JP6989667B2 - Mechanical members used in structures - Google Patents

Description

The present invention generally relates to mechanical members such as fastening bolts used in structures, and more particularly to mechanical members having a sensing function and electronic components thereof.

Various machines, structures, roads, tunnels, bridges, quays, bedrock, ground and natural structures such as fastening bolts, steel frames, reinforcing bars, concrete moldings, hanging wires, etc. Mechanical members are used for the purpose of constructing, reinforcing and utilizing the structure. In order to maintain the shape, structure, strength, function or use of the structure, each mechanical member in the structure generates stress of appropriate magnitude and receives external force of appropriate magnitude. You need to be. Whether or not the external force applied to the mechanical member is appropriate may be due to a defect or abnormality in other parts of the mechanical member or structure.

Fastening bolts with electronic devices that automatically sense the axial force of the shank are known. The fastening bolt disclosed in Patent Document 1 can sense the strain (elongation) due to the axial force applied to the shank by 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.

The screw bolt disclosed in Patent Document 2 can also sense the distortion of the shank with an electronic device mounted on the head of the bolt and output a sensing signal to the outside. The part of the electronic device for connecting to the external device can be mounted and removed from the head of the bolt.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-114441 Utility Model Registration No. 3197435 Gazette

Fastening bolts with electronic devices for sensing as described above (here, referred to as sensing fastening bolts) are better than ordinary fastening bolts so that delicate electronic devices are not damaged during transportation and tightening work. Also need to be treated carefully. This may cause a decrease in the efficiency of bolt tightening work.

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

Further, when a plurality of sensing fastening bolts are attached to a plurality of different locations in a structure, it is desired that each sensing fastening bolt can be distinguished 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 may be possible to estimate the mechanical state of the entire region covering those multiple points of the structure based on the sensing signals from those sensing fastening bolts and the identification or position information of those bolts. be. This is expected to help estimate damage or impairment due to aging or disaster damage to the structure and plan appropriate maintenance.

If such identification and positioning functions are provided to the sensing fastening bolts, the work of attaching the sensing fastening bolts to the structure becomes more troublesome, and the work efficiency may decrease.

These problems and demands will apply not only to fastening bolts, but also to other mechanical members with electronic devices for sensing.

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

According to one aspect of the invention, mechanical members for the following structures are provided.

The mechanical member includes an electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member and transmitting it 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 time later 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 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 regardless of whether it is connected to the first device or not.

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

The positioning device may be built in the second device. Alternatively, the positioning device may be provided outside the second device and may be electrically connected to the second device.
According to another aspect of the invention, mechanical members for structures such as the following are provided.

The mechanical member includes an electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member and transmitting it 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 not electrically connected to the first device, and can be connected to the first device at any time later.

The second device may have an identification code so that the identification code can be transmitted to the outside.

The second device may be capable of transmitting the identification code to the outside regardless of whether it is connected to the first device or not.

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

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

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the following electronic components are provided for an electronic device for sensing the 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 time later. 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. Will 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 an identification code to the outside regardless of whether it is connected to or not connected to the other component.

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

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

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view which shows an example of the monitoring device 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 the electronic device which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the state example which the electronic device of the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment is separated into two parts. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure example of the electronic device. It is a block diagram which shows the modified circuit configuration example of the electronic device. It is sectional drawing which shows the deformation configuration example of the head which a part of said electronic apparatus is not mounted in the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows another modified configuration example of the head which a part of said electronic apparatus is not mounted in the fastening bolt which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure and use example of the fastening bolt which concerns on 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the head of the fastening bolt and the electronic device which concerns on 6th Embodiment of this invention.

The present invention can be implemented as various mechanical members used in structures, such as fastening bolts, steel frames, reinforcing bars, concrete moldings, wires and the like. In the following, as an example for explanation, some embodiments of the present invention applied to the fastening bolt will be described with reference to the drawings.

