JP6747818B2 - Mechanical members and electronic components used in structures - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to a mechanical member such as a fastening bolt used in a structure, and more particularly to a mechanical member having a sensing function and its electronic component.

Artificial or natural structures such as various machines, buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges, quays, bedrock, ground and rock walls, various fastening bolts, steel frames, reinforcing bars, concrete moldings, suspension wires, etc. Various mechanical members are used for the purpose of constructing, reinforcing, and utilizing the structure. In order to maintain the shape, structure, strength, function or application of the structure, each mechanical member in the structure generates an appropriate amount of stress and receives an appropriate amount of external force. Need to be Whether or not the external force applied to the mechanical member is appropriate may be due to a malfunction or abnormality of the mechanical member or other parts of the structure.

A fastening bolt equipped with an electronic device that automatically senses the axial force of the shank is known. The fastening bolt disclosed in Patent Document 1 can sense strain (elongation) due to an axial force applied to the shank using an electronic device using a resistance strain gauge. The electronic device outputs the sensing signal to the outside. Based on the signal value, it can be determined whether the fastening bolt is properly tightened or improperly loosened.

In the screw bolt disclosed in Patent Document 2, the strain of the shank can be sensed by an electronic device mounted on the head of the bolt, and a sensing signal can be output to the outside. A portion of the electronic device for connecting to an external device can be mounted on and removed from the head of the bolt.

JP, 2005-114441, A Utility model registration No. 3197435

Fastening bolts that have electronic devices for sensing as described above (herein referred to as sensing fastening bolts) are better than normal fastening bolts so that delicate electronic devices are not damaged during transportation or tightening work. Also needs to be treated carefully. This may reduce the efficiency of bolt tightening work.

In particular, when a plurality of sensing fastening bolts are attached to a plurality of different places of a structure, a reduction in the efficiency of fastening work will be a problem that cannot be ignored.

Further, when a plurality of sensing fastening bolts are attached to different locations of a structure, it is desirable that each sensing fastening bolt be distinguishable from other sensing fastening bolts. More preferably, it is desired that the arrangement position of each sensing fastening bolt in the structure can be easily specified. If so, it is possible to estimate the mechanical state over the entire area of the structure covering these multiple locations based on the sensing signals from those sensing fastening bolts and the identification information or position information of those bolts. is there. This is expected to be useful in estimating damage or unhealth due to aging of the structure or disaster damage, and planning appropriate maintenance.

If the sensing fastening bolts are provided with such a function of identification and positioning, the work of attaching the sensing fastening bolts to the structure becomes more troublesome and the work efficiency may be reduced.

These problems and desires will apply not only to the fastening bolts, but also to other mechanical components with electronics for sensing.

An object of the present invention is to reduce a reduction in the efficiency of the work of attaching or incorporating a mechanical member having a sensing function to a structure.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a mechanical member for a structure as described below is provided.

The mechanical member includes an electronic device for sensing and transmitting the mechanical state of the mechanical member to the outside. The electronic device has a first device and a second device. The first device is initially mounted on the mechanical member. On the other hand, the second device is initially not mounted on the mechanical member and can be mounted on the mechanical member at any later time and electrically connected to the first device. .. Further, the second device has an identification code, and the identification code can be transmitted to the outside.

The mechanical member may further include a shielding member that prevents foreign matter from entering the first device when the second device is not mounted on the mechanical member.

The mechanical member may further include a protective member that protects the second device from an external impact or intrusion of foreign matter when the second device is mounted on the mechanical member.

The second device may be capable of transmitting the identification code to the outside when connected to the first device and when not connected.

The second device may further include a positioning device so that the position data can be transmitted to the outside.

The positioning device may be incorporated in the second device. Alternatively, the positioning device may be provided outside the second device and electrically connected to the second device.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a mechanical member for a structure as described below is provided.

The mechanical member includes an electronic device for sensing and transmitting the mechanical state of the mechanical member to the outside. The electronic device has a first device and a second device. The first device is initially mounted on the mechanical member. On the other hand, the second device is provided outside the mechanical member. The second device is initially electrically unconnected to the first device, and can be connected to the first device at any later time.

The second device may have an identification code and be capable of transmitting the identification code to the outside.

The second device may be capable of transmitting the identification code to the outside both when connected to the first device and when not connected.

