Ultrasonic transmission and reception system

Abstract

An ultrasonic transmission / reception system is provided in which the connection state of a connection cable is identified on the measurement unit side, and ultrasonic transmission / reception control is performed in accordance with the identified connection state. [Solution] The measurement unit 20 includes a transmission circuit 31 that transmits drive signals to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d, 12d, a reception circuit 32 that receives measurement signals from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 12d, 11d, a control unit 33 that communicates with the electronic device unit 11g, and first, second, and third switch units 40, 50, and 60. The control unit 33 can identify one of the pair of second connecting electric wires 21c, 22c connected to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d in response to a response signal from the electronic device unit 11g, and after identification, the control unit 33 starts switching control of each switch unit in accordance with the connection state, and transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and reception circuit 32.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an ultrasonic transmission / reception system that identifies the connection state of a connection cable between a detection unit and a measurement unit, and controls ultrasonic transmission / reception in accordance with the identified connection state. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an ultrasonic flowmeter connected via a coaxial cable to a pair of ultrasonic sensor elements of a detection unit that detects a flow rate, etc. In a widely used ultrasonic flowmeter such as the ultrasonic flowmeter disclosed in Patent Document 1, a connector is attached to the connection cable and is detachably connected to the detection unit or ultrasonic flowmeter that includes the ultrasonic sensor elements.

[0003] In such ultrasonic flowmeters, it is possible to accidentally connect a pair of connection cables to the detection unit in reverse. Even in this reversed state, the ultrasonic flowmeter can still acquire measurement data from the ultrasonic sensor elements of the detection unit, but it will no longer be able to accurately measure the flow velocity and flow rate of the fluid flowing through the measurement pipe.

[0004] Therefore, connector cables are given visually identifiable elements such as colors or labels, and the type, male / female connector, and shape of the connection port are made different for each connector to prevent incorrect connections. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-038862 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, when adding the above-mentioned identifiable elements, the worker must work carefully, and in some cases, there is a problem that the worker may add an identifiable element by mistake.

