JP3804124B2

JP3804124B2 - Fluid control valve control device

Info

Publication number: JP3804124B2
Application number: JP29233396A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 行則尾崎; 茂岩永; 行夫長岡
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1996-11-05
Filing date: 1996-11-05
Publication date: 2006-08-02
Anticipated expiration: 2016-11-05
Also published as: JPH10132125A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、流路中を流れるガス流体の流れを開閉制御するガスメータに内蔵する遮断弁の制御方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来この種の制御方法としては、特開平５−７１６５６号公報に示すようなものがあった。以下、その構成について図面を参照して説明する。図２１は従来の弁制御方法のブロック図である。１はステッピングモータ、２は回転数等の検出器、３は比較器、４はマイクロコンピュータ、５は駆動部、６は電源である。制御方法は、開弁時（又は閉弁時）弁体（図示せず）に加わる逆方向の流体圧力が大きいのでマイクロコンピュータ４からの信号で駆動部５を働かせてステッピングモータ１をモータ推力を得るため減速ドライブ（広いパルス幅を印加）して、一定時間後には加速ドライブ（狭いパルス幅を印加）に切換えていた。また、閉弁時（又は開弁時）には定速トライブ（等パルス幅を印加）を行っていた。
【０００３】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、従来の制御方法はパルスを変化させる制御のためステッピングモータを対象とした制御に限定されるという課題を有していた。また上下移動して流路を開閉する弁の閉成動作においては減速ドライブの後、一定時間後には加速ドライブするために弁の閉止力が十分得られないという課題を有していた。
【０００４】
【課題を解決するための手段】
前記課題を解決するため本発明の流体制御弁制御装置は、流体が流れる流路の途中に形成した弁座と、この流体流動方向上流側からこの弁座を開閉する弁部と、前記弁部を駆動するモータと、前記流路を流れる被検出流体の流量を計測する流量計測手段と、前記流量計測手段からの信号を演算処理する演算処理部と、前記演算処理部からの信号を入力して前記モータへ駆動信号を出力する駆動回路と、前記駆動回路からの出力電圧を可変する電圧制御手段と、前記弁座に対する弁部の開閉状態を検出する弁開閉検出手段と、電池電源部とを具備し、
（１）流体圧が逆方向に加わる前記弁部の開成動作時には、弁開閉検出手段を介して弁部が弁座を開いた位置に達したか否かを検出して、まだ閉位置にあるときには駆動回路からの出力電圧を大に、閉位置から開位置になると駆動回路からの出力電圧を小さく、
（２）流路を流れる流体量が設定値を超え、流体圧が順方向に加わる前記弁部の閉成動作時には、弁開閉検出手段を介して弁部が弁座を閉じた位置に達したか否かを検出して、まだ開位置にあるときには駆動回路からの出力電圧を小に、開位置から閉位置になると駆動回路からの出力電圧を大きく
なるように設定した。
【０００５】
一般に弁部においては、流体の入口と出口の位置や方向の関係で弁部の開閉動作に際し、弁体の移動方向に対して流体の流れによる流体圧が順方向に作用する場合と逆方向に作用する場合がある。従って、基本的に弁体の開成動作に要する力やエネルギーと閉成動作に必要とする力やエネルギーは異なる。
【０００６】
本発明は開成動作，閉成動作それぞれに要する力に対応して駆動電圧を変化させて駆動手段を動作し弁部の開閉制御を行うものであり、駆動手段としてはパルス駆動モータ（ステッピングモータ）の他直流モータなど多くのモータを制御することができる。また、駆
動手段の消費電力を小さくすることができ、電池電源の容量を小さくすることが可能となる。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
前記課題を解決するために本発明の流体制御弁制御装置は、流体が流れる流路の途中に形成した弁座と、この流体流動方向上流側からこの弁座を開閉する弁部と、前記弁部を駆動するモータと、前記流路を流れる被検出流体の流量を計測する流量計測手段と、前記流量計測手段からの信号を演算処理する演算処理部と、前記演算処理部からの信号を入力して前記モータへ駆動信号を出力する駆動回路と、前記駆動回路からの出力電圧を可変する電圧制御手段と、前記弁座に対する弁部の開閉状態を検出する弁開閉検出手段と、電池電源部とを具備し、
（１）流体圧が逆方向に加わる前記弁部の開成動作時には、弁開閉検出手段を介して弁部が弁座を開いた位置に達したか否かを検出して、まだ閉位置にあるときには駆動回路からの出力電圧を大に、閉位置から開位置になると駆動回路からの出力電圧を小さく、
（２）流路を流れる流体量が設定値を超え、流体圧が順方向に加わる前記弁部の閉成動作時には、弁開閉検出手段を介して弁部が弁座を閉じた位置に達したか否かを検出して、まだ開位置にあるときには駆動回路からの出力電圧を小に、開位置から閉位置になると駆動回路からの出力電圧を大きく
なるように設定した。
また、流体が流れる流路の途中に形成した弁座と、この流体流動方向上流側からこの弁座を開閉する弁部と、前記弁部を駆動するモータと、前記流路を流れる被検出流体の流量を計測する流量計測手段と、前記流量計測手段からの信号を演算処理する演算処理部と、前記演算処理部からの信号を入力して前記モータへ駆動信号を出力する駆動回路と、前記駆動回路からの出力電圧を可変する電圧制御手段と、前記弁座に対する弁部の開方向、および閉方向動作時間をそれぞれカウントするタイマ手段と、電池電源部とを具備し、
（１）流体圧が逆方向に加わる前記弁部の開成動作時には、タイマ手段を介して弁部が弁座を開いた位置に達したか否かを時間的に検出して、まだ閉位置にある計時状態では駆動回路からの出力電圧を大に、閉位置から開位置になる計時状態では駆動回路からの出力電圧を小さく、
（２）流路を流れる流体量が設定値を超え、流体圧が順方向に加わる前記弁部の閉成動作時には、タイマ手段を介して弁部が弁座を閉じた位置に達したか否かを時間的に検出して、まだ開位置にある計時状態では駆動回路からの出力電圧を小に、開位置から閉位置になる計時状態では駆動回路からの出力電圧を大きく
なるように設定した。
【０００８】
演算処理部は流量計測手段による計測値を処理するとともに、各種の弁部駆動制御信号を駆動回路へ出力する。駆動回路は入力した信号により駆動回路を動作させ弁部の開閉制御を行う。一般に弁部においては、流体の入口と出口の位置や方向の関係で弁部の開閉動作に際し、弁体の移動方向に対して液体の流れによる流体圧が順方向に作用する場合と逆方向に作用する場合がある。従って基本的に弁体の開成動作に要する力やエネルギーと閉成動作に必要とする力やエネルギーは異なる。本発明は、開成動作，閉成動作それぞれに要する力に対応して駆動電圧を変化させて駆動手段を動作し弁部の開閉制御を行うものであり、駆動手段としてはパルス駆動モータ（ステッピングモータ）の他直流モータなど多くのモータを制御することができる。また、駆動手段の消費電力を小さくすることができ、電池電源の容量を小さくすることが可能となる。
【０００９】
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を参照して説明する。なお、実施例１から４において、同等の構成要素については、同一符号を付し一部説明を省略する。
【００１０】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１のガスメータの構成図である。また図２は同ガスメータのブロック図である。図３，図４は同ガスメータ弁部の弁開時の断面図、図５は同ガスメータ弁部の弁閉時の断面図である。図６は同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉動作時の動作のフローチャート、図７は同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャートである。
【００１１】
図１，図２において、７はガスメータのハウジングであり、ハウジング７の内部には、入口８と出口９を連通する流路１０が構成されている。流路１０には流路１０を開閉する弁部１１と、弁部１１を駆動する駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２と、流路１０を流れる被検出流体であるガスの流量を計測する流量計測手段１３と、流量計測手段１３からの信号を演算処理する演算処理部１４と、演算処理部からの信号を入力して駆動手段のステッピングモータ１２へ駆動信号を出力する駆動回路１５と、駆動回路１５からのパルス（以降パルスは省略）出力電圧を可変する電圧制御手段１６と、電池電源部１７とで構成されている。１８は流量を表示する表示手段である。
