Sensor housing

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor housing that can avoid measurement errors caused by air bubbles and the like. [Solution] The above object is achieved by a sensor housing having a housing main body, the housing main body being configured so that a main flow path is formed between a fluid inlet and an outlet, the main flow path being configured so that a portion of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet is diverted due to a difference in specific gravity, the housing main body being provided with an optical sensor in a portion of the main flow path, and the diverted fluid being configured so that it rejoins the fluid from the main flow path.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor housing. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a flow cell is used when measuring the optical properties of a fluid using an optical sensor.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a flow cell that includes an inflow channel and an outflow channel for a liquid, and a container body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2014 / 027172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] For example, in the flow cell described in Patent Document 1, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet channel to the cross-sectional area of ​​the container body is large, and when liquid flows from the inlet channel into the container body, the flow rate of the liquid changes significantly, causing turbulence inside the container body. Also, in the flow cell described in Patent Document 1, the cross-sectional areas of the inlet channel and the container body change, causing pressure fluctuations between the inlet channel and inside the container body.

[0006] As described above, in the flow cell described in Patent Document 1, turbulence occurs inside the container body, and pressure fluctuations occur between the inlet channel and the inside of the container body, causing bubbles to form inside the container body. The generation of such bubbles causes measurement errors in the sensor.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sensor housing that can avoid measurement errors caused by air bubbles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As the inventors of the present invention conducted extensive research to solve the above problems, they came to the conclusion that measurement errors could be avoided by separating the liquid and gas using the difference in specific gravity between the liquid and gas, and using the degassed liquid as the measurement target for the sensor.

[0009] Based on this idea, the inventors, through repeated trial and error, have succeeded in creating a sensor housing etc. that solves the problems of the present invention by separating part of the fluid flowing through the main flow path of the housing body into gas and liquid due to differences in specific gravity, and measuring the liquid from which gas etc. has been removed, thereby avoiding measurement errors due to bubbles etc. The present invention was completed based on the idea and successful example first conceived by the inventors.

[0010] That is, according to each aspect of the present invention, the following embodiments are provided. [1] A sensor housing, a housing body; The housing body is configured such that a main flow path is formed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the main flow path is configured so that a part of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet is diverted due to a difference in specific gravity; the housing body includes an optical sensor in a part of the main flow path; The sensor housing is configured so that the diverted fluid rejoins the fluid from the main flow path. [2] The main flow path has a narrow flow path extending linearly, and an optical sensor is provided at the end of the narrow flow path. [1] The sensor housing according to [1]. [3] A plurality of the narrow channels are provided, The plurality of narrow flow paths have different flow path lengths. [2] The sensor housing according to [2]. [4] The housing body is an integrally molded product having a first surface that constitutes the main flow path and a second surface that constitutes the narrow flow path, which is the back side of the first surface, and has a through hole that penetrates the first surface and the second surface. The sensor housing according to [2] or [3]. [5] The sensor housing has a lid portion covering a first surface of the housing body, and / or a lid portion covering a second surface of the housing body. The sensor housing according to any one of [1] to [4]. [6] A method for measuring optical properties of a fluid using the sensor housing according to any one of [1] to [5], a step of diverting a portion of the fluid in the main flow path flowing from the inlet to the outlet due to a difference in specific gravity; measuring optical characteristics of the fluid flowing through the main flow path with the optical sensor; the diverted fluid rejoins the fluid from the main flow path; The method comprising: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, a sensor housing can be provided that can avoid measurement errors because the fluid is divided based on differences in specific gravity, and the fluid to be measured can be one from which impurities such as gases, oils, organic matter, and solids with low specific gravity have been separated and removed. Furthermore, according to the present invention, a configuration is provided in which a narrow flow path extends in a straight line and an optical sensor is provided at the end of the narrow flow path, and the narrow flow path forms the optical path of the optical sensor. Therefore, even if impurities such as gas, oil, organic matter, and solid matter are mixed into the fluid flowing into the optical path, the flow rate of the fluid can be increased, so that the solid matter does not remain in the optical path but is immediately discharged (flows out) from the optical path, thereby preventing measurement failures. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the configuration with multiple narrow flow paths makes it possible to calibrate measurements made by an optical sensor placed in one narrow flow path with an optical sensor placed in another narrow flow path, thereby realizing more precise optical measurements.Furthermore, the configuration in which the multiple narrow flow paths have different flow path lengths results in a configuration with different optical path lengths, making it possible to perform measurements ranging from high sensitivity to low sensitivity, thereby widening the dynamic range.In addition, the difference in optical path length can be used to detect deterioration of the optical sensor or failure of the device itself, etc. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the housing body is a one-piece molded product, which makes the optical sensor extremely precise, space-saving, and simple in configuration, and reduces the number of parts, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and providing a high degree of design freedom. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an outline of a sensor housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing a schematic view of a sensor housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3 is a front view (first surface) showing an outline of the housing main body of the sensor housing of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view (second surface) showing an outline of the housing body of the sensor housing of FIG. [Figure 5] 5 is an exploded left side view of the sensor housing shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 7] 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the housing main body (first surface) of the sensor housing in FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of the housing main body (second surface) of the sensor housing in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Each aspect of the present invention will be described in detail below, but the present invention can take various forms as long as it achieves its object.

