JP2007009944A - Flowing-through type accumulator and pump controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a flowing-through type accumulator and a pump controller capable of miniaturizing a water supply system. <P>SOLUTION: Since an outer side space of a bladder 22 for introducing liquid is covered with a case 23 in an air-tight manner and a gas chamber β is partitioned and formed by an external wall 22x of the bladder 22 and an internal wall 23x of the case 23 in this flowing-through type accumulator 20, pressurized gas is pressurized and filled into the gas chamber β. Pressure in the gas chamber β is detected by a sensor unit 30 and is outputted to the outside as gas chamber pressure data. Consequently, it is possible to grasp pressure in the bladder 22 through pressure in the gas chamber β in a predetermined scope indirectly. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a once-through accumulator provided with a bladder capable of passing a liquid, and a pump control device for controlling the pressure of a pump capable of pressurizing the liquid and delivering it to a flow path.

An accumulator equipped with a bladder capable of introducing liquid is used as a water storage device of an automatic pump constituting a water supply system, for example. Specifically, as disclosed in the following Patent Document 1, it is used in a water supply system, and by connecting a flow-through accumulator and a pressure switch to a discharge pipe of a pump, the pressure switch is responsive to the pressure of the discharge pipe. Turn on and off. This makes it possible to control the stoppage of the pump (Patent Document 1; paragraph number 0018, FIG. 6).
As a structure of the once-through type (inline type) accumulator, for example, Patent Documents 2 to 5 are disclosed.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-65001 (pages 2 to 4, FIGS. 3, 4, and 6) JP-A-3-56701 Shoko 58-40077 JP-B 58-40078 Shoko 57-33269

However, according to the conventional water supply system as disclosed in Patent Document 1, the technical problems (1) to (3) listed below are pointed out.

(1) In addition to pumps and accumulators, the water supply system requires various sensors that can detect the water supply status such as pressure sensors (or pressure switches) and flow rate sensors. Or in the middle of the flow path. Therefore, the presence of these sensors becomes a factor that hinders downsizing of the entire system.

(2) When using a pressure switch that mechanically detects water pressure and turns the switch on and off for the purpose of detecting the pressure applied by the pump, the overall system can be downsized due to its configuration and physique. Make it difficult. Therefore, a pressure sensor using a semiconductor can be easily reduced in size instead of a pressure switch. However, a semiconductor pressure sensor capable of detecting a hydraulic pressure (hereinafter referred to as a “hydraulic semiconductor pressure sensor”) has an atmospheric pressure. Since it is likely to be more expensive than what is detected (hereinafter referred to as “barometric pressure semiconductor pressure sensor”), it becomes a factor that hinders cost reduction of the entire system.

(3) If a barometric pressure semiconductor pressure sensor is used instead of a liquid pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor, the surface of the pressure sensor must be covered with a diaphragm to avoid contact between the liquid such as water and the semiconductor element. Occurs. Therefore, an increase in manufacturing, adjustment, and inspection costs due to such a diaphragm is a new factor that hinders cost reduction of the entire system.

Further, in an accumulator that is not a once-through accumulator, the bladder is twisted or tilted when it contracts, and the bladder is easily cracked, and it is difficult to maintain reliability over a long period of time.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a once-through accumulator and a pump control device capable of downsizing a water supply system. Another object of the present invention is to provide a once-through accumulator and a pump control device that can reduce the product cost of a water supply system.

In order to achieve the above object, the flow-through accumulator according to claim 1 described in the claims is a flow-through accumulator including a bladder capable of introducing a liquid, and is a container that hermetically covers an outer space of the bladder. And a pressurized gas that is pressurized and filled in an airtight chamber defined by the outer wall of the bladder and the inner wall of the container, and a pressure detection capable of detecting the airtight chamber pressure in the airtight chamber and outputting it as atmospheric pressure information to the outside A technical feature.

In order to achieve the above object, in the pump control device according to claim 5 described in the claims, in the pump control device for controlling the pressure of a pump capable of pressurizing a liquid and sending it to a flow path, 4. A structure capable of acquiring pressure information from the pressure detector of the once-through accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 connected to the flow path so that the liquid pumped to the flow path can be introduced into the bladder. The pressure information output from the pressure detector in a range where the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder caused by the liquid and the airtight chamber pressure in the airtight chamber is substantially zero. A technical feature is that the pressure of the liquid in the flow path is used for controlling the pressure of the pressurizing pump.

