Transmitter, submergence determination system, program, and electric circuit

Abstract

To provide a transmitter capable of reducing an amount of consumption of power in a first battery as compared with a configuration for performing transmission always by using power from the first battery even if power is generated by reaction between a water battery body and water.SOLUTION: A transmitter 100 includes: a first battery 110; a water battery body 120B that constitutes a second battery along with water and generates power by reacting with water; a circuit section 130 for generating signals; and a transmitting section 140 for transmitting the signals generated by the circuit section 130 as electric waves. The circuit section 130 (1) generates a first signal SN1 while being driven by power supplied at predetermined timing from the first battery 110 when the water battery body 120B does not output an output voltage equal to or more than predetermined magnitude, and (2) generates a second signal SN2 while being driven by power supplied from the water battery body 120B when the water battery body 120B does not output an output voltage equal to or more than predetermined magnitude.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transmitting device, a flooding determination system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a water detection sensor for detecting water, as shown in claim 1, Figures 2, 9, etc. This water detection sensor includes a first battery which is a dry cell, a control circuit driven by the first battery, a communication unit driven by the first battery for wirelessly communicating with the outside, and a water battery which reacts with water to generate an electromotive force. The control circuit (1) transmits normal information in a first detection cycle from the communication unit when the water battery does not generate an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and (2) transmits abnormal information in a second cycle shorter than the first detection cycle from the communication unit in response to the electromotive force generated when the water battery is flooded with water when the water battery generates an electromotive force equal to or greater than the predetermined value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7194467 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The water detection sensor disclosed in Patent Document 1 drives the communication unit using power supplied from the first battery, which is a dry battery, even when the water battery does not generate an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and even when the water battery is flooded and generates an electromotive force equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In other words, even when the water battery is flooded and generating an electromotive force, the communication unit is driven by the first battery. In other words, this water detection sensor consumes power supplied from the first battery even during the period when the water battery is generating an electromotive force. Furthermore, since this water detection sensor employs the above-mentioned configuration, it is unable to transmit an abnormality signal when the water battery becomes flooded after the first battery has reached the end of its life.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a transmitting device that can reduce the amount of power consumed by the first battery, compared to a configuration that always transmits using power from the first battery, even when the water battery main body is generating power. Another object of the present invention is to provide a transmitting device that can transmit a signal that the water battery main body is generating power due to flooding, even if the first battery is no longer able to generate power for some reason. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The transmitting device of the first aspect is A first battery; A water battery body that constitutes a second battery together with water and generates electricity by reacting with water; A circuit unit electrically connected to the first battery and the water battery body and generating a signal; a transmitter electrically connected to the circuit section and configured to transmit a signal generated by the circuit section as a radio wave; Equipped with The circuit unit (1) is driven by power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body does not output an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and generates a first signal, and (2) is driven by power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body outputs an output voltage equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude, and generates a second signal.

[0007] The transmitting device of the second aspect is A first battery; A water battery body that constitutes a second battery together with water and generates electricity by reacting with water; A circuit unit electrically connected to the first battery and the water battery body and generating a signal; a transmitter electrically connected to the circuit section and configured to transmit a signal generated by the circuit section as a radio wave; Equipped with The circuit unit (1) is driven by power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body is not outputting an output voltage, and generates a first signal; (2) is driven by power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and generates a second signal; and (3) is driven by power supplied from the first battery when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage but not equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude, and generates the second signal.

[0008] The transmitting device of the third aspect is In the transmitting device of the first or second aspect, the second signal is a second signal having a plurality of pulses; In the case of (2) or in the cases of (2) and (3), the circuit section generates a second signal having the plurality of pulse numbers at a timing shorter than the determined timing.

[0009] The transmitting device of the fourth aspect is In the transmitting device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the circuit unit has a DC-DC converter, The DC-DC converter converts a voltage output from one or both of the first battery and the water battery main body into a driving voltage required to generate one or both of the first signal and the second signal.

[0010] The transmitting device of the fifth aspect is In the transmitting device according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, The second signals having a plurality of pulse numbers are generated each including information on the magnitude of the output voltage.

