JP2002333079A - Valve opening detecting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a valve opening detecting device utilizing a RFID(Radio Frequency-IDntification) tag, and capable of easily adding and changing the information from the ground on site. SOLUTION: This valve opening detecting device comprises a masking plate 19 mounted relatively rotatably between a full-close position corresponding to the full-close of a valve element and a full-open position corresponding to the full-open of the valve element in interlocking with the rotating operation of a valve rod, RFID tags 13, 14, 15 capable of reading and writing the information in a non-contact state, antennas mounted adjacent to the RFID tags 13, 14, 15, and a main body device reading and writing the information through the antennas. This detecting device reads out the information recorded on the RFID tags 13, 14, 15 by communication with the RFID tags 13, 14, 15 exposed at an opening part 20, and distinguishes the communicated RFID tags 13, 14, 15 to recognize a position of the masking plate 19 to detect an actual opening position of the valve element.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a valve opening detecting device, and more particularly to a technology for detecting an opening in a valve such as a valve for underground burial installed in a water pipe network, a soft seal gate valve, and a gas valve. It is related.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, most valves installed for maintenance and management of a water pipe network are of a gate valve type, and a butterfly valve type is also employed when the diameter becomes large.
Most of these are manual and buried underground.

[0003] Since these valves are premised on being used in a fully closed or fully opened state, it is general that no opening scale is provided conventionally. Therefore, the operator knows the opening / closing direction of the valve in some way, knows the operation end by the weight of the operation, and confirms whether the valve is fully open or fully closed.

[0004] However, there are cases in which the intermediate state is set for reasons of maintenance of the pipeline, and in particular, the internal screw type gate valve cannot be judged from the external appearance whether it is fully closed or fully open, so that the opening degree cannot be determined. Cases using metering have also increased.

[0005] This opening degree meter reduces the operation of about 10 to 15 rotations from fully closed to fully opened by a gear to 30 degrees to 1 degree.
In general, the rotation is converted to about 20 degrees, the opening scale and a pointer are attached, and the opening position is visually observed from above.

The above-mentioned valves such as a water distribution pipeline network play an important role in the maintenance and management of the pipeline network or at the time of an emergency disaster. Each valve has unique information such as a valve management number, It has the product name, model, nominal diameter, opening / closing direction, shutoff speed, shutoff torque, etc.

[0007] Since such information is required at the time of valve operation, etc., conventionally, such information is described on a tag made of acrylic, aluminum material, laminated material, or the like, and is attached to a place visible from the ground. .

In recent years, pipeline mapping systems have been developed with the development of computers, and the level of maintenance and management of pipeline networks has been dramatically improved. Although it is possible to search and view each time, even in this case, it is necessary to attach a valve management number to the valve itself as minimum information in order to match each valve with the information related to each valve.

[0009]

However, the method of writing information on a tag attached to a valve cannot cope with an increase in the amount of information because the space for writing information is limited. In particular, when it is necessary to add or change information, it is difficult to work on site and it is physically impossible. Also, when visually checking the opening scale of an underground buried valve from the operation port on the ground, it is dark and difficult to see if dirt or the like adheres to the opening scale and it is seen through the small operation port. Often.

When managing information with a computer,
It often happens that the valve position data on the computer and the actual valve position are different or suspected to be different. This is presumed to be due to the fact that the system for updating the data based on the daily work report or the like is not a system that reliably updates the data to the latest data.

By mounting a control device on each valve, it is possible to solve the problem that the opening scale cannot be read due to dirt or insufficient lighting, and to update data to the computer directly without using human memory or paper recording. Data can be input to the computer, but in this case, a power source is required because technical means for generally obtaining an electric signal of the opening degree are employed.

There are three ways to introduce a power supply: a) drawing in the power supply with a cable, b) incorporating a battery, and c) supplying external power only when reading. It is impossible to draw commercial power into a valve that is hardly operated throughout the year in terms of cost. In the case of item b, the battery is consumed, and thus the same problem as item a occurs. In addition, there is a method of setting a battery only when reading, but it is not realistic because it takes time and effort in an installation environment of an underground valve.

