WO2015064618A1 - 液面高さ検出計 - Google Patents
液面高さ検出計 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2015064618A1 WO2015064618A1 PCT/JP2014/078721 JP2014078721W WO2015064618A1 WO 2015064618 A1 WO2015064618 A1 WO 2015064618A1 JP 2014078721 W JP2014078721 W JP 2014078721W WO 2015064618 A1 WO2015064618 A1 WO 2015064618A1
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- liquid level
- liquid
- detection
- container
- detection element
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
Definitions
- This disclosure relates to a liquid level detector.
- a liquid level detector is known.
- Japanese Patent No. 4681127 discloses the following liquid level detector.
- This liquid level detector is configured to detect the surface level of the molten metal (molten metal).
- a plurality of thermocouples are embedded in the side wall of an open container with an open top, and the heat flux difference is measured by the plurality of thermocouples.
- the hot water surface position is calculated from This heat flux difference is the difference between the heat flux from the molten metal (liquid) inside the container toward the outside of the container and the heat flux from the gas above the molten metal surface toward the outside of the container.
- there is a temperature difference between the molten metal and the gas there is a temperature difference between the molten metal and the gas, and a heat flux difference is generated. Therefore, the molten metal surface position can be calculated based on the heat flux difference.
- thermocouple is embedded in the side wall of the container, the liquid level of the liquid contained in the container is detected, and the liquid not contained in the container is detected. The liquid level is not detected.
- the present disclosure provides a liquid level detector that can detect the liquid level not only in an open container but also in a closed container, and can also detect the liquid level of a liquid not contained in the container.
- a typical example of the liquid level meter according to the present disclosure has a first surface (10a) and a second surface (10b) opposite to the first surface (10a), and the first surface faces the liquid to be detected.
- the detection processing means (30) for detecting the surface height and the one detection element have the same length in the liquid surface height direction as the detection range of the liquid surface height, and the one detection element.
- the heating means passes through the detection element from the second surface toward the first surface, and forms a heat flow toward the liquid or gas.
- the detection element has a structure in which the first and second interlayer connection members are alternately connected in series.
- the first and second interlayer connection members that are alternately connected in series have the inside of the detection element.
- An electromotive force corresponding to the passing heat flow is generated, and an electric signal corresponding to the electromotive force is output to the detection processing means.
- the detection processing means calculates the liquid level height based on the output value of the detection element and the relationship between the output value of the detection element and the liquid level height.
- the liquid level meter has a first surface (10a) and a second surface (10b) opposite to the first surface (10a), and the first surface faces the liquid to be detected. And a plurality of detection elements (10) in which the first surface is parallel to the height direction of the liquid surface, and heating means (20) provided on the second surface side of the plurality of detection elements,
- the detection processing means (30) for detecting the liquid level of the liquid and the plurality of detection elements are arranged in the liquid level height direction over the detection range of the liquid level, and the plurality of detection elements
- One sensor unit constituted by an element and the plurality of detection elements are formed in the plurality of detection elements, and each of the plurality of second detection elements penetrates in the thickness direction through an insulating base material (100) made of a thermoplastic resin.
- the heating means passes through the detection elements from the second surface toward the first surface, and forms a heat flow toward the liquid or gas.
- the plurality of detection elements generate an electromotive force according to a heat flow passing through the inside of the detection element at the first and second interlayer connection members alternately connected in series, and an electric power corresponding to the electromotive force is generated.
- a signal is output to the detection processing means, the detection processing means based on the total output value of the plurality of detection elements, and the relationship between the total output value of the plurality of detection elements and the liquid level height, Calculate the liquid level.
- a heat flow is formed from the heating means through the inside of the detection element toward the liquid or gas, and the liquid flow is determined based on the magnitude of the heat flow passing through the inside of the detection element.
- Detect surface height In general, in general, the liquid has higher heat conduction than the gas. For this reason, when the heat flow goes to the liquid, the heat flow passing through the inside of the detection element is larger than when the heat flow goes to the gas. Therefore, it is possible to identify the position of the liquid level from the magnitude of the heat flow that passes through the inside of the detection element.
- the liquid level can be detected not only in the open system container but also in the closed system container.
- the sensor unit can be provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the container or inside the container.
- the liquid level height of the liquid not contained in the container can be detected by using the sensor unit immersed in the liquid.
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of a detection element and a Peltier element in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. It is sectional drawing which shows the manufacturing process of a detection element. It is sectional drawing for demonstrating the action
- FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection element in FIG. 11 and the liquid level when the ambient temperature is T ° C., T ⁇ ° C., and T + ⁇ ° C. It is a figure which shows the structure of the fuel meter for vehicles in 3rd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the container in FIG. 13, a detection element, and a Peltier element.
- FIG. 18 is a graph showing the relationship between the output value of the detection element in FIG. 17 and the liquid level when the ambient temperature is T ° C., T ⁇ ° C., and T + ⁇ ° C. It is an external view of the container and sensor unit in 5th Embodiment. It is sectional drawing of the container and sensor unit in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the container and sensor unit in 6th Embodiment.
- the liquid level detector of the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle fuel meter mounted on a vehicle.
- the vehicle fuel gauge includes one sensor unit 10, 20, a control unit 30, and a display unit 40.
- the sensor units 10 and 20 include the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20, and are provided on the outer surface of the side wall of the container 1.
- one sensor unit U1 is configured by one sensor unit 10, 20.
- the container 1 is a liquid 2 that is a liquid level height detection target, that is, a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped sealed container (closed system container) that contains fuel. Inside the container 1, a liquid 2 and a gas 3 are contained. Sensor portions 10 and 20 are attached to the outer surface of one of the four side walls of the container 1 with an adhesive tape, an adhesive, or the like.
- the detection element 10 is a thermoelectric conversion element that generates an electromotive force according to a temperature difference between both surfaces.
- the detection element 10 has a plate shape having one surface 10a (first surface) and the other surface 10b (second surface) on the opposite side, has a thickness of 1 mm or less, and has a rectangular planar shape.
- the detection element 10 is affixed to the side wall of the container 1 with the one surface 10a as the container 1 side and the other surface 10b as the outside. That is, the detection element 10 is provided in the container 1 so that the one surface 10a and the other surface 10b are parallel to the height direction of the container 1 (the vertical direction in FIGS. 1 and 2).
- the length of the detection element 10 in the height direction of the container 1 is substantially the same as the height of the entire container 1. This is for detecting the liquid level in the entire height direction inside the container 1. If the range in which the liquid level is desired to be detected is narrower than the entire region in the height direction of the container 1, the length of the detection element 10 may be made shorter than the height of the entire container 1. Thus, the length of the detection element 10 is appropriately set according to the range in which the liquid level is desired to be detected.