[0011] The transmitting device of the sixth aspect is In the transmitting device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, The first battery is a natural battery that generates electricity by converting natural energy into electrical energy.

[0012] One aspect of the flooding determination system includes: A transmitting device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects; a receiving device that receives radio waves transmitted from the transmitting unit, the receiving device determining that the water battery body is not submerged in water when the first signal is received, and determining that the water battery body is submerged in water when the second signal is received; Equipped with.

[0013] The program of the first aspect comprises: A program executed using a flooding determination system of one embodiment, The flooding determination system, (1) a signal generating function for driving the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body does not output an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby causing the circuit unit to generate a first signal; and (2) a signal generating function for driving the circuit unit with power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body outputs an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value, thereby causing the circuit unit to generate a second signal. a function of causing the transmitting unit to transmit the first signal and the second signal as radio waves; Execute the command.

[0014] The program of the second aspect is A program executed using a flooding determination system of one embodiment, Flooding assessment system (1) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body is not outputting an output voltage to generate a first signal, (2) drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the water battery main body to generate a second signal when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and (3) drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery to generate the second signal when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage but not equal to or greater than the predetermined value; a function of causing the transmitting unit to transmit the first signal and the second signal as radio waves; Execute the command. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The transmitting devices of the first to sixth aspects can reduce the power consumption of the first battery compared to a configuration that always transmits power using power from the first battery, even when the water battery main body is reacting with water to generate power. In addition, one embodiment of the flooding determination system can reduce the power consumption of the first battery compared to a configuration that always transmits power using power from the first battery, even when the water battery main body is reacting with water to generate power. In addition, the programs of the first and second aspects can reduce the amount of power consumed by the first battery compared to a configuration that always transmits power using power from the first battery, even when the water battery main body is reacting with water to generate power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a flooding determination system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of a transmitting device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of installation of a transmitting device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a water battery main body according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of a control circuit and a transmitting antenna according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between a voltage input to a control circuit and a signal generated in the control circuit according to the first and second embodiments. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram of a control circuit and a transmitting antenna according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a control flow of the first embodiment and its modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a control flow of the second embodiment and its modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] <Overview> Hereinafter, the mode for carrying out the invention will be described with reference to the first embodiment (see Figs. 1 to 5), the second embodiment (see Figs. 5 and 6), and their modified examples. Please note that in this specification, the names, symbols, etc. used in the description of the second embodiment refer to the names, symbols, etc. used in the first embodiment, and the names, symbols, etc. used in the descriptions of the modified examples refer to the names, symbols, etc. used in the first and second embodiments.

[0018] First Embodiment The function, configuration, operation, and effects of the flooding determination system FS1 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0019] <Functions and configuration of the flooding determination system of the first embodiment> 1, the flooding determination system FS1 of this embodiment includes a transmitting device 100 and a receiving device 200, and has a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitting device 100 with the receiving device 200. More specifically, the flooding determination system FS1 is configured so that the transmitting device 100, which is installed in a location where the water level changes, such as a river RV, transmits radio waves (signals) containing information that varies depending on the water level, and the receiving device 200, which is located away from the transmitting device 100, receives the signal to obtain information on the water level.

[0020] [Transmitting device] The transmitting device 100 includes a first battery 110, a water battery main unit 120, a control circuit 130 (an example of a circuit section), a transmitting antenna 140 (an example of a transmitting section), a main body case 150, and electrical wiring 160 (see Figures 1 and 2). 2A and 2B, the first battery 110, the control circuit 130, and the transmitting antenna 140 are housed in a main body case 150, and the main body case 150 is arranged in a position higher than the highest water level of the river RV (the position of the upper end of the side of the river RV) for use. In contrast, the water battery main unit 120 is connected to the control circuit 130 by electrical wiring 160, and is fixed to the side of the river RV for use. The reason why the transmitting device 100 is arranged in the river RV in such a characteristic configuration will be described later.