[0014] Unless otherwise specified, each term in this specification is used in the meaning commonly used by those skilled in the art of water treatment, etc., and should not be construed as having an unduly limiting meaning. Furthermore, the speculations and theories made in this specification are based on the inventor's knowledge and experience to date, and therefore the present invention is not limited solely to such speculations and theories.

[0015] "Comprise," "contain," and "include" mean that elements other than those explicitly stated as included may be added (same meaning as "comprise at least"), but also encompass "consist of" and "essentially consist of." That is, "comprise" can mean including the explicitly stated elements and any one or more elements, consisting of the explicitly stated elements, or essentially consisting of the explicitly stated elements. "Have" is synonymous with "include." Elements include parts, means, ingredients, steps, conditions, parameters, and other limitations. "And / or" means any one or any or all combinations of two or more of the associated listed items.

[0016] [Summary of the Invention] A sensor housing according to one aspect of the present invention is a housing for measuring an optical property of a fluid.

[0017] [Overall configuration of the sensor housing] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a sensor housing 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing main body 10, a lid portion 11A that covers a first surface 10A of the housing main body 10, and a lid portion 11B that covers a second surface 10B, which is the back surface of the first surface 10A of the housing main body 10.

[0018] In a sensor housing 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the housing body 10 is an integrally molded product formed by uneven processing, and a main flow path 20 is formed on a first surface 10A, which is the front surface of the housing body 10, and a narrow flow path 22, which is part of the main flow path 20, is formed on a second surface 10B, which is the back surface of the housing body 10 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0019] The lids 11A and 11B are, for example, flat, but are not particularly limited to such a structure as long as they are capable of covering the first surface 10A and / or the second surface 10B of the housing body 10 and sealingly sealing them. The lid portion 11A is fixed to the first surface 10A of the housing body 10 using, for example, a fastening member (not shown), and seals the internal space (main flow path 20) between the first surface 10A of the housing body 10 and the lid portion 11A. The lid portion 11B is fixed to the second surface 10B of the housing body 10 using, for example, a fastening member (not shown), and seals the internal space (narrow flow path 22) between the second surface 10B of the housing body 10 and the lid portion 11B.

[0020] [Housing body configuration] As shown in Figures 3 to 8, in this embodiment, the housing main body 10 has a bottom plate portion 13 and a top plate portion 14 formed in an elongated rectangular shape, a pair of side wall portions 15 (15A, 15B) formed from both longitudinal ends of the bottom plate portion 13 to both longitudinal ends of the top plate portion 14, and a rear wall portion 16 extending to close the rectangular frame formed by the four sides connected together, consisting of the bottom plate portion 13, the top plate portion 14, and the pair of side wall portions 15A, 15B.

[0021] The sensor housing 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used with the bottom plate portion 13 positioned vertically downward and the top plate portion 14 positioned vertically upward. Here, in this specification, the direction from the bottom plate portion 13 to the top plate portion 14 (or the direction from the top plate portion 14 to the bottom plate portion 13) is defined as the "vertical direction," and the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate portion 13 and the top plate portion 14 is defined as the "horizontal direction." Also, in this specification, in the vertical direction, the direction in which the bottom plate portion 13 is located is defined as "downward," and the direction in which the top plate portion 14 is located is defined as "upward." Also, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper on which FIG. 3 is illustrated is defined as the "front-rear direction."

