JP3581864B2 - Vibration detection sensor - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a vibration detection sensor, and more particularly, to a sensor incorporated in a precision machine, a home appliance, an industrial device, or the like to detect a vibration or an inclination of a device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
One example of a conventional vibration detection sensor is a sensor used in a pedometer. For example, one end of a spring is fixed substantially at the center of the upper surface of an insulating base (base), and the spring is mounted so as to be perpendicular to the upper surface of the base. Is used to fix a hollow cylindrical conductor. One electrode is formed by the conductor and the spring.
Therefore, when vibration is applied to this sensor, the spring swings in a horizontal plane direction or the like, and the conductor at the tip of the spring also swings. From this, it can be said that this electrode is a movable electrode. On the other hand, a rod-shaped electrode is provided in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the base and penetrates the inside of the spring forming the movable electrode and the hollow portion of the hollow conductor. This electrode is a fixed electrode that does not swing due to vibration. As described above, since the main part of the present sensor is formed by the rod-shaped fixed electrode and the movable electrode provided so as to surround the fixed electrode, there is a problem that the structure is complicated and assembly is not easy. are doing. .
[0003]
In a stationary state where no vibration is applied to the present sensor, the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are in an open (non-conductive) state without contact. This state is generally called normally open. On the other hand, when vibration is applied to the present sensor, the movable electrode swings as described above, and comes into contact with the fixed electrode or is in a non-contact state. The contact state means that the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are in a closed (conductive) state. Therefore, if the conductive state and the non-conductive state between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are taken out as an electric signal, the vibration applied to the present sensor can be detected.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, due to its structure, the above-described vibration detecting sensor is not only difficult to assemble, but also sensitively responds to (vibrates in) horizontal (ground), in other words, north, south, east, and west directions, but shakes vertically. There is a disadvantage that the response to vibration is slow. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a sensor that is simple in structure and easy to assemble and that can respond to vibrations in all directions, horizontal and vertical. The present invention has been made from such a viewpoint, and can achieve commonization of electrodes as main components, simplification of structure and simplification of assembly, and vibration in all directions, horizontal and vertical. It is an object of the present invention to provide a vibration detection sensor capable of responding sensitively.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a vibration detection sensor according to the present invention includes a hollow convex portion in which conductive spheres are rotatably housed on both sides of an insulating spacer having a through hole, and a projecting direction of the convex portion. The first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode each having an arc-shaped or arc-shaped projection protruding in the opposite direction to the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode are respectively inserted through the through holes of the insulating spacer. They are fixed to each other so as to face the protruding portions of the opposite metal plate electrodes, and at the time of rest, one or both of the conductive spheres are attached to both the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode. The metal plate electrodes are always in contact with each other to bring the metal plate electrodes into a conductive state, and in a vibration state, one or both of the conductive spheres come into contact with both of the metal plate electrodes, or both of the conductive spheres are in contact with each other. Metal plate Continuity of the metal plate electrode each other or in a non-contact state with respect to both, and is characterized in that it has to repeat the non-conductive.
[0006]
Further, the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is characterized in that a first metal plate electrode having a hollow convex portion and a flat portion in which conductive spheres are rotatably accommodated therein on both surfaces of an insulating spacer having a through hole. And a second metal plate electrode are fixed to each other such that the inside of each hollow convex portion faces the plane portion of the other metal plate electrode through the through hole of the insulating spacer, and the conductive material is electrically connected to the second metal plate electrode in a stationary state. Either or both of the spheres are always in contact with both the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode to make the metal plate electrodes conductive, and at the time of vibration, one or both of the conductive spheres Both are in contact with both the metal plate electrodes, or both of the conductive spheres are in non-contact with both of the metal plate electrodes, and the conduction and non-conduction between the metal plate electrodes are established. repeat It is characterized in that there was Unishi.
[0007]
Further, the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is provided with a hollow convex portion protruding toward one surface side of the substantially rectangular metal flat plate at a portion closer to one short side from a center point of the flat metal plate. At a portion closer to the other short side from the point, a projection having a lower cross-section than the hollow protrusion protruding to the other surface side of the flat plate is provided. A first metal plate electrode and a second metal plate electrode, each of which accommodates a conductive sphere so as to freely roll, are provided on both surfaces of an insulating spacer having a first through hole and a second through hole by the first metal plate electrode. The inside of the hollow projection of the second metal plate electrode passes through the first through hole of the spacer, and the inside of the hollow projection of the second metal plate electrode passes through the second through hole of the spacer. It is fixed so as to be opposed to the projection of the plate electrode, and the conductive Either or both of the spheres are always in contact with both the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode to make the metal plate electrodes conductive, and at the time of vibration, one or both of the conductive spheres Both are in contact with both the metal plate electrodes, or both of the conductive spheres are in non-contact with both of the metal plate electrodes, and the conduction and non-conduction between the metal plate electrodes are established. It is characterized by repeating.