[0007] Furthermore, if the types of connectors, their male and female connectors, and the shapes of the connection ports are different for each connector, then male and female connectors with different external shapes will be required, which will make managing a large number of connectors complicated and increase manufacturing costs.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide an ultrasonic transmission / reception system that identifies the connection state of a connection cable on the measurement unit side regardless of the connection state of the connection cable, and performs control according to the identified connection state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving system according to the present invention comprises a pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, a detection unit having an engaged portion or an engaging portion connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements via a first connecting electric wire, and a measurement unit having a pair of engaging portions or engaged portions that engage with the engaged portion or the engaging portion and connected to the detection unit via a pair of connecting cables, wherein the measurement unit comprises a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, a receiving circuit that receives a measurement signal from the other or one of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, and a pair of switch units that switch and connect contacts to which a pair of second connecting electric wires continuing from the pair of connecting cables are connected and contacts to which the transmission circuit and the receiving circuit are connected, only In the vicinity of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element, one of the first connecting wires is connected in parallel to the to An electronic device unit is provided which is connected to the branched first branch electric wire, and the measurement unit is provided with a control unit which communicates with the electronic device unit, and a switching connection unit which has one end connected to the control unit and the other end which can be switched to connect to either one of the pair of second connection electric wires. The pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to the transmission circuit and can switch the contacts of the pair of second connection wires as a connection destination of the common contact of the transmission circuit, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the reception circuit and can switch the contacts of the pair of second connection wires as a connection destination of the common contact of the reception circuit, and the switching connection unit is a third switch unit that connects a common contact to the control unit and can switch the contacts of the pair of second connection wires as a connection destination of the common contact of the control unit, and the control unit controls the switching connection unit When a response signal is received from the electronic device unit at the time of first connection of the second connecting wire by the switching connection unit, the switching connection unit determines that the connection is forward, and starts switching control of the switch unit according to the forward connection, and transmission / reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit, and when a response signal is received from the electronic device unit at the time of first connection of the second connecting wire by the switching connection unit, the switching connection unit switches the contacts of the switching connection unit, and when a response signal is received from the electronic device unit, the switching connection unit determines that the connection is reverse, and starts switching control of the switch unit according to the reverse connection, and starts transmission / reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit. It is characterized by the following.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the ultrasonic transmission and reception system according to the present invention comprises a pair of ultrasonic transmission and reception elements, a detection unit having engaged portions connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmission and reception elements via first connecting wires, and a measurement unit connected to the detection unit via a pair of connection cables having engaging portions at their ends that engage with the engaged portions, wherein the measurement unit comprises a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission and reception elements, a reception circuit that receives a measurement signal from the other or one of the ultrasonic transmission and reception elements, and a pair of switch units that switchably connect contacts to which a pair of second connecting wires continuing from the pair of connection cables are connected and contacts to which the transmission circuit and the reception circuit are connected, Only one In the vicinity of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element, one of the first connecting wires is connected in parallel to the to An electronic device unit is provided that is connected to the branched first branch electric wire, and the measurement unit is provided with a control unit that communicates with the electronic device unit and a connection unit that is connected to the control unit at one end and to one of the second connection electric wires at the other end. the pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to the transmission circuit and enables contacts of a pair of second connection electric wires that are continuous with the pair of connection cables to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of the transmission circuit, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the reception circuit and enables contacts of the pair of second connection electric wires to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of the reception circuit, the connection unit being a branch electric wire that branches off from one of the second connection electric wires and connects to the control unit, the control unit determining that the connection is forward connection when it receives a response signal from the electronic device unit, and determining that the connection is reverse connection when it does not receive a response signal from the electronic device unit, and starting switching control of the first and second switch units and transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit according to the determined forward connection or reverse connection. It is characterized by the following. Further, to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving system according to the present invention comprises a pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, a detection unit having engaged portions connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements via first connecting wires, and a measurement unit connected to the detection unit via a pair of connecting cables having engaging portions at their ends that engage with the engaged portions, wherein the measurement unit comprises a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, a receiving circuit that receives a measurement signal from the other or one of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements, and a pair of switch units that switchably connect contacts to which a pair of second connecting wires continuing from the pair of connecting cables are connected, and the contacts to which the transmission circuit and the receiving circuit are connected, and an electronic device unit is provided near only one of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements and connected to a first branch wire branched in parallel from one of the first connecting wires, and the measurement unit is provided with a control unit that communicates with the electronic device unit, and a connection unit that connects one end to the control unit and the other end to one of the second connecting wires. The pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to one of a pair of second connecting electric wires that are continuous with the pair of connecting cables, and enables the contacts of the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of one of the second connecting electric wires, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the other of the second connecting electric wires, and enables the contacts of the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of the other of the second connecting electric wires, and the connecting unit comprises a contact that is provided in the first switch unit and is capable of being switched to the common contact of one of the second connection electric wires and is connected to the control unit, and the control unit determines that the connection is forward if it receives a response signal from the electronic device unit after connecting the connection unit to the common contact, and determines that the connection is reverse if it does not receive a response signal from the electronic device unit, and starts switching control of the first and second switch units and transmission and reception control of the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit according to the determined forward connection or reverse connection. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving system of the present invention, an electronic device unit is provided via a branch wire to at least a first connecting wire connected to an ultrasonic transmitting and receiving element of a detecting unit, and a control unit that communicates with the electronic device is provided to a measuring unit connected to the detecting unit, so that the measuring unit can identify one of a pair of second connecting wires connected to the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving element. After identifying the connection state, the control unit starts switching control of each switch unit according to the connection state and transmission and reception control of the transmitting circuit and receiving circuit, thereby enabling accurate measurement data between the pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements to be obtained from the detecting unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]1 is a block circuit configuration diagram of an ultrasonic wave transmitting and receiving system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block circuit configuration diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system in a reverse connection state to the connection state of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the control unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the connection state of FIG. [Figure 5] 3 is a timing chart in the connected state of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a block circuit configuration diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for forward connection. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a block circuit configuration diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the control unit. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for forward connection. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for reverse connection. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block circuit diagram of a transmission / reception control unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a timing chart for forward connection. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the control unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention will be described in detail based on the illustrated embodiment 1. [Example]

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram in which the detection unit and measurement unit are connected in a reversed state compared to the connection state in FIG.

[0015] The ultrasonic flowmeter is composed of a detection unit 10 having a pair of ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements arranged opposite each other at both ends of a straight pipe through which a fluid flows, and a measurement unit 20 connected to these ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements via a coaxial cable.

