JP2007033106A - Ultrasonic liquid level gage - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To display alarms for a plurality of alarming incidents, accurately grasping the conditions of occurrence of the alarming incidents, and to enable a gas agency to appropriately cope with a situation with an ultrasonic liquid level gage. <P>SOLUTION: An alarm processing means determines the occurrence of alarming incidents on the basis of detection data values, determination results, etc. acquired from any one of a temperature detection means; a frequency adjustment means; an installation position determination means; an echo sensitivity determination means; a remaining quantity detection means; a voltage detection means, etc. In the case of the occurrence of alarming incidents, the occurrence of liquid level detection error (Err3) is, for example, displayed, and a remaining duration and a remaining number of times of occurrence of alarming incidents to the execution of alarm display by the operation of a button switch for display changeover are displayed. When the alarming incidents are determined, the contents (e.g., Err3) of alarm of (E) are displayed, and a period (23 days and 23 hours) elapsed after the occurrence of alarm (F and G); the number of times (32 times) of occurrence of the alarming incidents (H); and time and date (at 17:38 on October 23, 2004) at which the alarming incidents have occurred (I) are displayed by the operation of the button switch. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic liquid level gauge for managing the remaining amount of liquid in a container, and more specifically, the amount of liquid remaining in a bulk container storing a liquid such as liquefied gas such as LPG. The present invention relates to an ultrasonic level gauge that performs measurement, performs various displays based on the measurement results, and communicates with the outside.

Conventionally, bulk containers and bulk storage tanks (hereinafter referred to as “bulk containers”) are used to store liquefied gas such as LPG, and are fixedly installed in each household or business office. Piped to supply.
Generally, the bulk container is provided with detection means for detecting the liquid level. As this detection means, an ultrasonic liquid level gauge using an ultrasonic sensor as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 has been put into practical use. This ultrasonic liquid level gauge is installed on the bottom of a bulk container, for example, detects the temperature of the liquefied gas inside the bulk container, and transmits ultrasonic pulses inside the bulk container to be stored inside the bulk container. The time until the ultrasonic echo reflected and returned from the liquid surface of the liquefied gas is received is measured, and the remaining amount of the liquefied gas in the bulk container is detected based on the temperature information and the time information. The remaining amount is detected at regular intervals or based on a user's timely operation. When the remaining amount decreases, that is, when filling is required, the filling operation is performed.

Measurement information obtained by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge is displayed on the display unit of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge. If there is a warning event as a result of the measurement, the warning content is displayed on the display unit of the liquid level gauge. In the gas filling monitoring system disclosed in Patent Document 3, overfilling is prevented by notifying by means of character display, sound, light, etc. when the filling amount of the liquefied gas into the bulk container reaches a predetermined level. Is. In addition, in response to a communication request from an external device, the measurement information obtained by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge is responded, and if there is a warning event in the measurement result, the warning content is returned.
JP 2001-272266 A JP 2004-325129 A JP 2002-286198 A

  However, in the conventional ultrasonic level gauge, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when a warning event occurs based on the measurement result (step 101-YES), only the warning content is displayed or communicated (step 101). 102), it is not possible to confirm the duration of the warning event and the number of warnings. Therefore, when a gas supplier or user notices an abnormality after displaying a warning and tries to respond to it, when the warning event occurs, how much time has passed since, and how often it has occurred I can't figure out. Moreover, since it becomes impossible to grasp the remaining amount of the liquefied gas inside the bulk container, it is assumed that appropriate measures such as whether or not the filling operation can be performed cannot be taken. This is not preferable from the viewpoint of security such as running out of gas.

  Further, in the conventional ultrasonic level gauge connected to the outside, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when there is a request for display of warning contents from the outside to the ultrasonic level gauge (step 111-YES) ) Even when a warning event occurs and is confirmed (step 112-YES), only the warning content is transmitted to the outside (step 113). When a warning event occurs, the duration from that time and the number of warnings thereafter Etc. cannot be confirmed.

  The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances as described above, and the invention of claim 1 enables the warning display of a plurality of warning events, and the remaining duration period from the warning event occurrence time to the warning display. By displaying the continuation period after the display or warning display, the gas supplier knows the continuation period from the time of the warning event occurrence, and based on that information, for example, in the case of a voltage drop warning for the power supply, the battery The purpose is to provide a safer gas supply that does not cause out-of-gassing by taking appropriate measures according to the passage of time such as replacement.

