Depth information acquisition device and depth information acquisition method

Abstract

To provide a technology which acquires depth information inside a structure by achieving downsizing even when there exists a place where an insertion path of a measuring instrument to a target measurement point is complicated and narrow.SOLUTION: A depth information device 10A includes: a pressure sensor 12 which detects a pressure of a liquid 11, and outputs a liquid pressure signal 15n (n=1-N; 1≤N); and a cylindrical body 20 which internally stores the pressure sensor 12 and has an input part 21 for filling the liquid 11 from a tip on the opposite side from an opening end 22 where an output line 16 of the liquid pressure signal 15 is drawn out.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a technique for acquiring depth information inside a structure. [Background technology]

[0002] When treating liquid that has accumulated inside a structure such as a building, it may be necessary to obtain depth information of the floor the liquid has accumulated in. For example, when ground subsidence has occurred on this floor and the floor level is unknown, when there is no depth information on the design drawings, or when it is difficult to access the floor to be measured, it is necessary to obtain this depth information from the installation surface.

[0003] In such cases, the method of acquiring depth information is generally to measure the height using a tape measure or ultrasonic level meter from a safe upper or lower floor toward the floor (structure) to be measured. This method of acquiring depth information is effective when the measuring device can be installed without obstruction in the depth direction to the structure to be measured.

[0004] On the other hand, if there is an obstacle in the depth direction to the structure to be measured, the insertion path of the measuring instrument to the target measurement point becomes complicated. In such a case, a method of acquiring depth information is known in which a tube filled with water is inserted into the insertion path, and a water pressure sensor is placed at the inner tip of the tube to detect the water head pressure and obtain depth information. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-067355 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned known technology, the structure for filling the water is provided inside the tube, so the device is inevitably large in size. Therefore, if there is a narrow place in the tube insertion path, there is a problem that the depth information inside the structure cannot be obtained. In addition, since the detection of the water head pressure is premised on only one point at the tip of the tube, there is a problem that the device becomes even larger if multiple points are detected along the tube insertion path.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention has been made taking these circumstances into consideration, and aims to provide a technology that can obtain depth information inside a structure by achieving miniaturization, even when the insertion path of the measuring instrument to the target measurement point is complex and includes narrow locations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In the depth information acquisition device of the embodiment, there is provided a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of a liquid and outputs a liquid pressure signal, and a cylindrical body that houses the pressure sensor internally and has an input portion for filling the liquid from the tip opposite an opening end from which an output line of the liquid pressure signal is drawn out. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a technology is provided that can obtain depth information inside a structure by achieving miniaturization even when the insertion path of a measuring instrument to a target measurement point is complex and includes narrow locations. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a depth information acquisition device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. [Diagram 2] 5A to 5C are explanatory diagrams of a manufacturing method of the depth information acquisition device according to the embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A to 3C are explanatory diagrams of a depth information acquisition method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A is a longitudinal sectional view showing a depth information acquisition device according to a second embodiment, and FIG. [Diagram 5]13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams of a depth information acquiring method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a depth information acquisition device and a data processing unit thereof according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (First embodiment) Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a depth information acquisition device 10A (10) (hereinafter simply referred to as "device 10A" or "device 10") according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line BB.

[0012] In this manner, the device 10A detects the pressure of the liquid 11 and generates a liquid pressure signal 15. n It is equipped with a pressure sensor 12 that outputs (n=1 to N; 1≦N), and a cylindrical body 20 that houses the pressure sensor 12 internally and has an input portion 21 into which liquid 11 is filled from the tip opposite an open end 22 from which an output line 16 of a liquid pressure signal 15 is drawn out.

[0013] The cylindrical body 20 is flexible and has a plurality of pressure sensors 12 arranged along its length. n (n=1 to N) are housed at predetermined intervals. The pressure sensors 12 and their output lines 16 are supported by a wire-shaped support 17.

[0014] The housing 30 has a first connection portion 31 for connecting the open end 22 of the cylindrical body 20, a second connection portion 32 for connecting a fixing member 35 for fixing one end of the support 17 that supports the pressure sensor 12 and its output wire 16, and an opening portion 37 for opening the sealed interior 36 to the outside atmosphere. As long as the housing 30 has the first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 32, and the opening portion 37, the smaller the volume of the sealed interior 36 itself, the better, and the cross-sectional shape and size thereof are arbitrary.

[0015] Here, the pressure sensor 12 is composed of a pressure-sensitive measuring body in which several strain gauges are installed. This pressure-sensitive measuring body often uses a diaphragm for small pressures and a steel tube for large pressures. The electrical resistance of the pressure sensor 12 changes in proportion to the pressure of the liquid 11, and an output voltage proportional to this change in electrical resistance is output as a liquid pressure signal 15. Note that applicable pressure sensors 12 are not limited to those mentioned above.

