JP3432817B2 - Capacitively coupled sensor device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a capacitively coupled sensor device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Among sensor devices, there is a capacitive coupling type, that is, a capacitive coupling type (capacitance type) sensor device using a capacitor. Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-80703
Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2004-242242 discloses a capacitive coupling sensor device for detecting that a human body is seated on a locally washed toilet seat. In this publication,
In addition to the detection electrode for capacitive coupling and the ground electrode, the sensor part
It is composed of a protective electrode interposed between both electrodes,
The electrodes are insulated from each other. Then, the capacitance between the detection electrode and the ground electrode is used for setting the oscillation frequency in the high-frequency oscillation circuit, and changes in the capacitance due to the human body approaching the oscillation frequency from the oscillation circuit (final Output signal). In addition,
The protective electrode is provided to reduce the electrostatic capacity of the sensor itself.

[0003]

However, since the output signal obtained in the above publication is not a general output signal such as a change in frequency, a special device for detecting the frequency is required. There is a problem that it ends up. It should be noted that the one described in the above publication only detects the presence or absence of the substance, which is the human body, and does not intend to detect the volume of the substance in a continuously variable manner, such as a change in the volume of the liquid.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a capacitive coupling type sensor device in which an output signal obtained is a general DC voltage signal. is there.

[0005]

To achieve the above object, in the present invention, basically, a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, which are capacitively coupled, are used as energizing resistances for high frequency voltage. is there. Then, in order to prevent the high frequency voltage from leaking between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, a shield electrode is interposed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. Further, the high frequency voltage which is the output from the receiving electrode is converted into a direct current voltage by detection.

Specifically, the following solution is adopted in the device of the present invention. That is, as described in claim 1 in the claims, a capacitive coupling type sensor device for detecting a substance for detecting the presence or absence of a substance, which is capacitively coupled to a transmission electrode and the transmission electrode. A receiving electrode and a shield electrode disposed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode to shield between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode; and the transmitting electrode and the shield electrode. A high-frequency oscillating device interposed between the receiving electrode and the shield electrode for applying a high-frequency voltage to the transmitting electrode, and a detecting device for converting the high-frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode into a DC voltage. The sensor part is formed in a shape in which at least three or more conductive wires extend at a small distance from each other and extend substantially parallel to each other, and the plurality of conductive wires are respectively provided. A plurality of the transmission electrodes are configured by the plurality of first conductive lines that are divided into three sets of several conductive lines and are divided into the three sets, and the plurality of transmission electrodes are divided into the three sets. Two
A plurality of the conductive electrodes of the set, a plurality of the receiving electrodes are configured, a plurality of conductive wires of the third group divided into the three sets, a plurality of the shield electrodes,
Conductive wires that configure the shield electrode are respectively disposed between the conductive wires that configure the transmission electrode and the conductive wires that configure the reception electrode, and one ends of the conductive wires that configure the transmission electrode. The parts are electrically connected to each other, one end of each conductive wire forming the receiving electrode is electrically connected, and one end of each conductive wire forming the shield electrode is electrically connected to each other. It has been done.

As a result, the capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode is different between when the substance is present and when the substance is not present, but the capacitance is different. This can be known by observing the magnitude of the DC voltage after being detected by the detector. Further, when the amount of the substance present across the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode changes, the electrostatic capacitance between the two electrodes changes, but the change in the electrostatic capacitance changes the DC voltage after being detected by the detector. It is also possible to know by looking at the size. Moreover, the detection area of a substance can be increased with a simple configuration. further,
The number of electrical connections to the sensor unit can be limited to the required minimum of three. In addition to the above, each electrode can be easily configured by a conductive wire, and the gap between each electrode can be used for passing a substance.

On the premise of the solution method described above, the following methods can be adopted together. That is, each of the conductive wires may be a covered wire covered with an insulating covering material (corresponding to claim 2). In this case, insulation between the electrodes can be easily performed. Further, the sensor unit can be easily configured by using a commercially available covered electric wire.

A spacer member for maintaining the distance between the conductive lines may be provided at each end of each conductive line in the longitudinal direction (corresponding to claim 3).
In this case, the spacer member can surely maintain the interval between the conductive lines at a predetermined interval.

Instead of detecting the presence / absence of a substance, it may be used for capacitance detection for detecting the amount of the substance. In this case, in addition to the constituent requirements described in claim 1 excluding the statement "for detecting a substance for detecting the presence or absence of a substance", the following constituent requirements are further added: It can be set as having. That is, as described in claim 4 in the claims, there is provided a capacitive coupling type sensor device for detecting the amount of a substance, comprising a container for receiving the substance, wherein the sensor part is A configuration in which the container is extended in a direction in which the amount of the substance in the container fluctuates and is arranged so that at least the position where the sensor unit is arranged and its vicinity in the container have an insulating property. It can be configured as having further requirements. In this case, the amount of the substance in the container can be detected in a continuously variable manner.

The sensor portion may be provided on an outer surface or a wall of the container (corresponding to claim 5). In this case, the amount of the substance in the container can be detected without bringing the sensor unit into contact with the substance in the container.

The sensor unit may be arranged outside the container and close to the container (corresponding to claim 6). In this case, the amount of the substance in the container can be detected without directly attaching the sensor unit to the container.

The transmitting electrodes of the sensor units are
One of the transmitting electrodes is connected in parallel to one of the high-frequency oscillators, each of the receiving electrodes of each of the sensor units is connected in parallel of one of the detectors. It is possible to provide a selection device for selectively connecting one to the high-frequency oscillation device (corresponding to claim 7). In this case, only one high-frequency oscillator and one detector are required for the plurality of sensor units.

The transmitting electrodes of the sensor units are
One of the reception electrodes is connected in parallel to one of the high-frequency oscillators, and each of the reception electrodes of each of the sensor units is connected in parallel of one of the detection devices. It is possible to provide a selection device for selectively connecting one to the detection device (corresponding to claim 8). In this case, only one high-frequency oscillator and one detector are required for the plurality of sensor units.

The transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and the shield electrode may be held by a single holder made of insulating synthetic resin (corresponding to claim 9). In this case, each electrode can be easily attached using the holder while maintaining each electrode in a predetermined positional relationship.

The transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and the shield electrode are embedded in the holding body, and the transmitting electrode,
Each lead wire extending from the receiving electrode and the shield electrode may be extended to the outside of the holding body (corresponding to claim 10).

In this case, it is preferable for protecting each electrode, that is, for sufficiently improving durability. Of course, the connection to each electrode can be easily performed by using the conductive wire extended to the outside of the holding body.

The high frequency oscillating device may be a clock incorporated in a computer (corresponding to claim 11). In this case, the computer clock can be effectively used as the high-frequency oscillator.

The substance may be any of a living body, excretion from the living body, a gas, a liquid, a solid, a powder, a granular substance or a gel-like substance (claim 12).
Correspondence). In this case, examples of detection targets are listed, but the range (type) of substances to be detected is extremely wide.

[0020] A excrement cup attached to a patient to receive excrement from the patient is provided, and the sensor portion is provided on an outer surface of the excrement cup or an outer surface of a excrement discharge path extending from the excrement cup. It is possible to do so (corresponding to claim 13). In this case, the excrement can be detected while surely preventing the sensor unit from being contaminated by the excrement.

A feces excrement cup attached to a patient for receiving at least feces excreted from the patient, and a fecal excretion route for ejecting at least feces from the excrement cup faces upward in the excrement cup. So that the sensor part is disposed so as to cross the in-cup opening part so that the feces discharged from the patient are placed on the sensor part. The feces on the sensor section can be passed through the sensor section when the feces discharge path is subjected to the suction action (corresponding to claim 14). In this case, it is possible to reliably detect that feces have been discharged into the excrement cup by the sensor unit having a wide detection range. Further, the feces discharged into the excrement cup are reduced in size by passing through the gaps between the conductive wires forming the sensor section, which is also preferable in preventing the situation where the feces are clogged in the discharge route. Becomes

[0022]

According to the present invention, the detection result of the presence or absence of a substance or the amount of a substance can be extremely easily grasped as the magnitude of a DC voltage, and the versatility is high. Moreover, the detection area of a substance can be increased with a simple configuration. Furthermore, the number of electrical connections to the sensor section can be limited to the minimum required three. In addition to the above, each electrode can be easily configured by a conductive wire, and the gap between each electrode can be used for passing a substance.