[0022] The housing body 10 has a fluid inlet 12A on the first surface 10A at one end in the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate portion 13. In this embodiment, the inlet 12A is formed in a cylindrical shape having an internal space that allows fluid to flow from outside the system into the main flow path 20, and is formed to extend from the outer surface of the side wall portion 15A along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate portion 13. Note that the inlet 12A may also be formed to extend upward from the outer surface of the bottom plate portion 13.

[0023] The housing body 10 has a fluid outlet 12B on the first surface 10A at one end in the longitudinal direction of the top plate portion 14. In this embodiment, the outlet 12B is formed in a cylindrical shape having an internal space that allows the fluid to flow out of the system from the main flow path 20, and is formed to extend from the outer surface of the side wall portion 15B along the longitudinal direction of the top plate portion 14. Note that the outlet 12B may also be formed to extend upward from the outer surface of the top plate portion 14.

[0024] In a sensor housing according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid to be measured is contained in a tank, container, etc. outside the system, and therefore, it is preferable that top plate 14 of housing body 10 be positioned vertically below the liquid level of the fluid contained in the tank, container, etc. Therefore, it is preferable that inlet 12A and outlet 12B of housing body 10 be positioned such that inlet 12A is positioned downward and outlet 12B is positioned upward.

[0025] The housing body 10 is configured so that a main flow path 20 is formed between a fluid inlet 12A and a fluid outlet 12B. Here, the main flow path 20 refers to the fluid flow path from the inlet 12A to the outlet 12B.

[0026] The main flow path 20 has an internal space that allows fluid to flow from the inlet 12A to the outlet 12B. Specifically, the main flow path 20 is provided within an area defined by the lid portion 11, the bottom plate portion 13, the top plate portion 14, the pair of side walls 15A and 15B, and the rear wall portion 16. The rear wall portion 16 is formed to close the rear side surfaces of the four sides of the bottom plate portion 13, the top plate portion 14, and the pair of side walls 15A and 15B. In other words, the housing body 10 has a structure that has a depth in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper shown in FIG. 3 (the front-to-rear direction), and this structure forms an internal space that allows fluid to flow from the inlet 12A to the outlet 12B.

[0027] Main flow path 20 is configured so that a portion of the fluid flowing from inlet 12A to outlet 12B is diverted due to a difference in specific gravity. Here, "diverted due to a difference in specific gravity" means that impurities and solids, such as gas, oil, and organic matter, which have a low specific gravity and are contained in the fluid that flows in from inlet 12A, flow upward and are separated from the fluid with a high specific gravity.

[0028] In this embodiment, with respect to the fluid that flows in from inlet 12A, due to the difference in specific gravity, fluids containing impurities such as gases, oils, and organic matter, and solids with low specific gravity flow upward and are diverted from main channel 20, and then merge again with the fluid from main channel 20 near outlet 12B. The diverted fluid containing gases and other substances with low specific gravity flows, for example, vertically upward along side wall 15A, flows horizontally along top plate 14 while passing through slits 18, and is discharged from outlet 12B (see the dashed arrow in FIG. 3).

[0029] Preferably, the main channel 20 has a narrow channel 22 extending linearly on the second surface 10B, which is the back surface of the first surface 10A, and an optical sensor is provided at the end of the narrow channel 22. With this configuration, the narrow channel 22 forms the optical path of the optical sensor, so even if impurities such as gas, oil, or organic matter, or solid matter, etc., are mixed into the fluid flowing into the optical path, the flow rate of the fluid can be increased, so that the solid matter, etc., does not remain in the optical path but is immediately discharged (flows out) from the optical path (narrow channel 22), preventing measurement failures.

[0030] Here, a narrow flow path refers to a flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the main flow path, and is not particularly limited as long as it can increase the flow rate of the fluid and enable optical measurement by an optical sensor, but it is preferable that the narrow flow path has a narrower inner diameter.

