JP2002131098A - Fluid supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the lowering of measuring precision due to an abnormal large flow rate by setting a flow rate upper limit value in response to the use condition of fluid to be measured. SOLUTION: A fluid supply device is provided with a flow passage 15 for flowing the fluid to be measured, a flow rate measuring means 16 for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate regulating means 17 for regulating the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening setting control means 18 for setting the initial opening of the flow rate regulating means. The initial opening of the flow rate regulating means 17 is controlled to set the upper limit value of the flow rate in response to the utilization condition of the fluid to be measured, and the lowering of the measuring precision is prevented due to the abnormal large flow rate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fluid supply device which can be used for, for example, a flow meter for household gas or water supply and has a flow rate adjusting function.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional fluid supply device provided with such a flow control function, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-43017. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional fluid supply device. 1 is a flow measuring unit, 2 is a first ultrasonic vibrator, 3
Is a second ultrasonic transducer. 4 is a fixed opening plate, 5 is a rotating opening plate, 6 is a fixed opening plate 4 and a rotating opening plate 5, and the rotating opening 5a of the rotating opening plate 5 is fixed to the fixed opening 4a of the fixed opening plate 4. This is a flow control valve that is opened by overlapping with the first opening, and is closed by overlapping the rotation closing portion 5b of the rotation opening plate 5 with the fixed opening 4a of the fixed opening plate 4. Reference numeral 7 designates the rotating opening plate 5 as the fixed opening plate 4.
A motor (drive unit) 8 rotates the rotary opening plate 5. Reference numeral 9 denotes a shaft connected to the motor 8. The shaft 9 is fixed to the rotary opening plate 5, and one end of the shaft 9 is rotatably supported by a bearing 4 b of the fixed opening plate 4. The motor 8 is attached to a holder 10, and the holder 10 is fixed to a pipe 12 by a support 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a control unit of the motor 8, and reference numeral 14 denotes a flow rate calculation unit which is connected to the ultrasonic vibrators 2 and 3 and calculates a flow rate based on signals from the ultrasonic vibrators 2 and 3.

In such a configuration, the time until the ultrasonic wave emitted from one ultrasonic oscillator is detected by the other ultrasonic oscillator is measured, and the velocity of the fluid is calculated from this time to calculate the flow rate. At the time of abnormality detection, the control unit 13 of the motor 8 operates when the vibration is detected, for example, due to an earthquake, and the motor 8 is driven to rotate the rotation opening plate 5 by a predetermined value to rotate the rotation opening plate 5. The flow is closed by overlapping the dynamic closing portion 5b on the fixed opening 4a of the fixed opening plate 4.

[0005]

However, in the prior art, the flow control valve 6 is fully open when the fluid is used, and when the pressure difference is large due to a high supply pressure of the fluid, the flow rate control valve 6 exceeds the measurement range. There is a problem that the measurement accuracy is reduced or measurement becomes impossible when the flow occurs.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and a flow rate of the fluid to be measured. And an initial opening setting control means for setting an initial opening of the flow adjusting means.

According to the above invention, the opening of the flow rate adjusting means can be set in accordance with the use condition of the fluid to be measured, and the upper limit value of the flow rate can be set. By changing the initial opening degree with the fluid supply device of the above, the invention can be applied to various kinds of fluid supply devices having different measurement ranges, and the productivity can be improved.

[0008]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention provides a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured,
It is provided with an initial opening setting control means for setting an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. The measurement accuracy can be secured by preventing the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate. Further, by changing the initial opening degree, the present invention can be applied to various kinds of fluid supply devices having different measurement ranges, thereby improving the productivity.

Further, a flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting the degree,
The apparatus further comprises a limit flow rate control means for controlling an opening of the flow rate control means so that a flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value.
Then, when the flow reaches a flow rate at which an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the set limit flow rate may occur due to an abnormal fluid pressure, etc., the opening of the flow rate adjusting means is reduced to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate, thereby improving measurement accuracy. As a result, the reliability can be improved, and the initial opening of the flow control means is set in advance, so that the frequency of occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate can be reduced and the number of times of driving the flow control means can be reduced, thereby reducing the driving energy.

[0010] Further, a flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting the degree, limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening of the flow rate adjusting means so that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate setting value, The apparatus is provided with limit flow rate changing means for changing the limit flow rate set value. When it is judged that there is a high possibility that an abnormally large flow rate will occur, the limit flow rate set value is changed to a smaller value and flow rate control is applied earlier to prevent instantaneous abnormally large flow rates and improve the reliability of measurement accuracy. When it is necessary to reduce the upper limit of the flow rate due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side (during a water shortage in the water supply) or the like, it is possible to secure the supply of the fluid by changing the set value of the limit flow rate to a small value.