  The invention of claim 2 enables the warning display of a plurality of warning events, and displays the number of remaining occurrences from the time of the warning event occurrence until the warning display is performed, or the number of occurrences after the warning display, thereby displaying the gas supplier. Knows the frequency of occurrence from the time of the warning event occurrence, and based on that information, for example, in the case of an installation location determination warning, it is appropriate according to the number of occurrences such as installing the ultrasonic sensor at the optimal mounting position again The purpose is to provide a safer gas supply that does not cause out-of-gassing or the like.

  The invention of claim 3 enables the warning display of a plurality of warning events, and displays the time information such as the year, month, day, hour, etc. at the time of occurrence of the warning event. Based on this information, for example, in the case of a power supply voltage drop warning, an appropriate response can be taken according to the date and time when the battery was replaced, etc. The purpose is to provide a safer gas supply.

  An object of the invention of claim 4 is to perform safer gas supply without causing gas exhaustion or the like by checking measurement data and warning display information through communication with an external device.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a temperature detecting means for detecting a liquid temperature inside the container, a frequency adjusting means for adjusting a driving frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container, and the ultrasonic sensor. Installation location determination means for determining the quality of the installation location, echo sensitivity determination means for determining the quality of the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining liquid level inside the container, Voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of each means, display means for displaying various data, temperature detection means, frequency adjustment means, installation location determination means, echo sensitivity determination means, remaining amount detection means, and voltage detection means In an ultrasonic liquid level gauge comprising: warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on an output obtained from any of the above and displaying a warning based on the determination result. The processing means counts the period from the occurrence of the warning event and displays warning information indicating the remaining duration until the warning is displayed on the display means, or the period of time from when the warning is displayed. A process of counting and displaying warning information indicating a duration after the warning is displayed on the display means is performed.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature detecting means for detecting a liquid temperature inside the container, a frequency adjusting means for adjusting a driving frequency of a connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for an outer wall of the container, and the ultrasonic sensor. Installation location determination means for determining the quality of the installation location, echo sensitivity determination means for determining the quality of the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining liquid level inside the container, Voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of each means, display means for displaying various data, temperature detection means, frequency adjustment means, installation location determination means, echo sensitivity determination means, remaining amount detection means, and voltage detection means In an ultrasonic liquid level gauge comprising: warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on an output obtained from any of the above and displaying a warning based on the determination result. The processing means counts the number of occurrences from the time of occurrence of the warning event and displays warning information indicating the remaining number of occurrences until the warning display is performed on the display means, or has occurred since the warning display was performed The number of times is counted and warning information indicating the number of occurrences after the warning is displayed is displayed on the display means.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a temperature detecting means for detecting a liquid temperature inside the container, a frequency adjusting means for adjusting a driving frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container, and the ultrasonic sensor. Installation location determination means for determining the quality of the installation location, echo sensitivity determination means for determining the quality of the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, remaining amount detection means for detecting the remaining liquid level inside the container, Voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of each means, display means for displaying various data, temperature detection means, frequency adjustment means, installation location determination means, echo sensitivity determination means, remaining amount detection means, and voltage detection means In an ultrasonic liquid level gauge comprising: warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on an output obtained from any of the above and displaying a warning based on the determination result. Processing means determines when the alarm event has occurred, characterized in that the warning information indicating the determination result performs the processing of displaying on the display means.

  Invention of Claim 4 has a communication means which communicates with an external communication apparatus in the ultrasonic-type liquid level gauge in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3, The said warning information and various data are communicated with the said external communication apparatus. It is characterized by communicating between.

  The invention of claim 1 enables warning display of a plurality of warning events, counts the period from the occurrence of the warning event, displays information of the remaining duration until the warning display, or displays the warning In order to display the warning information indicating the duration after the warning display, the gas contractor knows the time until the warning display or the duration from the warning event occurrence time, and based on that information, for example, the voltage In the case of a decrease warning, an appropriate response can be taken according to the passage of time, such as battery replacement, and safer gas supply without causing gas exhaustion or the like can be performed.

  The invention of claim 2 enables the warning display of a plurality of warning events, counts the number of occurrences from the time of occurrence of the warning event, displays information on the remaining number of occurrences until the warning display, or displays the warning In order to count the number of occurrences and display warning information indicating the number of occurrences after the warning display, the gas supplier knows the frequency of occurrence since the warning event occurred, and based on that information, for example, in the case of an installation location determination warning Thus, it is possible to take appropriate measures according to the number of occurrences, such as installing the ultrasonic sensor at the optimum mounting position again, and to perform safer gas supply without causing gas exhaustion or the like.