[0016] The conduit 10a of the detection section 10 is made of a synthetic resin material such as polypropylene or Teflon (registered trademark), and near both ends of the straight conduit 10b, an inlet conduit 10c through which fluid flows in and an outlet conduit 10d through which fluid is discharged are arranged in a so-called crank shape, each at a right angle to the axial direction of the straight conduit 10b.

[0017] The straight pipe 10b, inlet pipe 10c, and outlet pipe 10d that make up pipe 10a have an inner diameter of, for example, 4 mm, and each end of inlet pipe 10c and outlet pipe 10d is formed with a connection port (not shown) that makes it easy to connect a flexible pipe made of, for example, synthetic resin connected to a pump, but makes it difficult for it to come loose.

[0018] The inlet pipe 10c and the outlet pipe 10d may be configured to have the same shape as shown in FIG. 1, for example, or may have shapes that are appropriately changed to suit the installation space of the detection unit 10.

[0019] Although the conduit 10a is arranged in a crank shape in FIG. 1, any suitable conduit shape can be adopted as long as it allows a pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements to be arranged opposite each other across the conduit through which the fluid flows.

[0020] An inlet side transmitting / receiving section 11 is provided at the point where the straight pipe line 10b and the inlet pipe line 10c connect at a right angle, and an outlet side transmitting / receiving section 12 is provided at the point where the straight pipe line 10b and the outlet pipe line 10d connect at a right angle.

[0021] The inlet side transmitting / receiving section 11 and the outlet side transmitting / receiving section 12 each have a gap formed therein, each consisting of wall surfaces 11a, 12a separated by a straight pipe line 10b, cylindrical sections 11b, 12b continuing from these wall surfaces 11a, 12a, and blocking sections 11c, 12c blocking these cylindrical sections 11b, 12b.

[0022] In these gaps, ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d and 12d that are in close contact with the wall surfaces 11a and 12a and transmit and receive ultrasonic waves to and from the straight pipe 10b, and first connecting wires 11e and 12e that are drawn out from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d and 12d, are respectively arranged. By applying a voltage to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d and 12d, which are made of piezoelectric vibrators, an ultrasonic beam is propagated through the fluid in the straight pipe 10b.

[0023] On the outer surfaces of the entrance side transmitting / receiving unit 11 and the exit side transmitting / receiving unit 12, there are respectively arranged engaging portions 11f and 12f, one of which is connected to the first connecting wires 11e and 12e, and the other of which is capable of engaging with engaging portions 21a and 22a to which the measuring unit 20 is connected.

[0024] The engaging portions 21a, 22a are connector bodies of the same shape, and the engaged portions 11f, 12f are socket bodies of the same shape. The engaged portions 11f, 12f can be located anywhere near the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d, 12d, and the engaging portions and engaged portions of the same shape may be located on the measuring unit 20 side. In such a case, the first connecting electric wires 11e, 12e are directly connected to a connecting cable made of a coaxial cable.

[0025] Furthermore, an electronic device unit 11g is provided within the gap of the inlet-side transceiver unit 11, and a branch electric wire 11h, which branches off in parallel from the first connecting electric wire 11e, is connected to this electronic device unit 11g via a protection circuit unit (not shown). Note that this protection circuit unit suppresses overvoltage and overcurrent applied to the electronic device unit 11g in the event of a malfunction, and employs a well-known protection circuit.

[0026] In addition, the electronic device unit 11g provided near the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d uses, for example, a memory chip made of a semiconductor memory element which is a storage medium, and is capable of communicating with a control unit including a device communication circuit etc., which will be described later.

[0027] A pair of connection cables 21b, 22b, each consisting of a coaxial cable with a coated outer surface, is wired from the housing to the measuring unit 20, and the aforementioned engagement parts 21a, 22a are attached to the ends of these connection cables 21b, 22b.

[0028] The measurement unit 20 also includes a transmission circuit 31 that transmits a drive signal to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d or the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d, a receiving circuit 32 that receives a measurement signal from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d or the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d, a control unit 33 that communicates with the electronic device unit 11g, a first switch unit 40 that connects the common contact to the transmission circuit 31 and enables the contacts of a pair of second connecting electric wires 21c, 22c that are continuous with the pair of connecting cables 21b, 22b to be switched as the connection destination of the common contact of the transmission circuit 31, a second switch unit 50 that connects the common contact to the receiving circuit 32 and enables the contacts of the second connecting electric wires 21c, 22c to be switched as the connection destination of the common contact of the receiving circuit 32, and a third switch unit 60 that connects the common contact to the control unit 33 and enables the contacts of the second connecting electric wires 21c, 22c to be switched as the connection destination of the common contact of the control unit 33.

