Patent Application
20250023347
This application claims the benefit of priority of Japanese application no. 2023-114329, filed on Jul. 12, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The present application relates to a measurement apparatus, a measurement system and method for supplying electricity a measurement apparatus.
Conventionally, a measurement apparatus might, for example, comprise a measurement gauge that measures a fluid, a main body with respect to which the measurement gauge is removably installable, and a power supply unit that supplies electricity to the measurement gauge (e.g., JP-A-2010-60395). At the measurement apparatus associated with JP-A-2010-60395, electric power from the power supply unit is supplied to the measurement gauge without being routed through the main body. It is, however, desired that electric power from the power supply unit be supplied to the measurement gauge by way of the main body.
The problem is therefore to provide a measurement apparatus, measurement system, and measurement apparatus power supply method capable of causing electric power from the power supply unit to be supplied to the measurement gauge by way of the main body.
There is provided a measurement apparatus comprising:
There is provided a measurement system comprising:
There is provided a method for supplying electricity to a measurement apparatus comprising a measurement gauge that measures a fluid, and a main body with respect to which the measurement gauge is removably installable,
So as to, for example, facilitate understanding, dimensions of constituent elements at the respective drawings may be shown larger or smaller than their actual dimensions; furthermore, dimensional ratios are not necessarily consistent from drawing to drawing. Moreover, so as to, for example, facilitate understanding, constituent elements may be shown at the respective drawings in partially omitted fashion.
Where terminology including first, second, or other such ordinal numbers is used, this is done to describe a diverse variety of constituent elements; as such terminology is employed only for the purpose of distinguishing one constituent element from other constituent element(s), it should be understood that such terminology constitutes no particular limitation with respect to the constituent elements. Note, furthermore, with respect to the number of constituent element(s) which include ordinal number(s) that are present, there is no particular limitation with respect thereto, it being possible for there to be, for example, one thereof. Furthermore, ordinal number(s) employed below in the specification and drawings may differ from ordinal number(s) recited in the claims.
Below, embodiments of a measurement system and a measurement apparatus are described with reference to
As shown in
At the respective drawings, note that first direction D1 is first horizontal direction D1; second direction D2 is second horizontal direction D2 which is a horizontal direction that is perpendicular to first horizontal direction D1; and third direction D3 is vertical direction D3 which is perpendicular to horizontal directions D1 and D2.
While there is no particular limitation with respect thereto, communication apparatus 3 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smart device, tablet computer, notebook-type personal computer, or the like). Furthermore, communication means X1 might, for example, be Wi-Fi, a wireless LAN, or other such wireless communication means; or it might, for example, be a communication cable, a wired LAN, or other such wired communication means.
As shown in
So long as it is a measuring instrument that measures a fluid-related value (e.g., a characteristic value, state value, or the like), there is no particular limitation with regard to measurement gauge 4. For example, where measurement gauge 4 is a water quality meter that measures a water-related value, measurement gauge 4 might, for example, be a turbidimeter, colorimeter, pH meter, residual chlorine concentration meter, electrical conductivity meter, flow meter, water temperature meter, or the like. Note that a plurality of measurement gauges 4 may measure respectively different fluid-related values.
Main body 5 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise a plurality of main body units 50 with respect to which measurement gauges 4 are removably installed, and common unit 5a. Furthermore, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, a plurality of main body units 50 are mutually removably installable, and common unit 5a is removably installable with respect to the main body units 50. Note, however, that the constitution of main body 5 is not limited to such constitution, it being possible, for example, for common unit 5a and the plurality of main body units 50 to be constituted in integral fashion such that they are nondetachable.
Measurement apparatus 2 might, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise fluid inlet 2a into which fluid flows, fluid outlet 2b out of which fluid flows, and fluid passage 2c through which fluid flows in passing from fluid inlet 2a to fluid outlet 2b. A constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 causes a fluid passage of measurement gauge 4 and a fluid passage of main body 5 to be mutually connected to constitute fluid passage 2c.
