JP2010091271A - Flow measuring device of fluid - Google Patents

Flow measuring device of fluid Download PDF

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JP2010091271A
JP2010091271A JP2008258166A JP2008258166A JP2010091271A JP 2010091271 A JP2010091271 A JP 2010091271A JP 2008258166 A JP2008258166 A JP 2008258166A JP 2008258166 A JP2008258166 A JP 2008258166A JP 2010091271 A JP2010091271 A JP 2010091271A
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reception
vibrator
variable
propagation time
resistance value
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JP5176844B2 (en
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Koichi Takemura
晃一 竹村
Bunichi Shiba
文一 芝
Yuji Nakabayashi
裕治 中林
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Panasonic Corp
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To cause the timing of power-on of an amplification means to approach the timing of receiving an ultrasonic signal, to save power. <P>SOLUTION: Power supply by a power source 7 is started while a high-resistance resistor is selected as a connecting resistor between a receiving vibrator and the variable amplification means 11, at first set time just before an estimated propagation time of the ultrasonic signal estimated by a propagation time estimation means 16. A high resistance value is set according to the amplification factor of the amplification means 11 so that vibration noise between the terminals of the receiving vibrator generated on that occasion is easily attenuated, and the connecting resistor between the receiving vibrator and the amplification means 11 is switched over to a low-resistance resistor at a second set time, to receive the ultrasonic signal. Consequently, the start timing of the power supply to the amplification means 11 is made to approach the receiving timing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、超音波信号の伝搬時間を計測することにより、流体の流速、流量、温度等の物理量を計測する流れの計測装置に関するものである。   The present invention relates to a flow measuring device that measures physical quantities such as a flow velocity, a flow rate, and a temperature of a fluid by measuring a propagation time of an ultrasonic signal.

従来、この種の流量計において、逆数差法という手法が広く知られている。これは、流体の流れ方向の上流側と下流側にそれぞれ振動子を配置し、ふたつの振動子間を超音波が伝搬する伝搬時間を計測するもので、流れの順方向の伝搬時間と逆方向の伝搬時間が異なることを利用したものである。   Conventionally, in this type of flow meter, a technique called the reciprocal difference method is widely known. In this method, transducers are placed on the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid flow direction, respectively, and the propagation time for ultrasonic waves to propagate between the two transducers is measured. This is based on the fact that the propagation time is different.

より具体的に言えば、相互の伝搬時間の逆数差が流量に比例する性質に基づいて計測を行なう。   More specifically, measurement is performed based on the property that the reciprocal difference in mutual propagation time is proportional to the flow rate.

図4は、逆数差法を用いた流量計測装置を示し、流体管路101の途中に、超音波を送信する第1振動子102と、送信された超音波を受信する第2振動子103とが流れ方向の上流側と下流側に配置されていて、流体管路101を流れる流体を斜めに横切るように超音波伝播路が設定されている。   FIG. 4 shows a flow rate measuring apparatus using the reciprocal difference method, and a first vibrator 102 that transmits ultrasonic waves and a second vibrator 103 that receives transmitted ultrasonic waves in the middle of the fluid conduit 101. Are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side in the flow direction, and the ultrasonic wave propagation path is set so as to obliquely cross the fluid flowing in the fluid pipe line 101.

さらに、二つの振動子102,103を用いて超音波の伝搬時間を計測する計測部104と、同計測部104を制御する制御部105、この計測部105の計測結果を基に流体の流速、流量を求める演算部106が配置されている。   Furthermore, a measurement unit 104 that measures the propagation time of ultrasonic waves using the two vibrators 102 and 103, a control unit 105 that controls the measurement unit 104, and a fluid flow velocity based on the measurement result of the measurement unit 105, A calculation unit 106 for obtaining a flow rate is arranged.

図4において、音速をC、流速をv、二つの振動子102,103間の距離をL、超音波の伝搬方向と流れの方向とがなす角度をθとし、流体管路101の上流側に配置された振動子102から超音波を送信し、下流側に配置された振動子103にで受信した場合の伝搬時間をt1、逆方向の伝搬時間をt2とした場合、t1およびt2は次式で求めることができる。   In FIG. 4, the sound velocity is C, the flow velocity is v, the distance between the two vibrators 102 and 103 is L, the angle formed by the ultrasonic wave propagation direction and the flow direction is θ, and upstream of the fluid conduit 101. When the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the transducer 102 arranged and received by the transducer 103 arranged on the downstream side, the propagation time is t1, and the propagation time in the reverse direction is t2, t1 and t2 are expressed by the following equations: Can be obtained.

t1=L/(C+vcosθ) (1)
t2=L/(C−vcosθ) (2)
(1)、(2)を変形し、(3)で流速vが求まる。
t1 = L / (C + v cos θ) (1)
t2 = L / (C−v cos θ) (2)
(1) and (2) are modified, and the flow velocity v is obtained in (3).

v=L・(1/t1−1/t2)/2cosθ (3)
前記(3)で求めた値に流体管路の断面積を掛ければ流体の流量を求めることができる。
v = L · (1 / t1-1 / t2) / 2 cos θ (3)
The fluid flow rate can be obtained by multiplying the value obtained in (3) above by the cross-sectional area of the fluid conduit.

超音波式の流れ測定装置は、先に述べた計測原理から明らかなように機械的な稼動部を有しない構成であるため、現在、国内外のガスメータで広く使われている機械式のいわゆる膜式ガスメータを代替するものとして期待されている。   As is apparent from the above-described measurement principle, the ultrasonic flow measuring device has a structure that does not have a mechanical moving part, so that it is a mechanical so-called membrane that is currently widely used in domestic and overseas gas meters. It is expected to replace the gas meter.

ガスメータは、商用電源が確保できない屋外に設置されることがほとんどであり、また、民生器具と違って、メンテナンスフリーであることが要求される。   Most gas meters are installed outdoors where commercial power cannot be secured, and, unlike consumer appliances, are required to be maintenance-free.

したがって、例えば、日本国内では、電池駆動で10年間の動作保証が必要である。そのため、消費電力の極めて小さい構成であることが望まれている。   Therefore, for example, in Japan, it is necessary to guarantee operation for 10 years by battery driving. Therefore, it is desired that the power consumption be extremely small.

