Fluid monitoring device and inflow control method

Abstract

The challenge is to improve the performance of fluid monitoring. [Solution] The fluid monitoring device 1 comprises an inflow control device 31 positioned in a fluid supply passage 7 that supplies fluid to the target device 9 and controls the inflow of fluid from a supply port 8 into the fluid supply passage 7, a first sensor 34a provided between the inflow control device 31 and the target device 9 in the fluid supply passage 7 and capable of detecting the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7, and a control unit 10 that controls the inflow control device 31. The control unit 10 detects the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 and the detection result from the first sensor 34a, controls the inflow control device 31 from closed to open when the start of fluid intake is detected, and controls the inflow control device 31 from open to closed when the stop of fluid intake is detected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for monitoring fluids.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various techniques for detecting or preventing water leakage in beverage dispensing devices (beverage dispensers) and the like have been proposed (see Patent Documents 1 to 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, various devices for detecting or preventing fluid leakage, such as water leakage in a beverage dispensing device, have been proposed. However, the conventional detection methods have problems such as a relatively large time lag from the occurrence of fluid leakage to detection.

[0005] The technique according to the present disclosure aims to improve the performance of fluid monitoring.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is a fluid monitoring device connected to a target device that uses fluid, comprising: an inflow control device positioned in a fluid supply path that takes in fluid supplied from a supply port outside the fluid monitoring device and supplies fluid to the target device, and controls the inflow of fluid from the supply port into the fluid supply path; a first sensor provided between the inflow control device and the target device in the fluid supply path and capable of detecting the state of fluid in the fluid supply path; and a control unit that controls the inflow control device to control the inflow of fluid into the fluid supply path, wherein the control unit detects the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path by the target device based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device and the detection result by the first sensor, controls the inflow control device from closed to open when the start of fluid intake by the target device is detected, and controls the inflow control device from open to closed when the stop of fluid intake by the target device is detected.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of this disclosure is a current control device comprising an electrode and an electronic circuit connected to the electrode, the electronic circuit capable of switching the direction of current flowing to the electrode by changing the current path using one or more elements of the electronic circuit.

[0008] This disclosure can be understood as a computer system, an information processing device, a method executed by a computer, or a program to be executed by a computer. Furthermore, this disclosure can also be understood as such a program recorded on a recording medium readable by a computer or other device or machine. Here, a recording medium readable by a computer refers to a recording medium that stores information such as data and programs through electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, or chemical means and can be read by a computer. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The technology described herein makes it possible to improve the performance of fluid monitoring. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure (1) shows an overview of the control mechanism used in the embodiment to switch the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes using an electronic circuit. [Figure 3] Figure (2) shows an overview of the control mechanism used in the embodiment to switch the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes using an electronic circuit. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example configuration in which a motor driver IC is used as an electronic circuit to switch the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes in the embodiment. [Figure 5] This figure shows a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure shows a schematic representation of the functional configuration of the control unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the startup process flow by the control unit of the fluid monitoring device in the embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of abnormality detection processing by the control unit of the fluid monitoring device in the embodiment. [Figure 9] This flowchart shows the flow of fluid supply processing by the control unit of the fluid monitoring device in the embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a time chart (1) showing an overview of the fluid supply process flow in the embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a time chart (2) showing an overview of the fluid supply process flow in the embodiment. [Figure 12] This flowchart shows the processing flow during abnormality detection by the control unit of the fluid monitoring device in the embodiment. [Figure 13] This flowchart shows the flow of alternating processing by the control unit of the fluid monitoring device in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the system, method, and program according to the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are examples, and the system, method, and program according to the present disclosure are not limited to the specific configurations described below. The technology according to the present disclosure is widely applicable to technologies for monitoring fluids, and in implementation, specific configurations according to the embodiments may be appropriately adopted, and various improvements and modifications may be made.

[0012] <Configuration of the system> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the system according to the present embodiment. The system according to the present embodiment includes a target device 9 that uses a fluid and a fluid monitoring device 1 connected to the target device 9.

[0013] In the present embodiment, an example in which the fluid monitoring device 1 monitors water will be described. However, the fluid to be monitored or detected in the present disclosure is not limited, and it may be either a liquid or a gas. In the present embodiment, an example in which the fluid monitoring device 1 is used as a water leakage detection device installed near the target device 9 for the purpose of water leakage detection will be described. However, as long as the fluid monitoring device 1 is used for fluid monitoring, its more specific use is not limited, and it may be used for uses other than water leakage detection. Further, in the present embodiment, a beverage providing device that uses water as the fluid to be monitored is given as an example of the target device 9, and the technology according to the present disclosure will be described. However, the target device 9 only needs to use a fluid in some form, and the specific use and configuration of the target device 9 are not limited to the specific examples in the present disclosure. The target device 9 may be, for example, a liquid cooling device installed in a data center.

