JP3220440B2 - Liquid leak sensor - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to water, an acidic solution,
The present invention relates to an improvement in a liquid leakage sensor that detects leakage of a liquid having electrical conductivity such as an alkaline solution or a liquid having an insulating property such as organic such as alcohol, thinner, and benzene.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional facility such as a factory, a liquid is supplied by piping. However, since connection joints are provided at many places in the pipe, liquid often leaks from the joints. Therefore, depending on the type of liquid, humans must constantly monitor the leakage. As such a conventional liquid leakage monitoring method, a conductive method and a liquid amount method are known. Also, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-70572 discloses that a filter that becomes transparent when absorbing a liquid leak is irradiated with light from a light source.
There is described a liquid leakage sensor technology that can detect liquid leakage reliably by detecting the amount of change in transmitted light or reflected light from the filter when there is liquid leakage. FIG. 1 is a view showing the principle of such a conventional reflection-type liquid leakage sensor 20, in which a thin paper 8 and a holder 4 of a case 12 are provided on a floor surface 1.
The bottom surface 4a is painted black and fixed with a fastener such as a screw also serving as a reflected light absorbing plate, and a white thin paper (or cloth, glass, synthetic resin member or the like) 8 is placed thereon. . Further, a case 12 whose bottom 12 d is made of a transparent or translucent synthetic resin member or a ceramic member such as glass is inserted / attached to the holder 4.
The light source 14, the light receiver 16, and the detector 18 including a comparator and the like are integrally accommodated inside 2, and are connected to the outside via a cable 26.
Note that the case 12 also serves as a dustproof and waterproof lid.
The leaked liquid 2 easily penetrates into the central reflection area 8b of the thin paper 8,
In addition, the case bottom 12
A minute gap 10 is provided between the bottom surface 12a of d and the thin paper 8, and the gap d between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a forms a liquid leakage permeable layer. This gap d
Is preferably within several mm in order to avoid dirt such as dust and dust, and to detect reflected light from the thin paper 8 stably without detecting external noise light. It was also found that the use of a filter having a structure in which the reflection plate 4a and the case 12 were detachable facilitated the replacement and installation work of the thin paper 8. Furthermore, since the location of the leak is generally not specified, the thin paper is generally preferred to have a circular shape in order to quickly respond to the leak from any direction. Was. In such a configuration, the light source means 14 such as an LED, an infrared laser light emitting element, and an optical fiber is usually used.
From the thin paper 8 and a white reflected light 24 from the thin paper 8
Are always detected by the light receiving means 16. When the liquid 2 leaks from the floor 1, the liquid 2 leaks from the contact portion 9.
Sequentially penetrates into the reflection area 8b of the thin paper 8, and the contact portion 9 of the thin paper 8 changes from white to transparent color due to the penetration of the liquid leakage. However, since the lower reflecting plate 4a of the thin paper 8 is black, the color of the thin paper 8 changes from white to black at the contact portion 9, and the reflected light 24 to the light receiving means 16 is absorbed by the reflecting plate 4a and greatly reduced. The change in the amount of reflected light is detected by the detection means 18 to detect the liquid leakage. The liquid leak sensor using such a thin paper has a simple structure and a reliable operation,
Since the sensor is fixed to the floor with a stopper etc., there is an advantage that the sensor does not fall over and that even a highly viscous liquid can be detected in a relatively short time, but the work of installing the holder floor surface and replacing thin paper is Users who want to omit as much as possible have demanded a liquid leakage sensor that does not use thin paper and does not require floor installation work.

[0003]

As a liquid leakage sensor that does not use the thin paper 8, a light source irradiates projection light from the light source means so as to generate total reflection light on the bottom surface 12a of the above-mentioned case bottom portion 12d. There are various devices that determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage depending on the size of the case.However, if the case bottom and the floor are brought into close contact with each other, the highly viscous liquid becomes very difficult to penetrate into the center of the case bottom. (A) In general, a gap of at least d = 2 to 4 mm, which is much larger than a liquid leak sensor using thin paper, is provided between the floor surface and the case bottom surface. If the liquid flows out and the bottom of the case does not contact the leaked liquid, the leaked liquid cannot be detected at all. (B) In the case of a structure in which the case bottom is directly exposed to the floor surface without a holder or a cap, the case bottom is easily affected by the coating color of the floor surface, and when the liquid leaks in, Unnecessary reflected light from the floor surface is received in large quantities, causing a malfunction, for example, and there is also a problem that the determination of the presence or absence of liquid leakage is not stable only by the magnitude of the reflected light amount. (C) Further, with a sensor or the like that directly installs the case on the floor,
After the case installation work, there was a problem that even if an accident such as the case where the case was lifted by the person, the case was lifted from the floor, the inclination occurred, or the installation abnormality state of falling down occurred, such an accident could not be detected. . In addition, the conventional optical liquid leak sensor also has the following problems that could not be expected at first. (D) In a state where the holder bottom surface 4a is horizontal on the floor surface 1 and the case bottom surface 12a is also installed in a substantially horizontal state, the high-pressure piping and the large-diameter piping are damaged, and a large amount of liquid leakage occurs / outflows at one time. In this case, the entire periphery of the lower portion of the case 12 is almost completely submerged in the leaked liquid. In this state, the leaked liquid 2 is successively applied to the thin paper 8
When gas begins to permeate from the outer edge of the case toward the inside thereof, the gas in the gap 10 between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a is partially foamed and discharged to the outside of the case 12; The gas in the vicinity of the center of the part 10 is in a state where its surroundings are blocked with a liquid leak, and as shown in FIG.
The bubbles stayed at the central portion 8b, which is also the reflection area, and the reflection area 8b did not become transparent for many hours, and a large amount of liquid leakage could not be detected. (E) In addition, the case where the case is mounted / inserted into the holder and used, or when the sensor case is used alone and the operator carries out a large amount of sensor case installation work at one time, the case is firmly used. There is also a problem that even if the user forgets to insert the case into the holder, or if a person accidentally hooks the case, and the case rises from the holder or falls, the person does not notice any of these abnormal installation accidents. Was. (F) In addition, the means for detecting an installation abnormality accident in which the case is lifted from the holder or falls down can be manufactured with a structure as simple as possible, and the installation abnormality detection operation is performed by a reliable installation abnormality detection result without malfunction. Preferred are the principles / structures obtained. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to quickly detect an accident in which a case is lifted, tilted, or overturned alone during case installation work. And a simple / reliable leak sensor with installation error detection means that can quickly detect and alert the outside of cases where the case has risen from the holder or fell after the case installation work. To provide. Another object of the present invention is to provide a highly reliable and low-cost liquid leakage sensor having a very simple structure with installation abnormality detecting means.

[0004]

According to the present invention, there is provided at least one reflecting boundary surface which can come into contact with a leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, and light receiving means. And a liquid leakage sensor comprising a control means coupled thereto, and an object of the present invention is to store and integrate the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, Alternatively, the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case having a bottom portion made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the end portion of the case. In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid sensor, or integrating the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material Then In addition, at the tip of the case, it is difficult to be affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and a case holder that also serves to prevent the case from tipping is mounted. Providing the case installation abnormality detection means, when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, projects light from the light source means to the bottom of the case, from the reflection boundary surface The reflected light is received by the light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage,
Further, when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, this is achieved by detecting the installation abnormality of the case by the installation abnormality detecting means. In addition, the present invention provides at least 2
One total reflection interface is formed with a gas layer or a liquid leakage permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least one light source means, light reception means, and control means coupled thereto are the same for each of the reflection interfaces. And projecting light from the light source means on the first total reflection boundary surface, and reflecting light from the first total reflection boundary surface on the second total reflection boundary surface. The above object of the present invention also relates to a liquid leakage sensor for projecting and receiving reflected light from the second total reflection boundary surface by the light receiving means, and processing the output to detect liquid leakage. The light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material, or the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent or translucent material at the bottom. Together with the case
A light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the end of the case to make it less susceptible to the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or the light source means and the light receiving means The bottom portion is housed and integrated in a case made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor at the tip of the case, In addition, a case holder that also serves to prevent the case from overturning is mounted, and an installation abnormality detection unit for the case is provided. When the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state, the light source unit switches the case from the light source unit. The light is projected to the bottom, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, the output thereof is subjected to arithmetic processing, the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined, and the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state. Is When no is also achieved by sensing the installation anomaly of the case by the installation abnormality detection means.

[0005]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 2 and 3 corresponding to FIG. 1 show an example of the liquid leakage sensor 20a provided with the installation abnormality detecting means 70 of the present invention. The devices having the same numbers perform the same functions, respectively. From the light source means 14a, through the transparent or translucent material 12d at the bottom of the case, the light 2 is incident on the first optical (reflection) boundary surface 12a which comes into contact with the liquid leak at an incident angle equal to or greater than the critical angle.
Irradiates 2x and the total reflection light 24x is CCD or MOS
The photodiodes are input to a one-dimensional or two-dimensional photoelectric conversion element array sensor (hereinafter abbreviated as an array sensor) 28A (each light-receiving element is referred to as 28a to 28n) in which a plurality of photodiodes or the like are juxtaposed, and reflected light is different from each other The light is received by each light receiving element at a light receiving angle, converted into an electric signal, and the output is
The digital signal is converted into a digital signal by the A / D conversion means 32 at each predetermined sampling period via the multiplexer 31, and the double buffer memory 34 in the control means 30 including the microprocessor (MPU) 36 and also serving as the detection means 18 is provided. Are written sequentially. Also,
From the light source means 14b, a second optical (reflection) boundary in which the surface of the reflecting member 3 made of glass or synthetic resin or the like is adhered to the bottom surface 4a of the holder 4 by an adhesive means 3a such as a double-sided tape or the like. Light 22y is irradiated on the surface 7 or the thin paper 8 at an incident angle smaller than the critical angle, and the reflected light 24y is received by the light receiving means 16b or 28B, converted into an electric signal and input to the control means 30, and , Light source means 14
c, a third optical (reflective) boundary surface 9 formed on the bottom surface 12p of the opening / closing mechanism 90a described later is irradiated with light 22z at an incident angle less than or equal to the critical angle, and the reflected light 24z Is received by the light receiving means 16c or 28C, is converted into an electric signal, and is input to the control means 30. Next, inside the case bottom 12d,
A light-shielding member 15 such as a metal foil is adhered. One end of the light-shielding member 15 is input to a capacitance sensor and can be used as a proximity sensor for detecting a floor surface. When disposed in a range excluding the surface and the reflected light receiving surface near the light receiving means, there is an optical effect that unnecessary reflected light is not received from the floor surface when the liquid infiltrates, even if the floor surface is white or a mirror surface. Note that the above-described capacitance sensor and tilt sensor can be used as installation abnormality detection means through distance measurement from the floor surface, capacitance change based on the approach of liquid, and the like. The detection output of the liquid leakage is output to the outside as an electric signal via a cable 26, and a warning is displayed on a display means 29 provided on the upper surface of the case 12 by an LED or the like which can be switched between green and red. It has become. still,
It is preferable that the contact surface of the holder 4 with the floor surface 1 has an outer diameter that is at least 1.3 times the outer diameter of the case 12 from the viewpoint of preventing the sensor 20a from overturning.
When the case 12 is installed alone, the case 12 can easily fall down when the waist is strong.
Is firmly fixed to the floor surface 1 with a fixing member such as a screw, and / or an arm-shaped press-contact means 60 for fixing the case 12 from a side wall or a side surface 61 of a building, a desk, or the like. And one end 64 is fixed to the building 61 side by the fixing member 62, and the other end 66
Is pressed against the upper part of the case to prevent the case 12 from overturning. Also, a contact surface 12a of the case bottom 12d with the liquid leakage.
And the distance d between the upper surface 4a of the holder 4 and the upper surface 4a of the holder 4 can be changed to various values in accordance with the viscosity of the liquid to be detected. If the angle and the interval change, it is likely to cause a malfunction. Therefore, it is preferable that the holder 4 and the case 12 have a structure that can be attached and detached and the interval d does not change even with external vibration. Further, when the holder 4 is formed of a light-shielding member, there is an effect of preventing noise light from entering around the case 12 and receiving unnecessary reflected light from the floor surface. When the case 12 is used alone as a liquid leak sensor without using the holder 4, as shown in FIG. 4 described later, a light source is used so that the above-described distance d does not change even with external vibration. The means 14 and the light receiving means 16 / 28B are housed and integrated in a case 12 having a bottom portion made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and a light-shielding thin plate-like case cap 12p is further integrally formed at the tip of the case. It is preferable that the sensor has a structure that is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color based on the location of the liquid leak sensor, such as the floor surface 1.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, in order to form the installation abnormality detecting means 70 of the case 12, the bottom of the case is formed by a main body 12d made of a transparent or translucent material.
And a lid portion 12q. The synthetic resin member is integrally molded and can be divided into a resin member and a lid portion 12q. As the synthetic resin member for the integral molding, a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer can be used. As the plastic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene and the like can be used. As the thermoplastic elastomer for integral molding, polybutadiene resin can be used. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2 (B), the case bottom portion is formed integrally with the main body portion 12d and the lid portion 12q connected by a hinge 12s, and the main body portion 12d and the lid portion 12q are formed on the outer peripheral edge. And are integrally formed by a synthetic resin member, that is, a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer, and are connected to the case bottom surface 12a through the V-shaped groove 12s. The opening / closing mechanism 90a that generates a repulsive force when bent is formed. Therefore, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case are bent to the bottom surface 12a side and closed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case 12, the main body 12d is pressed by its own weight or external pressure contact means 60. And the lid 12q can be kept in close contact with each other and form a part of the optical path of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70. That is, when the case 12 is installed on the horizontal floor 1, the installation surface of the case 12 is horizontal / parallel to a reference horizontal plane defined by a level or the like, and when the case 12 is installed on the vertical wall surface 1. The installation surface of the case 12 is perpendicular to the above-described reference horizontal plane, and when the case 12 is installed on the inclined floor surface 1, the installation surface of the case 12 has a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the above-described reference horizontal plane. Become. This optical installation abnormality detecting means 70
Then, as shown in FIGS. 2 (A) and 3 (A), the projection light 22z from the light source means 14c causes the reflecting member 12p provided on the upper surface or the bottom surface of the lid 12q to be less than or equal to the critical angle. Irradiated at the above incident angle, the reflected light 24z
Is received by the light receiving unit 16c or 28C, is converted into an electric signal, and is input to the control unit 30. The reflecting surface based on the reflecting member 12p having a white or mirror-like shape can be provided on the upper surface or the bottom surface of the lid 12q, and is formed by bonding, melting, and press-fitting the lid 12q, or An uneven reflection surface may be engraved on the bottom surface of the lid 12q to form a reflection surface for the projection light 22z.
On the other hand, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 are not in close contact with each other, the main body 12d and the lid 12q may float or tilt obliquely due to the repulsive force generated by the hinge mechanism 12s. , Falling installation abnormal condition,
An opening / closing mechanism 90a capable of maintaining the open state of the main body 12d and the lid 12q is biased in advance to the case 12,
For this reason, in the abnormal installation state, an optical boundary surface 12a is formed on the main body 12d, and the projection light is diffused into a gas layer such as air. The optical path 22z / 24z of the light cannot be formed at a normal position, so that the installation abnormality of the case 12 can be easily detected. The lid 12q
On the opposite side of the case 12, leg portions 12 of case 12 are provided to stably secure a gap d between case bottom surface 12 a and holder bottom surface 4 a.
2C, one end of the lid portion 12q is configured to be shorter than the radius of the case bottom in the example of FIG. 2C, but extends to both ends of the case bottom as shown in FIGS. Then, when the optical system constituted by the light source means 14a and 14b is in the abnormal installation state, an abnormal signal can be detected respectively, and the reliability of the installation abnormality detection processing can be further improved. The power of the light sources 14a and 14b can be turned on and off by a power controller 37 in the controller 30, and the storage 35 can store template data and parameters.