  The invention of claim 3 enables warning display of a plurality of warning events, and displays time information such as the year, month, day, hour and minute at the time of warning event occurrence. For example, in the case of a voltage drop warning, an appropriate response can be taken according to the year, month, day, hour, and the like when the battery was replaced, and a safer gas supply without causing gas exhaustion can be performed.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, there is provided communication means for communicating various data with an external communication device, for communicating the warning information and various data with the external communication device. Measurement data, warning information, and the like can be confirmed through communication with an external device.

  The present invention makes it possible to display a plurality of warning events in an ultrasonic liquid level gauge, accurately grasp the occurrence status of warning events, and enable gas contractors to take appropriate measures according to the situation. Therefore, the ultrasonic liquid level gauge has a temperature detecting means for detecting the liquid temperature inside the container, and a frequency for adjusting the driving frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container. An adjustment means, an installation location determination means for determining the quality of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor, an echo sensitivity determination means for determining the quality of echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, and a liquid remaining level inside the container Remaining amount detection means, voltage detection means for detecting the power supply voltage of each means, display means for displaying various data, temperature detection means, frequency adjustment means, installation location determination means, echo sensitivity determination means Determining the presence or absence of the occurrence of alarm event based on the output obtained from any of the remaining amount detecting means and the voltage detection means, and a warning processing means for performing a warning display on the basis of the determination result.

The warning processing means performs processing for displaying warning information on the display means indicating the remaining duration until the warning display is performed by counting the period from the occurrence of the warning event, or the warning display is performed. A process of counting the period from time and displaying warning information indicating the duration after the warning is displayed on the display means is performed. In addition, the warning processing means performs processing for displaying warning information on the display means indicating the remaining number of occurrences from the occurrence of a warning event to the number of occurrences and displaying the warning, or the warning display. The number of occurrences is counted from the time, and warning information indicating the number of occurrences after the warning display is displayed on the display means. Further, the warning processing means determines when the warning event occurs, and performs processing for displaying warning information indicating the determination result on the display means.
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 according to the first embodiment includes a control unit 11 constituted by an MPU or the like, a display switch button switch 22, a display unit 23 for displaying various data, a terminal unit 24, and an ultrasonic liquid level meter. The battery 25 is a power supply and is connected to the ultrasonic sensor 30 and the external communication device 40. The control unit 11 has warning processing means 12, in which the temperature detection means 13 for detecting the temperature of the liquefied gas stored in the bulk container and the drive frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor 30 are set in the bulk container. Frequency adjusting means 14 for adjusting to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the apparatus, installation location determining means 15 for determining the quality of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor 30, echo sensitivity determining means 16 for determining the quality of the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor 30, A remaining amount detection means 17 for detecting the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container, a memory 18, a timer 19, a voltage detection means 20 for detecting the voltage of the battery as a power source, and a communication means 21 are connected.

  The ultrasonic level gauge according to the first embodiment generates a sensor drive signal for the ultrasonic sensor 30 connected to the ultrasonic level gauge 10 in order to measure the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container. . The ultrasonic sensor 30 is usually installed on the outer wall surface of the bottom of the bulk container, and is reflected on the liquid surface by a transmitter that transmits ultrasonic pulses toward the liquid surface such as liquefied gas stored in the bulk container. The sensor drive signal is composed of a receiver that receives an ultrasonic echo, and is transmitted at regular intervals or by a user's timely operation.

  In order to detect the liquid level of the liquefied gas stored in the bulk container, after the ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 starts transmitting a sensor drive signal to the ultrasonic sensor 30, the temperature connected to the warning processing means 12 The detection means 13 detects the temperature of the liquefied gas inside the bulk container, and the frequency adjustment means 14 adjusts the drive frequency of the ultrasonic sensor 30 so that the frequency is suitable for the outer wall of the bulk container. The means 15 determines the quality of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor 30, then the echo sensitivity determination means 16 measures the ultrasonic echo sensitivity level, measures the echo sensitivity quality, and then the remaining amount detection means 17 performs bulk measurement. The remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the container is measured, and the measured value of the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container is displayed on the display unit 23 composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. Further, the voltage of the battery 25 is detected by the voltage detection means 20 comprising an A / D converter or the like connected to the battery 25 at regular intervals.

