 1). Has been. That is, Patent Document 1 describes a sensor-integrated collector, and a sensor attached to the device can be switched (replaced). In addition, a program card insertion slot is provided on the side of the collector. The program card stores the above-described program, and a plurality of types are prepared according to the type of sensor. Then, by inserting a program card corresponding to the sensor attached to the attachment portion into the insertion slot, the collector operates as the device for the sensor and collects the measurement results by the sensor.

  According to the device described in Patent Document 1 configured as described above, that is, a sensor-integrated collector, the measurement results of a plurality of types of physical quantities can be obtained with one collector by switching the sensor and the program card. It becomes possible to collect.

JP-A-3-152681

  By the way, there are cases where it is required to dispose the sensor away from the collector due to circumstances such as changing the measurement point more easily. However, in the configuration in which the sensor and the collector are integrated by mounting the sensor on the side surface of the collector as in the device described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to meet the above requirements. In addition, even when the sensor is arranged away from the collector, it is desirable that the sensor can be switched freely and the program to be executed can be switched appropriately as the sensor is switched.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is to flexibly cope with sensor switching while separating the measurement point of the sensor from the collection point of the measurement result. Is to provide a simple measuring instrument. Another object of the present invention is to be detachable from the controller as a sensor for the measuring instrument, to operate the controller appropriately according to the type of the sensor after switching, and to perform physical quantity at a location away from the controller. It is to provide a sensor capable of detecting the above.

According to the measuring instrument of the present invention, the subject includes a sensor that detects a physical quantity to be measured and outputs a signal corresponding to the physical quantity, and a connection port, and the type of the sensor connected to the connection port is The controller includes a controller capable of measuring different types of the physical quantity by switching, and a relay that relays between the sensor and the controller main body of the controller. The sensor detects the physical quantity. A sensor main body for generating the signal, a flexible cable extending from the sensor main body to form a transmission path for the signal, and provided at a distal end portion of the flexible cable, and can be inserted into and removed from the connection port. A connector, and the controller stores a program for storing the physical quantity using the sensor, and stores the program from the program storage unit. Comprising said controller body for receiving the signal from the sensor as well as reads and executes the program, and display constituting a display screen of the measurement result of the sensor, the display accommodates the program storage unit and said controller unit includes a casing, wherein the program storage unit stores a plurality of associated said program type of the sensor, the controller body of the sensor in a state in which the connector is inserted into the connection opening The type is identified, and the program to be read and executed from the program storage unit is switched according to the identified type of the sensor, and the casing is sized to be grasped by a general adult's palm, and the connection port Having only one casing side connection port as the relay , Transmission and relay body functioning as a branch circuit for connecting a plurality of the sensor and the controller body has a plurality of repeaters connecting port as the connection port, the signal extending from the relay body A second flexible cable, and a repeater side connector that is provided at a terminal portion of the second flexible cable and can be inserted into and removed from the casing side connection port. When the connectors of each of the plurality of sensors are inserted into the repeater side connection port in a state of being inserted into the casing side connection port, the plurality of sensors are simultaneously connected to the controller, and are connected to the display. Is solved by simultaneously displaying the measurement results of the plurality of sensors connected to the controller at the same time.

In the above measuring instrument, the sensor can be freely switched by inserting and removing the connector provided in the sensor with respect to the connection port provided in the controller which is a receiving device of the signal generated by the sensor body. . Further, the measurement program executed in the controller is automatically switched in conjunction with the sensor switching. Furthermore, since the sensor (strictly speaking, the sensor body) is connected to the controller via a flexible cable, the measurement point can be separated from the measurement result collection point. As described above, according to the measuring instrument of the present invention, it is possible to flexibly cope with sensor switching while separating the sensor measurement point from the measurement result collection point.
Furthermore, according to said structure, it becomes possible to increase the number of connection of the sensor with respect to a controller, without increasing the number of the connection ports (casing side connection port) provided in the casing of the controller. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the enlargement of the controller (strictly speaking, the casing).

In the measuring instrument, the sensor body includes a detection unit that detects the physical quantity and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the physical quantity, and a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal output from the detection unit into a digital signal. The sensor may output the digital signal generated by the conversion unit as the signal, and the flexible cable may form a transmission path for the digital signal.
According to the above configuration, since the flexible cable constitutes a digital signal transmission path, the configuration of the flexible cable becomes relatively simple compared to that of an analog electrical signal transmission path. . As a result, the configuration of the measuring instrument becomes simpler.