【００１２】
図３から図５において、入口継手１９、出口継手２０を有する弁部１１の内部にはステッピングモータ１２の回転を直動に変換する直動変換部２１と、この直動変換部２１に接続され上下に移動し、弁座２２に当接して弁閉状態となる弁体２３が設けられている。
【００１３】
図６，図７において、ステップ１は流量計測動作、ステップ２は流量積算動作、ステップ３は演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値と流量積算された値を比較する動作、ステップ４は弁の閉成を命令する弁閉成信号出力動作、ステップ５はある電圧Ａで駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２を駆動する動作、ステップ６は弁部１１の閉成状態を示す。
【００１４】
ステップ７は弁の開成を命令する弁開成信号出力動作、ステップ８はある電圧Ｂで、駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２を駆動する動作、ステップ９は弁部１１の開成状態を示す。
【００１５】
次に以上の構成における動作、作用について図１から図７により説明する。先ず図６に示す弁部１１の弁閉動作について説明すると、通常ガスメータ内部に内蔵された弁部１１の弁体２３は開成状態にあり、ステップ１で、流量計測が行われている。ステップ２ではこの流量計測された値をもとに演算処理部１４で流量積算が行われている。
【００１６】
ステップ３でこの流量積算された値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値と比較されており、流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合は異常と判断し、ステップ４で演算処理部１４から弁閉成信号が出力され、ステップ５で駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ電圧Ａが印加され、ステッピングモータ１２を駆動する。
【００１７】
ステッピングモータ１２の回転は直動変換部２１より直動に変換されて弁体２３が移動し弁座２２に当接することでステップ６の弁閉成状態となる。この時にはガスメータの弁部１１で流路１０が閉塞されるため器具側（図示せず）へはガスが流れない状態となる。次に図７に示す弁体の弁開動作について説明すると、器具側で異常がないと判断されると、ステップ７で弁の開成を命令する弁開成信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、ステップ８で駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ電圧Ｂが印加され、ステッピングモータが駆動する。
【００１８】
ステッピングモータ１２の回転は直動変化部２１により直動に変換されて弁体２３が移動し弁座２２から離脱しステップ９の弁開成状態となる。即ち図３から図５に示す本実施例の様な弁部１１においては開成動作時にはガスの流れる方向と弁体２３の移動方向が逆
になり、弁開方向と逆のガス圧を弁体２３が受けることにより、弁開動作に必要な力は大きくなるが、弁閉成動作時は入口継手１９から出口継手２０側に向かって流れるガスの流れと同方向に弁体２３が移動するめ、ガスの流れによる圧力を弁体２３が弁閉方向に受けることにより、弁体２３を閉成する方向力が作用し、弁体２３の閉成に必要な力は小さくなり、開成動作時に比べ低電圧で駆動することができる。この低電圧とは電池電源部１７の最大出力電圧（例えば３Ｖ）以下を示している。
【００１９】
一般に弁の動作電圧設計値としては、電池電源部１７の時間経過による出力電圧低下特性、温度特性、ガス圧力等を考慮し、電池電源部１７の最大出力電圧が例えば３Ｖの場合、２Ｖ以下で弁が開成可能なように設計される。また、閉成時の動作電圧としては開成時の電圧以下で動作されるものである。
【００２０】
以上のように、弁開成動作と弁閉成動作に要する力やエネルギーが異なるため、本実施例では各々の動作に必要な力やエネルギーに応じて駆動電力を変化させて対応するよう制御するもので弁開成動作，弁閉成動作に要する消費電力を低減することが可能となり、電池電源部１７の容量を小さくすることができる。
【００２１】
また、本実施例は駆動電圧を変化させて制御するので、ステッピングモータ１２の他直流モータにも適用することが可能である。
【００２２】
（実施例２）
図８は本発明の実施例２のガスメータ構造図である。また図９は同ガスメータのブロック図である。図１０は同ガスメータの弁部の弁開成動作時の動作フローチャート、図１１は同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート、図１２は同ガスメータの弁部の他の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャートである。
【００２３】
実施例１と異なる点は、図８から図１２において時間をカウントするタイマ手段２４を設けたことと、高電圧で駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２を駆動する動作、ステップ１０、タイマ手段２４と所定時間をカウントする動作ステップ１１、低電圧で駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２を駆動する動作ステップ１２、低電圧、且つ一定電圧で駆動手段であるステッピングモータ１２を駆動する動作３５がステップ１３の各動作プログラムを有していることである。
【００２４】
次に以上の構成における動作，作用について説明する。図１０に示す弁部１１の開成動作について説明すると、ステップ７で弁の開成を命令する弁開成信号が演算処理部１４から出力されステップ１０で、高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力された駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加され高電圧による駆動が行われ、同時にステップ１１でタイマ手段２４が作動し、所定時間（弁が開成するのに十分な時間）がカウントされ経過すると、ステップ１２で低電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧が印加され、低電圧による駆動が行われ、直動変換部２１により弁体２３が移動し弁座２２から離脱しステップ９の弁開成状態に至る。
【００２５】
この動作においては弁部１１を開成するとき弁体の移動方向と逆にガスの流れによるガス圧力が作用するので、当初は高電圧による強い駆動力で開成駆動し、弁開に十分な時間が経過した後弁体２３が移動しガスの流れにより作用を受ける圧力の付勢力が十分小さくなった時、低電圧による駆動に切替えるよう制御することにより、弁の開成に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。
【００２６】
次に図１１に示す弁部１１の閉成動作，作用について説明すると、ステップ３の設定値
との比較動作においてステップ２で演算処理部１４で行った流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合には、ステップ４で演算処理部１４から弁閉成信号が出力されステップ１２で、低電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部から出力され駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧が印加され、低電圧による駆動が行われる。
【００２７】
同時にステップ１１でタイマ手段２４により所定時間（弁が閉成するのに十分な時間）がカウントされ経過すると、ステップ１０で高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加され高電圧による強い力での駆動が行われ、直動変換部２１により弁体２３が弁座２２に強い力で当接しステップ９の弁閉成状態に至る。
【００２８】
この弁の閉成動作においては弁体２３の移動方向とガス圧力の作用する方向が同じであり弁の閉成動作の殆んどは低電圧による駆動を行い、最後の段階のみ高電圧の強い駆動を行うことによって、消費電力の低減とともに、弁体２３を弁座２２に対して強い力で閉成することができ、弁のシール性能を向上させることができる。
【００２９】
