JP6895025B1 - Cleaning device and valve device equipped with it - Google Patents

Abstract

The cleaning device (4) includes a cleaning mechanism (5) for removing foreign matter at a target location in the flow path and a determination device (6) for determining the operation of the cleaning mechanism (5). , A deformable member (51) that is placed at a position exposed to the fluid flowing through the flow path and deforms due to a temperature change, and a foreign object at the target location that moves forward and backward with respect to the target location due to the deformation of the deformable member (51). The determination device (6) has a cleaning member (52) for removing the above-mentioned material, and the determination device (6) includes a magnet (61) that is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member (52) and a magnetic sensor (62) that detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet (61). ) And a determination unit (64) that determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism (5) based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor (62).

Description

The technology disclosed herein relates to a cleaning device and a valve device comprising the cleaning device.

Conventionally, there has been known a cleaning device provided with a cleaning mechanism that displaces a cleaning member by a deforming member that deforms due to a temperature change to remove foreign matter at a target location.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a valve device including a cleaning device. This valve device includes a casing in which a flow path through which a fluid flows is formed, a valve seat having a valve hole, a valve body that opens and closes the valve hole, and a cleaning device that cleans foreign matter in the valve hole. The valve device opens the valve when the drain flows into the casing to allow the drain to pass, while closes the valve when the steam flows into the casing to block the passage of the steam. The cleaning device has a cleaning mechanism that performs cleaning according to the temperature of the fluid. The cleaning mechanism includes a deforming member that is arranged in the flow path of the fluid and deforms due to a temperature change, and a cleaning member that removes foreign matter from the valve hole by displacement according to the deformation of the deforming member. The deforming member is arranged on the downstream side of the valve seat at a position exposed to drain passing through the valve hole.

When the valve device is operating normally, the drain intermittently flows out of the valve hole, and the deforming member becomes relatively hot. The deformable member is configured to shrink as the temperature rises. Therefore, when the valve device is operating normally, the deforming member is in a contracted state, so that the cleaning member is located at a position retracted from the valve hole. On the other hand, when foreign matter adheres to the valve hole and the outflow of drain from the valve hole is stopped for a long period of time, the deformed member becomes relatively low temperature and stretches. As a result, the cleaning member enters the valve hole and pushes away and removes foreign matter adhering to the valve hole. When the foreign matter in the valve hole is removed, the drainage from the valve hole is restarted, and the deformed member eventually becomes hot and contracts. Accordingly, the cleaning member retracts from the valve hole.

Japanese Patent No. 6022733

The cleaning mechanism as described above has an advantage that it is not necessary to sense the necessity of cleaning (for example, clogging of the valve hole), and further, no electric power is required to drive the cleaning member. On the other hand, since an external electric signal or the like is not required to drive the cleaning member, it is difficult to grasp the operating status of the cleaning mechanism.

The technique disclosed herein has been made in view of this point, and the purpose thereof is to easily grasp the operating state of the cleaning mechanism.

The cleaning device disclosed here includes a cleaning mechanism for removing foreign matter at a target portion in the flow path and a determination device for determining the operation of the cleaning mechanism, and the cleaning mechanism is a fluid flowing through the flow path. It has a deforming member that is arranged at a position exposed to the temperature and deforms due to a temperature change, and a cleaning member that advances and retracts with respect to the target location due to the deformation of the deforming member to remove foreign matter from the target location. The determination device includes a magnet that is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member, a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet, and a determination unit that determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. ..

The valve device disclosed herein includes a casing in which a flow path through which a fluid flows is formed, a valve seat having a valve hole provided in the flow path, and a valve seat provided in the casing to open and close the valve hole. The valve body and the cleaning device are provided, and the cleaning mechanism removes foreign matter from the valve hole as a target location.

According to the cleaning device, the operating status of the cleaning mechanism can be easily grasped.

According to the valve device, the operating state of the cleaning mechanism can be easily grasped.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a drain trap. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the determination device. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cleaning mechanism in a state where the cleaning member has entered the valve hole. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of the cleaning member and the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of determination control by the determination unit. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the determination device according to the modified example.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the drain trap 100.

The drain trap 100 is a casing 1 in which a flow path through which a fluid flows is formed, a valve seat 2 having a valve hole 21 provided in the flow path, and a valve body provided in the casing 1 to open and close the valve hole 21. 3 and a cleaning device 4 are provided. The drain trap 100 is an example of a valve device.

The fluid flowing into the drain trap 100 is drain (condensate) and steam. The drain trap 100 allows the passage of drain while blocking the flow of steam. That is, the valve body 3 is configured to open the valve hole 21 when drain flows into the casing 1, while closing the valve hole 21 when steam flows into the casing 1.

Specifically, the casing 1 is a closed container in which the main body 11 and the bottom 12 are fastened with bolts. An inflow passage 13, a valve chamber 14, and an outflow passage 15 are formed inside the casing 1. The inflow path 13 communicates with the upper part of the valve chamber 14. The outflow passage 15 communicates with the lower part of the valve chamber 14. A fluid flow path is formed by the inflow passage 13, the valve chamber 14, and the outflow passage 15. The fluid flows into the valve chamber 14 from the inflow passage 13, passes through the valve chamber 14, and flows out from the outflow passage 15. The upstream end of the inflow path 13 opens outward from the casing 1 to form an inflow port. The downstream end of the outflow passage 15 opens outward from the casing 1 to form an outflow port.