Common unit 5a might, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise power supply unit 6 that supplies electric power (supplies electricity), processing unit 7 (e.g., a computer comprising a processor and memory) that processes data, and a communication unit (not shown) that communicates with communication apparatus 3. In addition, power supply unit 6 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, supply electricity to the respective main body units 50 by way of cable(s) 8 or the like.
For example, as shown in
In addition, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, measurement insertion portion 41 comprises tubular measurement connectors 4a which extend in vertical direction D3, and main body recess 51 comprises recessed main body connectors 5b into which measurement connectors 4a are inserted. As a result, because installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body unit 50 causes measurement connector(s) 4a and main body connector(s) 5b to be connected, this causes fluid passage(s) of measurement gauge 4 and fluid passage(s) of main body 5 to be connected (see
Furthermore, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, main body unit 50 comprises interlocking portion 54 which abuts on and stops measurement insertion portion 41 from above, and measurement insertion portion 41 comprises recessed interlocked portion 41c which is abutted on and stopped by interlocking portion 54 (see
Interlocking portion 54 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, be rotatably connected to main body recess 51. As a result, interlocking portion 54 will engage in rotary displacement between a locked position at which interlocked portion 41c of measurement insertion portion 41 is abutted on and stopped from above, and an unlocked position at which said abutment and stopping does not occur. Moreover, main body unit 50 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise locking force providing portion 55 which exerts an elastic restoring force on interlocking portion 54 such as will tend to cause interlocking portion 54 to be located in the locked position. While there is no particular limitation with respect thereto, locking force providing portion 55 might, for example, be a spring.
Main body recess 51 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise a pair of first sandwiching members 51a, 51a which sandwich measurement insertion portion 41 in first horizontal direction D1, and a pair of second sandwiching members 51b, 51b which sandwich measurement insertion portion 41 in second horizontal direction D2. This will make it possible for measurement insertion portion 41 to be positioned with respect to main body recess 51 in horizontal directions D1 and D2.
Furthermore, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, main body recess 51 comprises actuation region 56 which is capable of being actuated, actuation region 56 constituting one of the first sandwiching members 51a. For example, a constitution may be adopted in which, as is the case in the present embodiment, actuation region 56 is capable of being actuated so as to engage in displacement between a sandwiched position (see
Measurement insertion portion 41 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first measurement protrusion 41a which protrudes in first horizontal direction D1, and second measurement protrusion 41b which protrudes in second horizontal direction D2. Furthermore, main body recess 51 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first main body protrusion(s) 51c which protrude from first sandwiching member(s) 51a in first horizontal direction D1.
Furthermore, measurement gauge 4 and main body unit 50 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first and second engaging members 4b, 4c, Sc, 5d which mutually engage. For example, a constitution may be adopted in which, as is the case in the present embodiment, first measurement engaging member 4b is formed so as to be convex, and first main body engaging member Sc is formed so as to be concave so as to permit first measurement engaging member 4b to be inserted therewithin; and moreover, second main body engaging member 5d is formed so as to be convex, and second measurement engaging member 4c is formed so as to be concave so as to permit second main body engaging member 5d to be inserted therewithin.
Furthermore, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, measurement gauge 4 comprises measurement terminal portion 9 which is a group of electrical terminals, and main body unit 50 comprises main body terminal portion 10 which is a group of electrical terminals that make contact with measurement terminal portion 9. As a result, when measurement gauge 4 is installed with respect to main body unit 50, this causes measurement terminal portion 9 and main body terminal portion 10 to be electrically connected.
Furthermore, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, measurement terminal portion 9 comprises a plurality of measurement terminals 11, and main body terminal portion 10 comprises a plurality of main body terminals 12 that make contact with measurement terminals 11. Moreover, while there is no particular limitation with respect to the number of measurement terminals 11 and main body terminals 12, the number that are present in the present embodiment is seven.
As shown in
Main body terminal 12 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise terminal movable portion 13 which is movable with respect to base portion 52 in vertical direction D3, terminal stationary portion 14 which is secured to base portion 52 and which slidably retains terminal movable portion 13, and a terminal force providing portion (not shown) which exerts an upward elastic restoring force on terminal movable portion 13.
