JP2003343828A - Liquid state detector - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a liquid state detector wherein an easy and low-cost change of sensor arrangement to a position to detect a change in a liquid level is realized when mounted on a liquid storage container of a different volume, depth and the like. <P>SOLUTION: The liquid state detector 100 comprises a first sensor 110 for detecting a level L1 of lubricating oil 182 in an oil pan 180, a second sensor 120 immersed in the lubricating oil 182, a wiring board 160 for converting output signals of the first sensor 110 and second sensor 120, a base part 150 fixed on the oil pan 180 to hold the second sensor 120 and the wiring board 160, and a bracket 130 fixed on the base part 150 to hold the first sensor 110. The bracket 130 is shaped to arrange the first sensor 110 in a position to enable the first sensor 110 to detect a change in the level L1 of the lubricating oil 182. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid state detecting device, and more particularly to a liquid state detecting device for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a liquid container.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional liquid state detecting device, for example, a sensor device 10 as shown in FIG.
No. 507434. This sensor device 1
At 0, the first sensor 11 having the tubular electrodes 11b and 11c and the second sensor 1 having the tubular electrodes 12b and 12c.
Both 2 and 2 are housed and integrated in a cylindrical casing 16. The casing 16 was formed in such a length that the first sensor 11 could detect a change in liquid level and the second sensor could detect a liquid quality.

[0003]

Such a sensor device 10 is used, for example, to detect the engine oil level of an automobile. However, this sensor device 1
When it is intended to be used for other vehicle models based on 0, the electrodes 11c and 12c, which are to be located outside, are installed in the casing 16
Since the structure is fixedly buried in the casing, the reference amount of engine oil, the capacity and depth of the liquid storage container (oil pan), etc. differ depending on the vehicle type.
It was necessary to change the positions of the first and second sensors 11 and 12 by changing the length of the. Since the casing 16 is usually integrally molded with resin, changing the length of the casing 16 requires changing the molding die, which is not economical. In addition, the length of the electrodes 11b and 12b and the size of the spacer body 18, which are to be located inside, must be changed for each vehicle type, and many parts are changed, which is not economical.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when it is attached to a liquid container having a different volume, depth, etc., it is possible to easily and inexpensively detect a change in the liquid level of the liquid. An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid state detection device capable of changing the arrangement of the sensor to the position where

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems, Actions and Effects The means for solving the problems are a first sensor for detecting the liquid level of a liquid in a liquid container, a second sensor immersed in the liquid, and the first sensor. A signal processing unit for converting the output signals of the sensor and the second sensor; and a base unit that holds the second sensor and the signal processing unit and is fixed to the liquid container.
A liquid state detection device comprising: a bracket that holds the first sensor and is fixed to the base portion, wherein the bracket attaches the liquid state detection device to the liquid storage container, and connects the liquid storage container to the liquid storage container. The shape is such that the first sensor is arranged at a position where the change in the liquid level of the liquid can be detected by the first sensor when the liquid is placed in the posture for use and the liquid is put into the liquid container. It is a liquid state detection device.

In the liquid state detecting device of the present invention, the first sensor is fixed to the base portion via the bracket separately from the second sensor. Further, the bracket has the first sensor arranged at a position where a change in the liquid level of the liquid can be detected. That is, the first sensor is arranged at a position where the change in the liquid level can be detected by the bracket. Therefore, when the first sensor is attached to a liquid storage container having a different capacity, depth, etc., it can be dealt with by changing the shape of the bracket so as to dispose the first sensor at a position where a change in the liquid level can be detected. Specifically, for example, the first sensor and the second sensor, without changing the size (length) of the base portion, so that the first sensor can be arranged at a position where the change in the liquid level can be detected, Since it suffices to change the length of the metal bracket, it can be easily handled at low cost. Furthermore, the liquid state detection device of the present invention has a signal processing unit for converting the output signals of the first and second sensors in the base unit. That is, it is a liquid state detection device in which the first and second sensors and the signal processing unit are integrated. Therefore, it is easy to route the wiring of the liquid state detection device.

Further, in the above liquid state detecting device,
The second sensor may be a liquid state detection device that detects the liquid quality of the liquid in the liquid storage container.

