JPH11248092A - Oil condition sensing device - Google Patents
Oil condition sensing deviceInfo
- Publication number
- JPH11248092A JPH11248092A JP4704198A JP4704198A JPH11248092A JP H11248092 A JPH11248092 A JP H11248092A JP 4704198 A JP4704198 A JP 4704198A JP 4704198 A JP4704198 A JP 4704198A JP H11248092 A JPH11248092 A JP H11248092A
- Authority
- JP
- Japan
- Prior art keywords
- oil
- electrode
- level
- electrodes
- sensor body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 abstract description 105
- 239000010705 motor oil Substances 0.000 abstract description 34
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 abstract 2
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 abstract 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 101150006573 PAN1 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000005856 abnormality Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analyzing Materials By The Use Of Electric Means (AREA)
- Lubrication Details And Ventilation Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
Abstract
Description
【０００１】[0001]
【発明の属する技術分野】本発明は、自動車のエンジン
や各種作業機械等において循環使用するオイルの状態を
検出する装置に関し、特にオイルの補充や交換を促すべ
く、オイルそのものの劣化やオイルレベルを検出するた
めの装置に関する。BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for detecting the state of oil circulating in an automobile engine, various working machines, and the like. It relates to an apparatus for detecting.
【０００２】[0002]
【従来の技術】自動車用エンジンにおけるエンジンオイ
ルの状態を検出する装置として図３に示す構造のものが
知られている。これは同図に示すように、オイルセンサ
３をオイルパン１内のエンジンオイル２の油面とほぼ平
行になるように設置し、例えばエンジン作動中における
油面２ａがオイル補充レベルＬAにあるかどうかを検出
し、同時にエンジンオイル２そのものが劣化しているか
どうかを検出するもので、オイルセンサ３は、一方の電
極４と、この電極４に絶縁挿入されて他方の電極として
機能するセンサボデイ５とから構成されている。2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 3 shows a known device for detecting the state of engine oil in an automobile engine. This is because, as shown in the figure, the oil sensor 3 is installed so as to be substantially parallel to the oil level of the engine oil 2 in the oil pan 1, for example, the oil level 2a during engine operation is in the oil refill level L A The oil sensor 3 detects whether the engine oil 2 itself has deteriorated. The oil sensor 3 includes one electrode 4 and a sensor body 5 that is insulated and inserted into the electrode 4 and functions as the other electrode. It is composed of
【０００３】そして、一対の電極４，５間の電気抵抗値
の変化を監視し、オイル劣化の指標となるエンジンオイ
ル２中の不溶解分濃度が増加するとそれに伴って特に劣
化進行初期段階では抵抗値も増加することから、この抵
抗値の変化をもって最終的なオイル劣化時期を予測する
ことにより警報を発してエンジンオイル２の交換を促
す。その一方、エンジンオイル２の減少により油面２ａ
がオイル補充が必要なレベルＬAまで低下すると、オイ
ルセンサ３の電極４が空気中にさらされて抵抗値が急増
することから、これをもってオイル補充を促すことにな
る。なお、上記のオイル劣化検出方法は、例えば特開平
９−１２７０３４号公報および特開平９−２９２０９６
号公報に記載されている。The change in the electric resistance between the pair of electrodes 4 and 5 is monitored, and when the concentration of the insoluble component in the engine oil 2 which is an index of oil deterioration increases, the resistance is particularly increased in the early stage of deterioration. Since the value also increases, the change in the resistance value is used to predict the final oil deterioration time, and an alarm is issued to prompt the replacement of the engine oil 2. On the other hand, the oil level 2a
There drops to the level L A necessary oil replenishment, since the electrode 4 of the oil sensor 3 is rapidly increasing resistance is exposed to the air, thereby prompting the oil replenishment has been completed. The above-described oil deterioration detection method is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 9-127034 and 9-292996.
No., published in Japanese Patent Application Publication No.
