JP3447452B2 - Liquid level detector - Google Patents
Liquid level detectorInfo
- Publication number
- JP3447452B2 JP3447452B2 JP32484795A JP32484795A JP3447452B2 JP 3447452 B2 JP3447452 B2 JP 3447452B2 JP 32484795 A JP32484795 A JP 32484795A JP 32484795 A JP32484795 A JP 32484795A JP 3447452 B2 JP3447452 B2 JP 3447452B2
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- light
- optical fiber
- optical
- liquid level
- level detector
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】この発明は液体中に浸漬され
ることにより、液面の存在を検出する液面検出器に関す
るものである。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid level detector for detecting the presence of a liquid level by being immersed in a liquid.
【０００２】図１０は、例えば特開平５−９９７２９号
公報に示された従来の液面検出器の断面図であり、図に
おいて、１１は投光用光ファイバー、１２は受光用光フ
ァイバー、１３は両光ファイバー１１、１２の先端部を
一定の間隔および姿勢に保持するために該先端部に接着
剤１４で固定した保持部材、１５は両光ファイバー１
１、１２および保持部材を収容する空間１５ａを有し、
先端部に円錐プリズム１５ｂが一体に形成された保護部
材、１６は保護部材１５の内周面に圧着固定して両光フ
ァイバーの抜止めを防止する抜止め防止部材である。FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a conventional liquid level detector disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-99729. In FIG. 10, 11 is an optical fiber for projecting light, 12 is an optical fiber for receiving light, and 13 is both. A holding member fixed to the tips of the optical fibers 11 and 12 with an adhesive 14 in order to keep the tips at a constant interval and posture, and 15 denotes both optical fibers 1
1 and 12 and a space 15a for holding the holding member,
A protective member integrally formed with a conical prism 15b at its tip portion, and 16 is a retaining member for preventing the optical fibers from being detached by crimping and fixing to the inner peripheral surface of the protective member 15.
【０００３】図１１は光ファイバー挿入穴１３ａの先端
部１３ａ−１を鋭角に折り曲げた例を示す拡大図であ
り、この挿入穴に挿入された投光用光ファイバー１１と
受光用光ファイバー１２の先端部は、傾斜角度αに鋭角
に折り曲げられている。従って、円錐プリズム１５ｂが
液中にあるとき該円錐プリズムに対する投光用光ファイ
バー１１からの光は出射角βとなり、頂点角度θの円錐
プリズム１５ｂの頂点に接する水平面における両光ファ
イバー１１、１２の投光対象スポットＳ11および受光対
象スポットＳ12は互いに重ならず、離間することにな
り、対象スポットＳ11、Ｓ12の重なりに起因する不都合
が生じない。FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing an example in which the tip portion 13a-1 of the optical fiber insertion hole 13a is bent at an acute angle, and the tip portions of the light projecting optical fiber 11 and the light receiving optical fiber 12 inserted into the inserting hole are , Is bent at an acute angle α. Therefore, when the conical prism 15b is in the liquid, the light from the light projecting optical fiber 11 to the conical prism has an emission angle β, and the optical fibers 11 and 12 project on the horizontal plane in contact with the apex of the conical prism 15b having the apex angle θ. The target spot S 11 and the light receiving target spot S 12 do not overlap with each other and are separated from each other, so that no inconvenience caused by the overlap of the target spots S 11 and S 12 occurs.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】従来の液面検出器は以
上のように構成されているので、図１０に示すように、
投光用光ファイバー１１と受光用光ファイバー１２の先
端部を傾斜角度αで円弧状に折り曲げるために、保持部
材１３に加工する光ファイバー挿入穴１３ａも円弧状に
加工を施すことが必要であるが、この円弧状の穴加工が
大変面倒である。Since the conventional liquid level detector is constructed as described above, as shown in FIG.
In order to bend the tip ends of the light projecting optical fiber 11 and the light receiving optical fiber 12 into an arc shape at an inclination angle α, the optical fiber insertion hole 13a to be machined in the holding member 13 also needs to be machined into an arc shape. Machining arc holes is very troublesome.
