Measuring meter, measuring device, measuring system, and measuring method

By combining a dual-light source design with a rotating cleaning mechanism, the problems of light path obstruction and contamination during continuous measurement of the photometer are solved, achieving continuous and accurate photometric results.

CN119310012APending Publication Date: 2025-01-14HORIBA ADVANCED TECHNO CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202410920950.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-07-12
Filing Date
2024-07-10
Publication Date
2025-01-14

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing photometers, the cleaning body blocks the light path during continuous measurement, making it impossible to detect light. Furthermore, the cleaning frequency increases when the contamination is severe, affecting the measurement results.

Method used

The device employs a dual-light source design. The first and second light sources irradiate the fluid being measured from the outside of the unit with inspection light. The detector detects the transmitted and scattered light from the outside. The cleaning mechanism cleans the inner circumferential surface of the unit by contacting it from the inside. The drive mechanism rotates the unit around its central axis to clean the inner wall.

Benefits of technology

It enables continuous measurement without obstructing the light path, improving measurement accuracy and stability, reducing cleaning frequency, and ensuring the continuity and accuracy of measurement results.

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Abstract

The invention provides a measurement meter, a measurement apparatus, a measurement system, and a measurement method. A measurement meter is provided with: a cylindrical cell that accommodates a measurement fluid; a drive mechanism that rotates the unit about the central axis; a first light source that is disposed on the outside of the cell and that irradiates the measurement fluid with first inspection light; a second light source that is disposed on the outside of the cell and at a different position from the first light source in the rotation direction of the cell, and that irradiates the measurement fluid with a second inspection light; a detector that is disposed on the outside of the cell and detects transmitted light of the first inspection light that has passed through the measurement fluid and scattered light of the second inspection light that has been scattered by the measurement fluid; and a cleaning mechanism that is disposed on the inside of the unit and that cleans the inner peripheral surface of the unit by being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the unit.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a measuring meter, a measuring device, a measuring system and a measuring method. Background Art

[0002] In a meter that measures fluid using light, light is irradiated from the outside of a cell to the fluid stored in the cell, and transmitted light or scattered light generated from the fluid is detected. At this time, the inner wall of the cell is contaminated by dirt from the fluid, and therefore needs to be cleaned. In the past, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a cleaning body (a wiper, a brush, etc.) that moves along the inner wall is provided in the cell to clean the inner wall of the cell.

[0003] However, in the case of a measuring instrument for continuous measurement, the moving cleaning body will block the light path, so there will be a time when light cannot be detected during measurement. In addition, in a fluid with significant pollution, the cleaning frequency tends to increase. For continuous measurement, it is desirable to have no light blocking time.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent Literature Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-157149 Summary of the invention

[0005] Technical issues Therefore, an object is to provide a measuring meter, a measuring device, a measuring system, and a measuring method that can perform continuous measurement without blocking light irradiated from a light source by a cleaning body.

[0006] Technical Solution The measuring instrument has: a cylindrical unit containing a measuring fluid; a drive mechanism that causes the unit to rotate about a central axis; a first light source disposed outside the unit and irradiating a first inspection light toward the measurement fluid; a second light source disposed outside the unit and at a position different from the first light source in the rotation direction of the unit and irradiating a second inspection light to the measurement fluid; a detector disposed outside the unit and detecting the transmitted light of the first inspection light that has been transmitted through the measurement fluid and the scattered light of the second inspection light that has been scattered by the measurement fluid; and The cleaning mechanism is arranged inside the unit and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit to perform cleaning.

[0007] The measuring device has: said measuring meter; and The main body is used for assembling and disassembling the measuring meter.

[0008] The measurement system has: the measuring device; and A communication device capable of communicating with the measuring device.

[0009] The measuring method uses a measuring instrument, wherein the measuring instrument has: a cylindrical unit containing a measuring fluid; a drive mechanism that causes the unit to rotate about a central axis; a first light source disposed outside the unit and irradiating a first inspection light toward the measurement fluid; a second light source disposed outside the unit and at a position different from the first light source in the rotation direction of the unit and irradiating a second inspection light to the measurement fluid; a detector disposed outside the unit and detecting the transmitted light of the first inspection light that has been transmitted through the measurement fluid and the scattered light of the second inspection light that has been scattered by the measurement fluid; and The cleaning mechanism is arranged inside the unit and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit to perform cleaning. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of a measurement system according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is an overall schematic diagram of the measurement system of this embodiment, and is a diagram showing a state in which one measuring meter is removed from the main body.

