JP3068994B2 - Pressure detecting tube support mechanism and liquid specific gravity, liquid level and liquid temperature measuring device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a pressure sensing tube support mechanism and a device for measuring the specific gravity, liquid level and liquid temperature of a liquid.
In particular, a pressure detection tube support mechanism suitable for detecting the specific gravity and the liquid level of the electrolyte of a storage battery such as a lead storage battery, and a pressure detection tube support mechanism provided with the pressure detection tube support mechanism are provided. The present invention relates to a liquid specific gravity, liquid level height, and liquid temperature measuring device suitable for measuring liquidity and liquid temperature.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a device for remotely measuring the specific gravity, the liquid level, and the liquid temperature of an electrolytic solution of this type of storage battery includes a hydrometer,
It is configured with a liquid level gauge and a thermometer.
Each of the liquid level gauge and the thermometer has a sensor unit and a signal conversion unit. Conventionally, in the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter, each sensor unit is constituted by a differential pressure tube, and each signal conversion unit is constituted by a water column manometer.

Each of the sensor units outputs an air pressure (differential pressure), and each of the signal conversion units is configured to display the air pressure (differential pressure) output from each sensor unit on a scale or the like. ing. These displayed values are sampled by direct reading by the operator's eyes.
On the other hand, in the thermometer, the sensor section is formed of a platinum resistance temperature sensor, and the signal conversion section employs a wide-angle resistance indicator, and the sensor section measures the electrolyte temperature. An electric resistance value of a suitable size is output, and the signal conversion unit is instructed by the electric resistance value. This indication value was also sampled by direct reading by an operator as in the case of the hydrometer and the liquid level meter.

[0004]

By the way, the conventional remote measuring device having the above configuration requires an air pipe and an air source for each of the differential pressure tube of the hydrometer and the differential pressure tube of the liquid level gauge.
Further, since the thermometer requires a wiring and a power supply for applying a predetermined voltage to the platinum resistance temperature detector, the number of components must be increased.

On the other hand, the signal converters of the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter are large and heavy, have a complicated structure and are liable to cause various troubles, and the operation of a conversion scale attached to the signal converter is complicated. Is disadvantageous. In addition, since the above-mentioned differential pressure value is obtained by so-called manual calculation, it takes a great deal of trouble, and in some cases, a calculation error may occur.

Therefore, various improvements have been proposed for the purpose of eliminating the above-mentioned disadvantages.

A remote measuring device according to a first improvement proposal is obtained by improving a signal converter of each measuring instrument such as a hydrometer.

The remote measuring device according to the second improvement proposal is an improvement in the sensor section of each measuring instrument such as a hydrometer and the signal converting section of each measuring instrument other than the thermometer.

However, the device according to the first improvement proposal requires an air pipe and an air source for each of the differential pressure tube of the hydrometer and the differential pressure tube of the liquid level gauge, as in the conventional case, and the thermometer is wired. And a power supply, the disadvantage of increasing the number of parts cannot be solved. In addition, the signal conversion unit of the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter employs an electronic differential pressure gauge, so that the size and weight can be reduced.However, the pressure transducer of the electronic differential pressure gauge is connected to a portion connected by bonding. There are many parts that are vulnerable to corrosive gases and corrosive liquids, such as those that use polyester, silicone, glass, epoxy adhesives, and the like. Therefore, the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter have a problem that they cannot be used for a storage battery in which a corrosive liquid such as sulfuric acid is used as an electrolyte.

On the other hand, the device according to the second improvement proposal can measure only the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution in the upper part of the storage battery. In an optical sensor or the like, various impurities floating in the electrolytic solution adhere to the mirror surface. Since the measurement error occurs due to the contamination of the mirror surface, it is necessary to frequently clean the mirror surface. Therefore, there is a problem that the mirror surface is not suitable for long-term use, and it is difficult to form an explosion-proof structure. .

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a measuring device using an improved differential pressure tube according to the first improvement proposal as a sensor for a hydrometer and a liquid level gauge is newly provided. was suggested. The sensor unit of the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter is composed of a plurality of differential pressure tubes whose ends are formed in a spiral shape, and the signal conversion unit of the specific gravity meter and the liquid level meter is connected to the differential pressure tube. It consists of a plurality of pressure transducers mounted and fixed. Each differential pressure tube is made of a corrosion-resistant resin material. The measuring device includes, in addition to a hydrometer and a liquid level meter, a thermometer including a resistance temperature detector and a bridge circuit, and a signal processing unit including electronic circuits such as a microcomputer. The electric signals output from the transducer and the thermometer, respectively, are configured to be processed by a signal processing unit.

The device according to this proposal can be applied in an environment where corrosive gas or corrosive liquid is used, and can simplify the structure, reduce the size, reduce the weight, and provide an explosion-proof structure. There are various advantages that a measurement error is small and maintenance is easy.

However, when the storage battery is placed in an inclined state and the electrolyte moves, the distance between the two points for sampling the liquid pressure is reduced when the storage battery is placed in a substantially horizontal state. Since the value is different from the distance, an error occurs between the differential pressure value detected in the inclined state and the differential pressure value in the substantially horizontal state. Therefore, since the specific gravity of the electrolyte is calculated based on the differential pressure value including this error, it is possible to accurately measure the specific gravity of the electrolyte when the storage battery is placed in an inclined state. There was a problem that there was no.

Further, in order to use the differential pressure tube having the above structure as a specific gravity sensor, it is necessary to set a gap for accommodating the spiral end portion in the storage battery. Is quite difficult due to the structure of the electrode group,
Therefore, the above device was not practical.

Further, the shape of the differential pressure tube changes due to external factors, and the distance between two points for sampling the hydraulic pressure may be different from the initial distance.

Furthermore, since a long tube cannot be adopted as the differential pressure tube due to the structural limitation of the storage battery, the differential pressure detected by the specific gravity sensor becomes a small value. Also, the value of the applied voltage becomes small, and is likely to be affected by disturbance or the like, and the accuracy of detecting the differential pressure may be reduced.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to change the shape or the like due to an external factor and to sample the hydraulic pressure.
When the distance between the points is not likely to be different from the initial distance, and the inclination angle of the liquid container containing the liquid to be measured is within a preset range, the distance is caused by the inclination. An object of the present invention is to provide a pressure detection tube support mechanism including a pressure detection tube having a configuration in which an error in a pressure value caused by movement of a liquid to an inclined side can be eliminated and can be installed even in a small storage space.

A second object of the present invention is to eliminate the error of the differential pressure value caused by the movement of the liquid to be measured due to the inclination when the inclination of the liquid container is within a predetermined range. It has a support mechanism with a pressure detecting tube that can detect a relatively large differential pressure, and can be applied in an environment where corrosive gas or corrosive liquid is used. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for measuring the specific gravity, liquid level, and liquid temperature of a liquid, which can be made compact, light, and explosion-proof, and can be easily maintained.

[0019]

In order to achieve the above object, a first aspect of the present invention is to provide a thin-wall member which is fixedly inserted into a narrow gap in a liquid container while being immersed in the liquid. Pressure fixed to the thin support member with the first end and the second end positioned respectively at two positions of the thin support member and the thin support member separated by a predetermined length. A detection tube, wherein a first end of the pressure detection tube has an opening formed with a pressure / electric signal conversion means,
The second end of the pressure detection tube is connected to a branch tube that intersects the pressure detection tube main body in a substantially inverted T-shape, and both ends of the branch tube are respectively suspended by a predetermined length, Each of the hanging tips is open.