Next, the case bottom surface 12a and the holder bottom surface 4a
2 will be described. In the example of FIG. 2, all the hollow members 6 are embedded or provided in a member of the case 12 on the holder 4 side. Air bubble inlet 5
a to 5d are buried or attached to the member on the holder 4 side, and one end of the hollow member 6a avoids the optical path of the projection light 22 and the reflected light 24, and a bubble suction port 5a is provided at substantially the center of the bottom surface 12a of the case 12. A hollow pipe member 6a1, such as rubber or synthetic resin, which is opened and attached along the case bottom surface 12a, or
The hollow portion 6a2 buried in the side wall of the holder 4 is coupled to a hollow portion 6a2 buried in a side wall of the holder 4 through a hollow portion 6a1 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case receiving portion provided on the upper surface of the holder 4 so as to protrude in the center direction. The other end of 6a2 is configured to be connected to a discharge port 7a which is provided in the side wall of the holder 4 and whose outlet is formed in a horizontal or downward direction. Accordingly, a hollow structure is provided in which the gas can freely enter and exit without leaking to the outside in a state where the periphery is sealed from the suction port 5a to the discharge port 7a through the hollow portion 6a1 and the hollow portion 6a2. The hollow members 6b to 6d are provided with suction ports 5b to 5d and a horizontal hollow portion 6b.
1 to 6d1, a hollow portion (vertical hollow portion) 6b2 to 6d2 and an outlet 7b to 7d are shown.
Such a hollow member for discharging bubbles can be used alone or in plural. It should be noted that the height of the outlets 7a to 7d from the floor is such that even if a large amount of liquid is leaked at a time, sufficient time for the bubbles to be discharged to the outside can be secured. It is preferable that the predetermined height position is appropriately high so as not to be submerged. Further, another embodiment of the hollow members 6a to 6d for discharging air bubbles according to the present invention is also shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 described later. In the configuration example of FIG. 2, all the hollow members 6a to 6d are placed on the holder 4 side. Since it is disposed, there is no need to make any physical modification on the case 12 side, and this is an example of a structure in which the conventional liquid leakage detection unit 12 can be used as it is. However, in the example of FIG. In addition, this is an example of a liquid leak sensor that does not use the thin paper 8, and shows an example of the arrangement of the hollow members 6a to 6d when only the case 12 is used. In this case, the hollow members 6a to 6d are not provided. The hollow member is likely to be damaged if it comes out of the case 12 or has a protruding portion. Therefore, holes 5a to 5d for sucking air bubbles are provided at substantially the center of the case bottom 12a in contact with the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer in FIG. And a discharge port at the top of the side wall of the case 12. I was bored A～7d, in which between them have to be connected by a hollow member 6a~6d of small diameter such as silicone rubber member. Furthermore,
FIG. 5 shows the above-mentioned hollow member formed by using both members of the case 12 and the holder 4.
(C) shows the upper surface of the holder 4 from which the case 12 has been removed. The grooves 6a1 to 6d provided in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped protrusion for discharging bubbles from the outer side wall of the holder 4 to the substantially center.
The upper surface of 1 is formed in a horizontal and planar shape so as to form a hollow portion in close contact with the case bottom portion 12a and prevent leakage of liquid from the side surfaces of the groove. In addition, the air bubble inlets 5a to 5
The position of d is preferably as central as possible within a range that does not hinder the optical path of the projection light / reflected light. The other end of each of the horizontal grooves 6a1 to 6d1 is connected to a groove in which the inner wall of the holder 4 is cut to a thickness that allows the gas to move sufficiently. Is cut to form a groove as shown at 6a2 to 6d2 in FIG. 5A, and then the case 12 is discharged through discharge ports 7a to 7d provided at a predetermined height of the holder 4. To be connected to the outside. FIG. 5 of such a structure
In the hollow member shown in FIG. 2A, the hollow members 6a to 6d are formed by a part of the side wall, the inner wall, and the bottom surface of the holder 4 and a part of the side wall and the bottom surface of the case 12. It is easier to manufacture the device by machining the grooves 6a to 6d than forming the cavities 6a to 6d on the side wall / bottom surface of the holder 4 as shown in FIG. In the structure shown in FIG. 5A, if the outlets 7a to 7d are installed with their openings opened upward, if a large amount of liquid leaks, the outlet 7a is leaked from above.
7d may be closed and air bubbles / gas may not be able to move. Therefore, it is preferable to arrange the opening of the discharge port in a horizontal direction or a downward direction. In the case of opening toward, it is preferable to attach a lid to the upper part.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. First, when the case 12 is not firmly fixed to the holder 4 or the like, the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 do not adhere to each other, and the repulsive force generated from the hinge mechanism 12s causes the main body 12d to move. The lid 12q floats, tilts, or falls, resulting in an abnormal installation state, and the opening / closing mechanism 90a mainly including the hinge mechanism 12s capable of maintaining the state in which the main body 12d and the lid 12q are open operates. Therefore, the optical path 22z / 24z of the projected light / reflected light of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70 cannot be formed at a normal position, and the projected light 22z of the light source means 14c is transmitted from the optical boundary surface 12a of the main body 12d. Permeation / diffusion to a gas layer such as air does not reach the reflection member 12p, or the light is bent at a predetermined angle or more and projected, and the reflected light 24z almost reaches the light receiving means 16c. Since longer, by comparison with the normal reflected light level by the output of the sensing means 18 of the light receiving unit 16c, easily installation abnormality of liquid leakage sensor 20a is detected, it is input to the MPU 36. Then, an installation abnormality alarm signal (or error code ER-A) is output to the outside via the cable 26 via the control means 30, and power is supplied to the light source means 14a, 14b and the light receiving means 28A, 28B by the power control unit 37. Is stopped,
The liquid leak sensor 20a enters an error standby state. In a normal state in which such an alarm signal is not output, power is supplied from the power supply control unit 37 to the light source means 14a, 14b and the light receiving means 28A, 28B by the MPU 36, the liquid leakage sensor 20a is activated, and there is no liquid leakage 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the projection light 22y from the light source 14b is
Reflection boundary surface 7 of reflection member 3 placed on holder bottom surface 4a
The reflected light 24y is input to the light receiving elements 28a to 28n of the array sensor 28B, and the light and dark pattern is, for example, as shown in FIG.
A light-dark pattern distribution is formed on the light-receiving element 28a side, and the light-receiving element 28a side is dark. When the leaked liquid 2 slightly penetrates into the holder bottom surface 4a, the reflected light 24y becomes the reflected light 24y in FIG.
Since the light is input to each light receiving element via the optical path as shown in FIG. 7A, a light and dark pattern having a slightly shifted peak in brightness toward the light receiving element 28a is arranged. When the thickness (depth) of the liquid leakage further increases, the peak of the light and dark pattern moves to the left side of FIG. When a large amount of the leaked liquid 2 is generated at one time, the entire outer periphery of the case 12 is flooded with the leaked liquid 2, but the hollow members 6a to 6d are buried or attached to the holder 4 side. When the leaked liquid 2 gradually penetrates from the outer periphery of the case 12 toward the center due to a capillary phenomenon, an osmotic pressure, or the like, the gas existing in the gap 10 between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a leaks therearound. Although the liquid is in a state of being closed by the liquid, the air bubbles generated / retained on the case bottom surface 12a from the air suction ports 5a to 5d are hollow pipe members 6a1 to 6d.
The outlets 7a to 7 are gradually extruded into the inside of the holder 4 and further provided with outlets formed in the side wall of the holder 4 through the cavities 6a2 to 6d2 buried in the side wall of the holder 4 so as to be oriented horizontally or downward. From 7d, the bubbles generated on the case bottom surface 12a are discharged to the outside of the case 12. That is, the hollow member 6a
Since 6d has a structure in which gas can freely enter and leave without leaking to the outside in a sealed state, even if bubbles are generated on the case bottom surface 12a, they do not stay for a long time, The gap 10 between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a can be quickly filled with the liquid leakage 2 and submerged. Thus, when the case bottom surface 12a is submerged in the leaked liquid 2, the reflected light 24m is, for example, brightest on the light receiving element 28a side in FIG.
The 8n side changes to the arrangement of the darkest light and dark pattern.

