Light detecting device

Abstract: A light detecting device is provided that can certainly detect weak luminescing at a random position in a predetermined spatial area with simple construction and can improve performance and reliability thereof. The light detecting device has a fluorescent fiber containing a fluorescent coloring matter and a flat or curved concentrator having a primary surface, on which the fluorescent fiber is fixedly arranged with the axis thereof in a parallel relationship to the primary surface. A light receiving means is connected to at least one end of the fluorescent fiber.

Description: The present invention relates to a fluorescent fiber type light detecting device which is suitable for detecting a luminescence condition and a luminescence position for a light having small light quantity. In the prior art, a gas insulated switchgear employed, for example, in a substation facility and so forth, has a construction, in which a gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas is enclosed within a metallic casing and a plurality of switches and interrupters are arranged in the sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) atmosphere. Such gas insulated switchgear is adapted to perform switching at substantially high current. Therefore, an arc discharge can be generated between the switch and casing due to fatigue of components or the sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas. Also, a weak corona discharge resulting from a local high electric field can be caused due to presence of a shape projection or a floating metallic impurity within the casing. If such a corona discharge is left without any treatment, the insulation performance of the equipment is lowered possibly causing a failure resulting in earth-fault, short-circuit or so forth. In the prior art, in order to monitor such corona discharge, sensors for electrically detecting a voltage, a current, or an acoustic vibration generated in association with the discharge have been used. However, due to the presence of external noise, such as electromagnetic noise, vibration and so forth, an improvement for reliability of the detecting performance of such sensors has been desired. Hereinafter, discussion will be presented of the conventional method for detecting a luminous condition due to corona discharge and so forth, with reference to Figs.18 to 21. Fig.18 is a section of a luminescence position detecting device employing a plurality of fluorescent fibers, in which a plurality of optical fiber sensors 1a, 1b and 1c are arranged in parallel. Each of the optical fiber sensors 1a, 1b and 1c is provided with a fluorescent fiber F, in which a fluorescent coloring matter, such as BBOT (2,5-bis[5-tert-2butybenzox azoyl] thiophene) and so forth, is doped, at one end of a transparent optical fiber 2, and with a light receiving element 3 at the other end. The fluorescent fibers F of respective optical fiber sensors 1a, 1b, 1c are arranged in mutually offset positions in the longitudinal direction of the optical fiber sensors. The side surfaces of the fluorescent fibers F are directed to opposing positions where luminescence in the SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) gas or so forth is expected. Since the fluorescent fiber doped with fluorescent coloring matter including BBOT, i.e. the fluorescent fiber doped with BBOT or mixture of BBOT and other fluorescent coloring matter, reacts to luminescing in the SF₆ gas or so forth, it can be used for detecting the luminescence position. In addition, the fluorescent fiber F fluoresces even in response to the light incident from its side surface, so luminescence over a wide area can be detected by directing the side surface of the fluorescent fibre toward the position where luminescence is expected. Namely, by expanding the lengths L of the portions of the fluorescent fibers in the optical fiber sensors 1a, 1b and 1c of Fig. 18, the area for detecting the luminescence can be expanded. Assuming that discharge luminescence is caused for some reason in the SF₆ gas at a position opposing the side surface of the fluorescent filter F of the intermediate optical fiber sensor 1b, the generated light enters through the side surface of the fluorescent fiber F. By the incident light, the fluorescent material in the fluorescent fiber F is excited to generate fluorescence 5. The fluorescence propagates through the transparent fiber 2 and is detected by the light receiving element 3. As a result, the fact that the light receiving element of the optical fiber sensor 1b receives the light can be detected by detecting the output signal of the light receiving element 3. Also, by this, it can be determined that the position of luminescence is the position opposing the fluorescent fiber F of the intermediate optical fiber sensor 1b. As set forth above, by arranging the fluorescent fibers of the optical fiber sensors with an offset in a corresponding magnitude to the length L of the fluorescent fiber, luminescence in the area of the 3L length can be detected with three optical fiber sensors. On the other hand, by setting the length L of each fluorescent fiber shorter and setting the magnitude of offsetting of the fluorescent fibers smaller, higher resolution can be achieved thus enabling detection of the position of luminescence with high precision, though the number of required optical fiber sensors is increased. Fig. 19 shows a section of the luminescence position detecting device employing a single fluorescent fiber. The single optical fiber sensor 7 is arranged to direct the side surface thereof to the position where luminescence in the SF₆ gas is expected. This optical fiber sensor is constructed by arranging the light receiving elements 3a and 3b at both ends of the fluorescent fiber F which is formed by doping the fluorescent coloring matter including BBOT. Both of the light receiving elements 3a and 3b are connected to a comparator circuit 6 so that the luminescence position is detected by comparing the output values of both light receiving elements 3a and 3b. In this device, if luminescence 4 is caused due to discharge or so forth in the SF₆ gas or so forth, the fluorescent material at the position corresponding to the position of the luminescence 4 fluoresces. Since the incident position of the discharge luminescence 4 on the side surface of the fluorescent fiber is a shorter distance L2 away from the right side light receiving element 3b than that L1 from the left side light receiving element 3a, the transmission loss to reach the left side light receiving element 3a is greater than that to reach the right side light receiving element 3b. As a result, by comparing the light receiving magnitudes of the light receiving elements 3a and 3b in the comparator 6, the position of the discharge luminescence can be detected. Fig. 20 is an explanatory illustration for explaining fluorescent converting action in the fluorescent fiber formed by doping BBOT on a polycarbonate. The reference numeral 8 denotes the core of the fluorescent fiber, which is formed by doping polycarbonate with BBOT. The outer periphery of the core 8 is covered with cladding 9. The external diameter of the