JPH01501731A - fiber optical sensor device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] fiber optical sensor device Technical field The technical field of the invention is fiber optic devices. In more detail , the present invention relates to a fiber optical sensor device.

Background technology For factory automation, i! Extremely reliable and limitless, unaffected by magnetic influences A switch or position sensor is required. In addition, the petrochemical field and the energy field Factories such as It is required to install a Furthermore, aviation customers equipped with optical fiber control I equipment Significant efforts are being made towards developing ships and ships. For industrial automation Also, fiber optic Ill is increasingly being used.

Various measuring devices measure physical parameters by measuring the intensity of light. , known in the prior art. In these devices, one or more light sources The light emitted from the The transducer controls the received light source in proportion to its sensing characteristics and this II The controlled light is returned through a return optical fiber. Adjust the intensity of this returned light. A photodetector device is used to convert the signal into an electrical signal. bent optical fiber Mechanical effects caused by connectors used to connect optical fibers, temperature and pressure, etc. Environmental effects have also been found to influence light intensity. child To compensate for these undesirable effects, use multiple light sources and/or multiple detectors. Can be done.

Two wavelengths of light, as previously disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,356,396 is generated and two detectors monitor the emitted light, and two detectors monitors the light that is sent back.The light at one of these wavelengths is , reflected by the mirror between the optical fiber and the optical converter. The strength of this reflected light degree is used as a reference strength for compensation calculations. The converter converts the light into a second wavelength. It acts. Therefore, mechanical variations in the transducer itself, or It is not possible to compensate for changes in environmental conditions.

Optical converters that employ multiple wavelengths of light are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. 4,514.860 and U.S. Pat. No. 4.378.496, transducer assembly It uses two light emitting diodes and associated electronic components inside its body. electric Transducers that operate without current or voltage to reduce disturbances associated with electrical equipment is requested.

Further, in the prior art, multiple wavelengths of light are multiplexed using a converter assembly. A determination is being made. With the technology disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4.523.092 does not compensate for mechanical variations in the transducer or variations in environmental conditions.

Another example using two wavelengths is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,492,860M. is shown, in which a single optical fiber is used and polarized light is used. By doing so, we can control the reflection when the emitted light is reflected and forwarded to the detector device. are doing.

Disclosure of invention FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to fiber optical sensor devices. present invention The device has two different wavelengths with spectral distributions centered on two different wavelengths. Detect the bands of light and calculate the ratio of their output light intensities. The size of this ratio The height corresponds to the position of the light converter.

This ratio is processed in an electronic signal processing device. Detection of the light intensity of two bands of light is This is a method in which light from light sources with different wavelengths is detected using a detector with a large bandwidth. is a method in which light from a light source that emits light with a large bandwidth is detected by a detector with different wavelength characteristics. It is done. In other words, the work performed by multiple light sources and one detector is or by using one light source and multiple detectors, Equivalent results can be obtained.

One object of the invention is for the discrete or proportional detection of physical parameters. , i.e., to obtain a switch-like digital operation, or an MNI I fixed and position 111! Fiber optic sensor equipment to obtain analog operation for It's about getting a position.

Another object of the invention is to perform self-certification and therefore adjust light sensitivity. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a fiber optical sensor device that does not require the use of fiber optics.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an indication of the failure when any of the optical components fail. The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a fiber optic sensor 1A device that performs self-monitoring for the purpose of self-monitoring.

Still another object of the present invention is to ensure that the optical circuit is functional without the use of special testing equipment. A fiber optic sensor device that allows you to easily visually check whether It is to obtain.

Still another object of the present invention is to avoid supplying current or voltage to the location where position detection is to be performed. Inherently safe, with no electrical current or voltage present at this location. , to obtain a fiber optical sensor device.

Other objects and advantages of the invention include the following description of the preferred embodiment: It will be clear from the detailed description. These preferred embodiments have different wavelengths. The intensity of the two bands of light generated by the light source that generates the light is expressed as the band width. The present invention is implemented by detecting with a large detector.

The fiber optical sensor iiN according to the present invention comprises an output light having an input end and an output end. and a return optical fiber having an input end and an output end. This outfit The position also includes a first light source that generates a first light having a spectral distribution centered at the first wavelength. a light source; and a second light source that generates a second light having a spectral distribution centered on a second wavelength. has a source.

The first wavelength and the second wavelength have different wavelengths. These two light sources generate double color i+ can be part of i.

21 of these! The light sources can work alternately, and each light beam with suitable optical elements directed towards the input end of the delivery optical fiber. the result, The first light beam and the second light beam are transmitted from the input end to the output end of the output optical fiber. transmitted.

This It is placed between the output end of the sending optical fiber and the input end of the return optical fiber. further comprising a light converter located therein. This transducer includes a placement device and a and an actuator for moving the actuator. This optical converter is connected to the input end of the return optical fiber. The intensity of the first light and the second light, which Change by method.