Next, a method by which measurement gauge 4 may be removably installed with respect to main body unit 50 will be described with reference to
As shown in
In addition, interlocking portion 54, when in the locked position, abuts on and stops interlocked portion 41c of measurement insertion portion 41 from above; and moreover, because locking force providing portion 55 exerts an elastic restoring force on interlocking portion 54, measurement gauge 4 does not become dislodged from main body unit 50. This makes it possible for measurement gauge 4 to be installed with respect to main body unit 50.
In addition, measurement terminals 11 make contact with main body terminals 12. More specifically, measurement terminal 11 is arranged above main body terminal 12, and measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12 make contact in vertical direction D3.
At such time, when terminal movable portion 13 of main body terminal 12 is pressed downward by measurement terminal 11, this causes terminal movable portion 13 to move downward relative to terminal stationary portion 14. In addition, because the terminal force providing portion (not shown) exerts an upward elastic restoring force on terminal movable portion 13, terminal movable portion 13 makes contact with measurement terminal 11 such that a pressure acts thereon. This makes it possible to definitively cause measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12 to be electrically connected.
In addition, because measurement gauge 4 and base portion 52 of main body unit 50 sandwich sealing portion 53 in vertical direction D3, sealing portion 53 undergoes elastic deformation in vertical direction D3 and comes into intimate contact with measurement gauge 4. As a result, sealing portion 53, base portion 52, and measurement gauge 4 cooperate to cover measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12, which causes measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12 to be sealed.
Furthermore, first measurement protrusion 41a (see
Furthermore, second measurement protrusion 41b (see
Conversely, when measurement gauge 4 is separated from main body unit 50, actuation of actuation region 56 causes actuation region 56 to be located in the nonsandwiched position as shown in
Next, the constitutions of measurement terminal portion 9 and main body terminal portion 10, and a method for supplying electricity to measurement apparatus 2 (more specifically, a method for supplying electricity to measurement gauge 4), will be described with reference to
As shown in
Measurement gauge 4 might, for example, comprise measurement circuit unit 42 for measuring fluid(s). Measurement circuit unit 42 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise power supply circuit unit 42a which serves as main power supply for measurement gauge 4, and control circuit unit 42b which serves as control power supply (e.g., power supply for control signals for controlling respective components at measurement gauge 4, electrical signals indicating measured values, etc.) for measurement gauge 4.
Main body terminal(s) 12 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d which are electrically connected to first polarity unit 6d, and a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g which are electrically connected to second polarity unit 6e. While there is no particular limitation with respect to the number of respective main body terminals 12 that are present, in the present embodiment, for example, the number of first main body terminals 12a through 12d that are present is four, and the number of second main body terminals 12e through 12g that are present is three.
Furthermore, measurement apparatus 2 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise detection unit 15 which detects installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5, and switching unit 16 which switches between a state in which electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and main body terminal portion 10 is blocked and a state in which electrical connection is made, based on detection occurring at detection unit 15. For example, detection unit 15 might detect installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 by detecting that contact has been made between measurement terminal(s) 11 of measurement terminal portion 9 and main body terminal(s) 12 of main body terminal portion 10.
First main body terminals 12a through 12d may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first main body detection terminal 12a which is electrically connected to first polarity unit 6d without being routed through switching unit 16, and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d which are electrically connected to first polarity unit 6d by way of switching unit 16. Moreover, while there is no particular limitation with respect to the number of first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, the number that are present in the present embodiment might, for example, be three.
Second main body terminals 12e through 12g may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise second main body detection terminal 12e which is electrically connected to second polarity unit 6e without being routed through switching unit 16, and second main body switching terminals 12f through 12g which are electrically connected to second polarity unit 6e without being routed through switching unit 16. Moreover, while there is no particular limitation with respect to the number of second main body switching terminals 12f through 12g, the number that are present in the present embodiment might, for example, be two.
