Alignment device and alignment method

Abstract

An alignment device (3) according to the present disclosure includes: a laser emitting unit (31) that emits laser light (L) and is provided such that the laser light (L) arrives at a position which is on a straight line extending in the vibration direction from the tip of a stinger (12) and which is more on the vibration-direction side than a tip; a laser receiving unit (32) that is provided so as to receive the laser light (L) reflected at an object (A) when a vibrator body (1) is installed such that the vibration direction is a direction normal to a vibration position on the surface of the object (A); and a control unit (33) that determines whether the light amount of the laser light (L) is greater than or equal to a prescribed value.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an alignment device and an alignment method. [Background technology]

[0002] When constructing a structure, it is known to measure the natural frequency of the structure through modal testing to prevent resonance in the structure (see Non-Patent Document 1). The simplest and most common method of modal testing is performed using an impulse hammer and an accelerometer.

[0003] Since an impulse hammer vibrates a structure by manual force, when a large structure such as a bridge is vibrated by an impulse hammer, the excitation force is significantly attenuated, and it may not be possible to measure the resonant frequency with the desired accuracy.In contrast, a typical vibrator used in modal experiments can vibrate a large structure with a sufficient magnitude to measure the resonant frequency with the desired accuracy.

[0004] For example, Non-Patent Document 2 describes a vibration exciter that is attached to a fixing device and installed on the side of a vehicle to vibrate the flat side of the vehicle compared to pipes, etc. The vibration exciter described in Non-Patent Document 2 is configured so that even if the stinger that is brought into contact with the side of the vehicle is slightly misaligned, the vibration exciter itself rotates, thereby vibrating the vehicle at the desired position on the side of the vehicle. Also, Non-Patent Document 3 describes a multi-axis simulation table that can reproduce six-degree-of-freedom motion by vibrating a test body attached to a base. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] M. Watanabe and 3 others, "Identification of Natural Frequencies of Skew Bridges Based on Bridge Vibration Experiments and Fundamental Study on the Influence of Damage to Components on Vibration Characteristics," Japan Society of Civil Engineers, Structural Engineering Journal, Vol. 60A, March 2014. [Non-patent document 2] "MD-0348-revA (Modal Analysis Testing with Large Channel Systems Diagram-NVH)-1021", [online], [Retrieved April 1, 2022], Internet <URL:https: / / www.pcb.com / contentstore / MktgContent / LinkedDocuments / AutomotiveSensors / ModalAnalysisDiagram-NVH2.pdf> [Non-patent document 3] Ryuji Uehara and five others, "Development of a High-Precision Actual Driving Simulation System for Automotive Component Durability Testing," Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Technical Review, Vol. 45, No. 3, 2008 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, because the vibrators described in Non-Patent Documents 2 and 3 are installed visually, they may not be able to accurately vibrate an object such as a structure in the normal direction to the surface of the object. In particular, the stinger of the vibrator has a thin, flexible rod-like structure, making it difficult to visually recognize that the vibration direction, in which the stinger extends, is misaligned with the normal direction to the surface of the object. This can make it difficult to accurately grasp the characteristics of the object and can also result in damage to the stinger of the vibrator.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an alignment device and an alignment method that can accurately align a vibrator so as to vibrate an object in the normal direction of the surface of the object. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the alignment device according to the present disclosure is an alignment device that aligns a vibrator main body with the object, the vibrator main body having a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, and a stinger having one end held by the vibration generating unit and extending in a vibration direction in which the vibrations are generated, the alignment device having a laser emitting unit that emits laser light and is arranged so that the laser light reaches a position on a line extending in the vibration direction from a tip that is an end of the stinger opposite to the one end, and on the side of the tip in the vibration direction, a laser receiving unit that is arranged to receive the laser light emitted by the laser emitting unit and reflected by the object when the vibrator main body is installed so that the vibration direction is normal to the surface of the object at the vibration excitation position, and a control unit that determines whether the light amount of the laser light received by the laser receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to solve the above-described problems, a method for aligning a vibrator according to the present disclosure is a method for aligning an alignment device that aligns a vibrator main body with respect to an object, the vibrator main body having a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations and a stinger having one end held by the vibration generating unit and extending in a vibration direction in which the vibrations are generated, the alignment device emitting laser light, and aligning the laser light to a position on a straight line extending in the vibration direction from a tip that is an end of the stinger opposite to the one end, a laser emitting unit that is arranged to reach a position on the side of the vibration direction from the tip, and a laser receiving unit that is arranged to receive laser light that is emitted by the laser emitting unit and reflected by the object when the vibrator body is installed so that the vibration direction is the normal direction to the surface of the object at the vibration position, and the alignment method includes the steps of: emitting the laser light from the laser emitting unit; and determining whether the amount of laser light received by the laser receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the vibrator can be positioned so as to vibrate the object precisely in the normal direction of the surface of the object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibrator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which the vibrator main body shown in FIG. 2 vibrates an object located below. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing a positioning method for installing the vibrator body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibrator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an example of a vibrator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the vibrator shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] <<First embodiment>> The overall configuration of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vibration exciter 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the vibration exciter 100 includes a vibration exciter main body 1, a covering surface 2, and an alignment section (alignment device) 3.

