Ultrasonic anemometer, and method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer

Abstract

The present invention provides an ultrasonic anemometer and a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer that improve the workability of the process of placing resin between the ultrasonic element and the housing. [Solution] The ultrasonic anemometer comprises a housing, an ultrasonic element 30 disposed in the cavity of the housing, a vibration-damping member disposed between the upper part of the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing, and a resin 150 disposed in a gap 161 with a first width W1 between the side circle 30d of the ultrasonic element 30 and the side surface 10a1 of the housing, wherein the gap 161 is provided with a plurality of injection parts 162 into which the resin 150 is injected, and the injection parts 162 have a second width W2 which is larger than the first width W1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ultrasonic wind speed meter and a method for manufacturing the ultrasonic wind speed meter.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic flow measurement device in which a sealing material is interposed between an ultrasonic vibrator and a housing such as an insulator.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose the problem of workability of the operation of disposing resin between the ultrasonic element and the housing.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to improve the workability of the operation of disposing resin between the ultrasonic element and the housing.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The ultrasonic wind speed meter according to the present disclosure includes a housing, an ultrasonic element disposed in a cavity of the housing, a vibration-proof member disposed between an upper portion of the ultrasonic element and the housing, and a resin disposed in a gap having a first width between a lower portion of the ultrasonic element and the housing, and an injection portion for injecting the resin is provided in the gap, and the injection portion has a second width larger than the first width.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure can improve the workability of the operation of disposing resin between the ultrasonic element and the housing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the ultrasonic anemometer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer according to an embodiment, showing a cross-section along the XZ plane. [Figure 3] This is a schematic bottom view illustrating the housing of an ultrasonic anemometer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an example of a magnified view of region IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of the VV line. [Figure 6] This is an example of a schematic cross-sectional view of the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] This is a schematic, partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating an ultrasonic element, a vibration-damping member, a pressing member, a sealing member, and a resin. [Figure 8] This is a schematic perspective view illustrating an ultrasonic element, vibration damping component, and wiring. [Figure 9] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the inner circumferential surface and stepped surface corresponding to the portion of the cavity without an injection site. [Figure 10] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the inner circumferential surface and stepped surface corresponding to the injection section in the cavity. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a dispenser used for applying resin in a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer according to an embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer according to a modified example, showing a cross-section along the XZ plane. [Figure 14] This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer according to a modified example, showing a cross-section along the YZ plane. [Figure 15]This diagram illustrates the relationship between the vertical position of the lower surface of the resin placed in the gap and the amount of ultrasonic wave propagation to the housing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The ultrasonic anemometer and the method for manufacturing the ultrasonic anemometer according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. However, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of ultrasonic anemometers and methods for manufacturing ultrasonic anemometers that embody the technical concept of this disclosure, and are not limited to those described below. Note that the size, positional relationships, etc. of the components shown in each drawing may be exaggerated for clarity of explanation.

[0010] In each drawing, a Cartesian coordinate system with X, Y, and Z axes is used to represent direction. The X, Y, and Z axes are approximately orthogonal to each other. The direction in which the X-axis arrow points is denoted as the +X side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -X side. The direction in which the Y-axis arrow points is denoted as the +Y side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -Y side. The direction in which the Z-axis arrow points is denoted as the +Z side, and the opposite side is denoted as the -Z side. The +Z side is referred to as "up," and the -Z side is referred to as "down." However, these terms indicating specific directions and positions are used merely to make the relative directions and positions in the referenced drawings easier to understand. These terms do not limit the direction of the embodiment, and the orientation when using the ultrasonic anemometer and the method for manufacturing the ultrasonic anemometer according to the embodiment can be determined as appropriate. Furthermore, in this specification, "to place" is not limited to direct contact, but also includes indirect placement, for example, via other members.

[0011] [Embodiment] <Configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer according to this embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, the configuration of the ultrasonic wind speed meter according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the overall configuration of the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 according to the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100, showing a cross-section along the XZ plane. Further, FIG. 2 shows a part of the cross-section of the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 including the center line CL1 of the housing 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic bottom view illustrating the housing 10 of the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100.

[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the IV region in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the V-V line in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the VI-VI line in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a schematic partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the ultrasonic element 30, the vibration-proof member 70, the pressing member 90, the sealing member 120, and the resin 150. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the ultrasonic element 30, the vibration-proof member 70, and the wirings 81 and 82. FIG. 9 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the inner peripheral surface and the stepped surface corresponding to the portion without the injection part 162 in the cavity 180. FIG. 10 is a partial enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating the inner peripheral surface and the stepped surface corresponding to the portion with the injection part 162 in the cavity 180.

[0013] The ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 according to the present embodiment is a wind direction and wind speed measuring device that measures the wind direction and wind speed of the fluid to be measured based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves transmitted and received between the ultrasonic transmission unit and the ultrasonic reception unit. The ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 can determine the wind speed from the variation of the speed of sound in air (about 340 m / s). The distance between the ultrasonic transmission unit and the ultrasonic reception unit is known. The ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 can measure the wind direction and wind speed of the fluid based on the propagation time of ultrasonic waves.

[0014] The ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 according to this embodiment includes a housing 10, an ultrasonic element 30 disposed in a cavity 180 of the housing 10, and a vibration isolation member 70 disposed between an upper portion 133 of the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10. Further, the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 includes a resin 150 disposed in a gap 161 having a first width W1 between a lower portion 135 of the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10. Furthermore, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, the ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 includes a lower housing 20 and a plurality of support columns 13.

[0015] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 and the lower housing 20 are arranged apart in the Z-axis direction such that the lower housing 20 is located below the housing 10. The plurality of support columns 13 extend in the Z-axis direction and support the housing 10 with respect to the lower housing 20. The lower end portion of the support column 13 is fixed to the lower housing 20. The upper end portion of the support column 13 is fixed to the housing 10. The ultrasonic wind speed meter 100 includes a top plate 11, four ultrasonic elements 30 (31 to 34), and a reflector 21. Note that the number of ultrasonic elements 30 is not limited to four and can be changed as appropriate.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the cavity 180 is a recess concave on the +Z side provided in a first plane 12 which is the lower surface of the housing 10. The four ultrasonic elements 30 are disposed inside the cavity 180. The ultrasonic element 30 is an ultrasonic transmitter that transmits ultrasonic waves and an ultrasonic receiver that receives ultrasonic waves.

[0017] The ultrasonic element 30 is arranged such that when the housing 10 is viewed from below, the center 30C of the ultrasonic element 30 is located at the vertex of a quadrilateral S. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the quadrilateral S indicated by the two-dot chain line has the centers 31C, 32C, 33C, and 34C of the ultrasonic elements 31, 32, 33, and 34, respectively, as vertices.

[0018] Figure 4 shows the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10 as seen from the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. Figure 5 is a cross-section including the housing 10, ultrasonic element 30, vibration damping member 70, sealing member 120, and resin 150, etc., and shows a cross-section including the gap 161. Figure 6 is a cross-section including the housing 10, ultrasonic element 30, vibration damping member 70, sealing member 120, and resin 150, etc., and shows a cross-section including the injection part 162.