[0012] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a flow path of a fluid in the measuring device according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a control block diagram of the measurement system of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a control block diagram of the measurement system of this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 It is a perspective view of the measuring instrument of this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the measuring unit in a state where the housing and the cover are removed.

[0017] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line VIII-VIII.

[0018] Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view along line IX-IX.

[0019] Fig.10 This is a perspective view of the base of the measuring instrument.

[0020] Fig.11 It is a perspective view of the driving mechanism of the measuring instrument.

[0021] Explanation of symbols 1…measurement meter; 1a…measurement part; 1b…housing; 1c…cover; 2…unit; 2a…inner peripheral surface of unit; 2b…inner peripheral surface of unit; 3A…first light source; 3B…second light source; 4…detector; 5A…first cleaning mechanism; 5B…second cleaning mechanism; 6…driving mechanism; 7…base; 7a…disk part; 7b…cylindrical part; 8…frame; 21…first retainer; 21a…first connecting part; 21b…sealing part; 22…second retainer; 22a…second connecting part; 22b…extending part; 23a…O-ring; 23b…O-ring; 23c…O-ring; 23d…O-ring; 24…X-ring; 31A… LED substrate; 31B…LED substrate; 32A…reference light detection unit; 32B…reference light detection unit; 41…photodiode substrate; 42…lens; 51…wiper; 51a…contact unit; 52…wiper fixing unit; 53…reinforcement member; 61…motor; 62…drive gear; 63…driven gear; 64…bearing; 65…gear base; 66…bearing; 71…introduction pipe; 72…discharge pipe; 73…introduction flow path; 74…introduction port; 75…discharge port; 76…discharge flow path; 211…O-ring groove; 212…O-ring groove; 221…O-ring groove; 222…O-ring groove; CL…center axis; L1…first 1. Inspection light; L2…2. Inspection light; L3…Transmitted light; L4…Scattered light; RD…Direction of rotation of the unit; 101…Measurement system; 102…Measurement device; 102a…Inflow portion; 102b…Outflow portion; 102c…Flow path; 103…Communication device; 103c…Input portion; 103d…Output portion; 103e…Acquisition portion; 103f…Storage portion; 103g…Calculation portion; 103h…Control portion; 103i…Processor; 103j…Memory; 103k…Interface; 103m…Program; 104…Measurement meter; 104a…Measurement flow path; 104b…Measurement portion; 104c…Input portion; 104d… Output unit; 104e…acquisition unit; 104f…storage unit; 104g…calculation unit; 104h…control unit; 104i…processor; 104j…memory; 104k…interface; 104m…program; 105…main body; 105a…main body flow path; 105c…input unit; 105d…output unit; 105e…acquisition unit; 105f…storage unit; 105g…calculation unit; 105h…control unit; 105i…processor; 105j…memory; 105k…interface; 105m…program; CL…center axis; D1…first lateral direction; D2…second lateral direction; D3…up and down direction (axial direction); X1…communication unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Below, refer to Figure 1 to Figure 11One embodiment of the measuring system, the measuring device, and the measuring meter will be described. It should be noted that in each drawing, the dimensional ratio of the drawing is not necessarily consistent with the actual dimensional ratio, and the dimensional ratio between the drawings is not necessarily consistent.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the measuring system 101 may include, for example, a measuring device 102 for measuring a fluid, and a communication device 103 capable of communicating with the measuring device 102 via a communication unit X1. It should be noted that the fluid is not particularly limited, and includes, for example, not only liquids but also gases, mixtures of liquids and gases, mixtures of liquids and solids, and the like.

[0024] Although not particularly limited, the communication device 103 may be, for example, a mobile terminal (e.g., a smart device, a tablet computer, a notebook personal computer, etc.) as in the present embodiment. In addition, the communication unit X1 may be a wireless communication unit such as Wi-Fi, a wireless LAN, or a wired communication unit such as a communication cable, a wired LAN, etc.

[0025] The measuring device 102 may include, for example, a plurality of (five in this embodiment) measuring meters 104 for measuring fluid, and a main body 105 for attaching and detaching each measuring meter 104. It should be noted that the number of measuring meters 104 is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one, two to four, or six or more.

