JP2016200066A - Water level detection device of fuel filter - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water level detection device of a fuel filter which can timely issue a warning for expediting drainage.SOLUTION: A water level detection device of a fuel filter which is arranged in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine comprises: a filter main body which separates from a fuel a water component contained in the fuel of the internal combustion engine; a water tank for storing water which is separated by the filter main body; a level sensor which detects that a water level of the stored water in the water tank reaches a target water level which is lower than an allowable water level being a preset water level at which the water tank can store water; traveling state amount detection means which detects a traveling state amount including at least one of a traveling distance and a fuel consumption amount of the vehicle; and calculation means which acquires a correlation between the target water level and the traveling state amount at a time point at which the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level on the basis of detection results of the level sensor and the traveling state amount detection means, and acquires the water level of the stored water after the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level by interpolation based on the correlation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a water level detection device for a fuel filter.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a diesel engine vehicle includes a fuel filter that separates moisture in light oil, which is fuel, from light oil. The fuel filter includes a filter main body that separates the water in the light oil from the light oil, and a water tank that stores the water separated by the filter main body. The water tank is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is arranged so that its axial direction is in the vertical direction.

  When the water level of the water tank (reserved water) reaches the water level allowed for the water tank (allowable water level), it is necessary to drain water from the water tank.

  Patent Document 1 describes that a user or the like is notified that drainage is necessary.

  The fuel filter described in Patent Literature 1 includes a level sensor that detects the water level of stored water. This level sensor includes a float that is housed in a water tank and incorporates a magnet, and a reed switch that passes through the center of the float. The float rises as the water level rises. When the water level of the stored water is lower than the target water level, the reed switch opens a contact and outputs an off signal, and when the water level of the stored water rises to the target water level, the contact closes and outputs an on signal. Based on the output of the ON signal, the user or the like is notified of the necessity of draining (hereinafter, this notification is referred to as “drainage warning”).

JP-A-8-136318

  Although not explicitly described in Patent Document 1, the level sensor is located at a position where the target water level is considerably lower than the allowable water level of the water tank because the level sensor is disposed below the filter body in the water tank. Is set. Moreover, the level sensor can detect that the water level of the stored water has reached the target water level, but cannot detect that the water level of the stored water has exceeded the target water level. For this reason, the fuel filter described in Patent Document 1 is forced to issue a water drain warning when the water level of the stored water reaches a target water level that is considerably lower than the allowable water level. That is, there is a problem that a water drain warning is issued long before the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level.

  This problem can be prominent in vehicles with a small displacement. In other words, compared to large displacement vehicles, small displacement vehicles are more space-constrained with respect to the size of the parts that can be mounted on the vehicle, so the diameter of the water tank must be reduced and can be stored in the water tank. There is little amount of water. Therefore, from the viewpoint of cost reduction, when a common level sensor having the same target water level is used for a small displacement vehicle and a large displacement vehicle, the small displacement vehicle has a smaller amount of water than the large displacement vehicle. When the water is accumulated in the water tank, a water drain alarm is issued, and there is a possibility that the time when the water drain alarm is issued is earlier than that of the large displacement vehicle.

  The level sensor also has the following problems. In other words, if the water level of the stored water is slightly lower than the target water level at the time of the vehicle inspection, the water discharge warning will not be issued at the time of vehicle inspection, and the water discharge warning will be issued within a few days after the vehicle inspection. As a result, there is a case where the user has to bring the vehicle into the vehicle dealer again in order to perform the draining operation.

  In order to solve these problems, it is conceivable to issue a water drain alarm uniformly when the travel distance reaches a predetermined travel distance without detecting the water level of the stored water. However, the running state of the vehicle varies depending on the user, and the amount of water contained in the fuel varies depending on the gas station, country, or region, and therefore the speed at which water accumulates in the water tank varies from vehicle to vehicle. For this reason, a water drain warning may be issued even if there is a margin of water accumulation, that is, the water level of the stored water is considerably lower than the allowable water level. There is still a room for improvement because there is a possibility that a good draining operation may be performed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is a warning that prompts drainage by appropriately detecting the water level separated from the fuel and accumulated in the water tank up to the allowable water level of the water tank. An object of the present invention is to provide a water level detection device for a fuel filter that can perform the above operation at an appropriate time.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a water level detection device for a fuel filter provided in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine, the filter body separating water contained in the fuel of the internal combustion engine from the fuel, The water tank that stores the water separated by the filter body, and the water level of the stored water in the water tank has reached a target water level that is lower than an allowable water level that is a predetermined water level that can be stored in the water tank. On the basis of detection results of the level sensor and the running state quantity detecting means for detecting a running state quantity including at least one of the running distance and fuel consumption of the vehicle, and the level sensor and the running state quantity detecting means. The correlation between the target water level and the running state quantity at the time when the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level is obtained, and the storage is performed by interpolation based on the correlation. Provided by the calculating means the water level determining the water level of the stored water after reaching the target level, the water level detecting device of the fuel filter with.

