JP6618123B2 - Flow control device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a flow rate control device that adjusts the opening of a flow rate control valve based on a measurement result of a flow rate measurement unit.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, the fluid temperature regulator and the switching manifold are connected by piping, and the flow of the fluid flowing through the circuit is controlled by switching the opening and closing of an electromagnetic switching valve incorporated in the switching manifold. Technology is disclosed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-84747

  By the way, in the flow control device, a device incorporating a flow meter, a flow control valve, and a control device is known. In such a flow control device, usually, a pressure sensor detects an insufficiency of pressure in the pipe, and measures are taken such as outputting an alarm when the pressure falls below a certain level. However, in the case where clogging occurs somewhere in the piping with only the pressure, there is a problem that the supply pressure is sufficient but the flow rate does not actually flow. In order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to install pressure sensors at various locations of the piping, but there are problems that the installation work is troublesome and the manufacturing cost is greatly increased.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a flow rate control device capable of reducing manufacturing costs and greatly reducing the burden of setting and management.

In order to solve the above problems, a flow rate control device according to the present invention includes a flow rate control valve provided in a flow path, a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow path, and a measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit. And a control unit that controls the opening of the flow control valve based on the pressure detection function for determining that the pressure is insufficient when the opening detection sensor that detects the opening of the flow control valve detects full opening. It is characterized by having.

  Further, the flow control device according to the present invention has a valve life notification function for notifying the life of the flow control valve when the integrated operation amount of the flow control valve reaches a predetermined set value. Also good.

  Further, in the flow rate control device according to the present invention, when the flow rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined set value even when the flow rate control valve is fully closed, an internal for informing the liquid leakage inside the flow rate control valve. It may have a leak notification function.

  Further, in the flow control device according to the present invention, a flow meter life notification function for notifying the life of the flow measurement unit when the cumulative rotation speed of the impeller in the flow measurement unit reaches a predetermined set value. You may have.

The flow control device according to the present invention includes a flow rate adjustment valve provided in a flow path, a flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of fluid flowing through the flow path, and the flow rate control valve based on a measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit. A control unit that controls the opening of the flow rate control valve, and an insufficient pressure detection function that determines that the pressure is insufficient when the opening degree detection sensor that detects the opening degree of the flow rate control valve detects full open, the flow rate control valve When the accumulated operation amount reaches a predetermined set value, a valve life notification function for notifying the life of the flow rate control valve, a flow rate set in advance even though the flow rate control valve is fully closed When the value is equal to or greater than the value, the internal leak notification function for notifying the leakage of the liquid inside the flow rate control valve, and when the cumulative rotation speed of the impeller in the flow rate measurement unit reaches a predetermined set value, Life of flow measurement unit Notification to the flowmeter life notification function, have any two or more functions among, characterized in that it have a LED emitting in a pattern corresponding to the respective functions.

  According to the flow control device of the present invention, a method of detecting a pressure abnormality with a conventional pressure sensor by having a pressure shortage detection function of detecting a pressure shortage when the opening degree detection sensor of the flow control valve detects full open. The manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced compared to the above, and it becomes possible to notify the pressure shortage at an early stage before an abnormality due to a decrease in the flow rate occurs. Therefore, piping and filters can be cleaned at a convenient timing without abnormally stopping the equipment or facilities for a while after an abnormality occurs, greatly reducing the burden of setting and management. can do.

It is a figure which shows a part of front view of the flow control unit which concerns on this embodiment, Comprising: It is the figure which showed the manifold in the cross section especially. It is an AA arrow line view in FIG. It is the figure which expanded and showed the flow control apparatus of the left side in FIG. It is the elements on larger scale of the flow control device in Drawing 3, and (a) is a sectional view of a housing and (b) is a BB arrow line view of a motor actuator.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. For convenience, left and right (direction) in FIG. 1 is the front and back of the flow control unit 1, left and right (direction) in FIG. 2 is the left and right of the flow control unit 1, and up and down (direction) in FIGS. The upper and lower sides of the unit 1 or the flow rate control device 11 are determined.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow rate control unit 1 includes a manifold 2 formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and extending in the front-rear direction, a plurality of flow rate control devices 11 connected to the manifold 2, And a joint 91 (connecting means) for connecting each flow control device 11.