The second device may further include a positioning device so that the position data can be transmitted to the outside.

The positioning device may be incorporated in the second device. Alternatively, the positioning device may be provided outside the second device and electrically connected to the second device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided the following electronic component for an electronic device for sensing a mechanical state of a mechanical member. The electronic component is initially not mounted on the mechanical member, and can be mounted on the mechanical member at any later time. When the electronic component is mounted on the mechanical member, the electronic component is electrically connected to another component of the electronic device initially mounted on the mechanical member, thereby completing the electronic device. To be done. The electronic component has an identification code, and the identification code can be transmitted to the outside.

The electronic component may be capable of transmitting the identification code to the outside when the electronic component is connected to the other component or not.

The electronic component may further include a positioning device so that position data can be transmitted to the outside.

According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the reduction in the efficiency of the work of mounting or incorporating a mechanical member having a sensing function in a structure.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the monitor apparatus which receives and displays the sensing result of the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the head of the fastening bolt and electronic device which concern on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state example in which the electronic device of the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment is isolate|separated into two parts. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structural example of the said electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows the modified circuit structural example of the said electronic device. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification structural example of the head in which the one part of the said electronic device is not mounted in the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing another modified configuration example of the head in which a part of the electronic device is not mounted in the fastening bolt according to the first embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and usage example of the fastening bolt which concerns on the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the head of the fastening bolt and electronic device which concern on the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

The present invention can be implemented as various mechanical members used for structures, such as fastening bolts, steel frames, reinforcing bars, concrete moldings, and wires. Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention applied to a fastening bolt will be described as examples for description with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a structure and a usage example of a fastening bolt according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, a fastening bolt (hereinafter referred to as “bolt”) 1 is made of steel, for example, and has a cylindrical shank 2, a hexagonal columnar head 3 provided at one end of the shank 2, and a head. 3 is provided with a flange 4 provided on the outer edge of the shank 2 side. A male screw portion 4 is formed on the other end side of the shank 2. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the combination of the bolt 1 and the nut 8 is fastening the plurality of members 91 and 92 of a certain structure 9, but this is merely an example for explanation.

A recess 6 is formed on the upper surface of the head 3. An electronic device 7 is mounted inside the recess 6. The electronic device 7 has a function of electronically sensing the strain on the inner surface of the recess 6 due to the stress generated in the bolt 1. The electronic device 7 also stores a unique identification code of the electronic device 7. The electronic device 7 may further include a positioning device that measures the position of the electronic device 7. As a positioning device, for example, a receiver of a satellite positioning system such as a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver or a QZSS (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System) receiver, or a local positioning system using a plurality of wireless base stations on the ground Receivers, combinations thereof, or other types of positioning systems can be employed.

The drive power of the electronic device 7 is supplied from the monitor device 100 shown in FIG. 2 to the electronic device 7 by a wireless method using electromagnetic induction, for example. When the electronic device 7 receives power, it automatically electronically senses the amount of strain on the inner surface of the recess 6 of the head 3 (from which the amount of axial force of the shank 2 is known), and the Axial force data having an axial force value according to the magnitude of strain is transmitted to the monitor device 100 shown in FIG. 2 by, for example, wireless communication. When receiving the power supply, the electronic device 7 further transmits the identification code stored in the electronic device 7 to the monitor device 100. When the electronic device 7 has a positioning system, the electronic device 7 measures the position of the electronic device 7 by the positioning system when power is supplied, and transmits position data indicating the position to the monitor device 100. It can be.

FIG. 2 shows the monitor device 100 described above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the monitor device 100 is designed to be portable by a person, and includes a communication device 110 and a computer 120 connected to the communication device 110. The communication device 110 has, for example, a racket-like shape, and has a handle 130 that a person can hold with one hand, and an antenna unit 140 attached to one end of the handle 130. The antenna unit 140 includes a power transmission coil 150 for wirelessly supplying power to the electronic device 7, and a communication antenna 160 for performing wireless near field communication with the electronic device 7. A battery for performing wireless power supply to the electronic device 7, a drive circuit of the power transmission coil 150, and a drive circuit of the communication antenna 160 are housed in the handle 130 (not shown).