[0014] The target device 9 is a beverage dispensing device in the present embodiment as described above. When dispensing a beverage, water is taken in from the fluid intake port 92 of the target device 9 by opening a solenoid valve 91 provided in the target device 9 (which is different from the solenoid valve as the inflow control device 31 of the fluid monitoring device 1 described later. Hereinafter, it is referred to as the "target device solenoid valve 91"). The taken-in water is used to manufacture and dispense a beverage. That is, in the present embodiment, the fluid intake port 92 of the target device 9 is opened and closed by the target device solenoid valve 91, and the water intake by the target device 9 is controlled. Here, a specific configuration (the part indicated by a broken line in the figure) for manufacturing and dispensing a beverage using the water taken in the target device 9 will be omitted from the description. Further, the target device 9 is installed, for example, at a drink counter or a drink bar in a restaurant or the like, but the installation location of the target device 9 may be any place where the target device 9 is used and is not limited.

[0015] The fluid monitoring device 1 is a water leakage detection device in the present embodiment as described above. It is connected to the beverage dispensing device which is the target device 9 and installed in its vicinity to detect leakage of fluid (here, water leakage) related to the beverage dispensing device. Here, the leakage of fluid related to the beverage dispensing device may include all fluid leakages related to the beverage dispensing device, such as leakage from the beverage dispensing device itself, leakage from external components such as the fluid supply path 7 and the supply port 8 connected to the beverage dispensing device, and leakage from external components such as cups and trays to which fluid is dispensed by the beverage dispensing device. In the present embodiment, the fluid monitoring device 1 includes a control unit 10, an inflow control device 31 controllably connected from the control unit 10, an electrode 32, an electronic circuit 33 connected to the electrode 32 and the control unit 10, a first sensor 34a installed in the fluid supply path 7 and connected to the control unit 10, a second sensor 34b connected to the electrode 32 and the control unit 10, a third sensor 34c connected to the control unit 10, a check valve 35 installed between the inflow control device 31 and the first sensor 34a in the fluid supply path 7, and a water filter 36 installed between the first sensor 34a and the fluid intake port 92 in the fluid supply path 7.

[0016] In this embodiment, the fluid monitoring device 1 is implemented as an extended control device (e.g., an IoT module) that can be connected to the existing target device 9. In this way, the fluid monitoring device 1 according to this embodiment can easily add functions such as fluid monitoring, water leak detection, earthquake detection, automatic shutdown upon detection, or external communication without replacing or modifying the target device 9. However, the fluid monitoring device 1 may be implemented as a device built into the target device 9, rather than as an extended control device that can be connected to the target device 9.

[0017] The inflow control device 31 is located upstream of the first sensor 34a in the fluid supply passage 7, which takes in fluid supplied from an external supply port 8 (e.g., a faucet) and supplies fluid to the target device 9, and controls the inflow of fluid into the fluid supply passage 7. In this embodiment, an example using a solenoid valve as the inflow control device 31 is described from the viewpoint of opening and closing speed, but the inflow control device 31 is not limited to so-called solenoid valves, as long as it is capable of controlling the inflow of fluid into the fluid supply passage 7. As the inflow control device 31, for example, in addition to solenoid valves such as solenoid valves, motor valves, flow control valves that can adjust the flow rate according to the pressure, or switching valves that can switch between multiple supply passages may be used. Furthermore, the shape of the valve is not limited, and ball valves, globe valves, gate valves, or butterfly valves may be used. In addition, in this embodiment, an example using piping such as pipes or hoses as the fluid supply passage 7 is described, but the fluid supply passage 7 is not limited to so-called pipe shapes, as long as it is a supply passage for supplying fluid to the target device 9.

[0018] The electrode 32 is installed near the target device 9. In this embodiment, the electrode 32 is installed in a location where the fluid is either absent or below a predetermined amount / concentration, which is the normal state. For example, if the target device 9 is a beverage dispenser, the electrode 32 is installed near the beverage dispenser in a location that is not normally wet but where water would accumulate if a leak occurs. More specifically, the electrode 32 may be set near the fluid supply passage 7 or the supply port 8, as well as near cups, trays, etc., from which the beverage dispenser dispenses the fluid.

[0019] The electronic circuit 33 is connected to the electrode 32 and is capable of switching the direction of the current flowing through the electrode 32. The direction of the current flowing through the electrode 32 is switched by changing the current path using one or more elements of the electronic circuit 33. More specifically, for example, the electronic circuit 33 can switch between areas where current flows and areas where it does not flow by controlling whether or not current flows through each of the one or more elements of the electronic circuit 33, thereby switching the direction of the current flowing through the electrode 32.

[0020] Figures 2 and 3 show an overview of the control used in this embodiment to switch the direction of current flowing through the electrode 32 using an electronic circuit 33. In the example shown in the figures, the electronic circuit 33 connected to the electrode 32 includes a plurality of elements (in the example shown in the figures, bipolar junction NPN transistors T1 to T4) whose energization can be controlled based on a signal from the control unit 10. By controlling the energization of these elements based on a signal from the control unit 10, the direction of current flowing through the electrode 32 can be arbitrarily switched between the direction shown in Figure 2 and the direction shown in Figure 3. More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 2, current flows through transistors T1 and T4, but not through transistors T2 and T3, so that current flows through the electrode 32 in the direction of the dashed arrow. In the example shown in Figure 3, current does not flow through transistors T1 and T4, but current flows through transistors T2 and T3, so that current flows through the electrode 32 in the direction of the dashed arrow.