【０００４】[0004]
【発明が解決しようとする課題】上記のような従来の検
出装置では、オイル補充が必要なレベルＬAまでエンジ
ンオイル２が減少したときにはこれを検出することがで
きたとしても、オイル補充レベルＬAになるまでは、現
在オイルレベルがどのレベルにあるのか全く特定するこ
とができない。そのため、例えば通常のエンジン運転に
伴う消耗以外のエンジン異常による急激なオイル減少等
を発見できないばかりでなく、オイル補充レベルＬAに
なる前にエンジンオイルを補充した場合にもその補充量
を正確に知ることができない。In THE INVENTION It is an object of the conventional detection apparatus as described above, when the engine oil 2 is reduced to a level L A necessary oil replenishment even able to detect this, the oil refill level L Until A , it is not possible to specify at what level the oil level is currently. Therefore, for example, not only can not find the normal engine rapid oil decreased by the engine abnormality of expendable than accompanying operating like, before the oil refill level L A engine oil that replenishing amount accurately even when supplemented I can't know.
【０００５】本発明は以上のような課題に着目してなさ
れたもので、とりわけオイルの劣化とオイル補充レベル
とを正確に検出しつつも、オイル補充レベルのみならず
現在のオイルレベルまでも正確に検出できるようにした
オイル状態検出装置を提供しようとするものである。The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. In particular, while accurately detecting the deterioration of oil and the oil replenishment level, the present invention is capable of accurately detecting not only the oil replenishment level but also the current oil level. It is an object of the present invention to provide an oil state detection device capable of detecting the oil state.
【０００６】[0006]
【課題を解決するための手段】請求項１に記載の発明
は、オイルパンに収容されたオイルの劣化とオイルレベ
ルとを検出する装置であって、油面レベルに対してほぼ
垂直な三つの電極を有してなるオイルセンサをオイルパ
ン内に臨ませてなり、前記オイルセンサは、油面の最大
レベル位置から下方に伸びていてその最大レベルと最低
レベルとの差に相当する有効検出長さを有する第１の電
極と、油面の最低レベル位置から下方に伸びていて第１
の電極と同一の有効検出長さを有する第２の電極と、油
面の最大レベル位置から下方に伸びていて第１，第２の
電極の有効検出長さの和に相当する有効検出長さを有す
る第３の電極とを備えていて、オイルの劣化を、第２，
第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化として検出する一方、オイ
ルレベルを、第１，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化と第
２，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化との比として検出する
ようにしたことを特徴としている。According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for detecting deterioration of an oil contained in an oil pan and an oil level, the apparatus comprising three units which are substantially perpendicular to an oil level. An oil sensor having electrodes is made to face the inside of the oil pan, and the oil sensor extends downward from a maximum level position on the oil surface and has an effective detection length corresponding to a difference between the maximum level and the minimum level. A first electrode having a first level and a first electrode extending downward from the lowest level of the oil level;
A second electrode having the same effective detection length as the first and second electrodes, and an effective detection length extending downward from the maximum level position of the oil level and corresponding to the sum of the effective detection lengths of the first and second electrodes. And a third electrode having:
While the oil level is detected as a change in the resistance between the third electrodes, the oil level is determined as the ratio of the change in the resistance between the first and third electrodes to the change in the resistance between the second and third electrodes. It is characterized in that it is detected.
【０００７】また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１
に記載の発明におけるオイルセンサは、互いに平行な第
１，第２の電極と、これら第１，第２の電極を取り囲む
ようにしてこれを保持するパイプ状のセンサボデイとか
ら構成されていて、センサボデイが第３の電極を兼ねて
いることを特徴としている。[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the first invention.
The oil sensor according to the invention described in (1) comprises a first and a second electrode which are parallel to each other, and a pipe-shaped sensor body which surrounds and holds the first and the second electrodes. Are also used as the third electrodes.
【０００８】したがって、請求項１に記載の発明では、
オイルレベルが徐々に低下して、たとえオイルレベルが
オイル補充レベルになっても第２，第３の電極は常にオ
イル中に浸漬されているので、これら第２，第３の電極
間の抵抗値の変化によって、従来と同様にオイル中の不
溶解分濃度を指標としてそのオイル劣化が検出される。Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention,
Even if the oil level gradually decreases and the oil level reaches the oil replenishment level, the resistance between the second and third electrodes is constant because the second and third electrodes are always immersed in the oil. , The oil deterioration is detected using the concentration of the insoluble matter in the oil as an index as in the conventional case.