[0021] (1st battery) The first battery 110 is electrically connected to the control circuit 130, and in principle has a function of driving the control circuit 130. The first battery 110 is, for example, a nickel battery, a lithium ion battery, a solar cell, or another battery other than a water battery. The first battery 110 is a battery with a longer life than a water battery 120C (an example of a second battery constituted by the water battery main body 120B together with water (see FIG. 2B)) described later. When the first cell 110 is a solar cell, the first cell 110 corresponds to a natural cell that generates power by converting natural energy (in this case, as an example, sunlight) into electrical energy.

[0022] (Water battery main unit) The water battery main unit 120 has a fixing case 120A (see Figs. 2A and 2B) and a water battery main body 120B (see Fig. 3). The water battery main body 120B is housed in the fixing case 120A.

[0023] 2A and 2B, the fixing case 120A is fixed to an artificially determined position on the side of the river RV, for example. Here, the artificially determined position is, for example, a position above the normal water level of the river RV (see the water level of the river RV in FIG. 2A) and at a position where the river RV is likely to flood soon (see the water level of the river RV in FIG. 2B). For example, the fixing case 120A is formed with a plurality of through holes or slits (not shown). Therefore, when the water level of the river RV rises and the fixing case 120A is submerged in water (see FIG. 2B), water enters the fixing case 120A through the plurality of through holes or slits.

[0024] As described above, the water battery main body 120B is electrically connected to the control circuit 130 via the electrical wiring 160. While the first battery 110 essentially drives the control circuit 130, the water battery main body 120B exceptionally has the function of driving the control circuit 130. The technical meaning of "exceptionally" here will be explained in the explanation of the effects of the first embodiment described below.

[0025] The water battery main body 120B has a metal electrode 20A, an air electrode 20B, and a separator 20C. As an example, the metal electrode 20A, the air electrode 20B, and the separator 20C are each formed in a rectangular sheet shape, and are stacked in the order of the air electrode 20B, the separator 20C, and the metal electrode 20A. The metal electrode 20A is, for example, composed of one or more materials selected from magnesium (Mg), Mg alloy, zinc (Zn), Zn alloy, aluminum (Al), and Al alloy. The air electrode 20B is, for example, composed of a current collector and a catalyst layer (reaction section) in close contact with one surface of the current collector. The air electrode 20B is in close contact with the separator 20C via the catalyst layer. The separator 20C is formed of a material having (1) electrical insulation, (2) ion permeability, and (3) liquid permeability, and is, for example, composed of a nonwoven fabric, a woven fabric, a porous thin film, or the like.

[0026] Here, when it is assumed that the main material of the metal electrode 20A is magnesium (Mg), the details of the oxidation-reduction reaction between water and the water battery main body 120B are as follows. When the fixing case 120A is immersed in water (see FIG. 2B) and water gets inside it, and as a result, the water penetrates into the separator 20C, an oxidation reaction shown in the following (1) occurs in the metal electrode 20A. Also, a reduction reaction shown in the following (2) occurs in the air electrode 20B. As a result, the water battery main body 120B and water constitute a water battery 120C (see FIG. 2B), and the reaction shown in the following (3) occurs, generating electricity (discharging). (1) 2Mg → 2Mg 2+ +4e - (2)O 2 +2H 2 O+4e - → 4OH - (3) 2Mg+O 2 +2H 2 O → 2Mg(OH) 2 In this embodiment, the current value is set so that the output voltage of the water battery 120C is, for example, about 1.2 (V).

[0027] (Control circuit and transmitting antenna) As shown in FIG. 4, the control circuit 130 includes a control chip 131, a capacitor 132, a first switch chip 133, a transistor 134, a diode 135, a second switch chip 136, and the like. 1 and 4, the control circuit 130 is electrically connected to the first cell 110 and the water cell main body 120B, and has a function of generating a signal by being driven by power supplied therefrom. More specifically, the control circuit 130 is configured to (1) be driven by power supplied from the first cell 110 at a predetermined timing (for example, once a day) when the water cell main body 120B is not outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined level, to generate a first signal SN1, and (2) be driven by power supplied from the water cell main body 120B when the water cell main body 120B is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined level, to generate a second signal SN2.