The light converter can be transmissive. In this transmissive type optical converter, the positioning device is A first optical filter that preferentially transmits the first light, and a second light filter that preferentially transmits the second light. It has a filter. These filters work together to reduce the amount of light returned. The relative ratio of the intensity of the first light and the intensity of the second light transmitted into the fiber determines the position of actuation. Changes with position.

Alternatively, the light converter can also be of reflective type. This reflective light converter In this case, the 8-position arrangement consists of a first reflector that preferentially reflects the first light, and a first reflector that preferentially reflects the second light. and a second reflector that emits light. These anti-IF1! i will work together The relative ratio of the intensity of the first light reflected into the return optical fiber and the intensity of the second light is changes with the position of the actuator.

Arrangement of optical converter! ! The actuator for moving the device operates in response to a command input. child The command inputs are Mg2 position, cap pressure, flow rate, fluid level, current, or controlled by appropriate parameters such as voltage.

This @en also has a photodetector located at the output end of the return optical fiber.

This photodetector measures the intensity of light at this output end and Generates a responsive voltage. In this way, the photodetector detects the return signal corresponding to the first light. The fiber output light intensity and the return fiber output light intensity corresponding to the second light are measured.

The photodetection 5M position uses either a wavelength dispersion effect or a wavelength filter to detect the first light. producing a first detector voltage proportional to the intensity of the light, and also a second detector voltage proportional to the intensity of the second light. 2 produces a detector voltage.

Another method of determining the light intensity is to alternately apply the first and second light beams to the output optical fiber. a first detector proportional to the intensity of the first light; A method of generating a voltage and also generating a second detector voltage proportional to the intensity of the second light. Ru.

The device also includes a detector voltage corresponding to the first light and a detector voltage corresponding to the second light. has an electronic signal processing device responsive to the This electronic signal processing first shift is the first detector Calculate the first ratio by dividing the output by the second detector output voltage, and also calculate the analog dynamic For operation, an output signal is produced having a magnitude proportional to this first ratio. after that, This signal processing device converts this first ratio to a first constant for digital operation. and also test against a second constant. If this first ratio is less than the first constant is also greater than or equal to, the signal output is activated, and if the first ratio is greater than or equal to the second ratio. If the number is less than or equal to the number, the signal output is not activated.

The device also has a power control device. This output control device is an electronic signal processing H' It has an activated state and a deactivated state in response to the controller signal output of l. Said first ratio is tested in this signal processing Vitan, if the first ratio is smaller than the first constant? If both are greater than the second constant, the actuator is considered to be in a transition state. this In this case, the output miN is the opposite state to that which the actuator had before entering the transition region. can be changed into a state, thereby providing a snapping effect of the state change.

This Hg! The device is also responsive to the status signal output of the electronic signal processor to determine the activated and deactivated states. and a self-monitoring device with dynamic status. A first light generating device and a second light generating device When neither of the detectors is operating, the detector produces a third detector output voltage. This first 3 The detector output voltage corresponds to the amount of stray light entering the detector fiber. electronic signal The processing device converts the sum of the first detector output voltage and the node 2 detector output voltage to this third detector. A second ratio is calculated by removing the output voltage. If this lit is working properly In this case, this second ratio would be much greater than 2 for any of the optical components of this device. If either one is faulty, this second ratio will be approximately 2. The signal processing device A second ratio of is used to generate a status signal indicating that one of the optical components is faulty. Output.

This Ming 1111! Throughout, the term "light" refers to W in the vicinity of the visible spectrum. i is used to refer to electromagnetic waves, but the term is also used to refer to infrared and ultraviolet radiation. It should be noted that this also includes electromagnetic waves in the fr4 range.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the optical converter portion of the fiber optical sensor device 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a transmissive light converter, Figure 2 shows the wavelengths of the red light intensity and green light intensity used in the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. , which shows a fiber optical sensor device in which the optical converter part is a transmission type, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment in which the optical converter portion is reflective. illustrates a fiber optical sensor device, FIG. 5 is an enlarged three-dimensional view of a typical split-type position detection and optical fiber converter. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view along 1!16-6 of FIG. FIG. 7 is a front view partially shown in cross section along W7-7 in FIG. FIG. 8 shows the results of the operation of the device of the invention at various times under different representative conditions. It is a diagram comparing the voltage waveforms that shift. FIG. 9 shows the flow of functions performed by the electronic signal processing via part of 1ar1 of the present invention. is a time-multiplexed file for ratio calculations with software snapping. Figure 10 shows the implementation of the optical discrete position measurement algorithm of the present invention. Fig. 11 is an overview of the first part, showing the case where it is applied as a reflective pressure sensor. is a first partial schematic diagram of the device of the present invention, which is applied as a reflective liquid level switch. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of the third part of the device of the present invention, and is for a 1 m meter. This shows the case where it is applied as a reflective sensor. FIG. 13 is a front view of the double color cover plate shown in FIG. 12.