[0019] In the example shown in Figures 4 to 6, the first plane 12 of the housing 10 is provided with a cavity 180 and a countersunk socket 18 whose edge is chamfered in a conical shape. However, the countersunk socket 18 is not necessarily required.

[0020] With the ultrasonic element 30 positioned inside the cavity 180, a gap 161 exists between the lower part 135 of the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10. When viewed from the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30, both the cavity 180 and the ultrasonic element 30 are circular. The gap 161 is a ring-shaped space formed between the side circle 30d of the ultrasonic element 30 and the side circle 10a1 of the cavity 180. In the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30, the distance between the lower part 135 of the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10 is a first width W1. The resin 150 is arranged in a ring shape inside the gap 161.

[0021] (Effects of the ultrasonic anemometer 100) For example, in an ultrasonic anemometer having a gap like gap 161, if the ultrasonic anemometer is used without resin or other material being placed in the gap, rain, dust, etc. may enter the gap. When rain, dust, etc. enter the gap, unwanted signals from the rain, dust, etc. are included in the detection signal from the ultrasonic element, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer decreases.

[0022] In this embodiment, resin 150 is placed inside the gap 161. This fills the inside of the gap 161 with resin 150. Filling the inside of the gap 161 with resin 150 reduces the amount of rain or dust entering the gap 161 while the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is in use, thereby suppressing a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0023] For example, a silicone-based resin can be used for the resin 150. A dispenser can also be used to place the resin 150 into the gap 161. For example, a silicone-based resin 150 in a fluid state is filled into a dispenser, and the resin 150 is dispensed from the dispenser's needle towards the gap 161. The resin 150 dispensed from the needle enters the gap 161. After the resin 150 has spread throughout the gap 161, the resin 150 is hardened. This fills the gap 161 with resin 150. By filling the gap 161 with resin 150, it is possible to reduce the amount of rain or dust entering the gap 161 while the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is in use.

[0024] On the other hand, when resin 150 is placed inside gap 161, the larger the first width W1 in gap 161, the greater the vibration generated by the ultrasonic element 30 placed in cavity 180, which propagates through gap 161 to the housing 10, known as housing propagation. The greater the housing propagation, the greater the unwanted signal components in the detection signal, and the lower the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0025] Reducing the first width W1 can reduce the propagation of radiation through the housing, but the smaller the first width W1, the more difficult it becomes to place the resin 150 in the gap 161. For example, the efficiency of the resin 150 discharged from the dispenser needle entering the gap 161 decreases, making it more difficult to place the resin 150 in the gap 161. Also, if the resin 150 discharged from the dispenser needle does not enter the gap 161 but adheres to the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30, the resin adhering to the lower surface 30b changes the characteristics related to the vibration operation of the ultrasonic element, reducing the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100. If the resin 150 adhering to the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 is removed to suppress the decrease in measurement accuracy, an additional removal step is required, making it more difficult to place the resin 150 in the gap 161.

[0026] In this embodiment, an injection section 162 into which resin 150 is injected is provided in the gap 161. The injection section 162 has a second width W2 that is larger than the first width W1. In the example shown in Figure 4, the injection section 162 is provided so that a semicircular protrusion is formed in a part of the ring-shaped gap 161 into which the resin 150 is placed. The second width W2 is the maximum distance between the side circle 30d of the ultrasonic element 30 and the inner surface 162a of the semicircular protrusion in the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30 when viewed from the bottom surface of the housing 10. The inner surface 162a of the semicircular protrusion is located outside the side circle 10a1 of the cavity 180.

[0027] The injection sections 162 are arranged in a ring shape along the resin 150, with six sections in total. In other words, the injection section 162 includes six injection sections 162 (162-1 to 162-6). The six injection sections 162 (162-1 to 162-6) are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center 150C of the ring-shaped resin 150. Injection sections 162-1 and 162-4, 162-2 and 162-5, and 162-3 and 162-6 are each arranged opposite each other with respect to the center 150C.

[0028] The resin 150 is also placed in the injection section 162, and is continuously placed in the gaps 161 located between adjacent injection sections 162 along the ring-shaped arrangement of resin 150. Injection sections 162-1 and 162-2, 162-2 and 162-3, 162-3 and 162-4, 162-4 and 162-5, and 162-5 and 162-6 are each "adjacent injection sections 162 along the ring-shaped arrangement of resin 150".

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the second width W2 of the injection section 162 is larger than the first width W1. By placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 through the injection section 162, it becomes easier to place the resin 150 in the gap 161. For example, when the needle tip of the dispenser is inserted into the injection section 162, if the resin 150 is discharged from the needle tip, the discharged resin 150 easily enters the injection section 162. This makes it easier to place the resin 150 in the gap 161. As the resin 150 that enters from the injection section 162 moves towards the gap 161, the resin 150 spreads throughout the entire gap 161, including in the Z-axis direction.

[0030] In this embodiment, by placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 through the injection section 162, the resin 150 can be efficiently placed throughout the entire gap 161, improving the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161. From the viewpoint of improving the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161, it is preferable that the second width W2 be larger than 0.41 mm, for example, so that the tip of a needle with a diameter of 0.41 mm can be inserted.

[0031] Furthermore, the provision of the injection section 162 reduces the amount of resin 150 that adheres to the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 without entering the injection section 162. This suppresses the decrease in measurement accuracy caused by the resin 150 adhering to the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. In addition, since the work of removing the resin 150 adhering to the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 is reduced, the work efficiency of the work of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 is improved.

[0032] By ensuring that the first width W1 in the portion of the gap 161 other than the portion where the injection section 162 is provided is smaller than the second width W2, a decrease in the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 can be suppressed. For example, in the ultrasonic anemometer 100, the first width W1 that can achieve the desired measurement accuracy is determined in advance and set to this first width W1. This reduces the influence of propagation through the housing and enables the achievement of the desired measurement accuracy. The first width W1 that can achieve the desired measurement accuracy is, for example, 0.2 mm or less.

[0033] As described above, in this embodiment, the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 can be improved. Furthermore, while improving the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161, the influence of casing propagation can be reduced, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 can be increased.

[0034] In the example shown in Figure 4, the cavity 180 is circular when viewed from the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. The resin 150 is arranged in a ring shape in the gap 161 between the side circle 30d of the ultrasonic element 30 and the side circle 10a1 of the cavity 180. The injection section 162 is provided so that a semicircular protrusion is created in a part of the ring-shaped gap 161 in which the resin 150 is placed. This configuration allows the second width W2 of the injection section 162 to be increased while the first width W1 is decreased. As a result, the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 is improved, the influence of propagation through the housing is reduced, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is increased.

[0035] Six injection units 162 are arranged along the ring-shaped resin 150. When viewed from the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30, the injection units 162 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the ring-shaped resin 150. This makes it easier for the resin 150 entering through the injection units 162 to spread evenly throughout the gap 161. As a result, the work efficiency of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 is improved, and rain or dust will not enter the gap 161 while the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is in use.

[0036] The resin 150 is also placed in the injection section 162, and is continuously placed in the gaps 161 located between adjacent injection sections 162 along the ring-shaped arrangement of resin 150. This prevents rain or dust from entering the gaps 161 while the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is in use.

