Residual chlorine meter and control method thereof, and chlorine meter system

Abstract

The present application relates to a residual chlorine meter, a chlorine meter system, and a control method for a residual chlorine meter. A spare part for a residual chlorine meter can be replaced at a more appropriate time. A residual chlorine meter that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample is provided with an indicating electrode and a counter electrode that are immersed in the water sample, and a control unit that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current that flows between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode when a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and detects the degree of deterioration of a spare part for the residual chlorine meter based on at least either of a motor current that flows through a motor that rotates the indicating electrode in the water sample and the diffusion current.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-001233, filed on January 6, 2022 in Japan, the entire disclosure of which is hereby cited for reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to residual chlorine meters and their control methods, and chlorine meter systems. Background Technology

[0004] Patent document 1 describes a residual chlorine meter that uses polarography to measure residual chlorine in water.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2008-164408 Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0009] The electrodes and motor of the residual chlorine meter deteriorate with prolonged use, necessitating periodic replacement. In the current design, users replace these parts according to the manufacturer's recommended replacement schedule. However, the degree of deterioration varies depending on the operating environment, thus there is room for improvement in the replacement frequency within the existing design.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a residual chlorine meter and its control method, as well as a chlorine meter system, that enables the replacement of spare parts at a more appropriate time.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

[0012] According to several embodiments of the residual chlorine meter, the residual chlorine meter for measuring the concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample includes: an indicator electrode and a corresponding electrode immersed in the water sample; and a control unit that, when a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode, measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current flowing between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode, and detects the degree of deterioration of the residual chlorine meter components based on at least one of a motor current flowing through a motor that rotates the indicator electrode in the water sample and the diffusion current.

[0013] In this way, since the residual chlorine meter detects the degree of deterioration of spare parts based on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current, users can replace spare parts at a more appropriate time according to the degree of deterioration.

[0014] In one embodiment of the residual chlorine meter, the control unit performs AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current to detect periodic variations, and compares the result of the AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current with the result of the AC analysis on a pre-acquired sample signal to detect the degree of deterioration of the spare parts of the residual chlorine meter.

[0015] Thus, since the residual chlorine meter performs AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current to detect the degree of deterioration of spare parts, it can properly detect the deterioration of spare parts that manifests as periodic variations in motor current or diffusion current.

[0016] In one embodiment of the residual chlorine meter, the control unit performs a signal analysis, i.e., a DC analysis, on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current to detect the overall trend of their values, and compares the result of the DC analysis on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current with the result of the DC analysis on a pre-acquired sample signal, thereby detecting the degree of deterioration of the spare parts of the residual chlorine meter.

[0017] Thus, since the residual chlorine meter performs DC analysis on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current to detect the degree of deterioration of spare parts, it can properly detect the deterioration of spare parts that manifests as an overall change in motor current or diffusion current.

[0018] In one embodiment of the residual chlorine meter, the spare parts are the motor, the electrode of the indicating electrode, or a sliding contact for extracting the diffusion current from the indicating electrode. Thus, the residual chlorine meter can detect deterioration of the motor, the electrode of the indicating electrode, and the sliding contact.

[0019] In one embodiment of the residual chlorine meter, the control unit determines whether the spare part should be replaced based on the detected degree of deterioration, and prompts the user with the determination result regarding whether the spare part should be replaced. Thus, the user can easily determine whether the spare part needs to be replaced.

[0020] According to several embodiments of the chlorine meter system, there are residual chlorine meters and an information processing device capable of communicating with the residual chlorine meters. The residual chlorine meters measure the concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample and have an indicator electrode and a corresponding electrode immersed in the water sample. A control unit measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a current flowing between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode, i.e., a diffusion current, when a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode. The information processing device detects the degree of deterioration of the residual chlorine meter components based on at least one of a motor current flowing through a motor that rotates the indicator electrode in the water sample, i.e., a motor current, and the diffusion current.

[0021] In this way, the information processing device detects the degree of deterioration of the spare parts based on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current, so even assuming that the residual chlorine meter does not have the ability to analyze the data, the user can replace the spare parts at a more appropriate time.

[0022] According to several embodiments of a control method for a residual chlorine meter, the residual chlorine meter includes: an indicator electrode and a corresponding electrode immersed in a water sample; and a control unit that, when a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode, measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current flowing between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode. The control method includes a step in which the control unit detects the degree of deterioration of a component of the residual chlorine meter based on at least one of a motor current flowing through a motor that rotates the indicator electrode in the water sample, i.e., a motor current, and the diffusion current.

[0023] In this way, since the residual chlorine meter detects the degree of deterioration of spare parts based on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current, users can replace spare parts at a more appropriate time according to the degree of deterioration.