[0013] As means of item c, it is conceivable to set a battery on the side receiving the opening signal and connect the lead wires with a socket or the like when reading. However, it takes time and effort to connect the lead wires. The upper part of the valve is often condensed and is in an environment unsuitable for drawing electric signals through terminals.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and provides a valve opening detection device that can easily add or change information from the ground at a site using an RFID (Radio Frequency-IDentification) tag. The purpose is to:

[0015]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a valve opening detecting device according to the present invention is provided with a fully closed position corresponding to a fully closed position of a valve body in conjunction with a rotation operation of a valve stem. A magnetic shielding plate disposed relatively rotatably over a corresponding fully opened position when the body is fully opened, an RFID tag capable of reading and writing information in a non-contact manner, and an antenna disposed close to the RFID tag And a main unit for reading and writing information through an antenna, and RFID tags arranged below the magnetic shielding plate are arranged at a plurality of positions along the relative movement direction of the magnetic shielding plate, and An opening is formed in the body shielding plate to expose a predetermined range of the RFID tag with the relative movement, and the RFID is exposed at the opening.
In addition to reading information recorded in the RFID tag by communicating with the tag, the position of the magnetic shielding plate is recognized by identifying the communicated RFID tag, and the actual opening position of the valve body is detected.

With the above configuration, the RFID tag disposed on a valve such as an internal threaded gate valve cannot be communicated with the antenna by being covered with a magnetic shielding plate such as an iron plate. Communication becomes possible,
While the RFID tag and the magnetic shielding plate move relative to the fully closed position corresponding to the fully closed position of the valve body and the fully opened position corresponding to the fully opened state of the valve body in conjunction with the rotation operation of the valve stem, The RFID tags that are exposed at the opening and can communicate with the antenna are switched.

[0017] Therefore, the RFID placed in the underground buried valve
R that exposes the antenna by approaching the antenna from the ground from the ground
By communicating with the FID tag and identifying the RFID tag, the relative position of the opening with respect to each RFID tag and the relative position of the magnetic shielding plate can be known, and the valve element is determined from the relative position of the magnetic shielding plate. Of the actual opening degree is determined.

Therefore, it is not necessary to visually check the opening scale of the underground buried valve from the operation port on the ground, and the valve opening can be reliably detected without being hindered by mud adhering to the opening scale and insufficient lighting. it can. Even when the valve opening data managed by a computer or the like is different from the actual valve opening, the actual valve opening is reliably detected, so that the valve opening / closing operation is not mistaken.

Information such as valve opening, opening / closing direction required for operation, rotation speed, shutoff torque, etc., as well as information on front and rear pipes, information on buried objects in the surroundings, or past work history in the RFID tag. By recording this information as data, this information can be read out at the same time as the detection of the valve opening, so that not only during normal maintenance but also during emergency disasters, Since the information can be obtained and the valve itself has the information including the pipeline, it is possible to judge appropriate measures for the recovery work at the site in the event of an emergency disaster. In addition, by recording the result after the operation in the RFID tag, the latest information can be always kept on site.

By transferring the daily work report data to a computer that manages the data of the pipeline network, it is possible to always match the actual state of the valve with the information. A mobile mapping system that can be used effectively during a disaster can be configured.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The target valves are, for example, FIGS.
An internal threaded gate valve 1 buried underground as shown in
The rotation of the valve stem 2 moves the valve body 3 between the fully open position and the fully closed position.

An opening meter 4 is mounted on the valve stem 2 of the internally threaded sluice valve 1, and the opening meter 4 is disposed so as to penetrate the upper end of the valve stem 2. It is set sandwiched between the operation cap 5.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a gear case 6 fixed to the gate valve body so that the opening meter 4 does not rotate,
A rotating shaft 7 fitted to the operation cap 5 with the projection 7a and rotating integrally with the valve stem 2 and the operation cap 5, and a fixed large gear 8 fitted to the projection 6a of the gear case 6 and fixedly mounted to the gear case 6. And an O-ring 9 arranged between the gear case 6 and the fixed large gear 8, and a movable gear mounted on the rotating shaft 7 and meshed with the fixed large gear 8 via a small gear 10 provided on the rotating shaft 7. A large gear 11 and an R rotating integrally with the movable large gear 11
FID storage plate 12, a plurality of RFID tags 13, 14, 15 attached to the RFID storage plate 12, a cover 17 made of a transparent resin fixed and arranged on the gear case 6 by screws 16, a cover 17 and the gear case 6. And a masking plate 19 that is attached to the lower surface of the cover 17 and forms a shielding plate made of a magnetic material such as iron.

Each RF disposed below the masking plate 19
The ID tags 13, 14, 15 are arranged at appropriate intervals along the direction of relative movement with respect to the masking plate 19, and a predetermined range of the RFID tags 13, 14, 15 is exposed on the masking plate 19 with the relative movement. An opening 20 is formed. The shape of the opening 20 is as shown in FIG.
RFID tag 13 on one side and middle RFI in fully open position
The D tag 14 is simultaneously exposed, and as shown in FIG.
At the intermediate position, only the intermediate RFID tag 14 is exposed, and as shown in FIG.
5 and the intermediate RFID tag 14 are simultaneously exposed.