The valve seat 2 is provided in the casing 1 at the open end of the outflow passage 15 in the valve chamber 14. The valve seat 2 is screwed from the valve chamber 14 to the upstream end of the outflow passage 15. The valve seat 2 is formed with a valve hole 21 that connects the valve chamber 14 and the outflow passage 15. The valve hole 21 is an example of an opening as a target portion to be cleaned by the cleaning device 4.

The valve body 3 is formed in a hollow spherical shape. The valve body 3 is a so-called float. The valve body 3 is movably housed in the valve chamber 14. The valve chamber 14 is provided with a plurality of receiving portions 19 that support the valve body 3 when the valve body 3 is located at the bottom of the valve chamber 14. When the valve body 3 is located at the bottom of the valve chamber 14, the valve body 3 is stably supported by the receiving portion 19 and the valve seat 2. At this time, the valve body 3 sits on the valve seat 2 and closes the valve hole 21.

The basic operation of the drain trap 100 will be described.

The drain trap 100 is provided, for example, in the piping of a steam system. Steam and drain flowing through the pipe flow into the drain trap 100. When the drain is low or the drain is not stored in the valve chamber 14, the valve body 3 is seated on the valve seat 2 and closes the valve hole 21. When the drain flows into the casing 1, the drain flows into the valve chamber 14 through the inflow path 13. As the amount of drain stored in the valve chamber 14 increases, the valve body 3 floats due to the drain, separates from the valve seat 2 and opens the valve hole 21. As a result, the drain of the valve chamber 14 flows out from the valve hole 21 to the outflow passage 15. The drain that has flowed out of the valve hole 21 flows out of the casing 1 through the outflow path 15.

On the other hand, when steam flows into the casing 1, the steam stays in the space above the drain in the valve chamber 14. While the valve hole 21 is open, the drain of the valve chamber 14 flows out to the outflow passage 15. As the steam in the valve chamber 14 increases and the drain decreases, the valve body 3 eventually sits on the valve seat 2 and closes the valve hole 21. As a result, the outflow of steam from the valve chamber 14 to the outflow passage 15 is prevented.

After that, when the steam in the valve chamber 14 condenses or the drain flows into the casing 1 and the amount of drain stored in the valve chamber 14 increases, the valve body 3 floats and the valve is valved as described above. The hole 21 is opened and the drainage from the valve chamber 14 is restarted.

In this way, the drain trap 100 allows the drain to pass intermittently while blocking the passage of steam.

Next, the cleaning device 4 will be described. The cleaning device 4 includes a cleaning mechanism 5 for removing foreign matter from the valve hole 21 as a target location, and a determination device 6 for determining the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5.

The cleaning mechanism 5 has a deforming member 51 that is deformed by a temperature change of itself, and a cleaning member 52 that removes foreign matter from the valve hole 21.

The deforming member 51 is arranged at a position where it is exposed to the fluid flowing through the flow path. The deformable member 51 is a so-called temperature-responsive member. For example, the deforming member 51 may be formed of a plate-shaped bimetal in which two types of metals having different coefficients of thermal expansion are adhered to each other. The deformable member 51 is formed by twisting a flat plate-shaped wire formed of bimetal and spirally winding it around a predetermined axis. That is, the deforming member 51 has a coil shape as a whole. When the temperature of the deformable member 51 becomes low, the radius of the coil shape becomes small and the total length of the coil shape becomes long, and when the temperature becomes high, the radius becomes large and the total length becomes short. As described above, the deforming member 51 undergoes a temperature change between a relatively high temperature first state contracted in the axial direction of the coil shape and a relatively low temperature second state extending in the axial direction. It deforms accordingly.

The cleaning member 52 advances and retracts with respect to the valve hole 21 (that is, the target portion in the flow path) due to the deformation of the deforming member 51. The cleaning member 52 is formed in the shape of a substantially cylindrical rod extending in the direction of a predetermined axis X. The first end portion 52a, which is one end portion of the cleaning member 52, is formed to be thinner than the portion of the cleaning member 52 other than the first end portion 52a. The outer diameter of the first end portion 52a is smaller than the inner diameter of the valve hole 21. The cleaning member 52 enters the valve hole 21 by being displaced according to the deformation of the deforming member 51, and removes foreign matter from the valve hole 21.

The cleaning member 52 is slidably supported by the guide 55 in the direction of the axis X. The guide 55 is formed in a hollow shape, for example, a cylindrical shape. The cleaning member 52 penetrates the wall portions 55a and 55b at both ends of the guide 55 in the axial direction of the cylinder. The first end 52a of the cleaning member 52 is exposed to the outside from the guide 55, and the second end 52b (the end opposite to the first end 52a) of the cleaning member 52 is also exposed to the outside from the guide 55. It is exposed. The guide 55 is formed with a plurality of openings 55d that allow the inside and outside of the guide 55 to communicate with each other.

The deforming member 51 is wound around the intermediate portion 52c of the cleaning member 52 inside the guide 55. The coil-shaped axis of the deforming member 51 coincides with the axis X of the cleaning member 52. One end of the deforming member 51 is fixed to the wall portion 55b of the guide 55 through which the cleaning member 52 penetrates (the wall portion at both ends of the cylinder of the guide 55 in the axial direction, whichever is closer to the second end portion 52b). Has been done. The other end of the deformable member 51 is fixed to a receiving portion 52d provided on the cleaning member 52. As a result, when the deforming member 51 is extended, the cleaning member 52 is displaced in the direction in which the first end portion 52a is separated from the guide 55. On the other hand, when the deforming member 51 contracts, the cleaning member 52 is displaced in the direction in which the first end portion 52a approaches the guide 55.