[0024] Invention Effects

[0025] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, spare parts for the residual chlorine meter can be replaced at a more appropriate time. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a residual chlorine meter according to one embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the structure of a measuring groove.

[0028] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The circuit diagram of an example of the structure of the motor drive unit.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the load torque of a motor and the current consumed in the motor.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by the residual chlorine meter.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a chlorinometer system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0032] <Comparative Example>

[0033] A residual chlorine meter is a device used to measure the concentration (also called "residual chlorine concentration") of residual chlorine in water samples such as tap water. Residual chlorine refers to the combination of free residual chlorine and combined residual chlorine present in a water sample. Two electrodes, called the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode (reference electrode), are immersed in the water sample. If a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the corresponding electrode, with the indicator electrode side acting as the cathode, an electric field reduction reaction occurs on the surface of the indicator electrode due to the electrolyte, i.e., chlorine. Current then flows between the indicator electrode and the reference electrode.

[0034] If a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the corresponding electrode, a fixed diffusion layer with concentration polarization forms near the indicating electrode. In this state, the electrolytic reduction current is proportional to the diffusion rate. The diffusion rate is proportional to the residual chlorine concentration in the water sample. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter can measure the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample by measuring the current (diffusion current) in the state of forming the diffusion layer. The concentration measurement method based on this measurement principle is called polarography.

[0035] In such chlorine concentration measurements, maintaining a constant diffusion layer thickness is crucial for obtaining a stable ratio between chlorine concentration and diffusion current. Therefore, to maintain a constant diffusion layer thickness, the residual chlorine meter uses a motor to rotate the indicating electrode at a fixed speed during measurement.

[0036] The electrodes and motor of a residual chlorine meter deteriorate with prolonged use, necessitating periodic replacement. In the chlorine concentration meter described in the comparative example, the user replaces the residual chlorine meter's spare parts according to the replacement cycle recommended by the manufacturer. However, the degree of deterioration of spare parts varies depending on the usage environment. Therefore, in the existing structure, continuing to use spare parts that deteriorate further and require replacement may lead to performance degradation and other problems. Furthermore, replacing spare parts that do not yet require replacement may incur unnecessary costs.

[0037] The purpose of this disclosure is to make it possible to replace the spare parts of the residual chlorine meter at a more appropriate time.

[0038] <Implementation Method>

[0039] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same structure or function are given the same reference numerals. In the description of this embodiment, sometimes the same parts are appropriately omitted or briefly repeated.

[0040] (First Embodiment)

[0041] The residual chlorine meter disclosed herein measures the current or diffusion current flowing through a motor that rotates an indicating electrode, and detects the degree of deterioration of spare parts based on this current. When the residual chlorine meter detects a state where a spare part should be replaced, it notifies the user of this condition, allowing the user to replace the spare part at an appropriate time.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a structural example of a residual chlorine meter 1 according to one embodiment. The residual chlorine meter 1 includes: an indicating electrode 11, a corresponding electrode (reference electrode) 12, a motor drive unit 30 including a motor 13, a sliding contact 16, a current-to-voltage conversion circuit 51, an analog-to-digital converter 52, a control unit 53, a pressure circuit 54, and an output unit 55.

[0043] The indicator electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12 are electrodes. The indicator electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12 are immersed in a water sample W, such as tap water, stored in the wall portion 20 constituting the measuring tank 50. A voltage is applied between the indicator electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12 based on the control of the control unit 53.

[0044] The motor 13 is a power source that rotates the indicating electrode 11 at a fixed speed during the measurement of residual chlorine concentration. The motor 13 has an arbitrary structure that converts electrical electricity into a force that rotates the indicating electrode 11. The structure of the motor drive unit 30 that drives the motor 13 will be referred to later. Figure 3 Please provide an explanation.

[0045] The sliding contact 16 is an electrical transmission mechanism that extracts the diffusion current while maintaining the electrical connection between the indicator electrode 11 and the current-to-voltage conversion circuit 51 during the rotation of the indicator electrode 11 by the motor 13. During measurement, since the indicator electrode 11 is constantly rotating, the residual chlorine meter 1 detects the diffusion current by extracting the current flowing through the rotating body, i.e., the indicator electrode 11, from the sliding contact 16. Although the residual chlorine meter 1 according to this embodiment has a sliding contact 16 with a sliding mechanism on the brush and the rotor as an electrical contact device (contact) for extracting a signal from the indicator electrode 11, the structure is not limited to this if a signal can be extracted from the indicator electrode 11. For example, the electrical contact device can also transmit power or electrical signals between the rotating body (indicator electrode 11) and the stationary contact via a metal ball in the housing. The electrical contact device can also use any mechanism that extracts current or voltage signals from the rotating body, i.e., the indicator electrode 11. Furthermore, the electrical contact device can also use a mechanism utilizing liquid metals such as mercury. Additionally, the sliding contact 16 can also be made of a metal alloy with good wear resistance and corrosion resistance. Alternatively, the sliding contact 16 can be formed of a corrosion-resistant metal such as titanium alloy, platinum, gold, silver, or stainless steel. The value of the diffused current taken from the sliding contact 16 is transmitted to the control unit 41, which will be described later.