In the first aspect of the invention, the outer space of the bladder into which the liquid can be introduced is covered with a container in an airtight manner so that an airtight chamber is defined by the outer wall of the bladder and the inner wall of the container. Pressurize to fill. The airtight chamber pressure in the airtight chamber is detected by a pressure detector, and can be output to the outside as atmospheric pressure information. As a result, the pressure in the bladder, that is, the bladder pressure due to the liquid flowing into the bladder, is reduced within a predetermined range (a range in which the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder due to the liquid and the hermetic chamber pressure in the hermetic chamber becomes almost zero). Since it can be indirectly grasped through the airtight chamber pressure in the room, the pressure of the liquid in the bladder, that is, the bladder pressure is detected from the atmospheric pressure information output from the pressure detector (hereinafter referred to as “bladder pressure detection”). .) Is possible. Moreover, since this pressure detector detects the pressure by the pressurized gas in an airtight chamber, it becomes possible to use an inexpensive atmospheric pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor without using an expensive hydraulic pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor. Therefore, when configuring the water supply system, there is no need to separately provide a pressure sensor or a pressure switch in the middle of the piping, and it can be configured at low cost, so the water supply system can be reduced in size and the product cost can be reduced. . The flow-through accumulator bladder is fixed on the inflow side and the outflow side, so even if the water pressure drops and the bladder contracts, it does not twist and does not come into contact with the case. Is difficult to enter and can maintain reliability over a long period of time.

In the invention of claim 2, since the liquid flow is unidirectional in the once-through accumulator, an operation member that operates when the passing liquid flow exceeds a predetermined amount is disposed in the liquid flow path, and the operation of the operation member A flow meter can be configured by detecting (for example, oscillation associated with a liquid flow). And by providing a pressure sensor and a flow meter in the once-through accumulator, it is not necessary to separately provide a pressure sensor and a flow meter in the middle of the piping in configuring the water supply system, and it can be configured at low cost. The water supply system can be miniaturized and the product cost can be reduced.

In the invention of claim 3, by setting the caliber ratio between the inflow side and the outflow side of the bladder or between the outflow side and the inflow side in a range of 1: 5 to 1: 1.5, Compared to a simple tube shape, the volume change between the contracted state and the expanded state can be increased without applying excessive stress to the material (such as rubber), and the durability can be improved.

In the invention of claim 4, the container that covers the outer space of the bladder in an airtight manner includes a check valve that can introduce pressurized gas into the airtight chamber from the outside and cannot be led out from the airtight chamber. Can be filled with pressurized gas. Thereby, for example, even if the pressure in the hermetic chamber decreases due to the pressurized gas permeating from the outside of the bladder to the inside of the bladder due to the gas permeation phenomenon, the pressurized gas can be replenished from the outside. Therefore, even if a pressure drop in the hermetic chamber occurs due to a leak of pressurized gas or the like, the pressure can be easily restored to the original, so that the function of detecting the bladder pressure can be maintained. The “gas permeation phenomenon” refers to a phenomenon in which, when there is a pressure difference between gases separated by a polymer membrane, the gas moves through the membrane from the higher pressure toward the lower pressure ( same as below).

In the invention of claim 5, the flow-through accumulator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is connected to the flow path so that the liquid pumped into the flow path can be introduced into the bladder, and the flow-through accumulator The pump control device is configured to be able to acquire the atmospheric pressure information output from the pressure detector. In the pump control device, the atmospheric pressure information output from the pressure detector is used as the liquid pressure in the flow path in a range where the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder and the airtight chamber pressure in the airtight chamber is substantially zero. Used for pressurization control of pressurizing pump. This makes it possible to control the pressure of the pressurizing pump by grasping the pressure of the liquid flowing through the channel without separately providing a pressure sensor or pressure switch in the channel. Therefore, a water supply system can be reduced in size and product cost can also be reduced.

In the invention of claim 6, when it is detected that the hermetic chamber pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined value based on the atmospheric pressure information, the fact is notified to the outside. Thereby, for example, when the pressure in the hermetic chamber decreases due to leakage of pressurized gas to the outside through a bladder, a container, or the like and becomes a predetermined value or less, the outside (for example, a maintenance worker) can know it. Therefore, when a pressure drop in the hermetic chamber occurs due to a leak of pressurized gas or the like, it is possible to grasp a function drop in bladder pressure detection associated therewith. In this case, for example, as appropriate measures, replenishment of pressurized gas or setting change of a predetermined range (a range in which the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder and the hermetic chamber pressure in the hermetic chamber becomes almost zero) or The bladder pressure detection function can be maintained by replacing the once-through accumulator.