In the measuring instrument, the controller includes a battery as a power supply source. The controller is activated by the power supplied from the battery, and a part of the power supply is connected to the connector at the connection port. It may be supplied to the sensor in the inserted state.
According to the above configuration, since the controller can be used without using a fixed power source such as a commercial power source, the convenience of the measuring instrument can be improved. For example, the arrangement position of the controller can be easily changed. improves.

In the measuring instrument, the controller can communicate with an external terminal in a wireless manner, and the physical measurement result specified by the controller main body based on the signal received from the sensor It is good also as transmitting toward a terminal.
According to said structure, it becomes possible to confirm the measurement result of the physical quantity specified by the signal which the controller received in the place away from the said controller, ie, to remotely monitor a measurement result. Thereby, the convenience of the measuring instrument is further improved.

In the above measuring instrument, wherein the controller has a front freely recording medium body detachably attached to mute pacing, the controller body, the physical quantity of which is specified based on the signal received from the sensor The measurement result may be stored in the recording medium.
According to the above configuration, by storing the measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor in the removable storage medium, it is easier to handle data indicating the measurement result thereafter. Become.

Further, in the measuring instrument, the controller has an internal memory that constitutes the program storage unit, and the controller main body has a measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor, It may be stored in the internal memory.
According to said structure, since the measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor is memorize | stored in the internal memory of a controller, it becomes possible to memorize | store the said measurement result reliably.

Further, the controller has a push button that is pushed by a user, and the controller main body has a measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor at the time when the push button is pushed, It may be set as a reference value.
According to the above configuration, since the controller has a function of setting a physical quantity measurement result at a certain time point as a reference value, the utility value (use variation) of the measuring instrument is increased.

Further, the above-described problem is a sensor for a measuring instrument according to the present invention, which is used in a measuring instrument having the above-described configuration (in other words, the measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 7 ). This is solved by having a sensor main body, the flexible cable, and the connector, and transmitting the sensor type identification information to the controller when the connector is inserted into the connection port.
If it is a sensor for measuring instruments of this invention, it can attach or detach with respect to a controller, and it becomes possible to detect a physical quantity in the place away from the controller. Furthermore, when the sensor is switched, identification information for identifying the sensor type is transmitted to the controller, so that the type of the sensor after the switching is specified on the controller side, and a program corresponding to the specified result is executed. Become. Thus, with the sensor for a measuring instrument of the present invention, smooth switching is realized, and the controller can be appropriately operated according to the type of sensor after switching.

According to the measuring instrument of the present invention, it is possible to flexibly cope with sensor switching while separating the sensor measurement point from the measurement result collection point. In addition, according to the sensor for a measuring instrument of the present invention, it can be attached to and detached from the controller, and a physical quantity can be detected at a place away from the controller. Further, the controller can be appropriately selected according to the type of sensor after switching. It becomes possible to operate. Due to the above effects, a measuring instrument having high versatility and excellent usability can be realized. More specifically, since the sensor (strictly speaking, the sensor main body) is connected to the controller via a flexible cable, the arrangement position of the sensor can be changed more easily. Further, if the sensor main body is separated from the controller, it becomes possible to flexibly cope with restrictions caused by differences in specifications between the two devices. For example, even if the temperature conditions set as the usage environment are different between the sensor body and the controller, the two devices are separated from each other, so that the sensor body and the controller are used under the corresponding temperature conditions. It becomes possible.
Furthermore, a plurality of sensors are simultaneously connected to the controller by inserting each connector of the plurality of sensors into a plurality of relay side connection ports provided in the relay that relays between the sensor and the controller main body. . With this configuration, the number of sensors connected to the controller can be increased without increasing the number of connection ports (casing side connection ports) provided in the controller casing. Thereby, it becomes possible to suppress the enlargement of the controller (strictly speaking, the casing).

It is an external view of the measuring device which concerns on reference embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the measuring device which concerns on reference embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a sensor. It is a front view of a connector. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the controller, and FIG. 5C is a rear view. It is a figure regarding the firmware mounted in the controller. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of a controller. It is explanatory drawing about the information memorize | stored in an internal memory. It is an external view of the measuring device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the measuring device which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, a configuration example of measuring instruments, the first embodiment as a reference example, and illustrating a second embodiment that is one embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment described below is an example for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention can be changed and improved without departing from the gist thereof, and the present invention includes its equivalents.

<< First Embodiment >>
First, a measuring instrument according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8. A measuring instrument according to the first embodiment (hereinafter referred to as a first measuring instrument S1) is used to measure a physical quantity designated as a measurement target by a user, and has an appearance as shown in FIG. The first measuring instrument S1 is composed of a sensor 1 and a logger 2 as shown in FIG.

