JP2010060452A - Gas sensor - Google Patents

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JP2010060452A
JP2010060452A JP2008227052A JP2008227052A JP2010060452A JP 2010060452 A JP2010060452 A JP 2010060452A JP 2008227052 A JP2008227052 A JP 2008227052A JP 2008227052 A JP2008227052 A JP 2008227052A JP 2010060452 A JP2010060452 A JP 2010060452A
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vibration
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gas sensor
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JP5024239B2 (en
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Ryuji Fujiwara
竜二 藤原
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Denso Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas sensor that can transmit a detection signal to a control section by radio, dispenses with the trouble of exchanging a built-in battery, is compact, and is highly practical. <P>SOLUTION: The gas sensor S has a sensor body 1 for holding a gas detection element 3 in a housing 4, and a control section 11, and composes a wireless communication section 2 by a transmitting section 21 provided at an upper end of a protective cover 5 fixed to the housing 4 and a reception section 22 provided at the external control section. The wireless communication section 2 is provided with a power supply section 23 capable of generating power by at least one type from vibration energy, light energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy as a power source of the transmitting section 21, and can transmit a detection signal by supplying power to the transmitting section 21. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、車両等に搭載されて各種ガスを検出するために用いられるガスセンサ、特にワイヤレス型のガスセンサに関する。   The present invention relates to a gas sensor mounted on a vehicle or the like and used for detecting various gases, and more particularly to a wireless gas sensor.

例えば、車両内燃機関の排気管にガスセンサが設けられており、排気ガス中の酸素等のガス濃度を検出して、その検出信号を基に機関本体各部の制御が行われている。ガスセンサは、一般に、ジルコニア等の酸素イオン導電性の固体電解質を利用したものが広く用いられている（例えば、特許文献１等）。
特開２００８−１２２４１４号公報 For example, a gas sensor is provided in an exhaust pipe of a vehicle internal combustion engine, and a gas concentration such as oxygen in the exhaust gas is detected, and each part of the engine body is controlled based on the detection signal. In general, a gas sensor using an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte such as zirconia is widely used (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2008-122414 A

特許文献１のガスセンサの基本構造を図７に示す。ガスセンサは、ガス検出素子１０１と、ガス検出素子の基端部を保持するハウジング１０２と、ガス検出素子１０１からの検出信号が入力される制御部１０３とを備えている。ガス検出素子１０１は、酸素イオン導電性の固体電解質を、例えばコップ型に形成した基体１０４を有し、このコップ型の基体１０４を挟んで内外表面に電極が形成され、固体電解質内を酸素イオンが拡散する性質を利用して、ガス濃度を測定する。   The basic structure of the gas sensor of Patent Document 1 is shown in FIG. The gas sensor includes a gas detection element 101, a housing 102 that holds a base end portion of the gas detection element, and a control unit 103 to which a detection signal from the gas detection element 101 is input. The gas detection element 101 includes a base 104 in which an oxygen ion conductive solid electrolyte is formed, for example, in a cup shape. Electrodes are formed on the inner and outer surfaces with the cup type base 104 interposed therebetween, and oxygen ions are passed through the solid electrolyte. The gas concentration is measured by utilizing the property of diffusion.

ガス検出素子１０１の電極端子には、検出結果を取り出すためにリード線１０５が接続される。リード線１０５は、ハウジング１０２に固定した保護カバー１０６の開口に配設したブッシュ１０７を貫通して外部に引き出され、その延出端が車両の制御部１０３と直接電気的に接続されて検出信号を出力するようになっている。   A lead wire 105 is connected to the electrode terminal of the gas detection element 101 in order to extract a detection result. The lead wire 105 passes through the bush 107 disposed in the opening of the protective cover 106 fixed to the housing 102 and is drawn to the outside, and its extension end is directly electrically connected to the control unit 103 of the vehicle to detect the detection signal. Is output.