【０００５】また、図１１に示すように、光ファイバー
挿入穴１３ａの先端部１３ａ−１を鋭角に折り曲げて直
線状に形成すれば、保持部材１３に対する穴加工は直線
であるから容易となる。しかし、光ファイバー挿入穴１
３ａと先端部１３ａ−１との交差部において、挿入する
光ファイバーの先端部が突き当たり、その挿入が困難で
あり、光ファイバー先端部に傷をつけたりするという課
題があった。Further, as shown in FIG. 11, if the tip end portion 13a-1 of the optical fiber insertion hole 13a is bent at an acute angle to form a straight line, the hole for the holding member 13 is straight, so that it is easy. However, the optical fiber insertion hole 1
There is a problem that the tip of the optical fiber to be inserted hits the intersection of 3a and the tip 13a-1 and the insertion is difficult, and the tip of the optical fiber is damaged.
【０００６】この発明は上記のような課題を解決するた
めになされたもので、光ファイバーの保持部材に対する
穴加工が容易で、検出感度の良い液面検出器を得ること
を目的とする。The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain a liquid level detector which is easy to make a hole in a holding member of an optical fiber and has high detection sensitivity.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項２記載の発明に係
る液面検出器は、併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受
光用光ファイバーの先端部に集光機能を有する光学素子
をそれぞれの光ファイバーに対して非同軸に配設したも
のである。According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid level detector in which an optical element having a condensing function is provided at the tip of the optical fiber for light projection and the optical fiber for light reception provided for each optical fiber. It is arranged non-coaxially .
【０００８】請求項２記載の発明に係る液面検出器は、
併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受光用光ファイバー
の先端部に互いに光軸を反対方向に折り曲げる光軸折り
曲げ機能を有する光学素子を配設したものである。The liquid level detector according to the second aspect of the invention is
An optical element having an optical axis bending function for bending the optical axes in mutually opposite directions is provided at the tips of the juxtaposed light emitting optical fiber and light receiving optical fiber.
【０００９】請求項３記載の発明に係る液面検出器は、
光学素子として、併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受
光用光ファイバーの光軸に対し光軸を外側に平行にずら
して円柱状レンズを配設したものである。A liquid level detector according to a third aspect of the invention is
As an optical element, a cylindrical lens is arranged with the optical axes of the optical fiber for light projection and the optical fiber for light reception provided side by side shifted in parallel to the outside.
【００１０】請求項４記載の発明に係る液面検出器は、
光学素子として、併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受
光用光ファイバ用ーの光軸に対し光軸を交差させて円柱
状レンズを配設したものである。According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid level detector,
As an optical element, a cylindrical lens is arranged with the optical axes intersecting the optical axes of the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber, which are provided side by side.
【００１１】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、この発明の実施の一形態を
説明する。
実施の形態１．図１は実施の形態１による液面検出器を
示す断面図、図２はその先端部の拡大断面図である。図
において、１は投光用光ファイバー、２は受光用光ファ
イバー、３は両光ファイバー１、２を併設して保持する
保持部材であり、例えばポリアセタール等の合成樹脂製
である。４、５は両光ファイバー１、２の先端部に配設
した光学素子としての円柱状レンズであり、例えばセル
フォックマイクロレンズ（日本板硝子株式会社の商標，
以下、ＳＭＬと略称する）を用いる。６は両光ファイバ
ー１、２および保持部材３を収容する空間６ａを有し、
先端部にプリズム部としての円錐プリズム６ｂが一体に
形成された保護部材であり、例えばテフロン等の合成樹
脂製である。BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described below. Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a tip portion thereof. In the figure, 1 is a light projecting optical fiber, 2 is a light receiving optical fiber, and 3 is a holding member that holds both optical fibers 1 and 2 side by side, and is made of, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyacetal. Numerals 4 and 5 are columnar lenses as optical elements arranged at the tips of both optical fibers 1 and 2, for example, SELFOC microlenses (trademark of Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd.,
Hereinafter, abbreviated as SML) is used. 6 has a space 6a for accommodating both the optical fibers 1, 2 and the holding member 3,
A conical prism 6b as a prism portion is integrally formed at the tip portion of the protective member, which is made of synthetic resin such as Teflon.