Therefore, after the A / D-converted digital output of each of the light receiving elements 28a to 28n of the array sensor 28B is written into the double buffer memory 34 at a predetermined sampling cycle via the multiplexer 31, the following is performed by the MPU or the like. Should be performed. a) After the sensitivity of each light receiving element 28i (i = a to n) is corrected, the light receiving pattern is smoothed by a moving average process or the like. b1) The bright and dark peak positions of the smoothed light receiving pattern are calculated, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined based on whether or not this position is within the range without liquid leakage. b2) The center of gravity XG of the luminance distribution of the amount of reflected light of the smoothed light receiving pattern R (j) is calculated by the following equation, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined based on whether or not the position of the center of gravity is within the range of no liquid leakage. .

XG = ΣR (j) · j / Σj (j = 1 to n) where R (j): light receiving level j =: light receiving position b3) In advance, the rising edge of the waveform of the light-dark pattern of the reflected light and And / or a waveform peak portion and / or a waveform falling portion is cut out from a reflected light pattern with a leak and registered in the template memory 35 or the like as a leak template pattern T (j). A waveform position similar to the template pattern T (j) is correlated in the smoothed light receiving pattern R (j) by the following equation.

(Equation 2) Next, at a position (m> mth) that is at least a predetermined distance (mth) or more from the no-leakage position and at a predetermined similarity Thcr
Light / dark pattern CR similar to the above template waveform
If (m) is detected, it is determined that there is liquid leakage, and otherwise, it is determined that there is no liquid leakage. c) Thus, the control means 30 also serving as the liquid leakage detecting means 18
According to the above, when the leaked liquid 2 is detected by a desired calculation or a combined calculation from the calculations from b1) to b3),
The display means 29 is turned on in red, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage is output to the outside via the cable 26 (liquid leakage detection error code ER-B). In the processes b1) and b2) described above, the presence or absence of liquid leakage can be executed by a minimum of two light receiving means (elements) by collecting the reflected light widely by a condensing means such as a lens or a concave mirror. . In the correlation calculation of b3), it is preferable to collect reflected light data from the light receiving unit (element) from at least 4 to 8 different positions. Further, the projection light 22x from the light source 14a is totally reflected by the case bottom 12a, and the reflected light 24x is input to each of the light receiving elements 28a to 28n of the array sensor 28A in the same manner as the above-described array sensor 28B. The control means 30 which also serves as the liquid leakage detecting means 18 has a distribution and a position of the light and dark pattern.
Is calculated in the same manner as described above, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined. In the control means 30, the array sensor 28B /
Both outputs of 28A and the output of the light receiving means 16c are mutually checked at predetermined intervals, and if a leak can be detected based on the output calculation result of either of the array sensors, a leak detection signal may be output to the outside. In the above example, since the reflected light 24x is total reflected light, the array sensor 28
Instead of A, even if the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined from a simple calculation of the amount of reflected light from the output of the single light receiving element 16a or the like,
It is possible to easily determine the detection of liquid leakage.

Therefore, according to the liquid leakage sensor having the structure shown in FIG. 2, only the liquid leakage sensor 20a is placed on the floor surface 1 and the thin paper 8 is not used and the sensor is simply fixed to the floor surface. Even if a large amount of liquid does not flow out, the liquid can be reliably detected at the initial time when the liquid 2 has slightly penetrated into the reflection boundary surface 4a of the holder 4, and the radius of the outer periphery of the holder 4 can be reduced. By increasing the size, it is possible to prevent the sensor 20a from falling down. Further, since the liquid leakage error and the sensor installation state abnormality error can be output to the outside while being distinguished from each other, after the error occurs, the monitoring center or the like can start an appropriate predetermined recovery operation according to the error situation. Further, FIG.
As shown in (B), since the projected lights 22x and 22y are projected in directions orthogonal to each other, there is little optical interference with each other. However, the light sources 14a / 14b are alternately turned on by control means (not shown). When the light source 14a is turned on, the light source 14b is turned off, and when the light source 14a is turned off, the light source 14b is turned on, so that interference between the light sources can be completely eliminated. Light source means 1
From 4a / 14b, the modulated light in which the light / dark pattern of the projected light changes at a predetermined cycle is projected onto each optical (reflection) boundary surface,
Even if the reflected light is received by each light receiving means in synchronization with the timing of the projection light, the interference between the light sources can be completely eliminated. In the above-described example, the projection light 22y from the light source means 14b is reflected by the reflection boundary surface 7 of the reflection member 3 placed on the holder bottom surface 4a, but the reflection member 3 is not used and the holder bottom surface is directly used. The reception of the reflected light from 4a may be realized by painting the holder bottom surface 4a with a gray intermediate color or white, or the like, and the reflected light 24y may be input to the array sensor 28B. In addition, the thin paper 8 is used to
Can be used instead of
The distance d between the case bottom surface 12a and the holder bottom surface 4a is 1 m
m can be set sufficiently. When the thin paper 8 is used, it is necessary to replace the thin paper after detecting the liquid leakage. However, when the reflecting member 3 is used, the liquid 2 can be removed with a dry cloth or the like. There is a difference in that the same reflecting member can be used repeatedly when wiped off from the reflecting member 3. Thus, even if a large amount of liquid leaks, the hollow members 6a to 6d have a structure in which the gas can freely enter and leave from both ends without leaking to the outside in a state where the surroundings are sealed. Even if bubbles are generated, the gap 10 between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a is very quickly
The gap 10 is filled with the liquid leak 2 and the gap 10 can be reliably submerged, and malfunction of the liquid leak sensor due to generation of bubbles can be prevented. Further, in the above-described example, two optical systems are used for detecting the liquid leakage.
The liquid leakage sensor 20a can be configured by using only one of the optical systems A or the light source unit 14b to the light receiving unit 28B. When the case 12 is not firmly fixed to the holder 4 or the like, the main body 12d of the case 12 does not adhere to the lid 12q, and the hinge mechanism 1
Due to the repulsive force generated from the 2s, the main body 12d and the lid 12q are in an abnormal installation state in which the main body 12d and the lid 12q are floated, inclined, or fall, and the main body 12d and the lid 12q can be kept open. Due to the opening / closing mechanism 90a mainly including the hinge mechanism 12s, the optical path of the projection light / reflection light of the optical installation abnormality detection means 70 cannot be formed at a normal position, and the projection light 22z of the light source means 14c is transmitted to the reflection member 12p by a predetermined amount. The reflected light 24z hardly reaches the light receiving means 16c, and is projected.
By comparing the output of 6c with the normal reflected light level by the detecting means 18, it is possible to easily detect the abnormal installation of the liquid leakage sensor 20a. Therefore, normally, the light source means 14a, 14b consuming at least half of the power consumption of the sensor 20a
The power supply to the sensor can be cut off immediately, which saves energy on the leak sensor and also makes it possible to clearly distinguish between a leak error error and a sensor installation error that could not be distinguished in the past. In a plant monitoring center or the like, each error situation can be appropriately dealt with. The installation abnormality detecting means 70 operates normally and stably even when the leaked liquid 2 to be detected is a strong acid such as sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or nitric acid, or a strong alkaline solution such as possible soda or possible potassium. Preferably, the liquid leakage sensor 20a is made of an integrally molded synthetic resin member whose case bottom can be divided into a main body 12d and a lid 12q made of a transparent or translucent material. It is possible to realize a structure where no electronic components etc. are exposed to the outside,
An opening / closing mechanism 90a composed of a hinge mechanism 12s that is excellent in chemical resistance and can maintain an open state of the main body 12d and the lid 12q can easily detect an abnormal installation of the case 12.

Next, FIG. 4 corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG.
Shows another embodiment of the liquid leakage sensor 20b according to the present invention. The devices having the same reference numerals perform the same function, and eliminate the electric wiring in the liquid leakage detecting portion, thereby making the electric ignition / This is to prevent a fire accident from occurring, and the first optical transmission means 40a, 40b, such as an optical fiber,
40c, the projection light 22x, 22y, 22z is transmitted from the light source means 14 provided in the remote control unit 39, and the light transmission / reception means 40a, 42a to 42k transmit and receive light to the reflection boundary surface 12a. A first optical system for transmitting and receiving light to and from the reflection boundary surface 7, the thin paper 8, the case cap 12p, and the like by the optical transmission means 40b and 42m to 42t. Since the third optical system for projecting and receiving light to the reflecting member 12p and the like is formed by the means 40c and 42u, even if the liquid 2 is volatile and there is a danger of ignition or explosion, the reflected light can be extremely safely. This makes it possible to detect liquid leakage. That is, in the first optical system described above, a part of the irradiation light from the light source unit 14 provided at a remote place is guided into the case 12 by the light transmission unit 40a, and is equal to or larger than the critical angle at which total reflection occurs. At a predetermined angle to the reflective boundary surface 12a at the bottom of the case as the projected light 22x, and the reflected light 24x is applied to the linearly arranged optical transmission means 42a to 42a.
k, a light receiving element 16a provided at a remote location
And input to the control means 30 which also serves as the detection means via the AD conversion means 32 and the double buffer 34. Further, in the above-mentioned second optical system, another part of the irradiation light from the light source means 14 provided at a remote place is
The light 22 is guided into the case 12 by the light transmitting means 40b and is projected onto the reflecting member 12p, the thin paper 8 (not shown), the case cap 12p, or the like at a predetermined angle within the critical angle.
The reflected light 24y is received by the linearly arranged optical transmission means 42m to 42t, and is received by the light receiving elements 28m to 28m of the array sensor 28B provided at a remote place.
The signal is transmitted to the control unit 30 serving as a detection unit via the multiplexer 31, the AD conversion unit 32, and the double buffer 34. further,
In the above-mentioned third optical system, another part of the irradiation light from the light source means 14 provided at a remote place is guided into the case 12 by the light transmission means 40c, and the predetermined part of the predetermined angle within the critical angle or above the critical angle is obtained. The reflected light 24z is received by the light transmitting means 42 and transmitted to the light receiving element 16c provided at a remote place, and the multiplexer 31 and the AD converting means 32, The data is input to the control means 30 also serving as the detection means via the double buffer 34. Furthermore, in order to prevent bubbles from being generated and staying in the gaps 10 for a long period of time, all the hollow members 6a to 6d are disposed inside the case 12 without using the holder 4, similar to the structure of FIG. Such a bubble discharging mechanism is provided, and holes 5a to 5d for sucking bubbles are formed in a substantially central portion of the bottom surface 12a of the case 12 in contact with the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer as shown in FIG. Are formed in the upper part of the housing, and are connected by small-diameter hollow members 6a to 6d such as silicone rubber members between the outlets 7a to 7d. In addition, the bottom of the case 12 is formed by using a transmitted light member 12d made of a transparent material or a translucent material as a base material, and the outside thereof is light-shielded by a light-shielding synthetic resin or the like except for a light irradiation surface and a reflected light reception surface. It is preferable to cover or configure with the member 12g and integrally mold it with the transmitted light member 12d. When such a light shielding member is used, even if the holder 4 is not provided, it is hardly affected by ambient noise light, and when the liquid leaks, the floor surface becomes An optical structure that does not receive unnecessary reflected light from the floor surface even in a white or mirror surface can be realized.

