JP7075309B2 - Sensor device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor device.

Patent Document 1 includes a sensor unit that senses information of a hydraulic device and outputs a sensor signal, and a power generation unit that generates electricity by the heat of the hydraulic device, and the sensor unit is provided with the power generated by the power generation unit. The driving sensor device is disclosed. The power generation unit consists of a hexagonal cylinder formed of a flat plate-shaped substrate and arranged on the outer periphery of the cylinder, a heat conductive material provided between the hexagonal cylinder and the cylinder, a large number of thermoelectric conversion elements mounted on the substrate, and thermoelectricity. It is provided with a heat sink that is in close contact with the outer surface of the conversion element, and the thermoelectric conversion element generates electricity by the heat transferred from the cylinder.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-34601

In the sensor device described in Patent Document 1, the thermoelectric conversion element and the heat sink constituting the power generation unit are attached to the outer surface of the cylinder, and the whole is a large-scale device.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a compact sensor device.

The present invention is a sensor device that detects information on a hydraulic device, and includes a case provided with a sensor unit and a power generation unit that generates electricity by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies power to the sensor unit. The unit is characterized by having a power generation element provided in direct contact with the case and a radiator provided in direct contact with the power generation element.

In the present invention, the power generation element and the radiator are provided in the case of the sensor device.

Further, the present invention is a sensor device for detecting information on a hydraulic device, a sensor unit for detecting information on the hydraulic device and transmitting a signal to an external device, a case provided with the sensor unit, and a hydraulic pressure. A power generation unit that generates electricity by the heat of the device and supplies power to the sensor unit is provided, and the case includes a case body that houses at least a part of the sensor unit and a sensor mounting for attaching the case body to the hydraulic device. The power generation unit is provided in contact with the inner surface of the case body and is provided in contact with the power generation element and the power generation element housed in the case body , and a part thereof is provided to the outside of the case. It is characterized by having a radiator and an exposed radiator.

In the present invention, since the power generation element is housed in the case, it is not necessary to route the wiring for supplying electric power from the power generation element to the sensor unit outside the case. Therefore, the sensor device can be compactly configured. Further, even when the hydraulic device to which the sensor device is attached is used outdoors, a part of the power generation element and the radiator is housed in the case, so that mud adheres to the power generation element and the radiator. It is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency and damage due to collision of flying stones with the power generation element and the radiator.

Further, the present invention is a sensor device for detecting information on a hydraulic device, a sensor unit for detecting information on the hydraulic device and transmitting a signal to an external device, a case provided with the sensor unit, and a hydraulic pressure. It is equipped with a power generation unit that generates power by the heat of the device and supplies power to the sensor unit, and a resin material that seals the opening of the case and transmits the signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit to the external device to generate electricity. The unit includes a power generation element provided in contact with the case and a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element, and the resin material is characterized in that the case and the radiator are insulated from each other.

In the present invention, since the resin material insulates the case and the radiator, the power generation efficiency in the power generation unit can be improved. Further, although the opening of the case is sealed with the resin material, the resin material transmits the radio signal, so that the transmission of the signal from the sensor unit to the external device is not hindered.

Further, the present invention is characterized in that the power generation element is provided in contact with the outer surface of the case.

In the present invention, since the power generation element and the radiator are provided in the case of the sensor device, the sensor device can be compactly configured.

Further, the present invention is a sensor device that detects information on a hydraulic device, and includes a sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and transmits a signal to an external device, and a case in which the sensor unit is provided. It is equipped with a power generation unit that generates power by the heat of the hydraulic equipment and supplies power to the sensor unit, and a resin material that seals the opening of the case and transmits the signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit to the external device. The power generation unit has a power generation element provided in contact with the case and a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element, and the power generation element is provided in contact with the inner surface of the case and housed in the case. The resin material is provided in contact with the power generation element, and a first resin material that is partially exposed to the outside of the case and functions as a radiator, and the inner surface of the case and the first resin material. It has a second resin material that fills the space and insulates the inner surface of the case and the first resin material, and the first resin material is characterized by having a higher thermal conductivity than the second resin material. do.

In the present invention, since the first resin material constituting the resin material that seals the opening of the case also functions as a radiator, the number of parts can be reduced.