一方、超音波振動子から出力される超音波信号は、一般に、気体中では減衰が極めて激
しい。
On the other hand, the ultrasonic signal output from the ultrasonic transducer is generally extremely attenuated in gas.

例えば、送信波のレベルを5vとした場合、受信波のレベルはμVオーダーまで減衰することがある。   For example, when the level of the transmission wave is 5 v, the level of the reception wave may be attenuated to the order of μV.

このように極めて微小な受信信号は、増幅器を用いて大きく増幅する必要があり、消費電力の増加が避けられないという事情がある。   As described above, it is necessary to amplify a very small reception signal by using an amplifier, and there is a situation in which an increase in power consumption cannot be avoided.

したがって、長寿命を満足するためには、増幅器を始めとする受信回路の動作時間をできるだけ短くすることが不可欠である。   Therefore, in order to satisfy the long life, it is essential to shorten the operation time of the receiving circuit including the amplifier as much as possible.

動作時間を短縮する方法として、超音波信号の受信点近傍でのみ電力を供給する実行する方法が考えられる。このような構成を取った場合、回路電源投入時に、受信振動子の両端に過渡的に大きな電圧変動が発生し、それが原因となって、受信振動子に不要振動が発生し、本来の受信信号にこの不要振動が重畳されるため、計測精度を悪化させるという課題が生じる。   As a method of shortening the operation time, a method of executing power supply only near the reception point of the ultrasonic signal can be considered. In such a configuration, when the circuit power is turned on, a large voltage fluctuation occurs transiently at both ends of the receiving vibrator, which causes unnecessary vibration in the receiving vibrator and causes the original reception. Since this unnecessary vibration is superimposed on the signal, there arises a problem that the measurement accuracy is deteriorated.

この課題を解決する手段として、例えば、受信回路の電力供給の開始時点では、受信振動子を受信回路と切り離しておき、電源電圧が安定した後、受信振動子と受信回路とを接続することが提案されている(例えば、特許文献1参照)。
特開平11−173880号公報
As means for solving this problem, for example, at the start of power supply of the receiving circuit, the receiving vibrator is separated from the receiving circuit, and after the power supply voltage is stabilized, the receiving vibrator and the receiving circuit are connected. It has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-173880

しかしながら、上記のような構成においても、受信振動子と受信回路を接続した瞬間の受信振動子両端に加わる過渡的な変化が完全に解消されるわけではなく、僅かではあるが不要振動を招くことは避けられない。   However, even in the configuration as described above, a transient change applied to both ends of the receiving vibrator at the moment when the receiving vibrator and the receiving circuit are connected is not completely eliminated, and a slight but unnecessary vibration is caused. Is inevitable.

一方、先に述べたように、特に、気体中を伝搬する超音波信号の減衰は激しいため、増幅回路の増幅率を相当に高める必要がある。そのため、受信振動子の接続時に発生する僅かな不要振動も最終的には大きく増幅される結果となる。   On the other hand, as described above, since the attenuation of the ultrasonic signal propagating in the gas is particularly severe, it is necessary to considerably increase the amplification factor of the amplifier circuit. For this reason, the slight unnecessary vibration that occurs when the receiving vibrator is connected is finally greatly amplified.

よって、受信信号の到達する前に電源電圧の安定待ち時間に加えて、受信振動子と受信回路を接続した時点で発生する不要振動が収まるまで待ち時間が必要となる。   Therefore, in addition to the power supply voltage stabilization wait time before the reception signal arrives, a wait time is required until unnecessary vibration that occurs when the reception transducer and the reception circuit are connected is settled.

結果として、受信回路に対する電力供給時間を思った程は短縮できず、意図した様に消費電力を低減できないという課題があった。   As a result, there is a problem that the power supply time for the receiving circuit cannot be shortened as much as expected, and the power consumption cannot be reduced as intended.

本発明はこのような従来の課題を解決するもので、省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測を可能とすることを目的とするものである。   The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to enable highly accurate measurement while maintaining power saving performance.

前記従来の課題を解決するために、本発明の流体の流れ流量計測装置は、流体流路に備えられ超音波信号を送信する送信振動子と、前記超音波信号を受信する受信振動子と、前記受信振動子と負荷抵抗を介して接続され、増幅率の変更が可能な可変増幅手段と、前記可変増幅手段に対する電力の供給/停止を切り換える電源スイッチと、前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段の接続抵抗値を切り換え可能な抵抗値切換手段と、前記可変増幅手段の出力に基づいて超音波信号の受信を判断する受信判定手段と、前記超音波信号の送信から受信までの伝搬時間を計測するタイマーと、前記タイマーで計測した過去の伝搬時間を元に次の予測伝搬時間を決定する伝搬時間予測手段と、前記電源スイッチ、および前記抵抗
切換手段を制御する受信制御手段とを備え、前記受信制御手段は、前記予測伝搬時間より前の第1の設定時間で前記電源スイッチにより前記可変増幅手段へ電力供給を開始し、前記第1の設定時間と前記予測伝搬時間の間の第2の設定時間で前記抵抗値切換手段により前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段との接続抵抗を高抵抗値からほぼゼロとみなせる低抵抗値に切り換え、前記高抵抗値は前記増幅率に応じて変更するようにしたものである。
In order to solve the conventional problem, a fluid flow rate measuring device of the present invention includes a transmission vibrator that is provided in a fluid flow path and transmits an ultrasonic signal, a reception vibrator that receives the ultrasonic signal, A variable amplifying means connected to the receiving vibrator via a load resistor and capable of changing an amplification factor, a power switch for switching supply / stop of power to the variable amplifying means, the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means A resistance value switching means capable of switching the connection resistance value, a reception determining means for judging reception of an ultrasonic signal based on an output of the variable amplification means, and measuring a propagation time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal Timer, a propagation time predicting means for determining the next predicted propagation time based on the past propagation time measured by the timer, a reception control means for controlling the power switch and the resistance switching means And the reception control means starts supplying power to the variable amplification means by the power switch at a first set time before the predicted propagation time, and the first set time and the predicted propagation time The connection resistance between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means is switched from a high resistance value to a low resistance value that can be regarded as almost zero by the resistance value switching means during a second set time in between. It is made to change according to.

