JPH09293540A - Indication device for storage battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a storage battery indication device in which specific gravity can be accurately detected and indicated with a simple structure, and a manufacturing cost is low in the indication device of a storage battery by which the state of the storage battery is optically indicated, and particularly in the indication device in which the structure thereof can be simplified. SOLUTION: Incident light from one end side of a post-like member 2 is reflected or penetrated at an inclination face 3 of the other end side corresponding to the specific gravity and the liquid surface level of electrolyte 57, and the reflected or the penetrated light is projected on faces having respectively different indication ways of an indication member 4 by the reflection and the penetration so that the state of the electrolyte 57 can be detected by the difference of the indication when the same is seen from the end face of the other end side. Thereby, a structure is such simple as the inclination face 3 is formed and the indication member 4 is disposed on the post-like member 2, its manufacturing is easy, its quality and a yield are enhanced, a manufacturing cost is reduced so as to be provided inexpensively, simultaneously a moving portion is not allowed to move corresponding to the liquid face level and the specific gravity of the electrolyte, and a detection error and an indication malfunction can be prevented.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a storage battery display device for optically displaying the state of a storage battery, and more particularly to a storage battery display device having a simplified structure.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been used a display device for optically detecting or displaying the specific gravity of an electrolytic solution of a storage battery by utilizing the relationship between the specific gravity and the refractive index. This conventional display device is composed of a transparent member, one end face of which is exposed on the upper surface of a storage battery, and the other tip is immersed in an electrolyte solution, and a transparent member seen from the one end face of the rod-shaped member. Within a range that can be, fixed to the lower end of the pair of legs extending from the rod-shaped member via a shaft, a fixed display member fixedly disposed in the electrolytic solution, and from the one end surface of the rod-shaped member. The rotary display member is pivotally attached to the shaft in the electrolytic solution in a see-through range and is rotatably arranged around the shaft around the fixed display member. In order to locate the center of buoyancy at a position different from the position on the shaft, the rotation indicator has its pivotal joint with the shaft positioned away from its center of gravity, and floats or sinks in response to changes in the specific gravity of the electrolyte. The specific gravity is selected so as to cause rotation only, and the display mode of the upward facing surface of the rotating display member and the upward facing surface of the fixed display member is mutually changed. As a result, the display that can be seen through the rod-shaped body is changed according to the ups and downs of the rotary display member due to the change in the specific gravity due to the discharge of the electrolytic solution, and the state of charge of the storage battery can be known.

Another storage battery display device different from the one described above is conventionally disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 49-47822, which is shown in FIG. FIG. 17 is a schematic explanatory view of another conventional display device.

The conventional display device 20 shown in FIG.
0 is a material that has corrosion resistance and can be seen through from the upper surface, and has a cylindrical body 201 whose end has a length up to the lower limit position of the electrolytic solution 57.
And a conical bottom body 202 having a 45 ° slanted surface is connected to the tip thereof, a silver mirror surface 204 is formed on the bottom slanted surface portion of the cylindrical body 201, and a cylindrical body is formed at the central end of the cylindrical body 201. A liquid guiding hole 205 communicating with the interior 203 is provided, and a spherical float 206 made of a colored transparent material having a specific gravity of about 1.2, which is larger than the diameter of the liquid guiding hole 205, is vertically movable in the cylindrical body 203. It is configured to be housed. This display device 2
In No. 00, since the spherical float 206 having a specific gravity of about 1.2 is incorporated, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 becomes 1.2 or less due to discharge, or when the electrolytic solution 57 is insufficient, the spherical float on the electrolytic solution 57. Since 206 descends to the lower end of the cylindrical body 203 and is located in the central concave portion of the silver mirror surface 204, the color of the spherical float 206 is the silver mirror surface 20 when seen through from the display surface on the cap.
It is reflected at 4 and the entire bottom is seen in a colored state. If the level of the electrolytic solution 57 is appropriate and the specific gravity is also appropriate, the spherical float 206 floats on the surface of the electrolytic solution 57, so that the spherical float 206 does not exist at the height of the silver mirror surface 204, and the spherical float 206 on the display surface does not exist. Different display colors. In this way, the charging state of the storage battery can be determined by seeing through the display surface on the cap.

[0005]

However, among the conventional storage battery display devices configured as described above,
In the former case, since the rotation display member is used, the rotation operation may not be performed smoothly, and there is a problem that a detection error is likely to occur. Further, since the number of parts is large and there are also movable parts, the number of assembling steps is large and the cost is high.