In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect of the present invention is a method for detecting a specific gravity, a liquid surface height and a liquid temperature of a liquid by immersing the liquid in a liquid in a liquid container. And a monitoring unit that performs signal processing based on the output from the detection unit. The detection unit is configured to detect a difference between any two points at a predetermined depth interval in the liquid. A first differential pressure detecting unit for detecting a pressure and outputting an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure, and detecting a difference between a liquid pressure at a position submerged in the liquid and a pressure at a position separated from the position by a predetermined height. A second differential pressure detecting unit that detects the differential pressure and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the detected differential pressure, a liquid temperature detecting unit that detects a liquid temperature and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the liquid temperature, And the first differential pressure detecting section is a pair of pressure detecting pipe support mechanisms, each of which has a pressure detecting pipe having a different length. 6. A pressure detecting tube supporting mechanism according to claim 1, and a pressure for outputting an electric signal corresponding to a differential pressure of pressure applied to a first end of each pressure detecting tube supporting mechanism. / Electrical signal converting means, wherein the second differential pressure detecting section has an end to which the hydraulic pressure and the atmospheric pressure are respectively applied, and a differential pressure of the pressure applied to these ends. A pressure detection tube having a portion to which a pressure is applied, and a pressure / output for outputting an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure applied to the portion.
An electric signal conversion unit, wherein the liquid temperature detecting unit is a part of one of the pressure detecting tubes provided in the first and second differential pressure detecting units, which is always immersed in the liquid at the time of measuring the differential pressure. It was configured to be attached and fixed to.

[0021]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the liquid container is inclined, the thin supporting member is also inclined. With the inclination of the liquid container, the contained liquid also moves toward the inclined side. With this movement, the liquid container is placed in a substantially horizontal state from the opening at the hanging tip of the inclined end of the branch pipe forming the second end of the pressure detection pipe. The liquid will penetrate with the liquid level somewhat higher than when it is placed. On the other hand, on the other hand, the branching tube forming the second end of the pressure detecting tube has a substantially horizontal liquid container from the opening at the hanging tip of the other end. The liquid will penetrate with the liquid level somewhat lower than when it is placed in

If the inclination angle of the liquid container is within a predetermined allowable range, the increase in the liquid level at the tip of the slanting end and the drooping of the other end. The amount of decrease in the liquid level at the tip is substantially equal to the decrease. Therefore, the pressure error caused by the above-mentioned inclination is canceled from the pressure applied to the first end of the pressure detection tube, so that the pressure when the liquid container is placed in a substantially horizontal state is reduced. Is applied to the pressure / electrical signal conversion means.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the pair of pressure detecting tube support mechanisms of the first differential pressure detecting section are immersed in the liquid in the liquid container, so that the pressure detecting members having different lengths are detected. Different magnitudes of hydraulic pressure are applied to the second end of the tube. On the other hand, a pressure corresponding to the liquid pressure is applied to the first end of each pressure detection tube.

The pressure difference generated between the pair of pressure detection tubes in this manner is different from the hydraulic pressure applied to the second end of the longer pressure detection tube and the second pressure of the shorter pressure detection tube. Is applied to the pressure / electrical signal converting means of the first differential pressure detecting section as a differential pressure with respect to the hydraulic pressure applied to the end of the sensor, and an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure is monitored from the pressure / electrical signal converting means. Output to the unit.

On the other hand, when one end of the pressure detecting tube of the second differential pressure detecting section is immersed in the liquid, the liquid pressure is applied to this end, and the other end exposed outside the liquid. A differential pressure from the pressure applied to the end is applied to the site. This differential pressure is applied to the pressure / electrical signal converter of the second differential pressure detector, and the pressure / electrical signal converter outputs an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure to the monitor.

When the first and second differential pressure detecting sections output the electric signals, the monitoring section inputs these electric signals. Then, the monitoring unit also receives the liquid temperature detection signal output from the liquid temperature detecting unit, and executes predetermined signal processing according to a preset algorithm.
If the inclination angle of the liquid container is within the allowable range, the pressure generated due to the inclination from the pressure applied to the pressure / electric signal conversion means of the first differential pressure detecting unit for the reason described above. Since the error is canceled, the electric signal including the error is not output from the first differential pressure detecting unit to the monitoring unit.

[0027]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a view showing a pressure detecting tube support mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the pressure detecting tube support mechanism includes a thin supporting member 101 and a pressure detecting tube 103.

The thin supporting member 101 is made of a known corrosion-resistant resin material (for example, acrylic). The thin supporting member 101 has a thickness set to be compatible with a gap in a liquid container to be used. It is molded by a molding machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the thin supporting member 101 includes a substantially rectangular frame 105 and a plurality of arms 107 to 115 integrally formed with the frame 105 to support the frame 105. ing. Reference numeral 107 denotes a long arm,
This long arm 107 has a pressure detecting tube introducing portion 121 projecting upward from the frame 105 in FIG. 1, and extends downward in FIG. 1 along a long portion of the frame 105. ing. Reference numerals 109 to 113 denote short arms, respectively. These short arms 109 to 113 extend in the horizontal direction in FIG. Further, reference numeral 115 denotes an inclined arm, and the inclined arm 115 is connected to the long arm 107 to the short arm 11.
3, the base 11 of the frame 105 located at the bottom of FIG.
7 extends obliquely. In addition, the pressure detection tube introduction part 121 is provided on the assumption that the pressure detection tube support mechanism according to the present embodiment is used for a storage battery, and is shown in FIG. It has such a shape.

The thin supporting member 101 has a guide hole 108 having a substantially rectangular cross section.
1 is set so as to have a substantially fishhook shape as viewed from the front and back directions. The guide hole 108 is for inserting a pressure detection tube 103 to be described later, and extends along the inclined arm 115 from the projecting portion of the long arm 105 which is an opening (that is, the pressure detection tube introduction portion 121). The base arm 117 is bent in a substantially U-shape to form the long arm 1.
It extends toward 05. The guide hole 108 communicates with large-diameter branch holes 125 and 127 that branch from the guide hole 108 in a substantially T-shape above the base 117. Guide hole 10
8, when the thin supporting member 101 is immersed in the liquid,
As a result, the liquid penetrates from the pressure detection tube introduction part 121 side to the vicinity of the connection part with the branch holes 125 and 127.
The branch holes 125 and 127 are for retaining gas such as air, and each of the branch holes 125 and 127 has end portions 129 and 131 that are respectively suspended for a predetermined length. Each of these ends 129 and 131 has an opening 13 that opens in the front-back direction of FIG.
3, 135 are formed.

The pressure detecting tube 103 is formed of a corrosion-resistant resin so as to have a substantially circular cross section. The diameter of the pressure detecting tube 103 is set slightly smaller than that of the guide hole 108, and the guide hole 108 has a substantially fishing hook shape. It has flexibility so that it can be inserted along. The guide hole 108 has an end corresponding to the pressure detecting tube introducing portion 121 as an opening 123 to which a specific gravity pressure transducer 137 described later can be attached. The other end of the pressure detection tube 103 is also an opening 124. The opening 124 is formed so that the pressure detecting tube 103 is close to the branch holes 125 and 127 in the guide hole 108.
And the branch holes 125 and 127 are completely disconnected from each other.
127. The pressure detection tube 103 is
The liquid pressure of the liquid in the liquid container that is applied to the opening 124, that is, the liquid pressure of the liquid corresponding to the opening 124 is applied to the opening 123.