[0008]
In the vibration detecting sensor according to the present invention, each of the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode has a flat portion instead of a protrusion. It is characterized by the following.
[0009]
The vibration detecting sensor according to the present invention is the vibration detecting sensor according to claim 1, wherein each of the hollow projections of the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode has a circular cross section. It has a frustoconical or substantially hemispherical shape.
[0010]
Furthermore, the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is any one of the above, wherein each conductive sphere is a stainless steel ball, a tungsten ball or a steel ball having the same diameter, and the surface of each is gold-plated. It is characterized by becoming.
[0011]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings showing an embodiment thereof.
First, a configuration of a vibration detection sensor as one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the drawings, reference numeral 1 denotes a first metal plate electrode, and the metal plate electrode 1 is provided at a position closer to one short side than a center point of a substantially rectangular metal plate on one surface side of the plate ( A projection 1b having a low height and a generally arcuate cross section is provided in a direction (upward) opposite to the direction in which the hollow projection 1a protrudes downward. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hollow convex portion 1a has a circular opening, a top wall portion and a peripheral wall portion having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the circular opening portion, and is formed in a truncated conical cap shape. The height h1 of the projection 1b is significantly lower than the depth d1 of the hollow projection 1a.
[0012]
Reference numeral 2 denotes a second metal plate electrode having the same configuration as the first metal plate electrode 1. That is, the second metal plate electrode 2 has a hollow protrusion protruding toward one surface side (upper surface side) of the substantially rectangular metal plate at a position closer to one short side from the center point of the metal plate. In addition to the provision of the portion 2a, a protruding portion 2b having a low height and a substantially arcuate cross section is provided at a position closer to the other short side in a direction (downward) opposite to the protruding direction of the hollow protrusion 2a. Things. The shapes and the like of the hollow protrusions 2a and the protrusions 2b are the same as those of the first metal plate electrode 1. The shape of the hollow projections 1a, 2a of each metal plate electrode 1, 2 may be a substantially hollow hemisphere instead of the shape (frustoconical shape) shown in FIGS. This is because an effect equivalent to that of a truncated cone can be obtained even when a substantially hollow hemisphere is used. Reference numeral 3 denotes an insulating spacer having a required thickness and having a through hole, and is tightly fitted between the first and second metal plate electrodes 1 and 2. In the illustrated example, the insulating spacer 3 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape like the two metal plate electrodes 1 and 2, and has a first through hole 3 a and a second through hole with a center point therebetween. 3b. These through holes 3a, 3b may be connected to each other without any problem, but their diameters D1, D2 are desirably at least the same as or slightly larger than the diameters of the openings of the hollow projections 1a, 2a. . Reference numeral 4 denotes a first conductive sphere rotatably accommodated inside the hollow projection 1a of the first metal plate electrode 1, and reference numeral 5 denotes rolling inside the hollow projection 2a of the second metal plate electrode 2. The second conductive spheres are freely accommodated, and both conductive spheres have the same size.
[0013]
With the insulating spacer 3 interposed therebetween, the first metal plate electrode 1 is fixed to one surface and the second metal plate electrode 2 is fixed to the other surface with an adhesive or the like. In fixing in this manner, the centers of the hollow projection 1a of the first metal plate electrode 1, the first through hole 3a of the insulating spacer 3, and the projection 2b of the second metal plate electrode 2 coincide. To Similarly, the centers of the projections 1b of the first metal plate electrode 1, the second through holes 3b of the insulating spacer 3, and the hollow projections 2a of the second metal plate electrode 2 are aligned. That is, the hollow projections 1a and 2a of the metal plate electrodes 1 and 2, the projections 1b and 2b, and the through holes 3a and 3b of the insulating spacer 3 are provided in such a positional relationship. Due to the fixation, a space (hereinafter, referred to as a “floor”) is formed between the inside of the hollow protrusion 1 a of the first metal plate electrode 1 and the protrusion 2 b of the second metal plate electrode 2 through the first through hole 3 a of the spacer 3. 1 space) is formed. Similarly, a space (hereinafter, referred to as a second space) is formed between the inside of the hollow convex portion 2a of the second metal plate electrode 2 and the protrusion 1b of the first metal plate electrode 1 via the second through hole 3b of the spacer 3. Is formed. The first conductive sphere 4 is accommodated in the first space, and the second conductive sphere 5 is accommodated in the second space.