In addition, the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. The apparatus is provided with limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening of the flow rate control means so that the flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value. Then, when the flow reaches a flow rate at which an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the set limit flow rate may occur due to an abnormal fluid pressure, etc., the opening of the flow rate adjusting means is reduced to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate, thereby improving measurement accuracy. Ensuring reliability can improve reliability.

The flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. The apparatus comprises a limit flow rate control means for controlling an opening of the flow rate control means so that the flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value, and a limit flow rate change means for changing the limit flow rate set value. When it can be determined that there is a high possibility that an abnormally large flow rate will occur, change the limit flow rate set value to a smaller value and apply flow control early to prevent instantaneous abnormally large flow rates and improve the reliability of the measurement system. When it is necessary to reduce the upper limit value of the flow rate due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side (during a water shortage in the water supply) or the like, it is possible to secure the supply of the fluid by changing the set value of the limit flow rate to a small value.

The limit flow rate changing means has a communication means which can be remotely controlled from the outside. When it is necessary to reduce the fluid supply amount due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side, a signal to reduce the limit flow rate set value is instantly sent from the supply side by the communication means, and prompt action is taken to cover the entire supply area. As a result, the minimum supply can be secured, and emergency crisis management can be improved.

The initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening based on the maximum flow rate value to be used. When the fluid supply device is used as a measuring device for water supply, household fuel gas, or the like, the flow rate adjusting means, the flow rate measuring means, or the flow path having the same specification can be commonly used for the specification having different measuring ranges. It is possible to improve the productivity and reduce the cost, and to provide a highly recyclable measuring instrument.

The initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening based on the maximum flow rate value to be used and the pressure value of the fluid to be measured. Further, since the initial opening of the flow control means can be set according to the magnitude of the supply pressure of the fluid based on the area where the fluid supply device is installed or the distance from the supply pipe, etc., the setting accuracy of the actual use maximum flow rate can be improved. The measurement accuracy of the flow rate can be improved.

The pressure value of the fluid to be measured is a pressure value detected by a fluid pressure measuring means provided in the flow path.
And since the supply pressure of the fluid at the place where the fluid supply device is installed is directly detected, the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means optimal for the supply pressure can be set, and the setting accuracy of the actual use maximum flow rate can be further improved, The decrease in measurement accuracy can be further improved.

The set value of the limit flow rate is the maximum flow rate to be used. In normal times, it can be used as a normal fluid supply device without any restrictions on the flow rate, ensuring measurement accuracy and improving reliability.In the event of an abnormality such as a broken pipe, a large amount of fluid to be measured abnormally flows out. Can be prevented and safety can be improved.

The flow rate measuring means is an estimating formula for measuring the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid to be measured. By instantaneously measuring the actual use flow rate, it is possible to instantaneously determine whether or not an abnormally large flow rate may occur, and to set the degree of opening of the flow rate adjusting means in accordance with the flow rate change. It is possible to improve the reliability of preventing generation of the flow rate.

Further, the flow rate measuring means is of an ultrasonic type having an ultrasonic oscillator provided in the flow path and an arithmetic unit for calculating a flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic oscillator. Then, the type of the fluid can be determined based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the fluid, and the opening of the flow rate adjusting means can be optimized according to the fluid, and the opening control with high control response and high stability can be realized. .

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply device showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 15 denotes a flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, and 16 denotes a flow rate measuring means provided in the flow path 15 to measure the flow rate of the fluid to be measured.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a flow rate adjusting means provided in the flow path 15 on the upstream side of the flow rate measuring means 16 to adjust the flow rate of the fluid to be measured. Reference numeral 18 denotes an initial opening setting control means for setting an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17, and the initial opening setting control means 18 is a use maximum flow setting section 19 or a fluid pressure setting section for setting an available maximum flow rate. An opening setting section 21 is provided for variably setting the opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 based on the use state of the fluid to be measured from 20. Reference numeral 22 denotes a drive control unit that drives the flow rate adjusting unit 17 based on a control signal from the opening degree setting unit 21. 2
Reference numeral 3 denotes a fluid pressure measuring means for detecting the pressure of the fluid, and a pressure inlet 23a of the fluid pressure measuring means 23 is connected to the upstream side 23b of the flow rate adjusting means 17 to detect a supply pressure to the fluid supply device. The fluid pressure setting unit 20 is connected to a fluid pressure manual input unit 20a and a fluid pressure measuring unit 22. The fluid pressure setting unit 20 transmits the fluid pressure information from the manual input unit 20a or the fluid pressure measuring unit 22 to the initial opening. This is reported to the setting control means 18.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the flow rate adjusting means 17. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 24 denotes a valve seat provided on the upstream side of the flow path 15, and reference numeral 25 denotes a flow regulating body which is disposed to face the valve seat 24 and regulates the flow state of the fluid. 26 is a support shaft that supports the flow restricting body 25 and moves the flow restricting body 25 in the axial direction, 27 is a motor that drives the flow restricting body 25, 28 is a converter that converts the rotational force of the motor 27 in the axial direction, 29 Reference numeral 30 denotes a support shaft seal portion provided between the support shaft 26 and the motor 27 so as to prevent leakage of the fluid. Reference numeral 30 denotes an urging member for urging the flow regulating member 25 in the direction of the valve seat 24.
The flow rate adjusting means 17 configured as described above is attached to the flow path 15 via the airtight seal portion 31 so that the fluid does not leak to the outside. Here, the axial distance L between the flow restricting body 25 and the valve seat 24 indicates the degree of opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17.

