Level gage

Abstract

To provide a level gage having display section and sensor body which can be used integrally or separately according to a situation.SOLUTION: A level gage 1 is installed in an upper section of a container V so as to measure a level of a stored object L stored in the container V. The level gage 1 includes: a transmission circuit 2; a reception circuit 3; a level determination section 4; a display section 20; and a sensor body 10. The transmission circuit 2 transmits a measurement signal S for measuring the level of the stored object L. The reception circuit 3 receives the measurement signal S reflected by the stored object L. The level determination section 4 determines the level on the basis of the measurement signal S received by the reception circuit 3 and information on the container V. The display section 20 displays the level determined by the level determination section 4. The sensor body 10 stores the transmission circuit 2 and the reception circuit 3. One end of the sensor body 10 has a transparent window 11. The transparent window 11 transmits the measurement signal S. The display section 20 is detachably connected to the other end of the sensor body 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a level meter. [Background technology]

[0002] A level meter is disclosed in Patent Document 1. The level meter described in Patent Document 1 can easily identify the actual amount of a contained object (medium) contained in a container. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-002091 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, in the level meter described in Patent Document 1, the amount of contained liquid is identified inside the sensor housing (main body). The sensor housing is used integrally with the display unit.

[0005] Therefore, the level meter described in Patent Document 1 cannot be used when the sensor housing and the display unit are installed in different locations.

[0006] On the other hand, in a conventional level meter in which the sensor housing and the display unit are separately connected, when the sensor housing and the display unit are installed in the same place, the trouble of cable wiring and the like arises.

[0007] That is, in conventional level meters including that of Patent Document 1, the display unit and the sensor housing cannot be used together or separately depending on the situation.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and has an object to provide a level meter in which a display unit and a sensor housing can be used together or separately depending on the situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a level meter is installed on an upper portion of a container to measure the level of an object contained in the container. The level meter includes a transmitting circuit, a receiving circuit, a level determination unit, a display unit, and a sensor housing. The transmitting circuit transmits a measurement signal for measuring the level of the object. The receiving circuit receives the measurement signal reflected by the object. The level determination unit determines the level based on the measurement signal received by the receiving circuit and information about the container. The display unit displays the level determined by the level determination unit. The sensor housing houses the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit. One end of the sensor housing has a transparent window. The transparent window transmits the measurement signal. The display unit is detachably connected to the other end of the sensor housing. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the level meter of the present invention, the display unit and the sensor housing can be used together or separately depending on the situation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a level meter installed on the upper part of a container. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the level meter of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a display unit and a sensor housing used together, viewed from the side opposite the display. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit is fixed to a wall. [Diagram 5] 11 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing a state immediately before the display unit is attached to the sensor housing. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the detachable part and the attached / detached part in a state in which the display part is attached to the sensor housing. FIG. [Figure 7] 11 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before a display unit side cable connector and a sensor housing side cable connector are attached to the display unit and the sensor housing. FIG. [Figure 8] 11 is a perspective view showing a state in which a display unit side cable connector and a sensor housing side cable connector are attached to the display unit and the sensor housing. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a perspective view showing a display unit protective cover and a sensor housing protective cover that are used together. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view including the display unit and the sensor housing in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a display unit protective cover and a sensor housing protective cover that are used separately. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view including the display unit and the sensor housing in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference symbols, and the description will not be repeated. In the following description, terms meaning positions or directions such as "upper" and "lower" may be used. These terms are used for convenience to facilitate understanding of the embodiment, and are not limited to "upper" and "lower" in the strict sense of the vertical direction, unless otherwise clearly stated.

[0013] Hereinafter, a level meter 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] First, an overview of a level meter 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the level meter 1 installed at the top of a container V.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the level meter 1 is installed on the top of a container V to measure the level of an object L contained in the container V.

[0016] The level meter 1 includes a transmission circuit 2, a reception circuit 3, a level determination unit 4, a display unit 20, and a sensor housing 10.

[0017] The transmitting circuit 2 transmits a measurement signal S for measuring the level of the contained item L. The receiving circuit 3 receives the measurement signal S reflected by the contained item L. The level determining unit 4 determines the level based on the measurement signal S received by the receiving circuit 3 and information about the container V. The display unit 20 displays the level determined by the level determining unit 4. The sensor housing 10 accommodates the transmitting circuit 2 and the receiving circuit 3.