【０００９】一方、オイルレベルが徐々に低下すると、
それに伴って第１の電極が空気中にさらされる度合いも
大きくなり、その第１の電極と第３の電極との間の抵抗
値の変化が生ずるものの、オイルの劣化によってもまた
第１，第３の電極間での抵抗値の変化が生ずるために、
これだけではレベル低下による抵抗値の変化なのかオイ
ル劣化による抵抗値の変化なのか特定することができ
ず、結局現在のオイルレベルを特定することができな
い。On the other hand, when the oil level gradually decreases,
As a result, the degree of exposure of the first electrode to the air also increases, and the resistance between the first electrode and the third electrode changes. Because the resistance value changes between the three electrodes,
With this alone, it is not possible to specify whether the change is due to a change in the resistance value due to a decrease in the level or to a change in the resistance value due to the deterioration of the oil. As a result, the current oil level cannot be specified.
【００１０】ところが、オイルが最大レベルもしくはそ
れ以上のときには第１〜第３の全ての電極が完全にオイ
ル中に浸漬されており、第１，第２の電極とオイルとの
接触面積はともに等しいものとなっており、その結果、
第１，第３の電極間の抵抗値は第２，第３の電極間の抵
抗値と等しいことになり、たとえオイル劣化による抵抗
値の変化があっても相殺されてしまうことになる。However, when the oil is at or above the maximum level, all of the first to third electrodes are completely immersed in the oil, and the contact areas between the first and second electrodes and the oil are equal. And as a result,
The resistance value between the first and third electrodes is equal to the resistance value between the second and third electrodes, and even if the resistance value changes due to oil deterioration, it will be offset.
【００１１】そして、オイルレベルが最低レベルまで低
下するまでの間は、第２．第３の電極間の抵抗値は基本
的に不変であるのに対して、第１．第３の電極間の抵抗
値は、第１の電極が空気中にさらされる度合いが大きく
なるのに伴って急激に増大する。つまり、第１．第３の
電極間の抵抗値と第２，第３の電極間の抵抗値との比
は、現在のオイルレベルとの間で相関があることから、
この第１，第３の電極間の抵抗値と第２，第３の電極間
の抵抗値との比から現在のオイルレベルを特定できるこ
とになる。[0011] Until the oil level decreases to the minimum level, the second. The resistance value between the third electrodes is basically unchanged, while the resistance value of the first. The resistance between the third electrodes increases sharply as the degree of exposure of the first electrodes to air increases. That is, the first. Since the ratio between the resistance between the third electrode and the resistance between the second and third electrodes is correlated with the current oil level,
The current oil level can be specified from the ratio between the resistance between the first and third electrodes and the resistance between the second and third electrodes.
【００１２】また、請求項２に記載の発明では、センサ
ボデイが第３の電極を兼ねていることから、第２の電極
とセンサボデイとの間の抵抗値の変化からオイル劣化が
検出され、第１の電極とセンサボデイとの間の抵抗値の
変化と、第２の電極とセンサボデイとの間の抵抗値の変
化との比から現在のオイルレベルが検出される。According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the sensor body also serves as the third electrode, oil deterioration is detected from a change in resistance between the second electrode and the sensor body, and the first electrode is detected. The current oil level is detected from the ratio of the change in resistance between the second electrode and the sensor body to the change in resistance between the second electrode and the sensor body.
【００１３】[0013]
【発明の効果】請求項１に記載の発明によれば、オイル
センサを縦方向に伸びる三電極方式のものとして、第
２，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化からオイル劣化を検出
する一方、第１，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化と第２，
第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化との比より現在のオイルレ
ベルを検出するようにしたため、オイルの劣化検出とレ
ベル検出とを同時に行えることはもちろんのこと、オイ
ル補充レベルになったことをはじめ現在のオイルレベル
を正確に検出することができ、特にオイル補充レベルに
達しない段階でオイル補充を行う場合にその補充量を的
確に把握できる効果がある。According to the first aspect of the present invention, the oil sensor is of a three-electrode type extending in the vertical direction and detects oil deterioration from a change in resistance between the second and third electrodes. , The change in resistance between the first and third electrodes and the second and third electrodes
Since the current oil level is detected from the ratio of the change in the resistance value between the third electrode, the oil deterioration detection and the level detection can be performed at the same time. First, the current oil level can be accurately detected, and particularly when the oil replenishment is performed at a stage where the oil replenishment level is not reached, the replenishment amount can be accurately grasped.