- the Peltier element 20 is provided on the other surface 10b side of the detection element 10, that is, on the outside.
- the Peltier element 20 is a plate having one surface 20a and the other surface 20b on the opposite side, and is a thermoelectric conversion element in which one of the one surface 20a and the other surface 20b generates heat and the other absorbs heat when power is applied.
- the Peltier element 20 is provided with the one surface 20a side of the Peltier element 20 as the detection element 10 side.
- the length of the Peltier element 20 in the height direction of the container 1 is the same as that of the detection element 10.
- the Peltier element 20 has the same structure as the detection element 10 and is laminated and integrated with the detection element 10. That is, the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20 are a laminate in which two thermoelectric conversion elements having the same structure are stacked, and one thermoelectric conversion element is configured as the detection element 10 and the other thermoelectric conversion element is configured as the Peltier element 20. Is.
- the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20 are both integrated with an insulating base material 100, a surface protection member 110, and a back surface protection member 120.
- the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are alternately connected in series inside the product.
- the surface protecting member 110 of the Peltier element 20 is omitted for easy understanding.
- 3 is not a cross-sectional view, but the first and second interlayer connecting members 130 and 140 are hatched for easy understanding.
- the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20 have the same structure, the structure of the detection element 10 will be described below.
- the insulating substrate 100 is composed of a flat rectangular thermoplastic resin film typified by polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherimide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), and the like.
- PEEK polyetheretherketone
- PEI polyetherimide
- LCP liquid crystal polymer
- first and second via holes 101 and 102 of the present embodiment have a cylindrical shape whose diameter is constant from the front surface 100a to the back surface 100b, but a tapered shape whose diameter decreases from the front surface 100a to the back surface 100b. It is good. Moreover, the taper shape where a diameter becomes small toward the surface 100a from the back surface 100b may be sufficient, and a rectangular tube shape may be sufficient.
- a first interlayer connection member 130 is disposed in the first via hole 101, and a second interlayer connection member 140 is disposed in the second via hole 102.
- the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are alternately arranged on the insulating base material 100.
- first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are disposed in the first and second via holes 101 and 102, the number, the diameter, the interval, and the like of the first and second via holes 101 and 102 are set.
- an electromotive voltage can be increased and the sensitivity of the detection element 10 can be increased.
- the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are made of different metals so as to exhibit the Seebeck effect.
- the first interlayer connection member 130 is a metal compound obtained by solid-phase sintering so that Bi-Sb-Te alloy powder constituting the P-type maintains a crystal structure of a plurality of metal atoms before sintering.
- Composed is a metal compound obtained by solid-phase sintering so that Bi-Te alloy powder constituting N-type maintains the crystal structure of a plurality of metal atoms before sintering.
- the metal forming the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 is a sintered alloy obtained by sintering a plurality of metal atoms while maintaining the crystal structure of the metal atoms. Thereby, an electromotive voltage generated in the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 alternately connected in series can be increased, and the sensitivity of the detection element 10 can be increased.
- the highly sensitive detection element 10 since the highly sensitive detection element 10 is used, it is possible to detect the liquid level height using the detection element 10.
- a member 110 On the surface 100a of the insulating base material 100, surface protection composed of a flat rectangular thermoplastic resin film represented by polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether imide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.
- PEEK polyether ether ketone
- PEI polyether imide
- LCP liquid crystal polymer
- a member 110 is disposed.
- the surface protection member 110 has the same size as the planar shape of the insulating substrate 10, and a plurality of surface patterns 111 in which a conductive foil such as a copper foil is patterned on the surface 110 a side facing the insulating substrate 100 are separated from each other. It is formed to do.
- Each surface pattern 111 is electrically connected to the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140, respectively.
- first and second layers of each set 150 are shown.
- the connection members 130 and 140 are connected to the same surface pattern 111. That is, the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 of each set 150 are electrically connected via the surface pattern 111.
- one first interlayer connection member 130 and one second interlayer connection member 140 that are adjacent along the longitudinal direction of the insulating base material 100 are a set 150. .
- a flat rectangular back surface protection composed of a thermoplastic resin film typified by polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether imide (PEI), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), etc.
- PEEK polyether ether ketone
- PEI polyether imide
- LCP liquid crystal polymer
- This back surface protection member 120 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the insulating base material 100 longer than that of the insulating base material 100, and the back surface 100 b of the insulating base material 100 so that both ends in the longitudinal direction protrude from the insulating base material 100. Is arranged.
- the back surface protection member 120 is formed with a plurality of back surface patterns 121 formed by patterning a conductive foil such as a copper foil on the one surface 120a side facing the insulating substrate 100 so as to be separated from each other.
- Each back surface pattern 121 is electrically connected to the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140, respectively.
- the first interlayer connection member 130 of one set 150 and the second interlayer connection member 140 of the other set 150 are connected to the same back surface pattern 121. That is, the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are electrically connected via the same back surface pattern 121 across the set 150.
- the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 adjacent to each other along the direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction are the same at the outer edge of the insulating base material 100.
- the back surface pattern 121 is connected. More specifically, the adjacent first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are the same on the back so that those connected in series via the front surface pattern 111 and the back surface pattern 121 are folded back in the longitudinal direction of the insulating substrate 100. It is connected to the pattern 121.
- the part which becomes the edge part of what was connected in series as mentioned above among the back surface patterns 121 is formed so that it may expose from the insulating base material 100, as FIG.3 and FIG.4 shows. And the part exposed from the insulating base material 100 among the back surface patterns 121 becomes a part that functions as a terminal connected to the control unit 30.
- Such a detection element 10 outputs to the control unit 30 a sensor signal (electromotive voltage) corresponding to the heat flow (heat flux) passing through the detection element 10 in a direction perpendicular to both surfaces 10a and 10b.
- a sensor signal electromotive voltage
- heat flux heat flow
- the Peltier element 20 is supplied with electric power by the control unit 30 to the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 alternately connected in series, so that one of the one surface 20a and the other surface 20b generates heat, The other endotherms.
- the heat generation side and the heat absorption side are determined by the direction of the current flowing through the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 alternately connected in series.
- the insulating base material 100, the surface protection member 110, and the back surface protection member 120 are configured using a thermoplastic resin, and have flexibility. For this reason, even if the side wall of the container 1 is curved, the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20 can be attached to the outer surface of the container 1 in a curved state according to the side wall.
