JP2008020187A - Fluid controller, and flow measuring instrument equipped with fluid controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To open a control valve just in start of use of a tool on the downstream side, and to enhance convenience and safety by closing the control valve when not used. <P>SOLUTION: This fluid controller is provided with a tool use detecting means 18 for detecting a use state of a fluid in the tool 17 on the downstream side, based on the fluid, and an opening and closing operation control means 19 for opening a fluid control means 16 when detecting the start of the use of the fluid, based on a signal from the tool use detecting means 18, and for closing the fluid control means 16 when detecting the stop of the use of the fluid, wherein safety is enhanced by closing the control valve (fluid control means 16) all the time when not using the fluid, and simplification and workability are enhanced by detecting the using state of the fluid based on the fluid. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a fluid control device and a flow rate measuring device provided with a blocking function.

  Conventionally, as a flow measuring device provided with this kind of blocking function, there is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-43017. The configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view of a conventional flow rate measuring device. 1 is a flow rate measuring unit, 2 is a first ultrasonic transducer, and 3 is a second ultrasonic transducer. Reference numeral 4 denotes a fixed aperture plate, 5 denotes a rotary aperture plate, 6 denotes a fixed aperture plate 4 and a rotary aperture plate 5, and the rotary aperture 5 a of the rotary aperture plate 5 is replaced with the fixed aperture 4 a of the fixed aperture plate 4. This is a flow control valve that opens and overlaps the rotation opening plate 5 and closes the rotation closing portion 5 b of the rotation opening plate 5 on the fixed opening portion 4 a of the fixed opening plate 4. Reference numeral 7 denotes a spring that presses the rotary aperture plate 5 against the fixed aperture plate 4, and 8 denotes a motor (drive unit) that rotates the rotary aperture plate 5. Reference numeral 9 denotes a shaft connected to the motor 8. The shaft 9 is fixed to the rotating aperture plate 5, and one end of the shaft 9 is rotatably supported by a bearing portion 4 b of the fixed aperture plate 4. The motor 8 is attached to a holder 10, and the holder 10 is fixed to the pipeline 12 by a support portion 11. Reference numeral 13 denotes a control unit of the motor 8, and reference numeral 14 denotes a flow rate calculation unit that is connected to the ultrasonic transducers 2 and 3 and calculates a flow rate based on signals from the ultrasonic transducers 2 and 3.

In such a configuration, the time until the ultrasonic wave emitted from one ultrasonic transducer is detected by the other ultrasonic transducer is measured, and the flow rate is calculated by calculating the fluid velocity from this time, At the time of abnormality detection, for example, when an abnormal vibration due to an earthquake is detected, the control unit 13 of the motor 8 is activated, and the motor 8 is driven to rotate the rotation aperture plate 5 by a predetermined value to rotate the rotation closure plate 5. The flow is closed by overlapping 5b on the fixed opening 4a of the fixed opening plate 4.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-43017

  However, in the conventional example, the flow control valve 6 is normally in a fully open state and is opened even when no fluid is used, so there is a problem in safety when fluid leaks downstream of the flow control valve 6. there were.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flow path through which a fluid flows, a fluid control means for controlling the flow of the fluid, and an instrument utilization detecting means for detecting the fluid utilization state in the downstream instrument from the fluid. When the start of use of the fluid is detected based on the signal from the appliance use detection means, the fluid control means is opened, and when the stop of use of the fluid is detected, the opening / closing operation control means for closing the fluid control means is provided.

  According to the above invention, the fluid control means is opened or closed by detecting the start or stop of use of the fluid in the instrument provided on the downstream side from the fluid, and is always closed when the fluid is not used. Therefore, safety can be improved, and since the use state of the fluid is detected from the fluid, transmission / reception of a signal to / from the instrument is not required, and simplification and workability can be improved.

  As apparent from the above description, the flow measurement control device of the present invention provides the following effects.

  An instrument usage detecting means for detecting the usage state of the fluid from the fluid, and a fluid control means is opened when the start of use of the fluid is detected based on a signal from the instrument usage detecting means, and a fluid control means is closed when the stop of the use of the fluid is detected. Since the opening / closing operation control means is provided, the safety when the instrument is not used can be improved. In addition, since the fluid usage state is detected from the fluid, it is not necessary to send / receive signals to / from the device, and the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced. Workability can be improved as unnecessary.

  In addition, since the instrument usage detecting means is provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means and is an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means for instantaneously measuring the flow velocity of the fluid, the use of the instrument is started not only by the presence or absence of the fluid flow but also by the instantaneous measurement. Since the detection is performed by a change, the detection accuracy can be improved, and the reliability of the operation when the use of the instrument is started or stopped can be improved.