In the liquid state detecting device of the present invention, the second
It is used to detect the deterioration of the liquid using the output signal of the sensor. This makes it possible to detect two oil conditions, the liquid level and the deterioration. Further, in the liquid state detection device of the present invention, the output signals from the first sensor and the second sensor are converted by the common signal processing unit provided in the base unit. Therefore, the output signals from the respective sensors do not need to be converted by a signal processing unit separately provided,
Space saving and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, it is preferable that the bracket is a liquid state detecting device having wiring fixing means for fixing a wiring connected to the first sensor. In this liquid state detection device, the wiring connected to the first sensor can be easily fixed by the wiring fixing means.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, the base portion has a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the liquid in the liquid storage container, and the signal processing portion is the temperature sensor. It is preferable to use a liquid state detection device that also converts the output signal of the sensor. With this liquid state detection device, the liquid temperature can be easily measured. Further, since the dielectric constant of the liquid in the liquid container changes with the temperature change, if the output signal of the temperature sensor is further used to correct the characteristic of the first sensor, the liquid level can be detected more accurately. You can Further, when the second sensor is also used as the deterioration sensor, if the output signal of the temperature sensor is also used for correcting the characteristic of the second sensor,
It is also possible to accurately detect deterioration of the liquid in the liquid container. Note that the output signal of the temperature sensor is also configured to be converted by the signal processing unit that performs conversion processing of the first sensor and the second sensor, so the signal processing unit is commonly used for each output signal. Therefore, space saving and size reduction can be achieved.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, the first sensor accommodates a first detecting section in which a plurality of electrodes are opposed to each other to form a capacitor, and the first detecting section. A first casing member, wherein the first casing member has a first inlet / outlet through which the liquid in the liquid storage container enters and exits the inside and the outside of the first casing member, and the first storage member is provided in the liquid storage container. When the liquid state detection device is attached and the liquid container is installed in a posture for use, it is preferable that the first inlet / outlet be a liquid state detection device positioned below the first detection unit.

Bubbles are often present on the liquid surface of the liquid in the liquid container, and when the bubbles enter the first sensor, the first sensor makes a plurality of electrodes face each other to form a capacitor. When the detection unit is provided, bubbles may enter between the electrodes and it may not be possible to accurately detect the liquid level based on the change in the capacitance of the first detection unit (condenser). On the other hand, in the first sensor of the present invention, since the first detection unit that forms the capacitor by facing the plurality of electrodes is housed in the first casing member, the first sensor and the liquid surface in the liquid storage container The liquid level of the detection unit is separated by the first casing member. Further, when the liquid state detecting device is used, the first inlet / outlet for the liquid in and out of the liquid storage container is positioned below the first detecting portion. Therefore, even if the liquid level in the liquid container is bubbling, the first inlet / outlet is located lower than the first detection unit, so that at least in the range where the liquid level can be measured by the first detection unit, Since the inlet / outlet is located below the liquid level, it is difficult for bubbles to enter from the first inlet / outlet. Therefore, the liquid level detection device of the present invention can accurately detect the liquid level.

Further, in the above liquid state detecting device,
When the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid storage container and the liquid storage container is installed in a posture for use, the first inlet / outlet is a liquid state detection device that opens vertically below the first detection unit. preferable. In this liquid state detection device, when the device is used, the first inlet / outlet port is opened vertically below the first detection portion, so that the liquid can smoothly flow in / out.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, the second sensor includes a second casing member, and in the second casing member, the liquid in the liquid container is the second casing. When the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid container and the liquid container is installed in a posture in which the liquid container is used, the first sensor of the first sensor is provided. It is preferable that the inlet / outlet is a liquid state detection device positioned above the second inlet / outlet.

When the liquid in the liquid container is, for example, lubricating oil such as engine oil, sludge, which is a solid-liquid mixture, is deposited in the liquid container as the lubricating oil is used. This sludge may enter the sensor through the inlet / outlet, and if the sludge enters the sensor, the sensor may not be able to accurately detect the liquid state (liquid quality, liquid level, etc.). By the way, in the conventional liquid state detection device 10, as shown in FIG. 14, the entrance and exit of the first sensor 11 and the second sensor 12 is a common entrance and exit 15.
In this way, in the liquid state detection device in which the inlet and outlet of the first sensor and the second sensor are common, when sludge enters the sensor from the inlet and outlet and blocks the common inlet and outlet, both the first and second sensors There is a possibility that the state of the liquid cannot be detected accurately.