[0014] The vibrator body 1 vibrates the object A. The vibrator body 1 includes a vibration generating unit 11, a stinger 12, and an impedance head 13.

[0015] The vibration generating unit 11 generates vibrations.

[0016] One end of stinger 12 is held by vibration generating unit 11, and extends in the excitation direction in which vibrations are generated (the positive direction of the Z axis in the example of FIG. 1). One end of stinger 12 may be passed through a stinger hole provided in vibration generating unit 11 and held to vibration generating unit 11 by a screw or the like. Stinger 12 may also have a hollow space inside that extends in the extension direction of stinger 12.

[0017] Impedance head 13 is a sensor that detects physical quantities related to vibration (such as the magnitude of the excitation force and acceleration). Impedance head 13 is attached to the end (hereinafter referred to as the "tip") of Stinger 12 opposite to the one end described above. When vibration generating unit 11 generates vibrations in Stinger 12, object A in contact with impedance head 13 attached to the tip of Stinger 12 is vibrated.

[0018] Furthermore, the impedance head 13 is removable. The impedance head 13 is removed from the stinger 12 during alignment, and is attached to the stinger 12 after the alignment is complete and before vibration is applied.

[0019] The covering surface 2 is a planar member that covers a part of the vibrator body 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the covering surface 2 has a first covering surface 21 and two second covering surfaces 22 (second covering surfaces 22a and 22b).

[0020] The first covering surface 21 is a planar member that covers the surface (bottom surface) of the vibrator body 1 on the side opposite to the vibration direction. Specifically, the first covering surface 21 is a planar member that is arranged on the side of the vibrator body 1 on which the stinger 12 is not attached and is perpendicular to the vibration direction. The first covering surface 21 may have a hole that penetrates the first covering surface 21.

[0021] The second covering surface 22 is a planar member that covers a surface (side surface) parallel to the vibration direction of the vibrator body 1. The second covering surface 22 may be composed of two second covering surfaces 22a and 22b that face each other. The second covering surface 22 may also have a hole that penetrates the second covering surface 22.

[0022] The vibrator 100 is attached to a fixing device (not shown) so that the impedance head 13 attached to the stinger 12 is installed in a position and orientation that allows it to abut against the object A.