By driving the communication device 110 by holding the communication device 110 close to the electronic device 7, a wireless power feeding and communication coupling is formed between the communication device 110 and the electronic device 7. Then, power is supplied from the communication device 110 to the electronic device 7, and the electronic device 7 operates. At the same time, communication is performed between the communication device 110 and the electronic device 7, and the axial force data, the identification code, and/or the position data from the electronic device 7 are sent to the communication device 110.

The computer 120 has a display screen 170 and a microprocessor (not shown). The computer 120 inputs the axial force data, the identification code and/or the position data received by the antenna unit 130, and based on the axial force data, the mechanical state of the bolt 1 (for example, the magnitude of the axial force of the shank 2, And/or calculate the degree of tightening/loosening of the bolt 1 (determination of whether the axial force is proper, too small or too large). Further, the computer 120 may process the input position data to calculate the corresponding position coordinates.

The computer 120 may display and/or store the calculated mechanical state of the bolt 1 on the display screen 170 in association with the identification code and/or position coordinate of the bolt 1 (electronic device 7). it can.

The computer 120 can be realized, for example, by installing an application program that performs the above-described processing in a commercially available mobile phone, tablet type information processing terminal, personal computer, or the like.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the electronic device 7 of the bolt 1 is not completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3, but a part thereof protrudes from the head 3. A power receiving coil that receives electric power from the monitor device 100 and a communication antenna that communicates with the monitor device 100 are housed in the protruding portion. The reason is that if the power receiving coil and the communication antenna are housed inside the steel (conductor) head 3, the electromagnetic shielding effect of the conductor may reduce the power receiving and communication functions.

However, when the bolt 1 is transported or tightened, the portion of the electronic device 7 protruding from the head 3 may collide with surrounding objects, structures, tools, or the like and be damaged. Therefore, a worker must handle the bolt 1 carefully, which may reduce work efficiency. Even if the entire electronic device 7 is completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3, the electronic device 7 may be strongly impacted or vibrated when the bolt 1 is transported or tightened when the bolt 1 is transported or tightened. 7 may be damaged.

To address this issue, the electronic device 7 comprises a first device 71 and a second device 72, which can be coupled and separated from each other, as shown in FIG. The first device 71 is initially mounted on the bolt 1 (that is, already when the bolt is shipped). The first device 71 is completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3.

On the other hand, the second device 72 may be initially not mounted on the bolt 1 (that is, when the bolt is shipped) (that is, may be spatially separated from the bolt 1). The second device 72 can be mounted on the bolt 1 at any later time. When the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1, the second device 72 and the first device 71 are electrically connected, and the electronic device 7 is completed.

When the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1, a part of the second device 72 (where the power receiving coil and the communication antenna described above are housed) projects out of the head 3. However, when the second device 72 is subjected to dangerous shock or vibration such as transportation or tightening, the second device 72 may be separated from the bolt 1 (unless the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1). The second device 72 does not hinder the work. After such work is completed, the second device 72 may be mounted on the bolt 1.

FIG. 3 shows more specifically the structure of the head 3 of the fastening bolt 1 and the electronic device 7 described above.

FIG. 4 shows a state when the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is separated from the head 3 (not mounted on the head 3).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first device 71 of the electronic device 7 has, for example, two resistance strain gauges 711 and 712, which are attached to the inner surface of the recess 6 of the head 3 of the bolt 1. There is. In order to increase the strain sensing sensitivity, it is desirable that the portion of the inner surface of the concave portion 6 to which the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are attached is a portion where the strain changes relatively greatly due to the change of the axial force. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the location of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 is the inner surface near the bottom of the recess 6, but this is only an example and is not limited to that location. For example, resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 may be attached to the inner bottom surface of the recess 6. The electric resistance values of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 change according to the strain of the inner surface of the recess 6 due to the axial force of the bolt 1. The resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are connected to a connector 713 for connecting to the second device 72 via, for example, four electric wires. The connector 713 is firmly fixed to a predetermined position near the bottom of the recess 6 of the bolt 1 by the support member 714. The connector 713 can be connected to and disconnected from the connector 727 of the second device 72. By connecting the connector 713 to the connector 727 of the second device 72, the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are electrically connected to an appropriate circuit in the second device 72 described later.