[0037] It is preferable that the resin 150 is injected into the gap 161 through the injection section 162 after the ultrasonic element 30 has been fitted into the cavity 180. This makes it easier to continuously fill the gap 161 located between adjacent injection sections 162 along the ring-shaped arrangement of resin 150.

[0038] In the example shown in Figure 3, the injection section 162 is not positioned on a straight line connecting the centers 30C of the ultrasonic elements 30. Specifically, the injection section 162 is not positioned on a straight line L1 connecting the center 31C of the ultrasonic element 31 and the center 32C of the ultrasonic element 32. For example, the ultrasonic element 31 is an ultrasonic transmitting unit that transmits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic element 32 is an ultrasonic receiving unit that receives ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic element 31. By not positioning the injection section 162 on the straight line L1, the injection section 162 with a second width W2 is not positioned at the shortest distance between the ultrasonic elements 31 and 32. In other words, in the housing propagation between the ultrasonic elements 31 and 32, the contribution of the gap 161 with a first width W1, which is smaller than the second width W2, becomes dominant. As a result, the influence of housing propagation is reduced compared to the case where the injection section 162 with a second width W2 makes a dominant contribution, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is improved.

[0039] Similarly, the injection section 162 is not positioned on the straight line L2 connecting the center 32C of the ultrasonic element 32 and the center 34C of the ultrasonic element 34. For example, the ultrasonic element 32 is an ultrasonic transmitting section that transmits ultrasonic waves. The ultrasonic element 34 is an ultrasonic receiving section that receives ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic element 32. By not positioning the injection section 162 on the straight line L2, the injection section 162 with the second width W2 is not positioned at the shortest distance between the ultrasonic elements 32 and 34. In other words, in the housing propagation between the ultrasonic elements 32 and 34, the contribution of the gap 161 with a first width W1, which is smaller than the second width W2, becomes dominant. As a result, the influence of housing propagation is reduced compared to the case where the injection section 162 with the second width W2 makes a dominant contribution, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is improved.

[0040] In the example shown in Figure 3, four ultrasonic elements 30 are mounted on the housing 10, and when viewed from the bottom surface 30b of the ultrasonic elements 30, the centers 30C of the four ultrasonic elements 30 are arranged in a rectangle S. The injection section 162 is not positioned on a straight line connecting the centers 30C of the ultrasonic elements 30. If six injection sections 162 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center 30C for each ultrasonic element 30, the angle formed between each injection section 162 and the center 30C will be 30 degrees. On the other hand, if the centers 30C of the ultrasonic elements 30 are arranged in a square, the angle formed by the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 will be 45 degrees. As a result, even if four ultrasonic elements 31 to 34 are arranged on the housing 10, it is possible not to position the injection section 162 on a straight line connecting the centers 30C of each ultrasonic element 30. By positioning the injection section 162 on a straight line connecting the centers 30C of the ultrasonic elements 30, the injection section 162 with a second width W2 is not positioned at the shortest distance between each ultrasonic element 31 to 34. In other words, in the propagation of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic elements 30 and 34, the contribution of the gap 161 with a first width W1 becomes dominant. As a result, the influence of propagation through the housing is reduced compared to the case where the injection section 162 with a second width W2 is the dominant contributor, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is improved.

[0041] The following provides a detailed explanation of each component of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0042] (Cabinet 10) The housing 10 has a main body 15 and an umbrella portion 40. The main body 15 includes a top plate 11. Multiple ultrasonic elements 30 are arranged on the main body 15. The top plate 11 is located at the bottom of the main body 15. When viewed from above, the top plate 11 has, for example, a disc shape. The multiple ultrasonic elements 30 are held by the main body 15. The main body 15 includes the portion on which the ultrasonic elements 30 are arranged. Inside the main body 15, there may be a housing portion for accommodating a wiring board 160 or the like connected to the ultrasonic elements 30. In the example shown in Figure 2, the part of the housing 10 inside the straight line L15 is the main body 15. The straight line L15 is a line extending along the side surface 15a of the main body 15 in the Z-axis direction.

[0043] The housing 10 holds the ultrasonic element 30 such that its lower surface 30b is exposed. The ultrasonic element 30 is held by the top plate 11, with its lower surface 30b exposed downwards. The umbrella portion 40 will be described later. The top plate 11 has a first plane 12. The first plane 12 is a plane that aligns with the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0044] (Multiple ultrasonic elements 30) The multiple ultrasonic elements 30 include ultrasonic elements 31 to 34, as shown in Figure 3. The ultrasonic anemometer 100 may have three or more ultrasonic elements 30. Ultrasonic elements 31 and 32 are located apart in the X-axis direction. Ultrasonic elements 33 and 34 are located apart in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] (Lower frame 20) The lower structure 20 has a reflector 21 as shown in Figure 2. The lower structure 20 is positioned at a predetermined distance from the housing 10 in the Z-axis direction. A flow path 101 is formed between the housing 10 and the lower structure 20.

[0046] (Reflector 21) The reflector 21 is provided on the upper part of the lower body 20. The reflector 21 is positioned opposite the top plate 11 in the Z-axis direction. A flow path 101 is formed between the top plate 11 and the reflector 21, through which the fluid to be measured can pass. The fluid to be measured may be, for example, air. The reflector 21 has a surface that reflects ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic element 30. The ultrasonic waves are emitted into the flow path 101 from the bottom surface 10b of the ultrasonic element 30.

[0047] The reflector 21 has a second plane 22 and a third plane 23. The second plane 22 may be the upper surface of the reflector 21. The second plane 22 is a plane that faces the first plane 12 and is parallel to the second plane 22 in the Z-axis direction. The second plane 22 is a plane that is aligned with the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The second plane 22 is located in the center of the reflector 21 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The reflector 21 is, for example, circular in shape. Also, when viewed in the Z-axis direction, the second plane 22 includes a region that overlaps with the first plane 12. The second plane 22 may be formed in the center of the reflector 21 or it may be formed over the entire surface of the reflector 21.

[0048] The third plane 23 is formed around the second plane 22 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The third plane 23 is formed to enclose the second plane 22. The third plane 23 may be, for example, a conical inclined surface. In the example shown in Figure 2, in a cross-section along the XZ plane, the third plane 23 includes an inclined surface that is inclined with respect to the second plane 22. The upper end of the third plane 23 is located closer to the second plane 22 than the lower end of the third plane 23 in the X-axis direction. In the Z-axis direction, the lower end of the third plane 23 is located further out than the upper end of the third plane 23. The third plane 23 is inclined outward so as to face away from the second plane 22. In the third plane 23, the outer end is located below the inner end. "Outward" means that the outer end is located below the inner end. Downward is the direction away from the top plate 11 in the Z-axis direction. The third plane 23 includes a position that overlaps with the ultrasonic element 30 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The third plane 23 also includes a plane positioned directly below the multiple ultrasonic elements 30. The reflector 21 may have only the second plane 22 and not the third plane 23.

[0049] (reflected wave) The ultrasonic waves transmitted from the transmitting ultrasonic element 31 are reflected by the second plane 22 and received by the receiving ultrasonic element 32.