[0018] One end of the sensor housing 10 has a transmission window 11. The transmission window 11 transmits the measurement signal S. The display unit 20 is detachably connected to the other end of the sensor housing 10.

[0019] Since the display unit 20 is detachable from the other end of the sensor housing 10, the level meter 1 can use the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 together or separately depending on the situation.

[0020] The level meter 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the level meter 1 of Figure 1.

[0021] 1, in the case of the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, attachment / detachment refers to a physical state, that is, physical attachment and detachment. In addition, in the case of the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, connection refers to an electrical connection. Therefore, a state in which the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 are detachably connected refers to a state in which they are electrically connected while being physically attached or detached.

[0022] The content L is not particularly limited as long as it is an object that can be contained in the container V, and is, for example, a liquid or a powder. The level of the content L refers to the position of the upper surface of the content L.

[0023] The measurement signal S is a signal that is transmitted from the transmission circuit 2, reflected by the upper surface of the contained item L through the transmission window 11, and then received by the receiving circuit 3 through the transmission window 11. The measurement signal S is not particularly limited as long as it is such a signal, but is, for example, an electric wave.

[0024] The configurations of the transmitting circuit 2, the receiving circuit 3, and the level determining unit 4 are not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a sensor. The sensor has one or more ICs (Integrated Circuits) and, if necessary, a microcomputer. The IC may be an MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) or an MMIC with an integrated antenna.

[0025] The sensor is set according to a method for measuring the level of the contained goods L. The method for measuring the level of the contained goods L is a TOF (Time of Flight) method, a radar method, etc. In the radar method, FMWC (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) or the like is used.

[0026] The level determination unit 4 calculates the distance from the transmitting circuit 2 and the receiving circuit 3 to the upper surface of the contained item L. The level determination unit 4 determines the level, which is the position of the upper surface of the contained item L, from the calculated distance and the information of the container V.

[0027] The sensor housing 10 has, in order from one end side to the other end side, the aforementioned transmission window 11, the mounting screw portion 12, the mounting portion 13, and the ring indicator light 19. The mounting screw portion 12 is formed with a male thread. Therefore, the mounting screw portion 12 is attached by screwing to a through hole P having a female thread formed in the upper part of the container V. The mounting portion 13 is a nut-shaped member protruding radially outward. The ring indicator light 19 is disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the sensor housing 10 so as to surround the axis of the sensor housing 10. Therefore, the ring indicator light 19 is easily visible to the user. In addition, the ring indicator light 19 lights up in different colors or goes out depending on the level determined by the level determination unit 4. The color that the ring indicator light 19 lights up is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, green, yellow, or red. Specifically, when the determined level is within a standard range, the ring indicator light 19 lights up in green. If the determined level is within a warning range, the ring indicator light 19 illuminates yellow. If the determined level is within a danger range, the ring indicator light 19 illuminates red.

[0028] 1 and 2, one end of the sensor housing 10 is a lower end and the other end is an upper end. Therefore, the lower end of the sensor housing 10 has a transmission window 11. On the other hand, the upper end of the sensor housing 10 has a display unit 20 detachably connected thereto.

[0029] The display unit 20 is detachable from the upper end of the sensor housing 10, and is therefore attached in a state in which it is placed on the sensor housing 10. Therefore, the level meter 1 allows the display unit 20 to be stably attached to the sensor housing 10. This makes the level meter 1 compact and gives a sense of unity and robustness.

[0030] The display unit 20 has an operation switch 21. The operation switch 21 is a switch for operating the level meter 1.

[0031] Since the display unit 20 has the operation switch 21, there is no need for a wired or wireless connection between the display unit 20 and the operation switch 21. Therefore, the user does not need to lay a wire or set up a wireless connection. As a result, the level meter 1 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0032] The display unit 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped display unit housing 22. The display unit housing 22 has a detachable part 24 provided on a bottom surface 22b and a display 23 provided on a side surface 22f. The detachable part 24 is detachable from the other end of the sensor housing 10. The display 23 displays the determined level.

[0033] Since the display housing 22 has the detachable part 24 and the display 23, the display housing 22 attached to the sensor housing 10 faces the display 23 to the side above the sensor housing 10. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the level displayed on the display 23. As a result, the level meter 1 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0034] As described above, the display unit housing 22 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The substantially rectangular parallelepiped is allowed to have other faces in addition to the six faces constituting the rectangular parallelepiped. However, the total area of ​​the six faces constituting the rectangular parallelepiped is greater than the total area of ​​the other faces. The display unit housing 22 is not limited to a substantially rectangular parallelepiped, and may be a shape obtained by cutting a cylinder diagonally (truncated cylinder).