On the other hand, in the latter display device 200, the light reflected by the silver mirror surface 204 from the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 201 is applied to the spherical float 206, and the light transmitted through the spherical float 206 is reflected again by the silver mirror surface 204. Since it is returned to the upper end side of the tubular body 201, a large and bright display image can be obtained, but since the specific gravity is detected by the movement of the spherical float 206, the processing precision for a smooth movement is strict, and that much is required. In addition to increasing the cost, there are cases where the spherical float 206 does not move up and down smoothly, which causes a problem that a detection error is likely to occur.

Further, since the silver mirror surface 204 has to be formed, manufacturing man-hours and inspection man-hours are required, and there is a problem that the cost becomes high. The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a storage battery display device capable of accurately detecting and displaying specific gravity with a simple structure and capable of being manufactured at low cost.

[0008]

A display device for a storage battery according to the present invention has a transparent columnar member, one end of which is locked to the upper surface of a casing of the storage battery and is In the display device of the storage battery, the end of which is mounted so as to project into the casing, and the state of the electrolyte solution stored in the casing is optically displayed on the one end side, and the end face of the other end side of the columnar member is It is formed by inclining at a predetermined angle with respect to the side wall surface, and an inclined surface that transmits or reflects light from one end side of the columnar member depending on the state of the electrolyte that is in contact with the inclined surface; And a display member that forms a plurality of display surfaces on which the reflected light is respectively projected, and that is provided by differently displaying the display surfaces on which the transmitted light is projected and the display surface on which the reflected light is projected. It is a thing. As described above, in the present invention, the light incident from one end of the columnar member is reflected or transmitted by the inclined surface on the other end depending on the specific gravity and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution, and the reflected or transmitted light is reflected. By making it possible to detect the state of the electrolytic solution by the difference in the display viewed from the end face on one end side, it is possible to form an inclined surface on the columnar member. The display member can be simply constructed, its manufacturing is easy, its quality and yield are improved, the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and it can be provided at a low price, depending on the liquid level and specific gravity of the electrolytic solution. The moving parts do not move and detection errors and display malfunctions can be prevented.

Further, in the storage battery display device according to the present invention, a plurality of the inclined surfaces are formed at different inclination angles with respect to the side wall surface of the columnar member, if necessary. As described above, in the present invention, since the inclination angles of the plurality of inclined surfaces are different from each other, the reflection or transmission states corresponding to various states of the specific gravity and the liquid surface level of the electrolytic solution can be different from each other. The state of charge can be clearly identified by finely changing the display obtained according to the change in state by combining a plurality of inclined surfaces.

Also, in the display device for a storage battery according to the present invention, the inclined surface is formed by an inclined surface which is continuously inclined at a plurality of steps with respect to the side wall surface of the columnar member. It is something. Thus, in the present invention,
Since the inclined surface is formed in a plurality of steps, the display can be divided by dividing the traveling direction of light from the one end side, and various states of the electrolytic solution can be displayed in more detail.

Further, in the display device for a storage battery according to the present invention, one or a plurality of the inclined surfaces are formed in a substantially pyramidal arrangement with respect to the columnar member, and the display member is
A substrate portion that is formed in a substantially plate-shaped body and has a display surface on which the light transmitted through the inclined surface is projected on the surface of the substantially plate-shaped body, and a substantially columnar shape that is erected substantially perpendicularly to the substrate portion surface. An upright portion that is formed as a body and has a display surface on which the light reflected by the inclined surface is projected, and the upright portion is fitted into the other end of the columnar member. As described above, in the present invention, the columnar member and the display member can be integrally provided to form a simple and compact structure, which facilitates the production and reduces the cost.

Further, the display device for a storage battery according to the present invention is, if necessary, formed in a hole shape in a substantially central portion on the other end side of the columnar member, and is formed in the casing through an opening area of the hole. One end of the columnar member is formed by inclining the cavity into which the electrolytic solution is introduced and the portion of the columnar member facing the upper side of the cavity at a predetermined angle, and the presence or absence of the electrolytic solution in contact with the inclined surface. And a central inclined surface that transmits or reflects light from the side. As described above, in the present invention, the presence or absence of the electrolytic solution can be identified by the difference in the display due to the central inclined surface, so that various states of the electrolytic solution such as the electrolytic solution level can be displayed in more detail.

[0013]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(First Embodiment of the Present Invention) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. This embodiment shows an example applied to a lead storage battery. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a storage battery mounting state of a display device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a main part of the display device according to the present embodiment. 4 shows a display state explanatory diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment.

As shown in each of the drawings, in the display device 1 according to the present embodiment, one end 11 side is attached to the upper lid 52 of the storage battery 50, and the other end 12 side end face is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the side wall face. And the columnar member 2 having a transparent columnar shape on which the inclined surface 3 is formed, and the columnar member 2 that transmits or reflects the inclined surface 3
Blue surface 4c and red surface 4d onto which light from one end is projected
And a display member 4 having.

