JP3138238B2 - Apparatus and method for measuring sound absorbing surface - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for measuring the position of a sound-absorbing surface that does not reflect sound waves, such as a bubble surface of a liquid or a surface formed by powder or granules.

[0002]

Generally, the distance to a surface that reflects sound waves, such as the surface of a solid or the surface of a liquid, can be measured using ultrasonic waves. The position of a so-called sound-absorbing surface that does not absorb and reflect sound waves, such as a surface formed by a powdery or granular material, cannot be measured using ultrasonic waves.

For example, in the beer brewing process, fermentation of wort by yeast is performed in a closed fermentation tank.

[0004] Since the bubbles produced during the fermentation of wort by the yeast are a barometer indicating the fermentation state of the wort, it is necessary to control the fermentation of the wort in the fermentation tank by controlling the wort fermentation in the fermentation tank. Although it is a very important factor in producing high quality beer, the fermentation state of wort in the fermentation tank cannot be quantitatively observed from outside the fermentation tank.

Conventionally, therefore, a method has been adopted in which a capacitance type sensor is mounted inside the upper part of the fermentation tank, and the position of the foam surface is detected by the presence or absence of contact of the foam with the contact of the sensor. ing.

[0006] However, in recent years, in order to improve the quality of beer and the like, it has become increasingly necessary to control the fermentation by detecting, in real time, the state of foam generation and boiling during fermentation. In the method of detecting foam using a contact-type sensor, fluctuations in the foam surface due to wort fermentation cannot be detected over time, and furthermore, foam attached to the contact of the sensor can be detected on the surface of the contact. Therefore, there is a problem that the sensor malfunctions due to the residual.

[0007] In addition, when measuring the storage amount of granules and powders stored in a tank, for example, when measuring the storage amount of malt stored in a silo, the silo is stored in the silo. When trying to detect the position of the upper surface of the stored malt by applying ultrasonic waves to the stored malt, the ultrasonic wave is absorbed by the malt. It cannot be detected and the amount of malt stored cannot be measured.

For this reason, it has been considered to attach a weight measuring device such as a load cell to the silo and calculate the stored amount of malt from the measured weight, but there is a problem that a measurement error peculiar to the load cell occurs. Not practical.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems. That is, the present invention provides a measuring apparatus and a method capable of detecting the position of a sound absorbing surface that does not reflect and absorb sound waves, such as a liquid foam surface or a surface formed by powdery or granular material, with time. The primary purpose is to provide

Another object of the present invention is to provide a measuring method capable of measuring the thickness of the sound absorbing material constituting the sound absorbing surface by detecting the position of the sound absorbing surface which absorbs and does not reflect sound waves. This is the second purpose.

[0011]

To achieve the first object, a sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a laser emitting member that irradiates a laser beam to a sound absorbing surface that absorbs sound waves, A laser light receiving member for receiving reflected light of the laser light emitted from the laser emitting member from the sound absorbing surface, and an arithmetic operation for calculating a distance from a measuring device to the sound absorbing surface with the reflected light received by the laser light receiving member And detecting the position of the sound absorbing surface in the tank over time .

In order to achieve the first object,
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the method for measuring a sound absorbing surface, a laser beam is emitted from a laser emitting member toward a sound absorbing surface that absorbs a sound wave, and a reflected light of the laser light emitted from the laser emitting member from the sound absorbing surface is received by a laser. received by a member, this by a laser reflected light received by the light receiving element calculates the distance from the measuring device to sound absorption surface, through the position of the sound absorption surface in the tank
It is characterized in that it is detected occasionally.

The sound-absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the first invention and the sound-absorbing surface measuring method according to the eighth invention absorb the sound waves formed by bubbles and grains such as grains formed on the surface of liquid or powdery substances. The laser beam is emitted from the laser emitting member toward the sound absorbing surface that is not reflected by the laser beam, and the reflected light of the laser light reflected from the sound absorbing surface such as the bubble surface is received by the laser light receiving member. The calculating member calculates the distance between the laser emitting member and the sound absorbing surface based on the reflected light received by the laser light receiving member, and thereby detects the position of the sound absorbing surface.

As a method of calculating the distance between the laser emitting member and the sound absorbing surface in the calculating member, for example, the phase of the reflected light received by the laser light receiving member is determined by the laser emitting member, the sound absorbing surface, and the laser absorbing member. Since the phase of the laser beam immediately after emission from the laser emitting member is shifted according to the distance of the light receiving member, the optical path of the laser beam is compared by using the phase shift to compare the two phases. A method such as calculating a distance can be used.