  The sensor 1 is a sensor for the first measuring instrument S1, and detects a physical quantity to be measured and outputs a signal corresponding to the physical quantity. The logger 2 is a controller for the first measuring instrument S1, and performs physical quantity measurement using the sensor 1. The logger 2 receives the output signal from the sensor 1 at a predetermined sampling period, and thereby collects the measurement results specified based on the signal.

  In addition, the logger 2 includes a connection port 21 as shown in FIG. The logger 2 can measure different types of physical quantities by switching the type of the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21. That is, in the first embodiment, the sensor 1 is connected to the logger 2 in a switchable manner, and the physical quantity that is a measurement target when the logger 2 performs measurement can be freely changed. ing. Such a configuration is a feature point in the first measuring instrument S1, and the feature point will be described in detail below.

  In describing the above characteristic points, configurations of the sensor 1 and the logger 2 will be described. The sensor 1 has a sensor body 11 as shown in FIG. The sensor body 11 includes a detection unit 14 and a conversion unit 15. The detection unit 14 detects a physical quantity and outputs an electrical signal (analog signal) corresponding to the physical quantity. The conversion unit 15 converts the electrical signal output from the detection unit 14 into a digital signal. The detection unit 14 and the conversion unit 15 may be integrated as a module, or may be provided separately and separated from each other.

  An example of the sensor 1 used in the first embodiment is the three sensors 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrated in FIG. In the figure, the top sensor 1A is a temperature / humidity sensor, the second sensor 1B from the top is a carbon dioxide concentration sensor, and the bottom sensor 1C is an acceleration sensor. Taking the configuration of these three sensors 1A, 1B, 1C as an example, the configuration of the sensor 1 will be described again.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 1 includes a sensor main body 11, a flexible cable 12, and a connector 13. The sensor body 11 detects a physical quantity and generates a digital signal corresponding to the physical quantity. The flexible cable 12 is a flexible cable extending from the sensor body 11, and is constituted by five signal wires (core wires) in the first embodiment. Two of them are used for communication with the logger 2 and form a digital signal transmission path. More specifically, one of the signal lines for communication with the logger 2 forms a transmission path for a digital signal generated by the sensor body 11, and the other is a digital signal transmitted from the logger 2 side. A signal transmission path is formed.

  As described above, among the signal lines constituting the flexible cable 12, the signal line for communication with the logger 2 is a digital signal transmission path, whereby the configuration of the flexible cable 12 can be further simplified. Become. More specifically, when transmitting a digital signal, the transmission should be performed with a simpler configuration because the number of signal lines constituting the transmission path is smaller than when an analog electrical signal is transmitted. Is possible. As a result, the configuration of the flexible cable 12 that forms the transmission path is also simpler.

  Of the remaining three signal lines, two are used to receive power supplied from the logger 2. The remaining one signal line is used to transmit the identification information of the sensor 1. More specifically, the signal line is a line provided for recognizing that the sensor 1 is connected, and more specifically, whether or not the sensor is connected when power supply to the sensor 1 is started. It is a line provided for detection. In the first embodiment, power supply to the sensor 1 is started after recognizing (detecting) that the sensor 1 is connected. Thereby, it becomes possible to attach and detach the sensor 1 more safely.

  The identification information is information given to each sensor 1 in order to identify the type of sensor 1. In the present embodiment, the identification information is stored in a memory (not shown) in the sensor body 11, read from the memory at a predetermined timing, and transmitted to the logger 2 via the signal line. . More specifically, a predetermined digital transfer command is sent from the logger 2 to the sensor 1, and identification information is transferred (transmitted) from the sensor 1 to the logger 2 according to the command. When the logger 2 receives the identification information, the logger 2 analyzes the information to identify the type of the sensor 1.

  The connector 13 is provided at the end of the flexible cable 12 and can be inserted into and removed from the connection port 21 of the logger 2. The connector 13 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. In the first embodiment, the round connector shown in FIG. 4 is used, and five pin-shaped terminals pt are exposed at the open ends. Each pin-like terminal pt is connected to a corresponding signal line among the five signal lines described above. In addition, about the shape of a connector, as long as it can insert / extract with respect to the connection port 21 of the logger 2, it can design freely.