Further, the present invention is a sensor device for detecting information on a hydraulic device, a sensor unit for detecting information on the hydraulic device and transmitting a signal to an external device, a case provided with the sensor unit, and a hydraulic pressure. It is equipped with a power generation unit that generates electricity by the heat of the device and supplies power to the sensor unit, and the power generation unit has a power generation element provided in contact with the case and a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element. However, the case has a case body for accommodating at least a part of the sensor portion and a sensor mounting portion for mounting the case body to the hydraulic device, and the power generation element comes into contact with the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion. The radiator is provided so as to come into contact with the power generation element and cover the power generation element.

In the present invention, since the power generation element and the radiator are provided in the sensor mounting portion of the case of the sensor device, the sensor device can be compactly configured. Further, since the radiator also functions as a cover for protecting the power generation element, the number of parts can be reduced.

According to the present invention, the sensor device can be configured compactly.

It is a partial sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder to which the sensor device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is attached. It is a partially enlarged sectional view of the hydraulic cylinder to which the sensor device which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention is attached. (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in (A). (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in (A). (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in (A). It is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device which concerns on 4th Embodiment of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
The sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The sensor device 100 detects information on the hydraulic device. In the present embodiment, a case where the hydraulic device is a hydraulic cylinder 1 and the sensor device 100 is an oil leak sensor for detecting an oil leak in the hydraulic cylinder 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic cylinder 1 includes a cylindrical cylinder tube 2, a piston rod 3 inserted into the cylinder tube 2, and a piston 4 provided at the base end of the piston rod 3. The piston 4 is slidably provided along the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder tube 2. The inside of the cylinder tube 2 is divided into a rod side chamber 2a and an anti-rod side chamber 2b by a piston 4.

The tip of the piston rod 3 extends from the open end of the cylinder tube 2. When the hydraulic oil is selectively guided from the pump (not shown) to the rod side chamber 2a or the anti-rod side chamber 2b, the piston rod 3 moves with respect to the cylinder tube 2. As a result, the hydraulic cylinder 1 expands and contracts.

A cylinder head 5 through which the piston rod 3 is inserted is provided at the open end of the cylinder tube 2. The cylinder head 5 is fastened to the open end of the cylinder tube 2 using a plurality of bolts 6.

As shown in FIG. 2, the hydraulic cylinder 1 includes a rod seal 11 provided on the cylinder head 5 and a rod seal 11 for sealing an annular gap 8 between the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder head 5. A detection seal 12 provided in the head 5 to seal the gap 8 and partition the detection space 20 together with the rod seal 11 and a communication passage 21 formed in the cylinder head 5 and communicating with the detection space 20 are provided. On the inner circumference of the cylinder head 5, the bush 13 that slidably supports the piston rod 3 and the dust adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the piston rod 3 are scraped out to prevent dust from entering the cylinder tube 2 from the outside. A dust seal 14 is also provided.

Next, the sensor device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. 3A is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device 100, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 3A.

The sensor device 100 generates electric power by the heat of the sensor unit 30 that detects pressure and transmits a signal to the external device 10, the case 40 provided with the sensor unit 30, and the hydraulic cylinder 1, and supplies electric power to the sensor unit 30. A unit 50 is provided.

As shown in FIG. 2, the case 40 has a case main body 41 that accommodates at least a part of the sensor unit 30, and a sensor mounting portion 42 for attaching the case main body 41 to the hydraulic cylinder 1. A part of the case body 41 is inserted into the accommodating hole 42a formed in the sensor mounting portion 42 and fixed to the sensor mounting portion 42. The sensor mounting portion 42 is fixed to the cylinder head 5 of the hydraulic cylinder 1. The sensor mounting portion 42 is formed with a pressure introduction passage 42b that communicates with the communication passage 21 formed in the cylinder head 5.

The sensor unit 30 is housed in the case body 41 so that the pressure sensor element 30a for detecting the pressure is exposed from the case body 41. The pressure sensor element 30a is inserted into the pressure introduction passage 42b, and the pressure of the pressure introduction passage 42b acts on the pressure sensor element 30a. In this way, the sensor unit 30 detects the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the detection space 20 guided through the communication passage 21 and the pressure introduction passage 42b.

The sensor unit 30 wirelessly transmits the detection signal to the external device 10. The external device 10 determines whether or not there is an oil leak in the hydraulic cylinder 1 based on the detection result of the sensor device 100. For example, when the pressure detected by the sensor unit 30 reaches a predetermined pressure, the external device 10 determines that an oil leak has occurred. The sensor unit 30 may determine whether or not there is an oil leak in the hydraulic cylinder 1 based on the detected pressure, and wirelessly transmit the determination signal to the external device 10.

