KR101737869B1 - feul level monitoring system in real time capable of intuitively showing fuel level by using light stick - Google Patents

Abstract

A real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention includes: a fuel injection unit connected to a lower portion of a fuel injection guide and located inside the fuel tank, for responding to a magnetic force line emitted from a magnet float, Level, and the fuel level can be intuitively displayed using the light-emitting stick.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus for intuitively showing a fuel level using a light emitting stick,

The present invention relates to a fuel level monitoring apparatus, and more particularly, to a fuel level monitoring apparatus capable of real time monitoring of a fuel amount of a fuel tank.

A gaging means for sensing the amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank normally secures a separate opening, not a fuel injection port, and is coupled to the opening to sense the amount of fuel in the fuel tank. In this case, difficulty in operation and economic loss due to the separate opening of the opening can not be avoided.

And, a general fuel gauging means senses the fuel level and processes or manages the detected fuel level by itself. In some cases, the detected fuel level is transmitted to a management device such as a vehicle or a ship equipped with the fuel gauging device so that the management device monitors or manages fuel level related data. However, if the detected data is transmitted to a PC, a server, or a mobile terminal connected to a wired or wireless network to remotely monitor or manage the fuel level related data, data availability and user convenience will be much higher.

Also, for abnormal conditions such as a sudden decrease in the fuel level detected by the fuel gauging means, the ordinary fuel gauging means merely performs a self-alarm function. However, if the fuel gauging means performs an active alarm function through an external alarm device, it will be very helpful to prevent the abnormal state and to resolve the abnormal state.

In addition, the amount of fuel stored in a fuel tank mounted on a tanker or a large fuel tank installed outside a building is generally provided in analogue gauges or digitized values. In some cases, the amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank may need to be estimated based on the amount of fuel stored in the gaining hose. According to this fuel amount recognition method, it is difficult for the user to intuitively recognize the amount of fuel in the fuel tank, and in a case where it is installed in the dark place or at night, it is difficult to check the fuel amount.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus capable of detecting a fuel level directly coupled to a fuel inlet without requiring a separate opening.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a real-time fuel level monitoring system capable of monitoring, managing, and analyzing fuel level related data through the external management apparatus by sensing the fuel level in the fuel tank and transmitting the same to an external management apparatus Device.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an alarm apparatus and a method for controlling the alarm apparatus by performing an active alarm function through at least one of a self-alarm device and an external alarm device to prevent an abnormal condition, Level monitoring apparatus.

Another technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to control the light emitting length of the lighting stick to a light emission length corresponding to the fuel level in the fuel tank similarly to the bar graph so that the user intuitively recognizes the fuel level Time fuel-level monitoring device.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not intended to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Other objects, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, It will be possible.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus comprising: coupling means for a fuel tank; Luminescent stick; A magnet float coupled to a lower portion of the coupling means and located inside the fuel tank and adapted to ascend and descend in the fuel tank according to a fuel level, A gage stick for generating an electrical signal corresponding to a position of the magnet float; And a control module for calculating the fuel level based on the electrical signal and controlling the emission length of the light-emitting stick to a length corresponding to the calculated fuel level.

The light emitting stick may include a plurality of light emitting devices connected in series with each other. At this time, the control module may cause at least part of the plurality of light emitting devices to emit light, and the light emitting stick may have a length corresponding to the calculated fuel level.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus may further include an analog gauge indicating a level corresponding to the calculated fuel level.

At least a portion of the control module may be mounted in a sealed interior of the coupling means designed to be watertight and explosion proof.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus may further include a protection circuit for preventing an overvoltage or an overcurrent from being applied to the gauge stick generating a voltage or current corresponding to the position of the magnet float.

Wherein the control module is operable to control at least one of an alarm module included in the real time fuel level monitoring device and at least one of an alarm device wired or wirelessly connected to the real time fuel level monitoring device when the descending speed of the fuel level exceeds a predetermined speed Alarm function can be performed.

The control module can calculate the fuel level by linearly correcting the voltage or current corresponding to the position of the magnet float, which occurs non-linearly with respect to the lifting and lowering of the magnet float.

Wherein the gauge stick includes a plurality of MR elements connected in series to each other and supplies a voltage or a current corresponding to a position of the magnet float based on a resistance value of the plurality of MR elements which is varied based on an elevation of the magnet float can do.

The gauge stick includes: a plurality of resistive elements connected in series with each other; And a plurality of switching elements connected between output terminals of voltage or current corresponding to positions of the magnet floats and between the plurality of resistance elements and sequentially opened / short-circuited in response to magnetic lines of force emitted from the magnet float .

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can detect the fuel level by directly connecting to the fuel injection port without requiring a separate opening. Therefore, compared with the monitoring apparatus mounted in a separate opening, This is a high advantage.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can monitor, manage, and analyze fuel level-related data through the external management apparatus by sensing the fuel level in the fuel tank and transmitting it to the external management apparatus, There is an advantage that the convenience of the user or the user can be improved.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention performs an active alarm function through at least one of a self-alarm device and an external alarm device to prevent an abnormal condition and to help solve an abnormal condition .