Further, in the example of FIG. 4, in order to form the installation abnormality detecting means 70b of the case 12, the case bottom is made up of a main body 12d made of a transparent material or a translucent material and a lid 12d.
q, 12p, and is formed of an integrally molded synthetic resin member that can be divided into a main body 1 and a main body 1.
The 2d and the lid 12q are connected by a hinge 12s to be integrally formed, the main body 12d and the lid 12q are connected by a V-shaped groove 12s at the outer peripheral edge, and a synthetic resin member, that is, a thermoplastic resin is used. Alternatively, it is formed integrally with a thermoplastic elastomer, and when it is bent toward the case bottom surface 12a through the V-shaped groove 12s, a repulsive force is generated. Therefore, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case are bent to the bottom surface 12a side and closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body 12d and the lid 12q are brought into close contact with each other by the self-weight or external pressure contact means 60. And a part of the optical path of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70b is formed, and no optical boundary surface is formed between the bottom surface 12a and the lid 12q. , A continuous path is formed. When the case 12 is installed on the horizontal floor 1, the installation surface of the case 12 is horizontal to a reference horizontal plane defined by a level or the like, and the case 12 is mounted on the vertical wall surface 1.
When the case 12 is installed, the installation surface of the case 12 is perpendicular to the above-described reference horizontal plane, and the case 12
Is installed, the installation surface of the case 12 has a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the above-described reference horizontal plane. In this optical installation abnormality detecting means 70b, as shown in FIG.
4c transmitted from the optical transmission means 40c through the optical transmission means 40c
2z is applied to the reflecting surface of the reflecting member 12p at an incident angle less than the critical angle or greater than the critical angle, and the reflected light 24z is received and transmitted by the optical transmission unit 42u.
The signal is converted into an electric signal by 6c and input to the control means 30. The white or mirror-like reflecting member 12p can be formed by bonding, melting, and press-fitting on the top or bottom surface of the lid 12q, or a convex or concave reflection surface on the top / bottom surface of the lid 12q. May be directly engraved to form a reflection surface of the projection light 22z. On the other hand, case 1
In the case where the main body 12d and the lid 12q are not in close contact with each other, the main body 12d and the lid 12q float, tilt, or fall due to the repulsive force generated by the hinge mechanism 12s. An opening / closing mechanism 90a capable of maintaining the open state of the main body 12d and the lid 12q in an installation abnormal state is attached to the case 12 in advance similarly to FIG. A gas layer such as air is formed in the middle of the optical path of the projection light / reflected light, and the optical boundary surfaces 12a and 12x are generated.
Since the light is diffused to the outside of the projection light and the amount of reflected light to the light receiving portion is significantly reduced, the reflected light does not reach a normal position, and the projected light 22z of the light transmission unit 40c is reflected by the reflecting member 12p.
Is bent at a predetermined angle or more and projected, and the reflected light 2
4z hardly reaches the light transmitting means 42u for light reception, so that the output of the light receiving means 16c provided at the other end of the light transmitting means 42u is compared with the normal reflected light level by the detecting means 18 or the control means 30. By doing so, it is possible to easily detect an abnormal installation of the case 12. The case bottom 1 is located on the opposite side of the lid 12q.
In order to stably secure the gap d between the holder 2a and the holder bottom surface 4a, a leg 12t of the case 12 is provided. FIG.
In this example, a light-shielding reflective member 12p painted in a neutral or white color is attached to the end of the case 12 together with the hinge mechanism 12s, and the structure also serves as the case cap 12p. No light is placed on the tip of the case 12 and the reflected light 24
It is also possible to perform liquid leakage detection processing by directly receiving y as in FIG.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. First, when the case 12 is not firmly fixed by the pressing means 60,
d and the lid 12q do not adhere to each other, and the repulsive force generated from the hinge mechanism 12s causes the main body 12d and the lid 12q to float, tilt obliquely, or fall into an abnormal installation state, and An opening / closing mechanism 90a mainly including a hinge mechanism 12s capable of maintaining an open state of the lid 12d and the lid 12q.
Is attached to the case 12 in advance. Therefore, an optical boundary surface 12a is formed at the boundary of the main body 12d in the optical path of the projection light / reflected light of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70b. An optical boundary surface 12x is also formed on the upper surface of 12q, and the projection light 22z from the light source unit 14 and the optical transmission unit 40c is transmitted / diffused from the optical boundary surface 12a to a gas layer such as air, scattered, and reflected. Since the reflected light 24z does not reach the member 12p or is bent at a predetermined angle or more and is projected, and the reflected light 24z hardly reaches the light receiving portion of the optical transmission unit 42u, it is provided at the other end of the optical transmission unit 42u. The output of the light receiving means 16c is detected by the detecting means 18 or MP.
By comparing the reflected light level with the normal reflected light level by U36, the installation abnormality of the liquid leakage sensor 20b can be easily detected.
Then, an installation abnormality alarm signal is output to the outside via the cable 26 via the control means 30, and the liquid leakage sensor 2
0b is in a standby state. In a normal state where such an alarm signal is not output, the light receiving unit 16 is controlled by the MPU 36.
a and 28B are sequentially processed, the leak sensor 20b is activated, and when there is no leak 2, the projection light 22y transmitted from the light source means 14 and the light transmission means 40b is used as shown in FIG. , From the bottom surface 12a to the gas layer (gap portion) 10 once, is further reflected at the reflection boundary surface on the upper surface of the reflection member 12p, and the reflected light 24y is transmitted through the gas layer 10 and the main body 12d to the optical transmission means. Each of the light receiving elements 28m to 2m of the array sensor 28B disposed at the other end of the optical transmission means 42m to 42t is transmitted after being received at one end of each of the light transmitting sections 42m to 42t, and received after distinguishing each light receiving position.
8t, the light and dark patterns form, for example, a light and dark pattern distribution in which the light receiving element 28n side is bright and the light receiving element 28a side is dark as shown in FIG. 3B. Further, when the leaked liquid 2 permeates the reflecting member 12p thinly, the reflected light 24y enters each light receiving element via an optical path 24a in FIG. The observed light receiving pattern has a light and dark pattern whose brightness peak is slightly shifted toward the light receiving element 28a. When the thickness (depth) of the liquid leakage further increases, the peak of the light and dark pattern moves to the left side of FIG. When a large amount of the liquid 2 is generated at one time, the entire outer periphery of the case 12 is flooded with the liquid 2,
Since the hollow members 6a to 6d are embedded or attached to the case 12, when the leaked liquid 2 gradually penetrates from the outer periphery of the case 12 toward the center portion due to a capillary phenomenon, an osmotic pressure, or the like, a void in the case bottom surface 12a is formed. The gas in the portion 10 is in a state where its surroundings are blocked by liquid leakage. However, bubbles generated / retained in the case bottom surface 12a from the air inlets 5a to 5d are generated in the hollow pipe members 6a to 6d. Are gradually extruded, further pass through the inside of the case 12, pass through the hollow members 6a to 6d, and are provided on the side wall of the case 12 from outlets 7a to 7d, the outlets of which are bored horizontally or downward. The bubbles generated on the case bottom surface 12a are discharged to the outside of the case 12. That is, since the hollow members 6a to 6d have a structure in which gas can freely enter and leave without leaking to the outside in a state where their surroundings are sealed, even if bubbles are generated in the case bottom portion 12a, they remain for a long time. The gap 10 in the case bottom portion 12a can be filled with the liquid leak 2 and sunk very quickly without performing. Thus, the case bottom 12a is
When submerged in water, the reflected light 24m is, for example, as shown in FIG.
The light receiving element 28a side of FIG.
The n-side changes to the arrangement of the darkest light-dark pattern. Therefore, after the outputs of the light receiving elements 28m to 28t of the array sensor 28B are written into the double buffer memory 34 at a predetermined sampling cycle, the same processing as in FIG. Arranged so that the light receiving angles are different from each other, and converted into electric signals so that the light receiving positions of the reflected light can be distinguished from each other by a plurality of light receiving means. The arrangement of the light and dark patterns may be determined at predetermined intervals, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage may be determined by a change in the light and dark pattern of the reflected light or a change in the position of the light and dark pattern of the reflected light. May be processed to detect the presence or absence of liquid leakage based on the amount of reflected light. Further, when a large amount of liquid leakage 2 occurs at one time, the projection light 22x from the light source means 14 and the light transmission means 40a constituting the first optical system is not totally reflected by the case bottom 12a, and the refractive index In the substantially equal part of the liquid leak, the gap 1
0, the reflected light 24x is dispersed,
The amount of reflected light received by a light receiving element (means) such as an array sensor decreases, and the distribution pattern of the light and dark of the reflected light also fluctuates greatly. Therefore, the control unit 39 in the remote place via the optical transmission means 42a to 42k. Array sensor 28 provided in
When the reflected light is input to and processed by each of the light receiving elements 28a to 28k of A in the same manner as in the above-described array sensor 28B, the distribution and position of the light and dark pattern, or the magnitude of the reflected light amount greatly fluctuates. These changes can be detected by the control means 30 which also serves as the liquid leak detecting means 18 in the same manner as described above, and the presence or absence of a large amount of liquid leak can be easily determined.

Therefore, according to the liquid leakage sensor 20b having a structure as shown in FIG. 4, the liquid leakage sensor 20b is merely placed on the floor surface 1 and is hardly affected by extraneous light even without the holder 4 or the thin paper 8. In addition, there is an advantage that the leaked liquid can be quickly detected in the initial stage of the leaked liquid outflow in which the leaked liquid 2 does not flow out to the total reflection boundary surface 12a in a large amount. Also, since no electric signal flows to the liquid leak detector, even for volatile liquid leaks,
The detection process can be performed extremely safely, and even if a large amount of liquid leaks at once, this leak is double-checked and detected twice, and the reliability of the leak detection process is further improved. By changing the length of the light transmitting means 40/42, the light source means 14 and the light receiving means 28A can be changed.
/ 28B or the like and the reflection boundary surface 12a / 12p or the like can be changed to a desired variable distance. Further, it is apparent that the case head portion in which the light shielding member 12g and the transmitted light member 12d are integrally formed can be applied to the liquid leakage sensor without the thin paper 8 shown in FIGS. 2 and 4.
When the light-shielding reflecting member 12p is attached to the tip of the case 12, there is an advantage that the influence of the surface properties of the floor 1 on which the sensor 20b is installed, the floor painting color, and the like can be eliminated. In a state where the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case are in close contact with each other and closed, an optical path is formed between the bottom 12a, which forms part of the optical path of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70b, and the lid 12q. No interface is formed, an optically continuous path is formed,
In a state where the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 are not in close contact with each other, the main body 12d and the lid 12q float, tilt obliquely or fall due to the repulsive force generated by the hinge mechanism 12s. The opening / closing mechanism 90a that can maintain the state where the main body 12d and the lid 12q are open can be greatly bent by the opening / closing mechanism 90a. In addition to detecting liquid errors and installation error errors separately,
Can be transmitted or addressed. Further, FIG.
Similarly to the optical system shown in (B), the projection lights 22x and 22y
This means that, when the light is projected in a direction in which the traveling directions are orthogonal to each other, the optical interference between the light source means 1 and the light source means 1 is small.
4 are prepared and alternately turned on in time, or the projected light is intermittently output by shutter means (not shown) or the like to be output to the light transmitting means 40a and 40b, and the light transmitting means 40a is alternately turned on.
/ 40b is turned on, the light transmission means 40b is turned off while the light transmission means 40a is turned on, and the light transmission means 40b is turned on while the light transmission means 40a is turned off.
Interference between 2x and 22y can be completely eliminated.
When the thin paper 8 is used, the distance d between the case bottom surface 12a and the floor surface 1 can be sufficiently reduced to 1 mm or less. In this case, even if a large amount of liquid leakage occurs, the hollow members 6a to 6
d has a structure in which the gas can freely enter and leave without leaking to the outside in a sealed state, so that even if bubbles are generated on the case bottom surface 12a, they do not stay for a long period of time and are very quickly. The gap 10 between the floor surface 1 and the case bottom surface 12a is filled with the liquid leakage 2 while preventing air bubbles from stagnating.
Submersion can be ensured. Also, in the above example,
Although two optical systems were used to detect the liquid leakage,
a to light receiving means 28A or light source means 14b to light receiving means 2
Even if only one of the optical systems 8B is used, the liquid leakage sensor 20b can be configured.