  In addition, the instrument usage detecting means is provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means, and includes an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means for instantaneously measuring the fluid flow velocity and a pressure measuring means for measuring the fluid pressure. Since determination is made based on both flow and pressure change, the detection accuracy can be improved to further improve the reliability, and the configuration can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the pressure loss of the flow path can be reduced.

  In addition, since a fluid tank that stores fluid in communication with the flow path on the downstream side of the fluid control means is provided, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of detecting the start of use of the instrument, and the downstream pipe is short and the volume of the pipe is reduced. Even when it is small, the start of use of the appliance can be detected, so that the applicable area for the piping specifications on the downstream side can be expanded and the workability and convenience can be improved.

  Further, since the opening / closing operation control means includes a learning determination unit that learns the signal of the appliance use detecting means, the detection accuracy of the start of use can be further improved in the determined downstream piping and appliance installation status. . In addition, it is possible to detect in advance problems due to deterioration of the equipment over time, and to increase the degree of freedom for installation and improve installation.

  In addition, since the apparatus includes the instantaneous flow rate measuring means for instantaneously measuring the flow rate of the fluid and the fluid control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the instrument usage detecting means and the instantaneous flow rate measurement are performed. Since the determination can be made by a plurality of means, the detection accuracy can be further improved.

  The instantaneous flow rate measuring means includes at least a pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the flow path, a measurement control unit that measures the propagation time of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic transducers, and a signal from the measurement control unit. Because it is an ultrasonic flow measurement means that has a calculation unit that calculates the flow rate based on it, the start of use of the instrument is immediately determined with high accuracy by measuring the flow velocity or flow rate in a very short time and continuously, and the response speed The opening operation can be realized with an increased resistance, and the operation of the appliance that has started to be used can be stably operated to increase the reliability of the operation of the appliance.

  Further, since the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means is shared as the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means forming the instrument usage detecting means, the usage state of the instrument can be determined with high accuracy by measurement with improved time resolution. In addition, it is possible to simplify the configuration, reduce the size, and reduce power consumption by sharing.

  In addition, when the fluid control means is closed, the opening / closing operation control means holds the closed regardless of the start of use of the instrument, and when the fluid control means is open, the fluid control means Since the abnormal signal control unit that closes is provided, convenience can be ensured and safety can be further enhanced.

In addition, because the seismic sensing means is connected to the abnormal signal control unit, safety can be ensured in the event of an earthquake, and fluid movement or pressure changes in the flow path due to vibration are mistakenly recognized as the start of use of the instrument. The reliability can be further improved.

  The present invention relates to a flow path through which fluid flows, fluid control means for controlling fluid flow, instrument usage detection means for detecting a fluid usage state in a downstream instrument from the fluid, and instrument usage detection means. When detecting the start of use of the fluid based on the signal, the fluid control means is opened, and when the stop of use of the fluid is detected, the opening / closing operation control means for closing the fluid control means is provided. And when the fluid is not in use, it is always closed, so safety can be improved, and since the fluid usage state is detected from the fluid, it is not necessary to send / receive signals to / from the instrument, simplifying and improving workability Can do.

  The instrument usage detecting means is an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means that is provided downstream of the fluid control means and instantaneously measures the flow velocity of the fluid. Since the start of use of the device is detected not only by the presence or absence of the flow of the fluid but also by the time change of the flow by instantaneous measurement, the detection accuracy can be improved and the reliability of the operation can be improved.

  The instrument use detecting means includes an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means that is provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means and instantaneously measures the flow velocity of the fluid, and a pressure measuring means that measures the pressure of the fluid. And since the use start of an instrument is determined by both the flow of a fluid and a pressure change, detection accuracy can be improved and reliability can be further improved.

  In addition, a fluid tank is provided that communicates with a flow path on the downstream side of the fluid control means and stores fluid. And since the fluid flows out from the fluid tank when the use of the equipment starts, it is possible to detect the start of use of the equipment even when the downstream pipe is short and the pipe internal volume is small, and the applicable range for the downstream pipe specifications can be expanded. Workability and convenience can be improved.

  Further, the opening / closing operation control means includes a learning determination unit for learning a signal from the appliance use detection means. And in the installation situation of the downstream piping and appliances that have been confirmed, it is possible to further improve the detection accuracy of the start of use by learning in advance the start of use of the appliance in the normal state, and in advance trouble due to deterioration of the appliance over time, etc. Can be detected.

  Moreover, the instantaneous flow rate measurement means which measures the flow volume of the fluid instantaneously, and the fluid control apparatus of any one of Claims 1-5 are provided. Further, since the use of the appliance can be determined by a plurality of appliance usage detecting means and instantaneous flow rate measuring means, the detection accuracy can be further improved.