According to the sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus of the first invention and the sound absorbing surface measuring method of the eighth invention, the sound absorbing surface which cannot be measured by the ultrasonic measuring device to absorb sound waves. The position can be accurately detected without contact. Therefore, for example, by attaching to a fermentation tank for brewing, etc., to control the fermentation by detecting the state of foam generated during fermentation in the tank that can not be observed from the outside, or to attach to a silo etc. Thus, the amount of stored grains and the like inside can be detected.

In order to achieve the first object, a sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, further comprises the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member provided on the sound absorbing surface. It is characterized in that it is slidably arranged in a substantially parallel direction.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are slidably provided in a direction substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface. Is moved by sliding the laser beam on the sound absorbing surface.

The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the second invention and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the ninth invention are used for measuring the distance from the laser emitting member to the sound absorbing surface by irradiating the sound absorbing surface with laser light. When the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are slid in a direction substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface, the irradiation position of the laser light on the sound absorbing surface is moved. By this, for example, when measuring the distance to the bubble generated on the liquid surface, if the bubble at the irradiation position of the first laser light has disappeared, by sliding the laser emitting member, the sound absorbing surface By changing the irradiation position of the laser beam in the above, it is possible to reliably detect the bubble surface.

In order to achieve the first object, a sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is arranged such that, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are provided on the sound absorbing surface. It is characterized by being arranged to be rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the axis.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are provided so as to be rotatable around an axis substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface. The irradiation position of the laser light on the sound absorbing surface is moved by rotating the laser emitting member.

The above-described sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the third invention and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the tenth invention are used for measuring the distance from the laser emitting member to the sound absorbing surface by irradiating the sound absorbing surface with laser light. By rotating the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member about an axis substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface, the irradiation position of the laser light on the sound absorbing surface is moved. By this, for example, when measuring the distance to the bubble generated on the liquid surface, when the bubble at the first irradiation position of the laser light has disappeared, the laser emitting member is rotated by a required angle. Thus, the irradiation position of the laser beam on the sound absorbing surface can be changed, and the bubble surface can be reliably detected.

In order to achieve the first object, a sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is arranged such that, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged above a tank. Then, it is characterized by being opposed to the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank via a window provided on the ceiling of the tank and sealed by a transparent member.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eighth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are arranged above the tank, and are sealed on the ceiling of the tank by a transparent member. A window portion is formed, and the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank is irradiated with laser light and the reflected light from the sound absorbing surface is received through the window portion.

The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the fourth invention and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the eleventh invention detect an upper surface of a sound absorbing surface in a tank whose inside is sealed, and emit laser light. The irradiation of the laser light by the member and the reception of the reflected light from the sound absorbing surface of the laser light by the laser light receiving member are performed through a window formed by a transparent member on the ceiling of the tank.

Thus, the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface inside the tank can be detected in a non-contact manner while maintaining the tightness inside the tank.

In order to achieve the first object, a sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the first aspect, further comprises the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member disposed below the tank. Then, it is characterized by being opposed to the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank via a window provided at the bottom of the tank and sealed by a transparent member.

In order to achieve the first object,
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the eighth aspect, in addition to the configuration of the eighth aspect, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged below the tank, and the window is closed at the bottom of the tank by a transparent member. A portion is formed, and the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank is irradiated with laser light and the reflected light from the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface is received through the window.

The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the fifth aspect and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the twelfth aspect detect the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in a tank whose inside is sealed. The irradiation of the laser light by the member and the reception of the reflected light from the sound absorbing surface of the laser light by the laser light receiving member are performed through a window formed by a transparent member on the ceiling of the tank.

Thus, the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface inside the tank can be detected in a non-contact manner while maintaining the tightness inside the tank.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, the sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the sixth invention absorbs sound waves.
A laser emitting member that irradiates the sound absorbing surface with laser light,
The sound absorbing surface of laser light emitted from the laser emitting member
Laser receiving member for receiving the reflected light from
From the measuring device by the reflected light received by the light receiving member
A calculating member for calculating the distance to the sound absorbing surface,
The laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are disposed above the tank and are provided on the ceiling of the tank, and are opposed to the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank via a window that is sealed by a transparent member. In addition, it is disposed below the tank and is opposed to the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank via a window provided at the bottom of the tank and sealed by a transparent member.

