Liquid level sensor, liquid level management system, method and program

Abstract

Facilitate maintenance while facilitating liquid level detection and management of the remaining amount of the stored liquid. 【Solution means】 It includes a sensor housing 42 installed in the tank 16, an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit (ultrasonic transducer 4) that transmits ultrasonic waves toward the liquid surface of the stored liquid (kerosene 18) and receives the reflected waves from the liquid surface, a temperature sensor 20, a power supply unit 12 including a battery 26, an operation time is set at least twice a day or approximately once a day, the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit is operated at each operation time, the distance is measured using ultrasonic waves, and a sensor information generation unit (control unit 8) that generates sensor information including any one or two or more of tank information, battery voltage, and detected temperature together with the distance, and an information transmission unit (communication unit 10) that transmits the sensor information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a liquid level sensor for detecting a liquid level such as a kerosene level in a kerosene tank, a method and a program for liquid level management.

Background Art

[0002] Kerosene used as fuel for heating, hot water supply, etc. is stored and consumed in a kerosene tank, and its remaining amount monitoring and replenishment are continuously managed. Since the kerosene monitoring of the kerosene tank and the kerosene replenishment are carried out by delivery from a storage base, the kerosene monitoring or the kerosene replenishment is extremely important, and the stable supply of kerosene is an issue.

[0003] Regarding a kerosene supply system, an integrated flow meter is installed in a supply pipe for supplying kerosene from a kerosene tank to each consumer, and the increment of the integrated flow rate within a required time is measured and integrated for each consumer, and a kerosene supply is reported to a management center (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Regarding the remaining amount monitoring of a kerosene tank, it is known that a server receives measurement values from a plurality of measuring instruments, determines whether or not the value of the fluid amount represented by this measurement value has reached a predetermined value, and outputs a signal indicating a measurement instrument among the plurality of measuring instruments whose determination result is affirmative (for example, Patent Document 2).

[0005] Regarding the detection of the remaining amount of stored substances such as kerosene in a storage container, it is known that a detection device includes a detection unit for detecting a stored substance from an opening of the storage container, a storage unit for storing a detection result, a transmission unit for transmitting the detection result, and a coupling unit for coupling to the opening of the storage container (for example, Patent Document 3).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

[0007] By the way, in the management of kerosene stored in a kerosene tank and consumed from the kerosene tank, monitoring the kerosene level in the tank is essential. The kerosene level can be detected by a sensor, and the remaining amount of kerosene can be obtained from the detected level. In such management of the remaining amount of kerosene, a sensor is installed facing the kerosene in the kerosene tank. For this reason, there is a problem that the sensor is affected by the volatility of kerosene. Therefore, the sensor is strongly required to have resistance to kerosene.

[0008] A sensor installed together with the kerosene tank is a management problem if it can be easily operated by a person other than the administrator, and there are problems such as the need for sufficient resistance to animal damage.

[0009] If the place where kerosene is consumed is, for example, a cold region or a heavy snow region, unmanned operation is desirable in order to reduce the labor of detecting the liquid level of kerosene or obtaining detection information, and continuous recording and integration of the detection information are essential for kerosene management.

[0010] Such problems are not limited to kerosene, but are the same for liquid level detection and liquid level management of stored liquids such as drinking water.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to facilitate the detection of the liquid level of the stored liquid in the tank and the management of the remaining amount of the stored liquid, and to simplify maintenance based on the above problems. [Means for Solving the Problems]

[0013] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the liquid level sensor of the present disclosure, there is provided a sensor housing installed at an opening of a tank, an ultrasonic transceiver that transmits ultrasonic waves from the sensor housing toward the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the tank and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface by the sensor housing, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature or the external temperature of the sensor housing, a power supply unit including a battery, an operation time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, the ultrasonic transceiver is operated at each operation time, the distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point and the liquid surface or the distance between the reflected wave reception point and the liquid surface is measured, and a sensor information generation unit that generates sensor information including tank information representing the tank, the distance, and any one or more of the battery voltage and the detected temperature, and an information transmission unit that transmits the sensor information. a substrate part on which the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part is mounted, an enclosure part that supports the substrate part, separates it from the tank side, surrounds the ultrasonic element, and exposes the ultrasonic transmitting part or the ultrasonic receiving part of the ultrasonic element to the tank side, and a protection part that protects the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part, the power supply part, the sensor information generation part, and the information transmission part including 。

[0014] In this liquid level sensor, further, a shielding film may be provided that surrounds the ultrasonic element and prevents the penetration of the stored liquid from the tank side into the sensor housing.

[0015] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the liquid level sensor of the present disclosure, there is provided a sensor housing installed at an opening of a tank, an ultrasonic transceiver that transmits ultrasonic waves from the sensor housing toward the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the tank and receives reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface by the sensor housing, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature or the external temperature of the sensor housing, a power supply unit including a battery, an operation time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, the ultrasonic transceiver is operated at each operation time, the distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point and the liquid surface or the distance between the reflected wave reception point and the liquid surface is measured, and a sensor information generation unit that generates sensor information including tank information representing the tank, the distance, and any one or more of the battery voltage and the detected temperature, and an information transmission unit that transmits the sensor information. The ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part includes a short-distance mode for transmitting low-level ultrasonic waves and a long-distance mode for transmitting high-level ultrasonic waves. The sensor information generation part executes the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode and generates the sensor information including the distance, the execution times and execution information of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode. do.

[0016] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the liquid level sensor of the present disclosure, former a starting part that receives a magnetic force from outside the sensor housing and activates the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving part and the sensor information generation part when the magnetic force is equal to or greater than a threshold value including 。

[0017] In this liquid level sensor, The ultrasonic transceiver includes an ultrasonic transducer having a transmission element that transmits the ultrasonic waves toward the liquid surface and a reception element that receives the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface, and the ultrasonic waves are ultrasonic waves having a frequency of 300 kHz, or a value near 300 kHz, or higher than 300 kHz. it may be.

[0018] In this liquid level sensor, the stored liquid may be kerosene or a liquid containing kerosene.

[0019] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the liquid level management system of the present disclosure, there is provided a tank, an operation time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank at each operation time, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid level is received, the distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point or the reflected wave reception point and the liquid level is measured, and together with the distance, sensor information including any one or two or more of tank information representing the tank, battery voltage, and detected temperature is transmitted. A liquid level sensor, a sensor information storage unit that acquires and stores the sensor information transmitted by the liquid level sensor at any time, and the sensor information is periodically or irregularly acquired from the sensor information storage unit. When the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank reaches the replenishment required level, an alert information and / or replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank is generated and notified to the delivery carrier terminal. The liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting low-level ultrasonic waves and a long-distance mode for transmitting high-level ultrasonic waves, and includes an ultrasonic transceiver that executes the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode and generates the sensor information including the distance, the execution times and execution information of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode. In this liquid level management system, Furthermore, the liquid level sensor may include an activation unit that receives magnetic force from outside the sensor housing and activates the ultrasonic transceiver unit and the sensor information generation unit when the magnetic force is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

[0020] In this management system, further, the liquid level management unit may associate tank information representing the tank with customer information representing the customer, and present any one or two or more of the remaining amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the liquid, and replenishment result information to the customer terminal.