[0031] As described above, the smaller the cross-sectional area of ​​the narrow flow path 22, the faster the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, which is preferable. The inner diameter of the narrow flow path 22 can be appropriately set depending on the type of fluid to be measured, etc., as long as it increases the flow rate of the fluid and enables optical measurement by an optical sensor, and is specifically 2 mm to 6 mm. Furthermore, by reducing the inner diameter of the narrow flow path 22 and increasing the flow rate of the fluid, not only can solid matter and the like be instantly expelled from the optical path, but the flow pressure of the fluid can also be expected to have a cleaning effect on the flow path walls and optical sensors within the narrow flow path 22.

[0032] The narrow flow passage 22 is formed to extend linearly, but is preferably formed with one end on the lower side and the other end on the upper side in order to separate the fluid flowing in from the main flow passage 20 into a gas or the like with a low specific gravity and a fluid with a high specific gravity (degassed fluid) due to the difference in specific gravity. In other words, the narrow flow passage 22 is preferably formed to extend vertically (or approximately vertically).

[0033] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, two narrow flow paths 22 (22A, 22B) are provided on the second surface 10B. In the sensor housing of the present invention, the number of narrow flow paths is not limited, but preferably multiple. By providing multiple narrow flow paths, it becomes possible to calibrate the measurement by an optical sensor arranged in one narrow flow path with the optical sensor arranged in another narrow flow path, thereby realizing more precise optical measurement.

[0034] In the housing body 10, the inner wall portion 16 has through holes 17 that penetrate the first surface 10A and the second surface 10B to connect the main flow path 20 and the narrow flow path 22. In this embodiment, there are four through holes 17 (first through holes 17a, 17c and second through holes 17b, 17d). Specifically, through-hole 17 penetrates in the thickness direction of housing main body 10 (front-rear direction in FIG. 3), i.e., from the front to the back surface of housing main body 10. Through-hole 17 penetrates first surface 10A and second surface 10B, and the arrangement position is not limited as long as it allows fluid to flow from first surface 10A to second surface 10B or from second surface 10B to first surface 10A.

[0035] In this embodiment, the first through holes 17 (17a, 17c) are inlet ports that allow the fluid to flow from the first surface 10A to the second surface 10B, and the second through holes 17 (17b, 17d) are outlet ports that allow the fluid to flow from the second surface 10B to the first surface 10A.

[0036] The first through-holes 17 (17a, 17c) that allow the fluid to flow from the first surface 10A to the second surface 10B are preferably positioned below the second through-holes 17 (17b, 17d) that allow the fluid to flow from the second surface 10B to the first surface 10A, in order to remove solid matter and the like in the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 of the first surface 10A. With this configuration, when the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 passes through the first through-holes 17 (17a, 17c), gases and the like with a low specific gravity flow upward, and the fluid with a high specific gravity (degassed fluid) can flow into the narrow flow paths 22 (22A, 22B).

[0037] The narrow flow passage 22 has an internal space that allows the fluid that has flowed in from the main flow passage 20 to flow from the first through-holes 17 (17a, 17c) that are inlet ports to the second through-holes 17 (17b, 17d) that are outlet ports. Specifically, in this embodiment, the internal space has a rectangular cross-section (see FIG. 6), and the narrow flow passage 22 is provided within a region defined by the lid portion 11B and the inner wall portion 16.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first through holes 17 (17a, 17c) are formed at one end of the narrow flow passage 22 formed in the second surface 10B, and the second through holes 17 (17b, 17d) are formed at the other end of the narrow flow passage 22 formed in the second surface 10B. Furthermore, one end of the first through holes 17 (17a, 17c) and the narrow flow passages 22 (22A, 22B) is arranged on the lower side, and the other end of the second through holes 17 (17b, 17d) and the narrow flow passages 22 (22A, 22B) is arranged on the upper side.