  According to the present invention, the water level of the stored water that exceeds the target water level can be appropriately determined by the calculation means. That is, the level sensor itself cannot detect the water level of the stored water after reaching the target water level (the water level exceeding the target water level). However, in the present invention, the detection result of the level sensor and the detection of the running state amount detection means Based on the results, the correlation between the target water level and the amount of running state (for example, travel distance or fuel consumption) when the stored water level reaches the target water level, that is, the speed at which the stored water accumulates (storage speed) The water level of the stored water after the water level reaches the target water level can be estimated (detected) by interpolation based on the storage speed. The storage speed reflects the running state of the vehicle (such as fuel efficiency) and the amount of moisture contained in the fuel. For this reason, by estimating based on the storage speed, the water level of the stored water from the time when the target water level is exceeded until the allowable water level is reached is appropriately estimated (detected) according to the running state of the vehicle and the amount of water contained in the fuel. Can do. Thereby, the warning which promotes drainage can be performed at an appropriate time.

  In this invention, it is preferable that the said calculating means calculates | requires the driving | running | working state quantity corresponding to the said allowable water level by the interpolation based on the said correlation.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to estimate the travel state amount (for example, travel distance or fuel consumption amount) corresponding to the allowable water level before the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level.

  In the present invention, when the water level of the stored water determined by the calculation means reaches the allowable water level or reaches a predetermined value close to the allowable water level, the necessity for draining water from the water tank is reduced. It is preferable to further include a notification means for notification.

  According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the driver or the like of the necessity of draining when the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level or approaches the allowable water level.

  In the present invention, it further comprises a terminal device that can communicate with the calculation means, and the terminal device has a predetermined level when the stored water level obtained by the calculation means reaches the allowable water level or close to the allowable water level. It is preferable that a terminal-side notifying unit that notifies the necessity of draining water from the water tank when the value is reached.

  According to this configuration, for example, the following service can be performed by arranging the terminal device in the vehicle dealer. That is, when the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level or approaches the allowable water level, it is possible to notify the necessity of draining to the employee of the vehicle dealer. Thereby, the employee can appropriately advise the necessity of draining to the customer who is a vehicle user at the time of vehicle inspection or the like.

  In the present invention, the calculation means obtains a difference value that is a difference between a traveling state amount corresponding to the allowable water level and a current traveling state amount or a difference between the allowable water level and a current stored water level. preferable.

  According to this configuration, a difference value that is a difference between the travel state amount corresponding to the allowable water level and the current travel state amount, that is, the amount of change in the travel state amount from the current time point until the water level reaches the allowable water level. It is possible to obtain (the margin of travel state amount). For example, it is possible to obtain a margin for a travel distance that is a guideline for how far the vehicle travels in the future and the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level. Similarly, a difference value which is a difference between the allowable water level and the current water level of the stored water, that is, the amount of change in the water level until the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level (water level margin) can be obtained.

  The present invention further includes a terminal device that can communicate with the calculation means, and the terminal device needs to drain the difference value obtained by the calculation means or the water tank based on the difference value. It is preferable that a terminal-side notifying unit for notifying is provided.

  According to this configuration, for example, the following service can be performed by arranging the terminal device in the vehicle dealer. That is, when vehicle inspection is performed by a vehicle dealer, the terminal device communicates with the calculation means, reads the difference value from the calculation means, and needs to drain water based on the read difference value or the difference value Can be notified to the employee of the vehicle dealer. Thereby, the employee can appropriately advise the necessity of draining to the customer who is the vehicle user at the time of the vehicle inspection.