When the bolt 1 is transported or tightened, only the first device 71 of the electronic devices 7 is mounted on the bolt 1 and the second device 72 is not mounted on the bolt 1 as shown in the lower part of FIG. You can After those operations are completed, the second device 72 can be mounted on the bolt 1. When the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1, the connector 713 of the first device 71 is connected to the connector 727 of the second device 72, whereby the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are formed in the second device 72 described later. It is electrically connected to an appropriate circuit (electronic device 7 is completed).

The second device 72 calculates the axial force value of the bolt 1 based on the electric resistance values of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 of the first device 71 in a state where the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71. However, it has a function of transmitting the axial force data indicating the value to the monitor device 100 described above.

Further, the second device 72 has a function of storing an identification code unique to the second device 72 and transmitting the identification code to the monitor device 100. Furthermore, the second device 72 may have a function of measuring the position of the second device 72 and transmitting position data indicating the position to the monitor device 100. The above-mentioned two functions relating to the identification code and the position data are not limited to the state in which the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71 as shown in FIG. Even when not connected to 71, it is possible to work.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second device 72 includes, for example, an information processing unit 722, a power supply unit 723, and a strain sensor unit 724. These parts 722, 723, 724 are, for example, layered and housed in a resin casing 721.

The casing 721 has, for example, a cylindrical shape, and a part of the casing 721 (particularly, a portion where the strain sensor portion 724 is housed) is designed to fit into a portion of the recess 6 of the head 3 above the first device 71. .. The remaining part of the casing 721 (particularly the part accommodating the information processing unit 722 and the power supply unit 723) projects outside the head 3.

When the second device 72 is mounted on the head 3 of the bolt 1 as shown in FIG. 3, a sealant such as an adhesive or an O-ring is sandwiched between the mutual contact surfaces of the casing 721 and the recess 6 of the head 6. It is possible to prevent water or gas from entering the recess 6 and the electronic device 7 and prevent the electronic device 7 from leaving the recess 6. Still, in order to prevent the detachment, the connection between the casing 721 and the recess 6 may be a screw connection or a locking connection.

The information processing unit 722 is a circuit unit for generating or storing the axial force data and the identification code, and communicating with the monitor device 100. The communication information processing unit 722 includes a communication circuit including a communication antenna 160 (FIG. 2) of the monitor device 100 and a communication antenna for transmitting and receiving a signal, for example, an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag 725. In addition, the information processing unit 722 includes a microprocessor 731 that performs generation or storage of axial force data, an identification code and/or position data, and signal communication with an RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag 725.

The power supply unit 723 is a circuit unit for generating drive power for the electronic device 7. The power supply unit 723 includes a power reception coil 726 that receives AC power from the power transmission coil 150 (FIG. 2) of the monitor device 100. The power supply unit 723 also includes a circuit module that converts AC power received by the power receiving coil 150 into predetermined DC power and supplies the DC power to various circuit elements of the electronic device 7.

The strain sensor unit 724 is a circuit unit that senses the amount of strain on the inner surface of the recess 6 of the head 3. The strain sensor unit 724 has a connector 727 for mechanically and electrically connecting to the connector 713 of the first device 71. As shown in FIG. 3, when the second device 72 is mounted in the recess 6 of the head 3, the strain sensor unit 724 is electrically connected to the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 of the first device 71 through the connectors 727 and 713. Connected. In this state, the strain sensor unit 724 can generate strain data according to the amount of strain on the inner surface of the recess 6 of the head 3 and send the strain data to the information processing unit 722.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a circuit configuration of the electronic device 7.

The configuration of the first device 71 of the electronic device 7 is as described above.

The information processing unit 722 of the second device 72 has the RFID tag 725 and the microprocessor 731 as described above. The RFID tag 725 functions as a communication circuit for communicating with the monitor device 100. The microprocessor 731 has a conversion program programmed in advance, receives strain data from the strain sensor unit 724, and executes the conversion program to convert the strain data into axial force data and convert the axial force data. It is recorded in the IC memory (not shown) in the RFID tag 725. The contents of the conversion program may be fixed or changeable. Further, the microprocessor 731 stores an identification code unique to the second device 72, and records the identification code in the IC memory in the RFID tag 725. The identification code may be fixed or changeable. Further, the microprocessor 731 determines, based on the generated axial force data, whether a predetermined mechanical state of the bolt 1 (for example, whether the axial force value is proper, that is, whether the bolt 1 is properly tightened). , Determination as to whether or not it is loosened inappropriately) and record the mechanical state information in the IC memory in the RFID tag 725. The RFID tag 725 transmits the axial force data, the identification code and/or the mechanical state information stored in the IC memory to the monitor device 100.

