JPH0769132B2 - Method and apparatus for detecting and acquiring information regarding change in variable state - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting and acquiring information regarding changes in a variable state.

PRIOR ART Variable state changes along a long path, such as the occurrence of leaks (water or other liquids or gases), insufficient or excessive pressure, too high or too low temperature, light or other forms of Many methods for detecting and finding the presence or absence of electromagnetic radiation, or changes in the physical position of movable members, such as valves in chemical plants or windows of buildings with intruder alarm systems. Is proposed. These types of changes are generally referred to herein as "events." For such a method, U.S. Pat.Nos. 1,084,910, 2,581,213, 3,248,
646, 3,384,493, 3,800,216 and 3,991,4
Reference may be made to No. 13, British Patent No. 1,481,850 and West German Published Patent Nos. 3001150.0 and 3225742. However, the known methods are expensive and / or inaccurate, and / or the event is that the connection has a high impedance resistance, for example an electrical connection between two conductors via an ionically conductive connecting element. Cannot be used if

[Objects and Structure of the Invention] The present inventors monitor the occurrence of liquid leakage (hereinafter, also referred to as “event”), and when the event occurs (that is, immediately after the event occurs, or after the event occurs). I have found a simple and accurate method and way to detect and obtain information about the event (slightly later). In this method, when an event occurs, at least one electrical connection is made between the power supply member and the position sensing member having a known impedance characteristic, the connection being at the first point (or its location) where the event occurs. Is defined by some other characteristic of the event). Then, a current having a known magnitude is caused to flow through the electrical connection to the position detecting member to a second point which is one end thereof. The voltage drop between the first and second points is measured and then the position of the first point is determined.

If the occurrence of the event causes a single or very short connection between the position sensing member and the power member, the "first point"
Can be easily confirmed. Because it is the only connection point. However, if the event makes a connection at two or more distant locations on the position sensing member and / or at a finite length, the "first point", ie the point from which the position is determined from the measured voltage drop, is , Some midpoint (if the connection is at two or more distant positions, it may be a position without a connection between the position sensing member and the power member). For this reason, the connection to the position-sensing member is referred to herein as being "effective" in the first respect.

The present invention overcomes one or more drawbacks of known methods. In many applications, a particularly important advantage is that the information obtained can be independent of the impedance of the connection to the position sensing member. That is, the information obtained can be in the same state even if there is a substantial and unknown change in the impedance of the connection.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of monitoring leakage of a liquid electrolyte at a position along a long detection path, detecting the leakage when the leakage occurs, and determining the position, and 1) An electrical connection is made between the long conductive position sensing member and the long conductive power supply member, the connection passing through the electrolyte,
Has a substantially unknown impedance; the position detecting member and the power supply member are (a) separated from each other, (b) arranged along the long sensing path, and the position detecting member has one end thereof Has a known resistance characteristic along its length so that the position of the intermediate point can be determined if the resistance from the intermediate point to the intermediate point is known.
And a coating of a conductive polymer that electrically surrounds the gold metal core, the position sensing member and the power supply member both leaking to allow the electrical connection when a leak occurs. Sensitive to, the connection to the position-sensing member is made at a first point on the position-sensing member, which is the location of the leak; by making the connection: (a) connection, (b) first Of the position detecting member between the point of the position detecting member and the second point which is one end of the position detecting member, and (c) the connection and the known fixation to be sent between the first and second points on the position detecting member. A test circuit is formed which comprises a controlled current power supply for generating a quantity of current; and the resistance characteristics of the current and position sensing member are
By measuring the voltage drop between the two points, the resistance of the position detecting member between the two points can be calculated to determine the position of the liquid leak. (2) First and second points The voltage drop across is determined using a voltage measuring instrument that forms part of a reference circuit, the reference circuit comprising: (a) a voltage measuring instrument; (b) a position sensing member between the first and second points. And (c) an insulated conductive return member arranged along the long sensing path, the voltage measuring instrument comprises (i) a second end that is one end of the position detecting member.
Point (ii) is connected to the return member, and the other end of the return member is connected to the end of the position detecting member farther from the second point. (3) having a very high impedance as compared with the impedances of the other elements, and (3) providing a system for determining the location of leakage of the liquid electrolyte from the measurement in step (2) above. Will be provided.

The present invention further comprises (1) a placement along a long sensing path,
A long conductive position detecting member having a known resistance characteristic along its length so that the position of the intermediate point can be determined if the resistance from one end to the intermediate point is known. (2) Along the long detection path A long conductive power supply member extending along the position detection member and the power supply member.
And a coating made of a conductive polymer that electrically surrounds the metal core, and (3) makes an electrical connection between the position detection member and the power supply member when a leakage of the obtained electrolyte occurs, and makes a connection. Is a leak-sensitive connecting means that passes through the electrolyte, has a realistic and unknown impedance, and is made at the first point which is the location of the leak, (4) The first point and the position detection member. A voltage measuring device for determining a voltage drop between a second point, which is one end of the, (5) supplying a known fixed amount of current I when the leakage forms a connection between the position detecting member and the power supply member. , A controlled current power supply electrically connected to a second point on the position sensing member, and (6) an insulated conductive return member arranged along a long sensing path, the voltage measuring instrument comprising: , (I) a second one end of the position detection member
Point (ii) and the return member, and the other end of the return member is connected to the end of the position detecting member farther from the second point. A device suitable for use in the method of the present invention, in which an electrical connection of substantially unknown impedance is produced by the occurrence of a gain electrolyte leakage during which a test circuit and a reference circuit can be formed. .

In addition, the present invention is a long article suitable for use as a position detection member (and optionally a power supply member) in the method and apparatus of the present invention, comprising: (A) an average of 0.003 / A long core made of metal with a temperature coefficient of resistivity less than ℃, each longitudinal section having a resistance of 10 ^-4 to 10 ⁴ ohm / ft,
And (B) consisting of a conductive polymer, electrically surrounding the core,
It includes an article comprising a long jacket, each longitudinal cross section of which has a resistance of at least 100 times the resistance of the core at all temperatures in the temperature range 0-100 ° C.

The following explanation is divided into sections for easy understanding. In each section, a specific description of the present invention will be mainly given.
However, the relationships between the different parts of the invention are very important, and the following description should be read with this in mind. Also, the features of the invention that are described with reference to the specific figures in the drawings also apply with respect to the general description of the invention and other figures, as long as the context makes it so.

