JP2009058282A - Water level estimation device and liquid storage container - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To estimate the amount of liquid in a storage part, even when the storage part for storing the liquid is tilted. <P>SOLUTION: The water level estimation device includes a plurality of pressure sensors D01 for the liquid for detecting each liquid pressure, and a pressure sensor D02 for non-liquid for detecting the pressure of a fluid in a domain where a fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage part 10 for storing the liquid. A water level estimation part 13 calculates each distance from a plurality of portions to the liquid surface in a fixed direction based on detection results from the pressure sensors D01 for the liquid and detection results from the pressure sensor D02 for the non-liquid, and estimates a distance from a reference point to the liquid surface when the storage part 10 is in a straight state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a water level estimation device, and more particularly, to a water level estimation device that estimates a water level of a liquid in a tilting and swinging tank.

  In general, when a tank that contains liquid therein is mounted on a moving body, the tank and the liquid in the tank are both shaken or inclined as the posture of the moving body changes, such as shaking or tilting. As a result, the water level on the liquid level varies, and for example, in a humidifier equipped with a tank, the residence time of bubbles in the liquid varies. Therefore, the water level on the liquid surface varies, and accordingly, the residence time of bubbles in the liquid varies. Due to this, there is a possibility that stable humidification performance cannot be obtained in the humidifier mounted on the moving body.

  Therefore, for example, in Patent Document 1, by providing a porous body upstream of the reaction gas outlet of the tank, the entrainment of water by the reaction gas is suppressed, and by providing a plurality of donut-shaped baffle plates in the middle part, A technique for suppressing the entrainment of water into bubbles by air-water separation or wave-dissipating action is disclosed.

JP 2000-223139 A

  The humidifier disclosed in Patent Document 1 secures a sufficient distance from the gas outlet to the liquid level and provides a partition plate to suppress a decrease in humidification performance. However, the reduction of the water level due to the reduction of the amount of liquid in the tank is not considered.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to estimate the amount of liquid in a tank even when the tank is inclined.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the water level estimation apparatus according to the present invention is configured to store the liquid based on the distances from a plurality of portions of the storage unit that stores the liquid to the liquid level in a predetermined direction. Water level estimating means for estimating the distance from the reference point to the liquid level when the part is in an upright state.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is based on the distances from the plurality of sites to the liquid level in the predetermined direction, from the reference point to the liquid level in the direction in which the container is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Calculate the distance. Based on the distance from the reference point to the liquid level in the direction in which the container is inclined with respect to the vertical direction, each distance from the reference point to the liquid level when the container is in an upright state, that is, the container is The water level when in an upright state can be estimated.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, a plurality of liquid pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the liquid, and an in-cylinder pressure detecting means for detecting a fluid pressure in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage portion And the water level estimation means is based on the detection result of the liquid pressure detection means and the detection result of the in-cylinder pressure detection means, and each distance from the plurality of parts to the liquid level in a fixed direction. It is desirable to calculate

  With the above-described configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is based on the results detected by the in-cylinder pressure detecting means and the results detected by the liquid pressure detecting means provided in the plurality of portions, for each liquid in the vertical direction. Each distance from the pressure detecting means to the liquid level is calculated. The water level estimation device can estimate the water level when the container is in an upright state based on the distances from the liquid pressure detection means to the liquid level.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, one of the plurality of communication pipes that opens to a region where the liquid exists in the storage portion and the other opens to a region where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage portion; A light emitting unit that is provided at a predetermined position of a plurality of communication tubes and emits light so as to pass through the communication tube, and a light receiving unit that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit and receives the light from the light emitting unit And the light receiving unit detects the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light emitting unit based on the amount of light, and the water level estimating means is provided in the plurality of communication pipes. Further, it is desirable to calculate each distance from the plurality of parts to the liquid surface in a certain direction based on the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is configured so that the liquid level in the direction in which the accommodating portion is inclined with respect to the vertical direction from each reference point based on the amount of light received by each light receiving portion provided in each communication pipe. The distance to is calculated. The water level estimation device can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the distances from the respective reference points to the liquid level in the direction in which the storage unit is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

  A preferable aspect of the present invention includes a float that floats in the liquid inside the communication pipe and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit when positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. It is desirable. Accordingly, when the float is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the float more reliably blocks light emitted from the light emitting unit. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably estimate the water level when the accommodating portion is in an upright state.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, one of the plurality of communication pipes that opens to a region where the liquid exists in the storage portion and the other opens to a region where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage portion; A float that is provided inside the communication pipe and floats in the liquid; and a contact detection means that is provided at a predetermined position inside the communication pipe and detects contact with the float, and the water level estimation means includes: It is desirable to calculate each distance from the plurality of portions to the liquid level in a certain direction based on each detection result detected by the contact detection means provided in the plurality of communication pipes.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation apparatus according to the present invention is a direction in which the accommodating portion is inclined with respect to the vertical direction from each reference point based on the detection result of each contact detection means provided at a predetermined position of each communication pipe. The distance to the liquid level at is calculated. The water level estimation device can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the distances from the respective reference points to the liquid level in the direction in which the storage unit is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Moreover, the water level when the container is in an upright state can be estimated regardless of the liquid permeability.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the number of the sites is desirably at least 3. In general, the surface is determined by at least three points. Therefore, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is in an upright state regardless of the direction in which the storage unit is tilted based on the distances in the predetermined direction from at least three parts to the liquid level. The water level when it is at can be estimated.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, it is desirable that the plurality of portions are located at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the housing portion. Thereby, the water level estimation apparatus according to the present invention can suitably estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state, regardless of the direction in which the storage unit is tilted.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is from the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit to the center of the liquid level at a predetermined height of the storage unit that stores the liquid. And a water level estimating means for estimating a distance from a reference point to the liquid level when the container is in an upright state based on the distance.

  Basically, the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container to the center of the liquid level does not change even if the container is tilted. Thereby, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is based on the distance from the center of the horizontal cross section of the storage unit to the center of the liquid level, from the reference point to the liquid level when the storage unit is in an upright state. It is possible to estimate each distance, that is, the water level when the accommodating portion is in an upright state.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, a liquid center pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the liquid at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in a region where the liquid is present, and a fluid different from the liquid in the containing portion An in-cylinder pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the region where the water is present, and an angle detecting means for detecting the inclination of the accommodating portion with respect to the vertical direction, and the water level estimating means includes the liquid center pressure detecting means Based on the detection result, the detection result of the in-cylinder pressure detection means, and the detection result of the angle detection means, the distance from the center of the horizontal cross section of the container at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is determined. It is desirable to calculate.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is based on the result detected by the in-cylinder pressure detecting means and the result detected by the liquid center pressure detecting means, from the liquid pressure detecting means to the liquid level in the vertical direction. The distance is calculated. The water level estimation device can estimate the water level when the accommodating portion is in an upright state based on the distance from the liquid pressure detection means to the liquid level and the angle detection means.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, the liquid is different from the liquid that is provided at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in the region where the liquid exists and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface. A light receiving portion that is provided at a position facing the light emitting portion in a region where a fluid is present, and that receives the light from the light emitting portion, and the light receiving portion includes the light emitting portion based on the amount of light. The distance occupied by the liquid with respect to the light receiving unit is detected, and the water level estimation means is configured to store the liquid at the predetermined height based on the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. It is desirable to calculate the distance from the center of the horizontal cross section of the part to the center of the liquid level.