[First embodiment]
First, the structure of the once-through accumulator 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, the once-through accumulator 20 is mainly composed of a base 21, a bladder 22, a case 23, a cover 38, a pressure sensor unit 30, a flow rate sensor unit 40, and the like. It is used as a water storage device for a pump. A system configuration example of the automatic pump will be described later with reference to FIG. A perspective view of the bladder 22 is shown in FIG.

The base 21 is a resin member formed of a cylindrical sleeve portion 21a and a disk-shaped flange portion 21b, and a water guide passage 21d capable of introducing a liquid such as tap water and a water guide passage 21d at the center of the circle. And a smaller diameter water conduit 21d. A concave portion 21c is provided around the outer periphery of the sleeve portion 21a, and a through hole 21h for allowing the flow rate sensor unit 40 to face the water conduit 21d is provided in the concave portion 21c. Further, an O-ring 26 for preventing water leakage that can leak from a gap between the pipes that can supply liquid is attached to the outer peripheral wall of the sleeve portion 21a. A flange 21f for fixing the opening end 22i of the bladder 22 is formed on the outer periphery of the flange portion 21b.

The bladder 22 is a cylindrical member formed in a truncated cone shape whose diameter narrows from the opening end 22i toward the outflow port 22o, and is made of, for example, synthetic rubber (butyl rubber, styrene rubber, or a mixture thereof). The opening end 22i of the bladder 22 is set to have an inner diameter that can be locked to the entire circumference of the annular flange portion 21b of the base 21 described above, and is formed thicker than the other barrel portion 22c. . Further, a disc-shaped portion 22 d is formed on the outside of the bladder 22 from the outlet 22 o to fix the bladder 22 to the case 23. The pressure in the bladder 22, that is, the pressure in the liquid chamber α is referred to as “bladder pressure”.

The case 23 is a cylindrical member made of metal (for example, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.) capable of airtightly covering the outer space of the bladder 22, and has an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the annular flange 21f of the base 21 described above. And an opening 23b set to an inner diameter substantially the same as the outer diameter of the outlet 22o of the bladder 22. The case 23 covers the outer side of the bladder 22 assembled to the base 21 so as to form the liquid chamber α so as to surround the entire circumference thereof, and the opening end 22 i of the bladder 22 is covered with the flange portion 21 b of the base 21. The opening 23b is crimped and fixed to the flange 21b so as to be sandwiched. On the other hand, a boss 23f is formed around the through-hole portion 23a, and the through-hole 22g of the disc-shaped portion 22d of the bladder 22 is inserted so as to pass through the boss 23f, and the disc-shaped portion 22d is sandwiched therebetween. By attaching the holding plate 24 and fastening the holding plate fastening screw 29 to the boss 23f, the bladder 22 is fixed. In this way, the liquid chamber α can be defined in the bladder 22, and a liquid such as tap water can be introduced into the liquid chamber α from the outside via the water conduit 21 d of the base 21. A resin plug 28 having a flange portion 28b and a sleeve portion 28a is fitted on the outside of the pressing plate 24. A connector 92 having an L-shaped cross section is attached to the outside of the plug 28 via a rubber packing 94, and is connected to the flange 90b of the pipe 90.

In this way, the caulking is fixed with the opening 22i of the bladder 22 sandwiched therebetween, and the holding plate 24 is attached so as to sandwich the disk-shaped portion 22d of the bladder 22, so that between the case 23 and the bladder 22 or between the bladder 22 and the base 21. Can be in close contact with each other at each opening, so that the space between each can be hermetically sealed. Thereby, the gas chamber β defined by the outer wall 22x of the bladder 22 and the inner wall 23x of the case 23 can be sealed. Since the opening end 22i of the bladder 22 is formed to be slightly thick, the effect of hermetic sealing is enhanced.

In the bladder 22 of the first embodiment, the opening end 22i on the inflow side and the outflow port 22o on the outflow side are fixed. Therefore, the bladder 22 may be twisted even if the water pressure is reduced and the bladder 22 is contracted. Without contact with the case 23, it is difficult for the bladder to crack, and reliability can be maintained over a long period of time. The diameter D1 of the opening end 22i of the bladder 22 and the diameter D2 of the outlet 22o, or the ratio of the diameter D2 of the outlet 22o and the diameter D1 of the opening 22i is in the range of 1: 5 to 1: 1.5. It is desirable to set. By providing a difference in diameter, compared to a simple tube shape with the same diameter at the open end and outlet, the volume change between the contracted state and the expanded state is increased without applying excessive stress to the material. And durability can be improved. Here, when the aperture ratio exceeds 1: 5 or less than 1: 1.5, it is difficult to increase the capacity change.