一方、従来より、家庭用または車両用の制御システムにおいて、検出結果を制御部に無線等を用いて発信することが可能なワイヤレス装置が提案されている（例えば、特許文献２、３等）。特許文献２には、温度、湿度等の変化を検知して、その結果を制御ユニットに送信可能とした空調用ワイヤレスセンサが、特許文献３には、車両ドアをロックするためのロック手段を携帯機から送信可能としたワイヤレス制御装置が開示されている。このようなワイヤレス装置は、有線式のセンサな配線の引き回しが不要になるといった利点がある。
特開平７−３１８１４４号公報 特開２００８−５０９４３号公報 On the other hand, conventionally, in a home or vehicle control system, there has been proposed a wireless device capable of transmitting a detection result to a control unit using radio or the like (for example, Patent Documents 2 and 3). Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioning wireless sensor that can detect changes in temperature, humidity, and the like and transmit the results to a control unit. Patent Document 3 includes a lock means for locking a vehicle door. A wireless control device which can be transmitted from a machine is disclosed. Such a wireless device has an advantage that a wired sensor-like wiring is not required.
JP-A-7-318144 JP 2008-50943 A

ところが、ワイヤレス装置は、検出結果を外部に設置した制御部へ発信するために、内部に電源を備える必要がある。例えば、電池を内蔵したものでは、電池の消耗による機能低下を避けるために、定期的な電池交換や保守点検が要求される。あるいは、これらの頻度を少なくしようとして電池容量を大きくすると、装置が大型化する不具合があり、実用的でなかった。   However, in order to transmit the detection result to a control unit installed outside, the wireless device needs to have a power source inside. For example, a battery with a built-in battery requires periodic battery replacement and maintenance and inspection in order to avoid functional degradation due to battery consumption. Alternatively, if the battery capacity is increased in order to reduce these frequencies, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes larger, which is not practical.

本発明は、このような問題点を解決するためになされたものであって、車両内燃機関の排気管に設置されて、酸素等のガス濃度を良好に検出するガスセンサに適用され、検出信号をワイヤレスで制御部に発信することができ、しかも内蔵電池の交換といった手間が不要であり、小型で実用性の高いガスセンサを提供することを目的とする。   The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and is applied to a gas sensor that is installed in an exhaust pipe of a vehicle internal combustion engine and detects a gas concentration such as oxygen well, and detects a detection signal. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas sensor that can be transmitted wirelessly to a control unit and does not require the trouble of replacing a built-in battery, and is small and highly practical.

請求項１記載の発明は、被測定ガス中の特定成分を検出するガス検出素子と、該ガス検出素子の基端部を保持するハウジングと、上記ガス検出素子からの検出信号が入力される制御部とを備えるガスセンサであって、
上記ハウジングに固定した保護カバー端部に、上記検出信号を上記ハウジング外に設けた上記制御部へ発信するための発信部を設けて、該発信部と上記ガス検出素子の基端部とをリード線で接続し、上記制御部には、上記発信部からの信号を受信する受信部を設けて、ワイヤレス通信部となし、
上記ワイヤレス通信部は、上記保護カバー内に振動エネルギ、風力エネルギ、光エネルギ、熱エネルギおよび化学エネルギの少なくとも１種を用いて発電可能な電源部を設けて上記発信部に接続し、上記電源部からの電力供給により上記検出信号を発信可能となしたことを特徴とする。 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas detection element for detecting a specific component in a gas to be measured, a housing for holding a base end portion of the gas detection element, and a control for inputting a detection signal from the gas detection element. A gas sensor comprising:
A transmitting part for transmitting the detection signal to the control unit provided outside the housing is provided at the end of the protective cover fixed to the housing, and the transmitting part and the base end of the gas detection element are lead. Connected by a line, the control unit is provided with a receiving unit for receiving a signal from the transmitting unit, and is not a wireless communication unit,
The wireless communication unit is provided with a power supply unit capable of generating power using at least one of vibration energy, wind energy, light energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy in the protective cover, and is connected to the transmission unit. The above-mentioned detection signal can be transmitted by supplying power from.

上記構成において、ワイヤレス通信部は、被測定ガス中に設置されるガス検出素子に接続される発信部と、外部の制御部側に設けられる受信部によって、特定成分の検出信号を無線で通信可能とする。その際に必要な電力は、電源部において発生させた電気エネルギによってまかなわれるので、内蔵電池の交換といった手間が不要であり、小型で実用性の高いガスセンサが得られる。   In the above configuration, the wireless communication unit can communicate the detection signal of a specific component wirelessly by the transmitting unit connected to the gas detection element installed in the gas to be measured and the receiving unit provided on the external control unit side And The electric power required at that time is provided by the electric energy generated in the power supply unit, so that the trouble of replacing the built-in battery is unnecessary, and a small and highly practical gas sensor can be obtained.