Embodiment of the invention A first preferred embodiment of the optical fiber i-device of the invention, i.e. an embodiment of the invention are shown in the drawings from the first factor to FIG.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the light source optical fiber, that is, the output optical fiber 20 has a light receiving input end 21 and a light emitting output end 22 . photodetector optical fiber, That is, the return optical fiber 23 has a light reception input end 24 and a light emission output end 25. have A first light having a spectral distribution centered on the first wavelength λ1, and a second wavelength a second light having a spectral distribution centered on λ2; ll is provided. This alternately emits light with two wavelengths λ1 and λ2. It is illustrated as a dual color light beam 26 configured to These are green A light emitting diode (LED) that emits a first light such as and a second light such as red. or a laser is typically the case. Green and red colors used above The combination can also be any other combination of two colors. Ru.

In Figure 2, which shows the relationship between the relative intensity of light and the wavelength (λ), for green color The song vQ28 emits 560 nanometers (nm) when its LED is energized. Wavelength λ.

and has a spectral bandwidth centered on is the spectrum centered at wavelength λ2 of 655 nl when the LED is energized. ・Has bandwidth. The first light beam and the second light beam generated by the light [126] A 1fiH is also provided leading towards the input end 21 of the optical fiber 2o. . This il is indicated in FIG. 3 by an arrowhead 630. Optical fiber 23 The light emitted from the output end 25 of is represented by arrow 1131 in FIG. However, this beam is incident on a suitable detection fixture W132. This detection fixing @32 is Detects the intensity of light at the force end.

As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the appropriate ex-wife is indicated generally at 33. A switching device connects the output end 22 of the optical fiber 2° and the input end 24 of the optical fiber 23. placed between. This transducer device consists of a station stop for positioning and a transducer and an actuator for moving the device.

The transducer arrangement is as shown in the drawing: - a first fin arranged in a straight line; a filter, that is, an upper filter 34, and a second filter, that is, a lower filter 35. and has. The butting ends of these filters touch each other . These filters integrally move back and forth on a straight line within the sensor body 36. It is arranged so that This filter device is installed at the bottom of this device. It is constantly pressed upwards by a suitable spring device. The lower end of this spring IAM is attached to a suitable fixing surface 39 in the sensor body 36 and at the upper end of the spring device. is attached to the lower end of the filter 35.

out of and above the sensor body 36 through a suitable opening made in the sensor body 36. The protruding plunger 40 is the aforementioned actuator device. actuator plunge The lower end of the filter 40 is connected to the upper end of the filter device and is connected to the actuator plunger. The upper end of the carrier 40 is exposed to the outside and can be attached to external parts (not shown). Can be attached. The position of the upper end of the actuator plunger is detected. Illustrated This external part, which is not present, is connected to the actuator as indicated by arrow a41 in FIG. Applying a downward force to the upper end of the plunger 40 causes the plunger 40 to move toward the sensor body 36. Push into. This causes the filter WiMM to move while compressing the spring 38. do.

The upper filter 34 has its spectral bandwidth centered at 560 ns. selected. Therefore, the upper filter 34 selectively transmits green light and Absorbs rays of other colors. The lower filter 35 has its spectral bandwidth centered at 6550-. Therefore, the lower filter 35 filters red light. It selectively transmits light and absorbs light of other colors.

When the actuation force 41 is not applied, the spring 38 causes the red filter 35 to between opposing ends 22 and 240 of optical fibers 20 and 23, respectively. , is retained. However, when actuating force 41 is applied, as shown in FIG. As shown, the upper edge filter 34 is located at the gate between the optical fiber ends 22 and 24. The light beam arranged and thus represented by the arrowed picture 42 passes through this filter 34 Transparent. Although not shown, if the red filter 35 is connected to the optical fiber end 22 and the optical fiber end 24, the light beam 42 It will be obvious that the light passes through the filter 35.

A suitable electronic signal processing device, indicated generally at 43, is also shown in FIG. . This electronic signal processing device W143 transmits the dual color light fi through the arrowed line 44. 26 and is also connected to the detector 32 through an arrowed line 45. , and furthermore, through arrowed 146, a digital control output like suspension@4 8 and also through the arrowed bran 51 the self-monitoring device 15 Connected to 2. Digital control output suspension fi48 output on/off relay The self-monitoring device w52 has an on/off relay device 53 and an indicator 50. It has an indicator 54.

Signal station 3! l! The device @43 consists of a single-chip microcontroller.

The function of this signal processing [l1143 is explained below, but 11g! through 44 Sending voltage V. You can control the order of red and green light sources by ut. and the voltage Vio sent through 11145 can be measured. . The voltage ■1o represents the final optical amplitude of each '1i length in time order, and The voltage output sent to conductor 1946 and conductor 51 is controlled to control the voltage output sent to conductor 1946 and conductor Self-monitoring device Ru. This control is executed according to an internally stored program. this pro Gram is an algorithm created for time-multiplexed, ratiometer optical measurements. Implemented according to the system.