[0050] (Umbrella part 40) In the examples shown in Figures 1 to 3, the umbrella portion 40 is formed to surround the main body 15. The umbrella portion 40 is formed along the outer circumference of the main body 15. The umbrella portion 40 is annular when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The outer surface of the umbrella portion 40 is an inclined surface 41. The portion of the housing 10 that is outside the straight line L15 may be the umbrella portion 40.

[0051] In the example shown in Figure 2, the lower part of the umbrella portion 40 is formed to widen in the X-axis direction. Also, in the example shown in Figure 1, when viewed as a whole, the lower part of the umbrella portion 40 is formed to widen in the radial direction of the housing 10. The radial direction of the housing 10 is the direction intersecting the center line CL1 of the housing 10, and includes the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The radial direction may also be the radial direction of a virtual circle centered on the center line CL1 of the housing 10. The inclined surface 41 is inclined such that the lower side of the inclined surface 41 is positioned outward in the radial direction of the housing 10 than the upper side of the inclined surface 41. The lower side of the inclined surface 41 is positioned outward in the radial direction of the housing 10 than the upper side of the inclined surface 41.

[0052] The maximum outer diameter of the umbrella portion 40 is greater than the outer diameter of the reflector 21. In the X-axis direction, the tip portion 40a of the umbrella portion 40 is positioned radially outside the end portion 20a of the upper surface of the reflector 21. The umbrella portion 40 includes a plate-like portion. The thickness direction of the plate-like portion of the umbrella portion 40 is inclined with respect to the X-axis and Z-axis directions in the XZ plane shown in Figure 2.

[0053] (Internal space 50) In the example shown in Figure 2, an internal space 50 is formed in the housing 10. The internal space 50 is formed between the main body 15 and the umbrella portion 40 in the radial direction of the housing 10. The internal space 50 is formed inside the umbrella portion 40 in the radial direction of the housing 10. The internal space 50 is a recess that is recessed upward. The internal space 50 is formed around the entire circumference of the umbrella portion 40. The internal space 50 is formed between the side surface 15a of the main body 15 and the inner surface 43 of the umbrella portion 40. "Inside" refers to the side of the housing 10 closer to the center line CL1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. "Outside" refers to the side of the housing 10 further from the center line CL1.

[0054] (The corner 16a at the bottom of the main body 15 of the housing 10) In the example shown in Figure 7, the bottom of the housing 10 has a corner 16a positioned inward from the umbrella portion 40 in the X-axis direction. The bottom of the housing 10 includes the first plane 12 of the top plate 11. The corner 16a may also be the end of the first plane 12. The corner 16a may also be the lower end of the side surface 15a of the main body 15. The corner 16a includes a surface in contact with the internal space 50. The corner 16a may also include a surface in contact with the flow path 101. In a cross-section along the Z-axis direction, the corner 16a is rounded. The corner 16a includes a curved surface. The corner 16a is formed around the entire circumference of the main body 15.

[0055] (Indentation 17) In the example shown in Figure 7, a recess 17 is formed at the bottom of the main body 15. The recess 17 is a groove that is recessed above the first plane 12. When viewed from below, the recess 17 is formed in an annular shape. The recess 17 may also be formed intermittently in an arc shape. The recess 17 is located inside the corner 16a. The recess 17 is located outside the plurality of ultrasonic elements 30. The recess 17 is arranged to surround the plurality of ultrasonic elements 30. In other words, the plurality of ultrasonic elements 30 are located inside the annularly formed recess 17. In the Z-axis direction, the recess 17 may be formed at a position higher than the bottom surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30, or at the same height as the bottom surface 30b.

[0056] (Angle of inclination θ1 of the inclined surface 41 of the umbrella section 40) The umbrella portion 40 has an inclined surface 41 that is inclined at an angle θ1 with respect to a first plane (XY plane or horizontal plane) 12. The inclined surface 41 is the outer surface of the umbrella portion 40. The inclined surface 41 and the inner surface 43 face each other in the thickness direction of the umbrella portion 40. The inclination angle θ1 of the inclined surface 41 of the umbrella portion 40 is set to an angle such that the kinetic energy of raindrops 110 falling on the inclined surface 41 is greater than the surface tension energy of the raindrops 110 adhering to the inclined surface 41. The inclination angle θ1 may be, for example, 65 degrees. The inclination angle θ1 is the angle between a straight line along the X axis and a straight line along the inclined surface 41.

[0057] (First and second parts of the enclosure 10) The housing 10 may have a first part and a second part. The first part is, for example, the main body 15. The second part is the umbrella part 40. The main body 15 and the umbrella part 40 are formed as a single unit, for example. The main body 15 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example. The umbrella part 40 forms a conical surface, for example. In the example shown in Figure 7, the umbrella part 40 is connected to the main body 15. The material of the main body 15 and the umbrella part 40 may be, for example, resin. The material of the main body 15 and the umbrella part 40 is not limited to resin, and may be other materials.

[0058] The umbrella portion 40 may include a protruding piece 44 that extends radially from the side surface 15a of the main body 15, and an inclined portion 45 that extends diagonally downward from the protruding piece 44. The protruding piece 44 connects the main body 15 and the inclined portion 45. The thickness direction of the protruding piece 44 is along the Z-axis direction. The inclined portion 45 extends diagonally downward from the radial outer end of the protruding piece 44. The outer surface of the inclined portion 45 forms an inclined surface 41.

[0059] The second part, the umbrella portion 40, may be formed integrally with the first part, the main body 15, or it may be formed as a separate component. The umbrella portion 40 may be configured to be detachable from the main body 15. The umbrella portion 40 may have a structure that allows it to be attached to and detached from the main body 15. The umbrella portion 40 may be attached to the main body 15, for example, via other components.

[0060] (Taper at the bottom 42 of the umbrella section 40) A taper is formed at the bottom 42 of the umbrella portion 40. The bottom 42 may also be the bottom surface of the inclined portion 45. At the bottom 42 of the umbrella portion 40, the radially inner end 42a is positioned higher than the radially outer end (tip portion 40a). The end 42a may also be the end where the bottom 42 and the inner surface 43 intersect. The angle θ2 of the taper of the bottom 42 from the first plane 12 with respect to the Z-axis direction may be, for example, 12.5 degrees. A taper is formed at the bottom 42 of the umbrella portion 40, and the end 42a is positioned higher than the tip portion 40a. As a result, in the ultrasonic anemometer 100, the entry of raindrops 110 that adhere to the inclined surface 41 and fall into the internal space 50 is suppressed. The upward movement of the raindrops 110 along the taper of the bottom 42 is suppressed, and the entry of the raindrops 110 into the internal space 50 is suppressed.

[0061] (shielding plate 60) In the examples shown in Figures 2, 3, and 7, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 includes a shielding plate 60. The shielding plate 60 is an example of a shielding portion. In the example shown in Figure 7, the shielding plate 60 is positioned to cover the opening of the internal space 50. The opening of the internal space 50 faces downward. The internal space 50 is formed to be recessed upward, as described above. In the example shown in Figure 3, the shielding plate 60 is positioned outside the plurality of ultrasonic elements 30 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The shielding plate 60 is formed to form a ring shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The shielding plate 60 may be formed to cover the entire circumference of the opening of the internal space 50. The shielding plate 60 may be formed to cover the entire surface of the opening of the internal space 50.