【００１４】また、請求項２に記載の発明によれば、三
電極方式のオイルセンサでありながらセンサボデイその
ものが一つの電極を兼ねているため、上記請求項１に記
載の発明と同様の効果に加えて、オイルセンサそのもの
の構造を簡素化して小型化できる効果がある。According to the second aspect of the present invention, the sensor body itself also serves as one electrode in spite of being a three-electrode type oil sensor, so that the same effect as the first aspect of the present invention can be obtained. In addition, there is an effect that the structure of the oil sensor itself can be simplified and downsized.
【００１５】[0015]
【発明の実施の形態】図１，２は本発明の好ましい実施
の形態を示す図で、自動車のエンジンオイルの状態を検
出する場合の例を示している。DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 show preferred embodiments of the present invention, and show an example in which the state of engine oil of a vehicle is detected.
【００１６】同図に示すように、オイルパン６の水平壁
部にはその内部に貯留されたエンジンオイル２に臨ませ
るようにして油面に対して垂直方向を指向するオイルセ
ンサ７が設けられている。このオイルセンサ７は、図１
に示すように、所定の金属からなる円環状のセンサボデ
イ８内に所定距離隔てた第１，第２の電極としての左右
一対の電極９，１０を挿入して、ホルダ１１および充填
剤１２を介して絶縁しつつ固定保持したもので、センサ
ボデイ８はカラー１３を介してオイルパン６に固定され
る。そして、センサボデイ８は車体側に接地されること
で別のもう一つの第３の電極として機能するようになっ
ている一方、左右一対の電極９，１０にはハーネス１５
が接続されていて、これによってオイルセンサ７として
のセンサ出力が図示外のコントローラに取り込まれる。
なお、センサボデイ８は、オイルパン６内のエンジンオ
イル２と各電極９，１０との接触をより円滑なものとす
るために、その下端が部分的に切除されている。As shown in FIG. 1, an oil sensor 7 is provided on the horizontal wall of the oil pan 6 so as to face the engine oil 2 stored in the oil pan 6 so as to be directed vertically to the oil surface. ing. This oil sensor 7 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right electrodes 9 and 10 as first and second electrodes separated by a predetermined distance are inserted into an annular sensor body 8 made of a predetermined metal, and the holder 11 and the filler 12 are interposed therebetween. The sensor body 8 is fixed to the oil pan 6 via a collar 13 while being insulated and fixed. The sensor body 8 is configured to function as another third electrode by being grounded to the vehicle body, while the harness 15 is connected to the pair of left and right electrodes 9 and 10.
Is connected, whereby a sensor output as the oil sensor 7 is taken into a controller (not shown).
The lower end of the sensor body 8 is partially cut off to make the contact between the engine oil 2 in the oil pan 6 and the electrodes 9 and 10 smoother.
【００１７】ここで、図１，２に示すように、エンジン
作動中における適正なオイルレベルすなわち最大レベル
をＬMAXとし、それより下方のオイル補充が必要なレベ
ルすなわち最低レベルをＬLOWとすると、第１の電極９
の上端は上記最大レベルＬＭＡＸに一致するとともに下
端は最低レベルＬＬＯＷに一致していて、第１の電極９
の有効検出長さａとしては上記最大レベルＬMAXと最低
レベルＬLOWとの差に相当する長さに設定されている。
他方、第２の電極１０はその上半部がホルダ１１でモー
ルドされていることで有効検出長さｂは第２の電極１０
自体の下半部のみとなっており、第２の電極１０の上端
は最低レベルＬLOWにほぼ一致していて、その有効検出
長さｂとしては上記第１の電極９の有効検出長さａとほ
ぼ等しい長さ（ａ＝ｂ）に設定されている。さらに、第
３の電極を兼ねたセンサボデイ８は、第２の電極１０の
下端よりもわずかに下方にまで伸びた長さを有してい
る。これにより、エンジンオイル２の減少によりオイル
レベルがたとえ最低レベルＬLOWまで低下したとして
も、第２の電極１０と第３の電極を兼ねたセンサボデイ
８とは常にエンジンオイル２中に浸漬されていることに
なる。Here, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, when an appropriate oil level, that is, a maximum level during the operation of the engine is L MAX, and a level below which oil replenishment is necessary, that is, a minimum level is L LOW , First electrode 9
The upper end of the first electrode 9 matches the maximum level L MAX and the lower end matches the minimum level L LOW.