[0026] The measuring meter 104 is not particularly limited as long as it is an instrument that measures a value related to the fluid (e.g., a characteristic value, a state value, etc.). For example, when the measuring meter 104 is a water quality meter that measures a value related to water, the measuring meter 104 may be, for example, a turbidity meter, a colorimeter, a pH meter, a residual chlorine concentration meter, a conductivity meter, a flow meter, a water temperature meter, etc. It should be noted that a plurality of measuring meters 104 may respectively measure different values ​​related to the fluid.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the measuring device 102 may also include, for example, an inflow portion 102a for a fluid to flow in, an outflow portion 102b for a fluid to flow out, and a flow path 102c for the fluid to flow from the inflow portion 102a to the outflow portion 102b as in the present embodiment. It should be noted that, although not shown in the figure, the measuring device 102 may also include, for example, a structure that allows a fluid different from the fluid to be measured (for example, water) (for example, a drug solution for washing, a calibration fluid for calibration, etc.) to flow in the flow path 102c.

[0028] In addition, for example, as in the present embodiment, the following structure may be adopted: the measuring meter 104 includes a measuring flow path 104a for fluid circulation, the main body 105 includes a main body flow path 105a for fluid circulation, and the measuring flow path 104a and the main body flow path 105a constitute the flow path 102c. Furthermore, the measuring meter 104 may be mounted on the main body 105, and the measuring flow path 104a and the main body flow path 105a may be connected to each other, thereby constituting the flow path 102c.

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the measuring meter 104 and the main body 105 may each include, for example, a measuring unit 104b, 105b for measuring the fluid. Furthermore, the measuring device 102 (specifically, each measuring meter 104 and the main body 105) and the communication device 103 may also include, for example, input units 103c, 104c, 105c to which various data are input, and output units 103d, 104d, 105d to output various data, as in the present embodiment.

[0030] In addition, the measuring device 102 (specifically, each measuring meter 104 and the main body 105) and the communication device 103 may also include, for example, acquisition units 103e, 104e, 105e for acquiring various data, storage units 103f, 104f, 105f for storing various data, calculation units 103g, 104g, 105g for calculating various data, and control units 103h, 104h, 105h for controlling the devices 102 (104, 105), 103 based on the various data, as in the present embodiment.

[0031] It should be explained, such as Figure 5 As shown, the measuring device 102 (specifically, each measuring meter 104 and the main body 105) and the communication device 103 may also include a computer having a processor 103i, 104i, 105i such as a CPU and an MPU (for example, a calculation unit 103g, 104g, 105g, a control unit 103h, 104h, 105h), a memory 103j, 104j, 105j such as a ROM and a RAM (for example, an acquisition unit 103e, 104e, 105e, a storage unit 103f, 104f, 105f), and various interfaces 104k, 105k, 103k (for example, an acquisition unit 103e, 104e, 105e), etc.

[0032] Moreover, the programs 103m, 104m, 105m stored in the memories 103j, 104j, 105j can be executed by the processors 103i, 104i, 105i, and the software and hardware can cooperate to realize the calculation units 103g, 104g, 105g and the control units 103h, 104h, 105h of the measuring device 102 (specifically, each measuring meter 104 and the main body 105) and the communication device 103.

[0033] Figure 6 As Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a meter 1 that is one of a plurality of meters 104 is shown. Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring meter 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction D3. The measuring meter 1 includes a measuring portion 1a, and a housing 1b and a cover 1c that surround the measuring portion 1a. In the following description, the direction in which the housing 1b and the cover 1c face each other is referred to as a first horizontal direction D1, and the direction orthogonal to the first horizontal direction D1 and the vertical direction D3 is referred to as a second horizontal direction D2.

[0034] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the measuring unit 1a in a state where the housing 1b and the cover 1c are removed. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the measuring portion 1a taken along line VIII-VIII is shown. Fig. 9 yes Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the measuring portion 1a taken along the line IX-IX is shown.

[0035] The measuring section 1a includes a unit 2, a first light source 3A, a second light source 3B, a detector 4, cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B, and a driving mechanism 6. The measuring section 1a also includes a base 7 connected to the main body 105 and a housing 8.

[0036] The cell 2 contains a fluid to be measured (hereinafter referred to as the measurement fluid). The cell 2 is made of a light-transmitting material. Although not particularly limited, the light-transmitting material may be glass, acrylic resin, fluorine resin, silicone resin, etc., preferably borosilicate glass which is excellent in light transmittance and hardness.

[0037] The unit 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The central axis CL of the unit 2 is arranged along the up-down direction D3, and the up-down direction D3 is the axial direction D3 of the unit 2. The outer diameter of the unit 2 is, for example, 34 to 36 mm. The thickness of the cylinder of the unit 2 is constant in the axial direction D3 except for the two ends of the axial direction D3. The thickness of the cylinder of the unit 2 is preferably 3 mm or less, and more preferably 2 mm or less. The unit 2 rotates around the central axis CL by the driving mechanism 6.