[0023] As one example, the vibrator 100 may be attached to the fixed device by attaching an end of a string-shaped elastic member to the covering surface 2 through a hole in the covering surface 2 and suspending the elastic member from the fixing device. Specifically, the vibrator 100 may be attached to the fixed device by attaching an end of a string-shaped elastic member to the first covering surface 21 through a hole in the first covering surface 21 and suspending the elastic member from the fixing device so that the vibration direction is vertically downward (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the vibrator 100 may be attached to the fixed device by attaching an end of a string-shaped elastic member to the second covering surface 22 through a hole in the second covering surface 22 and suspending the elastic member from the fixing device so that the vibration direction is horizontal.

[0024] As another example, the vibration exciter 100 may be attached to the fixed device by fixing the covering surface 2 to the fixed device with a fixing member (e.g., a screw). The vibration exciter 100 may be attached to the fixed device by fixing the first covering surface 21 to the upper surface of the fixed device with a fixing member so that the vibration direction is vertically upward. Alternatively, the vibration exciter 100 may be attached to the fixed device by fixing the first covering surface 21 to the lower surface of the fixed device with a fixing member so that the vibration direction is vertically downward. Alternatively, the vibration exciter 100 may be attached to the fixed device by fixing the first covering surface 21 to the side surface of the fixed device with a fixing member so that the vibration direction is horizontal.

[0025] The alignment unit 3 aligns the vibration exciter body 1 with respect to the object A. As shown in FIG.

[0026] The laser emitting unit 31 emits laser light L, and is disposed so that the laser light L reaches a position on a line extending from the tip of the stinger 12 in the vibration direction (in the example of FIG. 1, the positive direction of the Z axis) and on the vibration direction side of the tip. In the first embodiment, the laser emitting unit 31 is disposed so that the laser light L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31 travels from the stinger 12 in the vibration direction.

[0027] 1, the laser emitting unit 31 is provided inside the vibrator body 1 so that the laser light L is emitted by passing through the hollow of the stinger 12. As another example, the laser emitting unit 31 may be provided at the tip of the stinger 12. In this case, the stinger 12 does not need to have a hollow.

[0028] The laser receiving unit 32 is configured to receive the laser light L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31 and reflected by the object A when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration direction is normal to the surface of the object A at the vibration position.

[0029] 1, the size ratio of the laser emitting unit 31 and the laser receiving unit 32 to the vibrator main body 1 is exaggerated to make them easier to see on paper. However, in reality, the laser emitting unit 31 and the laser receiving unit 32 have sizes that allow them to be positioned at a distance equal to or less than the diameter of the laser light L so that the laser light L reflected by the target A travels in the opposite direction along an optical path that is substantially the same as the optical path of the laser light L before reflection, and at least a portion of the reflected laser light L is received by the laser receiving unit 32.

[0030] 1, the laser receiving unit 32 is provided adjacent to the laser emitting unit 31. Specifically, the laser receiving unit 32 is provided so as to receive at least a portion of the laser light L that is emitted from the laser emitting unit 31, incident on the target A in the normal direction, and reflected in the direction opposite to the incident direction.

[0031] The control unit 33 is configured by a controller. The controller may be configured by dedicated hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or may be configured by a processor, or may be configured by including both.

[0032] The control unit 33 determines whether the amount of laser light L received by the laser receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The predetermined value is a value set based on the amount of laser light L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31, and may be, for example, a predetermined ratio of the amount of laser light L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31. The predetermined ratio may be determined based on the reflectance of the laser light L on the target A, the positional relationship between the laser emitting unit 31 and the laser receiving unit 32, the degree of allowable error, etc.

[0033] When the control unit 33 determines that the amount of laser light L received by the laser receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 33 executes control to indicate that the vibration exciter body 1 has been properly installed. Here, "the vibration exciter body 1 has been properly installed" means that the vibration exciter body 1 has been installed so that the vibration direction is normal to the surface of the object A at the vibration position. For example, the control unit 33 may transmit information indicating that the vibration exciter body 1 has been properly installed to another device via a communication network. The control unit 33 may also light up a light-emitting element (e.g., an LED (Light Emitting Diode)) included in the vibration exciter 100. The control unit 33 may also cause a speaker included in the vibration exciter 100 to output a sound indicating that the vibration exciter body 1 has been properly installed.

