Moisture detection device, moisture detection system, and moisture detection method

Abstract

To provide a moisture detection device which is capable of self-generating power and is highly versatile, and to provide a moisture detection system and moisture detection method.SOLUTION: A moisture detection device is provided, including: a power generation unit comprising anodes, cathodes, and a detection unit in contact with the anodes and cathodes, and being configured to generate power when a liquid including water permeates the detection unit, and a transmission unit electrically connected to the anodes and cathodes and configured to transmit a signal to an external device using an electromotive force of the power generation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a moisture detection device, a moisture detection system, and a moisture detection method. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various water leak detection devices for minimizing damage caused by water leaks in buildings, etc. For example, a water leak detection device capable of self-power generation, which does not require an external power source, is known. Examples of water leak detection devices capable of self-power generation include those with the following configurations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a detection data transmission and aggregation system using a self-powered water leak detection sensor, which includes a self-powered water leak detection sensor that generates electricity in response to water leaks in underground facilities, a wireless transmitter that transmits detection data using the voltage generated by the self-powered water leak detection sensor as a power source, and an alarm device with a wireless receiver that receives the data transmitted from the wireless transmitter.The self-powered water leak detection sensor has a container that receives leaked water, and inside this container a pair of electrodes with different ionization tendencies are arranged facing each other.It describes that when water leaks into the container, the leaked water behaves as an electrolyte, and the difference in ionization tendencies of the pair of electrodes allows the container to function as a battery.

[0004] Patent document 2 describes a water leakage detection device that includes a waterproof covering portion having an opening, a water conveying portion that is disposed within the covering portion and conveys water leaking from the opening, a power generating portion that is disposed within the covering portion and generates electricity in response to water leaking from the water conveying portion, and an output portion that operates based on the power supply from the power generating portion.

[0005] Patent document 3 describes a water leak detection sensor that includes a liquid suction part that sucks up liquid by capillary action, a power generation member that is located opposite the inner surface of the liquid suction part and generates electricity using the liquid, and a transmission module that is activated by the power generated by the power generation member and transmits a notification indicating the detection of a water leak using an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication method. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-167551 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-85819 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-12588 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Damage caused by water leaks and other factors can be serious not only for buildings but also for various objects, large and small. In addition, objects are often moved around during use, so a moisture detection device that does not require an external power source would be useful for such objects.

[0008] However, the self-powered water leak detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 requires a certain amount of water in the container that receives the leak. Also, the self-powered water leak detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 not only requires a certain amount of depth in order to install the container, but also makes it difficult to use the container in an inclined position, making it difficult to apply to thin objects such as carpets, flexible objects, or objects that can assume various positions.

[0009] Similarly, the configuration described in Patent Document 2 is difficult to apply to thin articles, flexible articles, or articles that can assume various positions due to the water guide portion.