When the pressure detection tube support mechanism having the above-mentioned structure is immersed in the liquid while being attached to a predetermined position in the liquid container, the liquid is transferred to the ends 129 and 131 through the openings 133 and 135. Penetrate. On the other hand, each branch hole 125,
Reference numeral 127 denotes a state in which gas such as air or nitrogen gas sealed from the side of the opening 123 (which is the opening of the pressure detection tube 103) is filled. If the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state, the liquid level at each end 129, 131 will be equal, but if the liquid container is inclined, the liquid level at either end will be due to this inclination. The liquid level rises and the liquid level at the other end falls.

For example, the liquid container is located on the left side of FIG.
Assuming that the liquid is inclined toward the end 129, the liquid level on the end 129 is higher than when the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state, and conversely, the liquid level on the end 131 is higher. The liquid level is
The liquid container is lower than when the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state. As a result, the hydraulic pressure applied to the end portion 129 becomes higher than that when the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state by the rise in the liquid level, and the hydraulic pressure applied to the end portion 131 is increased. Is lower by the lowering of the liquid level than when the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state. Since the inclination angle of the liquid container is within a preset range (for example, within ± 5 °), the fluctuation of the liquid level at the end portions 129 and 131 is within a preset allowable range (for example, within ± 2 mm). )
In this case, the fluctuations in the hydraulic pressure due to the inclination are canceled out from each other. Therefore, each of the ends 12
9 and 131, corresponding to the hydraulic pressure that has entered
Is substantially equal to the pressure to be applied to the opening 123 (which is the opening of the pressure detecting tube 103) when the liquid container is placed in a horizontal state. Therefore, an air pressure that does not include an error due to the inclination of the liquid container is applied to the transducer 137 through the opening 123.

In the pressure detecting tube support mechanism shown in FIG. 1, even if the inclination angle of the liquid container exceeds the allowable range, the liquid is immediately discharged from one of the ends 129 and 131 to the air or nitrogen gas. Hole 12 filled with
There is no danger of infiltration into the side of 5, 127 (formed in the base 117 together with the guide hole 108). Further, even if the liquid container is a storage battery and the liquid is a corrosive liquid such as an electrolytic solution (dilute sulfuric acid), the electrolytic solution is supplied to the branch holes 125,
127 (formed in the base 117 together with the guide hole 108) does not enter the pressure detecting tube 103 side. Even if the liquid evaporates into a corrosive gas, the corrosive gas The upward movement is performed by the pressure detection tube 1
The transducer 137 is not adversely affected by corrosive liquids or corrosive gases because it is regulated by the substantially U-shaped portion 03.

Although the pressure detecting tube support mechanism shown in FIG. 1 has a structure in which the guide hole 108 is provided in the thin support member 105, the guide hole 108 is not provided, and the thin support member 105 has a straight or fishing hook. The pressure detection tube 103 formed in a shape may be directly mounted and fixed. Further, instead of the pressure detection tube 103 shown in FIG. 1, a branch tube that extends linearly from the end to which the transducer 137 is attached and has a liquid inflow side has a branch tube that crosses in a substantially inverted T-shape. It is also possible to adopt a pressure detecting tube having a configuration in which both ends thereof are suspended by a predetermined length and open at the ends thereof.

The pressure detecting tube support mechanism shown in FIG. 1 further comprises a thin support member 101, a rectangular frame 105,
Although the arm composed of the plurality of arms 107 to 119 has been used, any thin supporting member 101 may be used as long as it is thin enough to be accommodated in a narrow gap and can support the pressure detecting tube 103. Any shape and configuration may be used.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a pressure detecting tube support mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention. This pressure detecting tube support mechanism sets the entire shape of the guide hole indicated by the reference numeral 110 as viewed from the front and back of FIG. 2 so as to exhibit a substantially L-shape, whereby the pressure detecting tube 104 inserted into the guide hole 110 is set. Is approximately L
It is different from the pressure detection tube support mechanism of FIG. 1 in that it is held in the shape of a letter. That is,
The guide hole 110 descends along the inclined arm 115 from the pressure detection pipe introducing portion 121, and is substantially L at the lower end portion of the frame 105.
It is bent in the shape of a letter, extends along the lower end portion of the frame 105 as it is, and reaches the right end of FIG. The pressure detection tube 104 is inserted into the guide hole 110, and the length of the pressure detection tube 104 is set to be substantially equal to the length of the guide hole 110. The configuration of the guide hole 110 and the pressure detection tube 104 is substantially the same as that of the pressure detection tube support mechanism described with reference to FIG.

The length of the portion of the guide hole 110 extending along the lower end portion of the frame 105 (that is, the section corresponding to the above-described portion of the pressure detecting tube 104) is determined if the temperature change is within a predetermined temperature range. The length is set so that the fluctuation of the pressure detection point due to the temperature change can be compensated for and no error occurs in the pressure detection value. For example, if the environment in which the liquid container is installed is 10
If the temperature changes within the range of 50 ° C. to 50 ° C., the gas in the pressure detecting tube 104 expands and contracts in accordance with the temperature change. The depth of penetration into the interior also varies. Therefore,
If the length of the portion is set to be longer than the portion where the liquid penetrates the deepest, the liquid does not penetrate to the rising portion of the pressure detection tube 104, so that the pressure detection point does not change.

In this embodiment, the short arms 112 and 116 are formed in place of the base 117, and the long arm 107 is orthogonal to the short arms 112 and 116 and the frame 1
It has a structure reaching the lower end portion of 06.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the whole configuration of a liquid, ie, electrolyte, specific gravity, liquid level, and liquid temperature measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the measuring device includes a specific gravity sensor 23 directly housed in the storage battery 1 and a casing 1 made of a corrosion-resistant resin material.
Liquid level sensor 25 and IC temperature sensor 31 housed in 3
And a monitoring unit 10 connected to each of the sensors 23, 25, and 31 through a plurality of bus lines 70. The specific gravity sensor 23 includes a pair of pressure detection tube support mechanisms 100 (not shown with respect to the installation state of each pressure detection tube support mechanism 100) housed in the storage battery 1 and the pressure detection tube support mechanisms 100. The pressure detection tubes 103 provided respectively and the pressure detection tubes 1
And a specific gravity pressure transducer 137 that outputs an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure of the pressure applied from the pressure sensor 03.

The pair of pressure detecting tube support mechanisms 100 are fixedly accommodated in the electrolyte 3 in a very narrow gap defined by the inner surface of the battery case of the storage battery 1 and the electrode plate group 2. ing. The bus line 70 is connected to a parallel / serial converter 61 (FIG. 7) provided in each storage battery 1 respectively.
) And are connected respectively. Each sensor 23, 25 and 31 according to the present embodiment, parallel / serial converter 6
1. Both the bus line 70 and the monitoring unit 10 employ an intrinsically safe explosion-proof circuit to ensure safety against hydrogen gas explosion.