[0023]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Description of FIGS. 1 to 5 FIG. 1 shows a circuit example of a capacitive coupling type sensor device according to the present invention, and 400 is a sensor section. This sensor section 4
00 has three electrodes, a transmission electrode 401, a reception electrode 402, and a shield electrode 403. Of course, each electrode 4
01 to 403 are each formed of a conductive member (for example, formed of a thin metal plate such as a copper foil). The electrodes 401 to 403 are arranged in parallel at a predetermined small interval. That is, the distance between the transmission electrode 401 and the shield electrode 403 and the distance between the reception electrode 402 and the shield electrode 403 form an insulating layer (a separate insulating material is provided between the electrodes for insulation). You can also intervene).

The transmitting electrode 401 and the receiving electrode 402 are capacitively coupled to each other and cooperate with each other to form a capacitor. As will be described later, the shield electrode 403 is for shielding the space between the transmission electrode 401 and the reception electrode 402 in high frequency, and is always grounded.

A high frequency voltage is applied to the transmission electrode 401 from a high frequency oscillation circuit (high frequency oscillation device, high frequency oscillation means) 410 (for example, a voltage of 2 MHZ). That is, the high frequency oscillation circuit 410 is formed between the transmission electrode 401 and the shield electrode 403. Further, a high frequency voltage is output from the receiving electrode 402 as will be described later, but the high frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode 402 is output to the receiving electrode 4.
It is converted into a DC voltage by a detection circuit (detection device, detection means) 420 formed between 02 and the shield electrode 403. The DC voltage output from the detection circuit 420 can be taken out as a potential difference between the output terminals 421 and 422 (422 is a ground terminal).

The DC voltage obtained by the detection circuit 420 is input to the comparison circuit (comparison device, comparison means) 430 as necessary. The comparison circuit 430 includes a comparator 431. The comparator 431 compares the input DC voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage ER and outputs a signal (ON signal or OFF signal) corresponding to the result of the comparison. Is output. In addition,
The comparison circuit 430 (comparator 431) is preferably used when detecting the presence or absence of a substance, and may be omitted when detecting the amount of a substance in a continuously variable manner.

The high frequency oscillation circuit 410 has a Schmitt circuit (hysteresis comparator) 411. The Schmitt circuit 411 outputs a predetermined constant voltage + Eo when the input voltage to the input port a11 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined upper threshold voltage EH. In addition, the Schmitt circuit 411 is configured so that when the input voltage to the input port a11 becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined lower threshold voltage EL,
Output a predetermined constant voltage -Eo (0 <EL <EH
<Eo). The input port a11 is grounded via a buffer resistor 412 and a capacitor 413.
The output voltage of the Schmitt circuit 411 is inverted by the inverter 414 and then applied to the transmission electrode 401. The output voltage after being inverted by the inverter 414 is passed through the feedback resistor 415 to the resistor 412 and the capacitor 41.
3 is returned to the return position a12.

Here, the voltage at the feedback position a12 when the voltage of the input port a11 is the upper threshold voltage EH is VH. Further, when the voltage of the input port a11 is the lower limit threshold voltage EL, the voltage at the feedback position a12 is VL. In this case, the output voltage from the Schmitt circuit 411 was changed between + Eo and -Eo by changing the voltage of the feedback position a12 between VH and VL. Square wave (high frequency voltage). A power supply circuit for operating the Schmitt circuit 411 itself is not shown in FIG.

Obtaining a rectangular wave as shown in FIG. 2 will be described. Now, when the operation of the Schmitt circuit 411 is started from the initial state when the capacitor 413 is discharged (the voltage at the feedback position a12 is zero), the Schmitt circuit 411 outputs -Eo. The output voltage of −Eo output from the Schmitt circuit 411 is inverted by the inverter 414 and becomes + Eo. The output voltage of + Eo from the inverter 414 is fed through the feedback resistor 415 to the capacitor 413.
To start charging the capacitor 413,
Along with this, the voltage at the feedback position a12 is gradually increased. When the voltage at the feedback position a12 is boosted to the voltage VH, the Schmitt circuit 411 outputs + Eo. When the Schmitt circuit 411 outputs + Eo, the output of the inverter 414 becomes -Eo, so the charged capacitor 4
13 starts discharging toward the feedback resistor 415. Due to the gradual discharge of the capacitor 413, the feedback position a1
The voltage of 2 is gradually lowered and eventually drops to VL. This causes the Schmitt circuit 411 to output -Eo. In this way, by repeating charging and discharging of the capacitor 413, the voltage at the feedback position a12 changes between VH and VL, which causes the output of the Schmitt circuit 411 to be between + Eo and −Eo. Will be changed by (square wave).

As described above, when the transmission electrode 401 and the reception electrode 402 are capacitively coupled with each other while the high frequency voltage is applied to the transmission electrode 401 (for example, the transmission electrode 4).
01, when a substance such as a human body approaches the receiving electrode 402), a high frequency voltage is output from the receiving electrode 402. The magnitude of the high-frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode 402 depends on the capacitance between the electrodes 401 and 402. By the shield electrode 403, the transmission electrode 4
The high frequency voltage applied to 01 directly receives the receiving electrode 40.
The situation in which it leaks to the 2 side is prevented.

The detection circuit 420 has two Schottky barrier diodes 423 and 424. The Schottky barrier diodes 423 and 424 double-rectify the high frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode 402. The high frequency voltage after the double voltage rectification is applied to the resistor 42.
5 is converted into a DC voltage by the smoothing action of the capacitor 5 and the capacitor 426. In FIG. 1, A shows a waveform example of the high frequency voltage applied to the transmission electrode 401. In addition, B in FIG.
Shows a waveform example of the high frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode 402. C in FIG. 1 shows an example of a waveform after being smoothed to a DC voltage.

The comparison circuit 430 (comparator 431) is
DC voltage output from the detection circuit 420 (input voltage)
Is compared with a predetermined threshold voltage ER. Comparison circuit 43
0 outputs a predetermined ON signal, for example, only when the input voltage is higher than the threshold voltage ER.

FIG. 3 shows a transmitting electrode 401 and a receiving electrode 402.
6 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the magnitude of the electrostatic capacitance between and and the DC output voltage (potential difference between terminals 421 and 422) from the detection circuit 420. FIG. In FIG. 3, the relationship between the capacitance and the DC output voltage is generally non-linear. FIG. 4 shows the characteristics shown in FIG. 3 limited to a range where the capacitance is small. As is clear from FIG. 4, it is understood that the magnitude of the capacitance and the magnitude of the DC output voltage are substantially linear in the range where the capacitance is small.

FIG. 5 shows the amount of water in the measuring container and the detection circuit 420 when the sensor unit 400 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to the outer surface of a commercially available synthetic resin (insulating) measuring container. It shows an example of the relationship with the output voltage. As is clear from FIG. 5, the amount of water in the measuring container can be known based on the output voltage. The sensor unit 400 (each of the electrodes 401 to 403 thereof) is installed so as to be elongated in the direction of fluctuation of water in the container (vertical direction).

Various substances are conceivable as the material for capacitively coupling the transmitting electrode 401 and the receiving electrode 402, and examples thereof include living organisms, excretions from living organisms, water, liquids such as gasoline and chemical liquids, natural gas, and hydrogen gas. , Gas such as city gas, rice flour,
There are various kinds of powder such as wheat flour, solid products such as concrete products, wood products, and synthetic resin products, as well as granular substances and gel substances. In other words, a material that does not capacitively couple the transmission electrode 401 and the reception electrode 402 is an exception. In other words, the present invention has an extremely wide application field when detecting the presence or absence of various substances and detecting the capacity. Of course, the sensor unit 400 may be in non-contact with the substance to be detected (it is also possible to use it in contact).

Description of FIGS. 6 to 8 FIGS. 6 to 8 show modified examples of the sensor section 400. The sensor section 400B in this example is configured such that a plurality of conductive wires 500 are utilized to substantially configure a plurality of sets of sensor sections 400. Conductive wire 500 used
Is a conductive wire 501 such as a copper wire as shown in FIG.
Is entirely covered with a covering material 502 made of synthetic resin as an insulating material.

The plurality of conductive lines 500 are arranged in parallel with each other with a small space therebetween. In the embodiment, there are a total of 13 conductive wires 500. In FIG.
Each conductive wire 500 is sequentially passed from upper to lower 500a, 500
b ... Identify as 500 m. Among these, the conductive lines for the shield electrode 403 (shown in black for identification) are the conductive lines 500a, 500c, 500e, 5 and
00g, 500i, 500k, 500m,
In the arrangement direction of the conductive lines, they are present on both sides and at the same time. Conductive wires for the transmission electrode 401 (shown with hatching for identification) are 500b, 500
f and 500j. Conductive wires for the receiving electrode 402 (shown in white for identification) are 500d, 500
It is three of h and 500l. In this way, the conductive wire serving as the shield electrode is set between the conductive wire serving as the transmitting electrode and the conductive material serving as the receiving electrode, which are adjacent to each other. The outermost conductive line in the arrangement direction of the plurality of conductive lines is set to be the shield electrode.