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention has an advantage of allowing the user to intuitively recognize the fuel level by controlling the light emission length of the light-emitting stick to the light emission length corresponding to the fuel level in the fuel tank, similar to the bar graph have.

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a real time fuel level monitoring system according to the present invention.
2 shows an example in which the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is mounted in a fuel tank.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus mounted on a fuel tank inlet and a fuel inlet in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in consideration of the direction of the user's sight.
4 shows an example of a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus and its use state diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining an example of a magnet sensing unit for generating an electrical signal whose magnitude varies according to the lifting and lowering of the magnet float in the gauge stick of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 shows an example of linearly correcting a non-linear voltage according to the fuel level generated by the gauge stick in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
8 is a view for explaining another example of a magnet sensing unit for generating an electrical signal whose magnitude varies according to the lifting and lowering of the magnet float in the gauge stick of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of driving a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
10 shows an example of a fuel level graph of a fuel tank of a vehicle sensed by a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
11 shows an example in which the alarm function according to the decrease rate of the fuel level is suppressed in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
12 shows examples of the fuel backflow prevention means provided in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 shows an example of a user interface displayed on a management device connected to a real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus and a wired / wireless network according to the present invention.
14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the real time fuel level monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a conceptual diagram showing that a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is mounted in a fuel tank.
16 is an enlarged view of a part of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus shown in Fig.
17 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of driving a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
18 shows an actual photograph of a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
19 is an enlarged view of an analog gauge included in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus shown in FIG.
20 is an embodiment of a light emitting stick of a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention.
21 shows an example in which the light emitting stick of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention performs the light emitting operation with the light emitting length proportional to the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank.
FIG. 22 shows an example in which the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a fuel tank mounted on a tanker.
23 shows an example in which the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a fuel tank installed outside the building.

The foregoing objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the specification. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention in unnecessary detail.

Hereinafter, a lighting apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The suffix "module "," block "and" part "for components used in the following description are given or mixed in consideration of ease of specification only and do not have their own meaning or role .

1 is a conceptual block diagram of a real time fuel level monitoring system according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the monitoring system includes a real-time fuel level monitoring device 100, an external management device 200, and an alarm device 300. On the other hand, the components shown in Fig. 1 are not essential, so that the monitoring system may have more or fewer components than those shown in Fig. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may be coupled to a fuel tank, and may acquire fuel information in the fuel tank and transmit the information to the external management apparatus 200 via a wired / wireless network. The fuel tank may be a fuel tank of an automobile for supplying fuel to an engine of an automobile. The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may be coupled to a fuel injection port of the fuel tank, unlike an existing fuel level sensing apparatus which is separate from the fuel injection port and installed in the fuel tank.

As shown in FIG. 1, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may include a sensing module 110 and a control module 120. The sensing module 110 and the control module 120 may receive power from a power source. When the monitoring system is mounted on an automobile, the power source may be a DC voltage supplied from a power supply of the automobile.

The sensing module 110 senses an electrical signal corresponding to the fuel level (i.e., corresponding to the position of the magnet float) based on the magnetic field lines emitted from a mark net float that ascends and descends in accordance with the fuel level Lt; / RTI > The electrical signal may be a voltage whose magnitude varies depending on the position of the magnet float depending on the sensing form of the sensing module 110, or may be a current.

The control module 120 can control the operation of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 and perform necessary data processing functions. The control module 120 may calculate the fuel level in the fuel tank based on the electrical signal generated by the sensing module 110. [

The control module 120 may transmit the calculated fuel level to the external management device 200. [ At this time, the external management apparatus 200 and the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may be connected to each other through a wireless network. The wireless network may be a long-distance wireless communication network such as a mobile communication network, a broadcasting communication network, or a short-range wireless communication network such as Wi-Fi, Zigbee, and Bluetooth.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the sensing module 110 and the control module 120 are physically separated. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sensing module and the control module may be coupled to each other. For example, in another embodiment, the sensing module may be implemented as a stick coupled to a lower end of a fuel injection port of a fuel tank, and may be located inside a fuel tank, and the control module may be provided inside the body of the fuel injection device.

The external management apparatus 200 may receive fuel level related information and perform data management and monitoring functions based thereon. As shown in FIG. 1, the external management device 200 may be a PC, a mobile terminal, or the like connected wirelessly, or may be a management server. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Also, the external management apparatus 200 may be connected to the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 through a wired network. The target for receiving the real-time fuel level information may be a management device mounted on a vehicle, a construction machine, a machine tool, a factory facility, a ship, or the like equipped with the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100,

The control module 120 may perform an alarm function through an independent alarm device 300 connected in a wireless manner in a predetermined case. Here, the predetermined case may be a time when the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 is forcibly removed when it is detected that the fuel decrease rate exceeds or exceeds a predetermined speed, Or when it is detected that the door is forcibly opened or closed. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, in the real-time fuel level monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention, an alarm device or module performing an alarm function may be included in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100, (100), and may be separated from the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus (100).

2 shows an example in which the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention is mounted in a fuel tank.