1. Electrical Characteristics of the Invention The basic electrical characteristics of the invention can best be understood with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a number of the preferred methods and apparatus of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a long position detecting member 11, a long power source member 12,
A voltage measuring instrument 14, a power supply 15 and a long return member 16 are shown. The power supply member is connected to one end of the position detection member via the power supply, and when there is no event, there is no other electrical connection between the position detection member and the power supply member.
There is an event-sensitive connection means (not shown in FIG. 1) between the power supply member and the position detection member. The term event-sensitive connection means is used to include continuous event-sensitive connection means and a plurality of remote event-sensitive connection means. The event-sensitive connection means becomes electrically conductive everywhere an event occurs. In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the event occurs at the first point 1 whose position is unknown, except that the event is on the position detecting member. As a result of the event, an electrical connection E is made between the position sensing member and the power supply member. The power supply 15 is connected to the position detecting member at one end (shown by 2) via the connecting means 152. This point is the "second point" in the above description of the method and apparatus of the present invention. (Voltage measuring instrument is the first
The second point may be any point at a known position between the end of the position sensing member 11 and the connection point 1 as long as it is arranged to measure the voltage drop between the second point and the second point. . ). The power source is also connected to the power source member by the auxiliary connecting member 13. The connection between the power supply and the power supply member may be made at any one or more points on the power supply member, as schematically illustrated by a plurality of connections 151. Furthermore, these connections are
It may have any impedance as long as the power supply can deliver a known current between the first and second points of the position sensing member. Therefore, by making the connection at point 1, a test circuit will be formed. The test circuit consists of a connection, a position sensing member between points 1 and 2, a power supply 15, an auxiliary connection member 13, and a single connection 15 between the power supply and the power supply member at the connection point.
Includes part of power member 12 (if one is not made).
As will be explained further below, significant advantages are obtained if the only change in impedance in the test circuit is the impedance between the power supply and the position sensing member. This result is achieved by using a power supply member having the same impedance characteristics as the position detection member, and an auxiliary connection member connected to the power supply member only at the end far from the point 2.

The voltage measuring instrument is connected to point 2 of the position detecting member (via return member 16) and also at one or more points on the position detecting member. The distance of such points from the second point is at least the same as the distance from the first point, and these connections have an unknown impedance, as shown schematically as multiple connections 141. , Or it must have an impedance that is very small compared to the impedance of the voltage measuring instrument. Thus, the voltage measuring instrument forms a reference circuit which comprises the instrument 14, the position sensing member 11 and the return member 16 at least between points 1 and 2.
Comprising.

The power supply 15 and the voltage measuring instrument 14 can be connected to the point 2 on the position detecting member 11 in any convenient manner.
Therefore, as shown by the plurality of connections 153, the connecting means 152
And the return member 16 can be connected to each other at any position.

The position of point 1 can be calculated if the following is known: (a) the current flowing between points 1 and 2, (b) the impedance of each element of the reference circuit, (c) measured by a voltage measuring instrument. Voltage drop, (d) the position of point 2, and (e) the impedance of the position detecting member between each point on the position detecting member of point 2.

Systems in which these attributes are known can be provided in many different ways. The accuracy with which the position of the first point can be detected is limited by the ratio of the impedance of the voltage measuring instrument to any unknown part of the impedance of the other elements of the reference circuit, and in many cases the impedance of the instrument and that of the reference circuit. It is convenient to use the elements so that the ratio of the total impedance of is very large. Therefore, these ratios are preferably at least 100, more preferably at least 1000, particularly preferably 10,000. For this reason, connections 141 and 153 in FIG. 1 are shown as having low resistance. In contrast, the impedance between the position sensing member and the power supply member, and the impedance of other elements of the test circuit, do not affect the accuracy of the information obtained. This is an important advantage of the present invention.

2. Information that can be given about an event The method of the present invention not only detects that an event has occurred, but also provides information about the event. In many cases, the information given about the event will be, especially if the event occurred at (or near) the location of the first point.
The position of the event. However, the information provided may be other information. For example, when monitoring the temperature at a certain position, one point on the position detection member can be detected when the temperature is in a certain temperature range, and the other point can be detected when the temperature is in a different temperature range. it can. As I said,
The location of the event may be at or near the first point on the position sensing member. But it doesn't have to be. For example, at different points on the central position detection member,
One or more event detection stations can be connected electrically or otherwise and the position of the connection point is characteristic of the position of the event detection station. The method of the present invention gives some desired information about an event, but not necessarily all. For example, the method is useful for determining that a given event (eg, opening or closing a valve) occurred at one or more of a relatively small number of different locations out of a relatively large number of possible locations of the event. And can be subjected to a visual inspection or other inspection (which may be another different method of the invention) to accurately determine where the event occurred.

3. Detectable Events, and Event Sensitive Connections for Detecting Events detected by the method of the present invention may be desired events or undesired events (faults). An event can be the presence of a condition, or a change in a single variable state (eg, an increase in pressure above a certain value), a simultaneous or continuous change in two or more variable states (eg, a pressure with an increase in temperature). Increase).
An event may be a change in variable state that lasts only for a very short time, or a change in variable state that is held for some minimum time. The event may be of any kind that directly or indirectly enables or causes a current to flow between the first point and the second point on the position sensing member. . As mentioned above, the information obtained is independent of the impedance of the connection. Therefore, the connection between the position sensing member and the power supply member may be of any kind, for example an electronic connection (which may have substantially zero or a substantial impedance), or Ionic connection due to the presence of electrolytes,
Or it may be an inductive connection. The change that occurs to create the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member is preferably a reversible change. However, the present invention is also useful for permanent changes, in which case the equipment needs to be replaced or repaired before the system can be restarted. The system may be designed to signal only during an event, or to signal when an event has occurred in the past. In the latter case, the system is usually designed to be reset.

Events that are detected include, but are not limited to, the following events: A. Between the exposed surfaces of the position sensing member and the power source member, and in particular at least a portion of at least one of both. The presence of water or other electrolyte that provides an ionic connection when it has a metal core surrounded by a conductive polymer. In this case, the event-sensitive connection means may simply be the space between the position detection member and the power supply member, or it may be a connection means for collecting or absorbing electrolyte.

B. Presence of a temperature below the first temperature T ₁ or above the second temperature T ₂ . In one device for detecting such a state, the position detection member and the power supply member are isolated from each other at T ₁ but are connected to each other at T ₂ by connecting means.
Be in physical contact. For example, at least a portion of the connecting means comprises (a) a first substance and (b) a second substance dispersed in the first substance and forming a mobile ionic species when the temperature changes from T ₁ to T ₂ . Consists of That is, the first material may change phase, eg, melt, when the temperature changes from T ₁ to T ₂ .

In another device for detecting the temperature variation, the position detecting member and the power supply member is deformable insulating medium, such as at least a portion are separated by an insulating medium is a fluid (e.g., air), the device temperature from T ₁ When changing to T ₂ , the shape is deformed, thereby deforming the insulating medium or, if the insulating medium itself is conductive, pushing the connecting means into the insulating medium to bring it into contact with the member. It has a connecting means for contacting. The connection means
It may consist of a heat-recoverable polymer or a heat-recoverable memory metal, or it may consist of a bimetallic strip. As used herein, the term "memory metal" is a metal alloy (especially various brass alloys and nickel-titanium alloys) that is in the strong austenite state above the transition temperature and in the weak martensite state below the transition temperature. , Processed into a first shape in an austenite state, cooled and deformed to a martensite state, retains the deformed shape until heated to an austenite state, and returns to the original state when heated, Alternatively, it is used to mean the alloy to be restored. If a reversible effect is desired, a particular type of memory metal must be used, or the memory metal member can be combined with a conventional spring metal member to make the connecting means. The connecting means connects the position detection member and the power supply member when the temperature rises above the transition temperature or falls below the transition temperature (details will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings). . For a detailed description of shape memory metals,
For example, U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,174,851, 3,740,839, and 3,
753,700, 4,036,669, 4,144,104, 4,146,3
92, 4,166,739 and 4,337,090.