  The amount of attenuation of light emitted from the light emitting unit is determined by the amount of liquid existing between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Therefore, the water level estimation apparatus according to the present invention can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, a light emitting section that is provided at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and that emits light toward the center of the liquid surface, A light receiving portion that is provided at a position facing the light emitting portion in a region where the liquid is present, and that receives the light from the light emitting portion, and the light receiving portion includes the light emitting portion based on the amount of the light. The water level estimating means for detecting a distance occupied by the liquid with respect to the light receiving part is based on a distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting part and the light receiving part, and the accommodating part at the predetermined height. It is desirable to calculate the distance from the center of the horizontal cross section to the center of the liquid level.

  The amount of attenuation of light emitted from the light emitting unit is determined by the amount of liquid existing between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. Therefore, the water level estimation apparatus according to the present invention can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

  As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is a light emitting portion that is provided in a region where the liquid exists or a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface, and the liquid exists. An area or an area where a fluid different from the liquid is present is provided in the area where the light emitting part is provided, and the light that has received the light from the light emitting part and reflected by the liquid surface arrives. A light receiving unit that detects a distance from the light emitting unit to the liquid level based on time, and the water level estimation unit is configured to be at the predetermined height based on the distance from the light emitting unit to the liquid level. It is desirable to calculate the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container to the center of the liquid level.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is such that the light emitted from the light emitting unit is reflected by the central portion of the liquid surface and the containing unit is in an upright state based on the time until the light receiving unit is reached. You can estimate the water level.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, an ultrasonic wave generation unit that emits an ultrasonic wave toward a center of the liquid surface and provided in a region where the liquid exists or a fluid different from the liquid exists, and the liquid Of the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic wave generator that is provided in the area where the ultrasonic wave generation unit is provided and is reflected by the liquid surface in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists. An ultrasonic sound receiving unit that detects a distance from the ultrasonic wave generating unit to the liquid level based on the water level, and the water level estimating means is a distance from the sound wave generating unit to the liquid level to the light receiving unit. It is desirable to calculate the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention is configured so that the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic wave generation unit is reflected by the central part of the liquid surface and the storage unit is based on the time until the ultrasonic wave reception unit is reached. The water level when in an upright state can be estimated.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, one passes through the center of the liquid surface, one opens at the center of the horizontal cross section at the predetermined height of the region where the liquid exists in the housing portion, and the other is in the housing portion. A communication pipe that opens in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, a light emitting section that is provided at a predetermined position of the communication pipe and emits light so as to pass through the communication pipe, and a position facing the light emitting section And a light receiving unit that receives light from the light receiving unit and detects the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting unit based on the amount of the light, and the water level estimating means Based on the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting part and the light receiving part provided on the tube, the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the containing part at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is calculated. To do Desirable.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention calculates the distance from the center of the horizontal cross section of the storage unit to the center of the liquid level based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit provided in the communication pipe. The water level estimation device can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit to the center of the liquid level.

  As a preferable aspect of the present invention, a float that floats in the liquid inside the communication pipe and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting part by being positioned between the light emitting part and the light receiving part is provided. Is desirable. Accordingly, when the float is positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the float more reliably blocks light emitted from the light emitting unit. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably estimate the water level when the accommodating portion is in an upright state.

  As a preferred aspect of the present invention, one passes through the center of the liquid surface, one opens at the center of the horizontal cross section at the predetermined height of the region where the liquid exists in the housing portion, and the other is in the housing portion. A communication pipe that opens in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, a float that is provided in the communication pipe and floats in the liquid, is provided at a predetermined position inside the communication pipe, and the float Contact detection means for detecting contact, wherein the water level estimation means is configured to detect the level of the container at the predetermined height based on each detection result detected by the contact detection means provided in the communication pipe. It is desirable to calculate the distance from the center of the cross section to the center of the liquid surface.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device according to the present invention can estimate the water level when the accommodating portion is in an upright state based on the detection result of the contact detection means provided at a predetermined position of the communication pipe. Moreover, the water level when the container is in an upright state can be estimated regardless of the liquid permeability.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a liquid storage container according to the present invention includes a storage unit that stores a liquid, a liquid supply passage that supplies the liquid to the storage unit, and the storage unit is upright. The water level estimation device that estimates the distance from the reference point to the liquid level when in the state, and the amount of the liquid estimated by the water level estimation device is supplied to the storage unit via the liquid supply passage. Supply liquid amount adjusting means for adjusting the amount of the liquid.

  With the above configuration, the liquid storage container according to the present invention can estimate the water level when the storage unit is in an upright state even when the storage unit is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Moreover, the liquid storage container can suppress that the water level of the liquid in a storage part will be in a state which is too small by comparing the said water level and predetermined value.

  The water level estimation device and the liquid container according to the present invention can estimate the amount of liquid in the tank even when the tank is inclined.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited by the best mode for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment). In addition, constituent elements in the following embodiments include those that can be easily assumed by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those in a so-called equivalent range.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the first embodiment from the side surface side, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the first embodiment from the upper surface side or the lower surface side. The water level estimation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is characterized in that it includes a plurality of liquid pressure sensors D01. Hereinafter, the water level estimation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described as being provided in a tank 100 as a liquid storage container that stores a liquid therein. Further, the tank 100 is mounted on a moving body such as a ship or a vehicle, and as the tank 100 tilts and swings, the liquid contained therein also tilts and swings.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the tank 100 includes a storage unit 10 that stores liquid therein by a side surface portion 101, a lower surface portion 102, and an upper surface portion 103. The side surface portion 101 is formed in, for example, a hollow cylindrical shape. The lower surface portion 102 is connected to one end portion of the side surface portion 101 without a gap. The upper surface portion is connected to the other end portion of the side surface portion 101 without a gap. Thereby, the accommodating part 10 is formed inside the tank 100. In addition, the area | region where the liquid exists among the accommodating parts 10 is set as the liquid area | region ARw. Further, a region where no liquid exists is defined as a non-liquid region ARa.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid region ARw of the storage unit 10 is described as containing liquid, and the non-liquid region ARa is described as containing gas, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. As a case where the tank 100 is used in a special application, a liquid different from the liquid may be accommodated in the non-liquid region ARa. For example, when liquids having different specific gravities are stored in the storage unit 10, the first liquid having a high specific gravity is stored in the liquid area ARw, and the second liquid having a low specific gravity is stored in the non-liquid area ARa.

  The tank 100 further includes a supply passage 104, a supply valve 104a, a discharge passage 105, and a discharge valve 105a. The supply passage 104 is connected to the side surface portion 101 and opens to the accommodating portion 10. Thereby, the liquid is supplied to the storage unit 10. The supply valve 104 a is a supply liquid amount adjusting unit that is provided in the supply passage 104 and adjusts the amount of liquid supplied to the storage unit 10. The discharge passage 105 is connected to the side surface portion 101 and opens to the housing portion 10. Thereby, the liquid is discharged from the storage unit 10. The discharge valve 105 a is a discharge liquid amount adjusting unit that is provided in the discharge passage 105 and adjusts the amount of liquid discharged from the storage unit 10.