Is set to a length corresponding to the difference between the maximum level LMAX and the minimum level LLOW .
On the other hand, since the upper half of the second electrode 10 is molded by the holder 11, the effective detection length b is
The upper end of the second electrode 10 is almost equal to the lowest level L LOW , and the effective detection length b is the effective detection length a of the first electrode 9. The length is set substantially equal to (a = b). Further, the sensor body 8 also serving as the third electrode has a length extending slightly below the lower end of the second electrode 10. Accordingly, even if the oil level is reduced to the minimum level L LOW due to the decrease in the engine oil 2, the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 serving as the third electrode are always immersed in the engine oil 2. Will be.
【００１８】したがって、本実施の形態によれば、エン
ジンオイル２の劣化検出およびエンジンオイルのレベル
検出のいずれの場合も特定の電極間の抵抗値の変化をも
とに検出するものであるが、前述したように、第２の電
極１０とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1の変化を監
視し、その抵抗値Ｒ1が所定のレベルまで増加したとき
には、エンジンオイル２中の不溶解分濃度の増加によっ
てエンジンオイル２が劣化したものとみなして、エンジ
ンオイル２の交換を促す警報を発する。Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in both the case of detecting the deterioration of the engine oil 2 and the case of detecting the level of the engine oil, the detection is performed based on the change in the resistance value between specific electrodes. as described above, in the insoluble content concentration in the engine oil 2 when the change in the resistance value R 1 is monitored, and increased the resistance value R 1 until a predetermined level between the second electrode 10 and the Sensabodei 8 It is considered that the engine oil 2 is degraded due to the increase in the engine oil 2, and an alarm prompting replacement of the engine oil 2 is issued.
【００１９】この場合、単に第２の電極１０とセンサボ
デイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1が所定のレベルまで増加した
ことを条件にエンジンオイル２の交換を促す警報を発す
るのではなく、エンジンオイル２の使用開始初期段階の
抵抗値Ｒ1の変化割合ΔＲから不溶解分濃度が劣化基準
に達する時期を推定し、その時期になったならばオイル
交換を促す警報を発する。これはエンジンオイル２中の
不溶解分濃度と抵抗値の変化との関係として、不溶解分
濃度は使用した時間の経過とともに増加する一方で、エ
ンジンオイル２の抵抗値Ｒ1は不溶解分濃度が比較的低
い（およそ２重量％以下）ときには顕著に増加するもの
の、それ以上に不溶解分濃度が増加しても抵抗値Ｒ1の
増加傾向が緩慢となって横ばいの飽和曲線を描くように
なり、エンジンオイル２中の不溶解分濃度と抵抗値Ｒ1
とが完全なる比例関係にないためである。In this case, instead of simply issuing an alarm prompting replacement of the engine oil 2 on condition that the resistance value R 1 between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 has increased to a predetermined level, From the rate of change ΔR of the resistance value R1 in the initial stage of the use of No. 2, the time when the concentration of the insoluble matter reaches the deterioration criterion is estimated, and when that time is reached, an alarm prompting oil change is issued. This is a relationship between the concentration of the insoluble matter in the engine oil 2 and the change in the resistance value. The concentration of the insoluble matter increases with the lapse of use time, while the resistance value R 1 of the engine oil 2 becomes the concentration of the insoluble matter. although but increases relatively low (approximately 2% by weight) sometimes significantly, to draw a saturation curve of flat more than that insoluble matter concentration was also a slow increasing trend in the resistance value R 1 with increasing The concentration of the insoluble matter in the engine oil 2 and the resistance value R 1
Are not in a perfect proportional relationship.
