Ceiling materials and leak detection system

Abstract

This invention provides a ceiling material and leak detection system with a simple structure, no external power supply required, capable of covering a wide detection range and rapidly detecting water leaks. [Solution] The ceiling material comprises a base material and a power generation unit formed on the base material, having an anode, a cathode, and a detection unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, which generates electricity when a liquid containing water penetrates the detection unit. The water leak detection system comprises the ceiling material and a user terminal that is communicably connected to the ceiling material and has a notification unit that notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ceiling material and a water leakage detection system.

Background Art

[0002] In order to minimize damage caused by water leakage in buildings and the like, there are various water leakage detection devices. As a water leakage detection device, for example, a water leakage detection device capable of self-power generation that does not require an external power source is known. Examples of the water leakage detection device capable of self-power generation include the following configurations.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a detection data transmission / aggregation system using a self-power generation type water leakage detection sensor that generates electricity when receiving water leakage in underground facilities, a wireless transmission device that transmits detection data using the generated voltage from the self-power generation type water leakage detection sensor as a power source, and a notification device with a wireless reception device that receives transmission data from the wireless transmission device. The self-power generation type water leakage detection sensor includes a container that receives water leakage, and inside this container, a pair of electrodes with different ionization tendencies are arranged facing each other. Therefore, when the container receives water leakage, the water leakage acts as an electrolyte, and it is described that a function as a battery is obtained due to the difference in the ionization tendencies of the pair of electrodes.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a water leakage detection device including a waterproof coating part having an opening, a water guiding part arranged inside the coating part to guide water leakage from the opening, a power generation part arranged inside the coating part to generate electricity in response to the water leakage from the water guiding part, and an output part that operates based on the power supply from the power generation part.

[0005] Patent Document 3 describes a water leakage detection sensor including a liquid suction part that sucks up a liquid by capillary action, a power generation member provided facing the inner surface of the liquid suction part to generate electricity with the liquid, and a transmission module that is activated by the electricity generated by the power generation member and transmits a notification indicating the detection of water leakage by an LPWA (Low Power Wide Area) communication method.

Prior Art Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-167551 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-85819 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-12588 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] For example, water leaks from ceilings can cause serious damage to household goods in homes, and to merchandise and equipment in shops and factories. To address this concern, early detection of water leaks from building ceilings allows for preventative measures to be taken before significant damage occurs.

[0008] However, the self-generating water leak detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 requires a certain amount of water in the container that receives the leak, and therefore takes time to detect the leak. In addition, the self-generating water leak detection sensor described in Patent Document 1 requires a certain depth for the container to be installed, making it difficult to install on the ceiling of a building.

[0009] Even with the configuration described in Patent Document 2, the presence of a water guide makes it difficult to apply to thin ceiling materials. Furthermore, detecting a water leak requires directing the leaked water to the water guide, making it unsuitable for detecting leaks over a wide area, such as a ceiling.

[0010] In the configuration described in Patent Document 3, the structure of the liquid suction part becomes complex, and because it utilizes capillary action, it is difficult to detect leaks until a certain amount is reached, and it takes time to detect leaks.

