JP2736037B2 - Fluid goods automatic ordering system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention transmits information specifying a consumer to a seller when the remaining amount of the fluid commodities such as kerosene, light oil, gasoline, and LP gas at the consumer becomes lower than a set level. Accordingly, the present invention relates to a system for automatically ordering fluid products.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In such a technical field, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1-3
There is a petroleum product supply system disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 20568 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Technology 1). In this prior art 1, a residual oil amount detecting device provided in a petroleum tank of a consumer is connected to a residual oil amount display device for each consumer provided in an oil distributor by a telephone line. It grasps information and supplies petroleum products. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 62-9 / 1987
There is a sales management method for fluid products disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 5696 (hereinafter referred to as Conventional Technique 2). This prior art 2
Is the number of tanks used to store fluid goods such as oil, gas, and chemicals counted by a flow meter that emits a unit pulse at each unit flow rate, and this count is counted by the telephone line at predetermined time intervals or at predetermined counts. Automatically transmitted to the management center of the third party.

[0003]

However, the prior art 1 has the following problems. In other words, since the oil distributor constantly monitors the residual oil amount, the monitoring burden on the distributor becomes enormous. Therefore, in order to be able to confirm the point in time when the residual oil amount becomes equal to or less than the predetermined amount, the number of times of use of the telephone line of the seller increases sharply, and the communication cost for that increases. Further, the prior art 2 has the following problems. Since the configuration is such that the usage amount of the fluid product is automatically transmitted at every predetermined time or every predetermined count, the conventional technology 1
In the same way as above, the monitoring burden on the seller becomes enormous. Further, since the amount of use is automatically transmitted at predetermined time intervals, the number of times the telephone line is used at the consumer is greatly increased, and the communication cost for that is also enormous. An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and to provide a fluid product automatic order receiving and ordering system which reduces a monitoring burden on a seller and reduces costs required for communication between a consumer and a seller. That is.

[0004]

Means for solving the above problems are as follows. That is, the first object of the present invention is to provide a fluid tank installed at a consumption destination and a remaining state of the fluid tank in a first state equal to or higher than a set level or in a second state equal to or lower than the set level. Detecting means for detecting whether or not the state is present, and state determining means for determining completion of state movement from the first state to the second state based on an output signal from the detecting means. In the fluid goods automatic ordering system for automatically transmitting information for identifying the consumer from the consumer to the seller by determining the completion of the status movement to the second status by the transmission means, The determining means determines completion of the state movement based on the second state being maintained for a predetermined time. According to this solution, when it is determined that the remaining amount of the fluid tank has become equal to or less than the set level, information for specifying the consumer is transmitted from the consumer to the seller by communication means such as a telephone line. That is, when the remaining amount of the fluid tank is equal to or higher than the set level, the transmission to the seller is not performed. Therefore, there is an effect that the monitoring burden on the distributor is reduced as compared with the above-described conventional technology. Further, only when the consumer needs the fluid product, the contact with the seller is executed. Therefore, the number of times of using the communication means can be suppressed to a necessary minimum, and there is an effect that the communication cost can be reduced as compared with the related art. Further, when the remaining amount of the fluid becomes close to the set level, the state may be inadvertently changed from the first state to the second state or vice versa due to the vibration of the fluid. There is. In other words, there is a possibility that an erroneous detection that the state is lower than the set level while the remaining amount is actually higher than the set level. According to the above solution, even if the state change from the first state to the second state is detected by the detection means, it is not immediately determined that the state movement has been completed, but the second state is determined by the predetermined state. It is determined that the state movement has been completed only after the time is maintained. Therefore,
Even if the fluid tank receives an impact due to external pressure such as mischief of a child or an animal, it is not erroneously determined that the state movement has been completed. Further, the fluid tank can be installed both indoors and outdoors. That is, a highly reliable system can be provided.

[0005] A second problem solving means is that the set level is changeable in the first problem solving means. Generally, the remaining level at which the supply of the fluid product is requested differs depending on the consumer. Therefore, the setting of the remaining amount level needs to be different for each consumer. According to the above solution, there is an effect that it is possible to set the remaining amount level according to the needs of the consumer.