On the other hand, in the liquid state detecting device of the present invention, the first and second inlets and outlets are separately formed in the first and second sensors, respectively. Further, when the liquid state detecting device is used, the first inlet / outlet is located above the second inlet / outlet. Therefore, the first sensor is less likely to enter sludge than the second sensor, and is less likely to be erroneously detected. Therefore, even if sludge enters from the second inlet / outlet and the second sensor cannot accurately detect the liquid quality, sludge does not enter into the first sensor,
At least the liquid level can be detected by the first sensor.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, in the liquid container, a strainer for sucking the liquid in the liquid container is disposed, and the bracket is the liquid container. It is preferable that the liquid state detection device has a shape in which the first sensor is arranged above the strainer in the vertical direction when the liquid state detection device is attached to the storage container and the liquid storage container is installed in a posture for use.

In a liquid container such as an oil pan or a fuel tank of an automobile engine, the strainer is placed vertically below the neutral point of the liquid surface so that the liquid exists around the strainer even when the liquid container is tilted. Are often placed. Therefore, in the present invention, the first sensor is located above the strainer in the vertical direction when the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid container and the liquid container is installed in a posture for use. Therefore, in the liquid state detection device of the present invention, the first sensor is arranged near the neutral point of the liquid surface. That is, since the first sensor is arranged at the position where it is least affected by the inclination of the container, the liquid level can be properly detected. The neutral point of the liquid level refers to a position where the liquid level does not change or is most unlikely to change even if the liquid level in the liquid storage container tilts as the liquid storage container tilts.

Further, in the liquid state detecting device according to any one of the above, when the bracket is installed in a posture in which the liquid state detecting device is attached to the liquid container and the liquid container is used. It is preferable that the liquid state detection device has a shape in which the first sensor is arranged at the neutral point of the liquid level in the liquid container. In this liquid state detection device, the first sensor is arranged at the neutral point of the liquid surface. That is, since the first sensor is arranged at the position where it is least affected by the inclination of the container, the liquid level can be properly detected.

Another solution is a liquid state detecting device having an electrode and a casing accommodating the electrode, and comprising a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid container. The liquid has an entrance and exit for entering and exiting the inside and outside of the casing, when the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid container, and the liquid container is installed in a posture for use, the entrance and exit are The liquid state detection device is positioned below the electrode.

As described above, air bubbles are often present on the liquid surface of the liquid in the liquid container, and if the air bubbles enter the sensor, the sensor may not be able to accurately detect the liquid surface level. . On the other hand, in the sensor of the liquid state detection device of the present invention, since the electrode serving as the detection portion is housed in the casing member, the liquid level in the liquid container and the liquid level around the electrode are the first casing member. Isolated by.
Furthermore, when using this liquid state detection device,
The inlet and outlet for the liquid in and out of the liquid storage container is positioned vertically below the electrode. Therefore, even if the liquid level in the liquid container is bubbling, the inlet / outlet is located below the electrode, so the inlet / outlet is located below the liquid level at least within the range where the electrode can measure the liquid level. Therefore, it is difficult for air bubbles to enter from the entrance. Therefore, the liquid level detection device of the present invention can accurately detect the liquid level.

Further, in the above liquid state detecting device,
It is preferable that when the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid storage container and the liquid storage container is installed in a posture for use, the inlet / outlet is a liquid state detection device that opens vertically below the electrode. In this liquid state detection device, when used, the inlet and outlet are opened vertically below the electrode, so that the liquid can be smoothly taken in and out.

Another solution includes a sensor for detecting the liquid level of the liquid in the liquid container, and a positioning member for positioning the sensor at a position where the change in the liquid level can be detected. A liquid state detecting device comprising: a strainer for sucking the liquid in the liquid storage container; the positioning member attaching the liquid state detecting device to the liquid storage container; It is a liquid state detection device having a shape in which the sensor is arranged vertically above the strainer when the container is installed in a posture for use.