[0029] The control unit 33, which is composed of a CPU and the like, not only communicates with the electronic device unit 11g, but also controls switching of the first, second, and third switch units 40, 50, and 60, and controls transmission and reception between the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32. Note that the communication processing of the electronic device unit 11g and other processing may be performed by different processing devices.

[0030] The first switch section 40 has a first contact 41 which is a contact that connects to one of the second connecting wires 21c, a second contact 42 which is a contact that connects to a branch wire 22d branching from the other second connecting wire 22c, and a common contact 43 which connects to the transmitting circuit 31.

[0031] Similarly, the second switch section 50 has a first contact 51 which is a contact that connects to the other second connecting wire 22c, a second contact 52 which is a contact that connects to the branch wire 21d branching from one second connecting wire 21c, and a common contact 53 which connects to the receiving circuit 32.

[0032] Furthermore, the third switch unit 60 has a first contact 61 which is a contact that connects to the branch electric wire 21e branching off from one second connecting electric wire 21c, a second contact 62 which is a contact that connects to the branch electric wire 22e branching off from the other second connecting electric wire 22c, and a common contact 63 that connects to the control unit 33.

[0033] In addition, the first, second and third switch sections 40, 50 and 60 can change the connection destination by appropriately switching the movable contacts connected to the common contacts 43, 53 and 63, as shown in the figure.

[0034] 3 is a flowchart of the control unit 33, which proceeds to step ST11 when power is applied to the measurement unit 20. Note that the first, second, and third switch units 40, 50, and 60 of the measurement unit 20 are connected to the first contacts 41, 51, and 61, respectively, at startup.

[0035] In the third switch section 60, the first contact 61 and the common contact 63 are connected, and via the second connecting wire 21c and the connecting cable 21b, the engaging section 21a is connected to either the engaged section 11f in the connected state shown in Figure 1 or the engaged section 12f in the connected state shown in Figure 2.

[0036] In step ST11, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the electronic device unit 11g. If the engaging unit 21a is connected to the engaged unit 11f shown in Fig. 1 and a response is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the process proceeds to step ST12.

[0037] In step ST12, the control unit 33 starts the switching control of the first and second switch units 40, 50 in response to the switching control of the forward connection, and the transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32.

[0038] Fig. 4 is a timing chart for the forward connection state shown in Fig. 1. As described above, when device communication is performed with the electronic device unit 11g in steps ST11 and ST12, the first contacts 41 and 51 are connected to the common contacts 43 and 53, and the control unit 33 processes the drive signal from the transmission circuit 31 as being output to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d and the measurement signal from the reception circuit 32 as being input to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d.

[0039] Furthermore, when the first and second switch sections 40 and 50 are switched from the first contacts 41 and 51 to the second contacts 42 and 52 and the second contacts 42 and 52 are connected to the common contacts 43 and 53, the output destination of the drive signal from the transmitting circuit 31 is the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d, and the input source of the measurement signal from the receiving circuit 32 is treated as being the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d.

[0040] In this way, the control unit 33 repeatedly controls the transmission circuit 31 to send a drive signal and the reception circuit 32 to receive a measurement signal, and correspondingly, the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements 11d and 12d alternately transmit and receive ultrasonic beams in accordance with the switching control of the first and second switch units 40 and 50.

[0041] Based on these processes, the control unit 33 can calculate the flow velocity and flow rate of the fluid in the straight pipe 10b. The procedure for this calculation process is as follows: first, the ultrasonic beam emitted from the upstream ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d propagates through the fluid in the straight pipe 10b and reaches the downstream ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d. Next, the ultrasonic beam emitted from the downstream ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d enters the straight pipe 10b and reaches the upstream ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d.

[0042] The propagation speed of the ultrasonic beam in the fluid from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d is accelerated by the fluid flowing in the direction of the arrow from the inlet pipe 10c to the outlet pipe 10d in Figure 1, and the propagation speed of the ultrasonic beam from the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d to the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d is decelerated because it is traveling in the opposite direction to the flow direction.

[0043] In the control unit 33, the difference in arrival time of the measurement signal of the ultrasonic beam obtained by these two-way transmission and reception can be calculated using a known measurement method, and the flow velocity of the fluid in the straight pipe 10b can be measured, and the flow rate can be calculated by multiplying it by the cross-sectional area of ​​the straight pipe 10b.