Next, FIG. 5 corresponding to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 shows another embodiment of the liquid leakage sensor 20c of the present invention, in which the same reference numerals are given. The device performs the same function, and is provided on the bottom 12d of the case 12 made of a transparent or translucent member, as shown in FIG.
(A) A protruding liquid leak detecting portion as shown in FIG. 3A is provided protrudingly, and this detecting portion is provided with planar total reflection surfaces 12m and 12n at an inclination angle of approximately 45 degrees, and these planar The total reflection surfaces 12m and 12n are formed such that their extensions intersect with each other in a substantially orthogonal state so that their tips perform the same function as a corner cube, and light source means 14a forming a first optical system From the projection light 22u, the total reflection surface 12m
Is irradiated downward from substantially vertically above, and the reflected light 22v is projected on the total reflection surface 12n, and the reflected light 2v
4u is received by the light receiving means 16 and is converted into an electric signal. In addition, the total reflection surface 12m of the projection light 22u
The irradiation position of the liquid is preferably as low as possible close to the floor surface 1. The convex liquid leak detecting portion provided at the bottom of the case 12 can be used as a sheet presser for the thin paper 8. The entire case 12 is inserted into / attached to the holder 4 and fixed, and the holder 4 is attached to the floor surface 1.
It may be fixed by a fixing member such as a nail, or may be simply mounted on the floor 1 so as to be movable without fixing. Further, similarly to FIG.
An arm-shaped press-contact means 60 for fixing the case 1 to the case 12 is extended to the case upper lid, and one end 64 thereof is fixed to the fixing member 6.
2, the other end 66 may be pressed against the upper part of the case to prevent the case 12 from overturning. Thus, the hollow members 6a to 6d are formed on the outer periphery and the bottom of the case 12, and on the bottom and the inner side surfaces of the holder 4, and FIG. 5C shows a top view of the holder 4. In the drawing, a thin plate-like reflecting surface 4r also serving as a receiving portion for the thin paper 8 is formed substantially at the center of the bottom surface 4a of the holder 4. When the thin paper 8 is used, the reflecting surface 4r of the holder 4 reflects reflected light. It is preferable that the coating be performed in such a manner that it is painted in black to absorb the light and the gap d between the bottom end 12a of the case and the reflection surface 4r of the holder is in close contact within 1 mm.
Is not used, in order to directly process the reflected light from the holder reflecting surface 4r, the holder reflecting surface 4r is painted white or intermediate color or the like that reflects the irradiation light, and the case bottom end 12a and the holder reflecting surface 4r are Is several m
m or more, and a structure capable of adjusting the height according to the difference in the viscosity of the liquid leakage is preferable.

In FIG. 5, the tips of the planar total reflection surfaces 12m and 12n are cut in a plane, and a second optical system is formed through the cut horizontal plane 12a. The projection light 22y from the means 14b is irradiated from the case 12 toward the floor 1 at an incident angle less than the critical angle, and the reflected light 24y from the thin paper 8 or the holder reflection surface 4r or the floor 1 is received by the light receiving means 16b or The light is received by the array sensor 28B and is converted into an electric signal. It is also possible to attach a light shielding member 15 such as a metal foil to the inside of the case bottom 12d and input one end of the light shielding member 15 to the capacitance sensor.
Can be arranged in a range excluding the light irradiation surface and the reflected light receiving surface in the vicinity of the light receiving means, and does not receive unnecessary reflected light from the floor surface even when the floor surface is white or a mirror surface at the time of liquid leakage. There is an optical effect. Further, in the example of FIG. 5A, a magnetic installation abnormality detecting means 70b is adopted as the installation abnormality detecting means of the case 12, and the magnet 72 is embedded in a donut shape on the inner wall of the holder 4, and the magnetic flux is transferred to the case. 12 is detected by a magnetic flux detecting means 74 such as a Hall element built in the MPU 36.
Is entered. In addition, FIG.
In (E), the case 12 and the holder 4 are opened when the main body 12d of the case 12 and the holder 4 do not come into close contact with each other and float, tilt, or fall into an abnormal installation state. The structure in which the opening / closing mechanism 90b capable of maintaining the state is built in the holder 4 is shown, and the opening / closing mechanism 90b shown in FIG.
In this case, two synthetic resin flat plates 91 are rotatable by a shaft 93 supported by a synthetic resin bearing 92 so as to be able to open and close, and furthermore, have elasticity such as a winding spring wound around the shaft 93. The member 94 can maintain the open state, and when the case 12 is firmly inserted into the holder 4 by the pressing means 60 and is not fixed, the opening / closing mechanism 9
0b maintains the abnormal installation state in which the case 12 floats, and this abnormal installation state is determined by the magnetic installation abnormality detection means 70.
b and is input to the control means 30. Therefore, the structure in which the main body and the lid configured as the case opening / closing mechanism 90b are separated from each other can be configured only with the member on the holder side, and may be configured only with the member on the case side. It is possible, furthermore, it is also possible to constitute by combining the member on the holder side and the member on the case side, and furthermore, it is configured using a third member different from the member on the holder side and the member on the case side. It is also possible. The opening and closing mechanism for maintaining the case 12 and the holder 4 in an open state includes various mechanisms such as a sliding mechanism, a rotating mechanism, a driving mechanism using an elastic member, and a combination thereof, as described later in FIG. Can be adopted.

The operation of the liquid leakage sensor 20c in this configuration will be described. First, when the case 12 is not firmly fixed by the holder 4 or the pressing means 60,
The opening / closing mechanism 90b operates, and the case 12 and the holder 4
The installation error state is caused by floating, tilting or falling, and the magnetic flux detection means 74 of the magnetic installation abnormality detection means 70b cannot detect the magnet 72 at a predetermined position / distance. 20c installation error is detected and M
It is input to PU36. Then, an installation abnormality alarm signal is output to the outside via the cable 26 via the control means 30, and the light source means 14 a, 14 b
And the power supply to the light receiving means 16, 28B is stopped,
The liquid leak sensor 20c enters an alarm standby state. In a normal state where the case 12 from which the alarm signal is not output is firmly fixed, the power control unit 3 is controlled by the MPU 36.
7, light source means 14a, 14b and light receiving means 16,
28B, power is supplied to the liquid leakage sensor 20c, and when there is no liquid leakage 2, the projection light 22y from the light source means 14b is applied to the thin paper 8 placed on the holder bottom surface 4a as in FIG. The reflected light 24y is reflected by the reflection boundary surface, and the reflected light 24y is input to the light receiving elements 28a to 28n of the array sensor 28B. The light / dark pattern is, for example, as shown in FIG. Light receiving element 28
The a-side forms a dark and light pattern distribution. When the leaked liquid 2 permeates the holder bottom surface 4a thinly, the thin paper 8 becomes transparent due to the permeation of the leaked liquid, and
r is reflected in response to the surface color of
If r is painted in black, most of the reflected light 24y is absorbed and becomes very dark, and the presence or absence of liquid leakage can be easily determined only by determining the magnitude of the amount of reflected light. Further, when a large amount of liquid leakage 2 occurs at once,
The entire outer periphery of the case 12 is flooded with the liquid leakage 2, but between the case 12 and the holder 4, there is a hollow member 6 for discharging air bubbles.
a to 6d are buried or attached, and when the leaked liquid 2 gradually penetrates from the outer periphery of the case 12 toward the center portion by capillary action, osmotic pressure, etc., the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a The gas in the gap 10 is in a state where its surroundings are blocked by liquid leakage, but the air bubbles 5a to 5d
Air bubbles generated / remaining in the case bottom surface 12a are gradually pushed out into the hollow pipe members 6a1 to 6d1, and furthermore, the hollow portions 6a2 to 6d2 embedded in the side walls of the holder 4 are formed.
Through the outlets, air bubbles generated in the case bottom surface 12a are discharged to the outside of the case 12 from outlets 7a to 7d formed in the side wall of the holder 4 with the outlets directed horizontally or downward. That is, since the hollow members 6a to 6d have a structure in which gas can freely enter and leave without leaking to the outside in a state where their surroundings are sealed, even if bubbles are generated on the case bottom surface 12a, they remain for a long time. The gap 10 between the holder bottom surface 4a and the case bottom surface 12a is very quickly
And the thin paper 8 can be filled with the liquid leak 2 and submerged. Thus, when the case bottom surface 12a is submerged in the leaked liquid 2, the thin paper 8 becomes transparent due to the penetration of the leaked liquid, and
The reflected light 24y is reflected in response to the surface color of the reflective boundary surface 4r. For example, if the reflective boundary surface 4r is painted black, the reflected light 24y is largely absorbed and becomes very dark, It is possible to easily determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage simply by determining the magnitude of the reflected light amount. When a large amount of the leaked liquid 2 flows out to the floor surface 1 or the like at a time, the above-described first optical system also performs the leaked liquid detection processing, and even if the brightness of the projection light 22u is constant, the total reflection surface Reflected light 22 from 12m and 12n
v, 24u become transmitted light, and are transmitted, dispersed and diffused to the liquid leakage 2 side, so that the reflected light is greatly reduced.
In the direction in which the output greatly decreases, and the liquid leakage detection processing in which the reliability is easily further improved can be realized similarly to the case where the thin paper 8 is used. Therefore, even if bubbles are generated for a long time on the case bottom surface 12a constituting a part of the above-mentioned second optical system, the first optical system is not affected by such bubbles, and the first optical system executes a stable liquid leakage detection process. it can. When a large amount of liquid leaks, the total reflection surfaces 12m and 12n are formed in any direction, so that the liquid leaks simultaneously from the periphery of the case to the inside, so that the liquid is surely leaked. Can detect liquid,
There is no need to provide two or more total reflection surfaces. If a bubble discharging mechanism similar to that shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 is provided around the case and / or the holder, bubbles can be prevented from being generated and staying in the gap portion 10 for a long time, and reflected light bubbles can be prevented. Malfunctions can be reduced, and the reliability and stability of the operation of the liquid leakage sensor can be further improved. Also, the projection / reception optical system of the liquid leak sensor shown in FIG. 5 is replaced with a projection light / light reception optical system as shown in FIG. It is possible to modify the optical transmission means 40 such as an optical fiber in the same manner as in FIG.
a, 40b, the projection light 22x, 22y is transmitted from the light source means 14 provided in the remote control unit 31, and the light transmission / reception means 40a, 42a to 42k transmit and receive light to the reflection boundary surface 12a. When the first optical system is formed and the second optical system for projecting and receiving light on the reflection boundary surface 7, the thin paper 8, the case cap 12p, or the like by the light transmission means 40b, 42m to 42t is formed, the liquid 2 evaporates. Even if there is a danger of ignition or explosion due to the nature, liquid leak detection by reflected light can be performed extremely safely. In addition, if the holder 4 is used, the reliability of the case fixing work is improved, but it is not necessary to use the holder.

Next, FIG. 6 corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG.
Shows another embodiment of the liquid leak sensor 20d according to the present invention, wherein the devices having the same numbers perform the same functions, and the liquid leak detecting means / control means 30d.
Is an example which also serves as the installation abnormality detecting means 70c, and shows a configuration example of the liquid leakage sensor having a very simple structure, high reliability, and low cost. The bottom of the case is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and is bent in a substantially U-shape that also serves as a prism for inputting and outputting the projected light 22a and the reflected light 24a at a refraction angle smaller than the critical angle. It is a synthetic resin member that can be divided into a main body 12d and a lid 12q fitted to the main body 12d and having a prism disposed on the irradiation / transmission surface of the projection light 22a and the reflected light 24a, and integrally formed. A thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer can be used as the synthetic resin member for integral molding. That is, as shown in FIG. 6A, the bottom of the case includes a bottom surface 12y of the main body 12d and a top surface 1d of the lid 12q.
When 2x is bent, it comes into close contact, the optical interface disappears, and the main body 12d and the lid 12q are hinged to each other.
And the body 12d and the lid 12
and q are connected by a V-shaped groove portion 12s at the outer peripheral edge, and are integrally formed of a synthetic resin member, that is, a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer, and the lid portion 12q is formed as a V-shaped groove portion. Through 12s,
When it is bent toward the case bottom surface 12y, a repulsive force is generated. Accordingly, the case body 12d and the lid 1
When 2q is bent toward the bottom surface 12y and closed in a substantially horizontal state, the body portion 12d and the lid portion 12q can be kept in a closed state by the pressure contact means 60 from their own weight or from the outside, In addition, a part of the optical path of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70c is formed.
x and 12y are not formed on the bottom of the case. That is, the optical boundary surfaces 12x and 12y disappear and become optically continuous, and the main body 12d and the lid 12q are integrated, so that the projection light is totally reflected only on the bottom surface 12a. When the case 12 is installed on the horizontal floor 1, the installation surface of the case 12 is horizontal with respect to a reference horizontal plane defined by a level, and when the case 12 is installed on the vertical wall surface 1, The installation surface of the case 12 is perpendicular to the above-mentioned reference horizontal plane, and when the case 12 is installed on the inclined floor surface 1, the installation surface of the case 12 has a predetermined inclination angle with respect to the above-mentioned reference horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 6A, in the optical installation abnormality detection unit 70c, when the normal bottom surface 12y and the front surface 12x are in close contact with each other, between the light source unit 14 and the bottom surface 12a of the lid 12q, and Optical boundary surface 1 between bottom surface 12a and light receiving means 16
2y and 12x are not formed, the projected light 22a from the light source means 14 is totally reflected by the bottom surface 12a of the lid 12q, and the reflected light 24a is received by the light receiving means 16 and is converted into an electric signal to be a liquid leakage detecting means. The data is input to the control means 30 which also serves as 18. Further, as shown in FIG. 6B, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 are not in close contact with each other, the main body 12d and the lid 12q are formed by the repulsive force generated by the hinge mechanism 12s. However, it was floating, tilted, tilted, and fell into an abnormal installation state,
An opening / closing mechanism 90a capable of maintaining the open state of the main body 12d and the lid 12q is biased in advance to the case 12,
For this reason, in the abnormal installation state, the bottom surface 12y and the surface 12x do not adhere to each other to form an optical boundary surface, a gas layer is also formed therebetween, and the projection light 22a from the light source means 14 is formed.
Is transmitted through the gas layer from the bottom surface 12y of the main body 12d,
Since the light is not diffused and reflected by the bottom surface 12a of the lid 12q, the reflected light 24a hardly reaches the light receiving means 16. Even when the leaked liquid 2 permeates the bottom surface 12a, the projection light 22a is transmitted from the bottom surface 12a into the leaked liquid and diffuses into the liquid, so that the amount of reflected light reaching the light receiving means 16 is significantly reduced. Therefore, if the magnitude of the output of the light receiving means 16 is checked by the control means 30 or the like, it is possible to easily detect the abnormal installation of the case 12 or the liquid leakage 2. In this example, it is not possible to distinguish between an installation error and a liquid leakage detection error, but with a simple modification of the conventional liquid leakage sensor, it has a very simple structure and the reliability of the detected error state is low. It is possible to realize a low-cost liquid leakage sensor that is highly reliable and operates reliably. When the projection angle from the light source means 14 in the direction of the installation surface of the case 12 is smaller than the critical angle, the thin paper 8 can be used together.