[0046] The current-to-voltage conversion circuit 51 is a circuit that converts the diffused current obtained via the sliding contact 16 into a voltage. The current-to-voltage conversion circuit 51 may also have the features described in the following reference. Figure 3 The structure of resistors 33-35 and 37, and comparator (operational amplifier) ​​36, will be explained. The analog-to-digital converter 52 converts the voltage corresponding to the diffusion current from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital signal is output to the control unit 53.

[0047] The control unit 53 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a dedicated processor for specific processing, but is not limited to these. The control unit 53 is communicatively connected to each component element used to detect the diffusion current and controls the operation of the residual chlorine meter 1 related to the measurement of the diffusion current. The pressurization circuit 54 is a circuit that uses the indicator electrode 11 as a cathode based on the control of the control unit 53, thereby generating a potential difference between the indicator electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12. The pressurization circuit 54 functions as a power source that generates a potential difference between the indicator electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12. The output unit 55 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information to the user and notifying the user. For example, the output unit 55 may be a display that outputs information via images, or a speaker that outputs information via sound, but is not limited to these. In addition, the control unit 53, the pressurization circuit 54, and the output unit 55 may also be configured to share the same structure as the control unit 41, the power supply 31, and the output unit 45 of the motor drive unit 30 described later.

[0048] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a structural example of the measuring tank 50. The measuring tank 50 includes a wall 20, a water inlet 21, a mixing tank 22, a bead case 23, overflow weirs 24 and 25, a buffer plate 26, a drain outlet 27, a backwash outlet 28, and a drain 29. The bead case 23, filled with beads 233, is disposed within the mixing tank 22. An indicator electrode 11 is disposed within the bead case 23 and rotated by a motor 13. A corresponding electrode 12 is disposed within the mixing tank 22, outside the bead case 23.

[0049] Water sample W is injected into mixing tank 22 through inlet 21. Water sample W is discharged from drain outlets 27 and 29 via mixing tank 22, bead box 23, indicator electrode 11, corresponding electrode 12, overflow weirs 24 and 25. Through overflow weirs 24 and 25 and buffer plate 26 provided near inlet 21, water sample W with a roughly constant flow rate can be delivered to indicator electrode 11 regardless of the flow range of water sample W injected from inlet 21. Alternatively, water sample W can be injected into mixing tank 22 through backwash port 28 instead of inlet 21. Cleaning water that has passed through a cleaning filter can also be periodically injected through backwash port 28, provided separately, instead of the normally used inlet 21, to clean dirt and other contaminants accumulated in specific areas of measuring tank 50.

[0050] The indicator electrode 11 includes an electrode 111 and is used to measure the diffusion current proportional to the residual chlorine concentration. If physical or electrical contaminants adhere to the indicator electrode 11, the accurate value of the diffusion current cannot be measured, therefore the indicator electrode 11 needs to be cleaned constantly. The residual chlorine meter 1 of this embodiment keeps the indicator electrode 11 constantly clean by rotating it within a bead box 23 filled with small beads 233, which polish the surface of the indicator electrode 11. This prevents iron or manganese components contained in the water sample W from adhering to the electrode 111, thus preventing a decrease in the sensitivity of the indicator electrode 11. Furthermore, the electrode 111 can be made of a chemically resistant material such as gold, titanium alloy, platinum, silver, or stainless steel to prevent corrosion. The beads 233 are made of, for example, ceramic, but can also be made of any material capable of polishing the surface of the electrode 111. For example, the beads 233 can also be made of glass, any metal, sand, or walnut kernels. The bead box 23 may also have multiple side holes 231 and bottom holes 232. The size of the side holes 231 and bottom holes 232 is smaller than that of the beads 233, and the water sample W can flow out / in into the bead box 23.

[0051] The corresponding electrode 12 can also be made of, for example, silver. If the corresponding electrode 12 is made of silver, a hole 241 can be provided on the overflow weir 24. The hole 241 drains water deposited in the mixing tank 22 before the water sample W flows through, causing the corresponding electrode 12 to leak out of the water, thus preventing the indicator electrode 11 from being silver-plated.

[0052] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 The circuit diagram shows an example of the structure of the motor drive unit 30. The motor drive unit 30 includes a motor 13, a power supply 31, resistors 32-35, a comparator 36, a resistor 37, an analog-to-digital converter 38, a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a communication unit 43, an input unit 44, and an output unit 45.