本発明の流体の流れ計測装置は、増幅手段の電力供給開始タイミングを受信タイミングに近づけることが可能になるため、省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測が可能である。   Since the fluid flow measuring device of the present invention can make the power supply start timing of the amplifying means closer to the reception timing, highly accurate measurement is possible while maintaining power saving performance.

第1の発明は、流体流路に備えられ超音波信号を送信する送信振動子と、前記超音波信号を受信する受信振動子と、前記受信振動子と負荷抵抗を介して接続され増幅率の変更が可能な可変増幅手段と、前記可変増幅手段に対する電力の供給/停止を切り換える電源スイッチと、前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段の接続抵抗値を切り換え可能な抵抗値切換手段と、前記可変増幅手段の出力に基づいて超音波信号の受信を判断する受信判定手段と、前記超音波信号の送信から受信までの伝搬時間を計測するタイマーと、前記タイマーで計測した過去の伝搬時間を元に次の予測伝搬時間を決定する伝搬時間予測手段と、前記電源スイッチおよび前記抵抗切換手段を制御する受信制御手段とを備え、前記受信制御手段は、前記予測伝搬時間より前の第1の設定時間で前記電源スイッチにより前記可変増幅手段へ電力供給を開始し、前記第1の設定時間と前記予測伝搬時間の間の第2の設定時間で前記抵抗値切換手段により前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段との接続抵抗を高抵抗値からほぼゼロとみなせる低抵抗値に切り換え、前記高抵抗値は前記増幅率に応じて変更する構成としているので、予測伝搬時間の寸前に、まず、受信振動子と可変増幅手段の接続抵抗を増幅率に応じた適切な値にした状態で増幅手段の電源を投入して、電力供給の際に発生する受信振動子端子間の振動ノイズを急速に減衰させた後に受信振動子と増幅手段との接続抵抗を低抵抗に切り換えて、超音波信号を受信しているので、可変増幅手段の電力供給開始タイミングを受信タイミングに近づけることが可能になるため、省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測が可能である。   According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transmission vibrator that is provided in a fluid flow path and transmits an ultrasonic signal, a reception vibrator that receives the ultrasonic signal, and a gain that is connected to the reception vibrator via a load resistor. Variable amplifying means that can be changed, a power switch that switches supply / stop of power to the variable amplifying means, resistance value switching means that can switch a connection resistance value between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means, and the variable Based on the reception determination means for determining reception of the ultrasonic signal based on the output of the amplification means, a timer for measuring the propagation time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal, and the past propagation time measured by the timer Propagation time predicting means for determining the next predicted propagation time, and reception control means for controlling the power switch and the resistance switching means, wherein the reception control means is provided before the predicted propagation time. Power supply to the variable amplifying unit is started by the power switch at a set time of 1, and the reception transducer is switched by the resistance value switching unit at a second set time between the first set time and the predicted propagation time. Since the high resistance value is changed in accordance with the amplification factor, the connection resistance between the variable amplification means and the variable amplification means is switched from a high resistance value to a low resistance value that can be regarded as almost zero. The power of the amplifying means is turned on with the connection resistance between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means set to an appropriate value according to the amplification factor, and the vibration noise between the receiving vibrator terminals generated during power supply is rapidly Since the ultrasonic signal is received by switching the connection resistance between the receiving transducer and the amplifying means to a low resistance after being attenuated, the power supply start timing of the variable amplifying means can be brought closer to the receiving timing. Because, it is possible to highly accurate measurements while keeping the power savings.

第2の発明は、特に、第1の発明に、測定対象の流体の種類に応じて可変増幅手段の増幅率を設定する増幅率設定手段を備えた構成としているので、測定対象に関わらず、省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測が可能である。   In the second invention, in particular, the first invention is configured to include an amplification factor setting unit that sets the amplification factor of the variable amplification unit according to the type of fluid to be measured. High-precision measurement is possible while maintaining power-saving performance.

第3の発明は、特に、第1または第2の発明の送信振動子と受信振動子の役割を切り換えることにより流れの順方向と逆方向の双方の計測を可能とした送受信切換手段と、タイマーで計測した伝搬時間に基づいて流体流量を算出する演算手段を備え、受信制御手段は、流れの順方向と逆方向で個別の予測伝搬時間に基づいて第1および第2の設定時間を定める構成としているので、流れの順方向と逆方向でそれぞれ別に電源投入タイミングを設定することで、流量変動に関わらず、最適な制御タイミングが設定可能となり省電力性能を保ちつつ、より高精度の流量計測が可能となる。   In particular, the third aspect of the invention relates to a transmission / reception switching means capable of measuring both the forward direction and the reverse direction of the flow by switching the roles of the transmission vibrator and the reception vibrator of the first or second invention, and a timer. And calculating means for calculating the fluid flow rate based on the propagation time measured in step (i), wherein the reception control means determines the first and second set times based on the individual predicted propagation times in the forward and reverse directions of the flow. Therefore, by setting the power-on timing separately in the forward and reverse directions of the flow, it is possible to set the optimal control timing regardless of flow rate fluctuations, and more accurate flow measurement while maintaining power saving performance Is possible.

以下本発明の実施の形態を図面を参照しつつ説明する。なお、実施の形態が本発明を限定するものではない。   Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments do not limit the present invention.

(実施の形態1)
図1において、流体流路1の途中に超音波を送信する第1振動子2が流れの上流側に配置され、第1振動子2から送信された超音波を受信する第2振動子3が流れの下流側に配置されている。
(Embodiment 1)
In FIG. 1, a first vibrator 2 that transmits ultrasonic waves is disposed in the middle of a fluid flow path 1, and a second vibrator 3 that receives ultrasonic waves transmitted from the first vibrator 2 is disposed on the upstream side of the flow. Located downstream of the flow.

すなわち、第1振動子2から送信された超音波は流体流路1を流れる流体を斜めに横切り第2振動子3で受信されるようにしてある。   That is, the ultrasonic wave transmitted from the first vibrator 2 crosses the fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 1 obliquely and is received by the second vibrator 3.