C. Changes in the concentration of a substance. The substance may be, for example, a gas, a liquid, or a solid dispersed in a gas or a liquid, and the position detecting member and the power supply member insulate the two until the change occurs, and electrically disconnect the two as a result of the change. Are physically contacted by connecting means for connecting to. The electrical connection may be formed, for example, by releasing a mobile ionic species, for example, as a result of a chemical reaction between the substance and at least a portion of the connecting member. Further, the presence of the substance can change the shape of at least a portion of the connecting member. For example, if the substance swells the conductive polymer connecting member, or if the substance is an adhesive or polymer solvent holding the spring member in a deformed state, or the condition of the ionization chamber in a smoke detector, or This is a case where the conductivity of the photocell can be changed, whereby it acts as a switch that connects the position detection member and the return member.

D. Change from the _first pressure P ₁ to the second pressure P ₂ . The position detection member and the power supply member insulate the two at pressure P ₁ , but are in contact with each other at pressure P ₂ by a connection member that enables an electrical connection therebetween. For example, the connecting member may be deformable, such as consisting of air or other fluid insulating material.

E. Changes in the intensity or other characteristics of electromagnetic radiation. The position detecting member and the power supply member are exposed to the radiation and are physically contacted by a connecting member that insulates both members before the change but makes an electrical connection after the change. Suitable devices are, for example, photocells.

F. Changes in the position of valves, for example in refineries or other chemical plants, ie changes in the position of the switch of the connecting member between the position detecting member and the power supply member.

4. Setting the range of impedance of the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member In some circumstances, the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member is within a predetermined range (for example, above a certain value, below a certain value, or It may be desirable for the system to signal an event only if it has an impedance that lies between two specific values. For example, if the presence of a very small amount of electrolyte forms a very high resistance connection, then it is usually preferable that the system does not signal an event. In these situations, the system will ensure that the V / I ratio (where V is the output voltage of the power supply in the test circuit (in volts) and I is the current in the test circuit (in amps)) is within a predetermined range. It is preferable that the occurrence of the event does not signal when it is outside the.

This means that the power supply is a fixed current power supply (which is preferred).
Is especially important. This is because the occurrence of an event that would otherwise result in a very high impedance connection would cause the voltmeter to give a false indication of the location of the event. The reason for this is that a fixed current power supply only provides an initial fixed current if the compliance voltage of the power supply is high enough to drive the fixed current into the test circuit. Therefore, if the impedance of the test circuit is too high, the actual current in the test circuit will be less than the "fixed" current and the voltage drop between the first and second points on the position sensing member will be at the first point. The position will not be represented correctly. The difficulty is that by turning off the display on the voltmeter (or its associated) if the current is below a fixed value, or in the test circuit, a current switch that prevents current below the "fixed" current from flowing into the circuit. It is possible to solve it by providing it.

Even if the information given about the event is correct, it may not be desirable to convey that information. In such a situation, if a constant current power supply is used, the output voltage of the power supply can be monitored, and if the output voltage is not within a predetermined range, information can be prevented from being conveyed. Similarly, a constant voltage power supply can also be used to monitor the current in the test circuit and, if the current is not within a predetermined range, convey information (for example by using a current switch or on a voltmeter or Can be prevented) by turning off the display device associated with.

In this type of system, the critical parameter (for determining whether to carry information) is the impedance of the test circuit. Therefore, it is desirable that the only variable impedance in the test circuit be the impedance of the connection. This is connected in series in the test circuit to the part of the position detection member between (1) the first and second points, and (2) between the total impedance of the position detection member and the first and second points. This can be achieved by including an element having an impedance that is substantially equal to the difference between the impedance of the portion of the position detecting member at. Such an element preferably uses a power supply member having the same impedance characteristics as the position sensing member, and the test circuit has a power supply member and an auxiliary part of the position sensing member which together have the same impedance where the connection is made. Is ensured by including. This can be done either by allowing the return member to form a test circuit (see FIG. 9) or by using an auxiliary member connected to the power member at the end remote from the second point. it can. If such elements are present, the sensitivity of the system will be equal over its entire length. In the absence of such an element, the impedance of the position sensing member (between the first and second points) would be variable and the impedance range of the connection signaling the event would not be fixed exactly. In the absence of such an element, the impedance limit of the connection is preferably at least twice the full length impedance of the position sensing member, more preferably at least 5 times.
Times, especially at least 10 times.

The sensitivity of such a system can be easily varied (eg, to signal different minimum amounts of leakage). When using a fixed current power supply, the sensitivity changes by changing the compliance voltage of the power supply, and / or by including a known impedance in the test circuit, and / or changing the preselected range of output voltages. It can be changed. When using a fixed voltage power supply, the magnitude of the voltage can be varied and / or a known impedance can be included in the test circuit and / or the preselected current value can be varied. .

The present invention is a device suitable for connecting to a position detection member, a power supply member and a return member to supply a system that reports information only when the V / I ratio is within a predetermined range, ) 1st terminal, (2) 2nd terminal, (3) 3rd terminal, (4) means for connecting 1st and 2nd terminals to a power supply, (5) voltage drop between 2nd and 3rd terminals A voltage measuring instrument for measurement, (6) a display unit for displaying information derived from a voltage drop measured by the voltage measuring instrument, and (7) a first and a first terminal connected to a power source, a position detecting member and a power source member Ratio of V / I (where V is the output voltage of the power supply (unit: Volt) and I is the current in the test circuit (unit: Ampere)) when they are connected to each other through a test circuit. Is outside the specified range If encompasses comprising a device for preventing display unit to display information device. This device often comprises a support member for mounting the elements (1) to (7),
And / or includes a housing that physically and / or electrically protects the element.

5. Measurement of voltage drop at position sensing member using reference impedance If a "fixed" current power supply is used to supply a very small current, the current will change from a "fixed" value (if the output voltage is lower than the compliance voltage). Also) (e.g. about 4%). Other factors also change the test circuit current over time. Under these circumstances, preferably the test circuit includes a reference impedance connected in series with the position sensing member, the position of the first point being the voltage drop between the first point and the second point and the reference. Calculated from the ratio of the voltage drop across the impedance. In effect, this procedure measures the current in the test circuit by measuring the voltage drop across the reference impedance. For more details, see U.S. Patent Application No. 603,484 (filed April 24, 1984; inventor: Bononi and Frank).

6. Position detecting member The position detecting member is preferably a long member. The term is such that the length in one direction is substantially greater than the other dimension, e.g., at least 100 times, often at least 100 times.
0 times, sometimes at least 10,000 times, and at least 1000 times
Used to mean a member that is even 00 times.
However, the position sensing member may be a sheet or other more complex member of the register.