[0035] The detachable part 24 has a short cylindrical part 25 protruding from the bottom surface 22b of the display housing 22. The sensor housing 10 has a detachable part 14 formed on its upper surface. The detachable part 14 has a short cylindrical hole 15 recessed in the upper surface of the sensor housing 10. The display unit 20 is attached to the upper end of the sensor housing 10 by fitting the short cylindrical part 25 into the short cylindrical hole 15.

[0036] The level meter 1 will be described in detail from different angles with reference to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, which are used together, viewed from the side 22r opposite to the display 23. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the state in which the display unit 20 is fixed to the wall W.

[0037] 3, the display housing 22 has a power receiving unit 33. The power receiving unit 33 receives a supply of power. The power receiving unit 33 is provided on a side surface 22r opposite to the display 23.

[0038] By providing the power receiving unit 33 on the side surface 22r opposite to the display 23, the power cable C and the like necessary for supplying power do not interfere with the user's viewing of the display 23. Therefore, the level meter 1 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0039] For ease of explanation, of the side surfaces 22f, 22r of the display housing 22, the surface having the display 23 will be referred to as the front surface 22f, and the surface having the power receiving unit 33 will be referred to as the rear surface 22r.

[0040] The power receiving unit 33 is also referred to as a power cable connection unit since a power cable C is connected thereto. The power receiving unit 33 has a plug unit 34 and a plurality of power receiving pins 35. The plug unit 34 is a male-threaded cylindrical body protruding from the rear surface 22r of the display unit housing 22. The plurality of power receiving pins 35 are disposed inside the plug unit 34. The plurality of power receiving pins 35 are provided corresponding to a power line for supplying power, an input / output line for an external input signal or a control output signal, a communication line for communication, and the like. The plurality of power receiving pins 35 is, for example, eight pins in total.

[0041] The power cable C is, for example, a cable with an M12 connector. The voltage at which the power cable C supplies power to the power receiving unit 33 is, for example, 24V.

[0042] 4, the display housing 22 has a screw hole 30 formed in a side surface 22r having the power receiving unit 33. The side surface 22r having the power receiving unit 33 is the rear surface 22r of the display housing 22.

[0043] Screws 31, 32 are screwed into the screw holes 30. The screws 31, 32 pass through through holes h formed in a separate wall W. Therefore, by screwing the screws 31, 32 into the screw holes 30, the display unit 20 is fixed to the wall W. This makes it possible to separate the display unit 20 from the sensor housing 10 and fix it to the wall W. As a result, the level meter 1 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0044] For example, there are three screw holes 30. The three screw holes 30 are located at the three corners of an isosceles triangle. The two screw holes 30 located at both ends of the base of the isosceles triangle, that is, the holes into which the two screws 32 are screwed, are also used to fix the display unit 20 attached to the sensor housing 10.

[0045] Hereinafter, the attachment of the display unit 20 to the sensor housing 10 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view showing the state immediately before the display unit 20 is attached to the sensor housing 10. Fig. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view enlarging the vicinity of the attachment / detachment part 24 and the attachment / detachment part 14 when the display unit 20 is attached to the sensor housing 10.

[0046] 5 and 6, when the display unit 20 is connected to the other end of the sensor housing 10, it enables the supply of power and the transmission of signals to the sensor housing 10. Therefore, the power supplied from the power receiving unit 33 to the display unit 20 is also supplied to the sensor housing 10. This makes it unnecessary to separately supply power to the sensor housing 10. As a result, the level meter 1 can improve the convenience for the user.

[0047] The detachable portion 24 further has a socket 26 arranged inside the short cylindrical portion 25. The detachable portion 14 further has a plurality of connection pins 16 protruding into the short cylindrical hole 15. In other words, the detachable portion 24 is physically male (short cylindrical portion 25) but electrically female (socket 26). On the other hand, the detachable portion 14 is physically female (short cylindrical hole 15) but electrically male (connection pins 16). The plurality of connection pins 16 is, for example, four pins. Of the four pins, two pins are for power supply and the other two pins are for signal transmission.

[0048] When the display unit 20 is attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10, the multiple connection pins 16 are inserted into the socket 26. This enables the supply of power and the transmission of signals from the display unit 20 to the sensor housing 10.