Referring to FIG. 2, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 can be seen mounted at the fuel inlet 410. Since the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 is mounted on the existing fuel injection port 410, unlike the conventional fuel level measuring apparatus, which is separated from the fuel injection port of the fuel tank and mounted independently to the fuel tank, It is easy to install and economical.

Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 2, since the fuel injection port 410 is inclined, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 can recognize that the stick portion for sensing the fuel level is curved. If the fuel inlet of the fuel tank is provided on the flat top surface of the fuel tank, the stick portion of the real-time fuel level monitoring device according to the present invention may simply be straight without needing to bend.

3 is an enlarged view of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 mounted on the fuel tank inlet 410 and the fuel inlet 410 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 in consideration of the user's sight direction

3 (a) is an enlarged view of the fuel injection port 410 before the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 is mounted, as viewed from the direction (1) outside the fuel tank 400, as shown in FIG. Respectively.

3 (b) is an enlarged view of the real-time fuel level monitoring device 100 mounted on the fuel injection port 410 as viewed from the inside 2 of the fuel tank 400, as shown in FIG. will be. Referring to FIG. 3 (b), it can be seen that the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 is fixed to the fuel injection port 410 by the fixing means 103, 104, 105.

3 (b) shows a lower portion of the fuel injection guide coupled to the fuel injection port 410. Sensing means for sensing the fuel level is connected to the lower portion 102 of the fuel injection guide, (B) of FIG. 3 (b), only the opening 106 to which the sensing means is coupled is shown. The sensing means coupled to the opening 106 is located inside the fuel tank.

3 (c) is an enlarged view of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 mounted on the fuel injection port 410 as viewed from the outside 3 of the fuel tank 400 .

FIG. 3 (c) shows the upper part of the fuel injection guide, which is formed in the fuel tank so as to facilitate fuel injection. The fixing holes 103 ', 104' and 105 'provided on the upper portion of the fuel injection guide are engaged with the fixing means 103, 104 and 105 shown in FIG. 3 (b). Meanwhile, the control module 120 may be installed inside the fuel injection guide.

4 shows an example of a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention. The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may be installed in a fuel tank of a vehicle, a construction machine, a machine tool, a factory facility, a ship, or the like, and may sense the fuel level in real time and transmit it to an external management apparatus. In some cases, a predetermined alarm function may be performed under an emergency such as a sudden decrease in fuel or forced separation from a fuel tank.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 includes a fuel injection guide 108, a gage stick 130, and a magnet float 140 coupled to the gage stick 120. On the other hand, the components shown in FIG. 4 are not essential, so that the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may have more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The fuel injection guide 108 is coupled to the fuel inlet of the fuel tank. The upper portion 107 of the fuel injection guide 108 is located outside the fuel tank and the lower portion 102 of the fuel injection guide 108 is connected to the inside of the fuel tank 108. [ .

A control module for controlling the operation of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may be installed in the upper portion 107 of the fuel injection guide 108. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the control module may not be embedded in the fuel injection guide 108. The upper portion 107 of the fuel injection guide 108 may be configured to be hermetically sealed against external dust or moisture.

The fuel injection guide 108 is formed with an opening 109 through which fuel is injected. A gage stick 130 is connected to the lower portion 102 of the fuel injection guide 108. The gauge stick 130 is coupled with a magnet float that ascends and descends in the fuel tank according to the fuel level in the fuel tank. The gauge stick 130 may generate an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the magnet float based on a magnetic line of force emitted from the magnet float.

The magnet float 140 has a body having corrosion resistance to the fuel stored in the fuel tank, and has buoyancy against the fuel. The gauge stick 130 includes protrusions 131 and 132 that prevent the magnet float 140 from rising or falling any more. The maximum raised position of the magnet float 140 limited by the protrusion 131 may correspond to the maximum fuel amount in the fuel tank that can be sensed by the gauge stick 130. The maximum falling position of the magnet float 140 limited by the other protrusion 132 may correspond to the minimum fuel amount in the fuel tank that can be sensed by the gauge stick 130.

The magnet float 140 includes a permanent magnet or an electromagnet for generating magnetic force lines. Although not shown in the drawing, the gauge stick 130 may generate an electrical signal whose magnitude varies depending on a magnetic line of force emitted from the magnet float 140 that ascends and descends according to the fuel level. The gauge stick 130 is preferably made of a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel. Preferably, the means for generating the electrical signal based on the magnetic line of force is mounted within the gauge stick 130.

The function of the gauge stick 130 will be described in more detail with reference to other drawings in the following. When the electrical signal is generated, the control module can interpret the electrical signal to calculate the fuel level in the fuel tank. Then, the control module transmits the calculated fuel level-related information to a management module or a device such as a vehicle equipped with the fuel tank, or a separate independent management device separated from the vehicle or the like, Lt; / RTI >

On the other hand, the calculated fuel level related information may include various data obtained using the fuel level as well as the fuel level itself. Such data may include an amount of change per hour of the fuel level, fuel economy of the vehicle or the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 5 shows a real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 'and its use state diagram according to another embodiment of the present invention. The real-time fuel-level monitoring apparatus 100 'shown in FIG. 5 (a) is similar to the real-time fuel-level monitoring apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4, so that the description of the same or similar points is omitted, Only the difference between the two.