[0053] Motor 13 rotates the indicator electrode 11 within the bead box 23. Motor 13 can also be implemented by, for example, a stepper motor. Motor 13 can also rotate the indicator electrode 11 at, for example, a rotational speed of 10 revolutions per second. Hereinafter, an example of a DC motor for motor 13 will be described, but motor 13 can also be an AC motor.

[0054] Power supply 31 provides power for driving motor 13. Power supply 31 can be used with the voltage boosting circuit 54, or it can be configured by appropriately transforming or converting the power source that is used with the voltage boosting circuit 54.

[0055] Resistor 32 is used to measure the current flowing through motor 13. Resistors 33-35, 37, and comparator (operational amplifier) ​​36 form a current-to-voltage converter circuit that converts the current flowing through motor 13 into a voltage. Analog-to-digital converter 38 converts the voltage corresponding to the current flowing through motor 13 from an analog signal to a digital signal. The digital signal is output to control unit 41.

[0056] The control unit 41 includes one or more processors. In one embodiment, the "processor" is a general-purpose processor such as a CPU, or a dedicated processor for specific processing, but is not limited thereto. The control unit 41 is communicatively connected to each component constituting the residual chlorine meter 1 and controls the operation of the residual chlorine meter 1 in relation to the control of the motor 13. Furthermore, the control unit 41 serves as a... Figure 1 The control unit 53 has a general structure and can also obtain the value of the diffused current taken from the sliding contact 16.

[0057] Storage unit 42 includes any storage module including HDD (Hard Disk Drive), SSD (Solid State Drive), ROM (Read-Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and RAM (Random Access Memory). Storage unit 42 can also function as, for example, a main storage device, an auxiliary storage device, or a cache memory. Storage unit 42 stores any information obtained for the operation of residual chlorine meter 1 or as a result of the operation of residual chlorine meter 1. For example, storage unit 42 can also store various programs, data on the current flowing through motor 13, and data on diffusion current, etc. Storage unit 42 is not limited to being built into residual chlorine meter 1; it can also be an external database or external storage module connected via an electronic input / output port such as USB (Universal Serial Bus).

[0058] The communication unit 43 includes any communication module capable of communicating with other devices such as the information processing device 2 described later. The communication unit 43 may further include a communication control module for controlling communication with other devices, and a storage module for storing communication data such as identification information required for communication with other devices.

[0059] The input unit 44 includes one or more input interfaces that accept user input operations and obtain input information based on the user's operations. For example, the input unit 44 may be a physical key, an electrostatic capacitive key, an indicator device, a touch screen integrated with the display of the output unit 45, or a microphone that accepts sound input, but is not limited to these.

[0060] Output unit 45 includes one or more output interfaces for outputting information to and notifying the user. For example, output unit 45 may be a display that outputs information via images, or a speaker that outputs information via sound, but is not limited to these. As mentioned above, output unit 45 may also have a structure that is common to output unit 55.

[0061] The functions of the motor drive unit 30 or the residual chlorine meter 1 can be achieved by executing a computer program (program) that can be used to perform the degradation detection involved in this embodiment through a processor included in the control unit 41. In other words, at least a portion of the functions of the motor drive unit 30 or the residual chlorine meter 1 can be implemented by software. The computer program enables the computer to perform the processing of the steps included in the operation of the motor drive unit 30 or the residual chlorine meter 1, thereby enabling the computer to perform the functions corresponding to each step. In other words, the computer program is a program for enabling the computer to function as the motor drive unit 30 or the residual chlorine meter 1 involved in this embodiment.

[0062] In addition, the motor drive unit 30 may have the same as Figure 3 The illustrated structures are different, as long as the control unit 41 can obtain the current signal flowing through the motor 13. That is, it is independent of the detection method for detecting the current flowing through the motor 13. For example, as long as the current monitoring function of the motor driver IC (integrated circuit) can obtain the current signal, the control unit 41 can also directly obtain the current signal from such a motor driver IC. In this case, the motor drive unit 30 can also include resistors 32, 33-35, and 37 for current detection, comparator 36, and analog-to-digital converter 38. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control unit 41, storage unit 42, communication unit 43, input unit 44, and output unit 45 can also be implemented by dedicated circuits included in the control unit 41. That is, some functions of the motor drive unit 30 or residual chlorine meter 1 can also be implemented in hardware. In addition, the residual chlorine meter 1 has any structure for the control unit 41 to obtain the diffusion current.