  The instantaneous flow rate measuring means includes at least a pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the flow path, a measurement control unit that measures the propagation time of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic transducers, and a signal from the measurement control unit. This is an ultrasonic flow rate measuring means having an arithmetic unit for calculating a flow rate based on the calculation unit. In addition, by measuring the flow velocity or flow rate in a very short time, it is possible to immediately determine the start of use of the instrument with high accuracy and realize an opening operation with an increased response speed. Can improve the reliability.

  Further, the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means is shared as an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means forming the instrument use detecting means. Further, the use state of the instrument can be determined with high accuracy by measurement with improved time resolution, and the configuration can be simplified, compact, and reduced in power consumption by sharing.

  In addition, when the fluid control means is closed, the opening / closing operation control means holds the closed regardless of the start of use of the instrument, and when the fluid control means is open, the fluid control means Is provided with an abnormal signal control unit.

  Normally, it opens with the start of use and closes with the stop of use, and when it detects an abnormality, it closes and the fluid control means does not open even when the use of the instrument is started. Can be increased.

  In addition, seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake is connected to the abnormal signal control unit. In addition, it is possible to ensure safety during an earthquake and to further improve the reliability by preventing the movement of the fluid in the flow path or the pressure change caused by the earthquake vibration from being mistaken as the start of use of the instrument.

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

(Example 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a flow rate measurement control apparatus showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, 15 is a flow path through which a fluid flows, and 16 is a fluid control means that is provided in the flow path 15 and controls the flow of the fluid. Reference numeral 17 denotes an instrument that is arranged on the most downstream side and uses a fluid. Reference numeral 18 denotes an instrument usage detection unit that detects the usage state of the fluid in the instrument 17 from the fluid. The instrument usage detection unit 18 is provided on the downstream side of the fluid control unit 16. Reference numeral 19 denotes an opening / closing operation control means electrically connected to the fluid control means 16 and the appliance utilization detecting means 17. The opening / closing operation control means 19 starts using the fluid in the appliance 17 based on a signal from the appliance utilization detecting means 18. Is detected, the fluid control means 16 is opened, and when the use stop of the fluid in the instrument 17 is detected based on the signal from the instrument use detection means 18, the fluid control means 16 is closed. Reference numeral 20 denotes a fluid control device including a flow path 15, a fluid control means 16, an appliance use detection means 18, and an opening / closing operation control means 19. Reference numeral 21 denotes an opening / closing valve provided on the instrument 17. The opening / closing valve 21 is opened when the instrument 17 is used and closed when the instrument 17 is stopped. Reference numeral 22 denotes a fluid supply source that is arranged on the upstream side of the fluid control device 20 and supplies fluid. Here, the appliance use detecting means 18 measures the pressure of the fluid, and detects the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream of the orifice 23, and the pressure downstream of the orifice 23. A pressure measuring means 26 having a pressure detecting unit 25 is provided.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, when the opening / closing valve 21 is opened as the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid staying at the downstream side of the closed fluid control means 16 while maintaining the fluid pressure flows to the instrument 21 side where the use is started and fluid The pressure drops. The appliance use detection means 18 detects a change in pressure in the pressure detection section 25 and a change in differential pressure in the differential pressure detection section 24 and transmits it to the opening / closing operation control means 19 as a signal. The opening / closing operation control means 19 determines whether this pressure change state corresponds to the start of use of the instrument 17 by comparing it with a preset change pattern. If it is determined that the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid control means 16 is opened. The fluid is caused to flow from the fluid supply source 22 toward the instrument 17 as indicated by arrows in the figure. However, when the opening / closing operation control means 19 determines that this pressure change state is not the start of use of the instrument 17, the fluid control means 16 is not opened, and malfunction due to leakage or the like is prevented.

  Next, when the use of the instrument 17 is stopped, the on-off valve 21 is closed and the flow of the fluid indicated by the arrow stops, and when the differential pressure at the differential pressure detecting unit 24 falls below a predetermined value, the on-off operation control means 19 determines that use of the instrument 17 is stopped and closes the fluid control means 16.

  In this way, the start of use of the fluid in the instrument 17 provided on the downstream side is detected, the start of use is detected from the fluid, the fluid control means 16 is opened, and the stop of use of the fluid in the instrument 17 is detected from the fluid. The fluid control means 16 is closed. When the fluid is not used in the instrument 17, the fluid control means 16 is always closed. In addition, the use state of the appliance that prevents erroneous determination is determined by detecting the use state of the fluid by both the change in the pressure of the fluid and the change in the differential pressure, and by comparing the change state with a preset change pattern.

  For this reason, the safety when the instrument is not used can be improved, and since the use state of the fluid is detected from the fluid, it is not necessary to transmit / receive a signal to start and stop using the instrument, thereby simplifying the configuration and reducing the cost. It is possible to improve the workability by eliminating the need for work such as signal lines with the equipment during installation.