[0034] Furthermore, when the control unit 33 determines that the amount of laser light L received by the laser receiving unit 32 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 33 executes control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not installed properly. For example, the control unit 33 may transmit information indicating that the vibrator body 1 is not installed properly to another device via a communication network. The control unit 33 may also turn off the light-emitting member of the vibrator 100. The control unit 33 may also cause a speaker of the vibrator 100 to output a sound indicating that the vibrator body 1 is not installed properly.

[0035] Here, the alignment processing of the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the alignment processing of the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment. The alignment processing of the alignment unit 3 described with reference to Fig. 3 corresponds to an example of the alignment method of the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment.

[0036] In step S11, the vibrator main body 1 is installed. At this time, the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration position of the object A is visually aligned in the direction in which the stinger 12 extends (i.e., the vibration direction).

[0037] In step S12, the laser emitting unit 31 emits the laser light L.

[0038] In step S13, the control unit 33 determines whether the amount of laser light L received by the laser light receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0039] If it is determined in step S13 that the amount of the received laser light L is less than the predetermined value, the position and posture of the vibrator main body 1 are corrected in step S14, and the process returns to step S12.

[0040] If it is determined in step S13 that the amount of laser light L received by the laser light receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the impedance head 13 is attached to the tip of the stinger 12 in step S15.

[0041] In step S16, the impedance head 13 is brought into contact with the position on the object A where vibration is to be applied.

[0042] As described above, the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment aligns the vibration exciter main body 1 with respect to the object A. The vibration exciter main body 1 includes a vibration generating unit 11 that generates vibrations, and a stinger 12 that has one end held by the vibration generating unit 11 and extends in the excitation direction, which is the direction in which vibrations are generated. The alignment unit 3 includes a laser emitting unit 31 that emits laser light L and is arranged so that the laser light L reaches a position on a line extending in the excitation direction from the tip, which is the end opposite to the one end of the stinger 12, to a position on the side of the tip in the excitation direction; a laser receiving unit 32 that is arranged to receive the laser light L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31 and reflected by the object A when the vibration exciter main body 1 is arranged so that the excitation direction is normal to the surface of the object A at the excitation position; and a control unit 33 that determines whether the light intensity of the laser light received by the laser receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0043] As a result, the alignment unit 3 can accurately align the vibration exciter main body 1 so that it vibrates the object A in the normal direction to the surface of the object A. Therefore, the vibration characteristics of the object A can be grasped with high accuracy. In particular, when the surface of the object A is curved, such as a pipe, if the vibration direction deviates from the normal direction to the surface of the object A at the vibration position, it is more difficult for the vibration exciter main body 1 to appropriately vibrate the object A than when the surface is flat. Therefore, when the surface of the object A is curved, the alignment unit 3 in the first embodiment can contribute to grasping the vibration characteristics with significantly higher accuracy. Furthermore, by installing the vibration exciter main body 1 so that the vibration direction is normal to the surface of the object A at the vibration position, the possibility of the stinger 12 bending and causing a malfunction during vibration can be reduced.

[0044] Furthermore, in the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 33 may execute control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is installed correctly when it determines that the amount of laser light L received by the laser receiving unit 32 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and may execute control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not installed correctly when it determines that the amount of laser light L received by the laser receiving unit 32 is less than the predetermined value. This allows the worker installing the vibrator body 1 to recognize whether the vibrator body 1 is installed correctly or not, and to appropriately correct the position and posture of the vibrator body 1 so that it is installed correctly.

[0045] The vibration exciter 100 according to the first embodiment may also include a covered surface 2. By attaching the elastic member attached to the covered surface 2 to a fixing device, the vibration exciter main body 1 can excite an object A installed at a high place, such as an attached pipe installed on a bridge.