  Although the supply passage 104 and the discharge passage 105 are connected to the side surface portion 101, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be connected to the upper surface portion 103 or may be connected to the lower surface portion 102. In addition, although the tank 100 has a cylindrical shape, the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a hollow quadrangular prism shape or a spherical shape may be used.

  The water level estimation apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid pressure sensor D01 as a liquid pressure detection unit and a non-liquid pressure sensor D02 as a cylinder pressure detection unit. The liquid pressure sensor D01 is provided on the side surface portion 101 of the tank 100 so as to protrude into the liquid region ARw of the storage unit 10. As shown in FIG. 2, eight liquid pressure sensors D01 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 101. Thereby, each pressure sensor D01 detects the pressure of the liquid of each installation site. The non-liquid pressure sensor D02 is provided on the side surface portion 101 of the tank 100 so as to protrude into the non-liquid region ARa of the storage unit 10. Thereby, the pressure sensor D01 for liquid detects the pressure of the gas in the accommodating part 10 in this embodiment.

  Here, let the central axis of the accommodating part 10 be the central axis CL. Further, the state where the central axis CL is parallel to the vertical direction GL is defined as the tank 100 being upright. When the tank 100 stands upright, the liquid region ARw is located on the lower surface portion 102 side, and the non-liquid region ARa is located on the upper surface portion 103 side.

  The liquid pressure sensor D01 is more preferably provided on the side surface portion 101 in the vicinity of the lower surface portion 102. Thereby, the liquid surface is inclined by the inclination and swinging of the tank 100, and the risk that the liquid pressure sensor D01 is exposed from the liquid can be suppressed. Moreover, although it was provided in the side part 101, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it may be provided on the lower surface portion 102.

  FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a configuration of the water level estimation apparatus according to the first embodiment. The water level estimation apparatus 1 includes an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 50 shown in FIG. The ECU 15 performs processing for estimating the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, processing for adjusting the water level of the tank 100, and the like. The ECU 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 15p, a storage unit 15m, an input port 15in and an output port 15out, an input interface IFi, and an output interface Ifo.

  The ECU 15 obtains information for acquiring information stored in the storage unit 15m as a result of detection by the control unit 11 that controls the supply valve 104a and various detection means such as the liquid pressure sensor D01 and the non-liquid pressure sensor D02. And a water level estimation unit 13 as water level estimation means for making various determinations based on the information acquired by the information acquisition unit 12. These are the parts that execute the fuel-containing oil control according to this embodiment. The CPU 15p and the storage unit 15m are connected by a bus Bc. The CPU 15p and the input port 15in are connected by a bus Ba. The CPU 15p and the output port 15out are connected by a bus Bb.

  An input interface IFi is connected to the input port 15in. A liquid pressure sensor D01 and a non-liquid pressure sensor D02 are connected to the input interface IFi. Signals output from these various detection means are converted into signals that can be used by the CPU 15p by the A / D converter ADC and the digital input buffer DIB in the input interface IFi and sent to the input port 15in. Thereby, CPU15p can acquire information required for control of supply valve 104a.

  An output interface IFo is connected to the output port 15out. A supply valve 104a is connected to the output interface IFO as a control target. The output interface IFO operates the control target based on a control signal calculated by the CPU 15p. Thereby, based on the output signal from the said detection means, CPU15p of ECU15 can control the opening degree of the supply valve 104a.

  The storage unit 15m stores a computer program and a control data map including a processing procedure for estimating the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, a processing procedure for adjusting the water level of the tank 100, and the like. . Here, the storage unit 15m can be configured by a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a nonvolatile memory such as a flash memory, or a combination thereof.

  The computer program may be capable of realizing the processing procedure of the ECU 15 according to the present embodiment in combination with the computer program already recorded in the CPU 15p. Further, the ECU 15 may realize the function of the control unit 11 using dedicated hardware instead of the computer program.

  With the above configuration, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the pressure of the liquid in each part from each liquid pressure sensor D01. And the control part 11 controls opening and closing of the supply valve 104a based on this detection result.

  4 and 5 are schematic diagrams when the tank according to the first embodiment is projected from the side surface. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control contents of the control device of the water level estimation apparatus according to the present embodiment. The tank 100 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is in an inclined state with an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction GL. The angle θ is the narrower angle among the angles formed by the central axis CL and the vertical direction GL. For convenience of explanation, the liquid pressure sensor D01a to the liquid pressure sensor D01e among the plurality of liquid pressure sensors D01 will be described as representatives. It is assumed that the liquid pressure sensor D01a detects the minimum pressure and the liquid pressure sensor D01e detects the maximum pressure. Further, the angle θ is a narrow angle formed by the central axis CL and the vertical direction GL, but the angle formed by the lower surface portion 102 and the horizontal direction FL is also an angle equivalent to the angle θ.

  Hereinafter, the control content of the control part 11 is demonstrated using FIG. As step ST101, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the liquid pressure at each part detected by the liquid pressure sensor D01e from the liquid pressure sensor D01a. Next, as step ST102, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates a distance Lga, which is a vertical distance from the liquid pressure sensor D01a to the liquid level, based on the respective pressures. Similarly, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates the distance Lge from the distance Lgb corresponding to the liquid pressure sensor D01e from the liquid pressure sensor D01b. Next, as step ST103, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates the angle θ based on the result of subtracting the distance Lga from the distance Lge which is the maximum value and the diameter of the tank 100.

  In the present embodiment, the water level estimation unit 13 has been described as calculating the angle θ based on the result of subtracting the distance Lga from the maximum distance Lge and the diameter of the tank 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, the relationship between the pressure ratio in each part and the inclination direction of the tank 100 may be mapped, and the angle θ may be calculated based on this map. With this configuration, when the number of liquid pressure sensors D01 is small, the angle θ can be calculated particularly accurately.

  Next, as step ST104, as shown in FIG. 5, the water level estimation unit 13 divides cos θ from the distance Lga to calculate a distance Lca that is a distance in the central axis CL direction from the liquid pressure sensor D01a to the liquid level. To do. Similarly, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates the distance Lce from the distance Lcb based on the distance Lge from the distance Lgb. Next, as step ST105, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates an average from the distance Lca to the distance Lce, and the result is that the tank 100 which is the liquid level of the liquid level when the tank 100 is upright is in the upright state. The distance Lch that is the water level at the time is estimated.

  Next, as step ST106, the control unit 11 compares the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state, with a predetermined distance α. When the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state, is less than the predetermined distance α (Yes in Step ST106), the controller 11 supplies the liquid from the supply passage 104 as Step ST107. Controls the opening and closing of the valve 104a. The predetermined distance α is a value at which the amount of liquid in the tank 100 becomes too small when the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, is less than that value.

