JP2000329609A - Liquid detector - Google Patents
Liquid detectorInfo
- Publication number
- JP2000329609A JP2000329609A JP11142718A JP14271899A JP2000329609A JP 2000329609 A JP2000329609 A JP 2000329609A JP 11142718 A JP11142718 A JP 11142718A JP 14271899 A JP14271899 A JP 14271899A JP 2000329609 A JP2000329609 A JP 2000329609A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- infrared light
- light
- detected
- receiving element
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
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- 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】本発明は、被検出液体の有無
を検出するために、液体境界面に垂直以外の角度で光線
が入射するように発光素子を配置し、前記光線の入射方
向の延長線上又は前記液体境界面にて屈折する方向の延
長線上に受光素子を配置して、前記境界面での入射光線
の屈折の有無に起因する受光量の変化を検出する液体検
出装置に係るものであって、とくに、透明度の高い液体
の検出が可能な液体検出装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a light-emitting element for detecting the presence or absence of a liquid to be detected, in which a light-emitting element is arranged so that the light is incident at an angle other than perpendicular to a liquid boundary, and the direction of incidence of the light is extended. A liquid detection device that arranges a light receiving element on a line or an extension of a direction in which light is refracted at the liquid boundary surface, and detects a change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of refraction of an incident light beam at the boundary surface. In particular, the present invention relates to a liquid detection device capable of detecting a highly transparent liquid.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】従来の液体検出装置としては、容器を構
成する面の一部の機械的振動特性の変化を利用したもの
や、被検出液体中にフロートを浮かせ、その位置を検知
するものや、発光素子と受光素子とを対向配置し、発光
素子から光を出力して、その光が受光素子で受光された
光量を検出する構成等があった。2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional liquid detecting apparatus, there are a liquid detecting apparatus utilizing a change in mechanical vibration characteristics of a part of a surface constituting a container, and a liquid detecting apparatus which floats a float in a liquid to be detected and detects its position. There has been a configuration in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other, light is output from the light emitting element, and the amount of light received by the light receiving element is detected.
【０００３】上記のうち、機械的振動特性の変化を利用
したものは加振・検知回路が複雑になることや、フロー
トを利用する方法では十分な浮力を得る為に大きなフロ
ートを必要とすること等の問題があった。一方、光学的
方法は、液体を非接触で検出でき簡単な回路構成にて実
現できるという長所があった。しかし、光学的方法にて
液体を検出するためには、被検出液体が光を遮断もしく
は、大幅に減衰させるものである必要がある。その為、
透明な液体には適用できない等の制限があり問題点を含
んでいた。Among the above, those utilizing changes in mechanical vibration characteristics require complicated excitation / detection circuits, and those utilizing a float require a large float to obtain sufficient buoyancy. And so on. On the other hand, the optical method has an advantage that the liquid can be detected without contact and can be realized with a simple circuit configuration. However, in order to detect liquid by an optical method, the liquid to be detected needs to block or largely attenuate light. For that reason,
There was a limitation that it could not be applied to a transparent liquid, which included a problem.
【０００４】また、特開平２−８７０２３号公報は、発
光素子と受光素子と反射板とを組み合わせて、水のよう
な透明な液体を検知する構成を提案しているが、この構
成では、反射板が必要になることや、検知ユニット内に
液体を浸入させる必要があることから、防水等の配慮が
必要となり、構造が複雑になってしまうという問題点が
ある。Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-87023 proposes a configuration in which a light-emitting element, a light-receiving element and a reflector are combined to detect a transparent liquid such as water. Since a plate is required and a liquid must be allowed to enter the detection unit, consideration must be given to waterproofing and the like, and there is a problem that the structure becomes complicated.
【０００５】[0005]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】本発明は、上記の点に
鑑み、光の透過率の高い液体であっても、液体境界面で
の光線の屈折効果を利用することにより、液体に非接触
で液体の有無や液体境界面の位置を正確に検出可能な液
体検出装置を提供することを目的とする。SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above, the present invention has been made to solve the problem of non-contact with a liquid even if the liquid has a high light transmittance by utilizing the refraction effect of light rays at the liquid boundary. It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid detection device capable of accurately detecting the presence or absence of a liquid and the position of a liquid boundary surface.