[0011] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a ceiling material and a water leak detection system that have a simple structure, do not use an external power source, can handle a wide detection range, and can quickly detect water leaks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This disclosure includes the following aspects: <1> A ceiling material comprising a base material, and a power generation unit formed on the base material, having an anode, a cathode, and a sensing unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, wherein power is generated when a liquid containing water penetrates the sensing unit. <2> The detection unit contains a fuel substance, the anode contains a substance that promotes the oxidation of the fuel substance contained in the detection unit, the cathode contains a substance that promotes the reduction reaction of oxygen, and the cations generated by the oxidation reaction at the anode are sent to the cathode using water that has permeated the detection unit as a medium. <1> The ceiling material described above. <3> The anode and cathode are electrically connected, and the transmitting unit transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the generating unit. <1> The ceiling material described above. <4> The device further comprises a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a communication-enabled device, and the signal transmitted from the transmission unit includes the identification information. <3> The ceiling material described above. <5> A ceiling material comprising a base material, a power generation unit formed on the base material and having an anode, a cathode, and a sensing unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, which generates electricity when a liquid containing water penetrates the sensing unit, and a notification unit electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, which notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the sensing unit based on the electromotive force of the power generation unit. <6> <1> A water leak detection unit comprising a ceiling material as described above, and a relay unit detachably and communicatively connected to the ceiling material, wherein the ceiling material generates a signal to be transmitted to the relay unit based on the electromotive force of the power generation unit, and the relay unit has a relay unit that transmits an output signal to an external device based on the input signal from the ceiling material. <7> <3> A water leak detection system comprising: a ceiling material as described above; and a user terminal that is communicably connected to the ceiling material and has a notification unit that notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit. <8> The system comprises multiple ceiling materials, each of which includes a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a communication-enabled device, the signal transmitted from the transmission unit includes the identification information, and the user terminal notifies the user, based on the identification information, which of the multiple ceiling materials has been penetrated by a liquid containing water into its detection unit. <7> The leak detection system described above. <9> The system further comprises a host computer, each of the ceiling materials and the host computer is connected in a communicative manner, and the host computer and the user terminal are connected in a communicative manner. The host computer includes a determination unit that, upon receiving a signal from the ceiling material, generates specific information to identify the ceiling material that transmitted the signal based on the identification information contained in the signal, and the host computer transmits a signal containing the specific information to the user terminal. <7> The leak detection system described above. <10> <6> A water leak detection system comprising: a water leak detection unit as described above; and a user terminal that is communicably connected to the water leak detection unit and has a notification unit that notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit. <11> The system comprises multiple leak detection units, each of which includes a storage unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a communication-enabled device, the signal transmitted from the transmission unit includes the identification information, and the user terminal notifies the user, based on the identification information, which of the multiple ceiling materials has been penetrated by a liquid containing water into the detection unit. <10> The leak detection system described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ceiling material and a water leakage detection system that have a simple structure, can respond to a wide detection range without using an external power source, and can quickly detect water leakage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a ceiling material and a water leakage detection system according to an example of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing an example of a more detailed configuration of a power generation unit provided in the ceiling material. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a ceiling material and a water leakage detection system according to Modification 1 of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a ceiling material according to Modification 2 of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a ceiling material and a water leakage detection system according to Modification 3 of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a water leakage detection system according to an example of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a water leakage detection system according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a water leakage detection system according to Modification 2 of the second embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the operation of the water leakage detection systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an installation example of a ceiling material according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out 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, the components are not essential unless specifically stated.

[0016] When embodiments are described in this disclosure with reference to the drawings, the configuration of such embodiments is not limited to the configuration shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the dimensions of the components in each figure are conceptual. Therefore, the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down dimensional ratios of each component, and the front-to-back, left-to-right, and up-to-down dimensional ratios between each component, are not limited to the illustrated dimensional ratios.

[0017] Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, the number of each component in this disclosure is not limited to one, but may be multiple. In the following drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0018] In the following description, "penetration by a water-containing liquid" means that the detection unit becomes wet and / or contains a water-containing liquid to a degree sufficient to drive the transmission unit as described below.

[0019] <1. First Embodiment> Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a ceiling material and a water leak 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 that the objectives of the present invention can be achieved.

[0020] The water leak detection system 1 comprises a ceiling material 10 and a user terminal 20 that is communicatively connected to the ceiling material 10.

[0021] [1-1. Ceiling materials] The ceiling material 10 comprises a base material 100, a power generation unit 110, and a transmission unit 120. In addition to these components, the ceiling material 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. In the configuration described later with reference to Figure 5, the ceiling material 10 does not need to include the transmission unit 120.

[0022] The base material 100 may be a flat plate or a flexible sheet. The components of the ceiling material 10, including electrical circuits (including wiring 112 and 114), are formed on the main surface of the base material 100. If the base material 100 is flexible, it is preferable that the power generation unit 110 is also flexible. This is to facilitate the power generation unit 110 following the deformation of the base material 100. Examples of materials for the base material 100 include, but are not limited to, wood, gypsum, rock wool, resin boards, vinyl sheets, paper, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, resin films, porous materials, etc.

[0023] The electrical circuit formed on the substrate 100 preferably has a configuration to prevent short circuits between the anode 101 and cathode 102, as described later, even if a liquid containing water adheres to the ceiling material. Specific configurations to prevent short circuits in the electrical circuit include, but are not limited to, a configuration in which an insulating material such as a resist is applied to the necessary areas, and a configuration in which the necessary areas are covered with a protective film or the like.

[0024] The power generation unit 110 is formed on the base material 100. Preferably, the power generation unit 110 is formed on the main surface of the base material 100, and more preferably on the upper surface. Here, the upper surface of the base material 100 is the surface that is on top when the ceiling material 10 is installed.

[0025] The power generation unit 110 comprises 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 Figure 2, but the configuration is not limited to this example.