[0021] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the liquid level management method of the present disclosure, an operating time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set for a liquid level sensor installed at an opening of a tank. At each operating time, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from a sensor housing toward the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the tank, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface is received, a distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point or the reflected wave reception point and the liquid surface is measured, and sensor information including any one or two or more of tank information representing the tank, battery voltage, and detected temperature is transmitted together with the distance; a step of a sensor information storage unit acquiring and storing the sensor information from the liquid level sensor; and a step of a liquid level management unit periodically or irregularly acquiring the sensor information from the sensor information storage unit, generating replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank reaches a replenishment required level, and notifying either or both of a customer terminal and a delivery carrier terminal , Furthermore, the liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting the ultrasonic waves at a low level and a long-distance mode for transmitting the ultrasonic waves at a high level, and a step of executing the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode and generating the sensor information including the distance, the number of executions of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and execution information. including.

[0022] In this liquid level management method, further, the liquid level management unit may include a step of associating tank information representing the tank with customer information representing a customer, and presenting any one or two or more of the remaining amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the liquid, and replenishment result information to the customer terminal.

[0023] In this liquid level management method, further, it may include a step of installing the liquid level sensor that is activated by receiving a magnetic force equal to or greater than a threshold value, and a step of applying a magnetic force to the liquid level sensor to activate it.

[0024] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present disclosure, it is a program to be executed by a computer system, to the liquid level sensor an operating time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the tank at each operating time, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface is received, a distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point or the reflected wave reception point and the liquid surface is measured, and sensor information including any one or two or more of tank information representing the tank, battery voltage, and detected temperature is transmitted together with the distancecause a function, The ultrasonic transceiver unit included in the liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting the ultrasonic waves at a low level and a long-distance mode for transmitting the ultrasonic waves at a high level, and has a function of executing the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode and generating the sensor information including the distance, the number of executions of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and execution information. a function of acquiring the sensor information and storing it in the sensor information storage unit, a function of periodically or aperiodically acquiring the sensor information from the sensor information storage unit, and when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank reaches the replenishment required level, generating replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank and notifying a delivery operator terminal, and causing the computer system to execute these functions.

[0025] In this program, further, associating tank information representing the tank with customer information representing a customer, and causing the computer system to execute a function of presenting any one or two or more of the remaining amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the liquid stored, and replenishment result information to a customer terminal may also be performed.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) It is possible to facilitate the detection of the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank and the management of the remaining amount of the liquid stored, and to simplify maintenance or achieve maintenance-free.

[0027] (2) If a sensor housing is installed at the opening of the tank to activate the liquid level sensor, an operating time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, and at each operating time, the distance from the sensor housing to the liquid surface can be automatically measured by transmitting ultrasonic waves and the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface. Along with this distance, sensor information including any one or two or more of the detected temperature, tank information, and battery voltage can be generated and transmitted.

[0028] (3) Using the sensor information sent from this tank, it is possible to easily manage the monitoring of the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment timing of the liquid stored, the operating state of the liquid level sensor, etc. without human intervention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0030] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 shows the liquid level sensor 2 according to the first embodiment. This liquid level sensor 2 is an example of the present disclosure, and the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 1. This liquid level sensor 2 includes an ultrasonic transducer 4, an ultrasonic drive unit 6, a control unit 8, a communication unit 10, a power supply unit 12, and the like.

[0031] The ultrasonic transducer 4 is an example of the ultrasonic transmitting and receiving unit of the present disclosure. This ultrasonic transducer 4 includes a transmitting element 14-1 and a receiving element 14-2. The transmitting element 14-1 is an ultrasonic element that transmits ultrasonic wave Si toward the liquid level of kerosene 18, which is an example of the liquid stored in the tank 16. The receiving element 14-2 is an ultrasonic element that receives the reflected wave Sr from the liquid level of kerosene 18. Ultrasonic wave Si uses ultrasonic waves with a high frequency of 300 kHz, a value in the vicinity thereof, or exceeding 300 kHz.

[0032] The ultrasonic driving unit 6 is controlled by the control unit 8, generates and transmits ultrasonic wave Si by the transmitting element 14-1, and performs signal conversion of the reflected wave Sr received by the receiving element 14-2. The electrical signal obtained by the receiving element 14-2 is taken into the control unit 8.

[0033] The control unit 8 is an example of the sensor information generation unit of the present disclosure. Receiving the output of the ultrasonic driving unit 6, it calculates the distance D from the transmission point (or reception point) of ultrasonic wave Si to the liquid level of kerosene 18, and generates sensor information including this distance D.

[0034] Here, assuming that the time difference from the transmission time t1 of ultrasonic wave Si to the reception time t2 of the reflected wave Sr is Δt (=t2 - t1), the speed of ultrasonic wave Si is v, and the distance from the transmission point of ultrasonic wave Si (=the reception point of the reflected wave Sr) to the liquid level of kerosene 18 is D, since the time difference Δt is proportional to the propagation distance, the distance D [m] can be expressed by Equation 1.

[0035] D = v·Δt / 2 [m] ···(Equation 1)

[0036] By the way, since the measurement target of the liquid level sensor 2 is the kerosene 18 in the tank 16, the distance D from the transmission point (or reception point) of ultrasonic wave Si to the liquid level of kerosene 18 varies within the depth of the tank 16 (for example, a depth of about 1 m) in which the kerosene 18 is stored.

[0037] Therefore, in this embodiment, the liquid level sensor 2 is set to a short-distance mode and a long-distance mode in order to improve the detection accuracy of the reflected wave Sr and the measurement accuracy of the distance D. That is, with the short-distance mode and the long-distance mode, a certain measurement accuracy is maintained within the variation range of the distance D. The short-distance mode is, for example, a measurement mode for measuring a distance of about 50 cm, and the number of transmission and reception times, for example, 4 times, is set by the low-level ultrasonic wave Si. The long-distance mode is, for example, a measurement mode for measuring a distance of about 1 m, and the transmission and reception, for example, 4 times, are repeated by the high-level ultrasonic wave Si. And usually, measurement is performed in the short-distance mode, and when measurement cannot be performed in the short-distance mode, it automatically shifts to the long-distance mode and continues the distance measurement.

[0038] The control unit 8 responsible for this processing and control is composed of, for example, a microcomputer. This control unit 8 includes a processor (for example, Central Processing Unit: CPU), a memory, an input / output unit (I / O), a timer, and the like. After startup, this CPU executes information processing such as the OS (Operating System) in the memory and the liquid level detection program of the stored liquid such as kerosene 18, and controls the ultrasonic driving unit 6 and the communication unit 10. The timer may be configured in the control unit 8 or may be provided separately from the control unit 8.

[0039] The memory includes storage elements such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory) and a RAM (Random-Access Memory). The ROM stores the OS, the liquid level detection program of the stored liquid such as kerosene 18, a database, and the like. The RAM constitutes a work area for information processing.

[0040] The timer sets the operating time, for example, once a day or at least twice a day, upon receiving monitoring of the operating time by the processor. At each operating time, the ultrasonic driving unit 6, the control unit 8, and the communication unit 10 operate.

[0041] The control unit 8 is equipped with a temperature sensor 20. This temperature sensor 20 detects the substrate temperature of the liquid level sensor 2 and provides the control unit 8 with temperature information that affects the ultrasonic wave Si of the transmission element 14-1, the reflected wave Sr of the reception element 14-2, etc.