The gauge stick 130 'of the real-time fuel level monitoring device 100 has a straight line shape. Since the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 'is vertically coupled to the upper surface of the fuel tank 400' as in the use state diagram of FIG. 5 (b), the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 ' Since it is not necessary to have a curved shape like the gauge stick 130 of the apparatus 100.

In addition, the gauge stick 130 'is provided with only the falling preventing means 131' of the magnet float 140 '. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the rise of the magnet float 140 'may be prevented by the fuel injection guide 108'.

Meanwhile, a power supply line 150 is connected to the fuel injection guide 108 'of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100'. Such a power supply line is also required for the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 of FIG. However, the connection mode is not limited to the embodiment in Fig.

6 is a view for explaining an example of a magnet sensing unit for generating an electrical signal whose magnitude varies according to the lifting and lowering of the magnet float 140 in the gauge stick 130 of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention to be. For reference, the above example utilizes the characteristics of a magnetroresistive (MR) device whose electrical resistance changes according to a magnetic force line. In addition, the magnet sensing unit may be mounted inside the seal of the gauge stick 130.

In the state (a) in which there is almost no influence of the magnet float 140, the voltage is divided by the first MR element MR1 and the second MR element MR2 with respect to the input voltage Vi, The first output voltage Vo is generated. However, in the state (b) in which the magnetic float 140 is raised as the fuel level rises and the strong magnetic field line B is affected by the second MR element MR2, the resistance of the second MR element MR2 And a second output voltage V2 higher than the first output voltage Vo is generated at the output terminal Out.

Then, in the state (c) in which the magnetic float 140 is affected by a strong magnetic field line to the first MR element MR1 while the fuel floats as the fuel level rises, the resistance of the first MR element MR1 increases And a third output voltage V3 lower than the first output voltage Vo is generated at the output terminal Out. Based on the fluctuation of the output voltage, the control module 120 of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 can calculate the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank.

6, the gauge stick 130 of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention has a magnitude of the magnitude of the magnitude of the gauge stick 130 based on the variation of the resistance value of the MR elements as the magnet float 140 moves up and down And the control module 120 can calculate the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank based on the current. Although the operation principle of the gauge stick 130 is described using only two series-connected MR elements in FIG. 6, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

6, the gage stick 130 includes a plurality of MR elements connected in series to each other, and the resistance of the plurality of MR elements, which is varied based on the lifting and lowering of the magnet float 140, And the control module 120 may calculate the fuel level based on the generated voltage and current.

7 shows an example of linearly correcting the non-linear voltage according to the fuel level generated by the gauge stick 130 in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

7 (a) actually represents the voltage generated in the real-time fuel-level monitoring apparatus 100. In FIG. 7A, when the fuel level becomes high as the fuel is injected into the fuel tank (that is, when the magnet float 140 rises), it is generated in response to the magnetic line of force emitted from the magnet float 140 Is non-linear with respect to the position of the magnet float 140 (i.e., the fuel level).

This may be because the change in the resistance value of the MR elements due to the rise of the magnet float 140 is not linear. The control module 120 of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 can linearly correct the nonlinearity of the voltage in accordance with the nonlinearity of the voltage, so that the accurate fuel level can be calculated. The execution of the linear compensation of the nonlinear voltage may be performed based on a program stored in a memory element included in the control module or in a separate memory element.

7 is an example of correcting the non-linearity of the voltage generated in the gauge stick 130 corresponding to the fuel level, but according to another embodiment of the present invention, the nonlinearity of the current occurring in the gauge stick corresponding to the fuel level There is also a case where the property is corrected. This is the case when the electrical signal generated by the gauge stick is a current in order to calculate the fuel level.

7, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus according to the present invention linearly corrects the voltage or current generated non-linearly for the calculation of the fuel level with respect to the elevation of the magnet float according to the fuel level. The fuel level can be calculated.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining another example of a magnet sensing unit for generating an electrical signal whose magnitude varies according to the lifting and lowering of the magnet float 140 in the gauge stick 130 of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention. FIG. For reference, the above example uses the characteristic of the switching element that is opened / shorted according to the magnetic field lines. In addition, the magnet sensing unit may be included in the gauge stick 130.

8, the magnet sensing unit includes a plurality of resistive elements R1, R2, and R3 connected in series to each other, a plurality of switching elements SW_M_1 to SW_M_1 coupled between the plurality of resistive elements and the output terminal Out, And SW_M_2. The plurality of switching elements SW_M_1 and SW_M_2 may be sequentially opened / short-circuited in response to magnetic lines of force emitted from the magnet float.

The value of the current Iout output to the output terminal Out is varied by opening / shorting of the plurality of switching elements SW_M_1 and SW_M_2, and the control module 120 controls the magnet float It is possible to calculate the fuel level based on the lifting and lowering of the fuel tank 140.

The gage stick 130 further includes a protection circuit (Rprotect) for preventing an overcurrent from flowing to the magnet sensing unit. In another embodiment of the present invention, a protection circuit for preventing the overvoltage from being applied to the magnet sensing unit may further be included in the gage stick.