[0010] In the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the liquid suction part utilizes capillary action, so it is necessary to provide a gap between the liquid suction part and the object to which it is placed. Also, the liquid suction part has a thin gap or narrow tube for the liquid to pass through, but if the liquid suction part deforms, the gap closes and the liquid cannot pass through, or the gap becomes too large and capillary action cannot be utilized, which is a problem and makes it difficult to apply this to articles, particularly articles that deform.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a moisture detection device, a moisture detection system, and a moisture detection method that are capable of self-power generation and are highly versatile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present disclosure includes the following aspects. <1> a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, the power generation unit generating electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; a transmitter electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and configured to transmit a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the power generation unit; A moisture detection device comprising: <2> the detection unit includes a fuel substance, the anode includes a substance that promotes oxidation of the fuel substance included in the detection unit, and the cathode includes a substance that promotes a reduction reaction of oxygen; and cations generated by the oxidation reaction at the anode are transported to the cathode via water that has permeated the detection unit. <1> The moisture detection device according to claim 1. <3> the power generating unit is formed on a flexible substrate; <1> or <2> The moisture detection device described in . <4> a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a device with which it can communicate; The signal transmitted from the transmitter includes the identification information. <1> ~ <3> 10. The moisture detection device according to claim 9, wherein: <5> The power generating device includes a cartridge having the power generating unit and a relay unit having the transmitting unit, and the cartridge and the relay unit are separably connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. <1> ~ <4> 10. The moisture detection device according to claim 9, wherein: <6> a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, the power generation unit generating electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; a notification unit electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, which notifies a user that a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit by an electromotive force of the power generation unit; A moisture detection device comprising: <7> <1> a moisture detection device according to a user terminal that is communicatively connected to the moisture detection device and includes a notification unit that notifies a user that a liquid including water has permeated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit; Moisture detection system. <8> A plurality of the moisture detection devices are provided, each of the moisture detection devices includes a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying the moisture detection device to a device with which the moisture detection device can communicate; the signal transmitted from the transmitter includes the identification information; the user terminal notifies the user of which of the plurality of moisture detection devices a liquid including water has penetrated into the detection unit of the moisture detection device based on the identification information. <7> The moisture detection system according to claim 1. <9> further comprising a host computer; Each of the moisture detection devices is connected to the host computer so as to be able to communicate with each other; the host computer and the user terminal are communicatively connected; the host computer includes a determination unit that, upon receiving a signal from the moisture detection device, generates, based on identification information included in the signal, identification information for identifying the moisture detection device that transmitted the signal; The host computer transmits a signal including the specific information to the user terminal; <8> The moisture detection system according to claim 1. <10> Each of the moisture detection devices includes a cartridge having the power generation unit and a relay unit having the transmission unit and the storage unit, and the cartridge and the relay unit are separably connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. <8> or <9> The moisture detection system according to claim 1. <11> A moisture detection method characterized by comprising: a transmission step of transmitting a signal using the electromotive force of a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit, which generates electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; and a notification step of causing a notification unit to notify a user that a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted in the transmission step. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a moisture detection device, a moisture detection system, and a moisture detection method that are capable of self-power generation and are applicable to a variety of items. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a moisture detection device and a moisture detection system according to an example of a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a more detailed configuration of a power generation unit provided in the moisture detection device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection device and a moisture detection system according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection device according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection device and a moisture detection system according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a moisture detection system according to an example of a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a moisture detection system according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a moisture detection system according to a second modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the moisture detection system according to the first and second embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. In the following embodiments, components are not essential unless otherwise specified.

[0016] When describing embodiments with reference to the drawings in this disclosure, the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the sizes of components in each drawing are conceptual. Therefore, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and top-to-bottom dimensional ratios of each component and the front-to-back, left-to-right, and top-to-bottom dimensional ratios between components are not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings.

[0017] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, the number of each component element of the present disclosure is not limited to one, and may be present in plural. Note that in the following description of the drawings, similar parts are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0018] In the following description, "permeated by liquids including water" means that the power generating unit described below wets the detection unit and / or contains liquids including water to a sufficient extent to drive the transmitting unit.

[0019] 1. First Embodiment 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a moisture detection device and a moisture detection system according to an example of the first embodiment. Note that the configuration shown here is merely an example and can be modified as appropriate within the scope in which the object of the present invention can be achieved.

[0020] The moisture detection system 1 includes a moisture detection device 10 and a user terminal 20 communicably connected to the moisture detection device 10.

[0021] [1-1. Moisture detection device] The moisture detection device 10 includes a substrate 100, a power generation unit 110, and a transmission unit 120. In addition to these components, the moisture detection device 10 may also include, for example, an amplifier, an A / D converter, a power supply IC, etc. between the power generation unit 110 and the transmission unit 120.

[0022] The substrate 100 is sheet-shaped, and each component of the moisture detection device 10, including the electrical circuits (including wiring 112, 114), is formed on a main surface thereof. Although not particularly limited, when the moisture detection device 10 is applied to a soft or deformable article, the substrate 100 is preferably flexible. Furthermore, the power generation unit 110, which is formed by laminating the anode 101, cathode 102, and detection unit 103 described below on the substrate 100, is also preferably flexible. This is to allow the substrate 100 and power generation unit 110 to easily follow deformation of the article. Examples of the substrate 100 include, but are not limited to, paper, woven fabric, nonwoven fabric, resin film, porous material, resin substrate, and glass epoxy substrate.

[0023] The electric circuit formed on the substrate 100 preferably has a configuration for preventing a short circuit between the anode 101 and the cathode 102, which will be described later, even if a liquid containing water adheres to the moisture detection device. Specific configurations for preventing a short circuit in the electric circuit include, but are not limited to, a configuration in which an insulating material such as a resist is applied to required locations, and a configuration in which required locations are covered with a protective film or the like.

[0024] The power generation unit 110 includes an anode 101, a cathode 102, and a detection unit 103. The power generation unit 110 generates electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103. An example of the configuration of the power generation unit 110 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, but the configuration is not limited to this.