Further, in order to achieve the first and second objects, the measuring method of the sound absorbing surface due to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, sound wave
Laser from the laser emitting member toward the sound absorbing surface that absorbs
Irradiates the laser light and emits the laser light
The reflected light from the sound absorbing surface is received by the laser light receiving member,
The measuring device is provided by the reflected light received by the laser receiving member.
The distance from the device to the sound absorbing surface is calculated, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged above and below the tank, respectively, and a window sealed with a transparent member is formed on the ceiling of the tank to form the window. Irradiating the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank with laser light and receiving the reflected light from the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface through the portion, and forming a window sealed by a transparent member at the bottom of the tank to form the window. Through which the laser beam is irradiated to the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank and the reflected light from the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface is received.

The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the sixth invention and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the thirteenth invention detect the upper surface and the lower surface of a sound absorbing surface in a tank whose inside is sealed. The irradiation of the laser beam by the laser emitting member and the reception of the reflected light from the sound absorbing surface of the laser beam by the laser receiving member are performed through windows formed by transparent members on the ceiling and the bottom of the tank.

Thus, it is possible to simultaneously detect the upper surface and the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface inside the tank without contact while maintaining the tightness inside the tank. Then, by detecting the upper surface and the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface and determining the height difference between the positions, the thickness of the sound absorbing material constituting the sound absorbing surface can be determined without contact.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, the sound absorbing surface measuring device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the configuration of the fourth to sixth aspects, wherein the tank is a fermentation tank for brewing. It is characterized by having.

In order to achieve the first and second objects, a method for measuring a sound absorbing surface according to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention comprises:
In addition to the constitutions of the inventions 1 to 13, the tank is a fermentation tank for brewing.

The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the seventh aspect and the sound absorbing surface measuring method according to the fourteenth aspect are provided in the fermentation tank through a window provided at the ceiling or bottom of the fermentation tank for brewing. The detection of bubbles generated during the production of alcohol is carried out. With this, it is possible to detect bubbles generated by brewing fermentation in a non-contact manner while maintaining the closed state in the fermentation tank, and it is possible to perform fermentation control using a barometer based on the state of foam generation, and to control fermentation in the fermentation tank. It is possible to prevent contamination by outside air. In addition, the present invention
The apparatus and method for measuring sound absorption surfaces by
Is stored together with the time at the time of measurement.

[0037]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention is applied to an apparatus for detecting the position of a surface of foam generated during fermentation of wort by yeast in a fermenter tank for beer. An example in the case of application is shown.

In FIG. 1, a window M is provided by fitting a transparent tempered glass plate 1 horizontally to the top of the fermentation tank T. This window M is a fermentation tank T
It is for irradiating the inside of the fermentation tank T with laser light from the outside while keeping the inside of the inside tight, as described later.

At a position facing the window M above the fermentation tank T, a distance measuring device K having a laser emitting section and a laser receiving section is arranged so that the laser emitting direction is vertically downward. The distance measuring device K is slidable in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the fermentation tank T by being connected to the slide mechanism 2.

As the distance measuring device K, for example, a measuring device operating according to the principle of phase correlation of laser light as shown in FIG. 2 is used.

The distance measuring devices K shown in FIG.
Two laser diodes DL1 and DL2 for irradiating the modulated red laser light, a lens K1, and a reflector K2
, A light receiving unit K3, and an arithmetic unit K4, and the laser diode DL1 irradiates the measurement laser toward the target via the reflector K2 and the lens K1, and the laser diode DL2 Are designed to make the reference laser directly enter the light receiving section K3.

When the reflected light from the target of the measuring laser is incident on the light receiving portion K3 via the lens K1, the measuring laser is output from the laser diode DL1 and the reflected light is incident on the light receiving portion K3. The phase difference between the reflected light and the reference laser incident from the laser diode DL2 occurs due to the time until the calculation is performed. Therefore, the arithmetic unit K4 calculates the phase difference between the reflected light and the reference laser. By doing so, the distance to the target is measured.

The slide mechanism 2 for sliding the distance measuring device K includes, for example, a rail extending in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the fermentation tank T, a screw shaft arranged parallel to the rail, and a screw shaft. And a step motor connected to the distance measuring device K. The screw shaft is screwed into the distance measuring device K, and the step motor is rotated by a predetermined angle in both the forward and reverse directions, thereby moving the distance measuring device K along the rail by a predetermined distance in both directions. A mechanism that slides the slide is used.