A plurality of transmitting electrodes (three in the embodiment)
The conductive wires 500b, 500f, and 500j (of the present invention) are electrically connected to each other by a connecting wire 510 at one end side thereof. The plurality of (three in the embodiment) conductive wires 500d, 500h, and 500l to be the receiving electrodes are electrically connected to each other by a connection wire 520 on one end side thereof. A plurality of (7 in the embodiment) conductive wires 500a, 500c, 5 serving as shield electrodes
00e, 500g, 500i, 500k, and 500m are electrically connected to each other by a connecting wire 530 at one end side thereof.

A plurality of conductive wires 500 (500a-500)
Each end of m) is fixed to the spacer member 540. The spacer member 540 is formed of an insulating member (for example, synthetic resin) and has a groove portion 541 on the surface of which each conductive wire is individually fitted (the groove portion 5).
The number of 41 is the same as the total number of conductive wires). With such a spacer member 540, the intervals between the conductive lines 500 are maintained at a predetermined small interval. Further, the spacer member 540 is provided with an attachment hole 542, and when the sensor unit 400B is fixed to a predetermined member, the spacer member 540 (the attachment hole 542 thereof) is used.

The sensor section 540B as described above is used exclusively when detecting the presence or absence of a substance. For example,
It is used by being placed in the excrement cup that is attached to the human body and used. In this case, when stool or urine is discharged from the patient, when the stool or urine is contacted across the adjacent conductive wire for transmitting electrode and conductive wire for receiving electrode,
The capacitive coupling will change and the presence of feces or urine will be detected. Since the plurality of sensor units 400 are substantially configured and are distributed over a wide range, the feces or urine can be reliably detected.
In addition, it can be used for appropriate purposes such as being used for detecting rainfall by exposing it outdoors.

The sensor portion 400B has flexibility between the at least two spacer members 540 as a whole. Of course, if the spacer member 540 is also set to have flexibility, it becomes possible to give flexibility as a whole.

Description of FIGS. 9 and 10 FIGS. 9 and 10 show a modification of the sensor section 400. The sensor unit 400C in this example utilizes a plurality of conductive wires 500, and substantially a plurality of sets of sensor units 400.
Is configured. Conductive wire 500 used
Is a conductive wire 501 such as a copper wire as shown in FIG.
Is entirely covered with a covering material 502 made of synthetic resin as an insulating material (same as the example of FIGS. 6 to 8).

In FIG. 9, in order to identify the plurality of conductive lines 500, the conductive line for the transmission electrode 401 is indicated by reference numeral 550.
, The conductive line for the receiving electrode 402 is indicated by reference numeral 560, and the conductive line for the shield electrode 403 is indicated by reference numeral 570. The conductive wires 550 for the transmission electrodes extend in the vertical direction of FIG. 9 and are arranged at a small interval from each other so that they are located in a predetermined plane (the first plane and a plane parallel to the paper surface of FIG. 9). They are arranged in parallel. Then, each conductive wire 55
The one ends of 0 are electrically connected to each other by a connection line 551.

The conductive line 570 for the shield electrode is positioned on the conductive line 550 for the transmission electrode (arranged on the second plane substantially parallel to the first plane), and the horizontal direction in FIG. And are arranged substantially parallel to each other with a small gap between them. Then, one ends of the respective conductive lines 570 are electrically connected to each other by the connection line 571.

The conductive wire 560 for the receiving electrode is located above the conductive wires 550 and 570 and extends in the diagonal direction in FIG. In the embodiment, the extending direction of the conductive wire 560 is set to form an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the conductive wires 550 and 5780, respectively. And
One ends of the conductive lines 560 are electrically connected to each other by a connection line 561.

A plurality of conductive wires 550,
In FIG. 9 (plan view), 560 and 570 have a large number of intersections in a matrix, and the large number of intersections respectively configure the sensor unit 400.
Details of this intersection are shown in FIG. Then, at this intersection, the conductive wires 550, 560, and 570 are integrated with each other by fusing the covering materials 502 to each other or by using a separate adhesive so that the positional deviation does not occur. Has been in this way,
The sensor portion 400C is generally in the form of a thin sheet having a large number of mesh-like or lattice-like eyes (gaps).

The sensor section 400C has a spacer member 580 around it. The spacer member 580 is made of an insulating material such as synthetic resin. The suggestion member 580 is
As a whole, it is formed in an annular shape (an annular shape in which the outer peripheral shape and the inner peripheral shape are substantially square) having a large opening 581 in the center. Each conductive wire 550, 560, 57
0 are arranged so as to cross the opening 581, respectively. Each end of each conductive wire 550, 560, 570 is fixed to the spacer member 580. This prevents the conductive lines 550, 560, 570 from being misaligned.

The sensor section 400C as described above can be used in the same manner as the sensor section 400B shown in FIG. Although not shown, the spacer member 580 can be formed to have a mounting hole or can be formed to have flexibility. Note that, in FIG. 8, the extending direction of the conductive wire for each electrode configuration is an example, and it can be extended in an appropriate direction. For example, the conductive wire 550 for the transmitting electrode and the conductive wire 560 for the receiving electrode may be arranged orthogonally to each other, or the conductive wire 560 for the receiving electrode and the conductive wire 570 for the shield electrode may be arranged orthogonally to each other. It is possible (however, the conductive wire for the shield electrode is located between the conductive wire for the transmitting electrode and the conductive wire for the receiving electrode).

11 and 12 show an example in which the sensor section 400 of the capacitive coupling type sensor device shown in FIG. 1 is applied for detecting the fuel amount in a fuel tank of an automobile. Fuel tank 60
0 (wall surface constituting member constituting the outer shell) is an insulating member made of fiber reinforced plastic. On the outer surface of the fuel tank 600, a sensor unit 400 that is elongated in the vertical direction is fixed over substantially the entire length of the fuel tank in the vertical direction. As a result, when the amount of fuel in the fuel tank 600 changes, the capacitance between the transmitting electrode 401 and the receiving electrode 402 in the sensor unit 400 changes, and the amount of fuel can be detected (terminal in FIG. 1). Detecting the fuel amount by observing the potential difference between 421 and 422).

In the example of FIG. 11, when the magnitude of the output voltage and the fuel amount do not have a linear relationship, the relationship is stored as a table as shown in FIG. 13 (for example, stored in a storage medium such as RAM or the like). The amount of fuel may be determined by collating the detected output voltage with this table (this is applicable not only to the detection of the fuel amount but also to all the capacity detection).

14 to FIG. 17, FIGS. 14 and 15 show (each electrode 401 of the sensor section 400,
402, 403) is entirely embedded in a holder 610 made of an insulating member such as synthetic resin. Conductive wires 611, 612, 613 extending from the respective electrodes 401 to 403
Are led out of the holder 610. As described above, by covering the sensor portion 400 as a whole, it is resistant to external force and can be easily attached by the holding body 610. By making the holding body 610 flexible, it is possible to make the holding body 610 flexible as a whole. Each of the electrodes 401 to 403 and the holder 61
0 can be extremely thin as a whole, and can be formed into a film. On the contrary, when a large voltage is used, a large external force is likely to be applied, or when durability is required for outdoor installation, the holder 61 is used.
0 may be sufficient to cover the respective electrodes 401 to 403.
It is also possible to expose only one surface side (for example, the upper surface side in FIG. 15) that is the detection target surface to the outside (improvement in sensitivity).

As shown in FIG. 16, in the holder 610,
The noise prevention electrode 404 can be embedded separately. That is, when one surface side (upper surface side in FIG. 15) of the holding body 610 is used as the detection surface, the electrodes 404 are the electrodes 4
01-403 is located on the other surface side. And the electrode 40
4 is electrically connected to the shield electrode 403. By providing such an electrode 404 for preventing noise, a situation in which the transmission electrode 401 and the reception electrode 402 are capacitively coupled when a substance that is not a detection target approaches the other surface of the holding body 610. Is prevented. Note that the electrode 404 for noise prevention can also be used when the electrodes 401 to 403 are not held by the holding body 610.

FIG. 17 shows an example in which each of the electrodes 401 to 403 is held in the above-mentioned holding body 610 and embedded in the wall forming member of a container 615 such as a weighing container. Container 6
The wall forming member of the outer shell 15 is formed entirely of an insulating member such as synthetic resin. However, if only the portion where the holder 610 (electrodes 401 to 403) is located and its vicinity have an insulating property,
The material forming the container 615 is not particularly limited.
Each of the electrodes 401 to 403, that is, the holding body 610 is a container 61.
5 can be cast, for example, when injection molding.