cladding is of the order of 1 mm. Assuming that the refractive index of the core is n₁ and the refractive index of the cladding 9 is n₂, it is established that n₁ > n₂. On the other hand, assuming the wavelength of the incident light 10 through the side surface of the fluorescent fiber is λ₁, and the wavelength of fluorescence 11 propagating with total reflection in the core 8 is λ₂, the relationship of λ₁ < λ₂ applies. As the core 8, polycarbonate doped with 0.02 Wt% of BBOT is used. On the other hand, as the cladding 9, a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and polyvinylidene fluoride is used. Considering that the particles of the BBOT fluorescent material doped in the polycarbonate are represented by the reference numeral 12, when the incident light 10 having the wavelength λ₁ is irradiated from the side surface of the fluorescent fiber on the BBOT fluorescent material particles 12, the BBOT fluorescent material particles 12 fluoresce with the fluorescence having a wavelength λ₂ which is longer than λ₁. The luminescence propagates in all directions. However, when it is incident to cladding 9, the component having a greater incident angle than a critical angle ϑ c propagates to the end of the core repeating a full reflection within the core. The component having a smaller incident angle than the critical angle ϑ c escapes to the outside passing through the core 8 and cladding 9. Accordingly, it becomes necessary for detecting weak luminescence in the SF₆ gas that, when the incident light 10 enters from the side surface of the fluorescent fiber, BBOT fluorescent material particles 12 effectively fluoresce, and the large amount of thus generated fluorescence propagates as full reflected light 11 to exit through the end. Fig. 21 shows a section illustrating an example implementing the fluorescent fiber type luminescence position detecting device as shown in Figs. 18 and 19 in a gas insulated switchgear. The gas insulated switchgear employed in a substation facility and so forth has a construction in which the SF₆ gas is enclosed within a metallic tank and a plurality of switches 13 ... are arranged within the SF₆ gas atmosphere. Since each switch 13 ... performs switching at an extremely high voltage and current, an arc discharge 23 can be caused due to fatigue of the components of the device or fatigue of the SF₆ gas, and, alternatively, local luminescence 25 can be induced by foreign matter 24 when the foreign matter is present in the SF₆ gas atmosphere. When such discharge is caused, it becomes necessary to detect this to effect treatment, such as maintenance. In Fig. 21, a denotes a luminescence position detecting device employing a plurality of optical fiber sensors as shown in Fig. 18, and b denotes a luminescence position detecting device employing a single optical fiber as shown in Fig. 19. The luminescence position detecting devices a and b are disposed with the tank 14 which encloses SF₆ gas and houses the voltage switches 13 ... In the tank 14, the luminescence position detecting device a disposes a plurality of optical fiber sensors 1a, 1b ... which are shown in Fig. 18, within a pipe 15 and houses respective light receiving elements within an output opening 16, from which an output signal line 17 is extended. n optical fibers are employed so that the fluorescent fiber portions thereof are arranged offset at a given pitch L so as not to leave any position where the fluorescent fiber portion is not present, over a detecting area nL. Therefore, in the area nL, when a discharge is caused, the discharge light is incident though the side surface of the fluorescent fiber of the optical fiber sensor and is converted into fluorescent light. The light receiving element converts the fluorescent light into an electrical signal to be output through the output signal line 17. Then, the luminescence position can be detected depending upon the output signal line, on which the output signal occurs. Within the tank 14, the luminescence position detecting device b disposes a single optical fiber sensor 7 as shown in Fig. 19. The light-receiving elements at both ends are housed at the output openings 19 and 20, from which output signal lines 21 and 22 are extended. The output signal lines 21 and 22 are connected to the comparator 6. Therefore, by comparing the detection signals of the light receiving elements at both ends of the optical fiber sensor 7, the luminescence position of the discharge light in a detecting area L can be detected. In order to shorten a period required for recovery when failure is caused in the gas insulated switchgear and thus stably supply electric power, it is required to provide a preliminary diagnosis system for detecting failure. Since the gas insulated switchgear causes a weak local discharge from a faulty portion as a precursor to failure, it has been proposed to employ the light detecting device employing the fluorescent fiber for effectively detecting such weak light. Fig. 22 is a section taken along line B - B of Fig. 21. The reference numeral 4 denotes luminescence due to an arc discharge or local luminescence. Such luminescence is not always caused at the side of the optical fiber sensor 7. If luminescence is caused at the opposite side of the optical fiber sensor, it is possible that the optical fiber sensor 7 cannot receive the light due to the light being blocked by the high voltage switches 13 ... On the other hand, since the optical fiber sensor 7 is formed in the form of a thin line to provide a small light receiving area, only a small amount of light can be caught by the fluorescent fiber of the optical fiber even when the luminescing is caused at the side of the optical fiber sensor. Therefore, the detection of light is not reliable. Furthermore, the light intensity incident on the optical fibre sensor is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the position of luminescence and the optical fibre sensor 7, so it is possible that the luminescence cannot be detected accurately when the luminescence is caused at a position far away from the optical fibre sensor. Document US-A-4 812 013 discloses a process for utilizing light radiation with the aid of fluorescent optical fibres. An object of the invention is to provide a generally improved light detecting device having a simpler construction with improved reliability and performance. According to the present invention there is provided a light-detecting device comprising: a fluorescent fibre (F) containing a fluorescent colouring matter; a curved concentrator containing a fluorescent colouring matter; and a light-receiving means connected to at least one end of the fluorescent fibre; wherein the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the fluorescent fibre (F) and the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the concentrator have different wavelengths of absorption and of light components to be generated respectively, characterised in that the concentrator is curved and has a first and second side surfaces, the fluorescent fibre being positioned between said first and second side surfaces so that at least part of the fluorescent fibre cooperates with the first and second surfaces and