JP2002148101A - Liquid detector - Google Patents
Liquid detectorInfo
- Publication number
- JP2002148101A JP2002148101A JP2000343735A JP2000343735A JP2002148101A JP 2002148101 A JP2002148101 A JP 2002148101A JP 2000343735 A JP2000343735 A JP 2000343735A JP 2000343735 A JP2000343735 A JP 2000343735A JP 2002148101 A JP2002148101 A JP 2002148101A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- light
- liquid
- light receiving
- tube
- pipe
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Landscapes
- Switches Operated By Changes In Physical Conditions (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
- Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】この発明は、透明のパイプ等
に取り付けられてパイプ内の液体の有無を検知する液体
検知装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid detecting device which is attached to a transparent pipe or the like and detects the presence or absence of liquid in the pipe.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】透明パイプ内の液体の有無を検知するの
に使用される従来型の光電センサは、図１１に示すよう
に、屈折を利用するタイプとして、投光手段と受光手段
の投受光方向を双方ともパイプ中心Ｃに対して一定距離
だけ同方向（図中、下方向）に偏移させて配置したもの
がある。この光電センサは、パイプ内周面における光の
屈折を利用して、パイプＰ内に液体が無い場合だけ投光
素子からの出射光を受光素子で検出するようになってい
る。2. Description of the Related Art As shown in FIG. 11, a conventional photoelectric sensor used for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid in a transparent pipe is of a type utilizing refraction. In some cases, both directions are shifted in the same direction (downward in the figure) by a fixed distance from the pipe center C. This photoelectric sensor uses the refraction of light on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe to detect light emitted from the light emitting element by the light receiving element only when there is no liquid in the pipe P.
【０００３】また、上述の光電センサに較べて出射光の
パイプ内周面への入射角が大きくなるように投光手段を
配置させ、パイプＰ内に液体が無い場合のパイプ内周面
における光の全反射を利用して、パイプ内に液体が無い
場合だけ投光素子から出射された光を受光素子にて検出
するタイプのものもある。かかるタイプの光電センサを
タンク内の液面レベル検出に使用した一例を図１２に示
す。このアプリケーションでは、タンクの一部から上方
に延在したパイプの所定位置に一定間隔離間して２組の
ファイバ型光電センサ（液面の上限レベル検出センサと
液面の下限レベル検出センサ）を配置した構成を有して
いる。上限レベル検出センサは入光している場合に正
常、下限レベル検出センサは遮光されている場合に正常
の出力をするようになっている。これらの光電センサに
よってパイプ内の液体の有無を検出することでパイプ内
の液面が所定範囲の高さにあるか否かを確認し、これに
よってタンク内の液面を管理している。Further, a light projecting means is arranged so that the incident angle of the emitted light to the inner peripheral surface of the pipe is larger than that of the photoelectric sensor described above, and the light on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe when there is no liquid in the pipe P is arranged. There is also a type in which the light emitted from the light emitting element is detected by the light receiving element only when there is no liquid in the pipe using the total reflection of the light. FIG. 12 shows an example in which a photoelectric sensor of this type is used for detecting a liquid level in a tank. In this application, two sets of fiber-type photoelectric sensors (upper liquid level sensor and lower liquid level sensor) are placed at a certain distance on a pipe extending upward from a part of the tank and separated by a certain distance. It has the following configuration. The upper limit level detection sensor outputs a normal signal when light is incident, and the lower limit level detection sensor outputs a normal signal when light is blocked. By detecting the presence or absence of liquid in the pipe by these photoelectric sensors, it is checked whether or not the liquid level in the pipe is at a predetermined height, and the liquid level in the tank is managed accordingly.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】図１２に示す光電セン
サをタンクの液面検出に使用した場合、例えば液面下限
レベル検知用センサの投光ファイバが（図中Ｘ部で）一
部断線した場合、投光素子から光が出射されなくなるの
で、パイプ内に液体が無い状態（異常）でも受光素子に
おいて光が受光されずパイプ内に液体有り（正常）と誤
判断してしまう。When the photoelectric sensor shown in FIG. 12 is used for detecting the liquid level of the tank, for example, the light emitting fiber of the sensor for detecting the liquid level lower limit level is partially disconnected (at X in the figure). In this case, since the light is not emitted from the light projecting element, the light is not received by the light receiving element even when there is no liquid in the pipe (abnormal), and the liquid is erroneously determined to be present in the pipe (normal).
【０００５】また、上述したパイプ内周面における光の
全反射を利用した光電センサであっても、液面下限レベ
ル検知用センサの投光ファイバが一部断線した場合、パ
イプ内に液体が無くてもパイプ内に液体有りと誤判断し
てしまう。更に、上述した液体有無の誤判断は、投光素
子の経時的な性能劣化、投受光端の汚れ、投受光端を保
持する保持手段の破損等によっても生じる恐れがある。[0005] Even in the above-mentioned photoelectric sensor utilizing the total reflection of light on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe, if the light emitting fiber of the sensor for detecting the lower limit of the liquid level is partially broken, there is no liquid in the pipe. However, it is erroneously determined that there is liquid in the pipe. Further, the above-described erroneous determination of the presence or absence of the liquid may also be caused by deterioration of the performance of the light emitting element over time, contamination of the light emitting and receiving ends, breakage of the holding means for holding the light emitting and receiving ends, and the like.
【０００６】即ち、従来の液体検出センサは、遮光時に
液体有り（＝正常）、入光時に液体無し（＝異常）と判
断するように設定されているので、何らかの光学系の不
具合により遮光状態となった場合には液体の有無に関わ
らず液体有り（＝正常）との判断をし続けることにな
り、液体無し（＝異常）の検出ができなくなるという問
題点があった。That is, the conventional liquid detection sensor is set so as to determine that there is liquid (= normal) at the time of light blocking and no liquid (= abnormal) at the time of light input. In such a case, it is determined that there is a liquid (= normal) irrespective of the presence or absence of the liquid, and there is a problem that the absence of the liquid (= abnormal) cannot be detected.
【０００７】本発明の目的は、光ファイバの断線や投光
素子の劣化等の光学系の不具合を検出可能とし、管体内
に液体が無い状態（＝異常）にも関わらず液体有り（＝
正常）と誤判断してしまうことを未然に防ぐ、フェール
セーフ性に優れた液体検知装置を提供することにある。An object of the present invention is to make it possible to detect a defect in an optical system such as a disconnection of an optical fiber or deterioration of a light projecting element.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid detection device having an excellent fail-safe property, which prevents erroneous determination of normal.
【０００８】[0008]
【課題を解決するための手段】上述した課題を解決する
ために、本発明の請求項１に係る液体検知装置は、透光
性材質でできた管体に向かって所定方向に光を出射する
投光手段と、管体を透過した出射光を検出する受光手段
と、受光手段によって検出された受光量に基づき管体内
の液体の有無を判断し、判断結果を表す信号を出力する
信号発生手段とを備え、投光手段と受光手段とが管体内
に液体があるときの光の受光量を管体内に液体がないと
きの光の受光量よりも大きくなるように配置されてい
る。According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid detecting device for emitting light in a predetermined direction toward a tube made of a light-transmitting material. Light projecting means, light receiving means for detecting emitted light transmitted through the tube, and signal generating means for judging the presence or absence of liquid in the tube based on the amount of light detected by the light receiving means and outputting a signal representing the judgment result And the light projecting means and the light receiving means are arranged so that the amount of light received when liquid is present in the tube is greater than the amount of light received when there is no liquid in the tube.