Only the conductive wires 611 to 613 for the respective electrodes extend to the outside from the wall forming member of the container 615. Each of the electrodes 401 to 403 extends in the direction in which the substance (for example, liquid such as water) in the container 615 fluctuates (extends in the vertical direction). Accordingly, the amount of the substance in the container 615 can be detected in a continuously variable manner by checking the magnitude of the DC voltage from the detection device 420.

Description of FIGS. 18 to 21 FIG. 18 shows an example suitable for use when a plurality of sensor units 400 are provided, but one high-frequency oscillation circuit 410 and one detection circuit 420 are provided. That is, an example is shown in which the presence or absence of a substance or the amount thereof can be independently detected by the plurality of sensor units 400. Figure 1
In Fig. 8, U10 indicates a controller configured by using a microcomputer.
10 can be, for example, a personal computer. The high-frequency oscillator circuit 410 is configured using (the oscillation frequency of) the clock of the controller U10 (amplifies and outputs the output of the clock as necessary).

In the embodiment, the plurality of sensor units 400 are 4
Although the number is 400, 400b, 400
The distinction is made by using c and 400d. The sensor units 400 (400a to 400d) are connected in parallel with each other to the clock of the high-frequency oscillator circuit 410 of the controller U10. Further, the plurality of sensor units 400 are connected to the detection circuit 420 in parallel with each other. Electromagnetic open / close switches SW11, SW12, S are provided between the sensor units 400 and the detection circuit 420, respectively.
W13 or SW14 is connected. Each switch SW
Opening and closing of 11 to SW14 are independently controlled by the controller U10 (control for turning on only one desired switch and turning off other switches). The switches SW11 to SW14 are selection devices SW.
(Selection means).

Now, by turning on only the switch SW11 by the controller U10, the sensor unit 4
Only 00a is output to the detection circuit 420, and the sensor unit 4
The presence or absence or the amount of the substance to be detected in 00a is detected. By turning on only the switch SW12, the presence or absence or the amount of the substance to be detected by the sensor unit 400b is detected. Only switch SW13 is ON
By doing so, the presence or absence or the amount of the substance to be detected by the sensor unit 400c is detected. Switch SW
When only 14 is turned on, the presence or absence or the amount of the substance to be detected by the sensor section 400d is detected. The number of sensor units 400 can be set arbitrarily. Further, the presence or absence or the amount of the detected substance can be displayed on the display unit 645, for example.

As a modification of FIG. 18, the selection device SW can be provided between the plurality of sensor units 400 (400a to 400d) and one high frequency oscillation circuit 410. Also in this case, by turning on any one switch,
The presence or absence or the amount of the substance to be detected by the sensor unit corresponding to the switch that is turned on is detected.

19 to 21 show specific examples in which a substance is detected by using the plurality of sensor units 400 shown in FIG. In this example, in an inkjet printer,
The plurality of ink tanks 651 to 654 are detachably attached to the attachment base 655. The ink tanks 651 to 654 store inks of different colors, and the outer shells of the ink tanks 651 to 654 are made of synthetic resin having an insulating property. In the immediate vicinity of the ink tanks 651 to 654, the ink tanks shown in FIGS.
Sensor unit 400 held by a holder 610 as shown in FIG.
Is provided. Each sensor unit 400, that is, the holder 610
Are integrated with the mounting base 655. Each sensor unit 400 is set so as to extend long in the ink amount increasing / decreasing direction (vertical direction) in the ink tank.

The controller equipped in the ink jet printer constitutes the controller U10 in FIG. As a result, the amount of ink in each of the ink tanks 651 to 654 is independently detected using the plurality of sensor units 400. The detection result may be displayed on the display unit (corresponding to the display unit 645 in FIG. 18) provided in the inkjet printer. If only the warning that the ink amount has decreased to a predetermined amount is issued, each sensor unit 400
It is not necessary to continuously detect the ink amount. Further, in the case of a personal computer, its display can be the front section.

Description of FIG. 22 FIG. 22 shows an example in which outputs from a plurality of sensor units 400 are processed using a one-chip microcomputer. In the embodiment, a detection circuit 420 is provided for each sensor unit 400. Has been. The one-chip microcomputer shown in FIG. 22 is installed in a printer, for example, and can be used when the capacities of the plurality of ink tanks in FIGS. 19 to 21 are independently detected.

In FIG. 22, reference numeral U20 is a one-chip microcomputer (for example, Hitachi H8 / 3664). The microcomputer U20 includes a CPU 681, a RAM 682 and a ROM 68.
3, oscillator circuit 684, analog multiplexer 685,
It has an A / D converter 686 and an I / O port 687. Each sensor unit 400 is connected in parallel with the oscillation circuit 684. The output (DC voltage) from each detection circuit 420 is
The signals are independently input to the analog multiplexer 685. Of course, each shield electrode 403 is grounded.

The RAM 682 stores an OS (Operating System) for causing the CPU 681 to perform predetermined processing (control). ROM683 is C
Data that is temporarily required when the PU 681 performs processing is stored. The oscillation circuit 684 has a predetermined frequency (for example, 2
(MHz) to output a high frequency voltage, and a clock (crystal oscillator) is used for high frequency oscillation. The analog multiplexer 685 is an analog switch, and selects any one of the output signals from the plurality of detection circuits 420. A / D converter 6
Reference numeral 86 digitally converts the analog signal from the analog multiplexer 685. I / O port 687 is A
The signal converted into a digital signal by the / D converter 686 is output to the outside.

The following processing is performed by the one-chip microcomputer U20. First, the high frequency voltage is output from the oscillation circuit 684 to each sensor unit 400. As a result, each sensor unit 400 outputs a high frequency voltage according to its capacitance. The high frequency voltage from each sensor unit 400 is converted into a DC voltage by the corresponding detection circuit 420 and input to the analog multiplexer 685.
The output of each detection circuit 420 is # 1, # in FIG.
It is identified by the codes of 2, # 3 and # 4.

The analog multiplexer 685 outputs the output (# 1, # 2, # 3, # 3, ...
Only one of the outputs (# 4) is received (# 4), and the received one output is output to the A / D converter 686. The output from the analog multiplexer 685 finally passes through the A / D converter 686 and I / O.
It is output from the port 687 to the outside. In FIG. 22,
Among the outputs from the I / O port 687, the output corresponding to # 1 is # 1a, the output corresponding to # 2 is # 2a, the output corresponding to # 3 is # 3a, and the output corresponding to # 4 is # 4a. It is identified by the code.

In the embodiment, the reception of the output from the detection circuit 420 by the analog multiplexer 685 is sequentially performed every predetermined sampling period (for example, # 1, #).
(2, # 3, # 4 are sequentially received at predetermined sampling intervals). In the embodiment, the output from the I / O port 687 is performed when the output from the A / O converter 686 is output. This allows the I / O port 687
From the output # 1 according to the output from each detection circuit 420
a, # 2a, # 3a, and # 4a are sequentially output at every predetermined cycle.

The reception of the output from the detection circuit 420 by the analog multiplexer 685 can be set appropriately, for example, by operating a separately provided manual switch (not shown). . Also, the output of the A / O converter 686 is temporarily changed to R
The data can be stored in the OM 683, and the output from the I / O port 687 can be set appropriately, such as when the output comes from a predetermined timing or when a predetermined manual operation is performed.

Description of FIGS. 23 to 34

23 to 34 show an example in which the sensor device according to the present invention is used to detect excrement (stool or urine) in an excrement cup attached to a patient. In the following description, the sensor unit 400 will be referred to as the sensor S1.
Alternatively, it may be indicated as S2.

23 to 25, 5 is a wearer, that is, a patient, and A-1 is an excrement disposal device. The excrement disposal device A-1 includes a feces receiving cup 10 and a urine receiving cup 25.
And have separately. Each of the cups 10 and 25 is made of, for example, a plastic material. Each cup 10, 2
The holder 5 is pressed and held by the holder 6 on (around) the anus portion 5a and the pubic portion 5b of the patient 5.

The holder 6 has a peripheral belt 7 and a plurality of cord portions 8a, 8b, 8c. The circumferential belt 7 is wound around the body of the patient 5. One end of each of the two upper strings 8a and 8b is connected to both sides of the upper portion of the circumferential belt 7. One lower string 8c is connected to the center of the lower part of the circumferential belt 7. The flexible locking ring 9 is held at three points by the tip portions of the upper strings 8a and 8b and the tip portions of the lower string 8c. Figure 2
As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 4, the locking ring 9 is curved in an elliptical shape up and down, and the anus 5a and the pubic area 5 of the patient 5 are
It is positioned at a position surrounding b.