[0021] In this embodiment, the electronic circuit 33 (corresponding to the area enclosed by the dashed line) outlined in Figures 2 and 3 uses an H-bridge circuit provided by a general-purpose motor driver IC. That is, by using a general-purpose IC such as a motor driver IC in the electronic circuit 33, it is possible to easily control the current. However, the electronic circuit 33 only needs to have a configuration that can switch the direction of the current flowing to the electrode 32 in response to a signal from the control unit 10, and the specific configuration of the electronic circuit and the configuration for switching the direction of the current are not limited to the examples described in this embodiment. Using a motor driver IC as the electronic circuit is just one example of implementing the technology of this disclosure, and for example, a dedicated electronic circuit may be designed and used.

[0022] Figure 4 shows an example of a configuration in this embodiment where a motor driver IC is used as the electronic circuit 33 for switching the direction of the current flowing through electrode 32. Electrode 32 is connected between the "OUT1" pin and the "OUT2" pin of the motor driver IC, and the control unit 10 controls the H-bridge circuit within the motor driver IC by sending control signals to the "IN1" pin and the "IN2" pin of the motor driver IC, thereby switching the direction of the current flowing through electrode 32 between the direction from "OUT1" pin to "OUT2" pin and the direction from "OUT2" pin to "OUT1" pin.

[0023] The first sensor 34a is installed in the fluid supply passage 7 between the inflow control device 31 and the target device 9, and is a sensor capable of detecting the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7. In this embodiment, an example in which a pressure sensor is used as the first sensor 34a is described. However, the first sensor 34a only needs to be capable of detecting the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7, such as pressure, flow rate, concentration, etc., and the specific type of sensor is not limited. That is, the first sensor 34a may be other types of sensors, such as a flow meter or a voltage sensor.

[0024] The second sensor 34b is a sensor capable of detecting the voltage or current applied to the electrode 32. In this embodiment, an example in which a voltage sensor is used as the second sensor 34b is described. However, the second sensor 34b only needs to be capable of detecting the voltage or current applied to the electrode 32, and the specific type of sensor is not limited.

[0025] The third sensor 34c is a sensor capable of detecting tremors such as earthquakes (for example, an earthquake sensor or an acceleration sensor). In this embodiment, an example in which an acceleration sensor is used as the third sensor 34c will be described. However, the third sensor 34c only needs to be capable of detecting tremors, and the specific type of sensor is not limited.

[0026] The control unit 10 controls the inflow control device 31, the electronic circuit 33, and the target devices 9, etc., based on signals obtained from various sensors and target devices 9, etc., provided by the fluid monitoring device 1. The targets controlled by the control unit 10 are not limited to the examples given in this embodiment, as they are devices that can be controlled according to instruction signals from the control unit 10.

[0027] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the hardware configuration of the control unit 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 10 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) 11, RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, ROM (Read Only Memory) 13, storage (auxiliary storage device) 14, and a network interface 15 (which may be wireless or wired). The computer includes an input device including a monitoring operation start switch 16a, a fluid supply operation switch 16b, and a reset switch 16c; an output device including a monitoring notification LED 17a, a fluid supply notification LED 17b, and an abnormality notification LED 17c; and various ports 18 for connecting peripheral devices such as controlled objects and sensors. However, the specific hardware configuration of the control unit 10 can be omitted, replaced, or added as appropriate depending on the embodiment. Furthermore, the control unit 10 is not limited to a single device. The control unit 10 may be implemented by multiple devices using so-called cloud technology or distributed computing technology.

[0028] In this embodiment, the inflow control device 31, electronic circuit 33, first sensor 34a, second sensor 34b, third sensor 34c, and target device 9 are connected to the various ports 18 for connecting peripheral devices. The fluid monitoring device 1, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from at least one of the sensors by the control unit 10 (described later), transmits a predetermined control program stored in memory such as RAM 12 or ROM 13 to the target device 9. The control unit 10 can also communicate with a server (not shown) via a network interface 15.

[0029] Furthermore, the monitoring operation start switch 16a, the fluid supply operation switch 16b, and the reset switch 16c are input devices for receiving operations from the user. The monitoring operation start switch 16a receives a user instruction to start monitoring operations. The fluid supply operation switch 16b receives an instruction from the user to open or close the inflow control device 31 at any time. The reset switch 16c receives an instruction from the user that the abnormality has been resolved and the system can return to a normal state. In this embodiment, an example is described in which these user instructions are received via physical switches, but user instructions may be received by other means. For example, user instructions may be received from a user terminal via a network and network interface 15.

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the schematic functional configuration of the control unit 10 according to this embodiment. The control unit 10 functions as an information processing device that includes an acquisition status detection unit 21, an opening / closing control unit 22, a first monitoring unit 23, a second monitoring unit 24, a third monitoring unit 25, and an alternating control unit 26, which are described below, by interpreting and executing various programs deployed in the RAM 12 by the CPU 11. In this embodiment, an example is described in which these functions are executed by a general-purpose CPU 11, but some or all of these functions may be implemented by one or more dedicated processors.