The apparatus schematically shown in FIG. It has a position sensor. The output state of W48 is determined by the physical state of switch actuation WA40. determined by the motion, and the switch actuator 40 connects the two-color light source optical fiber 2 A pair of optical filter devices arranged in the optical path between 0 and the detector optical fiber 23! 34 ．． 35 for movement. These optical fibers 2o and 23 yes The deviation is also fixed. When actuator 4o moves, green filter or red filter is located in the optical path of the light beam 30 emitted from the light source 26, and The light beam 31 that has passed through these filters returns to the signal processing device. this , the first light beam and the second light beam returning from the sensor 33 to the detector 32 are The relative strength of circle.

A second preferred embodiment of the optical fiber device of the present invention or a mode of carrying out the present invention is This is shown in the drawings from FIGS. 4 to 7.

The BM shown in No. 48 is almost the same as II shown in FIG. 331 and the adjacency of the sending optical fiber 201 and the return optical fiber 231. The arrangement of the edges is interesting. Unless otherwise specified, the operation of this device is shown in Figure 3. The operation is the same as that of WAWl described above.

Corresponding parts are therefore given the same reference numbers in Figure 4. .

The optical converter 331 is a reflective device. Here, the upper part of part 58 is , a layer 59 of a suitable colored material reflecting the first light beam and absorbing the second light beam. covered with. The lower portion of component 58 absorbs the first light beam and absorbs the second light beam. It is similarly coated with a layer 60 of a suitable color material that reflects the light. Shinobu 59 and PJ 60, the end portions are arranged bordering on each other. Same as explained in the example of Fig. 3. Similarly, if the first light beam is a green color beam and the second light beam is a red color beam. If it is Rah Bhim! ! 59 is a green covering body [60 is a red covering body] It is.

Color coating 59 and color? ! ! Component 58 with cover 60 is shown in FIG. A device similar to the filter device shown in Figure 1, with a lower spring 381 and an upper actuator plunger. The camera 401 can move up and down on a vertical straight line.

The downward force represented by arrow ta411 in FIG. When applied to the upper end and the force is greater than the force of spring 381, the collar The part 58 with the coverings 59 and 60 is located at its upper end N (not shown). ) to its lower extreme position (shown in Figure 4).

The end of the sending optical fiber 201 near the output end 221 and the input of the return optical fiber 231 The ends near the power end 241 refer to the ends of these optical fibers facing the component 58. and are mounted side by side in close proximity to each other. Output of optical fiber 201 The incident light beam, represented by line 421, emanating from end 221 is directed toward one of components 58. at position 61 on the coated surface of. Input end 241 of optical fiber 231 is directed towards this position 61 and the light beam reflected from position 61, i.e. It then receives a returned optical beam indicated by arrowed line 422. In Figure 4, the incident The light beam 421 is incident on the green colored coating 59 on the component 58 and is reflected by this coating. A case is shown in which transmitted light beam 422 is reflected. If part 58 is in the upper position (not shown), the light-hitting part @ 61 is on the red color covering 60. , the returned light beam 422 will be reflected from this red color coating 60. It becomes.

There are several possible structures that are suitable as reflective light converters 331, including: A preferred structure is shown in FIGS. 5-7. shown in these drawings As shown, this transducer has a block-shaped part 62.

This block-shaped part 62 has holes 63 at its corners for mounting. Ru. , four such holes are shown in the drawing. These holes 63 are filled with screws or bolts. A suitable mounting, such as a For such installations, a tool is used to attach the part to a suitable support (not shown). Can be attached. The part 64 has a flat surface at its upper end; an integral boss 64; has. From the upper end of this post 64 downwards toward the main part of this part, it is elongated. There is a vertical cavity or recess 65, and the lower end of this recess has a closed end. It has become. This recess 65 has a cylindrical wall surface 66 in its cross section. It is preferable that A plunger 68 is slidably disposed within this recess. child The plunger 68 has a cylindrical mandrel 69, and near the lower end of this mandrel there is a center axis. There is a cylindrical portion 7o with the same radius and a smaller radius. The plunger 68 also has a large radius. It has a head portion 71, the upper surface 72 of which is domed or rounded. Its lower side is in contact with an annular flat shoulder part 73.

A bellows-shaped spring 7 is installed between the opposing surfaces of the component boss 64 and the plunger shoulder portion 73. 4 is placed. The side wall 75 of this bellows-shaped spring 74 has a generally cylindrical shape 41 t'Ti, but can contract or expand, and both ends of this side wall The section has an inwardly curved annular flat flange 76. (The 1m wall 75 is flexible. It is made of a thin metal plate with circular folds at regular intervals vertically. It has a wavy structure with alternating depressions. The flange 76 is connected to the component boss 64 and the plate. It is N-tied to the flat surface of the plunger shoulder portion 73 with appropriate airtightness. ~ side The folded portion of wall 75 flexes or bends when spring 74 receives an axial load. When this load is removed, it creates a force that causes it to return to its original position. The top of spring 74 FIG. 6 shows the state in which it is extended. The load is the plunger head 71 When the spring joins the force and tries to push it down, its axial length becomes shorter. This creates a resistance force against attempts to move.