[0014]
The conductive spheres 4 and 5 are preferably made of a material having a large specific gravity in order to improve the contact with the metal plate electrodes 1 and 2. From this viewpoint, in the present sensor, a stainless steel ball, a tungsten ball or a steel ball is used. In addition, the surface is subjected to a gold plating process for any one of them. 3A and 3B show a vibration detection sensor in a completed state. FIG. 3A is a vertical sectional front view taken along line AA ′ of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a top view as viewed from the direction B of FIG. FIG. Note that the reference numerals in both figures are the same as those in FIG. As shown in the drawing, the first space 6 houses the first conductive sphere 4, and the second space 7 houses the second conductive sphere 5. The first conductive sphere 4 and the second conductive sphere 5 roll independently of each other because they are independent of each other. Therefore, the positional relationship of the conductive spheres in each space is independent of each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the positions of the conductive spheres are illustrated as shown in FIG. That is, the first conductive spheres 4 in the first space 6 are in contact with the first metal plate electrode 1 but not in contact with the second metal plate electrode 2, and therefore, there is a gap between the two electrodes. Indicates a non-conducting state.
[0015]
On the other hand, the second conductive spheres 5 in the second space 7 are in contact with both the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2, and therefore, the two electrodes are in a conductive state. It is shown that. Further, when FIG. 3A shows a state of a horizontal position (ground) and a stationary state without vibration or the like, the second conductive sphere 5 has a rolling property and a first metal plate. Due to the inclination of the projection 1b of the electrode 1, it does not stay at the center position of the projection 1b but always contacts any part of the inner surface of the hollow projection 2a of the second metal plate electrode 2, and the first metal The plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are brought into conduction. Thus, the protrusion 1 b is plays a role to prevent the conductive spheres 5 remains near the center, a reason for providing the protruding portions 1b. This is the same for the protrusion 2b. The protrusions 1b and 2b do not have to be an essential condition of the present sensor, and may be flat. In this case, it cannot be denied that the rolling property of the conductive sphere is reduced. For this reason, in a state where the present sensor is in a completely horizontal position, the conductive sphere 5 is in principle attached to the second metal plate. There may be a state where the electrode 2 is not in contact with the electrode 2. However, this sensor is used for a device to which vibration or inclination is applied, as described later, and the probability of standing still at a complete horizontal position for a long time is extremely low, and it is considered that there is no practical problem.
[0016]
On the other hand, the first conductive sphere 4 under the above conditions is located on the bottom surface of the hollow convex portion 1a and does not contact the protruding portion 2b of the second metal plate electrode 2 opposed thereto. Therefore, the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 become non-conductive. However, in FIG. 3A, when the vertical relationship is reversed (rotated by 180 degrees), the above-described conductive state and non-conductive state are switched. In this case, the projection 2b plays a role of ensuring the conduction state. It goes without saying that the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are in a conductive state if one is in a non-conductive state and the other is in a conductive state. Further, in a state where the sensor is inclined at a certain angle (however, vibration is not considered), when the hollow convex portion 2a is on the upper side, the second conductive sphere 5 rolls according to the inclination, The first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are always in a conductive state, and when the projection 1a is on the upper side, the first conductive sphere 4 rolls similarly, The metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are always in a conductive state.
[0017]
When the present sensor is at a vertical position rotated 90 degrees to the right or left from the state of FIG. 3A, the first conductive sphere 4 and the second conductive sphere 5 are moved by the gravity. Go down. Each of the hollow projections 1a, 2a is provided with an inclination 1c, 1d, 2c, 2d. Due to this inclination, the conductive spheres 4 and 5 roll and come into contact with the protrusions 1b and 2b without fail. Thereby, the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are always brought into conduction by both the first conductive sphere 4 and the second conductive sphere 5. As described above, when the present sensor is in a stationary state without vibration, the first conductive sphere 4 or the second conductive sphere 4 can be placed in any of the horizontal position, the inclined state, and the vertical state. The first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are brought into conduction by either or both of the spheres 5. Note that such a state is generally called normally closed. Further, since the normal close is maintained at any position, the sensor can be said to be non-directional.