[0049] The detachable part 24 and the other end of the sensor housing 10 have a waterproof structure. The waterproof structure prevents water from entering parts that are used for supplying power and transmitting signals (hereinafter, electrical parts).

[0050] The detachable part 24 and the other end of the sensor housing 10 have a waterproof structure, thereby preventing water from entering the electrical parts. Therefore, the level meter 1 can have water resistance. The waterproof structure may be configured to prevent water from entering not only the electrical parts, but also the inside including the electrical parts.

[0051] 6, the detachable portion 24 further has a circumferential packing 27 as a waterproof structure. The circumferential packing 27 is disposed in a circumferential groove 28 formed along the outer periphery of the short cylindrical portion 25. The detachable portion 14 further has a circumferential side wall 17 as a waterproof structure. The short cylindrical hole 15 is composed of the circumferential side wall 17 and a bottom wall 18 connected to the lower end of the circumferential side wall 17.

[0052] When the display unit 20 is attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10, the tip of the short cylindrical portion 25 approaches or reaches the bottom wall 18, and the entire circumference of the circumferential packing 27 is crushed by the circumferential side wall 17. Therefore, there is no need for the screw 32 to provide a reaction force against the elastic force from the crushed circumferential packing 27. As a result, the level meter 1 can improve the design freedom of the screw 32 that fixes the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10.

[0053] Since the detachable part 24 is held by the detachable part 14 due to the crushing of the circumferential packing 27, it becomes easy to attach and detach the display part 20 to the other end of the sensor housing 10. Therefore, it is possible to improve convenience for the user.

[0054] The level meter 1 is constructed in such a way that water is prevented from entering the interior as well as the electrical parts. Therefore, the level meter 1 can withstand being submerged in water.

[0055] Hereinafter, a state in which the display unit 20 is separated from the sensor housing 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a state immediately before the display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41 are attached to the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41 are attached to the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10.

[0056] 7, the level meter 1 further includes a display unit side cable connector 42, a sensor housing side cable connector 41, and an inter-connector cable 43. The display unit side cable connector 42 is detachable from the display unit 20. The sensor housing side cable connector 41 is detachable from the other end of the sensor housing 10. The inter-connector cable 43 connects the display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41.

[0057] A display unit side cable connector 42 is attached to the display unit 20, and a sensor housing side cable connector 41 is attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10. This allows the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 to be physically separated but electrically connected. Therefore, the level meter 1 allows the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 to be used separately depending on the situation.

[0058] The display unit 20 is attachable / detachable to either the other end of the sensor housing 10 or the display unit-side cable connector 42. Therefore, the structure of the portion where the display unit 20 is attached is necessarily the same in the other end of the sensor housing 10 and the display unit-side cable connector 42. Specifically, the display unit-side cable connector 42 has the same structure as the detachable portion 14. Therefore, like the detachable portion 14, the display unit-side cable connector 42 has a waterproof structure and electrical parts.

[0059] Similarly, the other end of the sensor housing 10 is detachable to both the display unit 20 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41. Therefore, the structures of the parts attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10 are necessarily the same for the display unit 20 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41. Specifically, the sensor housing side cable connector 41 has the same structure as the detachable part 24. Therefore, like the detachable part 24, the sensor housing side cable connector 41 has a waterproof structure and an electrical part.

[0060] The inter-connector cable 43 includes a display unit side cable 52 and a sensor housing side cable 51. The display unit side cable 52 and the sensor housing side cable 51 are connected at their base ends to the display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41, respectively. The display unit side cable 52 and the sensor housing side cable 51 are connected at their tip ends to connection parts 52c and 51c, respectively. These two connection parts 52c and 51c are electrically connected directly or via a coupling cable (not shown). The coupling cable connected to these two connection parts 52c and 51c can be freely extended between the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in a waterproof manner. The sensor housing side cable 51 is, for example, three to five times as long as the display unit side cable 52. The sensor housing side cable 51 and the display unit side cable 52 are, for example, both cables with M12 connectors. The inter-connector cable 43 also has a waterproof structure.

[0061] The display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41 are structured to prevent water from entering the inside as well as the electrical parts. The inter-connector cable 43 is also structured to prevent water from entering the inside. Therefore, the level meter 1 can withstand submersion even when used separately.