[0031] The intake status detection unit 21 detects the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 (hereinafter referred to as "start / stop of fluid intake") based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 and the detection result from the first sensor 34a. Here, the predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 is a control signal for opening the fluid intake port 92 provided in the target device 9 (in this embodiment, a control signal for opening and closing the solenoid valve 91 of the target device), a control signal indicating the start of fluid use occurring in the target device 9 (in this embodiment, a supply signal indicating that beverage supply has started), or a signal from a pressure / flow sensor provided in the target device, etc.

[0032] In this embodiment, the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 is detected based on a predetermined signal obtained from such a target device 9. However, the start / stop of fluid intake may be detected by other methods.

[0033] For example, as described above, the intake state detection unit 21 may detect the start / stop of fluid intake based on the detection result of the first sensor 34a. Here, the detection result of the first sensor 34a is, for example, the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7 detected by the first sensor 34a, or a change in that state. However, since the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7 detected by the first sensor 34a, or a change in that state, is also used for fluid leakage detection as described later, it is preferable that the detection of the start / stop of fluid intake by the first sensor 34a is used only when fluid leakage detection is not performed, or that it is performed by referring to different determination conditions (thresholds, etc.) than those for fluid leakage detection.

[0034] Furthermore, for example, the intake status detection unit 21 may detect the start / stop of fluid intake based on the fact that both a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 and the detection result from the first sensor 34a satisfy the conditions. By using such detection criteria, the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 can be detected with a higher degree of reliability.

[0035] The opening / closing control unit 22 controls the inflow of fluid from the supply port 8 to the fluid supply passage 7 by controlling the inflow control device 31. More specifically, in this embodiment, the opening / closing control unit 22 controls the inflow control device 31 from closed to open when it detects the start of fluid intake by the target device 9, and controls the inflow control device 31 from open to closed when it detects the cessation of fluid intake by the target device 9. According to the system of this embodiment, fluid is supplied to the fluid supply passage 7 only when fluid is needed by the target device 9, and the supply of fluid to the fluid supply passage 7 is stopped when fluid is not needed by the target device 9, thereby making it possible to suppress the impact of water leakage and improving the reliability of the system.

[0036] The first monitoring unit 23 monitors the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7 as detected by the first sensor 34a when the start of fluid intake by the target device 9 has not been detected, or when the inflow control device 31 is controlled to be closed. More specifically, in this embodiment, the first monitoring unit 23 determines that fluid leakage (slow leak) is occurring when the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7, or a change in said state, as detected by the first sensor 34a, satisfies predetermined determination conditions, when the start of fluid intake by the target device 9 has not been detected, or when the inflow control device 31 is controlled to be closed. Here, predetermined determination conditions include, for example, that the value related to the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7 detected by the first sensor 34a has fallen below a predetermined threshold, risen above a predetermined threshold, or shown a change of a predetermined value or greater. In this way, the system according to this embodiment makes it possible to detect water leakage based on the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage 7 (pressure, etc.) at times when fluid is not being used by the target device 9.

[0037] The second monitoring unit 24 determines the state of the fluid at the location where the electrode 32 is set, based on the output from the second sensor 34b. As described above, in this embodiment, the electrode 32 is installed in a location where it is normal for no fluid to be present or for the fluid level to be below a predetermined amount / concentration. Therefore, the second monitoring unit 24 can detect that fluid has leaked at the location where the electrode 32 is set, based on the output from the second sensor 34b.

[0038] The third monitoring unit 25 detects whether or not a vibration of a predetermined magnitude or greater is occurring based on the output from the third sensor 34c. The control unit 10 may then, in response to receiving a signal indicating a vibration of a predetermined magnitude or greater, transmit a control program to the target device 9 that stops at least one of the functions of the target device 9.

[0039] The alternating control unit 26 controls the electronic circuit 33 by sending control signals to the electronic circuit 33, thereby controlling the direction of the current flowing through the electrode 32. In this embodiment, the alternating control unit 26 controls the direction of the current flowing through the electrode 32 to alternate periodically by periodically switching the control signals sent to the electronic circuit 33.

[0040] Furthermore, the control unit 10 may also include a function to transmit, using a communication unit, log data recording the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path 7 by the target device 9, or the amount of fluid used by the target device 9 calculated based on said log data, to a predetermined external storage device (e.g., SD card, smartphone, server, etc.). By including such a function, it becomes possible to grasp the amount of beverages provided by the beverage dispensing device based on the log data.

[0041] <Processing flow> Next, the details of the processing according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the specific content and sequence of the processing described in this embodiment are merely examples for implementing this disclosure. The specific processing content and sequence may be appropriately selected depending on the mode of implementation.

[0042] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the startup process performed by the control unit 10 of the fluid monitoring device 1 in this embodiment. The startup process is performed when the power to the fluid monitoring device 1 is turned on.