Hereinafter, the generation of a current, which is an electric signal serving as a basis for calculating the fuel level in the magnet sensing unit, will be described in detail.

When the fuel level of the fuel tank, which can be sensed by the gauge stick 130, is the lowest level (Level 0), the plurality of switching devices SW_M_1 and SW_M_2 are all open. The current Iout output to the output terminal Out is Vi / (Rprotect + R1 + R2 + R3). Then, the control module 120 can calculate that the fuel level is the lowest level based on the current.

When the magnet float 140 rises as the fuel level rises to the first level (Level 1), the first float switch 140 of the plurality of switching elements SW_M_1 and SW_M_2, in response to the magnetic field lines emitted from the magnet float 140, (SW_M_1) is short-circuited. Then, the current Iout output to the output terminal Out is Vi / (Rprotect + R2 + R3). Then, the control module 120 can calculate that the fuel level is the first level (Level 1) based on the current.

When the magnet float 140 rises as the fuel level rises to the second level (Level 1), in response to the magnetic flux lines emitted from the magnet float 140, the first switching element SW_M_ 1 of the plurality of switching elements SW_M_1 and SW_M_2 (SW_M_1) is opened and the second switching device (SW_M_2) is short-circuited. Then, the current Iout outputted to the output terminal Out is Vi / (Rprotect + R3). Then, the control module 120 can calculate that the fuel level is the second level (Level 2) based on the current.

9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of driving the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the driving method will be described with reference to necessary drawings.

First, when power is applied to the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100, initialization and calibration of various sensing means, a memory, a communication module, and the like included in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 are performed (S100 ).

After such initialization and correction are performed, the fuel level inside the fuel tank is changed. Then, the magnet float 140 connected to the gauge stick 130 is lifted and lowered accordingly. Then, the magnet sensing part included in the gauge stick 130 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the magnet float 140 that ascends and descends according to the fuel level (S110).

Then, the control module 120 calculates the fuel level inside the fuel tank based on the electrical signal (S120). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the control module 120 can calculate the fuel level by linearly correcting the non-linearity of the electrical signal.

Then, the control module 120 transmits the calculated fuel level to the management device (S130). As described above, the management apparatus may be a vehicle or a ship equipped with the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100, and may be used to remotely monitor the fuel level in the fuel tank and manage information related thereto A server, a computer mobile terminal, or the like. The transmission of the calculated fuel level may be performed through a wired / wireless network.

Then, the control module 120 determines whether the state of the fuel tank, the fuel level change state, or the like is abnormal (S140). In this abnormal state, there is a sudden decrease or increase in the fuel level, a forced removal of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 or a non-operation of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 when the fuel level has dropped below a predetermined threshold level State detection, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

If such an abnormal state is detected, the control module 120 activates the alarm function (S150). On the other hand, the alarm function may include a sound effect, a warning light emission, a warning message display, a vibration effect, and the like. The apparatus for performing the alarm function may be one included in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 or may be provided in a vehicle equipped with the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100, An alarm device included in the management device connected to the monitoring device 100 through a wired / wireless network, or may be an independent alarm device connected to the real-time fuel level monitoring device 100.

10 shows an example of a fuel level graph of a fuel tank of a vehicle sensed by the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

The vehicle is not operated between T1 and T2, between T3 and T4, between T5 and T6, and between T7 and T8. The fuel level is gradually lowered between T2 and T3, between T4 and T5, and after T8, depending on vehicle driving.

On the other hand, at times T4, T6, and T8, the fuel level suddenly increases. Then, the control module 120 can recognize that the fuel injection is performed. However, the fuel level drops sharply at the time T7. Then, the control module 120 can recognize that the fuel leaks to the outside or the outside person forcibly drains the fuel, and can activate the alarm function.

11 shows an example in which the alarm function according to the decrease rate of the fuel level is suppressed in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

The real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 has previously shown that the predetermined alarm function is activated when the amount of decrease in the fuel level of the fuel tank exceeds a predetermined speed. However, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 may not perform the alarm function even when the amount of decrease in the fuel level exceeds a predetermined speed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the automobile travels on a flat ground and runs on a ramp, the fuel in the fuel tank is biased to one side and suddenly a fuel level much lower than the actual fuel level can be detected. It is preferable that the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 does not perform an alarm function, since it is not a fuel level detection due to fuel leakage to the outside or a fuel leak, but simply a run on a slope.

The information or data for recognizing that the automobile is traveling on the ramp may be obtained by the vehicle's attitude sensing module included in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100. [ Such a sensing module may include an inclination sensor, a speed sensor, a direction sensor, a rotation sensor, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the above-described information or data is acquired by a posture detection sensor of a vehicle separate from the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100, Or may be received through a communication unit.

On the other hand, the example in which the real-time fuel-level monitoring apparatus 100 suppresses the alarm function is not limited to the above-described incline travel. For example, the alarm function may be forcibly deactivated through a management device provided on the vehicle equipped with the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 or provided externally.