- an insulating substrate 100 is prepared, and a plurality of first via holes 101 are formed by a drill, a laser, or the like.
- each first via hole 101 is filled with a first conductive paste 131.
- a method (apparatus) for filling the first via hole 101 with the first conductive paste 131 the method (apparatus) described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-50356 by the present applicant may be adopted.
- the insulating base material 100 is arranged on a holding table (not shown) with the suction paper 160 therebetween so that the back surface 100b faces the suction paper 160. Then, the first conductive paste 131 is filled into the first via hole 101 while the first conductive paste 131 is melted. As a result, most of the organic solvent of the first conductive paste 131 is adsorbed by the adsorption paper 160, and the alloy powder is placed in close contact with the first via hole 101.
- the adsorbing paper 160 may be made of a material that can absorb the organic solvent of the first conductive paste 131, and general high-quality paper or the like is used.
- the first conductive paste 131 is a paste obtained by adding an organic solvent such as paraffin having a melting point of 43 ° C. to a powder of Bi—Sb—Te alloy in which metal atoms maintain a predetermined crystal structure. Used. For this reason, when the first conductive paste 131 is filled, the surface 100a of the insulating substrate 100 is heated to about 43 ° C.
- a plurality of second via holes 102 are formed in the insulating base material 100 by a drill, a laser, or the like. As described above, the second via holes 102 are formed alternately with the first via holes 101 so as to form a staggered pattern together with the first via holes 101.
- the second conductive paste 141 is filled in each second via hole 102. This step can be performed in the same step as in FIG.
- the insulating substrate 100 is disposed again on the holding table (not shown) via the suction paper 160 so that the back surface 100b faces the suction paper 160, and then the second conductive paste 141 is filled in the second via hole 102. To do. As a result, most of the organic solvent of the second conductive paste 141 is adsorbed by the adsorption paper 160, and the alloy powder is placed in close contact with the second via hole 102.
- the second conductive paste 141 is a powder of Bi—Te alloy (that is, an alloy in which metal atoms different from the metal atoms constituting the first conductive paste 131 maintain a predetermined crystal structure) and has a melting point of room temperature.
- a paste obtained by adding an organic solvent such as terpine is used. That is, the organic solvent constituting the second conductive paste 141 has a lower melting point than the organic solvent constituting the first conductive paste 131.
- the second conductive paste 141 is filled with the organic solvent contained in the first conductive paste 131 solidified. This suppresses the second conductive paste 141 from being mixed into the first via hole 101.
- the state in which the organic solvent contained in the first conductive paste 131 is solidified means that the organic solvent remaining in the first via hole 101 without being adsorbed by the adsorption paper 160 in the process of FIG. That is.
- one surface 110a, 120a of the surface protection member 110 and the back surface protection member 120 facing the insulating substrate 100 is formed on the substrate.
- a conductive foil such as copper foil is formed on the substrate.
- the surface protection member 110 formed with a plurality of surface patterns 111 spaced apart from each other, and the back surface protection member 120 formed with a plurality of back surface patterns 121 spaced apart from each other.
- the back surface protection member 120, the insulating base material 100, and the surface protection member 110 are sequentially stacked to form a stacked body 170.
- the stacked body 170 shown in FIG. 6 (g) is set to one stage, and the two layers are stacked.
- the back surface protection member 120 is longer in the longitudinal direction than the insulating base material 100. And the back surface protection member 120 is arrange
- the two-layered stacked body 170 is disposed between a pair of press plates, and the stacked body 170 is integrated by applying pressure while heating in a vacuum state from both the upper and lower surfaces in the stacking direction.
- the first and second conductive pastes 131 and 141 are solid-phase sintered to form the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140.
- the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140, the front surface pattern 111, and the back surface pattern 121 are pressed (collective heat and pressure) while being heated so that the two-layer stacked body 170 is integrated. Turn into.
- a cushioning material such as rock wool paper may be disposed between the stacked body 170 and the press plate. As described above, the detection element 10 and the Peltier element 20 are manufactured.
- the control unit 30 is a detection processing unit that performs a liquid level detection process based on the detection result of the detection element 10.
- the control unit 30 is an electronic control device including, for example, a microcomputer, a memory as a storage unit, and its peripheral circuits, and performs predetermined arithmetic processing according to a preset program to control the operation of the display unit 40. To do.
- the display unit 40 is a display unit that displays the liquid level height calculated by the control unit 30.
- the display unit 40 is configured by a display device such as a monitor.
- the one surface 20a of the Peltier element 20 is heated to form a heat flow from the outside of the container toward the inside of the container. That is, a heat flow is formed that passes through the inside of the detection element 10 from the other surface 10b of the detection element 10 toward the one surface 10a and toward the liquid 2 or the gas 3 inside the container.
- the liquid layer has higher heat conduction than the gas layer.
- the heat flow passing through the inside of the detection element 10 is less than when the heat flow passes through the inside of the detection element 10 and goes to the gas. large.
- the output value (voltage value) of the detection element 10 is larger when the interior of the container 1 is filled with the liquid 2 than when the interior of the container 1 is filled with the gas 3.
- the ratio of the region facing the liquid 2 and the region facing the gas 3 on the one surface 10a of the detection element 10 varies. That is, as the position of the liquid surface 2a increases, the ratio of the region facing the liquid 2 in the one surface 10a of the detection element 10 increases, and the heat flow flowing inside the detection element 10 increases.
- the control unit 30 executes the control process shown in FIG. 9 as the liquid level detection process. This control process is executed when the ignition switch or the engine start switch is turned on, and is repeatedly executed at predetermined time intervals. Note that each control step in FIG. 9 constitutes various function realizing means possessed by the control unit 30.
- control unit 30 applies a predetermined voltage to the Peltier element 20 to cause the one surface 20a of the Peltier element 20 to generate heat before executing the control process shown in FIG. Accordingly, a heat flow that always passes through the detection element 10 and travels toward the liquid 2 or the gas 3 inside the container is formed.
- step S1 the output value (voltage value) x of the detection element 10 is acquired.
- step S2 the voltage value x obtained in step S1 is determined whether the first voltage value V 1 or less.
- the first voltage value V 1 is a voltage value when the liquid level is almost zero as shown in FIG.
- step S3 it is determined that the liquid level is 0, that is, the remaining amount of fuel is 0 (empty).
- step S4 a control signal is output to the display unit 40 in order to display the determination content of step S3 on the display unit 40. As a result, “empty” is displayed on the display unit 40.