A microcomputer 3 is connected to the distance measuring device K and the sliding mechanism 2, and the distance data input from the distance measuring device K, the position data of the distance measuring device K input from the sliding mechanism 2 and Measurement data such as the time at the time of measurement is aggregated.

In FIG. 1, B indicates a bubble generated by fermentation of wort, and R indicates a laser beam.

Next, a method for detecting the position of the upper surface of the foam generated by the fermentation of wort in the fermentation tank T by the measuring device will be described.

When the fermentation of the wort by the yeast in the fermentation tank T starts, bubbles are generated from the wort by the fermentation and gradually rise, so that a laser beam is emitted from the distance measuring device K toward the surface of the bubbles. Is irradiated vertically downward.

The laser beam emitted from the distance measuring device K passes through the transparent tempered glass plate 1 of the window M to reach the bubble surface, and the reflected light from the bubble surface passes through the window M again. The light is received by the distance measuring device K. Then, as described above, the distance measuring device K calculates the distance to the bubble surface from the phase of the received reflected light and the phase of the reference laser.

In the irradiation of the laser beam by the distance measuring device K, the laser beam is diffusely reflected and scattered on the bubble surface. However, the distance measuring device operates based on the principle of the phase correlation of the laser beam as described above. According to the measuring device, a part of the reflected light scattered by the irregular reflection is received by the distance measuring device K, so that the distance to the bubble surface can be measured.

The distance data measured by the distance measuring device K is stored in the microcomputer 3 together with the time at the time of the measurement. Then, the measurement of the foam surface as described above is performed continuously or at predetermined time intervals, and the measurement data is stored in the microcomputer 3, so that the data indicating the state of foam generation during fermentation of wort over time is obtained. Can be obtained.

The operator controls the fermentation on the basis of the data indicating the state of generation of the foam thus obtained, and suppresses the fermentation before the foam reaches the top of the fermentation tank T. It is possible to prevent foam from leaking out of the fermentation tank T.

In addition, as described above, since data indicating the state of foam generation during fermentation in the fermentation tank T, which has not been known from the outside, is obtained, this data is used to newly design a fermentation tank. The size of the fermentation tank can be designed to be optimal for fermentation.

Here, when the state of the surface of the foam is stable, the irradiation of the laser beam by the distance measuring device K may be performed at one point on the foam surface, for example, at the center position of the fermentation tank T. Is a fluctuation of so-called bubbles as shown in FIG. 3 (the bubbles move up, down, left and right as indicated by arrows in the figure due to waving and / or boiling of bubbles).
It is considered that the surface state is not stable due to the disappearance of bubbles as shown in FIG.

In such a case, if the measurement is performed at only one point, the direction of reflection of the laser light changes and accurate measurement cannot be performed. Therefore, it is desirable to measure the bubble surface at a plurality of locations.

When the bubble at the irradiation position of the laser beam is thin or there is no bubble at the irradiation position, the laser beam is not reflected, and a measurement error occurs in the distance measuring device K.

In such a case, the distance measuring device K is slid horizontally by the slide mechanism 2 to change the distance measuring points on the bubble surface, thereby averaging the measured values at a plurality of points to improve the accuracy of the measurement. It is possible to secure the measurement and prevent a measurement error from occurring.

The above measuring device can linearly measure the distance of the bubble surface along the rail of the slide mechanism 2 by sliding the distance measuring device K by the slide mechanism 2. By adding a configuration for rotating the distance measuring device K about an axis parallel to the sliding direction, the range of the measuring points by the distance measuring device K can be changed to a band-like range along the sliding direction of the distance measuring device K. Can be spread.

As a configuration for rotating such a distance measuring device K about an axis parallel to the sliding direction, for example, as shown in FIG. The measuring device K is rotatably supported, a stepping motor is connected to the distance measuring device K via a gear mechanism, and the operation of the stepping motor causes the distance measuring device K to rotate in both directions with the vertical line interposed therebetween. In addition to such a mechanism, various mechanisms can be applied.

As described above, even when the laser beam is emitted in a direction inclined with respect to the vertical direction by rotating the distance measuring device K, a part of the reflected light scattered by the irregular reflection on the bubble surface is measured in the distance. Since the light is received by the light receiving portion of the detector K, the distance to the bubble surface can be calculated based on the phase difference between the received reflected light and the reference laser light.