[0062] The display unit 20 has a screw hole 64 for fixing the display unit side cable connector 42 on the bottom surface 22b, which is the side on which the display unit side cable connector 42 is attached. Similarly, the sensor housing 10 has a screw hole 63 on the upper end, which is the side on which the sensor housing side cable connector 41 is attached.

[0063] 8, the display unit side cable connector 42 attached to the display unit 20 is fixed to the display unit 20 by a screw 62. Similarly, the sensor housing side cable connector 41 attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10 is fixed to the other end of the sensor housing 10 by a screw 61. The screws 61 and 62 are screwed into the screw holes 63 and 64 shown in FIG.

[0064] The following describes the materials used in the level gauge 1. The level gauge 1 is available in two types: a normal type and an oil- and chemical-resistant type.

[0065] A normal type level gauge 1 is made of PAR (Polyarylate) resin and metal.

[0066] All parts of the oil- and chemical-resistant level meter 1 that are exposed to the outside are made of oil- and chemical-resistant resin. Therefore, the oil- and chemical-resistant level meter 1 can be used in environments where chemicals are used, such as plating environments, and environments where highly aggressive oils are used.

[0067] All parts exposed to the outside are a predetermined outer surface of the display unit 20, a predetermined outer surface of the sensor housing 10, a predetermined outer surface of the display unit side cable connector 42, a predetermined outer surface of the sensor housing side cable connector 41, and the inter-connector cable 43. The predetermined outer surfaces are all outer surfaces other than the parts that are prevented from entering by the waterproof structure.

[0068] The oil- and chemical-resistant resin is not particularly limited as long as it has oil- and chemical-resistant properties, and is, for example, PPSU (PolyPhenylSulfone) resin. In particular, the oil- and chemical-resistant resin is preferably carbon-reinforced PPSU resin. Furthermore, the chemical-resistant resin for the screws 31, 32, 61, and 62 is preferably PEEK (PolyEtherEtherKetone) resin.

[0069] The metal screws are filled with a chemical-resistant filler so as not to be exposed to the outside. The metal screws are, for example, screws that fasten the components of the sensor housing 10 together and the components of the display housing 22 together. It is also preferable that the connection parts 52c and 51c of the inter-connector cable 43 are all made of resin.

[0070] Specifically, the transparent portion of the display unit 20 and the ring indicator light 19 are made of PPSU. The non-transparent portion is made of fiber-reinforced PPS (PolyPhenylene Sulfide). Fiber-reinforced PPS has such high strength that it can be considered a metal alternative resin. Therefore, by being made of fiber-reinforced PPS, the mounting screw portion 12 and the mounting portion 13 satisfy the strength required for the fastening function. Note that, when the level meter 1 is used in an environment that corrodes glass, it is preferable that the non-transparent portion is made of fiber-reinforced PPS with carbon.

[0071] Hereinafter, a configuration for protecting the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, which are used together, will be described with reference to Figs. 9 to 11. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110, which are used together. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of Fig. 9 as seen from the rear. Fig. 11 is a perspective view including the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in Fig. 10.

[0072] 9 to 11, the level meter 1 further includes a display unit protective cover 120 and a sensor housing protective cover 110. As shown in Fig. 11, the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110 protect the display unit 20 attached to the other end of the sensor housing 10.

[0073] Therefore, the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in a state where they are used together are protected by the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110. As a result, the level meter 1 can protect the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in a state where they are used together.

[0074] The display protection cover 120 has a display main cover 121 and a display sub-cover 122. The display main cover 121 is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. The display main cover 121 covers the display housing 22. The display main cover 121 has a transparent window 121t (see FIG. 9) at a position corresponding to the display 23. The transparent window 121t is made of a resin (e.g., polycarbonate) that is weather resistant and blocks ultraviolet rays. The display sub-cover 122 protrudes from the back surface of the display main cover 121. The display sub-cover 122 covers the power receiving unit 33.

[0075] The sensor housing protective cover 110 has a cylindrical cover 111. The cylindrical cover 111 covers the sensor housing 10 from the mounting portion 13 upward. The upper front surface of the cylindrical cover 111 is covered by the lower front surface of the display portion main cover 121. The cylindrical cover 111 has a transparent ring window 111t at a position corresponding to the ring indicator light 19. The transparent ring window 111t is made of a weather-resistant resin (e.g., polycarbonate) that blocks ultraviolet rays.

[0076] Next, a configuration for protecting the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, which are used separately, will be described with reference to Figs. 12 to 14. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a display unit protective cover 120 and a sensor housing protective cover 110, which are used separately. Fig. 13 is a perspective view of Fig. 12 as seen from the rear. Fig. 14 is a perspective view including the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in Fig. 13.