【００１２】上記ＳＭＬ４、５は、屈折率が中心軸から
外周面に向かって放物線状に分布している円柱状の光学
ガラス体であり、両端面が平坦な状態でも曲面レンズと
等価な性質を持っている。このＳＭＬ４、５は、ガラス
棒を溶融塩に長時間浸漬して、あらかじめガラス中にド
ープした電子分極率が大きく、高温でガラス中を移動し
やすい一価イオンを溶融塩中のアルカリイオンと交換
し、その結果生じるイオン拡散分布の放物線近似性を利
用して、レンズ状媒質に必要な屈曲率分布を形成してい
る。The SMLs 4 and 5 are cylindrical optical glass bodies in which the refractive index is distributed in a parabolic shape from the central axis toward the outer peripheral surface, and have properties equivalent to a curved lens even when both end surfaces are flat. have. These SMLs 4 and 5 are obtained by immersing a glass rod in a molten salt for a long time and preliminarily doping the glass with a large electron polarizability, and exchanging monovalent ions that easily move in the glass at high temperature with alkali ions in the molten salt. Then, by utilizing the parabolic approximation of the resulting ion diffusion distribution, the inflection rate distribution necessary for the lens-like medium is formed.
【００１３】そして、ＳＭＬ４、５のレンズ状媒質は、
光結合機能、平行ビーム形成機能、集光機能等を有す
る。特に長さＬを選ぶことにより、任意の焦点距離のレ
ンズを製作することができる。従って、図１に示すよう
に円錐プリズム６ｂ面上に焦点を作るように長さＬを選
択すれば、光線を集光させることができる。この結果、
円錐プリズム６ｂ面の頂点に接する水平面における両光
ファイバー１、２の投光対象スポットＳ1 および受光対
象スポットＳ2 は互いに重ならず、離間することにな
り、対象スポットＳ1 、Ｓ2 の重なりに起因する不都合
が生じない。The lenticular medium of SML4, 5 is
It has an optical coupling function, a parallel beam forming function, and a light collecting function. In particular, by selecting the length L, a lens having an arbitrary focal length can be manufactured. Therefore, if the length L is selected so that the focal point is formed on the surface of the conical prism 6b as shown in FIG. 1, the light beam can be condensed. As a result,
The light projection target spots S 1 and the light reception target spots S 2 of both the optical fibers 1 and 2 on the horizontal plane that is in contact with the apex of the surface of the conical prism 6b do not overlap each other and are separated from each other, and the target spots S 1 and S 2 overlap. There is no inconvenience caused.
【００１４】次に動作について説明する。図２に示すよ
うに、液面レベル７が円錐プリズム６ｂに接触しない下
位レベルにあるとき、投光用光ファイバー１からの出射
光Ａは円錐プリズム６ｂの一点に集光して反射され、こ
の反射光Ｂが受光用光ファイバー２に入射して検知され
る。Next, the operation will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, when the liquid surface level 7 is at a lower level that does not contact the conical prism 6b, the emitted light A from the light projecting optical fiber 1 is condensed and reflected at one point of the conical prism 6b. The light B enters the light receiving optical fiber 2 and is detected.
【００１５】一方、液面レベル７が円錐プリズム６ｂに
接触する上位レベルにあるとき、投光用光ファイバー１
からの出射光Ａの一部Ａ1 、Ａ2 は、円錐プリズム６ｂ
を透過して受光用光ファイバー２に対する入射光量が低
下する。従って、この光量の低下を検出することによっ
て、液面レベル７が所定の位置にあることを検出するこ
とができる。On the other hand, when the liquid level 7 is at a higher level in contact with the conical prism 6b, the light projecting optical fiber 1
Part of the emitted light A from A 1 and A 2 is the conical prism 6b.