【０００９】光ファイバの断線や投光素子の劣化等の光
学系の不具合が生じたときの受光状態は管体内に液体が
無いとき（＝異常）の受光状態と等しく、管体内に液体
があるとき（＝正常）の受光状態と異なるので、光学系
の不具合が生じたときは、液体の有無に関わらず、液体
無し（＝異常）と判断されることになる。即ち、液体検
知装置の不具合を検出することができるので、管体内に
液体が無い状態（＝異常）にも係わらず液体有り（＝正
常）と誤判断してしまうことを未然に防ぐことができ、
フェールセーフ性に優れる。The state of light reception when an optical system failure such as disconnection of the optical fiber or the deterioration of the light projecting element occurs is equal to the state of light reception when there is no liquid in the tube (= abnormal), and there is liquid in the tube. Since the light receiving state is different from the normal (= normal) light receiving state, it is determined that there is no liquid (= abnormal) regardless of the presence or absence of the liquid when an optical system malfunction occurs. That is, it is possible to detect a malfunction of the liquid detection device, and it is possible to prevent a wrong determination that there is a liquid (= normal) in spite of a state in which there is no liquid in the pipe (= abnormal). ,
Excellent fail-safe property.
【００１０】また、請求項２にかかる液体検知装置は、
請求項１にかかる液体検知装置において、受光手段が、
管径に応じて管体を透過する出射光の出射領域に集光レ
ンズを備え、投光手段からの出射光を集光レンズを介し
て常に受光可能としたので、異なる管径を有する管体の
夫々において液体の存在を確実に検知する。更に、請求
項３にかかる液体検知装置は、請求項１にかかる液体検
知装置において、受光手段が、管径に応じて管体を透過
する出射光の出射領域に複数の受光ファイバをアレイ状
に配置し、投光手段からの出射光を複数の受光ファイバ
の少なくともいずれか１つを介して常に受光可能とした
ので、異なる管径を有する管体の夫々において液体の存
在を確実に検知する。Further, the liquid detecting device according to claim 2 is
In the liquid detection device according to claim 1, the light receiving unit includes:
A condensing lens is provided in the emission area of the outgoing light transmitted through the tube according to the tube diameter, and the light emitted from the light projecting means can always be received through the condensing lens. , The presence of the liquid is reliably detected. Further, in the liquid detecting device according to a third aspect, in the liquid detecting device according to the first aspect, the light receiving unit includes a plurality of light receiving fibers arranged in an array in an emission region of the outgoing light transmitted through the tube according to the tube diameter. Since it is arranged and the light emitted from the light projecting means can always be received through at least one of the plurality of light receiving fibers, the presence of the liquid is reliably detected in each of the pipes having different pipe diameters.
【００１１】また、請求項４にかかる液体検知装置は、
請求項１に記載の液体検知装置において、投光手段が、
投光端に管体の長手方向に延びたスリット状の絞り部を
備えている。これによって、出射光はパイプの長手方向
に長く、パイプの円周方向（長手方向と直交する方向）
に短くなる。この結果、出射光の総量は減少するので液
体が無いときの拡散光及び迷光による受光量が減少し、
管体外周面に対する入射角が理想に近い光（＝受光端に
届く光）は減少しないので、液体があるときの受光量が
減少しない。即ち、Ｓ／Ｎ比が向上し安定した検出をす
ることができる。Further, the liquid detecting device according to claim 4 is
The liquid detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the light projecting means includes:
The light emitting end is provided with a slit-shaped diaphragm extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube. As a result, the emitted light is long in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and extends in the circumferential direction of the pipe (the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction).
Becomes shorter. As a result, since the total amount of emitted light decreases, the amount of light received by diffused light and stray light when there is no liquid decreases,
Since the light whose incident angle with respect to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular body is close to ideal (= light reaching the light receiving end) does not decrease, the amount of light received when there is liquid does not decrease. That is, the S / N ratio is improved, and stable detection can be performed.
【００１２】[0012]
【発明の実施の形態】次に図面を参照して本発明の実施
形態について説明する。本発明の第１の実施形態に係る
液体検知装置１は、図１及び図２に示すように、投光手
段１０、受光手段２０、投光手段１０の投光端と受光手
段２０の受光端を所定の位置関係に保持する保持手段３
０、及び投光手段１０と受光手段２０を制御してパイプ
内の液体の有無を判断し、判断結果を表す信号を出力す
る信号発生手段４０を備えている。Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid detecting device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a light projecting unit 10, a light receiving unit 20, a light projecting end of the light projecting unit 10, and a light receiving end of the light receiving unit 20. Holding means 3 for holding the members in a predetermined positional relationship
0, and a signal generating means 40 for controlling the light projecting means 10 and the light receiving means 20 to determine the presence or absence of liquid in the pipe, and outputting a signal representing the result of the determination.
【００１３】投光手段１０は、図２に示すように、投光
回路１１と、投光回路１１からの信号により光を発生さ
せる投光素子１２と、投光素子１２から延在して端部が
投光端を形成する投光ファイバ１３とを備えている。一
方、受光手段２０は、投光手段１０から出射された光が
パイプＰ内に液体が有る時、入射する受光端を備えた受
光ファイバ２３と、この受光端に入射した光を受光する
受光素子２２と、受光素子２２で発生した信号を処理す
る受光回路２１とを備えている。As shown in FIG. 2, the light projecting means 10 includes a light projecting circuit 11, a light projecting element 12 for generating light by a signal from the light projecting circuit 11, and an end extending from the light projecting element 12. And a light projecting fiber 13 forming a light projecting end. On the other hand, the light receiving means 20 includes a light receiving fiber 23 having a light receiving end to which the light emitted from the light projecting means 10 enters when the liquid is present in the pipe P, and a light receiving element for receiving the light incident to the light receiving end. 22 and a light receiving circuit 21 for processing a signal generated by the light receiving element 22.
【００１４】保持手段３０は、図１に示すように、断面
略C字形状を有した樹脂製のブロック体からできてい
る。そして、保持手段３０には、投光ファイバの投光端
保持部３１と、受光ファイバの受光端保持部３２と、検
出対象である液体が満たされるパイプＰの一部領域を収
容する収容凹部３３とが形成されている。パイプＰはフ
ッ素樹脂（テトラフルオロエチレン）等でできた透光性
の管体からなり、収容凹部３３の所定位置（パイプ外周
面と収容凹部の内周面とが一定距離離間して配置される
位置）に取り付けられるようになっている。尚、保持手
段３０は不図示のロック機構とバンド等を有しており、
例えば特開平９−１５９５０７号公報に示されるような
方法でパイプPに取り付けられる。As shown in FIG. 1, the holding means 30 is made of a resin block having a substantially C-shaped cross section. The holding means 30 includes a light emitting end holding portion 31 of the light emitting fiber, a light receiving end holding portion 32 of the light receiving fiber, and a housing recess 33 for housing a partial region of the pipe P filled with the liquid to be detected. Are formed. The pipe P is formed of a light-transmitting tubular body made of fluororesin (tetrafluoroethylene) or the like, and is disposed at a predetermined position of the housing recess 33 (the outer peripheral surface of the pipe and the inner circumferential surface of the housing recess are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. Position). The holding means 30 has a lock mechanism and a band (not shown).