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

As shown in FIG. 1, the fastening bolt (hereinafter referred to as “bolt”) 1 is made of, for example, steel, and has a columnar shank 2, a hexagonal columnar head 3 provided at one end of the shank 2, and a head. A flange 4 provided on the outer edge of the shank 2 side of 3 is provided. A male screw portion 4 is formed on the other end side of the shank 2. FIG. 1 shows a state in which a combination of bolts 1 and nuts 8 fastens a 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. The electronic device 7 is mounted inside the recess 6. The electronic device 7 has a function of electronically sensing the distortion of 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 have 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 multiple radio base stations on the ground. Receivers, combinations thereof, or other types of positioning systems can be adopted.

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

FIG. 2 shows the monitor device 100 described above.

As shown in FIG. 2, the monitoring device 100 is designed to be portable by a person, and has a communication device 110 and a computer 120 connected to the communication device 110. The communication device 110 has a shape like a racket, for example, and has a handle 130 that can be grasped by a person with one hand, and an antenna unit 140 attached to one end of the handle 130. The antenna unit 140 has a power transmission coil 150 for wirelessly supplying power to the electronic device 7, and a communication antenna 160 for performing wireless proximity communication with the electronic device 7. A battery for wirelessly supplying power 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 holding the communication device 110 close to the electronic device 7 to drive the communication device 110, a wireless power feeding and communication coupling is formed between the communication device 110 and the electronic device 7. Then, electric power is supplied from the communication device 110 to the electronic device 7, and the electronic device 7 operates. In addition, 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, the degree of tightening / loosening of the bolt 1 (judgment of whether the axial force is appropriate, too small, or excessive) is calculated. Further, the computer 120 may calculate the corresponding position coordinates by processing the input position data.

Then, 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 the position coordinate of the bolt 1 (electronic device 7). can.

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

With reference to FIG. 1 again, the electronic device 7 of the bolt 1 is not completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3, and a part thereof protrudes from the head 3. A power receiving coil that receives 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 power receiving and communication functions may be deteriorated due to the electromagnetic shield effect of the conductor.

However, when the bolt 1 is transported or tightened, the portion of the electronic device 7 protruding from the head 3 may collide with a surrounding object, structure, tool, or the like and be damaged. Therefore, the worker must handle the bolt 1 carefully, which may reduce the work efficiency. Further, even if the entire electronic device 7 is completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3, the electronic device may be subjected to a strong impact or vibration that may be applied to the bolt 1 during transportation or tightening of the bolt 1. 7 may be damaged.

To address this issue, as shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device 7 has a first device 71 and a second device 72 that are interconnectable and separable. The first device 71 is initially mounted on the bolt 1 (that is, already at the time of shipment of the bolt). The first device 71 is completely housed in the recess 6 of the head 3.

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

When the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1, a part of the second device 72 (in which the power receiving coil and the communication antenna described above are housed) protrudes to the outside of the head 3. However, when dangerous impact or vibration is applied to the second device 72 such as transportation or tightening, if the second device 72 is separated from the bolt 1 (unless the second device 72 is mounted on the bolt 1). , The second device 72 does not interfere with the work. After such work is completed, the second device 72 may be mounted on the bolt 1.

FIG. 3 more specifically shows 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 recess 6 to which the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are attached is a portion where the strain thereof changes relatively significantly due to a change in the axial force. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locations of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are on 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 on 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 the connector 713 for connecting to the second device 72, for example, via 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 transporting or tightening the bolt 1, as shown in the lower part of FIG. 4, 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. It may be there. After these 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 connects to the connector 727 of the second device 72, whereby the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 are placed in the second device 72 described later. It is electrically connected to the appropriate circuit (the 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 of being connected to the first device 71 as shown in FIG. It also has a function of transmitting axial force data indicating the value to the above-mentioned monitoring device 100.

Further, the second device 72 also has a function of storing an identification code unique to the second device 72 and transmitting the identification code to the monitoring 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 monitoring device 100. The above two functions related to the identification code and the position data are not only in the state where the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71 as shown in FIG. 3, but also in the state where the second device 72 is the first device as shown in FIG. It is possible to work even if it is not connected to 71.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second device 72 has, 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 is designed, for example, to have a cylindrical shape, and a part thereof (particularly, a part housed by the strain sensor portion 724) is designed to fit into a portion of the recess 6 of the head 3 above the first device 71. .. The remaining portion of the casing 721 (particularly the portion accommodating the information processing unit 722 and the power supply unit 723) protrudes to the outside of the head 3.