  Note that after executing step ST107 or when the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state, is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance α (step ST106, NO), the ECU 15 ends one turn, and step ST101. To repeat step ST107.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device 1 according to the present embodiment can estimate the water level of the liquid level when the tank 100 is stationary and upright even when the tank 100 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction GL. Thereby, the water level of the liquid level in the state where the tank 100 is stationary and standing can be estimated without depending on the state of the tank 100.

  With the above configuration, the tank 100 according to the present embodiment has a state in which the amount of liquid stored in the tank 100 is too small based on the water level of the liquid level when the tank 100 is in an upright state estimated by the water level estimation device 1. Can be suppressed.

  The control unit 11 compares the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, with a predetermined distance β, and if the distance Lch is equal to or greater than the predetermined distance β, the control unit 11 supplies liquid from the discharge passage 105. You may control opening and closing of the discharge valve 105a so that it may discharge. In this case, the predetermined distance β is a value at which the amount of liquid in the tank 100 becomes excessive when the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, exceeds the value. Thereby, the tank 100 according to the present embodiment is in an excessive amount of liquid stored in the tank 100 based on the water level of the liquid level when the tank 100 estimated by the water level estimation device 1 is in the upright state. This can be suppressed.

  As described above, the water level estimation device 1 according to the present embodiment is when the storage unit 10 is in an upright state based on the distances from the plurality of portions of the storage unit 10 that stores the liquid to the liquid level in a predetermined direction. And a water level estimation unit 13 for estimating the distance from the reference point to the liquid level.

  The water level estimation apparatus according to this embodiment includes a plurality of liquid pressure sensors D01 that detect the pressure of a liquid, and a non-liquid pressure sensor that detects the pressure of a fluid in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit 10. D02, and the water level estimation unit 13 calculates each distance from a plurality of parts to the liquid level in a certain direction based on the detection result of the liquid pressure sensor D01 and the detection result of the non-liquid pressure sensor D02. calculate.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the second embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 2 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 2 of the first embodiment, but differs from the first embodiment in that a level gauge D03 is provided instead of the liquid pressure sensor D01. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the water level estimation device 2 includes a plurality of level gauges D03 in the tank 100. The level gauge D03 is configured by a communication pipe 24. The liquid region side end 24w, which is one end of the communication tube 24, opens to the liquid region ARw, and the non-liquid region side end 24a, which is the other end, opens to the non-liquid region ARa. When the pressure difference between the liquid region side end 24w and the non-liquid region side end 24a changes, the liquid level in the passage of the level gauge D03 changes. Accordingly, the level gauge D03 measures the distance Lce from the distance Lca that is the height from the non-liquid region side end 24a to the liquid surface in the central axis CL direction.

  For example, the plurality of level gauges D03 are provided in the circumferential direction of the side surface portion 101 of the tank 100, for example, similarly to the plurality of liquid pressure sensors D01 according to the first embodiment. Of the plurality of level gauges D03, the level gauges D03a to D03e will be described as representatives.

  The level gauge D03 includes a light emitting unit 22 and a light receiving unit 23. The light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are provided at a distance α from the liquid region side end 24w in the central axis CL direction. For example, when the tank 100 is in an upright state, the distance α is a height at which the amount of liquid stored in the tank 100 becomes too small when the water level on the liquid level becomes equal to or lower than that value.

  The light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are provided to face each other across the passage of the level gauge D03. The light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 may be attached to the level gauge D03, or may be attached to other members as long as they are provided facing each other across the passage of the level gauge D03. The light emitting unit 22 emits light to the light receiving unit 23 through the passage of the level gauge D03. The light receiving unit 23 receives the light from the light emitting unit 22 through the passage of the level gauge D03. The water level estimation unit 13 of the ECU 15 determines whether liquid is present in the passage of the level gauge D03 between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 based on the amount of the light received by the light receiving unit.

  The light receiving unit 23 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. As a result, the information acquisition unit 12 sends a signal indicating whether or not liquid is present in the passage of the level gauge D03 between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 from the respective light receiving units 23 provided in the plurality of level gauges D03. get. In addition, if the light emission part 22 is a structure which always emits light, for example, the light emission part 22 does not need to be connected with ECU15.

  For example, in the diagram shown in FIG. 7, there is no liquid in the passage between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 of the level gauge D03a and the level gauge D03b. Then, the light receiving portions 23 of the level gauge D03a and the level gauge D03b receive light from the light emitting portion 22 without passing through the liquid. That is, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 by the liquid reaches the light receiving unit 23 without being attenuated. Thereby, the water level estimation part 13 judges that the distance Lca and the distance Lcb are below the distance α.

  For example, the water level estimation unit 13 determines that the tank 100 is in an upright state based on the number of level gauges D03 that have detected that the distance from the liquid region side end 24w to the liquid level in the direction of the central axis CL is equal to or less than the distance α. It is possible to estimate the distance Lch that is the water level when. In the present embodiment, for example, the number of level gauges D03 that have detected a result that the distance from the liquid region side end 24w to the liquid surface in the direction of the central axis CL is equal to or less than the distance α is the half of eight that is the total number of level gauges D03. The control unit 11 is configured to open the supply valve 104a when the number is 5 or more.

  The present embodiment is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the number of level gauges D03 that detect the result that the distance from the liquid region side end 24w to the liquid surface in the central axis CL direction is equal to or less than the distance α is four. If the controller 11 is configured to open the supply valve 104a in the above case, it is possible to more reliably prevent the amount of liquid stored in the tank 100 from becoming too small.

  As described above, in the water level estimation device 2 according to the present embodiment, one of the openings opens in the liquid area ARw where the liquid exists in the storage unit 10, and the other opens in the non-liquid area ARa where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit 10. A plurality of communication tubes 24, a light emitting unit 22 that is provided at a predetermined position of the plurality of communication tubes 24 and emits light so as to pass through the communication tube 24, and a light emitting unit 22 that is disposed at a position facing the light emitting unit 22 and emits light. A light receiving unit 23 that receives light from the unit 22, and the light receiving unit 23 detects the presence or absence of liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light emitting unit 22 based on the amount of light. Based on the presence or absence of liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 provided in the plurality of communication pipes, each distance from the plurality of parts to the liquid level in a certain direction is calculated.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a level gauge of the water level estimation apparatus according to the third embodiment. The water level estimation device 3 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 2 of the second embodiment, but is different from the second embodiment in that a float 34 floating in a liquid is provided in the passage of the level gauge D03. Different. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The float 34 is provided in a passage in the level gauge D03, and is made of a material that floats in a liquid and blocks light from the light emitting unit 22. With the above configuration, as shown in FIG. 7, when the distance from the liquid region side end 24 w to the liquid surface in the direction of the central axis CL is equal to or less than the distance α, the float 34 reliably blocks light from the light emitting unit 22. . Therefore, it can be more reliably determined whether or not the distance from the liquid region side end 24w to the liquid surface in the direction of the central axis CL is equal to or less than the distance α. That is, even when the tank 100 is inclined, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state can be estimated.

  As described above, the water level estimation device according to the present embodiment floats in the liquid inside the communication tube 24 and floats to block the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 when positioned between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23. Is provided.