12 shows examples of the fuel backflow prevention means 170 provided in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 12 (a), it can be seen that the fuel backflow prevention means 170 has a low columnar shape surrounding the fuel injection pipe 160, and the lower surface of the cylinder is formed of a mesh. Referring to FIG. 12 (b), it can be seen that the fuel backflow prevention means 170 has a low columnar shape surrounding the fuel injection pipe 160, and the circumferential surface of the cylinder is formed of a mesh. Referring to FIG. 12 (c), the fuel backflow prevention means 170 has a low columnar shape surrounding the fuel injection pipe 160, and the upper surface of the cylindrical column is formed of a mesh. In this structure, the pipe or the hose for refueling from the outside can be prevented from flowing from the outside.

According to the embodiment of the present invention, the fuel backflow prevention device can be connected to the fuel injection guide without providing a separate fuel injection pipe, and the shape and the area where the fuel backflow prevention means and the mesh are formed are shown in Fig. 12 It may be different from the example.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a user interface displayed on the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 according to the present invention and a management apparatus connected via a wired / wireless network.

The first menu is a menu for setting the actual fuel capacity of the fuel tank. The fuel capacity set through the menu becomes a criterion for calculating the fuel level of the fuel tank in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100. Currently, the indicator points to the number 2, indicating that the capacity of the fuel tank is 200 liters.

And the second menu represents a gauge representing the fuel level as a percentage. The current indicator points to 40%, which means that 40 liters of fuel (ie 80 liters) of 200 liters of fuel tank capacity is stored in the fuel tank. The third menu represents the real time fuel level for the sensor data. In the third menu, the indicator is located at 0.8, which means that 80 liters of fuel is stored in the fuel tank based on the current 200 liters fuel tank capacity.

And the fourth menu represents a fuel level graph obtained by accumulating sensor data. And the fifth menu represents the voltage value detected by accumulating the sensor data. Referring to the fourth and fifth menus, it can be seen that the fuel level and the sensed voltage value have the same pattern. This is because the fuel level is calculated based on the sensed voltage value.

The sixth menu represents a serial communication setting menu. The serial communication may be for communicating with a management apparatus such as a vehicle equipped with the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 or an external management apparatus. A port, a data transmission rate, a stop bit, a parity bit, and the like can be set through the menu. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The seventh menu is a menu showing input / output values set for each port.

The eighth menu is a menu showing the data list obtained by the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100. [ The data list may include a fuel level, a fuel increase rate, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. 9 shows a correction menu for applying a real-time change.

14 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the operation of the real time fuel level monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention. On the other hand, the components shown in Fig. 14 are not essential, so that the monitoring system may have more or fewer components than those shown in Fig. Hereinafter, the components will be described in order.

The sensing module is a sensing module based on a magnetic field and is coupled to a fuel tank provided outside, and receives a driving power from an electric power source provided in the room to generate a voltage corresponding to the fuel level stored in the fuel tank. The voltage generating operation of the sensing module may be performed in the same or similar manner as in the monitoring device 100 described above. On the other hand, the fuel tank need not be provided outdoors, and the power supply source is not necessarily provided in the room.

The generated voltage is delivered to an analogue gage provided in the room, and the analogue gauge can provide the fuel level corresponding to the generated voltage through the analog display means. The fuel level may be an absolute amount of fuel or a percentage level with respect to the total capacity of the fuel tank. On the other hand, such an analogue gauge is not necessarily provided indoors, but may be attached to an external fuel tank.

Also, the real-time fuel level monitoring system may calculate the fuel level through signal processing on the generated voltage. In this fuel level calculation process, the nonlinear voltage linear correction process discussed with reference to FIG. 7 can be performed.

When the fuel level is calculated, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) tube gauge, which is a light emitting stick, coupled to the fuel tank installed outdoors, emits light with an emission length proportional to the calculated fuel level. Then, the user can intuitively recognize the fuel level of the fuel tank by visually checking the light emitting length of the LED tube gauge.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing that the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention is mounted in the fuel tank 600. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a part of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 shown in FIG.

The monitoring device 700 of the fuel monitoring device 700 includes a coupling means 710, a gage stick 710, a magnet float 720 coupled to the gauge stick 710, and a light emitting stick 730 . On the other hand, the components shown in FIG. 15 are not essential, so that the monitoring device 700 may have more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. Hereinafter, the components will be described in turn with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG.

The monitoring device 700 is coupled to the fuel tank 600 by a coupling means 710. The joining means may be of a screw construction or welding. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. The gauge stick 720 which is coupled to the lower portion of the coupling means 710 and is located inside the fuel tank 600 is configured to move the magnet float 730 in accordance with the fuel level of the magnet float 730, (I.e., the fuel level) of the fuel cell 730. The electrical signal may be a voltage or a current.

The gauge stick 720 includes protrusions 721 and 722 that prevent the magnet float 730 from rising or falling any more. This structure is the same as or similar to the function of the protrusions 131 and 132 described above with reference to FIG. 4, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The method by which the gauge stick 720 generates an electrical signal may be the same as or similar to the method of Figs. That is, the gauge stick 720 includes a voltage distribution using the characteristics of a plurality of MR elements that can have a variable resistance value based on the magnetic field lines emitted from the magnet float 730, It is possible to generate an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the magnet float 730 based on the current variable characteristic using a plurality of switching elements switched based on the magnetic force line to be emitted.