As described above, in a liquid storage container such as an oil pan or a fuel tank of an automobile engine, even if the liquid storage container is tilted, the liquid is present around the strainer so that the liquid is present at the neutral point of the liquid surface. A strainer is often placed vertically below. For this reason, in the present invention, when the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid container and the liquid container is installed in a posture for use, the sensor is positioned above the strainer in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the liquid state detection device of the present invention, the sensor is arranged near the neutral point of the liquid surface. In other words, since the sensor is arranged at the position where it is least affected by the inclination of the container, the liquid level can be properly detected.

In the liquid state detecting device of the present invention, the sensor is arranged at a position where the change of the liquid level can be detected by the positioning member. Therefore, when it is attached to liquid containers having different capacities and depths, it can be dealt with only by changing the positioning member of the liquid state detecting device of the present invention to an appropriate shape. Specifically, for example, the length of the metal bracket may be changed so that the sensor can be arranged at a position where a change in the liquid level can be detected, so that the cost can be easily dealt with.

[0026]

(Embodiment) An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows two views of the liquid state detection device 100 of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the liquid state detection device 100 of this embodiment includes a first sensor 110, a second sensor 120, and a bracket 13.
0, and a liquid state detection device having a base portion 150 including a wiring substrate 160. This liquid state detection device 100
Is the oil pan 1 of the engine, as shown in FIG.
Oil 182 mounted in the oil pan 180 in the oil pan 180
It is used to detect the liquid level L1 of.

The first sensor 110 includes two electrode plates 111.
It has the 1st detection part 111 which forms a capacitor by making a and 111b face each other. Specifically, as shown in the exploded perspective view of FIG. 3, two stainless steel electrode plates 1 having a U shape when a cross section is taken in the plate thickness direction.
The first detection unit 111, in which 11a and 111b are opposed to each other, is housed in the first casing member 112 made of resin, the electrode holder 113 made of resin is fitted into the first casing member 112, and then mounted on the bracket 130 made of stainless steel. It is fixed. It should be noted that the two electrode plates 111a and 111b are respectively provided with small protrusions 111c and 111d as shown in FIG.
The small protrusions 111c and 111 are provided respectively.
As shown in FIG. 2, d is fitted into four recesses 112c provided on the upper side of the inner wall surface of the casing member 112. Electrode plate 1 that constitutes the first detection unit 111
The gap between the facing surfaces of 11a and the electrode plate 111b is
As shown in FIG. 4A, the liquid level L of the lubricating oil 182
Since the lubricating oil 182 is filled according to the change of 1, the capacitance of the first sensor 110 changes according to the liquid level. Therefore, in the liquid state detection device 100 of this embodiment, the liquid level L1 of the lubricating oil 182 is detected based on the change in the capacitance of the first sensor 110.

The second sensor 120 has three electrode plates 121 as shown in FIG. 2 which is a sectional view taken along line AA of FIG.
a, 121b, 121c are opposed to each other as shown in the drawing, the electrode plates 121a and 121c are connected to the same potential, and the second detection unit 121 that forms a capacitor by connecting 121b to another potential is provided. . This second detector 12
1, the electrode plates 121a and 121b and the electrode plate 12
The gap between the facing surfaces of 1b and 121c is shown in FIG.
As shown in, the lubricating oil 182 is filled with the lubricating oil 182 regardless of the change in the liquid level L1. By the way, since the dielectric constant of the lubricating oil 182 changes with the change (deterioration) of the liquid quality of the lubricating oil 182, the second sensor 120
Then, unlike the first sensor 110, the capacitance changes due to the change in the dielectric constant of the lubricating oil 182. Therefore, in the liquid state detection device 100 of the present embodiment, the lubricating oil 182 is based on the change in the capacitance of the second sensor 120.
The liquid quality of can be detected.