The columnar member 2 is made of transparent polycarbonate,
It is made of AS resin, acrylic resin or the like, and one end (upper end) 11 side is expanded in a flange shape to form a rubber packing 5.
6 is fitted, and electrodes 53, 5 are attached as shown in FIG.
4 and the upper lid 52 having the liquid port plug 55, and the rubber packing 56 prevents the electrolytic solution (dilute sulfuric acid) 57 stored in the casing 51 from leaking even if it swings. Further, the other end (lower end) 12 side of the columnar member 2 is usually immersed in the electrolytic solution 57, and the lowermost end thereof is the electrolytic solution 57.
It is designed to match the lower limit level of.

The inclined surface 3 formed at the other end 12 of the columnar member 2 has an inclination angle of an electrolytic solution 57 having a specific gravity smaller than that in a good charging state due to insufficient charging, and is in contact with the inclined surface 3.
It is set so that the light from the one end 11 side is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3. Specifically, when polycarbonate is used for the columnar member 2, the refractive index n1 of the polycarbonate is 1.58.
5 and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution (dilute sulfuric acid) 57 in a good charge state is in the range of 1.19 to 1.26, the lower limit value of the range is adopted. Since the refractive index n2 is 1.368, the critical angle φ is n2 / n1 = s
From inφ, φ = 59.67 °. Therefore, one end
Light from the 1st side is inclined surface 3 at the incident angle of this critical angle of about 60 °.
If the inclination angle is set so as to be incident on the inclined surface 3, when the electrolytic solution 57 is insufficient and is not in contact with the inclined surface 3, or when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 in contact with the inclined surface 3 is less than the lower limit value, the charging is insufficient. Is totally reflected, and when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is larger than the lower limit value in a good charging state, it is transmitted. When total reflection is performed on the inclined surface 3 in a state where the electrolyte is insufficient or the battery is insufficiently charged, the incident light on the inclined surface 3 is laterally reflected and then the columnar member 2 is provided.
The light that is transmitted to the side and is incident on the inclined surface 3 in a good charging state is transmitted to the lower side of the inclined surface 3 at a refraction angle according to the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57.

The critical angle of the inclined surface 3 is about 60.
The angle is only an example, and the critical angle can be an arbitrary value depending on the material of the columnar member 2 and the characteristics of the electrolytic solution 57. The display member 4 is disposed on the other end 12 side of the columnar member 2 and is formed so as to be separated downward from the inclined surface 3, and the inclined surface 3 is formed.
The substrate portion 4a on which the light from one end side of the columnar member 2 that has passed through is projected onto the upper surface, and the side wall from the side wall of the columnar member 2 that is formed perpendicular to the substrate portion 4a and is opposite to the inclined surface 3 of the columnar member 2 Of the columnar members 2 which are arranged apart from each other and are reflected by the inclined surface 3.
The standing portion 4b is configured so that light from one end side is projected onto the side surface facing the columnar member 2. Substrate part 4a of display member 4
The upper surface is a blue surface 4c colored in blue, and the side surface of the standing portion 4b is a red surface 4d colored in red so that the display modes are different from each other.

Next, the display state in the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 4A, when the amount of the electrolyte solution 57 is insufficient, that is, when the liquid level of the electrolyte solution 57 is lowered and the columnar member 2 is entirely exposed to the outside of the electrolyte solution 57, the columnar member is formed. Light incident from the one end 11 side of 2 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 to the side of the columnar member 2, and this total reflection light travels almost vertically toward the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2 when viewed from above, The columnar member 2 has a columnar shape, and the critical angle φ when light travels from the columnar member 2 to air is sin φ = 1 /
Since φ = 39.1 ° from 1.585, a region where the incident angle is larger than the critical angle 39.1 ° is reflected inward at the outer circumference of the circular cross section, and otherwise, with respect to the cross sectional width R of the columnar member 2. From Rsinφ = 0.6309R, approximately 63% of the center of the cross-sectional width of the columnar member 2 transmits to the outside. Since only the light transmitted from the central portion is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4, when the end face on the one end 11 side is looked from above, only the center of the end face appears red.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the storage battery 5
When 0 is in a state of insufficient capacity, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or less, the light incident from the one end 11 side is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 and goes to the side of the columnar member 2. .
Since the electrolyte solution 57 is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2, the incident angle is reflected to the inside of the columnar member 2 only in the region where the incident angle is larger than the critical angle of about 60 °.
The light is transmitted to the outside of the columnar member 2. Since the transmitted light is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4 on the side of the columnar member 2,
Looking at the end face of the one end 11 from above causes red color to appear on the entire end face.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4C, when the charge is in a good state, that is, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.
When the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 19 or more, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or more with the inclination angle set. Therefore, the light incident from the one end 11 side of the columnar member 2 is reflected on the inclined surface 3 according to the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57. Since the light passes through at a refraction angle and travels and is projected on the blue surface 4c of the display member 4, a blue color appears when the end surface on the one end 11 side is viewed from above.