(Manifold)
The manifold 2 introduces into the cavity 3 a cavity 3 extending in the front-rear direction inside the manifold 2 and a fluid ("water" in this embodiment) that is provided at the lower portion of the manifold 2 and passes through a strainer (not shown). And an inlet (not shown). The manifold 2 also has a plurality of ports 4 that open to the upper surface 2A of the manifold 2 and communicate with the cavity 3.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ports 4 are arranged in two rows at regular intervals in the left-right direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the ports 4 in each row are arranged at regular intervals in the front-rear direction. In other words, the ports 4 are arranged in a grid shape that is long in the front-rear direction. A connection port 5 having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the port 4 is formed at the opening of each port 4. Also, plastic or non-magnetic metal is applied as the material of the manifold 2.

(Flow control device)
As shown in FIG. 3, the flow control device 11 includes a body 12 made of plastic or nonmagnetic metal, a flow path 13 that extends in the vertical direction inside the body 12, and a fluid flows from bottom to top, Have The body 12 is opened to the lower end of the body 12 and is connected to a joint 91 (connection means) described later, and the flow is opened to the upper end of the body 12 and the adapter 17 is connected (fitted). And an outlet 15. Here, for convenience, the flow path from the inlet 14 to the outlet 15 of the body 12 is collectively referred to as a flow path 13. The adapter 17 is formed with a pipe taper screw for connecting a pipe joint.

(Flow control valve)
The flow control device 11 includes a flow control valve 21 configured by a ball valve mechanism. The flow rate control valve 21 includes a valve body 22 including a shaft portion 25 and a ball portion 23 provided at the tip (right end in FIG. 3) of the shaft portion 25 and capable of blocking the flow path 13. The base end (left end in FIG. 1) of the shaft portion 25 is connected to the rotation shaft 24 </ b> A of the motor actuator 24. The body 12 is formed with a shaft hole 26 that penetrates the body 12 in the horizontal direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) and communicates with the flow path 13. The shaft portion 25 of the valve body 22 is slidably fitted into the shaft hole 26. A space between the shaft portion 25 of the valve body 22 and the shaft hole 26 of the body 12 is sealed with an O-ring 27. The motor actuator 24 includes a stepping motor, a speed reduction mechanism, and a position detection sensor.

  The flow control valve 21 has a pair of ball packings 28 and 29 disposed on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path 13 with the ball portion 23 of the valve body 22 interposed therebetween. The upstream ball packing 28 is pressed to the downstream side (upper side in FIG. 3) by the fixing nut 30, so that the valve seat portion 28 </ b> A is slidably in close contact with the ball portion 23. Also, the ball packing 29 on the downstream side is pressed against the upstream side (lower side in FIG. 3) by the fixing nut 31, so that the valve seat portion 29 </ b> A is slidably adhered to the ball portion 23. Here, FIG. 3 shows a state in which the flow regulating valve 21 is fully open, and in this state, the axis of the flow path 23A of the ball portion 23 of the valve body 22 penetrates the ball packing 28 and the fixing nut 30. And the axis of the flow path 32 extending through the ball packing 29 and the fixing nut 31, and the axis L of the flow path 13.

  In addition, the flow path 32 has a reduced diameter part 32A in which the flow path area is gradually reduced in diameter at the end (left side in FIG. 3) opposite to the ball part 23 side (valve seat part 28A side). Further, the flow path 33 has an enlarged diameter portion 33A in which the flow path area gradually increases in diameter at an end portion (right side in FIG. 3) opposite to the ball portion 23 side (valve seat portion 29A side). The space between the fixing nut 30 and the flow path 13 is sealed with an O-ring 34. The space between the fixing nut 31 and the flow path 13 is sealed by an O-ring 35. Further, reference numeral 36 in FIG. 3 is a retaining plate that prevents the valve element 22 from moving in the axial direction (left-right direction in FIG. 3) with respect to the shaft hole 26.