  The above configuration is common to the sensors 1A, 1B, and 1C. On the other hand, the sensor body 11 has a configuration unique to each of the sensors 1A, 1B, and 1C, and any known configuration can be used. The sensor body 11 of the sensor 1C, which is an acceleration sensor, has three axes orthogonal to each other (specifically, the vertical axis and two horizontal axes that are orthogonal to each other). ) Is detected, and a signal corresponding to the gravity acceleration for each axis is generated. Thus, by obtaining the measurement results of the gravitational acceleration of each of the three axes, it becomes possible to specify the inclination and posture of the object to which the sensor body 11 of the sensor 1C is attached. For the gravitational acceleration of each axis, the measurement result at a certain time point is set to a reference value (specifically, 0), and the difference between the measurement result at each time point and the reference value is calculated to obtain the sensor 1C. It is possible to specify the magnitude of vibration generated in the object to which the sensor body 11 is attached.

  Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the sensor body 11 of the sensor 1C detects the acceleration of gravity in three axes and also detects the temperature. That is, the sensor 1C is a composite sensor that integrates an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor.

  Note that the sensors 1A, 1B, and 1C illustrated in FIG. 3 are merely examples of the sensor 1. As long as the sensor configuration described above is employed, the sensor 1 that detects other physical quantities (specifically, A temperature sensor, an illuminance sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a current / voltage sensor or the like equipped with a thermistor may be used. Further, one type of physical quantity may be detected by one sensor 1 such as the sensors 1A and 1C, or one type of physical quantity may be detected by the sensor 1B.

  Next, the configuration of the logger 2 will be described. The logger 2 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped device as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, and has a size that can be grasped by a general adult's palm, and is relatively small. Yes. As shown in FIG. 2, the logger 2 includes a CPU (central processing unit) 3, a RAM 4, a ROM (nonvolatile memory) 5 as an internal memory, and an I / O port 6. These devices are accommodated in the casing 20.

  The configuration of the casing 20 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the surface (front surface) of the casing 20 is provided with a display 22 and a plurality of push buttons 23. The display 22 constitutes a display screen for measurement results obtained by the sensor 1. The plurality of push buttons 23 are operated by a user when setting conditions regarding measurement using the sensor 1, instructing measurement start / stop, selecting a storage destination for storing measurement results, switching measurement modes, and the like. Is.

  One of the plurality of push buttons 23 is based on a measurement result when the push button 23 is pressed (strictly, based on a digital signal received from the sensor 1 when the push button 23 is pressed). Is a button for setting a measured value of a physical quantity specified as a reference value, specifically, 0 point, and is hereinafter referred to as an adjuster button.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, a connection port 21 for sensor connection is provided on the side surface of the casing 20. The connection port 21 corresponds to a casing-side connection port and has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connector 13 of the sensor 1. Then, by inserting the connector 13 of the sensor 1 into the connection port 21, the sensor 1 is connected to the connection port 21 and attached to the logger 2. On the contrary, the sensor 1 in a state connected to the connection port 21 is easily detached from the logger 2 by pulling out the connector 13 from the connection port 21.

  In the first embodiment, only one connection port 21 is provided, but a plurality of connection ports 21 may be provided. However, in terms of reducing the size of the logger 2, it is preferable that the number of connection ports 21 is small.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 5B, a USB jack 24 is provided as a second connection port on the side surface of the casing 20 opposite to the side where the connection port 21 is provided. Connected to the USB jack 24 is, for example, a plug provided in a USB connection type power adapter or a USB cable end plug that connects the logger 2 with a host device (such as a PC) that supplies power to the logger 2. Is done. In the first embodiment, only one USB jack 24 is provided, but a plurality of USB jacks 24 may be provided. However, in terms of reducing the size of the logger 2, it is preferable that the number of USB jacks 24 is small.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5C, a part of the back part of the casing 20 is removable, and a battery 25 (strictly, a dry battery) is exposed in a space exposed by removing the part. It is set. The battery 25 is a power supply source of the logger 2. In other words, the logger 2 is activated by the power supplied from the battery 25.

  Next, the software configuration of the logger 2 will be described. The ROM 5 of the logger 2 stores a firmware program (hereinafter simply referred to as firmware) for imparting a function as the logger 2 to the device constituting the logger 2. . That is, the main components of the logger 2 (specifically, the CPU 3, the RAM 4, and the I / O port 6) constitute a logger main body (corresponding to the controller main body) in cooperation with the firmware and are output from the sensor 1. The received digital signal is received, and predetermined processing (for example, filter processing or analysis processing) is performed on the received digital signal.

  Here, the above firmware will be described in more detail with reference to the execution environment in the logger 2 shown in FIG. In the execution environment of the logger 2, the firmware sets common items such as date, time, display language, and display screen color scheme. On the other hand, various measurement programs are executed on the firmware. The measurement program is a program for performing physical quantity measurement using the sensor 1 and is stored in the ROM 5. In this sense, the ROM 5 can be said to correspond to a program storage unit that stores a measurement program.