(Embodiment 4)
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a level gauge of the water level estimation apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The water level estimation device 4 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 3 of the third embodiment, but instead of the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23, as a contact detection unit that detects the contact of the float 34. Is different from the third embodiment in that the contact sensor D04 is provided in the passage of the level gauge D03. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The contact sensor D04 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi. Thereby, the information acquisition part 12 acquires whether the float 34 contacted the contact sensor from the contact sensor D04. When the water level of the liquid in the level gauge D03 falls below the distance α, the float 34 comes into contact with the contact sensor D04. Thereby, the water level estimation unit 13 determines whether or not the distance from the liquid region side end 24w to the liquid level in the direction of the central axis CL is equal to or less than the distance α in the passage in each level gauge D03.

  Here, depending on the intended use and usage environment of the tank 100, the liquid stored in the tank 100 may be discolored due to dirt or the like. When the liquid changes color, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 23 also changes. However, the water level estimation device A1 according to the present embodiment estimates the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state based on whether the float 34 has contacted the contact sensor D04, not the amount of light. Therefore, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state can be estimated even if the tank 100 is inclined regardless of the discoloration state of the liquid in the tank 100.

  As described above, the water level estimation device according to the present embodiment has a plurality of communication pipes 24, one of which opens in the region where the liquid exists in the storage unit 10 and the other of which opens in the region where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit 10. And a float 34 that is provided in the communication pipe 24 and floats in the liquid, and a contact sensor D04 that is provided at a predetermined position in the communication pipe 24 and detects contact with the float 34, and a water level estimation unit 13 calculates each distance from the plurality of portions to the liquid level in a certain direction based on each detection result detected by the contact sensor D04 provided in the plurality of communication pipes 24.

(Embodiment 5)
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the fifth embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 5 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 1 of the first embodiment, but the above-described embodiment is that the distance between the center of the lower surface portion 102 and the center of the liquid level is measured. Is different. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The water level estimation device 5 includes a liquid pressure sensor D01 as a liquid center pressure detection unit, a non-liquid pressure sensor D02, and an angle sensor D05 as an angle detection unit. The liquid pressure sensor D01 is provided in the liquid region ARw so that the detection element is positioned on the central axis CL. In the present embodiment, the liquid pressure sensor D01 is provided at the center of the lower surface portion. The non-liquid pressure sensor D02 is provided in the non-liquid area ARa and detects the pressure of the fluid in the non-liquid area ARa. The angle sensor D05 is provided on a member of the tank 100, for example, the side surface portion 101, and detects an angle θ formed by the central axis CL and the vertical direction GL.

  FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram when the tank according to the fifth embodiment is projected from the side surface portion. The liquid pressure sensor D01 detects the pressure of the liquid at the center of the lower surface portion 102. Here, the central portion is a portion on the central axis CL. In the present embodiment, the tank 100 has a cylindrical shape, and the lower surface portion 102 has a circular shape. Therefore, the center portion of the lower surface portion 102 is the center of this circle. For example, when the tank 100 has a quadrangular prism shape, the lower surface portion 102 has a quadrangular shape. In this case, the center portion of the lower surface portion 102 is the center of gravity of the lower surface portion 102.

  The non-liquid pressure sensor D02 detects the pressure of the fluid in the non-liquid area ARa. From these detection results, the water level estimation unit 13 calculates a distance Lgh in the vertical direction GL from the center of the lower surface 102 to the liquid level. The information acquisition unit 12 acquires an angle θ formed by the central axis CL and the vertical direction GL, that is, the inclination angle of the tank 100 from the angle sensor D05. The water level estimation unit 13 calculates the distance from the center of the lower surface 102 to the center of the liquid level based on the angle θ. In the central part of the liquid level, the distance to the central part of the lower surface part 102 does not basically change even if the tank 100 is inclined. Therefore, the distance from the center portion of the lower surface portion 102 to the center of the liquid surface is a distance Lch that is a water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state.

  With the above configuration, the water level estimation device 5 according to the present embodiment can estimate the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state without providing a plurality of liquid pressure sensors D01. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the water level estimation apparatus 5 can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, the liquid pressure sensor D01 is provided on the lower surface portion 102, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when there is an opening at the center of the lower surface portion 102, the liquid pressure sensor D01 may be provided in the liquid region ARw on the upper surface portion 103 side using a support member.

  As described above, in the water level estimation device 5 according to this embodiment, the storage unit 10 is based on the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit 10 to the center of the liquid surface at a predetermined height of the storage unit 10 that stores the liquid. And a water level estimation unit 13 that estimates the distance from the reference point to the liquid level when in an upright state.

  The water level estimation device 5 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid pressure sensor D01 that detects the pressure of the liquid at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in the liquid area ARw, which is an area where the liquid exists, and a storage unit 10. A non-liquid pressure sensor D02 for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the non-liquid area ARa, which is an area where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and an angle sensor D05 for detecting the inclination of the container 10 with respect to the vertical direction. Based on the detection result of the liquid pressure sensor D01, the detection result of the non-liquid pressure sensor D02, and the detection result of the angle sensor D05, the estimation unit 13 starts from the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit 10 at a predetermined height. Calculate the distance to the center of the liquid level.

(Embodiment 6)
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the sixth embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 6 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 5 of the fifth embodiment, but differs from the fifth embodiment in that it includes a light emitting unit 22 and a light receiving unit 23. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The water level estimation device 6 includes a light emitting unit 22 and a light receiving unit 23. The light emitting unit 22 is provided on the central axis CL of the liquid region ARw. In the present embodiment, for example, light is emitted at the center of the lower surface portion 102 toward the center of the upper surface portion 103. The light receiving unit 23 is provided in the shape of the central axis CL of the non-liquid region ARa. In the present embodiment, for example, the light receiving surface is provided at the center of the upper surface portion 103 toward the center of the lower surface portion 102. As a result, the light receiving unit 23 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 22.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting portion 22 is provided on the lower surface portion 102 and the light receiving portion 23 is provided on the upper surface portion 103. However, the present embodiment is not limited to this. Even if the light emitting part 22 is provided on the lower surface part 102 and the light receiving part 23 is provided on the upper surface part 103, the same effect can be obtained. The light emission part 22 should just be provided facing the light-receiving part 23 and the center part of a liquid level. That is, the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 may be provided so that the center of the liquid level is positioned on a line segment connecting the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23.

  The light receiving unit 23 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. The control unit 11 acquires the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 23. Here, since the amount of light absorbed by the liquid also changes depending on the amount of liquid existing between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 23 also changes. Therefore, the water level estimation unit 13 estimates the distance Lch that is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state based on the amount of light acquired from the light receiving unit 23. Note that the water level estimation unit 13 stores, for example, a relationship between the amount of light acquired from the light receiving unit 23 and the distance Lch, which is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state, as a map in the storage unit 15m illustrated in FIG. The distance Lch that is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state may be estimated based on the amount of light acquired from the light receiving unit 23 by using the map.

  As described above, the water level estimation device 6 according to the present embodiment is provided at the center of a horizontal section at a predetermined height in the liquid region ARw, which is a region where liquid exists, and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface. And a light receiving unit 23 that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit 22 in the non-liquid region ARa that is a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and that receives the light from the light emitting unit 22. 23 detects the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 based on the amount of light, and the water level estimating unit 13 determines the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23. Based on this, the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container 10 at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is calculated.