Next, FIG. 7 corresponding to FIGS. 4 and 6 will be described.
Shows another embodiment of the liquid leakage sensor 20e of the present invention, wherein the devices having the same numbers perform the same functions, and the liquid leakage detecting means 30 is provided with the installation abnormality detecting means 70d. This is an example that also serves as an example, and shows a configuration example of an explosion-proof liquid leakage sensor 20e having a very simple structure, particularly effective for ignitable / flammable liquid leakage, and having high reliability and low cost. And installation abnormality detecting means 70d of case 12
The bottom of the case is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, and transmits the projection light 22a and the reflected light 24a to the liquid leak detection unit by the light transmission means 40 and 42, and from the main body 12d at a refraction angle less than the critical angle. Irradiating the projection light 22a in the direction of the installation surface, and the lid 12q integrally formed so as to be in close contact with the main body 12d,
Uneven reflection surface 7 engraved at a predetermined position on bottom surface 12a
r reflected light 24a is received by the optical transmission means 42,
The data is transmitted to the control means 31 provided separately. That is, as shown in FIG. 7A, the bottom of the case includes a bottom surface 12y of the main body 12d and a top surface 1d of the lid 12q.
When 2x is bent, it comes into close contact with the optical interface 12y,
12x disappears at the same time, and the main body 12d and the lid 1
2q are connected by hinges 12s to be integrally formed, and the main body 12d and the lid 12q have a V-shaped groove 12 at the outer peripheral edge.
s, and are integrally formed of a synthetic resin member, that is, a thermoplastic resin or a thermoplastic elastomer. The lid 12q is folded toward the case bottom surface 12y via a V-shaped groove 12s. Bending produces a repulsive force. Therefore, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case are bent to the bottom surface 12y side and closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body 12d and the lid 12q are brought into close contact with each other by the self-weight or external pressure contact means 60. To maintain a closed state, and form a part of a continuous optical path of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70d, the optical boundary surfaces 12x and 12y disappear, and the projection light 22a is reflected by the reflection surface 7r. , Light is received at one end of the optical transmission means 42. Then, the case 12 is placed on the horizontal floor 1.
Is installed, the installation surface of the case 12 is horizontal with respect to a reference horizontal plane defined by a level or the like, and the vertical wall 1
When the case 12 is installed, the installation surface of the case 12 is perpendicular to the above-described reference horizontal plane, and when the case 12 is installed on the inclined floor surface 1, the installation surface of the case 12 is the above-described reference horizontal plane. At a predetermined inclination angle. In the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70d, as shown in FIG. 7A, when the normal bottom surface 12y and the normal surface 12x are in close contact with each other, between the light transmission means 40 and the bottom surface 12a of the lid 12q, and , No optical boundary surface is formed between the bottom surface 12a and the light transmitting means 42, and the projected light 2
2a is reflected by the reflection surface 7r of the lid 12q, and the reflected light 24a is received by one end of the light transmission means 42, transmitted to the separately provided control means 31, converted into an electric signal, and converted into an electric signal to detect the liquid leakage detection means 18 Is processed by the control means 30 also serving as Also, as shown in FIG. 7B, when the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 are not in close contact with each other, the main body 12d and the lid 12q But floating,
The opening / closing mechanism 90a capable of maintaining the state in which the main body 12d and the lid 12q are opened is biased in advance to the case 12 in a state where the installation is in a state of being inclined or falling, and the body 12d and the lid 12q are open. The bottom surface 12y and the front surface 12x are not in close contact with each other, and optical boundaries are respectively formed. A gas layer is also formed therebetween, and between the optical transmission means 40 and the lid 12q, and between the lid 12q and the optical transmission means 42. Are formed respectively, and the projection light 22a from the light transmission means 40 is directly transmitted from the bottom surface 12y of the main body 12d to the gas layer and diffused, and the bottom surface 7r of the lid 12q is formed.
And the reflected light 24a does not reach the optical transmission means 42. Therefore, when the control unit 30 checks the magnitude of the output of the light receiving unit 16, it is possible to easily detect the abnormal installation of the case 12 or the liquid leakage 2. In this example, it is not possible to distinguish between an installation error and a leak detection error, but with a simple modification of the conventional leak sensor, it has a very simple structure, high reliability, and low reliability. Explosion-proof liquid leakage sensor 20e can be realized. In the optical structure shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, thin papers 8 can be provided side by side and used together as in FIG.

Next, FIG. 8 corresponding to FIG. 2 and FIG.
(A) and (B) show another embodiment of the liquid leak sensor 20f with the installation abnormality detecting means of the present invention,
8A perform the same function, and in the example of FIG. 8A, a facing non-contact proximity sensor is employed as the case 12 installation abnormality detecting means. A slide (linear movement type) mechanism 80 is used as an opening / closing mechanism for maintaining a state. As a facing non-contact proximity sensor, a magnet 72 is provided on the inner wall of the holder 4.
c is buried in a donut shape, and its magnetic flux is detected by a magnetic flux detecting means 74m such as a Hall element built in a predetermined position of the case 12, and the magnetic installation abnormality detecting means 70b input to the MPU 36 and the inner wall of the holder 4. The reflecting member 72c is buried in a donut shape, and the reflected energy is reflected at a predetermined corresponding position of the case 12 by a light projecting / light receiving device 14m.
There is an optical installation abnormality detection unit 70d that detects the optical reflection type non-contact proximity sensor 74m including infrared light such as / 16m and inputs the detected result to the MPU 36. In addition, a slide (linear movement type) as an opening / closing mechanism that holds the case installation abnormal state
The mechanism 80 may be such that the case 12 may simply slide up and down on the inner wall of the holder 4, or a case where the case is not firmly installed using a lock mechanism for movement or using an elastic member or the like. May be provided with a mechanism for maintaining the open state.

Next, FIGS. 8 (C) to 8 (E) corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 8 (A) and 8 (B) show another example of the liquid leakage sensor 20g with the installation abnormality detecting means of the present invention. FIG. 8C shows an embodiment, in which devices assigned the same numbers perform the same functions, and in the example of FIG.
A non-contact proximity sensor of a facing type and / or a reflection type is adopted as an installation abnormality detecting means of 2, and a push rod mechanism 90c is used together with a rotation moving mechanism 82 such as a screw as an opening / closing mechanism for maintaining an abnormal installation state of the case. Figure 8
As shown in (E), a hollow portion 83 is formed in the case bottom 12d, a push rod 84 is inserted into the hollow portion 83, and a locking portion 86 and a rod 84 are provided projecting from the outer periphery of the rod 84. The rod 84 is made to expand and contract from the hollow portion 83 by an elastic member 87 wound around the outer periphery of the member 84 and the stopper member 85. Further, as the non-contact proximity sensor, an optical non-contact proximity sensor is embedded in the inner wall of the hollow portion 83, and the position of the rod 84 is cut off by interposing a push rod 84 between the light source means and the light receiving means provided opposite to each other. Alternatively, the reflected light may be detected between the light source / light receiving means arranged close to and the reflecting member attached to the outer periphery of the push rod 84, and the position of the rod 84 may be detected by an optical reflection type. May be detected. Further, a magnet 72c is embedded in a donut shape on the outer periphery of the rod 84, and its magnetic flux is detected at a predetermined position on the case 12 side by a magnetic flux detecting means 74 such as a Hall element.
The magnetic installation abnormality detecting means 70b which detects the value by m and inputs it to the MPU 36 can also be used. Therefore, the structure in which the main body and the lid configured as the case opening / closing mechanism 90c are separated from each other can be configured only with the member on the holder side, and may be configured only with the member on the case side. It is possible, furthermore, it is also possible to constitute by combining the member on the holder side and the member on the case side, and furthermore, it is configured using a third member different from the member on the holder side and the member on the case side. It is also possible. Various mechanisms such as a slide mechanism, a rotation mechanism, a drive mechanism using an elastic member, and a combination thereof can be adopted as the opening / closing mechanism for maintaining the case 12 and the holder 4 in an open state.

[0022]