wherein the longitudinal direction of the concentrator is the same as the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent fibre. Fig. 1 is an explanatory illustration showing an arrangement of a concentrator and a fluorescent fiber in a light detecting device; Fig. 2 is an explanatory illustration showing one practical embodiment of an arrangement of a luminous source, the concentrator and the fluorescent fiber in the device of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is an illustration showing another construction of a light detecting device; Fig. 4 is an illustration showing a further construction of a light detecting device; Fig. 5 is a section illustrating the basic construction of an embodiment of a light detecting device of the invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a light detecting device employing a rectangular concentrator; Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a light detecting device employing an arch-shaped concentrator; Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a light detecting device employing a cylindrical concentrator; Fig. 9 is an end view of an embodiment of a light detecting device, in which a surface of the concentrator opposing the fluorescent fiber is formed into a convex-lens configuration; Figs. 10(a) and 10(b) are a perspective view and plan view illustrating a concentrator formed of a plurality of fluorescent fibers arranged in a reed screen line form in an embodiment of a light detecting device according to the invention; Fig. 11 is a section showing an example of a construction of a focusing fluorescent fiber array formed with a grooved transparent plate in an embodiment of a light detecting device according to the invention; Fig. 12 is an explanatory illustration showing another construction of a light detecting device according to the invention; Fig. 13 is an illustration showing one example of a device for inspecting a light detecting performance of the light detecting device according to the present invention; Fig. 14 is an explanatory illustration showing a focusing rate of the concentrator employed in the light detecting device according to the invention; Figs. 15A and 15B are graphs showing a light focusing effect of the concentrator according to the invention; Figs. 16A and 16B are illustration showing the third aspect of the light detecting device according to the present invention; Fig. 17 shows graphs illustrating effects of a light detecting device in the present invention; Fig. 18 is a section view of a luminescence position detecting device employing a plurality of fluorescent fibers; Fig. 19 is a section view showing a luminescence position detecting device employing a single fluorescent fiber; Fig. 20 is a section view illustrating a fluorescent light convention in a fluorescent fiber formed by doping polycarbonate with BBOT; Fig. 21 is a section view in which a fluorescent fiber type luminescence position detecting device of Figs. 18 and 19, is employed in a gas insulated switchgear; and Fig. 22 is a section view taken along line B - B of Fig. 21. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 shows a light detecting device which includes a fluorescent fiber F containing a fluorescent coloring matter 12 and a plate form or curved concentrator 32. The fluorescent fiber F is fixedly arranged on a primary surface 40 of the concentrator 32 so that the main axis 41 of the fluorescent fiber F extends in parallel to the primary surface 40 of the concentrator. The fluorescent fiber has at least one end, to which a light receiving means 1 is connected. In this light detecting device, in comparison with a conventional light detecting device in which it is difficult to certainly and accurately detect luminescence in the form of a weak corona discharge or so forth, simply arranging a single fluorescent fiber in a gas-filled container of a gas insulated switchgear, for example, can achieve substantial or significant improvement in the detecting resolution of the luminescence. The reason for this is that the concentrator 32 is employed in combination with the fluorescent fiber F so that the light generated by luminescence due to weak corona discharge can be concentrated at the fluorescent fiber F as much as possible. For this purpose, the concentrator 32 is required to reflect the received light and to direct the reflected light toward the fluorescent fiber F. Accordingly, in the example shown, the primary surface 40 of the concentrator 32 is preferably formed of a material having a high light reflection coefficient. For example, it may be plated or coated with a metallic film or so forth or provided with a mirror finish. The configuration of the concentrator 32 in this example can be a plain plate form, but is preferably a concave configuration with a predetermined curvature as illustrated in Fig. 1. More practically, the concentrator 32 may be formed into a cylindrical configuration as shown in Fig. 2, with the fluorescent fiber F arranged on the inner periphery thereof. If the construction as set forth above is employed, the light luminesced at a random position is incident as reflected light from the primary surface 40 of the concentrator 32 in addition to the light directly inciding to the fluorescent fiber F, so the performance of detection of the luminescence can be increased correspondingly. On the other hand, in the example shown in Fig. 3, it is also possible to arrange one of a plurality of fluorescent fibers F along one direction of the primary surface 40 of the concentrator 32. It is further possible to arrange a plurality of fluorescent fibers F in a mutually parallel relationship and in one direction of the primary surface 40 of the concentrator 32. Furthermore, in the example shown in Fig. 4, it is possible to provide a single fluorescent fiber F bent in a meandering fashion along the primary surface 40 of the concentrator. The fluorescent coloring matter contained in the fluorescent fiber F is required to absorb a light component having a specific wavelength contained in the light generated from a random light source and to generate light having a different wavelength from the wavelength of the absorbed light component. For example, perylene, BBOT and so forth are preferred for this purpose. Next, a discussion will be presented concerning a light detecting device according to the present invention. In Figs. 5 and 6, one embodiment of a light detecting device according to the present invention is illustrated. The shown light detecting device includes the fluorescent fiber F containing a fluorescent coloring matter 12 as a fluorescent material and the curved form concentrator 32 containing a fluorescent coloring matter 35. The fluorescent fiber F is arranged at the side of the side surface of the concentrator 32. The fluorescent fiber F is connected to a light receiving means 1 at least at one end thereof. In addition, the fluorescent fiber F according to the invention is preferably arranged between two concentrators 31 and 32 so that the outer periphery thereof corresponds with the side surfaces 34 of the concentrators 31 and 32. It is further preferred that the fluorescent coloring matter 12 contained