Sensor array

Abstract

The goal is to obtain a sensor array that expands the placement space for the sensor while protecting the components. [Solution] The hose 10 is a flexible cylindrical tube, and it comprises a plurality of sensor units 30 having sensors for detecting physical quantities, which are arranged in the axial direction within the hose 10, a pair of tension members 20 installed along the axial direction within the hose 10, flanking the plurality of sensor units 30, and a plurality of protective bodies installed in positions within the hose 10 where no sensor units 30 are located, which connect the pair of tension members 20 and protect the sensor units 30.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This technology relates to a sensor array that can be wound around a drum or the like. In particular, it relates to the protection of sensors and the like.

Background Art

[0002] There is a sensor array formed by arranging a plurality of sensors for detecting physical quantities such as sound. As an example of a conventional sensor array, a flexible cylindrical tube (hereinafter referred to as a hose) is used as a housing, and a sensor unit having a tension member and sensors that receive tension in the axial direction of the hose is disposed inside the hose, and the inside of the hose is filled with a medium that transmits physical quantities such as sound (see, for example, Patent Document 1). When a plurality of sensors are arranged in a long row along the axis of the hose (hereinafter referred to as the axis), a sensor array with a long opening length is obtained, and it can be wound around a drum or the like for storage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when the sensor array is wound around a drum or the like, due to the force received from the drum and the tension during winding, the cross section in the radial direction of the hose collapses into a flat shape close to an ellipse. At this time, the tension member farthest from the drum is pulled toward the direction in which it contacts the drum, the distance between the tension members is reduced, etc., the arrangement space of the sensor unit is reduced, and the tension member may crush and damage the sensor unit. Therefore, the sensor unit had to be configured small so that the components constituting the sensor unit would not be crushed by the tension member.

[0005] Therefore, there was a need for a sensor array that could expand the placement space for the sensor while protecting the components. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, the disclosed sensor array comprises a hose, which is a flexible cylindrical tube; a plurality of sensor units having sensors for detecting physical quantities, which are arranged in the axial direction within the hose; a pair of tension members installed along the axial direction within the hose, flanking the plurality of sensor units; and a plurality of protective bodies installed in positions within the hose where no sensor units are located, which connect the pair of tension members and protect the sensor units. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the disclosed sensor array, a protective body connecting a pair of tension members is installed between the sensor portions in the axial direction of the hose. Therefore, even if deformation and tension generation of the hose occur, for example, due to being wound on a drum, the distance between the pair of tension members within the hose can be maintained, and the sensor portions can be protected from the tension members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut radially along the hose 10 (shorter direction of the sensor array 100) at position A in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut at position B in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 2, when the sensor array 100 is cut in the radial direction of the hose 10 at position A in Figure 1. [Figure 5]This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 2, when the sensor array 100 is cut in the radial direction of the hose 10 at position B in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This figure shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the block 50 in a state where it has tipped over inside the hose 10. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 4. [Figure 9] This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut radially along the hose 10 at position A in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut at position B in Figure 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The sensor array according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, components with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent components and are common throughout the entire text of the embodiment described below. Also, the size relationships of the components in the drawings may differ from those of the actual components. Furthermore, the forms of the components shown throughout the specification are merely examples and are not limited to the forms described in the specification. It may not be necessary to include all the equipment described in the specification. In particular, the combinations of components are not limited to the combinations in each embodiment, and components described in other embodiments can be applied to other embodiments. Also, if there is no need to distinguish or specify multiple similar devices that are distinguished by subscripts, the reference numerals and subscripts may be omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Figure 1 shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view when the sensor array 100 is cut in the axial direction of the hose 10 (longitudinal direction of the sensor array 100), which will be described later. Here, as an example of a sensor array, a sensor array 100 that detects sound and has a sensor that uses sound pressure (sound wave) as a physical quantity will be described. The sensor array 100 in Embodiment 1 is a long sensor array having a plurality of sensors (not shown). When the sensor array 100 is not performing sensing operations, such as during storage or transport, it can be wound up onto a drum 200, which will be described later, and when performing sensing operations, the hose 10 having sensors (not shown) arranged in a row inside can be deployed to the area to be detected, making it a highly storable sensor array. Here, the sensor array 100 is described as being wound onto a drum 200, but the winding target is not limited to the drum 200, and it can be wound onto other things such as reels.