[0043] When power is turned on, the control unit 10 initializes the various ports 18 provided by the control unit 10 (step S101). Here, the control unit 10 according to this embodiment retains the state of various flags (including the water leakage flag and monitoring operation flag described later) at the time the power to the fluid monitoring device 1 was last turned off, by recording them in non-volatile memory or by other means. Here, the memory for saving the state of the various flags may be, for example, storage 14 or an SD card, or a smartphone or server connected via a network. In the fluid monitoring device 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to check the state of the fluid monitoring device 1 at the time the device power was last turned off by referring to these flags at startup. The control unit 10 checks whether the variable indicating the water leakage flag is set to a value indicating that there is a water leak or a value indicating that there is no water leak (hereinafter simply expressed as "the water leakage flag is set / deactivated") (step S102). If the water leakage flag is set (YES in step S102), the abnormal detection process described later is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is terminated.

[0044] On the other hand, if the water leakage flag is deactivated (NO in step S102), the control unit 10 checks whether the variable indicating the monitoring operation flag is set to a value indicating that monitoring is in progress or a value indicating that monitoring is not in progress (hereinafter simply expressed as "the monitoring operation flag is set / deactivated") (step S103). If the monitoring operation flag is deactivated (NO in step S103), the control unit 10 waits for the user to operate the monitoring operation start switch 16a (step S104), and sets the monitoring operation flag when an operation to instruct the start of monitoring is performed on the monitoring operation start switch 16a (step S105). If the monitoring operation flag is set in step S105, or if the monitoring operation flag is already set (YES in step S103), the control unit 10 lights up the monitoring notification LED 17a to notify the user that monitoring processing is currently being performed (step S106). After that, the monitoring process, including the abnormality detection process and fluid supply process described later, is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0045] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection processing by the control unit 10 of the fluid monitoring device 1 in this embodiment. The abnormality detection processing is started after the power is turned on to the fluid monitoring device 1 and the above-described startup process is completed, and is repeatedly executed while the fluid monitoring device 1 is running.

[0046] In steps S201 to S204, water leakage detection is performed by the first sensor 34a (in this embodiment, a pressure sensor). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the first sensor 34a is connected to the control unit 10 by referring to the first sensor connection flag (step S201). If the first sensor 34a is not connected, water leakage detection by the first sensor 34a is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S205.

[0047] If the first sensor 34a is connected, the first monitoring unit 23 determines whether the current pressure in the fluid supply passage 7, obtained based on the output of the first sensor 34a, is less than a predetermined threshold (threshold A shown in Figures 10 and 11, described later) (step S202). The intake status detection unit 21 determines whether the target device 9 is currently taking in fluid from the fluid supply passage 7 based on a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 (step S203). If it is determined that the current pressure in the fluid supply passage 7 is less than the predetermined threshold and that the target device 9 is not currently taking in fluid (YES in step S202 and YES in step S203), the first monitoring unit 23 sets a water leakage flag (step S204). After that, the abnormality detection process, described later, is started, and the process proceeds to step S205.

[0048] On the other hand, if it is determined that the current pressure in the fluid supply passage 7 is not below a predetermined threshold (NO in step S202), or if it is determined that fluid is currently being taken in at the target device 9 (NO in step S203), the process proceeds to step S205.

[0049] In steps S205 to S207, water leakage detection is performed by the second sensor 34b (in this embodiment, a voltage sensor connected to electrode 32). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the voltage sensor is connected to the control unit 10 by referring to the second sensor connection flag (step S205). If the voltage sensor is not connected, vibration detection by the voltage sensor is omitted, and the process proceeds to step S208.

[0050] If a voltage sensor is connected, the second monitoring unit 24 determines whether the current voltage of the electrode 32, obtained based on the output of the voltage sensor, is below a predetermined threshold (step S206). If the current voltage in the fluid supply passage 7 is determined to be below a predetermined threshold (YES in step S206), the second monitoring unit 24 determines that the electrode 32 is wet due to water leakage and sets the water leakage flag (step S207). Subsequently, the abnormality detection process described later is started, and the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if the current voltage in the fluid supply passage 7 is determined to be not below a predetermined threshold (NO in step S206), the electrode 32 is determined not to be wet, and the process proceeds to step S208.

[0051] From step S208 to step S210, vibration detection is performed by the third sensor 34c (in this embodiment, an acceleration sensor). The control unit 10 determines whether or not the acceleration sensor is connected to the control unit 10 by referring to the third sensor connection flag (step S208). If the acceleration sensor is not connected, vibration detection by the acceleration sensor is omitted, and the fluid supply process is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0052] If an acceleration sensor is connected, the third monitoring unit 25 determines whether the current acceleration obtained based on the output of the acceleration sensor is above a predetermined threshold (step S209). If it is determined that the current acceleration is above the predetermined threshold (YES in step S209), the third monitoring unit 25 sets the vibration in progress flag (step S210). Subsequently, the abnormality detection process and the fluid supply process, which will be described later, are started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the current acceleration is not above the predetermined threshold (NO in step S209), the fluid supply process is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0053] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the fluid supply process by the control unit 10 of the fluid monitoring device 1 in this embodiment. The fluid supply process starts after the power is turned on to the fluid monitoring device 1 and the above-described startup process is completed, and is repeatedly executed while the fluid monitoring device 1 is running.