[0046] In the first embodiment, a mark may be attached to the vibration position of the object A before executing step S11. In such an example, the laser light L is visible light, and before step S13, it may be determined whether the laser light L emitted by the laser emission unit 31 has reached the position of the mark. If it is determined that the laser light L has not reached the position of the mark, the process may return to step S12 after correcting the position and attitude of the vibration exciter main body 1, and if it is determined that the laser light L has reached the position of the mark, the process may proceed to step S13. This allows the alignment unit 3 to align the vibration exciter main body 1 so that it accurately vibrates the object A in the normal direction at the vibration position and further vibrates the object A at the accurate vibration position.

[0047] <<Second embodiment>> The overall configuration of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of a vibrator 100-1 according to the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the same functional units as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 4, the vibration exciter 100-1 includes a vibration exciter main body 1, a covering surface 2, and an alignment section (alignment device) 3-1.

[0049] The alignment unit 3-1 has two laser emitting units 31-1 (a first laser emitting unit 31-1a and a second laser emitting unit 31-1b), two laser receiving units 32-1 (a first laser receiving unit 32-1a and a second laser receiving unit 32-1b), and a control unit 33-1.

[0050] The two laser emitters 31-1 are positioned so that the laser light L emitted by each of them reaches the same position on a straight line extending from the tip of the stinger 12 in the vibration direction, on the vibration direction side of the tip (position P in the example shown in Figure 4).

[0051] Specifically, the first laser emitting unit 31-1a is provided so that the laser light L emitted by the first laser emitting unit 31-1a reaches a position on a line extending from the tip of the stinger 12 in the vibration direction, and a position on the vibration direction side of the tip (position P shown in FIG. 4). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the first laser emitting unit 31-1a is provided outside the vibrator body 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the first laser emitting unit 31-1a may be provided inside the vibrator body 1 so that the laser light L passes through a passage hole in the vibrator body 1 and exits to the outside of the vibrator body 1.

[0052] The second laser emitting unit 31-1b is provided so that the laser light L emitted by the second laser emitting unit 31-1b reaches a position (position P shown in FIG. 4) on a straight line extending from the tip of the stinger 12 in the vibration direction, where the laser light L emitted by the first laser emitting unit 31-1a reaches. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the second laser emitting unit 31-1b is provided outside the vibrator body 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the second laser emitting unit 31-1b may be provided inside the vibrator body 1 so that the laser light L passes through a passage hole in the vibrator body 1 and exits to the outside of the vibrator body 1.

[0053] The two laser receiving units 32-1 are configured to receive the laser light emitted by each of the two laser emitting units 31-1 and reflected at the excitation position when the excitation device main body 1 is installed so that the excitation direction is normal to the excitation position of the object A.

[0054] Specifically, the first laser receiving unit 32-1a is provided to receive the laser light L emitted by the first laser emitting unit 31-1a and reflected by the object A when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration direction is the normal direction to the vibration position on the surface of the object A. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first laser receiving unit 32-1a is provided on the opposite side of the stinger 12 from the first laser emitting unit 31-1a in a plane whose normal direction is the vibration direction, but this is not limiting.

[0055] Furthermore, the second laser light receiving unit 32-1b is provided to receive the laser light L emitted by the second laser emitting unit 31-1b and reflected by the object A when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration direction is the normal direction to the vibration position on the surface of the object A. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the second laser light receiving unit 32-1b is provided on the opposite side of the stinger 12 from the second laser emitting unit 31-1b in a plane whose normal direction is the vibration direction, but this is not limiting.

[0056] The control unit 33-1 is configured by a controller. The control unit 33-1 determines whether or not the amount of laser light L received by each of the two laser light receiving units 32-1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0057] When the control unit 33-1 determines that both the light intensities of the laser beams L received by the first laser receiving unit 32-1a and the second laser receiving unit 32-1b are equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 33-1 executes control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 has been properly installed. The control executed by the control unit 33-1 to indicate that the vibrator body 1 has been properly installed is similar to the control of the control unit 33 in the first embodiment, for example.