The cleaning mechanism 5 is arranged in a storage chamber 16 formed in the casing 1. The accommodation chamber 16 is formed so as to branch from the outflow passage 15 so as to extend in the direction of the axis of the valve hole 21. That is, the accommodation chamber 16 and the outflow channel 15 communicate with each other. The containment chamber 16 is partitioned by an opening formed in the bottom 12 and a cap 17 attached to the bottom 12 so as to close the opening. In a state where the axis X of the cleaning member 52 coincides with the axis X of the valve hole 21, the first end portion 52a is located near the valve hole 21, and the second end portion 52b is located away from the valve hole 21. , The guide 55 is housed in the containment chamber 16. At least the first end portion 52a of the cleaning member 52 is located in the outflow passage 15. Therefore, the cleaning member 52 is arranged at a position exposed to the fluid flowing through the flow path (more specifically, a position exposed to the fluid downstream of the valve hole 21).

A part of the fluid flowing through the outflow passage 15 flows into the storage chamber 16. The fluid that has flowed into the containment chamber 16 flows into the inside of the guide 55 through the opening 55d. That is, the deforming member 51 is arranged at a position where it is exposed to the fluid that has passed through the valve hole 21. The temperature of the deformable member 51 changes according to the temperature of the fluid around the deformable member 51 (that is, the fluid inside the accommodation chamber 16). As described above, the deformable member 51 extends as the temperature decreases. Since the cleaning mechanism 5 is arranged so that the first end portion 52a is located near the valve hole 21, the deforming member 51 advances the cleaning member 52 into the valve hole 21 as the temperature becomes lower.

The cleaning member 52 penetrates the cap 17 and extends to the outside of the storage chamber 16. The second end 52b is located on the outside of the cap 17.

The determination device 6 includes a magnet 61 that is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52, a magnetic sensor 62 that detects a magnetic field generated by the magnet 61, and a determination unit 64. The determination unit 64 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the determination device 6. As shown in FIG. 2, the determination device 6 may further include a storage unit 65, a display unit 66, and a communication unit 67.

A casing 68 of the determination device 6 is attached to the cap 17. The portion of the cleaning member 52 extending to the outside of the cap 17 is inserted into the casing 68. The second end 52b of the cleaning member 52 is inserted into a guide hole 69 formed in the casing 68. The guide hole 69 guides the cleaning member 52 in the direction of the axis X.

The magnet 61 is provided on the cleaning member 52. Specifically, the magnet 61 is provided in a portion of the cleaning member 52 inserted into the guide hole 69, that is, in the second end portion 52b.

The magnetic sensor 62 is provided in the casing 68 in the vicinity of the guide hole 69 (that is, in the vicinity of the magnet 61). The magnetic sensor 62 detects a change in the magnetic field of the magnet 61 based on the displacement of the cleaning member 52. Since the magnet 61 is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52, detecting a change in the magnetic field is substantially equivalent to detecting the displacement of the cleaning member 52. The magnetic sensor 62 can be a Hall element. The magnetic sensor 62, which is a Hall element, may be, for example, a Hall IC.

The determination unit 64 may have a processor. The detection result of the magnetic sensor 62 is input to the determination unit 64. The determination unit 64 performs processing such as A / D conversion on the detection result. For example, the determination unit 64 stores the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62 in the storage unit 65. For example, the determination unit 64 determines, as the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5, whether or not the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed the cleaning operation based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62. Specifically, since the magnet 61 is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52, the determination unit 64 evaluates the displacement of the cleaning member 52 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62. The determination unit 64 determines whether or not the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 has been performed based on the displacement of the cleaning member 52.

Further, the determination unit 64 counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5. The determination unit 64 causes the display unit 66 to display the counting result. The determination unit 64 may store the counting result in the storage unit 65, or may transmit it to an external device via the communication unit 67. Details of the determination by the determination unit 64 will be described later.

Subsequently, the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 will be described. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a cleaning mechanism 5 in a state where the cleaning member 52 has entered the valve hole 21.

If the drain trap 100 continues the above-mentioned operation, foreign matter such as scale may be accumulated inside the drain trap 100. In particular, the valve hole 21 has a narrowed flow path, and foreign matter is likely to accumulate. As a result, the valve hole 21 may be clogged with foreign matter. In such a case, the cleaning mechanism 5 removes foreign matter from the valve hole 21.

When the drain trap 100 is operating normally (that is, when the valve hole 21 is not clogged with foreign matter), the cleaning member 52 of the cleaning mechanism 5 has a valve at the first end 52a as shown in FIG. It is located at a position where it is retracted from the hole 21 (hereinafter, this position is referred to as "first position P1"). For example, when the valve body 3 has the valve hole 21 opened, a part of the drain that has flowed out from the valve hole 21 into the outflow passage 15 flows into the accommodation chamber 16. The drain that has flowed into the containment chamber 16 flows into the inside of the guide 55 through the opening 55d. Since the drain flowing through the steam system has a relatively high temperature, the deforming member 51 is heated by the drain flowing into the guide 55. The deformable member 51 is in the first state of contraction when the temperature becomes high, and the cleaning member 52 is moved to the first position P1. At this time, the first end portion 52a of the cleaning member 52 is retracted from the valve hole 21. That is, the first state of the deforming member 51 is a state in which the cleaning member 51 is retracted from the valve hole 21.

Further, when the valve body 3 closes the valve hole 21, the flow of the fluid in the outflow passage 15 is stopped, so that the inflow of the high-temperature drain into the accommodation chamber 16 is also stopped. Therefore, the drain staying in the accommodation chamber 16 can dissipate heat through the casing 1. However, in this case, the steam whose distribution is blocked is retained in the casing 1. The steam suppresses the temperature drop of the drain in the storage chamber 16 and also suppresses the elongation of the deformable member 51.