  As described above, according to the present invention, by appropriately detecting the water level separated from the fuel and stored in the water tank up to the allowable water level of the water tank, a warning for prompting draining is made at an appropriate time. It can be carried out.

It is a block diagram which shows the vehicle carrying the water level detection apparatus of the fuel filter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the vehicle side apparatus of the water level detection apparatus of the fuel filter in FIG. It is a graph which shows the relationship between a travel distance and a water level. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the water level detection apparatus of the fuel filter which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the content of the water level calculation process (step S5) in FIG.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a fuel filter water level detection device 1 (hereinafter referred to as “water level detection device 1”) according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a vehicle-side device 1a provided in a diesel engine vehicle 100, a vehicle And a dealer side device 1b disposed in the dealer.

  The diesel engine vehicle 100 includes an engine 11, a fuel tank 7, a fuel filter 2, a supply pump 8, a common rail 9, and a vehicle side device 1a.

  The engine 11 is an in-line four-cylinder four-cycle diesel engine.

  The fuel tank 7 stores light oil that is fuel. Light oil contains moisture.

  The fuel filter 2 is connected to the fuel tank 7 via a pipe. As shown in FIG. 2, the fuel filter 2 includes a filter body 32, a water tank 21, a sensor housing 28, a drain cock 29, and a level sensor 27. The fuel filter 2 includes members other than these members, but the fuel filter 2 itself is a known one, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  The filter body 32 includes a filter element that filters light oil to remove foreign substances contained in the light oil, and a cementer that removes moisture contained in the light oil. The cementer is disposed below the filter element and in the upper part of the water tank 21. Sedimenta separates water from light oil by utilizing the specific gravity difference between light oil and water.

  The water tank 21 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is disposed such that its axial direction is in the vertical direction. The water tank 21 has a cylindrical tank main body 21a for storing water, and a cylindrical sensor holding part 21b extending downward from the lower end of the tank main body 21a. In the tank body 21a, an allowable water level b (see FIG. 3) that is a water level that can be stored in the tank body 21a is set in advance. In the present embodiment, the allowable water level b is a water level corresponding to the maximum amount of water that can be stored in the tank body 21a.

  On the inner peripheral surface of the sensor holding portion 21b, a female screw portion that is screwed with a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sensor housing 28 is formed.

  The sensor housing 28 includes a columnar connection portion 28a having a male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface, and a cylindrical open portion 28b that expands in a step shape from the lower end of the connection portion 28a and extends downward with a constant diameter. And a cylindrical float guide portion 28d extending upward from the upper end portion of the connection portion 28a, and a stopper portion 28c provided at the upper end portion of the float guide portion 28d.

  The float guide portion 28 d accommodates a reed switch 23 (described later) constituting the level sensor 27 therein.

  The connecting portion 28a has a cable housing hole 28f, a water discharge port 28e, and a drain cock insertion hole 28g.

  The cable accommodation hole 28f is a hole that penetrates the connection portion 28a in the vertical direction and communicates with the internal space of the float guide portion 28d, and accommodates a later-described cable 24 that extends downward from the lower end portion of the reed switch 23.

  The water discharge port 28e is an opening formed at the upper portion of the connection portion 28a, communicates with the internal space of the tank body 21a and the drain cock insertion hole 28g, and guides the water in the tank body 21a to the drain cock insertion hole 28g. .

  The drain cock insertion hole 28g has an upper insertion hole that extends downward from the lower end portion of the water discharge port 28e, and a lower insertion hole that expands at the lower end portion of the upper insertion hole and extends downward with the same diameter. ing. On the inner peripheral surface of the lower insertion hole, a female screw portion that is screwed with a later-described male screw portion formed on the outer peripheral surface of the drain cock 29 is formed.

  Between the lower end part of the sensor holding part 21b and the enlarged diameter part of the opening part 28b, an O-ring 30 is provided for sealing between them.

  The drain cock 29 extends downward from the lower end portion of the upper cock portion, and has the same diameter as that of the lower insertion hole of the drain cock insertion hole 28g. The lower cock part and a wing part for rotating the drain cock 29 are provided at the lower end part of the lower cock part.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the upper cock portion of the drain cock 29, an O-ring 31 is provided for sealing between the inner peripheral surface of the connection portion 28a.