And the amount of incident light on the light receiving optical fiber 2 decreases. Therefore, by detecting this decrease in the amount of light, it is possible to detect that the liquid surface level 7 is at a predetermined position.
【００１６】以上のように、この実施の形態によれば、
投光用光ファイバー１からの出射光Ａを円錐プリズム上
に集光させるように構成したので、投光対象スポットＳ
1 および受光対象スポットＳ2 の重なりをなくし、誤動
作を防止することができるとともに、光の損失を少なく
してＳ／Ｎ比の向上を図ることができる効果が得られ
る。なお、円柱状レンズの代わりに集光レンズを用いて
も同様の効果が得られる。As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the emission light A from the light projecting optical fiber 1 is configured to be condensed on the conical prism, the projection target spot S
It is possible to prevent overlapping of 1 and the light receiving target spot S 2 , prevent malfunction, and reduce light loss to improve the S / N ratio. The same effect can be obtained by using a condenser lens instead of the cylindrical lens.
【００１７】実施の形態２．図３は実施の形態１による
液面検出器を示す断面図、図４はその先端部の拡大断面
図である。図において、４ａ、５ａは光軸を光ファイバ
ー１、２の光軸に対して平行に、かつ互いに反対方向に
寸法ｃだけずらせて配置したＳＭＬである。このよう
に、光ファイバー１、２とＳＭＬ４ａ、５ａの光軸が平
行にずれていると、投光用光ファイバー１からＳＭＬ４
ａに入射した光は、ＳＭＬ４ａの内面で反射して折り曲
げられ出射角度βで出射する。また、ＳＭＬ５ａに対し
ては出射角度βと同じ入射角度γで入射する。この結
果、実施の形態１と同様に円錐プリズム６ｂ面の頂点に
接する水平面における両光ファイバー１、２の投光対象
スポットＳ1 および受光対象スポットＳ2 は互いに重な
らず、離間することになり、対象スポットＳ1 、Ｓ2 の
重なりに起因する不都合が生じない。Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the liquid level detector according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the tip portion thereof. In the figure, 4a and 5a are SMLs whose optical axes are arranged parallel to the optical axes of the optical fibers 1 and 2 and displaced in the opposite directions by a dimension c. In this way, when the optical axes of the optical fibers 1 and 2 and the SMLs 4a and 5a are deviated from each other in parallel, the light projecting optical fibers 1 to SML4 are moved.
The light incident on a is reflected by the inner surface of the SML 4a, bent, and emitted at an emission angle β. Further, the light enters the SML 5a at the incident angle γ which is the same as the outgoing angle β. As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the projection target spots S 1 and the light reception target spots S 2 of the optical fibers 1 and 2 on the horizontal plane in contact with the apex of the surface of the conical prism 6b do not overlap each other and are separated from each other, No inconvenience caused by the overlapping of the target spots S 1 and S 2 occurs.
【００１８】図５は実施の形態２における保持部材３に
組み付ける各部品の寸法の一例を示すもので、保持部材
３の長さｌ＝１５ｍｍ、直径Ｄ＝５ｍｍとし、受光用光
ファイバー１と投光用光ファイバー２との挿入間隔ｇ１
＝２．２ｍｍ、光ファイバー挿入穴の直径ｄ１＝１．１
５ｍｍ、ＳＭＬ４ａ、５ａの挿入間隔ｇ２＝２．８ｍ
ｍ、ＳＭＬ４ａ、５ａの挿入長さｌ＝５ｍｍとし、使用
する光の波長は０．６６〜０．６８μｍとする。FIG. 5 shows an example of the dimensions of each component assembled to the holding member 3 in the second embodiment. The holding member 3 has a length l = 15 mm and a diameter D = 5 mm. Spacing g1 with the optical fiber 2
= 2.2 mm, diameter d1 of the optical fiber insertion hole = 1.1
5 mm, SML 4a, 5a insertion interval g2 = 2.8m
m, the insertion length l of the SMLs 4a and 5a is 1 = 5 mm, and the wavelength of light used is 0.66 to 0.68 μm.