A gas chamber β formed in the outer space of the bladder 22 is filled with pressurized gas (for example, pressurized nitrogen gas) from the outside through an injection hole 23 d formed in the case 23. The gas to be filled is pressurized to 0.16 MPa, for example. For this reason, when no liquid is introduced from the outside into the liquid chamber α of the bladder 22 through the water conduit 21d, that is, in a dry liquid state, the bladder 22 is kept deflated by the pressure of the pressurized gas.

The pressurized gas may be air, but by selecting a nitrogen gas having a molecular size larger than oxygen or carbon dioxide, the pressurized gas is moved from the bladder 22 to the liquid chamber α side by the gas permeation phenomenon. Suppressing leakage. In addition, selecting a material that does not easily cause a gas permeation phenomenon as the material of the bladder 22 also prevents the pressurized gas from leaking.

A sensor hole 23e is formed in the case 23 that partitions the gas chamber β. The sensor hole 23e communicates with the pressure sensor unit 30 capable of detecting the internal pressure (airtight chamber pressure) of the gas chamber β (hereinafter referred to as “gas chamber pressure”). The gas chamber pressure data (atmospheric pressure information) can be output to the outside. In order to prevent the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β from leaking to the outside, a gas plug 47 is screwed into the injection hole 23d of the case 23, and a cap 48 is attached so as to cover it.

The cover 38 is for protecting the pressure sensor unit 30 described below, and is made of a metal member (for example, iron, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and has a connector hole 38a in its cylindrical wall portion.

The cover 38 is indirectly fixed to the case 23 by a cover mounting screw 27 via a mounting plate 25 for mounting the pressure sensor unit 30 to the case 23. Thereby, the sensor chamber γ is defined by the outer wall of the case 23 and the inner wall of the cover 38. The mounting plate 25 is fixed to the outer wall of the case 23 by welding as will be described later.

The pressure sensor unit 30 is accommodated in the sensor chamber γ described above, can detect the gas chamber pressure (airtight chamber pressure), and can output the gas chamber pressure data (atmospheric pressure information) to the outside. Here, FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of the inside of the alternate long and short dash line III shown in FIG. 1, so the pressure sensor unit 30 will now be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure sensor unit 30 is mainly configured by a printed circuit board 31, a pressure sensor 33, a terminal 34, a locking portion 35, and the like, and is attached to the outer wall of the case 23 via the mounting plate 25. It has been. The mounting plate 25 is formed with a sensor mounting hole 25a and a board mounting screw hole 25b. The sensor mounting hole 25a is formed to have substantially the same diameter as the sensor hole 23e of the case 23 described above, and is positioned around the sensor mounting hole 25a in a state where the sensor mounting hole 25a is aligned with the position of the mounting plate 25 so as to communicate with each other. The mounting plate 25 and the case 23 positioned around the sensor hole 23e are fixed by welding, for example, by projection welding (reference P shown in FIG. 3).

The projection welding is, for example, resistance welding between the case 23 and the mounting plate 25 by providing an annular protrusion formed in a convex shape around the entire circumference of the sensor hole 23e. Thus, the entire circumference of the sensor hole 23e (sensor mounting hole 25a) can be hermetically sealed between the case 23 and the mounting plate 25. Further, the “case 23 for forming the sensor hole 23e” and the “mounting plate 25 for forming the sensor mounting hole 25a” can be hermetically sealed over the entire circumference of the sensor hole 23e (sensor mounting hole 25a). If there is, it is not limited to the projection welding described here. For example, another welding method, a combination of welding and an adhesive, or an airtight sealing member such as an O-ring, packing, or gasket is used for the case 23 and the mounting plate. The case 23 and the mounting plate 25 may be fixed by a mechanical mounting structure or the like interposed between them.

Electronic components such as a pressure sensor 33 and terminals 34 are soldered to a printed circuit board 31 on which a printed wiring (not shown) is printed. The pressure sensor 33 is, for example, a pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor that can detect a pressure due to a gas by a semiconductor strain gauge, and an introduction pipe 33b for taking in the gas extends from the main body portion 33a toward the printed circuit board 31. Therefore, the printed circuit board 31 is screwed by the board mounting screw 32 that is screwed into the screw hole 25b of the mounting plate 25 so that the introduction pipe 33b can be maintained inserted into the sensor mounting hole 25a of the mounting plate 25. It is fixed. Note that an O-ring 37 provided on the outer periphery of the introduction pipe 33b is interposed between the mounting plate 25 and the printed circuit board 31, so that the mounting plate 25 and the printed circuit board 31 can be hermetically sealed. Yes.

