JP2002202162A - Water service control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water service control system capable of driving a flow rate control valve by small force and capable of suppressing power consumption low at the time of driving of the flow rate control valve. SOLUTION: In the water service control system 1, the valve control part of a power counter 9 controls a control valve drive device 88 on the basis of the monitor result in an electronic water meter 7 when necessity for opening and closing a flow rate control valve 8 is generated so as to drive the flow rate control valve 8 when the flow rate of tap water is little or tap water is not used. Since the flow rate control valve 8 is driven in this timing when the difference between water pressures on both sides holding the flow rate control valve 8 is little or there is no difference between water pressures, the valve can be driven by small force and reduced power.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water supply control system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a control technique for opening and closing a flow control valve inserted in a water pipe.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A water flow control valve is inserted in a water pipe, and a water meter is inserted downstream of the flow control valve. Electronic water meters are known,
In the measuring section connected to the water pipe, the rotation state of the impeller that rotates according to the flow rate is detected in a non-contact state, and based on this, the usage flow rate, usage time, etc. are calculated by the electronic unit with a built-in microcomputer, and the calculation results It is configured to display on a liquid crystal display.

[0003] In general, the detection result of the electronic water meter is transmitted in the form of a message to an electronic counter installed at a distant position, and various types of information are supplied to the electronic counter based on the detection results supplied from the water meter. Calculation and display of the integrated value are performed. Further, the detection result of the water meter, the integrated value of the electronic counter, and the like are transmitted to the management center terminal via the communication line via the electronic counter and the transmission device, and the management center terminal in which the management center terminal is located. , Monitoring of tap water use conditions at each tap water use location, calculation of a water charge, and the like are performed.

Further, when it becomes necessary to save water or when water leakage occurs, a signal to that effect is sent to the control valve driving device, so that the operation of narrowing the flow control valve and the operation of closing the flow control valve are performed. It is done automatically.

[0005]

Here, when a control valve driving device for driving a flow control valve is of a type driven by a motor with a battery, the valve can be driven with a small force and the valve can be driven. It is necessary to keep the power consumption when performing this operation low.

However, conventionally, since the operation of opening and closing the flow control valve is performed without considering the power and power consumption when driving the valve, a relatively large motor capable of outputting a large force is required. As a result, there is a problem that power consumption is large.

[0007] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide:
An object of the present invention is to propose a water supply control system that can drive a flow control valve with a small force and that can reduce power consumption when driving the flow control valve.

[0008]

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a flow control valve attached to a water pipe for supplying tap water to a place where tap water is used, and an opening / closing operation of the flow control valve. In the water supply control system having a control valve driving device for performing the control and the valve control means for controlling the control valve driving device, further, the water pressure difference on both sides of the water pipe sandwiching the flow rate control valve, directly or indirectly Monitoring means for monitoring, the valve control means, when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve, based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means, when the water pressure difference is small or the water pressure difference It is characterized in that the control valve driving device is controlled to drive the flow control valve when it is not present.

In the specification of the present application, opening the flow control valve means not only driving the flow control valve to the fully open state but also driving the flow control valve to increase its opening degree, and closing the flow control valve. The expression "not only means to drive the flow control valve to the fully closed state, but also means to drive the flow control valve to lower its opening degree.

The force required to open and close the flow control valve depends on the water pressure difference between the two sides of the flow control valve. That is, if the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve is large,
Although a large force is required to open and close the flow control valve, the flow control valve can be driven with a small force when the hydraulic pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve is small or when there is no hydraulic pressure difference. Based on such knowledge, in the present invention, when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve, based on the result of monitoring by the monitoring means, when the hydraulic pressure difference is large, such operation is not performed, and When the pressure is small or when there is no water pressure difference, the flow control valve is driven. Therefore, a small battery-driven motor that drives the valve with a small force can be used as a control valve drive device that drives the control valve. Even when such a small battery-driven motor is used,
Since the power consumption when driving the flow control valve is small, there is no problem even if the flow control valve is driven frequently.

In the present invention, a flow control valve attached to a water pipe for supplying tap water to a place where tap water is used, a control valve driving device for opening and closing the flow control valve, and a flow control valve attached to the water pipe. A water meter and a water supply control system having valve control means for controlling the control valve driving device, further comprising monitoring means for directly or indirectly monitoring the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow rate control valve, The valve control means controls the flow control valve to be driven when the flow rate of the tap water is low, based on the result of monitoring by the monitoring means, when the flow control valve needs to be opened and closed. It is controlled by a valve drive device.