[0044] In step ST11, if the control unit 33 does not receive a response signal from the electronic device unit 11g, it proceeds to step ST13, switches the connection destination of the common contact 63 of the third switch unit 60 from the first contact 61 to the second contact 62, and proceeds to step ST14.

[0045] If no response signal is received from the electronic device unit 11g in step ST11, it can be assumed that the connection state is not that of FIG. 1 but that of FIG.

[0046] In step ST14, similarly to step ST11, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the electronic device unit 11g, and if a response signal is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the process proceeds to step ST15.

[0047] In step ST15, the control unit 33 starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40, 50 and transmission / reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and reception circuit 32 in accordance with the reverse connection.

[0048] Fig. 5 is a timing chart for reverse connection, which is the connection state of Fig. 2. As shown in the figure, when the common contact 63 of the third switch section 60 is connected to the second contact 62, upon receiving a response signal from the electronic device section 11g, switching control is performed to alternately switch the first contacts 41, 51 and the second contacts 42, 52 of the first and second switch sections 40, 50 at a switching timing for the switch section reverse to the forward connection.

[0049] In such a reverse connection, when the second contacts 42, 52 are connected to the common contacts 43, 53, the output destination of the drive signal from the transmitting circuit 31 is the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d, and the input source of the measurement signal from the receiving circuit 32 is the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d, as processed by the control unit 33.

[0050] Furthermore, when the first contacts 41, 51 are connected to the common contacts 43, 53, the output destination of the drive signal from the transmitting circuit 31 is the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 12d, and the input source of the measurement signal from the receiving circuit 32 is processed as being the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving element 11d.

[0051] If there is no response from the electronic device unit 11g in step ST14, the process proceeds to step ST16, where a malfunction is detected in the detection unit 10, measurement unit 20, etc., such as damage to the electronic device unit 11g or disconnection of the connection cables 21b, 22b, etc. This malfunction is notified to the outside, for example, by generating an alarm sound or flashing a display on a monitor. [Example]

[0052] Fig. 6 is a block circuit diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system of Example 2, and Fig. 7 is a timing chart when connected as shown in Fig. 6. A difference between Example 1 and Example 2 is that the common contacts 44' and 54' of the first and second switch units 40' and 50' are arranged on the side of the second connecting electric wires 21c and 22c.

[0053] The first switch section 40' is composed of a first contact 41' connected to the transmitting circuit 31, a second contact 42' connected to the receiving circuit 32, a third contact 43' connected to the control section 33, and a common contact 44' connected to the second connecting electrical line 21c.

[0054] The second switch section 50' is composed of a first contact 51' connected to the transmitting circuit 31, a second contact 52' connected to the receiving circuit 32, a third contact 53' connected to the control section 33, and a common contact 54' connected to the second connecting electrical line 22c.

[0055] The transmitting circuit 31, receiving circuit 32, and control unit 33 are all connected to the first and second switch units 40', 50', respectively, via the main line and the branch line branching off from the main line, and switching control is performed so that the two branch contacts are not simultaneously connected to the common contacts 44', 54'.

[0056] As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 7, first the common contact 44' and the third contact 43' of the first switch section 40' are connected, and at the same time the common contact 54' and the first contact 51' of the second switch section 50' are connected.

[0057] 3, and when a response signal is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the control unit 33 performs the forward connection process in Example 1, that is, the process of alternately switching the first contacts 41, 51 and the second contacts 42, 52 in synchronization with each other, for the first contacts 41', 51' and the second contacts 42', 52'. In this way, the control unit 33 in Example 2 starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40', 50' according to the forward connection, and control of transmission and reception of the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32.

[0058] Furthermore, if no response signal is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the first switch unit 40' switches from the third contact 43' to the first contact 41', and at the same time, the second switch unit 50' switches from the first contact 51' to the third contact 53'.

[0059] This process is the same as the process of step ST13 in FIG. 3, and this switching process switches the connection destination of the control unit 33 from one second connection electric wire 21c to the other second connection electric wire 22c.

[0060] When a response signal is received from the electronic device unit 12g in this connection state, the control unit 33 in the second embodiment starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40', 50' in accordance with the reverse connection, and starts transmission and reception control of the transmitting circuit 31 and the receiving circuit 32, similar to the switching control of the reverse connection in the first embodiment, although not shown in the timing chart diagram.