[0006]

[0007] The third means for solving the above problems is the first or second embodiment.
The detecting means is a switch such as a float switch, and the switch is closed in the first state, and is open in the second state. In other words, when the remaining amount of fluid is equal to or higher than the set level, the switch is in the closed state, but when the external pressure causes a shock and the disconnection occurs, the switch is opened and the state transition to the second state is completed. It is determined that it has been done. However, when such a disconnection occurs, the remaining amount of the normal fluid is equal to or higher than the set level, so that the occurrence of the disconnection can be predicted without looking at the state of the switch.

The fourth object of the present invention is to provide, in the first to the third object of the present invention, a notifying means for notifying the completion of the state movement after judging the completion of the state movement to the second state. It is a point. As a notifying means, it becomes possible for the seller to recognize that the remaining amount of the fluid tank has fallen below the set level by using an LED or the like.

[0009] A fifth object of the present invention, in the first to fourth problem solving means, is that the seller receives the information for specifying the consumer transmitted from the consumer; Means for returning the information to the consumer,
In addition, a comparison means for comparing the transmitted information with the returned information is provided. Therefore, it is possible to confirm whether or not the information for identifying the consumer is transmitted from the consumer to the seller without fail, and it is possible to increase the reliability of information transmission between the consumer and the seller.

In a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the comparing means determines that the transmitted information and the returned information match, a notification form by the notifying means is provided. Is changed. The change in the notification state is, for example, to change the LED from the lighting state to the blinking state, whereby it is possible to confirm at the consumer that the contact to the seller has been made without fail.

[0011]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a consumer 1 and a seller 2. A kerosene tank (hereinafter, simply referred to as a tank) 3 installed in the consumer 2 stores kerosene 40, and the tank 3 is used when needed in the consumer 1.
From the kerosene 40 and use it. The tank 3 may be installed indoors or outdoors. A telephone 5 is connected to the consumer transmitter / receiver 4 so that information for identifying the consumer (hereinafter referred to as a customer ID) can be transmitted to the seller 2 using the telephone line 7. In the hard board 6, information indicating a customer ID, a selling phone number, and an operation mode is set by a dip switch. The hard board 6 is connected to a microcomputer provided in the distributor transceiver 8, and can read the information. The transmission of the customer ID uses a DTMF signal or a pulse signal, so that the cost is reduced and the transmission error is reduced.

[0012] A telephone 9 is connected to the distributor transceiver 8, and receives a customer ID. The monitor 10 and the printer 11 are connected to the vendor transmitter / receiver 8. After receiving the customer ID, the distributor transmitter / receiver 8 receives the customer ID of the same content.
D is returned to the consumer 1 and the consumer 1 performs an ID check. Since only the customer ID information is received by the seller 2, when the customer ID is received, information on the customer is extracted from the customer ledger and displayed on the monitor 10. This information includes customer ID, address, name, phone number,
History data and the like. The printer 11 can print the customer information. The historical data is used for analyzing customer information. For example, an average usage per unit number of days is obtained, and a change in the usage is analyzed and checked.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 show the structure of the tank 3. A cord 24 (two wires 24 a and 24 b) is drawn into the introduction pipe 20, and a reed switch 25 provided at a lower portion of the introduction pipe 20 is connected to the lead 24. A switch operating member 21 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the introduction pipe 20 so as to slide vertically. The switch actuating member 21 is provided with a magnet 21a in a container made of foam or plastic. Reed switch 25
Is composed of two contacts 25a and 25b, and the magnet 21a
Approach, the contacts 25a and 25b open. A lower stopper 23 and an upper stopper 22 are fixed to a lower portion and a central portion of the introduction pipe 20, respectively. Such a switch is called a float switch.