  Then, when the CPU 3 constituting the logger main body reads out and executes the measurement program from the ROM 5, the logger 2 functions as a logger that collects the measurement results obtained by the sensor 1. More specifically, when the measurement program is executed, measurement is performed using the sensor 1 in a state where the connector 13 is inserted into the connection port 21, and a digital signal corresponding to the measurement result is output from the sensor. 1 to the I / O port 6 at regular intervals. Thereafter, the input digital signal is analyzed by the function of the measurement program, and the measured value of the physical quantity is specified from the digital signal. Furthermore, information indicating the specified measurement result is displayed on the display 22 and stored in a predetermined storage destination by the function of the measurement program.

  Note that when the adjuster button is pressed during execution of the measurement program, that is, during a measurement period of a certain physical quantity, the CPU 3 switches the measurement mode from the normal mode to the adjuster mode. Here, the normal mode is a mode in which the measurement result of the physical quantity specified from the digital signal received from the sensor 1 is displayed and stored as an absolute value. For example, when the measurement by the sensor 1C which is an acceleration sensor is performed in the normal mode, the measurement result of the gravitational acceleration in each of the three axes orthogonal to each other is displayed and stored as an absolute value.

  On the other hand, in the adjuster mode, the measurement result of the physical quantity specified from the digital signal received from the sensor 1 when the adjuster button is pressed is set as a reference value (that is, 0 point), and the measurement result at each subsequent time point is set. Is displayed and stored as a relative value (difference) with respect to the reference value. For example, when the measurement by the sensor 1C that is an acceleration sensor is performed in the adjuster mode, the measurement result of the gravitational acceleration in each of the three axes orthogonal to each other is displayed and stored as a difference from the measurement result at a certain time point. .

  Incidentally, the ROM 5 stores a plurality of measurement programs in association with the type of the sensor 1. Referring to FIG. 6 for easy understanding, the ROM 5 stores individual measurement programs for each of the sensors 1 that are candidates for use (specifically, the sensors 1A, 1B, and 1C). Here, the measurement program for the sensor 1A is a program for measuring the temperature and humidity, and the measurement program for the sensor 1B is a program for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration, and the sensor 1C. The measurement program for is a program for measuring gravitational acceleration and temperature.

  In the first embodiment, in addition to the measurement program for each sensor 1, a measurement program for using a plurality of sensors 1 in combination is stored in the ROM 5. Such a measurement program is executed in a second embodiment described later. For example, when both the sensor 1A and the sensor 1B are connected to the logger 2 at the same time, a measurement program that combines the program for the sensor 1A and the program for the sensor 1B (that is, measurement of temperature and humidity and carbon dioxide concentration is performed). Program for execution) is executed.

  In the first embodiment, when the type of the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 of the logger 2 is switched, the measurement program to be executed is switched in conjunction with this. Specifically, when the sensor 1 is connected to the connection port 21 that is not connected to the sensor, or when the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 is switched to another sensor 1, the CPU 3 and the firmware The type of the sensor 1 in which the connector 13 is inserted into the connection port 21 is identified by the above cooperation. More specifically, when the sensor 1 is requested to transmit identification information, the identification information is transmitted from the sensor 1 as a response to the request, and the identification information is transmitted to the I / O port via the signal line of the flexible cable 12. 6 is input. Thereby, the CPU 3 of the logger 2 can identify the type of the sensor 1 in which the connector 13 is inserted into the connection port 21.

  After the type of sensor 1 is identified, a measurement program corresponding to the identified type of sensor 1 is read out and executed by CPU 3. With the above procedure, the measurement program executed on the firmware is automatically switched in conjunction with the switching of the sensor 1. As a result, the logger 2 operates as a data logger for the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21. As the control program is switched, the display contents on the display 22 are also switched. For example, when the sensor 1A is connected, the temperature / humidity measurement result is displayed on the display 22 as shown in the left figure of FIG. 7, but when the sensor 1A is switched to the sensor 1B, the right figure of FIG. As shown, the measurement result of the carbon dioxide concentration is displayed.

Next, a power supply method for each of the sensor 1 and the logger 2 will be described. The logger 2 operates at a relatively low power supply voltage (for example, 5 V). As a power supply source, a power supply source via the USB jack 24 (hereinafter referred to as a power supply source via USB) and a logger 2 And a battery 25 built in the battery pack. Here, there are the following three types of power supply sources via USB, but it is possible to freely design which one is adopted.
(1) Commercial power supply connected to the USB jack 24 via a USB power adapter (2) Mobile battery connected to the USB jack 24 (3) Host device connected to the USB jack 24 via a USB cable

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the logger 2 includes a circuit (hereinafter referred to as a power supply switching circuit 26) for switching the power supply (power supply source) between the power supply source via USB and the battery 25. The power supply switching circuit 26 switches the power supply appropriately according to the situation. Specifically, while the power supply source via USB is connected to the USB jack 24, the power supply source via USB is preferentially used. To do.