[0039] In this embodiment, the first through holes 17a and 17c each allow the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 to flow from the first surface 10A to the second surface 10B on the back side, and the second through holes 17b and 17d each allow the fluid flowing through the narrow flow paths 22 to flow from the second surface 10B to the first surface 10A on the back side. More specifically, the first through hole 17a allows the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 to flow from the first surface 10A to the second surface 10B on the back side and into the first narrow flow path 22A. The second through hole 17b allows the fluid flowing through the first narrow flow path 22A to flow from the second surface 10B to the first surface 10A on the back side and into the main flow path 20 on the first surface 10A. Similarly, the first through-holes 17c allow the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 to flow from the first surface 10A to the second surface 10B on the back side, and then to flow into the second narrow flow path 22B. The second through-holes 17d allow the fluid flowing through the second narrow flow path 22B to flow out from the second surface 10B to the first surface 10A on the back side, and then to flow into the main flow path 20 on the first surface 10A. With this configuration, the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 of the first surface 10A passes through the first through-holes 17a and 17c and flows through the narrow flow paths 22 (22A and 22B). At this time, the fluid passing through the first through-holes 17a and 17c becomes degassed because gases with low specific gravity are separated upward due to the difference in specific gravity. In addition, the fluid flowing through the narrow flow paths 22 (22A and 22B) passes through the second through-holes 17b and 17d and flows through the main flow path 20 of the first surface 10A.

[0040] It is more preferable that the inner diameter of the narrow flow passages 22 (22A, 22B) and the diameter of the through-holes 17 (17a to 17d) are approximately equal to each other. Therefore, the diameter of the through-holes 17 is preferably 2 mm to 6 mm. For example, if the inner diameter of narrow flow path 22 is larger than the diameter of through-hole 17 (particularly first through-holes 17a, c which serve as inlets to second surface 10B), the flow rate of the fluid in narrow flow path 22 will not increase, and solids and the like will not be immediately removed from the optical path. On the other hand, if the inner diameter of narrow flow path 22 is smaller than the diameter of through-hole 17 (particularly first through-holes 17a, c which serve as inlets to second surface 10B), turbulence will occur inside narrow flow path 22, which may cause measurement errors. Furthermore, the height h of the narrow flow path 22 is not particularly limited, but is preferably, for example, 2 mm to 6 mm (see FIG. 6).

[0041] In the sensor housing 1 of the present invention, the housing main body 10 is an integrally molded product, and is configured so that the main flow path 20 is formed on the first surface 10A and the narrow flow paths 22 are formed on the second surface 10B, which is the back side of the first surface 10A. That is, in the housing main body 10, the main flow path 20 and the narrow flow paths 22 are in an inseparable relationship. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 , the rear wall portion 16 is formed by embossing, and the convex portion 161A on the first surface 10A becomes the concave portion 161B on the second surface 10B, and the convex portion 162B on the second surface 10B becomes the concave portion 162A on the first surface. The concave portion 162A on the first surface 10A constitutes the main flow path 20, and the concave portion 161B on the second surface 10B constitutes the narrow flow paths 22.

[0042] The height H (the size in the front-to-rear direction in FIG. 3) of the convex portion 161A on the first surface 10A is equal to the height H (the size in the front-to-rear direction in FIG. 3) of the bottom plate portion 13, the top plate portion 14, and the side walls 15A and 15B (see FIG. 6). With this configuration, when the lid portion 11A is fixed to the first surface 10A, the fluid from the inlet 12A flows to the outlet 12B within the area defined by the lid portion 11A, the bottom plate portion 13, the top plate portion 14, the pair of side walls 15A and 15B, and the rear wall portion 16.

[0043] An optical sensor is provided in a portion of the main channel 20. The optical sensor can be located anywhere as long as it can optically measure the fluid flowing through the main channel 20. In this embodiment, the optical sensor is provided in the narrow channel 22 formed on the second surface 10B. More specifically, the first narrow channel 22A has a light-receiving unit 31A at one end on the upstream side of the fluid flow and a light-emitting unit 30A at the other end on the downstream side of the fluid flow. Similarly, the second narrow channel 22B has a light-receiving unit 31B at one end on the upstream side of the fluid flow and a light-emitting unit 30B at the other end on the downstream side of the fluid flow. Note that the optical sensor may have the light-emitting unit 30 (30A, 30B) on the upstream side of the fluid flow and the light-receiving unit 31 (31A, 31B) on the downstream side. However, from the viewpoint of protecting the substrate of the light-receiving unit 31, it is preferable that the light-receiving unit 31 be located upstream of the fluid flow.