The force required to open and close the flow control valve depends on the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve, and the water pressure difference depends on the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve. . In other words, if the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve is high, there is a large difference in water pressure between the two sides of the flow control valve, so a large force is required to open and close the flow control valve. If the flow rate of the flowing tap water is low, the difference between the water pressures on both sides of the flow control valve is small, so that the flow control valve can be driven with a small force. Based on such knowledge, in the present invention, when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve, based on the result of monitoring by the monitoring means, when the flow rate is high, such an operation is not performed, and the flow rate is low. Sometimes the flow control valve is driven. For this reason, a small battery-driven motor that can drive the valve with a small force and that consumes low power when driving the valve can be used as the control valve driving device that drives the control valve.

In the present invention, a flow control valve attached to a water pipe for supplying tap water to a place where tap water is used, a control valve driving device for opening / closing the flow control valve, and a flow valve attached to the water pipe. A water meter, and a water supply control system having valve control means for controlling the control valve driving device, further comprising a monitoring means for monitoring a flow rate of tap water used at the place where the tap water is used; The control means, when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve,
The control valve driving device controls the flow rate control valve to be driven when the flow rate of tap water is low or when tap water is not used, based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means.

The force required to open and close the flow control valve depends on the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve, and this water pressure difference is the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve, in other words, It depends on the flow rate of tap water. In other words, if the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve is high due to the large flow rate of tap water, there is a large difference in water pressure on both sides of the flow control valve, so a large force is required to open and close the flow control valve. However, if the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve is low due to the small flow rate of tap water, the difference in water pressure on both sides of the flow control valve is small, so the flow control valve should be driven with a small force. Can be. Based on such knowledge, in the present invention, when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve, based on the monitoring result by the monitoring means, when the used flow rate is large, such operation is not performed, and When the flow rate is low or when tap water is not used, the control valve driving device is controlled to drive the flow control valve. For this reason, a small battery-driven motor that can drive the valve with a small force and that consumes low power when driving the valve can be used as the control valve driving device that drives the control valve.

In the present invention, the monitoring means is, for example, an electronic water meter attached to the water pipe. This water meter monitors the usage flow of tap water,
According to the monitoring result, it is possible to indirectly monitor the flow velocity of the tap water passing through the flow control valve, that is, the difference in water pressure on both sides of the flow control valve.

In the present invention, the time when the flow control valve needs to be throttled means, for example, when the tap water supply side is in a drought state and needs to save water.

In the present invention, the time when it is necessary to close the flow control valve is, for example, a time when it is necessary to stop water because a water leak has occurred.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an electronic water meter system (water control system) to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The electronic water meter system according to the present embodiment has a function of calculating (accumulating) the flow rate and time of use of general tap water and a function of integrating the same, as well as a function of identifying (inferring) a tap water use device at a place where tap water is used. It has various water charge calculation functions, a water saving function at the time of drought, and a health management function to detect human abnormalities at the place where tap water is used.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of such an electronic water meter system.
Means a plurality of tap water use places 2 (2 (1), 2 (2), 2
(3)..., For example, the centralized management of the tap water use side system 3 provided in each of a general house, a company, a factory, etc., and each tap water use side system 3 via a communication line such as the Internet 4. And the management center side system 5.

The tap water use side system 3 is attached to a tap water pipe 6 laid at the tap water use location 2, an electronic water meter 7 attached to the tap water pipe 6, and a tap pipe part upstream of the tap. A flow control valve 8 is provided.

For the flow control valve 8, a control valve driving device 88 using a battery-driven motor is configured. Here, the control valve driving device 88 controls the flow control valve 8
The present invention can be applied to either a unit integrated with or separate from the unit.

An electronic counter 9 is installed at a position distant from the water meter 7, and the electronic counter 9 and the water meter 7 are connected via a communication line 10.
Here, the communication line 10 may be either wireless or wired.