In this case, since the emitting direction of the laser beam is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, the distance from the distance measuring device K to the bubble surface is y = y1 cos θ, as can be seen from FIG.
(Y: vertical distance to bubble surface, y1: measured value by distance measuring device K).

In FIG. 5, B 'indicates the bubble surface, and d indicates the sliding direction of the distance measuring device K by the sliding mechanism 2.

As described above, when measuring the distance to the bubble surface by inclining the distance measuring device K, the inclination angle θ of the distance measuring device K is input to the microcomputer K4, and the above calculation is performed. .

In the measuring device of the present invention, only the mechanism for rotating the distance measuring device K about the horizontal axis is provided instead of the slide mechanism 2 for sliding the distance measuring device K in the horizontal direction. You may.

Further, in addition to the sliding mechanism 2 and the above-mentioned rotating mechanism, a rotating mechanism for rotating the distance measuring device K about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the sliding direction of the sliding mechanism 2 is further added. You may do it. With such a configuration, the range of the measurement points by the distance measuring device K can be further expanded. For example, by scanning the entire range of the foam surface in the fermentation tank T, the waving or fluctuation of the foam surface can be obtained. Can reduce the influence on the distance measurement value, and can also detect the form of the bubble surface and the like.

As described above, the above-mentioned measuring apparatus can measure the position of the foam surface during fermentation of wort, which cannot use an ultrasonic measuring device to absorb sound and cannot perform accurate measurement. Since the position measurement can be performed without contact from the outside of the fermentation tank, there is no risk of contaminating the inside of the fermentation tank.

FIG. 6 shows another example of the embodiment of the sound absorbing surface measuring device according to the present invention. In the measuring device shown in FIG. 6, a distance measuring device K ′ is provided below a fermentation tank T ′. At this position, the laser beam is rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis so that the emission angle of the laser beam with respect to the vertical direction can be adjusted.

A window M 'is provided by fitting the transparent tempered glass plate 1 horizontally in the bottom of the fermentation tank T' facing the distance measuring device K '. This window M 'is for irradiating laser light from the distance measuring device K' into the fermentation tank T 'while maintaining the hermetically sealed state in the fermentation tank T'.

As the distance measuring device K ', a measuring device which operates according to the principle of phase correlation of laser light as shown in FIG.

In this measuring apparatus, as a mechanism for rotating the distance measuring device K ′ about a horizontal axis, for example, a stepping motor is connected to a rotating shaft of the distance measuring device K ′ via a gear mechanism to rotate the distance measuring device K ′. For example, a mechanism such as moving is used.

The above-mentioned measuring device uses the laser beam R from the distance measuring device K ′ upward through the window M ′ toward the lower surface of the foam B generated by the fermentation of the wort A in the fermentation tank T ′. And the reflected light from the lower surface of the bubble of the laser light R is received by the distance measuring device K ′, so that the laser light R floats on the wort A by the principle of phase correlation of light as in the case of the device in the above-described example. The distance to the lower surface of the bubble B can be measured.

At this time, a measurement error may occur depending on the state of the lower surface of the bubble at the irradiation position of the laser beam.
By rotating the distance measuring device K ′ to change the emission angle of the laser light, measurement is performed at a plurality of positions on the lower surface of the bubble, and an average value thereof is taken, so that accurate distance measurement can be performed. it can.

In the above distance measurement, when the distance measuring device K ′ is rotated, the vertical calculated distance Yb ′ from the distance measuring device K ′ to the lower surface of the bubble B is obtained by measuring the value measured by the distance measuring device K ′ as Yb. , The rotation angle of the distance measuring device K ′ with respect to the vertical direction is θ.
Then, it is obtained by the formula of Yb ′ = Yb / cos θ.

Then, the average value of the measured value Ya when the laser beam is irradiated vertically upward from the distance measuring device K ′ and the calculated distance Yb ′ obtained as described above is calculated by the following equation. , Measured distance Y to the lower surface of the foam
s is required.

Ys = κ (α) · (Ya + Yb ′) / 2 In the above equation, κ (α) is the attenuation of light generated when a laser beam passes through a liquid (here, wort A). Is a coefficient for compensating for and is predetermined in accordance with the turbidity of the liquid and the type of the liquid.

The measurement control of the distance measuring device K ′ as described above,
The calculation of the distance measurement value and the storage of the measurement value are performed by the microcomputer 3 'connected to the distance measuring device K'.