  In the procedure executed when the ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 detects the liquid level of the liquefied gas stored in the bulk container using the ultrasonic sensor 30, the warning processing means 12 is always provided after the operation of each means. When the determination of each means is performed and it is determined that the occurrence of the warning event is “none”, the determination by the subsequent means is sequentially performed. If the occurrence of the warning event is determined to be “present”, the determination by the subsequent means is not performed, and the warning content is displayed on the display unit 23.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the first embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic level gauge according to the first embodiment has a button switch 22 for switching the display, and is operated by the operator (steps 4, 6, and 8). As shown in the flowchart, when the warning event is confirmed (step 2-YES), the warning content display (step 3) is switched to the warning event duration display (step 5).

Next, the warning process by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of the first embodiment and the relationship between the warning process and the warning content displayed on the display unit 23 will be described. Specific examples of the warning content displayed on the display unit 23 are shown in FIGS. 9 to 24 for each error type (Err0 to 7), but here, for the convenience of explanation, a warning event is shown. Is a liquid level detection error (Err3) shown in FIG. 15 and FIG.
FIG. 15 is a diagram showing how the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the liquid level detection error warning is displayed, and FIG. 16 is the display by the display switching button switch after the liquid level detection error warning is displayed. It is a figure which shows a mode that it switches.
In FIG. 15, the display unit 23 is composed of a liquid crystal display device or the like. An error display section 23b for displaying is provided, and items such as error data displayed on the error display section 23b can be switched by the display switching button switch 22.

  In the flowchart shown in FIG. 2, the warning processing means 12 is any one of the temperature detection means 13, the frequency adjustment means 14, the installation location determination means 15, the echo sensitivity determination means 16, the remaining amount detection means 17, the voltage detection means 20, and the like. It is determined whether or not a warning event has occurred based on the detection data value obtained from the means, the determination result, etc. (step 1), and if it is determined that a warning event has occurred (step 1-YES), It is determined whether or not the warning event has been confirmed (step 2).

  Here, when a predetermined time elapses after the occurrence of the warning event and the warning event is confirmed (step 2-YES), the warning content of FIG. 16E is displayed on the display unit 23 (step 3). Next, when the display switch button switch 22 is pressed (step 4-YES), the elapsed time (for example, 23 days, 23 hours) from the occurrence of the warning is as shown in FIGS. Display (step 5), and the process ends. If the button switch 22 is not pressed in step 4, the process is terminated as it is.

  If the warning event is not confirmed in step 2 (step 2-NO), when the display switch button switch 22 is pressed (step 6-YES), the warning content shown in FIG. Is displayed (step 7). Note that the display content of FIG. 15A, that is, the position where the liquid level is 30 to 40% when the liquid level is full is not necessarily accurate because a liquid level detection error has occurred. After the warning content in FIG. 15A is displayed, if the display switching button switch 22 is pressed (step 8-YES), the remaining duration of the warning event as shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C Is displayed (step 9), and the process is terminated. In step 6 and step 8, when the button switch 22 for display switching is not pressed, the processing is ended as it is.

  For the duration of the warning event, the timer 19 in the control unit 11 comprising the MPU in FIG. 1 is used, for example, the result of counting every second continuously from the time of occurrence of the warning event is converted into time or days. indicate. Here, the display range of a continuation period can be made into the range of 0 to 999 hours and 41 to 999 days, for example.

The configuration of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 2 is the same as that of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 1 shown in FIG.
The ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 according to the second embodiment transmits a sensor driving signal to the ultrasonic sensor 30 connected to the warning processing unit 12 in order to measure the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container. After transmitting the sensor drive signal, the temperature detection means 13 detects the temperature of the liquefied gas inside the bulk container, then the frequency adjustment means 14 adjusts the sensor drive frequency suitable for the bulk container, and then the installation location determination means 15 The sensor installation location is judged as good or bad, then the echo sensitivity judgment means 16 measures the ultrasonic echo sensitivity level, the echo sensitivity is judged as good or bad, and the remaining amount detection means 17 then measures the amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container. The measured value of the remaining amount of liquefied gas in the bulk container is displayed on the display unit 23 formed of a liquid crystal display or the like. In addition, the voltage of the battery is detected by voltage detection means (A / D converter or the like) 20 connected to the battery 25 at regular intervals.