The feces receiving cup 10 is applied to the anus 5a of the patient 5. The receptacle of the urine receiving cup 25 is applied to the pubic area 5b. In this state, as shown by the solid line in FIG.
And the hook-shaped hooks 9a and 9b attached to both sides of the urine receiving cup 25. With such a holding tool 6, the receiving ports of the feces receiving cups 10 and the urine receiving cups 25 are provided at (around) the anus portion 5a of the patient 5 or the pubic portion 5b.
Pressed against (around).

On both sides of the toilet cup 10 are attached attachment sensors S3 for detecting improper attachment of the toilet cup 10 and the urine cup 25. This mounting sensor S3
Comprises a limit switch in the embodiment. Sensor S
The actuator section 3 is slidably locked to the upper strings 8a and 8b. Accordingly, when the tension of the upper strings 8a and 8b becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value (improper mounting), the sensor S3
Is turned on, and when the tension exceeds a predetermined value, the sensor S3 is turned off.

When the feces receiving cup 10 and the urine receiving cup 25 are attached to the patient 5 in the sitting posture, the procedure shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, a horseshoe-shaped cushion 34a having a front side opening on the seat surface of the chair 34 is used. That is, the cushion 3a
The patient 5 is seated on the seat, and the lower part (rear part) of the toilet cup 10 is exposed to the opening 34b of the cushion 34a so that the toilet cup 10 floats from the seat surface of the chair 34. .

The above-mentioned feces receiving cup 10 and urine receiving cup 2
5 is as shown in FIGS. First,
The toilet cup 10 is formed in a tubular shape that is elongated in the front-rear direction as a whole. That is, the toilet cup 10
Is narrower in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction and is set to extend in the front-rear direction. The size of the toilet cup 10 is approximately 112 mm in the front-rear length, approximately 50 mm in the vertical height, and approximately 40 mm in the left-right width. The inside of the toilet cup 10 is a substantially middle portion in the front-rear direction, and is separated by the partition wall 11 in the front-rear direction (left and right in FIG. 26).
It is divided into two. That is, in the toilet receiving cup 10, a toilet room 12 is defined on the front side of the partition wall 11, and an auxiliary equipment room 14 is defined on the rear side of the partition wall 11. The front surface (left surface in FIG. 26) of the toilet room 12 is opened to the outside (forward) as a toilet receptacle 12a. An annular seal member 1 made of soft rubber, resin, or the like is provided on the peripheral portion of the receiving port 12a.
3 is attached so that it can come into close contact with the periphery of the anus 5a. The toilet room 12 and the auxiliary equipment room 14 are defined to be liquid-tight as much as possible.

The partition wall 11 is made of a hard plastic material and has high strength. Partition wall 11
The discharge pipe 16 is rotatably supported in the front-rear direction. The front end of the discharge pipe 16 is exposed inside the toilet room 12. At the front end of the discharge pipe 16, the toilet room 12
A first nozzle (stool crushing device) 15 that is located inside and discharges cleaning water (cleaning liquid) is attached. This first
The jet direction of the cleaning liquid jetted from the nozzle 15 is set to be a direction orthogonal to the axial center of the discharge pipe 16.

A motor (ultrasonic motor in this embodiment) M is attached to the surface of the partition wall 11 on the side of the auxiliary equipment room 14. The motor M is for rotating the discharge pipe 16. The motor M has a ring shape, and the discharge pipe 16 penetrates through the hollow portion of the motor M.
The motor M is a terminal circuit board 60 housed in the auxiliary equipment room 14.
The rotation is controlled by receiving the signal from the. That is, when the stool in the toilet room 12 is crushed, the first nozzle is turned downward,
The first nozzle 15 has about 9 lines to the left and right with respect to the vertical line.
The discharge pipe 16 is reciprocally rotated so as to oscillate at an angle of 0 degree for a predetermined time (about 20 seconds in this example). When the stool crushing ends, the discharge pipe 16 is rotated in one direction for a predetermined time (about 10 seconds in this example) so that the first nozzle rotates 360 degrees, and the anus portion 5a and the stool cup are rotated. 10
Drive control is performed so as to clean the inside.

The discharge pipe 16 is rotatably connected to a supply pipe 18 provided in the auxiliary equipment chamber 14 via a rotary joint 17. The supply pipe 18 is the rear wall 2 of the auxiliary equipment room 14.
Cleaning water supply device 40 described later via the supply passage 20a formed in 0 and the supply passage 21a formed in the rear joint 21.
It is connected to the. The cleaning water (hot water) supplied from the cleaning water supply device 40 is ejected from the first nozzle 15 into the toilet room 12. As a result, the toilet room 12 is flushed with the washing water.
The excreted feces are crushed and the anus 5a of the patient 5 is washed.

The cleaning water sprayed from the first nozzle 15 is
The injection shape is fan-shaped. That is, the ejection angle α in the front-rear direction of the jetted cleaning water is about 110 degrees, and the ejection width in the left-right direction is about 1 mm. A defecation tube 23 is arranged in the lower part of the auxiliary equipment room 14, and a front part of the defecation tube 23 is located in the toilet room 12.
It is connected to the lower part of the rear part and is opened to the toilet room 12.
The rear part of the defecation pipe 23 is connected to a feces discharging device 45 described later via a defecation channel 20b formed in the rear wall 20 of the auxiliary equipment chamber 14 and a defecation channel 21b formed in the rear joint 21. The stool discharged from the stool chamber 12 is sucked by the stool discharge device 45 and removed (discharged) to the outside.

The above-mentioned urine receiving cup 25 is a receiving opening whose front portion is opened, as shown in FIGS. The urine receiving cup 25 is formed in the shape of a conical container whose upper surface is inclined downward toward the rear. The dimensions of the urine receiving cup 25 are about 52 mm in the front-rear length, about 55 mm in the up-down height, and about 36 mm in the left-right width.

The receiving opening 25a at the front of the urine receiving cup 25 has an elliptical shape that is vertically long. A sealing material 26 made of soft rubber, resin, or the like is attached to the peripheral portion of the receiving port 25a so as to come into close contact with the periphery of the negative portion 5b. A urine discharge hose 27 is connected to the lower rear portion of the urine receiving cup 25. The urine drainage hose 27 has a diameter of about 10 mm. The rear end of this urination hose 27 is
It is connected to the upper part of the urinary tract 20c formed in the rear wall 20 of the auxiliary equipment chamber 14. That is, the urine drainage hose 27 is connected to the urine drainage device 50 described later via the urine drainage channel 20c and the urine drainage channel 21c formed in the rear joint 21. Urine discharged into the urine receiving cup 25 is sucked by the urine discharging device 50 and removed to the outside.

In order to have a function of cleaning the pubic part 5b of the patient 5, a second nozzle 28 is attached to the rear part of the urine receiving cup 25. The second nozzle 28 is connected to the middle of the above-mentioned supply pipe 18 via the second discharge hose 29, the electromagnetic valve 30, and the branch hand 31. By opening the electromagnetic valve 30 at the time when the urination of the patient 5 is completed, the wash water (hot water) supplied from the wash water supply device 40 is washed from the second nozzle 28 toward the pubic part 5b of the patient 5. Is gushed out. In this case, the discharge angle of the wash water from the second nozzle 28 is, for example, about 40 degrees.

The defecation paths 20b and 21b are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, the rear joint 21 is opposed at the axial center C portion. The supply paths 20a and 21a face the axis C at a position offset from each other. Urinary tracts 20c and 21
c and c are faced at a position offset from the axis C.
As shown in FIG. 7, the facing position of the supply passages 20a and 21a is set to be a vertically symmetrical position about the axis C with respect to the facing position of the urinary drainage passages 20c and 21c. . Then, arcuate grooves 21a-1 and 21c-1 (which serve as connecting passages) of about 120 degrees centering on the axis C are formed in the facing portions of the supply passage 21a and the urination passage 21c of the rear joint 21. There is.

The rear joint 21 is connected to the rear wall 20 via a cylindrical connecting member 22. The rear joint 21 is rotatable about its axis at an angle of about 120 degrees. As a result, the patient 5 rolls laterally to the left and right to move the feces receiving cup 10 and the urine receiving cup 2
The rear joint 21 causes the rear wall 2
It is rotated relative to 0. That is, twisting of each hose of the wash water supply device 40, the feces discharge device 45, and the urine discharge device 50 connected to the rear joint 21 is prevented.