[0042] The control unit 8 is constantly connected to the power supply unit 12 and is activated by the activation unit 22. This activation unit 22 can activate the control unit 8 when a magnetic force equal to or greater than the threshold level acts from the outside of the liquid level sensor 2 (i.e., at the time of initial setting).

[0043] The communication unit 10 is an example of the information transmission unit of the present disclosure that transmits sensor information. This communication unit 10 generates a transmission signal including the sensor information output by the control unit 8 under the control of the control unit 8. The transmission radio wave including this transmission signal is transmitted from the antenna 24 to the base station at any time. In this case, the transmission mode is two transmissions per day.

[0044] The power supply unit 12 includes a battery 26 and a boost power supply unit 28. The battery 26 is a battery that outputs a constant voltage, such as a lithium-ion battery, for example. The boost power supply unit 28 is composed of, for example, a boost type DC-DC converter and boosts the output voltage of the battery 26 to a rated voltage necessary for driving the ultrasonic drive unit 6, for example.

[0045] <Information processing of the control unit 8> The information processing by the control unit 8 includes controls such as activation and initial setting, setting and operation of the operation time, execution of the short-distance mode or acquisition of any output information in the short-distance mode, execution of the long-distance mode, acquisition of the output information in the long-distance mode, calculation of the distance D, acquisition of voltage information, acquisition of temperature information, generation and transmission of sensor information, etc.

[0046] a) Activation and initial setting: After the installation of the liquid level sensor 2, when a magnetic force equal to or greater than the threshold level acts on the activation unit 22, the control unit 8 starts activation due to, for example, the conduction of a Hall element installed in the activation unit 22.

[0047] b) Operation time setting and operation: The control unit 8 receives the timing output of the timer and sets the operation time twice a day. The operation time per cycle is about several seconds, which is a period during which the transmission of the ultrasonic wave Si, the reception of the reflected wave Sr, the calculation of the distance D, the generation and transmission of sensor information including the distance D, the substrate temperature T, and the sensor ID are possible.

[0048] c) Execution of the short-distance mode: When the operation time is reached, the short-distance mode is preferentially executed. In the short-distance mode, under the control of the control unit 8, the oscillation and transmission of a low-level ultrasonic wave Si are performed from the transmission element 14-1, and the number of transmissions is, for example, 4 times.

[0049] The reflected wave Sr generated from the liquid surface of the kerosene 18 enters the receiving element 14-2, is converted into an electrical signal (received signal) of a level corresponding to the reflected wave Sr, and is taken into the control unit 8.

[0050] d) Acquisition of output information in the short-distance mode: The control unit 8 acquires output information such as the received signal in the short-distance mode, the mode information indicating the short-distance mode, and the number of transmissions.

[0051] e) Execution of the long-distance mode: When the output information in the short-distance mode cannot be obtained, the system shifts to the long-distance mode. In the long-distance mode, under the control of the control unit 8, the oscillation and transmission of a high-level ultrasonic wave Si are performed from the transmission element 14-1, and the number of transmissions is the same as in the short-distance mode. Since the short-distance mode is prioritized and the measurement in the long-distance mode is switched only when the measurement in the short-distance mode is not possible, the power consumption can be reduced, and the consumption of the battery 26 can be reduced.

[0052] f) Acquisition of output information in the long-distance mode: The control unit 8 acquires output information such as the received signal in the long-distance mode, the mode information indicating the long-distance mode, and the number of transmissions.

[0053] g) Calculation of distance D: The control unit 8 obtains the time difference Δt (= t2 - t1) from the transmission time t1 of the ultrasonic wave Si to the reception time t2 of the reflected wave Sr in the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and uses the speed v of the ultrasonic wave Si to obtain the distance D from the transmission point of the ultrasonic wave Si (= the reception point of the reflected wave Sr) to the liquid level of the kerosene 18 from the aforementioned formula 1.

[0054] h) Acquisition of voltage information: Since the battery voltage is applied to the control unit 8 from the battery 26, the battery voltage of the battery 26 is detected during the operation time and acquired as voltage information representing the power supply capacity of the battery 26.

[0055] i) Acquisition of temperature information: The control unit 8 acquires temperature information representing the internal temperature and the external temperature of the liquid level sensor 2 by detecting the substrate temperature with the temperature sensor 20.

[0056] j) Generation and transmission of sensor information: The liquid level sensor 2 is attached with a sensor ID as identification information for identifying the liquid level sensor 2. The control unit 8 generates sensor information including the calculated distance D, the execution mode information representing the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, the number of mode executions, the battery voltage V, the substrate temperature T, and the sensor ID, and outputs this sensor information to the communication unit 10. The communication unit 10 transmits the sensor information received from the control unit 8 by radio waves from the antenna 24 to, for example, the relay unit 78 (Fig. 6) or the base station associated with the management server.

[0057] <Processing procedure> Fig. 2 shows an example of a processing procedure representing the information processing of the control unit 8. This processing procedure is an example of the method or program for liquid level management of the present disclosure. In Fig. 2, S is an example of a process, and the numbers attached to S indicate the process order as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this processing and process order.

[0058] This processing procedure includes initial settings (S101), determination of the operation time (S102), execution of the short-distance mode (S103), acquisition determination of the output information in the short-distance mode (S104), execution of the long-distance mode (S105), calculation of the distance D (S106), acquisition of temperature information (S107), acquisition of voltage information (S108), acquisition of sensor ID information (S109), generation of sensor information (S110), transmission of sensor information (S111), determination of the end of the operation time (S112), etc.

[0059] When the control unit 8 is activated, initial settings (S101) are performed and the timer is started. The timer is set, for example, with two operation times ta and tb in units of one day (= 24 hours) or approximately one day. Each operation time ta and tb arrives at approximately 12-hour intervals, and as described above, each operation time ta and tb is a time during which the transmission of the ultrasonic wave Si and the reception of the reflected wave Sr can be repeated four times.

[0060] The control unit 8 monitors the arrival determination (S102) of each operation time ta and tb. For example, when the operation time ta or the operation time tb arrives, the short-distance mode is preferentially executed (S103). The transmission of the low-level ultrasonic wave Si and the reception of the reflected wave Sr are performed, and it is determined whether the output information in this short-distance mode can be obtained (S104).

[0061] After the execution of the short-distance mode, if the output information cannot be obtained (NO in S104), the long-distance mode is entered (S105). In this long-distance mode, the transmission of the high-level ultrasonic wave Si and the reception of the reflected wave Sr are performed, and the output information in this long-distance mode is taken into the control unit 8.

[0062] The control unit 8 obtains the time difference Δt between the transmission time t1 of the ultrasonic wave Si and the reception time t2 of the reflected wave Sr using either the output information obtained in the short-distance mode or the output information obtained in the long-distance mode, and calculates the distance D from Equation 1 based on the time difference Δt and the speed v of the ultrasonic wave Si (S106).

[0063] Further, the control unit 8 acquires temperature information representing the substrate temperature T (S107), acquires voltage information representing the battery voltage V (S108), acquires the sensor ID (S109), generates sensor information including these (S110), and transmits this sensor information from the communication unit 10 (S111).