Next, the operation will be described. Here, a case where the present invention is used for a water supply pipe of a household water supply will be described. The maximum flow rate value which must be measured by the flow rate measuring means 16 is determined by the contents of each household water supply device provided on the downstream side, and as a fluid supply device, there are many fluid supply devices from large to small measurable flow rate upper limit values. You need to prepare the kind. Therefore, predetermined information is input to the opening setting section 21 of the initial opening setting control means 18 so that the flow rate does not flow any more than the measurable flow rate upper limit value. Then, the motor unit 27 of the flow rate adjusting means 17 is driven by the drive control unit 22 to move the flow restricting body 25 to set a predetermined initial opening. Further, the fluid supply devices having different measurement ranges are set by appropriately changing the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 with respect to various measurable flow rate upper limit values.

For this purpose, by setting a predetermined flow resistance in the flow path 15 by the flow restricting body 25 of the flow rate adjusting means 17, the flow rate flowing into the flow rate measuring means 16 is restricted to a measurable upper limit value or less. This prevents the measurement accuracy from degrading or exceeding the measurement range due to exceeding the measurement range.
In addition, the flow path 15, the flow rate measuring means 16 or the flow rate adjusting means 17 having the same specification can be shared with the specifications having different measurement ranges, and the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means 17 can be used to cope with the productivity. Maintainability can be improved.

As described above, the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate can be prevented to ensure measurement accuracy, and furthermore, by changing the initial opening with one type of fluid supply device, it can be applied to various types of fluid supply devices having different measurement ranges. Productivity can be improved.

The maximum flow value flowing into the flow rate measuring means 16 is set stepwise as a maximum use flow value, and based on the maximum use flow value, a maximum use flow rate setting section 19 of the initial opening setting control means 18 is used. The opening degree setting unit 21
To the flow control means 17 via the drive control unit 22
Set the initial opening of.

For this purpose, as described above, the flow rate adjusting means 1
By setting a predetermined flow resistance in the flow path 15 by the flow restricting body 25 of FIG. 7, the flow rate flowing into the flow rate measuring means 16 is regulated to be equal to or less than the measurable flow rate upper limit value and exceeds the measurement range. In addition to preventing dropping or incapacity of measurement, when using a fluid supply device as a measuring device that is used as a basis for calculating usage fees for water supply, household fuel gas, etc., the initial opening is determined by the capacity of the fluid supply device. This is a standard specification to be determined. Since a change input unit is not provided so that the maximum use flow rate value of the maximum use flow rate setting unit 19 cannot be easily changed, illegal processing can be prevented. However, when the fluid supply device is recovered after the expiration of the validity period as a measuring device, the maximum flow rate setting unit 19 is used after performing maintenance.
The maximum flow rate can be changed and the measurement range can be easily changed to a different one from the initial one, and even if the supply-demand balance for each measuring instrument capacity changes over time, it can be easily handled.
It can be recycled as a weighing instrument with a large capacity to enhance recyclability. In addition, the productivity can be improved and the cost can be reduced by sharing the basic members such as the flow path 15, the flow rate measuring means 16 and the flow rate adjusting means 17 for various measuring ranges.

As described above, when the fluid supply device is used as a measuring device for water supply, household fuel gas, or the like, the flow rate adjusting means, the flow rate measuring means, or the flow path having the same specification for specifications having different measuring ranges are commonly used. By using such a measuring instrument, productivity can be improved and cost can be reduced, and a highly recyclable measuring instrument can be provided.

The initial opening setting control means 18 sets the initial opening from both the maximum use flow rate value set in the maximum use flow rate setting section 19 and the pressure value of the fluid to be measured set in the fluid pressure setting section 20. Here, the manual input unit 20a
The case where the opening degree is set based on the pressure information input from the above is shown. That is, even if the same maximum usage flow rate is set,
When the pressure of the fluid to be measured is high, the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 is made smaller, and when the pressure of the fluid to be measured is low, the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means 17 is made larger so that the maximum use flow rate value is increased. Secure. Note that the pressure information input from the manual input unit 20a may be an estimated value of pressure, or pressure information of a region where the water supply pipe is installed, for example, high, medium, or
It may be a value classified based on information such as a classification value such as low, a distance from a water supply pipe of a supply source, and a length of a water supply pipe installed in each household.