請求項２記載の発明において、上記電源部は、ガスセンサ自体の振動に対応して相対的に振動する振動部を備え、該振動部の振動エネルギを電気エネルギに変換して電力源とする。   According to a second aspect of the present invention, the power supply unit includes a vibration unit that vibrates relatively in response to the vibration of the gas sensor itself, and converts the vibration energy of the vibration unit into electric energy to be used as a power source.

具体的には、上記電源部は、上記ガス検出素子自体の振動を利用し、振動エネルギを電気エネルギに変換する素子を用いて、電力を供給することができる。   Specifically, the power supply unit can supply electric power using an element that converts vibration energy into electric energy using vibration of the gas detection element itself.

請求項３記載の発明において、上記ガス検出素子は、固体電解質体に一対の電極を設けて、一方の電極を被測定ガスに、他方の電極を基準ガスに接触するように配置した構成であり、
上記電源部は、被測定ガスと基準ガスとの酸素濃度差に応じて上記ガス検出素子の上記固体電解質体内を酸素イオンが移動する時に発生する電気エネルギを電力源とする。 In the invention according to claim 3, the gas detection element has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes is provided on the solid electrolyte body, and one electrode is disposed in contact with the gas to be measured and the other electrode is in contact with the reference gas. ,
The power supply unit uses, as a power source, electric energy generated when oxygen ions move in the solid electrolyte body of the gas detection element according to a difference in oxygen concentration between a gas to be measured and a reference gas.

具体的には、上記電源部は、固体電解質体を用いたガス検出素子において、ガス検出時に流れる電流を利用して、電力を供給することができる。   Specifically, the power supply unit can supply power using a current flowing during gas detection in a gas detection element using a solid electrolyte body.

請求項４記載の発明において、上記ガス検出素子は、固体電解質体に一対の電極を設けて、一方の電極を被測定ガスに、他方の電極を基準ガスに接触するように配置した構成であり、
上記電源部は、上記ガス検出素子自体の振動に追従して振動する振動部を備え、該振動部の振動エネルギを変換して得られる電気エネルギ、または被測定ガスと基準ガスとの酸素濃度差に応じて上記ガス検出素子の上記固体電解質体内を酸素イオンが移動する時に発生する電気エネルギ、の少なくとも一方を電力源とする。 In the invention according to claim 4, the gas detection element has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes are provided on a solid electrolyte body, and one electrode is disposed in contact with a gas to be measured and the other electrode is in contact with a reference gas. ,
The power supply unit includes a vibration unit that vibrates following the vibration of the gas detection element itself, and the electric energy obtained by converting the vibration energy of the vibration unit or the oxygen concentration difference between the gas to be measured and the reference gas Accordingly, at least one of electric energy generated when oxygen ions move in the solid electrolyte body of the gas detection element is used as a power source.

具体的には、上記電源部は、固体電解質体を用いたガス検出素子において、上記ガス検出素子自体の振動を利用して、振動エネルギを電気エネルギに変換し、またはガス検出時に固体電解質体内を流れる電流を利用して、電力を供給することができる。   Specifically, in the gas detection element using a solid electrolyte body, the power supply unit converts vibration energy into electric energy by using vibration of the gas detection element itself, or in the solid electrolyte body during gas detection. Electric power can be supplied using the flowing current.

（第１実施形態）
図１〜４に本発明を適用したガスセンサの第１実施形態を示す。本実施形態は、例えば車両内燃機関の排気管に搭載されるガスセンサＳとして説明する。図１は、本発明のガスセンサＳの概略構成を示すブロック図、図２はガスセンサＳをエンジンＥの排気管Ｅ１に取り付けた状態を示す図である。図１、２において、本発明のガスセンサＳは、排気管Ｅ１内に下半部が突出位置するように取り付けられて、被測定ガスである排ガス中に含まれる特定成分を検出するもので、代表的なものとして酸素センサがある。その他、空燃比センサ、ＮＯｘセンサ、ＣＯ２センサ、ＨＣセンサ等、排ガス中の特定のガス成分やその濃度を検出する種々のガスセンサに適用することができる。 (First embodiment)
1 to 4 show a first embodiment of a gas sensor to which the present invention is applied. This embodiment is described as a gas sensor S mounted on an exhaust pipe of a vehicle internal combustion engine, for example. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas sensor S of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the gas sensor S is attached to an exhaust pipe E1 of an engine E. 1 and 2, the gas sensor S of the present invention is attached so that the lower half protrudes from the exhaust pipe E1, and detects a specific component contained in the exhaust gas that is the gas to be measured. A typical example is an oxygen sensor. In addition, the present invention can be applied to various gas sensors that detect specific gas components and their concentrations in exhaust gas, such as air-fuel ratio sensors, NOx sensors, CO 2 sensors, and HC sensors.