[0026] The transmitting unit 120 is electrically connected to the anode 101 and cathode 102. The transmitting unit 120 transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the 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, which will be described later, but the transmitting unit 120 may transmit signals to other devices. The transmission of signals from the transmitting unit 120 to the user terminal 20 may be done, for example, by electrical signals via wires, or by electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or light.

[0027] The transmitting unit 120 may also include a conversion means that converts the output from the generating unit 110 into an input suitable for operating the transmitter. Examples of 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 combining these circuits.

[0028] While not particularly limited, for example, the base material 100 can have a thickness of 1 mm to 10 mm if it is a flat plate, or 0.1 mm to 2 mm if it is a flexible sheet. Also, while not particularly limited, for example, the detection unit 103 can have a thickness of 10 μm to 500 μm, and the anode 101 and cathode 102 can have a thickness of 10 μm to 300 μm. The power generation unit 110 as a whole can have a thickness of 30 μm to 1000 μm.

[0029] [1-2. User Terminals] The user terminal 20 comprises 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, the user terminal 20 may not have all of these components, and may have other components as well.

[0030] The notification unit 21 notifies the user that the detection unit 103 has become wet, based on a 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 buzzer, a speaker, or two or more of these devices.

[0031] The input unit 22 may be a user interface, or it may be configured to receive input from an external device. When the input unit 22 is a user interface, examples include a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. When the input unit 22 is a touch panel, the notification unit 21 and the input unit 22 may be integrated.

[0032] The arithmetic unit 23 processes information input to the user terminal. Examples of the arithmetic unit 23 include a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The storage unit 24 stores programs, information necessary for executing programs, etc. Examples of the storage unit 24 include ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] The receiving unit 25 receives the signal sent from the transmitting unit 120. The received signal is sent to the arithmetic unit 23, for example, through an interface.

[0034] In the user terminal 20, for example, the arithmetic unit 23 reads a program stored in the memory unit 24, processes the signal from the transmission unit 120, and based on the generated signal, the notification unit 21 notifies the user of information. The information notified by the notification unit 21 may include, but is not limited to, that the ceiling material 10 has detected a water leak, and may also display the amount of water leaked.

[0035] Furthermore, the output of the signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 120 may be configured to change depending on the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110. The magnitude of the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 may change based on at least one of the following: the amount of liquid that has penetrated the detection unit 103, the composition of the liquid, and the area to which the liquid has penetrated the detection unit 103. In this case, the user terminal 20 can determine the amount of liquid that has penetrated the detection unit 103, the composition of the liquid, and the area to which the liquid has penetrated the detection unit 103 based on the output of the signal received from the transmitting unit 120 (corresponding to the magnitude of the electromotive force), and notify the user of the necessary information via the notification unit 21. The determination may be made by the calculation unit 23, or by a determination unit such as a comparison circuit.

[0036] Although not shown in the diagram, the ceiling material 10 may also be provided with a conversion means between the power generation unit 110 and the transmission unit 120 to convert the output from the power generation unit 110 into an input suitable for operating the transmitter. Examples of 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 combining these circuits.

[0037] [1-3. Power Generation Section] (An example of a power generation unit) Figure 2 shows a more detailed example of the configuration of a power generation unit provided in the ceiling material 10. An example of a power generation unit 110 with such a configuration is an enzyme battery (biofuel cell). The power generation unit 110 described here has the configuration of an enzyme battery, but this is just one example, and is not limited to this configuration as long as the detection unit 103 generates electricity when it contains moisture.

[0038] As shown in Figure 1, the power generation unit 110 includes an anode 101 and a cathode 102. The anode 101 and cathode 102 each constitute electrodes for an enzyme battery (biofuel cell). The anode 101 and cathode 102 are formed on a substrate 100, and as an example, are in the shape of a long strip in plan view, and the multiple anodes 101 and cathodes 102 are arranged alternately spaced apart in a direction substantially perpendicular to the long direction, with their long directions adjacent to each other. The multiple anodes 101 are arranged so that one end in the long direction protrudes beyond the multiple cathodes 102, and each of their ends is connected by wiring 112. The multiple cathodes 102 are arranged so that the other end in the long direction protrudes beyond the multiple anodes 101, and each of their other ends is connected by wiring 114.

[0039] Furthermore, the wiring portion connecting multiple anodes 101 of wiring 112 may be formed by the anodes 101 themselves. Similarly, the wiring portion connecting multiple cathodes 102 of wiring 114 may be formed by the cathodes 102 themselves.