For example, it is attached to the pipe P by a method as disclosed in JP-A-9-159507.
【００１５】投光ファイバ１３の投光端１３ｔは、光の
出射方向がパイプ中心から一定距離（図１では下方に）
だけ偏移するように保持手段内に取り付けられている。
また、受光ファイバ２３の受光端２３ｔは、パイプ内に
液体が存在するときに、投受光ファイバ１３の投光端１
３ｔから出射された光がパイプＰと液体を透過していく
光路の延長線上に配置されている。尚、投光端１３ｔか
ら出射された光は、まず最初にパイプ外周面にて屈折
し、パイプ内に液体が存在するときはパイプと液体の屈
折率差が小さいことにより（テトラフルオロエチレンは
１．３５、水は１．３３）、図1中点線で示すように、
パイプ内周面ではほとんど屈折せずに直進する。尚、投
受光ファイバの投光端及び受光端に備わった口金１３
ｂ，２３ｂは各ファイバ端部を保持手段３０に確実に固
定するためのものである。The light projecting end 13t of the light projecting fiber 13 has a light emitting direction at a fixed distance from the center of the pipe (downward in FIG. 1).
Mounted in the holding means so as to be shifted only by
The light receiving end 23t of the light receiving and receiving fiber 23 is connected to the light emitting end 1 of the light emitting and receiving fiber 13 when a liquid exists in the pipe.
The light emitted from 3t is disposed on an extension of the optical path through which the light passes through the pipe P and the liquid. The light emitted from the light projecting end 13t is first refracted on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe, and when a liquid exists in the pipe, the difference in the refractive index between the pipe and the liquid is small (tetrafluoroethylene is 1%). .35, water 1.33), as shown by the dotted line in FIG.
It travels straight with almost no refraction on the inner peripheral surface of the pipe. The base 13 provided at the light emitting end and the light receiving end of the light emitting and receiving fiber.
b and 23b are for securely fixing the end portions of the respective fibers to the holding means 30.
【００１６】投光端１３ｔ及び受光端２３ｔは、以上の
ように配置されているので、投光素子１２（図２参照）
で発生した検出光は、投光ファイバ１３を伝わりファイ
バ端部からパイプ周面の所定位置に向かって出射され
る。そして、この出射光は、パイプ内に液体がない場合
にパイプ外周面とパイプ内周面とで所定の屈折率（フッ
素樹脂の場合は屈折率：約１．３５）で屈折して、図
中、実線で示すように受光ファイバ２３の受光端２３ｔ
から一定距離ｄだけ離れたパイプ収容凹部３３の内壁に
到達する。従って、パイプ内に液体がない場合、受光フ
ァイバの受光端２３ｔからは出射光の迷光や拡散光の一
部が入射するだけで十分な量の光が入射することはな
い。Since the light emitting end 13t and the light receiving end 23t are arranged as described above, the light emitting element 12 (see FIG. 2)
The detection light generated in step (1) travels through the light projecting fiber 13 and is emitted from the fiber end toward a predetermined position on the pipe peripheral surface. This emitted light is refracted at a predetermined refractive index (refractive index: about 1.35 in the case of fluororesin) between the outer peripheral surface of the pipe and the inner peripheral surface of the pipe when there is no liquid in the pipe. , The light receiving end 23t of the light receiving fiber 23 as shown by the solid line.
Reaches the inner wall of the pipe accommodating recess 33 which is separated by a predetermined distance d. Therefore, when there is no liquid in the pipe, a sufficient amount of light does not enter from the light-receiving end 23t of the light-receiving fiber just because a part of the stray light or the diffused light of the emitted light enters.
【００１７】一方、この出射光は、パイプ内に液体があ
る場合には主にパイプ外周面で屈折して、図中、点線で
示すように受光ファイバの受光端２３ｔに達する。従っ
て、パイプ内に液体がある場合、出射光の大部分が受光
ファイバの受光端２３ｔに入射する。光ファイバの受光
端２３ｔに入射した光は、受光ファイバ２３を介して受
光素子２２（図２参照）で受光され受光回路２１で所定
の電気信号に変換される。そして、かかる受光量信号は
信号発生手段４０の制御回路４１で予め記憶された所定
の閾値と比較され、パイプ内の液体有無が判断され、出
力回路４２に伝達される。具体的には、受光量信号が所
定の閾値を超えた場合、光ファイバの投光端１３ｔから
出射された光はパイプ内を図１中点線で示す光路を経て
光ファイバの受光端２３ｔに入射したと判断して、パイ
プ内に液体有り（＝正常）と出力する。On the other hand, when there is a liquid in the pipe, the emitted light is refracted mainly on the outer peripheral surface of the pipe and reaches the light receiving end 23t of the light receiving fiber as shown by a dotted line in the figure. Therefore, when there is a liquid in the pipe, most of the emitted light enters the light receiving end 23t of the light receiving fiber. The light incident on the light receiving end 23t of the optical fiber is received by the light receiving element 22 (see FIG. 2) via the light receiving fiber 23, and is converted into a predetermined electric signal by the light receiving circuit 21. Then, the received light amount signal is compared with a predetermined threshold value stored in advance in the control circuit 41 of the signal generating means 40, the presence or absence of liquid in the pipe is determined, and transmitted to the output circuit 42. Specifically, when the received light amount signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the light emitted from the light emitting end 13t of the optical fiber enters the light receiving end 23t of the optical fiber through the optical path shown by the dotted line in FIG. Judgment is made that there is a liquid in the pipe (= normal).
【００１８】一方、受光量信号が所定の閾値を超えない
場合、光ファイバの投光端１３ｔから出射された光はパ
イプ内を図１中実線で示す光路を経て光ファイバの受光
端２３ｔには拡散光の一部や迷光のみが入射したと判断
して、パイプ内に液体無し（＝異常）と出力する。尚、
上述の判断に関して、パイプＰを透過した出射光の到達
位置と受光素子の入光レベルとの関係を模式的に示す図
３から明らかなように、パイプP内に液体が有る場合の
出射光の光路と液体が無い場合の出射光の光路とは互い
に異なるので、パイプ透過後に光が到達するピーク位置
（図３（Ａ）において液体がない場合はｘ1、液体があ
る場合はｘ2）における入光レベルは図３（Ｂ）に示す
ように液体の有無によって明確に異なる。On the other hand, when the received light amount signal does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the light emitted from the light emitting end 13t of the optical fiber passes through the optical path shown by the solid line in FIG. It is determined that only a part of the diffused light or stray light has entered, and outputs that there is no liquid in the pipe (= abnormal). still,
Regarding the above-mentioned determination, as is apparent from FIG. 3 schematically showing the relationship between the arrival position of the outgoing light transmitted through the pipe P and the light incident level of the light receiving element, the outgoing light when the liquid exists in the pipe P is apparent. Since the optical path and the optical path of the emitted light when there is no liquid are different from each other, at the peak position where the light reaches after passing through the pipe (in FIG. 3 (A), x 1 if there is no liquid, x 2 if there is liquid). The light incident level is clearly different depending on the presence or absence of the liquid as shown in FIG.