本発明のガスセンサＳは、センサ本体１と、公知の電子制御ユニット（ＥＣＵ）からなる制御部１１とを備えている。センサ本体１の発信部２１と制御部１１の受信部２２は、後述するようにワイヤレス通信部２を構成している。制御部１１となるＥＣＵは、一般的な内燃機関用の基本構成を有するもので、ガスセンサＳの他、機関各部に設けた各種センサ類からの情報が入力している。そして、これら情報に基づいて、機関が所望の運転状態となるように、エンジンＥの燃焼室内へ燃料噴射するインジェクタＩの駆動および各種装置の作動をフィードバック制御する。   The gas sensor S of the present invention includes a sensor body 1 and a control unit 11 including a known electronic control unit (ECU). The transmitter 21 of the sensor body 1 and the receiver 22 of the controller 11 constitute a wireless communication unit 2 as will be described later. The ECU serving as the control unit 11 has a basic configuration for a general internal combustion engine, and receives information from various sensors provided in each part of the engine in addition to the gas sensor S. Based on this information, the drive of the injector I that injects fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine E and the operation of various devices are feedback-controlled so that the engine enters a desired operating state.

ガスセンサＳのセンサ本体１は、図３に示すごとく、ガス検出素子３と、ガス検出素子３の基端側半部（図の上半部）を保持するハウジング４と、ハウジング４の上端側に固定された保護カバー５と、ハウジング４の下端側に固定された素子カバー６とを有する。保護カバー５の上端開口部は、カプラ５１で封止され、カプラ５１の上面に設けた筒状部内に、ワイヤレス通信部２の発信部２１が収容されている。ガスセンサＳは、二重筒状の素子カバー６で覆われる下半部が、被測定ガスである排ガスが存在する排気管内に位置するように、ハウジング４のフランジ部を排気管壁に設けた取付穴に装着し、ガスケット４１を介してねじ固定する。この時、素子カバー６の側面および底面に設けた多数の貫通穴６１を介して、ガス検出素子３に排ガスが導入される。   As shown in FIG. 3, the sensor main body 1 of the gas sensor S includes a gas detection element 3, a housing 4 that holds a proximal half (upper half) of the gas detection element 3, and an upper end side of the housing 4. It has a fixed protective cover 5 and an element cover 6 fixed to the lower end side of the housing 4. The upper end opening of the protective cover 5 is sealed with a coupler 51, and the transmitter 21 of the wireless communication unit 2 is accommodated in a cylindrical portion provided on the upper surface of the coupler 51. The gas sensor S is an installation in which the flange portion of the housing 4 is provided on the exhaust pipe wall so that the lower half portion covered with the double cylindrical element cover 6 is located in the exhaust pipe where the exhaust gas as the gas to be measured exists. It is installed in the hole and fixed with screws through the gasket 41. At this time, exhaust gas is introduced into the gas detection element 3 through a large number of through holes 61 provided on the side and bottom surfaces of the element cover 6.