  In the procedure for operating the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of the second embodiment, each means is always determined by the warning processing means 12 after the operation of each means, and if the occurrence of the warning event is determined to be “none”, The subsequent means is determined. If it is determined that the occurrence of the warning event is “present”, the warning content is displayed on the display unit without determining the next means.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the second embodiment.
The ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 according to the second embodiment has a button switch 22 for switching the display. When the operator operates (step 14), a warning event is confirmed as shown in the flowchart of FIG. If so, the display is switched from displaying the warning content (step 13) to displaying the number of occurrences of the warning event (step 15).

Next, the warning process by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 2 and the relationship between the warning process and the warning content displayed on the display unit 23 will be described. Here, the case where the warning event is the liquid level detection error (Err3) shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the warning processing means 12 is one of the temperature detection means 13, the frequency adjustment means 14, the installation location determination means 15, the echo sensitivity determination means 16, the remaining amount detection means 17, the voltage detection means 18, and the like. It is determined whether or not a warning event has occurred based on the detected data value, determination result, etc. from the means (step 11). Here, when a liquid level detection error occurs a predetermined number of times after the occurrence of the warning event and the warning event is confirmed (step 12-YES), the warning content shown in FIG. 16E is displayed (step 13). . Further, when the button switch 22 for switching the display is pressed (step 14-YES), the number of occurrences of the warning event after the warning content as shown in FIG. 16 (H) is displayed is displayed (step 15). The process ends. If the button switch 22 is not pressed in step 14, the process is terminated as it is.

  In step 12, when the warning event does not occur a predetermined number of times and is not determined (step 12-NO), when the display switching button switch 22 is pressed (step 16-YES), the display unit 23 is displayed as shown in FIG. The warning content shown is displayed (step 17). After the warning content in FIG. 15 (A) is displayed, if the display switch button switch 22 is further pressed (step 18-YES), the remaining number of warning events as shown in FIG. 15 (D) is displayed. (Step 19), the process ends. In step 16 and step 18, when the button switch 22 for display switching is not pressed, the processing is ended as it is.

  The number of occurrences of a warning event is counted every time a warning event occurs continuously from the time of occurrence of the warning event by program processing. The counted number is stored in the memory 18, and the stored contents are displayed. In the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 2, the display range of the number of occurrences can be 0 to 99 times.

The configuration of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 3 is the same as that of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 1 shown in FIG.
The ultrasonic level gauge 10 according to the third embodiment generates a sensor drive signal for the ultrasonic sensor 30 connected to the ultrasonic level gauge 10 in order to measure the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container. To do. After transmitting the sensor drive signal, the temperature detection means 13 connected to the warning processing means 12 detects the liquefied gas temperature inside the bulk container, and then the frequency adjustment means 14 adjusts the sensor drive frequency suitable for the bulk container. Next, the installation location determination means 15 determines the quality of the sensor installation location, then the echo sensitivity determination means 16 measures the ultrasonic echo sensitivity level to measure the quality of the echo sensitivity, and then the remaining amount The detection means 17 measures the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container, and displays the measured value of the remaining amount of liquefied gas inside the bulk container on the display unit 23 composed of a liquid crystal display or the like. Further, the voltage of the battery 25 is detected by the voltage detection means 20 comprising an A / D converter or the like connected to the battery 25 at regular intervals.

  In the procedure when the ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 according to the third embodiment is operated, the warning processing means is always executed after the execution of each means, and if it is determined that the occurrence of the warning event is “none”, the next operation is sequentially performed. To implement. If it is determined that the occurrence of the warning event is “present”, the warning content is displayed on the display unit 23 without performing the next operation.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic level gauge according to the third embodiment has a button switch 22 for switching the display. When the operator operates the warning level event, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Is confirmed (step 21-YES), the display of the warning display content (step 22) is switched to the display of the occurrence date and time of the warning event (step 24).

Next, a warning process by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the third embodiment and a relationship between the warning process and the warning content displayed on the display unit 23 will be described. Here, the case where the warning event is the liquid level detection error (Err3) shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 will be described.
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 4, when a warning event occurs and is confirmed (step 21-YES), the warning content as shown in FIG. 16E is displayed (step 22). Here, when the button switch 22 for switching the display is pressed (step 23-YES), the year / month / day / hour / minute (for example, October 23, 2004, 17:00) as shown in FIG. 38 minutes) is displayed on the display unit 23 (step 24), and the process is terminated. If the warning event is not confirmed at step 21 (step 21-NO) and the button switch 22 is not pressed at step 23 (step 23-NO), the process is terminated as it is.