According to the measuring device in the above example, the position of foam generated in the fermentation tank T 'can be detected, and the position of the boundary between wort and foam can be detected by detecting the position of the lower surface of the foam. Since the position is detected, the liquid level position of the wort can be detected.

FIG. 7 shows still another example of the embodiment of the sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to the present invention. The measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 7 is located above the fermentation tank Ta at the same distance as in FIG. A measuring device K is provided below the fermentation tank Ta, and a distance measuring device K ′ similar to that shown in FIG. 6 is provided.

The measuring device in this example is a fermentation tank T
A laser beam is emitted from a distance measuring device K installed above a through the transparent tempered glass plate 1a of the window Ma toward the upper surface of the foam B in the fermentation tank Ta, as in the case of the apparatus of FIG. By the same method, the position of the upper surface of the bubble B is detected. Further, a laser beam is irradiated from the distance measuring device K ′ installed below the fermentation tank Ta toward the lower surface of the foam B in the fermentation tank Ta through the transparent tempered glass plate 1b of the window Mb, and FIG. The position of the lower surface of the bubble B is detected by the same method as in the case of the device (1).

The detection data of the bubble B by the distance measuring devices K and K 'is input to the microcomputer 3a to which the distance measuring devices K and K' are connected. The thickness of the bubble B (the difference between the positions of the upper surface and the lower surface of the bubble B) is calculated based on the respective detection data input from the detection data and K ′, and stored together with the detection time.

As described above, according to the above measuring device,
The thickness of foam B in the wort fermentation process can be detected and recorded over time.

In the measuring device shown in FIG. 7, as can be seen from the figure, the distance measuring device K above the fermentation tank Ta is slidable in the horizontal direction.
The distance measuring device K 'below the measuring device is swingable in the vertical plane, and the measuring position on the foam surface is moved by moving the measuring position on the foam surface in the same manner as in the measuring device in each of the above-described examples. Can be performed, but the distance meter K or K '
May be fixed respectively.

Further, the distance measuring device K may be installed so as to be swingable in a vertical plane, and the distance measuring device K 'may be installed so as to be freely slidable in the horizontal direction. Can be arbitrarily selected according to

In each of the above embodiments, the case where the position of the surface of foam generated during fermentation of wort in the fermentation tank is detected has been described as an example. The method can be used for any case of detecting the presence or absence of bubbles and the state of occurrence of generated bubbles.For example, it can also be used for detecting the defoaming state of wastewater in a wastewater treatment plant or the like. .

Further, the sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus and method according to the present invention are not limited to the case of measuring bubbles as described above.
It can also be used for measurements where it is not possible to use an ultrasonic measuring instrument because it absorbs sound waves, such as when measuring the height of the top of granular or powdered materials stored in a tank. For example, the present invention can be used for calculating the amount of malt or cereals stored in a silo by calculating the height of the upper surface of the cereals or the like.

Examples of the sound-absorbing substance constituting the sound-absorbing surface to be measured by the measuring device according to the present invention include, besides the foam of beer generated during fermentation of wort as described above, and the foam generated during serving of beer. Foams generated in sewage and washing wastewater, granules such as malt, corn grits, hop pellets, microcapsules and round materials encapsulating gels, starches, diatomaceous earth, powdered materials such as silica gel and feed, and Examples of the material include a solid material and a fiber-like material formed by a foaming substance such as urethane.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a configuration of a distance measuring device in the same example.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of fluctuation of a bubble surface.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of disappearance of bubbles.

FIG. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another example of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing still another example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 1 ', 1a, 1b ... tempered glass plate (window) 2 ... slide mechanism 3, 3', 3a ... microcomputer K, K '... distance measuring device (laser emitting member, laser receiving member) K3 ... light receiving portion (Laser receiving member) K4 ... Calculation unit (Calculation member) DL1 ... Laser diode (Laser emitting member) DL2 ... Laser diode (Laser emitting member) K1 '... Laser emitting device (Laser emitting member) K2' ... Laser receiving device (Laser) Light receiving member) T, T ', Ta: fermentation tank (tank) M, M', Ma, Mb: window (window portion) R: laser beam B: foam

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Fumihiko Yokoyama 2-1-1, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Kirin Brewery Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Masatoshi Daikohara 4-4-1, Tsurumichuo, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture (56 References JP-A-4-142289 (JP, A) JP-A-63-79017 (JP, A) JP 6-41187 (JP, Y2) JP 2 44176 (JP, Y2) (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01S 17/00-17/95 G01F 23/28