[0058] When the control unit 33-1 determines that the light intensity of the laser light L received by each of the two laser receiving units 32-1 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 33-1 executes control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not properly installed. Specifically, when the control unit 33-1 determines that either the light intensity of the laser light L received by the first laser receiving unit 32-1a or the second laser receiving unit 32-1b is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 33-1 executes control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not properly installed. The control executed by the control unit 33-1 to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not properly installed is, for example, similar to the control of the control unit 33 in the first embodiment.

[0059] The alignment process of the alignment unit 3-1 according to the second embodiment is the same as the alignment process of the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment, except for step S13.

[0060] In the second embodiment, in step S13, the control unit 33-1 determines whether the light intensity of the laser light L received by each of the two laser receiving units 32-1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In the second embodiment, when the surface of the target A is located at the above-mentioned position P and the vibration direction is normal to the surface of the stinger 12, the two laser receiving units 32-1 can receive the laser light emitted by the two laser emitting units 31-1.

[0061] If it is determined in step S13 that either of the amounts of laser light L received by the two laser light receiving sections 32-1 is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0062] If it is determined in step S13 that both of the light intensities of the laser beams L received by the two laser receiving sections 32-1 are equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0063] As described above, the alignment unit 3-1 according to the second embodiment includes two laser emitters 31-1 and two laser receivers 32-1. The two laser emitters 31-1 are arranged so that the laser beams L emitted by the two laser emitters 31-1 reach the same position on a line extending from the tip of the stinger 12 in the excitation direction, closer to the excitation direction than the tip. The two laser receivers 32-1 are arranged to receive the laser beams L emitted by the two laser emitters 31-1 and reflected at the excitation positions when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the excitation direction is normal to the excitation position of the object A. This allows the alignment unit 3-1 to more accurately align the vibrator main body 1 so that it vibrates the object A in the normal direction to the surface of the object A. This allows the vibration characteristics of the object A to be grasped with higher accuracy.

[0064] Furthermore, in the example shown in FIG. 4 , the impedance head 13 may or may not be detachable. In the second embodiment, the laser light L does not pass through the hollow of the stinger 12, and neither of the two laser emitters 31-1 is attached to the tip of the stinger 12. Therefore, when the impedance head 13 is attached to the tip of the stinger 12, the laser light L emitted from the laser emitter 31-1 can reach the target A without being obstructed by the impedance head 13. Therefore, the vibrator main body 1 can be aligned with the impedance head 13 attached to the tip of the stinger 12. This prevents the position or posture of the vibrator main body 1 from shifting during the installation of the impedance head 13 after alignment. Accordingly, the alignment unit 3-1 can more accurately align the vibrator main body 1 so that it vibrates the target A in the normal direction to the surface of the target A. Therefore, the vibration characteristics of the target A can be grasped with higher accuracy.

[0065] <<Third embodiment>> The overall configuration of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of a vibrator 100-2 according to the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the same functional units as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 5, the vibration exciter 100-2 includes a vibration exciter main body 1, a covering surface 2, and an alignment section (alignment device) 3-2.

[0067] The alignment unit 3-2 has three laser emitting units 31-2, three laser receiving units 32-2, and a control unit 33-2. The three laser emitting units 31-2 have the laser emitting unit 31 of the first embodiment and the first laser emitting unit 31-1a and second laser emitting unit 31-1b of the second embodiment. The three laser receiving units 32-2 have the laser receiving unit 32 of the first embodiment and the first laser receiving unit 32-1a and second laser receiving unit 32-1b of the second embodiment.