The position detection member preferably has sufficient impedance to create a voltage drop that can be easily and accurately measured. Therefore, the member has an average of at least 0.33 ohm / m.
(0.1 ohm / ft), especially at least 3.3 ohm / m
(1 ohm / ft), eg 3.3-16.5 ohm / m
It preferably has a resistance of (1-5 ohms / ft). On the other hand, preferably its resistance should not be too high, preferably less than 3.3x10 ⁴ ohms / m (10 ⁴ ohms / ft) on average, more preferably 3.3x10 ² ohms / m (1
0 ² ohm / ft), especially 65.5 ohm / m
Less than (20 ohm / ft). An important feature of the invention is that, under operating conditions, the impedance of the position sensing member depends substantially only on the distance between the first point and the second point. This is important because otherwise it is not possible to calculate the position of the first point from the change in voltage measured by the voltage measuring instrument. The position detecting member has a constant resistance per unit length, and since the change in voltage is directly proportional to the distance between the first point and the second point, a uniform cross section is provided along the length. You may have.
However, this is not essential as long as the impedance changes along the length of the member in a known and known manner so as to correlate the transformation change with the length of the member. That is, in some situations, it may be possible to obtain significant advantages by using a position-sensing member consisting of a plurality of spaced-apart impedances connected by a long intermediate element having a low impedance (in this regard, June 7, 1984). See U.S. patent application filed in Japan (inventor: Paul Hoptry). The most common variable that affects the resistivity (and therefore resistance) of a position sensing member is temperature. The resistance of many materials, especially copper and other metals most commonly used as conductors, varies with temperature. The extent of the change is not critical for many applications, but in situations where the temperature may change substantially and unpredictably along the length of the position sensing member, there is an unacceptable error in locating the first point. Bring Therefore, the position detecting member is -100 ° C to + 500 ° C, preferably 0-10
At least one in the temperature range of 0 ° C., in particular 0-200 ° C.
It should have a temperature coefficient of impedance (usually resistance) of at least 0.003 / ° C, preferably at least 0.0003 / ° C, especially at least 0.00003 / ° C in the temperature range of 25 degrees. For simple metal conductors, the temperature coefficient of impedance is the same as that of resistance. The value for copper is about 0.007 / ° C. Metals with lower temperature coefficient of resistance are well known and are known as Constantan.
an, also known as Eureka. ), Manganin and Copel. Other examples are eg the International Critical Table
s, Volume VI, pp. 156-170 (published by McGraw-Hill Book, Inc., 1929).

Of course, it is also important that the position detection member, the power supply member and the return member be strong enough and must be assembled to withstand the stresses experienced during mounting and use. For return members this is not a problem. This is because the member can be, and preferably is, surrounded by a conventional polymer insulation jacket. However, electrical contact may be required at the midpoint between the position detection member and the power supply member, and sometimes at the midpoint of the return member. This can be a problem when one or more of the members is a wire having a relatively small cross section. However, in many applications of the present invention, particularly those in which the event is the presence of an electrolyte, an excellent combination of desired properties will consist of a position sensing member and / or a metal core and a conductive polymer to electrically connect the core. It has been found to be obtainable by using a member comprising a long jacket surrounding. "Electrically enclosed" is used herein to mean that all electrical paths to the core (in the middle of the ends) pass through the jacket. Usually, the conductive polymer completely surrounds the core and is supplied, for example, by melt extrusion. However, it is also possible to use a jacket having alternating insulating and conducting parts.

As used herein, "conductive polymer" refers to a polymer component (eg, a thermoplastic resin or elastomer or a mixture of two or more polymers) and a particulate conductive filler (eg, a thermoplastic resin) dispersed in the polymer component (eg, Carbon black, graphite, metal powder or a composition comprising two or more of these).
Conducting polymers are well known and have been described in various publications as well as in various applications: US Pat. Nos. 2,952,761, 2,978,655, 3,243,753.
No. 3,351,882, 3,571,777, 3,757,086,
No. 3,793,716, No. 3,823,217, No. 3,858,144, No. 3,8
61,029, 4,017,715, 4,072,848, 4,117,31
No. 2, No. 4,177,446, No. 4,188,276, No. 4,237,441,
No. 4,242,573, No. 4,246,468, No. 4,250,400, No. 4,2
55,698, 4,271,350, 4,272,471, 4,304,98
No. 7, No. 4,309,596, No. 4,309,597, No. 4,314,230,
No. 4,315,237, No. 4,317,027, No. 4,318,881 and No. 4,330,704; J. Applied Polymer Science 19 813-815.
(1975), Klason and Kubat; Polymer Engineering and
Science 18 649-653 (1978), Narkis et al .; West German Published Patents 2634999, 2755077, 2746602, 27550.
No. 76, No. 2821799; European Published Patent Application No. 38718
No. 38715, No. 38713, No. 38714, No. 38716; British Patent Application No. 2,076,106A; US Patent Application No. 184,647.
No. 250,491, 273,525, 274,010, 272,8
54, 300,709, 369,309 and 380,400.

Generally, the resistivity of conductive polymers changes with temperature at a rate well above the preferred temperature coefficient of resistivity shown above, and the resistivity of PTC conductive polymers is often 10 times or more over a temperature range of 100 ° C. More than that. Therefore, in a position sensing member including a conductive polymer jacket, at each temperature that may be encountered, for example, at any temperature from 0 to 100 ° C., each longitudinal cross section of the conductive polymer jacket has a longitudinal direction of the core. It is important to have a resistance of at least 100 times, preferably at least 1000 times that of In this way, the jacket does not contribute substantially to the resistance of the long conductor (because the core and the jacket are connected in parallel) and the temperature change of resistance becomes insignificant.

The second point on the position detection member must have a known position and is usually a fixed point. If the system is designed to detect different types of events that occur independently, the second point is preferably the same fixed point for detecting different events. In case of long position detecting member,
The second point is usually at one end or the other end of the position detection member. However, the present invention may also use multiple second points simultaneously or one after the other to determine the position of the multiple first points, eg, where many different events verify many first points. Include.

7. Power Supply Member The power supply member preferably has the same general normal as the position detection member and follows the same general path. Therefore, it is preferable that the position detection member and the power supply member are long members that often follow the same long path (although not necessarily in parallel). If the adjacent ends of the power supply member and the position detection member are connected to each other (via the power supply),
A wide variety of long electrical connection members provide the necessary connections to the eventual sensory connection means and, where appropriate,
Event sensory connections are also provided. Therefore, the power supply member may be the same as or different from the position detection member. The power supply member is preferably a wire electrically surrounded by a conductive polymer jacket, especially when the position detection member is a wire electrically surrounded by a conductive polymer jacket. The description about the conductive polymer given in Section 6 above also applies to the power supply member. The power supply member preferably has substantially no rear lance. The power member can have a smaller resistance per length than the position sensing member to reduce the input voltage required to provide a controlled current to the test circuit.

A power supply member may be substantially equivalent to a position sensing member when connecting both members so that the only variable impedance is a test circuit that is the connection made by the event between the power source member and the position sensing member. preferable.