  The upper cock portion of the drain cock 29 has a radial water passage 29a extending from its outer peripheral surface toward the radial center portion. The radial water passage 29 a is located below the O-ring 31. The upper cock portion and the lower cock portion have an axial water passage 29b that extends in the axial direction and communicates with the radial water passage 29a.

  In a state where the O-ring 31 is positioned in the upper insertion hole of the drain cock insertion hole 28g, the space between the water discharge port 28e and the radial water passage 29a is closed by the O-ring 31. This prevents water from flowing out from the tank body 21a through the water discharge port 28e. On the other hand, when the drain cock 29 is lowered by rotating the wing portion of the drain cock 29 and the O-ring 31 is positioned in the lower insertion hole of the drain cock insertion hole 28g, the water discharge port 28e and the radial water The passage 29a communicates. Thereby, water can be discharged from the tank body 21a through the water discharge port 28e.

  The level sensor 27 includes a float 22, a reed switch 23, and a cable 24.

  The float 22 is formed in a columnar shape and incorporates a magnet 26. When the water level in the tank body 21a rises, the float 22 rises accordingly. When the water level in the tank body 21a is lower than the target water level a (see FIG. 3) which is lower than the allowable water level b (see FIG. 3), the contact of the reed switch 23 is open, and the reed switch 23 Outputs an OFF signal to an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 3 to be described later via the cable 24. On the other hand, when the water level in the tank body 21 a reaches the target water level a, the contact of the reed switch 23 is closed by the magnetic force of the magnet 26, and the reed switch 23 outputs an ON signal to the ECU 3 via the cable 24.

  The supply pump 8 is connected to the axial water passage 29b of the fuel filter 2 via a pipe. The supply pump 8 increases the pressure of part of the fuel (light oil) introduced from the fuel filter 2 and supplies the increased pressure fuel to the common rail 9. The supply pump 8 uses a part of the fuel introduced from the fuel filter 2 for its own lubrication. The supply pump 8 returns the fuel used for the lubrication to the fuel tank 7 through a pipe.

  The common rail 9 is connected to the supply pump 8 through piping. The common rail 9 temporarily stores the fuel whose pressure has been increased by the supply pump 8 and supplies the fuel uniformly to the injectors 10 of each cylinder.

  The injector 10 is connected to the common rail 9 via piping. The injector 10 is an injection device that injects fuel into the combustion chamber of the engine 11, and is provided in each cylinder of the engine 11.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vehicle-side device 1 a of the water level detection device 1 includes a fuel filter 2 cementer (not shown), a water tank 21, a level sensor 27, and an ECU 3 (corresponding to “calculation means” of the present invention). And a travel distance counter 4 (corresponding to “traveling state quantity detecting means” of the present invention), a water level detection instruction button 5 and a display 6 (corresponding to “notifying means” of the present invention).

  The travel distance counter 4 detects the travel distance of the diesel engine vehicle 100 and outputs the detection result to the ECU 3.

  The water level detection instruction button 5 receives a water level detection instruction from a user (driver). When the user performs an operation of turning on the water level detection instruction button 5, the water level detection instruction button 5 outputs a signal instructing water level detection to the ECU 3.

  The ECU 3 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, and the like. When the ECU 3 inputs a water level detection instruction signal from the water level detection instruction button 5, the ECU 3 performs a predetermined calculation based on the input signal from the reed switch 23 and the detection result of the mileage counter 4, and the indicator is displayed based on the calculation result. 6 is controlled.

  When the ECU 3 inputs a water level detection instruction signal from the dealer computer 12 described later, the ECU 3 performs a predetermined calculation based on the input signal from the reed switch 23 and the detection result of the mileage counter 4, and based on the calculation result. The operation of the display 13 described later is controlled.

  The indicator 6 is provided on the meter panel. The display device 6 has a function of notifying the user of the necessity of draining and a function of notifying the user of the travel distances δ1 and δ2 (see FIG. 3) until the user needs to drain the water.

  The dealer-side device 1b (corresponding to the “terminal device” of the present invention) of the water level detection device 1 is arranged in a vehicle dealer, and as shown in FIG. 1, a dealer computer 12 that can communicate with the ECU 3, A display 13 connected to the dealer computer 12 (corresponding to “terminal side notification means” of the present invention) is provided.