(Flow measurement unit)
The flow rate control device 11 includes a flow rate measurement unit 41 that indirectly measures the flow rate of the fluid flowing upstream (lower side in FIG. 3) of the flow rate control valve 21 based on the rotational speed of the impeller 42 described later. The flow rate measurement unit 41 is a so-called impeller (turbine) flow meter, and includes an impeller 42 and a support frame 45 that rotatably supports the impeller 42. The impeller 42 includes a rotating shaft 43 disposed on the axis L (see FIG. 3) of the flow path 13 and a plurality (four in this embodiment) provided around the rotating shaft 43 at equal intervals. Blade portion 44 (turbine blade). In the manufacture of the impeller 42 in this embodiment, metal injection molding (MIM) using a magnetic metal powder that is not magnetized is applied, and the rotating shaft 43 and the plurality of blade portions 44 are applied. Are molded integrally (simultaneously). As a metal injection molding material (magnetic material), for example, magnetic stainless steel (for example, SUS630) is applied.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 45 is configured to be divided into a swirl flow plate 46 that generates a swirl flow in the fluid passing therethrough, and a sleeve 47 that surrounds the wing portion 44 of the impeller 42. The swirl flow plate 46 is made of plastic or nonmagnetic metal, and a bearing portion 48 that supports the lower end of the rotating shaft 43 of the impeller 42 is provided at the center. The sleeve 47 is made of plastic or nonmagnetic metal, and a bearing portion 49 that supports the upper end of the rotating shaft 43 of the impeller 42 is provided at the center. The upper end of the support frame 45 (sleeve 47) is positioned in the vertical direction, that is, the direction along the axis L of the flow path 13 by abutting against the stepped portion 50 formed in the flow path 13. Further, the support frame 45 (the swirl flow plate 46) is prevented from moving downward (upstream) by a C-shaped retaining ring 56 mounted on the inner periphery of the flow path 13.

  On the other hand, the flow rate measuring unit 41 includes a sensor unit 51 that measures the rotational speed of the impeller 42. The sensor unit 51 includes a sensor substrate 52, a GMR (Giant Magnetoresistance) sensor 53 mounted on the sensor substrate 52, a bias magnet 57 (for example, a ferrite bulk magnet) that applies a bias magnetic field to the GMR sensor 53, including. The sensor substrate 52 is accommodated in a sensor unit accommodation portion 54 that extends from the recess 16 of the body 12 toward the impeller 42 disposed in the flow path 13. The sensor unit 51 measures the rotational speed of the impeller 42 based on the change in the magnetic field strength accompanying the rotation of the impeller 42 detected by the GMR sensor 53, and a pulse signal (for convenience, “rotation” (Referred to as “number signal”) is output to the controller 61 described later.

  In the present embodiment, the GMR sensor 53 has a Wheatstone bridge in which two GMR elements are arranged on the sensor substrate 52 at intervals in the rotational direction (front-rear direction) of the impeller 42, A change in magnetic field strength is detected based on a change in resistance value of the two GMR elements. Also, reference numeral 55 in FIG. 3 is a signal cable that connects the sensor board 52 and the control board 62 of the control unit 61. Further, reference numeral 59 in FIG. 3 is an O-ring that seals between the swirl flow plate 46 and the sleeve 47.

(Control part)
The flow rate control device 11 includes a control unit 61 that feedback-controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 21 based on the measurement result (the rotational speed of the impeller 42) of the flow rate measurement unit 41 described above. The control unit 61 is a so-called microcomputer including a calculation unit, a storage unit, and the like, and is based on a rotation speed signal (flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit 41) output from the flow rate measurement unit 41. Is controlled by feedback control (PID control). That is, the control unit 61 converts the rotation speed signal into a flow rate measurement value, in other words, converts the rotation speed into a flow rate based on the data table, and calculates the measurement value (flow rate measurement value) and the set value (flow rate target value). Is processed. Then, by controlling the motor actuator 24 based on the calculation processing result, the valve body 22 and the ball portion 23 are rotated to adjust the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 13.

  The control unit 61 includes a control board 62 that is accommodated in a recess 16 formed on one side surface (the left side surface in FIG. 3) of the body 12. An aluminum alloy housing 63 that houses the motor actuator 24 is provided on one side of the body 12, and a space between the housing 63 and the recess 16 is sealed with a packing 64. The packing 64 is fitted into a packing groove 65 formed on the periphery of the recess 16 of the body 12. A waterproof connector 66 used for communication with the outside (“RS485” in this embodiment) is attached to the lower portion of the housing 63. Further, the waterproof connector 66 and the control board 62 are connected by a signal cable 67 (“5-core” in the present embodiment). Further, reference numeral 68 in FIG. 3 denotes an LED (full color) mounted on the control board 62. Furthermore, the code | symbol 69 in FIG. 3 is an optical transmission window which consists of transparent resin for visually recognizing LED68 from the outside.