The power supply unit 723 has a rectifying/smoothing circuit 732 and a voltage regulator 733 in addition to the power receiving coil 726 described above. The AC power output from the power receiving coil 726 is converted into DC power by the rectifying/smoothing circuit 732, and the DC power is converted into stabilized DC power of the constant voltage Vd by the voltage regulator 733. The stabilized DC power is supplied to the information processing unit 722, the power supply unit 723, and the strain sensor unit 724.

The strain sensor unit 724 includes a plurality of (for example, two) fixed resistors 734 and 335, a DC voltage conversion circuit 736, and a sensing signal conversion circuit 737 in addition to the connector 727 described above.

The fixed resistors 734 and 335 are electrically connected to the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 of the first device 71 through the connectors 727 and 713, so that the sensing voltage according to the resistance value change of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712. Form a resistive bridge for generating the signals Va, Vb. The DC voltage conversion circuit 736 converts the voltage Vd from the power supply unit 723 into reference voltages Vr1 and Vr2 for the resistance bridge, and applies the reference voltages Vr1 and Vr2 to the resistance bridge. The sensing signal conversion circuit 737 converts the sensing voltage signals Va and Vb from the resistance bridge into strain data, and supplies the strain data to the microprocessor 731 of the information processing unit 722.

In the above circuit configuration, the function of transmitting the identification code of the second device 72 to the monitor device 100 is not limited to when the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71, and the second device 72 is the first device. Even when separated from 71, it can work normally. That is, even if the second device 72 is separated from the first device 71, if power is sent from the monitor device 100 to the second device 72, the power supply unit 723 receives the power and supplies power to the information processing unit 722. Then, the information processing unit 722 transmits the identification code stored in the microprocessor 731 to the monitor device 100 through the RFID tag 725.

The bolt 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 has some advantages in handling the bolt.

First, it is possible to suppress a decrease in work efficiency due to the necessity of careful handling of the bolt 1. This is because, during the work of transporting or tightening the bolt 1, the worker can handle the bolt 1 on which the delicate second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is not yet mounted.

Secondly, when the bolt 1 having a specific identification code has to be attached to a specific location of the structure 9, a decrease in work efficiency due to the necessity of confirming the identification code of the bolt 1 is suppressed. This is because the worker can pick up any bolt 1 and attach it to the place without paying attention to the identification code. The operator can then select the second device 72 with the desired identification code and attach it to the bolt 1. Therefore, when the bolt 1 is tightened, it is not necessary to select the bolt 1 by the identification code.

Thirdly, it becomes easy to grasp the arrangement position of the bolt 1 in the structure. This is because, if an information base that associates the arrangement position of the bolt 1 with the identification code of the second device 72 mounted on the bolt 1 is prepared, the identification code read by the monitor device 100 from the bolt 1 is prepared. This is because the position of the bolt 1 can be easily specified by checking the information base.

Fourthly, it will be able to contribute to the maintenance plan for coping with the deterioration of the structure 9 and the disaster damage. That is, if a plurality of bolts 1 are attached to different positions of the structure 9, the position and axial force of each position of the structure 9 can be specified by using the above-mentioned information base. The spatial distribution of the axial force in the structure 9 is clarified by analyzing the axial forces at the multiple locations in association with the mutual positional relationship between the multiple locations. From this information, the mechanical state of the structure 1 (for example, abnormal load distribution of the structure 9, total or partial distortion of the structure 9, deformation or deterioration, or abnormal inclination of the structure 9) Can be estimated.

FIG. 6 shows a modified configuration example of the electronic device 7 of the bolt 1 according to the first embodiment.

The configuration example shown in FIG. 6 differs from the configuration example shown in FIG. 5 in that a positioning device, for example, a GPS receiver 738 is added to the information processing unit 722 of the second device 72. The GPS receiver 738 operates with the power supplied from the power supply unit 723. The GPS receiver 738 automatically senses the position of the second device 72 and provides position information to the microprocessor 731. The microprocessor 731 generates position data from the position information and records the position data in the RFID tag 725. The RFID tag 725 transmits position data to the monitor device 100 in addition to the axial force data and the identification code.