[0062] In the examples shown in Figures 2 and 7, the shielding plate 60 has an upper surface 60a and a lower surface 60b that are opposite each other in the thickness direction. The lower surface 60b is positioned above the first plane 12 of the main body 15. The lower surface 60b is positioned further away from the first plane 12 in the Z-axis direction relative to the lower structure 20.

[0063] The lower surface 60b of the shielding plate 60 is positioned above the bottom 42 of the umbrella portion 40. The lower surface 60b of the shielding plate 60 is positioned above the radially inner end 42a of the bottom 42.

[0064] The shielding plate 60 is fixed to the umbrella portion 40 by, for example, a plurality of screws 62. The shielding plate 60 has through holes that penetrate in the thickness direction. The screws 62 are inserted through the through holes in the shielding plate 60, and the heads 62a of the screws 62 are positioned below the lower surface 60b of the shielding plate 60. The umbrella portion 40 has fixing parts 61 to which the screws 62 are fixed. The fixing parts 61 are, for example, cylindrical. A threaded portion is formed on the inner surface of the cylindrical body. The fixing parts 61 extend downward from, for example, the protruding piece 44. The upper surface 60a of the shielding plate 60 is in contact with the lower end of the fixing parts 61. The heads 62a of the screws 62 are positioned above the first plane 12 and the tip portion 40a of the umbrella portion 40. In other words, the heads 62a of the screws 62 do not protrude below the first plane 12 and the tip portion 440a. For example, in a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer 100, the shielding plate 60 can be fixed to the fixing part 61 by attaching a screw 62 while the shielding plate 60 is pressed against the lower end of the fixing part 61. Furthermore, the head 62a of the screw 62 may be positioned so as not to protrude from the lower surface 60b of the shielding plate 60.

[0065] In the example shown in Figure 3, the shielding plate 60 is positioned to cover all of the openings in the internal space 50 when viewed from the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. However, the shielding plate 60 is not limited to covering all of the openings in the internal space 50.

[0066] (Wiring board 160) In the example shown in Figure 7, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 includes a wiring board 160 electrically connected to the ultrasonic elements 30. The wiring board 160 may be, for example, an FPC (Flexible Printed Circuit). The ultrasonic elements 30 may also be electrically connected to an FPC that is positioned at a distance in the Z-axis direction from the wiring board 160. The wiring board 160 is positioned above the plurality of ultrasonic elements 30 and is housed inside the main body 15. The wiring board 160 is fixed to the main body 15 using fixing members (e.g., screws). The thickness direction of the wiring board 160 is along the Z-axis direction. Semiconductor elements, resistors, diodes, capacitors, high-frequency devices, etc., may be mounted on the wiring board 160. The wiring board 160 is positioned at a distance above the ultrasonic elements 30.

[0067] (Ultrasonic element 30) In the example shown in Figure 5, the ultrasonic element 30 has a main body 131 that houses a piezoelectric element. The main body 131 is, for example, cylindrical. A flange 132 is formed on the upper part of the main body 131. The flange 132 protrudes radially outward from the main body 131. The ultrasonic element 30 has an upper part 133 that covers the opening at the top of the main body 131. The upper part 133 is, for example, disc-shaped. A protrusion 134 of the upper part 133 rests on the flange 132.

[0068] (Wiring 81 and Wiring 82) In the examples shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 has wiring 81 and wiring 82 connected to the ultrasonic element 30. Wiring 81 and wiring 82 electrically connect the ultrasonic element 30 to a semiconductor element 163 located on the wiring board 160. Wiring 81 and wiring 82 are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element of the ultrasonic element 30. For example, wiring 81 is a signal line and wiring 82 is a ground line. Wiring 81 and wiring 82 penetrate the upper part 133 and extend in the Z-axis direction. Wiring 81 and wiring 82 extend upward from the upper surface 133a of the upper part 133.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 5, the multiple wires 81 and 82 are spaced apart in the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30. The radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30 may be intersecting with the Z-axis direction and may include the X-axis and Y-axis directions. The radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30 may also be parallel to the X-axis and Y-axis directions.

[0070] (Vibration-damping member 70) In the examples shown in Figures 5 to 8, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 includes a vibration-damping member 70 that covers a portion of the upper surface and the upper side surface of the ultrasonic element 30. The vibration-damping member 70 may be made of, for example, rubber. The vibration-damping member 70 may also be made of, for example, an elastic material. The vibration-damping member 70 is in contact with the ultrasonic element 30 and in contact with the inner circumferential surface of the cavity 180 of the main body 15. Here, since the vibration-damping member 70 is made of a material that does not easily transmit vibrations, it can suppress the transmission of vibrations from the ultrasonic element 30 to the main body 15. The vibration-damping member 70 is formed such that a portion of the upper surface 133a of the upper part 133 of the ultrasonic element 30 is exposed.

[0071] The upper side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 may include, for example, the outer peripheral surface 133b of the upper part 133. The upper side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 may also include the outer peripheral surface 132b of the flange portion 132.

[0072] The vibration-damping member 70 is formed to form a ring shape when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The cross-sectional shape of the vibration-damping member 70 is formed to include, for example, two bent portions. The vibration-damping member 70 has, for example, a first portion 71, a second portion 72, and a third portion 73.

[0073] The first part 71 is positioned on the outer periphery of the upper surface 133a of the upper part 133. The second part 72 is positioned away from the first part 71 in the Z-axis direction. The second part 72 is positioned below the flange 132. The second part 72 contacts the flange 132 from below. The outer periphery of the upper part 133 and the flange 132 are sandwiched between the first part 71 and the second part 72 in the Z-axis direction.

[0074] The third portion 73 connects the first portion 71 and the second portion 72 in the Z-axis direction. The third portion 73 is positioned to cover the outer circumferential surface 133b of the upper portion 133 and the outer circumferential surface 132b of the flange portion 132.

[0075] (Pressing member 90) As shown in Figure 7, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 includes a retaining member 90. The retaining member 90 is positioned above the vibration-damping member 70 and fixed to the main body 15 of the housing 10. The retaining member 90 has a main body plate 91, a boss portion 92, and a contact portion 93. The retaining member 90 is made of resin.

[0076] The main plate 91 is positioned such that its thickness direction is aligned with the Z-axis direction. The main plate 91 is positioned to cover the ultrasonic element 30 and the vibration-damping member 70 from above. The boss portion 92 protrudes upward from the main plate 91. The boss portion 92 has through holes 92a through which the wiring 81 and 82 are inserted. The through holes 92a of the boss portion 92 pass through the retaining member 90 in the Z-axis direction. The retaining member 90 is not ring-shaped but is a flat plate that covers the ultrasonic element 30 and the vibration-damping member 70, thus increasing its strength. The boss portion 92 may also pass through an opening formed in the wiring board 160 and extend upward in the Z-axis direction. Alternatively, the upper surface of the boss portion 92 may be below the wiring board 160 in the Z-axis direction, and the wiring 81 and 82 may pass through an opening formed in the wiring board 160 and extend upward in the Z-axis direction.