  In addition, the water level estimation device according to the present embodiment is provided at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in the non-liquid region ARa that is a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and toward the center of the liquid level. A light-emitting unit 22 that emits light; and a light-receiving unit 23 that is provided at a position facing the light-emitting unit 22 in the liquid region ARw, which is a region where liquid exists, and that receives light from the light-emitting unit 22. The water level estimation unit 13 that detects the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 based on the amount of light is based on the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23. The distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container 10 at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is calculated.

(Embodiment 7)
FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the seventh embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 7 according to this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 6 of Embodiment 6, but the tank 100 is upright based on the arrival time of light from the light emitting unit 22 to the light receiving unit 23. It differs from Embodiment 6 in the point which estimates the water level at the time of a state. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The water level estimation device 7 includes a light emitting unit 22 and a light receiving unit 23. The light emitting unit 22 is provided in the non-liquid region ARa. In the present embodiment, for example, light is emitted near the center of the upper surface portion 103 toward the center of the liquid surface. The light receiving unit 23 is provided in the non-liquid region ARa. In the present embodiment, for example, the light receiving surface is provided near the center of the upper surface portion 103 toward the center of the liquid surface. Thereby, the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is reflected by the liquid surface and travels toward the light receiving unit 23.

  In the above-described embodiment, the light emitting unit 22 does not necessarily have to be electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15, but in this embodiment, the light emission timing at which the light emitting unit 22 emits light is determined by the ECU 15. Controlled by the control unit. Therefore, the light emitting unit 22 of the water level estimation device 7 according to the present embodiment is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15.

  In the present embodiment, the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are provided in the non-liquid region ARa, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 may be provided in the liquid region ARw. The light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is reflected by the liquid surface on the liquid region ARw side and travels toward the light receiving unit 23.

  The light emitting unit 22 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. Thereby, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the light emission time from the light emission unit 22. Alternatively, the control unit 11 controls the light emitting unit 22 to emit light at a predetermined timing. The light receiving unit 23 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. Thereby, the information acquisition part 12 acquires the time when the light-receiving part 23 received light. The water level estimation unit 13 calculates the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state based on the time until the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 reaches the light receiving unit 23 based on the light emission timing and the light reception timing. To do.

  Here, when the water level on the liquid level decreases, the distance of the non-liquid region ARa between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 increases. Therefore, the time until the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the light receiving unit 23 is also increased. Therefore, the control unit 11 determines the distance that is the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state based on the time until the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the light receiving unit 23. Lch is estimated. Thereby, even if the tank 100 is inclined, the water level estimation apparatus 7 can estimate the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state.

  In the present embodiment, the water level estimation device 7 uses the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state based on the time until the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the light receiving unit 23. However, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state may be estimated based on the amount of light reflected by the liquid surface and received by the light receiving unit 23, for example. In this case, the map is used in advance by using parameters such as the inclination angle of the tank 100, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, and the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 23, as parameters.

  As described above, the water level estimation device 7 according to the present embodiment is provided in the liquid region ARw, which is a region where the liquid exists, or in the non-liquid region ARa where the fluid different from the liquid exists, and toward the center of the liquid level. The light emitting unit 22 that emits light and the liquid region ARw that is a region where the liquid exists, or the non-liquid region ARa that is a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists are provided in a region where the light emitting unit 22 is provided. And a light receiving unit 23 that receives the light from the light emitting unit 22 and detects the distance from the light emitting unit 22 to the liquid level based on the arrival time of the light reflected by the liquid level, and the water level estimating unit 13 emits light. Based on the distance from the part 22 to the liquid level, the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container 10 at a predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is calculated.

(Embodiment 8)
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tank according to the eighth embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 8 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 7 of Embodiment 7, but instead of the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23, an ultrasonic generation unit 82 and an ultrasonic sound receiving unit. This is different from the seventh embodiment in that 83 is provided. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The water level estimation device 8 includes an ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 and an ultrasonic sound reception unit 83. The ultrasonic wave generator 82 is provided in the non-liquid region ARa. In the present embodiment, for example, an ultrasonic wave is provided near the center of the upper surface portion 103 so as to emit an ultrasonic wave toward the center of the liquid surface. The ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83 is provided in the non-liquid region ARa. In the present embodiment, for example, the sound receiving portion is provided near the center of the upper surface portion 103 toward the center of the liquid surface. As a result, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic wave generator 82 is reflected by the liquid surface and travels toward the ultrasonic sound receiver 83.

  In the present embodiment, the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 and the ultrasonic sound reception unit 83 are provided in the non-liquid region ARa, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 and the ultrasonic sound reception unit 83 may be provided in the liquid region ARw. The ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 is reflected by the liquid surface on the liquid area ARw side and travels toward the ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83.

  The ultrasonic generator 82 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. Thereby, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires the generation time of the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82. Alternatively, the control unit 11 controls the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 to generate ultrasonic waves at a predetermined timing. The ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. Thereby, the information acquisition part 12 acquires the time when the ultrasonic sound reception part 83 received the ultrasonic wave. The water level estimator 13 detects the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic wave generator 82 based on the time when the ultrasonic wave generator 82 generates ultrasonic waves and the time when the ultrasonic wave receiver 83 receives ultrasonic waves. The time required to reach the ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83 is calculated.

  Here, when the water level of the liquid level decreases, the distance of the non-liquid region ARa between the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 and the ultrasonic sound reception unit 83 increases. Therefore, the time until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the ultrasonic wave reception unit 83 also increases. Therefore, the water level estimation unit 13 determines that the tank 100 is in an upright state based on the time until the ultrasonic wave generated from the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the ultrasonic wave reception unit 83. Estimate the water level at a certain time. Thereby, even if the tank 100 is inclined, the water level estimation device 8 can estimate the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state.

  In the present embodiment, the water level estimation device 8 is configured so that the tank 100 stands upright based on the time until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic wave generator 82 is reflected by the liquid surface and reaches the ultrasonic wave receiver 83. However, the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state may be estimated based on the amount of ultrasonic waves reflected by the liquid surface and received by the ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83. . In this case, by experiment, the inclination angle of the tank 100, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state, the amount of ultrasonic waves received by the ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83, and the like are mapped as parameters in advance. Is used.

  As described above, the water level estimation device 8 according to the present embodiment is provided in the liquid region ARw, which is a region where a liquid exists, or the non-liquid region ARa, which is a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and toward the center of the liquid level. The ultrasonic generator 82 is provided among the ultrasonic generator 82 that emits ultrasonic waves and the liquid region ARw that is a region where the liquid is present, or the non-liquid region ARa that is a region where a fluid different from the liquid is present. And an ultrasonic sound receiving unit 83 that detects the distance from the ultrasonic wave generating unit 82 to the liquid level based on the ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic wave generating unit 82 reflected by the liquid level. The estimation unit 13 calculates the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit 10 to the center of the liquid level at a predetermined height based on the distance from the ultrasonic wave generation unit 82 to the liquid level.