When the second device 72 is mounted on the head 3 of the bolt 1 as shown in FIG. 3, a seal 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. , Water or gas can be prevented from entering the recess 6 and the electronic device 7, and the electronic device 7 can be prevented from coming off from the recess 6. Still, the connection between the casing 721 and the recess 6 may be a screw connection or a locking connection to prevent detachment.

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

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

The strain sensor unit 724 is a circuit unit that senses the magnitude 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, in a state where 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. Be connected. In that state, the strain sensor unit 724 can generate strain data according to the magnitude of the 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 the circuit configuration of the electronic device 7.

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

As described above, the information processing unit 722 of the second device 72 has an RFID tag 725 and a microprocessor 731. The RFID tag 725 functions as a communication circuit for communicating with the monitoring device 100. The microprocessor 731 has a conversion program programmed in advance, receives strain data from the strain sensor unit 724, executes the conversion program, converts the strain data into axial force data, and converts the axial force data into axial force data. Record in the IC memory (not shown) in the RFID tag 725. The content 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 modifiable. Further, the microprocessor 731 is based on the generated axial force data, and based on the generated axial force data, a predetermined mechanical state of the bolt 1 (for example, whether or not the axial force value is appropriate, that is, whether or not the bolt 1 is properly tightened). , Judgment of improper loosening) may be specified and the mechanical state information may be recorded 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 monitoring 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 having a 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 has a plurality of (for example, two) fixed resistors 734, 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 via the connectors 727 and 713, so that the sensing voltage corresponding to the change in the resistance value of the resistance strain gauges 711 and 712 is obtained. Form a resistance bridge to generate signals Va and Vb. The DC voltage conversion circuit 736 converts the voltage Vd from the power supply unit 723 into the 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 distortion data, and provides the distortion 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 only when the second device 72 is connected to the first device 71, but also when the second device 72 is the first device. It can work normally even when it is separated from 71. That is, even if the second device 72 is separated from the first device 71, if power is sent from the monitoring 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 monitoring device 100 through the RFID tag 725.

The bolt 1 according to the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 has several advantages in its handling as follows.

First, the decrease in work efficiency due to the need for careful handling of the bolt 1 can be suppressed. This is because during the transportation and tightening work of the bolt 1, the worker can handle the bolt 1 to 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 must be attached to a specific location of the structure 9, the decrease in work efficiency due to the necessity of confirming the identification code of the bolt 1 can be suppressed. This is because the worker can pick up an arbitrary bolt 1 and attach it to the place without being aware of the identification code. After that, the worker can select a second device 72 having a desired identification code and attach it to the bolt 1. Therefore, when tightening the bolt 1, 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 is prepared in which the arrangement position of the bolt 1 and the identification code of the second device 72 mounted on the bolt 1 are linked, the identification code read from the bolt 1 by the monitoring device 100 can be obtained. This is because the position of the bolt 1 can be easily specified in light of the information base.

Fourth, it will contribute to the maintenance plan to deal with the deterioration of the structure 9 and the damage caused by disasters. That is, if a plurality of bolts 1 are attached to a plurality of different locations of the structure 9, the positions and axial forces of the respective locations of the structure 9 can be specified by using the above-mentioned information base. By analyzing the axial forces at a plurality of locations in relation to the mutual positional relationship at the plurality of locations, the spatial distribution of the axial forces in the structure 9 becomes clear. From this information, the mechanical state of the structure 1 (eg, anomalies in the load distribution of the structure 9, total or partial strain, deformation or deterioration of the structure 9, or anomalous tilt 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 difference between the configuration example shown in FIG. 6 and the configuration example shown in FIG. 5 is 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 on the electric power supplied from the power supply unit 723. The GPS receiver 738 automatically senses the position of the second device 72 and provides the position information to the microprocessor 731. The microprocessor 731 generates position data from the position information and records the position data on the RFID tag 725. The RFID tag 725 transmits position data to the monitoring 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 power is supplied to the monitoring device 100 or the second device 72, the second device 72 will operate and the GPS receiver will operate. The position data by the 738 may be made to be transmitted to the monitoring 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 without the above-mentioned information base. As a result, it will be possible to more effectively contribute to the maintenance plan for dealing with the deterioration of the structure 9 and the damage caused by the disaster.