【００１９】従って、位置ｘ2における液体が無いとき
の入光レベルＬaと液体があるときの入光レベルＬbとの
間の適当な入光レベルＬthを閾値として制御回路内のメ
モリに予め記憶させておくことで、パイプ内の液体の有
無を確実に判断することが可能となる。一方、パイプＰ
内に液体がある場合であっても、投受光ファイバ１３，
２３の断線、投受光素子１２の経時的な性能劣化、投受
光端１３ｔ，２３ｔの汚れ、保持手段３０の破損等の光
学系の不具合が生じた場合には、液体の有無に関わらず
受光素子で十分な強度の光が受光されず、その結果、パ
イプ内に液体無し（＝異常）と判断し出力する。[0019] Therefore, stored in advance in the memory in the control circuit as a threshold appropriate incident level Lth between incident level Lb when there is incident level La and the liquid when there is no liquid at the position x 2 By doing so, it is possible to reliably determine the presence or absence of liquid in the pipe. On the other hand, pipe P
Even if there is a liquid inside, the light emitting and receiving fibers 13,
In the case where a defect of the optical system such as disconnection of the light-receiving element 23, deterioration of the performance of the light emitting / receiving element 12 over time, contamination of the light emitting / receiving ends 13t and 23t, and damage of the holding means 30 occurs, regardless of the presence or absence of the liquid. Does not receive light of sufficient intensity, and as a result, it is determined that there is no liquid in the pipe (= abnormal) and output.
【００２０】上述のような光学系の不具合が生じたとき
の受光状態は管体内に液体が無いとき（＝異常）の受光
状態と等しく、管体内に液体があるとき（＝正常）の受
光状態と異なるので、光学系の不具合が生じたときは、
液体の有無に関わらず、液体無し（＝異常）と判断され
る。その結果、管体内に液体が無い状態にも係わらず液
体有り（＝正常）と誤判断してしまうことを未然に防ぐ
ことができ、フェールセーフ性に優れる。The light receiving state when the above described optical system malfunctions is equal to the light receiving state when there is no liquid in the tube (= abnormal), and the light receiving state when there is liquid in the tube (= normal). Therefore, if a problem occurs in the optical system,
It is determined that there is no liquid (= abnormal) regardless of the presence or absence of the liquid. As a result, it is possible to prevent the erroneous determination that there is liquid (= normal) in spite of the state where no liquid is present in the pipe body, and it is excellent in fail-safe property.
【００２１】次に、かかる液体検知装置を用いたアプリ
ケーションの一例を図４及び図５に基づいて説明する。
本アプリケーションはタンクの液位検出に関するもの
で、図１２と同等の構成を有しているが、図４及び図５
に示すように、液位の下限を検出するセンサに本実施形
態の液体検知装置１（図５（Ａ）の概略構成図参照）を
使用し、上限を検出するセンサに従来型の液体検知装置
（図５（Ｂ）の概略構成図参照）を使用している点で構
成を異にする。Next, an example of an application using the liquid detecting device will be described with reference to FIGS.
This application relates to the detection of the liquid level in the tank, and has the same configuration as that of FIG. 12, but FIG. 4 and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the sensor for detecting the lower limit of the liquid level uses the liquid detecting device 1 of the present embodiment (see the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. 5A), and the sensor for detecting the upper limit uses a conventional liquid detecting device. (See the schematic configuration diagram in FIG. 5B.) The configuration is different.
【００２２】かかる液体検知装置を使用して図６に示す
異常通知ルーチンを適時実行する。以下、このルーチン
について説明する。まず最初に、液体検知装置１から液
体有り（＝正常）との出力が有ったか否か（液体検知装
置１の受光手段に入光したか否か）を判断する（ステッ
プＳ１１）。Using this liquid detection device, the abnormality notification routine shown in FIG. 6 is executed at appropriate times. Hereinafter, this routine will be described. First, it is determined whether or not there is an output indicating that there is liquid (= normal) from the liquid detection device 1 (whether or not light has entered the light receiving means of the liquid detection device 1) (step S11).
【００２３】液体検知装置１の受光手段で入光を検知し
ない場合は、液体検知装置１の設置位置、即ちパイプ
（タンク）の下限位置に液体が無いか液体検知装置１の
光ファイバの断線や投光素子の劣化等の光学系の不具合
が生じているとコントローラで判断し、出力回路によっ
て警報器にＯＮ出力を発生させて異常状態の発報を行な
う（ステップＳ２０）。When light is not detected by the light receiving means of the liquid detecting device 1, if there is no liquid at the installation position of the liquid detecting device 1, that is, the lower limit position of the pipe (tank), the optical fiber of the liquid detecting device 1 is disconnected. The controller determines that a defect of the optical system such as deterioration of the light projecting element has occurred, and generates an ON output to the alarm device by the output circuit to notify an abnormal state (step S20).
【００２４】次に、液体検知装置１の受光手段で入光を
検知した場合は、パイプ（タンク）の下限位置に液体が
あると共に液体検知装置１において光学系の不具合が生
じていないとみなし、続いて液体検知装置５の受光手段
に入光したか否かを判断する（ステップＳ１２）。液体
検知装置５の受光手段で入光を検知した場合、液体検知
装置５は従来型の液体検知装置であるので、パイプ内に
液体無しと判断する。この結果、パイプ内の液位、即ち
タンクの液位は上限レベルと下限レベルとの間にあるの
で正常範囲であると判断する。Next, when light is detected by the light receiving means of the liquid detecting device 1, it is determined that there is a liquid at the lower limit position of the pipe (tank) and that no malfunction of the optical system has occurred in the liquid detecting device 1. Subsequently, it is determined whether or not light has entered the light receiving unit of the liquid detection device 5 (step S12). When light is detected by the light receiving unit of the liquid detection device 5, the liquid detection device 5 is a conventional liquid detection device, and therefore, it is determined that there is no liquid in the pipe. As a result, since the liquid level in the pipe, that is, the liquid level in the tank is between the upper limit level and the lower limit level, it is determined that the liquid level is within the normal range.
【００２５】液体検知装置５の受光手段で入光を検知し
ない場合は、液体検知装置５の設置位置、即ちパイプ
（タンク）の上限位置に液体が有るか液体検知装置５の
光ファイバの断線や投光素子の劣化等の光学系の不具合
が生じているとコントローラで判断し、出力回路によっ
て警報器にＯＮ出力を発生させて異常状態の発報を行な
う（ステップＳ２０）。When light is not detected by the light receiving means of the liquid detecting device 5, whether the liquid is present at the installation position of the liquid detecting device 5, that is, the upper limit position of the pipe (tank), the disconnection of the optical fiber of the liquid detecting device 5 or the like. The controller determines that a defect of the optical system such as deterioration of the light projecting element has occurred, and generates an ON output to the alarm device by the output circuit to notify an abnormal state (step S20).
【００２６】以降、異常通知ルーチンが終了するまで上
記ステップを繰り返す。以上の判断ルーチンから分かる
ように、本実施形態に係る液体検知装置１をタンクの液
位下限検知センサとして用い、従来型の液体検知装置５
をタンクの液位上限検知センサとして用いると、液位が
上限レベルを越えた場合、液体検知装置５が遮光して警
報器ＯＮとなり、液位が下限レベルを下回った場合、液
体検知装置１が遮光して警報器ＯＮとなると共に、液体
検知装置５に何らかの光学的不具合があった場合、液体
検知装置５が遮光して警報器ＯＮとなり、液体検知装置
１に何らかの光学的不具合があった場合、液体検知装置
１が遮光して警報器ＯＮとなることで完全なフェ−ルセ
ーフを実現できる。Thereafter, the above steps are repeated until the abnormality notification routine ends. As can be seen from the above determination routine, the liquid detecting device 1 according to the present embodiment is used as a sensor for detecting the lower limit of the liquid level of the tank, and the conventional liquid detecting device 5 is used.
