JP2000292345A - Sample storage cell of oil and other deterioration determination device and oil and other deterioration determination device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (Problem corrected) [PROBLEMS] To provide a sample storage cell that can perform color detection reliably even with intensely blackened oil, is easy to fill with oil, and can be used repeatedly. An oil or the like extracted from an automobile is stored in a sample cell, light emitted from a white light source and transmitted through the sample cell is detected by an RGB light receiving element, and each of the detected RGB electrical signals is replaced with a color system. In the sample storage cell of the device for determining whether or not oil or the like is in a deteriorated state based on the brightness and the hue angle, of the two transparent members 4a and 4b having the smooth surface 28 supported by the elastic member 29, A gap formed by printing or attaching a thin film 30 of a predetermined thickness to one smooth surface, connecting two transparent members so that they can be opened and closed, and sandwiching the thin film when the two transparent members are closed. The sample was configured to be held in the space 33. The space around the gap was made open to the atmosphere or a space wider than the space holding the sample.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention illuminates a sample such as an oil or LLC used in an automobile or the like from a white light source, quantifies the color of transmitted light, and compares the numerical value with a preset threshold value. The present invention relates to a sample storage cell used in a device for determining whether or not oil, LLC, and the like have deteriorated, and a device for determining deterioration of oil and the like using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various methods have been employed to determine the state of deterioration of automotive oil. Common examples include the simplest method of visually checking the color of the oil adhering to the oil level gauge and checking the viscosity with a finger. And the one determined from the potential difference between the electrodes in the oil. However, these methods rely on human intuition or are part of the oil degradation index, "increase in total acid number due to oxidation of oil components" and "decrease in total base number due to depletion of corrosion inhibitors". , It is not possible to determine whether the performance of the oil as a whole has deteriorated. In addition, the amount of various additives contained in the oil varies depending on the manufacturer and the type of oil, so the entire oil is in a deteriorated state with some data from a large number of additives. It cannot be determined unconditionally whether or not it is. In other words, in order to better understand oil deterioration,
It is best to periodically check the data and record changes, or to analyze and evaluate all the oil deterioration indicators using a chemical method, but it requires a lot of labor and equipment, This is not a practical method for car owners or car shops.

[0003] Therefore, in consideration of the fact that the amount of additive contained in the oil varies as described above, for a general automobile owner or car shop, the method of focusing on the color of the oil is a soot for the oil.・
This is effective for judging a mixed state of a degraded object / foreign substance or the like and an overall degree of deterioration. Therefore, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-223
As shown in No. 729, light is projected from a light source onto the oil put in the sample cell, the transmitted light that has passed through the oil is converted into an electric signal by a photoelectric conversion element, and the color is measured. There has been proposed an apparatus for determining the state of deterioration or contamination. However, in such a conventional apparatus, the width of the sample cell corresponding to the optical path formed by the light source and the photoelectric conversion element, that is, the optical path length of the sample cell is constant regardless of the type of oil. Therefore, if an intensely blackened oil containing carbon such as diesel engine oil is added, the light from the light source may not be sufficiently transmitted, and the transmitted light may not be detected.

[0004]

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to irradiate oil or the like extracted from an automobile with light from a light source, detect the transmitted light as an electric signal with an RGB light receiving element, and convert the detected signal into a color chart. Converted to a color system, digitized and used to determine whether oil etc. is in a degraded state from the value in the sample storage cell and the device using it, color detection can be reliably performed even with intensely blackened oil, In addition, there is a need to provide a sample storage cell that can be easily filled with oil and that can be used repeatedly.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a white light source for irradiating light, a sample holder for holding a sample such as oil, and a light source for irradiating the light source. An RGB light receiving element for detecting each of the red, blue, and green components of the light as an electric signal. The light from the light source transmitted through the sample is detected by the RGB light receiving element and quantified into a color system. In the sample storage cell of the device that determines whether or not the like is in a degraded state, two transparent members having a predetermined area of a smooth surface are connected to be openable and closable and formed with a smooth surface when the two transparent members are closed. We propose a sample storage cell that holds a sample in a uniform gap space.

(2) In the sample storage cell of the oil or the like deterioration judging device proposed above, a uniform gap space formed when the two transparent members are closed is sandwiched by a thin film having a predetermined thickness. The present invention proposes a sample storage cell for an oil and other deterioration determination apparatus.

(3) Further, in the sample storage cell of the oil or the like deterioration judging device proposed above, the uniform gap space formed when the two transparent members are closed is larger than the gap space where the periphery is open or the sample is held. The present invention proposes a sample storage cell of a deterioration determination device for oil or the like, which is characterized by a large space.