For this reason, even if the fluid to be measured is installed in a place where the supply pressure of the fluid to be measured is different, the flow rate adjusting means 17 according to the fluid pressure.
By setting the initial opening degree, the setting accuracy of the actual use maximum flow rate is increased, the frequency of the flow rate of the fluid to be measured exceeding the measurement range can be reduced, and the decrease in measurement accuracy due to the measurement range overflow can be improved.

As described above, the initial opening of the flow control means can be set according to the magnitude of the supply pressure of the fluid based on the area where the fluid supply device is installed, the distance from the supply pipe, and the like. The setting accuracy can be improved, and the flow measurement accuracy can be improved.

The initial opening setting control means 18 sets the initial opening from both the maximum use flow rate value set in the maximum use flow rate setting section 19 and the pressure value of the fluid to be measured set in the fluid pressure setting section 20. At the same time, the pressure value of the fluid to be measured is the pressure value detected by the fluid pressure measuring means 23 provided in the flow path 15.

For this reason, since the supply pressure of the fluid at the place where the fluid supply device is installed is directly detected, the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means optimal for the supply pressure can be set, and the setting accuracy of the maximum flow rate actually used can be improved. The frequency can be further improved, and the frequency of the flow rate of the fluid to be measured exceeding the measurement range can be further reduced, so that the decrease in measurement accuracy due to the measurement range exceeding the range can be further improved.

Here, an example in which the axial distance L between the valve seat 24 and the flow restricting body 25 is changed as the opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 has been described. It goes without saying that the size in the radial direction can be changed (not shown) by inserting the regulating body 25 or the like.

Although the above description has been made of the case where the present invention is used for a water supply pipe for water supply, the same applies to the case of using it for a pipe for household fuel gas such as city gas or LP gas, or a pipe for kerosene.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply device showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the drawing, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

Numeral 32 designates a limit flow rate which is an upper limit of the flow rate flowing through the flow rate measuring means 16 and controls the opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 so that the flow rate value of the flow rate measuring means 16 does not exceed the limit flow rate value. The limiting flow rate control means 32 is connected to the flow rate measuring means 16 and the drive control unit 22 so as to be able to transmit signals.
In this case, the information of the maximum use flow rate value of the maximum use flow rate setting unit 19 is also connected so that the signal can be transmitted.

Next, the operation will be described. Here, the first embodiment
As in the case of the above, the case where the fluid to be measured is used in a water supply pipe of a household water supply will be described. Setting of the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 by the opening degree setting unit 21 or setting of the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 by the maximum use flow rate setting unit 19;
Alternatively, the setting of the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 by the fluid pressure setting unit 20 is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

If the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means 16 exceeds or is likely to exceed the limit flow rate value set by the limit flow rate control means 32, the drive control unit 22
The flow rate flowing through the flow rate measuring means 16 is controlled to be equal to or less than the limit flow rate value by controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means 17 to be small through the control unit. When the flow rate flowing through the flow rate measuring means 16 becomes sufficiently smaller than the limit flow rate value, the limit flow rate control means 32 notifies the drive control section 22 of the end of the control, and the drive control section 22 adjusts the flow rate by the initial initial opening setting control means 18. Returning to the control of the means 17, the flow regulating means 17 is reset to its initial opening.

For this reason, the frequency with which the measurement accuracy is reduced due to exceeding the measurement range of the flow rate measurement means 16 is reduced, and the measurement accuracy is constantly maintained, thereby improving the reliability.
The initial opening setting control means 18 controls the flow rate adjusting means 17.
Since the initial opening degree is set in advance, the frequency of occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate is reduced as compared with the case where the initial opening degree is not set, so that the driving frequency of the flow rate adjusting means 17 can be reduced and the driving energy can be reduced. When it is necessary to drive the flow rate adjusting means 17 with a limited energy capacity using a battery or the like, long-term use becomes possible. If the limit flow rate is set to a value that is sufficiently smaller than the maximum flow rate, the flow rate is regulated by the set value, which is effective for reducing the amount of fluid to be measured and saving energy or resources. To use the fluid. When the limit flow rate is set to the same value as the maximum flow rate, it can be used in normal times without restriction on the flow rate within the allowable range of the fluid supply device, but it can be used downstream from the fluid supply device due to a disaster such as an earthquake. Therefore, even if the water supply line breaks and a large amount of water leaks, the amount of water leakage is controlled to be equal to or less than the set limit flow rate, so that an abnormally large amount of outflow is prevented.