[0064] Then, the control unit 8 determines whether the operation time has ended (S112). The control unit 8 repeats the processes of S103 to S112 until the operation time ends. When the operation time ends, this process ends, and it shifts to the power-saving mode and waits until the next operation time arrives.

[0065] <Sensor information> A in FIG. 3 shows the sensor information generated by the control unit 8. This sensor information includes the tank ID at the operation time ta or tb, the distance D, mode information representing the short-distance mode or long-distance mode used for measuring the distance D, the number of measurements in each mode, temperature information representing the substrate temperature T, and voltage information representing the battery voltage V. This sensor information may be configured to include, for example, the sensor ID, mode information, the number of measurements, temperature information representing the substrate temperature T, and any one or two or more of the battery voltage V together with the distance D.

[0066] <Startup process of the liquid level sensor 2> B in FIG. 3 shows the startup process of the liquid level sensor 2. This startup process is carried out during the new installation or maintenance of the liquid level sensor 2. This process sequence is an example of the method or program for liquid level management of the present disclosure. In B of FIG. 3, S is an example of a process, and the numbers attached to S indicate the process sequence as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this process and process sequence.

[0067] This processing procedure includes the shipment of the liquid level sensor 2 (S201), its installation (S202), sleep mode (S203), determination of the magnetic level (S204), startup of the liquid level sensor 2 (S205), start of the timer's timing operation (S206), monitoring of the operation times ta and tb (S207), etc.

[0068] At the factory shipment (S201) of the liquid level sensor 2, the liquid level sensor 2 is shipped after being waterproofed, and this liquid level sensor 2 is installed in the tank 16 at the location where kerosene 18 is demanded. In this installed state, the liquid level sensor 2 is maintained in the sleep mode (S203). In this sleep mode (S203), although the control unit 8 is connected to the power supply unit 12, it is maintained in the standby state in the power-saving mode, and the liquid level sensor 2 is activated using the magnetic force on the activation unit 22 as a trigger, and the operation shifts to the timer operation. That is, a magnetic force is applied to the activation unit 22 from the outside of the liquid level sensor 2. If the magnetic force exceeds the threshold value (magnetic force < threshold value) (NO in S204), the sleep mode (S203) is maintained. If the magnetic force exceeds the threshold value (magnetic force > threshold value) (YES in S204), the liquid level sensor 2 is activated (S205), and the operation shifts to the timing operation of the timer (S206). By this timing operation of the timer, the operation time of the liquid level sensor 2 is measured, and the liquid level sensor 2 can be monitored for each operation time (S207).

[0069] <tank 16> A in FIG. 4 shows the tank 16 with a part cut out. The configuration of the tank 16 is an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. A tank ID is attached to this tank 16 as identification information for identifying the tank 16 separately from the liquid level sensor 2.

[0070] This tank 16, for example, has a plurality of legs 32 on a tank body 30 for containing kerosene 18. For example, the tank body 30 is maintained at a position separated from the ground 34 by four legs 32.

[0071] A ventilation part 38 and an opening part 40 are provided in the ceiling part 36 of the tank body 30. The inside of the tank body 30 is maintained at atmospheric pressure by the ventilation part 38.

[0072] The opening part 40 is used for replenishing kerosene 18 etc., and can be opened and closed by a sensor housing 42. This sensor housing 42 includes the liquid level sensor 2.

[0073] <Partial cross-section of the tank 16 and cross-section of the liquid level sensor 2> B in FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of the liquid level sensor 2, and FIG. 5 shows an exploded cross-section of the liquid level sensor 2.

[0074] The tank 16 is provided with a protrusion 44, and an opening 40 is formed in the protrusion 44. A cylindrical portion 46 of the sensor housing 42 is detachably attached to the outer peripheral portion of the protrusion 44 by a screw portion 49.

[0075] The sensor housing 42 includes a cylindrical portion 46 and a lid portion 48, and the cylindrical portion 46 and the lid portion 48 form a sealed space with a shielding member 50 interposed therebetween. The shielding member 50 is made of, for example, a silyl group-containing polymer and a fluorine coating agent, and avoids the intrusion of water during rainfall or snowfall into the sensor housing 42 and the intrusion of kerosene during refueling, such as being splashed with kerosene. An O-ring may be used for the shielding member 50, but it is preferably formed of a cold-resistant material in cold regions.

[0076] A closing portion 52 for closing the opening 40 of the tank 16 is formed in the cylindrical portion 46, and substrate support portions 54-1 and 54-2 for supporting the first wiring board 58-1 are formed in the closing portion 52. The wiring board 58-1 is an example of the board portion of the present disclosure, and is fixed to the substrate support portions 54-1 and 54-2 with screws 60-1 and is supported by the substrate support portions 54-1 and 54-2 in the closing portion 52. An ultrasonic transducer 4, an ultrasonic driving portion 6, etc. are mounted on the wiring board 58-1.

[0077] A cylindrical surrounding portion 56-1 for surrounding the transmitting element 14-1 and a cylindrical surrounding portion 56-2 for surrounding the receiving element 14-2 are formed in the closing portion 52. The transmitting element 14-1 is mounted at a position corresponding to the surrounding portion 56-1 and the receiving element 14-2 is mounted at a position corresponding to the surrounding portion 56-2 on the wiring board 54 supported by the closing portion 52. The transmitting element 14-1 is arranged and protected in the surrounding portion 56-1, and the ultrasonic transmitting portion of the transmitting element 14-1 is exposed from the surrounding portion 56-1 toward the liquid surface of the kerosene 18. Also, the receiving element 14-2 is arranged and protected in the surrounding portion 56-2, and the ultrasonic receiving portion of the receiving element 14-2 is exposed from the surrounding portion 56-2 toward the liquid surface of the kerosene 18.

[0078] An adhesive layer 61 is formed between the transmitting element 14-1 and the surrounding portion 56-1, and between the receiving element 14-2 and the surrounding portion 56-2. The adhesive layer 61 is formed of, for example, an adhesive of a silyl group-containing polymer. Between the transmitting element 14-1 and the receiving element 14-2 and the wiring board 58-1, for example, a silyl group-containing polymer is filled to form the adhesive layer 61.

[0079] A fluororesin layer 62 with good ultrasonic permeability is formed on the transmitting surface of the transmitting element 14-1 and the receiving surface of the receiving element 14-2. The fluororesin layer 62 forms a shielding film that covers the transmitting surface of the transmitting element 14-1 and the receiving surface of the receiving element 14-2 without hindering the passage of ultrasonic waves and prevents the penetration of, for example, kerosene 18, which is an example of the liquid stored on the tank 16 side, or its gas. This shielding film can avoid the influence of dew condensation on ultrasonic measurement.

[0080] The second wiring board 58-2 is fixed and supported by screws 60-2 to the board support portions 64-1 and 64-2 formed on the lid portion 48. The wiring board 58-2 is an example of the board portion of the present disclosure on which the control unit 8, the power supply unit 12, the starting unit 22, etc. are mounted. A battery 26 is installed between the electrode portions 66-1 and 66-2 on the back surface of the wiring board 58-2.