次に図１２に示す弁部１１の閉成動作、作用について説明すると、ステップ３の設定値との比較動作においてステップ２で演算処理部１４が行った流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合には、ステップ４で弁閉成信号が出力され、ステップ１３で低電圧、且つ一定電圧による駆動信号を演算処理部１４が出力し、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧、且つ一定電圧が印加され低電圧、且つ一定電圧による駆動が行われる。
【００３０】
同時にステップ１１でタイマ手段２４により所定時間（弁が閉成するのに十分な時間）がカウントされ経過すると、高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加され高電圧による強い力での駆動が行われ直動変換部２１によりすでに弁座２２に当接している弁体２３をさらに強く弁座２２に付勢した状態でステップ９の弁閉成に至る。
【００３１】
この一定電圧が印加される場合の電池電源部１７の構成としては、複数の電池電源が接続を切換えて使用される場合がある。この動作においては電池電源部１７の通常の出力電圧に比べ低い一定電圧（例えば電池１本）が印加され一定時間が経過すると、前記一定電圧以上（例えば複数電池直列接続）の電圧が印加される。
【００３２】
このような制御動作により、安定した駆動特性を得ることができ駆動手段の低電圧化が図れ、また、弁部１１のシール性能の向上が図れる。また、本実施例は駆動電圧を変えて制御しているのでステッピングモータ１２の他直流モータにも適用することが可能である。
【００３３】
（実施例３）
図１３は本発明の実施例３のガスメータの構成図である。また図１４は同ガスメータのブロック図である。図１５は同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャート、図１６は同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャート、図１７は同ガスメータの弁部の他の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャートである。
【００３４】
実施例１、２と異なる点は、図１３から図１７において弁部１の開閉を検出する弁開閉検出手段２５を設けたことと、弁部１１の開成状態を検出する動作ステップ１４、弁部１１の閉成状態を検出する動作ステップ１５を有していることである。
【００３５】
なお、弁開閉検出手段２５は流量計測手段１３の信号を演算処理部１４で処理し流れの有無を判定することにより弁部１１の開閉状態を検出するものである。
次に以上の構成における動作，作用について説明する。図１５に示す弁部１１の開成動作について説明すると、ステップ７で弁の開成を命令する弁開成信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、ステップ１０で高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加され高電圧による駆動が行われ、直動変換部２１により弁体２３が移動する。次にステップ１４で弁部１１の開成状態を検出する弁開成？動作が行われ、弁体２３が開成していることが検出されると、ステップ１２で低電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧が印加され低電圧による駆動をつづけ直動変換部２１により弁体２３が移動しステップ９の弁開成に至る。
【００３６】
この動作においては弁部１１を開成するとき当初は弁体２３がガス圧力に対向して移動するため高電圧による強い駆動を必要とするが弁体２３が僅かに開成すると、弁体２３の受けるガスの流れによるガス圧力の作用が小さくなる。
【００３７】
従って、弁体２３が僅かに開成したことを弁開閉検出手段２５で検出し、直ちに低電圧による駆動に切替えるよう制御することにより弁開成に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。
【００３８】
次に図１６に示す弁部１１の閉成動作、作用について説明すると、ステップ３の設定値との比較動作においてステップ２で演算処理部１４で行った流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合には、ステップ４で演算処理部１４より弁閉成信号が出力されステップ１２で低電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧が印加されステッピングモータ１２が低電圧で駆動し、直動変換部２１により弁体２３が弁座２２に向かって移動する。
次にステップ１５で弁開閉検出手段２５により弁部１１の閉成状態弁閉成？を検出し、弁体２３が閉成していることが検出されると、高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加されステッピングモータ１２は高電圧の強い力で駆動し直動変換部２１によりすでに弁座２２に当接している弁体２３をさらに弁座２２に強く付勢した状態でステップ９の弁閉成に至る。
【００３９】
この作用により弁部１１のシール特性を向上させることができる。また、弁閉成動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。
【００４０】
次に図１７に示す弁部１１の閉成動作，作用について説明すると、ステップ３の設定値との比較動作においてステップ２で演算処理部１４で行った流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合には、ステップ４で演算処理部１４より弁閉成信号が出力されステップ１３で低電圧、且つ一定電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧、且つ一定電圧が印加され、ステッピングモータ１２が低電圧、且つ一定電圧で駆動し直動変換部２１により弁体２３が弁座２２に向かって移動する。
次にステップ１５で弁開閉検出手段２５により、弁部１１の閉成状態を検出する弁閉成？を検出し、弁体２３が閉成していることが検出されると、ステップ１０で高電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力される。駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ高電圧が印加される。
【００４１】
この弁閉成動作において、弁閉成動作の当初から弁体２３が移動し弁座２２に当接する間は電池電源部１７の通常の出力電圧に比べ低い安定した一定電圧が印加され弁体２３が
弁座２２に当接地して閉成していることが検出された後ステッピングモータ１２を高電圧の強い力で駆動しすでに弁座２２に当接している弁体２３をさらに強く弁座２２に付勢した状態で弁閉成ステップ９に至る。従って部体１１のシール性能を向上させるとともに、弁閉動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力削減ができる。
【００４２】
また、本実施例は駆動電圧を変えて制御しているのでステッピングモータ１２の他直流モータにも適用することが可能である。
【００４３】
（実施例４）
図１８は本発明の実施例４のガスメータの構成図である。また図１９は同ガスメータのブロック図である。図２０は同ガスメータ弁部の閉成動作時の動作フローチャートである。
【００４４】
次に図２０に示す弁体１１の閉成動作、作用について説明すると、ステップ３の設定値との比較動作においてステップ２で演算処理部１４で行った流量積算の値が演算処理部１４に記憶されている積算流量の設定値より大きい場合には、ステップ４で演算処理部１４より弁閉成信号が出力されステップ１３で低電圧且つ一定電圧による駆動信号が演算処理部１４から出力され、駆動回路１５からステッピングモータ１２へ低電圧で且つ一定電圧が印加されステッピングモータ１２が低電圧で且つ一定電圧で駆動し、直動変換部２１より弁体２３が弁座２２に当接しステップ９で弁部１１が閉成される。
【００４５】
この弁閉成動作においてはガスの流れによる電圧が弁体２３の移動方向と同方向に作用するので弁体２３を閉成するのに強い力は不要であり最低必要な消費電力で弁体２３を移動し閉成動作することができる。
【００４６】
また本実施例は駆動電圧を変化させて制御しているのでステッピングモータ１２の他直流モータの制御にも適用することができる。
【００４７】
以上説明した各実施例の技術的意義をまとめると以下次の通りとなる。
【００４８】
（１）弁部の開成動作時と閉成動作時の駆動手段の駆動電力を異なる電圧となるように制御することにより、弁開および弁閉に各々必要な力に対応した電圧で駆動させることができるため、駆動手段に要する消費電力を小さくすることができる。その結果、電池電源部の容量を小さくすることができる。また、電圧を変化させて制御するパルス駆動モータの他直流モータを制御することが可能となる。
【００４９】