The monitoring device 700 further includes a protection circuit (not shown) for preventing an overcurrent or an overvoltage from being applied when the sensing operation of the gauge stick 720 is performed. Such a protection circuit may be included in the gauge stick 720, on the side of a current source (not shown), or in a control module (not shown).

When the electrical signal is generated, the monitoring device 700 calculates the fuel level based on the generated electrical signal. Then, the light emitting stick 740 is controlled to perform the light emitting operation with a light emission length proportional to the calculated fuel level.

The light emission length control of the light emitting stick 740 can be performed by a control module (not shown). At least a portion of the control module may be mounted in the sealed interior of the upper portion of the coupling means 710. The interior of the coupling means 710 may be designed to be waterproof and explosion proof. This may be a design to secure the safety of the fuel used in the fuel level sensing process and the combustible fuel.

The control module may be separated into a portion for controlling the fuel level sensing operation of the gauge stick 720 and a portion for controlling the light emitting operation of the light stick 740. In this case, the control module may be implemented as one module or two or more modules. Only the portion that controls the sensing operation of the fuel level can be mounted inside the engaging means 710. [

In the example of FIG. 15, the fuel tank 600 stores a little more than half of the fuel, and the control module controls the light emitting module 740 to emit light proportional to the fuel level among a plurality of light emitting devices connected in series to each other, Only a part of the light emitting elements for visualizing the length is emitted. Here, the light emitting device may be a light emitting diode (LED). However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, in the real-time fuel monitoring apparatus according to the present invention, the light emitting stick performing the light emitting operation with the light emitting length proportional to the fuel level can be implemented using the light emitting device capable of controlling the continuous light emitting length considering the sensed fuel level have.

Although not shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention may further include a communication unit for performing wire / wireless communication with the outside. The monitoring device 700 may calculate the fuel level and transmit the fuel level to the management device through the communication unit. As described above, the management apparatus may be a vehicle or a ship equipped with the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700, and may be a server for monitoring the fuel level in the fuel tank remotely and managing information related thereto, Or a computer mobile terminal.

The monitoring device may perform a predetermined alarm function when an abnormal state is detected. In this case, if the fuel level is suddenly decreased or increased, the fuel level is reduced to a predetermined threshold level or less, the forced fuel cancellation of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700, State detection, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

Meanwhile, the alarm function performed by the monitoring device 700 may include a sound effect, a warning light emission, a warning message display, a vibration effect, and the like. The apparatus for performing the alarm function may be one included in the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 or may be provided in a vehicle equipped with the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700, An alarm device included in the management device connected to the monitoring device 700 through the wired / wireless network, or may be an independent alarm device connected to the real-time fuel level monitoring device 700. [

Such an alarm function may be similar to that performed in the real-time fuel monitoring apparatus 100 described with reference to Figs. 1 to 13, and thus detailed description will be omitted.

17 is a flowchart showing an example of a method of driving the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the driving method will be described with reference to necessary drawings.

First, when power is applied to the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700, initialization and calibration of various sensing means, a memory, a communication module, and the like included in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 100 are performed (S200 ).

After such initialization and correction are performed, the fuel level inside the fuel tank is changed. Then, the magnet float 730 connected to the gauge stick 720 is lifted and lowered accordingly. Then, the gauge stick 720 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the position of the magnet float 730 ascending and descending according to the fuel level (S210).

Then, the control module calculates the fuel level inside the fuel tank based on the electrical signal (S220). At this time, the control module can linearly correct the non-linearity of the electrical signal to calculate the fuel level.

The control module controls the light emitting stick 740 so that the light emitting stick 740 has a length corresponding to the calculated fuel level (S230). Then, the user or the manager can intuitively recognize the fuel level of the fuel tank by looking at the light emission length of the light-emitting stick 740.

18 shows an actual photograph of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention. For reference, the monitoring device 700 is not coupled to the fuel tank.

Since the structure and operation of the monitoring apparatus 700 are similar to those described with reference to FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, only the specific features of the monitoring apparatus 700 of FIG. 18 will be described in detail.

The monitoring device 700 of FIG. 18 further includes an analogue gauge 750. The analog gauge 750 may indicate the fuel level calculated by the monitoring device 700 in an analog manner.

19 is an enlarged view of the analog gauge 750 included in the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 19 (a), it can be seen that the analogue gauge 750 can indicate the fuel level of the fuel tank as a percentage of the total capacity of the fuel tank. In another embodiment of the present invention, an analogue gauge included in the monitoring device may be implemented to indicate the actual amount of fuel. On the other hand, FIG. 19B shows a printed circuit board (PCB) board 751 on which elements for indicating operation of the analog gauge 750 are mounted.

The light emitting stick 740 of the monitoring apparatus 700 of FIG. 18 may be divided into several levels according to the color of the LED. When the fuel level is lower than a predetermined level, the emission length corresponding to the fuel level is visually realized by the emission of the red LED 741 at the lowest position in the light-emitting stick 740.