FIG. 4 shows the casing 13 in which the storage battery 1 and the pair of pressure detecting tube support mechanisms 100 and the specific gravity pressure transducer 137 constituting the specific gravity sensor 23, the liquid level sensor 25 and the IC temperature sensor 31 are accommodated. It is the expanded side sectional view which showed the positional relationship. 4, each of the pressure detection tubes 103 (or 104) respectively supported by a pair of pressure detection tube support mechanisms 100 is different from FIG. 1 (or FIG. Has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. As described above, by using the pressure detecting tubes 103 (or 104) having different lengths, the liquid pressure at the point P1 (see FIG. 5) in the electrolytic solution 3 and the depth h (h is constant) from this point P1 Value) The difference from the fluid pressure at the point P2 (see FIG. 5) in the electrolytic solution 3 at the separated position, that is, the differential pressure P is detected.
Then, based on the differential pressure P and the interval h, the specific gravity ρ of the electrolytic solution 3 is determined as described later. Since the specific gravity pressure transducer 137 is always immersed in the electrolytic solution 3, it is completely protected from the electrolytic solution by a known corrosion-resistant resin material or the like.

The liquid level sensor 25 is housed in the casing 13 hanging from the top plate in the storage battery 1 toward the upper part of the electrode group 2. The liquid level sensor 25 is connected to a pipe-like resin member (not shown). Pressure transducer 139. The liquid level sensor 25 is a region defined by the liquid surface of the electrolyte 3 and the upper part of the electrode group 2, and has a liquid pressure at a point P 4 in the electrolyte 3 (see FIG. 5) and a point P 3 outside the electrolyte 3.
The pipe-shaped resin member (not shown) such that the difference from the atmospheric pressure in FIG. 5 (ie, the differential pressure P ′) can be detected.
Is positioned. The IC temperature sensor 31 is completely protected from the electrolytic solution by a known corrosion-resistant resin material or the like at an appropriate position on the pipe-shaped resin member (not shown) in order to detect the temperature of the electrolytic solution 3. It is attached and fixed in the state.

The details of the above configuration are described in the specification of a patent application (Japanese Patent Application No. 4-257602) filed by the applicant of the present invention, and therefore the description is omitted. In addition,
Based on the differential pressure P ′ and the specific gravity ρ, the liquid level height h ′ (see FIG. 5) of the electrolytic solution 3 is determined as described later. The method of calculating the specific gravity ρ and the liquid level height h ′ will be described later.

The reason why the specific gravity sensor 23 is not configured in the same manner as the liquid level sensor 25 is as follows. That is, the specific gravity sensor 23 also has a pipe-shaped resin member like the liquid level sensor 25, and the liquid level sensor 25 and the IC
If it is housed in the casing 13 together with the temperature sensor 31, the range in which the specific gravity sensor 23 can measure the differential pressure is as shown in FIG.
(Between the top plate of the storage battery 1 and the upper part of the electrode group 2 is approximately 200 mm).
Degree, usually between the level of the electrolyte 3 and the upper part of the electrode group 2,
(Approximately 100 mm), and the differential pressure value detected by the specific gravity sensor 23 also becomes small. For this reason, the value of the voltage applied to the monitoring unit 10 from the specific gravity sensor 23 as the differential pressure detection signal is also small, and the output voltage from the specific gravity sensor 23 is easily affected by disturbance or the like, and the differential pressure Detection accuracy may be reduced.

Therefore, by taking the value of h large only for the specific gravity sensor 23, a large differential pressure value can be measured and the output voltage is larger than that of the conventional case. A long pressure detection tube support mechanism 100 is adopted.

As described above, the specific gravity pressure transducer 137 is connected to each of the openings 1 of the pair of pressure detecting tubes 103.
23 is provided in a state of being assembled. As the pressure transducer 137 for specific gravity, for example, a diffusion type semiconductor element utilizing a piezoresistance effect is employed. This diffusion type semiconductor element has higher reliability than a mechanical type using a bellows or a metal diaphragm which has been used conventionally, and uses a single-crystal silicon pressure-sensitive element of several mm square. Because it is extremely small and lightweight. The diffusion type semiconductor element is characterized in that a high-precision output can be obtained because of incorporating a precision temperature compensation resistor.

In the pressure transducer 137 for specific gravity, different pressures are applied from the respective ends 129 and 131 due to the electrolyte solution 3 which has entered the ends 129 and 131 in the manner described above. Then, an electric signal (voltage) having a magnitude corresponding to the pressure difference between these two atmospheric pressures is generated. This electric signal is output from the specific gravity pressure transducer 137 to the amplifier 21a (shown in FIG. 7), amplified at a predetermined amplification degree, and then output to the monitoring unit 10 through the parallel / serial converter 61.

The liquid level pressure transducer 139 is provided at an appropriate position in the above-mentioned pipe-shaped resin member (not shown) so as to face the pipe-shaped resin member. As the pressure transducer 139 for the liquid surface, for example, a diffusion type semiconductor element utilizing a piezoresistance effect is employed similarly to the pressure transducer 137 for the specific gravity. This diffusion type semiconductor element has already been described in detail, and its explanation is omitted. The liquid level pressure transducer 139 is formed from the end side of the pipe-shaped resin member due to the electrolyte 3 penetrating into the inside of the pipe-shaped resin member from the end immersed in the electrolyte 3. An electric signal (voltage) having a magnitude corresponding to the pressure difference between the applied pressure and the pressure applied from the end of the pipe-shaped resin member exposed to the outside of the electrolytic solution 3 is generated. . This electrical signal
Liquid level pressure transducer 139 to amplifier 21b
(Shown in FIG. 7) and amplified at a predetermined amplification degree, and then passed through a parallel / serial converter 61 to the monitoring unit 10.
Is output to

The IC temperature sensor 31 uses an extremely small and lightweight semiconductor device of several mm square, and generates an electric signal (voltage) of a magnitude corresponding to the detected liquid temperature.
This electric signal is sent from the IC temperature sensor 31 to the amplifier 21c.
(Shown in FIG. 7) and amplified at a predetermined amplification degree, and then passed through a parallel / serial converter 61 to the monitoring unit 10.
Is output to

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a method of monitoring a storage battery provided with the above-mentioned measuring device. This monitoring method divides a large number of storage batteries into a plurality of blocks in units of several storage batteries, converts three types of sensor information relating to individual storage batteries 1 into serial data for each storage battery 1, and converts the serial data. The data is transmitted from the data transmission line 7 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the corresponding bus line 70 to the monitoring unit 10 at a predetermined timing in a predetermined order. With such a configuration, the signal processing unit 9 in the monitoring unit 10 (to be described in detail later) and the devices for processing the sensor information in the storage battery 1 (the parallel /
A bus line 70 for connection with the serial converter 61)
Will be in time if the number of the blocks is the same. For example, if the number of storage batteries to be monitored is 100, and one storage battery 1 constitutes one block, the total number of blocks is 5, so the number of the bus lines 70 is 5. Will be done. It should be noted that the number of storage batteries 1 that can be monitored by the above device is not limited to 100.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are block diagrams showing the signal processing system of the monitoring system shown in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 shows various devices attached to the storage battery 1 to be monitored. FIG. 8 shows an internal configuration of the monitoring unit 10 side. Each sensor 23, 25, 31, upper amplifiers 21a, 21b, 21c and each parallel / serial converter 61 in the upper two stages in FIG. 7 are provided corresponding to the storage battery 1 constituting the block 1 in FIG. Equipment. Further, each of the sensors 23, 25, 31 in the lower two stages in FIG.
1b, 21c and each parallel / serial converter 61
These are devices provided corresponding to the storage battery 1 constituting the block n in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the signal processing system includes the sensors 23, 25, 31 described above, the amplifiers 21a, 21b, 21c, the parallel / serial converters 61, and the monitoring unit. 10. Monitoring unit 1
0 is a specific gravity display section 45 as a display means, and a liquid level display section 4
7 and a liquid temperature display unit 49, a keyboard 33, a printer 53, and a signal processing unit 9.