  The logger 2 is activated by the power supplied from the power source. On the other hand, the logger 2 supplies a part of the power supplied from the power source to the sensor 1 in a state where the connector 13 is inserted into the connection port 21. The supplied power is transferred to the sensor main body 11 via the power supply signal line in the flexible cable 12, and as a result, each part of the sensor main body 11 is activated. When the power supply to the sensor 1 is completed, the logger 2 identifies the type of the sensor 1 according to the above-described procedure.

  Note that it is preferable to provide a backup power source for the logger 2 assuming that the power supply from the power source is interrupted. As the backup power source, a power source composed of a capacitor can be cited as an example, and for example, it may be used to perform a data file end operation or an internal clock backup operation when the power is turned off or when the battery is low.

  Next, a measurement result recording method will be described. The recording of the measurement result is performed by the CPU 3 constituting the logger body under the execution of the measurement program. Moreover, as a recording destination of a measurement result, ROM5 which is a non-volatile memory built in the logger 2, and SD card 27 as a recording medium are mentioned. The SD card 27 is a removable medium and is detachably attached to the casing 20. Specifically, the SD card 27 is inserted into an insertion port (not shown) provided at a predetermined portion in the casing 20. Installed.

  And CPU3 memorize | stores a measurement result in the memory | storage destination which the user designated among ROM5 and SD card 27. FIG. In specifying the storage destination, the user performs a predetermined operation, for example, an operation of pressing a storage destination selection button among the plurality of push buttons 23 provided on the casing 20.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the ROM 5 as the internal memory built in the logger 2 and the removable SD card 27 can be used as storage destinations when storing the measurement result of the physical quantity by the sensor 1. It has become. Since the SD card 27 is detachable, it becomes easier to handle stored data (that is, data indicating the measurement result) thereafter. Further, when the ROM 5 is used, since the medium for storing the measurement result is secured in the logger 2, the measurement result can be reliably stored.

  Further, the CPU 3 stores the measurement result in accordance with a predetermined rule when storing (writing) the measurement result in the storage destination designated by the user. More specifically, when measurement using the sensor 1 is executed, the CPU 3 first specifies a writable free area in the storage destination designated by the user. Thereafter, the CPU 3 stores the measurement result of the physical quantity by the sensor 1 (strictly, the measurement value specified by analyzing the output signal from the sensor 1) together with the measurement time in the specified empty area. The CPU 3 repeatedly performs such storage processing every time the output signal from the sensor 1 is received, in other words, every sampling cycle.

  On the other hand, when storing the measurement result of the physical quantity by the sensor 1, the CPU 3 uses the attribute information related to the sensor 1 (strictly, the sensor 1 in which the connector 13 is connected to the connection port 21) as header information as an empty area. To remember. As shown in FIG. 8, the measurement result of the physical quantity by the sensor 1 is stored in an area following the area where the head information related to the sensor 1 is stored in the empty area.

  Then, when the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 is switched, the above procedure is repeated again, and after identifying the free area and storing the header information regarding the sensor 1 after the switching, The measurement result is stored in an area subsequent to the area where the head information is stored. As described above, in the first embodiment, when the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 is switched, the header information is generated and stored using this as a trigger. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, the storage data indicating the physical quantity measurement result by each sensor 1 is classified by type of sensor 1 (strictly, by order when the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 is switched). Are summarized in Thereby, when the stored data is handled later, it becomes easy to extract the type of data (for example, temperature / humidity data) designated by the user from the stored data.

  In the first embodiment, when the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 21 is switched, the measurement result by the sensor 1 after switching is changed to an area different from the area where the measurement result by the sensor 1 before switching is stored. Is going to be remembered. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the measurement result by the sensor 1 after switching may be stored (overwritten) in the area where the measurement result by the sensor 1 before switching is stored.

  In the first embodiment, the logger 2 includes the wireless LAN adapter 7 and the communication interface 8 in the casing 20. That is, the logger 2 is equipped with a wireless LAN and can communicate with the external terminal T via the router 9 in a wireless manner as shown in FIG. Then, the logger 2 wirelessly communicates with the external terminal T to transmit the measurement result of the physical quantity specified from the digital signal received from the sensor 1 toward the external terminal T. Thereby, it becomes possible to confirm the measurement result even at a location away from the logger 2, that is, to remotely monitor the measurement result. As a result, the convenience of the first measuring instrument S1 is further improved.