（２）弁部の開成動作時初期は駆動手段を高電圧で駆動し、所定時間経過した後にタイマ手段で低電圧による駆動に切替えて駆動するよう制御するので、弁開動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。
【００５０】
（３）弁部の閉成動作時初期と駆動手段を低電圧で駆動し、タイマ手段により所定時間経過した後に駆動手段を高電圧で駆動するよう制御することにより、弁開成時から弁閉動作を行う間の消費電力が小さくなり、所定時間経過した弁閉成状態で高電圧による強い力で駆動することにより弁閉時の弁体の弁座への付勢力が大きくなり弁部のシール性能が向上する。
【００５１】
（４）弁部の閉成動作時初期は低電圧、且つ一定電圧で駆動手段を駆動し、タイマ手段により所定時間経過した後に高電圧による強い力で駆動手段を駆動することにより、弁閉動作において安定した駆動特性を得ることが出来ると共に、消費電力が低減できる。更に弁閉時の弁体の弁座への付勢力が大きくなり弁部のシール性能が向上する。
【００５２】
（５）弁体の開成動作時初期は駆動手段を高電圧で駆動し、弁開閉検出手段で弁部の開状態を検出し、弁体が僅かに開成し弁体に逆方向に作用していた流体の付勢力が小さくなった状態で低電圧で駆動するよう制御するため弁開成動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。
【００５３】
（６）弁部の閉成動作時初期は駆動手段を低電圧で駆動し、弁開閉検出手段で弁閉状態を検出し弁体が閉成したことを検出すると駆動手段を高電圧で駆動するよう制御することにより、弁閉動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減すると共に弁閉成状態での弁体の弁座への付勢力が大きくなり弁シール性能を向上することができる。
【００５４】
（７）弁部の閉成動作時初期は低電圧、且つ一定電圧で駆動手段を駆動し、弁開閉検出手段で弁閉状態を検出し弁が閉成したことを検出した後に駆動手段を高電圧で駆動するよう制御することにより、安定した低電力駆動を行うことができると共に、弁閉動作に要する駆動手段の消費電力を低減することができる。また、弁開成状態での弁体の弁座に対する付勢力が大きくなり弁シール性能を向上することができる。
【００５５】
（８）弁部の閉成動作時は低電圧、且つ一定電圧で駆動手段を駆動することにより、必要最小限の電圧で駆動するため低消費電力化が図れる。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
このように本発明によれば、弁部の開成動作時と閉成動作時の駆動手段の駆動電力を異なる電圧となるように制御することにより、弁開および弁閉に各々必要な力に対応した電圧で駆動させることができるため、駆動手段に要する消費電力を小さくし、その結果として、電池電源部の容量を小さくすることができるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１におけるガスメータの構成図
【図２】同ガスメータのブロック図
【図３】同ガスメータの弁部の弁開時の断面図
【図４】同ガスメータの弁部の弁開時の断面図
【図５】同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉時の断面図
【図６】同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図７】同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャート
【図８】本発明の実施例２におけるガスメータの構成図
【図９】同ガスメータのブロック図
【図１０】同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１１】同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１２】同ガスメータの弁部の他の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１３】本発明の実施例３におけるガスメータの構成図
【図１４】同ガスメータのブロック図
【図１５】同ガスメータの弁部の弁開動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１６】同ガスメータの弁部の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１７】同ガスメータの弁部の他の弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図１８】本発明の実施例４におけるガスメータの構成図
【図１９】同ガスメータのブロック図
【図２０】同ガスメータの弁閉動作時の動作フローチャート
【図２１】従来の弁制御方法におけるブロック図
【符号の説明】
１０流路
１１弁部
１２ステッピングモータ（駆動手段）
１３流量計測手段
１４演算処理部
１５駆動回路
１６電圧制御手段
１７電池電源部
１９入口継手
２０出口継手
２１直動変換部
２２弁座
２３弁体
２４タイマ手段
２５弁開閉検出手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a control method for a shutoff valve built in a gas meter that controls opening and closing of a flow of a gas fluid flowing in a flow path.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, this type of control method has been disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-71656. The configuration will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a conventional valve control method. Reference numeral 1 is a stepping motor, 2 is a detector such as the number of revolutions, 3 is a comparator, 4 is a microcomputer, 5 is a drive unit, and 6 is a power source. The control method is such that when the valve is opened (or when the valve is closed), the fluid pressure in the reverse direction applied to the valve element (not shown) is large. Therefore, the drive unit 5 is actuated by a signal from the microcomputer 4 to drive the motor thrust of the stepping motor 1. In order to obtain this, deceleration driving (applying a wide pulse width) was performed, and after a certain time, switching to acceleration driving (applying a narrow pulse width) was made. Further, constant speed tribe (applying equal pulse width) was performed when the valve was closed (or opened).
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, the conventional control method has a problem that it is limited to control for a stepping motor because of control for changing a pulse. Further, in the closing operation of the valve that moves up and down to open and close the flow path, there is a problem that the valve closing force cannot be obtained sufficiently because the acceleration driving is performed after a certain time after the deceleration driving.
