Bathymetry device

Abstract

To provide a device that is hardly affected by waves even when used in the sea and can therefore accurately measure water depth.SOLUTION: A bathymetry device that is a floating type and used to measure water depth, includes: a sonar body 2 that is located underwater, transmits ultrasonic waves toward the water bottom, and receives reflected waves of them to measure water depth; a cylindrical holder 3 that holds at least approximately the upper half of the sonar body 2; a cylindrical pedestal 4 with a smaller diameter than the holder 3; and an antenna 5 that has a rod-shape even smaller diameter than the pedestal 4, and extends upward from the upper end surface of the pedestal 4 with at least its upper end portion located in the air. A ring-shaped, large-diameter first weight 6a can be removably attached so that it can be inserted through the pedestal 4 and placed on the upper surface of the holder 3. A ring-shaped, small-diameter second weight 6b can be removably attached so that it can be inserted through the antenna 5 and placed on the upper surface of the pedestal 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating bathymetry device used to measure the depth of water during, for example, landfill or dredging work in the sea, rivers, etc. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, when carrying out landfill or dredging work on the sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., it is necessary to measure the water depth. For this purpose, bathymetry devices are often used, which measure the water depth by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the water and receiving the reflected waves. Such depth surveying devices include fixed types (see, for example, Patent Document 1) that are equipped with equipment for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves at the tip of a boom extended from a barge above the water, and floating types that are floated in the water, as shown in Figure 8 (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-3508 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 6-86476 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The fixed-type bathymetry device described in Patent Document 1 requires a barge and a boom, which results in a large-scale configuration and increases manufacturing costs.

[0005] On the other hand, the floating bathymetry device 20 described in Patent Document 2 has the advantages of being small, therefore inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to handle.

[0006] However, the bathymetry device 20 described in Patent Document 2 is a floating type, and therefore has the problem that it is difficult to perform accurate surveying, especially when used in the sea, because it is prone to large up and down movements due to the influence of waves.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus which is less susceptible to the effects of waves even when used in the sea, and which is therefore capable of measuring water depth accurately. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the bathymetry device of the present invention is a floating type used for measuring the depth of water, A sonar unit (2) located underwater transmits ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the water and receives the reflected waves to measure the water depth; a cylindrical holder (3) that holds at least approximately the upper half of the sonar body (2); a rod-shaped antenna (5) having a smaller diameter than the holder (3), extending upward from the upper end surface of the holder (3), and at least an upper end portion of which is positioned in the air; A ring-shaped weight (6) is detachably attached so as to be inserted into the antenna (5) and placed on the upper surface of the holder (3).

[0009] The bathymetry device (1) of the present invention is a floating type used for measuring the water depth, A sonar unit (2) located underwater transmits ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the water and receives the reflected waves to measure the water depth; a cylindrical holder (3) that holds at least approximately the upper half of the sonar body (2); a cylindrical base (4) having a diameter smaller than that of the holder (3); a rod-shaped antenna (5) having a smaller diameter than the base (4), extending upward from the upper end surface of the base (4), and at least an upper end portion of the antenna being positioned in the air; A ring-shaped, large-diameter first weight (6a) is inserted through the base (4) and is removably mounted on the upper surface of the holder (3); A ring-shaped second weight (6b) having a small diameter is inserted into the antenna (5) and is removably attached so as to be placed on the upper surface of the base (4).

[0010] The depth surveying device (1) of the present invention is characterized in that the lower half of the sonar body (2) is a hemispherical body with an exposed surface.

[0011] The bathymetry device (1) of the present invention is characterized in that a mooring wire (7) connected to a structure (K) is connected to the top of the antenna (5).

[0012] Furthermore, the depth surveying device (1) of the present invention is characterized in that a mooring wire (7) connected to a structure (K) is connected to the top of the antenna (5) and the outer peripheral surface of the holder (3).

[0013] Furthermore, the depth surveying device (1) of the present invention is characterized in that a mooring wire (7) connected to a structure (K) is connected to the top of the antenna (5), the outer surface of the antenna (5), and the outer surface of the holder (3).

[0014] Here, the symbols in parentheses indicate corresponding elements or items shown in the drawings and in the detailed description to be described later. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The depth surveying device of the present invention is composed of a sonar body located underwater, a holder that holds approximately the upper half of the sonar body, and an antenna that is smaller in diameter than the holder and extends upward from its upper end surface, with at least its upper end located in the air.A ring-shaped weight is placed on the upper surface of the holder, so that it is less susceptible to the effects of waves and can perform accurate depth surveys.

[0016] That is, when the waves are high, by placing a weight on the upper surface of the holder, the center of gravity of the depth measurement device is lowered, increasing the area below the water surface (draft range) while simultaneously reducing the area in the air. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of waves, suppressing up and down movement caused by waves and stabilizing its posture. As a result, water depth can be measured accurately.