[0038] The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are connected to both sides of the axial direction D3 of the unit 2. The first holder 21 and the second holder 22 are made of resin. Although not particularly limited, the resin constituting the first holder 21 is ABS resin, and the resin constituting the second holder 22 is POM resin.

[0039] The first holder 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The first holder 21 includes a cylindrical first connection portion 21a covering the outer peripheral surface of the unit 2 and a closing portion 21b provided inside the first connection portion 21a. The closing portion 21b closes the upper end of the unit 2.

[0040] The first connection portion 21a has two O-ring grooves 211 and 212 formed separately in the up-down direction D3. The O-ring grooves 211 and 212 are formed on the inner circumference of the first connection portion 21a over the entire circumference. O-rings 23a and 23b are provided in the O-ring grooves 211 and 212, respectively. The upper O-ring 23a ensures the sealing between the unit 2 and the first holder 21, and prevents the measurement fluid from leaking to the outside of the unit 2. The lower O-ring 23b can increase the friction between the unit 2 and the first holder 21, and rotate the unit 2 by the rotation of the first holder 21.

[0041] The second holder 22 is formed in a cylindrical shape and has a cylindrical second connection portion 22a covering the outer peripheral surface of the unit 2 and a cylindrical extension portion 22b extending downward from the second connection portion 22a.

[0042] The second connection part 22a has two O-ring grooves 221 and 222 formed separately in the up-down direction D3. The O-ring grooves 221 and 222 are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the second connection part 22a over the entire circumference. O-rings 23c and 23d are provided in the O-ring grooves 221 and 222, respectively. The upper O-ring 23c increases the friction between the unit 2 and the second holder 22, and can rotate the second holder 22 by the rotation of the unit 2. The lower O-ring 23d ensures the sealing between the unit 2 and the second holder 22, and prevents the measurement fluid from leaking to the outside of the unit 2.

[0043] The inner circumference of the extension part 22b is substantially coplanar with the inner circumference of the unit 2. The outer circumference of the extension part 22b is sealed by two X-shaped rings 24 arranged separately in the up-down direction D3. The X-shaped ring 24 has an X-shaped cross section and is a low-friction seal between the extension part 22b and the frame 8 suitable for rotation.

[0044] like Fig. 9As shown, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are arranged on the outside of the unit 2. The first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are fixed to the frame 8. The first light source 3A irradiates the first inspection light L1 to the measuring fluid in the unit 2. The second light source 3B irradiates the second inspection light L2 to the measuring fluid in the unit 2. The first light source 3A is arranged in a manner such that the optical axis is along the second lateral direction D2. In addition, the optical axis of the first light source 3A is orthogonal to the central axis CL of the unit 2. The second light source 3B is arranged in a manner such that the optical axis is along the first lateral direction D1. In addition, the optical axis of the second light source 3B is orthogonal to the central axis CL of the unit 2. The second light source 3B is arranged at a position different from the first light source 3A in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2. Specifically, the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are arranged at positions offset by 90° in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2.

[0045] The first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are, for example, light emitting diodes (LEDs) having peak wavelengths in the near-infrared region. The first light source 3A and the second light source 3B are mounted on LED substrates 31A and 31B, respectively, and the LED substrates 31A and 31B are mounted on the frame 8, respectively. It should be noted that in this embodiment, in order to miniaturize the measuring instrument 1, no optical lens is arranged in front of the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B.

[0046] Reference light detection units 32A and 32B are disposed on the sides of the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B, respectively. The reference light detection units 32A and 32B detect the intensity of a part of the light emitted from the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B as reference light. The intensity of the reference light detected by the reference light detection units 32A and 32B is used to correct the intensity of the transmitted light or scattered light obtained by the detector 4.

[0047] like Fig. 9 As shown, the detector 4 is arranged outside the cell 2. The detector 4 is fixed to the frame 8. The detector 4 detects transmitted light or scattered light generated from the measurement fluid in the cell 2. The detector 4 is, for example, a photodiode having a peak sensitivity wavelength near the peak wavelength of the LED.

[0048] The detector 4 is mounted on a photodiode substrate 41, and the photodiode substrate 41 is mounted on a housing 8. In addition, a lens 42 is disposed in front of the detector 4.

[0049] The detector 4 is disposed opposite to the first light source 3A across the central axis CL of the unit 2. Thus, the detector 4 can detect the transmitted light L3 of the first inspection light L1 that has transmitted the measurement fluid. The transmitted light L3 detected by the detector 4 is used to measure the chromaticity of the measurement fluid.