【０００６】本発明のその他の目的や新規な特徴は後述
の実施の形態において明らかにする。[0006] Other objects and novel features of the present invention will be clarified in embodiments described later.
【０００７】[0007]
【課題を解決するための手段】上記目的を達成するため
に、本願第１発明の液体検出装置は、被検出液体の境界
面に垂直以外の角度で光線を入射させる発光素子を前記
被検出液体の外側に配置し、前記光線の入射方向の延長
線上で前記被検出液体の外側に受光素子を配置し、前記
境界面での入射光線の屈折の有無に起因する受光量の変
化を前記受光素子で検出することを特徴としている。In order to achieve the above object, a liquid detecting apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a light emitting element for emitting a light beam at an angle other than perpendicular to a boundary surface of a liquid to be detected. A light receiving element is arranged outside the liquid to be detected on an extension of the incident direction of the light beam, and a change in the amount of light received due to the presence or absence of refraction of the incident light beam at the boundary surface is detected by the light receiving element. It is characterized in that it is detected by.
【０００８】本願第２発明の液体検出装置は、被検出液
体の境界面に垂直以外の角度で光線を入射させる発光素
子を前記被検出液体の外側に配置し、入射光線が前記境
界面にて屈折する方向の延長線上で前記被検出液体の外
側に受光素子を配置し、前記境界面での入射光線の屈折
の有無に起因する受光量の変化を前記受光素子で検出す
ることを特徴としている。In the liquid detecting apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, a light emitting element for causing a light ray to enter the boundary surface of the liquid to be detected at an angle other than perpendicular to the liquid to be detected is arranged outside the liquid to be detected, and the incident light beam is reflected at the boundary surface. A light receiving element is arranged outside the liquid to be detected on an extension of the direction of refraction, and a change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of refraction of the incident light beam at the boundary surface is detected by the light receiving element. .
【０００９】前記第１又は第２発明の液体検出装置にお
いて、前記発光素子と前記受光素子の少なくとも一方が
指向性を有しているとよい。In the liquid detecting device according to the first or second aspect, at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element may have directivity.
【００１０】また、前記発光素子が赤外線を発光する赤
外発光素子であり、前記受光素子が赤外線を受光する赤
外受光素子であるとよい。It is preferable that the light emitting element is an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light, and the light receiving element is an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light.
【００１１】[0011]
【発明の実施の形態】以下、本発明に係る液体検出装置
の実施の形態を図面に従って説明する。DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the liquid detecting device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
【００１２】図１及び図２は本発明の第１の実施の形態
であって、図１は被検出液体が容器内に存在しないとき
の平面図、図２は被検出液体が存在するときの平面図で
ある。これらの図において、赤外線が透過するポリエチ
レン等の収納容器１０の角部を容器外側から挟む様に、
赤外発光素子１と赤外受光素子２とが配置されている。
ここで、赤外発光素子１はポリエチレン等の容器１０内
の被検出液体１１の境界面Ｐ１（この場合、容器側壁と
これに接した液体との境界面）に垂直以外の角度で赤外
線を入射させるものであり、赤外受光素子２は前記赤外
線の入射方向の延長線上に配置されている。そして、赤
外発光素子１と赤外受光素子２の少なくともいずれか一
方は指向性を有している。つまり、赤外発光素子１が指
向性を有するときは、鋭いビームで赤外線を前記境界面
に非垂直な特定方向に放射し、赤外受光素子２が指向性
を有するときは前記特定方向から到来した赤外線のみを
高感度で受光する。なお、３は制御回路部であり、前記
赤外発光素子１を発光させるためのパルス状電気駆動信
号を発生するとともに、前記赤外受光素子２の受光量に
比例した電気出力信号の信号処理を行う。前記赤外発光
素子１と赤外受光素子２は制御回路部３の収納ケースに
予め所定位置関係で取り付けておくこともできる。FIGS. 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view when a liquid to be detected does not exist in a container, and FIG. 2 is a plan view when a liquid to be detected exists. It is a top view. In these figures, a corner of a storage container 10 made of polyethylene or the like, through which infrared light is transmitted, is sandwiched from the outside of the container.