[0054] In steps S301 to S306, a process is executed to supply water to the fluid supply passage 7 when fluid is taken in by the target device 9. The intake status detection unit 21 determines whether or not fluid is currently being taken in from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 based on a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 (step S301). If it is determined that fluid is currently being taken in by the target device 9 (NO in step S301), the intake status detection unit 21 checks the fluid supply flag (step S302). If the fluid supply flag is not set (NO in step S302), the opening / closing control unit 22 starts supplying fluid to the fluid supply passage 7 by controlling the inflow control device 31 from closed to open (step S303), lights up the fluid supply notification LED 17b to notify the user that the current state is fluid supply (step S304), sets the fluid supply flag (step S305), sets a delay timer (e.g., 5 seconds), and starts the delay timer countdown (step S306).

[0055] Figures 10 and 11 are time charts illustrating the general flow of the fluid supply process in this embodiment. According to these time charts, when a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 (in this case, the ON / OFF signal of the target device solenoid valve 91) is detected to be ON, the inflow control device 31 of the fluid monitoring device 1 is controlled from closed to open. At this time, the pressure measured by the first sensor 34a (pressure sensor) provided in the fluid supply passage 7 decreases as the target device solenoid valve 91 opens and water is drawn into the target device 9 from the fluid supply passage 7. However, the pressure then recovers as the inflow control device 31 of the fluid monitoring device 1 opens and water is supplied to the fluid supply passage 7 from the supply port 8 outside the device.

[0056] Figures 10 and 11 show that the way water pressure changes differs depending on environmental factors such as the water intake rate by the target device 9 and the water supply rate from the supply port 8. In both Figures 10 and 11, the pressure measured by the first sensor 34a temporarily falls below a predetermined threshold A for detecting a slow leak. However, in this case, it is determined that fluid is currently being taken in from the fluid supply passage 7 by the target device 9 based on a predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9, and therefore it is not determined to be a slow leak.

[0057] On the other hand, if the fluid supply flag is already set (YES in step S302), the control unit 10 sets only the delay timer (step S306). If the delay timer is already set and counting down, the control unit 10 resets the delay timer. After that, the abnormality detection process described above is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed. On the other hand, if it is determined that no fluid is currently being taken in by the target device 9 (NO in step S301), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0058] In steps S307 to S310, after fluid intake has occurred in the target device 9, a process is executed to delay and stop the supply of water to the fluid supply passage 7. If it is determined that fluid intake is not currently occurring in the target device 9 (NO in step S301), the control unit 10 checks whether the remaining time on the delay timer is 0 (zero) (step S307). If the remaining time on the delay timer is not 0 (NO in step S307), that is, if the countdown by the delay timer is continuing, the water supply to the fluid supply passage 7 continues, the abnormality detection process described above is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0059] On the other hand, if the remaining time on the delay timer is 0 (YES in step S307), the control unit 10 determines that the fluid use in the target device 9 has ended and a predetermined delay time has elapsed to fill the fluid supply passage 7 with fluid. The opening / closing control unit 22 then controls the inflow control device 31 from open to closed to stop the supply of fluid to the fluid supply passage 7 (step S308), turns off the fluid supply notification LED 17b (step S309), and clears the fluid supply flag (step S310). After that, the abnormality detection process described above is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0060] Referring again to the time charts in Figures 10 and 11, if the predetermined signal obtained from the target device 9 (the ON / OFF signal of the solenoid valve 91 of the target device) is OFF and the delay timer is set, the control unit 10 continues to keep the inflow control device 31 of the fluid monitoring device 1 open until the countdown by the delay timer is finished, thereby continuing to supply water from the supply port 8 to the fluid supply passage 7, filling the fluid supply passage 7 with water and restoring the pressure. When the countdown by the delay timer is finished, the control unit 10 closes the inflow control device 31.

[0061] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection processing by the control unit 10 of the fluid monitoring device 1 in this embodiment. Abnormality detection processing is performed when an abnormality such as a slow leak, water leakage, or vibration is detected in the abnormality detection processing described using Figure 8, and a flag indicating that an abnormality has been detected, such as a water leakage flag or a vibration flag, is set.

[0062] In steps S401 to S405, the inflow control device 31 is closed. The control unit 10 checks whether the fluid supply flag is set (step S401). If the fluid supply flag is not set (NO in step S401), the processing in steps S402 to S405 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, if the fluid supply flag is set (YES in step S401), the control unit 10 determines that fluid is being supplied to the fluid supply passage 7 despite the water leak, and the opening / closing control unit 22 stops the supply of fluid to the fluid supply passage 7 by controlling the inflow control device 31 from open to closed (step S402), clears the fluid supply flag (step S403), clears the delay timer by setting the remaining time of the delay timer to 0 (zero) (step S404), and turns off the fluid supply notification LED 17b (step S405). The process then proceeds to step S406.