Claims (16)

(57) [Claims] 1. A laser emitting member for irradiating a laser beam to a sound absorbing surface that absorbs a sound wave, a laser light receiving member for receiving reflected light of the laser light emitted from the laser emitting member from the sound absorbing surface, and a laser A calculating member for calculating a distance from the measuring device to the sound absorbing surface based on the reflected light received by the light receiving member, and the position of the sound absorbing surface in the tank is detected over time . measuring device. 2. The sound absorbing surface measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are slidably disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface. 3. The sound absorbing surface measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are rotatably arranged around an axis substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface. 4. The upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank through a window provided with the laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member disposed above the tank and provided on a ceiling of the tank and sealed by a transparent member. The sound absorbing surface measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the measuring device is opposed to the sound absorbing surface. 5. The laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged below the tank, and are provided on the bottom of the tank, and are provided on a lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank through a window sealed by a transparent member. The sound absorbing surface measuring device according to claim 1, which is opposed to the sound absorbing surface measuring device. 6. A laser beam is applied to a sound absorbing surface for absorbing a sound wave.
Laser emitting member, and the sound absorption of laser light emitted from the laser emitting member
A laser light receiving member for receiving light reflected from the surface,
The reflected light received by the light receiving member
A calculating member for calculating a distance from the sound absorbing surface to the sound absorbing surface.
The laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are disposed above the tank and provided on the ceiling of the tank, and are opposed to the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank through a window portion sealed by a transparent member. And a sound absorbing surface measuring device disposed below the tank and provided at a bottom portion of the tank and opposed to a lower surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank through a window sealed by a transparent member. 7. The sound absorbing surface measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the tank is a fermentation tank for brewing. 8. A laser beam is radiated from a laser emitting member toward a sound absorbing surface that absorbs sound waves, and reflected light of the laser beam emitted from the laser emitting member from the sound absorbing surface is received by a laser light receiving member. A method for measuring a sound absorbing surface, comprising calculating a distance from a measuring device to a sound absorbing surface based on reflected light received by a light receiving member, and detecting a position of the sound absorbing surface in the tank over time . 9. The laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are slidably provided in a direction substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface, and the laser emitting member is slid to move a laser beam irradiation position on the sound absorbing surface. Claim 8
4. The method for measuring a sound absorbing surface described in 1. 10. The laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are provided rotatably about an axis substantially parallel to the sound absorbing surface, and the laser emitting member is rotated to rotate the laser emitting member. 9. The irradiation position is moved.
4. The method for measuring a sound absorbing surface described in 1. 11. The laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged above a tank, and a window portion sealed by a transparent member is formed on a ceiling portion of the tank, and the window inside the tank is formed through the window portion. The method for measuring a sound absorbing surface according to claim 8, wherein the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface is irradiated with laser light and the light reflected from the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface is received. 12. The laser emitting member and the laser light receiving member are arranged below a tank, and a window sealed by a transparent member is formed at the bottom of the tank, and the sound absorption in the tank is formed through the window. 9. The method for measuring a sound absorbing surface according to claim 8, wherein the lower surface of the surface is irradiated with laser light and the reflected light from the lower surface of the sound absorbing surface is received. 13. A laser head for a sound absorbing surface for absorbing sound waves.
The laser beam is emitted from the laser emitting member, and the laser beam emitted from the laser emitting member
The reflected light is received by the laser light receiving member, and the measuring device is used by the reflected light received by the laser light receiving member.
The distance from the device to the sound absorbing surface is calculated, the laser emitting member and the laser receiving member are arranged above and below the tank, respectively, and a window sealed with a transparent member is formed on the ceiling of the tank to form the window. Irradiates laser light to the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface in the tank and receives reflected light from the upper surface of the sound absorbing surface through the portion, and forms a window sealed by a transparent member at the bottom of the tank to form the window. A method of measuring a sound absorbing surface by irradiating a laser beam to a lower surface of a sound absorbing surface in a tank and receiving reflected light from a lower surface of the sound absorbing surface through the tank. 14. The method for measuring a sound absorbing surface according to claim 11, wherein the tank is a fermentation tank for brewing. 15. The time at the time of measuring the measured distance data.
And a computer for storing the information
The measuring device for a sound absorbing surface according to claim 1. 16. The time at the time of measuring the measured distance data
9. The suction device according to claim 8, wherein the information is stored together with the information.
Sound surface measurement method.