The case body 41 also houses a substrate (not shown) on which a circuit for processing the detection signal of the sensor unit 30 is mounted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the power generation unit 50 converts the thermal energy generated in the hydraulic cylinder 1 into electric energy. The power generation unit 50 has a power generation element 51 provided in contact with the case main body 41 and a radiator 52 provided in contact with the power generation element 51.

The power generation element 51 comes into contact with the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 and is housed in the case body 41. Specifically, while the power generation element 51 has a plate shape, the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 has an octagonal shape consisting of eight flat surfaces, and the endothermic surface 51a, which is the longitudinal surface of the power generation element 51, is a flat surface of the inner surface 41a. Contact the part. In this embodiment, four power generation elements 51 are provided on the inner surface 41a of the case body 41. The inner surface 41a of the case body 41 is not limited to an octagonal shape, and may be a polygonal shape composed of a plurality of flat surfaces.

The heat of the hydraulic oil supplied from the pump to the cylinder tube 2 is transferred to the endothermic surface 51a of the power generation element 51 through the cylinder tube 2, the cylinder head 5, and the case 40. The heat of the hydraulic oil is generated by the sliding friction of the pump and the pressure reducing valve and the relief valve provided in the hydraulic cylinder 1.

The radiator 52 has a plate shape and is provided in contact with the heat radiating surface 51b which is the back surface of the endothermic surface 51a of the power generation element 51. Further, the radiator 52 is provided so that a part of the radiator 52 is exposed to the outside of the case main body 41. In this way, in the radiator 52, a portion in contact with the power generation element 51 is housed in the case main body 41, and a part thereof is exposed to the outside of the case main body 41. The heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the case 40 is dissipated to the atmosphere through the radiator 52. The radiator 52 is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity, for example copper. In this embodiment, four radiators 52 are provided corresponding to each of the four power generation elements 51.

The power generation element 51 exhibits an electromotive force that generates an electromotive force due to a temperature difference. The heat absorption surface 51a absorbs heat and dissipates heat from the heat absorption surface 51a, so that a temperature difference is generated inside. Generates electricity.

The sensor device 100 further includes a resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case body 41 and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10. The resin material 53 is made of a resin material having a low thermal conductivity, and has a function of insulating the case body 41 and the radiator 52 and blocking heat transfer from the case body 41 to the radiator 52.

The resin material 53 includes an octagonal first resin material 53a having an outer peripheral surface formed by eight flat portions, and a second resin material 53b that fills the space between the inner surface 41a of the case body 41, the first resin material 53a, and the radiator 52. Consists of. The first resin material 53a is inserted into the case body 41 from the opening 41b of the case body 41 along the inner surface 52a of the four radiators 52. As a result, the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 are pressed against the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 by the first resin material 53a and are brought into close contact with each other. As described above, the first resin material 53a has a function of fixing the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 to the case body 41. The outer circumference of the first resin material 53a may be quadrangular.

After the first resin material 53a is inserted into the case body 41, the second resin material 53a is inserted into the gap between the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 and the first resin material 53a and the gap between the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 and the radiator 52. The resin material 53b is molded. In this way, the opening 41b of the case body 41 is sealed with the resin material 53.

As described above, the power generation unit 50 generates electricity by absorbing the heat generated in the hydraulic cylinder 1 by the power generation element 51 through the case 40 and dissipating the absorbed heat through the radiator 52. Then, the sensor unit 30 is driven by the electric power supplied from the power generation unit 50, detects the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the detection space 20, and wirelessly transmits the detected signal to the external device 10. As described above, since the sensor device 100 uses the heat generated in the hydraulic cylinder 1 to be sensed to generate electricity to drive the sensor unit 30, it does not require a dedicated battery.

According to the above first embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

Since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 constituting the power generation unit 50 are provided in the case body 41 of the sensor device 100, the sensor device 100 can be compactly configured.

Further, since the power generation element 51 is housed in the case main body 41, it is not necessary to route the wiring for supplying electric power from the power generation element 51 to the sensor unit 30 outside the case 40. Therefore, the sensor device 100 can be compactly configured.

Further, although the hydraulic cylinder 1 to which the sensor device 100 is attached is used outdoors, since a part of the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 is housed in the case main body 41, the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 It is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency due to adhesion of mud to the power generation element and damage due to collision of flying stones with the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52.