  The dealer computer 12 has a function of receiving a water level detection instruction from an employee of the vehicle dealer and a function of transmitting a signal instructing the water level detection to the ECU 3. When the employee performs a predetermined operation on the dealer computer 12, the dealer computer 12 outputs a signal instructing water level detection to the ECU 3.

  The display 13 has a function of notifying the employee of the necessity of draining and a function of notifying the employees of the travel distances δ1 and δ2 until the employee needs to drain water.

  Hereinafter, the control operation of the ECU 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between the travel distance and the stored water level of the water tank. The straight lines La1 and Lb1 are graphs related to the driver A, and the straight lines La2 and Lb2 are graphs related to the driver B. In the following description, the graph relating to the driver A is used.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water level detection device 1. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the water level calculation process (step S5) in FIG.

  First, the ECU 3 determines whether or not the output signal of the reed switch 23 is an ON signal, that is, whether or not the stored water level has reached a target water level a (see FIG. 3) lower than the allowable water level b (step 3). S1).

  If NO is determined in step S1, the process returns to step S1. On the other hand, if YES is determined in step S1, the ECU 3 determines the current travel distance α1 (see FIG. 3) input from the travel distance counter 4, that is, the travel distance α1 when the stored water level reaches the target water level a. Is stored (step S2).

  Next, the ECU 3 determines whether or not a water level detection instruction signal is input from the water level detection instruction button 5 or the dealer computer 12 (step S3).

  If NO is determined in step S3, the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if YES is determined in the step S3, the ECU 3 inputs the current travel distance γ1 from the travel distance counter 4 and stores the input travel distance γ1 (step S4).

  Next, the ECU 3 calculates the current water level c (step S5). Specifically, as shown in step S51 of FIG. 5, the ECU 3 calculates the slope k1 of the straight line La1 based on the travel distance α1 and the target water level a shown in FIG. 3 (step S51).

  Next, the ECU 3 interpolates the straight line Lb1 based on the inclination k1 (step S52). The straight line Lb1 is a straight line extending from a point P11 (see FIG. 3) determined by the travel distance α1 and the water level a while maintaining the slope k1 of the straight line La1.

  Next, the ECU 3 calculates the current stored water level c based on the straight line Lb1 and the current travel distance γ1 (step S53). A point P13 in FIG. 3 is a point specified by the current travel distance γ1 and the current stored water level c.

  The inclination k1 corresponds to the correlation between the target water level a and the travel distance α1 when the stored water level reaches the target water level a, that is, the speed at which the stored water accumulates (storage speed) (see FIG. 3). The storage speed reflects the running state of the vehicle (such as fuel efficiency) and the amount of moisture contained in the fuel. For this reason, by interpolating the straight line Lb1 based on the storage speed, it is possible to appropriately estimate (detect) the water level of the stored water from the time when the target water level a is exceeded until the allowable water level b is reached.

  Next, returning to FIG. 4, the ECU 3 calculates the travel distance β1 when the stored water level reaches the allowable water level b based on the straight line Lb1 and the allowable water level b (step S6). A point P12 in FIG. 3 is a point specified by the travel distance β1 and the allowable water level b.

  Next, the ECU 3 determines whether or not the stored water level c is less than the allowable water level b (step S7). When it is determined NO in step S7, the ECU 3 performs control to cause the display 6 or the display 13 to display a warning message for prompting draining (step S8). Specifically, when there is a water level detection instruction from the water level detection instruction button 5, the ECU 3 performs control to cause the display device 6 to display a warning prompting draining. On the other hand, when there is a water level detection instruction from the dealer computer 12, the ECU 3 performs control for causing the display 13 to display a warning message for prompting water drainage via the dealer computer 12. By performing the control in step S8, the user or the employee of the vehicle dealer can recognize that drainage is necessary.

  On the other hand, when it is determined YES in step S7, the ECU 3 calculates a travel distance δ1 (see FIG. 3) until drainage is required (step S9). The travel distance δ1 can be calculated as the difference (β1−γ1) between the travel distance β1 and the travel distance γ1.

  Next, the ECU 3 stores the travel distance δ1 (step S10).