[0011] In Figure 1, the sensor array 100 in Embodiment 1 includes a hose 10, a tension member 20, a sensor unit 30, a medium 40, and a block 50. The hose 10 is a flexible, long cylindrical tube. The hose 10 is a thick-walled member that protects the internal equipment. The tension member 20 receives the tension generated in the axial direction of the hose 10 and relieves the tension applied to the sensor array 100. In Embodiment 1, the tension members 20 are installed in pairs along the axial direction of the hose 10 at two locations on either side of the sensor unit 30 inside the hose 10.

[0012] The sensor unit 30 is a sensing device that detects sounds and other signals, and includes components such as an amplifier (not shown) that amplifies the signals detected by the sensor, and detects sounds and other signals emitted by the object to be detected. Multiple sensor units 30 are installed in a row along the axial direction of the hose 10, forming the main part of the sensor array 100. The medium 40 is a liquid or other medium that is filled inside the hose 10, filling the space inside the hose 10. For example, when the sensor array 100 is used in the middle layer of water, the medium 40 is made of a material that makes the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the inside, close to that of water. By using a medium 40 that makes the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the inside, close to that of water, sinking and floating can be prevented when the sensor array 100 is deployed in water. Also, when the sensor array 100 is used on the bottom of the water, the medium 40 is made of a material that makes the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the inside, greater than that of water. By using a medium 40 that makes the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the inside, greater than that of water, floating can be prevented when the sensor array 100 is deployed on the bottom of the water. Furthermore, when the sensor array 100 is used on the water surface, the medium 40 is made of a material such that the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including its interior, is lower than that of water. By using a medium 40 such that the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including its interior, is lower than that of water, it is possible to prevent the sensor array 100 from sinking when it is deployed on the water surface.

[0013] Block 50 is a solid protective body installed in the hose 10 between the sensor units 30, in the area where the sensor units 30 are not installed. When the sensor array 100 is used in the middle layer of water, the block 50 is made of a material that, like the medium 40, makes the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the interior, close to that of water. For example, rubber, which has a specific gravity close to that of water, is used. Block 50 connects the tension members 20 so that it becomes integrated with the tension members 20. Here, block 50 is larger than the sensor units 30 in the radial direction of the hose 10 in order to protect the sensor units 30 from deformation of the hose 10 and displacement of the tension members 20. As a result, the hose 10 does not come into contact with the sensor units 30, and the positional relationship of the two tension members 20 inside the hose 10 can be maintained. In particular, the length of block 50 in the direction connecting the tension members 20 is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to that direction. Here, as shown in Figure 3 later, the block 50 has an elliptical cross-section in the radial direction of the hose 10, and the two tension members 20 are positioned at the ends in the direction of the major axis of the ellipse. The part where the tension members 20 and the block 50 are integrated is not fixed to the hose 10, but is designed to twist within the hose 10.

[0014] Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut radially along the hose 10 (shorter direction of the sensor array 100) at position A in Figure 1. Figure 2(a) shows the cross-section when unfolded. Figure 2(b) shows the cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200. Also, Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 when it is cut at position B in Figure 1. Figure 3(a) shows the cross-section when unfolded. Figure 3(b) shows the cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200.

[0015] When the sensor array 100 is wound around the drum 200 or the like, first, the hose 10 bends. When the hose 10 bends, the line connecting the tension members 20 twists in a direction perpendicular to the bent direction of the hose 10 (the direction of the drum rotation axis) so that the tensions received by the two tension members 20 at two locations in the hose 10 become equal. For this reason, even when the hose 10 is held by the drum 200, the portion where the tension member 20 and the block 50 in the hose 10 are integrated twists. As a result, the direction of the line connecting the two tension members 20 settles in a direction perpendicular to the bent direction (the direction of the drum rotation axis).