[0028] The first signal SN1 and the second signal SN2 are each a signal having a plurality of pulses. In addition, when the second signal SN2 is generated, that is, in the above case (2), the control circuit 130 is configured to generate the second signal SN2 at a timing shorter than the timing at which the first signal SN1 is generated. Moreover, the control circuit 130 is configured to generate the second signal SN2, which is a signal having a plurality of pulse numbers, so that each of the second signals SN2 includes information on the magnitude of the output voltage of the water battery 120C.

[0029] 1 and 4, the transmitting antenna 140 is electrically connected to the control circuit 130 and has a function of transmitting signals (first signal SN1 and second signal SN2) generated by the control circuit 130 as radio waves. Here, the radio wave obtained by modulating the first signal SN1 is referred to as the first radio wave WV1, and the radio wave obtained by modulating the second signal SN2 is referred to as the second radio wave WV2.

[0030] [Receiving device] The receiving device 200 is a receiving device that receives radio waves (first radio waves WV1 and second radio waves WV2) transmitted from the transmitting antenna 140, and has the function of determining that the water battery main body 120B is not submerged in water when it receives the first signal SN1 (first radio waves WV1), and determining that the water battery main body 120B is submerged in water when it receives the second signal SN2 (second radio waves WV2). As shown in FIG. 1, the receiving device 200 includes a receiving antenna 210, a receiving circuit 220, and an analyzing section 230. The receiving antenna 210 has a function of receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitting antenna 140 (the first radio wave WV1 and the second radio wave WV2). The receiving circuit 220 has a function of decoding the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 210 . The analysis unit 230 is, for example, a computer, and has a function of analyzing the type of the signal received by the receiving antenna 210 from the signal generated by the receiving circuit 220 through decoding.

[0031] The above is a description of the functions and configuration of the flooding determination system FS1 of the first embodiment.

[0032] <Operation of the flooding determination system of the first embodiment> Next, the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0033] [Normal time] First, the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 in normal times will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, normal times refers to a case where the river RV maintains a water level at which there is no risk of immediate flooding, as shown in FIG. 2A. The normal times correspond to a case where the first battery 110 drives the control circuit 130. In this case, the water level of the river RV is located below the fixed position of the water battery main unit 120.

[0034] First, the operation of the flood detection system FS1 under normal circumstances is outlined below. As an example, the transmitting device 100 transmits a first radio wave WV1 including information of the first signal SN1 once a day (see FIG. 2A). Next, the receiving device 200 receives the first radio wave WV1. As a result, the receiving device 200 determines that the water battery 120C is not generating power, in other words, that the river RV is not flooded at the location in the river RV where the water battery main unit 120 is fixed.

[0035] Next, the details of the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 under normal circumstances are as follows (see FIG. 4). In the transmitting device 100, the charge from the first battery 110 is stored in the capacitor 132. In this case, the second switch chip 136 is connected in advance under the control of the control chip 131. When the charge of the capacitor 132 is stored up to its capacitance, the first switch chip 133 is turned on. Next, when the first switch chip 133 is turned on, the first battery 110 is connected to the input terminal Vin of the control chip 131, driving power is supplied, and the control chip 131 is turned on. Next, the control chip 131 outputs a measurement signal from the output terminal Vo1 to measure the output voltage of the water battery main body 120B. Normally, the water battery main body 120B does not output a voltage (because it does not constitute the water battery 120C together with water), so the control chip 131 measures the voltage to be about 0 (V). Here, in this embodiment, the control chip 131 stores the voltage of the determined magnitude as 0.7 (V) as an example (see FIG. 5). The control chip 131 does not normally measure a voltage greater than a predetermined value when measuring the voltage of the water battery main body 120B. When the control chip 131 obtains this measurement result, it generates a first signal SN1. Next, the transmitting antenna 140 receives the first signal SN1 generated by the control circuit 130 and transmits it as a first radio wave WV1 (see FIG. 4). Next, when a gate signal is output from output terminal Vo2 of control chip 131 to transistor 134 to turn on transistor 134, charged capacitor 132 is grounded and discharged, and first switch chip 133 is turned off.