[0025] The transmitting unit 120 is electrically connected to the anode 101 and the cathode 102. The transmitting unit 120 transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the power generating unit 110. The transmitting unit 120 includes a transmitter. The transmitter may be, for example, a chip antenna or a pattern formed on a substrate. One example of an external device is the user terminal 20 described below, but the transmitting unit 120 may also transmit a signal to other devices. The signal may be transmitted from the transmitting unit 120 to the user terminal 20 by, for example, an electrical signal via an electric wire or the like, or by electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or light.

[0026] The transmitter 120 may include a converter that converts the output from the power generator 110 into an input suitable for operating the transmitter. Examples of the converter include, but are not limited to, a boost circuit, a high-voltage circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, a relaxation circuit, and a combination of these circuits.

[0027] Although not particularly limited, as an example, the substrate 100 may have a thickness of about 10 μm to 500 μm, the detection unit 103 may have a thickness of about 10 μm to 500 μm, and the anode 101 and cathode 102 may have a thickness of about 10 μm to 300 μm. The power generation unit 110 as a whole may have a thickness of about 30 μm to 1000 μm.

[0028] [1-2. User terminal] User terminal 20 includes a notification unit 21, an input unit 22, a calculation unit 23, a storage unit 24, and a receiving unit 25. Depending on the specifications, user terminal 20 may not include all of these components, or may include components other than these components.

[0029] The notification unit 21 notifies the user that the detection unit 103 has become wet, based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 120. The notification unit 21 may include, for example, a display device such as a display, a light-emitting device, a device such as a buzzer or a speaker, or two or more of these devices.

[0030] The input unit 22 may be a user interface, or may be configured to receive input from an external device. When the input unit 22 is a user interface, examples include a keyboard and a touch panel. When the input unit 22 is a touch panel, the notification unit 21 and the input unit 22 may be integrated.

[0031] The calculation unit 23 processes information input to the user terminal. Examples of the calculation unit 23 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The storage unit 24 stores programs, information required for executing programs, and the like. Examples of the storage unit 24 include a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0032] Receiving section 25 receives the signal sent from transmitting section 120 of moisture detecting device 10. The received signal is sent to calculating section 23 via, for example, an interface or the like.

[0033] In the user terminal 20, for example, the calculation unit 23 reads a program stored in the storage unit 24, which causes the calculation unit 23 to process a signal from the transmission unit 120 of the moisture detection device 10, and the notification unit 21 notifies the user of information based on the generated signal. Information notified by the notification unit 21 may include, but is not limited to, information that the moisture detection device 10 has detected moisture, and may further display the amount of moisture, etc.

[0034] Furthermore, the output of the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 120 may be changed depending on the electromotive force of the power generating unit 110. The magnitude of the electromotive force of the power generating unit 110 may change based on at least one of the amount of liquid that has permeated the detection unit 103, the composition of the liquid, and the extent to which the liquid has permeated the detection unit 103, for example. In this case, the user terminal 20 can determine the amount of liquid that has permeated the detection unit 103, the composition of the liquid, and the extent to which the liquid has permeated the detection unit 103, based on the output of the signal (corresponding to the magnitude of the electromotive force) received from the transmitting unit 120, and notify the user of the necessary information via the notifying unit 21. The determination may be made by the calculating unit 23 or by a determining unit such as a comparison circuit.

[0035] Although not shown, the moisture detection device 10 may include a conversion means between the power generation unit 110 and the transmission unit 120 that converts the output from the power generation unit 110 into an input suitable for operating the transmitter. Examples of the conversion means include, but are not limited to, a boost circuit, a high-voltage circuit, an analog-to-digital conversion circuit, a relaxation circuit, and a circuit that combines these circuits.

[0036] [1-3. Power Generation Section] (Example of a power generation unit) 2 is a diagram showing an example of a more detailed configuration of the power generation unit provided in the moisture detection device 10. An example of a power generation unit 110 having such a configuration is an enzyme cell (biofuel cell). The power generation unit 110 described here has a configuration as an enzyme cell, but this is merely an example, and the power generation unit is not limited to this as long as it is configured to generate electricity when the detection unit 103 contains moisture.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 , the power generation unit 110 includes an anode 101 and a cathode 102. The anode 101 and the cathode 102 each constitute an electrode of an enzyme cell (biofuel cell). The anode 101 and the cathode 102 are formed on a substrate 100 and, for example, have a long strip shape in a plan view. The multiple anodes 101 and the multiple cathodes 102 are alternately spaced apart in a direction approximately perpendicular to the long length direction so that their longitudinal ends are adjacent to each other. The multiple anodes 101 are arranged such that one end in the long length direction protrudes beyond the multiple cathodes 102, and each one end is connected by a wiring 112. The multiple cathodes 102 are arranged such that the other end in the long length direction protrudes beyond the multiple anodes 101, and each other end is connected by a wiring 114.