[0040] The anode 101 contains a substance that promotes the oxidation of the fuel substance contained in the detection unit 103, which will be described later. For example, the anode 101 contains an enzyme that promotes the oxidation of the fuel substance contained in the detection unit 103. The anode 101 may also contain conductive materials, binders, etc. The form of the anode 101 is not particularly limited, but examples include a printed pattern formed on the substrate 100, a film adhered to the substrate 100, etc. For example, the anode 101 may have a comb-shaped pattern as shown in Figure 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The cathode 102 contains a substance that promotes the reduction reaction of oxygen. For example, the cathode 102 may contain an enzyme that promotes the reduction of oxygen. The cathode 102 may also contain conductive materials, binders, etc. The form of the cathode 102 is not particularly limited, but examples include a printed pattern formed on the substrate 100, a film adhered to the substrate 100, etc. The cathode 102 may be a comb-shaped pattern as shown in Figure 1, but is not limited thereto.

[0042] The detection unit 103 is in contact with the anode 101 and the cathode 102. The detection unit 103 is in constant contact with the anode 101 and the cathode 102, and in this embodiment, the detection unit 103 is formed as a layer that covers the entire region where the anode 101 and the cathode 102 are located. The detection unit 103 contains the fuel material of the enzyme battery (biofuel cell). The fuel material is a substance whose oxidation is promoted by the enzyme contained in the anode 101. Examples of fuel materials include sugars, alcohols, aldehydes, amino acids, amines, lactic acid, uric acid, etc. The fuel material may also be one that is hydrolyzed by the enzyme and then oxidized (for example, starch that hydrolyzes to glucose). Preferably, the fuel material is a water-soluble substance that is solid at the operating temperature. This is because it is easy to handle and the power generation efficiency of the power generation unit 110 is improved when a liquid containing water penetrates the detection unit 103.

[0043] The detection unit 103 may be formed, for example, by coating or printing a substance containing fuel material (which allows water to penetrate the interior), or by covering it with a film containing fuel material (which allows water to penetrate the interior). In either case, the detection unit 103 is configured to contain water along with the fuel material, and cations can move from the anode 101 to the cathode 102 via the water. The detection unit 103 may be open to water (or a liquid containing water) from its entire outer surface, or it may be partially waterproof.

[0044] In the configuration of the power generation unit 110 described here, the detection unit 103 contains water, so that the cations produced by the oxidation reaction at the anode 101 are sent to the cathode 102 with the water as a medium. The cations are, for example, hydrogen ions.

[0045] In other words, 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, causing the power generation unit 110 to generate electricity.

[0046] The detection unit 103 is preferably dry under normal conditions. However, the detection unit 103 may contain moisture even under normal conditions, as long as it is not below the output required for the transmission unit 120 to transmit a signal. Alternatively, if the ceiling material 10 or user terminal 20 has an output threshold or the like for determining whether moisture has penetrated the detection unit 103, the detection unit 103 may contain moisture even under normal conditions, as long as it is below the output threshold.

[0047] Furthermore, the electrical circuits connected to the anode 101 and cathode 102, respectively, may use capacitors or MOSFETs to accumulate charge until the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 provides the output necessary for signal transmission to the transmission unit 120, and then energize the transmission unit 120 when the output necessary for signal transmission to the transmission unit 120 is secured.

[0048] In the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2, the detection unit 103 is formed as a layer covering the anode 101 and cathode 102, but is not limited to this. The detection unit 103 may be, for example, a printed layer containing fuel material formed on the substrate 100, a film containing fuel material adhered to the substrate 100, or a portion of the substrate 100 into which the enzyme has permeated. In these configurations, the anode 101 and cathode 102 may be formed on the detection unit 103.

[0049] (An example of a different power generation unit) Examples of power generation units 110 that function similarly to the configuration described above include polymer electrolyte fuel cells and phosphoric acid fuel cells. When these batteries are used as power generation units 110, the fuel contained in the detection unit 103 is preferably a water-soluble substance that is solid at the operating temperature.

[0050] [1-4. Operation of this embodiment] The ceiling material 10 is installed in a predetermined location within the building. When water (a liquid containing water) penetrates the detection section 103 of the ceiling material 10, cations generated by the oxidation reaction of the fuel substance at the anode 101 are sent to the cathode 102 via the water. Then, electrons are sent from the anode 101 via the wiring 112, and the cathode 102 can receive electrons via the wiring 114, generating an electromotive force in the power generation section 110.