The electronic counter 9 controls the flow control valve 8 via a control valve driving device 88 and is connected to a transmission device 12 via a communication line 11, and the transmission device 12 is connected to a management center via the Internet 4. Side system 5. To the tap water use location 2 (1), for example, a bath A, a flush toilet B, a normal tap faucet C, and the like are connected as tap water use equipment.

On the other hand, the management center side system 5 stores and holds a management center terminal 15 composed of various peripheral devices such as a personal computer and an input / output device, and a tap water use state at each tap water use place 2. Database 16 and an Internet server 17 that manages various information browsing sites on the Internet.

The browsing site can be accessed from an Internet terminal 19 such as a personal computer having an Internet communication function.

Next, FIG. 2 shows a water meter 7 in the tap water use side system 3 installed at the tap water use place 2.
3 is a functional block diagram of the electronic counter 9. FIG. Referring to this drawing, the electronic water meter 7 includes an impeller 21 arranged in a measuring chamber formed in the water pipe 6, and the impeller 21 rotates according to the amount of water in the water pipe 6. When the impeller 21 rotates, a rotating magnetic field is generated by a permanent magnet 22 attached to the impeller 21. The rotating magnetic field is detected by a magnetic detecting element 23 such as a magnetoresistive element. The rotation state is detected, and based on the detected rotation state, the integrating circuit 25 calculates the tap water usage flow rate, usage time, and the like. The calculated tap water use flow rate information and tap water use time information are supplied from the data output circuit 26 to the electronic counter 9 via the communication line 10.

In the electronic water meter system 1 of the present embodiment,
The electronic counter 9 has a function for identifying (inferring) tap water use equipment at a tap water use place, various water charge calculation functions, a water saving function at the time of drought, a health management function for detecting a human abnormality at a tap water use place, and the like. Have.

(Identification Function of Tap Water Use Equipment) First, the identification function of tap water use equipment will be described. The electronic counter 9 of the present example includes a use flow rate pattern storage unit 31, a use appliance information storage unit 32 storing information on the use appliances A, B, and C installed in the tap water use place 2, and a use appliance identification unit. 33. The following analysis pattern can be considered as a used tool identification method in the used tool identification unit 33.

(1) When the usage flow rate and usage time are known: Tap water using appliances such as baths, flush toilets, and automatic washing machines
Use flow rate and use time for one use are clear. Therefore, it is possible to identify which device is used, not only when these devices are used alone, but also when a plurality of devices are used simultaneously.
That is, if the usage flow rate pattern including the usage flow rate and the usage time of each appliance is stored and held in the usage flow rate pattern storage unit 31 for each appliance, the appliance to be used is determined based on the tap water usage information from the water meter 7. Can be identified.

For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when using a flush toilet, the usage flow rate pattern becomes almost the same every time. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 5, even in the case of using a bath, a constant flow rate is used for a certain time, so that the pattern becomes almost the same every time. Therefore, if these flow rate patterns are stored and held in a form associated with the appliance, the appliance to be used can be identified based on the detected usage flow rate.

(2) The flow rate used, such as a manual faucet,
When the usage time is not clear In the case of a manual faucet (for cooking, car washing, etc.), the usage flow rate and usage time are optional. As one of the analysis methods in this case, there is a method using a graph theory, for example, a method using a neural network.

In this case, various tap water-using instruments (faucet,
For baths, flush toilets, etc.), measure the amount and time of water used as the main input factors, and create a data file (teacher data) using the used tools as output factors.
A neural network is created for the created teacher data, an error is calculated while changing (learning) the parameters of the neural network, and the parameter having the least error is applied to the neural network as a learning result.
By applying the actual amount of tap water used and the usage time to the neural network to which the learning result has been applied as input factors, the equipment being used is output as an output factor, and thereby the used equipment can be estimated (identified).

When the neural network is used, the used equipment can be comprehensively specified including the case (1).

(3) In the case of appliances characterized by changes in flow rate and time of use Each appliance using tap water has a characteristic in each use flow rate pattern. That is, the rising characteristics of the flow rate at the start of use, the falling characteristics of the flow rate at the stop of use, and the characteristics of the intermediate portion between the rising and the falling are different for each used appliance. Therefore, even if each device is used at the same time, the device to be used can be specified based on these characteristic factors.