[0077] 12 to 14, the display unit protective cover 120 differs from the case where it is integrated with the sensor housing protective cover 110 in that the display unit sub-cover 122 is disposed relative to the display unit main cover 121. Moreover, the sensor housing protective cover 110 further includes a eaves-shaped cover 112 compared to the case where it is integrated with the display unit protective cover 120.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110 also protect the state in which the display unit side cable connector 42 is attached to the display unit 20 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41 is connected to the sensor housing 10.

[0079] Therefore, the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in a state where they are used separately are also protected by the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110, including the display unit side cable connector 42 and the sensor housing side cable connector 41. As a result, the level meter 1 can protect the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10 in a state where they are used separately.

[0080] The display unit sub-cover 122 is attached below the display unit main cover 121. By being attached below the display unit main cover 121, the display unit sub-cover 122 protects the display unit side cable connector 42.

[0081] As described above, the sensor housing protective cover 110 has the cylindrical cover 111 and the eaves-like cover 112. The eaves-like cover 112 is attached above the cylindrical cover 111. The eaves-like cover 112 is attached above the cylindrical cover 111 to protect the sensor housing side cable connector 41.

[0082] Therefore, the display unit 20 and the sensor housing 10, whether used together or separately, are protected by the display unit protective cover 120 and the sensor housing protective cover 110. As a result, the level meter 1 can be appropriately used outdoors.

[0083] However, the above embodiment is illustrative in all respects and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. Among the configurations described in the above embodiment, those other than those described as one aspect of the present invention in the "Means for solving the problem" are optional configurations and can be deleted or modified as appropriate. [Industrial Applicability]

[0084] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention provides a level meter and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] V container L Contents S Measurement signal 1 Level meter 2. Transmitter Circuit 3. Receiving circuit 4 Level determination section 10 Sensor housing 11 Transparent window 20 Display section 21 Operation switch 22 Display unit housing 23 Display 24 Detachable part 33 Power receiving section 30 screw holes 41 Sensor housing side cable connector 42 Display side cable connector 43 Connector Cable 110 Sensor housing protective cover 120 Display protection cover

Claims

1. A level meter that is installed on an upper portion of a container to measure the level of an object contained in the container, a transmitter circuit for transmitting a measurement signal for measuring the level of the content; a receiving circuit for receiving the measurement signal reflected by the object; a level determination unit that determines the level based on the measurement signal received by the receiving circuit and information about the container; a display unit that displays the level determined by the level determination unit; and a sensor housing that houses the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit; Equipped with One end of the sensor housing has a transmission window through which the measurement signal passes, The display unit is detachably connected to the other end of the sensor housing.

2. The level meter according to claim 1 , wherein the display unit has an operation switch for operation.

3. The display unit has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped display unit housing, The display housing includes: a detachable portion provided on a bottom surface of the sensor housing and adapted to be attached to and detached from the other end of the sensor housing; a display provided on a side for displaying the determined level; 3. The level meter according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. the display housing further includes a power receiving unit that receives a supply of power, The level meter according to claim 3 , wherein the power receiving section is provided on a side opposite to the display.

5. The level meter according to claim 4 , wherein the display housing has a screw hole formed on the side surface having the power receiving portion.

6. The level meter according to claim 4 , wherein the display unit enables the supply of power and the transmission of signals to the sensor housing when connected to the other end of the sensor housing.

7. The level meter according to claim 6 , wherein the detachable portion and the other end of the sensor housing have a waterproof structure that prevents water from entering parts used for supplying the power and transmitting the signals.

8. a display unit side cable connector that is detachable from the display unit; a sensor housing side cable connector that is detachable from the other end of the sensor housing; a connector cable connecting the display unit side cable connector and the sensor housing side cable connector; The level meter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

9. 3. A level gauge according to claim 1, wherein all parts exposed to the outside are made of oil-resistant and chemical-resistant resin.

10. A display unit protective cover for protecting the display unit; a sensor housing protective cover for protecting the sensor housing; Further equipped with The level meter described in claim 8, wherein the display unit protective cover and the sensor housing protective cover protect both a state in which the display unit is attached to the other end of the sensor housing and a state in which the display unit side cable connector is attached to the display unit and the sensor housing side cable connector is connected to the sensor housing.

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