[0044] The positional relationship between the light-emitting unit 30 and the light-receiving unit 31 and the through holes 17 (first through holes 17a, 17c and second through holes 17b, 17d) is not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, the light-emitting unit 30 (30A, 30B) is provided downstream of the second through holes 17 (17b, 17d), and the light-receiving unit 31 (31A, 31B) is provided upstream of the first through holes 17 (17a, 17c).

[0045] The light emitting section 30 has any light emitting element such as an LED, and is configured to be able to irradiate light toward the fluid flowing through the narrow flow path 22. The light receiving section 31 has any light receiving element such as a photodiode, and is configured to receive the light emitted from the light emitting section 30. With the above configuration, the light receiving section 31 is configured to receive light that is emitted from the light emitting section 30 and that has passed through the fluid flowing through the narrow flow path 22.

[0046] A recess (not shown) for installing the light-emitting unit 30 is formed in the side wall at the other end of the narrow flow path 22, and this recess can be configured to expose the light-emitting unit 30 inside the narrow flow path 22. In addition, a recess (not shown) for installing the light-receiving unit 31 is formed in the side wall at one end of the narrow flow path 22, and this recess can be configured to expose the light-receiving unit 31 inside the narrow flow path 22.

[0047] In the sensor housing 1 of the present invention, the relative positions of the multiple narrow flow paths 22 can be set as appropriate, but it is preferable that one end of the second narrow flow path 22B, more specifically, the position of the first through hole 17c, be positioned above one end of the first narrow flow path 22A, more specifically, the position of the first through hole 17a. This configuration more reliably prevents solid matter and the like from flowing into the second narrow flow path 22B.

[0048] Furthermore, the sensor housing 1 of the present invention preferably includes multiple narrow flow paths 22, each with a different flow path length. This configuration enables high-sensitivity sensing in a flow path with a long flow path length, i.e., an optical path, while enabling low-sensitivity sensing (e.g., low water quality) in a flow path with a short flow path length, i.e., an optical path. By utilizing the difference in light attenuation between different flow path lengths, an improvement in dynamic range is realized. Furthermore, the difference in optical path length can be utilized to detect deterioration of the optical sensor or malfunction of the device itself.

[0049] [Other configurations] In this embodiment, a plurality of short-circuit prevention members 19 (19a, 19b, 19c) are provided on the first surface 10A (main flow path 20) of the housing body 10 to prevent the flowing fluid from flowing into the narrow flow paths 22 without being diverged due to a difference in specific gravity due to a short-circuit flow (short path). The number, shape, and location of the short-circuit prevention members are not particularly limited, but for example, in this embodiment, the short-circuit prevention member 19a is formed to extend at an angle with respect to the vertical direction from the bottom plate portion 13 so that the flowing fluid that has flowed in from the inlet 12A is prevented from flowing into the first narrow flow path 22A without being diverged due to a difference in specific gravity due to a short-circuit flow (short path). The short-circuit flow prevention members 19b, 19c are also formed to extend at an angle relative to the horizontal direction from the side of the convex portion 161A of the rear wall portion 16 so that the fluid that flows out of the second through hole 17b via the first narrow flow path 22A is prevented from flowing into the second narrow flow path 22B by a short-circuit flow (short path) without being diverted due to a difference in specific gravity.

[0050] Furthermore, the short-circuit flow prevention member 19 not only prevents the short-circuit flow (short pass) of the fluid, but also has the function of capturing and separating solid matter and the like in the fluid. For example, if the fluid flowing in from the inlet 12A contains solid matter and the like, the solid matter and the like are captured by the short-circuit flow prevention member 19a and accumulate at the base of the short-circuit flow prevention member 19a (near the bottom plate portion 13), and are prevented from passing through the first through-hole 17a. Furthermore, for example, if the fluid flowing out from the second through-hole 17b contains solid matter and the like, the solid matter and the like are captured by the short-circuit flow prevention members 19b and 19c and accumulate at the base of the short-circuit flow prevention members 19b and 19c or near the bottom plate portion 13, and are prevented from passing through the first through-hole 17c.