The stool sensor S is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the toilet room 12 described above.
It is attached to one girder (Fig. 26). Urinary tract 20c
A urine sensor S2 is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the standing portion of the urine (FIG. 30).
Detection signals (each corresponding to the sensor unit 400) are sent to the above-mentioned terminal circuit board 60. Both the feces sensor S1 and the urine sensor S2 are of the same capacitance type.

The fecal sensor S1 (same for the urine sensor S2) is
It corresponds to the sensor unit 400 described above. Therefore, toilet room 1
The outer peripheral wall forming 2, that is, the toilet cup 10 is made of an insulating material such as plastic. A ring-shaped transmission electrode 24a (corresponding to 401), a protective electrode 24b (corresponding to 403), and a reception electrode 24c (corresponding to 402) made of a conductive material such as copper or aluminum are provided on the outer circumference of the toilet room 12 in the front-back direction. It is wrapped around at intervals. Transmission electrode 24
The a, the protection electrode 24b, and the reception electrode 24c are connected to a detection circuit 24d (corresponding to the circuit of FIG. 1 excluding the electrodes).

The electrostatic capacitance between the transmitting electrode 24a and the receiving electrode 24c differs depending on whether feces are present between them. Therefore, by detecting this change in capacitance with the detection circuit 24d, the toilet bowl 10
It will be determined whether there is a flight within.

The above-described cleaning water supply device 40 is for supplying water or a cleaning liquid (cleaning water) in which water is mixed with a disinfecting liquid, soapy water, or the like. As shown in FIG. 26, the wash water supply device 40 has a hot water tank 41 for adjusting the wash water to a predetermined temperature. Hot water (that is, wash water) in the hot water tank 41 is passed through the hot water pump P1 and the supply hose 42.
It is supplied toward the toilet cup 10. A high temperature sensor S4 and a low temperature sensor S5 are provided in the hot water tank 41. The high temperature sensor S4 is turned on when the temperature reaches 42 degrees C or higher, for example. The low temperature sensor S5 is, for example, 25
When the temperature falls below C, it turns on. When the sensors S4 and S5 are turned on, the hot water pump P1 is stopped.
The stool sensor S1 with the sensors S4 and S5 in the off operation
Alternatively, when the urine sensor S2 operates, the hot water pump P
1 is activated, and washing water is ejected from the first nozzle 15 or the second nozzle 28 (anal part 5a or genital part 5 of the patient 5).
b)).

The stool discharge device 45 described above has a sealed stool tank 46 as shown in FIG. Stool tank 4
The upper part of 6 is a defecation hose 47 (for example, a diameter of about 10 mm)
Is detachably connected to the above-mentioned defecation passage 21b. Further, the upper portion of the stool tank 46 is connected to (the suction port of) the stool suction pump P2 via the suction hose 48. A catalyst (deodorizer) 49 is connected to the discharge pipe of the feces suction pump P2. The stool suction pump P2 is the stool sensor S1 described above.
Is activated when is activated to make the inside of the stool tank 46 a negative pressure. As a result, the stool that has flowed to the lower portion of the toilet room 12 is sucked and stored in the stool tank 46. Stool suction pump P
The gas in the stool tank 46 sucked in 2 is the catalyst 49
After being purified by, it is discharged to the outside air. A full sensor S6 for detecting the fullness of the stool tank 46 is attached to the stool tank 46.

The urine discharge device 50 described above has a sealed urine tank 51 as shown in FIG. Urine tank 5
The upper part of 1 is connected to the above-mentioned urinary tract 21c via a urine hose 52. The upper portion of the urine tank 51 is (the suction port of) the urine suction pump P3 via the suction hose 53.
Connected to. A catalyst (deodorizer) 54 is connected to the discharge pipe of the urine suction pump P3. Urine suction pump P3
Is activated when the urine sensor S2 described above is activated, and makes the inside of the urine tank 51 a negative pressure. As a result, the urine that has flowed to the lower portion inside the urine receiving cup 25 is sucked, and the urine tank 5
It is housed in 1. The gas in the urine tank 51 sucked by the urine suction pump P3 is purified by the catalyst 54 and then discharged to the outside air. The urine tank 51 is provided with a full sensor S7 for detecting the fullness of the urine tank 51.

In FIG. 26, 70 is an external controller section. The controller unit 70 applies a predetermined power supply voltage to the above-mentioned terminal circuit board 60. In addition, the controller unit 70 uses the communication circuit 64 to connect the terminal circuit board 6 to the terminal circuit board 6.
It communicates with 0 to control each device. 33 is a block diagram of a control device incorporated in the terminal circuit board 60 and the controller unit 70, and FIG. 34 is a flowchart thereof.

In FIG. 34, reference numeral 61 is a mounting control unit incorporated in the terminal circuit board 60, and 71 is an external control unit incorporated in the controller unit 70. The mounting controller 61 has a terminal microcomputer 62. The data of the fecal sensor S1 and the urine sensor S2 are input to the microcomputer 62 of the terminal via the detection circuits 24 and 24 '. Further, the signal of the mounting sensor S3 is input to the microcomputer 62. Further, the data of the origin sensor S8 for detecting the origin position of the first nozzle 15 is input to the microcomputer 62 via the origin circuit 63. The microcomputer 62 sends the data and signals described above to the controller unit 70 via the communication circuit 64.
To the external control unit 71 on the side. Further, the microcomputer 62 receives the data processed by the external control unit 71 and controls the motor M via the motor drive circuit 65. 66 is a power supply circuit supplied to the terminal circuit board 60 from the controller section 70 side.

External control section 71 of the controller section 70
Has a parent microcomputer 72, and each data and signal from the terminal microcomputer 62 is input to the parent microcomputer 72 via a communication circuit 73. The microcomputer 72 includes a high temperature sensor S4, a low temperature sensor S5, and a full sensor S
6, S7, manual stool switch SW1, manual urine switch SW
Each signal such as 2 is input. Further, the operation time of the motor M, the forward / reverse rotation angle, the set value of each sensor, and the like are input to the microcomputer 72 by the operation button 74. The parent microcomputer 72 stores and arithmetically processes each input data and signal to issue a predetermined command signal to the microcomputer 62 of the above-mentioned terminal, and also, through each drive circuit, the hot water pump P1 and the fecal suction pump. Control P2 and urine suction pump P3. In addition, the microcomputer 72 activates the alarm 75 in the event of an abnormality and displays a predetermined display on the liquid crystal display 76. The data of the controller unit 70 is sent to a personal computer 78 installed in a central control room via a communication line as needed, where it is recorded and centrally controlled. Reference numeral 77 is a power supply circuit of the controller unit 70.

Next, the mounting controller 61 and the external controller 7
The operation of No. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, in FIG. 34, T1 to T21 indicate each step of the flowchart. When the control program starts at step T1, each signal of the mounting sensor S3, the high temperature sensor S4, the low temperature sensor S5, the full sensor S6 of the stool tank 46, and the full sensor S7 of the urine tank 51 is input at step T2. In step T3, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in each sensor. If there is an abnormality in step T3, the process proceeds to step T16 to issue an error display and alarm, and if there is no abnormality (each signal is off), the process proceeds to step T4. In step T4, it is determined whether the operation is automatic.

In the case of automatic driving, it is determined in step T5 whether or not the flight sensor S1 is turned on. Stool sensor S1
When is turned on, the process proceeds to steps T7 to T10, the hot water pump P1 and the feces suction pump P2 are started, and the motor M is rotated forward and backward for about 20 seconds. As a result, hot water is ejected from the first nozzle 15, and the first nozzle 15 is swung at an angle of about 90 degrees to the left and right with respect to the vertical line. As a result, the feces 5c accumulated on the bottom of the feces receiving cup 10 are crushed. Further, the crushed feces 5c are sucked and discharged through the defecation pipe 23, the defecation passages 20b and 21b, and the defecation hose 47, and are stored in the feces tank 46.

When the forward / reverse rotation time of the motor M has passed for 20 seconds, the motor M is rotated in one direction for about 10 seconds in steps T11 and T12. As a result, the first nozzle 15 spouts cleaning water through the discharge pipe 16 while rotating about the front-back line, and cleans the entire inner surface of the feces receiving cup 10 and the anus 5a of the patient 5. . Next, the process proceeds to steps T13 to T15, and after the hot water pump 13, the motor M, and the feces suction pump P2 are stopped, the process jumps to step T2.

When the stool sensor S1 is turned off in step T5, the urine sensor S2 is turned on in step T6.
It is determined whether or not is turned on. If the urine sensor S2 is off, the process jumps to step T2. When the urine sensor S2 is turned on, the process proceeds to steps T19 to T21, and the urine suction pump P2 is operated for 30 seconds. As a result, the urine discharged into the urine cup 25 is sucked and stored in the urine tank 51. Urine suction pump P in step T21
After stopping 2, jump to step T2.