[0063] As an example, the residual chlorine meter 1 involved in this embodiment detects the degree of deterioration of various components, including the electrode 111, the sliding contact 16, and the motor 13, based on the current signal or diffusion current flowing through the motor 13, and determines which components should be replaced based on the detection results. (Refer to...) Figure 4 The principle of such detection / judgment processing will be explained.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the load torque of motor 13 and the current consumption in motor 13. Figure 4 This is an example of using a graph to illustrate the relationship between the load torque applied to motor 13 and the current consumed by motor 13. That is, Figure 4 The graph illustrates the change in current flowing through motor 13 when gradually applying brakes to a motor 13 rotating under no load, thus increasing the load torque. Figure 4 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the magnitude of the load torque applied to motor 13, and the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the current flowing through motor 13. For example... Figure 4As shown, the load torque and current consumption generally have a non-linear proportional relationship.

[0065] The residual chlorine meter 1 according to this embodiment utilizes the close relationship between the current consumed by the motor 13 and the load torque. That is, the residual chlorine meter 1 estimates the magnitude of the load torque applied to the motor 13 based on the change in the current flowing through the motor 13. The pattern of the load torque applied to the motor 13 varies depending on the electrode 111, the sliding contact 16, and the type of deterioration of the motor 13. The residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the degree of deterioration for each type of electrode 111, each sliding contact 16, and each type of spare part of the motor 13 based on such different patterns.

[0066] For example, it is known that scaly unevenness can develop on the surface of the indicator electrode 111 over time. Furthermore, it is known that when scaly unevenness develops on the surface of the electrode 111, the waveform of the current flowing through the motor 13 will be superimposed with subtle waveforms. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also learn in advance the waveform corresponding to such degradation of the electrode 111, and detect the degree of degradation of the electrode 111 by comparing the measured value of the current flowing through the motor 13 with the learned waveform.

[0067] Furthermore, it is known that when the electrode 111 of the indicator electrode 11 is new, although the measured value of the diffusion current measured by the residual chlorine meter 1 represents a waveform independent of the rotation period of the indicator electrode 11, the measured value of the diffusion current will approach a sine wave with a period of the rotation period of the indicator electrode 11 as the usage period. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the degree of degradation of the electrode 111 based on the waveform of the diffusion current.

[0068] Regarding the sliding contact 16, it is known that with prolonged use, the operation becomes sluggish due to abnormal clearance between the rotating and non-rotating mechanical parts, or deterioration of the lubricant filling the space between them. This sluggish operation of the sliding contact 16 can be observed as an increase in load torque and current flowing through the motor 13, even when the indicating electrode 11 is rotated in the same manner. Therefore, even when the residual chlorine meter 1 operates in the same manner, the deterioration of the sliding contact 16 can be detected based on the overall increase in the current flowing through the motor 13. Furthermore, in the sliding contact 16, with prolonged use, due to deterioration of the brushes that carry current between the rotating and non-rotating mechanical parts, intermittent contact defects may periodically occur at timings corresponding to the rotation cycle of the indicating electrode 11. Such contact defects can be observed as periodic interruptions in the current sample flowing through the motor 13 at timings corresponding to the rotation cycle of the indicating electrode 11. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the deterioration of the sliding contact 16 by periodically interrupting the sample of the current value flowing through the motor 13.

[0069] Regarding motor 13, it is known that due to the deterioration of the motor bearings and lubricant over time, the torque output decreases even when the same current flows, thus requiring an increase in the current value to output the same torque. Therefore, residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the degree of deterioration of motor 13 based on the increase in the current value flowing through motor 13. Furthermore, due to the deterioration of the bearings constituting motor 13, the load torque applied during one revolution of the indicating electrode 11 is not uniform, potentially producing a "creaking" or "rumbling" sensation during the rotation of motor 13. This sensation manifests as a waveform of the current flowing through motor 13 that fluctuates up and down with the rotation cycle of motor 13. Therefore, residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the degree of deterioration of motor 13 based on the fluctuation of the current value flowing through motor 13 with the rotation cycle of motor 13.

[0070] Furthermore, as the service life of the motor 13 increases, insulation defects may occur in the electrodes that supply power to the motor 13, leading to periodic momentary contact failures at timings corresponding to the rotation cycle of the indicator electrode 11. Such contact failures are observed as periodic interruptions in the current value sample flowing through the motor 13 at timings corresponding to the rotation cycle of the indicator electrode 11. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the deterioration of the motor 13 based on the periodic interruptions in the current value sample flowing through the motor 13.

[0071] As described above, the residual chlorine meter detects the following: degradation of electrode 111 based on the measurement of diffusion current; and poor contact of sliding contact 16 and degradation / poor contact of bearing in motor 13 based on the measurement of current flowing through motor 13. In this specification, the signal analysis used to detect periodic variations in such signals is referred to as AC (Alternating Current) analysis. Specifically, AC analysis refers to analysis that involves extracting and removing specific frequency components and adding specific frequency bands. By performing AC analysis on the current or diffusion current of motor 13, residual chlorine meter 1 can extract periodic characteristics that arise from the changes of each component over time. Residual chlorine meter 1 can also perform AC analysis on different components. By performing AC analysis, residual chlorine meter 1 can directly extract, for example, the "creaking" sensation of a damaged bearing as a current waveform, and can thus detect signs of degradation. In addition, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also obtain the waveform of each spare part when it deteriorates in advance, and appropriately compare it with the measured value of the current or diffusion current of the motor 13 to detect signs of deterioration.