[0051] The transmitting unit 120 transmits a signal to the user terminal 20 using the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 (step S12 in Figure 9). This transmission may be wired or wireless. Furthermore, the transmission to the user terminal 20 may be via the Internet and routed through a predetermined server.

[0052] The receiving unit 25 of the user terminal 20 receives a signal sent from the transmitting unit 120 of the ceiling material 10. The received signal is sent to the calculation unit 23. The calculation unit 23 performs predetermined processing on the signal, and based on the signal generated by the processing, the notification unit 21 notifies the user of information (water leak detection information) (step S14 in Figure 9).

[0053] [1-5. Effects of this embodiment] The ceiling material 10 according to this embodiment comprises a base material 100, a power generation unit 110 formed on the base material 100 and having an anode 101, a cathode 102, and a detection unit 103 in contact with the anode 101 and cathode 102, which generates electricity when a liquid containing water penetrates the detection unit 103, and a transmission unit 120 which is electrically connected to the anode 101 and cathode 102 and transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110.

[0054] This configuration does not require a complex mechanical structure on the base material 100, making it possible to have a simple structure. Furthermore, when a liquid containing water penetrates the detection unit 103, the power generation unit 110 generates electricity on its own. In other words, the ceiling material 10 according to this embodiment is capable of self-generation.

[0055] Furthermore, since the detection unit 103 can detect water leaks throughout the entire area where it is formed, a wide detection range can be achieved by forming the detection unit 103 over a wide area. In addition, when water penetrates the detection unit 103, the power generation unit 110 can generate electricity in a short time.

[0056] These effects can also be obtained with the water leak detection system 1 equipped with the ceiling material 10 according to this embodiment.

[0057] Based on the above, this embodiment provides a ceiling material and a water leak detection system that have a simple structure, do not use an external power source, can handle a wide detection range, and can quickly detect water leaks.

[0058] <2. Modification 1 of the First Embodiment> Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ceiling material and water leak detection system according to Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. In this modification, common parts with the configuration in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In this modification, the ceiling material 10 includes a storage unit 130 in addition to the configuration in Figure 1.

[0059] The storage unit 130 stores, for example, identification information that allows a device capable of communicating with the ceiling material 10 to identify itself. The signal transmitted from the ceiling material 10 can be configured to include this identification information. With this configuration, when an external device receives a signal from the ceiling material 10, it can identify that the signal originated from the ceiling material 10. Examples of non-volatile memory such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) can be used for the storage unit 130, but it is not limited to these. The storage unit 130 is connected to the transmission unit 120.

[0060] In this configuration, the ceiling material 10 generates electricity when a liquid containing water permeates the detection unit 103, and when the transmission unit 120 transmits a signal, it can transmit information such as identification information stored in the storage unit 130 to the user terminal 20 (step S12 in Figure 9). At this time, information such as 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 transmitted via the Internet and may go through a predetermined server.

[0061] The receiving unit 25 of the user terminal 20 receives a signal sent from the transmitting unit 120 of the ceiling material 10. The received signal is sent to the calculation unit 23. The calculation unit 23 performs predetermined processing on the signal, and based on the signal generated by the processing, the notification unit 21 notifies the user of information (water leak detection information and the source ceiling material) (step S14 in Figure 9).

[0062] In the user terminal 20, for example, the storage unit 24 stores a table that links identification information stored in the storage unit 130 on the ceiling material 10 side with information about the processing that should be performed on the user terminal 20 side in accordance with that identification information. An example of the processing that should be performed on the user terminal 20 side in accordance with the identification information is the processing by which the notification unit 21 notifies the user that a signal has been received from the ceiling material 10.

[0063] With this configuration, even if the user terminal 20 is connected to multiple devices including the ceiling material 10, the user terminal 20 can identify the source of the signal when it receives a signal from the ceiling material 10. It can then notify the user of the reception of a signal from the ceiling material 10 through the notification unit 21, etc.

[0064] Furthermore, the memory unit 130 may also contain information about the threshold value of the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110. With this configuration, when the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110 changes based on the state of liquid penetration 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 liquid penetration 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 over which the liquid has penetrated into the detection unit 103.

[0065] <3. Modification 2 of the First Embodiment> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the ceiling material according to Modification 2 of the First Embodiment. In this modification, common parts with the configuration in Figure 1 or Figure 3 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted. In this modification, the ceiling material 10 includes a notification unit 140 instead of the transmission unit 120 in Figure 1.

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

[0067] This configuration allows for a simpler setup to notify the user when a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit 103.