- step S2 if the liquid level is not zero, the voltage value x is greater than V 1, after making a negative decision (NO) in step S2, the process proceeds to step S5.
- step S5 the voltage value x determines whether the second voltage value V 2 less than.
- the second voltage value V 2 as shown in FIG. 8, the liquid level is a voltage value at the maximum, i.e., the fuel is full (full).
- step S4 a control signal is output to the display unit 40 in order to display the calculation result of step S6 on the display unit 40.
- the calculated liquid level is displayed on the display unit 40. Note that the remaining amount of fuel may be calculated from the liquid level, and the numerical value of the remaining amount of fuel may be displayed on the display unit 40.
- step S5 the process proceeds to step S7, the fuel is full (full) determined To do.
- step S4 a control signal is output to the display unit 40 in order to display the determination content of step S3 on the display unit 40. As a result, “full” is displayed on the display unit 40.
- a heat flow is formed from the Peltier element 20 through the inside of the detection element 10 toward the liquid 2 or the gas 3, and based on the magnitude of the heat flow that passes through the inside of the detection element 10. Therefore, the liquid level is detected. According to this, even if there is no temperature difference between the liquid 2 and the gas 3, there is a difference in the magnitude of the heat flow toward the liquid 2 and the heat flow toward the gas 3, so the liquid 2 inside the closed system container 1. The liquid level can be detected.
- thermocouple since it is necessary to embed the thermocouple in the side wall of the container, there arises a problem that it is impossible to repair when the thermocouple fails.
- the output value (voltage value) of the detection element 10 increases as the applied voltage value of the Peltier element 20 increases. Therefore, the output sensitivity of the detection element 10 can be adjusted by arbitrarily setting the applied voltage value of the Peltier element 20.
- the relationship shown in FIG. 8 varies depending on the magnitude of the applied voltage value of the Peltier element 20. Therefore, the relational expression shown in FIG. 8 corresponding to the magnitude of the applied voltage value of the Peltier element 20 is obtained in advance from experiments and stored in the memory. Then, a relational expression used for calculating the liquid level is selected according to the magnitude of the applied voltage value of the Peltier element 20 to be set.
- a predetermined voltage is always applied to the Peltier element 20, but when there is no need for constant measurement, the voltage may be intermittently applied to the Peltier element 20. That is, when the interval for repeatedly executing the control process shown in FIG. 9 is long, a voltage may be applied to the Peltier element 20 each time the control process shown in FIG. 9 is executed. If it does in this way, the temperature rise of the container 1 can be suppressed. However, in this case, it is necessary to wait until the heat flow becomes constant.
- the temperature rise of the container 1 can be suppressed by changing the direction of the current flowing in the Peltier element 20 and switching the heat generation and heat absorption on the one surface 20a of the Peltier element 20.
- the sensitivity of the detection element 10 becomes dull.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by adding a temperature sensor 31 to the vehicular fuel gauge of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment. Is the same.
- the temperature sensor 31 detects the ambient temperature (environmental temperature) of the container 1 and the sensor units 10 and 20, and outputs a sensor signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the control unit 30.
- the temperature sensor 31 is provided separately from the sensor units 10 and 20.
- the temperature sensor 31 is disposed around the container 1. A thermocouple or the like can be used as the temperature sensor 31.
- the relationship between the liquid level and the output value (voltage value) of the detection element 10 varies depending on the ambient temperature. That is, when the ambient temperature is higher than the standard temperature (T + ⁇ ° C.), the heat flow is smaller than when the ambient temperature is the standard temperature (T ° C.), so the voltage value corresponding to the same liquid level height is Lower. On the other hand, when the ambient temperature is lower than the standard temperature (T- ⁇ ° C), the heat flow is larger than when the ambient temperature is the standard temperature (T ° C). The value becomes higher.
- the voltage value of the detection element 10 based on the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 31, the voltage value of the detection element 10, and the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 corresponding to the ambient temperature and the liquid level height, Calculate the height.
- the control unit 30 multiplies the voltage value of the detection element 10 by a correction coefficient, and uses the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 and the liquid level height at the standard temperature to calculate the liquid level height. Is calculated.
- the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 and the liquid level height is obtained in advance from experiments for each of various ambient temperatures and stored in a memory.
- the control unit 30 uses the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 corresponding to the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 31 and the liquid level height when calculating the liquid level height.
- the liquid level height can be accurately detected.
- a temperature sensor for detecting the internal temperature of the container 1 may be added to the vehicular fuel gauge of the present embodiment. At this time, one temperature sensor may be used, or two temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the liquid 2 and detecting the temperature of the gas 3 may be used. Then, based on the ambient temperature, the container internal temperature, the voltage value of the detection element 10, and the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 and the liquid level according to the ambient temperature and the container internal temperature, the liquid level height By calculating, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.
- the vehicle fuel gauge of this embodiment is changed from one sensor unit 10, 20 to a plurality of sensor units 10, 20 with respect to the vehicle fuel gauge of the first embodiment. It is a thing. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
- each of the sensor units 10 and 20 has the same structure as the sensor units 10 and 20 of the first embodiment, and the length in the height direction of the container 1 is shorter than the sensor units 10 and 20 of the first embodiment. It is.
- Each of the sensor units 10 and 20 is a separate body and is arranged in the height direction of the container 1 at a predetermined interval.
- Each of the sensor units 10 and 20 is individually electrically connected to the control unit 30 through wiring such as a wire or a cable.
- the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 constitute one sensor unit U1.
- the control unit 30 adds the output values (voltage values) of the detection elements 10 together.
- the detection elements 10 may be connected in series by wiring, and the total output (total electromotive voltage) obtained by adding the outputs of the detection elements 10 may be input to the control unit 30.
- the total output value (total voltage value) of the detection element 10 increases as the liquid level increases. There is a relationship of growing. For this reason, the liquid level height can be detected as in the first embodiment.
- the liquid level 2a when the liquid level 2a is positioned between the adjacent sensor units 10 and 20, the liquid level cannot be accurately detected. That is, when the position of the liquid level 2a is within the installation range of the sensor units 10 and 20, there is a proportional relationship between the liquid level height and the total voltage value, so the liquid level height is specified from the total voltage value with a point. can do. However, when the position of the liquid level 2a is within the range between the adjacent sensor units 10 and 20, the total voltage value is constant regardless of the liquid level height. As shown in FIG. 15, when the voltage values are V 2 , V 3 , V 4 , V 5 , V 6 , the liquid level height corresponding to these voltage values has a certain range. For this reason, the liquid level height cannot be specified by a point from the total voltage value, and can be specified only within a certain range.