Is used as a sensor for detecting the upper limit of the liquid level in the tank. When the liquid level exceeds the upper limit level, the liquid detector 5 is shielded from light and the alarm is turned on. When the liquid level is lower than the lower limit level, the liquid detector 1 is activated. When the light is turned on and the alarm is turned on, and the liquid detecting device 5 has some optical problem, the liquid detecting device 5 is turned on and the alarm is turned on, and the liquid detecting device 1 has some optical problem. When the liquid detector 1 is shielded from light and the alarm is turned ON, complete fail-safe can be realized.
【００２７】尚、上述の実施形態を変形させたもの（第
２の実施形態）として液体検出装置の一部構成（投光
端、受光端、保持手段）を図７に示すように変更しても
良い。以下、第２の実施形態に係る液体検出装置２の構
成を説明する。尚、第１の実施形態に係る液体検知装置
１と同等の構成については対応する符号を付して詳細な
説明を省略する。As a modification (second embodiment) of the above-described embodiment, the partial configuration (light-emitting end, light-receiving end, holding means) of the liquid detection device is changed as shown in FIG. Is also good. Hereinafter, the configuration of the liquid detection device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the liquid detection apparatus 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment, the corresponding code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
【００２８】第２の実施形態に係る液体検出装置２は、
保持手段５０の、パイプ収容凹部５３と反対側の端面か
らパイプＰの直径より幅広の間隔で投光用光ファイバ挿
入孔５０ａ及び受光用光ファイバ挿入孔５０ｂが穿設さ
れている。投光用光ファイバ挿入孔５０ａはパイプ収容
凹部の内壁面に形成された投光孔５０ｃと連通され、レ
ンズ５４及び反射ミラー５５を介してＬ字状の光路を形
成するようになっている。また、受光用光ファイバ挿入
孔５０ｂもパイプ収容凹部の内壁面に形成された受光孔
５０ｄと連通され、レンズ５６及び反射ミラー５７を介
して略Ｌ字状の光路を形成するようになっている。投光
用光ファイバ５８と受光用光ファイバ５９とは、端部に
口金５８ａ，５９ａを夫々備え、各挿入孔に所定の深さ
まで挿入され接着剤を介して固定されている。The liquid detecting device 2 according to the second embodiment comprises:
A light projecting optical fiber insertion hole 50a and a light receiving optical fiber insertion hole 50b are formed at an interval wider than the diameter of the pipe P from the end face of the holding means 50 opposite to the pipe housing recess 53. The light-projecting optical fiber insertion hole 50a is communicated with a light-projecting hole 50c formed on the inner wall surface of the pipe housing recess, and forms an L-shaped optical path via a lens 54 and a reflection mirror 55. The light receiving optical fiber insertion hole 50b is also communicated with the light receiving hole 50d formed on the inner wall surface of the pipe receiving recess, and forms a substantially L-shaped optical path via the lens 56 and the reflection mirror 57. . The light projecting optical fiber 58 and the light receiving optical fiber 59 are provided with caps 58a, 59a at their ends, respectively, are inserted into respective insertion holes to a predetermined depth, and are fixed via an adhesive.
【００２９】投光孔５０ｃ及び受光孔５０ｄは、図１に
示す液位検出装置の保持手段と同等の位置に形成されて
いる。即ち、パイプ内に液体がない場合、出射光が、図
７中、実線で示すように受光孔５０ｄから一定距離離れ
たパイプ収容凹部５３の内壁下側に達するようになって
いる。従って、光ファイバの受光端５９ｔには出射光の
迷光及び拡散光の一部のみの僅かな光が入射するだけで
ある。The light emitting hole 50c and the light receiving hole 50d are formed at positions equivalent to the holding means of the liquid level detecting device shown in FIG. That is, when there is no liquid in the pipe, the outgoing light reaches the lower side of the inner wall of the pipe housing recess 53 which is separated from the light receiving hole 50d by a certain distance as shown by a solid line in FIG. Therefore, only a small part of the stray light and the diffused light of the emitted light is incident on the light receiving end 59t of the optical fiber.
【００３０】一方、パイプ内に液体がある場合、出射光
は、図中、点線で示すように光ファイバの受光端５９ｔ
に達する。従って、光ファイバの受光端５９ｔには出射
光の大部分が入光する。尚、投光孔５０ｃは、図８に示
すようにパイプの長手方向に延びたスリット形状の絞り
部を有している。これによって、出射光はパイプの長手
方向に長く、パイプの円周方向（長手方向と直交する方
向）に短くなる。この結果、出射光の総量は減少するの
で液体が無いときの拡散光及び迷光による受光量が減少
し、管体外周面に対する入射角が理想に近い光（＝受光
端に届く光）は減少しないので、液体があるときの受光
量が減少しない。即ち、Ｓ／Ｎ比が向上し安定した検出
をすることができる。On the other hand, when there is a liquid in the pipe, the outgoing light is reflected by the light receiving end 59t of the optical fiber as shown by the dotted line in the figure.
Reach Therefore, most of the outgoing light enters the light receiving end 59t of the optical fiber. The light projecting hole 50c has a slit-shaped aperture extending in the longitudinal direction of the pipe as shown in FIG. As a result, the emitted light is longer in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and shorter in the circumferential direction of the pipe (a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction). As a result, the total amount of outgoing light decreases, so that the amount of light received due to diffused light and stray light when there is no liquid decreases, and light whose incident angle to the outer peripheral surface of the tube is close to ideal (= light reaching the light receiving end) does not decrease. Therefore, the amount of light received when there is liquid does not decrease. That is, the S / N ratio is improved, and stable detection can be performed.
【００３１】また、保持手段５０は、図７に示すよう
に、反射ミラー５５，５７を備えることで保持手段への
光ファイバの挿入方向が限定されず、保持手段の小型化
を図ることが可能となる。また、レンズ５４，５６を介
して集光を行なうので、液体の有無を感度良く検出する
ことができる。更に、本発明の第３の実施形態に係る液
体検知装置について説明する。Further, as shown in FIG. 7, since the holding means 50 includes the reflection mirrors 55 and 57, the insertion direction of the optical fiber into the holding means is not limited, and the holding means can be downsized. Becomes Further, since the light is condensed through the lenses 54 and 56, the presence or absence of the liquid can be detected with high sensitivity. Further, a liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
【００３２】尚、上述の実施形態に係る液体検知装置と
同等の構成については対応する符号を付して詳細な説明
を省略する。第３の実施形態に係る液体検知装置３は、
図９に示すように、保持手段６０の受光孔６０ｄが第２
の実施形態の保持手段の受光孔５０ｄより大きく形成さ
れている。そして、受光孔６０ｄの開口部には集光レン
ズ６１が嵌め込まれている。The same components as those of the liquid detecting device according to the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The liquid detection device 3 according to the third embodiment includes:
As shown in FIG. 9, the light receiving hole 60d of the holding means 60 is
It is formed larger than the light receiving hole 50d of the holding means of the embodiment. A condenser lens 61 is fitted into the opening of the light receiving hole 60d.