[0038] The wiring portion of the wiring 112 that connects the plurality of anodes 101 may be formed by the anodes 101 themselves. Furthermore, the wiring portion of the wiring 114 that connects the plurality of cathodes 102 may be formed by the cathodes 102 themselves.

[0039] The anode 101 contains a substance that promotes the oxidation of a fuel substance contained in the detection unit 103, which will be described later. The anode 101 contains, for example, an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of a fuel substance contained in the detection unit 103. The anode 101 may also contain a conductive material, a binder, and the like. The form of the anode 101 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a printed pattern formed on the substrate 100 and a film adhered to the substrate 100. The anode 101 may have, for example, a comb-shaped pattern as shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this.

[0040] The cathode 102 includes a substance that promotes the oxygen reduction reaction. The cathode 102 includes, for example, an enzyme that promotes the oxygen reduction. The cathode 102 may also include a conductive material, a binder, and the like. The shape of the cathode 102 is not particularly limited, but examples thereof include a printed pattern formed on the substrate 100 and a film adhered to the substrate 100. The cathode 102 may have, for example, a comb-shaped pattern as shown in FIG. 1, but is not limited to this.

[0041] The detection unit 103 is in contact with the anode 101 and the cathode 102. The detection unit 103 is constantly in contact with the anode 101 and the cathode 102. In this embodiment, the detection unit 103 is formed as a layer that covers the entire area where the anode 101 and the cathode 102 are disposed. The detection unit 103 contains a fuel substance for the enzyme cell (biofuel cell). The fuel substance is a substance whose oxidation is promoted by the enzyme contained in the anode 101. Examples of the fuel substance include sugar, alcohol, aldehyde, amino acid, amine, lactic acid, and uric acid. The fuel substance may be a substance that is hydrolyzed by the enzyme and then oxidized (e.g., starch that is hydrolyzed to glucose). The fuel substance is preferably a water-soluble substance that is solid at the operating temperature. This is because it is easy to handle and improves the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 110 when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103.

[0042] The detection unit 103 may be formed by, for example, applying or printing a substance containing a fuel substance (which allows water to penetrate into the interior), or may be covered with a film containing a fuel substance (which allows water to penetrate into the interior). In either case, the detection unit 103 is configured to contain water along with the fuel substance, and to allow cations to migrate from the anode 101 to the cathode 102 via the water. The entire outer surface of the detection unit 103 may be permeable to water (a liquid containing water), or a portion may be waterproof.

[0043] In the configuration of the power generation unit 110 described here, the detection unit 103 contains water, so that cations generated by the oxidation reaction at the anode 101 are sent to the cathode 102 via the water as a medium. The cations are, for example, hydrogen ions.

[0044] That is, in the power generation unit 110, when the detection unit 103 contains moisture, the anode 101 can send electrons to an external electrical circuit, and the cathode 102 can receive electrons from the external electrical circuit, and the power generation unit 110 generates electricity.

[0045] It is preferable that detection unit 103 is dry under normal circumstances. However, detection unit 103 may contain moisture even under normal circumstances as long as the output is below the level required for transmission unit 120 to transmit a signal. Alternatively, if an output threshold or the like is set in moisture detection device 10 or user terminal 20 to determine whether moisture has penetrated detection unit 103, detection unit 103 may contain moisture even under normal circumstances as long as the output is below the threshold.

[0046] In addition, the electrical circuits connected to the anode 101 and the cathode 102 may use a capacitor, a MOSFET, or the like to store charge until the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 ensures the output necessary for the transmission of a signal from the transmission unit 120, and then energize the transmission unit 120 when the output necessary for the transmission of a signal from the transmission unit 120 is ensured.

[0047] 1 and 2, the detection unit 103 is formed as a layer covering the anode 101 and the cathode 102, but is not limited to this. The detection unit 103 may be, for example, a printed layer containing a fuel substance formed on the substrate 100, a film containing a fuel substance adhered to the substrate 100, or a portion of the substrate 100 in which an enzyme is impregnated. In these configurations, the anode 101 and the cathode 102 may be formed on the detection unit 103.