[0004]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  To solve the above problemsThe fluid control valve control device of the present invention includes a valve seat formed in the middle of a flow path through which a fluid flows, a valve portion that opens and closes the valve seat from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, a motor that drives the valve portion, A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be detected flowing through the flow path, an arithmetic processing unit for arithmetically processing a signal from the flow rate measuring means, and a signal input from the arithmetic processing unit to drive the motor Drive circuit, voltage control means for varying the output voltage from the drive circuit, valve open / close detection means for detecting the open / closed state of the valve part with respect to the valve seat, and a battery power supply part,
  (1) During the opening operation of the valve portion where the fluid pressure is applied in the reverse direction, it is detected whether the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is opened via the valve opening / closing detection means, and is still in the closed position. Sometimes the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased, and when the closed position is changed to the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is decreased.
  (2) During the closing operation of the valve portion in which the amount of fluid flowing through the flow path exceeds the set value and fluid pressure is applied in the forward direction, the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is closed via the valve opening / closing detection means The output voltage from the drive circuit is reduced when it is still in the open position, and the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased when the position is changed from the open position to the closed position.
  Was set to be.
[0005]
  In general, in the valve part, when the valve part is opened and closed due to the position and direction of the inlet and outlet of the fluid, the fluid pressure due to the flow of fluid acts in the reverse direction relative to the moving direction of the valve body. May work. Therefore, the force and energy required for the opening operation of the valve body are basically different from the force and energy required for the closing operation.
[0006]
The present invention controls the opening and closing of the valve by operating the driving means by changing the driving voltage corresponding to the force required for each of the opening operation and the closing operation, and the pulse driving motor (stepping motor) is used as the driving means. Many motors such as other DC motors can be controlled. Also driving
The power consumption of the moving means can be reduced, and the capacity of the battery power source can be reduced.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  In order to solve the above problems, the present inventionThe fluid control valve control device includes a valve seat formed in the middle of a flow path through which a fluid flows, a valve section that opens and closes the valve seat from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, a motor that drives the valve section, and the flow path A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be detected flowing through the fluid, an arithmetic processing section for arithmetically processing a signal from the flow rate measuring means, and a signal from the arithmetic processing section being input and a drive signal being output to the motor A drive circuit; voltage control means for varying an output voltage from the drive circuit; valve open / close detection means for detecting an open / closed state of the valve section with respect to the valve seat; and a battery power supply section.
  (1) During the opening operation of the valve portion where the fluid pressure is applied in the reverse direction, it is detected whether the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is opened via the valve opening / closing detection means, and is still in the closed position. Sometimes the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased, and when the closed position is changed to the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is decreased.
  (2) During the closing operation of the valve portion in which the amount of fluid flowing through the flow path exceeds the set value and fluid pressure is applied in the forward direction, the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is closed via the valve opening / closing detection means The output voltage from the drive circuit is reduced when it is still in the open position, and the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased when the position is changed from the open position to the closed position.
  Was set to be.
In addition, a valve seat formed in the middle of the flow path of the fluid, a valve section that opens and closes the valve seat from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, a motor that drives the valve section, and a fluid to be detected that flows in the flow path A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the flow rate, an arithmetic processing unit for arithmetically processing a signal from the flow rate measuring means, a drive circuit for inputting a signal from the arithmetic processing unit and outputting a drive signal to the motor, Voltage control means for varying the output voltage from the drive circuit, timer means for counting the opening direction and the closing direction operation time of the valve part with respect to the valve seat, and a battery power supply part,
  (1) During the opening operation of the valve portion where the fluid pressure is applied in the reverse direction, it is detected in time whether or not the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is opened via the timer means, and the valve portion is still in the closed position. In a certain timekeeping state, the output voltage from the drive circuit is large, and in the timekeeping state from the closed position to the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is small.
  (2) Whether or not the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is closed via the timer means during the closing operation of the valve portion in which the amount of fluid flowing through the flow path exceeds the set value and fluid pressure is applied in the forward direction. In the timed state that is still in the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is reduced, and in the timed state that is changed from the open position to the closed position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased.
  Was set to be.
[0008]
  The arithmetic processing unit processes the measurement value by the flow rate measuring means and outputs various valve unit drive control signals to the drive circuit. The drive circuit operates the drive circuit according to the input signal to perform opening / closing control of the valve unit. In general, in the valve part, when the valve part opens and closes depending on the position and direction of the inlet and outlet of the fluid, the fluid pressure due to the flow of the liquid acts in the reverse direction relative to the moving direction of the valve body. May work. Therefore, basically, the force and energy required for the opening operation of the valve body are different from the force and energy required for the closing operation. The present invention controls the opening and closing of the valve section by operating the driving means by changing the driving voltage in accordance with the force required for each of the opening operation and the closing operation. The driving means is a pulse driving motor (stepping motor). ) Other motors such as DC motors can be controlled. In addition, the power consumption of the driving means can be reduced, and the capacity of the battery power source can be reduced.
[0009]
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the first to fourth embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and a part of the description is omitted.
[0010]
  (Example 1)
  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the gas meter. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views when the gas meter valve portion is opened, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view when the gas meter valve portion is closed. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the operation during the valve closing operation of the valve portion of the gas meter, and FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart during the valve opening operation of the valve portion of the gas meter.
[0011]
  1 and 2, reference numeral 7 denotes a gas meter housing. Inside the housing 7, a flow path 10 communicating the inlet 8 and the outlet 9 is configured.Has been.The flow path 10 includes a valve unit 11 that opens and closes the flow path 10, a stepping motor 12 that is a driving unit that drives the valve unit 11, and a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of a gas that is a detected fluid that flows through the flow path 10. 13, an arithmetic processing unit 14 that performs arithmetic processing on a signal from the flow rate measuring unit 13, a driving circuit 15 that inputs a signal from the arithmetic processing unit and outputs a driving signal to the stepping motor 12 of the driving unit, and a driving circuit 15 The voltage control means 16 for changing the output voltage (hereinafter, pulse is omitted) and the battery power supply unit 17 are configured. Reference numeral 18 denotes display means for displaying the flow rate.
[0012]
  3 to 5, the valve portion 11 having the inlet joint 19 and the outlet joint 20 is connected to the linear motion conversion portion 21 that converts the rotation of the stepping motor 12 into the direct motion, and the linear motion conversion portion 21. There is provided a valve body 23 that moves up and down and comes into contact with the valve seat 22 to be closed.
[0013]
  6 and 7, step 1 is a flow rate measuring operation, step 2 is a flow rate integrating operation, step 3 is an operation for comparing the set value of the integrated flow rate stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14 with the value integrated with the flow rate, step 4 is a valve closing signal output operation for instructing valve closing, step 5 is an operation for driving the stepping motor 12 as driving means with a certain voltage A, and step 6 is a closing state of the valve portion 11.