[0017] It should be noted that the weight does not necessarily have to be used when the waves are small. In this case, the center of gravity of the bathymetry device can be raised and most of the antenna can be positioned in the air, enabling better transmission and reception with the external terminal.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sonar is composed of a sonar body located underwater, a holder that holds roughly the upper half of the sonar body, a base with a smaller diameter than the holder, and an antenna that is also smaller in diameter than the base and extends upward from its upper end surface, with at least its upper end located in the air.The first weight is placed on the upper surface of the holder, and the second weight is placed on the base, so that it is less susceptible to the effects of waves and can perform accurate water depth measurements.

[0019] That is, for example, when the waves are high, by placing the first weight on the top surface of the holder and the second weight on the base, the center of gravity of the depth measurement device can be lowered, a larger range can be positioned below the water surface (increasing the draft range), and the portion in the air can be reduced, stabilizing the posture of the depth measurement device. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of waves, allowing for accurate measurement of water depth.

[0020] In addition, when the waves are small, the first and second weights do not need to be used, or only one of them may be used. In this case, the center of gravity of the depth surveying device can be raised and a larger portion of the antenna can be positioned in the air, thereby improving the performance of transmission and reception with the external terminal.

[0021] Furthermore, the sonar device of the present invention has a hemispherical shape with the lower half of the sonar body exposed, and therefore its outer periphery is a smoothly curved surface, which reduces wave resistance and makes it less susceptible to the effects of waves, allowing for more accurate depth measurements.

[0022] Furthermore, since the water depth surveying device of the present invention has a mooring wire connected to a structure attached to the top of the antenna, it can stably survey the water depth at a certain location even when the water is flowing fast, for example.

[0023] Furthermore, in the bathymetry device of the present invention, a mooring wire connected to a structure is connected between the top of the antenna and the outer periphery of the holder, so even if the holder comes off the antenna during bathymetry, for example, when the antenna and holder are assembled by fitting them together, the holder (and the sonar unit) will not be carried away. Therefore, it is possible to perform reliable and stable bathymetry.

[0024] Furthermore, in the bathymetry device of the present invention, a mooring wire connected to a structure is connected to the top of the antenna, the outer periphery of the antenna, and the outer periphery of the holder, so the antenna can be more securely connected to the mooring wire, and even if the holder becomes detached from the antenna during bathymetry, the holder (and the sonar unit) will not be carried away. As a result, more reliable and stable bathymetry can be performed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bathymetry device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bathymetry device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to another comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a conventional bathymetry device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026] A bathymetry device 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0027] The bathymetry device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a floating type used to measure the depth of the sea, river, lake, pond, etc., and comprises a sonar body 2, a holder 3, a base 4 and an antenna 5.

[0028] The sonar body 2 is a spherical body that is positioned underwater during bathymetry, emits ultrasonic waves toward the bottom of the water, and receives the reflected waves to measure the water depth.

[0029] The holder 3 is cylindrical and tightly fits onto and holds the upper half of the sonar body 2. Therefore, the lower half of the sonar body 2 forms a hemispherical body that comes into contact with water.

[0030] The base 4 has a smaller diameter than the holder 3 and is cylindrical in shape, extending upward from the center of the upper end surface of the holder 3. The base 4 can be molded integrally with the holder 3.

[0031] The antenna 5 is rod-shaped and has an even smaller diameter than the base 4. It extends upward from the center of the top surface of the base 4, and at least its upper end is positioned in the air during water depth measurement. The lower end of the antenna 5 is inserted through the base 4 and connected to the sonar main body 2, and it transmits and receives data to and from an external terminal (such as a smartphone or PC) T. The water depth measured by the sonar main body 2 is displayed and recorded on the external terminal T.

[0032] The depth surveying device 1 of the first embodiment is composed of four components: a sonar body 2, a holder 3, a base 4, and an antenna 5, and can be used by floating it in an upright position in water due to their buoyancy.In addition, it is configured to take into account depth surveying in places where waves are high, such as the ocean.

[0033] That is, the holder 3 and the base 4 form a step D (first step D1), and a ring-shaped, large-diameter first weight 6a is inserted into this first step D1 and passed through the base 4 so that it can be attached in a detachable state to the top surface of the holder 3.

[0034] In addition, the base 4 and the antenna 5 form another step D (second step D2), and a ring-shaped second weight 6b is inserted into this second step D2 and the antenna 5 is inserted into the second step D2 so that it can be detachably mounted on the top surface of the base 4. The second weight 6b has a smaller diameter and is lighter than the first weight 6a.