[0072] On the other hand, the residual chlorine meter 1 detects the deterioration of the sliding contact 16, the deterioration of the motor bearing over time, and the deterioration of the lubricant by measuring the increase in the current flowing through the motor 13. In this specification, the signal analysis used to detect the overall trend of such signal values ​​is referred to as DC (Direct Current) analysis. Specifically, DC analysis refers to analysis such as integration processing, moving average, and intermediate value calculation over a specific period. By performing DC analysis on the current or diffusion current of the motor 13, the residual chlorine meter 1 can extract the average characteristics of each component changing over time. The residual chlorine meter 1 can also perform different processing on each component by setting specific periods and selecting processing methods.

[0073] DC analysis can include analog analysis, digital analysis, and combinations thereof. Digital analysis can also include advanced analyses such as FFT (Fast Fourier Transform). For example, as the grease in a bearing gradually deteriorates and hardens, the load torque on motor 13 gradually increases, thus increasing the average value of the drive current of motor 13. The residual chlorine meter 1 can also detect the rise in the average value of the motor 13's current by performing DC analysis on it, thus detecting signs of deterioration. Furthermore, the residual chlorine meter 1 can also pre-set a threshold value and determine signs of deterioration by comparing the value obtained from signal-based DC analysis with the threshold value.

[0074] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process performed by residual chlorine meter 1. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The operation of the residual chlorine meter 1 described herein is equivalent to the control method of the residual chlorine meter 1 described in this embodiment. Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the control unit 53 is the same as the control unit 41, and the control unit 41 controls the operation of the residual chlorine meter 1 as a whole. Figure 5 Each step is executed under the control of the control unit 41 of the residual chlorine meter 1. Hereinafter, the process of detecting the deterioration of spare parts based on the current signal flowing through the motor 13 will be described, but the same process applies to the case of detecting the deterioration of spare parts based on the diffusion current.

[0075] In step S1, the control unit 41 acquires the current signal flowing through the motor 13. Specifically, the control unit 41 acquires the current signal flowing through the motor 13, which has undergone current / voltage conversion through resistors 33-35, 37 and a comparator (operational amplifier) ​​36, and has been converted into a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter 38. The control unit 41 can either store the acquired current signal data in the storage unit 42 or transmit it to other information processing devices. In the case of performing the flowchart processing on the residual chlorine meter 1 for the first time, the control unit 41 can also store the current signal data acquired in step S1 as data in the new product state in the storage unit 42.

[0076] In step S2, the control unit 41 analyzes the current signal obtained in step S1. Specifically, the control unit 41 may perform the aforementioned AC analysis, DC analysis, or a combination thereof on the signal of the current flowing through the motor 13. During analysis, the control unit 41 may also remove noise generated by the motor 13, noise generated from the commercial power supply, and unwanted external noise from the signal of the current flowing through the motor 13. Specifically, for example, the control unit 41 may perform noise removal before AD analysis. The control unit 41 may also store the analysis results in the storage unit 42.

[0077] In step S3, the control unit 41 detects the degree of deterioration of the spare part based on the analysis results of the current signal in step S2. Specifically, the control unit 41 may also detect the degree of deterioration of the spare part by comparing the analysis results of step S2 with analysis results obtained in advance through machine learning or the like. For example, the control unit 41 may also store analysis results related to the current of the motor 13 when the spare part is in a new state, and detect the degree of deterioration of the spare part by comparing it with the analysis results of step S2. The object compared with the analysis results of step S2 may also be the analysis results related to the current of the motor 13 obtained in advance for each spare part.

[0078] In step S4, the control unit 41 may also determine which spare part should be replaced based on the degree of deterioration of the spare part detected in step S3. For example, if the degree of deterioration of the spare part detected in step S3 is greater than a predetermined threshold for the degree of deterioration, the control unit 41 may also determine that the spare part should be replaced.

[0079] In step S5, the control unit 41 prompts the user with the judgment result from step S4. For example, the control unit 41 may display an image representing the judgment result on the display of the output unit 45, or it may notify the user of the judgment result by sound. The control unit 41 may also send an email indicating the judgment result using the email address of a pre-registered device administrator. Furthermore, in addition to notifying the user whether spare parts need to be replaced, the control unit 41 may also notify the user of the degree of deterioration of each spare part. The control unit 41 terminates the process upon completing step S5. Figure 5 The processing of flowcharts.