【００２０】他方、第２の電極１０とセンサボデイ８と
の間の抵抗値Ｒ1の変化の監視と並行して、第１の電極
９とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2の変化を監視し
ている状態で、エンジンオイル２のレベルが徐々に低下
すると、それに伴って第１の電極９が空気中にさらされ
る度合いが大きくなって上記第１の電極９とセンサボデ
イ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2が急増する。ただし、第１の電
極９とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2の変化は、上
記オイルレベルの変化のみならず先に述べたエンジンオ
イル２中の不溶解分濃度の増加によっても変化すること
から、これのみをもって現在のオイルレベルを特定する
ことはできない。On the other hand, while monitoring the change in the resistance value R 1 between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8, the change in the resistance value R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 is monitored. When the level of the engine oil 2 is gradually reduced in this state, the degree of exposure of the first electrode 9 to the air increases, and the resistance between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 increases. value R 2 is rapidly increased. However, the change in the resistance value R 2 between the first electrode 9 and Sensabodei 8, also varies with the increase in insolubles concentration in the engine oil 2 described above not only changes in the oil level Therefore, this alone cannot determine the current oil level.
【００２１】一方、オイルレベルが最大レベルＬMAXも
しくはそれ以上であれば、エンジンオイル２と直接接触
している第１の電極９および第２の電極１０の有効検出
長さａ，ｂがともに等しいことから、第１の電極９とセ
ンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2と、第２の電極１０と
センサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1は、相互に等しいも
のとなる（Ｒ2＝Ｒ1）。そして、エンジンオイル２中の
不溶解分濃度の増加によって各電極９，８間もしくは１
０，８間に抵抗値の変化があらわれたとしても、その抵
抗値の変化は、第１の電極９とセンサボデイ８との間の
抵抗値の変化としてあらわれると同時に第２の電極１０
とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値の変化としてもあらわ
れるため、結局エンジンオイル２中の不溶解分濃度の増
加による影響は相殺されてしまうことになる。On the other hand, if the oil level is at or above the maximum level L MAX , the effective detection lengths a and b of the first electrode 9 and the second electrode 10 which are in direct contact with the engine oil 2 are equal. Therefore, the resistance value R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 and the resistance value R 1 between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 are equal to each other (R 2 = R 1 ). An increase in the concentration of the insoluble matter in the engine oil 2 causes a difference between the electrodes 9 and 8 or 1
Even if a change in the resistance value appears between 0 and 8, the change in the resistance value appears as a change in the resistance value between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 and at the same time the second electrode 10.
It also appears as a change in the resistance value between the sensor oil 8 and the sensor body 8, and as a result, the effect of the increase in the concentration of the insoluble component in the engine oil 2 is offset.
【００２２】つまり、上記のエンジンオイル２中の不溶
解分濃度の増加の影響を無視できるものとすれば、オイ
ルレベルが最大レベルＬMAXもしくはそれ以上のレベル
から最低レベルＬLOWまで低下するまでの間は、第２の
電極１０とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1は基本的
に不変であるのに対して、第１の電極９とセンサボデイ
８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2は、第１の電極９が空気中にさら
される度合いが大きくなるのに伴って急増し、結果的
に、第１の電極９とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2
と、第２の電極１０とセンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ
1との比Ｒ2：Ｒ1は、オイルレベルの実際の変化との間
で相関があることから、この第１の電極９とセンサボデ
イ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ2と第２の電極１０とセンサボデ
イ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1との比Ｒ2：Ｒ1から現在のエン
ジンオイル２のレベルを特定できることになる。That is, assuming that the effect of the increase in the concentration of the insoluble matter in the engine oil 2 can be neglected, the oil level can be reduced from the maximum level LMAX or higher to the minimum level LLOW. In the meantime, the resistance value R 1 between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 is basically unchanged, while the resistance value R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 is As the degree of exposure of the first electrode 9 to the air increases, the resistance increases rapidly as a result of the resistance R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8.
And the resistance R between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8
Since the ratio R 2 : R 1 to 1 has a correlation with the actual change in the oil level, the resistance R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 and the second electrode 10 The current level of the engine oil 2 can be specified from the ratio R 2 : R 1 between the resistance value R 1 and the sensor body 8.