[0081] A reduced-diameter portion 68 is formed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 46, and a corresponding enlarged-diameter portion 70 is formed in the opening of the lid portion 48. An O-ring installation portion 72 for installing the shielding member 50 is formed on the lid portion 48, and the shielding member 50 installed in this O-ring installation portion 72 is gripped between the cylindrical portion 46 and the lid portion 48, and a sealed space is formed in the sensor housing 42. Therefore, the cylindrical portion 46 and the lid portion 48 constitute a protection portion for protecting the ultrasonic driving unit 6, the control unit 8, and the power supply unit 12.

[0082] <Effect of the First Embodiment> According to this first embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) According to this liquid level sensor 2, it is possible to facilitate the detection of the liquid level of kerosene 18 and the management of the remaining amount, simplify maintenance, or achieve maintenance-free.

[0083] (2) If the liquid level sensor 2 is installed at the opening 40 of the tank 16 and activated, the operating time is set to twice a day or approximately twice a day, that is, a cycle of 12 hours or approximately 12 hours. At each operating time, the ultrasonic wave Si can be automatically transmitted, and the reflected wave Sr from the kerosene 18 can be automatically received, and the distance D to the kerosene 18 can be automatically measured with high precision.

[0084] (3) Sensor information including the distance D from the liquid level sensor 2, the tank ID, the detected temperature, and the battery voltage can be sent, and the sensor information can be acquired by the relay unit 78 described later.

[0085] (4) The liquid level sensor 2 is set to a short - distance mode for transmitting a low - level ultrasonic wave Si and receiving its reflected wave Sr, and a long - distance mode for transmitting a high - level ultrasonic wave Si and receiving its reflected wave Sr. The distance D between the transmission point of the ultrasonic wave Si (or the reception point of the reflected wave Sr) and the liquid surface of the kerosene 18 can be detected multiple times in each mode, and the measurement accuracy of the distance D can be improved.

[0086] (5) Regarding the short - distance mode, long - distance mode, and the number of times of measurement execution, for example, the mode m and the number of measurement times n are represented by two - digit numerical information mn. The tens digit value m represents the short - distance mode = "1", the long - distance mode = "2", and the units digit value n represents the number of successful times out of 4 measurement times, thus representing the mode and the number of measurement times. When mn = 14 or 24, it can represent 4 successful measurement times in the short - distance mode and 4 successful measurement times in the long - distance mode. Based on this numerical information, the mode and the measurement state can be determined.

[0087] (6) The long-distance mode generates a larger number of ultrasonic pulses and has a larger current compared to the short-distance mode, resulting in high power consumption. Therefore, the short-distance mode is a low-power mode and is used as the normal mode. The long-distance mode, which is a high-power mode, is used when it is difficult to measure the liquid level in the short-distance mode. In this embodiment, the switching from the short-distance mode to the long-distance mode is automatically performed, and the short-distance mode is used as the normal mode, so that power consumption can be reduced and the depletion of the battery 26 can be suppressed. Also, when the mode is changed from the short-distance mode to the long-distance mode and it becomes difficult to perform measurements in the long-distance mode, this status information can also be used as information indicating depletion of the battery 26 or a malfunction in the sensor function.

[0088] (7) Since ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 300 kHz, values in the vicinity thereof, or high-frequency ultrasonic waves exceeding 300 kHz are used for the ultrasonic wave Si, the reception accuracy of the reflected wave Sr can be enhanced.

[0089] (8) By applying magnetic force with a magnet or the like to the activation unit 22, when the magnetic force is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the liquid level sensor 2 can be brought from the sleep state to the operating state in a non-contact manner. The sensor housing 42 of the liquid level sensor 2 can be configured with a thorough waterproof structure, eliminating the need for an opening / closing window for general switch operations and the need to perform an opening / closing operation of the sensor housing 42 for activation. The depletion of the battery 26 can be prevented from the time of shipment until activation, and the life of the battery 26 can be extended. Also, since a magnetic force equal to or greater than the threshold value is required for activation, the liquid level sensor 2 will not be accidentally activated, enhancing the reliability of the liquid level sensor 2 while extending the life of the battery 26.

[0090] (9) The sensor housing 42 is configured by separating it into a cylindrical part 46 and a lid part 48. A closing part 52 is provided on the cylindrical part 46 side, and the first wiring board 58-1 is attached. The second wiring board 58-2 is attached to the lid part 48. A sealing member such as a shielding member 50 is provided between the cylindrical part 46 and the lid part 48, and the cylindrical part 46 and the lid part 48 are combined to form a protective part with the sensor housing 42. Thereby, the ultrasonic driving unit 6, the control unit 8, the communication unit 10, the power supply unit 12, etc. can be protected.

[0091] (10) The closing portion 52 formed in the cylindrical portion 46 is provided with an enclosing portion 56-1 that surrounds the transmitting element 14-1 and exposes the ultrasonic transmitting portion, and an enclosing portion 56-2 that surrounds the receiving element 14-2 and exposes the ultrasonic receiving portion. A fluororesin layer 62 is provided between the enclosing portion 56-1 and the transmitting element 14-1, and a fluororesin layer 62 is provided between the enclosing portion 56-2 and the receiving element 14-2. Therefore, each fluororesin layer 62 functions as a shielding film that prevents the penetration of kerosene 18, and can prevent the aging deterioration of the ultrasonic transducer 4, the wiring boards 58-1 and 58-2 due to kerosene 18.

[0092] 〔Second Embodiment〕 FIG. 6 shows a liquid level management system 74 according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 6, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0093] As an example of the liquid level management system, method, and program of the present disclosure, a liquid level management system 74 is installed. This liquid level management system 74 includes a management server 76 and a relay unit 78, and individually manages the kerosene 18 in each tank 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n by acquiring sensor information from a plurality of liquid level sensors 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n. The management server 76 is an example of the liquid level management unit of the present disclosure.

[0094] The management server 76 and the relay unit 78 are each composed of a computer and include a processor, an input / output unit, a memory, a communication unit, etc. The relay unit 78 is installed between each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n and the management server 76, saves the sensor information sent from each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n in the memory, and provides it to the management server 76. That is, the sensor information is relayed between each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n and the management server 76.

[0095] The relay unit 78 is equipped with a memory, and a sensor information database (hereinafter referred to as "sensor information DB") 79 is installed in this memory. The sensor information from each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n stored in the sensor information DB 79 is provided to the management server 76 in response to an access from the management server 76.

[0096] The management server 76 is equipped with a memory, and a liquid level management information database (hereinafter referred to as "liquid level management information DB") 80 is stored in this memory. In this liquid level management information DB 80, liquid level management information for managing the remaining amount of kerosene 18 and its replenishment for each of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n is stored using the sensor information obtained from the relay unit 78.

[0097] The management server 76 is linked with customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n and a delivery business operator terminal 84, and information such as alert information and delivery instruction information can be exchanged between these customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n and the delivery business operator terminal 84.

[0098] <Processing of the relay unit 78> The information processing of the relay unit 78 includes acquisition of sensor information, storage of sensor information, and provision of sensor information to the management server 76.

[0099] Acquisition of sensor information: The relay unit 78 acquires the sensor information randomly sent from each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n.

[0100] Storage of sensor information: The relay unit 78 stores the acquired sensor information in the sensor information DB 79 and updates the stored content.

[0101] Provision of sensor information to the management server 76: The relay unit 78 receives an access from the management server 76, provides the sensor information to the management server 76, and records the access in the sensor information DB 79.