As described above, as shown in FIG.
According to the optical liquid leak sensor described above, when the case 12 is not firmly fixed to the holder 4 or the like, the main body 12d and the lid 12q of the case 12 do not adhere to each other, and are generated from the hinge mechanism 12s. Of the main body 12d
The lid 12q floats, inclines or tilts, or falls into an abnormal installation state, and the opening and closing mechanism 90a mainly including a hinge mechanism 12s capable of maintaining the body 12d and the lid 12q in an open state. The optical path of the projection light / reflected light of the optical installation abnormality detecting means 70 cannot be formed at a normal position,
The projection light 22z of the light source means 14c is bent at a predetermined angle or more and projected on the reflection member 12p, and the reflection light 24z
Hardly reaches the light receiving means 16c, the output of the light receiving means 16c is compared with the normal reflected light level by the detecting means 18 so that the liquid leakage sensor 20a can be easily detected.
Installation abnormality can be detected. Therefore, usually, the sensor 20a
Light sources 14a, which consume more than half of the power consumption of
Since the power supply to the 14b can be cut immediately, it is possible to save the energy of the liquid leakage sensor and to clearly distinguish between the liquid leakage abnormality error and the sensor installation abnormality error, which could not be distinguished in the past, so that the error occurrence signal can be received. Later, each error situation can be properly dealt with. In addition, according to the liquid leakage detection processing using the change in the position of the light and dark pattern of the reflected light and the correlation calculation, the sensor can be simply fixed to the floor without using thin paper just by placing the liquid leakage sensor on the floor. By itself, even if a large amount of liquid does not flow out, it can be reliably detected at the initial point when the liquid has slightly penetrated into the reflective boundary surface of the holder, the case cap, the floor, etc. Serious liquid leakage accidents can be prevented. Furthermore, if a bubble discharging mechanism utilizing the water pressure / osmotic pressure of the leak is provided in parallel with the hollow member, even if a large amount of the leak occurs, the hollow members 6a to
Since a structure in which the gas can freely enter and exit from both ends of the 6d in a sealed state without leaking to the outside can be realized, even if bubbles are generated on the case bottom surface 12a, the gas does not stay for a long period of time. The gap 10 formed between the holder bottom face 4a and the case bottom face 12a can be quickly filled with the liquid leak 2, and the gap 10 can be reliably submerged, thereby preventing malfunction of the liquid leak sensor due to generation of bubbles. be able to. Normally, even if the leak sensor is merely placed on the floor surface 1 and the leak 2 does not flow out, the leak 2 is kept in the holder 4.
Can be reliably detected at the initial stage when the liquid has permeated into the reflecting boundary surface 4a, the floor surface 1 and the like, and the radius of the outer periphery of the holder 4 is increased to prevent the liquid leakage sensor from tipping over. be able to. In addition, although the example in which the projection light 22y from the light source means 14b is reflected by the reflection boundary surface 7 of the reflection member 3 placed on the holder bottom surface 4a, the reflection member 3 is not used, and the light is directly reflected from the holder bottom surface 4a. The reflected light 24y may be input to the array sensor 28B, or the thin paper 8 may be used instead of the reflecting member 3. In this case, the case bottom surface 12a
The distance d between the holder and the bottom surface 4a of the holder can be set to 1 mm or less. When the thin paper 8 is used, it is necessary to replace the thin paper after detecting the liquid leakage. When the liquid leak 2 is wiped off the reflecting member 3 with a dry cloth or the like, there is a difference that the same reflecting member can be repeatedly used.
Further, in the type of liquid leakage sensor that does not use thin paper, conventionally, liquid leakage cannot be detected unless a large amount of liquid leaks to the floor surface at a depth of 2 to 4 mm or more and flows out in large amounts. The leak can be reliably detected at the initial point when the leak has penetrated into the floor surface by 0.1 mm or more,
Serious liquid leakage accidents can be prevented. Also,
If a sensor having no electric wiring is used in the liquid leakage detection unit, a volatile liquid which may cause a fire or explosion can be detected safely and reliably. Furthermore, in the above-described type of liquid leakage sensor using the total reflection boundary surface, the reflection surface inclined at approximately 45 degrees is used. A malfunction of the sensor can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing the structure of a conventional optical liquid leak sensor using thin paper.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a structure of a liquid leak sensor of the present invention and a light reflection path.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram and a diagram showing an operation principle of the liquid leakage sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an explosion-proof liquid leakage sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of another liquid leakage sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a total reflection type integrally molded liquid leakage sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of another integrally molded liquid leakage sensor of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a liquid leakage sensor with another installation abnormality detecting means according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Floor surface 2 Liquid leak 3 Reflection member 4 Holder 4a Holder bottom surface 5a-5d Bubble suction port 6a-6d Bubble discharge mechanism / hollow member 7a-7d Bubble discharge port 4a, 7, 12a, 12m, 12n, 12x, 12y
Optical boundary surface 8 Thin paper 10 Void 12 Case 12d, 12q Transmitted light member, semi-transmitted light member 12g, 12p Light shielding member 14, 14a, 14b Light source means 16, 28A, 28B Light receiving means, array sensor 20a to 20g Liquid leakage sensor 22, 22a to 22z Projected light 24, 24a to 24z Reflected light 30 Control means 32 AD conversion means 34 Double buffer 36 MPU 40, 40a, 40b, 42, 42a, to 42z Optical transmission means 70, 70b, 70c Installation abnormality detection means 90, 90a, 90b opening and closing mechanism

Claims (56)