In this embodiment, a signal processing unit is configured by mounting electronic components such as a microcomputer and a resistance element on the wiring board 160, and the signal processing unit responds to the output signal of the second sensor 120. The output signal of the first sensor 110 is corrected. Therefore, even if the output characteristic of the first sensor 110 changes due to the change in the dielectric constant of the lubricating oil 182, the liquid level can be accurately detected. That is, the liquid state detection device 100 of the present embodiment is capable of detecting the liquid surface level without being affected by the change in liquid quality.
Further, in the present embodiment, the output signal of the second sensor 120 is separately converted and output, and the deterioration of the lubricating oil 182 is also detected. For this reason, compared with the case where a liquid deterioration sensor is separately attached, space saving and cost reduction are achieved.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 2, the second sensor 120 is formed integrally with the base portion 150. On the other hand, the first sensor 110 is fixed to the base portion 150 via the bracket 130 separately from the second sensor 120. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the bracket 130 has a change in the level range L 1 of the lubricating oil 182 within a level range (hereinafter also referred to as a safe operation level range) S 1 in which the engine can be operated smoothly. Is formed so that the first sensor 110 is arranged at a position where it can be detected. That is, the liquid state detection device 10 of the present embodiment
At 0, the first sensor 110 is arranged at a position where the bracket 130 can detect a change in the liquid level L1 of the lubricating oil 182 within the safe operation level range S1.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4B, the oil pan 280 is different from the oil pan 180 in capacity and depth.
When mounted on the bracket 1, the bracket 1 is arranged so that the first sensor 110 is arranged at a position where a change in the liquid level L2 of the lubricating oil 282 within the safe operation level range S2 can be detected.
The length of the leg portion 130b (see FIG. 3) of 30 may be adjusted. Specifically, the bracket 130 of the liquid state detecting device 100 may be changed to a bracket 230 having a leg portion 230b obtained by extending the length of the leg portion 130b of the bracket 130 as shown in FIG. In addition, in the liquid state detecting device 100, the one in which the bracket 130 is changed to the bracket 230 is referred to as a liquid state detecting device 200.
It is shown in (b).

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), the liquid state detection device 100 cannot detect a change in the liquid level L2 of the lubricating oil 282 within the safe operation level range S2, but A change in the liquid level L2 of the lubricating oil 282 within the safe operation level range S2 can be detected only by changing the bracket of the state detecting device 100 (the liquid state detecting device 200). Therefore,
The liquid state detection devices 100 and 200 of the present embodiment can easily and inexpensively cope with the change of the oil pan.

Furthermore, the liquid state detection device 1 of this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 2, each of 00 and 200 has a wiring board 160 (signal processing section) that converts the output signals of the first and second sensors 110 and 120 in the base section 150. That is,
This is a liquid state detection device in which the first and second sensors 110 and 120 and the wiring board 160 are integrated. The first sensor 110 and the wiring board 160 are connected to each other as shown in FIG.
It is electrically connected by a shield wire 118 of a book.
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG.
A wire fixing portion 131 is formed on the two shielded wires 1
Since 18 is fixed (see FIG. 2), there is no possibility that the shield wire 118 will be broken due to vibration or the like.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first sensor 11
A first inlet / outlet 113 b is formed in the zero electrode holder 113. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the brackets 130 and 230 are provided with openings 133 and 233 at positions corresponding to the first doorway 113b. In the present embodiment, the lubricating oil 182, 282 enters and leaves the first sensor 110 via the first inlet / outlet 113b and the openings 133, 233. The first detector 111 is arranged on the electrode holder 113. Further, as shown in FIG. 1B, the second sensor 120 is formed so as to house the second detection portion 121 in the second casing member 122, and the second sensor 120 is provided on the side surface of the second casing member 122 with the second sensor. Doorways 122b and 122c are formed. In the present embodiment, the lubricating oil 182, 282 enters and leaves the second sensor 120 via the second inlets / outlets 122b, 122c.

The liquid state detecting devices 100 and 200 having the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 as described above are
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the oil pans 180, 2
Used by attaching to 80. At this time, the vertical positional relationship between the components of the liquid state detection devices 100 and 200 is
The positional relationship is the same as that shown in FIG. Therefore, the bracket 13 is vertically below the first sensor 110.
0,230 is located. That is, the first inlet / outlet 113 b and the openings 133 and 2 are provided below the first detector 111 in the vertical direction.
33 opens (see FIG. 2). Therefore, in the present embodiment, the lubricating oil 182 can smoothly flow in and out of the first sensor 110.

Further, the first entrance / exit 113b and the opening 1
Since 33 and 233b are located below the first detection unit 111, the first inlet / outlet port 113b and the opening 13 are at least within a range in which the liquid level L1 can be measured by the first detection unit.
3, 233 are located below the liquid level L1. For this reason, in this embodiment, even if the liquid surface in the liquid container is bubbling, bubbles are unlikely to enter from the first inlet / outlet 113b and the openings 133 and 233b. Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid level L1 can be accurately detected.