The above specific gravity sensor 23 and liquid level sensor 2
5 and IC temperature sensors 31 are provided in the same number as the number of storage batteries 1 to be monitored, respectively, and these three types of sensors are provided in each storage battery 1 in the manner described above (FIGS. 3 and 4). See). Each of the above amplifiers 21
a, 21b, and 21c are provided corresponding to the sensors 23, 25, and 31, respectively.
Each of the batteries 21b and 21c is installed in each storage battery 1 in the manner described above (see FIGS. 3 and 4).
Further, each parallel / serial converter 61 is also connected to each storage battery 1.
It is provided for each.

Each of the parallel / serial converters 61 selectively inputs the analog signals output in parallel from the amplifiers 21a, 21b and 21c of the corresponding storage battery 1 in a time-division manner, converts the analog signals into digital signals, and converts the analog signals into digital signals. Output as Each parallel / serial converter 61
A multiplexer 63, an A / D converter 65, a local CPU 67, a memory 69, and an input / output port 71 are provided. Under the control of the local CPU 67, the multiplexer 63 selectively inputs the analog signals output from the amplifiers 21a, 21b, and 21c in a time-division manner, and outputs the analog signals to the A / D converter 65 at a predetermined timing.

The A / D converter 65 includes a multiplexer 63
Is converted into a digital signal at a predetermined timing and output to the input / output port 71. The input / output port 71 is transmitted through the control data transmission line 8 (one for each block) connecting the monitoring unit 10 and each of the parallel / serial converters 61 under the control of the local CPU 67. Data for time-sharing control is input and notified to the local CPU 67. The control data transmission line 8 constitutes a bus line 70 together with each data transmission line 7. The input / output port 71 also has an A /
The digital signal output from the D converter 65 is transmitted to the monitoring unit 10 through the data transmission line 7 at a predetermined timing.

The memory 69 contains a control program and the like, and stores necessary data. The memory 69 stores data relating to the input sequence of the respective detection signals (that is, specific gravity, liquid level and liquid temperature detection signals) by the multiplexer 63, data relating to the input timing of the respective detection signals by the multiplexer 63, and the like. The memory 69 also stores a detection value relating to the specific gravity pressure transducer 137, that is, a differential pressure value P1e when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 is 1.00 and a differential pressure value when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 is 1.30. P3e and the like are also stored. Any of the above differential pressure values is a differential pressure value when the height between two points in the electrolytic solution 3 is constant at h.

The memory 69 further stores the detected values relating to the liquid level pressure transducer 139, that is, the differential pressure values P1e1 and P1e2 when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 is 1.00, and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 1.30. Differential pressure values P3e1 and P3e2 at
I also remember. For any of the above differential pressure values, the electrolyte 3
Differential pressure value between the fluid pressure at a point present therein and the barometric pressure at a point above this point by a fixed height h ′ and above the level of the electrolyte 3 in the storage battery 1 It is.

The local CPU 67 controls the multiplexer 63 by determining the input sequence and the input timing of each detection signal by the multiplexer 63 based on the data stored in the memory 69. By this control, for example, first, the detection signal from the specific gravity sensor 23 is passed through the amplifier 21a, and then the liquid level sensor 2 is passed through the amplifier 21b.
5 finally receives the IC through the amplifier 21c.
The detection signal from the temperature sensor 31 is input by the multiplexer 63 at a predetermined timing.

The local CPU 67 also determines the output timing of each of the digital data output from the A / D converter 65 and stored in the input / output port 71 as serial data based on the control signal described above. The output port 71 is controlled. With this control, when the monitoring unit 10 notifies each local CPU 67 of the block 1 of the transmission permission of the serial data, when the serial data corresponding to the first storage battery of the storage battery group forming the block 1 Up to the serial data corresponding to the storage battery is transmitted from each input / output port 71 to the data transmission line 7 at a predetermined timing.

As shown in FIG. 8, the monitoring section 10 includes a signal processing section 9, a keyboard 33, a specific gravity display section 45, a liquid level display section 47, a liquid temperature display section 49, and a printer 53.

The keyboard 33 is provided with keys for outputting various command signals necessary for controlling the measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment to the signal processing section 9 and a key group including ten keys. . The key group designates a specific storage battery 1 from a plurality of storage batteries 1 to be monitored, and displays the specific gravity, the liquid level, the temperature, and the converted specific gravity of the electrolyte 3 in the storage battery 1 in each of the display units 45 and 47 and 49 includes various keys to be displayed. The keys are also used for the electrolyte 3 of all the storage batteries 1.
The average conversion specific gravity, average liquid level and average temperature of each display unit 4
Various keys for display on 5, 47 and 49 are also included.

A command signal resulting from the operation of the various keys is output from the keyboard 33 to the main CPU 51 through the input / output port 39, and the main CPU 51 performs predetermined arithmetic processing.

The specific gravity display section 45, the liquid level display section 47, and the liquid temperature display section 49 are installed at a place where command is performed, for example, in a driver's cab, and the display sections 45, 47, and 49 are, for example, LEDs.
(Light-Emitting Diode) A multi-digit seven-segment composed of elements is employed. Each of these display units 45, 47 and 49 executes a predetermined display operation based on a display command signal output from the main CPU 51 through the output port 43.

The printer 53 is also provided with each of the display units 45 and 47.
Similarly to the printers 49 and 49, the printer 53 is installed at a place where command is performed, such as a driver's cab, and the printer 53 performs a predetermined operation on sheets of a predetermined format based on a drive command signal output from the main CPU 51 through the output port 43. Execute the printing operation.

The signal processing section 9 includes a main C functioning as a specific gravity value calculating means, a liquid level height calculating means and a specific gravity value converting means.
PU51, input / output port 39, output port 43,
A memory 41 and a serial / parallel conversion circuit 55 are provided.

The input / output port 39 outputs a command signal output from the keyboard 33 to the main CPU 51 under the control of the main CPU 51. Under the control of the main CPU 51, the input / output port 39 also divides the digital data of each block transmitted in parallel from each of the parallel / serial converters 61 through the corresponding data transmission line 7 according to a preset order. The data is selectively input and output as serial data to the serial / parallel conversion circuit 55 at a predetermined timing. The input / output port 39 further sends the control data of each of the parallel / serial converters 61 output from the main CPU 51 to the control data transmission line 8 at a predetermined timing as serial data.

The serial / parallel conversion circuit 55 calculates serial data from the input / output port 39 under the control of the main CPU 51 as specific gravity sensor information, liquid level sensor information and temperature sensor information of the electrolyte 3 for each storage battery 1. The data is converted into parallel data so that the data can be processed, and output to the main CPU 51 at a predetermined timing.