[0048] (Another example of a power generation section) Examples of configurations of the power generation unit 110 that function in the same manner as the configuration described above include a polymer electrolyte fuel cell, a phosphoric acid fuel cell, etc. When these cells are used as the power generation unit 110, the fuel contained in the detection unit 103 is preferably a water-soluble substance that is solid at the operating temperature.

[0049] 1-4. Operation of this embodiment Moisture detection device 10 is installed at a predetermined location where moisture detection is required. When water (a liquid containing water) permeates detection unit 103 of moisture detection device 10, cations generated by an oxidation reaction of the fuel substance at anode 101 are sent to cathode 102 using the water as a medium. Electrons are then sent from anode 101 via wiring 112, and cathode 102 can receive the electrons via wiring 114, generating an electromotive force in power generation unit 110.

[0050] The transmitter 120 transmits a signal to the user terminal 20 using the electromotive force of the power generator 110 (step S12 in FIG. 9). The transmission may be wired or wireless. The transmission to the user terminal 20 may also be via the Internet, passing through a predetermined server.

[0051] Receiving unit 25 of user terminal 20 receives the signal sent from transmitting unit 120 of moisture detection device 10. The received signal is sent to calculation unit 23. Calculation unit 23 performs a predetermined process on the signal, and notification unit 21 notifies the user of information (moisture detection information) based on the signal generated by the process (step S14 in FIG. 9).

[0052] 1-5. Effects of this embodiment The moisture detection device of this embodiment has an anode 101, a cathode 102, and a detection unit 103 in contact with the anode 101 and the cathode 102, and is equipped with a power generation unit 110 that generates electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103, and a transmission unit 120 that is electrically connected to the anode 101 and the cathode 102 and transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110.

[0053] According to this configuration, when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103, the power generation unit 110 generates power by itself. In other words, the moisture detection device 10 according to this embodiment is capable of self-power generation. Furthermore, because the power generation unit 110 can generate power when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103, the moisture detection device 10 does not need to store water itself when detecting moisture, and therefore has a high degree of freedom in its installation position.

[0054] Furthermore, the power generation unit 110 can be made thin, and the base material and the like can be selected appropriately. Therefore, for example, when the moisture detection device 10 is installed on a thin item or in a gap between items, the power generation unit 110 can be formed in a layer on a thin base material. Also, for example, when the moisture detection device 10 is applied to an item that deforms, the power generation unit 110 can be formed on a flexible base material. In this way, the moisture detection device 10 according to this embodiment can be applied to a variety of items, making it a highly versatile moisture detection device 10.

[0055] These effects can also be obtained in the moisture detection system 1 including the moisture detection device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0056] Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a moisture detection device and a moisture detection system that are capable of self-power generation and are applicable to a variety of items.

[0057] Note that this description does not mean that the application of the moisture detection device 10 of this embodiment is limited to only articles, and the moisture detection device 10 can also be applied to other uses, such as buildings, structures, natural objects, etc.

[0058] 2. Modification 1 of the First Embodiment 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection device and moisture detection system according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. In this modification, parts common to the configuration in FIG. 1 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this modification, the moisture detection device 10 includes a storage unit 130 in addition to the configuration in FIG. 1.

[0059] The storage unit 130 stores, for example, identification information for identifying itself to a device capable of communicating with the moisture detection device 10. A signal transmitted from the moisture detection device 10 can be configured to include the identification information. With this configuration, when an external device receives a signal from the moisture detection device 10, the external device can identify that the signal was emitted from the moisture detection device 10. Examples of the storage unit 130 include, but are not limited to, non-volatile memories such as EEPROMs (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). The storage unit 130 is connected to the transmission unit 120.

[0060] In the moisture detection device 10 having this configuration, when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103, the power generation unit 110 generates power, and when the transmission unit 120 transmits a signal, the information such as the identification information stored in the storage unit 130 can be transmitted to the user terminal 20 (step S12 in FIG. 9). At this time, the information such as the identification information stored in the storage unit 130 can be transmitted to the user terminal 20. This transmission may be wired or wireless. Furthermore, the transmission to the user terminal 20 may be via the Internet, passing through a predetermined server.

[0061] Receiving unit 25 of user terminal 20 receives the signal sent from transmitting unit 120 of moisture detecting device 10. The received signal is sent to calculating unit 23. Processing unit 23 performs a predetermined process on the signal, and based on the signal generated by the process, notifying unit 21 notifies the user of information (moisture detection information and the moisture detecting device that sent the information) (step S14 in FIG. 9).