Further, at this time, the first entrance / exit 113b of the first sensor 110 is the second entrance / exit 1 of the second sensor 120.
It is located vertically above 22b and 122c (see FIG. 2). Therefore, as shown in FIG.
Even when sludge is deposited on the bottom surfaces 180b and 280b of the 0, 280, the first sensor 110 is the second sensor 1
Sludge is less likely to enter than 20 and false detection is less likely to occur. For example, even if sludge enters through the second inlet / outlet port 122b and the second sensor 120 cannot accurately detect the liquid quality, the first liquid inlet / outlet port 113b causes
Sludge does not enter the sensor 110, and the liquid level can be detected by at least the first sensor 110.

Further, the liquid state detection device 10 of the present embodiment.
0,200 is the base portion 15 as shown by the broken line in FIG.
It has a temperature sensor 140 which is formed integrally with 0 and detects the temperature of the lubricating oil 128, 228. This temperature sensor 14
0 is electrically connected to the wiring board 160, and the output signal of the temperature sensor 140 is converted by the wiring board 160. Since the dielectric constants of the lubricating oils 182 and 228 also change with temperature changes, the first sensor 110 changes due to temperature changes.
Output characteristics change, and the liquid level cannot be detected accurately. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the output characteristic of the first sensor 110 is corrected using the output signal of the temperature sensor 140,
It is possible to detect the liquid level without being affected by temperature changes.

The liquid state detecting devices 100, 20 as described above
0 is manufactured as follows. Liquid state detection device 10
Since 0 and 200 only have different brackets,
Here, the liquid state detection device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the two first stainless steel electrode plates 111a and 111b having a U-shaped cross section in the plate thickness direction connected to the shielded wire 118 are opposed to each other, and the first resin casing is formed. It is accommodated in the member 112. At this time, the two small protrusions 111c and 111d provided on the electrode plates 111a and 111b are respectively attached to the first casing member 1
The electrode plates 111a and 111b are fitted to the four recesses 112c (see FIG. 2) provided on the inner wall surface of the electrode plate 12, respectively.
Is inserted into the first casing member 112.

Next, the first electrode holder 113 made of resin is fitted into the first casing member 112, and the first casing member 112 is placed on the bracket 130 made of stainless steel to form the first sensor 110. Next, using the mounting holes 112b of the first casing member 112 and the mounting holes 132 of the bracket 130, the first sensor 110 and the bracket 130 are fixed by the rivets 117a as shown in FIG. Next, three stainless steel electrode plates 12
1a, 121b, 121c, the 2nd electrode holder 123, the temperature sensor 140, and the shield wire 118 are installed in the predetermined | prescribed position of the 2nd casing member 122 which forms a part of the base part 150 by which the terminal 165 was integrally molded. Then, the wiring board 160 is installed in the second casing member 122, and the electrode plates 121a, 121b, 121c, the temperature sensor 140, the shield wire 118, and the terminal 165 are electrically connected to the wiring board 160 by soldering. Wiring board 160
Is molded with resin. Then the second of this state
By attaching the mounting base 155 formed by aluminum die casting to the casing member 122, the second sensor 1
A base portion 150 having 20 is formed.

Then, the mounting hole 134 of the leg portion 130b of the bracket 130 having the first sensor 110 and the base portion 150 having the second sensor 120 are fixed by a rivet 117b as shown in FIG. The state detection device 100 is completed. This liquid state detection device 100 is
An annular seal member (O-ring) 151 (FIG. 2) that is inserted into the oil pan 180 shown in FIG. 4A without the lubricating oil 182 from the mounting hole 181 of the oil pan 180 and is mounted on the base portion 150b. 1) is in contact with the outer surface of the oil pan and is fixed to the oil pan 180 with a bolt using the mounting hole 155b of the base portion 150 shown in FIG. 1 to be used as a level sensor for the lubricating oil 182.

(Modification) Next, liquid status detection devices 300 and 400 which are modifications of the liquid status detection devices 100 and 200 of the embodiment will be described. The liquid state detection devices 300 and 400 of the present modification are different in the shape of the bracket from the liquid state detection devices 100 and 200 of the first embodiment, and the other parts are the same. Therefore,
The description will focus on the parts that are different from the embodiment, and the description of the same parts will be omitted or simplified.