[0077] The main body plate 91 is fixed to the housing 10, for example, by screws 171. The housing 10 has a fixing part 172 for fixing the main body plate 91. The fixing part 172 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. The fixing part 172 has an insertion hole into which the screws 171 are screwed. The fixing part 172 extends upward from the top surface of the top plate 11, for example. The main body plate 91 is placed on top of the fixing part 172. The screws 171 are tightened from above, fixing the main body plate 91 to the fixing part 172.

[0078] The contact portion 93 protrudes downward from the main plate 91 and is the part that contacts the vibration-damping member 70. The contact portion 93 is formed in a position that overlaps with the vibration-damping member 70 when viewed in the Z-axis direction. The contact portion 93 contacts the upper surface of the first portion 71 of the vibration-damping member 70. The retaining member 90 can press down on the vibration-damping member 70 from above. The contact portion 93 may be embedded in the vibration-damping member 70. The width of the contact portion 93 may be narrower than the width of the first portion 71. The width of the first portion 71 is the width along the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30. The width of the contact portion 93 is the width along the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30. By tightening the screw 171 shown in Figure 7, the retaining member 90 can be moved downward, and the contact portion 93 can be brought into contact with the vibration-damping member 70. The vibration-damping member 70 is fixed to the housing 10 by a retaining member 90, a screw 171, and a fixing part 172.

[0079] (Connection of wiring 81 and wiring 82) Wires 81 and 82 are inserted through through holes 92a and extend upward in the Z-axis direction. A flexible printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as FPC) 165 is arranged on the wiring board 160 at a predetermined distance in the Z-axis direction. Wires 81 and 82 are inserted through openings formed in the FPC 165 and extend upward in the Z-axis direction. The FPC 165 has multiple wires, and wires 81 and 82 are electrically connected to separate wires formed in the FPC 165, for example, by solder. Wires 81 and 82 are connected to circuit elements via the FPC 165.

[0080] (Arrangement of ultrasonic element 30) A cavity 180, which is an opening for arranging the ultrasonic element 30, is formed in the top plate 11. The cavity 180 communicates with the internal space of the main body 15. The upper surface 133a of the upper part 133 of the ultrasonic element 30 is positioned below the upper surface 10a of the housing 10 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 7, the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 is positioned above the first plane 12 of the housing 10 in the Z-axis direction.

[0081] (Sealing member 120) In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 7, the sealing member 120 is positioned between the side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 and the inner surface of the cavity 180. The side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 is the side surface of the main body 131. The sealing member 120 is, for example, an O-ring. The sealing member 120 prevents water from entering the interior of the housing 10 through the gap between the side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 and the inner surface of the cavity 180.

[0082] The sealing member 120 is positioned below the vibration-damping member 70. The sealing member 120 is positioned below the second portion 72 of the vibration-damping member 70. The second portion 72 and the sealing member 120 are positioned apart in the Z-axis direction. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the sealing member 120 may be positioned to overlap with the second portion 72.

[0083] (150 resins) As shown in Figure 5, the resin 150 is placed in the gap 161 between the side surface of the ultrasonic element 30 and the inner circumferential surface 181 of the cavity 180. The resin 150 may be a waterproof resin. The resin 150 is placed below the sealing member 120.

[0084] (Washer 190) The ultrasonic anemometer 100 includes a ring-shaped washer 190. The washer 190 is positioned between the vibration-damping member 70 and the sealing member 120 in the Z-axis direction. The lower surface of the washer 190 is in contact with the sealing member 120. The upper surface of the washer 190 is in contact with the second portion 72 of the vibration-damping member 70. The outer diameter of the washer 190 may be larger than the outer diameter of the lower surface of the vibration-damping member 70. The outer diameter of the washer 190 may be larger than the outer diameter of the second portion 72.

[0085] (Inner surface and step of cavity 180) In the examples shown in Figures 9 and 10, the inner circumferential surface 180a of the cavity 180 is composed of inner circumferential surfaces 181, 182, and 183. Inner circumferential surfaces 181 to 183 are formed in this order from bottom to top. In the example shown in Figure 9, the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 182 is larger than the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 181. The inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 183 is larger than the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 182. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 10, the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 182 and the inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 181 are approximately equal. The inner diameter of inner circumferential surface 183 is larger than the inner diameters of inner circumferential surfaces 182 and 181, respectively.

[0086] In the example of the inner circumferential surface and stepped surface corresponding to the portion without the injection section shown in Figure 9, a first step 185 and a second step 184 are formed in the cavity 180. The first step 185 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 182 and the inner circumferential surface 183. The second step 184 is formed between the inner circumferential surface 181 and the inner circumferential surface 182. The first step 185 and the second step 184 may be surfaces parallel to the XY plane and are upward-facing surfaces. On the other hand, in the example of the inner circumferential surface and stepped surface including the injection section 162 shown in Figure 10, only the first step 185 is formed, and the second step 184 is not formed.

[0087] Resin 150 is placed in the gap 161 between the outer surface (in other words, the side circle 30d in Figure 4) and the inner circumferential surface 181 (in other words, the side circle 10a1 in Figure 4) of the ultrasonic element 30. In the example shown in Figure 9, resin 150 is placed below the second step 184. Here, the second step 184 functions as a stopper to prevent the sealing member from falling. Resin 150 and the sealing member 120 are placed in the gap 161 between the outer surface and the inner circumferential surface 182 of the ultrasonic element 30. The sealing member 120 is placed on top of the resin 150. Note that the sealing member 120 may be in contact with the second step 184. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 10, resin 150 and the sealing member 120 are placed in the gap 161 between the outer surface and the inner circumferential surface 182 of the ultrasonic element 30.

[0088] A washer 190 is placed on the first step 185. The washer 190 is positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface 183 of the ultrasonic element 30. A portion of the vibration-damping member 70 is positioned between the outer surface and the inner surface 183 of the ultrasonic element 30. In the radial direction of the ultrasonic element 30, a gap may be formed between the vibration-damping member 70 and the inner surface 183, or the vibration-damping member 70 may be in contact with the inner surface 183 without such a gap being formed.

[0089] (Positional relationship between the cavity 180, the ultrasonic element 30, the vibration-damping member 70, and the sealing member 120) Referring to Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10, the positional relationships between the cavity 180 and the ultrasonic element 30, vibration damping member 70, and sealing member 120 will be explained.

[0090] In the examples shown in Figures 5, 6, 9, and 10, the upper part 133 of the ultrasonic element 30 has a protrusion 134 that is wider than the lower part 135. The housing 10 exposed by the cavity 180 has a first step 185. The vibration-damping member 70 is positioned so as to sandwich the protrusion 134 and so as to rest a portion of it on the first step 185. With this configuration, the vibration-damping effect of the vibration-damping member 70 can be suitably obtained.

[0091] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 9, the housing 10 exposed by the cavity 180 has a second step 184 below a first step 185. The sealing member 120 is positioned on the second step 184, in contact with the housing 10 and the ultrasonic element 30. This configuration allows for a favorable sealing effect from the sealing member 120.