(Connection means)
As shown in FIG. 2, the joint 91 (connecting means) is formed by a straight pipe body, and can be divided in the axial direction (vertical direction), a joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) and a joint adapter 81 (first 2 pipe members). A first end 72 that can be connected to the connection port 5 of each port 4 of the manifold 2 and the inlet 14 of the flow control device 11 is formed at the proximal end of the joint adapter 71. The joint adapter 71 is connected to the manifold 2 by inserting the first end 72 (shaft) into the connection port 5 (hole) of the port 4, and on the other hand, the first end 72 (shaft) is connected to the flow control device. 11 is connected to the flow control device 11 by being inserted into the inlet 14 (hole). In other words, the connection port 5 of each port 4 of the manifold 2 and the inflow port 14 of the flow rate control device 11 are formed in the same shape (the same inner diameter).

  A small-diameter portion 74 for mounting an O-ring 73 is formed at the tip of the first end 72 of the joint adapter 71, and the O-ring 73 allows the first end 72 of the joint adapter 71 and the manifold 2 to be connected. The connection between the connection port 5 of each port 4 or the inlet 14 of the flow control device 11 is sealed. In addition, a filter 7 is provided inside the joint adapter 71 for capturing foreign matter contained in the fluid passing through the joint adapter 71. Further, reference numeral 8 in FIG. 3 is a C-shaped retaining ring that prevents the filter 7 from moving in the axial direction (vertical direction) relative to the joint adapter 71.

  On the other hand, a first end 82 having the same shape as the first end 72 of the joint adapter 71 is formed at the base end of the joint adapter 81. That is, the joint adapter 81 is connected to the manifold 2 by inserting the first end 82 (shaft) into the connection port 5 (hole) of the port 4, and on the other hand, the first end 82 (shaft) is connected to the flow control device. 11 is connected to the flow control device 11 by being inserted into the inlet 14 (hole). A small diameter portion 84 for mounting the O-ring 83 is formed at the tip of the first end portion 82 of the joint adapter 81, and the first end portion 82 of the joint adapter 81 and the manifold 2 are connected by the O-ring 83. The connection between the connection port 5 of each port 4 or the inlet 14 of the flow control device 11 is sealed.

  The joint adapter 71 (81) is configured such that the first flange 75 (85) formed on the outer periphery of the first end 72 (82) is brought into contact with the lower end surface of the body 12 of the flow control device 11, It is positioned in the axial direction (vertical direction) with respect to the flow control device 11. The joint adapter 71 (81) is attached to the flow control device 11 by fixing the first flange 75 (85) to the body 12 with a screw 58 (see FIG. 1). On the other hand, the joint adapter 71 (81) is attached to the manifold 2 by the first flange 75 (85) formed on the outer periphery of the first end 72 (82) being brought into contact with the upper end surface of the manifold 2. In contrast, it is positioned in the axial direction (vertical direction). The joint adapter 71 (81) is attached to the manifold 2 by fixing the first flange 75 (85) to the manifold 2 with a screw 58.

  The joint 91 has a second end 76 (shaft) formed at the tip of the joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) and a second end formed at the tip of the joint adapter 81 (second pipe member). The joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 are connected by being inserted into 86 (hole), and as a result, the flow control device 11 is connected to the manifold 2. A small-diameter portion 78 for mounting the O-ring 79 is formed at the tip of the second end portion 76 of the joint adapter 71, and the second end portion 76 of the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 are formed by the O-ring 79. The second end portion 86 is sealed.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the joint 91 abuts a second flange 77 formed on the outer periphery of the joint adapter 71 and a second flange 87 formed on the outer periphery of the joint adapter 81. Thereby, the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 are relatively positioned in the axial direction (vertical direction). In addition, the joint 91 has a metal clip 93 attached to a connecting portion 92 between the second flange 77 and the second flange 87 that are overlapped with each other. Relative movement in the direction) is prevented. The clip 93 can be a commercially available metal fastener. In addition, plastic or metal is applied as the material of the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the joint 91 is different in the axial length of the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81. Here, the axial length of the joint adapter 71 is the distance (H1 in FIG. 1) from the mounting surface of the first flange 75 to the connecting surface of the second flange 77. On the other hand, the axial length of the joint adapter 81 is the distance from the attachment surface of the first flange 85 to the connection surface of the second flange 87 (H2 in FIG. 1). The axial length (H2) of the joint adapter 81 is determined to be equal to or greater than the value obtained by adding the thickness of the clip 93 (H3 in FIG. 1) to the axial length (H1) of the joint adapter 71 (H2 ≧ H1 + H3). ).