8. Return member In many cases, the return member also has the same general shape as the position detection member and follows the same general route. This is preferable when the return member is electrically connected to the end of the position detecting member and is insulated from the detecting member in other portions. On the other hand, this is not necessary if the position detection member and the power supply member take a loop-shaped path. This is because the return member connecting both ends of the position detecting member (via the voltage measuring instrument) can be a relatively short member. Not only a connection is made between the position detection member and the power supply member where the event occurred, but also a position detection far away from the first point or the second point between the return member and the position detection member. In other embodiments, where an electrical connection of known resistance is made at some point on the member, the return member typically follows the same general path as the power member and the position sensing member. The return member preferably has substantially no reactance, conveniently the resistance per unit length such as the position such that the resistance of the return member is negligibly low to obtain the desired information about the event. Of resistance per unit length of detecting member
It may be a simple insulated wire with a resistance of 0.01 times or less.

9. Assembly of long connecting members Power and position sensing members, normally return members, auxiliary members, if any, and any desired long members (eg to provide continuity checking or to provide physical strength). The members may be grouped together in any convenient manner to form a cable that can be placed along the desired long path. If desired, the return member or the position sensing member or other member may be relatively large and strong and the other member may include, for example, an additional long member, preferably fixed by wrapping. It may be a reinforcing member of the form. For various wrapping configurations, reference may be made to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 556,740 and 556,829.

10. Use of position sensing and power supply members that are substantially equivalent A very important improvement is that the only variable impedance in the test circuit is the impedance characteristic such that the impedance created by the occurrence of the event, and This is achieved by using the position detecting member so connected. As mentioned above, this allows a system to be designed that is functional at all points along its length only for the event of making a connection with a range of impedances. Another important advantage is that the impedance of the connection itself can be measured. This is done, for example, by (a) using a constant current power supply, measuring the output voltage, (b) using a constant voltage power supply, by measuring the current in the test circuit, or (c) the location of the event. Can be done by including a switch array so that the voltage measured by the voltmeter is a measurement of the impedance of the event after is determined.

When the position sensing member is of the type described in the Hoptori US patent application including a plurality of isolated impedance elements, the power supply member preferably includes corresponding isolated impedance elements. To assemble such a system, it is possible to connect the position-sensing member, the power-supply member, and the position-sensing member and the power-supply member so as to supply an impedance element to the event-sensing connection member that connects these members when an event occurs. It is convenient to use a pre-assembled module that can. Such a module is new and is part of the present invention. That is, according to another aspect of the present invention, an event-sensitive module suitable for use in a method of detecting and acquiring information about an event, comprising: (1) a first impedance element having a substantial impedance; (2) a first conductor having a relatively very small impedance and one end connected to the first impedance element; (3) a second impedance element having an impedance equal to the first impedance element; (4) relative A second conductor having a very small impedance at one end and being connected to a second impedance element at one end, and (5) an event sensitivity capable of making an electrical connection between the first and second conductors when an event occurs. A first impedance element and a first conductor comprising a second impedance in the absence of an event. The first impedance element and the first conductor are electrically insulated from the element and the second conductor, the first impedance element and the first conductor can be connected in series to the input and output portions of the intermediate element of the long position detection member, and the second impedance element A module is provided in which the second conductor and the second conductor are connectable in series to the input and output parts of the intermediate element of the long power member.

Preferably, the module includes a third impedance element connected to the other end of the first conductor and a fourth impedance element connected to the other end of the second conductor, the third and fourth elements being the first and second elements. And has the same impedance as the second element. With such a preferred module,
It does not matter whether the entry part of the position detection member is connected to the first element and the exit part is connected to the second element, or vice versa. Similarly, it does not matter whether the input part of the power supply member is connected to the second element and the output part of the power supply member is articulated to the first element or vice versa. This reduces the risk of incorrect installation of the system. In fact, if the event-sensitive connection means operates in the same way no matter which direction the current flows through it, the position-sensing member is connected via one of the conductors and the power-supply member is connected to the other conductor. It does not matter how the intermediate parts of the power supply member and the position detection member are connected to the module as long as they are connected via.

The module is often a support member to which the elements (1) to (5) are fixed, and / or a housing that physically and / or electrically protects the element, and / or a terminal for connecting the modules as described above. including.

11. Power Supply The current flowing between the first and second points must be of a known magnitude and is preferably supplied by a controlled current source, eg a galvanostat. However, a controlled voltage source can also be used as long as the device includes a current measuring instrument to calculate the position of the first point. The current may be continuous or pulsed direct current, or alternating sinusoidal or other waveform alternating current.
The current flowing between the first and second points is often 0.05
~ 100mA, especially 0.1-10mA, for example 0.5-3mA. However, if events must be monitored for very long paths, even smaller currents can be used, especially when using a reference impedance as described in US Patent Application No. 603,484. The controlled current source is preferably a fixed current source or a current source that can be adjusted to provide a desired known value of current, for example to improve accuracy when locating a fault detected at a lower current level. Is. But first and second
It is also possible to use a fixed voltage power supply in combination with a current measuring instrument that measures the current flowing between the points. The power supply is preferably always connected to the position detecting member at the second point and is otherwise insulated from the position detecting member when no event is present.

12. Voltage Measuring Instruments Voltage measuring instruments may be of any type and suitable instruments are well known to those skilled in the art. Preferably, the voltage measuring device is a voltmeter with a resistance of at least 10000 ohm, preferably at least 1 megohm, especially at least 10 megohm.

13. Physical and electrical relationships between the elements of the device As briefly described in the description of FIG. 1,
The physical and electrical relationships of the elements of the device of the invention can vary widely. 2-24 show the many different arrangements that are specific examples of the circuit generally shown in FIG. 1 and which are the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Each of FIGS. 2 to 24 includes a power supply 15, a voltage measuring instrument 14, and a position detecting member.
11, a power supply member 12 and a return member 16. Although the position sensing member is shown as a resistor, it does have some resistance so that the voltage drop is large enough to accurately detect the position of the first point where the power member is connected to the position sensing member. Because it is necessary to have. The power supply member is shown as a simple low resistance conductor in some drawings and as the same resistance member as the position sensing member in other drawings. The return member is shown as a simple low resistance conductor, which is preferred,
The return member may have a substantial resistance as long as it has a known resistance. The connections E, E ₁ , E ₂ and E ₃ are shown as resistors if they form part of the test circuit, which means that the present invention makes these connections indeterminate and has a high resistance. (Of course, these connections may have a substantially zero resistance or a substantially known resistance). On the other hand, if these and their connections form part of the reference circuit, they are shown as simple conductors, but this is
This is because these connections require a known and preferably low resistance. In many drawings, switch S,
S ₁ and S ₂ are shown. In addition to simple switches that form zero resistance electronic contacts, other means can be employed in the test circuit. Also, other means of providing a known resistor connection can be used in the reference circuit. While in many of Figures 2-29 the power source is shown as a controlled current source, in Figures 3 and 26 the power source is a battery and the test circuit includes an ammeter 154. I'm out. In FIG. 4, the power supply is a controlled voltage AC power supply and the test circuit again includes an ammeter 154.