[0092] In the example of a cross-section without the injection section 162 shown in Figure 5, the ultrasonic element 30 is cylindrical, and the portion below the second step 184 becomes the first width W1. This configuration reduces propagation through the housing and improves the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100. On the other hand, in the example of a cross-section including the injection section 162 shown in Figure 6, the portion below the first step 185 becomes the second width W2. This configuration improves the work efficiency of the process of filling the gap 161 with resin 150 by pouring resin through the injection section 162.

[0093] In the examples shown in Figures 5 and 6, the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 is exposed. The upper surface 150a of the resin 150 is below the first step 185, and the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is exposed. This configuration reduces propagation through the housing and improves the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0094] <Manufacturing method for ultrasonic anemometer 100> The manufacturing method of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing method of the ultrasonic anemometer 100. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a dispenser 200 used for applying the resin 150 in the manufacturing method of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0095] As shown in Figure 11, in the manufacturing method of the ultrasonic anemometer 100, first, in step S11, a housing 10 having a cavity 180, an ultrasonic element 30 having a protrusion 134 on its upper part 133 that is wider than the lower part 135, and a vibration-damping member 70 are prepared. Note that the housing 10, ultrasonic element 30, and vibration-damping member 70 may be prepared by acquisition, including purchase.

[0096] Next, after the preparation step (S11), in step S12, the first step of attaching the vibration-damping member 70 to the protrusion 134 is performed.

[0097] Next, after the first step (S12), a second step is performed in step S13, in which the ultrasonic element 30 is inserted into the cavity 180.

[0098] Next, after the second step (S13), in step S14, a third step is performed in which resin 150 is injected from an injection section 162, which is larger than the first width W1, into the gap 161 of first width W1 created between the ultrasonic element 30 and the housing 10. The first width W1 is smaller than the minimum outer diameter d of the tip of the needle 210 of the dispenser 200 shown in Figure 12.

[0099] As described above, the ultrasonic anemometer 100 can be manufactured in this embodiment.

[0100] In this embodiment, in step S14, the resin 150 is injected from an injection section 162 that is larger than the first width W1. Injecting the resin 150 through the injection section 162 makes it easier for the resin 150 to enter the gap 161, improving the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161. In addition, in the parts of the gap 161 other than the injection section 162, the first width W1 is smaller than the second width W2 of the injection section 162, thus reducing propagation through the housing. As a result, the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 is improved. Therefore, in this embodiment, the workability of the process of placing the resin 150 in the gap 161 is improved, and the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100 can be increased.

[0101] In this embodiment, the first width W1 is smaller than the minimum outer diameter d of the tip of the needle 210 of the dispenser 200. This reduces propagation through the housing and improves the measurement accuracy of the ultrasonic anemometer 100.

[0102] [Differentiation] Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer 100a according to a modified example, showing a cross-section along the XZ plane. Figure 13 shows an excerpt of a schematic cross-section of the ultrasonic anemometer 100a corresponding to the VV line in Figure 4. Figure 14 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the overall configuration of an ultrasonic anemometer 100a, showing a cross-section along the YZ plane. Figure 14 shows an excerpt of a schematic cross-section of the ultrasonic anemometer 100a corresponding to the VI-VI line in Figure 4.

[0103] In the ultrasonic anemometer 100a, the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located above the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. The resin 150 is also positioned in the gap 161 between the side surface 30e of the ultrasonic element 30 and the side surface 10a2 of the cavity 180. In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the side surface 30e of the ultrasonic element 30 includes a straight section 30e1 extending in the vertical direction and a curved section 30e2 located below the straight section 30e1 and continuous with the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30, in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction). The lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located above the boundary B between the straight section 30e1 and the curved section 30e2 in the vertical direction. In the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the side surface 30e of the ultrasonic element 30 is equal to the side circle 30d of the ultrasonic element 30. Furthermore, the side surface 10a2 of the cavity 180 is equal to the side circle 10a1 of the cavity 180.

[0104] For example, if the amount of resin 150 placed in the gap 161 increases, and the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 becomes lower than the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30 in the vertical direction, the amount of ultrasonic waves emitted by the ultrasonic element 30 that propagate to the housing 10 may increase. An increase in the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10 can easily reduce the accuracy of wind speed and wind direction measurements by the ultrasonic anemometer. Here, Figure 15 illustrates the relationship between the vertical position of the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 placed in the gap 161 and the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15, the lower the position of the lower surface 150b of the resin 150, the greater the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10. Furthermore, when the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is lower than boundary B, the increase in the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10 is particularly pronounced. In Figure 15, boundary position BH indicates the position of boundary B in the vertical direction. When the position of the lower surface 150b is lower than boundary position BH, the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10 increases exponentially.

[0106] The reason why the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10 increases particularly when the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located below boundary B will be explained. When the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located above boundary B, the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 intersects with the straight section 30e1. Since the straight section 30e1 is parallel to the vibration direction of the ultrasonic element 30, the vibrations generated by the ultrasonic element 30 are not easily transmitted to the housing 10. On the other hand, when the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located below boundary B in the vertical direction, the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 intersects with the curved section 30e2. Since the curved section 30e2 is not parallel to the vibration direction of the ultrasonic element 30, the vibrations generated by the ultrasonic element 30 are easily transmitted to the housing 10. As a result, when the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is located below boundary B, the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10 increases particularly.

[0107] In the ultrasonic anemometer 100a, the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is positioned above the lower surface 30b of the ultrasonic element 30. This suppresses the increase in the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10. Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 13 and 14, the lower surface 150b of the resin 150 is positioned above boundary B. This further suppresses the increase in the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10. By suppressing the increase in the amount of ultrasonic waves propagating to the housing 10, the ultrasonic anemometer 100a can reduce the decrease in the measurement accuracy of wind speed and wind direction.

[0108] Other effects in the modified form are the same as those in the embodiment.

[0109] It should be noted that other embodiments may be possible, such as those in which other components are combined with the configurations listed in the above embodiments, and this disclosure is not in any way limited to the configurations shown herein. In this regard, modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of this disclosure, and can be appropriately determined according to the application.