[0068] The control unit 33-2 is configured by a controller. The control unit 33-2 determines whether the light intensity of the laser light L received by each of the three laser receiving units 32-2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. When the control unit 33-2 determines that all of the light intensities of the laser light L received by each of the three laser receiving units 32-2 are equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the control unit 33-2 executes control to indicate that the vibrator main body 1 has been properly installed. The control executed by the control unit 33-2 to indicate that the vibrator main body 1 has been properly installed is, for example, similar to the control of the control unit 33 in the first embodiment.

[0069] When the control unit 33-2 determines that any of the light intensities of the laser beams L received by the three laser receiving units 32-2 is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 33-2 executes control to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not properly installed. Specifically, the control executed by the control unit 33-2 to indicate that the vibrator body 1 is not properly installed is similar to the control of the control unit 33 in the first embodiment, for example.

[0070] The alignment process of the alignment unit 3-2 according to the third embodiment is the same as the alignment process of the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment, except for step S13.

[0071] In the third embodiment, in step S13, the control unit 33-2 determines whether the amount of laser light L received by each of the three laser light receiving units 32-2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0072] If it is determined in step S13 that any of the light amounts of the laser beams L received by the three laser receiving sections 32-2 is less than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0073] If it is determined in step S13 that the light amounts of the laser beams L received by the three laser receiving sections 32-2 are all equal to or greater than the predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S15.

[0074] As described above, the alignment unit 3-2 according to the third embodiment further includes the first laser emitting unit 31-1a, the second laser emitting unit 31-1b, the first laser receiving unit 32-1a, and the second laser receiving unit 32-1b according to the second embodiment in addition to the alignment unit 3 according to the first embodiment. This allows the alignment unit 3-2 to more accurately align the vibrator main body 1 so that it vibrates the object A in the normal direction to the surface of the object A. This allows the vibration characteristics of the object A to be grasped with even higher accuracy.

[0075] (First Modification) In the first embodiment described above, the vibrator 100 may further include a rotating shaft member 4, as shown in FIG.

[0076] The rotating shaft member 4 is a member configured to allow the vibrator body 1 to rotate around an axis (φ-axis) extending in the normal direction of the two parallel second covering surfaces 22a and 22b. The rotating shaft member 4 may be a member attached to the vibrator body 1, sliding on the second covering surfaces 22a and 22b, and rotating around the φ-axis together with the vibrator body 1. The rotating shaft member 4 may also be a member attached to the side surface on the side of the second covering surfaces 22a and 22b, and provided so that the vibrator body 1 rotates around the φ-axis by sliding around the rotating shaft member 4.

[0077] In a configuration in which the vibrator 100 includes the rotating shaft member 4, the first covering surface 21 is a planar member that covers the surface (bottom surface) of the vibrator body 1 on the opposite side to the vibration direction in a predetermined state (a state before the vibrator body 1 rotates). When the vibrator body 1 rotates 90 degrees around the φ axis from the predetermined state, the first covering surface 21 comes to cover the surface (side surface) of the vibrator body 1 that is parallel to the vibration direction and that is not covered by the second covering surfaces 22a and 22b.

[0078] Furthermore, in a configuration in which the vibrator 100 includes a rotating shaft member 4, the first covering surface 21 may have a hole, and the second covering surfaces 22a and 22b may not have a hole. Furthermore, in a configuration in which the vibrator 100 includes a rotating shaft member 4, the first covering surface 21 may not have a hole, and the second covering surfaces 22a and 22b may have holes.

[0079] Similarly, in the second embodiment described above, the vibration exciter 100-1 may further include a rotating shaft member 4, and in the third embodiment, the vibration exciter 100-2 may further include a rotating shaft member 4.