The introduction pipe 20 is made of a material having excellent oil resistance and transmitting magnetic force. Further, the tip portion 20b of the introduction pipe 20 is filled with an oil-resistant bond, a caulking agent, or the like so that the kerosene 40 does not enter the introduction pipe 20. Thereby, the reed switch 25 is adhered and fixed in the introduction pipe 20. Further, the upper portion of the introduction tube 20 has the same structure so that moisture, dust and the like do not enter from the outside, and the cord wire 24 is not pulled out. The lower part of the introduction pipe 20 is kept floating so as not to contact the lower part of the tank 3. This prevents the tank 3 from corroding. Further, the lower stopper 23 is provided with the switch operating member 2.
This is to prevent 1 from falling off. The upper stopper 22 regulates the upward movement of the switch operating member 21. This is to limit the moving range of the switch operating member 21 to the vicinity of the reed switch 25. Further, by restricting the movement of the switch operating member 21 in an unnecessary range, the malfunction of the switch operating member 21 can be prevented. In addition, the introduction pipe 20, the switch operating member 21, the upper stopper 22, the lower stopper 23, the cord 2
4. The reed switch 25, the upper nut 26, the lower nut 27, and the upper lid 28 form a unit. By lifting this unit, kerosene 40 is supplied from a hole formed in the upper lid 28 of the tank 3.

As shown in FIG. 2A, kerosene 40 is stored in the tank 3.
Are sufficient, the contacts 25a and 25b are in a closed state (ON). The switch operating member 21 is kerosene 40
The specific gravity is smaller than that of the kerosene 40, and the upper stopper 22 restricts the upward movement. As the kerosene 40 is used, the liquid level 40a gradually decreases, and the state shown in FIG. When the liquid level 40a drops below the upper stopper 22, the switch actuating member 21 also drops as the liquid level 40a drops. When the switch actuating member 21 is lowered, at a certain point, the contacts 25a and 25b are switched to an open state (OFF). This state is a state where the supply of kerosene 40 is required at the consumer 1 and the kerosene 40 in this state is required.
Remaining level becomes the set level. That is, the contacts 25a, 25
When b is closed (first state), the remaining amount of kerosene 40 is equal to or higher than the set level, and when contacts 25a and 25b are open (second state), the remaining amount of kerosene 40 is equal to or lower than the set level. . In the first state, the reed switch 25 is set to the closed state. This is because when the external pressure acts on the tank 3 unexpectedly and the cord wire 24 is disconnected (that is, when the reed switch 25 is opened), the kerosene 40
Although the remaining amount of kerosene is sufficient, it is erroneously detected that the remaining amount of kerosene 40 has fallen below the set level. In such a case, the seller 2 is erroneously notified, but it can be expected that the cord wire 24 is disconnected from the remaining amount of the kerosene 40.

As shown in FIG. 3, a screw portion 20a is provided at an upper portion of the introduction tube 20. The introduction pipe 20 is fixed to the upper lid 28 by the upper nut 26 and the lower nut 27. Hereinafter, the screw portion 20a and the upper and lower nuts 26 and 27 are referred to as a position adjusting mechanism. The relative position of the introduction pipe 20 in the vertical direction with respect to the tank 3 can be changed by this position adjustment mechanism. By adjusting the position of the introduction pipe 20 in the vertical direction, the switching point of the reed switch 25 from the closed state to the open state can be changed. That is, the set level of the remaining amount of the kerosene 40 can be changed. The demand for the supply of the kerosene 40 at the consumer 1 is different, and the remaining amount of the kerosene 40 varies depending on the consumer 1. With the above configuration, the set level can be changed for each consumer 1. If you do this,
It is possible to cope with differences in the shape and capacity of the tank 3 of each consumer 1. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of trouble between the consumer 1 and the seller 2 with respect to the kerosene supply amount, thereby improving the reliability.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The state of the reed switch 25 is constantly monitored, and it is determined whether or not the reed switch 25 is off (step # 1). If the reed switch 25 is on, the operation of step # 1 is repeated. When the reed switch 25 is turned off, a variable TIME = 0 is set (step # 2). Next, the state of the reed switch 25 is checked again, and it is determined whether or not the reed switch 25 is on (step # 3). Here, if it is determined that the reed switch 25 is on, the process returns to step # 1.
This is because even if the reed switch 25 is turned off once, if it is turned on thereafter, there is a possibility of malfunction. If it is determined in step # 3 that the reed switch 25 is off, it is determined whether TIME <10 seconds (step # 4).