If the steam system continues to operate, after a while, hot drain will flow into the drain trap 100. As a result, the hot drain flows into the containment chamber 16 again. Therefore, the cleaning member 52 is located in the vicinity of the first position P1 or the first position P1 while the valve holes 21 are normally repeatedly opened and closed.

On the other hand, if the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter, even if the drain flows into the casing 1, the drain cannot flow. Therefore, the drain stays in the valve chamber 14, and new drain cannot flow in. The drain staying in the casing 1 including the valve chamber 14 and the accommodating chamber 16 dissipates heat to the outside through the casing 1. When the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter, the drain flow is not restarted unless the foreign matter is removed. As a result, the deformed member 51 becomes lower than the first state and becomes the extended second state. As shown in FIG. 3, the deforming member 51 displaces the cleaning member 52 toward the valve hole 21, and the first end portion 52a enters the valve hole 21. The cleaning member 52 penetrates the valve hole 21 from the downstream side of the valve hole 21. When the first end portion 52a enters the valve hole 21, the first end portion 52a removes foreign matter that blocks the valve hole 21. The position of the cleaning member 52 in a state where the first end portion 52a penetrates the valve hole 21 is referred to as a second position P2. That is, the second state of the deforming member 51 is a state in which the temperature is lower than that of the first state and the cleaning member 52 is advanced into the valve hole 21.

At this time, it may not be possible to completely remove the foreign matter blocking the valve hole 21 only by penetrating through the first end portion 52a. However, when the first end portion 52a penetrates the foreign matter, a gap is formed between the first end portion 52a and the remaining foreign matter, and the drain flows through the gap. Foreign matter remaining in the valve hole 21 is removed by the flow of the drain. In this way, the foreign matter in the valve hole 21 is largely removed.

When the outflow of the drain from the valve hole 21 is resumed, the inflow of the high-temperature drain into the casing 1 is also resumed, and eventually the high-temperature drain also flows into the storage chamber 16 again. Then, the deforming member 51 contracts, and the cleaning member 52 moves to the first position P1. In this way, the drain trap 100 comes into operation normally.

In this way, the cleaning mechanism 5 automatically cleans the valve hole 21 without control by an electric signal or human operation.

In such a cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5, the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 62 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “detected magnetic field”) changes according to the displacement of the cleaning member 52. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the relationship between the position of the cleaning member 52 and the detected magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the cleaning member 52 is located at the first position P1 (FIG. 1), the magnet 61 is closest to the magnetic sensor 62, and the cleaning member 52 is at the second position P2 (FIG. 1). The magnetic sensor 62 is arranged so that the magnet 61 is farthest from the magnetic sensor 62 when it is located at 3). The detected magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62 is inversely proportional to the square of the distance between the magnet 61 and the magnetic sensor 62. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, the detected magnetic field is significantly reduced as the cleaning member 52 moves from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

Here, the magnetic sensor 62 does not become unable to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 61 while the cleaning member 52 is moving toward the second position P2, but also when the cleaning member 52 is located at the second position P2. Detects 61 magnetic fields. That is, the magnetic sensor 62 is configured to detect the magnetic field of the magnet 61 in the entire section between the first position P1 and the second position P2 of the cleaning member 52. Therefore, it is possible to determine where the cleaning member 52 is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2 based on the detected magnetic field.

The determination unit 64 of the determination device 6 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 (for example, whether or not the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed the cleaning operation) based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62.

For example, the determination unit 64 determines that the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed one cleaning operation when the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 and then retracts to the first position P1. Further, the determination unit 64 counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5. In addition, the determination unit 64 diagnoses a defect in the cleaning mechanism 5. For example, the determination unit 64 warns when the state in which the cleaning member 52 has advanced to the second position P2 continues for a predetermined determination time or longer.

The detailed determination control of the determination unit 64 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of determination control by the determination unit 64.

In step S1, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the detection magnetic field H of the magnetic sensor 62 is smaller than the predetermined determination magnetic field Hr. The determination magnetic field Hr is a magnetic field corresponding to the position of the cleaning member 52 capable of determining whether or not the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter. For example, the determination magnetic field Hr is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2, where the cleaning member 52 is not displaced to that extent when the drain trap 100 is operating normally. It is a detection magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62 when it is positioned. When the detected magnetic field H is smaller than the determination magnetic field Hr, it can be determined that the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter, that is, the valve hole 21 needs to be cleaned. When the detection magnetic field H is equal to or higher than the determination magnetic field Hr, the determination unit 64 repeats the determination in step S1. On the other hand, when the detected magnetic field H is smaller than the determination magnetic field Hr, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S2.

The determination unit 64 starts timing in step S2. That is, the time after the detection magnetic field H becomes lower than the determination magnetic field Hr is measured by the determination unit 64.

Subsequently, in step S3, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the detection magnetic field H of the magnetic sensor 62 is smaller than the predetermined lower limit value H2. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower limit value H2 is a value that can be determined that the cleaning member 52 is substantially located at the second position P2, and is, for example, from the detected magnetic field when the cleaning member 52 is located at the second position P2. Is also a little large value. That is, when the detected magnetic field H is smaller than the lower limit value H2, it means that the cleaning member 52 has substantially advanced to the second position P2. When the detected magnetic field H is smaller than the lower limit value H2, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, when the detected magnetic field H is equal to or higher than the lower limit value H2, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S4.