Even if the second device 72 is not yet mounted on the bolt 1 and is not connected to the first device 71, if the monitor device 100 or the second device 72 is powered, the second device 72 operates and the GPS receiver The position data according to 738 may be transmitted to the monitor device 100.

By using the electronic device 7 having the configuration shown in FIG. 6, the position of the bolt 1 attached to the structure 9 can be automatically grasped even without the aforementioned information base. Thereby, it will be possible to more effectively contribute to the maintenance plan for coping with the deterioration of the structure 9 and the disaster damage.

FIG. 7 shows a modified configuration example of the head 3 in which the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is not mounted.

As shown in FIG. 7, a shield lid 81 is fitted in the opening of the recess 6 of the head 3. The shield lid 81 closes the opening of the recess 6 to prevent water, dust, or other foreign matter from entering the recess 6 and the first device 71. The operator can mount the second device 7 on the head 3 after manually removing the head 3 from the shielding lid 81.

FIG. 8 shows another modified configuration example of the head 3 in which the second device 7 of the electronic device 7 is not mounted.

As shown in FIG. 8, the shielding film 82 is attached to the upper surface of the head 3, the inner peripheral surface of the recess 6 and the upper surface of the first device 71. The shielding film 82 entirely covers the inner peripheral surface of the recess 6 and the upper surface of the first device 71, and prevents water, dust, and other foreign matter from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the recess 6 and entering the first device 71. .. The worker can mount the second device 7 on the head 3 after manually peeling off the shielding film 82 from the head 3.

An adhesive (or a microcapsule containing the adhesive) 83 may be enclosed between the inner peripheral surface of the recess 6 and the shielding film 82. Even if the shielding film 82 is peeled off, the adhesive 83 remains on the inner surface of the recess 6. When the second device 72 is mounted on the head 3, the adhesive 83 fixes the second device 72 to the head 3 and seals the gap between the second device 72 and the recess 6.

FIG. 9 shows a structure and a usage example of the bolt 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 9, a positioning device (for example, GPS receiver) 73 is provided outside the second device 72 of the electronic device 7. The second device 72 and the positioning device 73 are spatially separated from each other, but are electrically connected to each other via a power feeding and communication cable 74. The electrical connection (especially communication connection) between the second device 72 and the positioning device 73 may be a wireless connection.

The positioning device 73 can be mounted on the structure 9 at a location 93 different from the bolt 1. For example, when the positioning device 73 is a GPS receiver, if the bolt 1 is located in a place not suitable for GPS reception, the positioning device 73 can be located in a place suitable for GPS reception. If the distance between the bolt 1 and the positioning device 73 is close to some extent, no practical problem will occur even if the position data from the positioning device 73 is regarded as indicating the position of the bolt 1. Alternatively, the position data from the positioning device 73 can be corrected by the difference between the positions of the bolt 1 and the positioning device 73.

FIG. 10 shows a structure and a usage example of the bolt 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 10, the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is provided outside the bolt 1. The second device 72 is spatially separated from the bolt 1, but is electrically connected to the first device 71 mounted on the bolt 1 via the power feeding and communication cable 75 and the connector 76 at the end of the cable 75. Has been done. The connector 76 can be connected to or detached from the first device 71. Therefore, the second device 72 can be connected to or detached from the bolt 1. The electrical connection between the first device 71 and the second device 72 may be a wireless connection.

The second device 72, regardless of whether it is connected to the first device 71 or not, sends the stored identification code and/or position data obtained by the positioning function to an external device such as the monitor device 100. Can be sent.

The second device 72 can be mounted on the structure 9 at a location 93 different from the bolt 1. For example, if the bolt 1 is located in a place unsuitable for use with the monitor device 100, the second device 72 may be located in a place unsuitable for use with the monitor device 100.

When the second device 72 has a positioning function, if the distance between the bolt 1 and the second device 72 is close to a certain degree, it is considered that the position data generated by the second device 72 indicates the position of the bolt 1 without any practical problem. It won't happen. Alternatively, the position data from the second device 72 can be corrected by the difference in position between the bolt 1 and the second device 72.

FIG. 11 shows a structure and usage example of the bolt 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 11, the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is provided outside the bolt 1. The second device 72 is spatially separated from the bolt 1, but is electrically connected to the first device 71 via a power feeding and communication cable 75 and a connector 76 at the tip of the cable 75. The connector 76 can be connected to or detached from the first device 71. Therefore, the second device 72 can be connected to or detached from the bolt 1.