[0016] Also, when the hose 10 is wound around the drum 200, the tension member 20 is drawn in the direction of the rotation axis of the drum 200 by the tension applied in the axial direction of the hose 10. When the tension member 20 is drawn, the block 50 contacts the inner wall of the hose 10, but the block 50 stops moving when it hits the hose 10. Therefore, the sensor unit 30 located in the portion surrounded by the tension member 20 and the block 50 is not crushed by the tension member 20 or the flattened hose 10.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2(b) and 3(b), when the hose 10 is wound around the drum 200, the hose 10 is deformed into an elliptical cross-section due to the stress caused by bending the hose 10 and the tension when being wound. If the block 50 is enlarged to suppress the deformation of the hose 10, the hose 10 may buckle at the portion without the block 50 and crush the sensor unit 30. Here, the block 50 in the first embodiment has an elliptical cross-section in the radial direction of the hose 10, and the lengths are different in the direction connecting between the two tension members 20 and the direction perpendicular to that direction. And the length in the direction perpendicular to the direction connecting the tension members 20 is shorter. When the hose 10 is wound around the drum 200, the block 50 twists in the bent direction of the hose 10, so that the bending stress of the hose 10 is evenly distributed in the axial direction of the hose 10, and the buckling of the block 50 can be suppressed. Also, a large force is not applied to the tension member 20.

[0018] As described above, in the sensor array 100 according to the first embodiment, the pair of tension members 20 are arranged at two positions sandwiching the sensor unit 30, and the space between the tension members 20 is connected and integrated by the block 50. Therefore, the block 50 can maintain the distance between the tension members 20, maintain the arrangement space of the sensor unit 30, and the sensor unit 30 is not crushed by the tension members 20. Here, the block 50 is a member having a shape in which the length in the direction connecting the tension members 20 is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to that direction, such as an elliptical cross section in the radial direction of the hose 10. In the tension member 20, a long portion and a short portion are generated. Therefore, even when the sensor array 100 is wound around the drum 200 and contacts the drum 200, and the hose 10 is bent and deformed into a flat shape, the block 50 twists inside the hose 10. For this reason, buckling of the block 50 can be suppressed. In addition, the hose 10 wound around the drum 200 is stabilized. Therefore, the sensor unit 30 is not crushed by the tension member 20 or the flattened hose 10. Therefore, in the hose 10, it is possible to secure and maintain the arrangement space of the sensor unit 30 surrounded by the tension member 20 and the block 50, and widen the arrangement space of the sensor unit 30 with respect to the diameter of the hose 10. As a result, the sensor included in the sensor unit 30 can be enlarged and the sensitivity can be increased, so that the sensing accuracy can be improved. In addition, by making the hose 10 thinner, the length of the sensor array 100 that can be stored in the same storage space can be increased, and the performance of the sensor array 100 can be improved.

[0019] In addition, the block 50 in the first embodiment is made of elastic rubber, so that the force received from the hose 10 and the tension member 20 can be buffered to suppress breakage. And the block 50 in the first embodiment is made of a material whose specific gravity of the entire hose 10 including the inside is close to that of water, so that the sensor array 100 does not sink even when used in the middle layer of water.

[0020] Embodiment 2. Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 2, when the sensor array 100 is cut radially in the direction of the hose 10 at position A in Figure 1. Figure 4(a) shows a cross-section when unfolded. Figure 4(b) shows a cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200. Figure 5 also shows a cross-section of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 2, when the sensor array 100 is cut radially in the direction of the hose 10 at position B in Figure 1. Figure 5(a) shows a cross-section when unfolded. Figure 5(b) shows a cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200. In Figures 4 and 5, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 3 are used for the components described in Embodiment 1. Here, the pair of tension members 20 shown in Figures 4 and 5 are composed of two bundled together at each position, and each has a circular radial cross-section.