ガス検出素子３は、図示するように、コップ型に形成された例えばジルコニア等の固体電解質よりなる基体３１を有する。図４はガス検出素子３の詳細構造を示す図で、基体３１は、その内部を基準ガスが存在する大気室３２とし、大気室３２に接する内部表面に触媒金属としてＰｔを含有する多孔質の内部電極３３１を形成している。また、基体３１の外側表面には触媒金属としてＰｔを含有する多孔質の外部電極３４１が形成され、外部電極３４１の表面は多孔質のコーティング層３４２で被覆されている。図３において、これら内部電極３３１および外部電極３４１は、ガス検出素子３の基端部において、内部電極ホルダ３３、外部電極ホルダ３４に接続される。内部電極ホルダ３３、外部電極ホルダ３４は、それぞれ下端部に設けたバネ部によってガス検出素子３の内表面、外表面に押圧保持され、電気的接続を確保するようになっている。   As shown in the figure, the gas detection element 3 has a base 31 made of a solid electrolyte such as zirconia formed in a cup shape. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a detailed structure of the gas detection element 3. The base 31 has an atmosphere chamber 32 in which the reference gas exists and a porous material containing Pt as a catalyst metal on the inner surface in contact with the atmosphere chamber 32. An internal electrode 331 is formed. A porous external electrode 341 containing Pt as a catalyst metal is formed on the outer surface of the substrate 31, and the surface of the external electrode 341 is covered with a porous coating layer 342. In FIG. 3, the internal electrode 331 and the external electrode 341 are connected to the internal electrode holder 33 and the external electrode holder 34 at the base end portion of the gas detection element 3. The internal electrode holder 33 and the external electrode holder 34 are pressed and held on the inner surface and the outer surface of the gas detection element 3 by spring portions provided at the lower end portions, respectively, so as to ensure electrical connection.

内部電極ホルダ３３、外部電極ホルダ３４は、平板状の端子部が保持カバー５内を上方に延び、カプラー５１に設けた挿通穴を通って、その上方の発信部２１に接続されている。カプラー５１は、フッ素樹脂、例えばポリテトラフルオロエチレン（ＰＴＦＥ）からなる。また、内部電極ホルダ３３、外部電極ホルダ３４は、Ｎｉ基超耐熱合金、例えばインコネル（インコ社商品名：耐熱温度約５５０℃）等からなる。ガス検出素子３は、ＳＵＳ等よりなるハウジング４内に挿通され、段付きとした中間部が、ハウジング４内の段付き部に、ＳＵＳ等よりなるパッキン４２を介して支持される。また、ガス検出素子３の基端部外周面と、ハウジング４内周面との間には、アルミナ等のインシュレータ４２が介設される。   The internal electrode holder 33 and the external electrode holder 34 have plate-like terminal portions extending upward in the holding cover 5 and are connected to the transmitting portion 21 therethrough through an insertion hole provided in the coupler 51. The coupler 51 is made of a fluororesin such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The internal electrode holder 33 and the external electrode holder 34 are made of a Ni-based super heat resistant alloy such as Inconel (trade name of Inco Corporation: heat resistant temperature of about 550 ° C.). The gas detection element 3 is inserted into a housing 4 made of SUS or the like, and a stepped intermediate portion is supported by a stepped portion in the housing 4 via a packing 42 made of SUS or the like. An insulator 42 such as alumina is interposed between the outer peripheral surface of the base end portion of the gas detection element 3 and the inner peripheral surface of the housing 4.

上記構成において、ガス検出素子３は、固体電解質よりなる基体３１と、基準ガスが存在する大気室３２に接する内部電極３３１、被測定ガスである排ガスに接する外部電極３４１とが、酸素濃淡電池を構成し、量電極の酸素濃度差に応じた起電力を発生する。図４の基体３１となる固体電解質、例えば、ＺｒＯ２にＹ２Ｏ３を添加した安定化ジルコニア固体電解質は、酸素イオンの空格子を有する酸素イオン伝導体であり、図３の排気管Ｅ１から素子カバー６内に流入する排ガスは、コーティング層３４２を通過して外部電極３４１に到達している。この時、高酸素分圧の大気に接触する内部電極３３１にて、酸素が電子を得て酸素イオンとなり、固体電解質内を移動して、低酸素分圧の外部電極３４１にて電子を放出する電極反応が起こり、ネルンストの式で与えられる起電力が発生する。よって、この起電力を内部電極ホルダ３３、外部電極ホルダ３４を介して取り出し、発信部２２からガス濃度の検出信号として、ワイヤレス通信により制御部１１の受信部２２へ出力することができる。 In the above configuration, the gas detection element 3 includes a base 31 made of a solid electrolyte, an internal electrode 331 in contact with the atmospheric chamber 32 in which the reference gas exists, and an external electrode 341 in contact with the exhaust gas that is the measurement gas, An electromotive force is generated according to the oxygen concentration difference of the quantity electrode. A solid electrolyte to be the base 31 in FIG. 4, for example, a stabilized zirconia solid electrolyte in which Y 2 O 3 is added to ZrO 2 is an oxygen ion conductor having oxygen ion vacancies, The exhaust gas flowing into the element cover 6 passes through the coating layer 342 and reaches the external electrode 341. At this time, oxygen is obtained as electrons by the internal electrode 331 that is in contact with the atmosphere having a high oxygen partial pressure, becomes oxygen ions, moves through the solid electrolyte, and is released by the external electrode 341 having a low oxygen partial pressure. An electrode reaction occurs and an electromotive force given by the Nernst equation is generated. Therefore, this electromotive force can be taken out via the internal electrode holder 33 and the external electrode holder 34 and output from the transmitter 22 to the receiver 22 of the controller 11 by wireless communication as a gas concentration detection signal.