As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
An antenna 21a for reading data is attached to a tip of the operation handle 21 and the antenna 21.
a through the operation port 22, and insert the antenna 21a into the RFID
It is arranged close to the tags 13, 14, and 15.

The main unit 22 is connected to the antenna 21a, and the main unit 22 is connected to the RFID tags 13, 14, and 15 respectively.
The display 23, the read circuit 24, and the write circuit 2
5, an operation unit 26, and an external communication circuit 27.

When the antenna 21a is moved closer to the opening meter 4, R
The valve-specific information including the degree of opening recorded in the FID tags 13, 14, 15 is sent to the main unit 22, and the information is displayed on the display 23.

The data to be read include an identification number, a name, a model, a diameter, an operation direction, a shutoff rotation speed, a shutoff torque, a valve opening, a previous operation date, a special notice, and the like for identifying the internal threaded gate valve 1. There are special notes and the like, and the data to be written include an identification number, a valve opening, a valve operation date, special notes, and the like. The methods of the RFID tags 13, 14, and 15 include an electromagnetic coupling method, an electromagnetic induction method, a microwave method, an optical method, and the like, and the present embodiment employs the electromagnetic induction method.

The operation of the above configuration will be described below. First, the principle of detection will be described in detail with reference to FIG. With the antenna 21a close to the opening meter 4, the main unit 2
When power is turned on and reading operation is performed, antenna 2
An electromagnetic wave is emitted from 1a toward the opening meter 4, and electric power is generated by electromagnetic induction in coils inside the RFID tags 13, 14, 15 molded with resin, and the generated power generates the RFID tags 13, 14,. 15 is transmitted.

The transmitted information, for example, a valve management number,
Data such as the valve name, model, diameter, manufacturer name, operation direction, shutoff rotation speed, shutoff torque, valve opening, last operation date, and last-minute notes are displayed on the display 23 of the main unit 22.

In the actual operation, when the operation cap 5 is rotated in the opening direction or the closing direction by the valve operation handle 21, the valve stem 2 of the internally threaded gate valve 1 rotates and the valve body 3 opens or closes. (Up or down) and the rotation shaft 7 rotates. When the operation cap 5 is rotated 15 times, for example, the valve body 3 moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position or from the fully open position to the fully closed position.

When the rotary shaft 7 rotates, the small gear 10 meshing with the fixed large gear 8 revolves with the rotation of the rotary shaft 7 when the rotary shaft 7 rotates. The gear 11 is rotated. The movable large gear 11 has the same number of teeth as the fixed large gear 8, and the movable large gear 11 rotates by the difference.

That is, when the rotating shaft 7 rotates 15 times, the RF
O (full open) on the scale indicated on the ID storage plate 12 to S
(Fully closed) or from S by an angle of O. In the case of a valve having a different rotation speed of the operation cap from fully closed to fully opened, the rotation angle of the RFID storage plate 12 is adjusted by a method such as changing the number of gear teeth.

The rotation of the RFID storage plate 12 causes the RF
The ID tag 13, 14, 15 and the masking plate 19 are the valve body 3
Is fully rotated between a fully closed position corresponding to the fully closed position and a fully opened position corresponding to the fully opened position of the valve body 3.

Now, assuming that the valve body 3 is at the intermediate opening, the RFID tags 13, 14, 15 and the masking plate 19
Is as shown in FIG. 1B. In this state, when the antenna 21a is applied from above, the magnetic lines of force emitted from the antenna 21a act on the RFID tag 14 exposed in the opening 20, but the left and right R tags shielded by the masking plate 19.
It does not act on the FID tag 13 and the RFID tag 15.
That is, the RFID tag 14 is detected, but the RFID tag 13 and the RFID tag 15 are not detected.

When the valve body 3 is at the fully closed position, the state shown in FIG. Similarly, when the antenna 21a is applied,
The RFID tag 14 and the RFID tag 15 are detected, and the RFI
The D tag 13 is not detected.

When the valve body 3 is in the fully open position, the state shown in FIG. Similarly, when the antenna 21a is applied,
The RFID tag 14 and the RFID tag 13 are detected and the RFI
The D tag 15 is not detected.