[0014]
  Step 7 is a valve opening signal output operation for instructing the opening of the valve, Step 8 is an operation for driving the stepping motor 12 as a driving means at a certain voltage B, and Step 9 is an opening state of the valve portion 11.
[0015]
  Next, the operation and action of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the valve closing operation of the valve portion 11 shown in FIG. 6 will be described.When,Normally, the valve body 23 of the valve unit 11 built in the gas meter is in an open state, and the flow rate is measured in step 1. In step 2, the flow rate integration is performed by the arithmetic processing unit 14 based on the measured flow rate value.
[0016]
  In step 3, the integrated value of the flow rate is compared with the set value of the integrated flow rate stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14, and the integrated value of the flow rate is stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14.Has beenIf it is larger than the set value of the integrated flow rate, it is determined that there is an abnormality. In step 4, a valve closing signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14, and in step 5, the voltage A is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12. Drive.
[0017]
  The rotation of the stepping motor 12 is converted into a linear motion by the linear motion conversion unit 21, the valve body 23 moves and comes into contact with the valve seat 22, and the valve is closed in Step 6. At this time, since the flow path 10 is closed by the valve portion 11 of the gas meter, the gas does not flow to the instrument side (not shown). Next, the valve opening operation of the valve body shown in FIG. 7 will be described. When it is determined that there is no abnormality on the instrument side, a valve opening signal instructing opening of the valve is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 7, 8, the voltage B is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12, and the stepping motor is driven.
[0018]
  The rotation of the stepping motor 12 is converted into a linear motion by the linear motion changing unit 21, the valve body 23 moves, and is disengaged from the valve seat 22, and the valve is opened in Step 9. That is, in the valve portion 11 as in this embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the gas flowing direction and the moving direction of the valve body 23 are reversed during the opening operation.
When the valve body 23 receives the gas pressure opposite to the valve opening direction, the force required for the valve opening operation increases, but flows from the inlet joint 19 toward the outlet joint 20 during the valve closing operation. Since the valve body 23 moves in the same direction as the gas flow, the valve body 23 receives the pressure in the gas flow in the valve closing direction, whereby a directional force for closing the valve body 23 acts, and the valve body 23 is closed. The force required for the formation is reduced, and it can be driven at a lower voltage than during the opening operation. This low voltage indicates a voltage lower than the maximum output voltage (for example, 3 V) of the battery power supply unit 17.
[0019]
  In general, the design value of the operating voltage of the valve is 2 V or less when the maximum output voltage of the battery power supply unit 17 is 3 V, for example, considering the output voltage drop characteristics, temperature characteristics, gas pressure, etc. of the battery power supply unit 17 over time. Designed so that the valve can be opened. Further, the operation voltage at the time of closing is operated below the voltage at the time of opening.
[0020]
  As described above, since the force and energy required for the valve opening operation and the valve closing operation are different, in this embodiment, control is performed so that the driving power is changed in accordance with the force and energy required for each operation. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the power consumption required for the valve opening operation and the valve closing operation, and the capacity of the battery power supply unit 17 can be reduced.
[0021]
  In addition, since the present embodiment is controlled by changing the drive voltage, it can be applied to the DC motor other than the stepping motor 12.
[0022]
  (Example 2)
  FIG. 8 is a gas meter structure diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the gas meter. FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is opened, FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is closed, and FIG. 12 is another valve closing operation of the valve of the gas meter. It is an operation | movement flowchart.
[0023]
  The difference from the first embodiment is that the timer means 24 for counting time in FIGS. 8 to 12 is provided, the operation of driving the stepping motor 12 as the driving means with a high voltage, step 10, the timer means 24 and a predetermined value. Each operation of Step 13 includes an operation step 11 for counting time, an operation step 12 for driving the stepping motor 12 as a driving means at a low voltage, and an operation 35 for driving the stepping motor 12 as a driving means at a low voltage at a constant voltage. Is to have a program.
[0024]
  Next, the operation and action of the above configuration will be described. The opening operation of the valve unit 11 shown in FIG. 10 will be described. In step 7, a valve opening signal instructing opening of the valve is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14, and in step 10, a driving signal based on a high voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14. A high voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12 and driving is performed at the same time. At the same time, the timer means 24 is activated in step 11 and a predetermined time (a time sufficient for the valve to open) is counted. When the time has elapsed, a drive signal with a low voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 at step 12, a low voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12, and driving with the low voltage is performed. 23 moves and leaves the valve seat 22 to reach the valve open state of step 9.
[0025]
  In this operation, when the valve portion 11 is opened, the gas pressure due to the gas flow acts in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the valve body. Therefore, the valve 11 is initially opened with a strong driving force by a high voltage, and sufficient time is required for opening the valve. After the lapse of time, when the valve body 23 moves and the urging force of the pressure affected by the gas flow becomes sufficiently small, the power consumption of the driving means required for opening the valve is reduced by controlling to switch to the driving by the low voltage. Can be reduced.
[0026]
  Next, the closing operation and action of the valve part 11 shown in FIG. 11 will be described.
In the comparison operation, when the value of the integrated flow rate performed by the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 2 is larger than the set value of the integrated flow rate stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14, the valve is closed from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 4. In step 12, a generated signal is output, and a drive signal based on a low voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit, a low voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12, and a drive based on the low voltage is performed.
[0027]
  At the same time, when a predetermined time (a time sufficient for the valve to close) is counted by the timer means 24 in step 11, a high-voltage drive signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 10 and stepping is performed from the drive circuit 15. A high voltage is applied to the motor 12 and driving is performed with a strong force due to the high voltage, and the valve element 23 comes into contact with the valve seat 22 with a strong force by the linear motion conversion unit 21 to reach the valve closed state in Step 9.
[0028]
  In the closing operation of the valve, the moving direction of the valve body 23 and the direction in which the gas pressure acts are the same. Most of the closing operation of the valve is driven by a low voltage, and the high voltage is strong only in the last stage. By driving, the power consumption can be reduced and the valve body 23 can be closed with a strong force with respect to the valve seat 22, and the sealing performance of the valve can be improved.
[0029]
  Next, the closing operation and operation of the valve unit 11 shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The value of the flow rate integration performed by the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 2 in the comparison operation with the set value in step 3 is stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14. If it is larger than the set value of the integrated flow rate, the valve closing signal is output in step 4, and the driving signal with a low voltage and a constant voltage is output in step 13 from the arithmetic processing unit 14. A low voltage and a constant voltage are applied to the stepping motor 12, and driving with the low voltage and the constant voltage is performed.