[0061] Furthermore, if there is no response from the electronic device unit 11g even after switching from the first contact 51' to the third contact 53' of the second switch unit 50', it is determined that a malfunction has occurred, as described above, and a notification is sent to the outside.

[0062] In this way, in both Examples 1 and 2, the measuring unit 20 is provided with a pair of first switch units 40, 40' and second switch units 50, 50' that switchably connect the contacts to which the pair of second connecting wires 21c, 22c are connected and the contacts to which the transmitting circuit 31 and the receiving circuit 32 are connected.

[0063] Furthermore, in the ultrasonic transmission / reception systems of Examples 1 and 2, the measurement unit 20 is provided with a switching connection unit that has one end connected to the control unit 33 and the other end that can be switched to connect to either one of the pair of second connection wires 21c, 22c.

[0064] The above-mentioned switching connection section in Example 1 is a third switch section 60 including first and second contacts 61 and 62, and the above-mentioned switching connection section in Example 2 is provided in the first and second switch sections 40' and 50', respectively, and is a third contact 43' and 53' that connects the common contacts 44' and 54' of the pair of second connecting electric wires 21c and 22c to a control section 33 that can be switched and connected. [Example]

[0065] 8 is a block circuit diagram of an ultrasonic transmission / reception system of Example 3, and the differences between Example 1 and Example 3 are that the third switch unit 60 is not provided in the measurement unit 20, and an electronic device unit 11g is provided in the gap of the entrance-side transmission / reception unit 11, and an electronic device unit 12g is also provided in the gap of the exit-side transmission / reception unit 12. A branch electric wire 12h branching in parallel from the first connecting electric wire 12e is connected to this electronic device unit 12g via a protection circuit unit (not shown).

[0066] The control unit 33 is connected only to the branch wire 21e that branches off from one of the second connecting wires 21c, and is able to identify the electronic device units 11g and 12g from the difference in response signals from the connected electronic device units 11g and 12g.

[0067] 9 is a flowchart of the control unit 33, which proceeds to step ST21 when power is applied to the measurement unit 20. The first and second switch units 40 and 50 of the measurement unit 20 are connected to the first contacts 41 and 51, respectively, at startup.

[0068] Engaging portion 21a is connected to either engaged portion 11f or engaged portion 12f, which are in the connected state shown in Fig. 9, via second connecting wire 21c and connecting cable 21b. When engaging portion 21a is connected to engaged portion 11f or engaged portion 12f, control portion 33 is able to communicate with electronic device portion 11g or electronic device portion 12g.

[0069] In step ST21, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the electronic device unit 11g. If the engaging unit 21a is connected to the engaged unit 11f shown in Fig. 9 and a response is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the process proceeds to step ST22.

[0070] In step ST22, the control section 33 starts the switching control of the first and second switch sections 40, 50 and the transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32 in the forward connection state shown in the timing chart of FIG.

[0071] In step ST21, if a response signal is not received from the electronic device unit 11g, the process proceeds to step ST23, where it is determined whether or not there is a response from the electronic device unit 12g.

[0072] In step ST23, if a response is received from the electronic device unit 12g, the process proceeds to step ST24. In step ST23, the control unit 33 starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40, 50 and transmission / reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32 during reverse connection, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. [Example]

[0073] FIG. 12 is a block circuit diagram of the ultrasonic transmission / reception system of Example 4. The differences between Example 2 and Example 4 include that the second switch section 50′ of the measuring section 20 does not have a third contact 53′, and an electronic device section 12g is provided within the gap of the outlet-side transmission / reception section 12.

[0074] The control unit 33 is connected only to the third contact 43' of the first switch unit 40'. By connecting the common contact 44', which is connected to one of the second connecting wires 21c, to the third contact 43', it is possible to identify the electronic device units 11g and 12g from the difference in the response signals from the connected electronic device units 11g and 12g.

[0075] In Example 4, when power is applied to the measurement unit 20, the common contact 44' and the third contact 43' of the first switch unit 40' are first connected, and at the same time the common contact 54' and the first contact 51' of the second switch unit 50' are connected.

[0076] The engaging portion 21a is connected to either the engaged portion 11f or the engaged portion 12f, which is in the connected state shown in FIG. 12, via the second connecting wire 21c and the connecting cable 21b.