[0110] The aspects of this disclosure are, for example, as follows: <1> An ultrasonic anemometer is characterized by comprising a housing, an ultrasonic element disposed in a cavity of the housing, a vibration-damping member disposed between the upper part of the ultrasonic element and the housing, and a resin disposed in a gap of first width between the lower part of the ultrasonic element and the housing, wherein an injection section is provided in the gap into which the resin is injected, and the injection section has a second width that is larger than the first width. <2> The upper part of the ultrasonic element has a protrusion that is wider than the lower part, the housing exposed by the cavity has a first step, and the vibration-damping member is positioned so as to sandwich the protrusion and so as to rest a part of the first step, characterized in that <1> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <3> The housing exposed by the cavity has a second step below the first step, is in contact with the housing and the ultrasonic element, and a sealing member is disposed on the second step, characterized in that <2> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <4> The ultrasonic element is cylindrical, and the gap below the first step is the first width, characterized in that <2> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <5> The lower surface of the ultrasonic element is exposed, the upper surface of the resin is below the first step, and the lower surface of the resin is exposed, characterized in that <4> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <6> The ultrasonic element is characterized in that, when viewed from the lower surface, the cavity is circular, the resin is arranged in a ring shape in the gap between the side circle of the ultrasonic element and the side circle of the cavity, and the injection portion is a protrusion provided in a part of the ring-shaped gap in which the resin is arranged. <5> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <7> The injection units are arranged in a plurality along the ring-shaped resin, and when viewed from the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, the injection units are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the ring-shaped resin, characterized in that <6> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <8> The resin is also disposed in the injection section and is continuously disposed in the gaps located between adjacent injection sections along the ring-shaped arrangement of the resin, characterized in that <7> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <9> The resin is characterized in that it is injected into the gap through the injection part after the ultrasonic element is fitted into the cavity. <8> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <10> The ultrasonic elements are mounted in multiple locations on the housing, and the injection section is not located on a straight line connecting the centers of the ultrasonic elements, characterized in that <8> or the above <9> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <11> The ultrasonic elements are mounted four times on the housing, and when viewed from the bottom surface of the ultrasonic elements, the centers of the four ultrasonic elements are arranged in a square shape, and the injection portion is not located on a straight line connecting the centers of the ultrasonic elements. <8> from the above <10> It is an ultrasonic anemometer as described in one of the following documents. <12> The lower surface of the resin is located above the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, characterized in that <1> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <13> The resin is disposed in the gap between the side surface of the ultrasonic element and the side surface of the cavity, and the side surface of the ultrasonic element includes, in a cross section parallel to the vertical direction, a straight portion extending in the vertical direction and a curved portion located below the straight portion and continuous with the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, and the lower surface of the resin is located above the boundary between the straight portion and the curved portion in the vertical direction, characterized in that <12> This is the ultrasonic anemometer described in [reference]. <14> A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer, comprising: a first step of preparing a housing having a cavity, an ultrasonic element having a protrusion on its upper part that is wider than the lower part, and a vibration-damping member, and attaching the vibration-damping member to the protrusion; a second step of inserting the ultrasonic element into the cavity after the first step; and a third step of injecting resin into a gap of a first width between the ultrasonic element and the housing from an injection part larger than the first width after the second step. <15> The first width is smaller than the minimum outer diameter of the needle tip of the dispenser used for applying the resin, characterized in that <14> This is a method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer as described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0111] 10: Housing, 10a1: Side circle, 10a2: Side, 11: Top plate, 12: First plane, 13: Support column, 15: Main body, 16a: Corner, 17: Recess, 18: Countersunk hole, 20: Lower frame, 20a: End, 21: Reflector, 22: Second plane, 23: Third plane, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34: Ultrasonic element, 30b: Bottom surface, 30d: Side circle, 30e: Side , 30C, 31C, 32C, 33C, 34C: Center, 30b: Bottom surface, 40: Umbrella section, 40a: Tip section, 50: Internal space, 60: Shielding plate, 61: Fixed section, 62: Screw, 70 : Vibration isolation member, 71: First part, 72: Second part, 73: Third part, 81, 82: Wiring, 91: Main body plate, 100, 100a: Ultrasonic anemometer, 120: Sealing member, 132: Flange, 132b: outer surface, 133: upper part, 133b: outer surface, 133a: upper surface, 134: convex part, 135: lower part, 150: resin, 150a: upper surface, 150b: lower surface, 160: wiring board, 161: gap, 162, 162-1, 162-2, 162-3, 162-4: injection part, 163: semiconductor element, 165: FPC, 171: screw, 172: Fixed part, 180: hollow, 181, 182, 183: inner circumferential surface, 184: second step, 185: first step, 190: washer, 200: dispenser, 210: needle, 440a: tip, CL1: center line, d: minimum outer diameter, L1, L2, L15: straight line, S: quadrilateral, W1: first width, W2: second width, X: X-axis direction, Y: Y-axis direction, Z: Z-axis direction

Claims

1. The casing and An ultrasonic element is placed in the cavity of the housing, A vibration-damping member is disposed between the upper part of the ultrasonic element and the housing, The device comprises a resin disposed in a gap of first width between the lower part of the ultrasonic element and the housing, An injection section is provided in the gap into which the resin is injected. The ultrasonic anemometer is characterized in that the injection section has a second width that is larger than the first width.

2. The upper part of the ultrasonic element has a convex portion that is wider than the lower part. The housing exposed by the aforementioned cavity has a first step, The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration-damping member is positioned to sandwich the protrusion and a portion of it rests on the first step.

3. The housing exposed by the cavity has a second step below the first step, The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 2, characterized in that a sealing member is arranged on the second step, in contact with the housing and the ultrasonic element.

4. The ultrasonic element is cylindrical, The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 2, characterized in that the gap below the first step is the first width.

5. The lower surface of the ultrasonic element is exposed. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 4, characterized in that the upper surface of the resin is below the first step and the lower surface of the resin is exposed.

6. When viewed from the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, the cavity is circular. The resin is arranged in a ring shape in the gap between the side circle of the ultrasonic element and the side circle of the cavity. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 5, characterized in that the injection portion is a protrusion provided in a part of the ring-shaped gap in which the resin is arranged.

7. Multiple injection units are arranged along the ring-shaped resin, The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 6, characterized in that, when viewed from the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, the injection portion is arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center of the ring-shaped resin.

8. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 7, characterized in that the resin is also arranged in the injection section and is continuously arranged in the gaps located between adjacent injection sections along the ring-shaped arrangement of the resin.

9. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 8, characterized in that the resin is injected into the gap through the injection part after the ultrasonic element is fitted into the cavity.

10. Multiple ultrasonic elements are mounted on the housing. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 8, characterized in that the injection section is not located on a straight line connecting the centers of the ultrasonic elements.

11. Four of the ultrasonic elements are mounted on the housing. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 8, characterized in that, when viewed from the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, the injection portion is arranged such that the centers of the four ultrasonic elements are arranged in a square shape and are not located on a straight line connecting the centers of the ultrasonic elements.

12. The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower surface of the resin is located above the lower surface of the ultrasonic element.

13. The resin is placed in the gap between the side surface of the ultrasonic element and the side surface of the cavity. The side surface of the ultrasonic element, in a cross-section parallel to the vertical direction, The aforementioned straight section extending in the vertical direction, It includes a curved portion located below the straight portion and continuous with the lower surface of the ultrasonic element, The ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 12, characterized in that the lower surface of the resin is located above the boundary between the straight portion and the curved portion in the vertical direction.

14. A housing having a cavity, An ultrasonic element having a convex portion at the top that is wider than the bottom, Prepare vibration-damping materials, The first step is to attach the vibration-damping member to the protrusion, The process is followed by a second step of inserting the ultrasonic element into the cavity, A method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer, comprising: a third step of injecting resin from an injection part larger than the first width into a gap of first width formed between the ultrasonic element and the housing after the second step.

15. The method for manufacturing an ultrasonic anemometer according to claim 14, characterized in that the first width is smaller than the minimum outer diameter of the needle tip of a dispenser used for coating resin.

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