For example, when a human turns a faucet by hand,
As shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, there is a limit to the speed at which the faucet is turned, and the flow rate does not rise sharply, and the rising curve becomes stepped. On the other hand, in the case of an automatic opening such as a washing machine, as shown by a dotted line in FIG.
The rise becomes steep.

In the case of a flush toilet, as shown in FIG. 4, the flow rate increases rapidly, but the flow rate decreases gradually. Furthermore, in the case of a bath, FIG.
As shown in (1), the rise and fall are both steep, and the flow rate is almost constant in the middle of the rise and fall.

In this embodiment, the flow rate pattern at the tap water usage location 2 is obtained based on the flow rate and the usage time calculated by the water meter 7, and the obtained flow rate pattern is stored in the flow rate pattern storage unit 31. By performing an operation such as comparison with the flow rate pattern for each use, the used tool information storage unit 3
The tap water use equipment actually used is identified from the tap water use instruments installed at the tap water use place 2 held in the tap water use apparatus 2.

(Water Rate Calculation Function) Next, the water rate calculation function of the electronic counter 9 of this embodiment will be described. The electronic counter 9 of this example includes a flow rate integrating unit 34. The flow rate integrating unit 34 integrates the amount of tap water used for each tap water use appliance based on the identification result of the tap water use appliance used. An appliance-based integrating unit 35 and a time-zone-based usage integrating unit 36 that integrates tap water usage by time zone, for example, nighttime usage.
And a flow rate use amount accumulating unit 37 for integrating the amount of tap water used for each flow rate band, for example, the excess flow rate when the flow rate exceeds a certain flow rate.

Further, there is provided a charge storage unit 40 for storing a tap water usage charge, and the charge storage unit 40 stores a tap water usage charge unit price for each tap water usage appliance. 41, a time zone usage fee storage unit 42 storing hourly tap water usage unit prices, and a flow zone usage fee storage unit 43 storing tap water usage unit prices for each flow zone. .

Further, a charge calculating section 50 is provided. In the charge calculating section 50, the integrated value in the integrating section 34 is calculated.
Based on the tap water consumption unit price stored in the charge storage unit 40, a fee for each appliance used, a fee for each time zone, and a fee for each flow zone are calculated, and these are summed up, and each tap water usage location 2 is calculated.
Calculate the tap water usage fee in.

When calculating the fee for each appliance to be used, for example, it is expected that the sale of the appliance will be promoted if the tap water usage fee for the target tap water usage device as a new product is set low. it can. In addition, if the tap water usage rate at midnight when tap water usage is low is reduced, an effect of suppressing fluctuations in tap water usage per day can be expected. Furthermore, if a large amount of tap water usage fee is set for the excess flow rate, a water saving effect can be expected, for example, during a drought in summer.

FIG. 6 shows a method of charging a tap water usage fee that can be expected to save water. In the figure, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents flow velocity. When using a large amount of water, it is possible to use a bath, wash a car, or sprinkle water. Of these, baths are more necessary than others,
Reduce the usage fee for tap water and increase the usage fee for other watering and car washing.

In the figure, when water for car washing is used for a time b at a flow rate a, water for bath is used for a time e at a flow rate d, and water is sprayed for a time h at a flow rate g, Usage amount c (= a × b) and usage fee i (=
g × h), the unit price is set high, and for the bath usage fee c (= d × e), the unit price is set low. Furthermore, the unit price may be reduced only when the bath water usage fee is only once a day. As described above, whether or not the bath is used can be determined based on the flow rate and time, or the usage amount, and can also be determined based on the rising and falling patterns of the flow rate. With such a fee structure, a water saving effect can be expected.

(Health Management Function) Next, in the electronic counter 9, a tap water use pattern storage unit that stores and holds a tap water use pattern of a specific tap water use instrument used by a human at the tap water use place 2. 80 and an abnormality discriminating unit 81 for detecting an abnormality of a human at the place where tap water is used based on the contents of the storage unit and the actual use pattern of tap water.

For example, when the tap water use pattern of the flush toilet is stored and stored, and the use of the flush toilet is not detected at least once in one day, the abnormality in the person at the place where the tap water is used is detected. As an occurrence, the abnormality determining unit 81 generates an emergency notification signal. The emergency notification signal is transmitted to the management center terminal 15 via the communication unit 70 and the transmission device 12.