Apply a suitable red color on the cylindrical surface of the upper half of the plunger's narrowed part 7o. A circumferential ring 78 of collar material is provided. Under this red color ring 78 , adjacent thereto is provided a circumferential ring 79 of a suitable green colored material. this green Collar ring 79 is a circle around the lower half of the plunger's narrowed portion 70. Placed on the column surface. These color rings 78 and 79 are It can be created by applying a color material on the surface of the jacket portion 70. Ru.

Part 62 also includes a threaded ring projecting laterally horizontally outwardly from the part. It has a pillar protruding portion 80.

This protruding portion is made integral with the component 62. Projecting part 8o has a hole passing through it, and this hole extends between the inner cylindrical portion 81 and the outer tabular portion 82. and has. This outer taber section widens toward the outer edge of the overhang. . Hold the optical fiber 201 and the optical fiber 231 in the hole of this protruding part. A portion of an elongated connector part 83 is disposed for connecting. This connector 83 is A cylindrical portion 84, an adjacent taber portion 85, and a cylindrical middle portion with a large radius. 86 and a tapered cylindrical outer portion 88 . vertically penetrates into the connector 83. A hole 89 is created to pass through. In the inner large portion 81 of the protruding portion 80, a connector is provided. The inner part 84 of 83 is inserted.

The length of the inner portion 84 of this connector 83 is the axis of the inner major portion 81 of the protruding portion 80. Since it is shorter than the length in the direction, there is a gap 9o between the part 62 and the recess 65. Ru. The surface of the tapered portion 85 of the connector 83 is similar to the tapered portion 82 of the protruding portion 8o. They are aligned and touch each other exactly. Portion 86 and portion of connector 83 88, there is an annular step-shaped n portion 91. Folding of cylindrical nut 93 The flange end portion 92 abuts the shoulder portion 91 when the nut is tightened.

This nut is threadedly connected to the protruding portion 80, as shown at 94. Ru.

The connector 83 holds the optical fiber 201 and the optical fiber 231 side by side. can do. The respective ends 221 and 241 of these optical fibers are , held substantially flush with the inner end surface of the connector. Since there is a gap 90, Light passes between the ends of these optical fibers and the reflective surfaces of the collar coatings 78,79. You can go back and forth.

5 to 7 show the bellows spring 74 in a fully extended state, To this end, the lower green colored coating 79 disposed in front of each end 221 and 241, and from these ends placed at a certain distance.

If there is any object (not shown) whose position you wish to detect, the plunger 68 If the dome-shaped surface 72 of is pushed downwardly, the spring 74 will contract, so that , the lower green ring 79 is located in front of the optical fiber ends 221 and 241. move down and position the upper red ring 78 in front of the ends of these optical fibers. It will probably move to a new location. Should such an object be removed from above the plunger 68? When the spring 74 is released, the spring 74 is stretched again and the plunger rises to release the end of the optical fiber. Red ring 78 leaves the position in front of 221 and 241, and green ring 79 will move.

The operation of the fiber optic sensor device is best illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. can and will be able to understand.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing voltage as a function of time.

As for the time, to is time zero, and the following three times t1, t2 and t3 are shown. It is. The red LED is energized at 1 [interval time B interval is shown in red. Green L The time interval in which the ED is energized is indicated by the time interval 1tiltn. either The time interval during which no LED is energized is time IUIRRt.

It is shown in The energized and deenergized states of each LED are 1-energized. and represented by 〇−deactivation.

The six voltage waveforms shown in FIG. 8 are, from top to bottom, ■, n, m, rv, Indicated by v and ■. If the corrugated LED is de-energized and energized The waveform ■ represents the case where the green LED is de-energized and energized.

The waveform ■ indicates that a red element is arranged in the sending optical fiber (20421) in the optical converter. represents the voltage of the detector at times t1, t2 and t3. Voltage ■, 1 is greater than the voltage vt2, and the voltage vt3 is energized by both LEDs. You can see that it is zero because it is not.

The waveform ■ is emitted from the output optical fiber (20 or 201) in the optical converter. I! in the optical path of the light (42 or 421)! When the elements are placed, time t1. Represents the voltage of the detector at t2 and t3. Voltage vtl is smaller than voltage V and the voltage vt3 is zero since neither ED is energized. I understand.