The display device for the storage battery according to the present embodiment is
Since the state of charge can be detected with a simple structure in which the inclined surface 3 is formed at the other end of the columnar member 2 and the display member 4 is provided and no movable part is used, there are few errors and the manufacturing is easy and the manufacturing is easy. The cost can be greatly reduced.

(Second Embodiment of the Present Invention) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.
Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment,
An example applied to a lead storage battery is shown. 5 is a schematic configuration diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a display state explanatory diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment. Show.

As shown in each of the figures, the display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the columnar member 2 has a rectangular columnar shape. , The other end 12 has two inclined surfaces 5 with different inclination angles.
This is a configuration including a and 5b. Of the two inclined surfaces 5a and 5b of the columnar member 2, one of the inclined surfaces 5a has an inclination angle such that the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 and a critical angle is obtained as in the first embodiment. It is set to the corner. In addition, the other inclined surface 5b is provided with the electrolyte solution 57 that is insufficiently charged.
Light from the one end 11 side even when is in contact with the inclined surface 5
The inclination angle is set so that the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.0 so as to pass through b and a critical angle is obtained. Specifically, when polycarbonate is used for the columnar member 2, the refractive index n1 of the polycarbonate is 1.585, and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 in the insufficient charge state is 1.18 or less, which is sufficiently smaller than this. A specific gravity value of 1.0 is adopted, and when the specific gravity is 1.0, the refractive index n2 of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.333.
The critical angle φ is n2 / n1 = sinφ, and φ = 57.25 °
Becomes Accordingly, the inclination angle is set so that the light from the one end 11 side is incident on the inclined surface 3 at the incident angle of this critical angle of about 57 °, and when the electrolyte solution 57 is insufficient and is not in contact with the inclined surface 3. Is totally reflected, and when the electrolytic solution 57 has a sufficient amount, it is allowed to pass through. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, a display state in the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 7A, when the electrolytic solution 57 has an insufficient amount of liquid, that is, when the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 57 is lowered and the columnar member 2 is entirely exposed to the outside of the electrolytic solution 57, The inclined surfaces 5a and 5b are also totally reflected, and the reflected light is transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2 to the outside and projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4, so that the end surface on the one end 11 side is viewed from above. And only the red color appears.

As shown in FIG. 7B, the storage battery 5
When 0 is in a state of insufficient capacity, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or less, the light incident from the one end 11 side is totally reflected by the inclined surface 5a and goes to the side of the columnar member 2. However, since the specific gravity of the other inclined surface 5b is greater than 1.0 in which the inclination angle of the inclined surface 5b is set, the light incident from the one end 11 side of the columnar member 2 passes through the electrolytic solution 5 on the inclined surface 5b.
The light travels at a refraction angle corresponding to the specific gravity of 7. The reflected light from the inclined surface 5a is transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2 to the outside, and is projected onto the red surface 4d of the display member 4 on the side of the columnar member 2. On the other hand, the light transmitted through the inclined surface 5b is projected on the blue surface 4c of the display member 4. Therefore, one end viewed from above
Two areas, a blue area and a red area, appear on one end face.

Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the charge is in a good state, that is, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.
In the case of 19 or more, since the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is larger than the specific gravity for which the inclination angle of any of the inclined surfaces 5a and 5b is set,
The light incident from the one end 11 side of the columnar member 2 passes through the two inclined surfaces 5a and 5b at a refraction angle according to the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 and advances, and is projected on the blue surface 4b of the display member 4. Therefore, only the blue color appears when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above.

The display device for the storage battery according to the present embodiment is
Since the inclination angles of the plurality of inclined surfaces 5a and 5b are different from each other, the reflection or transmission state can be made different according to various states of the specific gravity and the liquid surface level of the electrolyte solution 57, and the obtained display can be made finer. The charge status can be clearly distinguished.

(Third Embodiment of the Present Invention) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Also in the present embodiment, an example applied to a lead storage battery is shown as in the first embodiment. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a main part of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a display state explanatory diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment. Show.