Further, since the resin material 53 is formed of a resin material having a low thermal conductivity and has a function of blocking heat transfer from the case body 41 to the radiator 52, it is possible to improve the power generation efficiency in the power generation unit 50. can.

Further, since the opening 41b of the case body 41 is sealed with the resin material 53, it is possible to prevent water and mud from entering the case body 41. Further, although the opening 41b of the case body 41 is sealed by the resin material 53, the resin material 53 transmits the radio signal, so that the transmission of the signal from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10 is not hindered.

Hereinafter, a modified example of the first embodiment will be described.

In order to position the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 with respect to the inner surface 41a of the case body 41, a step portion or a C ring supporting the ends of the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 is provided on the inner surface 41a of the case body 41. May be good. Further, an adhesive having a high thermal conductivity may be used to bond the power generation element 51 and the inner surface 41a of the case body 41, and also to bond the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52.

Further, in the first embodiment, the case where the inner surface 41a of the case main body 41 has a polygonal shape composed of a plurality of flat surfaces has been described. However, the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 may have a circular shape. In that case, the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 are formed in an arc shape along the inner surface 41a.

<Second Embodiment>
The sensor device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 4 (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device 200, and FIG. 4 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 4 (A). Hereinafter, the points different from the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given in the drawings to the same configuration as the sensor device 100, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The power generation unit 50 of the sensor device 200 has a power generation element 51 provided in contact with the case body 41 and a radiator 52 provided in contact with the power generation element 51. Further, the sensor device 200 includes a resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case body 41.

The power generation element 51 is provided outside the case 40 in contact with the outer surface 41c of the case body 41. Specifically, while the power generation element 51 has a plate shape, the outer surface 41c of the case body 41 has an octagonal shape consisting of eight flat surfaces, and the endothermic surface 51a, which is the longitudinal surface of the power generation element 51, is a flat surface of the outer surface 41c. Contact the part. In this embodiment, four power generation elements 51 are provided on the outer surface 41c of the case body 41.

The radiator 52 has a plate shape and is provided outside the case body 41 in contact with the heat radiating surface 51b of the power generation element 51. The heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the case 40 is dissipated to the atmosphere through the radiator 52. In this embodiment, four radiators 52 are provided corresponding to each of the four power generation elements 51.

The resin material 53 is formed in a columnar shape having an outer diameter substantially matching the inner diameter of the case body 41. The resin material 53 transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10.

As described above, also in the second embodiment, the power generation unit 50 generates power by radiating the heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the case 40 through the radiator 52. Then, the sensor unit 30 is driven by the electric power supplied from the power generation unit 50, detects the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the detection space 20, and wirelessly transmits the detected signal to the external device 10. In the sensor device 200, since the power generation element 51 is provided outside the case body 41, wiring (not shown) for supplying electric power from the power generation element 51 to the sensor unit 30 is provided. The wiring connects the power generation element 51 and the sensor unit 30 by inserting the case body 41 or the resin material 53.

According to the above-mentioned second embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

Since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 constituting the power generation unit 50 are provided in the case body 41 of the sensor device 200, the sensor device 200 can be compactly configured.

<Third Embodiment>
The sensor device 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5 (A) is a partial cross-sectional view of the sensor device 300, and FIG. 5 (B) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 5 (A). Hereinafter, the points different from the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be given in the drawings to the same configuration as the sensor device 100, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The sensor device 300 differs from the sensor device 100 according to the first embodiment in that the radiator is made of a resin material that seals the opening 41b of the case body 41. This will be described in detail below.

In the power generation element 51, the endothermic surface 51a comes into contact with the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 and is housed in the case body 41.

The sensor device 300 includes a resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case body 41 and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10. The resin material 53 is composed of an octagonal first resin material 53a having an outer peripheral surface formed by eight flat portions, and a second resin material 53b that fills the space between the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 and the first resin material 53a. The first resin material 53a has a higher thermal conductivity than the second resin material 53b.

The first resin material 53a is provided with a flat portion on the outer periphery in contact with the heat radiating surface 51b of the power generation element 51. Further, a part of the first resin material 53a is provided so as to be exposed to the outside of the case main body 41. In this way, the portion of the first resin material 53a that comes into contact with the power generation element 51 is housed in the case main body 41, and a part of the first resin material 53a is exposed to the outside of the case main body 41. The heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the case 40 is dissipated to the atmosphere through the first resin material 53a. In this way, the first resin material 53a functions as a radiator of the power generation unit 50.