(Example 2)
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a fluid control apparatus showing Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof will be omitted, and different points will be mainly described. Reference numeral 27 denotes an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means in which a thermal type flow sensor 28 for instantaneously measuring the flow velocity of the fluid is provided as the instrument use detecting means 18 provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means 16, and the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means. The thermal flow sensor 28 of 27 and the opening / closing operation control means 19 are electrically connected. Here, the thermal type flow sensor 28 needs to detect a minute change in flow velocity at the start of use of the instrument, and enables high-precision detection dedicated to the minute flow velocity region.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, when the opening / closing valve 21 is opened as the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid staying at the downstream side of the closed fluid control means 16 while maintaining the fluid pressure flows to the instrument 21 side where the use is started. The instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 as the appliance use detecting means 18 instantaneously detects the flow velocity change due to the temperature change of the thermal flow sensor 28 along with the generation of the flow velocity, and transmits this to the opening / closing operation control means 19 as a signal. To do. The opening / closing operation control means 19 determines whether or not the state of the flow velocity change corresponds to the start of use of the instrument 17 by comparing it with a preset change pattern. If it is determined that the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid control means 16 is opened. However, if the opening / closing operation control means 19 determines that this change in flow velocity is not the start of use of the instrument 17, the fluid control means 16 is not opened, and malfunctions due to leakage or the like are prevented.

  Next, when the use of the instrument 17 is stopped, the on-off valve 21 is closed and the flow of the fluid indicated by the arrow is stopped. When the thermal flow sensor 28 detects the stop of the flow, the opening / closing operation control means 19 detects the instrument 17. The fluid control means 16 is closed by determining that the use is stopped.

  In this manner, the flow velocity detection means 27 dedicated to the minute flow velocity region is used to increase the accuracy of the flow velocity detection, and the use start is detected from the flow velocity of the fluid at the start of the use of the fluid in the instrument 17 provided on the downstream side. The fluid control means 16 is opened, and the fluid control means 16 is closed by detecting the stop of use of the fluid in the instrument 17 from the flow velocity of the fluid. When the fluid is not used in the instrument 17, the fluid control is performed. The means 16 is always closed. In addition, the fluid usage state is detected by a change in the flow velocity of the fluid, and by comparing with a preset change pattern, it is determined whether or not to start using the instrument preventing erroneous determination.

  For this reason, since the start of use of the device is detected not only by the presence or absence of the flow of fluid but also by time change of the flow by instantaneous measurement, the detection accuracy can be improved, and the reliability of the operation when the use of the device is started or stopped is improved. it can.

  Here, although the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 that instantaneously measures the flow velocity is used as the appliance use detecting means 18, the same applies to the case where the flow rate is instantaneously measured.

(Example 3)
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a fluid control apparatus showing Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. Reference numeral 29 denotes an instrument usage detecting means comprising a pressure measuring means 26 and an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means 16. The pressure measuring means 26 has a pressure detection unit 25 that detects the pressure in the flow path 15. The instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 has a thermal flow sensor 28 that instantaneously measures the flow velocity of the fluid facing the flow path. Here, the opening / closing operation control means 19 is electrically connected to the pressure measuring means 26 and the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, when the opening / closing valve 21 is opened as the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid staying at the downstream side of the closed fluid control means 16 while maintaining the fluid pressure flows to the instrument 21 side where the use is started and fluid The pressure drops. In the instrument usage detecting means 29, the pressure measuring means 26 detects the time change of the fluid pressure drop, and in the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27, the flow velocity change is instantaneously generated by the temperature change of the thermal flow sensor 28 along with the generation of the flow velocity. Detect instantly. The time change of the fluid pressure and the change in the flow velocity of the flow in the appliance use detecting means 29 are transmitted to the opening / closing operation control means 19 as signals. The opening / closing operation control means 19 determines whether or not the state of the pressure change and the flow velocity change corresponds to the start of use of the instrument 17 by comparing with a preset change pattern. Establish.

  However, if the opening / closing operation control means 19 determines that this change in flow velocity is not the start of use of the instrument 17, the fluid control means 16 is not opened, and malfunctions due to leakage or the like are prevented.

  Next, when the use of the instrument 17 is stopped, the on-off valve 21 is closed and the flow of the fluid indicated by the arrow is stopped. When the thermal flow sensor 28 detects the stop of the flow, the opening / closing operation control means 19 It is determined that the use of 17 is stopped, and the fluid control means 16 is closed.

  In this way, the pressure measuring means 26 and the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 are used in combination to perform an opening / closing operation that further increases the accuracy of determining the use start and stop of the appliance. In addition, the fluid usage state is detected by a change in the flow velocity of the fluid, and by comparing with a preset change pattern, it is determined whether or not to start using the instrument preventing erroneous determination. Further, by using pressure and flow rate in combination, the pressure measuring means 26 eliminates the need for a differential pressure detection unit for detecting the flow rate, and the configuration is simplified. In the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 27, detection accuracy at a minute flow rate is improved. The pressure loss of the flow path is reduced by reducing the cost by relaxation or by increasing the cross-sectional area of the flow sensor unit 28.