This red LED 741 can serve as an alarm device, which indicates that the fuel stored in the fuel tank is insufficient for the emission color itself. Such an alarm function can be enhanced when the red LED 741 is flickered. On the other hand, when the fuel level is equal to or higher than the predetermined level, the alarm function can be performed by the red LED 743 located at the top of the light-emitting stick 740.

If the fuel level of the fuel tank is between a predetermined level, the light emission length corresponding to the fuel level can be visually realized by the red LED 741 and the white LED 742.

20 is an embodiment of the light-emitting stick 740 of the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20A, it can be seen that the light-emitting stick 740 can be embodied such that a tube 745 surrounds a substrate on which a plurality of LEDs 744 are disposed. 20B shows a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) substrate 746 on which elements for light-emitting operation of the light-emitting stick 740 are mounted.

FIG. 21 shows an example in which the light emitting stick 740 of the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention performs the light emitting operation with a light emission length proportional to the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 600.

21A, when the fuel level of the fuel tank 600 is 25%, the light-emitting length of the light-emitting stick 740 is 25% of the total length of the light-emitting stick 740 . It is noted that the calculation of the fuel level can be performed by the interaction between the gauge stick 720 and the magnet float 730 and the control module, and detailed description of such a mechanism will be omitted. This is also true in Figs. 21B to 21D.

21 (b) to 21 (d), as the fuel level of the fuel tank 600 increases to 100%, the emission length of the light-emitting stick 740 also increases as the entire It can be seen that the length is proportional to the fuel level when compared to the length. On the other hand, when the fuel level is lowered, the light emission length of the light-emitting stick 740 is gradually shortened by the processes opposite to the above-described processes.

FIG. 22 shows an example in which the real time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention is applied to a fuel tank 600 mounted on a tanker.

Basically, the monitoring apparatus 700 performs a light emission operation with a light emission length corresponding to the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 600 through the light emitting stick 740, thereby allowing the user or manager to control the amount of fuel stored in the fuel tank It allows intuitive recognition.

Meanwhile, when an abnormal state is detected, the monitoring device 700 performs a visual alarm (eye shape) and an audible alarm (speaker shape) function through an alarm device provided inside the vehicle or an alarm device provided outside the vehicle . The icons corresponding to these start-up and audible alarms are also applied to Fig. Here, the abnormal state, the form of the alarm function, and the like have been described with reference to FIG. 9, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

On the other hand, the monitoring device 700 may transmit fuel quantity related information including the fuel level to external management devices. The external management apparatus may be connected to the monitoring apparatus 700 by wire or wirelessly. In this case, the monitoring apparatus 700 or the vehicle must include a communication unit for performing wired or wireless communication with the external management apparatus.

The external management apparatus monitors and manages data received from the monitoring apparatus 700, and may perform an alarm function in some cases. As shown in FIG. 22, such a management apparatus may include a PC, a mobile terminal, a server, and the like. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

23 shows an example in which the real-time fuel level monitoring apparatus 700 according to the present invention is applied to a fuel tank 600 installed outside the building.

22, the monitoring device 700 performs an emission operation with a light emission length corresponding to the level of the fuel stored in the fuel tank 600 through the light-emitting stick 740, Alarm function can be performed.

The monitoring device 700 may transmit fuel-related information including a fuel level to a PC, which is an external management device provided in a room of the building. The PC may be connected to the monitoring device 700 either wired or wirelessly. In this case, the monitoring apparatus 700 or the vehicle must include a communication unit for performing wired or wireless communication with the external management apparatus.

While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. This is possible.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the equivalents of the claims, as well as the claims.

100, 700: real-time fuel level monitoring device 400, 600: fuel tank
108: fuel injection guide 120: control module
130, 720: gauge stick 140, 730: magnet float
740: Glow stick

Claims (9)

A communication unit; Luminescent stick; Analogue gauge; Sensing module; Alarm device;
A coupling means coupled to the fuel tank;
Fuel backflow preventing means for preventing a tube or a hose for fuel backflow from flowing through the fuel injection path;
And an electric signal corresponding to a position of a magnet float which is coupled to a lower portion of the coupling means and is located inside the fuel tank and which is raised and lowered in the fuel tank according to the fuel level, A gage stick provided at a position corresponding to a maximum / minimum amount of fuel in the fuel tank and including a pair of protrusions for restricting rising and falling of the magnet float; And
Calculating the fuel level based on the electrical signal to control the emission length of the light-emitting stick to a length corresponding to the calculated fuel level, and controlling the analogue gauge And a control module for controlling the communication unit to wirelessly communicate with the external management apparatus,
The control module includes:
An alarm function for an abnormal condition that is watertight and explosion-proof and is mounted on an upper portion of the coupling means located outside the fuel tank, the coupling means being forcibly removed from the fuel tank, or a fuel level descending speed exceeding a predetermined speed Controls the alarm device so as not to perform an alarm function even if the abnormal state occurs in a state where the alarm function is previously deactivated by the external management device, and the fuel tank controls the alarm device When the oil tanker vehicle is traveling on a flat surface while the trolley is mounted, the alarm function is activated so that the alarm function is not performed even if it is detected that the descending speed of the fuel level exceeds a predetermined speed, And a control unit , Real time fuel level monitoring device. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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