[0016] The cylindrical body 20 is provided to block the liquid 11 from the outside and to prevent the filled liquid 11 from leaking out. The material of the cylindrical body 20 may be a resin alone, or may be woven chemical fibers or metal fibers impregnated with resin, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0017] A pipe 23 (FIG. 2) for delivering the liquid 11 supplied from the outside is connected to the input part 21 of the cylindrical body 20. The input part 21 may be a joint (e.g., a one-touch joint) for connecting the pipe 23. After filling with the liquid 11, the pipe 23 is removed and a sealing plug is connected to the input part 21, thereby ensuring the airtightness of the sealed interior 36.

[0018] The first connection portion 31 between the open end 22 of the cylindrical body 20 and the housing 30 has a structure in which the connection is made via a joint or the like, and for example, a screw connection, a plug connection, a flange connection, a union connection, or the like is used.

[0019] The fixing member 35 supports the output line 16 of the pressure sensor 12 and one end of its support 17 in an electrically insulated state. Furthermore, the fixing member 35 is provided with an extension sleeve 39 for connection to the housing 30 at the second connection portion 32. The interior of this extension sleeve 39 is structured to communicate with the sealed interior 36 and to be filled with the liquid 11. The second connection portion 32 between the fixing member 35 and the housing 30 is structured to be connected via a joint or the like, and for example, a screw connection, a plug connection, a flange connection, a union connection, or the like is used.

[0020] A manufacturing method of the depth information acquisition device 10 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. When the pump 26 of the water supply tank 27 is driven, the on-off valve 28 of the input portion 21 of the cylindrical body 20 is opened, and the open portion 37 of the housing 30 is opened, the liquid 11 is filled into the space formed by the cylindrical body 20, the housing 30, and the fixing member 35. The liquid 11 discharged from the open portion 37 is received by the drain tank 29.

[0021] The on-off valve 28 of the input portion 21 and the on-off valve 38 of the open portion 37 are operated to fill the internal space of the device 10 with the liquid 11, and then the on-off valve 38 of the open portion 37 of the housing 30 is closed, and further the piping 23 is removed from the input portion 21 of the cylindrical body 20 and a sealing plug is inserted. As a result, both the open portion 37 and the input portion 21 are closed, and the internal space of the device 10 is sealed in a state where it is filled with the liquid 11. Note that the above-mentioned method of filling the sealed interior 36 with the liquid 11 is one example and is not particularly limited.

[0022] The depth information acquisition method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Here, a case is illustrated in which the insertion path of the device 10 is unknown (at least not a straight line) and depth information is acquired for the inside of a structure 33 in which a slit-like obstacle 34 exists along the path.

[0023] First, the tip of the cylindrical body 20 in the device 10 is lowered in the depth direction. At this time, if the outer diameter of the cylindrical body 20 is smaller than the slit width of the obstacle 34, the cylindrical body 20 can pass through the obstacle 34. Then, it is inferred that the tip of the cylindrical body 20 has reached the target position inside the structure 33, or it is confirmed that the cylindrical body 20 has been lowered completely without bending overall.

[0024] Next, with the cylindrical body 20 stationary, the on-off valve 38, which had been closed, is opened to open the sealed interior 36 of the device 10 to the outside atmosphere. Then, the liquid 11 filled in the sealed interior 36 is drained out from the open part 37 of the housing 30. As a result, the height position of the open part 37 that coincides with the water level of the liquid 11 becomes the reference position for the head pressure. Note that, as a method for acquiring depth information, an embodiment in which the on-off valve 38 is opened to open the sealed interior 36 to the outside atmosphere has been shown, but as a modified example, the on-off valve 38 may be left closed as described later.

[0025] Next, the pressure sensor 12 n (n=1~N) output hydraulic pressure signal 15 n (n=1 to N) are received. n The value of P n is the distance h from the reference position of the head pressure to the position of the pressure sensor 12 n , the density of the liquid 11 is ρ, and the acceleration of gravity is g, as shown in the following equation (1). P n =ρgh n (1)

[0026] Next, the distance h is calculated based on the hydraulic pressure signal 15 having the relationship of the above formula (1). n is obtained and the depth position of the pressure sensor 12 is calculated. This explanation is for the embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in which the depth position of the pressure sensor 12 is calculated after the on-off valve 38 is opened and the sealed interior 36 of the device 10 is opened to the outside atmosphere. When the depth position of the pressure sensor 12 is calculated without opening the on-off valve 38 as in the above-mentioned modified example, the housing 30 remains filled with the liquid 11, so the reference position of the water head pressure is the connection part between the housing 30 and the fixed member 35.

[0027] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Fig. 4(A) is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a depth information acquisition device 10B (10) (hereinafter simply referred to as "device 10B" or "device 10") according to the second embodiment. Fig. 4(B) is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken along line BB thereof. Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a depth information acquisition method according to the second embodiment.