[0102] <Processing of the management server 76> The information processing of the management server 76 includes acquisition of sensor information, storage of sensor information and customer information, calculation of the remaining amount of kerosene 18 in tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n, generation of alert information, creation of delivery plans, recording of performance information, etc.

[0103] Acquisition of sensor information: The management server 76 accesses the relay unit 78 according to a certain sensor information acquisition timing to acquire sensor information.

[0104] Storage of sensor information and customer information: For the sensor information acquired from the relay unit 78, the management server 76 associates the tank ID with the customer ID, sorts the sensor information by the customer ID, stores it in the liquid level management information DB 80, and updates it.

[0105] Calculation of the remaining amount of kerosene 18: The management server 76 calculates the remaining amount for each of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n specified by the tank ID and monitors the change in the remaining amount. This monitoring includes determination of whether the remaining amount of kerosene 18 has reached the replenishment required level.

[0106] Generation of alert information: When the remaining amount of kerosene 18 reaches or is expected to reach the replenishment required level, the management server 76 generates alert information. This alert information is transmitted by the communication unit to any or all of the customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n corresponding to the customer ID associated with the tank ID.

[0107] Creation of delivery plans: Based on the calculation of the remaining amount of kerosene 18 and considering the trend of consumption, etc., the management server 76 creates delivery plans for kerosene 18 for each of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n specified by the tank ID. This delivery plan is provided to the delivery operator terminal 84 and distributed as delivery plan information to the corresponding customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n.

[0108] Recording of delivery performance: The management server 76 receives notifications such as delivery results from the delivery operator terminal 84 and records them as delivery performance in the liquid level management information DB 80.

[0109] <Sensor information DB 79> Figure 7 shows an example of the sensor information DB 79. This sensor information DB 79 stores a date and time information section 86, a sensor information section 88, an access record section 90, and the like. The date and time information section 86 stores time information indicating the operating times ta and tb of the liquid level sensors 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n per day or approximately per day.

[0110] The sensor information section 88 is set with a sensor ID section 88-1, a distance section 88-2, an execution mode section 88-3, a measurement count section 88-4, a temperature section 88-5, a battery voltage section 88-6, and the like.

[0111] The sensor ID section 88-1 stores identification information including the sensor ID that identifies each liquid level sensor 2.

[0112] The distance section 88-2 stores numerical information representing the distance D measured at each of the operating times ta and tb.

[0113] The execution mode section 88-3 stores numerical information representing the near-distance mode or the far-distance mode used for measuring the distance D. As numerical information, for example, in the case of the near-distance mode, "1" is stored in the tens place, and in the case of the far-distance mode, "2" is stored in the tens place. The measurement count section 88-4 stores the number of measurements used for distance measurement. The maximum number "4" is stored. For example, in the case of "1-4", it represents that the measurement was successfully performed 4 times in the near-distance mode.

[0114] The temperature section 88-5 stores numerical information representing the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 20.

[0115] The battery voltage section 88-6 stores numerical information representing the battery voltage V acquired by the control unit 8.

[0116] And the access record section 90 records access information indicating that there has been an access from the management server 76, access information such as the transmission of sensor information.

[0117] <Fuel level management information DB80> Figure 8 shows an example of the fuel level management information DB80. Stored in this fuel level management information DB80 are a date and time information section 96, a sensor information section 98, a tank ID section 99, a customer ID section 100, a tank location information section 102, a remaining quantity section 104, an alert information section 106, a delivery plan information section 108, an actual performance information section 110, and the like.

[0118] Stored in the date and time information section 96 is time information representing the date and time when sensor information was acquired from the relay section 78 and calculations such as the remaining quantity of kerosene 18 were performed.

[0119] Set in the sensor information section 98 are a sensor ID section 98-1, a distance section 98-2, an execution mode section 98-3, a measurement count section 98-4, a temperature section 98-5, a battery voltage section 98-6, and the like.

[0120] Stored in the sensor ID section 98-1 is identification information including a sensor ID for identifying each fuel level sensor 2.

[0121] Stored in the distance section 98-2 is numerical information representing the distance D measured at each operation time ta, tb.

[0122] Stored in the execution mode section 98-3 is numerical information representing the near-distance mode or the far-distance mode used for measuring the distance D. The stored content is the same as that of the sensor information DB79.

[0123] Stored in the temperature section 98-5 is numerical information representing the temperature acquired by the temperature sensor 20.

[0124] Stored in the battery voltage section 98-6 is numerical information representing the battery voltage V acquired by the control section 8.

[0125] Stored in the tank ID section 99 is identification information including a tank ID for identifying each tank 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n.

[0126] The customer ID section 100 stores customer ID information representing the customers to which each of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n belongs, and this customer ID is associated with the tank ID.

[0127] The tank position information section 102 stores position information representing the positions of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n specified by the tank ID, for example, GPS (Global Positioning System) information.

[0128] The remaining quantity section 104 stores numerical information representing the remaining quantity of the kerosene 18 calculated by the management server 76 using the distance D. The remaining quantity of the kerosene 18 is an example of the remaining quantity in the tank 16 of the stored liquid.

[0129] The alert information section 106 stores alert information generated when comparing the remaining quantity representing the remaining quantity of the stored liquid in the tank with the replenishment required level, and when the remaining quantity of the kerosene 18 reaches or is approaching the replenishment required level.

[0130] The delivery plan information section 108 stores calendar information representing the delivery date and delivery period based on the delivery plan calculated by the management server 76.

[0131] The performance information section 110 stores performance information such as the execution or non-execution of the delivery plan based on the execution or non-execution of a delivery notification or the like from the delivery operator terminal 84 in addition to the access to the relay section 78.

[0132] <Information processing of the relay section 78> Figure 9 shows the processing procedure of the information processing of the relay section 78. This processing procedure is an example of the method or program for liquid level management of the present disclosure. In Figure 9, similar to Figure 2, S is an example of a step, and the numbers attached to S indicate the order of steps as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this processing and the order of steps.

[0133] This information processing includes obtaining sensor information (S301), updating the sensor information database (S302), determining access to the management server 76 (S303), sending the sensor information (S304), etc. These processes are executed asynchronously with the management server 76 independently.

[0134] The relay unit 78 constantly determines whether it has received sensor information from each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n (S301), and is maintained in a standby state where it can acquire sensor information (NO in S301).

[0135] When the relay unit 78 acquires sensor information, it acquires the sensor ID from the sensor information (YES in S301), specifies the corresponding operation times ta and tb, and updates the sensor information in the sensor information database 79 (S302). Thereby, the sensor information is stored in the relay unit 78 without omission.

[0136] The relay unit 78 constantly receives an access for acquiring sensor information from the management server 76 at a specific timing (S303).

[0137] If there is an access from the management server 76 to the relay unit 78 (YES in S303), it sends the sensor information in response to the request of the management server 76 (S304), provides it to the management server 76, and returns to S301. Then, the relay unit 78 repeats the processes of S301 to S304.

[0138] <Information Processing of Management Server 76> Figure 10 shows the processing procedure of the information processing of the management server 76. This processing procedure is an example of the method or program for liquid level management of the present disclosure. In Figure 10, similar to Figure 9, S is an example of a process, and the numbers attached to S indicate the process order as an example, but the present disclosure is not limited to this processing and process order.