As described above, the health condition of the elderly can be grasped at the place where tap water is used, for example, at an elderly person's house living alone, based on the state of tap water use, and it is possible to respond promptly when an abnormality occurs.

(Water saving / water stop function and valve driving operation at the time of drought, water leakage, etc.) Next, the electronic counter 9 of this embodiment is provided with a water leakage discriminating section 60, and the equipment used is detected. The presence or absence of water leakage is determined based on the tap water usage time and flow rate. Regarding the presence or absence of water leakage, it can be determined that water leakage has occurred when the minimum flow rate of detected tap water is constant or when the rate of increase is constant. Further, the amount of water leakage can be obtained as a value obtained by subtracting the amount of water used by the used equipment from the total amount of water used during a certain period based on the determination result of the used equipment. Alternatively, it can be obtained as a value obtained by multiplying the minimum flow rate determined to be water leakage by time.

When a water leak state is detected, the water leak determination section 60 notifies the valve control section 61 of the detection. Valve control unit 6
Upon receiving the notification, 1 outputs a control signal to the valve driving device 88 to shut off the flow control valve 8. At the same time, an emergency message indicating that the water leak has been detected and the valve has been shut down is transmitted to the transmission device 12 via the communication unit 70. The transmission device 12 transmits the emergency notification to the management center terminal 15 via the Internet 4.

When the tap water supply source side is in a drought condition or the like in summer or when there is a need to conserve water due to water shortage, a signal to that effect is sent from the management center system 5 to the valve control unit of the electronic counter 9. It is sent to 61. When this signal is sent, the valve control section 61 outputs a control signal to the valve driving device 88 to throttle the flow control valve 8. At the same time, a notification to the effect that the valve has been squeezed for water saving is transmitted to the transmission device 12 via the communication unit 70. The transmission device 12 sends the emergency call via the Internet 4 to the management center terminal 15.
Send to

In performing the water stopping operation and the water saving operation, in this embodiment, the flow control valve 8 is driven under a small force and under the condition that the power consumption can be suppressed low. That is, even when it is necessary to open and close the flow control valve 8, the valve control unit 61 controls the flow control valve 8 when the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve 8 is small or when there is no water pressure difference.
Is controlled to drive the valve driving device 88.

Here, the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8, that is, the flow rate of the tap water at the place where the tap water is used, and the difference between the water pressures on both sides of the flow control valve 8 are shown in FIG.
The relationship shown in FIG. According to the graph shown in this figure, if the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 is high due to a large flow rate of tap water, the difference in water pressure on both sides of the flow control valve 8 is large, When the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 is low due to a small flow rate of the tap water, the difference between the water pressures on both sides of the flow control valve 8 is small.

The hydraulic pressure difference between the two sides of the flow control valve 8 and the magnitude of the force required to open and close the flow control valve 8 have the relationship shown in FIG. FIG. 7C shows the relationship between the water pressure difference between the two sides of the flow control valve 8 and the electric power required to open and close the flow control valve 8. According to the graph shown in this figure, if the water pressure difference between both sides of the flow control valve 8 is large, a large force is required to open and close the flow control valve 8.
If a large amount of electric power is required and the difference between the water pressures on both sides of the flow control valve 8 is small, a small force and a small amount of power are required to open and close the flow control valve 8.

Here, the electronic water meter 7 supplies tap water use flow rate information from the data output circuit 26 to the electronic counter 9 via the communication line 10, so that the electronic water meter 7 is used at the place where tap water is used. It functions as monitoring means for monitoring the flow rate of tap water being used. Further, since the flow rate information of the tap water directly represents the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8, the electronic water meter 7 indirectly monitors the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8. Function as Further, the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 directly represents the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve 8. Therefore, the electronic water meter 7 indirectly calculates the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve 8. It functions as a monitoring means for monitoring.

Therefore, in this example, the valve control unit 61
When the flow control valve 8 needs to be throttled or when the flow control valve 8 needs to be closed, based on the monitoring result of the electronic water meter 7, when the flow rate of the tap water is small, The control valve driving device 88 is controlled so as to drive the flow control valve 8 when not in use. When the flow rate of tap water is large, the flow rate of the tap water is reduced until the flow rate of tap water decreases or the tap water is no longer used. The control valve driving device 88 is controlled so that the control valve 8 is not driven. As a result, based on the monitoring result of the electronic water meter 7, the valve control unit 61 determines whether the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 is low and the difference between the water pressures on both sides of the flow control valve 8 is small, or The control valve driving device 88 is controlled so as to drive the flow control valve 8 when there is no water pressure difference. Therefore, according to this example,
As the control valve driving device 88 that drives the flow control valve 8, a small battery-driven motor that can drive the valve with a small force and consumes low power when driving the valve can be used. Even when the battery-driven motor is used, since the power consumption when driving the flow control valve 8 is small, there is no problem even if the flow control valve 8 is driven frequently.