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

As shown in FIG. 7, the shielding lid 81 is fitted in the opening of the recess 6 of the head 3. The shielding lid 81 closes the opening of the recess 6 to prevent water, dust, and other foreign substances from entering the recess 6 and the first device 71. The worker can manually remove the second device 7 from the head 3 from the shielding lid 81, and then mount the second device 7 on the head 3.

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 completely 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 substances from adhering to the inner peripheral surface of the recess 6 and invading the first device 71. .. The worker can mount the second device 7 on the head 3 after the shielding film 82 is manually peeled off from the head 3.

An adhesive (or a microcapsule containing an adhesive) 83 may be encapsulated 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 the structure and 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, a 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 supply and communication cable 74. The electrical connection (particularly, the communication connection) between the second device 72 and the positioning device 73 may be a wireless connection.

The positioning device 73 can be attached to a location 93 different from the bolt 1 on the structure 9. For example, when the positioning device 73 is a GPS receiver, if the bolt 1 is arranged in a place suitable for GPS reception, the positioning device 73 can be arranged in a place suitable for GPS reception. If the distance between the bolt 1 and the positioning device 73 is close to some extent, there will be no practical problem 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 in position between the bolt 1 and the positioning device 73.

FIG. 10 shows the structure and 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. Although the second device 72 is spatially separated from the bolt 1, it is electrically connected to the first device 71 mounted on the bolt 1 via the power supply and communication cable 75 and the connector 76 at the tip of the cable 75. Has been done. The connector 76 can be connected to the first device 71 or can be removed from the first device 71. Therefore, the second device 72 can be connected to or disconnected 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 transfers the stored identification code and / or the position data obtained by the positioning function to an external device such as the monitoring device 100 regardless of whether it is connected to the first device 71 or not. Can be sent.

The second device 72 can be attached to a location 93 different from the bolt 1 on the structure 9. For example, if the bolt 1 is placed in a location unsuitable for use with the monitor device 100, the second device 72 may be located in a location suitable 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 some extent, there is a practical problem even if the position data generated by the second device 72 indicates the position of the bolt 1. Will not occur. 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 the 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 the power supply and communication cable 75 and the connector 76 at the tip of the cable 75. The connector 76 can be connected to the first device 71 or can be removed from the first device 71. Therefore, the second device 72 can be connected to or disconnected from the bolt 1.

Further, a positioning device (for example, a 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 supply and communication cable 74. The electrical connection (especially the communication connection) between the second device 72 and the positioning device 73 may be a wireless connection.

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

The second device 72 and the positioning device 73 can be attached to places 93 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 use of the monitor device 100, and the positioning device 73 can be installed in a place suitable for positioning.

FIG. 12 shows the structure and 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 also. , Is electrically connected to a data processing device (eg, 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 axial force data, an identification code, and / or position data from the electronic device 7, processes the data, and obtains 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.) can 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 can also 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, the 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, thereby protecting the electronic device 7 from external impacts and the 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 provided by 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 dropping during transportation or handling of the second device 72 before being mounted on the bolt 1. can.

Some embodiments of the present invention described above are merely exemplary for illustration purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to those embodiments alone. The present invention can be carried out in various forms different from the above-described embodiment.

For example, the configuration of the electronic device 7 may be different from the configuration shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. For example, the first device 71 may incorporate all or a part of the elements included in the strain sensor unit 724, or may incorporate a part of the elements included in the other parts 722 and 723. The functions of the three parts 724, 722, 723 shown in FIG. 5 or 6 may be performed with a smaller number or a larger number of parts. A plurality of elements may be integrated into one element.