(4) In the sample storage cell of the above-described proposed device for judging deterioration of oil, etc., the smooth surface provided on the transparent member is supported by an elastic material, and the sample-containing cell of the device for judging deterioration of oil, etc. is provided. Suggest a cell.

(5) An oil or the like deterioration judging device characterized by judging whether or not the oil or the like is in a deteriorated state by using the sample storage cell of the oil or the like deterioration judging device proposed above. .

[0010]

A thin film having a predetermined thickness is printed or attached on one of the two transparent members having a smooth surface supported by an elastic material so that the two transparent members can be opened and closed by a hinge structure. Since the connected transparent members are closed because they are connected, the respective smooth surfaces oppose each other with a thin film interposed therebetween to form a gap. That is, since a gap space corresponding to the thickness of the thin film is formed, an oil film having a uniform thin film can be obtained by dropping the oil extracted from the automobile into the gap space. Further, since the smooth surface is supported by the elastic material, the elastic material is deformed according to the thickness of the thin film when the connected transparent member is closed, and as a result, the smooth surfaces face in parallel and are uniform. A gap is formed. Therefore, a uniform oil film can be obtained. In addition, the gap space formed by a smooth surface with a thin film interposed therebetween is in an open state where the periphery is not sealed, or is a space wider than the gap space by providing grooves, steps, etc. around the smooth surface. The oil dropped into the space fills the gap space toward the surroundings at the same speed, and a uniform thin film-like oil film containing no air bubbles can be obtained.

In addition, since a thin oil film having a uniform thickness and no bubbles is obtained, the light from the light source passes through the oil film without fail, and color measurement, that is, whether or not the oil is in a deteriorated state is determined. be able to.

[0012]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an apparatus for determining deterioration of oil or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 1 denotes a white light source, which uses a pulse xenon tube having a spectrum distribution close to that of standard white light. Reference numeral 2 denotes a measurement optical path for irradiating light from the white light source 1 to a measurement target such as oil, and a transmitted light thereof is detected by a light receiving element described later. Reference numeral 3 denotes a reference optical path for directly detecting light of the white light source 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes a sample storage cell in which a liquid storage space is formed of a transparent material such as glass or plastic, and stores a sample to be measured, such as engine oil or LLC (long life coolant). The sample accommodating cell is prepared according to the type of the sample. In the present embodiment, as an example, for gasoline engine oil, the accommodating space with a gap (optical path length) of 0.3 mm, and for diesel engine oil, the gap (optical path length) is 0. .
For the accommodation space of 05 mm and LLC, a cell having an accommodation space of 6 mm in gap (optical path length) is used. Reference numeral 5 denotes a sample cell holder, which detachably fixes the sample storage cell in the middle of the measurement optical path. By inserting the sample storage cell into this sample cell holder, the sample stored in the cell can be directly opposed to the light source in a thin film state. Reference numeral 6 denotes a light projecting hole for taking the light of the white light source 1 into the measuring light path, and 7a denotes a light diffusing plate which has fine irregularities on the surface and diffuses the light taken from the plate light projecting hole 6 evenly into the optical path. Reference numeral 8 denotes an RGB detection element that detects light transmitted through the sample storage cell 4 and the sample. The RGB detection element 8 detects a red frequency band, a green frequency band, and a blue frequency band of incoming light and converts them into electric signals. The red component is Vr, the green component is Vg, and the blue component is Vb. Output voltage. Reference numeral 9 denotes a light shielding plate that optically blocks the measurement optical path 2 and the reference optical path 3, 10 denotes a light emitting hole that receives the light of the white light source 1 into the reference optical path, and 7 b denotes light that is input from the light emitting hole 10 in the optical path. Light diffusion plate that diffuses evenly, 1
Reference numeral 1 denotes an RGB detection element that detects light diffused in the reference light path. The RGB detection element 11 also detects a red frequency band, a green frequency band, and a blue frequency band of incoming light, respectively, and converts them into an electric signal.
The rr and G components output a voltage of Vgg, and the B component outputs a voltage of Vbb. Reference numeral 12 denotes a strobe circuit for driving the white light source 1.
The pulse xenon tube emits light with high brightness instantaneously. 13
In the operation unit, when determining the deterioration of the sample, in the “calibration mode”, that is, insert the sample storage cell in a state not storing the sample into the sample storage cell holder, and
A mode in which the white light source 1 emits light with both the reference optical paths in a through state, and a mode in which the light detected by the RGB light receiving elements in both optical paths is in the same state, It is inserted into the sample-holding cell holder, and a mode for judging the deterioration of the sample is selected by observing the transmitted light from the white light source 1 through the sample-holding cell 4 in the measurement optical path 2. Reference numeral 14 denotes a correction coefficient setting unit which detects the light detection levels of the two RGB light receiving elements based on Vr to Vb and Vrr to Vbb detected by the RGB light receiving elements 8 and 11 when the calibration mode is selected on the operation unit 13. Is set as a correction coefficient to make. 1
Reference numeral 5 denotes a color system conversion unit which detects Vr detected by the RGB light receiving elements 8 and 11 when the measurement mode is selected on the operation unit 14.
To Vb and Vrr to Vbb are A / D converted, and the correction coefficient set by the correction coefficient setting unit 14 is multiplied by Vr to Vb to be replaced with tristimulus values X, Y, and Z. Convert to CIE (International Commission on Illumination) color system. 16
Is a printer that prints the result of determining the deterioration of a sample such as oil in the measurement mode.
This is a display section for displaying on an ED or LCD. 18
Is a microcomputer, a CPU 19, a ROM 20,
A RAM 21 is provided, and controls according to a program given by the ROM 20. 22 is an interface.