  For this reason, since the use start of the instrument is determined by both the flow of the fluid and the pressure change, the detection accuracy can be improved and the reliability can be further improved, and the configuration can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the pressure loss of the flow path can be reduced. it can.

Example 4
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a fluid control apparatus showing Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. Reference numeral 30 denotes a fluid tank whose internal volume is expanded in order to store fluid in communication with the flow path 15 on the downstream side of the fluid control means 16. The fluid tank 30 communicates with the flow path 15 upstream of the instrument usage detecting means 18 when the instrument usage detecting means 18 detects the flow velocity, and when the instrument usage detecting means 18 uses both the flow velocity and the pressure together. The flow path 15 on the upstream side of the portion for detecting the flow velocity is communicated.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, when the on-off valve 21 is opened with the use of the instrument 17, the fluid that has been retained while maintaining the fluid pressure in the flow path 15 downstream of the closed fluid control means 16 and the pipe section 31 with the instrument 17. Flows to the side of the appliance 21 that has started use, and the fluid in the fluid tank 30 flows into the flow path 15. In the appliance utilization detecting means 18, the time during which the pressure or flow velocity of the fluid changes due to the fluid increased by the fluid tank 30 is extended and detected. Therefore, the resolution of detection is improved by relaxing the change in time and extending the change time, and a determination operation with improved detection accuracy is performed. In addition, when detecting the use stop of the instrument 17, it is as above-mentioned.

  Thus, since the fluid flows out of the fluid tank 30 with the start of use of the instrument, the time during which the pressure or flow rate of the fluid changes is extended, the time resolution is improved, and the detection of the start of use of the instrument is performed with higher accuracy. At the same time, even when the downstream pipe length is short and the internal volume of the pipe portion 31 is small, it is possible to detect the start of use of the appliance, and the applicable range can be expanded with respect to the downstream pipe specifications.

  For this reason, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of detecting the start of equipment use, and even if the downstream pipe is short and the volume of the pipe is small, the start of use of the equipment can be detected, so the applicable range for downstream pipe specifications is expanded. It is possible to improve workability and convenience.

(Example 5)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a flow rate measurement control apparatus showing Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. 32 is a learning storage unit 33 that learns and stores in advance each change in the state of the fluid when the use of the device is actually started and when the use is stopped in the determined downstream pipe and device type or installation situation. And a pattern detection unit 34 that detects the state of the fluid during actual use, and a learning determination unit 35 that compares and determines the signal stored in the learning storage unit 33 and the signal recognized by the pattern detection unit 34. It is an appliance use detection means. When the fluid control means 16 is closed, when the learning determination unit 35 determines that the signal recognized by the pattern detection unit 34 and the signal stored in the learning storage unit 33 coincide with the start of use of the device, the use of the device is started. It is determined that the fluid control means 16 is opened, and if they do not match, the fluid control means 16 is kept closed. Further, when the fluid control means 16 is in an open state, when the learning determination unit 35 determines that the signal recognized by the pattern detection unit 34 and the signal stored in the learning storage unit 33 coincide with the stop of use of the device, the device is used. The fluid control means 16 is closed based on the determination that the operation is stopped, and if they do not coincide, the fluid control means 16 is kept open.

  Next, the operation will be described. In a state where the instrument 17 is connected to the downstream side and confirmed, the change in the fluid pressure or flow velocity when the instrument 17 is actually started while the fluid control means 16 is closed is first detected by the instrument utilization detecting means 18. Is measured and stored in the learning storage unit 33. Next, a change in the pressure or flow velocity of the fluid when the fluid control unit 16 is opened and the device 17 is stopped using the device 17 is measured by the device usage detection unit 18 and stored in the learning storage unit 33. Thereafter, in the actual use state, the learning determination unit 35 determines whether or not the signal stored in the learning storage unit 33 in advance matches the signal recognized by the pattern detection unit 34, and the fluid control means 16 is closed. The fluid control means 16 is opened when it coincides with the start of use of the instrument 17 at times, and the fluid control means 16 is closed when the fluid control means 16 coincides with the stop of use of the instrument 17 at the time of opening.

  In this way, the detection operation with higher determination accuracy is performed by learning the state of use start and stop of use of the appliance in the actual installation state, making it possible to make an accurate determination for various installation situations, and freedom for installation The degree is expanded. In addition, even when the characteristics of the appliance deteriorate due to deterioration of the appliance over time, it is possible to determine in advance the defect as compared with the learning value.

  For this reason, it is possible to further increase the detection accuracy of the start of use in the established downstream piping and appliance installation status, and to detect in advance problems due to deterioration of the appliance over time. Moreover, the freedom degree with respect to installation can be expanded and installation property can be improved.