Like the first resin material 53a, the second resin material 53b is formed in an octagonal shape having an outer periphery composed of eight flat surfaces. Further, the second resin material 53b has an octagonal shape whose inner circumference is composed of eight flat portions, and has an accommodating portion 53c in which the first resin material 53a is accommodated. The power generation element 51 is supported by the second resin material 53b so that the endothermic surface 51a is exposed on the outer surface of the second resin material 53b and the heat dissipation surface 51b is exposed on the inner surface of the second resin material 53b. The case body 41 and the first resin material 53a are separated by a second resin material 53b, which has a smaller thermal conductivity than the first resin material 53a. Therefore, the second resin material 53b insulates the case main body 41 and the first resin material 53a functioning as a radiator, and blocks the heat transfer from the case main body 41 to the first resin material 53a.

To assemble the power generation unit 50, the second resin material 53b supporting the power generation element 51 is press-fitted into the inner surface 41a of the case body 41, and then the first resin material 53a is inserted into the accommodating portion 53c of the second resin material 53b. It is done by. When the first resin material 53a is inserted into the accommodating portion 53c of the second resin material 53b, the power generation element 51 is pressed against the inner surface 41a of the case body 41 by the first resin material 53a and comes into close contact with the first resin material 53a.

In the third embodiment, the power generation unit 50 generates power by radiating heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the case 40 through the first resin material 53a. Then, the sensor unit 30 is driven by the electric power supplied from the power generation unit 50, detects the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the detection space 20, and wirelessly transmits the detected signal to the external device 10.

According to the above third embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

Since the power generation element 51 constituting the power generation unit 50 and the first resin material 53a as the radiator are provided on the case body 41 of the sensor device 300, the sensor device 300 can be compactly configured.

Further, since the first resin material 53a constituting the resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case main body 41 also functions as a radiator, the number of parts can be reduced.

Further, since the power generation element 51 is housed in the case main body 41, it is not necessary to route the wiring for supplying electric power from the power generation element 51 to the sensor unit 30 outside the case 40. Therefore, the sensor device 300 can be compactly configured.

Further, although the hydraulic cylinder 1 to which the sensor device 300 is attached is used outdoors, a part of the power generation element 51 and the first resin material 53a functioning as a radiator is housed in the case body 41. It is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency due to adhesion of mud to the power generation element 51 and the first resin material 53a, and damage due to collision of flying stones with the power generation element 51 and the first resin material 53a.

Further, since the second resin material 53b is formed of a resin material having a low thermal conductivity and has a function of blocking heat transfer from the case main body 41 to the first resin material 53a functioning as a radiator, the power generation unit 50 It is possible to improve the power generation efficiency in.

Further, since the opening 41b of the case body 41 is sealed with the resin material 53, it is possible to prevent water and mud from entering the case body 41. Further, although the opening 41b of the case body 41 is sealed by the resin material 53, the resin material 53 transmits the radio signal, so that the transmission of the signal from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10 is not hindered.

<Fourth Embodiment>
The sensor device 400 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a plan view of the sensor device 400, and only a portion of the power generation unit 50 is shown in cross section. Hereinafter, the differences from the sensor devices 100, 200, and 300 according to the first to third embodiments will be described, and the same configurations as those of the sensor devices 100, 200, and 300 are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings. The explanation is omitted.

The sensor device 400 is different from the sensor devices 100, 200, and 300 according to the first to third embodiments, in that the power generation element 51 of the power generation unit 50 is provided in contact with the sensor mounting portion 42 of the case 40. This will be described in detail below.

The power generation element 51 is provided outside the case 40 in contact with the outer surface 42c of the sensor mounting portion 42. Specifically, the power generation element 51 has a plate shape, and the endothermic surface 51a, which is the surface in the longitudinal direction of the power generation element 51, is provided in contact with the flat surface portion of the outer surface 42c of the sensor mounting portion 42.

The radiator 52 of the power generation unit 50 is provided so as to cover the power generation element 51, and functions as a cover for protecting the power generation element 51. The radiator 52 is provided so that its inner surface is in contact with the heat radiating surface 51b of the power generation element 51. The heat transferred to the power generation element 51 through the sensor mounting portion 42 is dissipated to the atmosphere through the radiator 52.