【００３３】図中、実線で示す管径の異なるパイプ
Ｐ1，Ｐ2，Ｐ3を保持手段の収容凹部６３に固定した場
合、管内に液体が有る場合の出射光の光路が管径毎に異
なり（図中の実線参照）、保持手段の受光孔６０ｄにお
ける出射光の到達位置も管径毎に異なるが、各出射光を
集光レンズ６１で全て集光して反射ミラー６７、集光レ
ンズ６６を介して受光素子に確実に導くことができる。
従って、本実施形態に係る液体検知装置３では、保持手
段６０の収容凹部６３に収容可能な様々な管径のパイプ
の液体有無検知を行なうことができる。In the figure, when pipes P 1 , P 2 , and P 3 having different pipe diameters indicated by solid lines are fixed to the accommodating recess 63 of the holding means, the optical path of the emitted light when there is a liquid in the pipe is different for each pipe diameter. Although different (see the solid line in the figure), the arrival position of the outgoing light in the light receiving hole 60d of the holding means also differs for each tube diameter. The light can be reliably led to the light receiving element via the light receiving element 66.
Therefore, in the liquid detection device 3 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to detect the presence / absence of liquid in pipes having various diameters that can be accommodated in the accommodation recess 63 of the holding unit 60.
【００３４】尚、保持手段６０は、第２の実施形態に係
る液体検知装置２と同様に、投光孔にスリット状の絞り
部を備えている。続いて、本発明の第４の実施形態に係
る液体検知装置について説明する。尚、上述の実施形態
に係る液体検知装置と同等の構成については対応する符
号を付して詳細な説明を省略する。The holding means 60 is provided with a slit-shaped aperture in the light projecting hole, similarly to the liquid detecting device 2 according to the second embodiment. Subsequently, a liquid detection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the structure equivalent to the liquid detection apparatus which concerns on the above-mentioned embodiment, the corresponding code | symbol is attached | subjected and detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.
【００３５】図１０に示すように、第４の実施形態に係
る液体検知装置４も、第３の実施形態に係る液体検知装
置３と同様に、保持手段７０の受光孔７０ｄが第２の実
施形態の保持手段の受光孔５０ｄより大きく形成されて
いる。しかし、受光孔５０ｄの開口部には保持プレート
７７が嵌め込まれている。そして、受光ファイバ７９が
多芯の光ファイバからなり、各光ファイバの端部７９
ａ，７９ｂ，７９ｃ…がプレート７７を介して保持手段
の受光孔７０ｄの開口部において管径毎に異なる出射光
の到達位置に沿ってアレイ状に配列されている。As shown in FIG. 10, in the liquid detecting device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, similarly to the liquid detecting device 3 according to the third embodiment, the light receiving hole 70d of the holding means 70 has the second embodiment. It is formed larger than the light receiving hole 50d of the holding means in the form. However, the holding plate 77 is fitted into the opening of the light receiving hole 50d. The light receiving fiber 79 is composed of a multi-core optical fiber, and the end 79 of each optical fiber is provided.
a, 79b, 79c,... are arranged in an array at the opening of the light receiving hole 70d of the holding means via the plate 77 along the arrival position of the emitted light which differs for each tube diameter.
【００３６】この構成によって、第３の実施形態に係る
液体検知装置３と同様に、保持手段の収容凹部７３に管
径の異なるパイプを収容した場合、パイプ内に液体が有
る場合、各管径に対応する出射光をアレイ状に配列され
た光ファイバ素子のいずれかに確実に入射させることが
できる。従って、保持手段の収容凹部７３に収容可能な
様々な管径のパイプＰ1，Ｐ2，Ｐ3…の液体有無検知を
行なうことができる。With this configuration, similarly to the liquid detecting device 3 according to the third embodiment, when pipes having different pipe diameters are stored in the storage recess 73 of the holding means, when there is a liquid in the pipe, each pipe diameter is different. Can be reliably incident on any of the optical fiber elements arranged in an array. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence / absence of liquid in the pipes P 1 , P 2 , P 3 ...
【００３７】尚、保持手段７０は、第２の実施形態に係
る液体検知装置５０と同様に、投光孔７０ｃにスリット
状の絞り部を備えている。更に、上述の第３及び第４の
実施形態に係る液体検知装置３，４を使用すれば、パイ
プの管径に限定されることなく液体の有無を検知できる
ので、液体検知装置の設置対象範囲が広がる。The holding means 70 has a slit-shaped aperture in the light emitting hole 70c, as in the liquid detecting device 50 according to the second embodiment. Furthermore, if the liquid detection devices 3 and 4 according to the third and fourth embodiments are used, the presence or absence of a liquid can be detected without being limited to the pipe diameter of the pipe. Spreads.
【００３８】尚、上述の第１の実施形態のように必ずし
も光ファイバの端部を固定用口金を介して保持手段に固
定する必要はなく、光ファイバ端部を直接保持手段に固
定しても良い。また、第２乃至第４の実施形態において
反射ミラーと光ファイバ端部との間に設けられた集光レ
ンズも必ずしも必要とはしない。It is not always necessary to fix the end of the optical fiber to the holding means via the fixing base as in the first embodiment described above, and even if the end of the optical fiber is directly fixed to the holding means. good. Further, in the second to fourth embodiments, the condenser lens provided between the reflection mirror and the end of the optical fiber is not necessarily required.
【００３９】更に、第２乃至第４の実施形態において反
射ミラーを備える代りに、光ファイバを斜めにカットし
たサイドビュー加工を施して光を反射させるようにして
も良い。更にまた、保持手段内の光ファイバの配置経路
や保持手段からの光ファイバの引き出し方向は上述の実
施形態に限定されるものではない。Further, instead of providing the reflecting mirror in the second to fourth embodiments, light may be reflected by performing a side view processing in which an optical fiber is cut obliquely. Furthermore, the arrangement route of the optical fiber in the holding means and the drawing direction of the optical fiber from the holding means are not limited to the above embodiments.
【００４０】また、本実施形態では、液体検知装置を使
用するアプリケーションの例としてタンクの液位検知に
基づいて説明したが、これは数有るアプリケーションの
一例に過ぎず必ずしもこれに限定されるものではない。Although the present embodiment has been described based on the detection of the liquid level in the tank as an example of an application using the liquid detecting device, this is merely an example of a number of applications and is not necessarily limited to this. Absent.
【００４１】[0041]
【発明の効果】以上説明したように、本発明の請求項１
に係る液体検知装置は、光ファイバの断線や投光素子の
劣化等の光学系の不具合が生じたときの受光状態は管体
内に液体が無いとき（＝異常）の受光状態と等しく、管
体内に液体があるとき（＝正常）の受光状態と異なるの
で、光学系の不具合が生じたときは、液体の有無に関わ
らず、液体無し（＝異常）と判断されることになる。As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
In the liquid detecting device according to the present invention, the light receiving state when an optical system failure such as disconnection of the optical fiber or the deterioration of the light projecting element occurs is equal to the light receiving state when there is no liquid in the tube (= abnormal). Since there is a difference from the light receiving state when liquid is present (= normal), it is determined that there is no liquid (= abnormal) irrespective of the presence or absence of liquid when an optical system malfunction occurs.