[0068] Note that this modified configuration does not have the transmitting unit 120 shown in Figure 1, etc., and the notification to the user is performed on the ceiling material 10. However, this modified configuration does not exclude the configuration of the transmitting unit 120 shown in Figure 1, etc., and may include both a notification unit 140 and a transmitting unit 120. In that case, the notification unit 140 and the transmitting unit 120 may be connected in series or in parallel.

[0069] <4. Modification 3 of the First Embodiment> Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water leak detection system according to Modification 3 of the First Embodiment. In this modification, the parts common to the configuration in Figure 3 will not be explained. In this modification, the water leak detection unit 11 comprises a ceiling material 10 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 ceiling material 10 and the relay unit 12 are connected in a separable and communicative manner. The relay unit 12 may be equipped with a power supply for driving devices such as the transmission unit 120.

[0070] The ceiling material 10 generates a signal to be transmitted to the relay unit 12 based on the electromotive force of the power generation unit 110. This signal may be, for example, a voltage or current generated by the power generation unit 110, or it may be a signal obtained by converting these currents or voltages with a converter or the like.

[0071] The transmitting unit 120 transmits an output signal to an external device based on the input signal from the ceiling material 10. The storage unit 130 is as described above and will not be explained further.

[0072] The connecting parts 151 and 152 are, for example, a pair of connectors that can be mated together and have electrical contacts. More specifically, the connectors may have a unique shape or they may be in a form based on a general-purpose standard such as USB. The connecting parts 151 and 152 may be connected, for example, via a cable.

[0073] The ceiling material 10 and the relay section 12 may be contactless. In this case, for example, the connection section 151 and the connection section 152 may be a transmitter and a receiver that can communicate with each other by electromagnetic waves such as radio waves or light.

[0074] With this configuration, the ceiling material 10 is replaceable, and for example, the ceiling material 10 can be made disposable. By using a device such as an enzyme battery as described above as the power generation unit 110, the proportion of biodegradable materials in the materials constituting the ceiling material 10 can be increased, and even if the ceiling material 10 is made disposable, the environmental burden can be reduced.

[0075] <5. Second Embodiment> [5-1. Configuration of the water leak detection system] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water leak detection system according to an example of the second embodiment. The water leak detection system 6 comprises a user terminal 20 and a plurality of ceiling materials 10. In this configuration, there may be multiple user terminals 20.

[0076] Each ceiling material 10 and the user terminal 20 are connected in a communication manner, and each ceiling material 10 is capable of transmitting signals to the user terminal 20. Communication between each ceiling material 10 and the user terminal 20 may be carried out by electrical wiring or by electromagnetic waves.

[0077] The configuration of the ceiling material 10 is, for example, the configuration shown in Figure 3, but is not limited to these. The following description will focus on cases where the ceiling material 10 has the configuration shown in Figure 3. For configurations not shown in Figure 6, please refer to Figure 3.

[0078] When a liquid containing water penetrates the detection unit 103 of the ceiling material 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 Figure 9).

[0079] Each ceiling material 10 stores identification information (identification information A, identification information B, etc. in Figure 6) in the storage unit 130 to allow it to be identified by a communication-enabled device. In this example, the identification information of each ceiling material 10 is information that allows it to be identified by the user terminal 20. The signal transmitted by the transmission unit 120 includes the identification information individually assigned to each ceiling material 10.

[0080] Based on identification information, the user terminal 20 notifies the user which of the multiple ceiling materials 10 has had a water-containing liquid penetrate its detection unit 103. For example, the user terminal 20 includes a notification unit 21 and a determination unit 26.

[0081] The determination unit 26 includes, for example, a processing unit such as a CPU or MPU, and processes the identification information contained in the received signal while referring to a program stored in a storage device such as ROM or RAM, to generate a signal to be transmitted to the notification unit 21.

[0082] The notification unit 21 is connected to the determination unit 26 and receives signals 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 that identifies the ceiling material 10 that transmitted the signal (Figure 9, step S12). Figure 6 shows an example of a display by the notification unit 21. In this example, a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit 103 of the ceiling material 10 having identification information C, and the display of the notification unit 21 shows "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 also have a configuration that includes multiple light-emitting devices corresponding to each piece of identification information, or a configuration that notifies the user by voice.

[0083] [5-2. Effects of this embodiment] The water leak detection system 6 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of ceiling materials 10 in addition to the configuration shown in Figure 1. Each ceiling material 10 has a storage unit 130 that stores identification information for identifying itself to a communication-enabled device, and the signal transmitted from the transmission unit 120 includes the identification information. Based on the identification information, the user terminal 20 notifies the user which of the plurality of ceiling materials 10 has had a liquid containing water seep into its detection unit 103.