第1振動子2と第2振動子3は送受信の役割を反転する送受信切換手段4を介して後段の処理ブロックに繋がれている。   The first vibrator 2 and the second vibrator 3 are connected to a subsequent processing block via transmission / reception switching means 4 that reverses the role of transmission / reception.

送受信切換手段4は4連のスイッチで構成されていて、接点aが閉じると第1振動子2が送信振動子、第2振動子3が受信振動子となり、接点bが閉じると第2振動子3が送信振動子、第1振動子2が受信振動子となる。   The transmission / reception switching means 4 is composed of four switches. When the contact a is closed, the first vibrator 2 is a transmission vibrator, the second vibrator 3 is a reception vibrator, and when the contact b is closed, the second vibrator. Reference numeral 3 is a transmitting vibrator, and the first vibrator 2 is a receiving vibrator.

送信振動子は送信手段5と接続され、受信振動子は2連の可変抵抗6を介して後段の受信回路と接続される。   The transmission vibrator is connected to the transmission means 5, and the reception vibrator is connected to a subsequent receiving circuit via two variable resistors 6.

なお、可変抵抗6は2連構成のボリウム抵抗であり、双方が連動して同じ値となるように構成されている。   The variable resistor 6 is a volume resistor having a double structure, and is configured so that both have the same value in conjunction with each other.

受信回路は回路駆動電力を供給する電池からなる電源7、この電源7の電力供給と停止を切り換える電源スイッチ8、測定対象の流体の切換を行うガス種設定手段9、ガス種設定手段9の設定内容に応じて、受信信号の増幅率を設定する増幅率設定手段10、増幅率設定手段10が設定した増幅率によって受信振動子の出力を増幅する可変増幅手段11、可変増幅手段11の出力から超音波信号の受信を検知する受信判定手段12とで構成される。   The receiving circuit includes a power source 7 composed of a battery for supplying circuit driving power, a power switch 8 for switching power supply and stop of the power source 7, a gas type setting means 9 for switching the fluid to be measured, and a setting for the gas type setting means 9 Depending on the contents, the amplification factor setting means 10 for setting the amplification factor of the received signal, the variable amplification means 11 for amplifying the output of the reception transducer by the amplification factor set by the amplification factor setting means 10, and the output of the variable amplification means 11 It is comprised with the reception determination means 12 which detects reception of an ultrasonic signal.

測定対象の流体の違いによって、流体中を伝わる超音波信号の減衰度合いは大きく異なる。例えば、プロパンガスと都市ガスとを比較した場合、同じ電圧で送信した場合の、受信信号電圧は、プロパンガスの方が数倍程度大きくなるケースがある。   The degree of attenuation of the ultrasonic signal transmitted through the fluid varies greatly depending on the difference in the fluid to be measured. For example, when propane gas and city gas are compared, the received signal voltage when transmitted at the same voltage may be several times greater for propane gas.

複数の測定対象での使用を可能とするためには、受信判定手段12の入力信号レベルを同一に保つ必要があるため、ガス種設定手段9によって、測定対象のガス種の切換を行い、その内容に従って、増幅率設定手段10が可変増幅手段11の増幅率を設定するように構成されている。   In order to enable use with a plurality of measurement objects, it is necessary to keep the input signal level of the reception determination unit 12 the same, so the gas type setting unit 9 switches the gas type of the measurement object, The amplification factor setting means 10 is configured to set the amplification factor of the variable amplification means 11 according to the contents.

なお、ここで、ガス種設定手段9は、機械スイッチ、半導体スイッチなどで構成される。   Here, the gas type setting means 9 is constituted by a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch, or the like.

トリガ手段13は一連の計測動作の開始を指示するトリガ信号を出力し、このトリガ信号と同期して、タイマー14が超音波計測開始後の経過時間の計測を開始する。   The trigger means 13 outputs a trigger signal for instructing the start of a series of measurement operations, and in synchronization with this trigger signal, the timer 14 starts measuring the elapsed time after the start of ultrasonic measurement.

受信判定手段12で受信波の伝搬が判定された時のタイマー14の計測値がこの回の計測の伝搬時間である。   The measured value of the timer 14 when the reception determining means 12 determines the propagation of the received wave is the propagation time of this measurement.

この伝搬時間は演算手段15に出力され、ここでは、流速、流量値などの流れの計測に関わる種々の値を算出される。   This propagation time is output to the computing means 15, where various values related to flow measurement such as flow velocity and flow rate value are calculated.

ここで、算出される値のひとつが、予め定められた回数(例えば8回)の伝搬時間の平均値である。この値は、伝搬時間予測手段16に記憶される。   Here, one of the calculated values is an average value of propagation times for a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). This value is stored in the propagation time prediction means 16.

受信制御手段17は、電源スイッチの切り換えタイミングの制御や、可変抵抗6の抵抗値の制御を行うが、この時の制御タイミングは、伝搬時間予測手段16に記憶されている過去の計測結果を基に決定される。   The reception control means 17 controls the switching timing of the power switch and the resistance value of the variable resistor 6. The control timing at this time is based on the past measurement results stored in the propagation time prediction means 16. To be determined.

続いて、以上のように構成された流体の流れ計測装置の動作を説明する。   Subsequently, the operation of the fluid flow measuring apparatus configured as described above will be described.

まず、第1振動子2を送信振動子とした場合の動作について説明する。   First, the operation when the first vibrator 2 is a transmission vibrator will be described.

最初にトリガ手段13から、計測開始を指示するトリガ信号が出力されるが、この時点で送受信切換手段4の接点aが閉じており、その結果、第1振動子2と送信手段5が接続され、第2振動子3と可変抵抗6を介して後段の受信回路が接続されることになる。   First, a trigger signal instructing the start of measurement is output from the trigger means 13. At this time, the contact a of the transmission / reception switching means 4 is closed, and as a result, the first vibrator 2 and the transmission means 5 are connected. The subsequent receiving circuit is connected via the second vibrator 3 and the variable resistor 6.