[0051] In this embodiment, housing body 10 has slits 18 formed on first surface 10A between top plate portion 14 and the end of protrusion 161A for allowing gases or the like with low specific gravity diverted from main flow path 20 to pass through and be discharged from outlet 12B (see FIG. 7). For example, from a portion of the fluid that flows in from inlet 12A, gases or the like with low specific gravity are diverted due to the difference in specific gravity, move upward along side wall portion 15A, and flow through two slits 18 to be discharged from outlet 12B together with the fluid. Also, from a portion of the fluid that flows out from second through-hole 17b, gases or the like with low specific gravity are diverted due to the difference in specific gravity, move upward, and flow through slits 18 to be discharged from outlet 12B together with the fluid. The position and number of slits 18 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable that they are arranged vertically upward on the housing body 10 so that gases with low specific gravity can flow and be discharged from the outlet 12B.

[0052] The housing body 10 can be made of a material such as a light-shielding metal or resinous plastic. Preferably, the housing body 10 is formed by integral molding using the above-mentioned materials. However, the molding material and molding method for the housing body 10 are not limited to these. For example, a light-shielding material may be used to improve the measurement accuracy of the light receiving unit 31, or a material that is easy to mold or process may be used, or various other known molding materials and molding methods may be used.

[0053] [How to use] The sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment can be used with the bottom plate 13 of the housing main body 10 positioned vertically downward and the top plate 14 positioned vertically upward, with the inlet 12A connected to another upstream flow path and the outlet 12B connected to another downstream flow path. In this case, the other flow path connected to the inlet 12A is connected to a tank or container that contains the fluid to be measured, and the sensor housing 1 (particularly the top plate 14) is positioned lower than the liquid level of the fluid contained in the tank or container. In other words, when the sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment is in use, the inside of the housing main body 10 is always filled to capacity.

[0054] First, a fluid that has flowed into the inlet 12A from another upstream flow path flows through the main flow path 20 on the first surface 10A, and some of the fluid, such as gas, oil, organic matter, and other impurities and solids, which have a low specific gravity, are separated and flow upward, pass through the slits 18, and then merge with the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 again, and are then discharged from the outlet 12B. On the other hand, a fluid with a high specific gravity flows from the main flow path 20 on the first surface 10A through the narrow flow paths 22 on the second surface 10B, and flows through the main flow path 20 on the first surface 10A again, and is then discharged from the outlet 12B. More specifically, a fluid having a high specific gravity that flows into inlet 12A from another upstream flow path flows through main flow path 20 on first surface 10A, passes through first through-hole 17a, passes through first narrow flow path 22A on second surface 10B, which is the back surface of first surface 10A, passes through second through-hole 17b, and again flows through main flow path 20 on first surface 10A. The fluid that flows out from second through-hole 17b flows through main flow path 20 on first surface 10A, passes through first through-hole 17c, passes through second narrow flow path 22B on second surface 10B, which is the back surface of first surface 10A, passes through second through-hole 17d, again flows through main flow path 20 on first surface 10A, and then flows out from outlet 12B to flow into another downstream flow path.

[0055] Furthermore, while the fluid is passing through the narrow flow path 22, the light-emitting unit 30 irradiates light toward the fluid passing through the narrow flow path 22, and the light-receiving unit 31 receives the light that has passed through the fluid passing through the narrow flow path 22. The light quantity value (measured value) received by the light-receiving unit 31 is transmitted to, for example, a control device (not shown), and the water quality, such as turbidity and chromaticity, of the fluid that has flowed through the sensor housing 1 is measured in the control device.