If the automatic operation is not performed in step T4, that is, if the manual operation is performed, it is determined in step T17 whether or not the manual flight switch SW1 is turned on. If the manual flight switch SW1 is turned on, step T7
~ T15, and if off, proceed to step T18. In step T18, it is determined whether or not the manual urine switch SW2 has been turned on. If the manual urine switch SW2 is turned on, the process proceeds to steps T19 to T21, and if it is off, the process jumps to step T2. If the genital area 5b of the patient 5 is to be washed after urination, step T21
Before the urine suction pump P3 is stopped by, the solenoid valve 30 of FIG. 4 is opened and the warm water pump P1 is activated so that the wash water is ejected from the second nozzle 28 toward the pubic area 5b of the patient 5. To

Description of FIGS. 35 and 36 FIGS. 35 and 36 show another example in which the capacitive coupling type sensor device is provided in the excrement cup. The case where the sensor part 400B of FIG. 6 or the sensor part 400C of FIG. 9 is provided in the excrement cup is shown. However, FIGS.
Then, a sensor unit corresponding to the sensor unit 400B or 400C is indicated by a reference numeral 171 with a net name.

The excrement disposal device A-3 has a feces receiving cup 160 and a urine receiving cup 113 separately made of a plastic material. As shown in FIG. 35, the interior of the toilet receiving cup 160 is divided into front and rear by a partition wall 160b. That is, inside the toilet cup 126, a toilet room 160c for receiving feces is formed in the front part, and an auxiliary machine room 160d for accommodating accessories is formed in the rear part. The lower part of the toilet room 160c is formed in a funnel shape that shrinks downward, and a discharge port 161 is formed at the lower end thereof. The discharge port 161 is opened to the outside from the rear end of the lower end of the toilet receiving cup 160 via a defecation channel 162 formed in the lower end of the toilet receiving cup 160. In addition, a large number of protrusions 163 for preventing the attachment of feces are formed on almost the entire inner surface of the toilet chamber 160c.

A stool crushing device 170 is provided in the stool chamber 160c.
Is provided. That is, a planar net (net member) 171 having a predetermined mesh, in this example, a mesh of about 5 mm square, is stretched over the lower portion of the auxiliary equipment chamber 160d (the sensor portion in FIG. 9). By using 400C, the sensor unit 4 of FIG.
00B may be used). The net 171 covers the upper portion of the discharge port 161. That is, the net 171 is interposed between the stool receiving port and the discharge port 161,
Be sure to use the net 17 for the flights discharged to the toilet cup 160.
After passing through 1, it is moved to the discharge port 161. In addition, a first nozzle 173 for ejecting cleaning water (water or warm water) W is arranged above the valve chamber 160c. A discharge pipe 175 is rotatably inserted and supported by the partition wall 160b, and the first nozzle 173 is attached to the front end of the discharge pipe 175. The discharge pipe 175 is connected to the first introduction pipe 1 via a pipe joint 176.
It is rotatably connected to 77. First introduction pipe 177
Is connected to the wash water supply device via the relay section 178.

The first nozzle 173 jets the washing water toward the upper surface of the net 171, and also jets a part of the washing water toward the anus 5a of the patient 5. That is, the ejection form in the front-rear direction is wide as shown in FIG. 36 from the rear part of the net 171 to the anus 5a of the patient 5, and the ejection form in the left-right direction is narrow (linear) as shown in FIG. It has become a thing.

The first nozzle 173 has an auxiliary equipment chamber 160d.
The nozzle driving device 180 disposed in the above-described example swings the discharge pipe 175 in the left-right direction. This nozzle drive device 18
0 is an electric motor (driving device) as shown in FIG.
184, and the output shaft 185 of this motor 184,
The connecting rod 190 is connected via the crank web 189. An end of the connecting rod 190 is connected to a rack 191 slidably attached to a rack holder 192. The rack 191 is meshed with a pinion gear 193 attached to the rear side of the discharge pipe 175.

As a result, the rotational movement of the electric motor 184 is controlled by the crank web 189 and the connecting rod 190.
Is converted into a linear reciprocating motion, and the rack 191 is vertically reciprocated. That is, the reciprocating motion of the rack 191 causes the first nozzle 173 to oscillate left and right at a predetermined angle via the pinion gear 193 and the discharge pipe 175. As shown in FIG. 35, the cleaning water W ejected from the first nozzle 173 is moved in the left-right direction to move to the net 1
The stool (feces) 5d on 71 is crushed. The crushed feces pass through the net 171 and flow down to the outlet 161.

The defecation channel 162 is connected to the feces ejecting device. The stool crushed by the stool crushing device 170 by the stool discharge device, the urine receiving cup 113 to the toilet room 160c
Urine that has flowed into the inside, and each of the first and second nozzles 173 and 11
The used water and the like ejected from No. 5 are sucked and discharged to the outside through the defecation channel 162.

Description of FIGS. 37 to 39 FIGS. 37 to 39 show a preferred arrangement example of the urine discharge hose and the rotary joint when the toilet cup and the urine cup are separably formed separately. Indicates. First, the toilet cup 1
As the 0 and the urine receiving cup 25, for example, the one shown in FIG. 26 is used. In this example, the rotary joint member 320 is provided outside the toilet cup 10 and near the toilet cup 10. The rotary joint member 320 performs the same function as the joint member 21 and the like in FIG. 26, but differs from the case of FIG. 26 in that it is configured outside the toilet cup 10. That is, the rotary joint member 320 includes the first member 321 and the first member 321.
A second member 322 rotatably connected to the second member 3
22 has a connector 323 for connecting various hoses and the like. Such a rotary joint member 320 is connected in the middle of the feces discharge hose 47 and the feces receiving cup cleaning liquid supply hose 42 in the vicinity of the feces receiving cup 10. As a result, the rotary joint member 320 can be externally attached to the toilet cup 10, and the twist of the hoses 47 and 42 does not act on the wearer.

A urine discharge hose 330 (corresponding to the urine discharge hose 27 in FIG. 26) extending from the urine receiving cup 25 is connected to a urine tank via a rotary joint member 320. In the urine discharge hose 330, the distance between the urine receiving cup 25 and the rotary joint member 320 is sufficiently long. That is,
The urine discharge hose 330 extends rearward from the urine receiving cup 25 in a substantially horizontal direction, and is curved upward at one end, then curved forward, and then downward. It is connected to the rotary joint member 320. The loop portion 330a of the urine discharge hose 330, which is formed by the curved portion, is curved at about 270 degrees. With the configuration of the loop portion 330a, the urine drainage hose 3 between the loop portion 330a and the urine receiving cup 25 is provided.
Urine easily collects in the inside of 30 (a trap action by the loop portion 330a), and the urine sensor S2 is provided at the portion where the urine easily collects.

Due to the formation of the loop portion 330a, the urine discharge hose 330 has a portion which intersects at an angle of approximately 90 degrees in the middle thereof. A holding clip 340 is arranged at this intersection. This holding clip 34
0 has two hose holders 340a and 340b. The holding portions 340a and 340b are shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 9, they are in the form of holes and are substantially orthogonal to each other. A urine discharge hose 330 is slidably penetrated through each of the holding portions 340a and 340b. Such a holding clip 340 can be formed of, for example, a synthetic resin.

By changing the position of the portion of the urine discharge hose 330 into which the holding clip 340 is inserted,
The relative position of the urine receiving cup 25 with respect to the toilet receiving cup 10 is adjusted. That is, the position of the urine receiving cup 25 in the front-rear direction is adjusted by changing the position of the portion of the urine discharge hose 330 that extends in the substantially horizontal direction with respect to the holding clip 340. Further, the vertical position of the urine receiving cup 25 is adjusted by changing the position of the urine discharge hose 330 that extends substantially vertically with respect to the holding clip 340.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and various modifications can be made. For example, the sensor unit (400, 400B, 40
0C) can be used for appropriate applications such as detection of the presence or absence of a substance in a pipe and detection of the amount of the substance. Further, the configurations of the high frequency oscillation circuit 410 and the detection circuit 420 are not limited to those in the embodiment, and known appropriate ones can be used. Of course, the purpose of the present invention is not limited to the explicit ones, but also implicitly includes providing substantially preferred or expressed as advantages.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a circuit example of a capacitively coupled sensor device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a state of high frequency oscillation of the high frequency oscillation circuit shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a relationship with capacitance.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing an enlarged range of a small capacitance in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the amount of change in water in the measuring container and the output voltage.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example in which a plurality of conductive wires are arranged in parallel to form a sensor unit.