なお、この時点で可変抵抗値は、受信振動子で発生する不要振動エネルギーが効率良く消費されるように設定されているが、詳細については後述する。更に、電源スイッチ8の接点は開いており、受信回路への電力供給は停止されている。   At this time, the variable resistance value is set so that unnecessary vibration energy generated in the receiving vibrator is efficiently consumed, and details will be described later. Further, the contact of the power switch 8 is open, and the power supply to the receiving circuit is stopped.

トリガ手段13から出力されるトリガ信号の出力と同期して、送信手段5から駆動信号(例えば500kHzの交流信号)が出力され、第1振動子2から超音波信号が出力される。   In synchronization with the output of the trigger signal output from the trigger unit 13, a drive signal (for example, an AC signal of 500 kHz) is output from the transmission unit 5, and an ultrasonic signal is output from the first transducer 2.

また、これと同期して、タイマー14がスタートし、超音波信号出力後の経過時間の計測が始まる。   In synchronism with this, the timer 14 starts and measurement of the elapsed time after the output of the ultrasonic signal starts.

第1振動子2から出力された超音波信号は、やがて受信回路に到達するが、その伝搬時間は、環境条件や流速、流量が大きく変化しない限りはほとんど変化しないので、直近の計測値を利用して予測可能である。   The ultrasonic signal output from the first transducer 2 eventually reaches the receiving circuit, but its propagation time hardly changes unless the environmental conditions, flow velocity, and flow rate change significantly, so the latest measured value is used. And is predictable.

この予測データを元に伝搬時間の寸前で電力供給を開始する構成を実現すれば、常時通電する場合に比べて大幅な消費電力低減が可能になる。   By realizing a configuration in which power supply is started immediately before the propagation time based on the prediction data, it is possible to significantly reduce power consumption compared to the case where power is always supplied.

受信制御手段17では、伝搬時間予測手段16の記憶データを元に、電源スイッチ8の切り換えタイミングである第1の設定時間と、可変抵抗6の抵抗値切り換えタイミングである第2の設定時間を求めて、それらの時間で切り換え信号を出力する。   The reception control means 17 obtains the first set time that is the switching timing of the power switch 8 and the second set time that is the resistance value switching timing of the variable resistor 6 based on the data stored in the propagation time prediction means 16. The switching signal is output at those times.

これら設定時間の最適化方法については後述することとして、まず、第1および第2の設定時間における動作を先に説明する。   As these setting time optimization methods will be described later, first, operations in the first and second setting times will be described first.

トリガ信号出力からスタートしたタイマー14の計測値が第1の設定時間に達すると、受信制御手段17から制御信号が出力され、電源スイッチ8の接点が閉じられて、電源7から可変増幅手段11および受信判定手段12に駆動電力が供給される。   When the measured value of the timer 14 started from the trigger signal output reaches the first set time, a control signal is output from the reception control means 17, the contact of the power switch 8 is closed, and the variable amplifying means 11 from the power supply 7 and Drive power is supplied to the reception determination means 12.

この時、発生する不連続な電圧変化によって、受信振動子である第2振動子3の両端子間に過渡的に僅かな電位差が発生する。   At this time, due to the discontinuous voltage change that occurs, a slight potential difference is transiently generated between both terminals of the second vibrator 3 that is a receiving vibrator.

この電位差が受信振動子の不要振動のエネルギー源となる。ただし、このエネルギーは継続的に供給されるわけではないので、受信回路の負荷抵抗で消費され、やがて消滅する。この時、定性的には、負荷抵抗の値と受信振動子のインピーダンスの整合が取れている場合、すなわち同じ値の場合が、最も効率良く振動エネルギーが消費されることになる。   This potential difference becomes an energy source for unnecessary vibration of the receiving vibrator. However, since this energy is not continuously supplied, it is consumed by the load resistance of the receiving circuit and eventually disappears. At this time, qualitatively, vibration energy is consumed most efficiently when the load resistance value and the impedance of the receiving vibrator are matched, that is, when the values are the same.

図2は、電源スイッチ8が閉じられて電力供給が開始されてからの経過時間Tと、受信振動子の両端子間の電圧V、すなわち不要振動の関係の一例を示した図である。   FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the elapsed time T from when the power switch 8 is closed and the power supply is started, and the voltage V between both terminals of the receiving vibrator, that is, unnecessary vibration.

図2に示すように、不用振動は、一定の周期性を保ちながら、減衰する曲線となる。可
変抵抗6の値を変えることで、減衰の度合いが変化する。
As shown in FIG. 2, the unnecessary vibration becomes a curve that attenuates while maintaining a constant periodicity. By changing the value of the variable resistor 6, the degree of attenuation changes.

図3は、可変抵抗6の抵抗値Rと不要振動の電圧レベルの関係を示す特性図である。同図は、電源7の通電開始からある所定時間が経過した後の不要振動曲線の包絡線の電圧レベルVの大きさを示している。   FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the relationship between the resistance value R of the variable resistor 6 and the voltage level of unwanted vibration. The figure shows the magnitude of the voltage level V of the envelope of the unnecessary vibration curve after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of energization of the power supply 7.

すなわち、電源投入時に発生する不要振動レベルが可変抵抗値Rの値によって、どのように変化するかを示したものである。   That is, it shows how the unnecessary vibration level generated when the power is turned on changes depending on the value of the variable resistance value R.

図3に基づいて、可変抵抗6の抵抗値Rの設定方法について説明する。図に示すように、抵抗値Rが受信振動子のインピーダンスZ0と等しい時が最も不要振動が小さい。   A method for setting the resistance value R of the variable resistor 6 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the unnecessary vibration is smallest when the resistance value R is equal to the impedance Z0 of the receiving vibrator.

しかしながら、この時のZ0の値は、数100Ω程度の値であるため、逆に、振動ノイズ以外の外来ノイズの影響を受け易いという難点がある。   However, since the value of Z0 at this time is a value of about several hundreds Ω, there is a disadvantage that it is easily affected by external noise other than vibration noise.

そのため、Rの値はできるだけ小さく(ほぼ短絡状態)した方が外来ノイズの影響を受けにくくなる。   For this reason, the value of R is made as small as possible (substantially in a short-circuit state) and is less susceptible to external noise.