- control unit 30 executes the control process shown in FIG. 16 as the liquid level detection process. This control process is executed in the same manner as the control process shown in FIG. 9 described in the first embodiment. Hereinafter, differences from the control process shown in FIG. 9 will be described.
- step S2 if the liquid level is not zero, the voltage value x is greater than V 1, negative (NO) determination is made, the process proceeds to step S11.
- steps S11, S13, S15, S17, S19, and S21 it is determined whether or not the voltage value x is smaller than the second to seventh voltage values V 2 to V 7 .
- the liquid level height y is calculated. For example, when the position of the liquid level 2a is the position shown in FIG. 14, the voltage value x is not less than the third voltage value V 3 and less than the fourth voltage value V 4 as shown in FIG.
- step S4 calculates the liquid level y with ax + b 3. Thereafter, in step S4, a control signal is output to the display unit 40 in order to display the calculation result of step S6 on the display unit 40. Thereby, the calculated liquid level is displayed on the display unit 40.
- step S21 when the liquid level is at a maximum, since the voltage value x becomes seventh voltage value V 7, in step S21, negative (NO) determination is made, the process proceeds to step S23 , Determine that the fuel is full. Subsequently, in step S4, a control signal is output to the display unit 40 in order to display the determination content of step S3 on the display unit 40. As a result, “full” is displayed on the display unit 40.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment does not need to detect the liquid level height with high accuracy, and only needs to be able to roughly detect the liquid level height.
- the sensor units 10 and 20 are compared with the case where one sensor unit 10 and 20 is disposed over the entire detection range of the liquid level.
- the total area can be reduced.
- the container 1 is a distortion
- the one sensor part 10 and 20 is spread over the wide side wall of the container 1 over a wide range. Even if it cannot be arranged, it can be arranged.
- the size and number of the sensor units 10 and 20 can be arbitrarily changed. It is preferable to reduce the interval between adjacent sensor units 10 and 20 by reducing the number of sensor units 10 and 20 and arranging a large number of them. Thereby, the liquid level can be detected with high accuracy.
- the vehicle fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by adding a temperature sensor 31 to the vehicle fuel gauge of the third embodiment for the same reason as in the second embodiment.
- Other configurations are the same as those of the third embodiment.
- the relationship between the liquid level and the output value (voltage value) of the detection element 10 varies depending on the ambient temperature. Therefore, also in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor 31, the voltage value of the detection element 10, the voltage value of the detection element 10 according to the ambient temperature, and the liquid level height. The liquid level is calculated based on the relationship. Thereby, the liquid level can be accurately detected.
- a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the container 1 may be added in the same manner as described in the second embodiment. At this time, one temperature sensor may be used, or two temperature sensors for detecting the temperature of the liquid 2 and detecting the temperature of the gas 3 may be used. Then, based on the ambient temperature, the container internal temperature, the voltage value of the detection element 10, and the relationship between the voltage value of the detection element 10 and the liquid level according to the ambient temperature and the container internal temperature, the liquid level height By calculating, the liquid level can be detected more accurately.
- the vehicle fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by integrating a plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 in the vehicle fuel gauge of the third and fourth embodiments.
- the configuration is the same as in the third and fourth embodiments.
- the plurality of sensor parts 10 and 20 are connected by the resin part 11, and each detection element 10 is connected in series by the conductor foil 12 inside the resin part 11, and each Peltier element 20 is connected in series. ing.
- one sensor unit U1 is configured. Although not shown, this one sensor unit U1 and the control unit 30 are electrically connected by wiring.
- the resin portion 11 is formed by laminating the insulating base material 100, the surface protection member 110, and the back surface protection member 120 in FIG. 4 and has first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 and front and back surface patterns 111 and 121. There is no structure.
- the conductor foil 12 is the front surface and back surface patterns 111 and 121 in FIG. In the portion of the resin portion 11 where the conductive foil 12 is formed, the insulating base material 100, the surface protection member 110, and the back surface protection member 120 in FIG. 4 are laminated, and the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are laminated. It is a structure that does not have.
- a surface pattern 111 is formed between the insulating base material 100 and the surface protection member 110
- a back surface pattern 121 is formed between the insulating base material 100 and the back surface protection member 120.
- This sensor unit can be manufactured by changing the layout of the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 to be connected in series with the front and back patterns 111 and 121 and collectively heating and pressing the manufacturing method shown in FIG. is there.
- the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 are connected in series by the conductor foil 12 inside the sensor unit U1. Thereby, compared with the case where wirings, such as a wire and a cable, are taken out from the some sensor parts 10 and 20, extraction wiring can be reduced.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by changing the number of sensor units from one to two with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the third embodiment.
- the configuration is the same as in the third embodiment.
- the vehicle fuel gauge of the present embodiment includes two sensor units U1 and U2.
- Each sensor unit U1, U2 has the same configuration as the sensor unit U1 described in the third embodiment.
- the first sensor unit U1 includes six sensor units 10 and 20, and the second sensor unit U2 includes five sensor units 10 and 20.
- the first and second sensor units U1 and U2 are provided on different side walls of the container 1, respectively. At this time, the first and second sensor units U1 and U2 are mutually connected to the container 1 so that the sensor units 10 and 20 of the other sensor units face each other between the adjacent sensor units 10 and 20 in one sensor unit. It is provided so as to be shifted in the height direction (vertical direction in the figure).
- the first and second sensor units U1 and U2 are shifted and provided on the side wall of the container 1. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 21, even if the position of the liquid level 2a is a position between the adjacent sensor units 10 and 20 in the first sensor unit U1, the sensor unit 10 in the second sensor unit U2 20 is a position facing 20. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, the liquid surface height corresponding to the total voltage value x 2 of the second sensor unit U2 is the single point of y 2.
- the voltage value x of the first sensor unit U1 is a voltage value when the liquid level 2a is positioned between the two sensor units 10 and 20, the voltage value of the second sensor unit U2
- the liquid level height y is calculated from x.
- the liquid level height y is calculated from the voltage value x of the first sensor unit U1.
- the vehicle fuel gauge of the present embodiment is obtained by adding a heat insulating member 13 that covers the sensor units 10 and 20 to the vehicle fuel gauge of the first embodiment.
- the configuration is the same as in the first embodiment.
- the heat insulating member 13 covers portions of the sensor units 10 and 20 excluding the contact surface with the container 1.
- the heat insulating member 13 only needs to cover at least the side of the sensor units 10 and 20 opposite to the container side.