(Embodiment 9)
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tank according to the ninth embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device 9 according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the water level estimation device 2 of the second embodiment and the water level estimation device 5 of the fifth embodiment are combined, but the liquid level is estimated from the center of the lower surface portion 102 by the level gauge D03. It differs from the above-described embodiment in that the distance to the center is measured. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The water level estimation device 9 includes a communication tube 24, a support column 92, a light emitting unit 22, and a light receiving unit 23. One end of the communication tube 24 opens to the non-liquid area ARa, and the other end opens to the liquid area ARw. Furthermore, the communication pipe 24 is provided so as to pass through the center of the liquid surface. The support column 92 is a member that supports the communication pipe 24 inside the tank 100 so as to have the above-described configuration. The light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are provided to face each other across the passage of the level gauge D03. The light emitting unit 22 emits light to the light receiving unit 23 through the passage of the level gauge D03. The light receiving unit 23 receives light from the light emitting unit 22 and transmits a signal indicating whether liquid is present in the passage of the level gauge D03 between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 based on the amount of the light. To do.

  The light receiving unit 23 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. As a result, the information acquisition unit 12 acquires a signal indicating whether or not liquid is present in the passage of the level gauge D03 between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 from each of the light receiving units 23 provided in the plurality of level gauges D03. To do. The water level estimation unit 13 estimates the distance Lch based on the signal. Thereby, even if the tank 100 is inclined, the water level estimation device 8 can estimate the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state.

  For example, in the diagram shown in FIG. 15, the liquid exists in the passage between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23. Then, the light receiving unit 23 receives light emitted from the light emitting unit 22 and reflected by the liquid. That is, the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 23 is reduced by the liquid. Thereby, the water level estimation unit 13 determines that the distance Lch is greater than the distance α. When the distance Lch is equal to or less than the distance α, the control unit 11 opens the supply valve 104a and supplies the liquid to the tank 100.

  As described above, the water level estimation device 9 according to the present embodiment passes through the center of the liquid surface, and one of the water level estimation devices 9 opens at the center of the horizontal cross section at a predetermined height of the liquid region ARw that is a region where the liquid exists in the storage unit 10. The other is a communication pipe 24 that opens to a non-liquid region ARa, which is a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit 10, and a light that is provided at a predetermined position of the communication pipe 24 and that passes through the communication pipe 24. And a light receiving unit 23 that receives light from the light receiving unit 23 and detects the presence or absence of liquid between the light emitting unit 22 based on the amount of light. The water level estimation unit 13 is based on the presence or absence of liquid between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 provided in the communication pipe 24, and the center of the horizontal section of the storage unit 10 at a predetermined height. From the liquid level To calculate the distance to the.

(Embodiment 10)
FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram illustrating the tank according to the tenth embodiment from the side surface side. The water level estimation device A0 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device 9 according to the ninth embodiment, but, similarly to the level gauge D03 of the water level estimation device 3 according to the third embodiment, the inside of the level gauge D03. This embodiment is different from the ninth embodiment in that a float is provided. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The float 34 is provided in a passage in the level gauge D03, and is made of a material that floats in a liquid and blocks light from the light emitting unit 22. With the above configuration, when the distance Lch becomes the distance α, the float blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit 22, and the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state can be estimated more reliably.

  As described above, the water level estimation device A0 according to the present embodiment floats in the liquid inside the communication tube 24 and floats between the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 so as to block light emitted from the light emitting unit 22. 34 is provided.

(Embodiment 11)
FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating a tank according to the eleventh embodiment from the side surface portion side, and FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating another tank according to the eleventh embodiment from the side surface portion side. The water level estimation device A1 according to the present embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the water level estimation device A0 according to the tenth embodiment, but, similar to the water level estimation device 4 according to the fourth embodiment, the light emitting unit 22 is provided inside the level gauge D03. And it replaces with the light-receiving part 23, and differs from Embodiment 10 by the point provided with the contact sensor D04 which detects the contact of the float 34. FIG. The description of the same configuration as that of the above-described embodiment is omitted.

  The contact sensor D04 is electrically connected to the input interface IFi of the ECU 15. Thereby, the information acquisition part 12 acquires whether the float 34 contacted the contact sensor from the contact sensor D04. Thereby, when the water level of the liquid in the level gauge D03 falls below the distance α, the float 34 comes into contact with the contact sensor D04, and the water level estimation unit 13 indicates that the tank 100 is upright even if the tank 100 is inclined. The water level at the time of the condition can be estimated.

  In addition, the water level estimation apparatus A1 according to the present embodiment estimates the water level when the tank 100 is in the upright state based on whether the float 34 is in contact with the contact sensor D04 instead of the amount of light. Therefore, the water level when the tank 100 is in an upright state can be estimated even if the tank 100 is inclined regardless of the discoloration state of the liquid in the tank 100.

  As described above, the water level estimation device A1 according to the present embodiment passes through the center of the liquid surface, and one of the water level estimation devices A1 opens at the center of the horizontal cross section at a predetermined height of the liquid region ARw that is a region where the liquid exists in the storage unit 10. The other is a communication tube 24 that opens to a non-liquid region ARa, which is a region where a fluid different from a liquid exists in the storage unit 10, a float 34 that is provided inside the communication tube 24 and floats on the liquid, and the communication tube 24 And a contact sensor D04 that detects contact with the float 34. The water level estimation unit 13 is based on each detection result detected by the contact sensor D04 provided in the communication pipe 24. The distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container 10 at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level is calculated.

  In the ninth embodiment, the tenth embodiment, and the eleventh embodiment, the level gauge D03 is provided in the housing portion 10, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a level gauge D03 may be provided outside the tank 100. At this time, the opening of the communication pipe 24 is configured to open on the central axis CL. Thereby, the level gauge D03 can be visually observed. Further, when the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are provided in the level gauge D03, the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 are not immersed in the liquid. Therefore, the light emitting unit 22 and the light receiving unit 23 need not be waterproofed.

  As described above, the water level estimation device and the liquid storage container according to the present invention are useful for a liquid storage container mounted on a moving body, and in particular, the liquid level when the storage unit that stores the liquid is in an upright state. Suitable for estimating water level.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 1 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 1 from the upper surface part side or the lower surface part side. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the structure of the water level estimation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a schematic diagram when the tank which concerns on Embodiment 1 is projected from the side part. It is a schematic diagram when the tank which concerns on Embodiment 1 is projected from the side part. It is a flowchart which shows the control content of the control apparatus of the water level estimation apparatus which concerns on this embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 2 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the level gauge of the water level estimation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the level gauge of the water level estimation apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 4. FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 5 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram when the tank which concerns on Embodiment 5 is projected from the side part. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 6 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 7 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 8 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 9 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 10 from the side part part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the tank which concerns on Embodiment 11 from the side part side. It is a schematic diagram which shows the other tank which concerns on Embodiment 11 from the side part part side.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, A0, A1 Water level estimation device 10 Storage unit 11 Control unit 12 Information acquisition unit 13 Water level estimation unit 15 ECU
22 Light Emitting Unit 23 Light Receiving Unit 24 Communication Tube 24a Non-Liquid Region Side End 24w Liquid Region Side End 34 Float 82 Ultrasonic Generator 83 Ultrasonic Sound Receiving Unit 92 Strut 100 Tank 101 Side Surface 102 Lower Surface 103 Upper Surface Passage 104a supply valve 105 discharge passage 105a discharge valve ARa non-liquid region ARw liquid region CL central axis FL horizontal direction GL vertical direction D01 pressure sensor for liquid D02 pressure sensor for non-liquid D03 level gauge D04 contact sensor D05 angle sensor