  The year / month / day / hour / day when the warning event occurred is based on the information of the current year / month / date / time set in advance by the operator using the timer 19 in the control unit 11 of FIG. The year, month, day, and hour for the occurrence of the warning event is obtained from the information on the duration period continuously counted every second. The obtained result is displayed on the error display part 23b of the display part 23. The display range of the year, month, day and time when the warning event occurred is, for example, year (last 2 digits of the Christian era; 00 to 99 years), month (2 digits; January to December), day (two digits; 01 days to Last day), hour (2 digits; 00 hours to 23 hours), minute (2 digits; 00 minutes to 59 minutes).

  The configuration of the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 4 is the same as that of the ultrasonic liquid level gauges of Examples 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 1 in its main part, but further has a communication means 21 as a component. And connected to the external communication device 40 via the terminal unit 24.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a warning process when a warning content display request is received from an external communication device in the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of the fourth embodiment.
When there is a warning content display request from the external communication device 40 to the ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 (step 31-YES), if no warning event has occurred (step 32-NO), the communication means 21 returns the measured value of the remaining amount of liquefied gas in the bulk container to the external communication device 40 (step 33). If a warning event has occurred in step 32 (step 32-YES), the warning content, the duration of the warning event, the number of occurrences, or the year / month / day / time when the warning event occurred is returned (step 34).

Next, in the ultrasonic liquid level gauges of Examples 1 to 4, the confirmation process when each warning event occurs will be described by taking an echo sensitivity deficiency error (Err6) as an example.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a process for determining an echo sensitivity deficiency warning event.
When the ultrasonic liquid level gauge 10 of Examples 1 to 4 measures the liquid level of the liquefied gas or the like, the warning processing means 12 first measures the ultrasonic echo sensitivity (Step 41). As a method of measuring the echo sensitivity, for example, there is a method of measuring using an ultrasonic pulse reflected on the liquid surface, that is, an echo is repeatedly detected. The ultrasonic pulse emitted by the transmitter of the ultrasonic sensor 30 is reflected by the liquid surface and returns to the bottom surface of the bulk container in which the ultrasonic sensor 30 is installed, and is received by the ultrasonic sensor 30 as a first echo. Detected by the instrument. Further, the first echo that has returned to the bottom surface of the bulk container is reflected by the bottom surface, is reflected again by the liquid surface, returns to the bottom surface, and is detected by the ultrasonic sensor as the second echo. Similarly, the third echo and the fourth echo are detected. For example, if the nth echo can be detected, it is expressed as a sensitivity level n.

  Next, it is determined whether the acquired echo sensitivity level n is a predetermined level (step 42). Since the number of echo repetitions varies depending on the liquid level, the predetermined level may be changed according to the liquid level. If the echo sensitivity level has reached the predetermined level (step 42 -YES), the process is terminated. If the echo sensitivity level is less than the predetermined level (step 42-NO), the number of echo sensitivity deficiencies so far is counted (step 43), and if the number of echo sensitivity deficiencies has reached the predetermined number or more (step 44-). YES), the sensor abnormality warning event is confirmed (step 45). When the sensor abnormality warning event clear command is received from the external communication device 40, the confirmation of the sensor abnormality warning event is canceled and the number of times of echo sensitivity deficiency is set to an initial value of zero.

  In step 44, the reason that the sensor abnormality warning event is not made until the number of times of echo sensitivity deficiency reaches a predetermined number is that, when the liquefied gas is filled, bubbles are mixed in the liquid or the liquid level is shaken, so it is difficult to capture the echo temporarily. This is because it is determined that the sensor is abnormal only when a lack of echo sensitivity is continuously detected.