[0084] With this configuration, in addition to the effects obtained in the first embodiment, the user can easily determine which of the multiple ceiling materials 10 has been penetrated by a liquid containing water into the detection unit 103. Therefore, by applying the water leak detection system 6 of this embodiment, it is possible to identify the location of a water leak in a ceiling equipped with multiple ceiling panels, for example.

[0085] <6. Modification 1 of the second embodiment> Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water leak detection system according to Modification 1 of the second embodiment. Here, components common to the configuration in Figure 6 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. The water leak detection system 7 according to this example comprises a user terminal 20, a host computer 30, and a plurality of ceiling materials 10.

[0086] Each ceiling material 10 is connected to the host computer 30 in a communication manner, and each ceiling material 10 is capable of transmitting signals to the host computer 30. The host computer 30 is connected to the user terminal 20 in a communication manner, and the host computer 30 is capable of transmitting signals to the user terminal 20. Communication between each ceiling material 10 and the host computer 30, and between the host computer 30 and the user terminal 20, may be carried out by electrical wiring or by electromagnetic waves.

[0087] The host computer 30 includes a determination unit 31. When the host computer 30 receives a signal from the ceiling material 10, the determination unit 31 generates specific information that identifies the ceiling material 10 that transmitted the signal, i.e., the ceiling material 10 in which a liquid containing water has permeated the detection unit 103, based on the identification information contained in the signal. The host computer 30 transmits a signal containing this specific information to the user terminal 20 (Figure 9, step S12).

[0088] The user terminal 20 is equipped with a notification unit 21. Based on specific information transmitted from the host computer 30, the user 920 uses the notification unit 21 to notify the user which of the multiple ceiling materials 10 has had a water-containing liquid penetrate its detection unit 103 (Figure 9, step S14).

[0089] The specific information transmitted by the host computer 30 is generated based on the identification information transmitted from the ceiling material 10. Therefore, the user terminal 20 is configured to indirectly notify the user of which of the multiple ceiling materials 10 has had a water-containing liquid penetrate its detection unit 103, based on the identification information.

[0090] In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the ceiling material 10, the host computer 30, and the user terminal 20 are connected in series. However, the host computer 30 and the user terminal 20 may be connected in parallel to the ceiling material 10. That is, the user terminal 20 may directly receive signals from the ceiling material 10. In that case, it is preferable that the user terminal 20 is equipped with a determination unit that identifies the ceiling material 10 that transmitted the signal.

[0091] Furthermore, the leak 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 ceiling material 10 may be registered in advance, and information indicating that a leak has been detected may be sent to the user terminal 20 corresponding to the ceiling material 10 where the leak was detected.

[0092] <7. Modification 2 of the second embodiment> Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a water leak detection system according to a modified example 2 of the second embodiment. Here, components common to the configuration in Figure 6 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions may be omitted. The water leak detection system 8 in this example includes a user terminal 20 and a plurality of water leak detection units 11. The water leak detection system 8 may also include a host computer 30 with the configuration shown in Figure 7.

[0093] The configuration of each leak detection unit 11 is the same as that described in Figure 5, so the common parts will not be explained. Also, some of the configurations shown in Figure 5 are omitted in Figure 8. In each leak detection unit 11, the relay unit 12 stores identification information (identification information A, identification information B, etc. in Figure 8) in the storage unit 130 so that the relay unit 12 can identify itself to devices with which it can communicate.

[0094] With this configuration, the ceiling material 10 provided in each leak detection unit 11 is replaceable, making it possible to have a configuration in which the ceiling material 10 can be replaced. Furthermore, in this example configuration, for example, if the power generation unit 110 of some of the ceiling material 10 reaches the end of its lifespan or its performance deteriorates due to use, or if a leak occurs in some of the ceiling material 10, only the affected ceiling material 10 can be replaced, thereby reducing the maintenance cost of the leak detection system 8.

[0095] Furthermore, by using a device such as an enzyme battery 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 designed to be disposable, the environmental burden can be reduced.