An infrared light emitting element 1 and an infrared light receiving element 2 are arranged.
Here, the infrared light emitting element 1 emits infrared rays at an angle other than perpendicular to the boundary surface P1 (in this case, the boundary surface between the container side wall and the liquid in contact with the container side) of the liquid 11 to be detected in the container 10 such as polyethylene. The infrared light receiving element 2 is arranged on an extension of the incident direction of the infrared light. At least one of the infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 has directivity. That is, when the infrared light emitting element 1 has directivity, the infrared light is emitted in a specific direction that is not perpendicular to the boundary surface by a sharp beam, and when the infrared light receiving element 2 has directivity, the infrared light comes from the specific direction. Only the received infrared light is received with high sensitivity. Reference numeral 3 denotes a control circuit unit which generates a pulsed electric drive signal for causing the infrared light emitting element 1 to emit light, and performs signal processing of an electric output signal proportional to the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element 2. Do. The infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 can be mounted in a storage case of the control circuit unit 3 in a predetermined positional relationship in advance.
【００１３】この第１の実施の形態において、図１のよ
うにポリエチレン等の赤外線透過性の容器１０内に水等
の被検出液体が無い場合には赤外発光素子１から出力さ
れた赤外線は、容器１０を透過して赤外受光素子２に入
力される。赤外受光素子２は赤外線を検知し（又は赤外
線の受光量が多く）、「赤外線有り／液体無し」の信号
を出力する。In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, when there is no liquid to be detected such as water in a container 10 that transmits infrared light such as polyethylene, the infrared light output from the infrared light emitting element 1 , And is input to the infrared light receiving element 2 through the container 10. The infrared light receiving element 2 detects the infrared light (or receives a large amount of infrared light) and outputs a signal indicating “there is an infrared light / no liquid”.
【００１４】図２のように容器１０内に水等の被検出液
体１１がある場合には赤外発光素子１から出力された赤
外線は、ポリエチレン等の容器１０を透過し、液体の境
界面Ｐ１に入射するが、当該境界面にて屈折し、赤外受
光素子２の設置されていない方向に曲げられる。従っ
て、赤外受光素子２は、赤外線を検知せず（又は赤外線
の受光量が少なく）、「赤外線無し／液体有り」の信号
を出力する。When a liquid to be detected 11 such as water is present in the container 10 as shown in FIG. 2, the infrared light output from the infrared light emitting element 1 passes through the container 10 such as polyethylene and the like, and the boundary surface P1 of the liquid. , But is refracted at the boundary surface and bent in a direction in which the infrared light receiving element 2 is not installed. Therefore, the infrared light receiving element 2 does not detect infrared light (or the amount of received infrared light is small), and outputs a signal indicating “no infrared light / liquid present”.
【００１５】図３は赤外発光素子１のパルス状電気駆動
信号Ｔ（つまり赤外発光量）と赤外受光素子２の受光量
に比例した電気出力信号Ｒとの関係を示すものであり、
同図（Ａ）は赤外発光素子１と赤外受光素子２間に容器
（ポリエチレンとした）が存在しない場合、同図（Ｂ）
は容器有りであるが、内部に被検出液体無しの場合、同
図（Ｃ）は容器有りでかつ内部に被検出液体としての水
有りの場合である。この図から、容器有りでかつ内部に
被検出液体有りの場合に赤外受光素子２の受光量が図３
（Ｃ）に示すように大幅に低下し、液体有りを確実に検
出できることが判る。FIG. 3 shows the relationship between the pulsed electric drive signal T of the infrared light emitting element 1 (that is, the amount of infrared light emitted) and the electric output signal R proportional to the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element 2.