[0063] In steps S406 and S407, the monitoring process is interrupted. The control unit 10 stops applying voltage to the electrode 32 (step S406) and turns off the monitoring notification LED 17a (step S407). The process then proceeds to step S408.

[0064] In steps S408 to S414, the monitoring process is resumed according to a reset input from the user. The control unit 10 checks whether the vibration-inducing flag is set (step S408). If the vibration-inducing flag is not set (NO in step S408), the control unit 10 lights up the abnormality notification LED 17c (continuously lit) to notify the user that a water leak has been detected (step S409) and waits for the user to operate the reset switch 16c (step S410). On the other hand, if the vibration-inducing flag is set (YES in step S408), the control unit 10 blinks the abnormality notification LED 17c (intermittently lit; for example, repeatedly lit for 0.5 seconds and off for 0.5 seconds) to notify the user that shaking has been detected (step S411) and waits for the user to operate the reset switch 16c (step S412).

[0065] Here, the reset switch 16c is a switch used by the user to notify the device that the water leak has been resolved, the shaking has stopped, the device has recovered from the damage caused by the shaking, that is, it is safe to return to a normal state. When the user's operation of the reset switch 16c is detected in step S410 or step S412, the control unit 10 clears the water leak flag and the vibration flag (step S413) and lights up the monitoring notification LED 17a (step S414). Subsequently, the monitoring process, including the abnormality detection process and fluid supply process described above, is started, and the process shown in this flowchart is completed.

[0066] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing the alternating processing flow by the control unit 10 of the fluid monitoring device 1 in this embodiment. The alternating processing is initiated when the fluid monitoring device 1 is started and is repeatedly executed in parallel with the monitoring process described above while the fluid monitoring device 1 is running.

[0067] Here, the voltage applied so that current flows through electrode 32 in the direction of the dashed arrow in Figure 2 and from the "OUT1" pin to the "OUT2" pin in Figure 4 is referred to as the "electrode forward voltage," and the voltage applied so that current flows through electrode 32 in the direction of the dashed arrow in Figure 3 and from the "OUT2" pin to the "OUT1" pin in Figure 4 is referred to as the "electrode reverse voltage." The alternating control unit 26 transmits a control signal to control the electronic circuit 33 so that current flows through electrode 32 with the electrode forward voltage for a first predetermined time (for example, 1000 milliseconds) (steps S501 and S502), and then transmits a control signal to control the electronic circuit 33 so that no current flows through electrode 32 for a second predetermined time (for example, 100 milliseconds) (steps S503 and S504).

[0068] Subsequently, the alternating control unit 26 transmits a control signal to control the electronic circuit 33 so that current flows through the electrode 32 with a reverse electrode voltage for a third predetermined time (for example, 1000 milliseconds) (steps S505 and S506), and then transmits a control signal to control the electronic circuit 33 so that no current flows through the electrode 32 for a fourth predetermined time (for example, 100 milliseconds) (steps S507 and S508). By repeatedly executing this process while the fluid monitoring device 1 is running, the direction of the current flowing to the electrode 32 is periodically switched, suppressing corrosion and deterioration of the electrode 32 and extending the lifespan of the electrode 32.

[0069] <Variations> In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which a pressure-based slow leak detection function, an electrode-based water leakage detection function, a vibration detection function, and an alternating function are all implemented in one fluid monitoring device 1. However, these functions may be omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, if one or more of these functions are omitted, unnecessary components of the device configuration described above may be omitted as appropriate.

[0070] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the electrode 32 is installed in a location where no fluid is present or where the fluid level is below a predetermined amount / concentration. However, the electrode 32 may also be installed in a location where the fluid level is filled or above a predetermined amount / concentration (for example, by immersing it in the fluid inside a pipe or tank filled with fluid). In this case as well, for example, if the installation location is no longer filled with fluid or falls below a predetermined amount / concentration due to the electrode 32 being exposed, the voltage at the electrode 32 will change. Therefore, the second monitoring unit 24 can detect that fluid is leaking from the location where the electrode 32 is set, based on the output from the second sensor 34b.

[0071] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, examples were given of using monitoring notification LED 17a, fluid supply notification LED 17b, and abnormality notification LED 17c, etc., to notify the user that monitoring processing is currently being performed, that the current state is fluid supply, or that an abnormality such as water leakage or vibration has been detected. However, other configurations may be used for notifying the user. For example, notification to the user may be done by sound playback or display. Moreover, notification to the user may be made to a user terminal such as a smartphone or PC connected via the network from the network interface 15. In addition, the communication protocol used for notification is not limited, and in addition to push notifications, text delivery services or email may be used. In this way, the user can immediately recognize the status of the fluid monitoring device 1 and the occurrence of abnormalities even when away from the fluid monitoring device 1.

[0072] Furthermore, the technology disclosed herein can also be understood as a current control device. The configuration when the technology disclosed herein is understood as a current control device is described below.