  And as FIG. 1 shows, the flow control unit 1 is the direction of the joint 91 between the flow control apparatuses 11 adjacent to the front-back direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) so that it may become alternate (upside down). Joints 91 are arranged in the manifold 2. In other words, the joints 91 are arranged in the manifold 2 so that the joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) and the joint adapter 81 (second pipe member) are alternated between the joints 91 adjacent in the front-rear direction. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, the flow control device 1 is connected to the manifold 2 so that the directions of the joints 91 between the flow control devices 11 adjacent in the left-right direction (the left-right direction in FIG. 2) are staggered. 91 are arranged. In other words, the joints 91 are arranged in the manifold 2 so that the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 are alternated between the joints 91 adjacent in the left-right direction.

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flow rate control unit 1 includes a joint 92 between the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 between the joints 91 of the flow rate control device 11 adjacent in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction. The position (height from the upper surface of the manifold 2), that is, the position of the clip 93 is different. Reference numeral 18 in FIG. 2 is a connection tool that is provided at the top of each flow control device 11 and connects the flow control devices 11 that are adjacent to each other in the left-right direction (back to back) on the manifold 2. Here, FIG. 2 shows a state before the connector 18 is bridged, that is, a non-connected state between the flow control devices 11 adjacent to each other back to back.

(Function)
The operation of the aforementioned flow control unit 1 will be described.
First, when the flow control device 11 is connected to the manifold 2, the first end 72 of the joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) or the joint adapter 81 (second pipe) is connected to the connection port 5 of each port 4 of the manifold 2 in advance. The first end 82 of the tube member) is connected. At this time, the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 are arranged so that adjacent joint adapters 71 (81) in the front-rear direction (left-right direction in FIG. 1) and the left-right direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2) are staggered, that is, The joint adapters 71 (81) of the same type are arranged so as not to be adjacent to each other.

  On the other hand, in the flow control device 11, the flow control device 11 in which the first end 72 of the joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) is connected to the inlet 14, and the joint adapter 81 (second pipe member) to the inlet 14. And the flow rate control device 11 connected to the first end portion 82. Then, each flow control device 11 is mounted on the manifold 2 so as to connect the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81. Thereby, the joints 91 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction and the left-right direction on the manifold 2 are staggered, that is, the positions (heights) of the connecting portions 92 are staggered.

  In this state, by attaching the clip 93 to the connecting portion 92 of each joint 91, the connection between the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81 is maintained, and further, the connection of each flow control device 11 to the manifold 2 is maintained. The Further, between the flow control devices 11 adjacent in the left-right direction, the connection tool 18 of one flow control device 11 is bridged over the connection tool 18 of the other flow control device 11. In addition, the timing which mounts | wears with the clip 93, and the timing which bridges the connection tool 18 are arbitrary. When removing the flow control device 11 from the manifold 2, the arbitrary flow control device 11 can be easily removed (pulled out) from the manifold 2 by removing the clip 93 and releasing the connection by the connector 18.

(Flow control)
First, when a fluid (in this embodiment, “water”) is introduced into the manifold 2 by a fluid supply means (for example, “pump” or the like), the fluid passes through each port 4 and each joint 91 of the manifold 2. Then, it is supplied to each flow control device 11. The fluid introduced into each flow control device 11, that is, the fluid flowing through the flow path 13 of each flow control device 11 becomes a swirl flow and rotates the impeller 42 of the flow measurement unit 41.

  Then, in each flow control device 11, in the flow measurement unit 41, the GMR sensor 53 detects a change in the magnetic field strength accompanying the rotation of the impeller 42, and the rotation speed of the impeller 42 is measured based on the change in the magnetic field strength. The A rotation speed signal (pulse signal) as a flow rate measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit 41 is output to the control unit 61. The controller 61 converts the received rotation speed signal into a flow rate (flow rate measurement value) of the fluid flowing through the flow path 13.