First, the liquid state detection device 30 of this modified embodiment
In the liquid state detection device 100 shown in FIG. 1, 0 is the bracket 130 changed to a bracket 330 as shown in FIG. This liquid state detection device 300 is
As shown in FIG. 8A, like the liquid state detection device 100 of the embodiment, it is attached to the oil pan 180 and is used to detect the liquid level L1 of the lubricating oil 182 in the oil pan 180. As shown in FIG. 8A, a strainer 185 for sucking the lubricating oil 182 is arranged in the oil pan 180.
The first sensor 110 is arranged in a region A1 vertically above 5 in FIG.

That is, the liquid state detecting device 3 of this modified embodiment
In 00, the shape of the bracket is changed so that the first sensor 110 is arranged in the region A1 above the strainer 185 in the vertical direction. This is because, even if the oil pan 180 is tilted due to the vehicle tilting on a slope, for example, the strainer 18 is vertically below the neutral point of the liquid level so that the lubricating oil 182 exists around the strainer 185.
This is because 5 is arranged. That is, in this modification, the first sensor 110 is arranged in the region A1 above the strainer 185 in the vertical direction that is least affected by the tilt of the oil pan 180, so that the liquid level can be detected more appropriately. There is.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, when the oil pan 180 is tilted, the liquid surface of the lubricating oil 182 changes from the liquid surface 182b before tilting to the liquid surface 182c. At this time, since the first sensor 110 arranged in the region A1 vertically above the strainer 185 is located at the neutral point P of the liquid surface, the liquid surface level of the lubricating oil 182 near the first sensor 110 almost changes. do not do. For this reason, the capacitance of the first sensor 110 is also unlikely to change, and thus the output signal from the first sensor 110 is also unlikely to change. Therefore, the liquid state detection device 300 of the present modification can appropriately detect the liquid level L1 without being affected by the inclination of the oil pan 180.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the oil pan 180 is attached to an oil pan 280 having a different capacity, depth, etc., the length of the leg portion 330b of the bracket 330 is the same as in the embodiment. Just adjust it. Specifically, the bracket 330 of the liquid state detection device 300 may be changed to a bracket 430 having a leg portion 430b obtained by extending the length of the leg portion 330b of the bracket 330 as shown in FIG. In addition, in the liquid state detection device 300, the one in which the bracket 330 is changed to the bracket 430 is shown as the liquid state detection device 400 in FIG. 8B.
As shown in FIG. 8B, this liquid state detection device 400
Also in the area A above the strainer 285 in the vertical direction.
Since the first sensor 110 is arranged at position 2, the liquid level L2 can be appropriately detected without being affected by the inclination of the oil pan 280, as in the liquid state detection device 300.

Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments and modified embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the like, and does not depart from the gist of the invention.
It goes without saying that it can be applied with appropriate changes. For example, in the liquid state detection device 100 of the embodiment, the bracket 130 having the shape shown in FIG. 3 is used, but as shown in FIG. 10, a bracket 530 having a simplified shape may be used. In this case, as shown in FIG.
The position of the mounting hole 532 of 0 is the mounting hole 1 of the bracket 130.
Since the position of the first casing member 32 is different from that of the first casing member 32, the position of the mounting hole of the first casing member 512 is also changed.
Need to change to. Further, the liquid state detection device 200
Similarly, as shown in FIG. 11, the bracket 230 of FIG. 5 may be a bracket 630 having a simplified shape.

Similarly, in the modified embodiment, the brackets 330 and 430 are shaped as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the leg portion 7 having a simplified shape is used.
Brackets 730 and 8 having different lengths of 30b and 830b
It may be 30. Also in this case, as shown in FIG.
The first casing member 112 is replaced with the first casing member 512.
Need to change to. Further, in the liquid state detection device 100 of the embodiment, the signal processing unit corrects the output signal of the first sensor 110 according to the output signal of the second sensor 120, but a signal is output so as not to perform this correction. A processing unit may be provided. Further, in the embodiment and the modified embodiments, the liquid state detecting devices 100, 200, 300, 400 having the first sensor 110 and the second sensor 120 are used, but as the liquid state detecting device having only the first sensor 110 and the signal processing unit. Is also good.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a liquid state detection device 100, 2 according to an embodiment.
00A, 00A, 00A, 00A, and 00A are top views and side views thereof, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a liquid state detection device 100, 2 according to an embodiment.
It is a figure which shows 00, and is an AA sectional view of Fig.1 (a).