ROM / RAM memory (hereinafter "memory")
) 41 incorporates a control program and the like and stores necessary data. The memory 41 starts with the data on the order and the input timing of the detection signals from the sensors 23, 25 and 31 corresponding to the respective parallel / serial converters 61.
Stores the order of sending each serial data to the corresponding data transmission line 7 and data related to the sending timing. As described above, these data are used as data for time-division control from the control data transmission line 8 (provided for each block corresponding to the data transmission line 7) to each parallel / serial converter. 61. The memory 41 also stores data on the order in which the input / output port 39 inputs serial data transmitted from each data transmission line 7 and the input / output timing.

The memory 41 also stores an electrolyte 3 described later in detail.
For calculating the liquid surface height h 'of the electrolytic solution 3, the specific gravity ρ of the electrolytic solution 3 when the liquid temperature of the electrolytic solution 3 is 20 ° C. The equation for converting the specific gravity ρ of the electrolytic solution 3 into the specific gravity Gb when the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 3 is a normal liquid level, and the specific gravity ρ of the electrolytic solution 3 is the liquid temperature of the electrolytic solution 3 Is calculated at 20 ° C. and the specific gravity G20b when the liquid level of the electrolyte 3 is the normal liquid level, and the average conversion specific gravity, the average liquid level, and the average temperature of the electrolyte 3 of all the storage batteries 1 are calculated. , Respectively, are stored.

The memory 41 also starts with a value h indicating the distance between the ends of the pair of pressure detecting tubes 103 on the side where the branch pipe is provided, and the distance between both ends of the pipe-shaped resin member. , Or various data such as a value b indicating the normal liquid level of the electrolytic solution 3 inside the storage battery 1.

The memory 41 further stores the differential pressure value data output from the main CPU 51 and the specific gravity data of the electrolyte 3 in each storage battery 1 due to the operation of the various keys described above. The liquid level data, the temperature data, the converted specific gravity data, the average converted specific gravity data of the electrolyte 3 of all the storage batteries 1, the average liquid level data, the average temperature data, and the like are stored in a predetermined storage area. The memory 41 is a main CPU 5
1 and outputs corresponding data to the main CPU 51.

The main CPU 51 performs a series of arithmetic processing based on various data in the memory 41 and various external information input through the input / output port 39 (ie, various sensor information and key operation information output from the keyboard 33). I do. The main CPU 51 controls the specific gravity display section 45, the liquid level display section 47, the liquid temperature display section 49, the printer 53, and the like through the output port 43. The main CPU 51, based on the various data and the like stored in the memory 41,
The following arithmetic processing operation is performed.

(A) The main CPU 51 transmits each local CP through the input / output port 39 and each control data transmission line 8.
By transmitting control data for controlling the U67 and controlling the input / output port 39, (a)
As described in (g) to (g), the specific gravity, the liquid level, and the liquid temperature of the electrolytic solution 3 are obtained for each storage battery 1.

(A) Digital data (ie, differential pressure of the electrolyte 3) P transmitted from each specific gravity sensor 23 to the main CPU 51 through the above-mentioned path is input, and the digital data P and the electrolyte 3 in the memory 41 are input. Is obtained by the equation ρ = P / h for obtaining the specific gravity ρ of Here, P is a differential pressure between the pressures P2 and P1 (see FIG. 5) respectively applied to both ends of the pair of pressure detecting tubes 103 described above. h is
As described above, the distance between the both ends is a constant value.

(C) The digital data P 'output from each liquid level sensor 25 and transmitted to the main CPU 51 through the above-described path (that is, the point P4 in the electrolyte 3 (see FIG. 5).
Pressure) and the point P3 outside the electrolyte 3 (see FIG. 5).
), And this P 'and (A)
H ′ is obtained from the specific gravity ρ obtained in the above and the expression h ′ = P ′ / ρ for obtaining the liquid level height h ′ of the electrolytic solution 3 in the memory 41.

As is clear from the above description and FIG. 5, one end of the pipe-shaped resin member to which the pressure P4 is applied is electrolyzed at a depth h 'from the liquid level. In a state of being immersed in the liquid 3, P4 indicates the pressure at the above position. On the other hand, the other end of the pipe-shaped resin member to which the pressure P3 is applied is in a state of being exposed outside the electrolytic solution 3 at a position h 'above the one end as described above.

The normal liquid level height b of the electrolytic solution 3 is a known number, and the mounting position of the casing 13 with respect to the storage battery 1 is fixed as shown in FIG.
The liquid level height h ′ can be calculated by the above equation.

(D) Digital data t output from each IC temperature sensor 31 and transmitted to the main CPU 51 through the above-mentioned path is input. The main CPU 51
The liquid temperature t when the specific gravity ρ was obtained in (a) and the liquid surface height h ′ in (c) were obtained in (a).
Recognize as [° C]. That is, the main CPU 51 determines (a)
Is recognized as the specific gravity Gt (ρ = Gt) of the electrolytic solution 3 at the liquid temperature t [° C.], and this t and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 in the memory 41 when the liquid temperature is 20 ° C. Specific gravity G20
G20 = Gt + 0.0007 (t
-20) is used to determine G20.

(E) The specific gravity ρ obtained in (A) is
The specific gravity at the liquid level height h 'obtained in (c) is not the specific gravity when the electrolyte 3 is at the normal liquid level. Therefore, in order to convert the specific gravity ρ obtained in (a), the liquid level height h ′ obtained in (c), and the specific gravity Gb in the memory 41 when the electrolyte 3 is at the normal liquid level. Equation Gb = G
Gb is calculated using the formula of L + 0.0004 (b−h ′). Here, b indicates the normal liquid level of the electrolyte 3. Also, h 'indicates the liquid level, which is already (c).
Is sought. GL indicates the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 when the liquid level is h '(the GL is indicated by ρ in (a) and by Gt in (d)). Furthermore, 0.
0004 is a liquid level conversion coefficient required when the measured liquid level of the electrolytic solution 3 is converted into a normal liquid level.

(F) The main CPU 51 determines G2 in (d).
After calculating the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 at a liquid temperature of 20 ° C., the value of Gb at (e), that is, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 at a liquid surface height h ′, is obtained. Liquid temperature 20 ° C in memory 41
And the specific gravity G2 of the electrolyte 3 when the liquid level is the normal liquid level
Formula for conversion to 0b G20b = GtL + 0.00
G20b is calculated using 07 (t−20) +0.0004 (b−h ′).

GtL + 0.0007 (t−20) is
(D) is a known number (求 め GtL =
Gt) and 0.0004 (b−h ′) are also known numbers because they are calculated in (e).

The reason why the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 is converted into the specific gravity when the liquid temperature is 20 ° C. and the liquid level is normal is that the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 varies depending on the liquid temperature and the liquid level. Therefore, when comparing the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution, it is necessary to convert the specific gravity ρ of the electrolytic solution obtained in (a) into the specific gravity G20b of the electrolytic solution at a liquid temperature of 20 ° C. and a normal liquid level.

(G) The main CPU 51 corrects the temperature drift of the G20b obtained in (f) as necessary. That is, the main CPU 51 compares the liquid temperature detection value t output from the IC temperature sensor 31 with each of the memories 69.
The differential pressure value data P1e, P3e, P1e1, P
Based on 1e2, P3e1, P3e2, and the like, a predetermined calculation process is performed to correct the value of G20b obtained in (f).