In step S4, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not there is a timeout. In step S4, when the elapsed time from the start of timing in step S2 exceeds the predetermined first determination time, it is determined that the time-out has occurred. The first determination time is the time during which it is assumed that the cleaning member 52 will reach the second position P2 after it is determined that the valve hole 21 needs to be cleaned because the detection magnetic field H is lower than the determination magnetic field Hr. It is set to a time that allows for that time. When the valve hole 21 is clogged, the inflow of new drain or steam into the casing 1 is stopped, so that the temperature of the drain around the cleaning member 52 gradually decreases. The rate of decrease in the temperature of the drain around the cleaning member 52 mainly depends on the heat dissipation performance of the drain trap 100. Therefore, the time from when the detection magnetic field H falls below the determination magnetic field Hr until the cleaning member 52 reaches the second position P2 (that is, until the displacement member 51 is in the second state) can be roughly predicted. If the elapsed time from the start of time counting in step S2 has not passed the first determination time, the determination unit 64 returns to step S3. That is, from the start of time counting in step S2 until the first determination time elapses, the determination unit 64 determines that the detection magnetic field H is below the lower limit value H2, that is, the cleaning member 52 reaches the second position P2. Wait for that.

It should be noted that determining the time-out in step S4 is substantially equivalent to determining the advance speed of the cleaning member 52. That is, evaluating the time from when the detection magnetic field H falls below the determination magnetic field Hr until the cleaning member 52 reaches the second position P2 is the position of the cleaning member 52 when the detection magnetic field H falls below the determination magnetic field Hr. It is substantially equivalent to evaluating the advance speed of the cleaning member 52 when the cleaning member 52 is displaced from the second position P2 to the second position P2.

On the other hand, if the elapsed time exceeds the first determination time while waiting for the cleaning member 52 to reach the second position P2, the determination unit 64 issues a warning (step S5). That is, the fact that the cleaning member 52 has not reached the second position P2 even after the first determination time has elapsed since the detection magnetic field H fell below the determination magnetic field Hr may be a malfunction of the cleaning mechanism 5. Problems of the cleaning mechanism 5 include deterioration of the deformable member 51 and an increase in sliding resistance of the cleaning member 52. The determination unit 64 can notify the user of such a situation by a warning. There are various warning methods. For example, the determination unit 64 may change the display mode of the display unit 66 to a mode corresponding to a warning. Alternatively, if the warning can be displayed on the display unit 66, the determination unit 64 may display the warning on the display unit 66. Alternatively, the determination unit 64 may issue a warning to the external device via the communication unit 67.

After issuing the warning, the determination unit 64 ends the determination control.

In step S6, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the detected magnetic field H is larger than the lower limit value H2. When the detected magnetic field H becomes larger than the lower limit value H2, it means that the clogging of the foreign matter in the valve hole 21 is cleared, the drain having a certain high temperature flows out from the valve hole 21, and the temperature of the deforming member 51 rises. To do. That is, in step S6, it is determined whether or not the clogging of the valve hole 21 is cleared. When the detected magnetic field H is larger than the lower limit value H2, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S9. On the other hand, when the detected magnetic field H is equal to or less than the lower limit value H2, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S7.

In step S7, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not there is a timeout. In step S7, the elapsed time from when the detected magnetic field H becomes smaller than the lower limit value H2 in step S3 (that is, the elapsed time from when the cleaning member 52 penetrates the valve hole 21), and this time is hereinafter referred to as “ When the "penetration time") exceeds the predetermined second determination time, it is determined that the timeout has occurred. The second determination time is set to a time at which it is assumed that the high-temperature drain will flow out from the valve hole 21 again after the cleaning member 52 has penetrated the valve hole 21, or a time with a margin in that time. There is. After the cleaning member 52 penetrates the valve hole 21 and the drain starts to flow out from the valve hole 21 as much as possible, the foreign matter remaining in the valve hole 21 is also removed by the drain, and the drain is replaced with the drain stored in the casing 1 and the temperature is high. The time it takes for the drain to flow into the casing 1 and the high-temperature drain to flow out from the valve hole 21 can be predicted to some extent. The second determination time is set at a time at which it is assumed that the hot drain will start to flow out from the valve hole 21 at the latest.

If the penetration time has not passed the second determination time, the determination unit 64 returns to step S6. That is, until the penetration time exceeds the second determination time, the determination unit 64 waits for the detection magnetic field H to become larger than the lower limit value H2, that is, the clogging of the valve hole 21 to be cleared.

On the other hand, if the penetration time exceeds the second determination time while waiting for the valve hole 21 to be cleared, the determination unit 64 gives a warning (step S8). That is, the fact that the clogging of the valve hole 21 is not cleared even after the second determination time has passed after the cleaning member 52 has penetrated the valve hole 21 may cause a problem such as damage to the first end portion 52a of the cleaning member 52. There is a possibility that the foreign matter cannot be properly removed by penetrating by the cleaning member 52 due to the nature and the high viscosity of the foreign matter. The determination unit 64 can notify the user of such a situation by a warning. The warning method is the same as in step S5.

After issuing the warning, the determination unit 64 ends the determination control.

In step S9, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the detection magnetic field H is larger than the predetermined upper limit value H1. As shown in FIG. 4, the upper limit value H1 is a value that can be determined that the cleaning member 52 is substantially located at the first position P1, and is, for example, from the detected magnetic field when the cleaning member 52 is located at the first position P1. Is also a little smaller. That is, when the detected magnetic field H is larger than the upper limit value H1, it means that the cleaning member 52 is substantially retracted to the first position P1. When the detected magnetic field H is larger than the upper limit value H1, the determination unit 64 determines that one cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 has been completed, and proceeds to step S12. That is, the determination unit 64 determines that the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed one cleaning operation when the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 and then retracts to the first position P1. On the other hand, when the detected magnetic field H is equal to or less than the upper limit value H1, the determination unit 64 proceeds to step S10.