[0036] Next, in the receiving device 200, the receiving antenna 210 receives the first radio wave WV1 transmitted from the transmitting antenna 140 (see FIG. 1), the receiving circuit 220 decodes the first radio wave WV1, and the analysis unit 230 analyzes the type of signal received by the receiving antenna 210 from the signal decoded and generated by the receiving circuit 220 (in this case, the first signal SN1). As a result of the above, under normal circumstances, the analysis unit 230 determines that the river RV has not flooded (there is currently no risk of flooding).

[0037] [At abnormal times] Next, the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 in an abnormal state will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, an abnormal state refers to a state in which the water level of the river RV has risen significantly from the normal water level (see FIG. 2A) as shown in FIG. 2B, and the water level of the river RV is maintained at a position where there is a risk of the river RV flooding. An abnormal state corresponds to a state in which the water battery 120C drives the control circuit 130.

[0038] First, the operation of the flood detection system FS1 in an emergency is outlined below. When the water battery main body 120B is immersed in the water of the river RV, it becomes a water battery 120C together with the water, and as a result, the transmitting device 100 transmits a second radio wave WV2 including information of the second signal SN2 (see FIG. 2B). Next, the receiving device 200 receives the second radio wave WV2. As a result, the receiving device 200 determines that the water battery 120C is generating power, in other words, that the river RV is likely to flood soon at the location in the river RV where the water battery main unit 120 is fixed.

[0039] Next, the details of the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 under normal circumstances are as follows (see FIG. 4). The water battery main body 120B, submerged in the water of the river RV with a rising water level, becomes the water battery 120C together with the water, and as a result, the water battery 120C generates electricity. In this case, exceptionally to the normal state, the power from the water battery 120C is connected to the input terminal Vin of the control chip 131 via the diode 135 to supply driving power, and the control chip 131 is turned on. Next, the control chip 131 outputs a measurement signal from the output terminal Vo1 to measure the output voltage of the water battery 120C. Then, when the control chip 131 measures the voltage of the water battery 120C and measures a voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it generates a second signal SN2. Next, the transmitting antenna 140 receives the second signal SN2 generated by the control circuit 130 and transmits it as a second radio wave WV2 at a timing shorter than that of the first radio wave WV1 (see FIG. 4). Here, the timing shorter than that of the first radio wave WV1 is, for example, once every hour, once every 30 minutes, etc.

[0040] Next, in the receiving device 200, the receiving antenna 210 receives the second radio wave WV2 transmitted from the transmitting antenna 140 (see FIG. 1), the receiving circuit 220 decodes the second radio wave WV2, and the analysis unit 230 analyzes the type of signal received by the receiving antenna 210 from the signal decoded and generated by the receiving circuit 220 (in this case, the second signal SN2). As a result of the above, in the event of an abnormality, the analysis unit 230 determines that there is a risk that the river RV will soon flood.

[0041] The above is a description of the operation of the flooding determination system FS1 of the first embodiment.

[0042] <Advantages of the First Embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0043] [First effect] The transmitting device 100 of this embodiment includes a first battery 110, a water battery main body 120B, a control circuit 130, and a transmitting antenna 140, and the control circuit 130 (1) is driven by power supplied from the first battery 110 at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body 120B does not output an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, to generate a first signal SN1, and (2) is driven by power supplied from the water battery main body 120B (or water battery 120C) to generate a second signal SN2 when the water battery main body 120B outputs an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude (see Figures 7 and 8). That is, the transmitting device 100 of the present embodiment does not consume power from the first battery 110 when generating the second signal SN2. In contrast, in the case of the configuration of Patent Document 1 mentioned above, even when the water battery main body (or the water battery) is generating power, the control circuit is always driven and transmits power using power from the first battery. Therefore, the transmitting device 100 and flooding determination system FS1 of this embodiment can reduce the amount of power consumed by the first battery 110 compared to a configuration that always transmits using power from the first battery, even when the water battery main body (or water battery) is generating power.