Therefore, at time t1, vtl is the time interval during which the red LED is energized. In this case, the voltage corresponding to the light transmitted to the detector 26 and measured there. At time t2, which represents the size, During the a interval, the electric current corresponding to the light transmitted to the detector 26 and measured there. Represents the magnitude of pressure.

At time t3, t3 is the time during which both the red LED and the green LED are de-energized. corresponding to the light transmitted up to and measured at detection 826 in the interval Represents the magnitude of voltage.

The waveform ■ indicates that the output optical fiber (20 or 2 In the optical path (42 or 421) of the incident light emitted from 01), there is a red element and a green element. A transition between the red and green elements is occurring in the transducer sensor, i.e. the red and green elements. For this condition, the voltage represents the voltage of the detector when both are partially in the optical path. ■t1 is voltage vt at this time, which is equal to voltage ■t2 and greater than voltage vt3. 3 is zero.

The waveform ■ is the optical fiber ff126 and either the optical fiber 20.201 or 23.231. , a connector like 83, a light converter 133 or 331, and a photodetector 32. It represents the voltage of the detector when any of the optical components consisting of is faulty.

At this time, the voltage of the detector may change if the optical fiber is broken and exposed to ambient light. It varies over time depending on the quality of stray light incident on the detector.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for performing discrete position IIItII; Signal processing is also required to carry out indications of the operating status or fault status of the vehicle detection device. Attire! 43 shows the functions performed by 43.

When II is powered on, the microcontroller executes its program. To determine if this is possible, diagnostic tests are first performed. Program menu The memory and λ force/output circuits are inspected. If the function can be performed, the switch The feria pit is cleared and the corresponding relay output 53 and status indicator 5 4 is turned on.

The light source circuit is then enabled and the red LED 26 is energized. short delay Directly affects the amount of red light beam transmitted to the detector or return optical fiber 231 after Detection corresponding to! The sTi pressure is measured and stored as variable t1. So The red LED is then de-energized.

Green LED 26 is energized and, after a second delay, transmission to return optical fiber 231 The detected W voltage corresponding to the wavelength of the green light beam is measured and recorded as y,2. be remembered. The green LED is then de-energized again.

After the third delay, a detector corresponding to the amount of stray light transmitted to the return optical fiber 231 The voltage is measured and stored as Vt3. Under normal operating conditions, this light Vt3, which corresponds to the amount of It's a bolt.

At this point, Vt1 is divided by Vt2 and the result is variable R GRATIO, ie, (red/green ratio). Therefore, this R GRATIO is examined. If this RGRATIO is a preselected constant ON M I N, i.e. the minimum red/green allowed to consider (light converter E on) (ratio), the sensor is considered on and the signal processing The output relay 49 and on/off indicator 50 of the control unit are energized. If RGRA TIO is a constant IROFFMAX, f, i.e. allowed to consider the optical converter "off". (maximum red/green ratio), the sensor is considered off; Then, the output relay 49 and on/off indicator 50 of the signal processing device are deenergized.

Also, RGRATIO is OFFMAXJ:’) Larger &% smaller than ONMEN If so, a second ratio is calculated to determine if there is a switch failure. or when the switch is in a transition state, that is, between off and on. Tests must be performed to determine whether or not the condition is present. If intermediate , it is preferable to reverse the state immediately before entering this transition II region. Delicious. At this time, this is considered a snap action, and it provides a clear and repeatable switching point for the direction of motion of the If there is a malfunction Damaged optical fiber, connect! ! , by the imager, light source, or other optical components. If so, it immediately responds to the current state of the output relay 49 and indicates Preferably, the device 5o is frozen, i.e. held, and the status OK relay 53 and instruction B54 are preferably deactivated.

The difference between the two states is determined as follows.

LDRAT 10. In other words, (bright/dark ratio) is calculated as (V, +V)/Vt3 be done. In normal operation, the sum of vtl and Vt2 is always equal to when Vt3 is approximately zero. will be the same (large number), therefore the switch is on and LDRATIO must be a large value even if it is off or in a transition state. For example, it could be a value greater than 10. If the optical fiber is damaged If there is a failure, the detector will only measure ambient light level. l”Vt2”Vt3. Therefore, LDRATIO is (1+1)/1-2 It never gets bigger.

A third predetermined constant LDMIN, i.e. (when the light converter is functioning) For example, a value of 10 is assigned to Ru.

If LDRATIO is equal to or greater than 10, then If the nap effect did not occur in the previous measurement cycle, the current output The ray state is reversed or "snapped." At this time, the program Go back and start a new measurement cycle. If the snap action is on the previous cycle If the current output state is still awake, the current output state is retained.

If LDRATIO is less than LDMIN, the switch is faulty. Conceivable. Current output status relay 49 and indication 2I 50 indicate their current status. Retained and in condition! IOK relay 53 and instructions! I54 is deactivated. At this time, The program returns and starts a new measurement cycle.

If the fault is located and restored, the fault condition is will probably fix it by itself without any manipulation.