[0139] This information processing includes measurement of the remaining amount of kerosene 18 (S401), acquisition of sensor information (S402), association of sensor ID, tank ID, and customer ID (S403), calculation of the remaining amount of kerosene 18 (S404), determination of the remaining amount of kerosene 18 (S405), alert sending (S406), determination of the delivery date (S407), delivery instruction (S408), delivery determination (S409), update of delivery results (S410), notification to customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n (S411), etc.

[0140] The access timing of the management server 76 to the relay unit 78 is set, for example, at the timing of measuring the remaining amount of each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n. In this case, the management server 76 monitors the arrival of the timing of measuring the remaining amount or the sending of an alert, and determines the timing of measuring the remaining amount (S401). It waits until the timing of measuring the remaining amount arrives (NO in S401), but in case of an emergency such as an alert, it proceeds to the remaining amount determination (YES in S401).

[0141] When the timing of measuring the remaining amount arrives (YES in S401), the management server 76 accesses the relay unit 78 and acquires sensor information from the relay unit 78 (S402). The management server 76 acquires the sensor ID from the sensor information, associates this sensor ID with the tank ID and customer ID in the liquid level management information DB80 (S403), and updates the sensor information in the liquid level management information DB80.

[0142] The management server 76 calculates the remaining amount of kerosene 18 for each tank 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n specified by the customer ID using the updated sensor information (S404).

[0143] The management server 76 compares the remaining amount of kerosene 18 with the replenishment required level, and determines whether the remaining amount of kerosene 18 in the corresponding tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n is such that the remaining amount ≤ the replenishment required level (S405). If the remaining amount > the replenishment required level (NO in S405), it determines the next remaining amount.

[0144] If the remaining amount is less than or equal to the replenishment required level (YES in S405), the management server 76 generates alert information and sends an alert (S406). The alert is sent to the delivery operator terminal 84 and also to the customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n specified by the tank ID.

[0145] Based on the comparison result between the remaining amount and the replenishment required level, the management server 76 determines the delivery dates of the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n (S407) and gives a delivery instruction to the delivery operator terminal 84 (S408).

[0146] The delivery operator who has received the delivery instruction from the delivery operator terminal 84 responds to the delivery instruction and notifies the management server 76 of the delivery result from the delivery operator terminal 84. The management server 76 determines whether the delivery to the tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n which are the delivery destinations related to the delivery instruction is completed (S409). If the delivery is not completed (NO in S409), the management server 76 gives a new delivery instruction to the delivery operator terminal 84 (S408) and repeats the same process until the delivery is completed (S408, S409).

[0147] If the delivery of the kerosene 18 to the corresponding tanks 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n is completed (YES in S409), the management server 76 updates the delivery record (S410) and notifies the corresponding customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n of the delivery completion (S411).

[0148] <Information Presentation> Mode information indicating the near-distance mode and the far-distance mode may be displayed on the customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, customer terminal 82-n, the delivery operator terminal 84, and other display devices connected to the management server 76, or battery voltage information may be presented.

[0149] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to this second embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The relay unit 78 receives sensor information sent from each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n with an operating time of twice a day or approximately twice a day, can store and update the sensor information in the relay unit 78, and can continuously obtain the latest sensor information.

[0150] (2) The processing on the relay unit 78 side for obtaining and updating the sensor information and the processing on the management server 76 side for obtaining the sensor information from the relay unit 78 and calculating the remaining amount of kerosene 18 can be performed asynchronously and simultaneously, which can distribute the load of information processing, speed up each process, and enhance the reliability of each process.

[0151] (3) The remaining amount measurement process of kerosene 18 for each liquid level sensor 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n can be performed individually. Even when the remaining amount of a specific tank 16 reaches the replenishment required level, the measurement process and determination of the remaining amount of other tanks 16 can be performed without being affected, and risks such as running out of kerosene can be reduced.

[0152] (4) If mode information indicating a short-distance mode and a long-distance mode is displayed on a display device connected to the customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, customer terminals 82-n, the delivery carrier terminal 84, and other management server 76, the measurement state of the liquid level sensor 2 can be monitored, and the reliability of the system can be enhanced.

[0153] (5) If battery voltage information is presented on a display device connected to the customer terminals 82-1, 82-2, ···, customer terminals 82-n, the delivery carrier terminal 84, and other management server 76, it can be used as instruction information for instructing battery replacement or the like, and the reliability of the system can be enhanced.

[0154] 〔Other Embodiments〕 The present disclosure includes the following embodiments. (1) The management server 76 and the relay unit 78 may be configured by processing devices such as different computers, or may be configured by a single computer.

[0155] (2) A plurality of liquid level sensors 2 may be grouped, each group being provided with a different relay unit 78 to relay sensor information.

[0156] (3) The opening 40 provided in the tank 16 is a kerosene inlet, but this opening 40 does not necessarily have to be limited to a kerosene inlet. An opening for installing the liquid level sensor 2 may be provided separately from the kerosene inlet.

[0157] (4) In the above embodiment, kerosene 18 is exemplified as the stored liquid, but the measurement target may be a stored liquid containing kerosene 18.

[0158] (5) In the above embodiment, kerosene 18 is exemplified as the stored liquid, and the liquid level of this kerosene 18 is detected. However, the technology of the present disclosure may be applicable to a stored liquid containing kerosene 18 as the measurement target, or may be used for detecting the liquid level of water, wine, etc. other than kerosene 18 and managing the liquid level, and may also be used for detecting the level of contents other than liquids and managing the level.

[0159] As described above, the most preferred embodiment of the present disclosure has been described. The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above description. Based on the gist of the technical content described in the claims or disclosed in the embodiments for implementation, various modifications and changes are possible for those skilled in the art. Needless to say, such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present disclosure.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0160] 2, 2-1, 2-2, ···, 2-n Liquid level sensors 4 Ultrasonic transducer 6 Ultrasonic drive unit 8 Control unit 10 Communication unit 12 Power supply unit 14-1 Transmitting element 14-2 Receiving element 16, 16-1, 16-2, ···, 16-n Tanks 18 Kerosene 20 Temperature sensor 22 Activation unit 24 antennas 26 battery 28 step-up power supply unit 30 tank body 34 ground 36 ceiling part 38 ventilation part 40 opening 42 sensor housing 44 protrusion 46 cylindrical part 48 lid part 50 shielding member 52 closing part 54-1, 54-2 board support part 56-1, 56-2 surrounding part 58-1 first wiring board 58-2 second wiring board 60-1, 60-2 screws 61 adhesive layer 62 fluororesin layer 64-1, 64-2 board support part 66-1, 66-2 electrode part 68 small-diameter part 70 large-diameter part 72 O-ring installation part 74 liquid level management system 76 management server 78 relay part 79 sensor information database 80 liquid level management information database 82-1, 82-2, ···, 82-n customer terminals 84 delivery operator terminal 86 date and time information part 88 sensor information part 88-1 sensor ID part 88-2 distance part 88-3 execution mode part 88-4 measurement times part 88-5 temperature part 88-6 battery voltage part 90 access record part 96 date and time information part 98 sensor information part 98-1 Sensor ID Section 98-2 Distance Section 98-3 Execution Mode Section 98-4 Number of Measurements Section 98-5 Temperature Section 98-6 Battery Voltage Section 99 Tank ID Section 100 Customer ID Section 102 Tank Location Information Section 104 Remaining Quantity Section 106 Alert Information Section 108 Delivery Plan Information Section 110 Performance Information Section