[0080] (Second Modification) Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the alignment unit 3 may have a laser beam refracting member configured by a refractive lens, a half mirror, or the like, that changes the traveling direction of the laser beam L. For example, in a configuration in which a laser beam refracting member is provided on the optical path from the laser emitting unit 31 to the object A, the laser receiving unit 32 is configured to receive the reflected light of the laser beam L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31 and refracted by the laser beam refracting member when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration direction is the normal direction to the vibration position of the object A. Furthermore, in a configuration in which a laser beam refracting member is provided on the optical path from the object A to the laser receiving unit 32, the laser receiving unit 32 is configured to receive the reflected light of the laser beam L emitted by the laser emitting unit 31 and reflected at the vibration position and refracted by the laser beam refracting member when the vibrator main body 1 is installed so that the vibration direction is the normal direction to the vibration position of the object A. This increases the degree of freedom in designing the laser emitting section 31 and the laser receiving section 32 in the vibrator body 1.

[0081] Similarly, in the second embodiment described above, the alignment unit 3-1 may further include a laser beam refracting member, and in the third embodiment, the alignment unit 3-2 may further include a laser beam refracting member, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in designing the laser emitting unit 31-1 and the laser receiving unit 32-1, and the laser emitting unit 31-2 and the laser receiving unit 32-2, to be provided on the vibrator body 1.

[0082] Although the above-described embodiments have been described as typical examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and substitutions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited by the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 1. Vibrator body 2 Covering surface 3, 3-1, 3-2 Alignment unit (alignment device) 4 Rotating shaft member 11 Vibration generating unit 12 Stinger 13 Impedance Head 21 First Covered Surface 22, 22a, 22b Second covering surface 31, 31-1, 31-2 Laser emission unit 31-1a First laser emitting unit 31-1b Second laser emitting unit 32, 32-1, 32-2 Laser receiving unit 32-1a First laser receiving unit 32-1b Second laser receiving unit 33, 33-1, 33-2 Control section 100, 100-1, 100-2 vibrators

Claims

1. An alignment device for aligning a vibrator body with respect to an object, The vibrator body includes: a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations; a stinger having one end held by the vibration generating unit and extending in a vibration direction in which the vibration is generated, The alignment device a laser emitting unit that emits laser light and is provided so that the laser light reaches a position on a straight line extending from a tip that is an end of the stinger opposite to the one end in the vibration direction and on the side of the tip in the vibration direction; a laser receiving unit that is provided to receive the laser light that is emitted by the laser emitting unit and reflected by the object when the vibrator body is installed so that the vibration direction is a normal direction to the surface of the object at the vibration position; a control unit that determines whether or not the amount of laser light received by the laser light receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

2. 2. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitting unit is provided at the tip of the stinger, or is provided inside the vibrator body so that the laser light is emitted through a hollow space in the stinger.

3. two of the laser emitting units and two of the laser receiving units; the two laser emitting units are provided so that the laser beams emitted by each of the two laser emitting units reach the same position on a straight line extending from the tip of the stinger in the vibration direction and on the vibration direction side of the tip, 2. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the two laser receiving units are configured to receive laser light emitted by the two laser emitting units and reflected at the excitation position when the excitation device main body is installed so that the excitation direction is a normal direction at the excitation position of the object.

4. 4. The alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit, when determining that the amount of laser light received by the laser receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, executes control to indicate that the vibrator main body is installed properly, and, when determining that the amount of laser light received by the laser receiving unit is less than the predetermined value, executes control to indicate that the vibrator main body is not installed properly.

5. A method for aligning a vibration exciter body with respect to an object, comprising: the vibrator body includes a vibration generating unit that generates vibrations, and a stinger that has one end held by the vibration generating unit and extends in a vibration direction in which the vibrations are generated; the alignment device comprises: a laser emitting unit that emits laser light and is arranged so that the laser light reaches a position on a straight line extending from a tip that is an end of the stinger opposite to the one end in the excitation direction and on the side of the tip in the excitation direction; and a laser receiving unit that is arranged to receive the laser light emitted by the laser emitting unit and reflected by the object when the vibrator body is installed so that the excitation direction is a normal direction to the surface of the object at the excitation position; emitting the laser light from the laser emitting unit; determining whether the amount of laser light received by the laser light receiving unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined value; An alignment method including:

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