in the fluorescent fiber F has a different light absorbtion wavelength and light generating wavelength than the light component from the fluorescent coloring matter 35 contained in the concentrators 31 and 32. More concretely, the fluorescence wavelength upon fluorescing by absorbing the light in the fluorescent coloring matter of the fluorescent fiber F, is desirably set to be longer than the fluorescence wavelength of the fluorescent coloring matter contained in the concentrators 31 and 32. In addition, it is preferred that the concentrators 31 and 32 are formed into an arch shaped or cylindrical configuration. More concretely, the concentrator 32 is formed into a single cylindrical configuration having end edge surfaces 34 extending in parallel to the longitudinal axis so as to define a fluorescent fiber receptacle portion 42 therebetween for arranging the fluorescent fiber F therein. The light detecting device according to the present invention, as set forth above, has the concentrators 31 and 32 arranged in so as to correspond with the side surface of the fluorescent fiber F. When the luminescence 4 is directly incident on the fluorescent fiber F, the fluorescence is generated by the fluorescent coloring matter 12 in the fluorescent fiber F. The fluorescence thus induced propagates through the fluorescent fiber F to exit from the end surface. This exiting light is received by the light receiving element and converted into the electrical signal for detection of the luminescence position. In case of the present invention, since the concentrator 31 corresponds with the side surface of the fluorescent fiber F, the light may also be incident on the concentrators 31 and 32. When the light is 4 incident on the plastic concentrator 31 containing the fluorescent coloring matter, the fluorescent coloring matter 35 in the concentrator 31 generates fluorescence. However, since the fluorescence generated by the coloring matter 35 of the concentrator 31 has a shorter fluorescent wavelength λ c than that λ f of the fluorescence generated in the fluorescent fiber F, the fluorescence generated in the concentrator 31 is incident on the fluorescent fiber F through the end surface 34 to excite the fluorescent coloring matter 12 in the fluorescent fiber F for further fluorescence. The fluorescence then propagates through the fluorescent fiber F and is detected by the light receiving element. For instance, when the fluorescence color of the concentrator is green, the fluorescence color of the fluorescent fiber becomes orange or red , those colors having a longer wavelength. As set forth above, since the light inciding in the concentrators 31 and 32 can be caught for detection, the low focusing ability of the fluorescent fiber due to the small surface area thereof can be compensated by appropriately selecting the size and configuration of the concentrator 31, and thus enables light detection with high precision. Namely, since the light capture area of the concentrator 31 or 32 is large, it becomes possible to catch the luminescence which is not directly incident on the fluorescent fiber F so this light is incident on the fluorescent fiber F. Therefore, the influence of the positional relationship between the position of luminescence and the position of the fluorescent fiber F can be eliminated. Also, even when the amount of luminescence is small or the luminescence occurs at a position far from the fluorescent fiber F, the light can be certainly caught over a wide area of the concentrator 31 or 32 to enable light detection. In the present invention, it is possible to have one concentrator 31 at one side of the fluorescent fiber F. However, it is preferred to arrange a pair of concentrators 31 and 32 at both sides of the fluorescent fiber F. In that case, the fluorescence induced by light caught by both of the concentrators 31 and 32 is incident on the fluorescent fiber F. By employing two concentrators 31 and 32, the light capture area can be remarkably increased to significantly increase the reliability of light detection. The concentrators 31 and 32 according to the present invention are not specified in configuration. It may be possible to form the concentrators 31 and 32 in the arch-shaped configuration as illustrated in Fig. 7. This configuration is effective for arrangement within a cylindrical housing. By directing the concave surface 38 of the arc-shaped configuration towards the luminescence position, capture of the luminescence becomes certain. Since Fig. 8 employs a cylindrical concentrator 30, it can certainly catch luminescence at any position by arranging the concentrator so that luminescing at any position is caused inside or outside of the cylindrical concentrator 30 to generate fluorescence to be transmitted to the fluorescent fiber F. In this case, no directional dependence between the position of luminescence and the fluorescent fiber F is present. Also, since the light capture area can be significantly increased, extremely high reliability in detection of the light can be achieved. When the light is received at the concentrator 31 or 32 for conversion into the fluorescence and for further conversion into the fluorescence in the fluorescent fiber F as set forth above, loss may be induced during conversion and/or in transmission of the light and/or the fluorescence. As a measure against this it can be seen from Figs. 5 to 8 that on at least one side of the outer periphery of the fluorescent fiber F is provided an area 33 which does not correspond with the concentrators 31 and 32. When the light is directly incident on the fluorescent fiber F through the area 33, conversion loss will not be caused, thus providing a higher output signal. In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 9, the end surfaces 34 of the concentrators 31 and 32 opposing the fluorescent fiber F are formed as a convex lens. These concentrators 31 and 32 can converge the fluorescence generated therein into the fluorescent fiber F by the lens effect of the convex lens to improve light detection efficiency. The concentrators 30, 31 and 32 of the present invention are preferably formed of a plastics material. For example, by using a transparent plastics, such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin or co-polymer resins thereof or so forth, high fluorescence permeability and focusing ability can be achieved. Also, in the present invention, the fluorescent coloring matter contained in the plastic concentrator is preferably an organic coloring matter having a high fluorescence conversion rate, such as perylene coloring matter, BBOT, coumarin coloring matter, imidazole coloring matter, b-PBD coloring material or a mixture of these. Fig. 10 shows another practical embodiment of the present invention, in which a concentrator 43 is formed by bending a plurality of the fluorescent fibers f ... arranged in a reed screen like arrangement, into a ring shaped configuration. With the shown construction, a substantially equivalent effect to the foregoing cylindrical concentrators 31 and 32 can be achieved. In addition, the shown embodiment provides the advantage that the concentrator 43 can be formed with fluorescent fibers. In this case, the fluorescence wavelength λ f of the fluourescent fiber for detecting the position of luminescence has to be longer than the fluorescence wavelength λ c of the fluorescent fibers of the concentrator. Since the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 11 has transparent bodies 48 between the respective fluorescent fibers f, formation of the concentrator 43 with the fluorescent fibers f becomes easier. In addition, light incident on the transparent bodies 48 can be incident on the fluorescent fibers f of the concentrator. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to employ plastic fibers containing a plurality of mutually different fluorescent coloring matters in place of a plurality of fluorescent fibers having the same fluorescent coloring matter, to form a light-detecting device employing the concentrator. Also, in the present invention, as shown in Fig. 12, it is possible to arrange a plurality of concentrators 32 in an appropriate pattern and to arrange the fluorescent fiber F through the clearances between the concentrators by bending it into a zigzag configuration. The preferred embodiments of the fluorescent coloring matter 12 and the concentrator 32 to be employed in the present invention will be discussed hereinbelow. One practical example of an application of the light detecting device according to the present invention, is applied to a gas insulated switchgear, as set forth above. In the gas insulated switchgear, corona discharge light generated by a discharge in the sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas is a bluish visible light having a primary wavelength component in a range of 320 to 500 nm. When such a wide spectrum is detected by means of the optical fiber, it is necessary to convert the wavelength of the discharge light to the lowest wavelength of an absorption band of the optical fiber (typically, a relatively long wavelength band of the order of 650 nm) to propagate to the light receiving means. For this purpose, a coloring matter which has an absorption spectrum in the wavelength band of the corona discharge light and which can generate light having a longer wavelength than the absorption spectrum wavelength and corresponding to the lowest wavelength in the light absorption band of the optical fiber, is selected for use. For example, using a plastic fiber doped with a coloring matter in the perylene group, the wavelength of the corona discharge light can be converted into a green fluorescence of a longer wavelength to enable detection. Concretely, the concentrator 32 is formed with acrylate resin doped with a green perylene coloring matter which absorbs light having a wavelength less than or equal to 520 nm and generates a fluorescence having longer wavelength (e.g. 520 ∼ 570 nm). Thus the corona discharge light is temporarily converted into a light having an intermediate wavelength. Then, using polycarbonate doped with a red perylene coloring matter as the optical fibre which absorbs light having a wavelength shorter than or equal to 620 nm and which fluoresces at a longer wavelength (e.g. 630 ∼ 680 nm), the light having the wavelength in a range of 520 ∼ 570 nm, for example, generated by the concentrator 32 is converted into a light having a wavelength in a relatively long wavelength range, i.e., approximately 650 nm. The light propagation efficiency in the optical fiber becomes maximum at this relatively long wavelength. Furthermore, in the present invention, it is possible to dope the fluorescent fiber F not only with the red perylene coloring matter but also with the green perylene coloring matter which is doped in the concentrator 32. Practical construction of the light detecting device according to the present invention will be discussed hereinbelow. The concentrator is formed by preparing a plurality of plate form bodies 1.5 mm thick, 100 mm in length and 54 mm in width from a co-polymer of PMMA resin and styrene resin doped with 0.06 Wt% of a coloring matter consisting of the above-mentioned green perylene coloring matter, and arranging these plates to form two dimensional bodies. The fluorescent fiber F is prepared by forming the core portion with polycarbonate resin doped with 0.02 Wt% of a coloring matter consisting of green perylene coloring matter and 0.04 Wt% of the coloring matter consisting of red perylene coloring matter. The fluorescent fiber F is then arranged between the concentrators to form the light detecting device. Next, an effect obtained by using the concentrator which is employed in the present invention will be discussed. Fig. 13 shows an example of a measuring device 60 used for experiments in the detection of discharge luminescence employing the concentrator 32, in the light detecting device according to the invention. The container is initially reduced in pressure from atmospheric pressure down to 70 Pa. Subsequently, sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas is supplied at a pressure of 0.12 Mpa. An electrode portion is formed therein with a copper needle 66 having a spherical tip end, and an aluminum plane plate 67. High voltage is supplied from a high voltage power source 61 to the electrode portion though an insulator 62. It should be noted that up to AC 30 kV can be applied to the electrode portion from the high voltage power source 61. The discharge is measured by means of a partial discharger 69 at every occurrence of a discharge. On the inner periphery of the container, a plurality of concentrators 64 are arranged regularly. In spaces defined between side faces of the concentrators 64, a fluorescent fiber 65 formed as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, is disposed in a fashion sandwiched between the concentrators 64. To the tip end of the fluorescent fiber 65, a normal optical fiber, such as a PMMA type optical fiber, having the same diameter, is connected so as to connect the fluorescent fiber to an appropriate oscillator 72 or a photo counting measurement device via a photomultiplier tube 71 to monitor the discharge condition. The light detecting performance of the concentrator 64 is determined by the focusing rate of the concentrator. A discussion will be presented for the incident condition of the discharge light in the concentrator 64 of the light detecting device according to the present invention, with reference to Fig. 14. The solid angle of the cylindrical concentrator 64 relative to a discharge point P represents the light amount to be irradiated onto the concentrator 64. In other words, the rate of light incident on the concentrator relative to the total light discharged from the discharge point P can be expressed by: e = dΩ/4π Here, dΩ is a solid angle as viewed from the discharge point to the concentrator. Assuming that the height of the concentrator is H, the radius is R and the length of the concentrator is L, and the discharge point P is placed at the center of the height and curvature of the concentrator, dΩ can be expressed as follow: 2L (1- cos ϑ c )/R Here, ϑ c = tan⁻¹ (H/2R) In the shown embodiment, concentrators having incident rates e of 1.6, 11 and 20% are prepared. The results of experiments performed with respect to these concentrators are shown in