Typical applications of the invention are shown in FIGS. 10-13.

FIG. 10 shows a reflective light converter 331a similar to that shown at 331 in FIG. This is a drawing. This is used as a pressure sensor, only a portion of which is shown. It is. For each part in Figure 10, the same reference is made for the parts that correspond to the parts in Figure 4. numbered. However, they are distinguished by adding the subscript a.

The upper end of actuator rod 401a is suitably coupled to flexible diaphragm 94. This possible interval The membrane 94 can be moved by the pressure of the fluid trapped above the membrane. Ru. When the pressure of this fluid changes, the green color coating 59a and the red color coating 60a The part 58a with the above moves upward or downward. ! ! The case shown in Figure 10 Now, this green color coating covers the opposing optical fibers 201a and 231a. In the front position, the pressure above the diaphragm is large and the coated part is pushed down, It can also be seen that the spring 38a is compressed. If the pressure of the fluid is small enough If the spring is extended, the red color covering 60a moves upward. and placed in the operating position. In this way, transducer 331a is a pressure sensitive switch. It works as.

FIG. 11 shows a reflective light converter similar to the light converter shown at 331 in FIG. It is a drawing of a container 331b. This is used as a liquid level switch. , only a portion of which is shown. For each part in Figure 11, pair it with the part in Figure 4. Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numbers. However, a subscript must be added. distinguished by.

The upper end of the actuator rod 401b is rotatably attached to an intermediate position of the arm rod 95. I get kicked. One end of this arm bar 95 is attached to a suitable support, as shown at 96. Rotatably attached to the carrier. The other end of this arm bar 95 is attached to a float 98. I get kicked. Which float 98 holds the liquid 99 contained in the container or tank 100? Determine the height of the liquid level. When the liquid level is lower than a predetermined height, a green color will appear. Ra! The J cover 59k) faced the ends of the optical fibers 201ba and 231b. position such that a valve (not shown) opens and liquid flows into tank 1. 00. Then, the height of the liquid level increases, the float rises, and the color turns red. The coating 60b is arranged 22 at a position corresponding to the optical fibers 201b and 231b. When the valve is closed, the valve closes.

FIG. 12 shows a reflective light converter similar to the light converter shown at 331 in FIG. This is the 8th side of the vessel 331C. However, the green color covering 59c and the red color covering 60 c is a part that moves in a straight line as shown in FIGS. 4, 10 and 11. The rotating support part 58 instead of being attached to the parts 58.58a and 58b It is attached to C. Parts used in Figures 12 and 13, Figure 4. , parts corresponding to those in Figures 10 and 11 are given the same reference numbers. It is being However, they are distinguished by adding the subscript C.

Since component 58c is rotatable, transducer 331c can be used as a flow meter. can. For this purpose, the part 58C shown is a rotatable disk. , and as shown in FIG. 'l in C! ii, and the other half is covered with red color coating 60c. ing.

The disk 58C is attached to a shaft 101, and this shaft 101 also has a pad. FI102 is installed. This shaft 101 has a fluid inlet 104 and a fluid outlet. It is placed in a container 103 having a mouth 1.5 and supported on bearings. fluid gas by flowing into the container through the fluid inlet and out through the fluid outlet. The paddle wheel 102 rotates. When the paddle wheel 102 rotates, the sending optical fiber 20 A red color coating and a green color coating are placed at the operating position where the light emitted from 1C hits. The light appears alternately and the reflected light enters the return optical fiber 231C. . A suitable device (not shown) determines the number of color changes during a given division interval. By counting by and incorporating it into a signal processing device. , the flow rate can be determined.

The electronic signal processor or sensor module 43 includes a plurality of sensors, For example, it can be arranged to process four sensors, and at a remote location. can be placed. Typical electrical output is transistor-transistor logic In case of DC +5 volts, and in case of relay device it is more than iR +40 volts. Ru.

Two electrical signals are supplied to each sensor and two indicators are provided. available. One signal and one indicator are sensor actuators (suddenly activated, or or release). Other signals and indicators indicate that the optical circuit is functioning. remains on as long as the If optical continuity is lost, the sensor During operation, the 1 indicator LED is de-energized and the status signal is turned off.

A microcontroller-based sensor control module 43 controls the number of sensor transitions. It is possible to add functions such as recording. This means that Establishing the actual lifespan under control, recording the time of each transition, and It is useful to provide an interface. If you have a large number of sensors, this The controller module combines sensors to produce pooled logic outputs. I can cheat.

Measurements can be taken at more than one location or by counting the area of the collar on the actuator. can be extended to parameters. Applying signal processing technology to multiple light sources and them The position of the work WJB can be changed to each color by applying it to the corresponding color area. - It is possible to detect which of the two areas it is located in.