The different possible relationships between each element will be explained using FIGS. 2 to 29 as an example.

(A) The power source may be located near the second point on the position sensing member, as depicted in Figures 2-7 and 12-29, or as depicted in Figures 8-9. It can be located near the edge of the position-sensing member away from the second point. In many cases, the power supply and voltage measuring instruments are placed close to each other, as depicted in Figures 2-5 and 7-29.

(B) For example, as shown in FIG.
By including more or more switches and operating them as a group or independently, the second point is positioned from the first array (see FIG. 2) where the second point is at one end of the position detection member. The connection between the position detection member and the power supply member is switched to the second array (see FIG. 9) at the other end of the detection member. This makes it possible to measure the distance from one end where the event first occurred and then the distance from the other end where the event occurred. Not only the connection with the member but also the connection between the return member and the position detecting member may be generated as shown in FIGS. 5, 7, 19 and 20. It is possible. Such a system is, for example, a cut-to-l
ength) It will be of value when providing the equipment. The formation of the connection between the position detection member and the return member may be the result immediately after the formation of the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member, for example by using a group of switches, or one of The conditions that cause a connection may cause another connection. These two possibilities are shown in FIG. Alternatively, the connection between the position detection member and the return member may be the result of the presence of a different condition than the condition that caused the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member. This possibility is shown in Figures 7, 19 and 20.

(D) For example, as shown in FIG.
It may include more or more switches, and the switches may act as a group or separately. This transforms the device into an electrical system as depicted in FIG. In the system, (a) an electric current is caused to flow through the entire length of the position detecting member by a power source, and (b) a return member is connected to a second point on the position detecting member via a voltage measuring instrument, and the other part is connected. Is isolated from the position-sensing member, and (c) when a second or different type of event occurs, a connection of known impedance is formed between the position-sensing member and the return member, which results in a voltage measurement. Instrument, first
And a portion of the return member and the return member between the second point and a connection of known impedance is created. The voltage measuring instrument has a known impedance in which the impedance of the other elements of the reference circuit is much larger than that of the unknown portion.

(E) As shown, for example, in FIG. 13, the event may consist of the presence of a particular condition at each of a plurality of distant positions, the connection between the position sensing member and the power member being: Made via an event-functional connection member consisting of a plurality of state-functional members connected in series. Each of the state-functional members is disposed at the distant location and each is conductive when the state is present at that location and not conductive when the state is not present at that location.

(F) The event may consist of the presence of a particular condition in at least one of a plurality of remote locations, as shown in FIG. 14, for example, between the position sensing member and the power supply member. The connection is made via an event-functional connection member consisting of a plurality of state-functional members connected in parallel. The condition-sensing members are respectively disposed at the remote positions,
Each is conductive when the condition is present at that position and is not conductive when the condition is not present at that position.

(G) As shown, for example, in FIG. 15, the event occurs at the first position in the presence of the first state and at the second position (which may be in proximity to the first position). It may consist of the presence of two states, the connection between the position detection member and the power supply member is (a) at the first position and conductive when the first state exists at the first position. A first state functional member that is not conductive when the first state does not exist at the first position and (b) is at the second position and conductive when the second state exists at the second position. And an event functional connection comprising a second state functional material that is electrically conductive and is not conductive when the second state is not present in the second position and that is connected in series to the first state functional member. Made through the members.

(H) For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the event is the presence of a first state at a first position or a second position (first
May be close to the position. ), The connection between the position detection member and the power supply member is (a) at the first position, and when the first state exists at the first position, A first state that is electrically conductive and is not electrically conductive when the first state does not exist at the first position and (b) the second position and the second state exists at the second position. Comprises a second state functional member which is electrically conductive when not in contact with the first state functional member and which is not electrically conductive when there is no second state in the second position. The event is made via a functional connecting member.

(I) The system may also include two or more power supply members, such as shown in FIG. 17, wherein the power supply members are in a particular condition (different for each power supply member). At this time, each is connected to the position detecting member.
In this case, the event is the presence of one (two or more) states at any point along the long path followed by the location member and the power member. The system allows all but one power supply to be disconnected, thus allowing it to determine which particular condition is present, for example as shown in FIG. It may include a switch.

(J) The system may include an auxiliary power member, for example as shown in FIG. 18, which is connected to a power source when a particular second condition exists. It will be connected to the power supply member (or other auxiliary power supply member). This second state is different from the first state in which the power supply member is connected to the position detection member. In this case, the event is a second condition that will cause the auxiliary power member to connect to the power member at any one or more points along the path,
And the existence of a first state which will connect the power supply member and the position detection member at one or more points along the path.

(K) As shown, for example, in FIGS. 19 and 20, the system may include at least one auxiliary return member, the auxiliary return member being connected to a voltage measuring instrument, If there are two states, it will be connected to the return member. This second state is different from the first state in which the power supply member is connected to the position detection member. The return member is
As shown in FIG. 19, it can be connected to the end of the position detecting member remote from the second point. In this case, the event is the first state at one or more points along the path,
And the presence of a second state at one or more points along the path and the information given is the position of the first state closest to the second point.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20, the return member may be connected to the position detecting member as a result of the third state.

(L) It is also possible for the device to be looped along a long path, for example as shown in FIG.
This way, the return member does not have to follow a long path,
Both ends of the position detecting member can be easily tied via the voltage measuring instrument.

(M) As shown in FIG. 22, for example, a plurality of event detection stations (which can detect the same or different events) are arranged at positions distant from the position detecting member, and the position detecting member and the power source are arranged. It is possible to electrically (or otherwise) connect to a switch (eg, an electromagnetically actuated relay) between the members.

(N) If event detection is required only in remote zones, as shown, for example, in FIG. 23, then the position sensing member is (a) a plurality of remote long position sensing elements (in FIG. 23).
144A, 114B, 114C and 114D) and (b) may include a plurality of spaced apart long intermediate elements (115A, 115B and 115C in FIG. 23), each of the position sensing elements being formed a connection. Given a series of points, preferably having a relatively large resistance per unit length, the intermediate element physically and electrically connects the position sensing element, but is not directly connected to the power supply member. , And preferably has a relatively low resistance. This system could be used, for example, where sensing and location is required at each of a plurality of houses separated from each other along the street, but not in the middle of the houses.

(O) The method of the present invention, as depicted in FIG.
It can also be used to locate events along a bifurcated path. However, when using a branching system in this manner, there are two or more possible locations for failure if the voltage measuring instrument indicates an event at a distance beyond the first branch point. If desired, a controlled current source and voltmeter can be connected to the conductor at a branch point (preferably via a low resistance drop lead simultaneously mounted as a sensing system) to allow for accurate position determination. . (This strategy can also be used in a bifurcation system to try to more accurately give the location of an event after the general area of the event has been shown.). On the other hand, AC power supplies of different frequencies can be used continuously and the filters can be placed in different branches so that only one branch can be tested at a time.