[0035] One end of a mooring wire is connected to the top of the antenna 5, and the other end of this mooring wire 7 is connected to a structure K (for example, a mooring wire support member provided on a ship or on land).

[0036] The depth surveying device 1 according to the first embodiment can accurately survey the water depth in places that are less susceptible to the effects of waves (such as lakes and ponds) without using the first weight 6a and the second weight 6b. In this case, the center of gravity of the depth surveying device 1 is higher (i.e., the draft range H is smaller), so a larger portion of the antenna 5 can be exposed to the air, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the antenna 5. This allows for better transmission and reception with the external terminal T.

[0037] On the other hand, this depth surveying device 1 can perform accurate depth surveys even in places (such as the sea or rivers) that are susceptible to the effects of waves and water currents. That is, for example, when surveying the depth of the sea, if the waves at the surveying point are high, the first weight 6a is placed on the upper surface of the holder 3 and the second weight 6b is placed on the upper surface of the base 4. This increases the weight of the depth surveying device 1 and lowers the center of gravity, thereby increasing the draft range H below the water surface S and reducing the range in the air. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of waves, suppresses up and down movement due to waves, and stabilizes its posture, allowing for accurate depth surveys.

[0038] It is also possible to use only one of the first weight 6a and the second weight 6b. For example, when the waves at the surveying location are high, the first weight 6a and the second weight 6b are used as described above, and in other cases, only the first weight 6a or only the second weight 6b can be used depending on the wave height.

[0039] Furthermore, the bathymetry device 1 according to the first embodiment is a hemispherical body with the lower half of the sonar body 2 exposed, and its outer periphery is smoothly curved, making it less susceptible to wave resistance. This makes it possible to suppress up and down movement caused by waves, enabling more accurate bathymetry.

[0040] In addition, this water depth surveying device 1 has a mooring wire 7 connected to a structure K attached to the top of the antenna 5, so it can stably survey the water depth at a certain location even when the water is flowing fast, for example.

[0041] The depth surveying device 1 of the first embodiment uses two weights 6a and 6b, and therefore has the advantage of being easier to adjust since the draft range H can be finely adjusted compared to devices that use one weight (for example, the depth surveying device 1 of the third embodiment described below). Taking these points into consideration, it is also possible to configure a depth surveying device 1 that can use three or more weights (for example, by increasing the number of step portions D on which weights 6 are placed, or by placing other weights 6 on top of weights 6).

[0042] A bathymetry device 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. A feature of this bathymetry device 1 is that, in the configuration of the first bathymetry device 1, a mooring wire 7 is connected not only to the top of the antenna 5 but also to its outer periphery and the outer periphery of the holder 3. These connections can be made by tying the mooring wire 7 to fixing protrusions 8 provided on the top and outer periphery of the antenna 5 and on the outer periphery of the holder 3, respectively.

[0043] In this embodiment, the mooring wire 7 is connected to the top and outer periphery of the antenna 5, so the antenna 5 can be held more securely and prevented from drifting away. In addition, the mooring wire 7 is also connected to the outer periphery of the holder 3, so even if the holder 3 becomes detached from the antenna 5 during bathymetry, the holder 3 (and the sonar main body 2) can be moored by the mooring wire 7.

[0044] A bathymetry device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The bathymetry device 1 comprises a sonar body 2, a holder 3 and an antenna 5.

[0045] The sonar body 2 is a spherical body that is placed underwater during water depth measurement, emits ultrasonic waves toward the bottom of the water, receives reflected waves from the bottom, and measures the water depth.

[0046] The holder 3 is cylindrical and holds in a tightly fitted state the upper half of the sonar body 2. The lower half of the sonar body 2, with the upper half held in place, forms a hemispherical body that comes into contact with water.

[0047] The antenna 5 is rod-shaped and has a smaller diameter than the holder 3, and extends upward from the center of the upper surface of the holder 3, with at least its upper end positioned in the air. The lower end of the antenna 5 is inserted through the holder 3 and connected to the sonar main body 2, and transmits and receives signals to and from an external terminal (smartphone, PC, etc.) T. The water depth measured by the sonar main body 2 is displayed and recorded on the external terminal T.

[0048] Furthermore, a step D is formed by the holder 3 and the antenna 5, which has a smaller diameter than the holder 3, and a weight 6 is placed on the step D, which can be inserted into the antenna 5 and removably attached so that it is placed on the upper surface of the holder 3. The weight 6 is ring-shaped and has an inner diameter that allows it to be inserted into the antenna 5.

[0049] The depth surveying device 1 of the third embodiment is composed of a sonar body 2, a holder 3, and an antenna 5, and is configured so that a ring-shaped weight 6 is placed on the upper surface of the holder 3, making it less susceptible to the effects of waves and therefore enabling accurate depth surveying.