  Further, the control unit 61 performs arithmetic processing (PID processing) on the flow rate measurement value and the flow rate control signal (flow rate target value) received from the external control device (not shown) via the signal cable 67 of the waterproof connector 66. Then, a control signal (motor control signal) as a calculation processing result is output to the motor actuator 24. Thereby, the motor actuator 24 operates based on the motor control signal. Thereby, the opening degree of the flow control valve 21 (ball valve), that is, the flow path area of the flow path 13 is adjusted, and the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path 13 is adjusted accordingly.

(Insufficient pressure detection function)
The flow control device 11 has a pressure shortage detection function for detecting a pressure shortage in the flow path 13. The pressure shortage detection function is performed when the opening degree detection sensor (for example, limit sensor, potentiometer, etc.) of the flow rate adjustment valve 21 (ball valve) provided in the motor actuator 24 detects the opening degree 100% (fully open). It detects the pressure shortage. The insufficient pressure can be visually recognized by the light transmission window 69 of the housing 63, that is, the light emission pattern of the LED 68.

Here, the pressure shortage detection function will be described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 4, the motor actuator 24 has a plurality of stages of gears 241, 242, and 243, and a magnet 244 is inserted into the last stage of the gear 243. Further, in the present embodiment, a limit sensor 246 mounted on the substrate 245 is provided inside, and in response to the last stage gear 243 rotating in a range from fully closed to fully open (0 to 315 °), The limit sensor 246A on the fully closed side and the limit sensor 246B on the fully open side detect the magnet 244 and are configured to stop the operation of the motor 247 through the control unit 61 in order to prevent over-closing and over-opening.
That is, when the valve opening reaches full opening during the control (detected by the limit sensor 246B on the full opening side), the opening of the flow control valve 21 cannot be adjusted to flow more flow, and the adjustment is made. The teenager has reached the limit. Thereby, it is possible to determine that the pressure is insufficient to flow a preset flow rate value, and that the pressure is insufficient at an early stage.

In addition, since the pressure loss of piping increases when scales etc. accumulate in the flow path, the pressure will not be sufficient after long-term operation, and even if the supply pressure is raised with a margin in advance, the limit will be limited It is not possible to judge whether or not For this reason, in general, a method is adopted in which a flow sensor is installed and the pressure is considered abnormal when the flow rate falls below a certain level. However, in this method, the flow rate is abnormal (flow meter abnormality, instantaneous pressure drop, etc.) I don't know if this is the case or if there is insufficient pressure.
On the other hand, according to the method of detecting the pressure shortage by the limit sensor 246 as in the present embodiment, it becomes possible to notify the pressure shortage at an early stage before an abnormality due to a decrease in the flow rate occurs. . For this reason, piping and filters can be cleaned at a convenient timing without abnormally stopping the equipment or equipment for a while after an abnormality occurs, greatly increasing the burden of setting and management. Reduce. In this embodiment, since the limit sensor 246 detects that the pressure is insufficient when it is fully opened for a certain period of time, it is excluded as noise that does not cause insufficient pressure in the case of a flow rate abnormality due to an instantaneous pressure drop. Will be.

(Notification function for valves)
Further, the flow control device 11 has a valve life notification function for notifying the life of the O-ring 27 used for the flow control valve 21 and the life of the flow control valve 21 (ball valve). In the flow control device 11, the integrated operation amount of the flow control valve 21 is counted and stored in the nonvolatile memory of the control unit 61, and the valve operation notification function determines the integrated operation amount of the flow control valve 21 in advance. When the set value is reached, it is determined that the O-ring 27 is at the end of life (replacement time). The life of the O-ring 27 can be visually recognized by the light transmission window 69 of the housing 63, that is, the light emission pattern of the LED 68. Further, by utilizing the communication function with the external terminal, it is possible to know the accumulated operation amount of the flow rate control valve 21 at the present time.

(Notification function related to flow meter)
Further, the flow control device 11 has a flow meter life notification function for notifying the life of the impeller 42 used in the flow measurement unit 41, and further the life of the flow measurement unit 41 (flow meter). In the flow control device 11, the number of rotations of the impeller 42 is counted and stored in the nonvolatile memory of the control unit 61, and the flowmeter life notification function is a setting in which the accumulated number of rotations of the impeller 42 is determined in advance. By reaching the value, it is determined that the flow meter is at the end of its life. Note that the lifetime of the flow meter can be visually recognized by the light transmission window 69 of the housing 63, that is, the light emission pattern of the LED 68.

