JP2005227078A - Method and apparatus for controlling cutoff valve system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To always return a cutoff valve to a complete valve open state without adding new hardware and changing software greatly. <P>SOLUTION: When there is a return command to the valve open state (step S3), and it is determined that lapse time from the time when changing to the valve open state has passed predetermined reference time (Y for step S4), it is instructed that the return operation of the cutoff valve 11b should be repeated for a plurality of times (step S5). As a result, even if a pressure difference influencing the return operation is generated between the upstream and downstream sides of the cutoff valve 11b, the pressure difference is reduced gradually as the return operation is repeated for a plurality of times, and finally the cutoff valve 11b can be returned to a complete valve open state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for returning a shutoff valve to a valve open state after the shutoff valve of a shutoff valve device attached to a gas flow path has changed from a valve open state to a valve closed state.

  As is well known in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 below, the gas meter detects an abnormality in the gas flow using an output signal of a flow rate sensor or a pressure sensor, and controls the shut-off valve device to control the gas flow path. It is designed to shut off. Then, after this abnormality is resolved, the shutoff valve of the shutoff valve device is controlled to return from the valve closed state to the valve open state in response to manual operation or automatically. Yes.

  This will be described with reference to the drawings. When an abnormality in the gas flow is detected in the gas meter, as shown in FIG. 4, the gas is detected by the cutoff valve 11b of the cutoff valve device 11 attached to the gas flow path 10 in the gas meter. The shutoff valve drive unit 11a of the shutoff valve device 11 is controlled so as to shut off the flow path 10. That is, at the time of abnormality, the shut-off valve device 11 is controlled so as to change from the valve open state to the valve closed state.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 5, after the abnormality is resolved, the shutoff valve 11b of the shutoff valve device 11 automatically opens the gas flow path 10 in response to manual operation (in a normal state). The shut-off valve drive unit 11a of the shut-off valve device 11 is controlled so as to return. That is, when the abnormality is resolved, the shutoff valve device 11 is controlled to return from the valve closed state to the valve open state.

Note that prior art document information relating to the invention of this application includes the following.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-89609 JP 2000-295880 A

  The conventional shut-off valve device control method and apparatus as described above have the following problems. That is, if the time when the shut-off valve is controlled to return to the valve open state is an extremely short time after the valve is closed, for example, 1 to 2 hours, the shut-off valve 11b is shown in FIG. It is possible to return to such a state.

  However, when the shut-off valve is controlled to return to the open state for a relatively long period of time, for example, one week or more after the valve is closed, as shown in FIG. The original stroke may not return completely. This is because a temperature difference occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b in the gas flow path 10 after a long period of time has elapsed after the valve is closed, and this causes the downstream side to have a negative pressure relative to the upstream side. Because.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the shut-off valve 11b is operated again in an incomplete state that does not completely return to the normal state, an extra pressure loss occurs in the gas flow path 10 and misfires occur on the downstream side. It can also be a cause.

  Therefore, in view of the present situation described above, the present invention is a method capable of always returning the shut-off valve to a fully opened state without adding new hardware or significantly changing software, and its An object is to provide an apparatus.

  The control method of the shut-off valve device according to claim 1, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, includes the step of: A method for returning a shut-off valve to a valve open state, wherein a time measuring step for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the shut-off valve changes to the valve closed state, and a command to return to the valve open state are provided. At a certain point in time, an elapsed time determination step for determining whether or not the elapsed time has elapsed in advance, and when it is determined that the elapsed time has already elapsed. And a return control step for instructing the shut-off valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, it is determined that the elapsed time from the time when the valve is changed to the valve closed state has passed a predetermined reference time. In such a case, a command is issued to repeat the return operation of the shutoff valve a plurality of times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done.

  The control method of the shut-off valve device according to claim 2, which was made to solve the above-mentioned problem, after the shut-off valve of the shut-off valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from the valve open state to the valve close state. A method for returning a shut-off valve to a valve open state, wherein when a command to return to the valve open state is received, a pressure measuring step for measuring a pressure downstream of the shut-off valve; and A pressure determination step for determining whether or not the pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure; and when it is determined that the pressure is equal to or lower than a reference pressure, the return operation is repeated a plurality of times for the shutoff valve device And a return control step for instructing to perform the operation.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the pressure on the downstream side of the shut-off valve is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, Command to repeat the return operation multiple times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done.

  The control method of the shut-off valve device according to claim 3, which is made to solve the above-described problem, is the control method according to claim 2, wherein, in the pressure measurement step, the pressure is installed in the gas meter for security purposes. It measures using the pressure sensor which is present.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressure sensor originally provided for security in the gas meter is also used for the shutoff valve return method.

  The control method of the shut-off valve device according to claim 4 made to solve the above-mentioned problem is the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the return operation includes the return operation. Is commanded after the shut-off valve is opened and closed several times in small increments.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the shut-off valve is first opened and closed several times in small increments. As a result, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve is more reliably reduced.