As shown in each of the above figures, the display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the tilt is provided at the other end 12 of the columnar member 2. The surface 3 is divided into a first inclined surface 6a and a first inclined surface 6 that continues below.
This is a configuration in which a two-step inclined surface with a second inclined surface 6b having an inclination angle smaller than a is replaced. The inclination angle of the lower second inclined surface 6b is set to an inclination angle such that the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 and a critical angle is obtained, as in the first embodiment. The inclination angle of the upper first inclined surface 6a is set to an inclination angle such that the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution 57 is 1.26 and a critical angle is obtained. Specifically, polycarbonate is used for the columnar member 2. In this case, the refractive index n1 of the polycarbonate is 1.585, and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 in a good charge state is 1.19 to
Since the range is 1.26, the specific gravity value of the upper limit of the range is 1.2
6 is adopted, and when the specific gravity is 1.26, the refractive index n2 of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.379, so the critical angle φ is n2 / n1 =
From sin φ, φ = 60.46 °. Therefore, if the inclination angle is set so that the light from the one end 11 side is incident on the first inclined surface 6a at the incident angle of this critical angle of about 60 °, the electrolyte solution 57 becomes insufficient and contacts the first inclined surface 6a. If the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 in contact with the first inclined surface 6a is lighter than the specific gravity described above, total reflection is performed, and if the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is higher than the upper limit value and the charging is completed, the light is transmitted. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

Next, a display state in the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described. FIG. 10 (A) shows the electrolytic solution 5
In this case, the liquid level of the electrolyte solution 57 is low, and the columnar member 2 is completely exposed. Therefore, the light totally reflected by the inclined surfaces 6a and 6b goes to the side of the columnar member 2, but since the outside is air with a small refractive index, the critical angle is small, and the columnar shape is the same as in the first embodiment. Since the member 2 has a cylindrical shape, the light in the region where the incident angle is larger than the critical angle 39.1 ° is reflected inward at the outer circumference of the circular cross section, and is transmitted from the other central portion of the cross sectional width of the columnar member 2. Since only the reflected light is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4, when the end face on the one end 11 side is looked from above, a red color appears only at the center of the end face.

FIG. 10B shows the case where the storage battery 50 is in a state of insufficient capacity due to discharge, and the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.1.
9 or less. Therefore, total reflection occurs on any of the inclined surfaces 6a and 6b, and the electrolytic solution 57 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2.
Are in contact with each other, the light is transmitted from almost the entire cross-sectional width of the columnar member 2 to the outside as in the first embodiment, and the display member 4
Is projected on the red surface 4d. Therefore, when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above, a red color appears on the entire end face.

FIG. 10C shows a state in which the charge is good,
This is the case where the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or more and 1.26 or less. Since the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.26 or less, the light incident from the one end 11 side is totally reflected by the first inclined surface 6a and goes to the side of the columnar member 2, but on the other second inclined surface 6b. Since the specific gravity of the second inclined surface 6b is larger than the set specific gravity of 1.19, the light incident from the one end 11 side of the columnar member 2 is transmitted through the second inclined surface 6b at a refraction angle according to the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57. And proceed. The reflected light from the first inclined surface 6a is transmitted from the outer peripheral surface of the columnar member 2 to the outside,
It is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4 on the side of. on the other hand,
The light transmitted through the second inclined surface 6b is the blue surface 4c of the display member 4.
Is projected to Therefore, two areas, a blue area and a red area, appear on the end surface of the one end 11 viewed from above.

As shown in FIG. 10D, when the charging is completed, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.26 or more, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is any of the inclined surfaces 6a, 6a.
Since the inclination angle of b is larger than the set specific gravity, the columnar member 2
Of light incident from the one end 11 side of the two inclined surfaces 6a, 6b
Goes through at a refraction angle corresponding to the specific gravity of the electrolyte solution 57 and is projected onto the blue surface 4c of the display member 4, so that only the blue color appears when the end surface on the one end 11 side is looked from above.

The storage battery display device according to the present embodiment is
Since the inclined surface is formed in a plurality of steps, it is possible to divide the display by dividing the traveling direction of the light from the one end side and display the various states of the electrolytic solution 57 in more detail.

(Fourth Embodiment of the Present Invention) A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an example applied to a lead acid battery is shown. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a display device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a main part of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 13 is a display state explanatory diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment. Show.

As shown in each of the above figures, the display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 in that the columnar member 2 and the display member 4 are provided. Similarly, the columnar member 2 and the display member 4 have different configurations. In this columnar member 2, the inclined surface 3 provided on the other end 12 is a conical curved surface formed by inclining the tapered surface by a predetermined angle, and the light reflection direction from one end side is the inner side of the columnar member 2. This is the configuration. The display member 4
Is a circular plate member, and the substrate portion 4a on which the light from one end side of the columnar member 2 which has passed through the inclined surface 3 is projected on the upper surface.
And the columnar member 2 which is erected vertically to the substrate portion 4a and
The columnar member 2 that is fitted into the lower part of the column and is reflected by the inclined surface 3 is projected from the one end side of the columnar member 2 to the outer peripheral surface thereof.
and b.