[0021] As shown in Figure 5, the sensor array 100 in Embodiment 2 has reinforcing columns 60. The reinforcing columns 60 are positioned between the sensor sections 30 within the hose 10, either in the areas where the sensor sections 30 are not located or embedded within the block 50. In Figure 5, the reinforcing columns 60 are embedded within the block 50. The reinforcing columns 60 are installed radially along the hose 10 and are pressed against a pair of tension members 20 located at two locations, thereby supporting the tension members 20. The reinforcing columns 60 maintain the distance between the tension members 20 by bracing against the pair of tension members 20 located at two locations. When the sensor array 100 is used in the middle layer or at the water surface underwater, the reinforcing columns 60 in Embodiment 2 are made of a lightweight and strong material such as fiber-reinforced plastic, aluminum, or titanium. By using a material for the reinforcing columns 60 such that the specific gravity of the entire hose 10, including the interior, is close to that of water, the sensor array 100 will not sink even when used underwater.

[0022] In the sensor array 100, when tension is applied, the tension members 20 experience a radial force. Therefore, when the hose 10 is bent under strong tension or wound onto the drum 200 under strong tension, the force with which the pair of tension members 20 grip the block 50 increases. In the sensor array 100 of Embodiment 2, the reinforcing support columns 60 are braced between the tension members 20, so even if the force gripping the block 50 increases, the distance between the tension members 20 is maintained. Consequently, the sensor section 30 is not crushed by the tension members 20.

[0023] As described above, the sensor array 100 in Embodiment 2 has reinforcing columns 60 that are installed radially along the hose 10 and pressed against a pair of tension members 20 located at two locations, thereby bracing and supporting the tension members 20. This allows the tension members 20 to further resist the force that clamps the block 50. This makes it possible to further lengthen the sensor array 100. Furthermore, by using a lightweight and strong material for the reinforcing columns 60 of the sensor array 100 in Embodiment 2, it can be used in various locations such as the middle layer of water.

[0024] Embodiment 3. Figure 6 shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor array 100 when it is cut in the axial direction of the hose 10 (the longitudinal direction of the sensor array 100). In Figure 6, the components and other parts that are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 1, etc., are the same as those described in Embodiment 1.

[0025] In Embodiment 3, the sensor array 100 has a narrower width in the axial direction of the hose 10 in the block 50 and includes anti-tipping support columns 70. The anti-tipping support columns 70 connect two adjacent reinforcing support columns 60 positioned between the two sensor sections 30 to prevent the block 50 from tipping over within the hose 10. In Figure 6, the anti-tipping support columns 70 connect the two reinforcing support columns 60 diagonally (in an X shape). However, it is not limited to this. The anti-tipping support columns 70 may connect two blocks 50. This allows the block 50 to have a narrower width in the axial direction of the hose 10. Here, if the tipping of the block 50 can be prevented, it is not necessary to connect all adjacent pairs of reinforcing support columns 60 with anti-tipping support columns 70.

[0026] Figure 7 shows the state in which the block 50 has tipped over inside the hose 10. Figure 7(a) shows the state in which the block 50 has tipped over due to the shifting of the tension member 20. Figure 7(b) shows the state in which the block 50 has tipped over when the sensor array 100 is wrapped around the drum 200. In the structure of the sensor array 100 of Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2, if the width of the block 50 in the axial direction of the hose 10 is narrowed, the block 50 may tipped over inside the hose 10, as shown in Figure 7. When the block 50 tipped over inside the hose 10, the distance between the two tension members 20 connecting the block 50 decreases. As a result, the sensor part 30 may be crushed by the tension members 20.

[0027] In Embodiment 3, the sensor array 100 connects two adjacent blocks 50 in the two sensor units 30 with anti-tipping supports 70, supporting each other to prevent them from falling over. This prevents the blocks 50 from falling over and protects the sensor units 30. Furthermore, by having anti-tipping supports 70, the two blocks 50 can be configured with a narrower width in the axial direction, thus providing more space for installing the sensor units 30 in the axial direction of the hose 10. Consequently, performance improvements can be achieved, such as the installation of highly sensitive sensors.

[0028] Embodiment 4. Figure 8 shows the configuration of the sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view when the sensor array 100 is cut in the axial direction of the hose 10 (the longitudinal direction of the sensor array 100). Figure 9 shows a cross-section when the sensor array 100 is cut in the radial direction of the hose 10 at position A in Figure 8. Figure 9(a) shows the cross-section when unfolded. Figure 9(b) shows the cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200. And Figure 10 shows a cross-section when the sensor array 100 is cut at position B in Figure 8. Figure 10(a) shows the cross-section when unfolded. Figure 10(b) shows the cross-section when the sensor array 100 is wound onto the drum 200. In Figures 8 to 10, the same reference numerals as in Figures 1 to 3 are used for the components, etc., as described in Embodiment 1.