The printed circuit board 31 is provided with a terminal 34 that can output gas chamber pressure data detected by the pressure sensor 33 to the outside. The terminal 34 is formed in an L shape and is configured to be electrically connectable to a plug (not shown). The printed circuit board 31 is provided with a locking portion 35 that can be locked to the plug. The locking portion 35 is formed in an L shape like the terminal 34, and a locking claw 35a is formed at the tip so that the plug can be attached to and detached from the printed circuit board 31 with one touch. Yes. The terminals 34 and the locking portions 35 are laid out on the printed circuit board 31 so that the tip ends are located in the connector holes 38a of the cover 38 with the printed circuit board 31 attached to the mounting plate 25. .

By configuring the pressure sensor unit 30 in this way, the gas chamber pressure of the gas chamber β can be detected by the pressure sensor 33, and the detected gas chamber pressure is externally connected via the terminal 34 to the gas chamber pressure. Data (atmospheric pressure information) can be output.

Further, the configuration of the flow sensor unit 40 will be described with reference to FIG.
The flow sensor unit 40 includes a sensor fixing member 41 incorporating a reed switch 42 and a paddle 43 incorporating a permanent magnet 44. The sensor fixing member 41 includes a rectangular base 41a, a protrusion 41b extending toward the water conduit 21d via the through hole 21h of the base 21, and a hole formed in the protrusion 41b to accommodate the reed switch 42. 41c. An O-ring 46 is disposed between the base 41a and the base 21. The paddle 43 is supported by the protrusion 41b so as to be swingable through a shaft 45.

FIG. 2B shows a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG. The paddle 43 is arranged so as to block the water flow. For example, when it exceeds 3 liters / minute, the paddle 43 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1, and the reed switch 42 detects that the permanent magnet 44 has been separated. Is detected to exceed a predetermined value (3 liters / minute). When the water flow falls below 3 liters / minute, the water flow turns counterclockwise in FIG. 1, and the proximity of the permanent magnet 44 is detected by the reed switch 42, so that the water flow is below a predetermined value (3 liters / minute). Is detected.

In the once-through accumulator 20 of the first embodiment, since the liquid flow is unidirectional, a paddle 43 that rotates when the passing liquid flow exceeds a predetermined amount is disposed in the liquid flow path. The flow rate sensor unit 40 can be configured by detecting the swing associated with the flow. And by providing the pressure sensor unit 30 and the flow sensor unit 40 in the once-through accumulator 20, it is not necessary to separately provide a pressure sensor and a flow meter in the middle of the piping in constructing a water supply system, and the structure is inexpensive. Therefore, the water supply system can be reduced in size and the product cost can be reduced.

As shown in FIG. 4A, a gas introduction valve 50 may be attached instead of the gas plug 47 attached to the case 23. In other words, the gas introduction valve 50 (check valve) that can introduce pressurized gas into the gas chamber β from the outside and cannot be led out from the gas chamber β is attached to the injection hole 23 d of the case 23. Thereby, for example, even if the gas chamber pressure is lowered due to leakage of pressurized gas to the outside due to a gas permeation phenomenon through the bladder 22 or the like, the pressurized gas can be easily replenished from the outside. FIG. 4B shows an image in which the cap 52 is removed from the input port 51a and the pressurized gas is filled.

The gas introduction valve 50 includes an input port 51a capable of introducing a pressurized gas, an output port 51b capable of deriving the pressurized gas introduced from the input port 51a, a flange 51c formed in an annular shape on the outer periphery between the two ports, and the like. The valve main body 51 is provided, a cap 52 that can be attached to the input port 51a, and a packing 53 that is attached to the flange 51c from the output port 51b side. Inside the valve body 51, there is a check valve that allows derivation from the input port 51a to the output port 51b while blocking the derivation from the output port 51b to the input port 51a. It is attached to the injection hole 23d. Thereby, the pressurized gas can be introduced into the gas chamber β from the outside and cannot be led out from the gas chamber β.

By configuring the once-through accumulator 20 in this way, the pressure sensor unit 30 can detect the internal pressure of the gas chamber β, that is, the gas chamber pressure, and output it as gas chamber pressure data to the outside. Here, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas chamber pressure in the gas chamber β is substantially equal to the internal pressure of the liquid chamber α in the bladder 22, that is, the bladder pressure in a predetermined range. Therefore, in this predetermined range, the bladder pressure can be indirectly detected by detecting the gas chamber pressure.