[0050] For example, when measuring the water depth at sea, if the waves are high, the weight 6 is placed on the upper surface of the holder 3 to lower the center of gravity of the water depth measurement device 1 and increase the water depth range H, and conversely, to reduce the range in the air. This makes it less susceptible to the effects of waves and stabilizes its posture, allowing for accurate water depth measurement.

[0051] It should be noted that the water depth in a place without waves or in a low place can be measured without using the weight 6. In this case, the draft range H becomes smaller and a larger portion of the antenna 5 is positioned in the air, so that transmission and reception with the external terminal T becomes even better.

[0052] In this bathymetry device 1, as in the first embodiment, one end of a mooring wire 7 is connected to the top of the antenna 5 to prevent it from being washed away by water currents. Note that, as in the second embodiment, the mooring wire 7 can be connected to both the antenna 5 and the holder 3.

[0053] In addition to the bathymetry device 1 of this embodiment (the bathymetry device 1 of the first, second and third embodiments described above), the inventors considered a bathymetry device 10 of a comparative example shown in Figures 6 and 7, and conducted a comparative study with the bathymetry device 1 of this embodiment. The device shown in Figure 6 is composed of a sonar body 2 and a cylindrical antenna 11 that holds roughly the upper half of the sonar body 2, while the device shown in Figure 7 is composed of a sonar body 2 and a conical antenna 12 that holds roughly the upper half of the sonar body 2.

[0054] The results of the comparison are as follows: 1. The area affected by waves is smaller in this embodiment, so that stable depth measurement can be performed (because the antenna 5 etc. of this embodiment has a smaller diameter than the antennas 11 and 12 of the comparative example). 2. The overall weight of this embodiment is lighter, making it easier to handle (because the antenna 5 of this embodiment has a smaller diameter and volume than the antennas 11 and 12 of the comparative example). 3. In this embodiment, it is easier to adjust the draft range H. Therefore, accurate water depth measurement can be performed by adjusting the draft range H to correspond to the level of waves (because this embodiment can use a detachable weight 6). From the above comparison, it can be seen that the bathymetry device 1 of this embodiment is superior to the bathymetry device 10 according to the comparative example.

[0055] Furthermore, the above-mentioned patent documents do not describe at all the configuration of a floating depth surveying device in which a step D is formed and a weight 6 is detachably placed thereon to freely adjust the draft range H.

[0056] The bathymetry device 1 according to this embodiment can be used as a fish finder for detecting schools of fish, in addition to measuring the water depth. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 Bathymetry device 2 Sonar unit 3 Holding body 4 Pedestal 5 Antennas 6 Weight 6a First Weight 6b Second Weight 7 Mooring wire 8 Fixed protrusion 10 Bathymetry equipment 11 Cylindrical antenna 12 Conical cylindrical antenna 20 Bathymetry equipment D Stepped section D1 First stage section D2 Second stage section H Draft range K structure S water surface T External Terminal

Claims

1. A floating bathymetry device used to measure water depth, The sonar itself is located underwater and emits ultrasonic waves toward the bottom of the water, receiving the reflected waves and measuring the water depth. a cylindrical holder that holds at least approximately the upper half of the sonar body; a rod-shaped antenna having a diameter smaller than that of the holder, extending upward from an upper end surface of the holder, and at least an upper end portion of the antenna being positioned in the air; A water depth surveying device characterized in that a ring-shaped weight is detachably attached so as to be inserted through the antenna and placed on the upper surface of the holder.

2. A floating bathymetry device used to measure water depth, The sonar itself is located underwater and emits ultrasonic waves toward the bottom of the water, receiving the reflected waves and measuring the water depth. a cylindrical holder that holds at least approximately the upper half of the sonar body; a cylindrical base having a diameter smaller than that of the holder; a rod-shaped antenna having a smaller diameter than the base, extending upward from the upper end surface of the base, and at least an upper end portion of which is positioned in the air; a first weight having a ring shape and a large diameter is detachably attached so as to be inserted through the base and placed on an upper surface of the holder; A water depth surveying device characterized in that a second weight having a small diameter and a ring shape is detachably attached so as to be inserted through the antenna and placed on the upper surface of the base.

3. 3. The water depth surveying device according to claim 1, wherein the lower half of the sonar body is an exposed hemispherical body.

4. 3. The water depth surveying device according to claim 1, wherein a mooring wire connected to a structure is attached to the top of the antenna.

5. 3. The water depth surveying device according to claim 1, wherein a mooring wire connected to a structure is connected between the top of the antenna and the outer circumferential surface of the holder.

6. 3. The water depth surveying device according to claim 1, wherein a mooring wire connected to a structure is connected to the top of the antenna, the outer peripheral surface of the antenna, and the outer peripheral surface of the holder.

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