【００１９】以上のように、この実施の形態によれば、
投光用光ファイバー１からの出射光Ａおよび受光用光フ
ァイバーへの入射光Ｂの光軸を互いに反対方向に折り曲
げて構成したので、投光対象スポットＳ1 および受光対
象スポットＳ2 の重なりをなくすることができ、誤動作
を確実に防止できる効果が得られる。As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the optical axes of the emitted light A from the light projecting optical fiber 1 and the incident light B to the light receiving optical fiber are bent in mutually opposite directions, the projecting target spot S 1 and the receiving target spot S 2 do not overlap. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent malfunction.
【００２０】実施の形態３．図６は実施の形態３による
液面検出器を示す断面図である。図において、光ファイ
バー１、２の先端部に径を異にするＳＭＬ４ｂ−１、５
ｂ−１と４ｂ−２、５ｂ−２を互いに光軸を寸法ｃ１、
ｃ２ずつずらせて設けたもので、投光用光ファイバー１
からの出射光Ａおよび受光用光ファイバーへの入射光Ｂ
の光軸はそれぞれ２度折り曲げられることになる。Embodiment 3. FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to the third embodiment. In the figure, SMLs 4b-1 and 5 with different diameters are provided at the tips of the optical fibers 1 and 2.
b-1 and 4b-2, 5b-2 are arranged so that their optical axes are sized c1,
It is provided by shifting by c2, and is an optical fiber 1 for projecting light.
Emitted light A from the light source and incident light B to the light receiving optical fiber
Each of the optical axes will be bent twice.
【００２１】以上のように、この実施の形態によれば、
投光用光ファイバー１からの出射光Ａおよび受光用光フ
ァイバーへの入射光Ｂの光軸を２つのＳＭＬで折り曲げ
るように構成したので、その光軸を所望の角度に円滑に
折り曲げることができる効果が得られる。As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the optical axes of the emitted light A from the light projecting optical fiber 1 and the incident light B to the light receiving optical fiber are bent by two SMLs, there is an effect that the optical axes can be smoothly bent at a desired angle. can get.
【００２２】実施の形態４．図７は実施の形態４による
液面検出器を示す断面図である。図において、光ファイ
バー１、２の先端部に径を同じにするＳＭＬ４ｃ、５ｃ
を光軸が該光ファイバーの光軸と交差するように拡開し
て配設したものである。Fourth Embodiment FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, the SMLs 4c and 5c having the same diameter at the tips of the optical fibers 1 and 2 are shown.
Is arranged so that the optical axis intersects the optical axis of the optical fiber.
【００２３】以上のように、この実施の形態によれば、
投光用光ファイバー１および受光用光ファイバーへの光
軸に対しＳＭＬ４ｃ、５ｃを交差させて配置構成したの
で、その交差角度を選定することによって、出射光Ａお
よび入射光Ｂの光軸を所望の角度に折り曲げることがで
きる効果が得られる。As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the SMLs 4c and 5c are arranged so as to intersect with the optical axes of the light projecting optical fiber 1 and the light receiving optical fiber, the optical axes of the outgoing light A and the incident light B are set to desired angles by selecting the crossing angles. The effect that it can be bent is obtained.
【００２４】実施の形態５．図８は実施の形態５による
液面検出器を示す断面図、図９はこの実施の形態５で用
いるＳＭＬの斜視図である。図において、光ファイバー
１、２の先端部に径を同じにするＳＭＬ４ｄ、５ｄを光
軸が該光ファイバーの光軸と交差するように拡開して配
設したもので、図９に示すように各ＳＭＬ４ｄ（５ｄ）
の両端部４ｄ−１（５ｄ−１）は、光ファイバー１、２
および保持部材３との面合わせが良好となるように斜面
に形成されている。Embodiment 5. 8 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an SML used in the fifth embodiment. In the figure, the SMLs 4d and 5d having the same diameter are provided at the distal ends of the optical fibers 1 and 2 so as to be spread out so that the optical axis intersects with the optical axis of the optical fibers. As shown in FIG. SML4d (5d)
Both ends 4d-1 (5d-1) of the optical fiber 1, 2
And, it is formed in a slope so that the surface of the holding member 3 is well matched.