FIG. 2A shows a case where no container (made of polyethylene) exists between the infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2.
In the figure, there is a case where there is a container, but there is no liquid to be detected. FIG. 10C shows a case where there is a container and there is water as the liquid to be detected inside. FIG. 3 shows that the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element 2 when the container is present and the liquid to be detected is inside is shown in FIG.
As shown in (C), it is significantly reduced, and it can be seen that the presence of liquid can be reliably detected.
【００１６】このように、第１の実施の形態によれば、
容器内の被検出液体１１の有無を被検出液体の外側から
非接触で確実に検出することが可能である。As described above, according to the first embodiment,
It is possible to reliably detect the presence or absence of the liquid to be detected 11 in the container from the outside of the liquid to be detected without contact.
【００１７】なお、第１の実施の形態において、図１及
び図２の点線位置に赤外受光素子２を配置、つまり、赤
外発光素子１からの入射光線が被検出液体境界面にて屈
折する方向の延長線上で前記被検出液体の外側に赤外受
光素子２を配置してもよい。この配置では、図１の被検
出液体の無いときは赤外受光素子２は赤外線を検知せず
（又は赤外線の受光量が少なく）、「赤外線無し／液体
無し」の信号を出力し、図２の被検出液体のある時は赤
外受光素子２は赤外線を検知し（又は赤外線の受光量が
多く）、「赤外線有り／液体有り」の信号を出力する。In the first embodiment, the infrared light receiving element 2 is arranged at the position indicated by the dotted line in FIGS. 1 and 2, that is, the incident light from the infrared light emitting element 1 is refracted at the boundary surface of the liquid to be detected. The infrared light receiving element 2 may be arranged outside the liquid to be detected on an extension of the direction in which the liquid is detected. In this arrangement, when there is no liquid to be detected in FIG. 1, the infrared light receiving element 2 does not detect infrared light (or the amount of received infrared light is small), and outputs a signal of “no infrared light / no liquid”. When the liquid to be detected exists, the infrared light receiving element 2 detects the infrared light (or receives a large amount of infrared light), and outputs a signal of “the presence of infrared light / the presence of liquid”.
【００１８】図４及び図５は本発明の第２の実施の形態
であって、図４は被検出液体が液体通路としてのガラ
ス、透明樹脂等のパイプ内に存在しないときの側面図、
図５は被検出液体が存在するときの側面図である。これ
らの図において、２０は自動販売機等におけるシロップ
等の収納容器であり、ここでは透明、不透明を問わな
い。この容器２０内には上からシロップ等の被検出液体
２１を吸い上げるためのガラス、透明樹脂等の透明（赤
外線透過性）パイプ２２が差し込まれている。そして、
透明パイプ２２を挟んで赤外発光素子１と赤外受光素子
２とが対向配置されている。但し、赤外発光素子１は被
検出液体２１の境界面Ｐ２（この場合、パイプ内壁とこ
れに接する液体との境界面）に垂直以外の角度で赤外線
を入射させるものであり、赤外受光素子２は前記赤外線
の入射方向の延長線上に配置されている。そして、赤外
発光素子１と赤外受光素子２の少なくともいずれか一方
は指向性を有している。FIGS. 4 and 5 show a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view when a liquid to be detected does not exist in a pipe such as glass or transparent resin as a liquid passage.
FIG. 5 is a side view when the liquid to be detected is present. In these figures, reference numeral 20 denotes a storage container for syrup or the like in a vending machine or the like, which may be transparent or opaque. A transparent (infrared transmitting) pipe 22 made of glass, transparent resin or the like for sucking up the liquid 21 to be detected such as syrup from above is inserted into the container 20. And
The infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 are arranged to face each other with the transparent pipe 22 interposed therebetween. However, the infrared light emitting element 1 is for emitting infrared light at an angle other than perpendicular to the boundary surface P2 of the liquid 21 to be detected (in this case, the boundary surface between the pipe inner wall and the liquid in contact with the pipe), and the infrared light receiving element Reference numeral 2 is arranged on an extension of the incident direction of the infrared ray. At least one of the infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 has directivity.