Therefore, the detected information, that is, RFI
The position (opening) of the valve can be read logically as follows by the combination of the D tags 13, 14, and 15. 1. RFID tag 15 detection AND RFID tag 14
Detection AND RFID tag 13 not detected → Fully closed position RFID tag 15 not detected AND RFID tag 1
4 detection AND RFID tag 13 not detected → intermediate position RFID tag 15 not detected AND RFID tag 1
4 detection AND RFID tag 13 detection → Fully open position The RFID tag 15 records information of fully closed,
The RFID tag 13 records information that it is fully open,
The information is recognized by the main device 22 receiving this information as a signal via the antenna 21a. For this reason, it is only necessary to record only the fully-closed or fully-opened position information on the RFID tags 13 and 15, so that a low-priced read-only type can be used. Also, RFID13 and RFID
It is also possible to use a magnetic sensor instead of 15, but in this case, the position of the antenna 21a needs to be always the same with respect to the opening detection device.

The RFID tag 14 is always attached at a position where it can be detected.
It is provided at an intermediate position between the D tags 13 and 15, and by recording the ID information of the valve and the information of, for example, pipes and buried objects around the valve, effective information before and after the operation of the valve is obtained. At the same time, the information can be read, and furthermore, valid information can be written and changed before and after the operation of the valve.

For this reason, even when the mapping system of the central office cannot be used during an emergency disaster such as an earthquake, it is possible to effectively function as a mobile mapping system.
It is possible to write data to 3, 14, and 15 and to transmit data to a central database in real time by a communication mobile phone or the like through the external communication circuit 27.

In this embodiment, the opening degree detection in three states of fully closed, intermediate, and fully open has been described as an example. However, if it is desired to detect the intermediate state more finely, it is possible to increase the number of RFID tags. . However, at least one RFID
The tag can be detected, and it is determined whether or not the opening degree can be normally detected by communicating with any of the RFID tags through the antenna 21a.

[0042]

As described above, according to the present invention, the RFID tag arranged on the valve is selectively covered with a magnetic shielding plate to replace the communicable RFID tag, and the antenna is brought closer to the antenna from the ground. By identifying the actual opening position of the valve body, the valve opening can be reliably detected without being hindered by mud adhering to the opening scale and insufficient lighting. Even when the actual valve opening is different from the actual valve opening, the valve opening / closing operation is not mistaken by reliably detecting the actual valve opening. Information such as valve opening, opening / closing direction required for operation, rotation speed, shut-off torque, etc., as well as information on the front and rear pipelines, surrounding buried objects, or past work history, etc., is also used as data on the RFID tag. By recording, the mobile mapping system not only can perform maintenance based on correct data during normal maintenance, but also can make appropriate decision on restoration work at the site even in the event of an emergency disaster, exerting its power in an emergency disaster Can be configured.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a positional relationship between an RFID tag and a masking plate according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the opening meter according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a detection operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the principle of detection.

FIG. 5 is a front half sectional view showing the internally threaded gate valve in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a half sectional side view showing the internally threaded gate valve according to the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 internal threaded gate valve 2 valve stem 3 valve body 4 opening gauge 5 operation cap 6 gear case 7 rotating shaft 7a projection 8 fixed large gear 9 O-ring 10 small gear 11 movable large gear 12 RFID storage plates 13, 14, Reference Signs List 15 RFID tag 16 Screw 17 Cover 18 O-ring 19 Masking plate 20 Opening 21 Operation handle 21a Antenna 22 Main unit 23 Display 24 Read circuit 25 Write circuit 26 Operation unit 27 External communication circuit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kazushige Ikeda 2-35, Jinbucho, Yao-shi, Osaka Inside Kubota Kuhoji Plant (72) Inventor Yuji Watanabe 2-35, Jinmucho, Yao-shi, Osaka Kubota Corporation F-term (reference) in Kupoji Temple 3H065 AA03 BA01 BA05 BB02 BB11 BC02 CA07

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A magnetic body which is disposed so as to be relatively rotatable between a fully closed position corresponding to a fully closed state of a valve body and a fully opened position corresponding to a fully opened state of a valve body in conjunction with a rotation operation of a valve stem. Shielding plate and RF that can read and write information without contact
An ID tag, an antenna disposed close to the RFID tag, and a main body device for reading / writing information through the antenna are provided. The RFID tag disposed below the magnetic shielding plate is attached to the magnetic shielding plate. Arranged at a plurality of locations along the relative movement direction, an opening for exposing a predetermined range of the RFID tag is formed in the magnetic shielding plate with the relative movement, and communicated with the RFID tag exposed at the opening. Reading the information recorded on the RFID tag and identifying the communicated RFID tag to recognize the position of the magnetic shielding plate and detect the actual opening position of the valve body, characterized by detecting the opening degree of the valve. apparatus.