[0096] <8. Examples of ceiling material installation> Figure 10 shows an example of an installation of a ceiling material according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration according to this installation example can be installed in buildings, transportation equipment, etc. Although this is just one example, in Figure 10, a plurality of ceiling materials 10 form a ceiling S that is in contact with the upper end of the interior wall W. In this example, the ceiling S together with the interior wall W forms an interior space. The plurality of ceiling materials 10 are arranged in their in-plane direction (direction along the main surface of the base material 100). It is preferable that there are no gaps between the ceiling materials 10. However, gaps may be provided between the ceiling materials 10, taking into consideration the dimensional tolerances of the product, expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, dimensional changes due to humidity changes, surrounding equipment, and appearance.

[0097] In the configuration described in this installation example, the base material 100 is preferably a flat plate, and the detection unit 103 is preferably provided on the upper surface of the base material 100. This is because water leakage can be detected more reliably and early.

[0098] Each ceiling material 10 in this installation example may be incorporated, for example, as each ceiling material 10 in the leak detection systems 6 to 8 shown in Figures 6 to 8. With this configuration, the location of the leak can be identified in the equipment or device to which this installation example is applied, and the user can respond to the leak quickly and efficiently. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0099] 1, 6, 7, 8 Leak detection system 10 Ceiling materials 11. Leak detection unit 12 Relay section 20 user terminals 21 Notification Department 30 Host Computers 26 Judgment section 100 Base material 101 Anodes 102 Cathode 103 Detection unit 110 Power Generation Department 120 Transmitter 130 Storage section 140 Notification Department W Inner wall S Ceiling

Claims

1. Substrate and A ceiling material comprising a base material and a power generation unit formed thereon, having an anode, a cathode, and a sensing unit in contact with the anode and the cathode, wherein power is generated when a liquid containing water penetrates the sensing unit.

2. The ceiling material according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit contains a fuel substance, the anode contains a substance that promotes the oxidation of the fuel substance contained in the detection unit, the cathode contains a substance that promotes the reduction reaction of oxygen, and cations generated by the oxidation reaction at the anode are sent to the cathode using water that has permeated the detection unit as a medium.

3. The ceiling material according to claim 1, further comprising a transmitting unit electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and which transmits a signal to an external device using the electromotive force of the generating unit.

4. The ceiling material according to claim 3, further comprising a storage unit which stores identification information for identifying itself to a communicationable device, and the signal transmitted from the transmission unit includes the identification information.

5. Substrate and A power generation unit is formed on the substrate and has an anode, a cathode, and a sensing portion in contact with the anode and the cathode, and generates electricity when a liquid containing water penetrates the sensing portion. A notification unit is electrically connected to the anode and the cathode, and uses the electromotive force of the power generation unit to notify the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit. Ceiling material that has these features.

6. The ceiling material according to claim 1, The system includes a relay unit that is detachably and communicatively connected to the aforementioned ceiling material, The ceiling material generates a signal to be transmitted to the relay unit based on the electromotive force of the power generation unit, The relay unit is a water leak detection unit having a relay unit which has a transmitting unit that transmits an output signal to an external device based on an input signal from the ceiling material.

7. The ceiling material according to claim 3, A user terminal comprising a notification unit that is communicatively connected to the ceiling material and notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit, A leak detection system equipped with [a specific feature].

8. The ceiling is equipped with multiple of the aforementioned ceiling materials, Each of the aforementioned ceiling materials is equipped with a storage unit that stores identification information for the purpose of identifying itself to a communication-enabled device. The signal transmitted from the transmitting unit includes the identification information. The water leak detection system according to claim 7, wherein the user terminal notifies the user, based on the identification information, which of the plurality of ceiling materials has been penetrated by a water-containing liquid into the detection portion.

9. With an additional host computer, Each of the aforementioned ceiling materials and the host computer are connected in a way that allows for communication. The host computer and the user terminal are connected in a way that allows for communication. The host computer, upon receiving a signal from the ceiling material, includes a determination unit that generates specific information to identify the ceiling material that transmitted the signal, based on the identification information contained in the signal. The water leak detection system according to claim 7, wherein the host computer transmits a signal containing the specific information to the user terminal.

10. The water leak detection unit according to claim 6, A user terminal is provided which is communicatively connected to the water leak detection unit and which notifies the user that a liquid containing water has penetrated the detection unit based on the signal transmitted from the transmission unit. A leak detection system equipped with [a specific feature].

11. Equipped with multiple leak detection units, Each of the aforementioned leak detection units includes a relay unit that stores identification information for identifying itself to a communication-enabled device, The signal transmitted from the transmitting unit includes the identification information. The water leak detection system according to claim 10, wherein the user terminal notifies the user, based on the identification information, which of the plurality of ceiling materials has been penetrated by a water-containing liquid into the detection portion.

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