Further, a positioning device (for example, GPS receiver) 73 is provided outside the second device 72. The second device 72 and the positioning device 73 are spatially separated from each other, but are electrically connected to each other via a power feeding and communication cable 74. The electrical connection (especially communication connection) between the second device 72 and the positioning device 73 may be a wireless connection.

The second device 72, whether connected to the first device 71 or not, connects the stored identification code and/or position data obtained from the positioning device 73 to an external device such as the monitor device 100. Can be sent to.

The second device 72 and the positioning device 73 can be attached to the places 9 and 94 different from the bolt 1 on the structure 9, respectively. For example, the second device 72 can be installed in a place suitable for using the monitor device 100, and the positioning device 73 can be installed in a place suitable for positioning.

FIG. 12 shows a structure and a usage example of the bolt 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 12, the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 is electrically connected to an external power supply device (for example, a battery, a power generation device, or a commercial power supply device) 91 via a power supply cable 78, and , And is electrically connected to a data processing device (for example, a computer) 93 via a communication cable 79. The external power supply device 91 supplies drive power to the electronic device 7. The data processing device 93 receives the axial force data, the identification code, and/or the position data from the electronic device 7, processes the data, and outputs a processing result (for example, data indicating the mechanical state of the structure 9). Output.

Instead of the communication cable 79, a wireless communication network (for example, a mobile phone network, a satellite communication network, a Wi-Fi network, etc.) may be used to perform wireless communication between the electronic device 7 and the data processing device 93. ..

The power supply from the external power supply device 91 to the second device 72 may be wireless power supply.

FIG. 13 shows the head 3 of the bolt 1 and the electronic device 7 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 13, a protective cover 84 is mounted on the head 3 of the bolt 1. The protective cover 84 surrounds the head 3 and the electronic device 7 exposed from the head 3, and thereby protects the electronic device 7 from external impact and intrusion of foreign substances such as water, dust, and gas.

The protective cover 84 may be a separate component separated from the bolt 1 and the second device 72, or may be included in the second device 72 (for example, a component integrated with the casing of the second device, or It may be a component previously attached to the second device 72). In the latter case, the protective cover 84 can be mounted on the bolt 1 at the same time as the second device 72. In the latter case, the protective cover 84 may further protect the second device 72 from the impact of collision with foreign matter or drop during transportation or handling of the second device 72 before being mounted on the bolt 1. it can.

The several embodiments of the present invention described above are merely examples for the purpose of explanation, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The present invention can be implemented in various forms different from the above-described embodiments.

For example, the configuration of the electronic device 7 can be different from the configuration shown in FIG. 5 or 6. For example, all or part of the elements included in the strain sensor unit 724 may be incorporated in the first device 71, or part of the elements included in the other components 722 and 723 may be incorporated. The functionality of the three components 724, 722, 723 shown in FIG. 5 or 6 may be implemented with fewer or more components. Multiple elements may be integrated into one element.

Further, the method of supplying power to the electronic device 7 and the method of communicating with the electronic device 7 can be implemented by any wire type, proximity wireless type, and/or remote wireless method available at the time of implementing the invention. As the positioning method, not only GPS but also various other methods available at the time of carrying out the invention can be adopted.

The identification code of the second device 72 of the electronic device 7 does not necessarily have to be fixed and may be writable and/or rewritable by an external device. Moreover, when the second device 72 has a positioning device, the second device 72 may not have the identification code.

The first device 71 of the electronic device 7 may have a unique feature code. The characteristic code of the first device 71 can be used to identify or specify the individuality of the first device 71 (for example, the strain-electric resistance conversion characteristic of the strain gauges 711 and 712, that is, the characteristic of strain sensing). Then, the conversion program of the second device 72 for converting the strain data into the axial force data can be calibrated, programmed or selected according to the characteristic code of the first device 71 (in other words, the personality of the first device 71). You can do it. For example, when the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71, the feature code is read from the first device 71, and the second device 72 uses the conversion program preprogrammed therein as its feature code. Accordingly, the second device 72 can be configured to be calibrated. Alternatively, for example, the second device 72 notifies the external device (for example, the monitor device 100) of the characteristic code of the first device 71, and the external device notifies the second device 72 of a conversion program suitable for the characteristic code. To be programmed into the second device 72. Alternatively, for example, by using the feature code of the first device 71, one second device 72 in which a conversion program suitable for the feature code is preprogrammed from among a plurality of second devices 72 having different conversion programs. It is also possible to select.