That is, it is determined whether or not the off state of the reed switch 25 is maintained for 10 seconds or more. This does not mean that the state transition from the first state to the second state has been completed simply because the reed switch 25 has just been turned off from on, but the second state is kept for 10 seconds (predetermined time). By maintaining the above, it is determined that the state movement to the second state has been completed for the first time (that is, the remaining amount of the kerosene 40 has become equal to or less than the set level). If TIME <10 seconds, return to step # 3,
The state of the reed switch 25 is checked again. TIME ≧
If it is 10 seconds, it is determined that the remaining amount of the kerosene 40 has fallen below the set level, and the empty LED is turned on (step # 5). By turning on the empty LED, it is possible to know at the consumption destination 1 that the remaining amount of the kerosene 40 has fallen below the set level without looking inside the tank 3. This empty LED may be provided on the outer periphery of the tank 3 or may be provided indoors.

When the empty LED is turned on,
A subroutine for reading out a customer ID, a selling telephone number and a mode state is executed (step # 6). Here, a dip switch (D
These pieces of information are read from the state of the IP-SW) and stored in a memory (RAM). The mode state is read out according to the state of the dip switch, and whether it is a tone dial or a pulse dial is read. Note that these pieces of information can be set not by the above hardware but by software. However, setting on software makes input and correction complicated, so it is preferable to set on hardware. Next, the telephone 5 of the consumer 1
Is determined to be in a line state (step # 7). This is for confirming whether the telephone 5 can be used because it is shared with a general telephone line. If the telephone line is in use, the seller 2 cannot be contacted, so the retry processing (error processing) routine (step # 100) is executed.

In the retry process, as shown in FIG. 6, first, the hook of the telephone 5 is turned off (step # 10).
1). Next, it is determined whether or not TIME <60 minutes (step # 102). This means that if you wait 60 minutes or more,
This is because it is considered that the use state of has been released.
The set time of 60 minutes can be freely changed according to the demand of the consumer. If it is determined that TIME ≧ 60 minutes, the process returns to the initial state of the main routine. When this retry processing is executed, the error LED blinks,
It is preferable to display that a transmission error to the seller 2 has occurred. In other words, there is a case where an automatic order cannot be made, so that the consumer 1 is prompted to make a manual order.
Further, instead of the error LED, a flash light, an alarm, or an audio display may be used.

If the line status is OPEN at step # 7, the hook is turned on (step # 7).
8). Next, after waiting for one second (step # 9), the line state is determined again (step # 10). This is the same determination as in step # 7, and is a confirmation for safety.

Next, a subroutine for dialing the seller 2 is executed (step # 11). Next, a variable TIME = 0 is set (step # 12). Next, T
It is determined whether or not IME> 30 seconds (step # 13).
In other words, if the caller 2 is not contacted by the seller 2 for more than 30 seconds,
In step # 100, a retry process is executed assuming that some abnormality has occurred (step # 100). TIME ≦
In the case of 30 seconds, it is determined whether or not the polarity has been reversed (step # 14). When the receiver is picked up at the seller 2, the polarity is inverted, and the call can be received at the seller 2. If it is determined that the polarity has not been inverted, it is determined whether or not the selling telephone 9 is busy (step # 1).
5). If it is busy, the contact to the seller 2 cannot be made, so a retry process is executed (step # 100). If not busy, return to step # 13 and repeat TIME>
A determination of 30 seconds is made.

When the polarity is reversed and the call arrives at the seller 2, the system waits for 8 seconds (step # 16) and determines the line state of the telephone 9 of the seller 2 (step # 17). Here, if the line status is OPEN, a retry process is executed (step # 100). This is based on the assumption that an abnormal state in which the telephone 9 can be turned off at the sales source 2. If it is determined that the line status is CLOSE, a subroutine for transmitting the customer ID from the consumer 1 to the seller 2 is executed (step # 18). In this ID transmission subroutine, the customer ID stored in the memory is sequentially read,
The customer ID is transmitted to the seller 2 digit by digit. Transmission is performed by either a tone signal or a pulse signal. When transmission of all digits is completed, the process returns to the main routine. Seller 2
Then, when the transmitted customer ID is received, it is sent back to the consumer 1. The returned customer ID is received by the consumer 1 (step # 19). In the ID reception subroutine, IDs returned one digit at a time are sequentially received and stored in a memory. Next, it is determined whether or not this reception is normal reception (step # 20). If any abnormalities occur in the seller 2 and normal reception cannot be performed, a retry process is executed (step # 10).
0). If received normally, a subroutine for comparing the transmission ID with the reception ID is executed (step # 2).
1).