- a fiber heat insulating material such as rock wool, a foam heat insulating material such as urethane foam, or the like can be used.
- the influence of fluctuations in ambient temperature can be reduced and the output of the detection element 10 can be stabilized. For this reason, the detection accuracy of the liquid level can be increased.
- the effect of the present embodiment can be obtained by covering the sensor unit U1 including the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 with the heat insulating member 13, as in the present embodiment. .
- the heat insulating member 13 may be continuous between the adjacent sensor units 10 and 20.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by increasing the number of sensor units with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the first embodiment, and other configurations are the first embodiment.
- the form is the same.
- Each sensor unit includes one sensor unit 10 and 20 as in the first embodiment.
- Each sensor unit U1 to U4 is provided on each of the four side surfaces of the container 1.
- the detection elements 10 of the sensor units U1 to U4 each output an electromotive voltage corresponding to the heat flow toward the control unit 30.
- the liquid level 2a is parallel to the bottom surface of the container 1, so that the output values of the four detection elements 10 are as shown in FIG. The same.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container 1.
- the liquid level 2a is not parallel to the bottom surface of the container 1, but is inclined as shown by the broken line in FIG.
- the output values of the two detection elements 10 are different.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container 1.
- the liquid level referred to here is the height in the height direction of the container 1, that is, the direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the container 1.
- control unit 30 calculates the average value of the output values of the detection elements 10 and calculates the liquid level height from the average value.
- the method for calculating the liquid level is the same as in the first embodiment. Further, the control unit 30 calculates the volume of the liquid 2 from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container. Then, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 40 to display the calculated volume of the liquid 2 as the remaining amount of fuel.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated even when the container 1 is tilted.
- a plurality of sensor units may be arranged at positions where the liquid level is different when the container 1 is tilted on the outer surface of the side wall of the container 1.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by increasing the number of sensor units with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the third embodiment, and the other configurations are the third embodiment.
- the form is the same.
- each sensor unit U1 to U4 is used with a plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 arranged side by side in the height direction of the container 1 as one sensor unit.
- Each sensor unit is the same as the sensor unit of the third embodiment.
- Each sensor unit is provided on each of the four side surfaces of the container 1.
- the detection elements 10 of the sensor units U1 to U4 each output an electromotive voltage corresponding to the heat flow toward the control unit 30.
- the control unit 30 calculates an average value of the output values (voltage values) of the sensor units U1 to U4, and calculates the liquid level height from the average value.
- the output value (voltage value) of each sensor unit U1 to U4 is the total output value (total voltage value) of the plurality of detection elements 10 constituting the sensor unit.
- the control unit 30 calculates the volume of the liquid 2 from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container. Then, the control unit 30 causes the display unit 40 to display the calculated volume of the liquid 2 as the remaining amount of fuel.
- the liquid level 2a is parallel to the bottom surface of the container 1, so that the output values of the four sensor units U1 to U4 are the same as shown in FIG. It is. If the liquid level height is calculated from the average value of the output values, the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container 1.
- the liquid level 2 a is not parallel to the bottom surface of the container 1, but is tilted as shown by a broken line in FIG. 32.
- the output values of the two sensor units U1 to U4 are different. In this case, if the output values of the four sensor units U1 to U4 are averaged and the liquid level height is calculated from the averaged output value, the volume of the liquid 2 is calculated from the calculated liquid level height and the bottom area inside the container 1. It can be calculated.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated even when the container 1 is tilted, as in the eighth embodiment.
- a plurality of sensor units may be arranged at positions where the liquid level is different when the container 1 is tilted on the outer surface of the side wall of the container 1.
- a plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 of another sensor unit are opposed to each other between adjacent sensor units 10 and 20 of one sensor unit. Any two or more sensor units among the sensor units are preferably arranged so as to be shifted from each other in the height direction of the container 1.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of the present embodiment is obtained by changing the installation location of the sensor unit U1 with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the first embodiment. This is the same as the embodiment.
- a sensor unit U1 including one sensor unit 10 or 20 is provided inside the container 1.
- the sensor unit U ⁇ b> 1 is in a state where a part or all of the sensor unit U ⁇ b> 1 is immersed in the liquid 2.
- the control part 30 can detect a liquid level height by performing the control processing similar to 1st Embodiment.
- the sensor unit U1 since the sensor unit U1 is provided inside the container 1, there is no fear that the sensor units 10 and 20 fall from the container 1, and the outer shape of the container 1 does not change. Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the sensor unit U1 is provided inside the container 1, even if the container 1 has an irregular shape, the liquid height can be easily detected.
- the liquid level height can be accurately detected by calculating the liquid level height based on the ambient temperature or the like as in the second embodiment.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of the present embodiment is obtained by changing the installation location of the sensor unit U1 with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the third embodiment. This is the same as the embodiment.
- the six sensor units 10 and 20 are provided inside the container 1 while being supported by the support member 14.
- One sensor unit U1 is configured by the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 arranged in the height direction of the container 1.
- the support member 14 is made of resin, and the six sensor units 10 and 20 are attached.
- the support member 14 may be made of other materials.
- the control part 30 can detect a liquid level height by performing the control processing similar to 3rd Embodiment.
- the sensor unit U1 is provided inside the container 1, the same effect as the tenth embodiment can be obtained.
- liquid level can be detected even if the installation location of the sensor unit is changed to the inside of the container 1 in the fourth to seventh embodiments, as in the present embodiment.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by adding a heat insulating member 13 that covers the sensor unit U1 to the vehicular fuel gauge of the tenth embodiment, and other configurations are as follows. The same as in the tenth embodiment.
- the heat insulating member 13 covers a portion of the sensor unit U1 including the one sensor unit 10 or 20 excluding the one surface 10a of the detection element 10.
- the heat insulating member 13 only needs to cover at least the other surface 20b of the Peltier element 20.
- the same thing as the heat insulation member 13 of 7th Embodiment can be used.
- the surface of the heat insulating member 13 may be covered with a coating layer.
- the present embodiment it is possible to suppress the generation of a heat flow from the liquid 2 or the gas 3 toward the other surface 20b of the Peltier element 20. For this reason, compared with the case where the heat insulation member 13 is not provided in the sensor unit U1, the detection accuracy of the liquid level can be improved.
- the sensor unit U1 including the plurality of sensor units 10 and 20 is covered with the heat insulating member 13 in the same manner as in the present embodiment. The effect is obtained.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of the present embodiment is obtained by changing the vehicular fuel gauge of the tenth embodiment to a configuration in which two sensor units are stacked, and other configurations are as follows. The same as in the tenth embodiment.