[0073] [Note A] Electrodes and, An electronic circuit connected to the electrode, the electronic circuit capable of switching the direction of current flowing to the electrode by changing the current path using one or more elements of the electronic circuit, A current control device equipped with the following features. [Note B] The current control device is an extension control device that can be connected to the target device. A memory containing a predetermined control program, One or more sensors, including a second sensor capable of detecting the voltage or current applied to the electrode, A control unit that, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from at least one of the one or more sensors, transmits the predetermined control program to the target device, A current control device as described in Appendix A, comprising: [Note C] The one or more sensors include a third sensor capable of detecting earthquakes. The control unit, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from the earthquake-sensing sensor, transmits a control program to the target device that stops at least one of the functions of the target device. The current control device described in Appendix B. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1 Fluid monitoring device 9. Target devices

Claims

1. A fluid monitoring device connected to a device that uses fluid, An inflow control device is positioned in a fluid supply path that takes in fluid supplied from a supply port outside the fluid monitoring device and supplies the fluid to the target device, and controls the inflow of fluid from the supply port into the fluid supply path. A first sensor is provided between the inflow control device and the target device in the fluid supply passage, and is capable of detecting the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage. The system includes a control unit that controls the inflow of fluid into the fluid supply passage by controlling the inflow control device, The control unit, Based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device and the detection result from the first sensor, the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path by the target device is detected. Upon detection of the start of fluid intake by the aforementioned device, the inflow control device is controlled from closed to open. When the cessation of fluid intake by the aforementioned device is detected, the inflow control device is controlled from open to closed. Fluid monitoring device.

2. The control unit detects the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path by the target device based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device and the state of the fluid in the fluid supply path detected by the first sensor or a change in that state. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The predetermined signal obtained from the target device is a control signal for opening a fluid intake port provided in the target device, or a control signal indicating the start of fluid utilization occurring in the target device. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 2.

4. The control unit further monitors the state of the fluid in the fluid supply path as detected by the first sensor when the start of fluid intake by the target device has not been detected, or when the inflow control device is controlled to be closed. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 1.

5. The control unit determines that fluid leakage has occurred when the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage detected by the first sensor, or a change in said state, satisfies predetermined determination conditions, while the start of fluid intake by the target device has not been detected, or the inflow control device is controlled to be closed. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 4.

6. The control unit determines that fluid leakage has occurred when the value related to the state of the fluid in the fluid supply passage detected by the first sensor falls below a predetermined threshold, either when the start of fluid intake by the target device has not been detected, or when the inflow control device is controlled to be closed. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 5.

7. The control unit transmits, using the communication unit, log data recording the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path by the target device, or the amount of fluid used by the target device calculated based on the log data, to a predetermined external storage device. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 1.

8. The fluid monitoring device is an extended control device that can be connected to the target device. A memory containing a predetermined control program, The system comprises one or more sensors, including the first sensor, The control unit, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from at least one of the one or more sensors, transmits the predetermined control program to the target device. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 1.

9. An electrode installed near the target device, An electronic circuit connected to the electrode and capable of switching the direction of the current flowing through the electrode, The fluid monitoring device according to claim 1, further comprising the following:

10. The electronic circuit changes the direction of the current flowing to the electrode by changing the current path using one or more elements of the electronic circuit. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 9.

11. The control unit controls the electronic circuit by sending a control signal to the electronic circuit, and controls the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 9.

12. The control unit periodically switches the control signal sent to the electronic circuit, thereby controlling the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes to periodically switch. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 11.

13. The system further comprises a second sensor capable of detecting the voltage or current applied to the electrode, The control unit determines the state of the fluid at the location where the electrode is set, based on the output from the second sensor. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 9.

14. The electrode is installed in a location where the fluid is absent or below a predetermined amount / concentration, The control unit detects, based on the output from the second sensor, that the fluid has leaked to the location where the electrode is set. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 13.

15. The electrode is installed in a location where the fluid is either filled or at a predetermined amount / concentration or higher, which is the normal state. The control unit detects, based on the output from the second sensor, that the fluid is leaking from the location where the electrode is set. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 13.

16. The fluid monitoring device is an extended control device that can be connected to the target device. A memory containing a predetermined control program, The system comprises one or more sensors including the aforementioned electrodes, The control unit, in response to receiving a predetermined signal from at least one of the one or more sensors, transmits the predetermined control program to the target device. The fluid monitoring device according to claim 9.

17. A fluid monitoring device connected to a target device that uses fluid, comprising: an inflow control device positioned in a fluid supply path that takes in fluid supplied from a supply port outside the fluid monitoring device and supplies fluid to the target device, and controls the inflow of fluid from the supply port into the fluid supply path; a first sensor provided between the inflow control device and the target device in the fluid supply path and capable of detecting the state of the fluid in the fluid supply path; and a control unit that controls the inflow control device to control the inflow of fluid into the fluid supply path, the control unit of the fluid monitoring device, A step of detecting the start or stop of fluid intake from the fluid supply path by the target device based on at least one of a predetermined signal obtained from the target device and the detection result from the first sensor, The step of controlling the inflow control device from closed to open, triggered by the detection of the start of fluid intake by the target device, The step of controlling the inflow control device from open to closed, triggered by the detection of the cessation of fluid intake by the target device, A method for controlling the inflow of traffic.

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