[0050] In addition, the detector 4 is arranged at a position offset by 90° from the second light source 3B in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2. Thus, the detector 4 can detect the scattered light L4 of the second inspection light L2 scattered by the measured fluid. The scattered light L4 detected by the detector 4 is used to measure the turbidity of the measured fluid. That is, one detector 4 can be used to measure both the chromaticity and the turbidity, so the cost of the measuring meter 1 can be reduced.

[0051] like Fig. 9 As shown, the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B are arranged inside the unit 2. The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B are arranged at positions other than the optical paths of the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4. The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B contact the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 to clean it.

[0052] The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include a first cleaning mechanism 5A and a second cleaning mechanism 5B. The first cleaning mechanism 5A is disposed between the second light source 3B and the detector 4 in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2. Thus, when the scattered light L4 of the second inspection light L2 is detected to measure the turbidity of the measurement fluid, the first cleaning mechanism 5A can suppress the stray light from being received by the detector 4, and as a result, the turbidity can be measured more accurately.

[0053] The second cleaning mechanism 5B is arranged on the side opposite to the first cleaning mechanism 5A across the optical axis of the first inspection light L1. In other words, the first cleaning mechanism 5A is arranged on one side of the first lateral direction D1 relative to the optical axis of the first inspection light L1, and the second cleaning mechanism 5B is arranged on the other side of the first lateral direction D1 relative to the optical axis of the first inspection light L1. Thus, when the transmitted light L3 of the first inspection light L1 is detected to measure the chromaticity of the measuring fluid, the first cleaning mechanism 5A can suppress the light reflected by the inner peripheral surface 2a on one side of the first lateral direction D1 of the unit 2 from being received by the detector 4, and the second cleaning mechanism 5B can suppress the light reflected by the inner peripheral surface 2b on the other side of the first lateral direction D1 of the unit 2 from being received by the detector 4, and as a result, the chromaticity can be measured more accurately.

[0054] It is preferred that the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B are opposed to each other across the central axis CL of the unit 2. Since the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B press the unit 2 in opposite directions with the central axis CL of the unit 2 as the center, it is possible to suppress the unit 2 from moving and deviating from the optical axes of the first inspection light L1 and the second inspection light L2. It should be noted that the upper ends of the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B are connected to each other by a reinforcing member 53 (see Fig.10). Thus, the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B can be prevented from tipping over toward the central axis CL of the unit 2. By fixing the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B using the reinforcing member 53, the unit 2 in contact with the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B can be positioned, which helps stabilize the measurement accuracy.

[0055] The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include a cleaning body that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2. The cleaning body is not particularly limited, and is, for example, a wiper 51 that wipes dirt on the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2. The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include a wiper fixing portion 52 that fixes the wiper 51.

[0056] The wiper 51 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The wiper 51 has a contact portion 51a on the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 that contacts within a predetermined range of the axial direction D3. The contact portion 51a of the wiper 51 is in pressurized contact with the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2. When observed along the rotation direction RD of the unit 2, the contact portion 51a is arranged at a position overlapping with at least the first light source 3A, the second light source 3B and the detector 4. Thus, the contact portion 51a of the wiper 51 can wipe the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 located in front of the first light source 3A, the second light source 3B and the detector 4 by rotating the unit 2. At this time, since the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 is cleaned by rotating the unit 2 relative to the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B fixed to the inner side of the unit 2, the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3 and the scattered light L4 will not be blocked by the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B, and continuous measurement can be performed.

[0057] The wiper fixing portion 52 extends upward from the upper end surface of the base 7. In the present embodiment, the wiper fixing portion 52 is formed integrally with the base 7. Fig. 9 As shown, the cross section of the wiper fixing portion 52 is formed into a sector shape. The central angle of the sector of the wiper fixing portion 52 is 90°. The wiper fixing portion 52 has a surface parallel to the first lateral direction D1 and the axial direction D3, and a surface parallel to the second lateral direction D2 and the axial direction D3. Thus, it is possible to effectively suppress the situation where the stray light relative to the transmitted light L3 from the first light source 3A and the scattered light L4 from the second light source 3B is received by the detector 4.

[0058] The outer peripheral surface of the wiper fixing portion 52 having an arc-shaped cross section has a small gap between it and the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2. The contact portion 51a of the wiper 51 protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the wiper fixing portion 52. In addition, the contact portion 51a of the wiper 51 is not arranged on the inner side of the unit 2 ( Fig.10 In the state shown in the figure), the front end is formed in a manner that is radially outward relative to the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2, and in the state arranged on the inner side of the unit 2 ( Fig. 9In the state shown), it is in pressurized contact with unit 2.