(Internal leak notification function)
Further, the flow control device 11 has an internal leak notification function for notifying fluid leakage (water leakage) inside the flow control valve 21. The internal leak notification function is a function of rotating the impeller 42 of the flow rate measuring unit 41 in a certain time when the fluid flows more than a certain flow rate during a certain time despite the flow control valve 21 being fully closed. If the number is above a certain level, it is determined that an internal leak has occurred. The occurrence of internal leak can be visually recognized by the light transmission window 69 of the housing 63, that is, the light emission pattern of the LED 68.

(effect)
According to the present embodiment, the flow rate control unit 1 is connected (connected) to the manifold 2 by the joints 91 (connection means) interposed between the flow rate control devices 11 and the manifold 2. The The joint 91 includes a joint adapter 71 (first pipe member), a joint adapter 81 (second pipe member) connected to the joint adapter 71 so as to be removable, and the joint adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81. And a clip 93 that is attached to the connecting portion 92 and holds the connecting portion 92.

Therefore, by operating (detaching) the clip 93 by hand, each flow control device 11 can be attached to and removed from the manifold 2 without using a tool, so that the assembly flow in the manufacturing process and the flow rate control during maintenance can be performed. The replacement work of the device 11 can be rationalized.
Further, since it is not necessary to secure a space for inserting a tool between the adjacent flow control devices 11, it is possible to minimize the mounting pitch between the adjacent flow control devices 11 (joints 91). 1 can be reduced in size.
Further, since the flow control devices 11 adjacent to each other on the left and right sides, that is, between the flow control devices 11 adjacent to each other back to back, are connected by bridging the connecting tool 18 of one flow control device 11 to the other flow control device 11. In addition, the mounting strength of the flow control device 11 and the rigidity of the flow control unit 1 can be increased. In addition, it is possible to prevent relative movement between the pair of flow control devices 11 connected by the connection tool 18, and the connection tool 18 functions as a detent for each flow control device 11. It is possible to prevent rotation about the axis L (see FIG. 3) in each of the connected flow control devices 11.

  Further, the axial length (H1) of the joint adapter 71 and the axial length (H2) of the joint adapter 81 are different. In particular, in this embodiment, the axial length (H2) of the joint adapter 81 is It was set to be equal to or greater than the value obtained by adding the thickness (H3) of the clip 93 to the axial length (H1) of the joint adapter 71 (H2 ≧ H1 + H3). The joint adapter 71 (first pipe member) and the joint adapter 81 (second pipe member) are alternated between the front and rear and left and right adjacent joints 91, in other words, the joints of the adjacent flow control devices 11 are connected to each other. Since the joints 91 are arranged on the manifold 2 so that the height of the connecting portion 92 between the adapter 71 and the joint adapter 81, and hence the mounting height of the clip 93, are staggered, the operability of the clip 93 is improved. As a result, the assembling property and the maintenance property can be improved.