When the water saving is canceled or when the water leakage is repaired, the flow control valve 8 is opened. Even in such a case, the valve control unit 61 keeps monitoring the electronic water meter 7. The control valve driving device 88 is controlled to drive the flow control valve 8 when the flow rate of tap water is small or when tap water is not used, and when the flow rate of tap water is high, The control valve driving device 88 is controlled so that the flow control valve 8 is not driven until the amount of water is reduced or the tap water is no longer used. Therefore, since the flow control valve 8 is driven when the hydraulic pressure difference between the two sides sandwiching the flow control valve 8 is small or when there is no hydraulic pressure difference, the valve can be driven with a small force.

(Management Center Side System) The management center side system 5 of the water meter system 1 of this embodiment is provided with the Internet server 17 as described above, and operates a browsing site on the Internet. As to this browsing site, only those to which an access right has been given in advance can be accessed. For example,
An access right is previously given to a person living in the tap water use place 2. When a person living in the tap water use place 2 accesses the pertinent browsing site and enters a pre-assigned password, the user can view the tap water charge, tap water use status, etc. in the tap water use place. Can be. Therefore, it is convenient because these can be confirmed from the Internet terminal 19 without being restricted by time and place.

In this embodiment, the charge and the pattern can be set and changed from the input unit 90 attached to the electronic counter 9. That is, the setting, change, and update of the contents of the usage flow rate pattern storage unit 31, the usage pattern storage unit 80, the used appliance information storage unit 32, and the fee storage unit 40 are possible. Further, these can be set, changed, and updated from the management center terminal 15 via the Internet.

In this embodiment, an electronic water meter 7 is used as monitoring means for indirectly monitoring the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 or the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve 8.
Therefore, a dedicated sensor for detecting these is unnecessary. Therefore, the present invention can be easily applied to a conventional water meter system.

[Other Embodiments] In the above example, the identification section of the equipment to be used, the storage section of the fee, and the like are arranged in the electronic counter 9.
, Or can be built in the transmission device 12.

Further, in the above example, the electronic water meter 7 is used as monitoring means for indirectly monitoring the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve 8 or the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve 8. However, a sensor or the like for detecting these may be used. Furthermore, the function as the valve control unit 61 is as follows.
It may be mounted on the flow control valve 8, the electronic water meter 7, the control valve driving device 88, or the like.

For example, in the above embodiment, as shown in the block diagram of FIG. 8, the flow rate is monitored by the electronic water meter 7, and based on the monitoring result, the flow rate control valve 8 is controlled under a predetermined condition.
Valve control unit 6 provided in an electronic counter 9 separate from
Although the flow control valve 8 was opened and closed by a command consisting of an electronic message or a pulse signal from 1 to the valve driving device 88, as shown in FIG. 9, a valve control unit 61 was built in the electronic water meter 7. It may be a configuration.

In each of these cases, transmission and reception of signals to and from the center is performed via the Internet or the like. At each water meter installation point, a signal addressed to itself is provided by a business entity code or meter ID included in the signal. Or not.

In such a configuration, when the flow control valve 8 is in the closed state, the electronic water meter 7 or the electronic counter 9 checks the flow rate, for example, every hour, and there is a flow rate exceeding a certain value. Sometimes it is determined to be abnormal. Such a flow check is performed until the flow control valve is opened. When the flow control valve 8 is in the closed state, the flow rate is checked for the purpose of monitoring the instantaneous flow rate, the integrated value over a certain period of time, and monitoring water leakage in units of time. When the flow control valve 8 is in the open state, the flow rate is checked for the purpose of monitoring the integrated value for a certain period of time, non-use monitoring on a daily basis, and the like. If there is an excessive flow rate or an excessive flow rate as a result of the monitoring, it is determined that an abnormality such as water leakage has occurred, and the flow control valve 8 is closed.