In step S10, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not there is a timeout. In step S10, when the elapsed time since the detected magnetic field H becomes larger than the lower limit value H2 in step S6 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “backward time”) exceeds a predetermined third determination time, a timeout is determined. It is judged. The third determination time is the time or time during which the cleaning member 52 is expected to reach the first position P1 after it is determined that the clogging of the valve hole 21 is cleared by the detection magnetic field H becoming larger than the lower limit value H2. It is set to a time that allows for a margin. When the clogging of the valve hole 21 is cleared, high-temperature drain flows into the outflow passage 15 and the accommodation chamber 16, and the temperature of the drain around the cleaning member 52 rises. The temperature of the hot drain is largely determined by the steam system in which the drain trap 100 is incorporated. Therefore, it can be roughly predicted by when the deforming member 51 will be in the first state (that is, the state in which the cleaning member 52 is displaced to the first position P1) at the latest. If the retreat time has not passed the third determination time, the determination unit 64 returns to step S9. That is, until the retreat time exceeds the third determination time, the determination unit 64 waits for the detection magnetic field H to reach the upper limit value H1 or more, that is, for the cleaning member 52 to reach the first position P1.

It should be noted that determining the time-out in step S10 is substantially equivalent to determining the retreat speed of the cleaning member 52. Evaluating the time from when the detected magnetic field H becomes larger than the lower limit value H2 until the cleaning member 52 reaches the first position P1 is when the cleaning member 52 is displaced from the second position P2 to the first position P1. Is substantially equivalent to assessing the retreat rate of.

On the other hand, if the third determination time elapses while waiting for the cleaning member 52 to reach the first position P1, the determination unit 64 issues a warning (step S11). That is, the fact that the cleaning member 52 has not reached the first position P1 even after the third determination time has elapsed since the detection magnetic field H became larger than the lower limit value H2 means that the deformation member 51 has deteriorated and the cleaning member 52 has deteriorated. There is a possibility that there is a problem such as an increase in sliding resistance, or the cleaning member 52 is caught in the valve hole 21 and cannot be retracted. The determination unit 64 can notify the user of such a situation by a warning. The warning method is the same as in step S5.

After issuing the warning, the determination unit 64 ends the determination control.

In step S12, the determination unit 64 counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5. That is, the determination unit 64 increases the number of cleanings of the cleaning mechanism 5 by one. The determination unit 64 stores the number of times of cleaning of the cleaning mechanism 5 in the storage unit 65. The determination unit 64 causes the display unit 66 to display the number of times the cleaning mechanism 5 has been cleaned. Further, the determination unit 64 transmits the number of cleanings to the external device via the communication unit 67.

Subsequently, in step S13, the determination unit 64 determines whether or not the number of cleanings per unit time, that is, the cleaning frequency is greater than the predetermined number of determinations P. For example, the determination unit 64 determines whether the number of cleanings per week is greater than or equal to the determination number P. When the number of cleanings per unit time is large, the valve hole 21 is likely to be clogged. The cleaning member 52 has insufficient removal of foreign matter from the valve hole 21 due to damage to the first end 52a of the cleaning member 52 or an insufficient amount of the cleaning member 52 entering the valve hole 21. The valve hole 21 may be easily clogged.

When the number of cleanings per unit time is larger than the number of determinations P, the determination unit 64 issues a warning (step S14). The determination unit 64 can notify the user of the above-mentioned situation by a warning. The warning method is the same as in step S5.

On the other hand, when the number of cleanings per unit time is equal to or less than the number of determinations P, the determination unit 64 returns to step S1.

In this way, the determination unit 64 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 by repeating the process from step S1, counts the number of cleaning operations, and diagnoses the defect of the cleaning mechanism 5. Since the user can know the number of times the cleaning mechanism 5 has been cleaned by looking at the display unit 66, it is possible to determine whether or not the cleaning mechanism 5 is operating properly. Further, when the warning is displayed on the display unit 66, the user can know the defect of the cleaning mechanism 5 and can inspect the cleaning mechanism 5.

Since the cleaning device 4 has a magnet 61 that is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52 and a magnetic sensor 62 that detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61, the operating state of the cleaning mechanism 5 is based on the detected magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62. Can be easily grasped.

Further, by adopting the magnetic sensor 62, the displacement of the cleaning member 52 can be substantially detected by a sensor that is not in contact with the cleaning member 52. In a configuration in which the deforming member 51 is exposed to a fluid, the cleaning member 52 can also become hot when the fluid is relatively hot. Since the magnetic sensor 62 is not in contact with the cleaning member 52, the magnetic sensor 62 is prevented from becoming hot. That is, the operating status of the cleaning mechanism 5 can be easily grasped even in a high temperature environment.

Further, since the magnetic sensor 62 includes a Hall element, the change in the magnetic field due to the magnet 61 can be continuously detected, and thus the displacement of the cleaning member 52 can be continuously detected. That is, not only is the cleaning member 52 moved from a certain position (for example, the first position P1) or reached a certain position (for example, the second position P2), but also how far the cleaning member 52 is displaced. It is possible to detect whether the cleaning member 52 is located or where the cleaning member 52 is located. Furthermore, the displacement amount and speed of the cleaning member 52 can also be known.