Fig. 15. From these experiments, it can be appreciated that the output voltage from the fluorescent fiber is increased according to an increase in the focusing rate. Also, it can be appreciated that in comparison with the case where a fluorescent fiber is used alone (Q of Fig. 15A), the discharge-light-detecting performance can be increased by employing the concentrator. Fig. 15B illustrates a comparison between the light-detecting performance in the case of a fluorescent fiber and a concentrator with a 20% incident rate, and in the case of a fluorescent fiber alone, while the amount of discharge is varied in the range of 10 to 120 pC, in the foregoing experiments. Therefore, Fig. 15B shows the relationship between the count of the output pulses of the photo counting measurement equipment (counted by a pulse counter) and the maximum discharge amount. As can be appreciated from the results, in comparison with the conventional method, in which the fluorescent fiber is solely used, the light detecting device according to the present invention exhibits approximately 2.5 times higher performance. In the light detecting device according to the present invention, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the concentrators 31 and 32 are arranged at both sides of the fluorescent fiber F. Except for the surfaces 34 opposing the fluorescent fiber F, the concentrators 31 and 32 are formed in a rectangular configuration. When the light is caught at both sides in left and right directions, reflection layers 36, 36 are formed on upper and lower back sides so that the fluorescence generated in the concentrator can be reflected toward the fluorescent fiber F. It is also possible to provide the reflection layer 37, 37 at both end surfaces. As can be appreciated from the foregoing examples, there are areas 33, 33 at both left and right sides, where the concentrators 31 and 32 are not present. Therefore, the light incident on these areas 33, 33 is directly incident on the fluorescent fiber F thus exciting the fluorescent coloring matter and causing it to fluoresce. The fluorescence thus generated propagates to the end and is detected thereat. Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which a pair of concentrators 31 and 32 are arranged vertically on opposite sides of the fluorescent fiber F, on the upper and lower sides. The respective concentrators 31 and 32 are formed to have an arch-shaped cross-section. In this case, the concentrators 31 and 32 are arranged to face the luminescence position at the center of the concave surface 38. With this arrangement, luminescence can be detected at any position on the concave surface 38 thereby improving reliability in the detection of the light. Also, at the side of the concave surface 38, the area 33 where the concentrators 31 and 32 are not present, is provided so that the light can be directly incident onto the fluorescent fiber F. It is preferable to provide the reflection layers 36, 36 on the upper and lower back faces and the reflection layers 37, 37 on both end surfaces. Although it is possible to catch the light generated at the side of the convex surface 39, when the light is detected only at the concave surface 38, it may be preferred to provide a reflection layer on the convex surface 39. Fig. 8 shows the cylindrical concentrator 30 as another embodiment of the invention. The concentrator 30 has a fluorescent fiber receptacle portion extending in parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof. The fluorescent fiber F is disposed in the fluorescent fiber receptacle portion. The fluorescent fiber receptacle portion has an identical construction to that of Fig. 7. In this case, both circumferential ends 31 and 32 of the cylindrical concentrator 30 serve as the concentrators 31 and 32. In other words, it can be said that the embodiment of Fig. 7 is formed by cutting the cylindrical concentrator of Fig. 8 at both sides of the fluorescent fiber receptacle portion to obtain the arch-shaped concentrators. As shown in Fig. 8, when the luminescence position is placed inside of the cylindrical concentrator 30, the fluorescence can be certainly generated at a certain point on the inner periphery 40 of the cylindrical concentrator 30 to propagate in the fluorescent fiber F. Therefore, reliability in light detection can be increased. Also, since the cylindrical concentrator can provide a large light receiving area, the amount of fluorescence to be generated in the cylindrical concentrator can be large to successfully increase the detecting output. It is possible to detect external luminescence with the cylindrical concentrator. However, when the luminescence only within the cylindrical concentrator is to be detected, the focusing rate can be increased by providing the reflection layer 41 on the outer periphery. It is further preferred to provide the reflection layer at both end faces 42, 42 of the cylindrical concentrator 30. In the foregoing embodiment, the fluorescent fiber F and the corresponding surfaces 34 have identical curvature and the surfaces 34 are tightly fitted onto the outer periphery of the fluorescent fiber F. However, it is also possible to arrange the surfaces 34 to correspond with the fluorescent fiber F whilst having a clearance. Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the end surfaces 34, 34 of the concentrators 31 and 32 opposing the fluorescent fiber F are formed as convex lenses. By forming the surface which corresponds with the fluourescent fiber F as a convex lense, the fluorescence generated in the concentrators 31 and 32 can be converged to the fluorescent fiber F. As a result, the amount of fluorescence generated in the fluorescent fiber F can be increased to amplify the detection output signal. Needless to say, the idea of Fig. 9 is applicable to the surfaces 34 which correspond with the fluorescent fiber F in the embodiments of Figs. 5 to 8. In the foregoing embodiments, the plastic concentrators 31, 32 and 30 are preferably formed of transparent plastic, such as acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin, polystyrene resin or co-polymer resins thereof. Among these, acrylic resin has a high degree of transparency and can effectively propagate the fluorescence generated in the concentrator to the surface 34 which faces the fluorescent fiber F. On the other hand, although polycarbonate has a lower degree of transparency, it has a high focusing rate and it is difficult for the fluorescence generated in the concentrator to escape to the outside thus providing high efficiency in transmission of the fluorescence. The coloring matter doped in the plastic concentrators 31, 32 and 30 can be organic coloring matter, such as perylene group coloring matter, BBOT, coumarin coloring matter, imidazole coloring matter, a mixed coloring matter thereof, or so forth. BBOT is particularly preferred. Fig 10 shows still another embodiment of the present invention, in which the concentrator 43 is formed by bending a plurality of the fluorescent fibers f ... arranged in a reed screen like arrangement into a ring shaped configuration. The fluorescent fiber F for detecting the luminescence position is arranged between both ends 44 