  Next, the ECU 3 determines whether or not the travel distance δ1 is greater than or equal to the predetermined travel distance S (step S11). The predetermined travel distance S is a travel distance that is a criterion for determining whether or not to promote drainage.

  If NO is determined in step S11, the process proceeds to step S8.

  On the other hand, if YES is determined in step S11, the ECU 3 performs control to display the travel distance δ1 until the drainage is required on the display 6 or the display 13 (step S12). Specifically, when there is a water level detection instruction from the water level detection instruction button 5, the ECU 3 performs control to display the travel distance δ 1 on the display device 6. On the other hand, when there is a water level detection instruction from the dealer computer 12, the ECU 3 performs control to display the travel distance δ1 on the display 13 via the dealer computer 12. By performing the control in step S11, the user or the employee of the vehicle dealer can recognize the travel distance δ1 until drainage is required.

  Note that when a driver B different from the driver A drives the vehicle, for example, as shown by a straight line La2 in FIG. This is because the driver B and the driver A have different driving conditions (fuel consumption) and may refuel at different gas stations, countries or regions. When the driver B drives the vehicle, the ECU 3 calculates the slope k2 of the straight line La2 from the travel distance α2 when the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level a and the target water level a, and the slope k2 By interpolating the straight line Lb2 on the basis of, similarly to the case of the driver A, the water level d of the stored water when the travel distance is γ2, the travel distance β2 when the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level b, and A difference value δ2 that is a difference between the travel distance β2 and the travel distance γ2 can be calculated.

  Note that point P21 in FIG. 3 is a point specified by travel distance γ2 and target water level a, point P23 is a point specified by travel distance γ2 and water level d, and point P22 is travel distance β2 and allowable water level b. It is a point specified by.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the ECU 3 can appropriately obtain the stored water levels c and d that exceed the target water level a. That is, the level sensor 27 itself cannot detect the water levels c and d of the stored water after reaching the target water level a (water level exceeding the target water level a), but in this embodiment, the detection result of the level sensor 27 Based on the detection result of the travel distance counter 4, the correlation between the target water level a and the travel distances α1 and α2 when the stored water level reaches the target water level a, that is, the speed at which the stored water accumulates (storage speed). The slope k1 of the straight line La1 and the slope k2 of the straight line La2 are obtained, the straight line Lb1 is interpolated based on the slope k1, and the straight line Lb2 is interpolated based on the slope k2. It is possible to estimate (detect) the water levels c and d of the stored water after reaching.

  The storage speed reflects the running state of the vehicle (such as fuel efficiency) and the amount of moisture contained in the fuel. For this reason, by interpolating based on the storage speed, the water levels c and d of the stored water from the time when the target water level a is exceeded to the allowable water level b are appropriately estimated according to the running state of the vehicle and the amount of water contained in the fuel. (Detection). Thereby, the warning which promotes drainage can be performed at an appropriate time.

  In the present embodiment, the ECU 3 interpolates the straight lines Lb1 and Lb2 based on the above correlation to obtain the travel distances β1 and β2 corresponding to the allowable water level b. Therefore, the water level of the stored water is the allowable water level b. The travel distances β1 and β2 corresponding to the allowable water level b can be estimated at a time point before reaching.

  In the present embodiment, the display 6 and the display 13 are provided to notify the necessity of draining water from the water tank 21 when the water level of the stored water obtained by the ECU 3 reaches the allowable water level b. Therefore, when the water level of the stored water reaches the allowable water level b, the necessity of draining can be notified to the vehicle user or the vehicle dealer employee. For this reason, it becomes possible for the employee of the vehicle dealer to appropriately advise the necessity of draining water to the customer who is the vehicle user by looking at the display content of the display 13 at the time of vehicle inspection or the like.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the ECU 3 determines the difference value δ1 which is the difference between the travel distance β1 corresponding to the allowable water level b and the current travel distance γ1, the travel distance β2 corresponding to the allowable water level b and the current travel distance. Since the difference value δ2, which is the difference from γ2, is obtained, the margin of travel distance until drainage is required can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the dealer computer 12 that can communicate with the ECU 3 and the display 13 connected to the dealer computer 12 are arranged in the vehicle dealer, so that the ECU 3 travels through the dealer computer 12. It is possible to display δ1 and δ2 on the display 13 and display on the display 13 via the dealer computer 12 the necessity of draining water based on the travel distances δ1 and δ2. Thereby, the employee of a vehicle dealer can see the display content of the display 13 at the time of a vehicle inspection etc., and can advise the necessity of draining appropriately with respect to the customer who is a vehicle user.