Next, based on FIG. 2 and FIG.
Will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sample storage cell used for a dark-colored sample such as diesel engine oil, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a cross section taken along line AA of FIG. 4a is a first transparent member made of a transparent material such as plastic, and a second transparent member 4b also made of a transparent material.
And hinged structure. Reference numeral 25 denotes a smooth surface provided on the transparent member 4a so as to protrude one step, and reference numeral 26 denotes a sample injection port penetrating the transparent member 4a and opening to the smooth surface 25. The sample injection port 26 has a tapered opening on a surface opposite to the smooth surface 25 penetrating the transparent member 4a, and such a shape facilitates an oil injection operation to a gap space described later. 27 is a groove provided on the smooth surface. Reference numeral 28 denotes a smooth surface provided on the transparent member 4b, which is supported via an elastic member 29. Reference numeral 30 denotes a thin film which is printed or pasted on the smooth surface 28 and has a thickness of 0.05 mm. Therefore, when the transparent members 4a and 4b are folded, the thin film 30 is sandwiched between the smooth surfaces 25 and 28 to form a gap of 0.05 mm. Also,
At that time, since the elastic material 29 is deformed in a direction to be compressed,
The smooth surface 25 and the thin film 30 are in uniform contact with each other on the surface, and a gap space of 0.05 mm without one-sided floating is formed. Reference numeral 31 denotes a screw, which is screwed into the screw hole 32 when the transparent members 4a and 4b are folded, that is, when the sample storage cell 4 is closed, to fix the gap. In a state where the screws 31 are loosened and fixed, the angle formed by the transparent members 4a and 4b is at least 90 degrees to a maximum of 18 degrees.
The opening can be made at an angle of 0 degrees, thereby facilitating the work of wiping the smooth surface after the deterioration determination.

Next, the gap space formed when the sample storage cell 4 is closed will be described with reference to FIG. When the sample accommodating cell 4 is closed and fixed with the screws 31 as described above, the smooth surface 25 and the thin film 30 are brought into uniform surface contact with the deformation of the elastic material 29, and the film is interposed between the smooth surfaces 25 and 28. A gap space 33 having a thickness of 0.05 mm is formed. At this time,
The smooth surface 25 communicates with the atmosphere by a groove 27, and
As shown in (1), since the shape protrudes one step higher on the transparent member 4a, the gap space 33 is in a state where all the surroundings are in communication with the atmosphere. By inserting an oil level gauge from the sample inlet 26 into the gap space 33 formed as described above and dropping oil, the oil as a sample spreads uniformly as shown in FIG. Thus, a 0.05 mm oil film containing no air bubbles is formed. However, if the space 33 is the sample injection port 2
6 only communicates with the atmosphere, the periphery is partitioned by a partition, etc., and if it is composed of completely parallel planes with a gap of 0.05 mm, the dropped oil will travel first through the surrounding partition as shown in FIG. As a result, bubbles are wrapped around the center of the gap space, and a uniform oil film cannot be obtained. In other words, if a partition is provided on a completely parallel plane where the gap dimensions are equal, the dropped oil will spread differently between the part that touched the partition and the part that did not touch it. It causes air bubbles. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the periphery of the gap space is made to communicate with the atmosphere, but even when the periphery is completely surrounded by the partition wall, a portion with a deeper groove on the inner periphery surrounded by the partition wall, that is, a portion having a large gap size Is formed, an effect similar to that of the present embodiment is provided.