【００２５】以上のように、この実施の形態によれば、
両端部を斜面に形成したＳＭＬを用い、投光用光ファイ
バー１および受光用光ファイバー２とＳＭＬ４ｄおよび
５ｄとの対向部を極めて近接させるように構成したの
で、光ファイバーとＳＭＬ間での光損失を少なくするこ
とができる効果が得られる。As described above, according to this embodiment,
Since the SML whose both ends are formed to be slanted and the facing portions of the light projecting optical fiber 1 and the light receiving optical fiber 2 and the SMLs 4d and 5d are made extremely close to each other, the optical loss between the optical fiber and the SML is reduced. The effect that can be obtained is obtained.
【００２６】[0026]
【発明の効果】請求項１記載の発明によれば、併設した
投光用光ファイバーおよび受光用光ファイバーの先端部
に集光機能を有する光学素子をそれぞれの光ファイバー
に対して非同軸に配設して構成したので、投光用光ファ
イバーが形成する投光スポットと受光用光ファイバーの
受光対象スポットとが重なり合うことがなく、誤動作を
生じることがないという効果がある。 According to the first aspect of the invention, the optical element having a light-collecting function is provided at the tip of each of the light-transmitting optical fiber and the light-receiving optical fiber provided side by side.
Since it is arranged non-coaxially, the light projecting spot formed by the light projecting optical fiber and the light receiving target spot of the light receiving optical fiber do not overlap with each other, and there is an effect that a malfunction does not occur .
【００２７】請求項２記載の発明によれば、併設した投
光用光ファイバーおよび受光用光ファイバーの先端部に
互いに光軸を反対方向に折り曲げる機能を有する光学素
子を配設して構成したので、投光用光ファイバーが形成
する投光スポットと受光用光ファイバーの受光対象スポ
ットとが重なり合うことがなく、誤動作を生ずることが
ない。また、光学素子および光ファイバーを組みつける
穴は直線であるから、保持部材に対する穴加工が簡単容
易にできる効果がある。According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the optical elements having the function of bending the optical axes in the opposite directions are arranged at the tips of the juxtaposed light emitting optical fiber and light receiving optical fiber, the light emitting optical fiber and the light receiving optical fiber are arranged. The light projecting spot formed by the optical fiber and the light receiving target spot of the light receiving optical fiber do not overlap with each other, and no malfunction occurs. Further, since the hole for assembling the optical element and the optical fiber is a straight line, there is an effect that a hole can be easily formed in the holding member.
【００２８】請求項３記載の発明によれば、光学素子と
して、併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受光用光ファ
イバーの光軸に対し光軸を外側に平行にずらして円柱状
レンズを配設して構成したので、この円柱状レンズによ
って出射光Ａおよび入射光Ｂの光軸を互いに反対方向に
折り曲げ、誤動作を確実に防止できる。しかも保持部材
に対する光ファイバー組みつけ用の穴加工は直線穴加工
であるから簡単容易にできる効果がある。According to the third aspect of the present invention, as the optical element, a cylindrical lens is arranged such that the optical axes of the juxtaposed optical fiber for projection and optical fiber for light reception are shifted in parallel to the outside. Therefore, the cylindrical lenses can bend the optical axes of the emitted light A and the incident light B in directions opposite to each other and reliably prevent malfunction. Moreover, since the hole for assembling the optical fiber to the holding member is a straight hole, there is an effect that it can be easily and easily performed.