【００２３】そこで、上記のように第２の電極１０とセ
ンサボデイ８との間の抵抗値Ｒ1の変化を監視するのと
並行して、その第２の電極１０とセンサボデイ８との間
の抵抗値Ｒ1と第１の電極９とセンサボデイ８との間の
抵抗値Ｒ2との比Ｒ2：Ｒ1を算出しつつこれを監視する
と、その比Ｒ2：Ｒ1をもって現在のエンジンオイル２の
レベルを特定することができ、さらにオイルレベルが最
低レベルＬLOWになったときの上記の比Ｒ2：Ｒ1の値を
もって、オイル補充を促す警報を発することになる。Therefore, in parallel with monitoring the change in the resistance value R 1 between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 as described above, the resistance between the second electrode 10 and the sensor body 8 is monitored. When the ratio R 2 : R 1 between the value R 1 and the resistance value R 2 between the first electrode 9 and the sensor body 8 is calculated and monitored, the current engine oil 2 is calculated based on the ratio R 2 : R 1. Can be specified, and an alarm prompting oil replenishment is issued with the value of the ratio R 2 : R 1 when the oil level becomes the minimum level L LOW .
【００２４】このように、本実施の形態によれば、セン
サボデイ８を共通の電極として使用しつつも、それぞれ
別の第１，第２の電極９，１０との間の抵抗値Ｒ2，Ｒ1
の変化を監視することにより、エンジンオイル２の劣化
時期と現在のエンジンオイル２のレベルとを個別的に正
確かつ安定して検出することができる。As described above, according to the present embodiment, while the sensor body 8 is used as a common electrode, the resistance values R 2 and R 2 between the first and second electrodes 9 and 10 are different from each other. 1
Of the engine oil 2 and the current level of the engine oil 2 can be individually and accurately detected in a stable manner.
【００２５】ここで、上記の実施の形態では、エンジン
運転中にオイル劣化とオイルレベルとを検出する場合の
例を示したが、エンジン運転によりオイルレベルが大き
く変動するタイプのエンジンでは、オイルセンサ７の位
置をエンジン停止後の油面位置に合わせて設定し、エン
ジン停止後数分〜数十分間経過して油面が十分に安定す
るのを待って、センサボデイ８と第１，第２の電極９，
１０との間の抵抗値Ｒ2，Ｒ1の変化を監視しつつ、オイ
ル劣化時期と現在のオイルレベルとを個別的に検出す
る。Here, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which oil deterioration and oil level are detected during engine operation has been described. However, in an engine of a type in which the oil level greatly fluctuates due to engine operation, an oil sensor is used. 7 is set in accordance with the oil level after the engine is stopped. After a few minutes to several tens of minutes have elapsed after the engine has been stopped, and the oil level is sufficiently stabilized, the sensor body 8 and the first, second Electrode 9,
While monitoring the changes in the resistance values R 2 and R 1 between 10 and 10, the oil deterioration time and the current oil level are individually detected.
【図１】本発明の実施の形態を示す図で、図２に示すオ
イルセンサの拡大断面図。FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment of the present invention, and is an enlarged sectional view of the oil sensor shown in FIG. 2;
【図２】本発明の実施の形態を示す概略説明図。FIG. 2 is a schematic explanatory view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
【図３】従来のオイル状態検出装置の一例を示す概略説
明図。FIG. 3 is a schematic explanatory view showing an example of a conventional oil state detection device.
２…エンジンオイル ６…オイルパン ７…オイルセンサ ８…センサボデイ（第３の電極） ９…第１の電極 １０…第２の電極 ＬMAX…最大レベル ＬLOW…最低レベル2 ... engine oil 6 ... oil pan 7 ... oil sensor 8 ... sensor body (third electrode) 9 ... first electrode 10 ... second electrode L MAX ... maximum level L LOW ... minimum level
Claims (2)
オイルレベルとを検出する装置であって、 油面レベルに対してほぼ垂直な三つの電極を有してなる
オイルセンサをオイルパン内に臨ませてなり、 前記オイルセンサは、油面の最大レベル位置から下方に
伸びていてその最大レベルと最低レベルとの差に相当す
る有効検出長さを有する第１の電極と、油面の最低レベ
ル位置から下方に伸びていて第１の電極と同一の有効検
出長さを有する第２の電極と、油面の最大レベル位置か
ら下方に伸びていて第１，第２の電極の有効検出長さの
和に相当する有効検出長さを有する第３の電極とを備え
ていて、 オイルの劣化を、第２，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化と
して検出する一方、オイルレベルを、第１，第３の電極
間の抵抗値の変化と第２，第３の電極間の抵抗値の変化
との比として検出するようにしたことを特徴とするオイ
ル状態検出装置。1. A device for detecting deterioration of an oil contained in an oil pan and an oil level, comprising: an oil sensor having three electrodes substantially perpendicular to an oil level in the oil pan. A first electrode extending downward from a maximum level position of the oil level and having an effective detection length corresponding to a difference between the maximum level and the minimum level; A second electrode extending downward from the level position and having the same effective detection length as the first electrode; and an effective detection length of the first and second electrodes extending downward from the maximum level position on the oil surface. And a third electrode having an effective detection length corresponding to the sum of the oil levels, and detecting deterioration of oil as a change in resistance between the second and third electrodes, First, the change in the resistance between the third electrode and the second, third An oil state detection device, wherein the detection is made as a ratio to a change in resistance value between the electrodes.