and 45 of the array of the fluorescent fibers f ... The effect of the shown embodiment is substantially the same as that achieved by the cylindrical concentrator 30 of Fig. 8. The shown construction is differentiated from the construction of the cylindrical concentrator 30 of Fig. 8, in that the concentrator is formed by employing the fluorescent fibers f ... as constructional members. It should be appreciated that when the tip end surface of each fluorescent fiber is formed into a convex lens, an increased amount of fluorescence generated in the fluorescent fiber F for detecting the luminescence position can be obtained, as in the embodiment of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 shows a yet further embodiment of the present invention. When a plurality of fluorescent fibers f ... are formed into the ring shaped configuration as in the embodiment of Fig. 10, the production of such a ring shaped configuration can be facilitated by forming a plurality of grooves 47 with a regular interval on one side of a transparent plate 46. A fluorescent fiber f is disposed within each groove 47, and the transparent plate 46 is bent together with the fluorescent fibers f ... In this case, since the transparent bodies 48 are present between respective fluorescent fibers f, the light incident on the transparent body 48 can be guided into the fluorescent fiber f. Alternatively, in the present invention, it is possible to employ a fiber of the same material for the concentrators 31, 32 and 30 in Figs. 5 to 9, namely a plastic fiber containing the fluorescent coloring matter, can be used in place of the fluorescent fibers f ... in the embodiments of Figs. 10 and 11. As set forth above, by employing the concentrators 31, 32, and the cylindrical concentrators 30 and 43 in combination with the fluorescent fiber F for detecting the luminescence position, reliability in the detection of the luminescence position can be improved. Therefore, when the light detecting device according to the present invention is applied to the gas insulated switchgear illustrated in Fig. 21, it can certainly detect even weak luminescence or luminesce at the back side of the high voltage switches. It should be noted that the present invention is applicable for applications other than the gas insulated switchgear, in any case where the luminescence in SF₆ gas is to be detected. As set forth above, according to the present invention, light can be detected not only by detecting the light directly incident on the side surface of the fluorescent fiber F, but also by generating fluorescence with the light incident on the concentrator (which is formed of plastics and contains fluorescent coloring matter and has a wide light receiving surface). The thus generated fluorescence propagates into the fluorescent fiber F, again generating fluorescence by re-converting the fluorescence from the concentrator in the fluorescent fiber F. The thus generated fluorescence is detected at the end of the fluorescent fiber. By employing the concentrators 31, 32, 30, 43 in combination with the fluorescent fiber F, the light receiving area can be increased to increase the amount of the light received and enable detection of a weak luminescence. Also, as a result of expansion of the light receiving area, restriction due to directionality can be eliminated so that luminescence in a wide area or at a distance can be effectively detected to enhance reliability in light detection. It has been found that when the light detecting device is used in the above-mentioned application, the following problem will arise. Namely, as a precursor, the gas insulated equipment generates a weak local discharge at the faulty portion. This local discharge causes the SF₆ gas in the gas insulated equipment to be decomposed into SF₄ and F₂ under high temperature. The SF₄ thus generated reacts with residual water in the equipment to generate a highly corrosive HF gas. When this HF gas directly contacts the outer periphery of the fluorescent fiber, corrosion may be caused in the cladding layer of the fluorescent fiber. In order to avoid the above problem, the present invention uses the technical solution discussed as another aspect of the invention. Namely, as shown in Fig. 16A, a transparent protection layer 50 is formed on the surface of the fluorescent fiber. The protection layer is preferred to have at least one of a corrosion resistant and thermal resistant material. More preferably, the protection layer is formed of a resin selected from a fluoride resin and silicon resin. Alternatively, in the present invention, it is possible that, instead of using the foregoing fluorescent fiber, protection against HF gas can be provided by forming the light detecting device in the form as illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7 with the normal, not the protected fluorescent fiber, and thereafter coating the contacting portion between the fluorescent fiber F and the concentrators (30 to 32) with the above-mentioned protection layer, as shown in Fig. 16B. In the present invention, by combining the protection layer 50 having transparency, thermal resistance and corrosion resistance, with the fluorescent fiber F, HF gas will never contact the outer periphery of the fluorescent fiber F so that it will not be affected during long periods of use. As set forth above, the present invention protects the fluorescent fiber from corrosion due to HF gas which is formed as a decomposition gas, by providing a coating with a protection layer having transparency, thermal resistance and corrosion resistance, as shown in Figs. 16A and 16B. Material suitable for forming the protection layer in the present invention includes; thermoplastic fluororubber (tradename: Diel Thermoplastic (registered trademark)) which has high transparency, thermal resistance and corrosion resistance, for example. Fig. 17 shows a result of quantitative evaluation of variation of the performance due to the decomposition products of the SF₆ gas by generating the SF₆ decomposition products in a test container in which is disposed the fluorescent fiber, leaving the fluorescent fiber for a given period and by measuring the fluorescent light conversion performance of the fluorescent fiber thereafter. As can be clearly seen from Fig. 17, substantially no variation is observed in the fluorescent fiber having the protection layer, but degradation can be observed in the fluorescent fiber without the protection layer. As set forth above, according to the present invention, the fluorescent fiber is successfully protected by the protection layer against the decomposed gas which can be generated upon occurrence of failure in the substation facility, such as gas insulated equipment. Therefore, the light detecting device as described, can be used even under severe environmental conditions to contribute to greatly improved performance of the substation facility, such as gas insulated equipment, and thereby contribute to a stable supply of power. Furthermore, the device can certainly detect luminescing, particularly weak luminescing at random positions in a predetermined spatial area with simple construction and improved performance and reliability.