[0062] In the user terminal 20, for example, the storage unit 24 stores a table or the like that links the identification information stored in the storage unit 130 on the moisture detection device 10 side with information regarding the processing that should be performed on the user terminal 20 side in response to the identification information. An example of the processing that should be performed on the user terminal 20 side in response to the identification information is processing by the notification unit 21 to notify the user that a signal has been received from the moisture detection device 10.

[0063] According to this configuration, even if user terminal 20 is connected to multiple devices including moisture detection device 10, user terminal 20 can identify the source of the signal when it receives a signal from moisture detection device 10. Then, it is possible to notify the user, via notification unit 21 or the like, that a signal has been received from moisture detection device 10.

[0064] Furthermore, the memory unit 130 may also contain information on a threshold value of the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110. According to this configuration, in a case where the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 changes based on the state of penetration of the liquid into the detection unit 103, the transmission unit 120 can be configured to transmit a signal when the electromotive force reaches or exceeds the threshold value stored in the memory unit 130. Examples of the state of penetration of the liquid into the detection unit 103 include, but are not limited to, the amount of liquid that has penetrated into the detection unit 103, the composition of the liquid, and the range of penetration of the liquid into the detection unit 103.

[0065] 3. Modification 2 of the First Embodiment Fig. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a moisture detection device according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. In this modification, parts common to the configurations of Fig. 1 or 3 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted. In this modification, the moisture detection device 10 includes a notification unit 140 instead of the transmission unit 120 of Fig. 1.

[0066] The notification unit 140 is electrically connected to the anode 101 and the cathode 102, and notifies the user that a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit 103 by the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110. The notification unit 21 may be equipped with, for example, a display device such as a display, a light-emitting device, a device such as a buzzer or a speaker, or two or more types of devices.

[0067] According to this configuration, it is possible to notify the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated into the detection unit 103 with a simpler configuration.

[0068] It should be noted that the configuration of this modified example does not have the transmission unit 120 in Fig. 1 etc., and notification to the user is performed in the moisture detection device 10. However, the configuration of this modified example does not exclude the configuration of the transmission unit 120 in Fig. 1 etc., and may include both the notification unit 140 and the transmission unit 120. In this case, the notification unit 140 and the transmission unit 120 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0069] 4. Modification 3 of the First Embodiment Fig. 5 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a moisture detection device according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. In this modification, explanation of parts common to the configuration in Fig. 3 will be omitted. In this modification, the moisture detection device 10 includes a cartridge 11 having a power generation unit 110 and a connection unit 151, and a relay unit 12 having a transmission unit 120, a storage unit 130, and a connection unit 152. The cartridge 11 and the relay unit 12 are separate, or are separable and connected to each other so as to be able to communicate. The relay unit 12 may include a power source for driving devices such as the transmission unit 120.

[0070] The connecting portions 151 and 152 are, for example, a pair of connectors that are provided with electrical contacts and can be fitted to each other. More specifically, the connectors may have a dedicated shape or may be in a form based on a general-purpose standard such as USB.

[0071] The connection units 151 and 152 may be connected via, for example, a cable, etc. The connection units 151 and 152 may be a transmitter and a receiver capable of communicating with each other via electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or light.

[0072] According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 is replaceable and can be configured as a disposable cartridge 11. By using a device such as the enzyme battery described above as the power generation unit 110, the proportion of biodegradable materials in the materials constituting the cartridge 11 can be increased, and even if the cartridge 11 is configured as a disposable cartridge, the burden on the environment can be reduced.

[0073] 5. Second Embodiment [5-1. Moisture detection system configuration] 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection system according to an example of the second embodiment. The moisture detection system 6 includes a user terminal 20 and a plurality of moisture detection devices 10. Note that in this configuration, a plurality of user terminals 20 may be provided.

[0074] Each moisture detection device 10 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 20, and each moisture detection device 10 is capable of transmitting signals to the user terminal 20. Communication between each moisture detection device 10 and the user terminal 20 may be performed by electrical wiring or electromagnetic waves.

[0075] The configuration of the moisture detection device 10 can be, for example, but is not limited to, the configuration shown in Fig. 3. Below, a case where the moisture detection device 10 has the configuration shown in Fig. 3 will be described, and for configurations not shown in Fig. 6, please refer to Fig. 3.