[0044] [Second Effect] Furthermore, if the water battery body (or the water battery) is configured to always transmit power using power from the first battery even when the water battery body (or the water battery) is generating power, the second signal SN2 cannot be transmitted if the first battery is no longer able to generate power due to its lifespan or the like. In contrast, the transmitting device 100 and flooding determination system FS1 of this embodiment can transmit the second signal SN2 even if the first battery 110 is unable to generate power for some reason, because the water battery main body 120B is generating power due to flooding.

[0045] [Third Effect] Furthermore, the transmitting device 100 of this embodiment generates the second signal SN2 with a plurality of pulses at a timing shorter than once a day, which is the set timing at which the control circuit 130 transmits the first radio wave WV1 including information on the first signal SN1. In other words, the timing of transmission of the second radio wave WV2 in an abnormal state is shorter than the timing of transmission of the first radio wave WV1 in a normal state. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the situation can be judged or understood more accurately than when the transmission timing of the second radio wave WV2 is the same as the transmission timing of the first radio wave WV1.

[0046] [Fourth Effect] Furthermore, in the transmitting device 100 of this embodiment, the second signal SN2 is generated to include information on the magnitude of the output voltage. That is, the second signal SN2 includes information on the magnitude of the output voltage of the water battery 120C. As described above, in this embodiment, the analysis unit 230 compares and analyzes information of a plurality of second signals SN2 previously received by the receiving device 200, so that, for example, the deterioration degree of the water battery main body 120B can be grasped.

[0047] [Fifth Effect] Furthermore, in transmitting device 100 of this embodiment, as described above, first battery 110 can be a natural battery such as a solar cell. In this case, the product life of transmitting device 100 can be made longer than when first battery 110 is a dry cell or the like.

[0048] The above is a description of the effects of the first embodiment. Also, the above is a description of the first embodiment.

[0049] Second Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, operation, and effects of a flooding determination system FS2 of a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Regarding this embodiment, only the parts that differ from the above-described first embodiment (see Figures 1 to 5) will be described.

[0050] <Functions and configuration of the flooding determination system according to the second embodiment> The flooding determination system FS2 of this embodiment differs from the flooding determination system FS1 of the first embodiment in that the control circuit 130 and transmitting antenna 140 of the transmitting device 100 of the first embodiment are replaced with a control circuit 130A (another example of a circuit section) and a transmitting board 140A (another example of a transmitting section) of the transmitting device 100A, respectively (see Figure 6).

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the control circuit 130A of this embodiment includes a control chip 131A, a transistor 132A, an analog switch 133A, a diode 134A, a diode 135A, and the like. 6, the control circuit 130A is electrically connected to the first battery 110 and the water battery main body 120B, and has a function of generating a signal by being driven by power supplied therefrom. More specifically, the control circuit 130A is configured to (1) generate a first signal SN1 by being driven by power supplied from the first battery 110 at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body 120B is not outputting an output voltage, (2) generate a second signal SN2 by being driven by power supplied from the water battery main body 120B when the water battery main body 120B is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and (3) generate the second signal SN2 by being driven by power supplied from the first battery 110 when the water battery main body 120B is outputting an output voltage but is not equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude. As described above, the functions of this embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment in that a first signal SN1 is generated in case (1) and a second signal SN2 is generated in case (2). However, this embodiment differs in that a second signal SN2 is generated in case (3). The differences between the transmitting board 140A and the transmitting antenna 140 will be described later.