When a command to switch the flow control valve 8 to the open state is issued from the valve control section 61, a notification to that effect is issued. When a drainage device is configured downstream of the flow control valve 8, when the flow control valve 8 is opened, water is drained using the drainage device. The signal is detected by rotating the impeller 21 several times, and it is confirmed whether or not the flow control valve 8 is normally opened.

When the pulse control is performed, the flow rate can be easily confirmed as compared with the monitoring by electronic message.

When water is conserved, the flow control valve 8 is throttled.
Even if the opening degree at that time is the same, the flow rate is different if the feedwater pressure is different. Therefore, by measuring the flow rate at each use location while the flow control valve 8 is being throttled, and adjusting the opening of the flow control valve 7 so that the flow rates are equal, fairness between the use locations can be ensured. .

As shown in FIG. 10, a flow control valve 8, a valve driving device 88, monitoring means 7 'such as a sensor for monitoring the flow rate and the water pressure before and after the valve, and a monitoring result based on the monitoring result by the monitoring means 7'. Flow control valve unit 8 'including a valve control unit 61 for controlling the valve driving device 88 under predetermined conditions.
May be used. In the case of such a configuration, since there is no transmission / reception of a signal to / from the electronic water meter 7, a wired connection is not required.

When the flow control valve 8 is opened and closed by a battery drive, a self-diagnosis function for detecting an abnormality such as a decrease in the battery voltage is provided. When an abnormality occurs, the fact is indicated by an LED or the like. You may.

When the electronic water meter 7 has a power generation function, the electric power is used to open and close the flow control valve 8, and the life of the battery provided on the flow control valve 8 side is reduced. Can be extended.

Further, when a drain valve is provided downstream of the flow control valve 8, when the flow control valve 8 is switched to the closed state, the drain valve is opened after a certain period of time, and the flow control valve 8 is opened.
May be configured to automatically close the drain valve when is switched to the open state.

As shown in FIG. 11, a flow control valve unit 8 'having a flow control valve 8, a valve driving device 88, and monitoring means 7' such as a sensor for monitoring the flow rate and the water pressure before and after the valve is used. The monitoring result of the monitoring means 7 '
2 to the center valve control 61 via
A control message for opening and closing the valve is transmitted from the valve control unit 61 of the center via the transmission device 12 to the valve driving device 88.
It may be configured to reach. At this time, the valve driving device 88
Sends a confirmation message as to whether or not the message has been correctly received to the valve control unit 61 of the center via the transmission device 12.

As shown in FIG. 12, a flow control valve unit 8 'having a flow control valve 8, a valve driving device 88, and a monitoring means 7' such as a sensor for monitoring the flow rate and the water pressure before and after the valve is used. , By sending the monitoring result of the monitoring means 7 ′ to the valve control unit 61 provided indoors,
A command to open and close the valve may be sent to the valve driving device 88. In this case, the open / close state of the flow control valve 7 may be transmitted to a center or the like via the transmission device 12 as a monitoring result of the monitoring means 7 '.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a flow control valve unit 8 'having a flow control valve 8, a valve drive unit 88, and a valve control unit 61 for controlling the valve drive unit 88 under predetermined conditions is used. Alternatively, the valve control unit 61 may be configured to control the valve driving device 88 by sending a command composed of an electronic message or a pulse to the valve driving device 88 based on the monitoring result of the electronic water meter 7. Good. In this case, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the valve control unit 61 may be configured to output the opening / closing status of the flow control valve 7 to the center via the transmission device 12 or the like.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, when a remote electronic water meter 7 arranged at a position distant from the flow control valve 7, the flow control valve 8, the valve driving device 88, And a flow control valve unit 8 'having a valve control unit 61 for controlling the valve drive unit 88 under predetermined conditions, and based on the monitoring result of the electronic water meter 7, the valve control unit 61 88 may be controlled. In this case, the valve control unit 61 may be configured to output the opening / closing state of the flow control valve 7 to the center via the transmission device 12 or the like.