図３において、ワイヤレス通信部２を構成する発信部２１および受信部２２は、例えば、公知の無線ＬＡＮ規格に対応するネットワーク通信機能を備え、検出したガス濃度情報を出入力可能である。ここで、発信部２１が無線ＬＡＮを用いると、車両グランドアースにより、ノイズの影響を受けにくい利点がある。また、汎用性が高く、小型化が可能で実用性が高い。その他、電波無線、赤外線、光通信を用いたワイヤレス通信を採用することもできる。   In FIG. 3, a transmitter 21 and a receiver 22 constituting the wireless communication unit 2 have, for example, a network communication function corresponding to a known wireless LAN standard, and can input / output the detected gas concentration information. Here, when the transmitter 21 uses a wireless LAN, there is an advantage that it is less susceptible to noise due to the vehicle ground. In addition, it is highly versatile, can be miniaturized, and is highly practical. In addition, wireless communication using radio waves, infrared rays, or optical communication can be employed.

ここで、本発明のワイヤレス通信部２は、発信部２１から検出信号を発信可能とするために、自己発電可能な電源部２３を備える。電源部２３は、本実施形態では、発信部２１下方のカプラー５１内に保持される振動部としての振動素子２４と、振動エネルギを電気エネルギに変換する変換素子２５からなる。振動素子２４はセンサ本体１自体の振動に対応して相対的に振動するものであり、この振動エネルギを変換素子２５が電気エネルギに変換して、発信部２１の電力源とする。   Here, the wireless communication unit 2 of the present invention includes a power supply unit 23 capable of self-power generation so that a detection signal can be transmitted from the transmission unit 21. In this embodiment, the power supply unit 23 includes a vibration element 24 as a vibration unit held in the coupler 51 below the transmission unit 21 and a conversion element 25 that converts vibration energy into electric energy. The vibration element 24 relatively vibrates corresponding to the vibration of the sensor body 1 itself, and this vibration energy is converted into electric energy by the conversion element 25 to be used as a power source for the transmitter 21.

なお、本実施形態のように、ガスセンサＳが排気管Ｅ１に設置される場合、排ガスは最大１０００℃程度の高温になることから、熱に弱い発信回路を備える発信部２１は、熱源からより遠い位置にあることが望ましい。一方、振動素子２４は、振動する排気管Ｅ１により近い位置に設置されるとよい。すなわち、本実施形態の使用環境に対しては、排気管Ｅ１に近い位置から振動素子２４、変換素子２５、発信部２１となる図３の配置が最適であり、熱害を回避しながら、高性能のワイヤレス通信を実施することができる。   In addition, when the gas sensor S is installed in the exhaust pipe E1 as in the present embodiment, the exhaust gas becomes a high temperature of about 1000 ° C. at the maximum, so that the transmission unit 21 including a transmission circuit that is vulnerable to heat is farther from the heat source. It is desirable to be in position. On the other hand, the vibration element 24 is preferably installed at a position closer to the vibrating exhaust pipe E1. That is, for the use environment of the present embodiment, the arrangement of FIG. 3 which is the vibration element 24, the conversion element 25, and the transmission unit 21 from the position close to the exhaust pipe E1 is optimal, Performance wireless communication can be implemented.