  In the above embodiment, the ECU 3 inputs the travel distance from the travel distance counter 4, but instead of this, the fuel injection amount is detected from a fuel injection amount detection sensor (not shown) that detects the fuel injection amount of the injector 10. An amount may be entered. In this case, the ECU 3 calculates an integrated value of the fuel injection amount, and uses this integrated value instead of the travel distance in the above embodiment, so that the display device 6 and the display 13 are used similarly to the above embodiment. The necessity of draining can be notified at an appropriate time.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, when the water level of stored water reaches the allowable water level b, ECU3 performs control which performs the warning display which urges the display 6 or the display 13 to drain water, However, It is limited to this Not. For example, when the ECU 3 reaches a predetermined value close to the allowable water level b, specifically, when the water level of the stored water reaches a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined safety margin from the allowable water level b, the ECU 3 displays the water on the display 6 or the display 13. You may perform control which performs the warning display which prompts removal.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the allowable water level b is made into the water level (upper limit water level) corresponding to the maximum water quantity which the tank main body 21a can store, it is not limited to this. For example, the allowable water level b may be a predetermined value close to the upper limit water level, specifically, a value obtained by subtracting a predetermined safety margin from the upper limit water level.

  In the above embodiment, the ECU 3 calculates the travel distance δ until drainage is required in steps S9 to S12 in FIG. 4, but is not limited thereto. For example, the ECU 3 calculates a water level change amount (a value obtained by subtracting the current water levels c and d from the allowable water level b) until water removal is necessary, and if the water level change amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, While the control to display the water level change amount or the travel distance δ on the display 6 or the like is performed, if the water level change amount is less than a predetermined value, the display 6 or the like may perform a display to prompt draining. Good.

1 Fuel tank water level detection device 1b Dealer side device (terminal device)
2 Fuel filter 3 ECU (calculation means)
4 Travel distance counter (travel state quantity detection means)
6 Display (notification means)
13 Display (terminal-side notification means)
21 Water tank 27 Level sensor 32 Filter body 100 Diesel engine vehicle (vehicle)
a Target water level b Allowable water level c, d Water level of stored water δ1, δ2 Difference between travel distance corresponding to allowable water level and current travel distance

Claims (6)

A fuel filter water level detection device provided in a vehicle equipped with an internal combustion engine,
A filter body for separating moisture contained in the fuel of the internal combustion engine from the fuel;
A water tank for storing water separated by the filter body;
A level sensor that detects that the water level in the water tank has reached a target water level lower than an allowable water level that is a predetermined water level that can be stored in the water tank;
A traveling state amount detecting means for detecting a traveling state amount including at least one of a traveling distance and fuel consumption of the vehicle;
Based on the detection results of the level sensor and the travel state amount detection means, a correlation between the target water level and the travel state amount at the time when the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level is obtained, and the correlation is obtained. And a calculation means for obtaining a water level of the stored water after the water level of the stored water reaches the target water level by interpolation based on the fuel filter.   The water level detection device for a fuel filter according to claim 1, wherein the calculation means obtains a running state quantity corresponding to the allowable water level by interpolation based on the correlation.   Informing means for informing the necessity of draining water from the water tank when the water level of the stored water obtained by the computing means reaches the allowable water level or reaches a predetermined value close to the allowable water level. The water level detection device for a fuel filter according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A terminal device capable of communicating with the computing means;
The terminal device determines the necessity of draining water from the water tank when the water level of the stored water determined by the computing means reaches the allowable water level or reaches a predetermined value close to the allowable water level. The water level detection device for a fuel filter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising terminal-side notification means for notification.   The calculation means obtains a difference value that is a difference between a running state quantity corresponding to the allowable water level and a current running state quantity or a difference between the allowable water level and a current stored water level. The water level detection device for a fuel filter according to claim 2. A terminal device capable of communicating with the computing means;
The terminal device includes terminal side notifying means for notifying the difference value obtained by the calculating means or the necessity of draining water from the water tank based on the difference value. Item 6. A fuel filter water level detection device according to Item 5.

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