[0076] When a liquid containing water penetrates into the detection unit 103 of the moisture detection device 10, the power generation unit 110 generates electricity, and the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 causes the transmission unit 120 to transmit a signal to the user terminal 20 (step S12 in FIG. 9).

[0077] In each moisture detection device 10, identification information (identification information A, identification information B, etc. in FIG. 6) for identifying itself to devices with which it can communicate is stored in storage unit 130. In this example, the identification information of each moisture detection device 10 is information for identifying itself to user terminal 20. The signal transmitted by transmission unit 120 includes identification information individually assigned to each moisture detection device 10.

[0078] Based on the identification information, the user terminal 20 notifies the user of which of the multiple moisture detection devices 10 has the detection unit 103 into which a liquid containing water has penetrated. For example, the user terminal 20 includes a notification unit 21 and a determination unit 26.

[0079] The judgment unit 26 is equipped with an arithmetic device such as a CPU or MPU, and processes the identification information contained in the received signal by referring to a program stored in a storage device such as a ROM or RAM, and generates a signal to be transmitted to the notification unit 21.

[0080] The notification unit 21 is connected to the determination unit 26 and receives a signal generated by the determination unit 26. For example, based on the signal received from the determination unit 26, the notification unit 21 notifies the user of information identifying the moisture detection device 10 that sent the signal (step S12 in FIG. 9). FIG. 6 shows an example of a display as an example of the notification unit 21. In this example, a liquid including water has penetrated the detection unit 103 of the moisture detection device 10 having identification information C, and the display as the notification unit 21 displays "C: Wet." Note that the display method of the notification unit 21 is not limited to this. In addition to the configuration exemplified here, the notification unit 21 may have a configuration including a plurality of light-emitting devices corresponding to each identification information, a configuration that notifies the user by voice, or the like.

[0081] 5-2. Effects of this embodiment 1, the moisture detection system 6 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of moisture detection devices 10. Each moisture detection device 10 includes a storage unit 130 that stores identification information for identifying the device to devices with which it can communicate, and the identification information is included in a signal transmitted from a transmission unit 120. Based on the identification information, a user terminal 20 notifies a user of which of the plurality of moisture detection devices 10 has had a liquid containing water penetrate into the detection unit 103 of the moisture detection device 10.

[0082] According to this configuration, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the user can easily know in which of the multiple moisture detection devices 10 a liquid containing water has penetrated into the detection unit 103. Therefore, by applying the moisture detection system 6 of this embodiment, the water wetness status of multiple items, locations, etc. can be managed collectively.

[0083] 6. Modification 1 of the Second Embodiment 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection system according to a first modified example of the second embodiment. Here, components common to those in FIG. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. The moisture detection system 7 according to this example includes a user terminal 20, a host computer 30, and a plurality of moisture detection devices 10.

[0084] Each moisture detection device 10 is communicatively connected to the host computer 30, and each moisture detection device 10 is capable of transmitting signals to the host computer 30. The host computer 30 is communicatively connected to the user terminal 20, and the host computer 30 is capable of transmitting signals to the user terminal 20. Communication between each moisture detection device 10 and the host computer 30, and between the host computer 30 and the user terminal 20, may be performed by electrical wiring or by electromagnetic waves.

[0085] The host computer 30 includes a determination unit 31. When the host computer 30 receives a signal from the moisture detection device 10, the determination unit 31 generates, based on the identification information included in the signal, identification information for identifying the moisture detection device 10 that sent the signal, i.e., the moisture detection device 10 in which a liquid containing water has permeated into the detection unit 103. The host computer 30 transmits a signal including this identification information to the user terminal 20 (step S12 in FIG. 9).

[0086] The user terminal 20 includes a notification unit 21. Based on the specific information transmitted from the host computer 30, the user 920 uses the notification unit 21 to notify the user which of the multiple moisture detection devices 10 has had a liquid containing water penetrate into the detection unit 103 (step S14 in FIG. 9).

[0087] The specific information transmitted by the host computer 30 is generated based on the identification information transmitted from the moisture detection device 10. Therefore, the user terminal 20 is configured to notify the user which of the multiple moisture detection devices 10 has had a liquid containing water penetrate into the detection unit 103, indirectly based on the identification information.

[0088] 7, the moisture detection device 10, host computer 30, and user terminal 20 are connected in series, but the host computer 30 and user terminal 20 may also be connected in parallel to the moisture detection device 10. In other words, the user terminal 20 may directly receive a signal from the moisture detection device 10. In this case, it is preferable that the user terminal 20 be provided with a determination unit that identifies the moisture detection device 10 that sent the signal.