Claims: A light-detecting device comprising: a fluorescent fibre (F) containing a fluorescent colouring matter; a concentrator (21,32) containing a fluorescent colouring matter; and a light-receiving means (1) connected to at least one end of the fluorescent fibre; wherein the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the fluorescent fibre (F) and the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the concentrator (32) have different wavelengths of absorption and of light components to be generated respectively, characterised in that the concentrator is curved and has a first and second side surfaces, the fluorescent fibre being positioned between said first and second side surfaces so that at least part of the fluorescent fibre cooperates with the first and second surfaces and wherein the longitudinal direction of the concentrator is the same as the direction of the longitudinal axis of the fluorescent fibre. A light-detecting device according to claim 1, characterised in that the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the fluorescent fibre (F) absorbs a light component having a specific wavelength λ F in the light generated from a random light source and generates a light having a wavelength different from the said specific wavelength λ F . A light-detecting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the fluorescent fibre (F) has a longer fluorescence wavelength λ F in fluorescing by absorption of light than the fluorescence wavelength λ C of the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the concentrator (32). A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the fluorescent fibre contains a plurality of fluorescent colouring matters having different fluorescing wavelengths. A light-detecting device according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one of the fluorescent colouring matters contained in the fluorescent fibre has a fluorescence wavelength substantially equal to the fluorescence wavelength of the fluorescent colouring matter contained in the concentrator. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the fluorescent fibre (F) is arranged between two or more concentrators (31,32) in such a manner that the outer periphery of the fluorescent fibre is fitted to the side surface portions (34) of the concentrators. A light-detecting device according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the end surface (34) of the concentrator opposing the fluorescent fibre (F) is formed into a convex lens. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the or each concentrator is formed into an arch-shaped or cylindrical configuration. A light-detecting device according to claim 8, characterised in that the concentrator is formed into a cylindrical configuration (40) and at least one fluorescent fibre is arranged on the inner surface of the concentrator. A light-detecting device according to claim 8, characterised in that the cylindrical concentrator defines a fluorescent-fibre-receiving portion in a direction parallel to the axis thereof, and the fluorescent fibre is disposed within this fibre-receiving portion. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the fluorescent fibre has a portion (33) on the outer periphery not surrounded by the concentrator (31,32). A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the concentrator is formed of a transparent plastic of acrylic resin, polycarbonate resin or polystyrene resin or a copolymer thereof. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the fluorescent colouring matter in the concentrator is an organic colouring matter consisting of perylene group colouring matter, BBOT, coumarin colouring matter, imidazole colouring matter or b-PBD colouring matter or a mixture thereof. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the concentrator comprises a transparent support body (46) and a plurality of fluorescent fibres (f) disposed as concentrator fibres within the support body or arranged on the inner or outer surface of the support body, in a mutually parallel relationship in a reed-screen-like arrangement, the concentrator fibres (f) intersecting with the detecting fibre (F) arranged in opposition to the side surface of the concentrator, with a given angle, each of the concentrator fibres (f) arranged in the support body having respective ends (44,45) opposing the detecting fibre (F) arranged in opposition to the side surface of the concentrator. A light-detecting device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that a transparent protection layer (50) is formed on the surface of the fluorescent fibre (F). A light-detecting device according to claim 15, characterised in that the protection layer (50) has corrosion resistance and/or thermal resistance. A light-detecting device according to claim 16, characterised in that the protection layer (50) is formed of a fluorine group resin. A light-detecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the side surfaces have the same shape as the corresponding portions of the outer periphery of the fluorescent fiber which is positioned between the side surfaces. A light-detecting device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein reflection layers are provided on the main surfaces and side surfaces of the curved concentrator, except on the side surfaces which correspond with the fluorescent fiber and on the surface which receives the incident fluorescence. A light-detecting device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 18, wherein the concentrator is cylindrical and a reflection layer is provided on the outer surface of said cylindrical concentrator so as to ensure to detect the luminescence generated inside the cylindrical concentrator.

Inventors: FUJII KIYOSHI, KOJIMA YUJI, KUROSAWA KIYOSHI, TANAKA AKIRA, WATANABE WATARU, YAMADA MANORU, FUJII, KIYOSHI, KOJIMA, YUJI, C/O FUJITSU LIMITED, KUROSAWA, KIYOSHI, TANAKA, AKIRA, C/O FUJITSU LIMITED, WATANABE, WATARU, YAMADA, MANORU
Applicants: FUJI ELECTRIC CO LTD, FUJITSU LTD, FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD., FUJITSU LIMITED
Application year: 1992
Main classification: G01J1
IPC codes: G01J1, G02B6