(57) [Claims] At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source unit and the light receiving unit in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leak sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And providing the case installation abnormality detecting means, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the light is projected from the light source means to the case bottom, and the reflection boundary is provided. The reflected light from the surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface. A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that, when not performed, the installation abnormality detecting means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 2. At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. In addition, inside the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or only at the case holder side, constitutes the case installation abnormality detecting means, and the case is approximately positioned with respect to the installation surface of the case. When mounted in a horizontal state, light is projected from the light source means to the case bottom, light reflected from the reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is controlled by the control. Computation processing is performed by a step to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case. A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that: 3. A light leaking means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto, wherein at least one reflecting boundary surface capable of contacting the liquid leak through a gas layer or a liquid leak permeable layer through which the liquid leaks. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leak sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And an installation abnormality detecting unit for the case is provided, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the case is brought into close contact with the installation surface by its own weight or by means of pressure contact from outside. It is confirmed by the installation abnormality detecting means that the normal measurement possible state can be maintained by projecting light from the light source means to the case bottom,
The reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means,
The output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, to output the result of the determination to the outside, and when the case is not placed substantially horizontally with respect to the installation surface, The installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case, stops the process of determining whether there is a liquid leak by the light source unit, and outputs the case installation abnormality detection result to the outside. Liquid leak sensor. 4. At least one reflective boundary surface capable of contacting the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. In addition, inside the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or only at the case holder side, constitutes the case installation abnormality detecting means, and the case is approximately positioned with respect to the installation surface of the case. When the case is placed in a horizontal state, it is required that the case can be kept in a state where normal measurement is possible by keeping the case in close contact with the installation location of the case by its own weight or external pressure contact means. The light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the light reflected from the reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is calculated by the control means. The presence / absence of the liquid is determined, the determination result is output to the outside, and when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case. The liquid leakage sensor is characterized in that the process of determining the presence or absence of liquid leakage by the light source means is stopped and the result of the installation abnormality detection of the case is output to the outside. 5. At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism that can maintain an open state of the main body and the lid when the installation is in an overturned state is provided, and an installation abnormality detection unit for the case is provided, and the case is substantially horizontal with respect to the installation surface of the case. When mounted in a state, the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed by the control means, The presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined, and, when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case. Liquid leak sensor. 6. At least one reflective boundary surface capable of contacting the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or While being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the end of the case,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism that can maintain an open state of the main body and the lid when the installation is in an overturned state, and in the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or at the case holder side Alone, constitutes the installation abnormality detection means of the case, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the light is projected from the light source means to the case bottom, and the reflection is performed. The reflected light from the boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface. A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that when not performed, the installation abnormality detecting means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 7. At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism capable of maintaining the main body and the lid open when the installation is in an overturned state is provided, and an installation abnormality detection unit for the case is provided, and the case is substantially horizontal with respect to the installation surface of the case. When placed in the state, the installation abnormality detection means confirms that the case can be maintained in a normal measurement-capable state by the case being in close contact with the installation location of the case by the pressure contact means from its own weight or from the outside, and from the light source means The light is projected onto the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage. Output, and, when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case, Together to stop the process for determining the presence or absence of liquid leakage due to source means, liquid leakage sensor being characterized in that so as to output the installation abnormality detection result of the case to the outside. 8. At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism that can maintain an open state of the main body and the lid when the installation is in an overturned state, and in the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or at the case holder side Alone, constitutes the case installation abnormality detection means, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the case is installed by the pressure contact means from its own weight or from outside. The installation abnormality detection means confirms that the normal measurement possible state can be maintained in close contact with the location, the light is projected from the light source means to the case bottom, and the reflected light from the reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means. The output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, to output this determination result to the outside, and that the case is substantially flush with the installation surface. When it is not placed in the state, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case, stops the process of determining the presence or absence of liquid leakage by the light source unit, and outputs the case installation abnormality detection result to the outside. A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that: 9. At least one reflective interface that can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, in addition to having an opening and closing mechanism capable of maintaining the open state of the main body and the lid, providing a means for detecting installation abnormality of the case, the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case When the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, the output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means, to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage A liquid leakage sensor, wherein, when the determination is made and the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects an installation abnormality of the case. 10. A light leaking means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto, wherein at least one reflection boundary surface capable of contacting the liquid leak through a gas layer or a liquid leak permeable layer through which the liquid leaks. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, in addition to the opening and closing mechanism that can maintain the open state of the main body and the lid, in the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or only the case holder side, the case When the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, and the light is reflected from the reflection boundary surface. The light is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed by the control means to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and when the case is not placed substantially horizontally with respect to the installation surface, A liquid leakage sensor wherein the installation abnormality detecting means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 11. At least one reflective boundary surface capable of contacting the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the bottom of the light source means and the light receiving means is made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, in addition to the opening and closing mechanism that can maintain the open state of the main body portion and the lid portion, provided with an installation abnormality detection means of the case, the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case When the case is in place, the installation abnormality detection unit confirms that the case can be brought into close contact with the installation location of the case and can maintain a normal measurement-ready state by its own weight or an external pressure contact unit, and light from the light source unit is transmitted to the case bottom. Is projected, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, the output is subjected to arithmetic processing by the control means, the presence or absence of liquid leakage is determined, the determination result is output to the outside, and When the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case, A liquid leakage sensor wherein the presence / absence determination processing is stopped and a result of the installation abnormality detection of the case is output to the outside. 12. At least one reflective boundary surface which can contact the leak through a gas layer or a leak permeable layer through which the leak can penetrate, light source means, light receiving means, and control means coupled thereto. In the liquid leakage sensor comprising: the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material; or, the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or Along with being housed and integrated in a case made of translucent material, a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, the main body and the lid are provided with an opening and closing mechanism that can maintain an open state, and in the case, or at the case bottom and the case holder, or only at the case holder side, the case When the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the case comes into close contact with the installation location of the case by a pressure contact means from its own weight or from outside. Confirmed by the installation abnormality detection means that the normal measurement possible state can be maintained, project light from the light source means to the bottom of the case, receive light reflected from the reflection boundary surface by the light receiving means, and output the light The control means performs arithmetic processing to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, outputs the result of determination to the outside, and places the case in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface. If not, the installation abnormality detection unit detects the installation abnormality of the case, cancels the process of determining whether or not there is liquid leakage by the light source unit, and outputs the installation abnormality detection result of the case to the outside. Characteristic liquid leakage sensor. 13. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein said control means also functions as said installation abnormality detection means. 14. The opening and closing mechanism is a hinge mechanism and / or a slide mechanism and / or a rotation mechanism and / or an elastic drive mechanism, or a combination thereof.
14. The liquid leak sensor according to any one of claims 13 to 13. 15. The main body and the lid are integrally formed by a hinge, and the main body and the lid are connected by the outer peripheral edge,
The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein the hinge and the hinge are integrally formed of a synthetic resin member or a thermoplastic elastomer. 16. The synthetic resin member integrally formed,
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is composed of a thermoplastic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene, and the integrally formed thermoplastic elastomer is a polybutadiene resin. Liquid leak sensor. 17. The method according to claim 5, wherein the main body and / or the lid also serve as the reflection boundary surface.
A liquid leakage sensor according to the item. 18. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the bottom of the case other than the projecting portion and the light receiving portion is formed of a light shielding member. 19. A first light transmission means is interposed between the light source means and the reflection boundary surface, and a second light transmission means is interposed between the reflection boundary surface and the light reception means. Insert,
The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein a physical distance between the light source unit and the light receiving unit and the reflection boundary surface can be changed to a variable distance. 20. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 19, wherein said optical transmission means is an optical fiber or a synthetic resin member. 21. A bubble generated in the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer due to the liquid leakage, an inlet opening the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer, and a discharge port opening the liquid leakage sensor. The liquid leak sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the liquid is discharged to the outside by a hollow member that is open to the outside at a height equal to or higher than a predetermined height. 22. The case according to claim 1, wherein the reflection boundary surface is the bottom of the case, and / or a case cap attached to a tip of the case, and / or an upper surface of the case holder. 2. The liquid leakage sensor according to item 1. 23. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein thin papers that become transparent due to the penetration of liquid leakage are arranged side by side on at least one of the reflection boundary surfaces and are brought into close contact with each other. 24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer is transparent by the penetration of the liquid leakage, and is not provided with thin paper to be replaced as a consumable. The liquid leakage sensor as described in the above. 25. An arithmetic processing of the output of the light receiving means so that the presence or absence of liquid leakage and the abnormal installation state can be determined based on the magnitude of the amount of reflected light. The light receiving angles are arranged to be different from each other, the plurality of light receiving means convert the light receiving positions of the reflected light into electric signals so that the light receiving positions of the reflected light can be distinguished from each other. 25. The arrangement of the light and dark patterns of the present invention is determined at predetermined intervals, and the presence / absence of liquid leakage and the abnormal installation state can be determined by a change in the light / dark pattern of the reflected light. 3. The liquid leakage sensor according to item 1. 26. The light source means projects modulated light having a light-dark pattern of projected light that changes at a predetermined cycle onto the reflective boundary surface, and receives the reflected light by the light receiving means in synchronization with the timing of the projected light. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein: 27. The installation abnormality detecting means according to claim 1, wherein the installation abnormality detecting means is an optical detecting means and / or a magnetic detecting means and / or a capacitance detecting means, or a combination of these detecting means. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1. 28. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the installation abnormality detecting means is an optical detecting means, and a reflecting member is bonded, melted, press-fitted, or formed with an uneven reflecting surface on the lid. 28. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of items 27. 29. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein the installation abnormality detection means is an optical detection means, and a total reflection surface is formed on the lid. 30. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein the installation abnormality detection unit is an optical detection unit, and also performs the liquid leakage presence / absence determination processing. 31. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1, wherein the installation abnormality detection error and the liquid leakage detection error can be distinguished from each other and output to the outside. 32. At least two total reflection interfaces capable of contacting a leak are formed with a gas layer or a leak permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least one light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto. Are disposed on the same side with respect to each of the reflection boundary surfaces, and light is projected from the light source means on the first total reflection boundary surface, and light is projected from the first total reflection boundary surface. Is reflected on the second total reflection boundary surface, the reflection light from the second total reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed by the control means to prevent liquid leakage. In the liquid leakage sensor configured to detect, the light source unit and the light receiving unit are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is formed of a transparent material or a translucent material, or the bottom of the light source unit and the light receiving unit is transparent. Case made of wood or translucent material Along with storing and integrating, a light-shielding thin plate-like case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And a case installation abnormality detecting unit, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, light is projected from the light source unit to the case bottom, and the reflection is performed. The reflected light from the boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output thereof is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and that the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case. A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that when there is no installation abnormality, the installation abnormality detection means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 33. At least two total reflection interfaces that can come into contact with a liquid leak and a third reflection interface other than these are formed with a gas layer or a liquid leakage permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least 2
Two light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto are arranged on the same side with respect to each of the reflection interfaces, and the first light source is provided for the first total reflection interface. Means for projecting light, projecting light reflected from the first total reflection interface to the second total reflection interface, and reflecting light reflected from the second total reflection interface to the first light receiving section And a first detecting means for detecting a liquid leak by calculating an output of the first liquid detecting means, and forming a first liquid leak sensor. Light is projected from the second light source means at an angle, the reflected light from the third reflection boundary surface is received by the second light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing to detect liquid leakage. A second liquid leakage sensor comprising: a light source unit and a light receiving unit; While storing and integrating in a case made of a transparent or translucent material, or integrating and storing the light source means and light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material, Attach a thin light-shielding case cap to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source unit and the light receiving unit in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And a case installation abnormality detecting unit, and when the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, light is projected from the light source unit to the case bottom, and the reflection is performed. The reflected light from the boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output thereof is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and, with respect to the installation surface of the case, the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state. hand A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that when not present, the installation abnormality detecting means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 34. At least two total reflection interfaces capable of contacting a leak are formed with a gas layer or a leak permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least one light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto. Are disposed on the same side with respect to each of the reflection boundary surfaces, and light is projected from the light source means on the first total reflection boundary surface, and light is projected from the first total reflection boundary surface. Is projected onto the second total reflection boundary surface, the reflection light from the second total reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output thereof is processed to detect the liquid leakage. In the liquid leakage sensor, the light source means and the light receiving means are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, or the light source means and the light receiving means are made of a transparent material or a translucent bottom. When housed in a case made of wood and integrated In both cases, a light-shielding thin plate-like case cap is attached to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism that can maintain an open state of the main body and the lid when the installation is in an overturned state is provided, and an installation abnormality detection unit for the case is provided, and the case is substantially horizontal with respect to the installation surface of the case. When mounted in a state, the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine whether there is a liquid leak. And when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the installation abnormality detection means detects the installation abnormality of the case. Liquid sensor. 35. At least two total reflection interfaces that can come into contact with a liquid leak and a third reflection interface other than these are formed with a gas layer or a liquid leakage permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least 2
Two light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto are arranged on the same side with respect to each of the reflection interfaces, and the first light source is provided for the first total reflection interface. Means for projecting light, projecting light reflected from the first total reflection interface to the second total reflection interface, and reflecting light reflected from the second total reflection interface to the first light receiving section And a first detecting means for detecting a liquid leak by calculating an output of the first liquid detecting means, and forming a first liquid leak sensor. Light is projected from the second light source means at an angle, the reflected light from the third reflection boundary surface is received by the second light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing to detect liquid leakage. A second liquid leakage sensor comprising: a light source unit and a light receiving unit; While storing and integrating in a case made of a transparent or translucent material, or integrating and storing the light source means and light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material, Attach a thin light-shielding case cap to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the case bottom is divided into a main body and a lid, and when the main body and the lid of the case are closed in a substantially horizontal state, the main body and the main body are pressed by a weight or an external pressure contact means. The lid and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other, and the main body and the lid of the case do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely.
An opening / closing mechanism that can maintain an open state of the main body and the lid when the installation is in an overturned state is provided, and an installation abnormality detection unit for the case is provided, and the case is substantially horizontal with respect to the installation surface of the case. When mounted in a state, the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing to determine whether there is a liquid leak. And when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the installation abnormality detection means detects the installation abnormality of the case. Liquid sensor. 36. At least two total reflection interfaces capable of contacting a liquid leak are formed with a gas layer or a liquid leak permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least one light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto. Are disposed on the same side with respect to each of the reflection boundary surfaces, and light is projected from the light source means to the first total reflection boundary surface, and light from the first total reflection boundary surface is reflected from the first total reflection boundary surface. The reflected light is projected on the second total reflection boundary surface, the reflection light from the second total reflection boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, and the output is arithmetically processed to detect the liquid leakage. In the liquid leakage sensor, the light source unit and the light receiving unit are housed and integrated in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material, or the bottom of the light source unit and the light receiving unit is made of a transparent material or a translucent material. When housed in a case made of Attach a light-shielding thin plate-shaped case cap to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, in addition to having an opening and closing mechanism capable of maintaining the open state of the main body and the lid, providing a means for detecting installation abnormality of the case, the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case When the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, the output thereof is subjected to arithmetic processing, to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the installation abnormality detection means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 37. At least two total reflection interfaces capable of contacting a liquid leak and a third reflection interface different from them are formed with a gas layer or a liquid leakage permeable layer interposed therebetween, and at least 2
Two light source means, a light receiving means, and a control means coupled thereto are arranged on the same side with respect to each of the reflection interfaces, and the first light source is provided for the first total reflection interface. Means for projecting light, projecting light reflected from the first total reflection interface to the second total reflection interface, and reflecting light reflected from the second total reflection interface to the first light receiving section And a first detecting means for detecting a liquid leak by calculating an output of the first liquid detecting means, and forming a first liquid leak sensor. Light is projected from the second light source means at an angle, the reflected light from the third reflection boundary surface is received by the second light receiving means, and the output is subjected to arithmetic processing to detect liquid leakage. A second liquid leakage sensor comprising: a light source unit and a light receiving unit; While storing and integrating in a case made of a transparent or translucent material, or integrating and storing the light source means and light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent or translucent material, Attach a thin light-shielding case cap to the case tip,
In addition to reducing the influence of the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, or storing the light source means and the light receiving means in a case whose bottom is made of a transparent material or a translucent material At the same time, a case holder is attached to the end of the case so that it is hardly affected by the surface properties or surface color of the installation location such as the floor of the liquid leakage sensor, and also prevents the case from tipping over. And the main body and the lid are configured by the case bottom and the case holder, or the main body and the lid are configured only by the case holder side, and the main body and the lid are in a substantially horizontal state. When closed, the main body and the lid can be kept in close contact with each other by their own weight or by means of pressure contact from the outside, and the main body and the lid do not adhere to each other and float or tilt obliquely. Installation failure In the case of, in addition to having an opening and closing mechanism capable of maintaining the open state of the main body and the lid, providing a means for detecting installation abnormality of the case, the case is placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case When the light is projected from the light source means to the bottom of the case, the reflected light from the reflective boundary surface is received by the light receiving means, the output thereof is subjected to arithmetic processing, to determine the presence or absence of liquid leakage, and A liquid leakage sensor characterized in that when the case is not placed in a substantially horizontal state with respect to the installation surface of the case, the installation abnormality detection means detects an installation abnormality of the case. 38. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 32, wherein the control unit also functions as the installation abnormality detection unit. 39. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 34, wherein the opening and closing mechanism is a hinge mechanism and / or a slide mechanism and / or a rotation mechanism or an elastic drive mechanism or a combination thereof. 40. The main body and the lid are integrally formed with a hinge, and the main body and the lid are connected at the outer peripheral edge,
The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the hinge and the hinge are integrally formed of a synthetic resin member or a thermoplastic elastomer. 41. The integrally formed synthetic resin member,
41. The method according to claim 40, wherein the thermoplastic elastomer is composed of a thermoplastic resin, polyethylene terephthalate, amorphous polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polystyrene, or polypropylene, and the integrally formed thermoplastic elastomer is a polybutadiene resin. Liquid leak sensor. 42. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 34, wherein the main body and / or the lid also serve as the reflection boundary surface. 43. A part of the bottom of the case other than a projection part and a light reception part is constituted by a light shielding member.
The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of the above items. 44. A first optical transmission means is interposed between the light source means and the reflection boundary surface, and a second optical transmission means is interposed between the reflection boundary surface and the light receiving means. Insert,
33. A physical distance between the light source unit and the light receiving unit and the reflection boundary surface can be changed to a variable distance.
44. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of items 43 to 43. 45. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 44, wherein the optical transmission means is an optical fiber or a synthetic resin member. 46. A bubble generated in the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer due to the liquid leakage, the suction port of which is opened in the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer, and the discharge port of which is the liquid leakage sensor. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 34 to 45, wherein the liquid is discharged to the outside by a hollow member opened to the outside at a height equal to or higher than a predetermined height. 47. The reflection boundary surface may be the bottom of the case and / or a case cap attached to a tip of the case, and / or an upper surface of the case holder. 2. The liquid leakage sensor according to item 1. 48. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 32, wherein thin papers that become transparent due to the penetration of liquid leakage are arranged side by side on at least one of the reflection boundary surfaces and are brought into close contact with each other. 49. The apparatus according to any one of claims 32 to 47, wherein the gas layer or the liquid leakage permeable layer is made transparent by the penetration of the liquid leakage, and thin paper to be replaced as a consumable is not juxtaposed. The liquid leakage sensor as described in the above. 50. An arithmetic processing of the output of the light receiving means so that the presence / absence of liquid leakage and the abnormal installation state can be determined based on the magnitude of the amount of reflected light. The light receiving angles are arranged so as to be different from each other, the plurality of light receiving means convert the light receiving positions of the reflected light into electric signals so that the light receiving positions of the reflected light can be distinguished from each other, and the outputs of these light receiving means are arithmetically processed to calculate the reflected light. 50. The arrangement of the light and dark patterns of the present invention is determined at predetermined intervals, and the presence / absence of liquid leakage and the abnormal installation state can be determined by a change in the light / dark pattern of the reflected light. 3. The liquid leakage sensor according to item 1. 51. The light source means projects modulated light whose light / dark pattern of the projected light changes at a predetermined cycle onto the reflecting boundary surface, and receives the reflected light by the light receiving means in synchronization with the timing of the projected light. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of claims 32 to 50, wherein the liquid leakage sensor is configured to perform the above operation. 52. The installation abnormality detection means according to claim 32, wherein said installation abnormality detection means is an optical detection means, and / or a magnetic detection means, and / or a capacitance detection means, or a combination of these detection means. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 1. 53. The installation abnormality detecting means is an optical detecting means, and a reflecting member is bonded, melted, press-fitted, or formed with an uneven reflecting surface on the lid. 53. The liquid leakage sensor according to any one of 52. 54. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 32, wherein the installation abnormality detection means is an optical detection means, and a total reflection surface is formed on the lid. 55. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 32, wherein the installation abnormality detection means is an optical detection means and also performs the liquid presence / absence determination processing. 56. The liquid leakage sensor according to claim 32, wherein the installation abnormality detection result and the liquid leakage presence / absence determination result can be distinguished and output to the outside. .