電力源としては、振動エネルギの他、風力エネルギを用いることもできる。図５は、本発明の第２実施形態として、風力発電方法を採用した電源部２３を用いた例で、保護カバー５内に固定した軸２７周りに回転可能なフィン２６が設けられ、その回転運動を図示しない発電機に伝えて電力を発生させる。フィン２６は、図示するように外部に露出する構成とされ、風力による発電機能の他、発信部２１回路保護のための冷却機能、さらには、大気室３２内へ大気を強制的に導入することによる信号安定機能といった利点がある。その他の構成は、第１実施形態と同様である。   As the power source, wind energy can be used in addition to vibration energy. FIG. 5 shows an example in which the power supply unit 23 adopting a wind power generation method is used as a second embodiment of the present invention. A fin 26 that can rotate around a shaft 27 fixed in the protective cover 5 is provided. The movement is transmitted to a generator (not shown) to generate electric power. The fins 26 are configured to be exposed to the outside as shown in the drawing, and in addition to the power generation function by wind power, the cooling function for protecting the circuit of the transmission unit 21, and forcibly introducing the atmosphere into the atmosphere chamber 32. There is an advantage such as signal stabilization function. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

このように、本発明では、振動エネルギ、風力エネルギ、光エネルギ、熱エネルギおよび化学エネルギの少なくとも１種を用いて電気エネルギを発生可能なものであればよい。例えば、高温となるセンサ本体１の熱を利用して電気エネルギに変換したり、ソーラー電池等をセンサ本体１に付設したりすることもできる。   As described above, in the present invention, it is only necessary to generate electric energy using at least one of vibration energy, wind energy, light energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy. For example, the heat of the sensor main body 1 that is high in temperature can be converted into electric energy, or a solar battery or the like can be attached to the sensor main body 1.

さらに、化学エネルギとして、上述した図４のガス検出素子３の電極における排ガスとの反応を利用することもできる。この際、固体電解質よりなる基体３１内を酸素イオンが移動することにより、電力・電流が発生するため、これを発信部２１に導入することで、電力源としてもよい。この酸素イオンの移動により発生する電力と、上記の振動素子２４による電力とを組み合わせると、より好ましい。図６（ａ）、（ｂ）に示すように、センサ本体１と制御部１１の距離によって発信部２１の電流も大きくなるので、ガスセンサＳ構成や配置に応じて発信部２１に必要な電力が得られるように、電源部２３の構成を適宜選択すればよい。   Furthermore, reaction with the exhaust gas in the electrode of the gas detection element 3 of FIG. 4 mentioned above can also be utilized as chemical energy. At this time, since oxygen ions move in the base body 31 made of a solid electrolyte, power and current are generated. Therefore, by introducing them into the transmitter 21, a power source may be used. It is more preferable to combine the electric power generated by the movement of oxygen ions with the electric power generated by the vibration element 24. As shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the current of the transmitter 21 also increases depending on the distance between the sensor body 1 and the controller 11, so that the power required for the transmitter 21 depends on the configuration and arrangement of the gas sensor S. What is necessary is just to select the structure of the power supply part 23 suitably so that it may be obtained.

このように、本発明によれば、内蔵電池や外部からの電力供給を不要とし、電池交換や保守点検の手間を大幅に削減した、メンテナンスフリーのワイヤレスガスセンサが実現できる。   Thus, according to the present invention, it is possible to realize a maintenance-free wireless gas sensor that eliminates the need for a built-in battery or external power supply and greatly reduces the labor required for battery replacement and maintenance / inspection.

本発明のガスセンサの概略構成を示したブロック図である。It is the block diagram which showed schematic structure of the gas sensor of this invention. 本発明のガスセンサを排気管に取り付けた状態を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the state which attached the gas sensor of this invention to the exhaust pipe. 本発明の第１実施形態のガスセンサの全体構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the gas sensor of 1st Embodiment of this invention. 本発明のガスセンサの作動原理を説明するための図である。It is a figure for demonstrating the principle of operation of the gas sensor of this invention. 本発明の第２実施形態のガスセンサの全体構成を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the gas sensor of 2nd Embodiment of this invention. （ａ）は本発明のガスセンサにおけるセンサ本体と制御部の距離を、（ｂ）は距離と電流の関係を示す図である。(A) is a figure which shows the distance of the sensor main body and control part in the gas sensor of this invention, (b) is a figure which shows the relationship between distance and electric current. 従来のガスセンサの全体構成を示す断面図である。It is sectional drawing which shows the whole structure of the conventional gas sensor.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

Ｓ ガスセンサ
１ センサ本体
１１ 制御部
２ ワイヤレス通信部
２１ 発信部
２２ 受信部
２３ 電源部
２４ 振動素子
２５ 変換素子
２６ フィン
３ ガス検出素子
３１ 基体
４ ハウジング
５ 保護カバー
６ 素子カバー DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS S Gas sensor 1 Sensor main body 11 Control part 2 Wireless communication part 21 Transmission part 22 Reception part 23 Power supply part 24 Vibration element 25 Conversion element 26 Fin 3 Gas detection element 31 Base body 4 Housing 5 Protective cover 6 Element cover