The inclination angle of the inclined surface 3 is set so that the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 and a critical angle is obtained, as in the first embodiment. The display member 4 has a structure in which the upper surface of the substrate portion 4a is a blue surface 4c colored in blue, and the surface of the standing portion 4b is a red surface 4d colored in red.

Next, a display state in the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 13 (A),
When the amount of the electrolyte solution 57 is insufficient, that is, when the liquid level of the electrolyte solution 57 is lowered and all the columnar members 2 are exposed to the outside of the electrolyte solution 57, the light incident from the one end 11 side of the columnar member 2 is emitted. Is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 toward the center of the columnar member 2,
When viewed from above, the totally reflected light travels almost vertically toward the center of the columnar member 2 and is projected onto the red surface 4d of the display member 4, so that red color appears when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above. become.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13B, when the storage battery 50 is in a state of insufficient capacity, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or less, the light incident from the one end 11 side is emitted. The light is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 and goes toward the center of the columnar member 2. Since this light is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4, when the end surface on the one end 11 side is seen from above, red color appears.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the charge is in a good state, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or more, the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 sets the inclination angle. Since the specific gravity is 1.19 or more, one end 1 of the columnar member 2 is
Light incident from the first side travels through the inclined surface 3 at a refraction angle corresponding to the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 and proceeds to the blue surface 4c of the display member 4.
Since it is projected on, the blue color appears when the end face on the one end 11 side is seen from above. However, the red color on the upper surface of the standing portion 4b appears as it is at the center of this end face, and only this portion has a red color.

As described above, the display device for a storage battery according to the present embodiment is simple and compact in that the conical inclined surface 3 is formed at the other end of the columnar member 2 and the display member 4 is arranged below it. Since it has a structure, it is easy to manufacture and the cost can be largely reduced. In the display device according to the above-described embodiment, the upper surface of the upright portion 4b of the display member 4 is also colored red, and when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above, the red color always appears in the center. However, only the upper surface of the upright portion 4b may have a different color.

(Fifth Embodiment of the Present Invention) A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, an example applied to a lead acid battery is shown. FIG. 14 is a schematic configuration diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment, FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a main part of the display device according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 16 is a display state explanatory diagram of the display device according to the present embodiment. Show.

As shown in each of the above figures, the display device 1 according to the present embodiment is different from the fifth embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 13 in that the columnar member has the conical inclined surface 3. Two
And a display member 4 including a substrate portion 4a formed in a circular plate-like body and an upright portion 4b having a substantially columnar shape, and a different structure is provided on the other end 12 side of the columnar member 2 to the outside. Formed by communicating through the liquid inlets 13 and 14,
Presence or absence of the electrolyte solution 57 in the casing 51, into which the electrolyte solution 57 is introduced, and the columnar member 2 facing the upper side of the cavity section 7 which is formed with a certain angle of inclination, and which contacts the inclined surface. Thus, the central inclined surface 9 that transmits or reflects the light from one end side of the columnar member 2 is provided.

The cavity 7 is formed in a substantially columnar space at the center of the other end 12 of the columnar member 2. Column member 2
A liquid inlet 13 is provided at the lowermost end of the cavity 7 for communicating the lower part of the cavity 7 with the outside, and a side wall of the columnar member 2 above the inclined surface 3 is provided with a liquid for communicating the upper part of the cavity 7 with the outside. The introduction port 14 is provided, and the electrolytic solution 57 in the casing 51 is introduced into the cavity 7. On the upper side of the hollow portion 7, a protruding portion 8 having a rod-shaped and conical tip portion is formed so as to protrude from the columnar member 2, and the protruding portion 8 is formed.
In this configuration, the conical surface at the tip end of is the central inclined surface 9. The inclination angle of the central inclined surface 9 is such that the electrolytic solution 57 is
Is in contact with the columnar member 2, the light incident from the one end 11 side is transmitted downward along the axial direction of the columnar member 2. On the other hand, when the electrolytic solution 57 is not in contact with the central inclined surface 9, this incident light is inclined centrally. The surface 9 is set so as to be totally reflected twice and returned to the one end 11 side. The upright portion 4b of the display member 4 arranged in the hollow portion 7 is located below the central inclined surface 9, and the light incident from the one end 11 side is incident on the central inclined surface 9.
When the light passes through, the image is projected onto the upper surface of the standing portion 4b.