[0080] As described above, the residual chlorine meter 1 is a device for measuring the concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample W. The residual chlorine meter 1 includes an indicating electrode 11 and a corresponding electrode 12 immersed in the water sample W; and a control unit 41 that, when a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12, measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample W based on the current flowing between the indicating electrode 11 and the corresponding electrode 12, i.e., the diffusion current. The control unit 41 detects the degree of deterioration of the residual chlorine meter 1 based on at least one of the current flowing through the motor 13 that rotates the indicating electrode 11 in the water sample W, i.e., the motor current and the diffusion current. Thus, since the residual chlorine meter 1 detects the degree of deterioration of the spare parts based on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current, the user can replace the spare parts at a more appropriate time according to the degree of deterioration.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 41 can also perform AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current to detect periodic variations. The control unit 41 can also compare the results of the AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current with the results of the AC analysis on a pre-acquired sample signal to detect the degree of deterioration of the spare parts of the residual chlorine meter 1. Thus, since the residual chlorine meter 1 performs AC analysis on at least one of the motor current and diffusion current to detect the degree of deterioration of the spare parts, it can appropriately detect the deterioration of spare parts exhibiting periodic variations in either the motor current or the diffusion current.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 41 can also perform signal analysis, i.e., DC analysis, on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current to detect the overall trend of their values. The control unit 41 can also compare the result of the DC analysis on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current with the result of the DC analysis on a pre-acquired sample signal to detect the degree of deterioration of the spare parts of the residual chlorine meter 1. Thus, since the residual chlorine meter 1 performs DC analysis on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current to detect the degree of deterioration of the spare parts, it is possible to appropriately detect the deterioration of the spare parts manifested as an overall change in the motor current or the diffusion current.

[0083] Furthermore, spare parts can also be provided as the motor 13, the electrode 111 of the indicating electrode 11, or the sliding contact 16 for extracting the diffusion current from the indicating electrode 11. Thus, the residual chlorine meter 1 can detect deterioration of the motor 13, the electrode 111 of the indicating electrode 11, and the sliding contact 16. In addition to the motor 13, the electrode 111 of the indicating electrode 11, and the sliding contact 16, the residual chlorine meter can also detect, for example, deterioration of the bead 233, and determine whether it needs to be replaced.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 41 can also determine whether a spare part should be replaced based on the detected degree of deterioration and inform the user of the determination result. For example, the control unit 41 can display an image indicating the determination result on the display of the output unit 45, or it can notify the user of the determination result by sound. Thus, the user can easily understand whether a spare part needs to be replaced.

[0085] In addition, the control unit 41 can automatically perform the processing steps S1 to S5 periodically (e.g., once a week, once a month, etc.). As a result, the residual chlorine meter 1 can periodically monitor the deterioration status of spare parts and immediately notify the user when a spare part needs to be replaced.

[0086] (Second Implementation)

[0087] The residual chlorine meter 1 can also transmit the current or diffusion current flowing through the motor 13 to other information processing devices for data analysis. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The chlorinometer system 3, which performs such treatment, will be described. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a structural example of a chlorine meter system 3 according to one embodiment.

[0088] The chlorine meter system 3 includes a residual chlorine meter 1 and an information processing device 2. The residual chlorine meter 1 and the information processing device 2 can communicate with each other via a network N. The residual chlorine meter 1 has the same structure as the residual chlorine meter according to the first embodiment. The information processing device 2 is any information processing device such as a PC (Personal Computer), a WS (Workstation), a tablet, or a cloud server. The network N includes a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof.

[0089] If the current or diffusion current of motor 13 is obtained, the residual chlorine meter 1 transmits its data to the information processing device 2 via network N. That is, for example, the residual chlorine meter 1 transmits the current or diffusion current data of motor 13 to the information processing device 2 via wireless or wired communication. The information processing device 2 analyzes the received data, detects the degree of deterioration of spare parts, and determines whether replacement is necessary. Specifically, the information processing device 2 performs... Figure 5 The processing steps S1 to S5 are then performed. Thus, in the chlorine meter system 3, the information processing device 2 detects the degree of deterioration of the spare part based on at least one of the motor current and the diffusion current, determining whether the spare part should be replaced. Therefore, even if the residual chlorine meter 1 does not have the ability to analyze the data, the user can know whether the spare part needs to be replaced based on its degree of deterioration, and can replace the spare part at a more appropriate time.

[0090] As described above, according to the various embodiments of this disclosure, the deterioration signs of each spare part are detected by analyzing the drive current or diffusion current proportional to the load torque of the motor 1. Therefore, the residual chlorine meter 1 or the information processing device 2 can accurately grasp the deterioration status of each spare part and notify the user at the appropriate time. The user who receives the notification can replace the spare parts on time and without waste.