(Example 6)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a flow rate measuring apparatus showing Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. Reference numeral 36 denotes instantaneous flow rate measuring means for instantaneously measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 15, and the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 is electrically connected to the opening / closing operation control means 19. The flow rate measuring device 37 includes a fluid control device 20 and an instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36.

  Next, the operation will be described. First, as the use of the instrument 17 is started, the fluid that has been retained while maintaining the fluid pressure downstream of the closed fluid control means 16 flows to the instrument 21 side where the use has started, and the fluid pressure decreases. In the instrument usage detecting means 29, the pressure measuring means 26 detects the time change of the fluid pressure drop, and in the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27, the flow velocity change is instantaneously generated by the temperature change of the thermal flow sensor 28 along with the generation of the flow velocity. Detect instantly. The time change of the fluid pressure and the change in the flow velocity of the flow in the appliance use detecting means 29 are transmitted to the opening / closing operation control means 19 as signals.

  Further, the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 also measures the flow rate change of the fluid accompanying the start of use of the instrument 17 and transmits it to the opening / closing operation control means 19. The opening / closing operation control means 19 determines whether the change state of the fluid in the appliance use detection means 29 and the instantaneous flow rate measurement means 36 corresponds to the start of use of the instrument 17 by comparing with a preset change pattern. If it is determined that there is, the fluid control means 16 is opened. However, when the opening / closing operation control means 19 determines that the change state of the fluid is not the start of use of the instrument 17, the fluid control means 16 is not opened, and malfunction due to leakage or the like is prevented. The instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 measures the instantaneous instantaneous flow rate flowing through the flow path 15 to monitor whether the flow is abnormal, and measures the accumulated usage amount of the fluid to calculate the usage fee.

  Next, when the use of the instrument 17 is stopped, the flow of the fluid stops, and when the instrument use detection means 29 detects the stop of the flow, a signal is transmitted to the opening / closing operation control means 19. Further, the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 also measures a change in the flow rate of the fluid when the use of the instrument 17 is stopped and transmits it to the opening / closing operation control means 19. The opening / closing operation control means 19 determines that the use of the appliance 17 is stopped based on the signal from the appliance usage detecting means 29 and the signal from the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 and closes the fluid control means 16. As the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 for instantaneously measuring the flow rate, there are a fluidic type and an ultrasonic type using a fluid oscillation phenomenon in addition to the thermal type flow sensor described above.

  In this way, the use start or stop of use of the appliance is determined with high accuracy by signals from both the appliance use detecting means 29 and the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36.

  For this reason, since the use start of the appliance can be determined by a plurality of the appliance usage detecting means and the instantaneous flow rate measuring means, the detection accuracy can be further improved.

(Example 7)
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the instantaneous flow rate measuring means showing Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and functions as those of the embodiment of FIGS. Reference numerals 37 and 38 denote ultrasonic transducers disposed so as to face the measuring unit 39 provided in the flow path 15. The upstream ultrasonic transducer 37 and the downstream ultrasonic transducer 38 are separated from each other by a distance L. At the same time, it is installed at an angle θ with respect to the flow of the fluid to be measured at the velocity V. Reference numeral 40 denotes a measurement control unit that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to and from the connected ultrasonic transducers 37 and 38. Reference numeral 41 denotes a calculation unit that calculates speed, sound speed, and the like based on signals from the measurement control unit 40. . Thus, the flow rate measuring means 36 is an ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 which is a speculative flow meter capable of instantaneous measurement.

Next, the operation will be described. When fluid is flowing through the measurement unit 39, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received across the measurement unit 39 between the ultrasonic transducers 37 and 38 by the action of the measurement control unit 40. That is, the ultrasonic wave emitted from the upstream ultrasonic transducer 37 is converted into the downstream ultrasonic transducer 38.
Elapsed time T1 until it is received is counted. On the other hand, the elapsed time T2 until the ultrasonic wave emitted from the downstream ultrasonic transducer 38 is received by the upstream ultrasonic transducer 37 is counted. Based on the elapsed times T1 and T2 measured in this way, the flow rate is calculated by the calculation unit 41 by the following calculation formula.

  Assuming that the angle between the fluid flow and the ultrasonic propagation path is θ, the distance between the ultrasonic transducers 37 and 38 as the flow rate measurement unit is L, and the sound velocity of the fluid to be measured is C, the flow velocity V is It is calculated by the following formula.

T1 = L / (C + V cos θ)
T2 = L / (C−Vcos θ)
The speed of sound C is eliminated from the equation for subtracting the reciprocal of T2 from the reciprocal of T1, and V = (L / 2 cos θ) ((1 / T1) − (1 / T2))
Since θ and L are known, the flow velocity V can be calculated from the values of T1 and T2. Assuming that the air flow rate is measured, assuming that the angle θ = 45 degrees, the distance L = 70 mm, the sound velocity C = 340 m / s, and the flow velocity V = 8 m / s, T1 = 2.0 × 10−4 seconds, T2 = 2.1 × 10 −4 seconds, and instantaneous measurement can be performed particularly in an extremely short time.

