Depth measuring device

Abstract

To provide an instrument which is hardly affected by waves even when used in the sea and can therefore accurately measure water depth. [Solution] A floating sonar used for measuring water depth comprises a sonar body 2 that is located underwater and transmits ultrasonic waves toward the bottom of the water and receives the reflected waves to measure the water depth, a cylindrical holder 3 that holds at least the upper half of the sonar body 2, a cylindrical base 4 with a smaller diameter than the holder 3, and a rod-shaped antenna 5 with an even smaller diameter than the base 4, extending upward from the upper end surface of the base 4, with at least its upper end located in the air. A ring-shaped, large-diameter first weight 6a is inserted through the base 4 and can be detachably attached so as to be placed on the upper surface of the holder 3. A ring-shaped, small-diameter second weight 6b is inserted through the antenna 5 and can be detachably attached so as to be placed on the upper surface of the base 4.

Description

[Technical field]

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

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

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

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

[0005] On the other hand, the floating-type bathymetry device 20 described in Patent Document 2 has the advantages of being small in size, therefore the manufacturing costs are low, and it is easy to handle.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] It is not necessary to use the weight when the waves are small. In this case, the center of gravity of the bathymetry device can be raised and most of the antenna can be placed in the air, which allows for better transmission and reception with an external terminal.

[0018] In addition, according to the present invention, the sonar is composed of a sonar body located underwater, a holder that holds approximately the upper half of the sonar body, a base with a smaller diameter than the holder, and an antenna with a smaller diameter than the base, extending upward from its upper end surface, and at least its upper end being located in the air, and the first weight is placed on the upper surface of the holder and the second weight is placed on the base, so that it is less affected by waves and can perform accurate water depth measurement.

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

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

[0021] In addition, the sonar body of the present invention is a hemispherical body with the lower half exposed, and therefore the outer periphery is a smoothly curved surface, which reduces wave resistance and allows for more accurate depth measurement without being affected by waves.

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

[0023] Furthermore, in the bathymetry device of the present invention, a mooring wire connected to a structure is connected to the top of the antenna and the outer circumferential surface of the holder, so that, for example, when the separately molded antenna and holder are assembled by fitting them together, even if the holder comes off from the antenna during bathymetry, the holder (and the sonar body) will not be carried away. Therefore, a reliable and stable bathymetry can be performed.

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

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a bathymetry device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the bathymetry device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the bathymetry device shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to a comparative example. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a depth surveying device according to another comparative example. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a conventional bathymetry device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0027] The depth surveying device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a floating type used for surveying the depth of the sea, rivers, lakes, ponds, etc., and has a sonar body 2, a holder 3, a base 4 and an antenna 5.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] The depth surveying device 1 according to the first embodiment can accurately survey the water depth in places that are not easily affected by waves (such as lakes and ponds) without using the first weight 6a and the second weight 6b. In this case, since the center of gravity of the depth surveying device 1 is high (i.e., the draft range H is small), a larger portion of the antenna 5 can be exposed to the air, and the sensitivity of the antenna 5 can be increased. Therefore, transmission and reception with the external terminal T can be improved.

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

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

[0039] In addition, the bathymetry device 1 according to the first embodiment is a hemispherical body with the lower half of the sonar body 2 exposed, and the outer circumferential surface is smoothly curved, so it is less susceptible to resistance from waves. Therefore, it is possible to suppress up and down movements caused by waves, and perform more accurate bathymetry.

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

[0041] In addition, since the depth surveying device 1 of the first embodiment uses two weights 6a, 6b, it has the advantage that the draft range H can be fine-tuned and adjustments are easier to make compared to those that use one weight (for example, the depth surveying device 1 of the third embodiment described below). Taking these points into consideration, it is also possible to configure a depth surveying device 1 that can use three or more weights (for example, by increasing the number of steps D on which weights 6 are placed, or by placing another weight 6 on top of a weight 6).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0048] In addition, a step D is formed by the holder 3 and the antenna 5, which has a smaller diameter than the holder 3, and a weight 6 that can be detachably attached is placed on the step D so that it can be inserted through the antenna 5 and placed on the upper surface of the holder 3. The weight 6 is in the shape of a ring with an inner diameter that allows the antenna 5 to be inserted therethrough.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0055] Furthermore, in a floating depth surveying device, the configuration of forming a step D and removably placing a weight 6 thereon to freely adjust the draft range H is not described at all in the above-mentioned patent documents.

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

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

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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