7 is a sectional view corresponding to line X7-X7 in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view showing a cross section of a conductive wire.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of a sensor unit having a mesh (lattice) structure by a large number of conductive wires.

10 is a sectional view corresponding to line X10-X10 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a schematic side sectional view showing an example in which a sensor portion is provided in a fuel tank.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged left side view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of the relationship between the fuel amount and the output voltage from the detection circuit.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing an example in which each electrode is held by a holder.

15 is a sectional view of FIG.

16 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of FIG.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a main part showing an example in which a holder is embedded in a wall forming member of a container.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a circuit suitable for a case having a plurality of sensor units.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a main part showing an example in which the ink amounts in a plurality of ink tanks are independently detected.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of FIG. 19 as viewed from the holder side.

FIG. 21 is a side view of FIG. 19 seen from the arrangement direction of the ink tanks.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a circuit in which outputs from a plurality of sensor units are processed by a one-chip microcomputer.

FIG. 23 is a side view showing a state in which the sensor unit is attached to the excrement disposal device.

FIG. 24 is a left side view of FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a side view showing an example in which the excrement disposal device is attached to a patient in a sitting posture.

FIG. 26 is a side sectional view of a main part of the excrement disposal device.

27 is a left side view of FIG. 26. FIG.

28 is a right side view of FIG. 26.

29 is a sectional view taken along line B1-B1 of FIG.

30 is a sectional view taken along line B2-B2 of FIG.

FIG. 31 is a sectional view taken along line B3-B3 of FIG. 26.

FIG. 32 is a circuit diagram of a fecal sensor.

FIG. 33 is a block diagram of a control device of the excrement disposal device.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of the control device.

FIG. 35 is a side sectional view showing another embodiment in which the sensor part is provided in the excrement cup.

36 is a sectional view taken along line B5-B5 of FIG. 35.

FIG. 37 is a side view showing another example in which the sensor unit is provided in association with the excrement cup.

38 is a top view of the retaining clip shown in FIG. 37. FIG.

FIG. 39 is a right side view of FIG. 38.

[Explanation of symbols]

5: Patient 10: Toilet cup 20b: defecation route 20c: urinary tract S1 (400): Flight sensor 25: Urine receiving cup S2 (400): Urine sensor 171 (400B, 400C): Net (sensor section) 401 (24a): transmitting electrode 402 (24c): receiving electrode 403 (24b): shield electrode 410: High frequency oscillation circuit 420: Detection circuit 430: Comparison circuit 500 (500a-500m): Conductive wire 501: Wire rod 502: coating material 510, 520, 530: Connection line 540: Spacer member 550: Conductive wire (transmitting electrode) 551: Connection line 560: Conductive wire (reception electrode) 561: Connection line 570: Conductive wire (shield electrode) 571: Connection line 580: Spacer member 581: central opening 600: Fuel tank (container) 615: container 610: holder 611-613: Conductor SW11 to SW14: Switches (selection device) U10: Controller

Front page continued (58) Fields surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01N 27/00-27/24 JISST file (JOIS)

Claims (14)

(57) [Claims] 1. A capacitively coupled sensor device for detecting a substance for detecting the presence or absence of a substance, comprising: a transmission electrode; and a reception electrode capacitively coupled to the transmission electrode.
A sensor unit including a shield electrode disposed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode to shield between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, and interposed between the transmitting electrode and the shield electrode. A high-frequency oscillator for applying a high-frequency voltage to the transmitting electrode, and a detector interposed between the receiving electrode and the shield electrode for converting the high-frequency voltage output from the receiving electrode into a DC voltage. In the sensor unit, as a whole, at least three or more conductive wires are formed in a shape with a small gap between them and extend substantially parallel to each other, and the plurality of conductive wires are each a plurality of conductive wires. Is divided into three sets, and the first is divided into the three sets
A plurality of the transmission electrodes are configured by a plurality of sets of the conductive lines, and a plurality of the reception electrodes are configured by the second set of the plurality of conductive lines that are divided into the three sets. The plurality of shielded electrodes are composed of the plurality of conductive wires of the third group divided into, and each of the conductive wires forming the transmitting electrode and the conductive wires forming the receiving electrode is respectively arranged. , A conductive wire forming the shield electrode is disposed, one end of each conductive wire forming the transmitting electrode is electrically connected, one end of each conductive wire forming the receiving electrode, Electrically connected, one end portion of each conductive wire constituting the shield electrode,
A capacitively coupled sensor device, which is electrically connected. 2. The capacitive coupling sensor device according to claim 1, wherein each of the conductive wires is a covered wire covered with an insulating covering material. 3. The capacitive coupling type according to claim 1, wherein a spacer member for maintaining a space between the conductive wires is provided at each longitudinal end of each conductive wire. Sensor device. 4. A capacitively coupled sensor device for detecting a capacitance for detecting an amount of a substance , comprising a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode capacitively coupled with the transmitting electrode.
The transmitting electrode is disposed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.
Equipped with a shield electrode that shields between the
The sensor unit and the transmission electrode and the shield electrode,
A high frequency oscillating device for applying a high frequency voltage to the electrode, and the receiving electrode interposed between the receiving electrode and the shield electrode.
A test that converts the high-frequency voltage output from the electrode into a DC voltage.
And wave device comprises a container for receiving the material, wherein the sensor unit as a whole, at least three or more guide
The wires extend at a small distance from each other and almost parallel to each other
The plurality of conductive wires are formed of a plurality of conductive wires.
It is divided into three sets, and the first is divided into the above three sets.
By the plurality of conductive wires of the set,
The plurality of conductive wires of the second set which are configured and are divided into the above-mentioned three sets.
A plurality of receiving electrodes are formed, and the plurality of conductive wires of the third set are divided into the three sets.
A plurality of shield electrodes are formed, and each conductive wire that forms the transmission electrode and the reception electrode are formed.
The shield electrode should be placed between each
The conductive wires forming the transmitting electrode are arranged , and one end of each conductive wire forming the transmitting electrode is electrically connected.
Are electrically connected to each other, and one end of each conductive wire forming the receiving electrode is electrically connected.
Are electrically connected to each other, one end of each of the conductive wires forming the shield electrode is
It is electrically connected, and the sensor unit is arranged so as to extend in a direction in which the amount of the substance in the container fluctuates, and at least the installation position of the sensor unit and its vicinity in the container have an insulating property. The capacitively coupled sensor device is set to. 5. The capacitively coupled sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor unit is provided on an outer surface or a wall of the container. 6. The capacitively coupled sensor device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor unit is provided outside the container and in proximity to the container. 7. The high-frequency oscillator according to claim 1, wherein the transmission electrodes of the sensor units are connected in parallel to each other, and the reception electrodes of the sensor units are connected to each other. A selection device that is connected in parallel to each other to the one detection device and that selectively connects any one of the transmission electrodes to the high-frequency oscillation device is provided. Coupled sensor device. 8. The transmitter electrode of claim 1, wherein each of the transmitting electrodes is connected in parallel to one high-frequency oscillator, and the receiving electrode of each of the sensor portions is connected to each other. And a selection device for connecting any one of the reception electrodes selectively to the detection device, the selection device being connected to each of the detection devices in parallel with each other. Sensor device. 9. The capacitive coupling sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting electrode, the receiving electrode, and the shield electrode are held by a single holder made of an insulating synthetic resin. 10. The transmitter electrode, the receiver electrode, and the shield electrode according to claim 9 , wherein each of the conductors extending from the transmitter electrode, the receiver electrode, and the shield electrode is embedded in the holder. The capacitively coupled sensor device is characterized by being extended to. 11. The capacitively coupled sensor device according to claim 1, wherein the high frequency oscillator is a clock incorporated in a computer. 12. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
Item 3. The capacitive coupling type sensor device, wherein the substance is any one of a living body, excretion from the living body, gas, liquid, solid, powder, granular material, and gel-like material. 13. The excrement cup according to claim 1, wherein the excrement cup is attached to a patient and receives excrement from the patient, and the sensor portion is provided on an outer surface of the excrement cup or A capacitive coupling type sensor device, wherein the capacitive coupling type sensor device is provided on an outer surface of a waste discharge path extending from the waste cup. 14. The excrement cup according to claim 1, wherein the excrement cup is attached to a patient and receives at least feces discharged from the patient, and at least feces are excreted from the excrement cup. The feces discharge route for has a cup opening opening in the excrement cup so as to face upward, and the sensor unit is arranged so as to cross the cup opening, The discharged stool is placed on the sensor unit, and when the stool discharge route receives a suction action, the stool on the sensor unit is passed through the sensor unit. Capacitive coupling type sensor device.