[0030]
  At the same time, when a predetermined time (a time sufficient for the valve to close) is counted by the timer means 24 in step 11, a high voltage drive signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14, and the drive circuit 15 supplies the stepping motor 12. The valve of Step 9 is applied in a state where the high pressure is applied and the valve body 23 that is driven by the high voltage by the high voltage and is already in contact with the valve seat 22 by the linear motion conversion unit 21 is further urged to the valve seat 22. It will be closed.
[0031]
  As a configuration of the battery power source unit 17 when this constant voltage is applied, there are cases where a plurality of battery power sources are used by switching the connection. In this operation, a constant voltage lower than the normal output voltage of the battery power supply unit 17 (for example, one battery) is applied, and after a certain period of time, a voltage higher than the predetermined voltage (for example, a plurality of batteries connected in series) is applied. .
[0032]
  By such a control operation, stable drive characteristics can be obtained, the voltage of the drive means can be reduced, and the sealing performance of the valve portion 11 can be improved. Further, since the present embodiment is controlled by changing the driving voltage, it can be applied to the DC motor in addition to the stepping motor 12.
[0033]
  (Example 3)
  FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the gas meter. 15 is an operation flowchart when the valve portion of the gas meter is opened, FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart when the valve portion of the gas meter is opened, and FIG. 17 is another valve closing operation of the valve portion of the gas meter. It is an operation | movement flowchart.
[0034]
  The difference from the first and second embodiments is that the valve opening / closing detection means 25 for detecting the opening / closing of the valve unit 1 is provided in FIGS. 13 to 17, the operation step 14 for detecting the open state of the valve unit 11, and the valve unit. 11 has an operation step 15 for detecting the closed state.
[0035]
  The valve opening / closing detection means 25 detects the opening / closing state of the valve section 11 by processing the signal of the flow rate measurement means 13 by the arithmetic processing section 14 and determining whether or not there is a flow.
  Next, the operation and action of the above configuration will be described. The opening operation of the valve unit 11 shown in FIG. 15 will be described. In step 7, a valve opening signal instructing opening of the valve is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14, and in step 10 a driving signal based on a high voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14. Then, a high voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12 to drive the high voltage, and the valve element 23 is moved by the linear motion conversion unit 21. Next, in step 14, is the valve opened to detect the opened state of the valve part 11? When the operation is performed and it is detected that the valve element 23 is opened, a low-voltage drive signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 12, and the low voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12. The valve body 23 is moved by the linear motion conversion unit 21 while being driven by the low voltage, and the valve is opened in step 9.
[0036]
  In this operation, when the valve portion 11 is opened, the valve body 23 initially moves in opposition to the gas pressure, so that a strong drive by a high voltage is required. However, when the valve body 23 is slightly opened, the valve body 23 receives the valve body 11. The effect of gas pressure due to gas flow is reduced.
[0037]
  Therefore,By detecting that the valve body 23 is slightly opened by the valve opening / closing detection means 25 and immediately switching to drive with a low voltage, the power consumption of the drive means required for opening the valve can be reduced.
[0038]
  Next, the closing operation and action of the valve unit 11 shown in FIG. 16 will be described. In the comparison operation with the set value in Step 3, the value of the flow rate integration performed in the arithmetic processing unit 14 in Step 2 is stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14. If the accumulated flow rate is larger than the set value, the valve closing signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 4, and the driving signal based on the low voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 12. A low voltage is applied to the stepping motor 12, the stepping motor 12 is driven at a low voltage, and the valve element 23 moves toward the valve seat 22 by the linear motion conversion unit 21.
  Next, in step 15, the valve opening / closing detection means 25 closes the valve portion 11? When the valve body 23 is detected to be closed, a high voltage drive signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14, and a high voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12. Is driven by a strong force of high voltage, and the valve body 23 already in contact with the valve seat 22 is further strongly urged against the valve seat 22 by the linear motion conversion unit 21 and the valve is closed in step 9.
[0039]
  This action can improve the sealing characteristics of the valve portion 11. Moreover, the power consumption of the drive means required for the valve closing operation can be reduced.
[0040]
  Next, the closing operation and action of the valve unit 11 shown in FIG. 17 will be described. In the comparison operation with the set value in Step 3, the value of the flow rate integration performed in the arithmetic processing unit 14 in Step 2 is stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14. If the integrated flow rate is larger than the set value, a valve closing signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 4, and a drive signal with a low voltage and a constant voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 13. A low voltage and a constant voltage are applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12, the stepping motor 12 is driven at a low voltage and a constant voltage, and the valve element 23 moves toward the valve seat 22 by the linear motion conversion unit 21.
  Next, in step 15, the valve open / close detection means 25 detects the closed state of the valve portion 11. When it is detected that the valve body 23 is closed, a drive signal with a high voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 10. A high voltage is applied from the drive circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12.
[0041]
  In this valve closing operation, a stable constant voltage lower than the normal output voltage of the battery power supply unit 17 is applied while the valve body 23 moves from the beginning of the valve closing operation and contacts the valve seat 22. But
After it is detected that the valve seat 22 is in contact with the valve seat 22 and closed, the stepping motor 12 is driven with a strong high-voltage force so that the valve body 23 already in contact with the valve seat 22 is made stronger. The valve closing step 9 is reached in the energized state. Therefore, the sealing performance of the body 11 can be improved and the power consumption of the driving means required for the valve closing operation can be reduced.
[0042]
  Further, since the present embodiment is controlled by changing the driving voltage, it can be applied to the DC motor in addition to the stepping motor 12.
[0043]
  (Example 4)
  FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the gas meter. FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart during the closing operation of the gas meter valve unit.
[0044]
  Next, the closing operation and action of the valve body 11 shown in FIG. 20 will be described. In the comparison operation with the set value in Step 3, the value of the flow rate integration performed in the arithmetic processing unit 14 in Step 2 is stored in the arithmetic processing unit 14. If the accumulated flow rate is larger than the set value, the valve closing signal is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 4, and a drive signal with a low voltage and a constant voltage is output from the arithmetic processing unit 14 in step 13. A low voltage and a constant voltage are applied from the circuit 15 to the stepping motor 12, and the stepping motor 12 is driven at a low voltage and a constant voltage. Part 11 is closed.
[0045]
  In this valve closing operation, the voltage due to the gas flow acts in the same direction as the movement direction of the valve body 23, so that a strong force is not required to close the valve body 23, and the valve body 23 with the minimum required power consumption. Can be moved and closed.
[0046]
  In addition, since the present embodiment is controlled by changing the driving voltage, it can be applied to control of the DC motor in addition to the stepping motor 12.
[0047]
  The technical significance of each embodiment described above is summarized as follows.