Next, the display state in the present embodiment based on the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 16 (A)
As shown by, the amount of the electrolytic solution 57 is insufficient, that is, the liquid level of the electrolytic solution 57 is lowered, the columnar member 2 is exposed from the electrolytic solution 57, and the electrolytic solution 57 in the cavity 7 is exposed.
If the liquid surface level of the
Light incident from the outer peripheral portion 16 of the end surface on the first side is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 toward the center of the columnar member 2, and the totally reflected light advances toward the center of the columnar member 2 when viewed from above, and the display member 4 Is projected on the red surface 4d. On the other hand, the light incident from the central portion 15 of the end face on the one end 11 side reaches the central inclined surface 9 and the electrolytic solution 57 is not in contact with the central inclined surface 9, so that the central inclined surface 9
Is totally reflected twice, and the traveling direction is changed by about 180 degrees, and the light is returned to the central portion 15. As a result, when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above, the central portion 15 becomes white and the outer peripheral portion 16 becomes red. The annular portion 17 on the end face on the one end 11 side corresponds to the cavity 7 on the outer peripheral side of the central inclined surface 9, and the blue color of the blue surface 4c of the display member 4 is always transmitted and becomes blue. In addition, the non-display portion 18 is always present in a shape extending from the annular portion 17 to the left and right, due to irregular reflection of incident light at the upper liquid introduction port 14.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, when the storage battery 50 is in a state of insufficient capacity, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or less, the outer peripheral portion 1 on the end 11 side.
Light incident from 6 is totally reflected by the inclined surface 3 and goes to the center of the columnar member 2. Since this light is projected on the red surface 4d of the display member 4, the outer peripheral portion 16 of the end surface on the one end 11 side becomes red. Further, the light incident from the central portion 15 of the end surface on the one end 11 side passes through the central inclined surface 9 because the electrolytic solution 20 is in contact with the central inclined surface 9, and the red color on the upper surface of the standing portion 4b of the display member 4 is displayed. The light is reflected by the surface 4d, transmitted through the central inclined surface 9 again, and returned to the central portion 15 of the end surface of the one end 11. Therefore, the central portion 15 has a dark red color.

Further, as shown in FIG. 16C, when the charging is in a good state, that is, when the specific gravity of the electrolytic solution 57 is 1.19 or more, the end surface of the columnar member 2 on the end 11 side is The light incident from the outer peripheral portion 16 causes the inclined surface 3 to pass through the electrolytic solution 57.
Since the light travels through the blue surface 4c of the display member 4 at a refraction angle in accordance with the specific gravity of, the outer peripheral portion 16 of the end surface on the one end 11 side has a blue color when viewed from above. Further, the light incident from the central portion 15 of the end face on the one end 11 side is
The light passes through the central inclined surface 9, is reflected by the red surface 4d on the upper surface of the standing portion 4b of the display member 4, passes through the central inclined surface 9 again, and is returned to the central portion 15 of the end surface on the one end 11 side. Therefore, the central portion 15 has a dark red color.

As described above, in the display device for a storage battery according to the present embodiment, since the central inclined surface 9 is formed, the electrolytic solution 57 is used.
The presence / absence can be known from the display from the central inclined surface 9, and various states of the electrolytic solution 57 can be displayed in more detail.

In the display device according to the above-mentioned embodiment, the liquid introduction ports 13 and 1 for communicating the cavity 7 with the outside.
4 is provided in the lower part and the upper part respectively,
If the electrolyte solution 57 can flow into and out of the cavity 7 without resistance, the solution introduction port can be arranged only in the lower portion, and the shape of the columnar member 2 can be made simpler to facilitate the production and reduce the cost. In addition, the non-display portion due to the liquid introduction port is eliminated on the end surface of the columnar member 2 on the side of the one end 11 to increase the display area and enhance the visibility.

In the display device according to the above-described embodiment, the upper surface of the upright portion 4b of the display member 4 is also colored in red like the side surface, and when the end face on the one end 11 side is viewed from above, the central inclined surface is formed. Although this red color appears in the display from 9, the display color may be changed to another color only on the upper surface of the standing portion 4b.

In each of the first to fifth embodiments, the display device is of a type in which the upper lid of the storage battery is embedded. However, a liquid level sensor is incorporated or a liquid having a degassing structure is used. It may be a display device that also serves as a mouth plug. In that case, since the columnar member main body is the main light-transmitting portion, the cap portion and the screw portion provided other than that may be made of another opaque material as long as they do not obstruct the one end side end face from above. .