As described above, when the flow reaches a flow rate at which an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the set limit flow rate may occur due to a fluid pressure abnormality or the like, the opening of the flow rate adjusting means is reduced to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate. Reliability can be improved by ensuring measurement accuracy, and the initial opening of the flow control means is set in advance, so that the occurrence frequency of abnormally large flow rate is reduced and the number of times of driving the flow control means is reduced. Energy can be reduced.

In addition, by setting the limit flow rate set value to the maximum flow rate to be used, it can be used as a normal fluid supply device in normal times without increasing the flow rate, ensuring measurement accuracy and improving reliability. In the event of an abnormality such as breakage of the fluid, a large amount of the fluid to be measured can be prevented from flowing out abnormally, and safety can be improved.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply device showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the drawings, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description is omitted, and different portions will be mainly described.

Reference numeral 33 denotes a limit flow rate changing means for changing and inputting the limit flow rate set value set in the limit flow rate control means 32. The limit flow rate changing means 33 converts the information of the input limit flow rate value into the limit flow rate control means 32. Are connected so that signals can be transmitted to them. The limit flow rate control means 32 is connected so as to detect information on the maximum use flow rate value set in the maximum use flow rate setting unit 19, and a flow rate value exceeding the maximum use flow rate value is input by the limit flow rate change means 33. However, the limit flow control means 32 does not send a signal to the drive control unit 22 at a value exceeding the maximum use flow value.

When it can be determined that there is a high possibility that an abnormally large flow rate will occur, the limit flow rate set value is changed to a smaller value and flow rate control is applied earlier to prevent the instantaneous abnormally large flow rate from occurring. A decrease in accuracy can be eliminated, and the reliability of measurement accuracy can be improved. Also, if it becomes necessary to reduce the upper limit of the flow rate due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side (during a water shortage in the water supply), change the limit flow rate set value to a smaller value to reduce the amount of fluid used in each home or business place As a result, it is possible to prevent partial water interruption and to secure the supply of fluid throughout the region.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a fluid supply apparatus showing another embodiment of the third embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 34 denotes a communication unit provided in the limit flow rate changing unit 33, which supplies a fluid to be measured. The limit flow rate set value can be changed and input by remote control with a base station 35 as a supply source by radio or the like.

When it is necessary to reduce the fluid supply amount due to an abnormality on the supply side of the fluid to be measured, for example, when the water supply is drought, a control signal is supplied from the supply side base station 35 to the whole area or the target area. Instantaneously sends a signal to reduce the limit flow rate set value to the communication means 34, and can take quick action to reduce the amount of fluid used in each home or business and secure the minimum supply to the supply area. , Can improve emergency crisis management.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply apparatus showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the drawings, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different portions will be mainly described.

The limit flow rate control means 32 compares the limit flow rate value preset therein and the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means 16 provided in the flow path 15 through which the fluid to be measured flows. A control signal is sent to the drive control unit 22 so that the flow value flowing through the flow control unit 15 does not exceed the limit flow value.
The flow rate is controlled by changing the opening degree of 7.

When the flow reaches a flow rate at which an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the set limit flow rate may occur due to an abnormal pressure of the fluid or the like, the opening of the flow control means is reduced to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate. The reliability can be improved by ensuring the measurement accuracy without reducing the measurement accuracy due to the flow rate exceeding the measurement range of the flow rate measurement means 16.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply apparatus showing Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the drawings, the same members and the same functions as those of the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different portions will be mainly described.

The limit flow rate control means 32 is connected to a limit flow rate change means 33, and information on the limit flow rate value input to the limit flow rate change means 33 is transmitted to the limit flow rate control means 32. The limit flow rate changing means 33 can manually input a change value of the limit flow rate. Further, it is wirelessly connected to a supply base station 35 that supplies the fluid to be measured via a communication means 34 provided in the limit flow rate changing means 33, and the set value of the limit flow rate of the limit flow rate control means 32 is It can be changed by remote control from the base station 35.

When it can be determined that there is a high possibility that an abnormally large flow rate will occur, the limit flow rate set value is changed to a smaller optimum value for each fluid supply device, and the flow rate control is applied earlier to achieve an instantaneous flow rate control. Abnormally large flow can be prevented and the reliability of the measurement system can be improved. Further, when it is necessary to reduce the fluid supply amount due to an abnormality on the supply side of the fluid to be measured, for example, at the time of water shortage, a control signal is supplied from the supply-side base station 35 to the whole area or the target area of each household. A signal to reduce the limit flow rate set value is instantly sent to the communication means 34, and a prompt response is made to reduce the amount of fluid used in each home or business place, and a minimum supply to the supply area can be secured, Emergency crisis management can be improved.