  The shut-off valve control device according to claim 5, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, includes a step in which the shut-off valve of the shut-off valve device attached to the gas flow path changes from a valve open state to a valve closed state. Is a control device for returning the valve to the valve open state, and includes a timing means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the shut-off valve changes to the valve closed state, and a command to return to the valve open state. At the time, the elapsed time determination means for determining whether or not the elapsed time has passed a predetermined reference time, and when it is determined that the elapsed time has already passed, Return control means for instructing the shutoff valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, it is determined that the elapsed time from the time when the valve is changed to the valve closed state has passed a predetermined reference time. In such a case, a command is issued to repeat the return operation of the shutoff valve a plurality of times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done.

  The shut-off valve control device according to claim 6, which has been made to solve the above-described problem, is configured to change the shut-off valve after the shut-off valve of the shut-off valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from the valve open state to the valve closed state. And a pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure downstream of the shutoff valve at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, Pressure determining means for determining whether or not the pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure; and when the pressure is determined to be lower than or equal to the reference pressure, the return operation is repeated a plurality of times for the shut-off valve device. Return control means for commanding to perform.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is determined that the pressure on the downstream side of the shutoff valve is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, Command to repeat the return operation multiple times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done.

  According to the first and fifth aspects of the present invention, when a command to return to the valve open state is issued, the elapsed time from the time when the valve is changed to the valve closed state has passed a predetermined reference time. If it is determined, the command is issued to repeat the shut-off valve return operation a plurality of times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done. Therefore, it is possible to always return the shut-off valve to the complete valve open state without adding new hardware or changing the software greatly.

  According to the second and sixth aspects of the invention, when it is determined that the pressure on the downstream side of the shut-off valve is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state. Command to repeat the shut-off valve return operation multiple times. As a result, even if a pressure difference that affects the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve, the pressure difference gradually decreases as the return operation of the shut-off valve is repeated multiple times. It will be done. Therefore, it is possible to always return the shut-off valve to a complete valve open state without significant software change.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, the pressure sensor originally provided for security in the gas meter is also used for the shutoff valve return method. Therefore, it is possible to always return the shut-off valve to the complete valve open state without adding new hardware.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, the shut-off valve is first opened and closed several times in small increments. As a result, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve is more reliably reduced. Therefore, the shut-off valve can be returned to the complete valve open state more reliably.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas meter which is a premise of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 1 includes a gas flow path 10 that connects a gas inlet 10a and a gas outlet 10b. A gas supply source such as city gas or LPG is connected to the gas inlet 10a side, and a gas consumption source such as a gas range or a water heater is connected to the gas outlet 10b.

  The gas flow path 10 is provided with a shut-off valve device 11, a flow rate detection unit 12, a pressure detection unit 13, and the like, and these are electrically connected to a control unit 14 including a microcomputer. In addition, the battery which supplies drive power to these is abbreviate | omitted here.

  As shown in FIG. 5, for example, the shut-off valve device 11 is basically composed of a shut-off valve drive unit 11a and a shut-off valve 11b. Here, the shut-off valve drive unit 11a is constituted by an electric motor, and the shut-off valve 11b is constituted by valve rubber. When an abnormality is detected, the shut-off valve drive section 11a moves the shut-off valve 11b by a predetermined stroke in the left direction in FIG. 5 according to a command from the control section 14 to shut off the gas flow path 10 as shown in FIG. . On the other hand, when the abnormality is resolved, the shut-off valve drive unit 11a opens the gas flow path 10 by moving the shut-off valve 11b in the reverse direction according to a command from the control unit 14.

  The flow rate detection unit 12 includes, for example, a known microflow sensor, and outputs a signal corresponding to the flow velocity of the gas flowing through the gas flow path 10 to the control unit 14. Based on this signal, the control unit 14 calculates a gas flow rate and an integrated value, and displays them on a display unit (not shown). The pressure detection unit 13 includes a known pressure sensor, detects the pressure of the gas passing therethrough, and outputs this to the control unit 14. Based on this pressure, the control unit 14 controls the shut-off valve device 11.

  The control part 14 is comprised with the microcomputer containing a calculating part and a memory | storage part, for example. In the storage unit, a program corresponding to a processing procedure according to the present invention described later, a reference time, a reference pressure, and the like are stored in advance. The calculation unit executes various processes including control according to the present invention in accordance with a program stored in the storage unit. The control unit 14 also has a timer function necessary for the processing procedure according to the present invention.