[0056] The sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment is configured to separate the fluid flowing through the main flow path 20 into gases or the like with low specific gravity and fluids with high specific gravity based on the difference in specific gravity, with the gases or the like with low specific gravity flowing upward and the fluids with high specific gravity flowing downward. This configuration makes it possible to remove gases or the like with low specific gravity, thereby avoiding measurement errors. Furthermore, the sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment has a narrow flow path 22 that extends linearly, and is configured to include an optical sensor at the end of the narrow flow path 22. With this configuration, the narrow flow path 22 forms the optical path of the optical sensor, and therefore even if solid matter or the like is mixed into the fluid flowing into the optical path, the flow rate of the fluid can be increased, so that the solid matter or the like does not remain in the optical path but is immediately discharged (flows out) from the optical path, preventing measurement failures. Furthermore, the sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of narrow flow paths 22. This configuration makes it possible to calibrate measurements made by an optical sensor disposed in one narrow flow path 22 with an optical sensor disposed in another narrow flow path 22, thereby achieving more precise optical measurements. Furthermore, the sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment is configured so that the plurality of narrow flow paths 22 have different flow path lengths. This configuration, which has different optical path lengths, enables measurements ranging from high sensitivity to low sensitivity, thereby widening the dynamic range. Furthermore, the difference in optical path length can be used to detect deterioration of the optical sensor or failure of the device itself. Furthermore, the sensor housing 1 according to this embodiment is configured as an integrally molded product, with the main flow path 20 formed on the surface of the housing main body 10 and the narrow flow path 22 formed on the back surface. This configuration results in an extremely precise, space-saving, and simple configuration for an optical sensor, and reduces the number of parts, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and providing high design flexibility. In addition, because the sensor housing 1 is disassembled, the housing main body 10 can be cleaned, and the light-emitting unit 30 and light-receiving unit 31 can be easily replaced, allowing for repeated use over a long period of time.

[0057] [method] A method according to one aspect of the present invention is a method for measuring the optical properties of a fluid using a sensor housing according to one aspect of the present invention, and includes a step of diverting a portion of the fluid in a main flow path flowing from an inlet to an outlet due to a difference in specific gravity, a step of measuring the optical properties of the fluid flowing in the main flow path using the optical sensor, and a step of rejoining the diverted fluid with the fluid from the main flow path.

[0058] The present invention is not limited to any of the above-described embodiments, and can be embodied by modifying the components within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some of the components shown in the embodiments may be modified, such as by addition, deletion, or substitution. Furthermore, the components and forms of different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Industrial Applicability]

[0059] The sensor housing of one embodiment of the present invention is configured to separate and remove gases and other substances with low specific gravity by utilizing differences in specific gravity, thereby avoiding measurement errors caused by bubbles and the like, and is therefore useful as an optical property measuring device that can measure water quality more accurately and with higher purity. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Sensor Housing 10 Housing body 10A 1st side 10B 2nd side 11A Lid 11B Lid 12A inlet 12B Outlet 13 Bottom plate part 14 Top plate 15A side wall part 15B Side wall part 16 Back wall 161A convex part 161B Recess 162A Recess 162B convex part 17 Through hole 18 Slit 19 Short circuit prevention member 20 Main channel 22 Narrow channel 30 Light-emitting part 31 Light receiving part

Claims

1. A sensor housing, a housing body; The housing body is configured such that a main flow path is formed between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the main flow path is configured such that a portion of the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet is diverted due to a difference in specific gravity, the inlet is disposed vertically below the outlet, The housing main body has a narrow flow path in a portion of the main flow path, the narrow flow path having a flow path cross-sectional area smaller than that of the main flow path, and the narrow flow path is equipped with an optical sensor that measures a portion of the fluid with a high specific gravity that has been diverted due to a difference in specific gravity, and the fluid with a high specific gravity that has been diverted due to the difference in specific gravity is configured to converge at the outlet.

2. The narrow channel extends linearly and has an optical sensor at its end. The sensor housing of claim 1 .

3. A plurality of the narrow flow paths are provided, The plurality of narrow flow paths have different flow path lengths. The sensor housing of claim 2 .

4. The housing main body is an integrally molded product having a first surface and a second surface that is a reverse surface of the first surface and that constitutes the narrow flow path, and has a through hole that penetrates the first surface and the second surface. The sensor housing according to claim 2 or 3.

5. the sensor housing has a lid portion covering the first surface of the housing main body and / or a lid portion covering the second surface of the housing main body; The sensor housing of claim 4 .

6. 10. A method for measuring an optical property of a fluid using the sensor housing of claim 1, comprising: a step of diverting a portion of the fluid in the main flow path flowing from the inlet to the outlet due to a difference in specific gravity; measuring optical characteristics of the fluid flowing through the main flow path with the optical sensor; the diverted fluid rejoins the fluid from the main flow path; The method comprising:

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