(H) The main CPU 51
The average converted specific gravity, the average liquid level, and the average temperature of the electrolytes 3 of all the storage batteries 1 are calculated based on the command signal output from the storage battery 1.

(G) The main CPU 51 starts with the value of G20b for each storage battery 1 obtained as described above, the value of h ', the value of t, and the average converted specific gravity of the electrolyte 3 of all the storage batteries 1. The value, the average liquid level value, and the average temperature value are displayed on the corresponding display units 45, 47, and 49, respectively, or are controlled by the printer 53 so that a hard copy (a predetermined format in which the information is printed) Paper).

Next, the control operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.

When the driving power supply of the measuring device is turned on,
The main CPU 51 includes the specific gravity pressure transducer 13.
7, the pressure difference value P when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 3 is 1.00.
1e and the differential pressure value P3e when the specific gravity of the electrolyte 3 is 1.30.
Is checked in each memory 69 (step S1). At the same time, the main CPU 51
Are the differential pressure values P1e1 and P1e2 when the specific gravity of the electrolyte 3 is 1.30 with respect to the liquid level pressure transducer 139.
Differential pressure values P3e1 and P3 when the specific gravity of the electrolyte 3 is 1.30
It is also checked whether or not e2 is registered in each memory 69 (step S2). As a result of the above checks in steps S1 and S2, if the above-described data is not registered in each memory 69, the main CPU
51 does not shift to the processing operation after step S3.
The above data in step S1 and step S2 are used for correcting an error in the value of G20b described above due to a temperature drift caused in the pressure-output voltage characteristics of the specific gravity sensor 23 and the liquid level sensor 25. What is used.

As a result of the above checks in steps S1 and S2, if the above-mentioned data is registered in each memory 69, the main CPU 51 proceeds to step S3.
The processing shifts to the subsequent processing operation. The main CPU 51 sends data for time division control to each local CPU 67. The control data determines the order in which the parallel / serial converters 61 input the detection signals output from the sensors 23, 25, 31. In addition, the output order and output timing of the serial data formed by the detection signal from each parallel / serial converter 61 are also determined (step S3).

When the processing operation shown in step S3 is completed, the main CPU 51 controls the input / output port 39 to determine the output order and output timing of digital data for each block from the input / output port 39. Less than,
It is assumed that digital data is output in the order of block 1 to block n by this control, and the digital data first output as sensor information of the storage battery 1 in block 1 will be described (step S).
Four). The main CPU 51 reads the differential pressure value P output from the specific gravity pressure transducer 137 (Step S).
5), read the equation of ρ = P / h and the value of h from the memory 41 to calculate the specific gravity ρ of the electrolyte 3 (step S)
6).

The value of ρ calculated in step S6 is temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 41 by the main CPU 51 (step S7). When a series of processing operations from Step S5 to Step S7 is completed, the process proceeds to Step S8. That is, the main CPU 51 reads the differential pressure value P ′ output from the liquid level pressure transducer 139 (step S8), and reads h ′ = P ′ / ρ from the memory 41.
And the value of ρ temporarily stored in the memory 41 in step S7 are read out (step S9), and the liquid level height h 'of the electrolytic solution 3 is calculated (step S10). The value of h ′ calculated in step S10 is stored in the memory 4 by the main CPU 51.
1 is temporarily stored in the predetermined storage area (step S1).
1). When the processing operation shown in Step S11 is completed, the main CPU 51 reads the liquid temperature detection value t output from the IC temperature sensor 31 and temporarily stores the same in a predetermined storage area in the memory 41 (Step S12).

The specific gravity ρ of the electrolyte 3 obtained in step S6
And the liquid temperature detection value t read in step S12 and the memory 4
1 for conversion to the specific gravity G20 when the temperature of the electrolytic solution 3 is 20 ° C. G20 = Gt + 0.
0007 (t-20), and the temperature of the electrolyte 3 is 2
The specific gravity G20 at 0 ° C. is calculated. The details of each item constituting the conversion formula have been described above, and thus are omitted (step S13). When the calculation in step S13 is completed, the main CPU 51 stores the specific gravity ρ of the electrolyte 3 obtained in step S6, the liquid level height h ′ of the electrolyte 3 obtained in step S10, and the memory 41. , Electrolyte 3
Gb is obtained by using the following equation for conversion to the specific gravity Gb when the liquid level is the normal liquid level: Gb = GL + 0.0004 (b−h ′). The details of each of the terms constituting the above conversion formula have also been described above, and thus are omitted (step S1).
Four).

When the calculations described in steps S13 and S14 are completed, the main CPU 51 stores the specific gravity G20b of the electrolytic solution 3 stored in the memory 41 at the liquid temperature of 20 ° C. and the normal liquid level. Equation for conversion G20b = GtL + 0.0007 (t−20) +
Using 0.0004 (b-h '), the above specific gravity G20
b is calculated (step S15). For the G20b obtained in step S15, the temperature drift correction as described above is performed as needed (step S16).

After the processing operation shown in step S16 is completed, an instruction to display each of the above data (ie, an instruction to display data for one storage battery) is input from the keyboard 33. Is recognized (step S17),
The main CPU 51 controls the display units 45, 47, and 49 to display each value (that is, G20b after temperature drift correction, liquid level height h ', and liquid temperature detection value t) (step S18). After the processing operation shown in step S16 ends,
When the main CPU 51 recognizes from the keyboard 33 that a command to display the average converted specific gravity, the average liquid level, and the average temperature of the electrolyte solution 3 of all the storage batteries 1 has been input (step S19), the main CPU 51 determines in step S16. Are temporarily stored in a predetermined storage area of the memory 41 (step S2).
0).

After obtaining data relating to all the storage batteries 1, the main CPU 51 calculates an average conversion specific gravity, an average liquid level, and an average temperature of the electrolyte 3 of all the storage batteries 1 based on the data (step S21). ), The display units 45, 47 and 49 are controlled to display these values (step S22). When it is recognized from the keyboard 33 that a command to print out the value obtained in step S16 or step S21 has been input (step S23), the main C
The PU 51 controls the printer 53 to output each of the data as a hard copy (step S24).

When the processing operations shown in steps S1 to S25 are completed, a series of arithmetic processing operations by the main CPU 51 is completed.

[0097]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the shape or the like changes due to external factors, and the distance between two points for sampling the hydraulic pressure is different from the initial distance. When the inclination angle of the liquid container containing the liquid to be measured is within a preset range, the pressure value caused by the liquid moving to the inclined side due to the inclination Can be provided, and a pressure detection tube support mechanism provided with a pressure detection tube having a configuration capable of being installed even in a small accommodation space can be provided.

Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention, when the inclination of the liquid container is within a predetermined range, the differential pressure value caused by the movement of the liquid to be measured due to the inclination is described. Equipped with a support mechanism having a pressure detecting tube capable of detecting an error and capable of detecting a relatively large differential pressure, and is applicable in an environment where corrosive gas or corrosive liquid is used. It is possible to provide an apparatus for measuring the specific gravity, liquid level, and liquid temperature of a liquid which can be simplified, reduced in size, reduced in weight and explosion-proof, and can be easily maintained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing the structure of a pressure detecting tube support mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a structure of a pressure detecting tube support mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the entire configuration of a specific gravity, liquid level, and liquid temperature measuring device of an electrolytic solution.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional side view showing a positional relationship between the pressure detection tube support mechanism shown in FIG. 1 or 2 and a specific gravity pressure transducer, a liquid level pressure transducer, an IC temperature sensor, and a casing.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of measuring the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution and the principle of measuring the liquid level of the electrolytic solution.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a method of monitoring a storage battery provided with an apparatus for measuring the specific gravity, the liquid level, and the liquid temperature of an electrolytic solution.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the monitoring system shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a signal processing system of the monitoring system shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the signal processing system shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the signal processing system shown in FIGS. 7 and 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 storage battery 3 electrolyte 9 signal processing unit 23 specific gravity sensor 25 liquid level sensor 31 IC temperature sensor 39 input / output port 45 specific gravity display unit 47 liquid level display unit 49 liquid temperature display unit 51 main CPU 53 printer 55 serial / parallel conversion circuit 61 Parallel / serial converter 101, 102 Thin support member 103, 104 Pressure detection tube 108, 110 Hollow hole 123, 133, 135 Opening 125, 127 Branch pipe 129, 131 Branch pipe end 137 Specific gravity pressure transducer 139 Liquid level Pressure transducer

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A thin supporting member fixedly inserted in a state of being immersed in a liquid in a narrow gap in a liquid container, and at two positions separated by a predetermined length of the thin supporting member, First
A pressure detection tube attached and fixed to the thin supporting member with the end of the pressure detection tube and the second end of the pressure detection tube being positioned, and the first end of the pressure detection tube has a pressure / electrical signal. An opening in which the conversion means is provided is formed, and a second end of the pressure detection pipe is connected to a branch pipe that intersects the pressure detection pipe body in a substantially inverted T-shape. A pressure detecting tube support mechanism, wherein both end portions are each suspended for a predetermined length, and each of the hanging distal ends is open. 2. A thin support member fixedly inserted in a state of being immersed in a liquid in a narrow gap in a liquid container, and a first end and a second end are substantially U-shaped. A pressure detecting tube which is connected to the thin supporting member in a state where both ends are respectively positioned at two positions separated by a predetermined length of the thin supporting member, and which is fixed to the thin supporting member. A first end of the pressure detection tube is formed with an opening in which a pressure / electrical signal conversion means is provided, and a second end of the pressure detection tube is provided with respect to the pressure detection tube main body. A branch pipe that crosses in a substantially inverted T-shape is connected, and both ends of the branch pipe are respectively suspended by a predetermined length, and each of the hanging distal ends is open. Pressure detection tube support mechanism. 3. A thin supporting member fixedly inserted in a state of being immersed in a liquid in a narrow gap in the liquid container, and a first end and a second end are substantially L-shaped. A pressure detecting tube which is connected to the thin supporting member in a state where both ends are respectively positioned at two positions separated by a predetermined length of the thin supporting member, and which is fixed to the thin supporting member. A first end of the pressure detection tube is formed with an opening in which the pressure / electrical signal conversion means is provided, and a second end of the pressure detection tube is formed with an opening. A distance from a bent portion of the pressure detecting tube to the second end is set to a length that can compensate for a pressure change in the pressure detecting tube due to a temperature change; Support mechanism. 4. A thin supporting member fixedly inserted in a state immersed in a liquid into a narrow gap in the liquid container,
A rod-shaped pressure detection tube, which is made of a flexible material and is fixedly supported by the thin-walled support member, wherein the thin-walled support member guides the pressure detection tube. A guide hole for positioning in a predetermined shape and posture is formed. The guide hole has a first end for introducing a rod-shaped pressure detection tube, and a substantially inverted T-shape or a substantially T-shape. And a second end, into which the liquid penetrates into the branched distal end portion, and a pressure detection tube support mechanism. 5. The pressure detection tube support mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the thin support member and the pressure detection tube are inserted while being immersed in an electrolyte inside a storage battery. A pressure detection tube support mechanism, which is made of a corrosion-resistant resin material, wherein air or nitrogen gas is sealed in the pressure detection tube. 6. A detection unit for detecting a specific gravity, a liquid level, and a liquid temperature of a liquid by being immersed in the liquid in the liquid container and outputting a predetermined electric signal, and an output from the detection unit. A monitoring unit that performs signal processing based on the difference pressure, and detects a differential pressure between any two points at a predetermined depth interval in the liquid and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the differential pressure. A first differential pressure detecting unit, which detects a differential pressure between a liquid pressure at a position submerged in the liquid and a barometric pressure at a position separated from the position by a predetermined height, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the detected differential pressure. A second differential pressure detecting unit that outputs a signal, and a liquid temperature detecting unit that detects a liquid temperature and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the liquid temperature. The first differential pressure detecting unit includes: 6. The pressure detection tube support mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the pressure detection tubes have different lengths of pressure detection tubes. A tube support mechanism; and pressure / electrical signal conversion means for outputting an electric signal corresponding to a pressure difference between the pressures applied to the first ends of the respective pressure detection tube support mechanisms. A pressure detection tube having an end to which the hydraulic pressure and the air pressure are respectively applied, and a portion to which a differential pressure of the pressure applied to these ends is applied; Pressure / electrical signal conversion means for outputting an electric signal according to the differential pressure applied to the part, wherein the liquid temperature detecting section comprises: a pressure detecting section provided in the first and second differential pressure detecting sections. An apparatus for measuring the specific gravity, liquid level and liquid temperature of a liquid, wherein the liquid density is fixed to one of the tubes, which is always immersed in the liquid when measuring the differential pressure. 7. The apparatus for measuring a specific gravity, a liquid level and a liquid temperature of a liquid according to claim 6, wherein the monitoring unit comprises: an electric signal output from the first differential pressure detecting unit; Inputting distance data between points, calculating a specific gravity of the liquid by a predetermined arithmetic expression, and inputting the obtained specific gravity value of the liquid and an electric signal output from the second differential pressure detecting unit A liquid level height calculating means for calculating the liquid level of the liquid by a predetermined arithmetic expression; and inputting the data of the determined specific gravity and the liquid level, and calculating the specific gravity by a predetermined arithmetic expression. A specific gravity conversion means for converting the specific gravity at a temperature and a predetermined liquid level, an electric signal output from the liquid temperature detecting means, the liquid level data output from the liquid level calculating means, and a specific gravity; Display means for inputting the specific gravity output from the conversion means and displaying each of them separately The electrical signal output from the liquid temperature detecting means, the liquid level data output from the liquid level calculating means, the specific gravity data output from the specific gravity calculating means, and the specific gravity conversion output from the specific gravity converting means Means for inputting data and outputting a hard copy of each of the data, respectively. A device for measuring specific gravity, liquid level and liquid temperature of liquid. 8. The liquid specific gravity, liquid level, and liquid temperature measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the liquid container is a plurality of storage batteries, and each of the storage batteries includes the detection unit. And signal conversion means for converting an electric signal output from the detection unit into serial data, wherein each unit of the monitoring unit is configured to store each battery based on the serial data output from each signal conversion unit. A specific gravity, a liquid surface height, and a liquid temperature of the electrolyte solution, and an average value thereof.