  The processing procedure according to the embodiment of the present invention performed by the control unit 14 on the premise of the gas meter having such a configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[First embodiment]
In step S1 of FIG. 2, a change from the valve open state to the valve closed state of the shutoff valve 11b of the shutoff valve device 11 due to the safety operation of the gas meter 1 is waited (N in step S1). If there is a change (Y in step S1), the process proceeds to step S2 and the timer is started. Since the security operation of the gas meter 1 is well known, its description is omitted here. Step S2 corresponds to the time measuring step and time measuring means in claims 1 and 5.

  In step S3, a return command is awaited (N in step S3). If there is a return command (Y in step S3), the process proceeds to step S4. The return command may be based on a manual operation of a predetermined return switch provided in the gas meter 1 or may be based on an output signal from the flow rate detection unit 12 or the pressure detection unit 13.

  In step S4, the value of the timer started in step S2 is referred to, and it is determined whether or not the elapsed time from the time when the valve is closed is a predetermined reference time. If it is determined that the elapsed time has already passed the reference time (Y in step S4), the process proceeds to step S5. Otherwise (N in step S4), the process proceeds to step S6. Step S4 corresponds to the elapsed time determination step and the elapsed time determination means in claims 1 and 5.

  The reference time is a time when it is assumed that the pressure difference is generated to such an extent that the shut-off valve cannot be completely restored. For example, the reference time is set to one week. However, the reference time is not uniform because it depends on the type of gas meter, the size and shape of the gas flow path, the performance of the shut-off valve device, and the like. Therefore, for example, a value obtained in advance for each type of gas meter is employed.

  In step S5, the shut-off valve device 11 is instructed to repeat the returning operation to the valve open state a plurality of times. That is, in step S5, since the reference time has already elapsed since the change to the valve closed state, a pressure difference that affects the return operation is generated between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b. there is a possibility. Therefore, in order to reduce this pressure difference, the return operation of the shutoff valve 11b is repeated only several times. Step S5 corresponds to the return control step and the return control means in claims 1 and 5.

  Supplementally, if there is a pressure difference that affects the return operation, the first return operation may cause the upstream side of the shut-off valve 11b even if the shut-off valve 11b cannot return to the fully opened state. And the downstream side are connected to each other, so that the pressure difference can be reduced. In the second return operation, the return operation is performed in a state where the pressure difference is reduced, so that the shut-off valve 11b can be in a state close to a complete valve open state. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11b can be returned to the complete valve open state by repeating such a return operation a few times.

  On the other hand, in step S6, the shutoff valve device 11 is instructed to perform the return operation to the valve open state only once. That is, in step S5, since the reference time has not yet elapsed since the change to the valve closed state, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b has an effect on the return operation. It is highly possible that the value has not been reached. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11b can be returned to the complete valve open state by performing the return operation only once.

  And it progresses to step S7, a timer is reset, and a series of shut-off valve return is complete | finished. In practice, the process returns to step S1.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state, the elapsed time from the time when the valve is changed to the valve closed state has passed a predetermined reference time. If it is determined that, the return operation of the shutoff valve 11b is instructed to be repeated a plurality of times. As a result, even if a pressure difference affecting the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b, the pressure difference is gradually reduced as the return operation is repeated a plurality of times. Go. Therefore, it is possible to always return the shut-off valve 11b to the complete valve open state as shown in FIG. 5 without adding new hardware or significantly changing the software.

[Second Embodiment]
In step S21 of FIG. 3, a change from the valve open state of the shut-off valve 11b of the shut-off valve device 11 to the valve closed state due to the safety operation of the gas meter 1 is waited (N in step S21), and the valve is closed. If there is a change (Y in step S21), the process proceeds to step S22. Since the security operation of the gas meter 1 is well known, its description is omitted here.

  In step S22, a return command is on standby (N in step S22). If there is a return command (Y in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. The return command may be based on a manual operation of a predetermined return switch provided in the gas meter 1 or may be based on an output signal from the flow rate detection unit 12 or the pressure detection unit 13.

  In step S23, it is determined whether or not the pressure on the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b detected by the pressure detector 13 is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure, and when it is determined that the pressure is equal to or lower than the reference pressure. (Y in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24, otherwise (N in step S23), the process proceeds to step S25. Step S23 corresponds to the pressure measuring step and pressure determining step, the pressure measuring means, and the pressure determining means in claims 2 and 6.

  The reference pressure is a pressure on the downstream side of the shut-off valve that is assumed to be unable to return completely, and is, for example, 15 kPa. However, the reference pressure is not uniform because it depends on the type of gas meter, the size and shape of the gas flow path, the performance of the shut-off valve device, and the like. Therefore, for example, a value obtained in advance for each type of gas meter is employed.

  In step S24, the shutoff valve device 11 is instructed to repeat the return operation to the valve open state a plurality of times. That is, in step S24, there may be a pressure difference that affects the return operation between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b. Therefore, in order to reduce this pressure difference, the return operation of the shutoff valve 11b is repeated only several times. Step S24 corresponds to the return control step in claims 2 and 6.