【００１９】この第２実施の形態において、図４のよう
に透明パイプ２２内にシロップ等の被検出液体２１が吸
い上げられていないときは、赤外発光素子１から出力さ
れた赤外線は、パイプ２２を透過して赤外受光素子２に
入力される。赤外受光素子２は赤外線を検知し（又は赤
外線の受光量が多く）、「赤外線有り／液体無し」の信
号を出力する。なお、信号処理は第１の実施の形態と同
様に制御回路部で行うことができる。In the second embodiment, when the liquid to be detected 21 such as syrup is not sucked into the transparent pipe 22 as shown in FIG. And is input to the infrared light receiving element 2. The infrared light receiving element 2 detects the infrared light (or receives a large amount of infrared light) and outputs a signal indicating “there is an infrared light / no liquid”. Note that the signal processing can be performed by the control circuit unit as in the first embodiment.
【００２０】図５のように透明パイプ２２内にシロップ
等の被検出液体２１が吸い上げられて存在している場合
には、赤外発光素子１から出力された赤外線は、透明パ
イプ２２を透過し、液体の境界面Ｐ２に入射するが、当
該境界面にて屈折し、赤外受光素子２の設置されていな
い方向に曲げられる。従って、赤外受光素子２は、赤外
線を検知せず（又は赤外線の受光量が少なく）、「赤外
線無し／液体有り」の信号を出力する。As shown in FIG. 5, when the liquid to be detected 21 such as syrup is sucked up and present in the transparent pipe 22, the infrared light output from the infrared light emitting element 1 passes through the transparent pipe 22. Is incident on the boundary surface P2 of the liquid, but is refracted at the boundary surface and bent in a direction in which the infrared light receiving element 2 is not installed. Therefore, the infrared light receiving element 2 does not detect infrared light (or the amount of received infrared light is small), and outputs a signal indicating “no infrared light / liquid present”.
【００２１】このように、第２の実施の形態によって
も、パイプ内の被検出液体２１の有無を被検出液体の外
側から非接触で確実に検出することが可能である。As described above, also according to the second embodiment, the presence or absence of the liquid 21 to be detected in the pipe can be reliably detected from outside the liquid to be detected in a non-contact manner.
【００２２】図６及び図７は本発明の第３の実施の形態
であって、図６は容器内の被検出液体の液面が低レベル
のときの側面図、図７は被検出液体の液面が高レベルの
とききの側面図である。これらの図において、３０は自
動販売機等において内部にシロップ等の被検出液体３１
を収納した赤外線が透過するポリエチレン等の収納容器
であり、その容器３０の上側角部を容器外側から挟む様
に、赤外発光素子１と赤外受光素子２とが配置されてい
る。ここで、赤外発光素子１はポリエチレン等の容器３
０内の被検出液体３１の境界面Ｐ３（この場合、容器内
の液面）に垂直以外の角度で赤外線を入射させるもので
あり、赤外受光素子２は前記赤外線の入射方向の延長線
上に配置されている。そして、赤外発光素子１と赤外受
光素子２の少なくともいずれか一方は指向性を有してい
る。FIGS. 6 and 7 show a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view when the liquid level of the liquid to be detected in the container is at a low level, and FIG. It is a side view at the time of a liquid level being a high level. In these figures, reference numeral 30 denotes a liquid to be detected 31 such as syrup inside a vending machine or the like.
Is a storage container made of polyethylene or the like, through which infrared light is transmitted. The infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 are arranged such that the upper corner of the container 30 is sandwiched from outside the container. Here, the infrared light emitting element 1 is a container 3 made of polyethylene or the like.
Infrared rays are incident at an angle other than perpendicular to the boundary surface P3 of the liquid 31 to be detected (in this case, the liquid level in the container) within 0, and the infrared light receiving element 2 is positioned on an extension of the incident direction of the infrared rays. Are located. At least one of the infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2 has directivity.