Measurement terminal 11 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first measurement detection terminal 11a which comes in contact with first main body detection terminal 12a, first measurement switching terminals 11b through 11d which come in contact with first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, second measurement detection terminal lie which comes in contact with second main body detection terminal 12e, and second measurement switching terminals 11f through 11g which comes in contact with second main body switching terminals 12f through 12g.
Detection unit 15 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise detection circuit unit 15a which, when first main body detection terminal 12a and first measurement detection terminal 11a come in contact and second main body detection terminal 12e and second measurement detection terminal lie come in contact, causes formation of a closed circuit between first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e; and electric current detection unit 15b which detects flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a.
In addition, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, when flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a is not detected by electric current detection unit 15b, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d to be blocked; and when flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a is detected by electric current detection unit 15b, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection to be made between power supply unit 6 and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d.
As a result, when measurement gauge 4 is installed with respect to main body unit 50, this causes first main body detection terminal 12a and first measurement detection terminal 11a to come in contact, and this also causes second main body detection terminal 12e and second measurement detection terminal lie to come in contact. Accordingly, because detection circuit unit 15a causes formation of a closed circuit between first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e, electric current will flow at detection circuit unit 15a.
In addition, because flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a is detected by electric current detection unit 15b, electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d is switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. As a result, because measurement switching terminals lib through 11d, 11f through 11g, and main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g come in contact, closed circuit(s) are formed between first and second main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g by way of measurement circuit unit 42.
Accordingly, because power supply unit 6 is switched from a state in which supply of electricity to measurement circuit unit 42 of measurement gauge 4 is stopped to a state in which electricity is supplied to measurement circuit unit 42 of measurement gauge 4, electric power from power supply unit 6 is supplied to measurement gauge 4. That is, voltage(s) applied across first and second main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g are applied to measurement circuit unit 42. Note that because first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e are terminals for causing flow of electric current which is detected at detection unit 15, they are also referred to as first and second electric current detection terminals 12a, 12e.
Note that there is no particular limitation with respect to the constitutions of detection unit 15 and switching unit 16. Detection unit 15 and switching unit 16 might, for example, be constituted from hardware electric components (e.g., timers, various relays, photocouplers); or they might, for example, be constituted from software electric components (software sequencers); or they might, for example, be constituted from hardware electric components and software electric components.
As shown in
In addition, it is possible, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, for that first main body terminal 12a which among first main body terminals 12a through 12d is nearest to second main body terminals 12e through 12g to be first main body detection terminal 12a. Furthermore, it is possible, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, for that second main body terminal 12e which among second main body terminals 12e through 12g is nearest to first main body terminals 12a through 12d to be the second main body detection terminal 12e.
Furthermore, main body unit 50 might, for example, comprise first retaining portion 57 which is secured to base portion 52 and which retains a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d, and second retaining portion 58 which is secured to base portion 52 and which retains a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g. In addition, first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, retain the lower portions of main body terminals 12 which extend in vertical direction D3. As a result, main body terminals 12 will protrude upward from retaining portions 57, 58.
In addition, base portion 52 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, comprise first through third through-holes 52a through 52c which extend in vertical direction D3 at the interior of sealing portion 53. As a result, because fluid entering the interior of sealing portion 53 will be discharged by means of through-holes 52a through 52c, this will make it possible to suppress accumulation of fluid at the interior of sealing portion 53.
Moreover, a constitution may be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58 are separated, and first through-hole 52a is arranged between first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58. As a result, because fluid between first and second retaining portions 57, 58 will be made to drain therefrom by means of first through-hole 52a, this will make it possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second retaining portions 57, 58.
Furthermore, respective retaining portions 57, 58 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, protrude upward from base portion 52. As a result, because the region between first and second retaining portions 57, 58 will be recessed, even were fluid to accumulate at the interior of sealing portion 53, this will make it possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second retaining portions 57, 58.