  Note that the wireless communication between the logger 2 and the external terminal T is not limited to a communication method using a wireless LAN, and a communication method using infrared rays may be employed. Further, the communication between the logger 2 and the external terminal T is not limited to the wireless communication method, and a wired communication method may be adopted.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, a measuring instrument according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The measuring instrument according to the second embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the second measuring instrument S2) is different from the first measuring instrument S1 in that it includes a branch adapter 30 to be described later, but the first measuring instrument S1 is otherwise configured. It is the same. Therefore, below, only the structure different from 1st measuring device S1, ie, the content regarding the branch adapter 30, is demonstrated.

  In the second measuring instrument S2, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the logger 2 has a branch adapter 30 as a repeater, and a plurality of sensors 1 are simultaneously connected to the logger 2 through the branch adapter 30. To do. More specifically, the branch adapter 30 relays between the sensor 1 and the logger body (specifically, an apparatus configured by equipment in the casing 20). As shown in FIG. An adapter main body 35, a plurality of connection ports 31, a flexible cable 32, and a connector 33 are provided.

  The adapter main body 35 forms a branch circuit necessary for connecting the plurality of sensors 1 to the logger main body. Each connection port 31 corresponds to a relay-side connection port, and one connection port 31 is provided on each side surface of the adapter main body 35. Note that the number and the formation positions of the connection ports 31 can be determined to any number as long as it is two or more, and can be formed at any position in the adapter main body 35.

  Each connection port 31 has the same configuration as the connection port 21 provided in the casing 20 of the controller main body, and specifically has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connector 13 of the sensor 1. Then, by inserting the connector 13 of the sensor 1 into the connection port 31, the sensor 1 is connected to the connection port 31 and assembled to the branch adapter 30. In contrast, the sensor 1 connected to the connection port 31 is easily detached from the branch adapter 30 by pulling out the connector 13 from the connection port 31.

  The flexible cable 32 is a flexible cable that extends from the adapter body 35. The configuration of the flexible cable 32 is the same as that of the flexible cable 12 included in the sensor 1 and includes five signal lines. The connector 33 corresponds to a repeater side connector, is provided at the end of the flexible cable 32, and can be inserted into and removed from the connection port 21 (casing side connection port) provided in the casing 20 of the logger body. . The connector 33 has the same configuration as the connector 13 included in the sensor 1, and specifically, a round connector shown in FIG. 4 is used. Incidentally, the shape of the connector 33 can be freely designed as long as it can be inserted into and removed from the connection port 21 provided in the casing 20 of the logger body.

  Then, in a state where the connector 33 of the branch adapter 30 is inserted into the connection port 21 provided in the casing 20 of the logger body, each connector 13 of the two sensors 1 is inserted into the connection port 31 of the branch adapter 30. As a result, the two sensors 1 are simultaneously connected to the logger 2 including the branch adapter 30. Thus, in the second embodiment, by using the branch adapter 30, it is possible to increase the number of connections of the sensor 1 to the logger 2 without increasing the number of connection ports 21 provided in the casing 20 of the logger 2. Become. As a result, an increase in the size of the logger 2 (strictly speaking, the casing 20) accompanying an increase in the number of connected sensors 1 is suppressed.

  In addition, since the flexible cables 12 of the plurality of sensors 1 are not directly connected to the casing 20 of the logger body, the amount of wiring around the casing 20 is reduced as compared with the case of connecting directly. Thereby, handling of the logger 2, specifically, installation and transfer of the logger main body become easier.

  When two sensors 1 are connected to the logger 2 at the same time, both types of the two sensors 1 are identified by the cooperation of the CPU 3 and the firmware. Thereafter, the CPU 3 reads out the programs corresponding to the types of the two sensors 1 identified in the previous process from the measurement programs stored in the ROM 5. Then, by executing the read measurement program on the firmware, the logger 2 operates as a data logger for the two sensors 1 connected simultaneously. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when a sensor 1A that is a temperature / humidity sensor and a sensor 1B that is a carbon dioxide concentration sensor are connected simultaneously, a measurement program corresponding to both the sensors 1A and 1B in FIG. The program for measuring the temperature and humidity and the carbon dioxide concentration is read out and executed. As a result, the temperature / humidity measurement result and the carbon dioxide concentration measurement result are simultaneously displayed on the display 22 of the logger 2.