【００２３】この第３実施の形態において、図６のよう
にポリエチレン等の容器３０内におけるシロップ等の被
検出液体３１の液面レベルが低い場合（又は液体が無い
場合）には赤外発光素子１から出力された赤外線は、容
器３０を透過して赤外受光素子２に入力される。赤外受
光素子２は赤外線を検知し（又は赤外線の受光量が多
く）、「赤外線有り／液体無し」の信号を出力する。In the third embodiment, when the liquid level of the liquid 31 to be detected such as syrup in the container 30 made of polyethylene or the like is low (or when there is no liquid) as shown in FIG. The infrared light output from 1 is transmitted through the container 30 and input to the infrared light receiving element 2. The infrared light receiving element 2 detects the infrared light (or receives a large amount of infrared light) and outputs a signal indicating “there is an infrared light / no liquid”.
【００２４】図７のように容器３０内にシロップ等の被
検出液体３１があって、その液面レベルが高くて赤外発
光素子１、赤外受光素子２間の光路に介在する高さであ
る場合には、赤外発光素子１から出力された赤外線は、
ポリエチレン等の容器３０を透過し、液体の境界面Ｐ３
（すなわち液面）に入射するが、当該境界面にて屈折
し、赤外受光素子２の設置されていない方向に曲げられ
る。従って、赤外受光素子２は、赤外線を検知せず（又
は赤外線の受光量が少なく）、「赤外線無し／液体有
り」の信号を出力する。なお、信号処理は第１の実施の
形態と同様に制御回路部で行うことができる。As shown in FIG. 7, there is a liquid 31 to be detected such as syrup in a container 30 and the level of the liquid 31 is high so that the liquid is interposed in the optical path between the infrared light emitting element 1 and the infrared light receiving element 2. In some cases, the infrared light output from the infrared light emitting element 1 is
Permeate through the container 30 made of polyethylene or the like,
(That is, the liquid surface), but is refracted at the boundary surface and bent in a direction in which the infrared light receiving element 2 is not installed. Therefore, the infrared light receiving element 2 does not detect infrared light (or the amount of received infrared light is small), and outputs a signal indicating “no infrared light / liquid present”. Note that the signal processing can be performed by the control circuit unit as in the first embodiment.
【００２５】この第３の実施の形態の場合、赤外線透過
性の容器３０内の被検出液体３１が所定の液面レベルを
越えているか否かの判別が可能であり、液面検出センサ
としても使用できる。In the case of the third embodiment, it is possible to determine whether or not the liquid 31 to be detected in the infrared-transparent container 30 exceeds a predetermined liquid level. Can be used.
【００２６】なお、上記各実施の形態では、赤外発光素
子と赤外受光素子との組を用いて赤外線を被検出液体に
照射する構成としたが、容器が可視光に対する透過性が
良好なものであれば、可視光の発光素子と受光素子の組
を用いて被検出液体に可視光を照射するようにしてもよ
い。但し、ポリエチレン等の樹脂製容器で、可視光の減
衰量がやや大きいものの場合、赤外線を利用した方が良
好な検出結果が得られる。In each of the above embodiments, the liquid to be detected is irradiated with the infrared light by using the set of the infrared light emitting element and the infrared light receiving element. However, the container has good transparency to visible light. As long as the liquid to be detected is irradiated with the visible light, a set of a visible light emitting element and a light receiving element may be used. However, in the case of a container made of a resin such as polyethylene and having a relatively large amount of attenuation of visible light, better detection results can be obtained by using infrared rays.
【００２７】また、第２、第３の実施の形態において、
発光素子と受光素子の配置を変更し、発光素子からの入
射光線が被検出液体境界面にて屈折する方向の延長線上
で前記被検出液体の外側に受光素子を配置してもよい。
この配置では、被検出液体の無いときは受光素子は光線
を検知せず（又は光線の受光量が少なく）、「光線無し
／液体無し」の信号を出力し、被検出液体のある時は受
光素子は光線を検知し（又は光線の受光量が多く）、
「光線有り／液体有り」の信号を出力する。In the second and third embodiments,
The arrangement of the light emitting element and the light receiving element may be changed, and the light receiving element may be arranged outside the liquid to be detected on an extension of the direction in which the incident light from the light emitting element is refracted at the boundary surface of the liquid to be detected.