(Embodiment 6) FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a fluid supply apparatus showing Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the drawings, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description is omitted, and different portions will be mainly described.

Reference numerals 36 and 37 denote ultrasonic vibrators arranged so as to oppose each other to a measuring section 38 provided in the flow channel 15. The ultrasonic vibrator 36 on the upstream side and the ultrasonic vibrator 37 on the downstream side are separated by a distance. L and at an angle θ with respect to the flow of the fluid to be measured at the velocity V. 39 is a signal generation processing unit for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves to and from the connected ultrasonic transducers 36 and 37, and 40 is a signal generation processing unit 3
Numeral 41 denotes an arithmetic unit for calculating speed, sound speed, etc. based on the signal at 9, and numeral 41 denotes a fluid judging unit for judging the type of fluid based on the result of the arithmetic unit 40. The fluid discriminating unit 40 is connected to the opening setting unit 21. Thus, the flow rate measuring means 16
Is an ultrasonic flowmeter which is an estimating flowmeter capable of instantaneous measurement, and the fluid discriminating unit 41 discriminates a fluid based on signals from the ultrasonic vibrators 36 and 37.

Next, the operation will be described. When the fluid to be measured is flowing through the measuring section 38, the ultrasonic wave is transmitted and received between the ultrasonic vibrators 36 and 37 so as to cross the measuring section 38 by the operation of the signal generation processing section 39. That is, the elapsed time T1 until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the upstream ultrasonic oscillator 36 is received by the downstream ultrasonic oscillator 37 is measured. On the other hand, an elapsed time T2 until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the ultrasonic oscillator 37 on the downstream side is received by the ultrasonic oscillator 36 on the upstream side is measured. Based on the elapsed times T1 and T2 measured in this way, the flow rate is calculated by the calculation unit 40 by the following calculation formula.

Assume that the angle between the flow of the fluid to be measured and the ultrasonic wave propagation path is θ, and the ultrasonic vibrator 3 which is a flow rate measuring unit
Assuming that the distance between 6 and 37 is L and the sound velocity of the fluid to be measured is C, the flow velocity V is calculated by the following equation.

T1 = L / (C + Vcos θ) T2 = L / (C−Vcos θ) The sound velocity C is eliminated from the formula of subtracting the reciprocal of T2 from the reciprocal of T1 and V = (L / 2 cos θ) ((1 / T1) − (1 / T
2)) Since θ and L are known, the flow velocity V is calculated from the values of T1 and T2.
Can be calculated. Now, considering the measurement of the air flow rate, the angle θ = 45 degrees, the distance L = 70 mm, the sound velocity C = 340 m / s,
Assuming a flow velocity V = 8 m / s, T1 = 2.0 × 10
⁻⁴ seconds, T2 = 2.1 × 10 ⁻⁴ seconds, and instantaneous measurement is possible.

Here, based on the cross-sectional area s of the measuring unit 38, the flow rate Q is V = kVs, where k is a conversion coefficient in consideration of the flow velocity distribution in the cross-sectional area s. Further, the arithmetic unit 40 calculates the sound velocity C by the following equation obtained by adding the reciprocal of the elapsed time T1 and the reciprocal of T2.

C = L ((1 / T1) + (1 / T2)) / 2 The sound velocity C is obtained in this way, the type of the fluid to be measured is determined based on the calculated sound velocity C, and the sound velocity or the type of the fluid to be measured is determined. The measurement conditions as an ultrasonic flow meter suitable for the measurement. The measurement conditions for this ultrasonic flow meter include:
There is a driving power such as a driving frequency and a driving voltage of the ultrasonic vibrator or the number of repetitions of how many times the elapsed times T1 and T2 are measured to calculate the flow velocity. The accuracy of determining the type of the fluid to be measured can be increased by registering the fluid that is assumed to be used in the fluid determination unit 41 in advance, and the sound velocity C changes with temperature. Needless to say, the accuracy of discriminating the type of the fluid to be measured can be further improved by providing a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the fluid to be measured.

The opening degree setting section 21 sets the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means 17 as described above in the first embodiment and operates via the drive control section 22 so as to attain a predetermined opening degree.
By specifying the type of the fluid to be measured by the fluid discriminating unit 41, the flow resistance loss in the flow rate adjusting unit 17 is determined according to the type of the fluid, and the opening of the flow rate adjusting unit 17 is set. , The flow rate adjusting means 17 is operated to have a more appropriate predetermined opening degree. For example, when considering gases such as air, propane gas, and methane gas as the fluid to be measured, the sound speeds are 344 m / s, 245 m / s, and 442 m / s, respectively.
(20 ° C.), which can be discriminated from the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave. Since the viscosity coefficients of the respective fluids are significantly different, the opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 is set to a different value for the same flow rate value. In addition, since the fluid discriminating unit 41 measures instantaneously using ultrasonic waves, fluid discrimination is performed at a high speed, and the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means 17 can be controlled with enhanced responsiveness.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a fluid supply device showing another embodiment of the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Not only the initial opening setting control means 18 but also a limit flow rate control means 32 are provided. It is connected so that a signal can be transmitted from the calculation unit 40 of the flow rate measuring means 16 for measuring the flow rate by a certain ultrasonic wave to the limit flow rate control means 32.