[0059] like Figure 8 and Fig.11 As shown, the drive mechanism 6 includes a motor 61 , a drive gear 62 that is driven to rotate by the motor 61 , and a driven gear 63 that meshes with the drive gear 62 and rotates.

[0060] The motor 61 is fixed to the upper part of the frame 8 via a gear base 65. The motor 61 is, for example, a stepping motor. The driving gear 62 is attached to the rotating shaft of the motor 61.

[0061] The driven gear 63 is rotatably supported by a gear base 65 (in the Fig.11 The driven gear 63 has an outer diameter substantially the same as that of the first retaining member 21 and has a plurality of teeth (in the outer peripheral surface thereof) formed thereon. Fig.11 The driven gear 63 is coaxially fixed to the first holder 21, so that the first holder 21 rotates around the central axis CL of the unit 2. Thus, the drive mechanism 6 rotates the drive gear 62 using the motor 61, and rotates the driven gear 63 using the drive gear 62, thereby rotating the first holder 21. As a result, the drive mechanism 6 can rotate the unit 2 fixed to the first holder 21 around the central axis CL.

[0062] By rotating the unit 2 about the central axis CL, the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 is cleaned by the wiper 51. The drive mechanism 6 can rotate the unit 2 continuously or intermittently according to the degree of contamination of the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 and the like.

[0063] It should be explained, such as Figure 8 As shown, the second holder 22 is rotatably supported by the frame 8 via a bearing 66. The bearing 66 is, for example, a low-friction cylindrical member made of resin. The bearing 66 is disposed between the two X-rings 24.

[0064] The base 7 has an inlet pipe 71 and an outlet pipe 72 connected to the main body 105 on the bottom surface. The inlet pipe 71 and the outlet pipe 72 are arranged in parallel in the second horizontal direction D2. Fig.10 As shown, the base 7 includes a circular plate portion 7a for mounting the frame 8, and a cylindrical portion 7b extending from the circular plate portion 7a along the axial direction D3. The cylindrical portion 7b is covered by the unit 2, the first holder 21, and the second holder 22 (see Figure 8 The introduction flow path 73 extending in the axial direction D3 is formed at the center of the cylindrical portion 7b. The introduction flow path 73 passes through the flow path formed inside the circular plate portion 7a (at Fig.10The introduction flow path 73 is connected to the introduction tube 71 (indicated by a dotted line in FIG. 1 ). The introduction flow path 73 includes an introduction port 74 opened at the upper end surface of the cylindrical portion 7b. The introduction port 74 introduces the measurement fluid introduced from the introduction tube 71 to the introduction flow path 73 into the unit 2.

[0065] The measurement fluid introduced into the unit 2 is discharged from the discharge port 75. The discharge port 75 is formed on the upper end surface of the reinforcing member 53. The discharge port 75 is located above the optical paths of the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4. Thus, the air accumulated in the upper part of the unit 2 can be discharged from the discharge port 75, thereby preventing the air from being located in the optical paths of the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4, thereby preventing the measurement accuracy from being deteriorated.

[0066] In addition, the discharge port 75 is located above the introduction port 74. That is, the introduction port 74 is arranged at a position closer to one side (lower side) of the axial direction D3 than the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4, and the discharge port 75 is arranged at a position closer to the other side (upper side) of the axial direction D3 than the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4. As a result, the measurement fluid introduced from the introduction port 74 continuously passes through the optical paths of the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4 during the process of being discharged from the discharge port 75, so that the measurement fluid contained in the unit 2 can be continuously measured. It should be noted that both the introduction port 74 and the discharge port 75 may be arranged at a position closer to one side or the other side of the axial direction D3 than the first inspection light L1, the second inspection light L2, the transmitted light L3, and the scattered light L4.

[0067] The reinforcing member 53 and the wiper fixing portion 52 are provided with a discharge flow path 76 communicating with the discharge port 75. The discharge flow path 76 is formed through a flow path (at the inner portion of the cylindrical portion 7b and the disc portion 7a) Fig.10 The outlet pipe 72 is connected to the outlet pipe 72 (indicated by a dotted line).

[0068] The frame 8 covers the unit 2, the first holder 21, the second holder 22 and the base 7. The frame 8 is preferably formed black so as to absorb light at least in the portion covering the outer peripheral surface of the unit 2. In addition, the frame 8 supports the first light source 3A, the second light source 3B and the detector 4 at predetermined positions.