  Supplementally, if there is a pressure difference that affects the return operation, the first return operation may cause the upstream side of the shut-off valve 11b even if the shut-off valve 11b cannot return to the fully opened state. And the downstream side are connected to each other, so that the pressure difference can be reduced. In the second return operation, the return operation is performed in a state where the pressure difference is reduced, so that the shut-off valve 11b can be in a state close to a complete valve open state. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11b can be returned to the complete valve open state by repeating such a return operation a few times.

  On the other hand, in step S25, the shutoff valve device 11 is instructed to perform the return operation to the valve open state only once. That is, in step S25, there is a high possibility that the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b has not reached a value that affects the return operation. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11b can be returned to the complete valve open state by performing the return operation only once.

  Then, a series of shut-off valve return ends. Actually, the process returns to step S21.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that the pressure on the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state. Is instructed to repeat the return operation of the shutoff valve 11b a plurality of times. As a result, even if a pressure difference affecting the return operation occurs between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shutoff valve 11b, the pressure difference is gradually reduced as the return operation is repeated a plurality of times. Go. Therefore, the shutoff valve 11b can always be returned to the complete valve open state as shown in FIG. 5 without significant software change.

  In particular, in the second embodiment, by using a pressure sensor included in the pressure detection unit 13 that is originally provided for safety in this type of gas meter, a shut-off valve is always provided without adding new hardware. Can be returned to the fully open state.

  Note that the shut-off valve 11b may be opened and closed several times before the process of step S5 in FIG. 2 and before the process of step S24 in FIG. Thereby, the pressure difference between the upstream side and the downstream side of the shut-off valve 11b is more reliably reduced. Therefore, the shut-off valve can be returned to the complete valve open state more reliably.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the gas flow path and each means as described in a claim exist in a gas meter (namely, the example where a gas meter respond | corresponds to a cutoff valve control apparatus), in this invention, a gas flow path is shown. And each means need not necessarily be present in the gas meter. For example, the gas flow path is a pipe laid outside the gas meter, and a shut-off valve device is attached to the gas flow path, and this is controlled by a remote command from the management center having each means described in the claims. Well, the present invention includes such a case. This invention is not limited to the said embodiment, The form changed in the range of the main point is also included.

It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the gas meter used as the premise of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the cutoff valve apparatus in a valve closed state. It is a figure which shows the cutoff valve apparatus in a perfect valve open state. It is a figure which shows the cutoff valve apparatus in an incomplete valve open state.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas meter 11 Shut-off valve apparatus 11a Shut-off valve drive part 11b Shut-off valve 12 Flow rate detection part 13 Pressure detection part 14 Control part

Claims (6)

A control method for returning the shutoff valve to a valve open state after the shutoff valve of the shutoff valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from a valve open state to a valve closed state,
A time measuring step of measuring an elapsed time from the time when the shutoff valve changes to the valve closed state;
An elapsed time determination step for determining whether or not the elapsed time has elapsed at a time when there is a command to return to the valve open state; and
When it is determined that the elapsed time has already passed the reference time, a return control step for instructing the shutoff valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times;
The control method of the shut-off valve apparatus characterized by including. A method for returning the shutoff valve to a valve open state after the shutoff valve of the shutoff valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from a valve open state to a valve closed state,
A pressure measuring step for measuring the pressure downstream of the shutoff valve at the time when there is a command to return to the valve open state;
A pressure determination step of determining whether or not the pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure;
When it is determined that the pressure is equal to or lower than a reference pressure, a return control step that instructs the shutoff valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times;
The control method of the shut-off valve apparatus characterized by including. The control method according to claim 2, wherein
In the pressure measurement step,
The pressure is measured using a pressure sensor equipped for security in the gas meter,
And a control method for the shut-off valve device. In the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
In the return control step,
Command the return operation after opening and closing the shut-off valve several times in small increments;
And a control method for the shut-off valve device. A control device for returning the shutoff valve to a valve open state after the shutoff valve of the shutoff valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from a valve open state to a valve closed state,
Time measuring means for measuring an elapsed time from the time when the shut-off valve changes to the valve closed state;
Elapsed time determination means for determining whether or not the elapsed time has elapsed at the time when there is a return command to the valve open state,
When it is determined that the elapsed time has already passed, the return control means for instructing the shut-off valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times;
A shut-off valve control device comprising: A control device for returning the shutoff valve to a valve open state after the shutoff valve of the shutoff valve device attached to the gas flow path has changed from a valve open state to a valve closed state,
Pressure measuring means for measuring the pressure on the downstream side of the shut-off valve at the time when there is a return command to the valve open state;
Pressure determining means for determining whether or not the pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined reference pressure;
When it is determined that the pressure is equal to or lower than a reference pressure, return control means for instructing the shutoff valve device to repeat the return operation a plurality of times;
A shut-off valve control device comprising:

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