The present invention can be applied to various metal or non-metal mechanical members other than fastening bolts. For example, a wide variety of members that have a function of supporting external force, such as pillars, beams, wires, rods, plates, blocks, suspensions, fixings, and reinforcements that form the structure or foundation of a structure, The present invention can be implemented.

1 Bolt 2 Shank 3 Head 6 Recess 7 of Head 3 Electronic Device 9 Structure 71 First Device 72 of Electronic Device 7 Second Device 73 of Electronic Device Positioning Device 74 Power Supply and Communication Cable 75 Power Supply and Communication Cable 76 Connector 77 Power Supply and Communication cable 78 Power supply cable 81 Protective lid 82 Protective film 83 Adhesive 84 Protective cover 91 External power supply device 93 Data processing device 92 Communication cables 93, 94 Location different from bolt 1 of structure 9 Monitor device 722 Information processing unit 723 Power supply Unit 724 strain sensor unit 725 communication device (eg, RFID tag)
731 Microprocessor 738 Positioning device (eg GPS receiver)

Claims (13)

In mechanical members used in structures,
An electronic device for sensing and transmitting the mechanical state of the mechanical member to the outside,
The electronic device has a first device and a second device,
The first device is initially mounted on the mechanical member,
The second device is initially unloaded on the mechanical member and can be mounted on the mechanical member at any later time and electrically connected to the first device;
The second device has an identification code, and the identification code can be transmitted to the outside ,
Further comprising a shielding member for preventing foreign matter from entering the first device when the second device is not mounted on the mechanical member .
Mechanical member. In mechanical members used in structures,
An electronic device for sensing and transmitting the mechanical state of the mechanical member to the outside,
The electronic device has a first device and a second device,
The first device is initially mounted on the mechanical member,
The second device is initially unloaded on the mechanical member and can be mounted on the mechanical member at any later time and electrically connected to the first device;
The second device has an identification code, and the identification code can be transmitted to the outside,
The second device further has a positioning device and can transmit position data to the outside.
Mechanical member. Further comprising a protection member for protecting the second device from external impact or intrusion of foreign matter when the second device is mounted on the mechanical member,
The mechanical member according to claim 1 or 2 . The second device can transmit the identification code to the outside regardless of whether the second device is connected to the first device or not.
The dynamic member according to claim 1. The positioning device, the outside is provided in the second device, mechanical members of claim 2 which is the second device electrically connected. In mechanical members used in structures,
An electronic device for sensing and transmitting the mechanical state of the mechanical member to the outside,
The electronic device has a first device and a second device,
The first device is initially mounted on the mechanical member,
The second device is provided outside the mechanical member, is initially electrically unconnected to the first device, and can be connected to the first device at any later time ,
The second device further comprises a positioning device, Ru can send location data to the outside,
Mechanical member. The second device has an identification code, and the identification code can be transmitted to the outside.
The mechanical member according to claim 6 . The second device can transmit the identification code to the outside regardless of whether the second device is connected to the first device or not.
The mechanical member according to claim 7 . The mechanical member according to claim 8 , wherein the positioning device is provided outside the second device and is electrically connected to the second device. In the electronic component of the electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member used in the structure,
Initially it is not mounted on the mechanical member, and it can be mounted on the mechanical member at any later time,
When mounted on the mechanical member, it is electrically connected to another component of the electronic device initially mounted on the mechanical member,
Has an identification code, which can be transmitted to the outside ,
Further comprising a positioning device, Ru can send location data to the outside,
Electronic components. The identification code can be transmitted to the outside regardless of whether it is connected to the other component or not.
Electronic component according to claim 1 0. In the electronic component of the electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member used in the structure,
Provided outside the mechanical member,
Initially, unconnected with another component of the electronic device initially mounted on the mechanical member,
Can be connected to the other part at any time later ,
Further comprising a positioning device, Ru can send location data to the outside,
Electronic components. Having an identification code, the identification code can be transmitted to the outside,
Electronic component according to claim 1 2.

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