【００２９】請求項４記載の発明によれば、光学素子と
して、併設した投光用光ファイバーおよび受光用光ファ
イバーの光軸に対し光軸を交差させて円柱状レンズ配設
して構成したので、その交差角度を選定することによっ
て、出射光Ａおよび入射光Ｂの光軸を所望の角度に折り
曲げることができる。しかも保持部材に対する光ファイ
バー組みつけ用の穴加工は直線穴加工であるから簡単容
易にできる効果がある。According to the invention described in claim 4, as the optical element, a cylindrical lens is arranged so that the optical axes intersect with the optical axes of the light-transmitting optical fiber and the light-receiving optical fiber which are provided side by side. By selecting the crossing angle, the optical axes of the outgoing light A and the incoming light B can be bent at a desired angle. Moreover, since the hole for assembling the optical fiber to the holding member is a straight hole, there is an effect that it can be easily and easily performed.
【図１】この発明の実施の形態１による液面検出器を示
す断面図である。FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
【図２】この発明の実施の形態１による液面検出器の先
端部を示す拡大断面図である。FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a tip portion of the liquid surface detector according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】この発明の実施の形態２による液面検出器を示
す断面図である。FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
【図４】この発明の実施の形態２による液面検出器の先
端部を示す拡大断面図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a tip portion of a liquid level detector according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
【図５】この発明の実施の形態２による液面検出器の各
部の寸法説明図である。FIG. 5 is a dimensional explanatory view of each part of the liquid level detector according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
【図６】この発明の実施の形態３による液面検出器を示
す断面図である。FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
【図７】この発明の実施の形態４による液面検出器を示
す断面図である。FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
【図８】この発明の実施の形態５による液面検出器を示
す断面図である。FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing a liquid level detector according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
【図９】この発明の実施の形態５に用いられるＳＭＬを
示す斜視図である。FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an SML used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
【図１０】従来の液面検出器を示す断面図である。FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a conventional liquid level detector.
【図１１】従来の液面検出器の保護部材の先端部の拡大
断面図である。FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a tip portion of a protection member of a conventional liquid level detector.
１ 投光用光ファイバー
２ 受光用光ファイバー
４，４ａ，４ｂ−１，４ｂ−２，４ｃ，４ｄ，５，５
ａ，５ｂ−１，５ｂ−２，５ｃ，５ｄ ＳＭＬ（光学素
子，円柱状レンズ）
６ｂ 円錐プリズム（プリズム部）1 Optical fiber for projecting light 2 Optical fiber for receiving light 4, 4a, 4b-1, 4b-2, 4c, 4d, 5, 5
a, 5b-1, 5b-2, 5c, 5d SML (optical element, cylindrical lens) 6b Conical prism (prism part)
Claims (4)
イバーを併設し、両光ファイバーの先端部前方には、投
光用光ファイバーから出射された光を受光用光ファイバ
ーへ入射させるための内面反射面を有するプリズム部を
設けた液面検出器において、前記両光ファイバーの先端
部に集光機能を有する光学素子をそれぞれの光ファイバ
ーに対して非同軸に配設したことを特徴とする液面検出
器。1. A prism having a light projecting optical fiber and a light receiving optical fiber provided side by side, and having an inner reflecting surface for allowing light emitted from the light projecting optical fiber to be incident on the light receiving optical fiber in front of the front ends of the both optical fibers. In the liquid level detector provided with a section, an optical element having a light collecting function is provided at the tip of each of the optical fibers.
A liquid level detector characterized by being arranged non-coaxially with respect to the surface.
イバーを併設し、両光ファイバーの先端部前方には、投
光用光ファイバーから出射された光を受光用光ファイバ
ーへ入射させるための内面反射面を有するプリズム部を
設けた液面検出器において、前記両光ファイバーの先端
部に互いに光軸を反対方向に折り曲げる光軸折り曲げ機
能を有する光学素子を配設したことを特徴とする液面検
出器。2. A prism having a light-projecting optical fiber and a light-receiving optical fiber provided side by side, and having an inner reflecting surface for allowing light emitted from the light-projecting optical fiber to enter the light-receiving optical fiber, in front of the front ends of the both optical fibers. In the liquid level detector having a section, an optical element having an optical axis bending function for bending the optical axes in opposite directions is arranged at the tip ends of the both optical fibers.