Claims

1. A sensor housing installed at an opening of a tank, an ultrasonic transceiver that transmits ultrasonic waves from the sensor housing toward the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank and receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid level by the sensor housing, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature or external temperature of the sensor housing, a power supply unit including a battery, an operation time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, the ultrasonic transceiver is operated at each operation time, the distance between the transmission point of the ultrasonic waves and the liquid level or the distance between the reception point of the reflected wave and the liquid level is measured, and a sensor information generation unit that generates sensor information including any one or more of tank information representing the tank, the distance, battery voltage, and detected temperature, an information transmission unit that transmits the sensor information, a substrate unit on which the ultrasonic transceiver is mounted, a surrounding unit that supports the substrate unit, separates it from the tank side, surrounds the ultrasonic element, and exposes the ultrasonic transmission unit or ultrasonic reception unit of the ultrasonic element to the tank side, a protection unit that protects the ultrasonic transceiver, the power supply unit, the sensor information generation unit, and the information transmission unit, A liquid level sensor comprising:

2. The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, further comprising a shielding film that surrounds the ultrasonic element and prevents penetration of the stored liquid from the tank side to the sensor housing.

3. A sensor housing installed at an opening of a tank, an ultrasonic transceiver that transmits ultrasonic waves from the sensor housing toward the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank and receives the reflected wave of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid level by the sensor housing, a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature or external temperature of the sensor housing, a power supply unit including a battery, an operation time of at least twice a day or approximately once a day is set, the ultrasonic transceiver is operated at each operation time, the distance between the transmission point of the ultrasonic waves and the liquid level or the distance between the reception point of the reflected wave and the liquid level is measured, and a sensor information generation unit that generates sensor information including any one or more of tank information representing the tank, the distance, battery voltage, and detected temperature, an information transmission unit that transmits the sensor information, comprising, wherein the ultrasonic transceiver includes a short - distance mode for transmitting low - level ultrasonic waves and a long - distance mode for transmitting high - level ultrasonic waves. The sensor information generation unit executes the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and generates the sensor information including the distance, the number of executions of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and execution information. A liquid level sensor.

4. The liquid level sensor according to claim 3, further comprising an activation unit that receives magnetic force from outside the sensor housing and activates the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit and the sensor information generation unit when the magnetic force is equal to or greater than a threshold value.

5. The ultrasonic transmission / reception unit includes an ultrasonic transducer having a transmission element that transmits the ultrasonic wave toward the liquid surface and a reception element that receives a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave from the liquid surface, and the ultrasonic wave is 300 kHz, or a value near 300 kHz, or The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, which is an ultrasonic wave having a frequency exceeding 300 kHz.

6. The liquid level sensor according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, wherein the stored liquid is kerosene or a liquid containing kerosene.

7. A tank, An operation time of at least twice per day or approximately once a day is set. At each operation time, ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the liquid surface in the tank, and reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface are received. The distance between the transmission point of the ultrasonic wave or the reception point of the reflected wave and the liquid surface is measured, and sensor information including any one or more of the distance, tank information representing the tank, battery voltage, and detected temperature is transmitted. A liquid level sensor, A sensor information storage unit that acquires and stores the sensor information transmitted by the liquid level sensor at any time, The sensor information is acquired from the sensor information storage unit regularly or irregularly. When the remaining amount of the stored liquid in the tank reaches the replenishment required level, alert information and / or replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank are generated and notified to the delivery operator terminal. A liquid level management unit, A liquid level management system including the liquid level sensor, the liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting low-level ultrasonic waves and a long-distance mode for transmitting high-level ultrasonic waves, and executes the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and includes an ultrasonic transmission / reception unit that generates the sensor information including the distance, the number of executions of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and execution information.

8. Furthermore, the liquid level sensor includes an activation unit that receives magnetic force from outside the sensor housing and activates the ultrasonic transmission / reception unit and the sensor information generation unit when the magnetic force is equal to or greater than a threshold value. The liquid level management system according to claim 7.

9. Furthermore, the liquid level management unit associates tank information representing the tank with customer information representing a customer, and presents any one or two or more of the remaining liquid amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the stored liquid, and the replenishment result information to the customer terminal. The liquid level management system according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. A liquid level sensor installed at the opening of the tank has an operating time set at least twice a day or approximately once a day. At each operating time, ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the sensor housing toward the liquid level of the liquid stored in the tank, a reflected wave of the ultrasonic wave from the liquid level is received, the distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point or the reflected wave reception point and the liquid level is measured, and together with the distance, sensor information including any one or two or more of the tank information representing the tank, the battery voltage, and the detected temperature is sent out; A sensor information storage unit acquires and stores the sensor information from the liquid level sensor; A liquid level management unit periodically or irregularly acquires the sensor information from the sensor information storage unit, and when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank reaches a replenishment required level, generates replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank and notifies either or both of the customer terminal and the delivery business operator terminal; Furthermore, the liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting low-level ultrasonic waves and a long-distance mode for transmitting high-level ultrasonic waves, executes the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode, and generates the sensor information including the distance, the execution count and execution information of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode; A liquid level management method including the above.

11. Furthermore, the liquid level management unit associates tank information representing the tank with customer information representing a customer, and includes a step of presenting any one or two or more of the remaining liquid amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the stored liquid, and the replenishment result information to the customer terminal. The liquid level management method according to claim 10.

12. Furthermore, a step of installing the liquid level sensor that is activated by receiving a magnetic force equal to or greater than a threshold value; A step of activating the liquid level sensor by applying a magnetic force to the liquid level sensor; A liquid level management method according to claim 10 including the above.

13. A program to be executed on a computer system, wherein the operating time of the liquid level sensor is set to at least twice a day or approximately once a day, and at each operating time, ultrasonic waves are transmitted toward the liquid surface of the liquid stored in the tank, the reflected waves of the ultrasonic waves from the liquid surface are received, the distance between the ultrasonic wave transmission point or the reflected wave reception point and the liquid surface is measured, and sensor information including any one or more of the tank information representing the tank, the battery voltage, and the detected temperature is sent together with the distance; wherein the ultrasonic transceiver included in the liquid level sensor includes a short-distance mode for transmitting low-level ultrasonic waves and a long-distance mode for transmitting high-level ultrasonic waves, the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode is executed, and sensor information including the distance, the execution count and execution information of the short-distance mode or the long-distance mode is generated; a function of acquiring the sensor information and storing it in a sensor information storage unit; a function of periodically or aperiodically acquiring the sensor information from the sensor information storage unit, generating replenishment instruction information associated with the identification information of the tank when the remaining amount of the liquid stored in the tank reaches the replenishment required level, and notifying a delivery operator terminal; is a program for causing the computer system to execute.

14. Furthermore, the program according to claim 13 for causing the computer system to execute a function of associating tank information representing the tank with customer information representing a customer and presenting any one or more of the remaining amount information of the liquid stored in the tank, the replenishment instruction information including the delivery date and time of the liquid, and the replenishment result information to a customer terminal.

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