[0077] Then, when the engaging portion 21a engages with the engaged portion 11f and receives a response signal from the electronic device portion 11g, synchronized switching control of the first contacts 41', 51' and the second contacts 42', 52' and transmission / reception control of the transmitting circuit 31 and the receiving circuit 32 are initiated, similar to the switching control of the first and second switch portions 40, 50 in the case of reverse connection shown in the timing chart of Figure 11.

[0078] In this way, in both Examples 3 and 4, the measuring unit 20 is provided with a pair of first switch units 40, 40' and second switch units 50, 50' that switchably connect the contacts to which the pair of second connecting wires 21c, 22c are connected and the contacts to which the transmitting circuit 31 and the receiving circuit 32 are connected.

[0079] Furthermore, in Examples 3 and 4, the measuring unit 20 is provided with a connection unit having one end connected to a control unit 33 that communicates with the electronic device unit 11g or the electronic device unit 12g and the other end connected to one of the second connecting wires 21c.

[0080] The above-mentioned connection part in Example 3 is a branch electric wire 21e that branches off from one of the second connecting electric wires 21c and connects to the control unit 33, and the above-mentioned connection part in Example 4 is provided within the first switch unit 40' and indicates a third contact 43' that can be switched and connected to the common contact 44' of one of the second connecting electric wires 21c and that connects to the control unit 33.

[0081] In the third and fourth embodiments, the electronic device unit 12g is provided in the gap of the outlet-side transceiver 12, but this is not necessarily required. Fig. 14 is a flowchart of the control unit 33 in the third and fourth embodiments when determining the connection state of a simplified connection cable in which the electronic device unit 12g is not provided in the outlet-side transceiver 12.

[0082] When power is applied to the measuring unit 20, the process proceeds to step ST31, where it is determined whether or not there is a response from the electronic device unit 11g. If a response is received from the electronic device unit 11g, the process proceeds to step ST32, where the control unit 33 starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40, 50 during forward connection, and transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit 31 and reception circuit 32.

[0083] If no response is received from the electronic device unit 11g in step ST31, the process proceeds to step ST33, where the control unit 33 starts switching control of the first and second switch units 40, 50 in reverse connection, and transmitting and receiving control of the transmitting circuit 31 and receiving circuit 32.

[0084] Thus, according to the ultrasonic transmission / reception system of the present invention, an electronic device unit 11g is provided via a branch wire 11h for at least the first connecting wire 11e connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception element 11d of the detection unit 10, and a control unit 33 that communicates with the electronic device unit 11g is provided in the measurement unit 20 connected to the detection unit 10, so that the measurement unit 20 can identify which of the pair of second connecting wires 21c, 22c is connected to the ultrasonic transmission / reception element 11d.

[0085] After identifying the connection state, the control unit 33 starts switching control of each switch unit according to the connection state and control of transmission and reception of the transmission circuit 31 and the reception circuit 32, thereby obtaining accurate measurement data between the pair of ultrasonic transmission and reception elements 11d, 12d from the detection unit 10. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10. Detection unit 11d, 12d Ultrasonic transmitting and receiving elements 11e, 12e First connecting wire 11f, 12f Engaged part 11g, 12g Electronic Devices Division 11h, 12h, 21d, 21e, 22d, 22e Branch wires 20 Measuring part 21a, 22a engaging part 21b, 22b connection cable 21c, 22c Second connecting wire 31 Transmitting circuit 32 Receiving circuit 33 Control Unit 40, 40' First switch section 41, 41', 51, 51', 61 First contact 42, 42', 52, 52', 62 Second contact 43', 53' Third contact point 43, 44', 53, 54', 63 common contact 50, 50' Second switch section 60 Third switch section