【００４２】即ち、液体検知装置の不具合を検出するこ
とができるので、管体内に液体が無い状態にも係わらず
液体有り（＝正常）と誤判断してしまうことを未然に防
ぐことができ、フェールセーフ性に優れる。また、請求
項２にかかる液体検知装置は、受光手段が、管径に応じ
て管体を透過する出射光の出射領域に集光レンズを備
え、投光手段からの出射光を集光レンズを介して常に受
光可能としたので、異なる管径を有する管体の夫々にお
いて液体の存在を確実に検知することができる。That is, since a failure of the liquid detecting device can be detected, it is possible to prevent from erroneously determining that there is liquid (= normal) in spite of a state in which there is no liquid in the pipe. Excellent fail-safe property. Further, in the liquid detecting apparatus according to claim 2, the light receiving means includes a condensing lens in an emission area of the outgoing light transmitted through the tube according to the diameter of the tube, and a condensing lens for emitting light from the light projecting means. Since light can always be received through the pipe, the presence of the liquid can be reliably detected in each of the pipes having different pipe diameters.
【００４３】更に、請求項３にかかる液体検知装置は、
受光手段が、管径に応じて管体を透過する出射光の出射
領域に複数の受光ファイバをアレイ状に配置し、投光手
段からの出射光を複数の受光ファイバの少なくともいず
れか１つを介して常に受光可能としたので、異なる管径
を有する管体の夫々において液体の存在を確実に検知で
きる。Further, the liquid detecting device according to claim 3 is
The light receiving means arranges a plurality of light receiving fibers in an array in an emission area of the outgoing light passing through the tube according to the tube diameter, and outputs the light emitted from the light projecting means to at least one of the plurality of light receiving fibers. The presence of the liquid can be reliably detected in each of the tubes having different tube diameters.
【００４４】また、請求項４にかかる液体検知装置は、
投光手段が、投光端に管体の長手方向に延びたスリット
状の絞り部を備えている。これによって、出射光はパイ
プの長手方向に長く、パイプの円周方向（長手方向と直
交する方向）に短くなる。この結果、出射光の総量は減
少するので液体が無いときの拡散光及び迷光による受光
量が減少し、管体外周面に対する入射角が理想に近い光
（＝受光端に届く光）は減少しないので、液体があると
きの受光量が減少しない。即ち、Ｓ／Ｎ比が向上し安定
した検出をすることができる。The liquid detecting device according to claim 4 is
The light projecting means includes a slit-shaped aperture portion extending in the longitudinal direction of the tube at the light projecting end. As a result, the emitted light is longer in the longitudinal direction of the pipe and shorter in the circumferential direction of the pipe (a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction). As a result, the total amount of outgoing light decreases, so that the amount of light received due to diffused light and stray light when there is no liquid decreases, and light whose incident angle to the outer peripheral surface of the tube is close to ideal (= light reaching the light receiving end) does not decrease. Therefore, the amount of light received when there is liquid does not decrease. That is, the S / N ratio is improved, and stable detection can be performed.
【図１】本発明の第１の実施形態に係る液体検知装置の
投光端と受光端付近を概略的に示す図である。FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of a light projecting end and a light receiving end of a liquid detecting device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】図１の液体検知装置の全体構成を示すブロック
図である。FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of the liquid detection device of FIG.
【図３】図１の液体検知装置の検出方法を説明する図で
ある。FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a detection method of the liquid detection device in FIG.
【図４】図１の液体検知装置を用いたアプリケーション
の一例を示す図である。FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an application using the liquid detection device of FIG.
【図５】図４のアプリケーションにおいて使用される液
体検知装置を部分的に示す図である。FIG. 5 is a diagram partially showing a liquid detection device used in the application of FIG. 4;
【図６】図４のアプリケーションにおける異常通知ルー
チンを示すフローチャートである。FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an abnormality notification routine in the application of FIG. 4;
【図７】本発明の第２の実施形態に係る液体検知装置を
部分的に示す図である。FIG. 7 is a view partially showing a liquid detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図８】図７の投光端付近を部分的に拡大して示す斜視
図である。FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the vicinity of a light emitting end in FIG. 7;
【図９】本発明の第３の実施形態に係る液体検知装置の
投光端と受光端付近を概略的に示す図である。FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of a light emitting end and a light receiving end of a liquid detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図１０】本発明の第４の実施形態に係る液体検知装置
の投光端と受光端付近を概略的に示す図である。FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of a light emitting end and a light receiving end of a liquid detection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
【図１１】従来の液体検知装置の投光端と受光端付近を
概略的に示す図である。FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing the vicinity of a light projecting end and a light receiving end of a conventional liquid detecting device.
【図１２】従来の液体検知装置を用いたアプリケーショ
ンの一例を示す図である。FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of an application using a conventional liquid detection device.
１〜４ 液体検知装置 １０ 投光手段 １２ 投光素子 １３ 光ファイバ １３ｔ 投光端 ２０ 受光手段 ２２ 受光素子 ２３ 光ファイバ ２３ｔ 受光端 ３０ 保持手段 ３３ 収容凹部 ５０ 保持手段 ５０ｃ 投光孔 ５０ｄ 受光孔 ５３ パイプ収容凹部 ５９ｔ 受光端 ６０ 保持手段 ６０ｄ 受光孔 ６１ 集光レンズ ６３ 保持手段の収容凹部 ７０ 保持手段 ７０ｄ 受光孔 ７９ 受光ファイバ ７９ａ，７９ｂ，７９ｃ 光ファイバ素子の端部 1-4 Liquid detecting device 10 Light emitting means 12 Light emitting element 13 Optical fiber 13t Light emitting end 20 Light receiving means 22 Light receiving element 23 Optical fiber 23t Light receiving end 30 Holding means 33 Housing recess 50 Holding means 50c Light emitting hole 50d Light receiving hole 53 Pipe housing recess 59t Light receiving end 60 Holding means 60d Light receiving hole 61 Condensing lens 63 Housing recess of holding means 70 Holding means 70d Light receiving hole 79 Light receiving fibers 79a, 79b, 79c End of optical fiber element
───────────────────────────────────────────────────── フロントページの続き (51)Int.Cl.7 識別記号 ＦＩ テーマコート゛(参考） Ｈ０１Ｈ 35/00 Ｇ０１Ｆ 23/28 Ｋ 35/18 Ｇ０１Ｖ 9/04 Ｇ ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. 7 Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H01H 35/00 G01F 23/28 K 35/18 G01V 9/04 G
Claims (4)
を検知する液体検知装置であって、 前記管体に向かって所定方向に光を出射する投光手段
と、 前記管体を透過した前記出射光を検出する受光手段と、 前記受光手段によって検出された受光量に基づき管体内
の液体の有無を判断し、判断結果を表す信号を出力する
信号発生手段と、 前記投光手段と前記受光手段とを前記管体内に液体があ
るときの前記光の受光量が前記管体内に液体がないとき
の前記光の受光量よりも大きくなる位置に配置可能な保
持手段とを備えたことを特徴とする液体検知装置。1. A liquid detecting device for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid in a tube made of a translucent material, comprising: a light projecting unit for emitting light in a predetermined direction toward the tube; Light receiving means for detecting the transmitted outgoing light; signal generating means for judging the presence or absence of liquid in the tube based on the amount of light detected by the light receiving means, and outputting a signal indicating the judgment result; Holding means which can be disposed at a position where the light receiving amount when the liquid is present in the tube is larger than the light receiving amount when the liquid is not present in the tube. A liquid detection device characterized by the above-mentioned.