The limit flow rate control means 32 can control the opening of the flow rate control means 17 by increasing the responsiveness based on the instantaneous flow rate, and the abnormal large flow rate can be controlled by the opening degree control corresponding to the actual flow rate. Can be reliably prevented. Further, by using the fluid identification signal from the fluid discriminating unit 41 in addition to the information on the instantaneous flow rate value from the computing unit 40, the set target value of the opening of the flow rate adjusting unit 17 can be set more appropriately, and in a short time. Control is performed so that the flow rate value does not exceed the use maximum flow rate value or the limit flow rate value, and stable opening control with high control responsiveness can be realized.

As described above, the flow rate measuring means uses an estimation formula for instantaneously measuring the actual use flow rate, thereby instantaneously determining whether or not an abnormally large flow rate may occur, and changing the opening of the flow rate adjusting means to the flow rate change rate. The response can be improved to improve the reliability of preventing the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate.

Further, the flow rate measuring means is of an ultrasonic type in which the flow rate is calculated based on the signal from the ultrasonic transducer, so that the type of the fluid is determined based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave propagating in the fluid. The control of the opening degree of the adjusting means can be optimized according to the fluid, and the opening degree control with high control response and high stability can be realized.

[0066]

As apparent from the above description, the following effects can be obtained according to the fluid supply device of the present invention.

The flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Equipped with an initial opening setting control means to set, it has the effect of preventing the occurrence of abnormally large flow rate and ensuring measurement accuracy.Furthermore, by changing the initial opening, supply of various kinds of fluids with different measurement ranges There is an effect that the present invention can be applied to an apparatus and productivity can be improved.

A flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting a degree, and limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means so that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate setting value. When the flow reaches a flow rate that may cause an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the set limit flow rate due to abnormal fluid pressure, etc., reduce the opening of the flow control means to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate. There is an effect that reliability can be improved by ensuring accuracy, and since the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means is set in advance, the occurrence frequency of abnormally large flow rate is reduced and the number of times of driving the flow rate adjusting means is reduced. Drive There is an effect that can reduce the Energy.

Also, a flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting the degree, limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening of the flow rate adjusting means so that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate setting value, Since it is provided with the limit flow rate changing means for changing the limit flow rate set value, when it can be determined that there is a high possibility that an abnormally large flow rate will occur, the limit flow rate set value is changed to a smaller value and flow control is added earlier. This has the effect of preventing the instantaneous abnormal large flow rate and improving the reliability of measurement accuracy. If the upper limit of the flow rate needs to be reduced due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side (during a water shortage in the water supply), etc. There is an effect that the supply securing fluid can be realized by changing the field rate set value to a small value.

The flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. It is provided with a limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening of the flow rate control means so that the flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value, so that an abnormally large flow rate exceeding the limit flow rate set value due to fluid pressure abnormality or the like. When the flow reaches the flow rate at which there is a possibility that the flow will occur, there is an effect that the degree of opening of the flow control means can be reduced to prevent the occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate, and there is an effect that reliability can be improved by ensuring measurement accuracy. .

The flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, the flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. Since there are provided a limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening degree of the flow rate control means so that the flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value, and a limit flow rate change means for changing the limit flow rate set value, abnormal When it is judged that there is a high possibility that a large flow rate will occur, the limit flow rate set value is changed to a smaller value and flow rate control is added earlier to prevent instantaneous abnormal large flow rate and improve the reliability of the measurement system. This is effective, and when it becomes necessary to reduce the upper limit of the flow rate due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side (during a water shortage, etc.), change the limit flow rate set value to a smaller value to secure the fluid supply. There is an effect that that.

Further, since the limit flow rate changing means includes a communication means which can be remotely operated from the outside, when it is necessary to reduce the fluid supply amount due to an abnormality on the fluid supply side, the limit flow rate is controlled by the communication means from the supply side. There is an effect that a signal for reducing the set value is instantaneously sent, a prompt response is taken, a minimum supply can be secured for the entire supply area, and the crisis management in an emergency can be improved.

Further, the initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening based on the maximum flow rate to be used, so that when the fluid supply device is used as a measuring device for water supply, domestic fuel gas, etc., the measuring range is set. By using the same flow rate adjusting means, flow rate measuring means or flow path with the same specifications for different specifications, there is an effect that productivity can be improved and cost can be reduced, and a highly recyclable measuring instrument can be provided. This has the effect.

The initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening based on the maximum flow rate to be used and the pressure value of the fluid to be measured, so that the distance from the area where the fluid supply device is installed or the supply pipe is set. Since the initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means can be set in accordance with the magnitude of the supply pressure of the fluid based on, for example, the accuracy of setting the maximum flow rate actually used can be improved, and the measurement accuracy of the flow rate can be improved.

Since the pressure value of the fluid to be measured is the pressure value detected by the fluid pressure measuring means provided in the flow channel, the supply pressure of the fluid at the place where the fluid supply device is installed is directly detected. It is possible to set the initial opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means that is optimal for the supply pressure, to further improve the setting accuracy of the actual maximum flow rate, and to further improve the measurement accuracy.

Further, by setting the limit flow rate set value to the maximum flow rate to be used, there is an effect that in normal times, the measurement accuracy can be secured and the reliability can be increased without being restricted by the flow rate as a normal fluid supply device. In addition, in the case of an abnormality such as a break in a pipeline, there is an effect that an abnormally large amount of fluid to be measured can be prevented from flowing out and safety can be improved.

Since the flow rate measuring means is an estimating formula for measuring the instantaneous flow rate of the fluid to be measured, by instantaneously measuring the actual flow rate, it is instantaneously determined whether or not an abnormally large flow rate may occur. There is an effect that the degree of opening of the adjusting means can be set by increasing the responsiveness by following a change in the flow rate, and there is an effect that control with high responsiveness can improve the reliability of preventing occurrence of an abnormally large flow rate.

Further, since the flow rate measuring means is of an ultrasonic type having an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the flow path and a calculation unit for calculating a flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic vibrator, the flow rate propagates in the fluid. The degree of opening of the flow rate adjusting means can be optimized according to the fluid by determining the type of fluid from the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave, and there is an effect that opening control with high control response and high stability can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a flow control means of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is another configuration diagram of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram illustrating a fluid supply device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is another configuration diagram of the device.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a conventional fluid supply device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Flow path 16 Flow rate measuring means 17 Flow rate adjusting means 18 Initial opening setting control means 32 Limit flow rate control means 33 Limit flow rate changing means 34 Communication means 36, 37 Ultrasonic vibrator 40 Operation part

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G05D 7/06 G05D 7/06 Z 5H307 // F16K 31/04 F16K 31/04 A F term (reference) 2F030 CA03 CC02 CC03 CC03 CC13 CE04 CE09 CF08 2F031 AE09 2F035 DA14 3H062 AA02 AA15 BB06 CC01 DD01 EE06 FF07 HH07 3H064 AA01 BA05 DA06 DB01 5H307 AA08 AA12 BB04 BB06 DD17 DD20 EE02 EE06 EE12 FF05 FF12 GG11 H01

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. A fluid supply device comprising an initial opening setting control means for setting a degree. 2. A flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting a degree, and limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting means so that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate setting value. Fluid supply device. 3. A flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and an initial opening of the flow rate adjusting means. Initial opening setting control means for setting the degree, limit flow rate control means for controlling the opening of the flow rate adjusting means so that the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means does not exceed a preset limit flow rate setting value, A fluid supply device comprising a limit flow rate changing means for changing the set value of the limit flow rate. 4. A flow path through which the fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. A fluid supply device comprising a limit flow rate control means for controlling an opening of the flow rate control means so that a flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value. 5. A flow path through which a fluid to be measured flows, a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, a flow rate adjusting means for adjusting a flow rate of the fluid to be measured, and the flow rate measuring means. A fluid supply device comprising: a limit flow rate control unit that controls an opening of the flow rate control unit so that a flow rate value does not exceed a preset limit flow rate set value; and a limit flow rate change unit that changes the limit flow rate set value. 6. The fluid supply device according to claim 3, wherein the limit flow rate changing means includes a communication means which can be remotely controlled from the outside. 7. The fluid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening on the basis of the maximum use flow rate value. 8. The fluid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the initial opening setting control means sets the initial opening based on the maximum flow rate value to be used and the pressure value of the fluid to be measured. 9. The flow measurement control device according to claim 8, wherein the pressure value of the fluid to be measured is a pressure value detected by a fluid pressure measuring means provided in the flow path. 10. The fluid supply device according to claim 2, wherein the limit flow rate set value is a maximum use flow rate. 11. The fluid supply device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate measuring means is an estimating formula for measuring an instantaneous flow rate of the fluid to be measured. 12. The fluid supply according to claim 11, wherein the flow rate measuring means is an ultrasonic type having an ultrasonic vibrator provided in the flow path and a calculation unit for calculating a flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic vibrator. apparatus.