In this arrangement, when there is no liquid to be detected, the light receiving element does not detect a light beam (or the amount of light received is small), outputs a signal of "no light / no liquid", and receives light when there is a liquid to be detected. The element detects the light beam (or receives a large amount of light beam),
The signal of "light present / liquid present" is output.
【００２８】以上本発明の実施の形態について説明して
きたが、本発明はこれに限定されることなく請求項の記
載の範囲内において各種の変形、変更が可能なことは当
業者には自明であろう。Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the claims. There will be.
【００２９】[0029]
【発明の効果】従来の光学的方法では、水のように可視
光や赤外線の透過率の高いものは、光線透過後の光量変
化が少なく、液体有無の判別が困難であった。しかし、
本発明の液体検出装置であれば、被検出液体の境界面で
の屈折を利用するため、液体有無に伴う光線受光量が大
きく異なり、水のように可視光や赤外線の透過率の高い
ものでも正確に判別できる。According to the conventional optical method, it is difficult to determine the presence / absence of a liquid having a high transmittance of visible light or infrared light, such as water, due to a small change in the amount of light after light transmission. But,
The liquid detection device of the present invention utilizes refraction at the boundary surface of the liquid to be detected, so that the amount of light received varies greatly depending on the presence or absence of the liquid, and even a liquid having a high transmittance of visible light or infrared light such as water. Can be accurately determined.
【００３０】また、被検出液体の収納容器又は被検出液
体を通す通路をガラス等の可視光を通す材料、あるいは
ポリエチレン等の赤外線透過材料で構成すれば、容器や
通路の外側から液体の有無を検出でき、発光素子と受光
素子の組を備える検出ユニットに液体が接触する必要も
なくなる為、防水等の複雑な構造も不要となる。Further, if the storage container for the liquid to be detected or the passage for passing the liquid to be detected is made of a material such as glass that transmits visible light, or an infrared transmitting material such as polyethylene, the presence or absence of the liquid from the outside of the container or the passage is determined. Since it is possible to detect and eliminate the need for the liquid to come into contact with a detection unit including a set of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a complicated structure such as waterproofing is not required.
【図１】本発明に係る液体検出装置の第１の実施の形態
であって、被検出液体が容器内に存在しないときの平面
図である。FIG. 1 is a first embodiment of a liquid detection device according to the present invention, and is a plan view when a liquid to be detected does not exist in a container.
【図２】第１の実施の形態において被検出液体が存在す
るときの平面図である。FIG. 2 is a plan view when a liquid to be detected is present in the first embodiment.
【図３】赤外発光素子のパルス状電気駆動信号（つまり
赤外発光量）と赤外受光素子の受光量に比例した電気出
力信号との関係を示すグラフである。FIG. 3 is a graph showing a relationship between a pulsed electric drive signal of an infrared light emitting element (that is, an amount of infrared light emitted) and an electric output signal proportional to the amount of light received by the infrared light receiving element.
【図４】本発明の第２の実施の形態であって、被検出液
体が液体通路としてのパイプ内に存在しないときの側面
図である。FIG. 4 is a side view when a liquid to be detected does not exist in a pipe as a liquid passage according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
【図５】第２の実施の形態において被検出液体がパイプ
内に存在するときの側面図である。FIG. 5 is a side view when a liquid to be detected exists in a pipe in a second embodiment.
【図６】本発明の第３の実施の形態であって、被検出液
体の液面レベルが低いときの側面図である。FIG. 6 is a side view of the third embodiment of the present invention when the liquid level of the liquid to be detected is low.
【図７】第３の実施の形態において被検出液体の液面レ
ベルが所定レベル以上のときの側面図である。FIG. 7 is a side view when a liquid level of a liquid to be detected is equal to or higher than a predetermined level in a third embodiment.