[0048]
  (1) By controlling the driving power of the driving means during the opening operation and closing operation of the valve portion so as to be different voltages, driving is performed at a voltage corresponding to each force required for opening and closing the valve. Therefore, power consumption required for the driving means can be reduced. As a result, the capacity of the battery power supply unit can be reduced. In addition, it is possible to control a DC motor in addition to a pulse drive motor that is controlled by changing a voltage.
[0049]
  (2) During the opening operation of the valve portion, the driving means is driven at a high voltage at the initial stage, and after a predetermined time has passed, the timer means is controlled so as to switch to driving at a low voltage, so that the driving means required for the valve opening operation is controlled. Power consumption can be reduced.
[0050]
  (3) The valve closing operation is started from the time when the valve is opened by controlling the driving means to be driven at a low voltage at the beginning of the valve closing operation and to drive the driving means at a high voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed by the timer means. The power consumption is reduced while the valve is closed, and the urging force of the valve body when the valve is closed increases when the valve is closed for a certain period of time. Will improve.
[0051]
  (4) During the closing operation of the valve unit, the driving unit is driven at a low voltage and a constant voltage at the initial stage, and the driving unit is driven with a strong force by a high voltage after a predetermined time has elapsed by the timer unit, thereby closing the valve. In addition, stable driving characteristics can be obtained and power consumption can be reduced. Further, the urging force of the valve body to the valve seat when the valve is closed increases, and the sealing performance of the valve portion is improved.
[0052]
  (5) At the initial stage of the opening operation of the valve body, the driving means is driven at a high voltage, the valve opening / closing detection means detects the open state of the valve portion, the valve body is slightly opened and acts on the valve body in the reverse direction. In addition, since the control is performed so that the driving is performed at a low voltage in a state where the urging force of the fluid is small, the power consumption of the driving means required for the valve opening operation can be reduced.
[0053]
  (6) At the initial stage of the closing operation of the valve portion, the driving means is driven at a low voltage. When the valve opening / closing detecting means detects the valve closed state and detects that the valve body is closed, the driving means is driven at a high voltage. By controlling in such a manner, the power consumption of the driving means required for the valve closing operation can be reduced, and the urging force of the valve body on the valve seat in the valve closed state can be increased, thereby improving the valve sealing performance.
[0054]
  (7) During the closing operation of the valve portion, the driving means is driven at a low voltage and a constant voltage in the initial stage, the valve closing state is detected by the valve opening / closing detecting means, and the driving means is turned on after detecting that the valve is closed. By controlling to drive with voltage, stable low power driving can be performed, and power consumption of the driving means required for the valve closing operation can be reduced. Further, the urging force of the valve body with respect to the valve seat in the valve opened state is increased, and the valve seal performance can be improved.
[0055]
  (8) During the closing operation of the valve section, the driving means is driven at a low voltage and a constant voltage, so that the power consumption can be reduced because the driving means is driven at the minimum necessary voltage.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, by controlling the driving power of the driving means during the opening operation and closing operation of the valve portion so as to have different voltages, it is possible to cope with the forces required for opening and closing the valve respectively. Therefore, the power consumption required for the driving means can be reduced, and as a result, the capacity of the battery power supply unit can be reduced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
[Figure 2] Block diagram of the gas meter
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the gas meter when the valve is opened
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the gas meter when the valve is opened
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the gas meter when the valve is closed
FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is closed.
FIG. 7 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is opened.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
Fig. 9 Block diagram of the gas meter
FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is opened.
FIG. 11 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is closed.
FIG. 12 is an operation flowchart of another valve closing operation of the valve portion of the gas meter.
FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram of the gas meter.
FIG. 15 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is opened.
FIG. 16 is an operation flowchart when the valve of the gas meter is closed.
FIG. 17 is an operation flowchart of another valve closing operation of the valve portion of the gas meter.
FIG. 18 is a configuration diagram of a gas meter in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the gas meter.
FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart when the gas meter is closed.
FIG. 21 is a block diagram of a conventional valve control method.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10 Channel
  11 Valve
  12 Stepping motor (drive means)
  13 Flow rate measuring means
  14 Arithmetic processing part
  15 Drive circuit
  16 Voltage control means
  17 Battery power supply
  19 Inlet joint
  20 Outlet joint
  21 Linear motion converter
  22 Valve seat
  23 Disc
  24 Timer means
  25 Valve open / close detection means

Claims

A valve seat formed in the middle of the flow path of the fluid, a valve section that opens and closes the valve seat from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, a motor that drives the valve section, and a flow rate of the fluid to be detected that flows through the flow path A flow rate measuring means for measuring a signal, an arithmetic processing unit for arithmetically processing a signal from the flow rate measuring means, a drive circuit for inputting a signal from the arithmetic processing unit and outputting a drive signal to the motor, and the drive circuit Voltage control means for varying the output voltage from the valve, valve open / close detection means for detecting the open / close state of the valve portion with respect to the valve seat, and a battery power supply unit,
(1) During the opening operation of the valve portion where the fluid pressure is applied in the opposite direction, it is detected whether or not the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is opened via the valve opening / closing detection means, and is still in the closed position. Sometimes the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased, and when the closed position is changed to the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is decreased,
(2) During the closing operation of the valve portion in which the amount of fluid flowing through the flow path exceeds the set value and fluid pressure is applied in the forward direction, the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is closed via the valve opening / closing detection means The output voltage from the drive circuit is reduced when it is still in the open position, and the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased when the position is changed from the open position to the closed position.
Fluid control valve control device set to be.

A valve seat formed in the middle of the flow path of the fluid, a valve section that opens and closes the valve seat from the upstream side in the fluid flow direction, a motor that drives the valve section, and a flow rate of the fluid to be detected that flows through the flow path A flow rate measuring means for measuring a signal, an arithmetic processing unit for arithmetically processing a signal from the flow rate measuring means, a drive circuit for inputting a signal from the arithmetic processing unit and outputting a drive signal to the motor, and the drive circuit A voltage control means for varying the output voltage from the valve, an opening direction of the valve portion with respect to the valve seat, a timer means for counting the operation time in the closing direction, and a battery power supply portion,
(1) During the opening operation of the valve portion where the fluid pressure is applied in the reverse direction, it is detected in time whether or not the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is opened via the timer means, and the valve portion is still in the closed position. In a certain timekeeping state, the output voltage from the drive circuit is large, and in the timekeeping state from the closed position to the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is small.
(2) Whether or not the valve portion has reached the position where the valve seat is closed via the timer means during the closing operation of the valve portion in which the amount of fluid flowing in the flow path exceeds the set value and fluid pressure is applied in the forward direction. In the timekeeping state that is still in the open position, the output voltage from the drive circuit is reduced and the open position is changed to the closed position.
In this timing state, the output voltage from the drive circuit is increased.
Fluid control valve control device set to be.