In order to block the heat transfer from the sensor mounting portion 42 to the radiator 52, the radiator 52 is mounted on the sensor mounting portion 42 via the resin material 55.

In the fourth embodiment, the power generation unit 50 generates power by dissipating the heat transmitted to the power generation element 51 through the sensor mounting unit 42 through the radiator 52. Then, the sensor unit 30 is driven by the electric power supplied from the power generation unit 50, detects the pressure of the hydraulic oil in the detection space 20, and wirelessly transmits the detected signal to the external device 10. In the sensor device 400, since the power generation element 51 is provided outside the case 40, a wiring 56 for supplying electric power from the power generation element 51 to the sensor unit 30 is provided.

According to the above-mentioned fourth embodiment, the following effects are obtained.

Since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 constituting the power generation unit 50 are provided in the sensor mounting portion 42 of the sensor device 400, the sensor device 400 can be compactly configured.

Further, the hydraulic cylinder 1 to which the sensor device 400 is attached is used outdoors, but since the power generation element 51 is covered by the radiator 52, the power generation efficiency is lowered due to the adhesion of mud to the power generation element 51, and the power generation is generated. It is possible to prevent damage due to collision of flying stones with the element 51.

Further, since the radiator 52 also functions as a cover for protecting the power generation element 51, the number of parts can be reduced.

Hereinafter, the configurations, actions, and effects of the embodiments of the present invention will be collectively described.

The sensor devices 100, 200, 300, and 400 that detect the information of the hydraulic device (hydraulic cylinder 1) include the sensor unit 30 that detects the information of the hydraulic device and transmits a signal to the external device 10, and the sensor unit 30. A case 40 is provided, and a power generation unit 50 that generates electricity by the heat of a hydraulic device and supplies power to the sensor unit 30 is provided. The power generation unit 50 has a power generation element 51 provided in contact with the case 40 and power generation. It has a radiator 52 provided in contact with the element 51.

In this configuration, since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 are provided in the case 40 of the sensor devices 100, 200, 300, 400, the sensor devices 100, 200, 300, 400 can be compactly configured.

Further, the power generation element 51 is provided in contact with the inner surface 41a of the case 40 and is housed in the case 40, and the radiator 52 is provided in contact with the power generation element 51 and a part thereof goes to the outside of the case 40. Be exposed.

In this configuration, since the power generation element 51 is housed in the case 40, it is not necessary to route the wiring for supplying electric power from the power generation element 51 to the sensor unit 30 outside the case 40. Therefore, the sensor device 100 can be compactly configured. Further, even when the hydraulic device 1 to which the sensor device 100 is attached is used outdoors, a part of the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 is housed in the case 40, so that the power generation element 51 Further, it is possible to prevent a decrease in power generation efficiency due to adhesion of mud to the radiator 52 and damage due to collision of flying stones with the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52.

Further, the sensor device 100 further includes a resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case 40 and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10, and the resin material 53 is the case 40. Insulate the radiator 52.

In this configuration, since the resin material 53 insulates the case 40 and the radiator 52, the power generation efficiency in the power generation unit 50 can be improved. Further, although the opening 41b of the case 40 is sealed by the resin material 53, since the resin material 53 transmits the radio signal, it does not interfere with the transmission of the signal from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10.

Further, in the sensor device 200, the power generation element 51 is provided in contact with the outer surface 41c of the case 40.

In this configuration, since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 are provided in the case 40 of the sensor device 200, the sensor device 200 can be compactly configured.

Further, the sensor device 300 further includes a resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case 40 and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit 30 to the external device 10, and the power generation element 51 is the case 40. The first resin material 53a is provided in contact with the inner surface 41a and is housed in the case 40, and the resin material 53 is provided in contact with the power generation element 51 and is partially exposed to the outside of the case 40. And a second resin material 53b that fills the space between the inner surface 41a of the case 40 and the first resin material 53a to insulate the inner surface 41a of the case 40 and the first resin material 53a, and has the first resin material 53a. Has a higher thermal conductivity than the second resin material 53b.

In this configuration, since the first resin material 53a constituting the resin material 53 that seals the opening 41b of the case 40 also functions as a radiator, the number of parts can be reduced.

Further, in the sensor device 400, the case 40 has a case main body 41 that accommodates at least a part of the sensor unit 30, and a sensor mounting portion 42 for attaching the case main body 41 to the hydraulic device 1, and is a power generation element. 51 is provided in contact with the outer surface 42c of the sensor mounting portion 42, and the radiator 52 is provided in contact with the power generation element 51 and covers the power generation element 51.