そこで、可変増幅手段11の増幅率に応じて、可変抵抗6の抵抗値を制御して、電源投入時の負荷抵抗値をできるだけ小さくなるように制御する。   Therefore, the resistance value of the variable resistor 6 is controlled in accordance with the amplification factor of the variable amplifying means 11 so that the load resistance value when the power is turned on is minimized.

例えば、都市ガス測定時とLPガス測定時の可変増幅手段11の増幅率の比が5:1であるとする。   For example, it is assumed that the ratio of the amplification factor of the variable amplification means 11 at the time of city gas measurement and LP gas measurement is 5: 1.

計測値に影響を及ぼすのは、可変増幅手段11で増幅された後の増幅後の不要振動レベルであるので、都市ガス測定時には、可変増幅手段11の入力側、すなわち、受信振動子の両端子間に発生する不要振動レベルをLPガスに比べて1/5に抑える必要がある。   Since it is the unnecessary vibration level after amplification after being amplified by the variable amplification means 11 that affects the measured value, when measuring city gas, the input side of the variable amplification means 11, that is, both terminals of the receiving vibrator It is necessary to suppress the unnecessary vibration level generated between them to 1/5 compared with LP gas.

増幅後の不要振動レベルの許容値が定まれば、増幅率が既知であるので、増幅前の不要振動レベルの許容値は容易に求められる。   If the allowable value of the unnecessary vibration level after amplification is determined, the amplification factor is known, so that the allowable value of the unnecessary vibration level before amplification is easily obtained.

この時の値をV1とすれば、V1を満たす抵抗値は、2点存在するが、先の説明から、受信振動子のインピーダンスであるZ0よりも小さい方の値であるZ1を採用する。同様に、LPガスの場合には、増幅前の不要振動レベルはV1の5倍の値となるV2であり、これを満足する抵抗値は、Z1より小さな値となる。   If the value at this time is V1, there are two resistance values that satisfy V1, but Z1 that is smaller than Z0 that is the impedance of the receiving vibrator is adopted from the above description. Similarly, in the case of LP gas, the unnecessary vibration level before amplification is V2, which is a value five times V1, and the resistance value satisfying this is a value smaller than Z1.

以上のように、可変増幅手段11の増幅率に応じて、振動エネルギー消費に最適な抵抗値を設定することが可能となる。   As described above, the optimum resistance value for vibration energy consumption can be set according to the amplification factor of the variable amplification means 11.

振動エネルギーが消費された後、タイマー14の計測値が第2の設定時間に達すると、受信制御手段17から制御信号が出力され、可変抵抗6の抵抗値をゼロに切り換える。   When the measured value of the timer 14 reaches the second set time after the vibration energy is consumed, a control signal is output from the reception control means 17 and the resistance value of the variable resistor 6 is switched to zero.

第2の設定時間の後、流路内を伝搬した超音波信号が振動子3に伝搬すると、その信号出力は、可変抵抗6を介して可変増幅手段11に出力される。   After the second set time, when the ultrasonic signal propagated in the flow path propagates to the vibrator 3, the signal output is output to the variable amplification means 11 via the variable resistor 6.

接続抵抗がゼロに切り換っているので、第2振動子3の両端の受信信号電圧を高い効率で可変増幅手段11に伝送することが可能である。   Since the connection resistance is switched to zero, the received signal voltage at both ends of the second vibrator 3 can be transmitted to the variable amplifying means 11 with high efficiency.

可変増幅手段11で増幅された受信信号は、受信判定手段12へ出力され、ここで受信判定処理が行われる。   The reception signal amplified by the variable amplification unit 11 is output to the reception determination unit 12 where reception determination processing is performed.

受信判定手段12の構成の詳細な説明は省略するが、ここでは、受信波形の特定部位を受信点と判断する構成とし、具体的には受信波形の3周期目のゼロクロス点の立ち下がりを受信ポイント判断するものとする。   Although detailed description of the configuration of the reception determination unit 12 is omitted, here, a specific part of the reception waveform is determined as a reception point, and specifically, the falling of the zero-cross point in the third period of the reception waveform is received. Points shall be judged.

受信判定手段12で受信判定がなされると、第1振動子2を送信振動子、第2振動子3を受信振動子とした流れの順方向の超音波伝搬の時間計測が終了する。   When reception determination is made by the reception determination means 12, the time measurement of ultrasonic propagation in the forward direction of the flow with the first transducer 2 as the transmission transducer and the second transducer 3 as the reception transducer is completed.

順方向の計測終了時に、タイマー14の計測値は、流れの順方向の伝搬時間として、演算手段15に出力される。同時に、受信制御手段17から送受信を切り換えるための制御信号が出力される。   At the end of measurement in the forward direction, the measurement value of the timer 14 is output to the calculation means 15 as the propagation time in the forward direction of the flow. At the same time, a control signal for switching transmission / reception is output from the reception control means 17.

この制御信号を受けて、送受信切換手段4の接点bが閉じられて、第2振動子3と送信手段5とが接続され、第1振動子2と受信回路が接続され、両振動子の送受信の関係が逆転する。   Upon receiving this control signal, the contact b of the transmission / reception switching means 4 is closed, the second vibrator 3 and the transmission means 5 are connected, the first vibrator 2 and the receiving circuit are connected, and transmission / reception of both vibrators is performed. The relationship is reversed.

また、電源スイッチ8の接点が開いて、電源7から可変増幅手段11および受信判定手段12への電力供給が停止される。   Further, the contact of the power switch 8 is opened, and the power supply from the power source 7 to the variable amplifying means 11 and the reception determining means 12 is stopped.

受信制御手段17は定められた遅延の後、トリガ手段13にリセット信号を出力する。トリガ手段13はリセット信号を受けて、計測開始のトリガ信号を、タイマー14および送信手段5に出力する。ここから、第2振動子3を送信側とした計測が開始される。   The reception control means 17 outputs a reset signal to the trigger means 13 after a predetermined delay. The trigger unit 13 receives the reset signal and outputs a trigger signal for starting measurement to the timer 14 and the transmission unit 5. From here, the measurement using the second vibrator 3 as the transmission side is started.