ーおよび受光用光ファイバーの光軸に対し光軸を外側に
平行にずらして配設した円柱状レンズであることを特徴
とする請求項２記載の液面検出器。3. The optical element is a cylindrical lens arranged such that the optical axes of the light-transmitting optical fiber and the light-receiving optical fiber, which are provided side by side, are arranged so as to be shifted in parallel to the outside. Liquid level detector.
ーおよび受光用光ファイバーの光軸に対し光軸を交差さ
せて配設した円柱状レンズであることを特徴とする請求
項２記載の液面検出器。4. The liquid surface according to claim 2, wherein the optical element is a cylindrical lens disposed such that the optical axes of the optical fiber for projecting light and the optical fiber for receiving light which are provided side by side intersect each other. Detector.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32484795A JP3447452B2 (en) | 1995-12-13 | 1995-12-13 | Liquid level detector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32484795A JP3447452B2 (en) | 1995-12-13 | 1995-12-13 | Liquid level detector |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH09166475A JPH09166475A (en) | 1997-06-24 |
| JP3447452B2 true JP3447452B2 (en) | 2003-09-16 |
Family
ID=18170341
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP32484795A Expired - Lifetime JP3447452B2 (en) | 1995-12-13 | 1995-12-13 | Liquid level detector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP3447452B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ES2424457T3 (en) * | 2009-06-04 | 2013-10-02 | Department Of Space, Indian Space Research Organization (Isro) | Optical fiber based liquid level detector |
-
1995
- 1995-12-13 JP JP32484795A patent/JP3447452B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH09166475A (en) | 1997-06-24 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| CA1113762A (en) | Optical coupler for connecting a light source to an optical transmission line | |
| US4815807A (en) | Collimator lens for optical fiber | |
| US5399876A (en) | Optical point level sensor with lens | |
| JP5345547B2 (en) | Optical pressure sensor having at least two optical fibers | |
| US20040264910A1 (en) | Optical antenna | |
| JP2010026505A (en) | Focusing fiber optic | |
| US7333083B1 (en) | Optical based performance improvement for an optical illumination configuration | |
| JP3447452B2 (en) | Liquid level detector | |
| US4565421A (en) | Plural-beam scanning apparatus | |
| JP4498987B2 (en) | Lighting device and display device | |
| EP1026498B1 (en) | Optical head unit of a photodetector | |
| JPS6217721A (en) | Projector | |
| JP3279402B2 (en) | Optical fiber sensor | |
| US6469835B1 (en) | Optical collimator with long working distance | |
| JPH06160668A (en) | Optical fiber device and optical fiber type optical sensor | |
| KR100373208B1 (en) | Total reflection film | |
| EP1312952A1 (en) | Optical fiber collimator using gradient index rod lens | |
| JPH10142425A (en) | Terminal structure of optical fiber, optical module including the same terminal structure, and tube thickness inspecting method using teh same terminal structure | |
| JPH07128584A (en) | Focus detecting optical system | |
| JPH04366905A (en) | Light projection device using optical fiber, and collimation and convergence optical system | |
| JPH058804B2 (en) | ||
| JP2004119387A (en) | Photoelectric switch | |
| JP3350826B2 (en) | Limited reflection type photoelectric sensor | |
| US6654519B2 (en) | Optical device | |
| JP2567526Y2 (en) | Optical sensor |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20080704 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20080704 Year of fee payment: 5 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20090704 Year of fee payment: 6 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100704 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20100704 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20110704 Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20120704 Year of fee payment: 9 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130704 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20130704 Year of fee payment: 10 |
|
| FPAY | Renewal fee payment (prs date is renewal date of database) |
Free format text: PAYMENT UNTIL: 20140704 Year of fee payment: 11 |
|
| EXPY | Cancellation because of completion of term |