[0018]
The above is a stationary state without vibration. Next, a case where vibration is applied to the present sensor will be described. This sensor can be greatly reduced in size due to its simple configuration, and the size of each of the conductive spheres 4 and 5 is also small, for example, the diameter can be about 2 mm. Therefore, its weight is also light. When vibration is applied to the present sensor because the conductive spheres 4 and 5 are so small and light, the conductive spheres 4 and 5 roll or jump, and the above-described constantly conductive state ( What was on the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2) is instantaneously turned on or off according to the vibration. That is, a chattering phenomenon occurs in the switch. This chattering phenomenon occurs regardless of the position (horizontal, inclined, vertical, etc.) of the sensor. This is because, as described above, the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 are in a conductive state at any position in the stationary state. This means that the precondition for causing the chattering phenomenon is satisfied at any position when vibration is applied.
[0019]
From the above, it can be said that the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is a chattering generator. Chattering occurs when vibration is applied to the sensor, and conversely, chattering does not occur when the sensor is stationary. Means in state. Further, when the present sensor moves from a certain rest position by a certain angle (such as an inclination), even in a process until it comes to a rest state again, the rolling property of the conductive spheres 4 and 5 temporarily (or instantaneously) causes the second sphere. A state occurs in which the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 become non-conductive. Therefore, it can be seen that the present sensor has moved from this temporary non-conduction state. Regardless of the above-mentioned vibration or inclination, it physically means that the present sensor has moved. That is, occurrence of the chattering phenomenon or occurrence of the temporary (or instantaneous) non-conductive state means that the present sensor has moved from the stationary state. Alternatively, conversely, it is assumed that the present sensor is in a stationary state while the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 continue to conduct without chattering. means.
[0020]
Therefore, if the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is used as one electric circuit element and a device for detecting a conduction state between the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 is formed, the present device (that is, Sensor) has moved or is stationary. Thus, the present vibration detection sensor is used as one electric circuit element. Therefore, although not shown, each of the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 is provided with a lead terminal or lead for circuit connection at a required position.
[0021]
Next, application examples of the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention will be described. In recent years, the elderly problem due to the aging society has become an important issue in Japan. Then, as one of the application examples, it can be considered that the present invention is used for monitoring the elderly in a nursing home. That is, a wireless monitoring device (transmitting device) including the vibration detection sensor as one electric circuit element is configured. The vibration detection sensor can be downsized as described above. For example, in FIG. 1, La can be made about 11 mm, Lb about 6 mm, and the diameter of the conductive sphere about 2 mm. Therefore, an ultra-small wireless transmission device that emits a weak radio wave using the present vibration detection sensor is made, and is carried on a frequently-moving portion such as an old man's arm or leg. On the other hand, a receiving device for this transmitting device is installed in a central monitoring room or the like of a nursing home. In this case, since there are many elderly people, each transmitting device should be able to identify the elderly person. That is, it is conceivable to change the transmission frequency for each transmission device, or to use a multiplex communication technique.
[0022]
When there is no abnormality in the health of the elderly, the transmitting device (that is, the vibration detecting sensor) always moves according to the movement of the limb or the like. However, there is a period during which it is temporarily stationary. This rest period is different between the daytime and the nighttime when sleeping. Therefore, the transmitting device is provided with a timer function, and when there is no movement for a certain period of time or more, an erroneous detection is prevented and an erroneous detection is prevented. As a result, when the transmission device is in a stationary state for a certain period of time, that is, when the first metal plate electrode 1 and the second metal plate electrode 2 in the vibration detection sensor continue to conduct, the movement of the elderly person stops. This means that he can find out that an accident has occurred in the elderly. In the central monitoring room or the like, a large number of elderly people can be monitored intensively, and the occurrence of an abnormality can be found immediately. Although the above example is a nursing home for a large number of people, it is needless to say that it can also be used for the elderly residing in the home.
[0023]
The above is one application example, but there are also the following application examples. For example, in recent years, Japan has experienced an overseas travel boom. However, depending on the country, there are many cases such as travel bags and stolen vehicles. Therefore, an ultra-small wireless transmitting device using the vibration detection sensor is attached to a travel bag together with a tag, and the traveler carries a receiving device (e.g., emits a warning sound) that receives a wireless signal emitted by the wireless transmitting device. To do it. As a result, even if the travel bag is likely to be placed at the counter during the procedure, an abnormal change can be immediately detected by a warning sound or the like, and theft can be prevented. Thus, the present vibration detection sensor is useful for detecting whether an object is stationary or has moved.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to achieve commonality of electrodes as main components, simplification of structure and simplification of assembly, and sensitivity to vibrations in all directions, horizontal and vertical. A vibration detection sensor capable of responding can be obtained. That is, when the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention is in a stationary state, the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode are connected regardless of the position of the sensor such as horizontal, vertical or inclined. Make it conductive. That is, the continuity is maintained in a non-directional manner. When vibration is applied to the stationary state, a chattering phenomenon occurs irrespective of the vibration direction, and when an inclination is applied, the conductive state is temporarily or instantaneously changed to the non-conductive state. Therefore, by using the present vibration detection sensor as one electric circuit element, it is possible to electrically detect that vibration or inclination has been applied. Although the application examples of the present vibration detection sensor are various, in a broad sense, it is suitable for a sensor device that detects that a certain object has moved. As a specific application example, as described in the embodiment, there is a monitoring device for the elderly in a nursing home, or a device attached to a travel bag together with a tag to prevent theft. As described above, the vibration detection sensor according to the present invention can be said to be effective for a device or a system for monitoring whether a certain object is stationary or has moved.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a main part showing an embodiment of a vibration detection sensor according to the present invention.