Furthermore, respective retaining portions 57, 58 may, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, cause respective main body terminals 12 to be retained so as to be separated from base portion 52. As a result, because respective retaining portions 57, 58 protrude upward from base portion 52, even were fluid to accumulate at the interior of sealing portion 53, this will make it possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between respective retaining portions 57, 58 and base portion 52. Accordingly, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between base portion 52 and main body terminals 12.
It will thus be possible to effectively suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g. However, even when, for example, measurement gauge 4 is not installed with respect to main body unit 50, there are situations in which accumulation of a large amount of fluid at the interior of sealing portion 53 causes electrical connection to be made between first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e due to presence of the fluid.
In such case, electric current will flow between first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e. Note, however, that because the voltage applied across first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e is a DC voltage, although said electric current might flow momentarily (e.g., for several microseconds), it will not flow continuously. This is because, where DC voltages are involved, formation of an electrical double layer causes the fluid to act like a capacitor.
A constitution may therefore be adopted in which, e.g., as is the case in the present embodiment, when electric current detection unit 15b detects flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a for a prescribed amount of time, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This will make it possible to suppress erroneous application of voltage(s) from power supply unit 6 across first and second main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g.
Conversely, a constitution may be adopted in which, when electric current detection unit 15b detects absence of flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a for a prescribed amount of time, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is made to a state in which electrical connection is blocked. This will make it possible to suppress erroneous application of voltage(s) from power supply unit 6 across first and second main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g.
While there is no particular limitation with respect thereto, the prescribed time might, for example, be not less than 100 msec, not less than 200 msec being, for example, preferred. Furthermore, so as to smoothly cause electric power to be supplied to measurement gauge 4 following installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5, the prescribed time might, for example, be not greater than 1000 msec, not greater than 500 msec being, for example, preferred.
As described above, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 comprises:
In accordance with such constitution, installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 causes a plurality of main body terminals 12 to come in contact with a plurality of measurement terminals 11, and detection unit 15 detects that measurement gauge 4 has been installed with respect to main body 5. In addition, when detection unit 15 has detected that said installation thereof with respect thereto has occurred, electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one (first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d in the present embodiment) among a plurality of main body terminals 12 is switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This makes it possible for electric power from power supply unit 6 to be supplied to measurement gauge 4 by way of main body 5.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which: wherein the detection unit 15 detects contact between the measurement terminals 11 and the main body terminals 12; and wherein, when the contact is detected by the detection unit 15, the switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between the power supply unit 6 and at least one (first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d in the present embodiment) of the plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made.
In accordance with such constitution, when detection unit 15 has detected that contact has been made between measurement terminal(s) 11 and main body terminal(s) 12, electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one (first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d in the present embodiment) among a plurality of main body terminals 12 is switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This makes it possible for electric power from power supply unit 6 to be supplied to measurement gauge 4 by way of main body 5 after contact has been made between measurement terminal(s) 11 and main body terminal(s) 12.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which:
In accordance with such constitution, when measurement gauge 4 is installed with respect to main body 5, this causes first main body detection terminal 12a and first measurement detection terminal 11a to come in contact, and this also causes second main body detection terminal 12e and second measurement detection terminal lie to come in contact. As a result, detection circuit unit 15a causes a closed circuit to be formed between first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e.
In addition, because voltage from power supply unit 6 is applied across first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e, electric current flows at detection circuit unit 15a. Accordingly, because electric current flowing at detection circuit unit 15a is detected by electric current detection unit 15b, electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one of first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d is switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which:
First main body detection terminal 12a is electrically connected to first polarity unit 6d of DC power supply 6, and second main body detection terminal 12e is electrically connected to second polarity unit 6e of DC power supply 6. As a result, even if electrical connection were to be made between first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e due to presence of fluid, although electric current would flow momentarily between first and second main body detection terminals 12a, 12e, it would not flow continuously.