その後の動作は、ふたつの振動子間の送受の関係が入れ替わるだけで先に述べた手順と同様に、受信判定手段12における受信判定のまでの一連の処理が実行される。   In the subsequent operation, a series of processes up to the reception determination in the reception determination means 12 is executed in the same manner as the above-described procedure, just by switching the transmission / reception relationship between the two transducers.

受信判定手段12で受信判定がなされると、第2振動子3を送信側、第1振動子2を受信側とした、流れと逆方向の超音波伝搬の時間計測が終了する。   When reception determination is performed by the reception determination means 12, the time measurement of ultrasonic propagation in the direction opposite to the flow is completed with the second transducer 3 as the transmission side and the first transducer 2 as the reception side.

流れの逆方向の計測終了時に、タイマー14の計測値は、流れの逆方向の伝搬時間として、演算手段15に出力される。同時に、受信制御手段17から送受信を切り換えるための制御信号が出力される。   At the end of the measurement in the reverse direction of the flow, the measurement value of the timer 14 is output to the calculation means 15 as the propagation time in the reverse direction of the flow. At the same time, a control signal for switching transmission / reception is output from the reception control means 17.

この制御信号を受けて、送受信切換手段4の接点aが閉じられて、第1振動子2と送信手段5とが接続され、第2振動子3と受信回路が接続され、両振動子の送受信の関係が再度逆転する。   Upon receiving this control signal, the contact a of the transmission / reception switching means 4 is closed, the first vibrator 2 and the transmission means 5 are connected, the second vibrator 3 and the reception circuit are connected, and transmission / reception of both vibrators is performed. The relationship is reversed again.

また、第1スイッチ12の接点が開いて、電源7から可変増幅手段11および受信判定手段12への電力供給が停止される。   Further, the contact of the first switch 12 is opened, and the power supply from the power source 7 to the variable amplifying means 11 and the reception determining means 12 is stopped.

受信制御手段17は定められた遅延の後、トリガ手段13にリセット信号を出力し、今度は、第1振動子2を送信側とした計測が開始される。   The reception control means 17 outputs a reset signal to the trigger means 13 after a predetermined delay, and this time, the measurement using the first vibrator 2 as the transmission side is started.

以上のように、1回計測する毎に、一定の遅延時間を置きながら、ふたつの振動子の送受信関係を切り換えながら計測が続けられる。   As described above, every time measurement is performed, the measurement is continued while switching the transmission / reception relationship between the two vibrators with a certain delay time.

そして、予め定められた回数(例えば、順方向、逆方向それぞれ8回)の計測が完了した時点で、演算手段15では、8回の計測結果を順方向、逆方向それぞれ別個に伝搬時間平均値を算出し、その値は伝搬時間予測手段16に記憶される。更に、伝搬時間平均値を元に流量値が求められる。   Then, when the measurement is completed a predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times each in the forward direction and the reverse direction), the calculation means 15 determines the average propagation time for each of the 8 measurement results separately in the forward direction and the reverse direction. , And the value is stored in the propagation time prediction means 16. Further, a flow rate value is obtained based on the average propagation time value.

続いて、伝搬時間予測手段16に記憶された伝搬時間平均値を用いて、第1の設定時間および第2の設定時間を最適化する方法について説明する。   Next, a method for optimizing the first set time and the second set time using the propagation time average value stored in the propagation time predicting means 16 will be described.

流路内に異質のガスが混入したり、意図的にガスの置換を行ったりしない限り、伝搬時間の値はわずかな時間で急激に変化することがないので、前の8回の計測平均値が次の8回の計測のおおよその期待値と考えることができる。   The value of the propagation time does not change abruptly in a short time unless a foreign gas is mixed in the flow path or the gas is intentionally replaced. Can be considered as an approximate expected value for the next eight measurements.

流れの順方向の伝搬時間平均値をTaとすると、次の8回の順方向の計測においては、第1の設定時間、第2の設定時間に係る振動子両端に発生する振動ノイズが、計測開始後の経過時間Taの近傍で、充分小さくなるように適当なマージンを見込んで、各制御タイミングを設定すれば良い。   Assuming that the forward propagation time average value of the flow is Ta, in the next eight forward measurements, vibration noise generated at both ends of the vibrator related to the first set time and the second set time is measured. Each control timing may be set in anticipation of an appropriate margin so as to be sufficiently small in the vicinity of the elapsed time Ta after the start.

電源スイッチ8を閉じた後、振動レベルが収束するまでの時間をα、可変抵抗6の抵抗値をゼロに切り換えた後、振動レベルが収束するまでの時間をβとすれば、タイマー14の値が示す計測開始からの経過時間がTam−(α+β)となる時間を第1の設定時間T1、経過時間がTa−βとなる時間を第2の設定時間T2として電源スイッチ8、およびの可変抵抗6の抵抗値の切り換えを行えば良い。   If the time until the vibration level converges after closing the power switch 8 is α, and the resistance value of the variable resistor 6 is switched to zero and the time until the vibration level converges is β, the value of the timer 14 The time when the elapsed time from the start of measurement indicated by Tam- (α + β) is the first set time T1, and the time when the elapsed time is Ta-β is the second set time T2, and the variable resistance of the power switch 8 6 may be switched.

以上説明してきたように本発明の流体の流れ計測装置においては、伝搬時間予測手段16に記憶された予測伝搬時間に基づいて、その時間の寸前に受信振動子と可変増幅手段11の接続抵抗を、増幅率に応じて振動エネルギーが効率良く消費されるような値に設定した状態で、可変増幅手段11の電源を投入して、電力供給の際に発生する受信振動子端子間の振動ノイズを急速に減衰させている。   As described above, in the fluid flow measuring device of the present invention, based on the predicted propagation time stored in the propagation time predicting means 16, the connection resistance between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means 11 is set just before that time. In a state where the vibration energy is set to a value that is efficiently consumed according to the amplification factor, the variable amplifying means 11 is turned on, and the vibration noise between the receiving vibrator terminals generated when the power is supplied is reduced. It is decaying rapidly.