[0029] The sensor array 100 according to Embodiment 4 shown in Figures 8 to 10 has an elastic cord 80. The elastic cord 80 is a flexible, soft, cord-like member that is more elastic than the tension member 20. The elastic cord 80 is positioned in two places on either side of the sensor section 30 inside the hose 10, in the direction of the short side of the block 50 or in a direction not parallel to the direction connecting the tension member 20, and is connected to the block 50.

[0030] As described in Embodiment 3, in the sensor array 100 structures of Embodiments 1 and 2, if the width of the block 50 in the axial direction of the hose 10 is narrowed, the block 50 may tip over and crush the sensor unit 30. The sensor array 100 in Embodiment 4 has an elastic cord 80, which supports the block 50 and prevents it from tipping over.

[0031] When winding onto the drum 200, the elastic cord 80 is softer than the tension member 20, so the direction of the line connecting the tension members 20 twists in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the hose 10 is bent (the direction of the axis of rotation on the drum 200).

[0032] In the sensor array 100 of Embodiment 4, the elastic cord 80 connects the two blocks 50 so that they can support each other without falling over. This prevents the blocks 50 from tipping over and protects the sensor unit 30. Furthermore, by having the elastic cord 80, the two blocks 50 can be configured to be narrower in the axial direction, thus providing more space for the sensor unit 30 in the axial direction of the hose 10. Consequently, performance improvements can be achieved, such as the installation of a highly sensitive sensor.

[0033] Embodiment 5. In the embodiments 1 to 4 described above, examples of blocks 50 having an elliptical cross-section in the radial direction of the hose 10 were shown, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, blocks 50 can be made of other shapes, such as shapes including straight lines or shapes with holes.

[0034] Furthermore, Embodiment 1 described above shows an example of a tension member 20 in which the cross-section in the radial direction of the hose 10 is elliptical, and Embodiment 2 described above shows an example in which two tension members 20, in which the cross-section in the radial direction of the hose 10 is circular, are bundled together. However, the shape and number of tension members 20 are not limited to these. The shape of the elliptical elastic cord 80 shown in Embodiment 4 described above may also be other shapes.

[0035] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment 3 shows an example where the anti-tipping support posts 70 supporting the two blocks 50 are placed diagonally, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the anti-tipping support posts 70 may be made into an H-shaped structure or other shapes to support the space between the two blocks 50.

[0036] Furthermore, while the above-described embodiments 1 to 4 described a sensor array 100 having a sensor for detecting sound, the invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to sensor arrays that detect other physical quantities such as ultrasound and light. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10 hoses 20 Tension Members 30 Sensor section 40 Medium 50 blocks 60 Reinforcement posts 70 Anti-tipping support poles 80 Elastic cord 100 sensor arrays 200 drums

Claims

1. A hose is a cylindrical tube that is flexible, A plurality of sensor units are installed in the axial direction within the hose, each having a sensor that detects a physical quantity. A pair of tension members are installed along the axial direction within the hose, sandwiching the multiple sensor units, Multiple protective bodies are installed in the hose at a location where the sensor is not located, and connect a pair of tension members to protect the sensor. A sensor array equipped with the following features.

2. The sensor array according to claim 1, wherein the protective body has a shape in which, in the radial cross-section of the hose, the length of the portion connecting the pair of tension members is longer than the length of the other portions.

3. The sensor array according to claim 2, wherein the protective body has an elliptical cross-section in the radial direction of the hose.

4. The protective body is made of rubber and is a sensor array according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The sensor array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising reinforcing supports that support the pair of tension members at both ends.

6. The sensor array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fall prevention support column connecting two adjacent protective bodies positioned between the two sensor units.

7. The sensor array according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a plurality of protective bodies connected in the axial direction of the hose, and an expandable cord of expandable material for preventing the protective bodies from tipping over.

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