  Hereinafter, the contents displayed on the display unit for each type of error in the ultrasonic liquid level gauges of Examples 1 to 3 will be described. Here, as error types, hardware error (Err0), temperature detection error (Err1), tank table registration error (Err2), liquid level detection error (Err3), battery voltage detection error (Err4), ultrasonic sensor installation The error (Err5), the echo sensitivity insufficient error (Err6), and the echo sensitivity excessive error (Err7) will be described.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a state where the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the hardware error (Err0) warning display, and FIG. 10 is displayed by the display switching button switch after the hardware error warning display. It is a figure which shows a mode that is switched.
When the hardware error (Err0) is detected by the warning processing means 12, the display of FIG. 9A is made by pressing the button switch 22, and by pressing the switch button switch 22, FIG. 9D is displayed. Thus, the remaining number of warning occurrences (for example, 12 times) until the warning occurrence is displayed. When the hardware error warning event is confirmed, FIG. 10 (E) is displayed. By pressing the switch button 22 for switching, the ultrasonic liquid level meter according to the first embodiment uses FIGS. 10 (F) and 10 (G). As shown in FIG. 10, the number of days (e.g., 23 days) and the elapsed time (e.g., 23 hours) from the occurrence of the warning are displayed. The number of times the warning event has occurred (for example, 32 times) is displayed. In the ultrasonic liquid level meter of Example 3, the warning occurrence date (for example, 17:38 on October 23, 2004) as shown in FIG. Minutes) is displayed.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing how the display switching button switch is switched before the temperature detection error (Err1) warning display, and FIG. 12 is the display switching button switch after the temperature detection error warning display. It is a figure which shows a mode that is switched.
When the temperature detection error (Err1) is detected by the warning processing means 12, the display displayed on the display unit 23 is performed in the same manner as in the case of the hardware error (Err0) in FIGS.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the tank table registration error (Err2) warning display, and FIG. 14 is a display switching button switch after the tank table registration error warning display. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by.
When the tank processing registration error (Err2) is detected by the warning processing means 12, the button switch 22 is pressed to display the screen shown in FIG. 13A. By pressing the switching button switch 22, the embodiment In the ultrasonic level gauge of 1, as shown in FIGS. 13B and 13C, the remaining days (eg, 4 days) and time (eg, 16 hours) until the occurrence of the warning are displayed. In the ultrasonic liquid level gauge, the remaining number of warning occurrences (for example, 12 times) until the warning occurs is displayed as shown in FIG. When the warning event of the tank table registration error (Err2) is confirmed, FIG. 14E is displayed. By pressing the switch button switch 22 in this state, the ultrasonic liquid level meter of the first embodiment has FIG. As shown in (F) and (G), the number of days elapsed from the occurrence of the warning (eg, 23 days) and the elapsed time (eg, 23 hours) are displayed. H), the number of errors that occurred after the occurrence of the warning (eg, 32 times) is displayed. In the ultrasonic liquid level meter of Example 3, the date of occurrence of the warning (eg, 2004) as shown in FIG. October 23, 17:38) is displayed.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing how the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the battery voltage detection error (Err4) warning display. FIG. 18 is a display switching button switch after the battery voltage detection error warning display. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by. (Note that since the liquid level detection error (Err3) in FIGS. 15 and 16 has been described above, description thereof is omitted here.)
When the battery voltage detection error (Err4) is detected by the warning processing means 12, the display displayed on the display unit 23 is made in the same manner as in the case of the tank table registration error (Err2) in FIGS.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the ultrasonic sensor installation error (Err5) warning is displayed. FIG. 20 is a diagram for switching the display after the ultrasonic sensor installation error warning is displayed. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches with a button switch.
When an ultrasonic sensor installation error (Err5) is detected by the warning processing means 12, the display displayed on the display unit 23 is made in the same manner as in the case of the tank table registration error (Err2) of FIGS.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a state where the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the warning display of the echo sensitivity insufficient error (Err6), and FIG. 22 is a display switching button switch after the warning display of the echo sensitivity insufficient error. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by.
When the warning processing means 12 detects an echo sensitivity deficiency error (Err6), the display displayed on the display unit 23 is performed in the same manner as the tank table registration error (Err2) in FIGS.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a state where the display is switched by the display switching button switch before the warning display of the echo sensitivity excessive error (Err7), and FIG. 24 is a display switching button switch after the warning display of the echo sensitivity excessive error. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by.
When the warning processing means 12 detects an excessive echo sensitivity error (Err7), the display displayed on the display unit 23 is the same as in the case of the tank table registration error (Err2) of FIGS.