[0052]

As described above, in the display device for a storage battery according to the present invention, the light incident from one end of the columnar member is reflected by the inclined surface on the other end depending on the specific gravity and the liquid level of the electrolytic solution. The transmitted or reflected light or the transmitted light is reflected or transmitted to hit different surfaces of the display member so that the state of the electrolytic solution can be detected by the difference in the display viewed from the end surface on one end side. As a result, it is possible to make the structure simple by forming the inclined surface on the columnar member, the manufacturing thereof is easy, the quality and the yield are improved, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced and provided at a low price. -There is an effect that a moving part does not move according to specific gravity and a detection error and a display malfunction can be prevented. Also,
In the present invention, since the inclination angles of the plurality of inclined surfaces are different from each other, the state of reflection or transmission corresponding to various states of the specific gravity and liquid surface level of the electrolytic solution can be made different,
The display obtained according to the change in the state of the electrolytic solution can be finely changed by a combination of a plurality of inclined surfaces, so that the state of charge can be clearly identified. Further, in the present invention, since the inclined surface is formed in a plurality of steps, there is an effect that the display can be divided by dividing the traveling direction of the light from the one end side, and various states of the electrolytic solution can be displayed in more detail. Further, according to the present invention, the columnar member and the display member can be integrally arranged to have a simple and compact structure, and there is an effect that manufacturing can be facilitated and cost can be reduced. Further, in the present invention, the presence or absence of the electrolytic solution can be identified by the difference in the display on the central inclined surface, so that various states of the electrolytic solution such as the electrolytic solution level can be displayed in more detail.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1A is a partially cutaway front view of a storage battery equipped with a display device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (B)
FIG. 2 is a plan view of a storage battery equipped with the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a side view of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of FIG. 2 (B).

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a light path and a display pattern in the display device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a display device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a vertical cross-sectional view of the display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of FIG. 5 (B).

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of an optical path and a display pattern in the display device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. (B) is a vertical cross-sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of FIG. 8 (B).

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of an optical path and a display pattern in the display device according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of a display device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a light path and a display pattern in the display device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a side view of a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. 14B is AA of FIG.
It is a line sectional view.

FIG. 15 is a partially enlarged vertical sectional view of a display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a light path and a display pattern in the display device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic configuration diagram of another conventional display device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1, 200 display device 2 columnar member 3, 5a, 5b inclined surface 4 display member 4a substrate portion 4b upright portion 4c blue surface 4d red surface 6a first inclined surface 6b second inclined surface 7 cavity portion 8 protrusion portion 9 central inclined surface 11 one end 12 other end 13 and 14 liquid inlet 15 central part 16 outer peripheral part 17 annular part 18 non-display part 50 storage battery 51 casing 52 upper lid 53, 54 electrode 55 liquid spout 56 rubber packing 57 electrolyte 201 tubular body 202 bottom Body 203 Inside of tubular body 204 Silver mirror surface 205 Liquid guiding hole 206 Spherical float

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A transparent columnar member, wherein one end of the columnar member is locked to the upper surface of the casing of the storage battery, and the other end of the columnar member is mounted so as to project into the casing. In a display device for a storage battery that optically displays the state of the stored electrolytic solution on the one end side, an end face on the other end side of the columnar member is formed by inclining the side wall face of the columnar member by a predetermined angle, An inclined surface that transmits or reflects light from one end of the columnar member depending on the state of the electrolyte that contacts the inclined surface, and a plurality of display surfaces on which the light transmitted or reflected by the inclined surface is projected A display device for a storage battery, further comprising: a display member that is provided with different display modes on the display surface on which the transmitted light is projected and the display surface on which the reflected light is projected. 2. The storage battery display device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the inclined surfaces are formed at different inclination angles with respect to the side wall surface of the columnar member. 3. The display device for a storage battery according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface is formed as an inclined surface that is continuously inclined with a plurality of steps with different inclination angles with respect to the side wall surface of the columnar member. A storage battery display device characterized by the following. 4. The storage battery display device according to claim 1, wherein one or a plurality of the inclined surfaces are formed in a substantially pyramidal arrangement with respect to the columnar member, and the display member is A substrate portion that is formed in a substantially plate-shaped body and has a display surface onto which the light transmitted through the inclined surface is projected on the surface of the substantially plate-shaped body; A display of a storage battery, characterized by comprising a standing portion formed as a columnar body and having a display surface on which the light reflected by the inclined surface is projected, and the standing portion is fitted into the other end of the columnar member. apparatus. 5. The display device for a storage battery according to claim 4, wherein the columnar member is formed in a hole shape in a substantially central portion on the other end side, and the electrolytic solution in the casing is provided through an opening region of the hole. Is formed by inclining the cavity portion into which the columnar member faces the upper side of the cavity portion by a predetermined angle, and from the one end side of the columnar member depending on the presence or absence of an electrolytic solution contacting the inclined surface. A display device for a storage battery, comprising: a central inclined surface that transmits or reflects the light.