(P) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 25 to 29, for example, the power supply member has the same impedance characteristic as the position detection member, and the only variable impedance of the test circuit is the connection impedance. It is also possible to do so. In FIGS. 9, 25, 26, 28 and 29, the position detecting member and the power supply member are shown as continuous resistors having a constant resistance per unit length. Fig. 27 shows multiple resistors
111 (in the position detection member) and 121 (in the power supply member), and a position detection member and a power supply member including a plurality of low resistance intermediate elements 112, 122 are shown, which resistors have the same or different resistances R _{1 to} Rm. Can have 25th, 26th, 28th and
Event connection E in Figure 29 is shown as a medium sized resistor. In FIG. 27, the event connection is switch S 1
Formed by closing one or more. Switch them to become in series with the same or different resistor R _A to R _N.

FIG. 27 shows a reference resistor connected in series with the position detecting member.
Also shown is Rf, and a voltmeter 141 that measures the voltage drop over the reference low antibody. This allows the position of the connection to be calculated from the ratio of the voltage drops measured by the two voltmeters.

FIG. 28 is similar to FIG. 25 except that it includes a second voltmeter that measures the output voltage of the power supply. The impedance of connection E can be calculated from the output voltage (as long as the power supply delivers the desired "fixed" current).

FIG. 29 is somewhat similar to FIG. 25, but as shown, so that it can be connected to the return member (thus as shown in FIG. 25) or from the near end of the position sensing member. A switch 161 is included so that it can be disconnected and connected to the near end of the power supply member. In the latter form, the voltage measured by the voltmeter is a measurement of the impedance of connection E.

14. Relationship between voltage drop and distance The relationship between the voltage drop measured by the voltage measuring instrument and the distance between the first point and the second point depends on the design of the device. Connections can be made at any point along the length of the position sensing member, and if the position sensing member has a uniform impedance along the length, the relationship is a straight line with a uniform slope, as shown in Figure 30. Becomes No. 31 if the event-sensitive connection member is discontinuous and connection to the position sensing member is possible only at a remote point.
It is a collection of dots as shown in the figure. When the position detecting member is divided into a position detecting zone and a connecting zone as shown in FIG. 23 and the position detecting zone can be connected at any point, the relationship becomes as shown in FIG.

15. Special Event Sensitive Connections Figures 33-38 show cross-sectional views of the device of the invention. The apparatus of FIGS. 33 and 34 includes a power supply member having a metal core 121 and a conductive polymer coating 122; a metal core 111 and a conductive polymer coating 112 having a resistance that is substantially invariant to temperature changes. And a return member made of metal and surrounded by a polymer insulating jacket 161.

In FIG. 33, a polymer insulating connecting member 20 having a concave surface is present between the power supply member and the position detecting member, and the elements are joined together by an insulating jacket 91 which has holes and is therefore liquid permeable. There is no electrical connection between the position sensing member and the power supply member unless there is electrolyte around the device shown in FIG. But if the device is exposed to electrolytes,
An ionic connection is formed between the position detection member and the power supply member.

In FIG. 34, the member 21 is present between the position detecting member and the power supply member, and the element is surrounded by the insulating jacket 92. Under normal conditions, the member 21 prevents the electrical connection between the position detecting member and the power supply member, but the member 21 is made of or contains a substance which becomes a conductor when an event occurs. For example, the member 21 may be composed of an organic polymer foam that includes a material that forms mobile ionic species when the foam structure is destroyed in some event. Such an event may be, for example, an event involving excessive pressure transmitted through the flexible jacket 92, or an event involving excessive temperature to melt the foam, or penetrating into the jacket 92 (for which there may be holes in the jacket). May be provided),
Such events include the presence of compounds that react with the foam component. Member 21 may be made of a material that becomes conductive when compressed.

FIG. 35 is a sectional view of an apparatus for detecting an over temperature fault condition. The position detection member 11 and the power supply member 12 are metal strips separated by an insulating strip 20,
An air gap 21 is defined between the conductors. There is also a return member 16 and an insulating jacket 161 surrounding it. A bimetal C-clip consisting of metal strips 7 and 8 is attached to the central portion of strips 11 and 12 via an insulating pad 78, and under normal conditions the clips are in the open position as shown, The clip closes when the temperature exceeds a certain value and is constructed and arranged to electrically contact the strips 11 and 12. Suitable C
The clip is envisioned from a spring steel member and a memory metal member. For example, if the inner member 7 is normally made of spring steel and the outer member 8 is made of a memory metal in the martensitic state and is held in the stretched configuration by the member 7, the temperature will be When the transition temperature of is reached, the member 8 overcomes the elastic resistance of the member 7 and recovers to bring the strips 11 and 12 into contact.

FIG. 36 is somewhat similar to FIG. 35, but uses a bimetallic member to electrically contact strip 12 with wire 11 when the temperature drops below a certain level. The strip 12 is connected to a C-clip with an inner member 7 made of spring steel and an outer member 8 made of memory metal. The C-clip is separated from the wire 11 by an air gap 21 in the perforated insulation member 20. Under normal conditions, the memory metal member 8 is in the austenitic state, holding the spring steel member 7 in its compressed configuration so that there is no contact between the strips 11 and 12. When the temperature drops below the transition temperature of the memory metal, the member 8 is transformed into a weak martensitic state and the spring steel member stretches to create an electrical connection between the strip 12 and the wire 11.

In Figures 35 and 36, the C-clip generally consists of a plurality of discrete, spaced apart members. However, continuous C
The clip is also satisfying.

FIGS. 37 and 38 show a device for detecting an increase in pressure, which is arranged under the floor covering, for example as an intruder alarm device. The power supply member 12 is in the form of a metal strip and is surrounded by an insulating polymer sheet having holes 21 on its upper surface. The position detection member 11 is a constant resistance metal wire, which is separated from the member 12 by an insulating sheet 22 and traverses the hole 21. The return member 16 is located below the second conductor and is insulated from it at all points. The various elements are surrounded by a flexible polymer jacket 92. In a normal state, the position detection member and the power supply member are not electrically connected. However, if the pressure on the upper surface of the insulation jacket increases sufficiently, the position detection member
It is made to contact the power supply member through 21.

Next, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to examples.

Example 1 The circuit shown in FIG. 2 was prepared. The controlled current source was a galvanostat with an 18 volt compliance voltage and produced a controlled current of 0.001 amps. The voltmeter had an input impedance of 1 megohm and a full scale reading of 200 mA. The power supply was a 30 AWG copper wire (about 0.032 cm in diameter) wrapped by a melt extruded jacket of conductive polymer composition.
The jacket thickness was about 0.1 cm (0.04 inch).
The conductive polymer composition has a resistivity of about 3 ohm · cm at 25 ° C. and contains carbon black (about 45 parts by weight) dispersed in a thermoplastic rubber (trade name: TPR-5490). This rubber is
It is considered to be a blend of polypropylene and ethylene / propylene rubber (about 55 parts by weight). The position sensing element is a 30 AWG constantan wire (diameter about 0.032) instead of copper wire.
cm) was the same as the power supply member except that it used. The resistance of the second conductor was 9.65 ohm / cm (2.940 ohm / ft). The return member was 12 AWG copper wire (about 0.28 cm in diameter) and was wrapped in a polymer insulation jacket.