Further, the magnetic sensor 62 is configured such that the cleaning member 52 detects the magnetic field of the magnet 61 in the entire section between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Therefore, it is possible to determine where the cleaning member 52 is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2 based on the detected magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62. Further, since it can be easily determined whether or not the cleaning member 52 has reached the first position P1 or the second position P2, it can be easily determined whether or not the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 is completely performed. can do.

Further, since the magnet 61 is arranged at the second end 52b, which is the end opposite to the first end 52a for removing foreign matter at the target portion of the cleaning member 52, the magnetic sensor 62 is defined as the target portion. It can be placed at a distant position, that is, at a position that does not affect the target location. That is, since the target location is located in the flow path, the magnetic sensor 62 can be arranged at a position that does not affect the flow of the fluid. In the case of the above configuration, the magnetic sensor 62 can be arranged outside the casing 1.

As described above, the cleaning device 4 includes a cleaning mechanism 5 for removing foreign matter at a target portion in the flow path and a determination device 6 for determining the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5, and the cleaning mechanism 5 flows through the flow path. It has a deforming member 51 that is arranged at a position exposed to the fluid to be exposed and deforms due to a temperature change, and a cleaning member 52 that advances and retracts from the target location due to the deformation of the deforming member 51 to remove foreign matter from the target location. Then, the determination device 6 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 based on the detection results of the magnet 61 that is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52, the magnetic sensor 62 that detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61, and the magnetic sensor 62. It has a part 64 and.

According to this configuration, in the cleaning mechanism 5, the deforming member 51 is deformed by the temperature change thereof. The cleaning member 52 is displaced by the deformation of the deforming member 51 to remove foreign matter at the target location. As described above, the cleaning mechanism 5 can remove the foreign matter in the target portion by using the temperature-dependent deformation of the deforming member 51 as a driving source without human operation or an electric signal from the outside.

At this time, the magnet 61 is also displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52. The magnetic sensor 62 detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61. Thereby, the displacement of the cleaning member 52 can be grasped based on the change of the magnetic field by the magnet 61. As a result, the cleaning device 4 can easily grasp the operating status of the cleaning mechanism 5.

Further, the cleaning member 52 enters the opening (for example, the valve hole 21) as a target portion by being displaced according to the deformation of the deforming member 51, and removes foreign matter in the opening.

According to this configuration, the cleaning target of the cleaning member 52 is an opening. The cleaning member 52 removes foreign matter from the opening by entering the opening. In this configuration, the cleaning member 52 cannot push away the foreign matter and cannot enter the opening, or even if the cleaning member 52 can partially push away the foreign matter, it is caught by the remaining foreign matter and cannot retreat from the opening. May occur. However, even in such a case, the movement of the cleaning operation 52 can be grasped by the magnetic sensor 62 detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61.

Further, the magnetic sensor 62 is a Hall element.

According to this configuration, the change in the magnetic field based on the displacement of the cleaning member 52 can be continuously detected. For example, as the magnetic sensor 62, a sensor including a reed switch can be adopted. However, such a sensor can only determine whether or not the magnet 61 is present at a position where the reed switch is turned ON / OFF. On the other hand, the Hall element can output the magnitude of the magnetic field linearly. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 62 including the Hall element can determine not only whether or not the cleaning member 52 exists at a certain position, but also the continuous displacement of the cleaning member 52. For example, it is possible to grasp a situation in which the cleaning member 52 is displaced toward the target location but returns to the original position without reaching the target location, or the cleaning member 52 does not return while advancing to the target location. it can. In this way, the operation of the cleaning member 52 can be known in more detail.

Further, the cleaning member 52 is displaced between the first position P1 retracted from the target location and the second position P2 advanced to the target location, and the determination unit 64 determines after the cleaning member 52 has advanced to the second position P2. When retreating to the first position P1, it is determined that the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed one cleaning operation.

According to this configuration, the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 to remove foreign matter at the target location. However, the foreign matter in the target portion is not always removed as soon as the cleaning member 52 advances to the target portion, and the fluid flows through the gap formed by partially removing the foreign matter to wash away the foreign matter. Foreign matter may be removed. It may be difficult to determine whether or not the cleaning has been properly completed only by the fact that the cleaning member 52 has advanced to the target location. Therefore, the determination unit 64 then determines the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 once by retracting the cleaning member 52 to the first position P1. When the foreign matter in the target area is removed, the flow of the fluid is restarted and the temperature of the fluid rises. When the temperature of the fluid reaches an appropriate temperature, the deforming member 51 is deformed to the first state, and the cleaning member 52 also retracts to the first position P1. As a result, the determination unit 64 can accurately determine the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5.

Further, the determination unit 64 counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5.

According to this configuration, since the determination unit 64 counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5, the user can determine whether or not the cleaning mechanism 5 is operating appropriately based on the counting result.

In addition, the determination unit 64 warns when the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5 per predetermined unit time (for example, the latest week) is out of the predetermined range.

According to this configuration, the determination unit 64 monitors the frequency of the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 and warns when the frequency is not appropriate. For example, if the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 is performed too frequently, the determination unit 64 warns. As a result, the user can inspect the cleaning mechanism 5 and the cleaning device 4 at an appropriate time.

Further, the determination unit 64 gives a warning when the cleaning member 52 has advanced to the second position P2 for a predetermined determination time or longer.