Here, from the cross-sectional area s of the measuring unit 39, the flow rate Q is V = kVs.
Here, k is a conversion coefficient considering the flow velocity distribution in the cross-sectional area s.
The calculation unit 41 calculates the sound speed C by the following formula obtained by adding the reciprocal of the elapsed time T1 and the reciprocal of T2,
C = L ((1 / T1) + (1 / T2)) / 2
The sound speed C is obtained in this manner, the type of fluid is determined based on the calculated sound speed C, and the measurement conditions as the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 suitable for the speed of sound or the type of fluid are set, so that even higher precision measurement can be performed. it can. The measurement conditions for the ultrasonic flowmeter measuring means 42 include the driving power such as the driving frequency and driving voltage of the ultrasonic transducer or the number of repetitions of how many times the elapsed times T1 and T2 are measured to calculate the flow velocity. There is. In addition, by registering in advance the fluid that is assumed to be used, it is possible to increase the accuracy of determining the type of fluid. Further, since the sound speed C changes depending on the temperature, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the fluid ( The accuracy of discriminating the type of fluid can be further increased.

  The ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 measures the flow rate instantaneously in a very short time and continuously, measures the flow rate change of the fluid at the start of use of the instrument with increased time resolution, and transmits a signal to the opening / closing operation control means 19. In addition, the accuracy of determining the start of use of the instrument is improved, and an opening operation is performed with immediate determination and an increased response speed. Since the fluid is immediately supplied to the instrument, the instrument can be stably started.

  For this reason, it is possible to realize the opening operation with increased response speed by immediately determining the start of use of the instrument with high accuracy by measuring the flow velocity or flow rate in a very short time, and the stable operation of the instrument that has started to be used can be realized. As a result, the reliability of the instrument operation can be increased.

(Example 8)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring apparatus showing Embodiment 8 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS.

In FIG. 8, instead of the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 27 when the pressure measuring means 26 and the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means 27 constitute the appliance use detecting means 29, an ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 is used instead of the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 27. The calculation unit 41 of the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 is electrically connected to the opening / closing operation control means 19.

  Next, the operation will be described. As described above, the flow change accompanying the start or stop of use of the instrument is detected by the pressure measuring means 26 and the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 as the flow velocity measuring means, and transmitted to the opening / closing operation control means 19 as a signal. Control means 16 is controlled to open or close. Since the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means 42 is used as the instantaneous flow velocity measuring means, the flow rate is measured instantaneously in a very short time and continuously, and the time resolution of the flow rate change of the fluid at the start of use of the instrument is increased. The use start of the appliance can be determined with high accuracy and the type of the appliance that has started use can be determined. In addition, the means for detecting the usage of the appliance and the means for measuring the flow rate of the appliance used are shared, thereby simplifying and downsizing the control device, reducing the load, reducing the power consumption, and driving the battery 10. Longer life such as a year can be achieved.

  For this reason, the usage state of the instrument can be determined with high accuracy by measurement with improved time resolution, and simplification of the configuration, compactness, and low power consumption can be achieved by sharing.

  In addition, although the case where pressure and a flow rate were used together as an instrument utilization detection means was shown, pressure detection may be eliminated and the ultrasonic flow rate measurement means 42 may be shared as a flow velocity detection means.

Example 9
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring apparatus showing Embodiment 9 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. When the fluid control unit 16 is closed, the fluid control unit 16 is kept closed regardless of the start of use of the instrument, and when the fluid control unit 16 is opened, the fluid control unit 16 is closed. , 44 is a drive unit that is electrically connected to the fluid control means 16 and the abnormality signal control unit 43 and that drives the fluid control means 16 to open and close. The anomaly signal control unit 43 is connected to the appliance use detecting means 29 and the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 and to an anomaly detecting means 45 provided outside. The abnormality detecting means 45 connected to the outside includes a gas leak detector and a CO sensor that detects carbon monoxide generated by incomplete combustion in the case of household gas such as city gas or propane gas as a fluid. . In addition, when an abnormal signal is input, there is a case where the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 detects an abnormal state such as an excessively large flow rate or long-time use of the instrument.

  Next, the operation will be described. When the abnormality detection means 45 such as a CO sensor provided outside informs the abnormality signal control section 43 of the opening / closing operation control means 19 that the abnormality has occurred, the abnormality signal control section 43 determines the operating state of the fluid control means 16 and When the control means 16 is closed, it is not opened even if it is determined that the use of the instrument is started while keeping the closed state. Further, when the fluid control means 16 is opened, it is immediately closed to stop the fluid flow. It should be noted that the fluid control means 16 is kept closed unless the abnormality detection state is cancelled, and the convenience is returned to the normal control state by releasing the abnormality detection state manually or the like.