２の電極と、これら第１，第２の電極を取り囲むように
してこれを保持するパイプ状のセンサボデイとから構成
されていて、センサボデイが第３の電極を兼ねているこ
とを特徴とする請求項１に記載のオイル状態検出装置。2. An oil sensor comprising: first and second electrodes parallel to each other; and a pipe-shaped sensor body surrounding the first and second electrodes and holding the first and second electrodes. 2. The oil state detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the device also functions as a third electrode.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4704198A JPH11248092A (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1998-02-27 | Oil condition sensing device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4704198A JPH11248092A (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1998-02-27 | Oil condition sensing device |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| JPH11248092A true JPH11248092A (en) | 1999-09-14 |
Family
ID=12764093
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP4704198A Pending JPH11248092A (en) | 1998-02-27 | 1998-02-27 | Oil condition sensing device |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPH11248092A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011094761A (en) * | 2009-11-02 | 2011-05-12 | Ebara Corp | Oil level detection and bearing monitoring device, and vacuum pump |
| CN106248178A (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2016-12-21 | 重庆万力联兴实业(集团)有限公司 | Automobile fuel pump oil level electric resistance sensor detection device |
-
1998
- 1998-02-27 JP JP4704198A patent/JPH11248092A/en active Pending
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2011094761A (en) * | 2009-11-02 | 2011-05-12 | Ebara Corp | Oil level detection and bearing monitoring device, and vacuum pump |
| CN106248178A (en) * | 2016-08-30 | 2016-12-21 | 重庆万力联兴实业(集团)有限公司 | Automobile fuel pump oil level electric resistance sensor detection device |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP4038456B2 (en) | Battery characteristic detection method | |
| JP4436256B2 (en) | Circuit arrangement for the operation of gas sensors | |
| KR20160016028A (en) | Method and system for detecting fault of rear oxygen sensor | |
| EP0767410B1 (en) | Automatic developing apparatus for photosensitive lithographic printing plates | |
| JP2008525143A (en) | Steam generator below a predetermined maximum value and method for maintaining the degree of contamination of its contents | |
| JP2003120437A (en) | Leak diagnosis device for evaporative gas purge system | |
| US20090195374A1 (en) | Oil level detecting device | |
| US7427347B2 (en) | Method for operating a measuring probe for measuring a gas concentration | |
| JPS63140951A (en) | Method for inspecting the condition of hydraulic fluid, its device, and circuit configuration | |
| JPH11248092A (en) | Oil condition sensing device | |
| JP3696237B2 (en) | Sensor signal evaluation method | |
| EP1921444A1 (en) | Exhaust gas sensors and methods for measuring concentrations of nox and ammonia and temperatures of the sensors | |
| JP5961061B2 (en) | Oil separator and gaseous fuel supply device | |
| JPH11248091A (en) | Oil condition sensing device | |
| JPH0878185A (en) | Method for detecting replacing time of x-ray tube and device used therefor | |
| JP2009092523A (en) | Degradation judgment method for humidity sensor and humidity measuring device | |
| EP0456167A2 (en) | Apparatus for treating a photosensitive material and method of adding water for use in the same | |
| JP3935789B2 (en) | Gas alarm | |
| JPH0344204B2 (en) | ||
| KR100520559B1 (en) | Engine oil level detection system of vehicle and control method thereof | |
| JP2000193621A (en) | Gas detection method and device | |
| JP2002333417A (en) | Heater self-diagnosis device for oxygen sensor | |
| JP4723335B2 (en) | Heater control device | |
| JP2007321587A (en) | Exhaust gas sensor control device | |
| JP2002055071A (en) | Gas detection performance diagnosis method and gas detection device |