[0052] <Operation of the flooding determination system according to the second embodiment> Next, the operation of the flooding determination system FS2 of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] [Normal time] In the transmitting device 100, the voltage output from the first battery 110 at a set timing is input to the input terminal Vin of the control chip 131A via the analog switch 133A that is normally connected (so-called normally closed), and the control chip 131A is turned on. Next, the transmission board 140A checks the A / D value during the period while opening the analog switch 133A for, for example, 0.5 (s) to 1.0 (s). In this case, if the water battery 120C is not outputting, the A / D value is approximately 0 (V), and if the water battery 120C is outputting, the output voltage is detected as the A / D value. Since this is a normal time, the A / D value during the period when the analog switch 133A is open will indicate approximately 0 (V). As a result, the control circuit 130A and the transmission board 140A recognize that the input voltage is from the first battery 110. Next, the control chip 131A generates a first signal SN1, and further, the transmission board 140A receives the first signal SN1 generated by the control circuit 130A and transmits it as a first radio wave WV1. The subsequent operation of the receiving device 200 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0054] [At abnormal times] In this case, the voltage output by the water battery 120C is input to the input terminal Vin of the control chip 131A via the diode 134A, turning on the control chip 131A. At the same time, the voltage output by the water battery 120C turns on the transistor 132A, and inputs it to the transmission board 140A while keeping the analog switch 133A open for, for example, 0.5 (s) to 1.0 (s). As a result, when an abnormality occurs while the water battery 120C is outputting, the output voltage is detected as an A / D value. Next, if the detected A / D value is a voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude (the voltage of the predetermined magnitude is, for example, 0.7 (V)), the control chip 131A receives power from the water battery 120C to generate a second signal SN2, and the transmission board 140A receives power from the water battery 120C while receiving the second signal SN2 generated by the control circuit 130A and transmits it as a second radio wave WV2. On the other hand, if the detected A / D value is not a voltage equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude, the control chip 131A receives power from the first battery 110 to generate a second signal SN2, and the transmission board 140A receives power from the first battery 110 while receiving the second signal SN2 generated by the control circuit 130A and transmits it as a second radio wave WV2. The subsequent operation of the receiving device 200 is similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0055] This concludes the description of the operation of the flooding determination system FS2 of the second embodiment.

[0056] <Effects of the second embodiment> Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described. This embodiment differs from the above-described first embodiment in that it is configured to function in the above-described case (3), i.e., to be driven by power supplied from the first battery 110 to generate a second signal SN2 when the water battery main body 120B is outputting an output voltage but not an output voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined magnitude (see FIG. 5). In the case of this embodiment, due to such characteristics, even if the output performance of the water battery main body 120B decreases due to some cause (for example, deterioration due to reuse of the water battery main body 120B), the second signal SN2 can be transmitted using the power of the first battery 110. Other effects of this embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment described above.

[0057] The above is a description of the second embodiment.

[0058] As described above, the present invention has been described using the first and second embodiments as examples, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The technical scope of the present invention also includes, for example, the following modified examples.

[0059] For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the determined timing is once a day, but it may be twice a day, once every six hours, or the like, so long as the determined timing is regular.

[0060] Furthermore, for example, the control circuits 130, 130A may be equipped with a DC-DC converter, and the voltage output from one or both of the first battery 110 and the water battery main body 120B (or the water battery 120C) may be transformed by the DC-DC converter to convert it into a driving voltage required for the control circuits 130, 130A to generate one or both of the first signal SN1 and the second signal SN2.

[0061] Also, for example, in the first and second embodiments, the functions in the above-mentioned cases (1) and (2), or the functions in the above-mentioned cases (1), (2), and (3) are mainly realized by the circuit configuration of the control circuits 130 and 130A, but they may be realized by a program written in the control chips 131 and 131A. In other words, the first and second embodiments may be realized using a control circuit different from the control circuits 130 and 130A of each embodiment. Furthermore, in other words, in the first embodiment, it is sufficient to realize the flow S1 shown in FIG. 7, and in the second embodiment, it is sufficient to realize the flow S2 shown in FIG. 8.