- each sensor unit U1, U2 is composed of one sensor unit 10,20.
- the two sensor units U1 and U2 are bonded together with the Peltier element 20 side inward.
- the output of the detection element 10 is doubled as compared with the case of one sensor unit, so that the S / N ratio (signal / noise ratio) is improved and the liquid level is high. This improves the accuracy of detection.
- the effect of this embodiment is acquired by making two sensor units U1 comprised by the some sensor parts 10 and 20 overlap similarly to this embodiment.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by increasing the number of sensor units with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the tenth embodiment, and the other configurations are the tenth embodiment.
- the form is the same.
- each sensor unit U1, U2, U3, and U4 are provided in the container 1 so as to be separated from each other.
- the detection elements 10 of the sensor units U1 to U4 each output an electromotive voltage corresponding to the heat flow toward the control unit 30.
- the installation location of the sensor units U1 to U4 is changed to the inside of the container 1 with respect to the eighth embodiment in which the sensor units U1 to U4 are provided on the four side walls of the container 1, respectively. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, even when the container 1 is inclined, the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated as in the eighth embodiment.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be easily calculated even if the container 1 has an irregular shape.
- the vehicular fuel gauge of this embodiment is obtained by increasing the number of sensor units with respect to the vehicular fuel gauge of the eleventh embodiment, and the other configurations are the eleventh embodiment.
- the form is the same.
- each sensor unit U1, U2, U3, and U4 are provided in the container 1 so as to be separated from each other.
- the detection elements 10 of the sensor units U1 to U4 each output an electromotive voltage corresponding to the heat flow toward the control unit 30.
- the installation location of the sensor unit is changed to the inside of the container 1 with respect to the ninth embodiment in which the sensor units U1 to U4 are provided on the four side walls of the container 1, respectively. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 41, the volume of the liquid 2 can be calculated similarly to the ninth embodiment even when the container 1 is inclined.
- the volume of the liquid 2 can be easily calculated even if the container 1 has an irregular shape.
- the length of the Peltier element 20 in the height direction of the container 1 is the same as that of the detection element 10, but the liquid 2 or the gas 3 passes through the detection element 10.
- the length of the Peltier element 20 may be different from the length of the detection element 10 as long as the heat flow toward it can be formed.
- the Peltier element 20 having the same structure as that of the detection element 10 is used as the heating means, but a Peltier element having another structure may be used. Further, other heating means (heater) such as an electric heater may be used.
- the liquid level detector according to the present disclosure is applied to a vehicle fuel gauge, but may be applied to other uses.
- the present invention can be applied to a molten metal height detector that detects the molten metal position of molten metal (molten metal) described in Patent Document 1.
- the container 1 is a closed system container.
- the liquid level detector of the present disclosure even if the container 1 is an open system container. Similarly to the above, the liquid level can be detected.
- the liquid level of the liquid 2 contained in the container 1 is detected.
- the sensor unit is immersed in the liquid and used. By doing so, it is possible to detect the level of the liquid not contained in the container 1, for example, the tide level of a river or the sea.
- the control unit 30 calculates the liquid level height based on the electromotive voltage (voltage value) generated in the detection element 10, but based on the current value instead of the voltage value.
- the liquid level may be calculated.
- the detection element 10 generates an electromotive force according to the heat flow passing through the inside of the detection element 10, and outputs an electric signal corresponding to the electromotive force to the control unit 30.
- 30 can calculate the liquid level height based on the output value of the detection element 10 and the relationship between the output value of the detection element 10 and the liquid level height.
- the metal forming the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 is a Bi—Sb—Te alloy and a Bi—Te alloy, respectively. May be.
- both of the metals forming the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are sintered alloys that are solid-phase sintered, but at least one of them is solid-phase sintered. Any sintered alloy may be used.
- the electromotive force can be increased and the sensitivity of the detection element 10 can be increased as compared with the case where both of the metals forming the first and second interlayer connection members 130 and 140 are not sintered solid-phase sintered metal. Is possible.
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Abstract
Description
上記液面高さ検出計によれば、前記加熱手段は、前記第2面から前記第1面に向かって前記検出素子の内部を通過し、前記液体もしくは気体に向かう熱流を形成する。前記検出素子は、前記第1、第2層間接続部材が交互に直列接続された構造を有し、交互に直列接続された前記第1、第2層間接続部材にて、前記検出素子の内部を通過する熱流に応じた起電力を発生し、その起電力に応じた電気信号を前記検出処理手段に対して出力する。そして、前記検出処理手段は、前記検出素子の出力値と、前記検出素子の出力値と液面高さの関係とに基づいて、液面高さを算出する。