From the foregoing description, the disclosed embodiments of the fiber optic sensor arrangement δ of the present invention and It will be seen that the application achieves the above objectives. m numerical position control and Instead of the digital mode of operation, the analog mode of operation for position measurement is a horizontal double It can be obtained by layering color filters. For those skilled in the art, It would be possible to make other changes. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims. I can't stand it.

Engraving (no changes to the content) Fig, 1° Fig, 2゜ 520 540 560 5110 @00 @20 @40! Go @60 700 skin length (λ) Engraving (no changes in content) Engraving (no changes in content) Preface (no changes in content) Submission of translation of written amendment (Patent Peng Article 184, set 7)

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. (a) a transmission optical fiber having an input end and an output end; (b) a return optical fiber having an input end and an output end; (c) A first light emitting device that generates a first light having a spectral distribution centered on a first wavelength. and (d) generating a second light having a spectral distribution centered on the second wavelength. (e) a second light generating device that generates the first light beam and the second light beam; an apparatus for advancing toward the input end of a delivery optical fiber; (F) The output end of the sending optical fiber and the input end of the return optical fiber. and a placement device that can be placed between the return optical fiber and the return optical fiber. At the input end, the intensity of the first light and the intensity of the second light are adjusted to the position of the positioning device. a light converter device that can be changed in different ways as a function of changes in position; (g) A detector that measures the output light intensity at the output end of the return optical fiber. a device; (h) an electronic signal processing device responsive to the ratio of the output light intensities; A fiber optical sensor device having a combination of. 2. 2. In claim 1, the light converter device also moves the positioning device and commands the positioning device. The fiber optic sensor device has an actuator device responsive to a command input. 3. 3. The fiber optical sensor device according to claim 2, wherein the optical converter is of a transmission type. Place. 4. 4. The arrangement device according to claim 3, wherein the arrangement device includes a first optical filter that preferentially transmits the first light. a second optical filter that preferentially transmits the second light; the amount of the first light transmitted into the input end of the transmission fiber and the amount of the second light; the optical film is arranged such that the relative value of the quantity changes with the position of the actuator; The fiber optical sensor device. 5. Claim 3 or Claim 4, wherein the detector device uses a wavelength filtering action. produces a first detector voltage proportional to the intensity of the first light and also increases the intensity of the second light. The fiber optic sensor device produces a second detector voltage that is proportional to the temperature. 6. 3. The fiber optic sensor device of claim 2, wherein the optical converter is reflective. Place. 7. 7. A first reflection device according to claim 6, wherein the arrangement device preferentially reflects the first light. a second reflector that preferentially reflects the second light; the amount of the first light and the amount of the second light reflected into the input end of the fiber; the reflector is arranged such that the value varies with the position of the actuator; Fiber optical sensor device. 8. Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the detector device utilizes wavelength dispersion to producing a first detector voltage proportional to the intensity of the first light and also to the intensity of the second light; The fiber optic sensor device produces a proportional second detector voltage. 9. In claim 2, the first light and the second light are in front of the sending optical fiber. input end alternately, and the detector device utilizes a temporal sequence to producing a first detector output voltage proportional to the intensity of one light beam and also to the intensity of the second light beam; The fiber optic sensor device produces a proportional second detector output voltage. 10. Claim 4 or Claim 7, wherein the signal processing device dividing the output voltage by the second detector output voltage to calculate a first ratio; the fiber optic sensor device producing an output signal having a magnitude proportional to the first ratio; Place. 11. 11. The signal processing device according to claim 10, wherein the signal processing device testing said first ratio against two constants, and if said first ratio is less than said first constant; is greater than or equal to then the signal output is activated, and if the first ratio is the signal output is not activated if the second constant is less than or equal to the second constant; Fiber optical sensor device. 12. 12. An actuated state and an actuated state in response to the signal output. further comprising an output control device having a state in which the signal processing device is not in the first ratio state; and if the first ratio is less than the first constant and less than the second constant If it is larger, the actuator is considered to be in the transition region, and the actuator is in the transition region. said output control device changes to a state opposite to that it had before entering the region; The above-mentioned fiber optical sensor device provides a snap action of state change. 13. 11. In claim 10, the actuated and deactivated states are responsive to the state signal. further comprising a self-monitoring device having a status, the first light-emitting device and the second light-emitting device The detector device produces a third detector output voltage when none of the detector devices are operating. Similarly, the third detector output voltage corresponding to the amount of stray light is transmitted through the return optical fiber. and the signal processing device outputs the first detector output voltage and the second detector output voltage. A second ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of the voltage and the third detector output voltage by the third detector output voltage, and the second ratio is positive. In normal operation, it is much larger than 2 and any of the optical components of the device are not functioning. Since it is approximately 2 when the ratio is not equal, the signal processing device uses the second ratio. outputting a status signal indicating that one of the optical components is faulty; , the fiber optical sensor device. 14. In claim 2, two or more light sources are used to cover the moving range of the placement device. the fiber optic sensor, wherein the position of the positioning device is determined within a new multiplexed region; Device.