FIG. 2A is a top view of a first metal plate electrode 1, and FIG. 2B is a front view of the same electrode.
3A is a longitudinal sectional front view of the above embodiment showing a completed state, and FIG. 3B is a top view thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st metal plate electrode 2 2nd metal plate electrode 1a, 2a Hollow convex part 1b, 2b Projection part 1c, 1d, 2c, 2d Incline 3 Insulating spacer 3a, 3b Through hole 4 First conductive sphere 5 First conductive sphere 6 First space 7 Second space

Claims (6)

On both surfaces of an insulating spacer having a through-hole, a hollow convex portion in which a conductive sphere is rotatably accommodated therein, and an arc-shaped or arc-shaped projecting portion projecting in a direction opposite to a projecting direction of the projecting portion. The first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode respectively having the following are fixed to each other such that the inside of each hollow convex portion faces the projection of the other metal plate electrode through the through hole of the insulating spacer. In the stationary state, one or both of the conductive spheres are always in contact with both the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode to make the metal plate electrodes conductive, and in the vibration state Either or both of the conductive spheres may be in contact with both of the metal plate electrodes, or both of the conductive spheres may be in a non-contact state with both of the metal plate electrodes. Plate electrode mutual Passing, the vibration detecting sensor, characterized in that it has to repeat the non-conductive. A first metal plate electrode and a second metal plate electrode each having a hollow convex portion and a flat portion accommodating a conductive sphere therein so as to be freely rolled therein are provided on both surfaces of an insulating spacer having a through hole, respectively. The inside of the hollow convex portion is fixed to each other through the through hole of the insulating spacer so as to face the plane portion of the metal plate electrode on the other side, and at the time of rest, one or both of the conductive spheres are in the first position. The metal plate electrode is always in contact with both the metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode to bring the metal plate electrodes into a conductive state, and at the time of vibration, one or both of the conductive spheres are in contact with both of the metal plate electrodes. Vibration detection, wherein the conductive spheres are brought into a non-contact state with both of the metal plate electrodes to repeat conduction and non-conduction between the metal plate electrodes. C Support. At a portion closer to one short side than the center point of the substantially rectangular metal flat plate, a hollow convex portion protruding toward one surface side of the flat plate is provided, and a portion closer to the other short side from the center point. A protruding portion having a lower cross-section than the hollow protrusion protruding toward the other surface side of the flat plate and having an arcuate or arc-shaped cross section, and a conductive sphere is rotatably housed inside the hollow protrusion. The first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode are provided on both surfaces of an insulating spacer having a first through hole and a second through hole. The projection of the second metal plate electrode and the inside of the hollow projection of the second metal plate electrode face the projection of the one metal plate electrode through the second through hole of the spacer through one through hole. In the stationary state, one or both of the conductive spheres are in the first state. The metal plate electrode is always in contact with both the metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode to make the metal plate electrodes conductive, and at the time of vibration, one or both of the conductive spheres are in contact with both of the metal plate electrodes. Vibration detection, wherein the conductive spheres are brought into a non-contact state with both of the metal plate electrodes to repeat conduction and non-conduction between the metal plate electrodes. Sensors. The vibration detection sensor according to claim 3, wherein each of the projections of the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode is a flat portion instead of a projection. 2. The vibration detection sensor according to claim 1, wherein each of the hollow projections of the first metal plate electrode and the second metal plate electrode has a truncated conical shape or a substantially hemispherical shape having a circular opening. A vibration detection sensor characterized by presenting. 6. Each of the conductive spheres is a stainless steel ball, a tungsten sphere or a steel sphere having the same diameter, and the surface of each of the spheres is gold-plated. Vibration detection sensor.

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