[0091] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, multiple blocks shown in the block diagram may be integrated, or a single block may be divided. Instead of being executed sequentially according to the description, multiple steps shown in the flowchart may be executed in parallel or in a different order depending on the processing capacity of the device executing each step or as needed. In addition, modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0092] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0093] 1. Residual chlorine meter

[0094] 2. Information processing device

[0095] 3 Chloride meter system

[0096] 11 Indicator Electrode

[0097] 111 electrode

[0098] 12 Corresponding electrodes

[0099] 13 motors

[0100] 16 Sliding Contacts

[0101] 20 Wall section

[0102] 21 water inlet

[0103] 22 Mixing tank

[0104] 23 Beaded Box

[0105] 231 Side Hole

[0106] 232 Bottom face

[0107] 233 beads

[0108] 24 Overflow Weir

[0109] 241 holes

[0110] 25. Overflow Weir

[0111] 26 Buffer Plate

[0112] 27 Drainage outlet

[0113] 28. Backwash port

[0114] 29 Drainage outlet

[0115] 30 Motor drive unit

[0116] 31 Power Supply

[0117] 32 resistor

[0118] 33 Resistors

[0119] 34 resistors

[0120] 35 resistor

[0121] 36 comparators

[0122] 37 Resistor

[0123] 38 Analog-to-digital converter

[0124] 39 Control Department

[0125] 41 Storage Department

[0126] 42 Ministry of Communications

[0127] 43 Input Section

[0128] 44 Output Section

[0129] 50 Measuring groove

[0130] 51 Current-to-Voltage Conversion Circuit

[0131] 52 Analog-to-Digital Converter

[0132] 53 Control Department

[0133] 54. Pressure Circuit

[0134] 55 Output Section

[0135] W water sample

Claims

1. A residual chlorine meter that measures a concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample, comprising: an indicating electrode and a counter electrode that are immersed in the water sample; and a control section that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current that flows between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode when a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, wherein the control section performs signal analysis for detecting periodic variation, i.e., AC analysis, on the diffusion current when a direct current voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and detects a degree of deterioration of a spare part of the residual chlorine meter based on a result of the AC analysis.

2. The residual chlorine meter according to claim 1, wherein the control section compares a result of the AC analysis on the diffusion current with a result of the AC analysis on a sample signal that is obtained in advance, and thereby detects the degree of deterioration of the spare part of the residual chlorine meter.

3. The residual chlorine meter according to claim 1, wherein the control section further performs signal analysis for detecting a general tendency of a value, i.e., DC analysis, on at least either one of a motor current that flows through a motor that rotates the indicating electrode in the water sample or the diffusion current, and the control section compares a result of the DC analysis on at least either one of the motor current or the diffusion current with a result of the DC analysis on a sample signal that is obtained in advance, and thereby detects the degree of deterioration of the spare part of the residual chlorine meter.

4. The residual chlorine meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the spare part is a motor, an electrode of the indicating electrode, or a sliding contact for taking out the diffusion current from the indicating electrode.

5. The residual chlorine meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control section determines whether the spare part should be replaced based on the detected degree of deterioration, and the control section presents a result of the determination of whether the spare part should be replaced to a user.

6. The residual chlorine meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AC analysis is signal analysis for detecting periodic variation that corresponds to a rotation period of the indicating electrode.

7. A chlorine meter system that comprises a residual chlorine meter and an information processing apparatus that can communicate with the residual chlorine meter, wherein the residual chlorine meter measures a concentration of residual chlorine in a water sample, and has: an indicating electrode and a counter electrode that are immersed in the water sample; and a control section that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current that flows between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode when a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and the information processing apparatus performs signal analysis for detecting periodic variation, i.e., AC analysis, on the diffusion current when a direct current voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and detects a degree of deterioration of a spare part of the residual chlorine meter based on a result of the AC analysis.

8. A control method of a residual chlorine meter, wherein the residual chlorine meter comprises: an indicating electrode and a counter electrode that are immersed in a water sample; and a control section that measures a concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current that flows between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode when a voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and the control section performs signal analysis for detecting periodic variation, i.e., AC analysis, on the diffusion current when a direct current voltage is applied between the indicating electrode and the counter electrode, and detects a degree of deterioration of a spare part of the residual chlorine meter based on a result of the AC analysis. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ a control section that measures the concentration of residual chlorine in the water sample based on a diffusion current flowing between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode when a voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode, the control method includes: the control section performing signal analysis for detecting periodic variation, i.e., AC analysis, on the diffusion current when a direct current voltage is applied between the indicator electrode and the counter electrode, and detecting the degree of deterioration of the spare part of the residual chlorine meter based on the result of the AC analysis.

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