To address this, it is when electric current detection unit 15b detects electric current for a prescribed amount of time that electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one of first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d is switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This will make it possible to suppress occurrence of a situation in which power supply unit 6 might otherwise be erroneously electrically connected to main body switching terminal(s) 12b through 12d.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which:
In accordance with such constitution, because first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58 respectively protrude upward from base portion 52, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between base portion 52 and respective retaining portions 57, 58. As a result, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g by way of base portion 52.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which: wherein the first retaining portion 57 is separated from the second retaining portion 58 so as to cause a region between the first retaining portion 57 and the second retaining portion 58 to be recessed.
In accordance with such constitution, because first retaining portion 57 is separated from second retaining portion 58, the region between first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58 is recessed. As a result, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second retaining portions 57, 58. According, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that the measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which:
In accordance with such constitution, first retaining portion 57 is separated from second retaining portion 58; and in addition, through-hole 52a extends in vertical direction D3 between first and second retaining portions 57, 58. As a result, because fluid between first and second retaining portions 57, 58 will be made to drain therefrom by means of through-hole 52a, this will make it possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second retaining portions 57, 58. According, it will be possible to suppress accumulation of fluid everywhere along the region between first and second main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that
Such a constitution will make it possible to cause electric power from power supply unit 6 to be supplied to measurement gauge 4 by way of main body 5.
Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferred that
Such a method will make it possible to cause electric power from power supply unit 6 to be supplied to measurement gauge 4 by way of main body 5.
The measurement system 1, the measurement apparatus 2 and the method for supplying electricity the measurement apparatus 2 are not limited to the configuration of the embodiment described above, and the effects are not limited to those described above. It goes without saying that the measurement system 1, the measurement apparatus 2 and the method for supplying electricity the measurement apparatus 2 can be variously modified without departing from the scope of the subject matter of the present invention. For example, the constituents, methods, and the like of various modified examples described below may be arbitrarily selected and employed as the constituents, methods, and the like of the embodiments described above, as a matter of course.
(A) The constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that detection unit 15 comprises electric current detection unit 15b which detects flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a; and is such that, when electric current is detected by electric current detection unit 15b, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one 12b through 12d among a plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. That is, the constitution is such that installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 is detected as a result of detection by detection unit 15 of contact having been made between measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution.
For example, a constitution may be adopted in which detection unit 15 comprises sensor(s) (e.g., optoelectronic sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), contact sensor(s), and/or the like) which detect movement of terminal movable portion(s) 13; and in which, when movement of terminal movable portion(s) 13 is detected by sensor(s), switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one 12b through 12d among a plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This will make it possible for installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 to be detected as a result of detection by detection unit 15 of contact having been made between measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12.
Furthermore, for example, a constitution may be adopted in which detection unit 15 comprises protrusion(s) which protrude downward from measurement gauge 4, switch(es) which are arranged at main body 5 and which are pressed on by said protrusion(s), and sensor(s) (e.g., pressure sensor(s), proximity sensor(s), and/or the like) which detect when said switch(es) are pressed on; and in which, when it is detected by sensor(s) that switch(es) are pressed on, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one 12b through 12d among a plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. This will make it possible for installation of measurement gauge 4 with respect to main body 5 to be detected by detection unit 15.
(B) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that power supply unit 6 is a DC power supply 6 having a first polarity unit 6d and a second polarity unit 6e. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which power supply unit 6 is an AC power supply.
(C) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that, when electric current detection unit 15b detects flow of electric current at detection circuit unit 15a for a prescribed amount of time, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and main body switching terminal(s) 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution.
For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which, immediately upon detection by electric current detection unit 15b that electric current is flowing at detection circuit unit 15a, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and at least one 12b through 12d among a plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made.
(D) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that retaining portions 57, 58 respectively cause a plurality of main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g to be retained so as to be separated from base portion 52. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which at least one of first and second retaining portions 57, 58 cause a plurality of main body terminals 12a through 12d, 12e through 12g to be retained so as to be in contact with base portion 52.