Claims (4)

被測定ガス中の特定成分を検出するガス検出素子と、該ガス検出素子の基端部を保持するハウジングと、上記ガス検出素子からの検出信号が入力される制御部とを備えるガスセンサであって、
上記ハウジングに固定した保護カバー端部に、上記検出信号を上記ハウジング外に設けた上記制御部へ発信するための発信部を設けて、該発信部と上記ガス検出素子の基端部とをリード線で接続し、上記制御部には、上記発信部からの信号を受信する受信部を設けて、ワイヤレス通信部となし、
上記ワイヤレス通信部は、上記保護カバー内に振動エネルギ、風力エネルギ、光エネルギ、熱エネルギおよび化学エネルギの少なくとも１種を用いて発電可能な電源部を設けて上記発信部に接続し、上記電源部からの電力供給により上記検出信号を発信可能となしたことを特徴とするガスセンサ。 A gas sensor comprising: a gas detection element that detects a specific component in a gas to be measured; a housing that holds a base end portion of the gas detection element; and a control unit that receives a detection signal from the gas detection element. ,
A transmitting part for transmitting the detection signal to the control unit provided outside the housing is provided at the end of the protective cover fixed to the housing, and the transmitting part and the base end of the gas detection element are lead. Connected by a line, the control unit is provided with a receiving unit for receiving a signal from the transmitting unit, and is not a wireless communication unit,
The wireless communication unit includes a power supply unit that can generate power using at least one of vibration energy, wind energy, light energy, thermal energy, and chemical energy in the protective cover, and connects to the transmission unit. A gas sensor characterized in that the detection signal can be transmitted by supplying electric power from. 請求項１記載のガスセンサにおいて、
上記電源部は、ガスセンサ自体の振動に対応して相対的に振動する振動部を備え、該振動部の振動エネルギを電気エネルギに変換して電力源とするガスセンサ。 The gas sensor according to claim 1, wherein
The said power supply part is a gas sensor provided with the vibration part which vibrates relatively according to the vibration of gas sensor itself, and converts the vibration energy of this vibration part into electrical energy, and uses it as an electric power source. 請求項１記載のガスセンサにおいて、
上記ガス検出素子は、固体電解質体に一対の電極を設けて、一方の電極を被測定ガスに、他方の電極を基準ガスに接触するように配置した構成であり、
上記電源部は、被測定ガスと基準ガスとの酸素濃度差に応じて上記ガス検出素子の上記固体電解質体内を酸素イオンが移動する時に発生する電気エネルギを電力源とするガスセンサ。 The gas sensor according to claim 1, wherein
The gas detection element has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes is provided on a solid electrolyte body, and one electrode is disposed in contact with a gas to be measured and the other electrode is in contact with a reference gas.
The power source is a gas sensor that uses electric energy generated when oxygen ions move in the solid electrolyte body of the gas detection element as a power source in accordance with a difference in oxygen concentration between a gas to be measured and a reference gas. 請求項１記載のガスセンサにおいて、
上記ガス検出素子は、固体電解質体に一対の電極を設けて、一方の電極を被測定ガスに、他方の電極を基準ガスに接触するように配置した構成であり、
上記電源部は、上記ガス検出素子自体の振動に追従して振動する振動部を備え、該振動部の振動エネルギを変換して得られる電気エネルギ、または被測定ガスと基準ガスとの酸素濃度差に応じて上記ガス検出素子の上記固体電解質体内を酸素イオンが移動する時に発生する電気エネルギ、の少なくとも一方を電力源とするガスセンサ。 The gas sensor according to claim 1, wherein
The gas detection element has a configuration in which a pair of electrodes is provided on a solid electrolyte body, and one electrode is disposed in contact with a gas to be measured and the other electrode is in contact with a reference gas.
The power supply unit includes a vibration unit that vibrates following the vibration of the gas detection element itself, and the electric energy obtained by converting the vibration energy of the vibration unit or the oxygen concentration difference between the gas to be measured and the reference gas A gas sensor using as a power source at least one of electrical energy generated when oxygen ions move in the solid electrolyte body of the gas detection element.
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