  In this way, it is normally opened when use is started and closed when use is stopped, and when an abnormality is detected, it is closed and the fluid control means is not opened even when the use of the device is started, thus ensuring convenience and safety. Can be further enhanced.

(Example 10)
FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring apparatus showing Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In the figure, the same members and the same functions as those in the embodiment of FIGS. Reference numeral 46 denotes seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake, and the seismic sensing means 46 is connected to the abnormal signal control unit 43.

  Next, the operation will be described. When the vibration is detected by the seismic sensing means 46 and the vibration state is determined to be an earthquake having a magnitude equal to or larger than a predetermined value set in advance, the abnormal signal control unit 43 is informed as described above to notify the abnormal signal control unit 43. 43 performs the closing operation of the fluid control means 16 to ensure safety during an earthquake. Further, even when the vibration detected by the seismic sensing means 46 is not determined to be an earthquake having a magnitude greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the abnormal signal control unit 43 is notified that there is a large vibration. When a signal similar to the start of use of the instrument is transmitted from the instrument usage detecting means 29 or the instantaneous flow rate measuring means 36 when it is informed that there has been a level of vibration that is not an earthquake, this vibration causes If it can be determined that a signal has been transmitted due to fluid flow or pressure change, it is determined that the use of the instrument has not started, and the fluid control means 16 remains closed to prevent malfunction.

  Thus, safety can be ensured in the event of an earthquake, and reliability can be further improved by preventing the movement or pressure change of the fluid in the flow path due to vibration from being mistaken as the start of use of the instrument.

1 is a configuration diagram of a fluid control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Configuration diagram of fluid control apparatus of embodiment 2 of the present invention Configuration diagram of fluid control apparatus of embodiment 3 of the present invention Configuration diagram of fluid control apparatus of embodiment 4 of the present invention Configuration diagram of fluid control apparatus of embodiment 5 of the present invention Configuration diagram of flow rate measuring apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention Configuration diagram of instantaneous flow rate measuring means of the flow rate measuring device of embodiment 7 of the invention Configuration diagram of flow rate measuring apparatus of embodiment 8 of the present invention Configuration diagram of flow rate measuring apparatus of embodiment 9 of the present invention Configuration diagram of flow rate measuring apparatus according to embodiment 10 of the present invention Sectional view of a conventional flow measurement device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Flow path 16 Fluid control means 17 Instrument 18, 29 Instrument utilization detection means 19, 32 Opening / closing operation control means 20 Fluid control apparatus 26 Pressure measurement means 27 Instantaneous flow velocity measurement means 30 Fluid tank 35 Learning determination part 36 Instantaneous flow rate measurement means 37, 38 Ultrasonic vibrator 40 Measurement control unit 41 Calculation unit 42 Ultrasonic flow rate measurement means 43 Abnormal signal control part 46 Seismic sensing means

Claims (10)

A flow path through which the fluid flows, a fluid control means for controlling the flow of the fluid, an equipment usage detecting means for detecting the usage state of the fluid in the downstream equipment from the fluid, and a fluid based on the signal of the equipment usage detecting means A fluid control device comprising an opening / closing operation control means for opening the fluid control means when detecting the start of use and closing the fluid control means when detecting the stop of use of the fluid. 2. The fluid control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the appliance use detecting means is an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means to instantaneously measure the flow velocity of the fluid. The fluid control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the instrument usage detecting means includes an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means provided on the downstream side of the fluid control means and an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means for instantaneously measuring the fluid flow velocity and a pressure measuring means for measuring the fluid pressure. The fluid control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fluid tank that communicates with a flow path on a downstream side of the fluid control means and stores fluid. The fluid control apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening / closing operation control means includes a learning determination unit that learns a signal from the appliance use detection means. The flow rate measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and an instantaneous flow rate measuring means for instantaneously measuring a flow rate of fluid. The instantaneous flow rate measuring means is based on at least a pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the flow path, a measurement control unit that measures the propagation time of ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic transducers, and a signal from the measurement control unit The flow rate measurement device according to claim 6, wherein the flow rate measurement unit is an ultrasonic flow rate measurement unit having a calculation unit for calculating a flow rate. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasonic flow rate measuring means is shared as an instantaneous flow velocity measuring means forming the instrument usage detecting means. When the fluid control means is closed, the opening / closing operation control means keeps closing regardless of the start of use of the instrument, and closes the fluid control means when the fluid control means is open. The fluid control device or flow rate measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an abnormal signal control unit is provided. The flow measurement device according to claim 9, wherein seismic sensing means for detecting an earthquake is connected to the abnormal signal control unit.

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