上記液面高さ検出計によれば、前記加熱手段は、前記第2面から前記第1面に向かって前記複数の検出素子の内部を通過し、前記液体もしくは気体に向かう熱流を形成し、前記複数の検出素子は、交互に直列接続された前記第1、第2層間接続部材にて、前記検出素子の内部を通過する熱流に応じた起電力を発生し、その起電力に応じた電気信号を前記検出処理手段に対して出力し、前記検出処理手段は、前記複数の検出素子の総出力値と、前記複数の検出素子の総出力値と液面高さの関係とに基づいて、液面高さを算出する。
本実施形態は、本開示の液面高さ検出計を、車両に搭載される車両用燃料計に適用したものである。
図11に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第1実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、温度センサ31を追加したものであり、その他の構成は、第1実施形態と同じである。
図13、14に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第1実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、1つのセンサ部10、20を複数のセンサ部10、20に変更したものである。その他の構成は第1実施形態と同じである。
図17に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第3実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、第2実施形態と同様の理由により、温度センサ31を追加したものであり、その他の構成は、第3実施形態と同じである。
図19、20に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第3、4実施形態の車両用燃料計において、複数のセンサ部10、20を一体化したものであり、その他の構成は、第3、第4実施形態と同じである。
図21に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第3実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットの数を1つから2つに変更したものであり、その他の構成は、第3実施形態と同じである。
図24Aに示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第1実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサ部10、20を覆う断熱部材13を追加したものであり、その他の構成は第1実施形態と同じである。
図25に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第1実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットの数を増大させたものであり、その他の構成は第1実施形態と同じである。
図29に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第3実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットの数を増大させたものであり、その他の構成は第3実施形態と同じである。
図33に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第1実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットU1の設置場所を変更したものであり、その他の構成は第1実施形態と同じである。
図34に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第3実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットU1の設置場所を変更したものであり、その他の構成は第3実施形態と同じである。
図35Aに示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第10実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットU1を覆う断熱部材13を追加したものであり、その他の構成は第10実施形態と同じである。
図37に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第10実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットを2枚積層した構成に変更したものであり、その他の構成は第10実施形態と同じである。
図38に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第10実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットの数を増大させたものであり、その他の構成は第10実施形態と同じである。
図40に示されるように、本実施形態の車両用燃料計は、第11実施形態の車両用燃料計に対して、センサユニットの数を増大させたものであり、その他の構成は第11実施形態と同じである。
本開示は上記した実施形態に限定されるものではなく、下記のように、特許請求の範囲に記載した範囲内において適宜変更が可能である。
10 検出素子
13 断熱部材
20 ペルチェ素子
30 制御部(検出処理手段)
100 絶縁基材
101、102 第1、第2ビアホール
130、140 第1、第2層間接続部材
Claims (9)
- 第1面(10a)とその反対側の第2面(10b)を有し、前記第1面が検出対象の液体に向いているとともに、前記第1面が液面の高さ方向に平行な状態とされた検出素子(10)と、
前記検出素子の第2面側に設けられた加熱手段(20)と、
前記液体の液面高さの検出処理を行う検出処理手段(30)と、
1つの前記検出素子は、液面高さ方向における長さが液面高さの検出範囲と同じ長さであり、1つの前記検出素子によって構成された1つのセンサユニットと、
前記検出素子に形成され、熱可塑性樹脂からなる絶縁基材(100)に厚さ方向に貫通する複数の第1、第2ビアホール(101、102)と、
前記検出素子に埋め込まれ、前記第1、第2ビアホールに互いに異なる金属で形成された第1、第2層間接続部材(130、140)とを備え、
前記加熱手段は、前記第2面から前記第1面に向かって前記検出素子の内部を通過し、前記液体もしくは気体に向かう熱流を形成し、
前記検出素子は、前記第1、第2層間接続部材が交互に直列接続された構造を有し、交互に直列接続された前記第1、第2層間接続部材にて、前記検出素子の内部を通過する熱流に応じた起電力を発生し、その起電力に応じた電気信号を前記検出処理手段に対して出力し、
前記検出処理手段は、前記検出素子の出力値と、前記検出素子の出力値と液面高さの関係とに基づいて、液面高さを算出することを特徴とする液面高さ検出計。 - 第1面(10a)とその反対側の第2面(10b)を有し、前記第1面が検出対象の液体に向いているとともに、前記第1面が液面の高さ方向に平行な状態とされた複数の検出素子(10)と、
前記複数の検出素子の第2面側に設けられた加熱手段(20)と、
前記液体の液面高さの検出処理を行う検出処理手段(30)と、
前記複数の検出素子は、液面高さの検出範囲にわたって液面高さ方向に並んでおり、前記複数の検出素子によって構成された1つのセンサユニットと、
前記複数の検出素子は、前記複数の検出素子に形成され、それぞれ、熱可塑性樹脂からなる絶縁基材(100)に厚さ方向に貫通する複数の第1、第2ビアホール(101、102)と、
前記複数の検出素子に埋め込まれ、前記第1、第2ビアホールに互いに異なる金属で形成された第1、第2層間接続部材(130、140)とを備え、前記加熱手段は、前記第2面から前記第1面に向かって前記複数の検出素子の内部を通過し、前記液体もしくは気体に向かう熱流を形成し、
前記複数の検出素子は、交互に直列接続された前記第1、第2層間接続部材にて、前記検出素子の内部を通過する熱流に応じた起電力を発生し、その起電力に応じた電気信号を前記検出処理手段に対して出力し、
前記検出処理手段は、前記複数の検出素子の総出力値と、前記複数の検出素子の総出力値と液面高さの関係とに基づいて、液面高さを算出することを特徴とする液面高さ検出計。 - 前記第1、第2層間接続部材を形成する前記金属の少なくとも一方は、複数の金属原子が当該金属原子の結晶構造を維持した状態で焼結された焼結合金であることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記加熱手段は、前記検出素子と同じ構造を有するとともに、前記検出素子と一体化されたペルチェ素子であることを特徴とする請求項1ないし3のいずれか1つに記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記センサユニットは、前記液体を収容する容器(1)の側壁外面に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1ないし4のいずれか1つに記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記センサユニットは、前記液体を収容する容器(1)の内部に設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1ないし4のいずれか1つに記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記センサユニットは、前記加熱手段側を内側として2枚積層されていることを特徴とする請求項6に記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記センサユニットは、前記加熱手段側を覆う断熱部材(13)を備えることを特徴とする請求項1ないし7のいずれか1つに記載の液面高さ検出計。
- 前記センサユニットは、前記容器が傾いた場合に液面高さが異なる位置に、複数設けられていることを特徴とする請求項1ないし8のいずれか1つに記載の液面高さ検出計。
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EP14857127.6A EP3064909A4 (en) | 2013-10-30 | 2014-10-29 | Liquid surface height detector |
KR1020167010911A KR101840265B1 (ko) | 2013-10-30 | 2014-10-29 | 액면 높이 검출계 |
CN201480059374.9A CN105683723B (zh) | 2013-10-30 | 2014-10-29 | 液面高度检测计 |
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JP7010816B2 (ja) * | 2015-10-28 | 2022-01-26 | ヒューレット-パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル.ピー. | 液位の表示 |
US10837818B2 (en) * | 2016-04-29 | 2020-11-17 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Detecting fluid levels using a voltage comparator |
CN106443809B (zh) * | 2016-11-17 | 2019-08-30 | 济南大学 | 基于激光测量旋转液体高度差的重力加速度实验系统及方法 |
CN106595799B (zh) * | 2016-12-26 | 2019-03-26 | 河北秦淮数据有限公司 | 一种消防用水箱液面高度监测装置 |
CN109540252A (zh) * | 2018-11-29 | 2019-03-29 | 青岛科技大学 | 一种新型储罐液位测量方法和系统 |
CN111947812A (zh) * | 2020-08-17 | 2020-11-17 | 杭州王之新创信息技术研究有限公司 | 一种传感器 |
JP2021047209A (ja) * | 2020-12-21 | 2021-03-25 | ヒューレット−パッカード デベロップメント カンパニー エル.ピー.Hewlett‐Packard Development Company, L.P. | 液位の表示 |
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EP3064909A1 (en) | 2016-09-07 |
TWI524056B (zh) | 2016-03-01 |
CN105683723A (zh) | 2016-06-15 |
KR101840265B1 (ko) | 2018-03-21 |
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