The ID comparison subroutine will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, first, it is assumed that the variable HL = transmission ID, the variable DE = reception ID, and the variable B = 5 (corresponding to the number of digits of the ID) (step # 30). Next, the first digit of the transmission ID and the reception I
It is determined whether or not D matches (Step # 3)
1). If they do not match, it is determined that the communication has not been performed normally, and the variable A is set to FFH, and the process returns to the main routine.
If the transmission ID and the reception ID in the first digit match, HL
= HL + 1, DE = DE + 1, B = B-1 (step # 32), and then it is determined whether B = 0 (step #)
33). If B = 0, the process returns to step # 31, where the next digit ID is compared. If the transmission ID and the reception ID of all five digits match, the variable A is set to 0 (step # 34), and the process returns to the main routine assuming that the communication has been normally performed.
The result of comparing the transmission ID and the reception ID is OK (A = 0)
If so (step # 22), the lighting state of the empty LED is switched from lighting to blinking state, and another run LED is turned on (step # 23). This empty LED
By the change of the lighting state of, it can be visually confirmed that the communication has been normally performed. Then, the hook of the telephone 5 is turned off. If the result of comparing the transmission ID and the reception ID is not OK (A = FFH), a retry process is executed (step # 100). To return to the initial state, a reset switch (not shown) may be pressed.

[Alternative Embodiment] In the present invention, the float switch is described as the detecting means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-123766, a change in the upper surface of kerosene and a change in the capacitance between the electrodes may be detected (capacitance method). In addition, an ultrasonic method, an air purge method, or the like may be used. The float switch method is preferable because the cost is lower than other methods, the operation is stable, and the maintenance is relatively easy. In the present invention, an LED is used as the notification means, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may be an auditory notification such as a buzzer. In the present invention, a configuration in which the LED is changed from a lighting state to a blinking state is described as a change in the notification form, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the light emission color may be changed from green to red using a two-color LED. Further, the frequency of blinking may be changed. In the present invention, the transmission means is described using a telephone line, but is not limited to this. Transmission using an optical fiber or radio waves may be used.

In the claims, reference numerals are provided for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration shown in the attached drawings.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a sales source and a consumer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the inside of a fluid tank.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the inside of the fluid tank.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the overall operation (first half) of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the overall operation (second half) of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a retry process.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an ID comparison subroutine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Consumer 2 Seller 3 Fluid tank 4 Consumer transceiver 8 Seller transceiver 7 Telephone line 20 Introductory pipe 21 Switch operating member 22 Upper stopper 23 Lower stopper 24 Code line 25 Reed switch 40 Kerosene

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] 1. A fluid tank (3) installed in a consumer (1), and a fluid tank (3) having a remaining amount equal to or greater than a set level.
Detecting means (25) capable of detecting whether the state is the second state or lower than the set level, and completion of state movement from the first state to the second state is detected by the detecting means State determination means for determining based on the output signal from (25), and the state determination means determines completion of state movement to the second state, whereby the consumer (1) is changed to the seller (2). to, Oite the fluid product automatic, orders system that automatically transmitted by the transmission means (7) information identifying the consumer destination (1), the state determination means, preservation said second state a predetermined time
It is characterized by judging completion of state movement by being
Fluid goods automatic ordering system. 2. The automatic fluid order receiving / ordering system according to claim 1, wherein said set level is changeable. 3. The detecting means (25) is a switch.
In the first state, the switch is closed.
2. The switch in an open state in the second state.
Or the fluid goods automatic order placement system according to 2. 4. A state transition completion to the second state is determined.
After completion of this state movement,
Automatic ordering of fluid goods according to any one of claims 1 to 3
Note system. 5. The sales source (2) is the consumer (1).
For receiving the information identifying the consumer transmitted from
To return the received information to the consumer (1).
And comparing the transmitted information with the returned information.
A fluid according to any of claims 1 to 4, comprising means.
Product automatic order placement system. 6. The information transmitted by the comparing means.
If it is determined that the information
It is configured to change the notification form by the notification means
An automatic fluid goods ordering system according to claim 5. 7. The switch is a float switch.
The fluid order automatic ordering system according to claim 3.