  As described above, in the description of the ultrasonic liquid level gauges of Examples 1 to 4, a bulk container or a bulk storage tank (bulk container) is used as an example for storing a liquefied gas such as LPG, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to general liquids stored in all types of tanks and storage tanks.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the first embodiment. 6 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating warning processing by the ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to the third embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing warning processing when a warning content display request is received from an external communication device in the ultrasonic liquid level gauge of Embodiment 4. It is a flowchart which shows the confirmation process of an echo sensitivity insufficient warning event. It is a flowchart which shows the warning process by the conventional ultrasonic type liquid level gauge. It is a flowchart which shows the warning process when there exists a display request | requirement of the warning content from the external communication apparatus in the conventional ultrasonic level gauge. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of a hardware error (Err0). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for a display switch after a hardware error (Err0) warning display. It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of a temperature detection error (Err1). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching after the warning display of a temperature detection error (Err1). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches with the button switch for a display switching before the warning display of a tank table registration error (Err2). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for a display switch after a warning display of a tank table registration error (Err2). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of a liquid level detection error (Err3). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for a display switching after the warning display of a liquid level detection error (Err3). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the display switch button switch before the warning display of a battery voltage detection error (Err4). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the display switch button switch after a warning display of a battery voltage detection error (Err4). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of an ultrasonic sensor installation error (Err5). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for display switching after the warning display of an ultrasonic sensor installation error (Err5). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of an echo sensitivity insufficient error (Err6). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the display switch button switch after the warning display of an echo sensitivity insufficient error (Err6). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display is switched by the button switch for display switching before the warning display of an echo sensitivity excessive error (Err7). It is a figure which shows a mode that a display switches by the button switch for display switching after the warning display of an echo sensitivity excessive error (Err7).

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Ultrasonic liquid level meter, 11 ... Control part (MPU), 12 ... Warning processing means, 13 ... Temperature detection means, 14 ... Frequency adjustment means, 15 ... Installation location determination means, 16 ... Echo sensitivity determination means, 17 ... remaining amount detection means, 18 ... memory, 19 ... timer, 20 ... voltage detection means, 21 ... communication means, 22 ... button switch, 23 ... display section, 24 ... terminal section, 25 ... battery, 30 ... ultrasonic sensor, 40: External communication device.

Claims (4)

Temperature detection means for detecting the liquid temperature inside the container, frequency adjustment means for adjusting the drive frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container, and determination of pass / fail of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor An installation location determination means, an echo sensitivity determination means for determining the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, a remaining amount detection means for detecting a remaining liquid level inside the container, and a power supply voltage for each means is detected. To output obtained from any one of the temperature detection means, the frequency adjustment means, the installation location determination means, the echo sensitivity determination means, the remaining amount detection means, and the voltage detection means. In the ultrasonic liquid level gauge provided with warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on the determination result and displaying a warning based on the determination result,
The warning processing means counts the period from the occurrence of the warning event and displays warning information indicating the remaining duration until the warning display is performed on the display means, or from the time when the warning display is performed. An ultrasonic liquid level gauge which performs a process of counting the period and displaying warning information indicating the duration after the warning is displayed on the display means. Temperature detection means for detecting the liquid temperature inside the container, frequency adjustment means for adjusting the drive frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container, and determination of pass / fail of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor An installation location determination means, an echo sensitivity determination means for determining the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, a remaining amount detection means for detecting a remaining liquid level inside the container, and a power supply voltage for each means is detected. To output obtained from any one of the temperature detection means, the frequency adjustment means, the installation location determination means, the echo sensitivity determination means, the remaining amount detection means, and the voltage detection means. In the ultrasonic liquid level gauge provided with warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on the determination result and displaying a warning based on the determination result,
The warning processing means counts the number of occurrences from the occurrence of the warning event and displays warning information indicating the remaining number of occurrences until the warning display is performed, or when the warning display is performed. The ultrasonic liquid level meter is characterized in that the number of occurrences is counted from the above and warning information indicating the number of occurrences after the warning is displayed is displayed on the display means. Temperature detection means for detecting the liquid temperature inside the container, frequency adjustment means for adjusting the drive frequency of the connected ultrasonic sensor to a frequency suitable for the outer wall of the container, and determination of pass / fail of the installation location of the ultrasonic sensor An installation location determination means, an echo sensitivity determination means for determining the echo sensitivity of the ultrasonic sensor, a remaining amount detection means for detecting a remaining liquid level inside the container, and a power supply voltage for each means is detected. To output obtained from any one of the temperature detection means, the frequency adjustment means, the installation location determination means, the echo sensitivity determination means, the remaining amount detection means, and the voltage detection means. In the ultrasonic liquid level gauge provided with warning processing means for determining whether or not a warning event has occurred based on the determination result and displaying a warning based on the determination result,
The ultrasonic liquid level gauge, wherein the warning processing means performs a process of determining when the warning event has occurred and displaying warning information indicating the determination result on the display means. The ultrasonic liquid level gauge according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
An ultrasonic liquid level gauge comprising a communication means for communicating with an external communication device, and communicating the warning information and various data with the external communication device.

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