[0089] Furthermore, the moisture detection information from the host computer 30 may be transmitted to multiple user terminals 20. In this case, users corresponding to the identification information of the moisture detection devices 10 may be registered in advance, and information indicating that moisture has been detected may be transmitted to the user terminal 20 corresponding to the moisture detection device 10 that detected moisture.

[0090] 7. Modification 2 of the Second Embodiment Fig. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a moisture detection system according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. Here, components common to those in Fig. 6 are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof may be omitted. The moisture detection system 8 according to this example includes a user terminal 20 and a plurality of moisture detection devices 10. The moisture detection system 8 may also include a host computer 30 having the configuration shown in Fig. 7.

[0091] The configuration of each moisture detection device 10 is similar to the configuration described in Fig. 5, and therefore a description of the common parts will be omitted. Also, some of the configuration shown in Fig. 5 is omitted in Fig. 8. In each moisture detection device 10, the relay unit 12 has identification information (identification information A, identification information B, etc. in Fig. 8) stored in the storage unit 130 for identifying the moisture detection device 10 to devices with which it can communicate.

[0092] According to this configuration, the cartridge 11 provided in each moisture detection device 10 is replaceable, allowing the cartridge 11 to be configured as a disposable cartridge. Furthermore, in the configuration of this example, it is possible to replace a portion of the cartridge 11 whose performance has deteriorated due to the end of its life or use, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the moisture detection system 8.

[0093] Furthermore, by using a device such as the enzyme battery described above as the power generation unit 110, the proportion of biodegradable materials in the materials constituting the cartridge 11 can be increased, and even if the cartridge 11 is configured as a disposable device, the burden on the environment can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1, 6, 7, 8 Moisture detection system 10 Moisture detection device 11 Cartridges 12 Relay section 20 User Devices 21 Notification Department 30 Host Computer 26 Judgment section 100 Base material 101 Anode 102 Cathode 103 Detection unit 110 Power Generation Department 120 Transmitter 130 Storage section 140 Notification Department

Claims

1. a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, the power generation unit generating electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; a transmitter electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and configured to transmit a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the power generation unit; A moisture detection device comprising:

2. 2. The moisture detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit contains a fuel substance, the anode contains a substance that promotes oxidation of the fuel substance contained in the detection unit, and the cathode contains a substance that promotes a reduction reaction of oxygen, and cations produced by the oxidation reaction at the anode are transported to the cathode via water that has permeated the detection unit.

3. The moisture detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the power generation section is formed on a flexible substrate.

4. a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a device with which it can communicate; The moisture detection device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal transmitted from the transmitting section includes the identification information.

5. 2. The moisture detecting device according to claim 1, comprising a cartridge having the power generating unit and a relay unit having the transmitting unit, the cartridge and the relay unit being separably connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other.

6. a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, the power generation unit generating electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; a notification unit electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, which notifies a user that a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit by an electromotive force of the power generation unit; A moisture detection device comprising:

7. The moisture detection device according to claim 1 ; a user terminal that is communicatively connected to the moisture detection device and includes a notification unit that notifies a user that a liquid including water has permeated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit; Moisture detection system.

8. A plurality of the moisture detection devices are provided, each of the moisture detection devices includes a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying the moisture detection device to a device with which the moisture detection device can communicate; the signal transmitted from the transmitter includes the identification information; The moisture detection system according to claim 7 , wherein the user terminal notifies a user of which of the plurality of moisture detection devices a liquid containing water has penetrated into the detection unit of the moisture detection device based on the identification information.

9. further comprising a host computer; Each of the moisture detection devices is connected to the host computer so as to be able to communicate with each other; the host computer and the user terminal are communicatively connected; the host computer includes a determination unit that, upon receiving a signal from the moisture detection device, generates, based on identification information included in the signal, identification information for identifying the moisture detection device that transmitted the signal; The moisture detection system of claim 8 , wherein the host computer transmits a signal including the specific information to the user terminal.

10. The moisture detection system described in claim 8, wherein each of the moisture detection devices comprises a cartridge having the power generation unit and a relay unit having the transmission unit and the memory unit, and the cartridge and the relay unit are connected in a separable and communicative manner.

11. A moisture detection method characterized by comprising: a transmission step of transmitting a signal using the electromotive force of a power generation unit having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit, which generates electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit; and a notification step of causing a notification unit to notify a user that a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted in the transmission step.

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