In this configuration, since the power generation element 51 and the radiator 52 are provided in the sensor mounting portion 42 of the case 40 of the sensor device 400, the sensor device 400 can be compactly configured. Further, since the radiator 52 also functions as a cover for protecting the power generation element 51, the number of parts can be reduced.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments show only a part of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is limited to the specific configuration of the above-described embodiments. do not have.

Although the case where the hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic cylinder has been described in the above embodiment, the hydraulic device is a hydraulic shock absorber, a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor, or the like that generates a damping force that opposes the external force when expanding or contracting by receiving an external force. May be good.

Further, although the case where the information detected by the sensor device is pressure has been described in the above embodiment, it may be temperature, strain, load, light, magnetism, stroke, or the like.

100, 200, 300, 400 ... Sensor device, 1 ... Hydraulic cylinder (hydraulic device), 10 ... External device, 30 ... Sensor unit, 40 ... Case, 41 ... Case Main body, 41a ... Inner surface of case body, 41b ... Opening, 41c ... Outer surface of case body, 42 ... Sensor mounting part, 42b ... Pressure introduction passage, 42c ... Sensor mounting part Outer surface, 50 ... power generation unit, 51 ... power generation element, 51a ... heat absorption surface, 51b ... heat dissipation surface, 52 ... radiator, 53 ... resin material, 53a ... 1 resin material, 53b ... 2nd resin material

Claims (6)

It is a sensor device that detects information on hydraulic equipment.
A sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and sends a signal to an external device.
The case where the sensor unit is provided and
A power generation unit that generates electric power by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies electric power to the sensor unit is provided.
The power generation unit
A power generation element provided in direct contact with the case and
A radiator provided in direct contact with the power generation element and
A sensor device characterized by having. It is a sensor device that detects information on hydraulic equipment.
A sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and sends a signal to an external device.
The case where the sensor unit is provided and
A power generation unit that generates electric power by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies electric power to the sensor unit is provided.
The case is
A case body that houses at least a part of the sensor unit,
It has a sensor mounting portion for mounting the case body to the hydraulic device, and has.
The power generation unit
A power generation element provided in contact with the inner surface of the case body and housed in the case body,
A sensor device provided in contact with the power generation element and having a radiator which is partially exposed to the outside of the case. It is a sensor device that detects information on hydraulic equipment.
A sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and sends a signal to an external device.
The case where the sensor unit is provided and
A power generation unit that generates electric power by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies electric power to the sensor unit.
A resin material that seals the opening of the case and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit to the external device is provided.
The power generation unit
A power generation element provided in contact with the case and
It has a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element, and has.
The resin material is a sensor device that insulates the case and the radiator. The sensor device according to claim 1.
The sensor device is characterized in that the power generation element is provided in contact with the outer surface of the case. It is a sensor device that detects information on hydraulic equipment.
A sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and sends a signal to an external device.
The case where the sensor unit is provided and
A power generation unit that generates electric power by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies electric power to the sensor unit.
A resin material that seals the opening of the case and transmits a signal wirelessly transmitted from the sensor unit to the external device is provided.
The power generation unit
A power generation element provided in contact with the case and
It has a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element, and has.
The power generation element is provided in contact with the inner surface of the case and is housed in the case.
The resin material is
A first resin material that is provided in contact with the power generation element and is partially exposed to the outside of the case and functions as the radiator.
It has a second resin material that fills the space between the inner surface of the case and the first resin material and insulates the inner surface of the case and the first resin material.
The first resin material is a sensor device characterized by having a large thermal conductivity as compared with the second resin material. It is a sensor device that detects information on hydraulic equipment.
A sensor unit that detects information on the hydraulic device and sends a signal to an external device.
The case where the sensor unit is provided and
A power generation unit that generates electric power by the heat of the hydraulic device and supplies electric power to the sensor unit is provided.
The power generation unit
A power generation element provided in contact with the case and
It has a radiator provided in contact with the power generation element, and has.
The case is
A case body that houses at least a part of the sensor unit,
It has a sensor mounting portion for mounting the case body to the hydraulic device, and has.
The power generation element is provided in contact with the outer surface of the sensor mounting portion.
The radiator is a sensor device that comes into contact with the power generation element and is provided so as to cover the power generation element.

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