Although the present invention is configured as described above, the gap size, that is, the optical path length, can be changed to an arbitrary optical path length by changing the thickness of the thin film 30. For example, in the case of diesel engine oil, the optical path length is 0.0
It was confirmed that deterioration could be determined in the range of 4 to 0.08 mm. In the case of gasoline engine oil, if the optical path length is 0.3 to 2 mm, the deterioration can be determined. As a result of repeated studies, it has been confirmed that the range of 0.3 to 0.5 mm is more preferable. . For LLC, since the color of the sample itself is lighter than that of diesel or gasoline engine oil, an optical path length of 6 to 10 mm is required for color measurement to determine deterioration. It was confirmed that the deterioration determination was possible by using the sample housing cell of the integral case type without the above. Further, in this embodiment, an example in which two transparent members are connected by a hinge structure has been described. However, the connection structure may be any structure that can be opened and closed, and is not limited to the hinge structure using a rotating shaft. For example, the connection may be made using a flexible film, a resin partly thinned so as to bendable, or the like.

[0016]

As described above, according to the present invention, a sample storage cell such as oil is provided on one smooth surface of two transparent members having a smooth surface supported by an elastic material with a predetermined thickness. Is formed by printing or affixing a thin film, and connecting two transparent members so as to be openable and closable. Then, the connected transparent member is closed, and the sample is dropped and held in the gap space formed by sandwiching the thin film on each smooth surface, so that the thickness of the thin film printed or affixed on the smooth surface is changed. The optimum optical path length according to the sample can be easily obtained. Also,
After the deterioration is determined, the sample adhered to the smooth surface can be easily wiped off by opening the closed transparent member.

Further, the uniform gap space formed when the two transparent members are closed may be open to the atmosphere without a partition around it, or a groove deeper than the gap dimension on the inner edge of the partition even if the partition is present. Is formed and a space wider than the gap space is provided, so that the sample dropped into the gap space uniformly fills the gap space at an equal speed, and a uniform oil thin film containing no bubbles is obtained.

Further, since the smooth surface provided on the transparent member is supported by an elastic material, when the two transparent members are closed, a thin film printed or affixed on one smooth surface and the other smooth surface are provided. The elastic material is deformed so that the surfaces come into contact with each other. Therefore, the two smooth surfaces always face in parallel with the thin film interposed therebetween, and a gap space having the same optical path length can be formed.

Further, a thin oil film having a uniform thickness without bubbles can be obtained only by dropping the oil adhering to the oil gauge of the automobile. , The light of the light source surely passes through the oil film and reaches the RGB detection element even if the diesel engine oil is intensely blackened. Therefore, it is possible to reliably determine the deterioration state of a dark oil that could not be determined conventionally.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a device for determining deterioration of oil or the like according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing a sample storage cell for diesel engine oil according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory sectional view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing a main part of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing a state where a sample spreads uniformly when the sample is dropped into a sample storage cell.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing a state in which a sample spreads non-uniformly while including bubbles when the sample is dropped into the sample storage cell.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 White light source 4 Sample storage cell 4a 1st transparent member 4b 2nd transparent member 5 Sample cell holder 8 RGB light receiving element 25 Smooth surface 26 Sample injection port 27 Groove 28 Smooth surface 29 Elastic material 30 Thin film 33 Gap space

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2G020 AA08 DA13 DA23 DA62 2G057 AA01 AB01 AB06 AC01 BA01 BB01 BB06 BD02 BD09 DA15 JA16 2G059 AA05 BB04 DD13 EE01 EE13 FF09 GG08 HH02 KK03 NN07

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A white light source for irradiating light, a sample holder for holding a sample such as oil, and RGB for detecting red, blue, and green components of light emitted from the light source as electric signals.
A light receiving element is provided, and the light from the light source transmitted through the sample is converted to RG
In the sample storage cell of the device which detects with the B light receiving element and converts it into a color system and determines from the numerical value whether oil or the like is in a deteriorated state, two transparent members having a smooth surface with a predetermined area are used. A sample storage cell of an oil or other deterioration determination apparatus, which is openably and closably connected and holds a sample in a uniform gap formed by a smooth surface when two transparent members are closed. 2. A uniform cell space formed when two transparent members are closed in the sample storage cell of the apparatus for judging deterioration of oil or the like according to claim 1, wherein a thin film having a predetermined thickness is sandwiched. A sample accommodating cell of a device for judging deterioration of oil or the like, comprising 3. A uniform space formed when the two transparent members are closed in the sample accommodating cell of the apparatus for judging deterioration of oil or the like according to claim 1, wherein the periphery is wider than the space which is open or holds the sample. A sample accommodating cell of a device for determining deterioration of oil or the like, which is a space. 4. The sample storage cell according to claim 1, wherein a smooth surface provided on the transparent member is supported by an elastic material. . 5. A method for determining whether or not oil or the like is in a deteriorated state by using the sample storage cell of the apparatus for determining deterioration of oil or the like according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, and 4. Deterioration determination device for oil etc.