[0028] The device 10B of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the following components are further added to the device 10A of the first embodiment. That is, a detection signal 25 based on the physical properties of the contact medium is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body 20. m A detection sensor 24 that outputs (m=1 to M; 1≦M) m (m=1 to M). In Fig. 4 or Fig. 5, parts having the same configuration or function as Fig. 1 or Fig. 3 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 5, the pressure sensor 12 n (n=1 to N) m By providing multiple detection sensors 24 (m=1 to M), it is possible to recognize the physical property values ​​of the contact medium at the depth direction position of each detection sensor 24. If the detection sensor 24 is a temperature sensor, it is possible to know the water temperature at the depth direction position obtained from the adjacent pressure sensor 12. If the detection sensor 24 is a gas-liquid determination sensor, it is possible to determine whether the depth direction position obtained from the adjacent pressure sensor 12 is in contact with the liquid phase or the gas phase. This makes it possible to know the water level of the water pooled inside the structure 33. Although a temperature sensor and a gas-liquid determination sensor have been exemplified as the detection sensor 24, there is no particular limitation.

[0030] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a depth information acquisition device 10C (10) (hereinafter simply referred to as "device 10C" or "device 10") according to the embodiment and its data processing unit 40.

[0031] The device 10C of the third embodiment has a configuration in which the following components are further added to the device 10A of the first embodiment or the device 10B of the second embodiment. That is, the device 10C includes a temperature sensor 43 that detects the temperature of the liquid 11 filled in the cylindrical body 20 and outputs a temperature signal 44 for correcting the liquid pressure signal 15. In addition, in Fig. 6, parts having the same configuration or function as Fig. 1 are indicated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0032] The data processing unit 40 detects the pressure sensor 12 n (n=1 to N), a determination unit 42 for a detection signal 25 (gas-liquid signal) output by a detection sensor 24 (here, a gas-liquid determination sensor), a reception unit 45 for a temperature signal 44 output by a temperature sensor 43, a correction unit 46 for correcting the liquid pressure signal 15 based on the temperature signal 44, and a determination unit 47 for determining whether the liquid pressure signal 15 is corrected based on the corrected liquid pressure signal 15. n Distance h from the reference position of each head pressure (n=1~N) n (FIG. 3), an estimation unit 48 for estimating the water level inside the structure 33 based on the gas / liquid determination result, and the respective pressure sensors 12 n and a display unit 49 that displays information on the depth of the position of the pressure sensor 12 and / or information on the water level of the accumulated water. n The water temperature information of the accumulated water at the position will be displayed.

[0033] Taking into consideration that pressure sensor 12 has temperature dependency, correction unit 46 detects the temperature of liquid 11 in which pressure sensor 12 is immersed, and corrects output value P of liquid pressure signal 15. Furthermore, since density ρ of this liquid 11 also has temperature dependency, this density ρ may also be temperature corrected.

[0034] The temperature sensor 43 is supported by a wire-shaped support 17 together with the pressure sensor 12. When a sheathed thermocouple is used as the temperature sensor 43, its metal protective tube (sheath) may be regarded as the support 17 to support the pressure sensor 12.

[0035] According to at least one of the embodiments of the depth information acquisition device described above, by having an input part for the liquid at the tip of the cylindrical body into which the liquid is filled, miniaturization is achieved and the device can be applied even in places where the insertion path is complex and narrow.

[0036] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10...information acquisition device, 11...liquid, 12...pressure sensor, 15...liquid pressure signal, 16...output line, 17...support, 20...cylindrical body, 21...input section, 22...open end, 24...detection sensor, 25...detection signal, 26...pump, 27...water supply tank, 28...opening valve, 29...drain tank, 30...housing, 31...first connection section, 32...second connection section, 33...structure, 34...obstacle, 35...fixing member, 36...sealed interior, 37...opening section, 38...opening valve, 39...extension sleeve, 40...data processing section, 41...receiving section, 42...determination section, 43...temperature sensor, 44...temperature signal, 45...receiving section, 46...correction section, 47...calculation section, 48...estimation section, 49...display section.

Claims

1. a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the liquid and outputs a liquid pressure signal; a cylindrical body that houses the pressure sensor internally and has an input portion for filling the liquid from the tip opposite an open end from which the output line of the liquid pressure signal is drawn out.

2. 2. The depth information acquisition device according to claim 1, The cylindrical body is flexible, A depth information acquisition device in which a plurality of the pressure sensors are housed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical body.

3. 3. The depth information acquisition device according to claim 1, A depth information acquisition device comprising a housing having a first connection portion for connecting the open end of the cylindrical body, a second connection portion for connecting a fixing member for fixing one end of a support body supporting the pressure sensor and its output line, and an opening portion for opening the sealed interior to the outside atmosphere.

4. 3. The depth information acquisition device according to claim 1, A depth information acquisition device including a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the liquid filled in the cylindrical body and outputs a temperature signal for correcting the liquid pressure signal.

5. 3. The depth information acquisition device according to claim 1, The depth information acquisition device is provided with a detection sensor on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical body that outputs a detection signal based on the physical properties of the contact medium.

6. a step of lowering the tip of the cylindrical body in a depth direction in the depth information acquisition device according to claim 1 or 2; receiving the hydraulic pressure signal output by the pressure sensor; and calculating position information of the pressure sensor in the depth direction based on the liquid pressure signal.

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