[0062] Also, for example, in the first embodiment, a command from the analysis unit 230 (an example of a computer) included in the receiving device 200 may be sent to the transmitting device 100 by wireless signal to control the transmitting device 100 (including its modified examples). In this case, each function may be realized by a program PG1 that realizes a flow as shown in FIG. Similarly, in the second embodiment, each function may be realized by a program PG2 that realizes a flow as shown in FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 20A metal pole 20B Air electrode 20C Separator 100 Transmitting Device 100A transmitter 110 First Battery 120 Water battery main unit 120A Fixing Case 120B Water battery body 120C water battery 130 Control circuit 130A Control Circuit 131 Control Chip 131A Control Chip 132 Capacitor 132A Transistor 133 First Switch Chip 133A Analog Switch 134 Transistor 134A Diode 135 Diode 135A Diode 136 Second Switch Chip 140 Transmitting Antenna 140A Transmitter Board 150 Main unit case 160 Electrical wiring 200 Receiving device 210 Receiving antenna 220 Receiving circuit 230 Analysis Department FS1 Flood Judgment System FS2 Flood Judgment System PG1 Program PG2 Program RV River SN1 1st signal S1 Flow of the first embodiment S2 Flow of the second embodiment SN2 Second signal Vin input terminal WV1 1st radio wave WV2 2nd radio wave

Claims

1. A first battery; a water battery body which constitutes a second battery together with water and generates electricity by reacting with water; A circuit unit electrically connected to the first battery and the water battery body and generating a signal; a transmitter electrically connected to the circuit section and configured to transmit a signal generated by the circuit section as a radio wave; Equipped with The circuit unit (1) is driven by power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body does not output an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined value, and generates a first signal; and (2) is driven by power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body outputs an output voltage equal to or greater than the predetermined value, and generates a second signal. Transmitting device.

2. A first battery; a water battery body which constitutes a second battery together with water and generates electricity by reacting with water; A circuit unit electrically connected to the first battery and the water battery body and generating a signal; a transmitter electrically connected to the circuit section and configured to transmit a signal generated by the circuit section as a radio wave; Equipped with The circuit unit (1) is driven by power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body is not outputting an output voltage, and generates a first signal; (2) is driven by power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude, and generates a second signal; and (3) is driven by power supplied from the first battery when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage but not equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude, and generates the second signal. Transmitting device.

3. the second signal is a second signal having a plurality of pulses, the circuit unit generates a second signal having the plurality of pulse numbers at a timing shorter than the predetermined timing in the case of (2) or in the cases of (2) and (3). The transmitting device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The circuit unit has a DC-DC converter, The DC-DC converter converts a voltage output from one or both of the first battery and the water battery body into a driving voltage required to generate one or both of the first signal and the second signal. The transmitting device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The circuit unit has a DC-DC converter, The DC-DC converter converts a voltage output from one or both of the first battery and the water battery body into a driving voltage required to generate one or both of the first signal and the second signal. The transmitting device according to claim 3.

6. The second signal having a plurality of pulse numbers is generated so as to include information on the magnitude of the output voltage. The transmitting device according to claim 3.

7. The first battery is a natural battery that converts natural energy into electrical energy to generate electricity. The transmitting device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. A transmitting device according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 7, which cites only claim 1; a receiving device for receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitting unit, the receiving device determining that the water battery body is not submerged in water when the first signal is received, and determining that the water battery body is submerged in water when the second signal is received; A flood detection system equipped with

9. A transmitting device according to claim 7, which relies on claim 2 of claim 7; a receiving device for receiving radio waves transmitted from the transmitting unit, the receiving device determining that the water battery body is not submerged in water when the first signal is received, and determining that the water battery body is submerged in water when the second signal is received; A flood detection system equipped with

10. A program executed by the flooding determination system according to claim 8, The flooding determination system, (1) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body does not output an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined level, causing the circuit unit to generate a first signal; and (2) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the water battery main body when the water battery main body outputs an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined level, causing the circuit unit to generate a second signal. a function of causing the transmitting unit to transmit the first signal and the second signal as radio waves; Execute the program.

11. A program executed by the flooding determination system according to claim 9, Flooding assessment system (1) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery at a predetermined timing when the water battery main body is not outputting an output voltage to generate a first signal; (2) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the water battery main body to generate a second signal when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude; and (3) a signal generating function that drives the circuit unit with power supplied from the first battery to generate the second signal when the water battery main body is outputting an output voltage but not equal to or greater than the predetermined magnitude. a function of causing the transmitting unit to transmit the first signal and the second signal as radio waves; Execute the program.

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