FIG. 5 shows “the difference between the gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure (with respect to the horizontal axis [MPa]) (
Ordinate [MPa]) ”for each pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β (0.16 MPa (◯ (white circle)), 0.13 MPa (□ (white square)), 0.10 MPa (▲ (Black triangle))) is shown, and the closer the difference (vertical axis) between the gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure is to 0.00 [MPa], the gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure are equal to each other. It represents that it can fall within the predetermined range.

For example, when the pressurized pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β is 0.10 MPa (characteristics of the one-dot chain line plotted by ▲ (black triangle) shown in FIG. When the bladder pressure is lower than 10 MPa, the difference (filled pressure-bladder pressure) appears as the difference between the gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure on the vertical axis. At this time, when the bladder pressure is in the range of 0.00 MPa to 0.10 MPa, the bladder 22 maintains the most deflated state due to the external pressure by the pressurized gas, and when the bladder pressure is 0.00 MPa, the differential pressure is 0.10 MPa. It becomes. When the sealed pressure of the pressurized gas 0.10 MPa and the bladder pressure are substantially equal (bladder pressure 0.10 MPa), the difference between the gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure on the vertical axis is substantially zero (0.00 MPa). This state corresponds to the lower limit of the predetermined range.

On the other hand, when the bladder pressure begins to exceed 0.10 MPa, the deflated bladder 22 begins to swell. Further, when the liquid is introduced from the water conduit 21d and flows into the liquid chamber α, the bladder pressure increases while the difference between the gas chamber pressure on the vertical axis and the bladder pressure is almost zero until the bladder 22 is no longer deflated. To do. When the bladder 22 is filled with the liquid that has flowed in and the wilting is completely eliminated, the liquid chamber α is filled. In other words, when more liquid is introduced, the bladder 22 starts to swell, and therefore, the energy given by the water pressure is consumed by the work of swelling against the contraction force of the bladder 22 made of synthetic rubber. The difference between the shaft gas chamber pressure and the bladder pressure begins to open. Therefore, immediately after the full liquid state corresponds to the upper limit of the predetermined range. For example, when the sealing pressure is 0.10 MPa, the vicinity of 0.22 MPa corresponds to the upper limit (“predetermined range (1)” shown in FIG. 5).

Similarly, when the sealed pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β is 0.13 MPa (characteristics of a broken line plotted by □ (white square) shown in FIG. 5), the lower limit of the predetermined range is 0. It can be seen from FIG. 5 that the upper limit is 13 MPa and the upper limit is around 0.25 MPa (“predetermined range (2)” shown in FIG. 5). Further, when the sealed pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β is 0.16 MPa (solid line characteristic plotted by ○ (white circle) shown in FIG. 5), the lower limit of the predetermined range is 0.16 MPa. 5 that the upper limit is around 0.29 MPa ("predetermined range (3)" shown in FIG. 5).

As described above, in the once-through accumulator 20 according to the present embodiment, the outer space of the bladder 22 into which the liquid can be introduced is hermetically covered with the case 23, whereby the gas chamber is formed by the outer wall 22 x of the bladder 22 and the inner wall 23 x of the case 23. Since β is partitioned, the gas chamber β is pressurized and filled with a pressurized gas. The gas chamber pressure in the gas chamber β is detected by the pressure sensor unit 30 and can be output to the outside as gas chamber pressure data.

As a result, the pressure in the bladder 22, that is, the bladder pressure due to the liquid flowing into the bladder 22, is set within a predetermined range (the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder 22 due to the liquid and the gas chamber pressure in the gas chamber β becomes almost zero. Range), the pressure of the liquid in the bladder 22 can be detected from the gas chamber pressure data output from the pressure sensor unit 30 because it can be indirectly grasped via the gas chamber pressure in the gas chamber β. It becomes possible. Moreover, since this pressure sensor unit 30 detects the pressure by the pressurized gas in the gas chamber β, it is possible to use an inexpensive atmospheric pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor without using an expensive hydraulic pressure type semiconductor pressure sensor. . Therefore, when configuring the water supply system, there is no need to separately provide a pressure sensor or a pressure switch in the middle of the pipe, and the water supply system can be configured at a low cost. Therefore, the water supply system can be reduced in size and the product cost can be reduced.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, in the case 23 that covers the outer space of the bladder 22 in an airtight manner, a pressurized gas can be introduced into the gas chamber β from the outside and cannot be led out from the gas chamber β. By providing this, it is possible to easily fill the pressurized gas from the outside. Thereby, for example, even if the pressure of the gas chamber β decreases due to the pressurized gas permeating from the outside of the bladder 22 to the inside of the bladder 22 due to the gas permeation phenomenon, the pressurized gas can be replenished from the outside. Therefore, even if a pressure drop in the gas chamber β occurs due to leakage of pressurized gas or the like, the pressure can be easily restored, so that the function of detecting the bladder pressure can be maintained.