Claims (17)

A water level that estimates the distance from the reference point to the liquid level when the storage unit is in an upright state based on the distances from the plurality of portions of the storage unit that store the liquid to the liquid level in a predetermined direction. An estimation means;
A water level estimation device characterized by comprising: A plurality of liquid pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the liquid;
In-cylinder pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the region where the fluid different from the liquid is present in the accommodating portion;
The water level estimation means calculates each distance from the plurality of parts to the liquid level in a certain direction based on the detection result of the liquid pressure detection means and the detection result of the in-cylinder pressure detection means. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of communication pipes, one of which opens in a region where the liquid exists in the storage unit, and the other of which opens in a region where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit;
A light emitting unit that is provided at a predetermined position of the plurality of communication pipes and emits light so as to pass through the communication pipes;
A light receiving portion that is provided at a position facing the light emitting portion and receives the light from the light emitting portion;
With
The light receiving unit detects the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light emitting unit based on the amount of light, and the water level estimating means includes the light emitting unit provided in the plurality of communication pipes The water level estimation device according to claim 1, wherein each distance from the plurality of portions to the liquid level in a certain direction is calculated based on the presence or absence of the liquid between the light receiving unit and the light receiving unit.   4. A float for blocking the light emitted from the light emitting unit when floating in the liquid and located between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit inside the communication pipe. The water level estimation apparatus described in 1. A plurality of communication pipes, one of which opens in a region where the liquid exists in the storage unit, and the other of which opens in a region where the fluid different from the liquid exists in the storage unit;
A float provided inside the communication pipe and floating in the liquid;
Contact detection means provided at a predetermined position inside the communication pipe and detecting contact with the float;
The water level estimation means calculates each distance from the plurality of sites to the liquid level in a fixed direction based on each detection result detected by the contact detection means provided in the plurality of communication pipes. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   The water level estimation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the number of the parts is at least three.   The water level estimation device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of portions are located at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the housing portion. The liquid surface from a reference point when the container is in an upright state based on the distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container to the center of the liquid surface at a predetermined height of the container that stores the liquid Water level estimation means for estimating the distance to
A water level estimation device characterized by comprising: A liquid center pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the liquid at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in an area where the liquid exists;
In-cylinder pressure detecting means for detecting the pressure of the fluid in the region where the fluid different from the liquid is present in the accommodating portion;
Angle detection means for detecting the inclination of the housing part with respect to the vertical direction;
The water level estimation means includes the container at the predetermined height based on a detection result of the liquid center pressure detection means, a detection result of the in-cylinder pressure detection means, and a detection result of the angle detection means. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a distance from the center of the horizontal cross section to the center of the liquid level is calculated. A light emitting section that is provided at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in a region where the liquid exists, and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface;
A light receiving unit that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and that receives the light from the light emitting unit;
And the light receiving unit detects a distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit based on the amount of light, and the water level estimating unit is configured to detect the distance between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. 9. The water level according to claim 8, wherein a distance from a center of a horizontal cross section of the accommodating portion at the predetermined height to a center of the liquid surface is calculated based on a distance occupied by the liquid in the middle. Estimating device. A light emitting section that is provided at the center of a horizontal cross section at a predetermined height in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists, and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface;
A light receiving portion that is provided at a position facing the light emitting portion in a region where the liquid exists, and that receives the light from the light emitting portion;
The water level estimation means for detecting the distance occupied by the liquid between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit based on the amount of light, the water level estimating means between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit 9. The water level estimation according to claim 8, wherein a distance from a center of a horizontal cross section of the container at the predetermined height to a center of the liquid surface is calculated based on a distance occupied by the liquid in the water. apparatus. A light emitting unit that is provided in a region where the liquid exists or a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists and emits light toward the center of the liquid surface;
Of the region where the liquid is present or the region where a fluid different from the liquid is present, the light is provided in the region where the light emitting unit is provided, and the light from the light emitting unit is received and reflected by the liquid surface A light receiving unit that detects a distance from the light emitting unit to the liquid level based on the arrival time of the light;
And the water level estimation means calculates a distance from the center of the horizontal section of the container at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level based on the distance from the light emitting unit to the liquid level. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 8. An ultrasonic generator that is provided in a region where the liquid exists, or in a region where a fluid different from the liquid exists and emits an ultrasonic wave toward the center of the liquid surface;
Of the region where the liquid is present or the region where a fluid different from the liquid is present, the ultrasonic wave is provided in the region where the ultrasonic wave generator is provided, and the ultrasonic wave reflected from the liquid surface is reflected from the ultrasonic wave generator. An ultrasonic sound receiving unit that detects a distance from the ultrasonic wave generation unit to the liquid surface based on ultrasonic waves;
And the water level estimation means calculates a distance from the center of the horizontal cross section of the container at the predetermined height to the center of the liquid level based on the distance from the ultrasonic wave generator to the liquid level. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the water level estimation apparatus calculates the water level. One passing through the center of the liquid surface, one opening at the center of the horizontal cross section at the predetermined height of the region where the liquid is present in the accommodating portion, and the other being present in the accommodating portion is a fluid different from the liquid A communication pipe opening in the area to be
A light emitting unit that is provided at a predetermined position of the communication pipe and emits light so as to pass through the communication pipe;
A light receiving unit that is provided at a position facing the light emitting unit, receives light from the light receiving unit, and detects the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting unit based on the amount of the light;
The water level estimating means includes a center of a horizontal cross section of the accommodating portion at the predetermined height based on the presence or absence of the liquid between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion provided in the communication pipe. The water level estimation apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the distance from the center to the center of the liquid level is calculated.   15. The apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising a float that floats in the liquid inside the communication tube and blocks the light emitted from the light emitting unit by being positioned between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit. The water level estimation apparatus described. One passing through the center of the liquid surface, one opening at the center of the horizontal cross section at the predetermined height of the region where the liquid is present in the accommodating portion, and the other being present in the accommodating portion is a fluid different from the liquid A communication pipe opening in the area to be
A float provided inside the communication pipe and floating in the liquid;
Contact detection means provided at a predetermined position inside the communication pipe and detecting contact with the float;
The water level estimation means includes a center of the liquid level from a center of a horizontal cross section of the accommodating portion at the predetermined height based on each detection result detected by the contact detection means provided in the communication pipe. The water level estimation device according to claim 8, wherein the distance to the water is calculated. A storage section for storing liquid;
A liquid supply passage for supplying the liquid to the container;
The water level estimation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 16, which estimates a distance from a reference point to a liquid level when the container is in an upright state,
Based on the amount of the liquid estimated by the water level estimation device, a supply liquid amount adjusting means that adjusts the amount of the liquid supplied to the storage unit via the liquid supply passage;
A liquid container characterized by comprising:

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