Further, the methods of power supply and communication to the electronic device 7 can be carried out by any wire type, proximity wireless type, and / or remote wireless method available at the time of carrying out the invention, respectively. As the positioning method, not only GPS but also various other methods available at the time of implementation of 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 from an external device. Further, when the second device 72 has a positioning device, the second device 72 does not have to have an identification code.

The first device 71 of the electronic device 7 may have a unique feature code. The feature 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 characteristics of the strain gauges 711 and 712, that is, the characteristics 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 feature code of the first device 71 (in other words, the individuality 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 pre-programmed there as the 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 monitoring device 100) of the feature code of the first device 71, and the external device to the second device 72 is a conversion program suitable for the feature code. Can also be sent to be programmed into the second device 72. Alternatively, for example, one second device 72 in which a conversion program suitable for the feature code is pre-programmed from among a plurality of second devices 72 having different conversion programs by using the feature code of the first device 71. You can also choose.

The present invention can be applied to various metallic or non-metallic mechanical members other than fastening bolts. For example, a wide variety of members that have the function of supporting external forces, such as pillars, beams, wires, bars, plates, blocks, hanging materials, fixing materials, and reinforcing materials that make up the skeleton structure or foundation of a structure. The present invention can be carried out.

1 Bolt 2 Shank 3 Head 6 Head 3 recess 7 Electronic device 9 Structure 71 Electronic device 7 first device 72 Electronic device second device 73 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 cable 93, 94 Location different from bolt 1 of structure 9 100 Monitor device 722 Information processing unit 723 Power supply Unit 724 Distortion sensor unit 725 Communication device (for example, RFID tag)
731 microprocessor 738 positioning device (eg GPS receiver)

Claims (5)

In mechanical members used in structures
The mechanical member includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and an electronic device.
A recess having an inner bottom surface and an inner side surface is formed on the upper surface of the head.
The electronic device has a resistance strain gauge attached to the inner surface of the recess in order to sense the magnitude of strain generated on the inner surface of the recess due to an axial force applied to the shank.
The inner bottom surface is perpendicular to the extending direction of the shank and is perpendicular to the extending direction.
The inner surface near the inner bottom surface to which the resistance strain gauge is attached is inclined with respect to the extending direction of the shank.
Mechanics member. In mechanical members used in structures
It is equipped with an electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member and transmitting it to the outside.
The electronic device has a first portion and a second portion.
The first portion is mounted on the mechanical member, and the first portion is mounted on the mechanical member.
The second portion is spatially separated from the first portion so that it can be attached to a location separate from the mechanical member, and is electrically connected to the first portion via a cable or wirelessly.
The second part has a positioning device.
Mechanics member. In mechanical members used in structures
It is equipped with an electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member and transmitting it to the outside.
The electronic device has a first portion and a second portion.
The first portion is mounted on the mechanical member, and the first portion is mounted on the mechanical member.
The second portion is spatially separated from the first portion so that it can be attached to a location separate from the mechanical member, and is electrically connected to the first portion via a cable or wirelessly.
The second portion is formed to transmit data to an external device.
Mechanics member. In mechanical members used in structures
It is equipped with an electronic device for sensing the mechanical state of the mechanical member and transmitting it to the outside.
The electronic device has a first portion and a second portion.
The first portion is mounted on the mechanical member, and the first portion is mounted on the mechanical member.
The second portion is spatially separated from the first portion so that it can be attached to a location separate from the mechanical member, and is electrically connected to the first portion via a cable or wirelessly.
The second portion has a power feeding device for the first portion.
Mechanics member. In mechanical members used in structures
The mechanical member includes a head, a shank extending from the head, and an electronic device.
The electronic device is mounted on the head of the mechanical member and has a portion exposed from the head.
The mechanical member further comprises a protective cover mounted on the head.
The protective cover surrounds the exposed portion of the electronic device from the head in order to protect the electronic device from external impacts and foreign matter.
Mechanics member.

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