[0069] The outer shape of the frame 8 is rectangular when viewed from above (viewed from the up and down direction D3). The cross section of the frame 8 has a short side along the first horizontal direction D1 and a long side along the second horizontal direction D2. The unit 2 is arranged near the center of the frame 8. The first light source 3A and the detector 4 are arranged on both sides of the long side direction relative to the unit 2. The second light source 3B is arranged on one side of the short side direction relative to the unit 2. The reference light detection units 32A and 32B are arranged at the corners of the rectangle. In this way, by arranging the first light source 3A, the second light source 3B, the reference light detection units 32A and 32B, and the detector 4 around the unit 2, the frame 8 can be compactly constructed.

[0070] As described above, the measurement system 101 of the present embodiment includes the measurement device 102 and the communication device 103 capable of communicating with the measurement device 102 .

[0071] Furthermore, as in the present embodiment, the measuring device 102 includes a measuring meter 104 and a main body 105 to which the measuring meter 104 is attached and detached.

[0072] Moreover, as in the present embodiment, the measuring meter 1 comprises: a cylindrical unit 2 which contains a measuring fluid; a driving mechanism 6 which rotates the unit 2 around a central axis CL; a first light source 3A which is arranged on the outside of the unit 2 and irradiates a first inspection light L1 onto the measuring fluid; a second light source 3B which is arranged on the outside of the unit 2 and is arranged at a position different from the first light source 3A in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2 and irradiates a second inspection light L2 onto the measuring fluid; a detector 4 which is arranged on the outside of the unit 2 and detects a transmitted light L3 which is light of the first inspection light L1 which has transmitted through the measuring fluid and a scattered light L4 which is light of the second inspection light L2 which has been scattered by the measuring fluid; and cleaning mechanisms 5A, 5B which are arranged on the inside of the unit 2 and contact the inner circumferential surface of the unit 2 for cleaning.

[0073] According to this configuration, the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 is cleaned by rotating the unit 2 relative to the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B fixed inside the unit 2, so that the light irradiated from the first light source 3A and the second light source 3B is not blocked by the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B, and continuous measurement can be performed.

[0074] In addition, as in the present embodiment, the following structure is preferred: the optical axis of the first inspection light L1 is orthogonal to the central axis CL of the unit 2, and the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include: a first cleaning mechanism 5A, which is arranged between the second light source 3B and the detector 4 in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2; and a second cleaning mechanism 5B, which is arranged on the side opposite to the first cleaning mechanism 5A across the optical axis of the first inspection light L1.

[0075] According to this configuration, the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B can suppress stray light from being received by the detector 4, and thus the chromaticity and turbidity can be measured more accurately.

[0076] In addition, as in the present embodiment, a structure in which the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B face each other across the central axis CL of the unit 2 is preferable.

[0077] According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the unit 2 from being displaced with respect to the optical axes of the first inspection light L1 and the second inspection light L2 due to the movement of the unit 2 by the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B.

[0078] Moreover, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include a reinforcing member 53 that connects the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B.

[0079] According to this configuration, by fixing the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B by the reinforcing member 53, the unit 2 in contact with the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B can be positioned, which contributes to stabilizing the measurement accuracy.

[0080] In addition, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include a cleaning body (in the present embodiment, the wiper 51 ) that is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 .

[0081] According to this configuration, dirt on the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 can be appropriately removed by the cleaning element.

[0082] Further, as in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the first cleaning mechanism 5A suppresses stray light from being received by the detector 4 when the scattered light L4 of the second inspection light L2 is detected by the detector 4 to measure the turbidity of the measurement fluid.

[0083] According to this configuration, turbidity can be measured more accurately.

[0084] In addition, as in the present embodiment, the following structure is preferred: when the chromaticity of the measuring fluid is measured by detecting the transmitted light L3 of the first inspection light L1 using the detector 4, the first cleaning mechanism 5A suppresses the reflected light of the first inspection light L1 reflected on the inner peripheral surface 2a from being received by the detector 4. The inner peripheral surface 2a is a surface of the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 that is closer to the side where the first cleaning mechanism 5A is configured than the optical axis of the first inspection light L1, and the second cleaning mechanism 5B suppresses the reflected light of the first inspection light L1 reflected on the inner peripheral surface 2b from being received by the detector 4. The inner peripheral surface 2b is a surface of the inner peripheral surface of the unit 2 that is closer to the side where the second cleaning mechanism 5B is configured than the optical axis of the first inspection light L1.

[0085] According to this configuration, chromaticity can be measured more accurately.