その後、受信振動子と可変増幅手段11との接続抵抗をゼロに切り換えた後に、超音波信号を受信しているので、可変増幅手段11の電力供給開始タイミングを受信波形により近づけることが可能になるので、省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測が可能である。   After that, since the ultrasonic signal is received after the connection resistance between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying unit 11 is switched to zero, the power supply start timing of the variable amplifying unit 11 can be made closer to the received waveform. Therefore, highly accurate measurement is possible while maintaining power saving performance.

また、可変増幅手段11の増幅率は、測定流体に応じて変更する構成としているので、測定流体に関わらず省電力性能を保ちながら高精度の計測が可能である。   Further, since the amplification factor of the variable amplifying means 11 is changed according to the measurement fluid, high-precision measurement is possible while maintaining power saving performance regardless of the measurement fluid.

また、流れの順方向と逆方向でそれぞれ別に電源投入タイミングを設定することで、流量変動に関わらず、最適な制御タイミングが設定可能となり省電力性能を保ちつつ、より高精度の流量計測が可能となる。   In addition, by setting the power-on timing separately in the forward and reverse directions of the flow, it is possible to set the optimal control timing regardless of flow rate fluctuations, enabling more accurate flow measurement while maintaining power saving performance. It becomes.

以上のように、本発明の流体の流れ計測装置は、増幅手段の電源投入タイミングを超音波信号の受信タイミングに近づけることができ、省電力化が可能となるので、電池駆動で長寿命を要求されるガスメータ、水道メータなどに適用可能である。   As described above, the fluid flow measuring device according to the present invention can bring the power-on timing of the amplifying means closer to the reception timing of the ultrasonic signal, and can save power. It can be applied to gas meters, water meters and the like.

本発明の実施の形態1における流体の流れ計測装置のブロック図1 is a block diagram of a fluid flow measurement device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. 同装置の特性図Characteristics of the device 同装置の別の特性図Another characteristic diagram of the device 従来の流体の流れ計測装置のブロック図Block diagram of a conventional fluid flow measurement device

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

1 流体流路
2 第1振動子
3 第2振動子
4 送受信切換手段
6 可変抵抗
7 電源
8 電源スイッチ
9 ガス種切換手段
10 増幅率設定手段
11 可変増幅手段
12 受信判定手段
14 タイマー
15 演算手段
16 伝搬時間予測手段
17 受信制御手段
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Fluid flow path 2 1st vibrator | oscillator 3 2nd vibrator | oscillator 4 Transmission / reception switching means 6 Variable resistance 7 Power supply 8 Power switch 9 Gas type switching means 10 Amplification rate setting means 11 Variable amplification means 12 Reception determination means 14 Timer 15 Calculation means 16 Propagation time prediction means 17 Reception control means

Claims (3)

流体流路に備えられ超音波信号を送信する送信振動子と、前記超音波信号を受信する受信振動子と、前記受信振動子と負荷抵抗を介して接続され、増幅率の変更が可能な可変増幅手段と、前記可変増幅手段に対する電力の供給/停止を切り換える電源スイッチと、前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段の接続抵抗値を切り換え可能な抵抗値切換手段と、前記可変増幅手段の出力に基づいて超音波信号の受信を判断する受信判定手段と、前記超音波信号の送信から受信までの伝搬時間を計測するタイマーと、前記タイマーで計測した過去の伝搬時間を元に次の予測伝搬時間を決定する伝搬時間予測手段と、前記電源スイッチ、および前記抵抗切換手段を制御する受信制御手段とを備え、前記受信制御手段は、前記予測伝搬時間より前の第1の設定時間で前記電源スイッチにより前記可変増幅手段へ電力供給を開始し、前記第1の設定時間と前記予測伝搬時間の間の第2の設定時間で前記抵抗値切換手段により前記受信振動子と前記可変増幅手段との接続抵抗を高抵抗値からほぼゼロとみなせる低抵抗値に切り換え、前記高抵抗値は前記増幅率に応じて変更することを特徴とする流体の流れ計測装置。 A transmission vibrator that is provided in the fluid flow path and transmits an ultrasonic signal, a reception vibrator that receives the ultrasonic signal, and a variable that is connected to the reception vibrator via a load resistor and can change an amplification factor. Amplifying means, a power switch for switching power supply / stop to the variable amplifying means, a resistance value switching means capable of switching a connection resistance value between the receiving vibrator and the variable amplifying means, and an output of the variable amplifying means A reception determination unit for determining reception of an ultrasonic signal based on the above, a timer for measuring a propagation time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal, and a next predicted propagation time based on the past propagation time measured by the timer And a reception control means for controlling the power switch and the resistance switching means, wherein the reception control means has a first setting before the predicted propagation time. In the meantime, power supply to the variable amplifying means is started by the power switch, and the receiving vibrator and the variable are changed by the resistance value switching means at a second set time between the first set time and the predicted propagation time. A fluid flow measuring device characterized in that the connection resistance with the amplifying means is switched from a high resistance value to a low resistance value that can be regarded as substantially zero, and the high resistance value is changed according to the amplification factor. 測定対象の流体の種類に応じて可変増幅手段の増幅率を設定する増幅率設定手段を備えた請求項1に記載の流体の流れ計測装置。 The fluid flow measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising an amplification factor setting unit that sets an amplification factor of the variable amplification unit according to the type of fluid to be measured. 送信振動子と受信振動子の役割を切り換えることにより流れの順方向と逆方向の双方の計測を可能とした送受信切換手段と、タイマーで計測した伝搬時間に基づいて流体流量を算出する演算手段を備え、受信制御手段は、流れの順方向と逆方向で個別の予測伝搬時間に基づいて第1および第2の設定時間を定めることを特徴とする請求項1または2に記載の流体の流れ計測装置。 Transmission / reception switching means that enables measurement in both the forward and reverse directions of the flow by switching the roles of the transmitting vibrator and the receiving vibrator, and arithmetic means for calculating the fluid flow rate based on the propagation time measured by the timer 3. The fluid flow measurement according to claim 1, wherein the reception control means determines the first and second set times based on individual predicted propagation times in the forward direction and the reverse direction of the flow. apparatus.
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