  Moreover, according to this embodiment, since the impeller 42 of the flow rate measuring unit 41 is manufactured by metal injection molding using a magnetic material that is not magnetized, the impeller 42 having a complicated shape can be formed with high accuracy. Can do. In addition, the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced as compared with a machined impeller. Thereby, the rotating shaft 43 and the plurality of blade portions 44 of the impeller 42 can be integrally formed, and compared with an impeller in which the rotating shaft 43 and the plurality of blade portions 44 are separately manufactured. Thus, the number of parts can be reduced. Further, from the viewpoint of reducing the manufacturing cost, an impeller manufactured by joining (press-fitting, bonding, etc.) the rotating shaft 43 and the plurality of blades 44 instead of cutting is accompanied by a decrease in reliability of the joint. Although stricter quality control becomes a problem, the impeller 42 according to the present embodiment can solve these problems by applying metal injection molding.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the flow control device 11 having a pressure shortage detection function for detecting a pressure shortage when the opening degree detection sensor of the flow rate control valve 21 detects the opening degree 100% (fully open) is applied. Therefore, when compared with the conventional method in which a pressure sensor is separately installed and pressure abnormality is detected based on the differential pressure measured by the pressure sensor, the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced, and the setting (threshold value), There is no need for labor and time for management.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the flow rate control device 11 having a valve life notification function for notifying the life of the O-ring 27 when the integrated operation amount of the flow control valve 21 reaches a predetermined set value. Since it is applied, it is possible to prevent external leakage of the flow control device 11 due to wear of the O-ring 27 in advance. Thereby, it is possible to make the flow control apparatus 11 into a waterproof structure, and the freedom degree of application of the said flow control apparatus 11 can be expanded. Furthermore, since the integrated operation amount of the flow rate control valve 21 is stored in the nonvolatile memory of the control unit 61, for example, the function can be ensured even for second-hand products.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the flow control device 11 having a flow meter lifetime notification function for notifying the lifetime of the flow meter when the integrated rotational speed of the impeller 42 reaches a predetermined set value is applied. As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the impeller 42 due to wear of the rotating shaft 43, reliability of the measured value of the flow rate measuring unit 41 (flow meter), and thus the flow rate control device 11. Reliability can be improved.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the internal leak notification function that notifies the internal leak by detecting that the fluid has flowed more than a certain flow rate during a certain period of time even though the flow control valve 21 is fully closed. Since the flow control device 11 having the above is applied, it is possible to detect an internal leak that has been difficult to make in the past.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the light emission pattern of the full-color LED 68 can be viewed from the light transmission window 69 of the housing 63. Therefore, by distinguishing with the emission color difference of LED68, lighting or flashing, etc., by emitting light with a pattern corresponding to each function of pressure shortage detection function, valve life notification function, flow meter life notification function, internal leak notification function, Whether one of the plurality of flow rate control devices 11 is operating normally can be grasped instantaneously by one optical transmission window 69.

The embodiments are not limited to those described above, and can be configured as follows, for example.
In the above-described embodiment, the flow control device 11 to which the impeller (turbine) flow meter is applied has been described. For example, the flow control device 11 may be a Karman vortex flow meter, an electromagnetic flow meter, or an ultrasonic flow meter. A differential pressure type flow meter, a Coriolis type flow meter, a thermal type flow meter and the like can be applied.
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the flow control device 11 including the flow control valve 21 to which the ball valve is applied has been described, but the needle valve, the global valve, the gate valve, the butterfly valve, and the like are applied to the flow control valve 21. be able to.

11: Flow rate control device 13: Flow path 21: Flow rate control valve 24: Motor actuator 241, 242, 243: Gear 244: Magnet 245: Substrate 246: Limit sensor (opening detection sensor)
247: Motor 41: Flow rate measuring unit 42: Impeller 61: Control unit 68: LED (full color)

Claims (5)

A flow control valve provided in the flow path;
A flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path;
A control unit for controlling the opening of the flow rate control valve based on the measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit,
A flow rate control device having an underpressure detection function for determining that the pressure is insufficient when an opening degree detection sensor for detecting an opening degree of the flow rate control valve detects full opening.   The flow rate control device according to claim 1, further comprising a valve life notification function for notifying a life of the flow control valve when an integrated operation amount of the flow control valve reaches a predetermined set value. .   An internal leak notification function for notifying liquid leakage inside the flow rate control valve when the flow rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined set value despite the fully closed flow rate control valve. Item 3. The flow control device according to Item 1 or 2.   4. A flow meter life notifying function for notifying the life of the flow rate measuring unit when the accumulated rotational speed of the impeller in the flow rate measuring unit reaches a predetermined set value. The flow control device according to any one of the above. A flow control valve provided in the flow path;
A flow rate measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of the fluid flowing through the flow path;
A control unit for controlling the opening of the flow rate control valve based on the measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit,
A pressure shortage detection function for determining that the pressure is insufficient when the opening degree detection sensor for detecting the opening degree of the flow control valve detects full opening;
A valve life notification function for notifying the life of the flow control valve when the accumulated operation amount of the flow control valve reaches a predetermined set value;
An internal leak notification function for notifying liquid leakage inside the flow rate control valve when the flow rate is equal to or higher than a predetermined set value despite the fully closed flow rate control valve; and
When the accumulated rotational speed of the impeller in the flow rate measurement unit reaches a predetermined set value, any two or more functions of a flow meter lifetime notification function for notifying the lifetime of the flow rate measurement unit a flow control apparatus characterized by comprising an LED that emits light in a pattern corresponding to the respective functions.