[0086] It should be noted that the measuring system 101, the measuring device 102, and the measuring meter 1 are not limited to the structure of the above-mentioned embodiment, and are not limited to the above-mentioned effects. In addition, the measuring system 101, the measuring device 102, and the measuring meter 1 can of course be subjected to various changes within the scope of the present invention. For example, of course, one or more of the following various modified examples of structure, method, etc. can be arbitrarily selected and adopted in the structure, method, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0087] (1) In the measuring meter 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B are configured as follows: the first cleaning mechanism 5A is arranged between the second light source 3B and the detector 4 in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2, and the second cleaning mechanism 5B is arranged on the opposite side of the first cleaning mechanism 5A across the optical axis of the first inspection light L1. However, the measuring meter 1 is not limited to this configuration. The measuring meter 1 may also be configured to include only one of the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B.

[0088] (2) In the measuring meter 1 of the above-mentioned embodiment, the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B are arranged opposite to each other across the central axis CL of the unit 2. However, the measuring meter 1 is not limited to this structure. For example, the following structure may be adopted: the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B include the first cleaning mechanism 5A disposed between the second light source 3B and the detector 4 in the rotation direction RD of the unit 2, and the second cleaning mechanism 5B disposed on the opposite side of the first cleaning mechanism 5A across the optical axis of the first inspection light L1, and the first cleaning mechanism 5A and the second cleaning mechanism 5B are disposed at positions that are plane-symmetrical with respect to a plane including the optical axis of the first inspection light L1 and the central axis CL of the unit 2.

[0089] (3) In the measuring instrument 1 of the above embodiment, the cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B are configured to include the wiper 51 that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the cell 2. However, the measuring instrument 1 is not limited to this configuration. The cleaning mechanisms 5A and 5B may include, for example, a brush or a mesh as a cleaning body.

Claims

1. A measuring instrument, characterized in that: have: a cylindrical unit containing a measuring fluid; a drive mechanism that causes the unit to rotate about a central axis; a first light source disposed outside the unit and irradiating a first inspection light toward the measurement fluid; a second light source disposed outside the unit and at a position different from the first light source in the rotation direction of the unit and irradiating a second inspection light to the measurement fluid; a detector disposed outside the unit and detecting the transmitted light of the first inspection light that has been transmitted through the measurement fluid and the scattered light of the second inspection light that has been scattered by the measurement fluid; and The cleaning mechanism is arranged inside the unit and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit to perform cleaning.

2. The measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that The optical axis of the first inspection light is orthogonal to the central axis of the unit, The cleaning mechanism includes: a first cleaning mechanism disposed between the second light source and the detector in the rotation direction of the unit; and a second cleaning mechanism disposed on the opposite side of the first cleaning mechanism across the optical axis of the first inspection light.

3. The measuring instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that The first cleaning mechanism and the second cleaning mechanism are opposed to each other across the central axis of the unit.

4. The measuring instrument according to claim 3, characterized in that The cleaning mechanism includes a reinforcing member that connects the first cleaning mechanism and the second cleaning mechanism.

5. The measuring instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that When the detector detects scattered light of the second inspection light to measure turbidity of the measurement fluid, the first cleaning mechanism suppresses stray light from being received by the detector.

6. The measuring instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that When the detector detects the transmitted light of the first inspection light and measures the chromaticity of the measurement fluid, The first cleaning mechanism prevents the detector from receiving reflected light of the first inspection light reflected from the inner peripheral surface of the unit on the side where the first cleaning mechanism is arranged relative to the optical axis of the first inspection light. The second cleaning mechanism prevents the detector from receiving reflected light of the first inspection light reflected from the inner peripheral surface of the unit on the side where the second cleaning mechanism is arranged relative to the optical axis of the first inspection light.

7. The measuring instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that The cleaning mechanism includes a cleaning body that contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit.

8. A measuring device, characterized in that: have: The measuring meter according to any one of claims 1 to 7; and The main body is used for assembling and disassembling the measuring meter.

9. A measurement system, characterized in that have: The measuring device according to claim 8; and A communication device capable of communicating with the measuring device.

10. A determination method, characterized in that: This measurement method uses a measuring instrument. The measuring instrument comprises: a cylindrical unit containing a measuring fluid; a drive mechanism that causes the unit to rotate about a central axis; a first light source disposed outside the unit and irradiating a first inspection light toward the measurement fluid; a second light source disposed outside the unit and at a position different from the first light source in the rotation direction of the unit and irradiating a second inspection light to the measurement fluid; a detector disposed outside the unit and detecting the transmitted light of the first inspection light that has been transmitted through the measurement fluid and the scattered light of the second inspection light that has been scattered by the measurement fluid; and The cleaning mechanism is arranged inside the unit and contacts the inner peripheral surface of the unit to perform cleaning.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Turbidimeter

    JP2014157149A