As described above, according to the second measuring instrument S2 cited as an example of the measuring instrument according to the present invention, the sensor 1 can be switched while the measuring point of the sensor 1 is separated from the measurement result collecting point. It is possible to respond flexibly to this. Similarly, according to the logger 2 of the second measuring device S 2 it represents controllers of measuring equipment according to the present invention, while releasing the measurement point of the sensor 1 from the collection point of the measurement result, to the switching of the sensor 1 It is possible to respond flexibly.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, as the sensor for the measuring instrument, the sensor 1 configured to be detachable from the logger 2 and connected between the sensor main body 11 and the connector 13 by the flexible cable 12 is used. . By using the sensor 1 together with the logger 2, it is possible to detect a physical quantity at a point away from the logger 2, and it is also possible to switch freely according to the application. As a result, it is possible to more easily carry out measurement rich in variations.

1, 1A, 1B, 1C Sensor 2 Logger (controller)
3 CPU, 4 RAM
5 ROM (internal memory)
6 I / O port 7 Wireless LAN adapter 8 Communication interface 9 Router 11 Sensor body 12 Flexible cable 13 Connector 14 Detection unit, 15 Conversion unit 20 Casing 21 Connection port 22 Display 23 Push button 24 USB jack 25 Battery, 26 Power switch Circuit 27 SD card (recording medium)
30 Branch adapter (repeater)
31 connection port, 32 flexible cable 33 connector 35 adapter body pt pin-shaped terminal S1 first measuring instrument, S2 second measuring instrument T external terminal

Claims (8)

A sensor that detects a physical quantity to be measured and outputs a signal corresponding to the physical quantity;
A controller capable of measuring different types of physical quantities by switching the type of the sensor connected to the connection port.
A relay that relays between the sensor and the controller main body of the controller ,
The sensor includes a sensor main body that detects the physical quantity and generates the signal, a flexible cable that extends from the sensor main body to form the signal transmission path, and a distal end of the flexible cable. A connector that can be freely inserted into and removed from the connection port;
Said controller, said controller for receiving a program storage unit that stores a program for carrying out measurement of the physical quantity with said sensor, said signal as well as reads and executes the program from the program storage unit from the sensor A main body, a display that constitutes a display screen of a measurement result by the sensor , and a casing that houses the program storage unit and the controller main body and includes the display ,
The program storage unit stores a plurality of the programs in association with the type of the sensor,
The controller main body identifies the type of the sensor in a state where the connector is inserted into the connection port, and switches the program to be read and executed from the program storage unit according to the identified type of the sensor,
The casing has a size that can be grasped by a palm of a general adult, has only one casing side connection port as the connection port,
The repeater has a plurality of repeater side connection ports as the connection ports , and extends from the repeater body, a repeater body that functions as a branch circuit that connects the plurality of sensors and the controller body. A second flexible cable for transmitting the signal, and a repeater side connector provided at an end portion of the second flexible cable, which can be inserted into and removed from the casing side connection port,
In a state where the repeater-side connector is inserted into the casing-side connection port, each of the plurality of sensors is inserted into the repeater-side connection port, so that the plurality of sensors can be simultaneously connected to the controller. Connected,
The measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein measurement results of the plurality of sensors connected simultaneously to the controller are simultaneously displayed on the display. The sensor body includes a detection unit that detects the physical quantity and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the physical quantity, and a conversion unit that converts the electrical signal output by the detection unit into a digital signal.
The sensor outputs the digital signal generated by the conversion unit as the signal,
The measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein the flexible cable forms a transmission path for the digital signal.   The controller includes a battery as a power supply source, is activated by the power supplied from the battery, and a part of the power is supplied to the sensor in the state where the connector is inserted into the connection port. The measuring instrument according to claim 1, wherein the measuring instrument is supplied to the instrument. The controller is capable of communicating with an external terminal in a wireless manner, and the controller main body transmits the measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor to the external terminal. The measuring instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that: The controller has a front freely recording medium body detachably attached to mute pacing,
The controller body is measured according to the measurement results of the physical quantity which is specified based on the signal received from the sensor, to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that stored in the recording medium vessel. The controller has an internal memory constituting the program storage unit,
The measurement according to claim 1, wherein the controller main body stores the measurement result of the physical quantity specified based on the signal received from the sensor in the internal memory. vessel. The controller has a push button that is pressed by a user;
Wherein the controller body, the measurement result of the physical quantity which is specified based on the signal received from the sensor at the time when the push button is pushed, according to claim 1 to 6, characterized in that to set as the reference value A measuring instrument given in any 1 paragraph. It is used for the measuring instrument as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 7 , It has the said sensor main body, the said flexible cable, and the said connector, When the said connector is inserted in the said connection port, the said sensor's A sensor for a measuring instrument that transmits identification information of a type to the controller.

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