[0076]

As described above, if the flow rate of the tap water passing through the flow control valve is high due to the large flow rate of the tap water, the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve is large, so that the flow control valve A large force is needed to open and close the flow control valve.However, if the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve is low due to the low flow rate of tap water, the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve is small, The flow control valve can be driven by force. Based on such knowledge, in the present invention, when it becomes necessary to open and close the flow control valve, the water pressure difference is monitored directly or indirectly based on the monitoring result by the monitoring means, and the water pressure difference is reduced. When it is large, such operation is not performed, and the control valve driving device is controlled to drive the flow control valve when the hydraulic pressure difference is small or when there is no hydraulic pressure difference. Therefore, a battery-driven motor that can drive the valve with a small force and that consumes low power when driving the valve can be used as the control valve driving device that drives the control valve.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic system configuration diagram of a water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of a water meter and an electronic counter in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of a flow rate pattern when a faucet is used.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a flow rate pattern when a flush toilet is used.

FIG. 5 is a graph showing an example of a flow rate pattern when a bath is used.

FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining an example of setting a water charge according to a used appliance.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C are graphs each showing a relationship between a flow rate of tap water used at a tap water use location and a water pressure difference between both sides of the flow control valve, and a flow control valve; A graph showing the relationship between the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve and the magnitude of the force required to open and close the flow control valve, and the water pressure difference on both sides of the flow control valve and the flow required to open and close the flow control valve. It is a graph which shows the relationship with electric power.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a main part of the water meter system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a main part of another water meter system to which the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 water meter system (water control system) 2 tap water use place 3 tap water use side system 4 Internet 5 management center side system 6 water pipe 7 electronic water meter (monitoring means) 7 'monitoring means 8 flow control valve 8' flow rate Control valve unit 9 Electronic counter 10, 11 Communication line 12 Transmission device 15 Management center terminal 16 Database 17 Internet server 19 Internet terminal 31 Used flow rate pattern storage unit 32 Used appliance information storage unit 33 Used appliance identification unit 34 Accumulation unit 35 By appliance used Accumulator 36 Accumulator for each time zone 37 Accumulator for each flow rate 40 Charge storage unit 41 Charge storage for each appliance used 42 Charge for each time zone 43 Charge storage for each flow rate 50 Charge calculation unit 60 Leakage determination unit 61 Valve control Section (valve control means) 70 communication section 80 Over emissions storage unit 88 the control valve drive unit 90 input unit 100 display unit

Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat II (reference) G01F 1/00 G01F 1/00 X

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A flow control valve attached to a tap pipe for supplying tap water to a tap water use location, a control valve driving device for opening and closing the flow control valve, and a valve for controlling the control valve driving device A water control system having control means, further comprising monitoring means for directly or indirectly monitoring a water pressure difference between both sides of the water pipe sandwiching the flow control valve, wherein the valve control means comprises: When it is necessary to open and close the valve, the control valve driving device drives the flow control valve when the hydraulic pressure difference is small or when there is no hydraulic pressure difference, based on the monitoring result by the monitoring means. A water supply control system characterized in that it is controlled in a controlled manner. 2. A flow control valve attached to a water pipe for supplying tap water to a tap water use place, a control valve driving device for opening and closing the flow control valve, and a valve for controlling the control valve driving device. A water control system having control means, further comprising monitoring means for directly or indirectly monitoring the flow rate of tap water passing through the flow control valve, wherein the valve control means opens and closes the flow control valve When the need arises, the control valve driving device controls the flow control valve to drive the flow control valve when the flow rate of the tap water is low, based on the monitoring result of the monitoring means. system. 3. A flow control valve attached to a tap pipe for supplying tap water to a tap water use place, a control valve driving device for opening and closing the flow control valve, and a valve for controlling the control valve driving device. A water supply control system having control means, further comprising monitoring means for monitoring a flow rate of tap water used at the tap water use location, wherein the valve control means needs to open and close the flow control valve. If it occurs, the control valve driving device controls the flow rate control valve to drive the flow rate control valve when the flow rate of tap water is low or when tap water is not used, based on the monitoring result of the monitoring unit. A water supply control system characterized by the following. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The water supply control system, wherein the monitoring means is an electronic water meter attached to the water pipe. 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The water supply control system is characterized in that the time when the flow control valve needs to be closed is a time when the tap water supply side is in a drought state and needs to save water. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The water supply control system is characterized in that the time when the flow control valve needs to be closed is a time when a water leak occurs and the water needs to be stopped.