１ 赤外発光素子 ２ 赤外受光素子 ３ 制御回路部 １０，２０，３０ 容器 １１，２１，３１ 被検出液体 ２２ パイプ DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Infrared light emitting element 2 Infrared light receiving element 3 Control circuit unit 10, 20, 30 Container 11, 21, 31 Liquid to be detected 22 Pipe
Claims (4)
光線を入射させる発光素子を前記被検出液体の外側に配
置し、前記光線の入射方向の延長線上で前記被検出液体
の外側に受光素子を配置し、前記境界面での入射光線の
屈折の有無に起因する受光量の変化を前記受光素子で検
出することを特徴とする液体検出装置。1. A light-emitting element for emitting a light beam at an angle other than perpendicular to a boundary surface of a liquid to be detected is disposed outside the liquid to be detected, and outside the liquid to be detected on an extension of the incident direction of the light beam. A liquid detection device, comprising a light receiving element, and detecting a change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of refraction of the incident light beam at the boundary surface by the light receiving element.
光線を入射させる発光素子を前記被検出液体の外側に配
置し、入射光線が前記境界面にて屈折する方向の延長線
上で前記被検出液体の外側に受光素子を配置し、前記境
界面での入射光線の屈折の有無に起因する受光量の変化
を前記受光素子で検出することを特徴とする液体検出装
置。2. A light-emitting element for causing a light ray to enter the boundary surface of the liquid to be detected at an angle other than perpendicular to the liquid to be detected is disposed outside the liquid to be detected, and the light-emitting element is arranged on an extension of the direction in which the incident light is refracted at the boundary surface. A liquid detecting device, wherein a light receiving element is arranged outside a liquid to be detected, and a change in the amount of received light due to the presence or absence of refraction of an incident light beam at the boundary surface is detected by the light receiving element.
も一方が指向性を有している請求項１又は２記載の液体
検出装置。3. The liquid detection device according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element has directivity.
光素子であり、前記受光素子が赤外線を受光する赤外受
光素子である請求項１，２又は３記載の液体検出装置。4. The liquid detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitting element is an infrared light emitting element that emits infrared light, and the light receiving element is an infrared light receiving element that receives infrared light.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11142718A JP2000329609A (en) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-05-24 | Liquid detector |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11142718A JP2000329609A (en) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-05-24 | Liquid detector |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JP2000329609A true JP2000329609A (en) | 2000-11-30 |
Family
ID=15321972
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP11142718A Withdrawn JP2000329609A (en) | 1999-05-24 | 1999-05-24 | Liquid detector |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP2000329609A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010064502A1 (en) * | 2008-12-02 | 2010-06-10 | 株式会社ツーデン | Liquid detecting device |
| EP2228633A1 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-15 | Nestec S.A. | Optical level detector for a beverage machine |
| JP2014006171A (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2014-01-16 | Panasonic Corp | Non-contact liquid detection structure |
| JP2018004605A (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | シャープ株式会社 | Transparency type optical coupling device and electric apparatus with the same |
-
1999
- 1999-05-24 JP JP11142718A patent/JP2000329609A/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010064502A1 (en) * | 2008-12-02 | 2010-06-10 | 株式会社ツーデン | Liquid detecting device |
| JP5565812B2 (en) * | 2008-12-02 | 2014-08-06 | 株式会社ツーデン | Liquid detector |
| EP2228633A1 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-15 | Nestec S.A. | Optical level detector for a beverage machine |
| JP2010210623A (en) * | 2009-03-10 | 2010-09-24 | Nestec Sa | Optical level detector for beverage machine |
| US8338811B2 (en) | 2009-03-10 | 2012-12-25 | Nestec S.A. | Optical level detector for a beverage machine |
| JP2014006171A (en) * | 2012-06-26 | 2014-01-16 | Panasonic Corp | Non-contact liquid detection structure |
| JP2018004605A (en) * | 2016-07-08 | 2018-01-11 | シャープ株式会社 | Transparency type optical coupling device and electric apparatus with the same |
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