(E) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that retaining portions 57, 58 respectively protrude upward from base portion 52. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. It is also possible to adopt a constitution in which, for example, at least one of first and second retaining portions 57, 58 is recessed in downward fashion from base portion 52, and it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which, for example, it is at the same height (the position in vertical direction D3 is the same) as base portion 52.
(F) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that first retaining portion 57 is separated from second retaining portion 58. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which first retaining portion 57 is in contact with second retaining portion 58.
(G) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that main body 5 comprises a through-hole 52a that extends in vertical direction D3 in a region which is at the interior of sealing portion 53 and which is between first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution.
For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which main body 5 does not comprise through-hole(s) 52a through 52c extending in vertical direction D3 at the interior of sealing portion 53. Furthermore, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which main body 5 is provided with through-hole(s) extending in vertical direction D3 only at location(s) which are at the interior of sealing portion 53 and which are not between first retaining portion 57 and second retaining portion 58.
(H) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that measurement terminal 11 is arranged above main body terminal 12, and measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12 make contact in vertical direction D3. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which measurement terminal 11 and main body terminal 12 make contact in horizontal directions D1 and D2.
(I) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d are arrayed so as line up in a single row in parallel fashion with respect to second horizontal direction D2, and a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12f are arrayed so as line up in a single row in parallel fashion with respect to second horizontal direction D2, and in adjacent fashion with respect to the plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d so as to line up in a single row together with the plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution.
For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d are arrayed so as line up in a single row in parallel fashion with respect to second horizontal direction D2, and a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12f are arrayed so as line up in a single row in parallel fashion with respect to second horizontal direction D2 but so as to be separated in first horizontal direction D1 from the plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d. Furthermore, for example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d are arrayed in annular fashion, and a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12f are arrayed in annular fashion.
(J) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that that first main body terminal 12a which among a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d is nearest to a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g is first main body detection terminal 12a. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which that first main body terminal 12b (12c, 12d) which among a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d is nearest to a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g is first main body detection terminal 12b (12c, 12d).
(K) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that the second main body terminal 12e which among a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g is nearest to a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d is second main body detection terminal 12e. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution. For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which that second main body terminal 12f (12g) which among a plurality of second main body terminals 12e through 12g is nearest to a plurality of first main body terminals 12a through 12d is second main body detection terminal 12f (12g).
Thus, it may be that measurement apparatus 2 includes a configuration in which, for example,
In accordance with such constitution, at least first main body switching terminal 12b (12c, 12d) and second main body switching terminal 12f (12g) will be arranged between first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e. As a result, because first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e will be separated, it will be possible to suppress unwanted situations such as where, for example, first main body detection terminal 12a and second main body detection terminal 12e might become electrically connected due to presence of fluid, electrically conductive material, or the like.
(L) Furthermore, the constitution of measurement apparatus 2 associated with the foregoing embodiment is such that, when detection unit 15 detects that measurement gauge 4 has been installed with respect to main body 5, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and a portion of the plurality of main body terminals 12 (specifically, all of the plurality of main body terminals 12 that are first main body switching terminals 12b through 12d) to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. However, measurement apparatus 2 is not limited to such constitution.
For example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which, when detection unit 15 detects that measurement gauge 4 has been installed with respect to main body 5, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and all of the plurality of main body terminals 12 to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made. Furthermore, for example, it is also possible to adopt a constitution in which, when detection unit 15 detects that measurement gauge 4 has been installed with respect to main body 5, switching unit 16 causes electrical connection between power supply unit 6 and all of the plurality of main body terminals 12 that are main body switching terminals 12b through 12d, 12f through 12g to be switched from a state in which electrical connection is blocked to a state in which electrical connection is made.
(M) Note that, except where the results of a previous operation is used in a subsequent operation, the order of execution of actions, procedures, steps, stages, and other such respective operations taking place, for example, in the context of the method(s) and apparatus(es) indicated in the claims, specification, and drawings may be implemented in any desired order. Notwithstanding that words such as “first,” “next,” and so forth may have been employed for convenience of description, this should not be understood to imply that execution must be carried out in that order.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-114329 | Jul 2023 | JP | national |