In a number of tests, a damp sponge was placed between the position sensing member and the power supply member to make an electrical connection between them, but the member was dried during the test. As expected from theory, the distance (m) to the wet sponge could be calculated from the equation: Where V is the voltage (volts) recorded by the voltmeter. The error between the actual distance and the calculated value d is 0.
It was less than 1%.

Example 2 Using the galvanostat and voltmeter used in Example 1, a device shown in FIG. 2 was prepared. An apparatus whose operation was somewhat similar to that of Figures 37 and 38 was made as follows. A strip of copper foil was attached to the inner bottom surface of the crosslinked polyvinylidene fluoride tube to provide the power supply. In order to supply the position detection member,
A 30 AWG constantan wire (about 0.0332 cm in diameter) was fixed to the inner upper surface of the polyvinylidene fluoride tube on the side opposite to the copper strip in the radial direction. The wire was braided in the tube at regular intervals so that it was held substantially in contact with the tube over its entire length. Return member is 30AW
It was a G insulated copper wire (diameter about 0.032 cm).

In many tests, pressure was applied to the upper surface of the tube at a distance from the near end. The tube was elastically deformed to bring the position detection member and the power supply member into contact with each other. As a result, a voltmeter reading was obtained, from which the position of the pressure point could be calculated.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a generalized schematic circuit diagram of the method of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 30 are schematic circuit diagrams of the method and apparatus of the present invention, and FIGS. 30 to 32 are the first points. Graphs showing how the voltage drop to and from the second point can vary in different systems of the invention, and Figures 33-38 are schematic cross-sections of the device of the invention. 1 ... First point, 2 ... Second point, 7,8 ... Metal strip, 11 ... Position detection member, 12 ... Power supply member, 13 ... Auxiliary connection member, 14 ... Voltage measuring instrument , 15 …… power supply, 16 ……
Return member, 20 …… Polymer insulation connection member, 21 …… Electrical gap, 2 …… Insulation sheet, 78 …… Insulation pad, 91,92
...... Insulation jacket, 111 ...... Resistor, 112 ...... Intermediate element, 114 ...... Position detection element, 121 ...... Resistor, 122 ...... Intermediate element, 141 ...... Voltmeter, 152 ...... Connection means, 153
..., 154 ... ammeter, 161 ... switch, E, E ₁ , E ₂ and E ₃ ... connection, S, S ₁ and S ₃ ... switch.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (31) Priority claim number 618109 (32) Priority date June 7, 1984 (33) Country of priority claim United States (US) Judgment No. 5-12404 (72) Inventor James Ames Patrick Reid United States 94123 California, San Francisco, Beach Street Number 10 1745 (72) Inventor Peter El Burtuks United States California, Los Altos, Glenn Alt 611 (72) Inventor Thomas D'Abrieu Thors USA California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Jackson Street No. 3034 (72) Inventor Larry Rutsel Leader USA 95129 California, San Jose, Little Oak Drive 1182 No. (56) Reference Patent Sho 53-75519 (JP, A)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A method for monitoring the leakage of a liquid electrolyte at a certain position along a long detection path and detecting the leakage when the leakage occurs to determine the position of the leakage. An electrical connection is made between the conductive position sensing member and the long conductive power supply member, the connection passing through the electrolyte,
Has a substantially unknown impedance; the position detecting member and the power supply member are (a) separated from each other, (b) arranged along the long sensing path, and the position detecting member has one end thereof Has a known resistance characteristic along its length so that the position of the intermediate point can be determined if the resistance from the intermediate point to the intermediate point is known. The position sensing member and the power supply member both comprise a coating of a conductive polymer that electrically surrounds the metal core, the position sensing member and the power source member being resistant to leaks to allow the electrical connection in the event of a leak. Sensitive, the connection to the position-sensing member is made at the first point on the position-sensing member, which is the location of the leak; by making the connection: (a) connection, (b) first point The second point, which is one end of the position detection member, Forming a test circuit consisting of a portion of the position sensing member between the two, and (c) a connection and a controlled current power supply that produces a known fixed amount of current to be sent between the first and second points on the position sensing member. And the resistance characteristics of the current and position sensing members are
By measuring the voltage drop between the two points, the resistance of the position detecting member between the two points can be calculated to determine the position of the liquid leak. (2) First and second points The voltage drop across is determined using a voltage measuring instrument that forms part of a reference circuit, the reference circuit comprising: (a) a voltage measuring instrument; (b) a position sensing member between the first and second points. And (c) an insulated conductive return member arranged along a long sensing path, the voltage measuring device comprises (i) a second point at one end of the position detecting member and (ii) The other end of the return member is connected to the return member, and the other end of the return member is connected to the end of the position detecting member farther from the second point. It has much higher impedance than that of (3) The position of leakage of liquid electrolyte is It said method comprising providing a system for determining the measurements in steps). 2. The power supply is a power supply that supplies a current with a fixed value I in a normal environment, and supplies a current smaller than I if the resistance of the connection is very high. The method according to claim 1, which is determined only when the current between the first and second points is substantially at the fixed value I. 3. The power supply member has substantially the same impedance characteristic as that of the position detecting member, and the power supply has: (a) a position detecting member between a first point and a second point in the test circuit; Connected to the position detection member and the power supply member so that the sum of the resistance and (b) the resistance of the part of the power supply member forming a part of the test circuit is independent of the position of the first point. The method according to claim 1 or 2, which is provided. 4. (1) It has a known resistance characteristic along its length such that it is arranged along a long detection path and the position of the intermediate point can be determined if the resistance from one end to the intermediate point is known. A long conductive position detecting member, (2) a long conductive power source member extending along a long detection path, each of the position detecting member and the power source member has a metal core,
And a coating made of a conductive polymer that electrically surrounds the metal core, and (3) causes an electrical connection between the position detection member and the power supply member when a leakage of the liquid electrolyte occurs and connects the position detection member and the power supply member. Is a leak-sensitive connecting means passing through the electrolyte, having a substantially unknown impedance and being made at the first point which is the location of the leak, (4) The first point and the position sensing member. A voltage measuring device for determining a voltage drop between a second point, which is one end of the, (5) supplying a known fixed amount of current I when the leakage forms a connection between the position detecting member and the power supply member. , A controlled current power supply electrically connected to a second point on the position sensing member, and (6) an insulated conductive return member arranged along a long sensing path, the voltage measuring instrument comprising: , (I) a second one end of the position detection member
Point (ii) and the return member, and the other end of the return member is connected to the end of the position detecting member farther from the second point. A substantial and unknown impedance electrical connection between the two occurs due to the leakage of the liquid electrolyte, allowing the formation of a test circuit and a reference circuit. A device that monitors liquid electrolyte leakage at a location along a long sensing path and detects the leakage as it occurs and determines its position.