過する出射光の出射領域に集光レンズを備え、前記投光
手段からの出射光を前記集光レンズを介して受光可能で
あることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の液体検知装
置。2. The light receiving means includes a condensing lens in an emission area of the outgoing light passing through the tube according to the diameter of the tube, and can receive the light emitted from the light projecting means via the condensing lens. The liquid detection device according to claim 1, wherein:
過する出射光の出射領域に複数の受光ファイバをアレイ
状に配置し、前記投光手段からの出射光を前記複数の受
光ファイバの少なくともいずれか１つを介して受光可能
であることを特徴とする、請求項１に記載の液体検知装
置。3. The light receiving means arranges a plurality of light receiving fibers in an output area of an outgoing light passing through a tube according to a tube diameter, and receives the light emitted from the light projecting means in the plurality of light receiving sections. The liquid detection device according to claim 1, wherein light can be received through at least one of the fibers.
手方向に延びたスリット状の絞り部を備えたことを特徴
とする、請求項１に記載の液体検知装置。4. The liquid detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the light projecting means includes a slit-shaped diaphragm extending in a longitudinal direction of the tube at a light projecting end.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000343735A JP3719130B2 (en) | 2000-11-10 | 2000-11-10 | Liquid level monitoring device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000343735A JP3719130B2 (en) | 2000-11-10 | 2000-11-10 | Liquid level monitoring device |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2002148101A true JP2002148101A (en) | 2002-05-22 |
| JP3719130B2 JP3719130B2 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
Family
ID=18818059
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2000343735A Expired - Lifetime JP3719130B2 (en) | 2000-11-10 | 2000-11-10 | Liquid level monitoring device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3719130B2 (en) |
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004045319A (en) * | 2002-07-15 | 2004-02-12 | Tsuuden:Kk | Liquid detection device in tube, and calculation method of fixed position of light-projecting and receiving parts therein, and liquid level detector |
| JP2004053560A (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2004-02-19 | Sunx Ltd | Leakage liquid sensor |
| JP2004347399A (en) * | 2003-05-21 | 2004-12-09 | System Instruments Kk | Liquid sensor for tube |
| JP2006010597A (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2006-01-12 | Takashi Wada | Detection sensor for out of liquid |
| WO2010064502A1 (en) * | 2008-12-02 | 2010-06-10 | 株式会社ツーデン | Liquid detecting device |
| JP2010159984A (en) * | 2009-01-06 | 2010-07-22 | Yamatake Corp | Device for detecting object |
| EP2535699A1 (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2012-12-19 | Azbil Corporation | Fluid sensor |
| CN102853879A (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2013-01-02 | 阿自倍尔株式会社 | Fluid sensor |
| KR101238866B1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2013-03-04 | (주)진공플랜트 | apparatus for detecting hight level of cleaning liquid with high temperature in heating chamber |
| KR101238865B1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2013-03-11 | (주)진공플랜트 | apparatus for detecting hight level of cleaning liquid with high temperature in clean chamber |
| JP2018165661A (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2018-10-25 | アサヒビール株式会社 | Liquid detection sensor |
| JP2019012021A (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-24 | パナソニック デバイスＳｕｎｘ株式会社 | Fiber head and fiber sensor |
-
2000
- 2000-11-10 JP JP2000343735A patent/JP3719130B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2004045319A (en) * | 2002-07-15 | 2004-02-12 | Tsuuden:Kk | Liquid detection device in tube, and calculation method of fixed position of light-projecting and receiving parts therein, and liquid level detector |
| JP2004053560A (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2004-02-19 | Sunx Ltd | Leakage liquid sensor |
| JP2004347399A (en) * | 2003-05-21 | 2004-12-09 | System Instruments Kk | Liquid sensor for tube |
| JP2006010597A (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2006-01-12 | Takashi Wada | Detection sensor for out of liquid |
| WO2010064502A1 (en) * | 2008-12-02 | 2010-06-10 | 株式会社ツーデン | Liquid detecting device |
| JP2010159984A (en) * | 2009-01-06 | 2010-07-22 | Yamatake Corp | Device for detecting object |
| EP2535699A1 (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2012-12-19 | Azbil Corporation | Fluid sensor |
| CN102853879A (en) * | 2011-06-13 | 2013-01-02 | 阿自倍尔株式会社 | Fluid sensor |
| KR101238866B1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2013-03-04 | (주)진공플랜트 | apparatus for detecting hight level of cleaning liquid with high temperature in heating chamber |
| KR101238865B1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2013-03-11 | (주)진공플랜트 | apparatus for detecting hight level of cleaning liquid with high temperature in clean chamber |
| JP2018165661A (en) * | 2017-03-28 | 2018-10-25 | アサヒビール株式会社 | Liquid detection sensor |
| JP2019012021A (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-24 | パナソニック デバイスＳｕｎｘ株式会社 | Fiber head and fiber sensor |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP3719130B2 (en) | 2005-11-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP2002148101A (en) | Liquid detector | |
| KR101640989B1 (en) | Limited area reflective optical sensor and electronic device | |
| GB2115175A (en) | Fibre optics head featuring core spacing to block specular reflection | |
| KR101725797B1 (en) | Light projection head and optical sensor | |
| JP4996369B2 (en) | Liquid detector | |
| JP5317410B2 (en) | Liquid detector | |
| US8084731B2 (en) | Sensor system for liquid detection with lens component having an apex | |
| JP3477430B2 (en) | Liquid leak sensor | |
| JP4537568B2 (en) | Leak sensor | |
| KR20230123523A (en) | Liquid type discrimination sensor | |
| JP2009267126A (en) | Photoelectric sensor | |
| JP3548092B2 (en) | Liquid detector | |
| JP2006019939A (en) | Photoelectric sensor and water detector | |
| JPH0827293B2 (en) | Liquid sensor | |
| JP6414351B2 (en) | Limited-area reflective optical sensor and electronic device | |
| JPH06137862A (en) | Optical sensor | |
| CN218566626U (en) | Non-contact liquid level detection device | |
| JPWO2008142922A1 (en) | Flow path sensor and tube fixture used therefor | |
| JP3477429B2 (en) | Liquid leak sensor | |
| JP4927620B2 (en) | Smoke detection system | |
| JP2002148102A (en) | Detector and method for detecting liquid | |
| JPH10267730A (en) | Liquid level sensor | |
| JPH08219853A (en) | Liquid level sensor | |
| JP2006003299A (en) | Inclination sensor | |
| JP3532511B2 (en) | Liquid leak sensor |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| A621 | Written request for application examination |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621 Effective date: 20040601 |
|
| A977 | Report on retrieval |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971007 Effective date: 20050520 |
|
| A131 | Notification of reasons for refusal |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131 Effective date: 20050601 |
|
| A521 | Written amendment |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523 Effective date: 20050726 |
|
| TRDD | Decision of grant or rejection written | ||
| A01 | Written decision to grant a patent or to grant a registration (utility model) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A01 Effective date: 20050824 |
|
| RD01 | Notification of change of attorney |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A7426 Effective date: 20050829 |
|
| A61 | First payment of annual fees (during grant procedure) |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A61 Effective date: 20050829 |
|
| R150 | Certificate of patent or registration of utility model |
Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150 Ref document number: 3719130 Country of ref document: JP Free format text: JAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: R150 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20080916 Year of fee payment: 3 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20090916 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20090916 Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100916 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100916 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20110916 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130916 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130916 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (event date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20140916 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
| EXPY | Cancellation because of completion of term |