Claims

1. a detection unit including a pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements and an engaging portion or an engaged portion connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements via a first connecting wire; a measuring unit that includes a pair of engaging portions or engaged portions that engage with the engaged portion or the engaging portion, and is connected to the detecting unit via a pair of connection cables, The measurement unit is an ultrasonic transmission / reception system including a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, a reception circuit that receives a measurement signal from one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, contacts to which a pair of second connection wires continuing from the pair of connection cables are connected, and a pair of switch units that switch and connect the contacts to which the transmission circuit and the reception circuit are connected, an electronic device unit connected to a first branch electric wire branched in parallel from one of the first connecting electric wires is provided near only one of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements, the measurement unit is provided with a control unit that communicates with the electronic device unit, and a switching connection unit that connects one end to the control unit and enables switching connection of the other end to either one of the pair of second connection wires, the pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to the transmission circuit and can switch contacts of the pair of second connecting wires as connection destinations of the common contact of the transmission circuit, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the reception circuit and can switch contacts of the pair of second connecting wires as connection destinations of the common contact of the reception circuit, the switching connection unit is a third switch unit that connects a common contact to the control unit and switches contacts of the pair of second connection wires as connection destinations of the common contact of the control unit, when the control unit receives a response signal from the electronic device unit at the time of the first connection of the second connection wire by the switching connection unit, the control unit determines that the connection is forward, and starts switching control of the switch unit according to the forward connection, and control of transmission and reception of the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit; An ultrasonic transmission / reception system characterized in that, when the switching connection unit first connects the second connection wire, if a response signal is not received from the electronic device unit, the switching connection unit switches its contacts, and when a response signal is received from the electronic device unit, the system determines that the connection is reversed and starts switching control of the switch unit in accordance with the reverse connection, and transmission / reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit.

2. 2. The ultrasonic transmission / reception system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs processing to determine that a malfunction has occurred if it does not receive a response signal from the electronic device unit even after switching the contacts of the switching connection unit.

3. a detection unit including a pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements and an engaged portion connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements via a first connecting wire; a measuring unit connected to the detecting unit via a pair of connection cables each having an engaging portion at an end thereof that engages with the engaged portion; The measurement unit is an ultrasonic transmission / reception system including a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, a reception circuit that receives a measurement signal from one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, and a pair of switch units that switchably connect contacts to which a pair of second connection wires continuing from the pair of connection cables are connected, and the contacts to which the transmission circuit and the reception circuit are connected, an electronic device unit connected to a first branch electric wire branched in parallel from one of the first connecting electric wires is provided near only one of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements, the measurement unit is provided with a control unit that communicates with the electronic device unit, and a connection unit that is connected to the control unit at one end and to one of the second connection wires at the other end, the pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to the transmission circuit and can switch contacts of a pair of second connection wires continuing to the pair of connection cables as connection destinations of the common contact of the transmission circuit, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the reception circuit and can switch contacts of the pair of second connection wires as connection destinations of the common contact of the reception circuit, the connection portion is a branch electric wire that branches off from one of the second connection electric wires and is connected to the control portion, The control unit determines that the connection is forward when a response signal is received from the electronic device unit, and determines that the connection is reverse when a response signal is not received from the electronic device unit, and starts switching control of the first and second switch units and transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit according to the determined forward connection or reverse connection.

4. a detection unit including a pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements and an engaged portion connected to each of the pair of ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements via a first connecting wire; a measuring unit connected to the detecting unit via a pair of connection cables each having an engaging portion at an end thereof that engages with the engaged portion; The measurement unit is an ultrasonic transmission / reception system including a transmission circuit that transmits a drive signal to one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, a reception circuit that receives a measurement signal from one or the other of the ultrasonic transmission / reception elements, and a pair of switch units that switchably connect contacts to which a pair of second connection wires continuing from the pair of connection cables are connected, and the contacts to which the transmission circuit and the reception circuit are connected, an electronic device unit connected to a first branch electric wire branched in parallel from one of the first connecting electric wires is provided near only one of the ultrasonic transmitting / receiving elements, the measurement unit is provided with a control unit that communicates with the electronic device unit, and a connection unit that is connected to the control unit at one end and to one of the second connection wires at the other end, the pair of switch units comprises a first switch unit that connects a common contact to one of a pair of second connecting electric wires that are continuous with the pair of connecting cables, and enables contacts of the transmitting circuit and the receiving circuit to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of one of the second connecting electric wires, and a second switch unit that connects a common contact to the other of the second connecting electric wires, and enables contacts of the receiving circuit and the transmitting circuit to be switched as connection destinations of the common contact of the other of the second connecting electric wires, the connection portion is provided in the first switch portion, and is a contact that can be selectively connected to the common contact of one of the second connection electric wires and is connected to the control portion; The control unit determines that the connection is forward if it receives a response signal from the electronic device unit after connecting the connection unit to the common contact, and determines that the connection is reverse if it does not receive a response signal from the electronic device unit, and starts switching control of the first and second switch units and transmission and reception control of the transmission circuit and the reception circuit according to the determined forward connection or reverse connection.

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