Next, a configuration of the automatic pump system 100 using the above-described once-through accumulator 20 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the automatic pump system 100 is a water supply system provided in the middle of a pipe 90 to which tap water (hereinafter referred to as “water”) is supplied. The pump 70 provided, the flow-through accumulator 20 provided in the middle of the pipe 90 downstream of the pump 70, and the sensor signals sent from the flow sensor unit 40 and the pressure sensor unit 30 of the flow-through accumulator 20 are input. The control device 60 can control the inverter 64 that drives the pump 70 based on the signal information. A water faucet 95 capable of discharging tap water is attached to the pipe 90 on the downstream side of the once-through accumulator 20.

The control device 60 is a microcomputer (information processing device) including a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, and the like, and sensor signals output from the pressure sensor unit 30 and the flow sensor unit 40 of the once-through accumulator 20 via the input / output interface. Thus, the inverter 64 that drives the pump 70 is configured to be controllable based on the grasped state of water pumping by the pump 70. These controls are performed by the CPU according to a control program stored in the memory.

That is, by inserting the connector of the electric cable connected to the control device 60 into the connector hole 38 a of the once-through accumulator 20 and locking it to the locking portion 35, the electrode in the connector is connected to the pressure sensor unit 30. It is electrically connected to the terminal 34. Thereby, the atmospheric pressure of the gas chamber β detected by the pressure sensor unit 30, that is, the gas chamber pressure data can be output to the control device 60. The flow rate sensor unit 40 is configured to detect the flow rate of liquid such as water flowing through the pipe 90, and is configured to be able to output flow rate data (flow rate information) to the control device 60 as a sensor signal.

By configuring the automatic pump system 100 in this way, the control device 60 allows the gas chamber pressure data to be within a predetermined range shown in FIG. 5 based on the gas chamber pressure data sent from the pressure sensor unit 30. In the case where the difference between the bladder pressure and the gas chamber pressure is almost zero, the inverter that drives the pump 70 by grasping the gas chamber pressure data as the water pressure of the pipe 90, that is, the delivery pressure by the pump 70 64 is controlled. Note that the predetermined range is appropriately selected based on the sealed pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber β (predetermined ranges (1) to (3) shown in FIG. 5). Thereby, the pressure of the pump 70 can be controlled by grasping the water pressure of the pipe 90 without separately providing the pipe 90 with a pressure sensor or a pressure switch. Therefore, the automatic pump system 100 can be miniaturized and the product cost can be reduced. In particular, since the pressure is accurately detected by the pressure sensor unit 30 and the output of the pump 70 is smoothly controlled by the inverter 64, the pump is turned on and off according to the pressure detected by the pressure sensor unit 30. It is possible to obtain a desired water pressure with a small change width instead of a changing water pressure.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the automatic pump system 100 is configured so as to connect the alarm device 62 to the control device 60, and the gas is detected based on the gas chamber pressure data sent from the pressure sensor unit 30. When it is detected that the chamber pressure is equal to or lower than a predetermined value (for example, 0.08 MPa), the control device 60 may be controlled so that the alarm device 62 notifies the outside with a warning sound or a warning light. . As a result, even if the pressure in the gas chamber β decreases due to the pressurized gas leaking to the outside through the bladder 22, the case 23, etc., if the pressure falls below a predetermined value, for example, the maintenance worker can know it. it can. Therefore, when a pressure drop in the gas chamber β occurs due to a leak of pressurized gas or the like, it is possible to grasp the bladder pressure detection function drop associated therewith. In this case, for example, as an appropriate measure, the function of detecting the bladder pressure can be maintained by replenishing the pressurized gas, changing the setting within a predetermined range, or replacing the once-through accumulator 20. .

[Second Embodiment]
Subsequently, a once-through accumulator 120 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The flow-through accumulator of the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG. In contrast, in the once-through accumulator of the second embodiment, the flow sensor unit is connected separately.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the flow-through accumulator 120 according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 8 is a plan view of the flow-through accumulator 120 attached to the pump 150. The XX cross section in FIG. 8 corresponds to FIG.
A flow rate sensor unit 140 is fixed to the casing 154 of the pump 150 with a bolt 152, and a flow-through accumulator 120 is connected to the flow rate sensor unit 140 via a connecting pipe 147, and a pipe 90 is connected to the flow-through accumulator 120. It is connected. Flange 147 a and 147 b are formed at the end of connection pipe 147, and are fixed to flow sensor unit 140 and flow-through accumulator 120 by connectors 148 and 149.