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a first sensor 110 and a bracket 130 of the liquid state detection device 100 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a liquid state detection device 100, 2 according to an embodiment.
00 is a view showing a state when the liquid state detection device 100 is used, (a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when the liquid state detection device 100 is used, and (b) shows a state when the liquid state detection device 200 is used. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket 230 of the liquid state detection device 200 according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bracket 330 of a liquid state detection device 300 according to a modification.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a bracket 430 of the liquid state detection device 400 according to a modification.

FIG. 8 is a liquid state detection device 300, 4 according to a modification.
00 is a view showing a state when the liquid state detection device 300 is used, (a) is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state when the liquid state detection device 300 is used, and (b) shows a state when the liquid state detection device 400 is used. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a state where the oil pan 180 to which the liquid state detection device 300 according to the modified embodiment is attached is tilted.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a first sensor 510 and a bracket 530 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a bracket 630 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a bracket 730 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a bracket 830 according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a conventional liquid state detection device 10.

[Explanation of symbols]

10, 100, 200, 300, 400 Liquid state detection device 110 First sensor (sensor) 120 Second sensor 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, 630, 7
30,830 Bracket (positioning member) 131,231,331,431,531,631,7
31, 831 Wiring fixing portions 133, 233, 333, 433, 533, 633, 7
33, 833 Opening 160 Wiring board (Signal processing part) 150 Base part 111 First detection part 112, 512 First casing member 113b First entrance / exit 121 Second detection part 122 Second casing member 122b, 122c Second entrance / exit 180, 280 Oil pan (liquid container) 182,282 Lubricating oil (liquid) 185,285 Strainers L1, L2 Liquid level

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A first sensor for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a liquid container, a second sensor immersed in the liquid, and conversion processing of output signals of the first sensor and the second sensor. A signal processing unit; a base unit that holds the second sensor and the signal processing unit and is fixed to the liquid container; and a bracket that holds the first sensor and is fixed to the base unit. A liquid state detecting device, wherein the bracket has the liquid state detecting device attached to the liquid storage container, and is placed in a posture in which the liquid storage container is used, and when the liquid is placed in the liquid storage container,
A liquid state detection device having a shape in which the first sensor is arranged at a position where a change in the liquid level of the liquid can be detected by the first sensor. 2. The liquid state detection device according to claim 1, wherein the second sensor detects the liquid quality of the liquid in the liquid storage container. 3. The liquid state detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first sensor includes a first detection unit that forms a capacitor by facing a plurality of electrodes, and the first detection unit. A first casing member for accommodating a portion, wherein the first casing member has a first inlet / outlet through which the liquid in the liquid storage container enters and exits the inside and the outside of the first casing member, The liquid state detection device in which the first inlet / outlet is positioned lower than the first detection unit when the liquid state detection device is attached to a storage container and installed in a posture in which the liquid storage container is used. 4. The liquid state detection device according to claim 1, wherein a strainer for sucking the liquid in the liquid storage container is provided in the liquid storage container. The bracket has a shape in which the first sensor is arranged vertically above the strainer when the liquid state detecting device is attached to the liquid container and the liquid container is installed in a posture for use. A liquid state detection device. 5. A liquid state detecting device comprising an electrode and a casing for accommodating the electrode, the sensor comprising a sensor for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a liquid container, wherein the casing is the liquid. Has an entrance and exit for entering and exiting the inside and outside of the casing, when the liquid state detection device is attached to the liquid storage container and the liquid storage container is installed in a posture to be used, the entrance is lower than the electrode. Liquid state detection device located at. 6. A liquid state detection device comprising: a sensor for detecting a liquid level of a liquid in a liquid container; and a positioning member for positioning the sensor at a position where a change in the liquid level can be detected. An apparatus, wherein a strainer for sucking the liquid is arranged in the liquid container, the positioning member attaches the liquid state detection device to the liquid container, and uses the liquid container. A liquid state detection device having a shape in which the sensor is arranged vertically above the strainer when installed in a posture to be served.