The casing 141 of the flow rate sensor unit 140 is formed with a cylindrical portion 141b extending downward, and a reed switch 142 is accommodated in a hole portion 141c provided in the cylindrical portion 141b. A sleeve-like float 143 that can be moved up and down along the tubular portion 141b is disposed on the outer periphery of the tubular portion 141b. A permanent magnet 144 is accommodated in the float 143. On the other hand, in the casing 154 on the pump 150 side, a recess 154b for accommodating the float 143 is formed above the water discharge port 154a.

The float 143 is arranged so as to block the water discharge from the pump 150 side. For example, when it exceeds 3 liters / minute, the float 143 rises along the tubular portion 141b. The flow rate sensor unit 140 detects that the water flow has exceeded a predetermined value (3 liters / minute) by detecting the proximity of the permanent magnet 144 by the reed switch 142. When the water flow falls below 3 liters / minute, the float 143 descends and the reed switch 142 detects that the permanent magnet 144 is separated, thereby detecting that the water flow is below a predetermined value (3 liters / minute). . The pump control in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment described above with reference to FIG.

It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the once-through type accumulator which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. 2 (A) is a perspective view of the bladder rubber in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2 (B) is a view taken in the direction of arrow B in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view within a one-dot chain line circle indicated by reference numeral III shown in FIG. 1. 4A and 4B are explanatory views showing an example in which a gas introduction valve is attached to a case constituting the once-through accumulator of the present embodiment. FIG. 4A shows the configuration of the gas introduction valve, and FIG. The image which fills pressurized gas from a gas introduction valve is shown. Characteristic diagram showing "difference between gas chamber pressure and bladder pressure (vertical axis)" with respect to the bladder pressure (horizontal axis) of the once-through accumulator of this embodiment for each sealed pressure of the pressurized gas filled in the gas chamber It is. FIG. 6 (A) is a block diagram showing the configuration of an automatic pump system equipped with the once-through accumulator of this embodiment, and FIG. 6 (B) shows an alarm device in the automatic pump system shown in FIG. 6 (A). It is a block diagram which shows the structure at the time of adding. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the once-through type accumulator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the once-through type accumulator which concerns on 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

20, 120 ... Flow-through accumulator 21 ... Base 22 ... Bladder 22x ... Outer wall 23 ... Case (container)
23x ... inner wall 24 ... cover 30 ... pressure sensor unit (pressure detector)
33 ... Pressure sensor (pressure detector)
40, 140 ... flow rate sensor unit 50 ... gas introduction valve (check valve)
60 ... Control device (pump control device)
62 ... Alarm device 64 ... Inverter 70 ... Pump 90 ... Piping (flow path)
95 ... Faucet 100 ... Automatic pump system P ... Welding location α ... Liquid chamber β ... Gas chamber γ ... Sensor chamber

Claims (6)

A once-through accumulator with a bladder capable of passing liquid,
A container that hermetically covers the outer space of the bladder;
A pressurized gas that is pressurized and filled into an airtight chamber defined by the outer wall of the bladder and the inner wall of the container;
A pressure detector capable of detecting an airtight chamber pressure in the airtight chamber and outputting the pressure information to the outside;
A once-through accumulator characterized by comprising:   2. A once-through accumulator according to claim 1, further comprising a flow meter having an actuating member that operates when the flow rate of the passing liquid exceeds a predetermined amount.   The once-through accumulator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a diameter ratio between the inflow side and the outflow side of the bladder or between the outflow side and the inflow side is set in a range of 1: 5 to 1: 1.5. .   The said container is equipped with the non-return valve which can introduce | transduce the said pressurized gas into the said airtight chamber from the outside, and cannot lead out outside from the said airtight chamber, The any one of Claims 1-3 characterized by the above-mentioned. The once-through accumulator. In the pump control apparatus which controls the pressurizing force of the pump capable of pressurizing and feeding the liquid to the flow path, the liquid pumped to the flow path is connected to the flow path so as to be introduced into the bladder. A pump control device configured to be able to acquire atmospheric pressure information from the pressure detector of the once-through accumulator according to any one of claims 4,
The pressure information output from the pressure detector is used as the pressure of the liquid in the flow path in the range where the difference between the bladder pressure in the bladder due to the liquid and the hermetic chamber pressure in the hermetic chamber becomes substantially zero. A pump control device used for controlling the pressure of a pressure pump.   6. The pump control device according to claim 5, wherein when it is detected that the hermetic chamber pressure has become a predetermined value or less based on the atmospheric pressure information, the fact is notified to the outside.

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