According to this configuration, the determination unit 64 monitors the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 and gives a warning when the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 but does not retreat from there. The fact that the cleaning member 52 has advanced to the second position P2, that is, the target location, means that the cleaning portion of the target location needs to be cleaned, and the cleaning member 52 attempts to remove the foreign matter accordingly. To do. Nevertheless, the fact that the cleaning member 52 stays at the second position P2 means that the cleaning is not properly performed. Therefore, the determination unit 64 warns when the cleaning member 52 does not retreat from the second position P2 even though it has advanced to the second position P2. As a result, the user can inspect the cleaning mechanism 5 and the cleaning device 4 at an appropriate time.

Further, the cleaning member 52 is formed in a rod shape, and the first end portion 52a (one end portion) of the cleaning member 52 removes foreign matter from the target portion and becomes the second end portion 52b (the other end portion) of the cleaning member. A magnet 61 is provided.

According to this configuration, the second end 52b of the cleaning member 52 provided with the magnet 61 is an end opposite to the first end 52a for removing foreign matter at the target location. Therefore, the magnetic sensor 62 can be arranged at a position away from the target location, that is, at a position that does not affect the target location.

Further, the drain trap 100 (valve device) has a casing 1 in which an inflow passage 13, a valve chamber 14, and an outflow passage 15 (flow path) through which a fluid flows flows, and a valve hole 21 provided in the flow path. A valve seat 2, a valve body 3 provided in the casing 1 for opening and closing the valve hole 21, and a cleaning device 4 are provided, and the cleaning mechanism 5 removes foreign matter from the valve hole 21 as a target portion.

According to this configuration, the temperature of the deforming member 51 changes depending on the temperature of the fluid flowing through the flow path. For example, if the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter, the flow of fluid in the flow path is stopped. The temperature of the fluid around the deforming member 51 changes depending on whether the fluid is flowing through the flow path or when the flow of the fluid is stopped. The deforming member 51 displaces the cleaning member 52 by utilizing the temperature change thereof. The cleaning member 52 is displaced by the deformation of the deforming member 51 to remove foreign matter from the valve hole 21. That is, the cleaning member 52 is displaced toward the valve hole 21 to remove the foreign substance due to the deformation of the deformed member 51 due to the temperature change when the valve hole 21 is clogged with the foreign substance. As described above, the cleaning mechanism 5 uses the temperature-dependent deformation of the deforming member 51 as a driving source. Then, the cleaning mechanism 5 operates the cleaning member 52 depending on whether or not the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter, and causes the cleaning member 52 to remove the foreign matter in the valve hole 21.

At this time, the magnet 61 is also displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52. The magnetic sensor 62 detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61. Thereby, the displacement of the cleaning member 52 can be grasped based on the change of the magnetic field by the magnet 61. As a result, the operating status of the cleaning mechanism 5 can be easily grasped.

Further, the valve body 3 is configured to open the valve hole 21 when the drain flows into the casing 1, while closing the valve hole 21 when the steam flows into the casing 1. , It is arranged at a position where it is exposed to the fluid that has passed through the valve hole 21, and the lower the temperature, the more the cleaning member 52 is deformed so as to advance into the valve hole 21.

According to this configuration, the drain trap 100 allows the flow of drain while blocking the flow of steam. The deforming member 51 is exposed to a fluid that passes through the valve hole 21, that is, a drain. Since the steam and drain flowing into the drain trap 100 are relatively hot, the deforming member 51 is maintained at a relatively high temperature while the drain passes through the valve hole 21.

On the other hand, when the valve hole 21 is clogged with foreign matter and the flow of the drain is stopped, the ambient temperature of the deforming member 51 may be lower than that in the case where the drain is flowing. As a result, the temperature of the deforming member 51 becomes lower than when the drain was in circulation. The deforming member 51 advances the cleaning member 52 into the valve hole 21 as the temperature becomes lower. As a result, the cleaning member 52 eventually enters the valve hole 21 and removes foreign matter from the valve hole 21. When the foreign matter in the valve hole 21 is removed, the passage of the drain through the valve hole 21 is resumed, the deformed member 51 becomes relatively hot, and the cleaning member 52 is retracted.

<< Other Embodiments >>
As described above, the above-described embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technique in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiment to form a new embodiment. In addition, among the components described in the attached drawings and the detailed description, not only the components essential for solving the problem, but also the components not essential for solving the problem in order to exemplify the above-mentioned technology. Can also be included. Therefore, the fact that those non-essential components are described in the accompanying drawings and detailed description should not immediately determine that those non-essential components are essential.

For example, the valve device to which the cleaning device 4 is applied is not limited to the drain trap 100. For example, the cleaning device 4 may be applied to a drain trap that is not a float type. Alternatively, the cleaning device 4 can be applied to any valve device as long as it is not a valve device that allows the passage of drain but blocks the passage of steam, but a valve device that controls the flow of fluid. In a valve device in which the flow of fluid is stopped due to the accumulation of foreign matter such as scale on the valve device, the temperature of the deforming member 51 can be changed according to the presence or absence of foreign matter, and thus can be deformed. The cleaning device 4 can be adopted.

Further, the cleaning mechanism 5 is not limited to the one that cleans the valve hole 21 so that the cleaning member 52 penetrates the valve hole 21. For example, even if the cleaning member 52 is arranged so as to enter and retreat between the seal surface of the valve body and the seal surface of the valve seat, and the cleaning member 52 cleans the foreign matter adhering to the seal surface. Good. That is, the cleaning target portion is not limited to the opening such as the valve hole 21. A cleaning device that substantially detects the displacement of the cleaning member by a magnetic sensor as long as the cleaning member 52 is displaced by the deformation caused by the temperature change of the deforming member 51 regardless of the target location. Can be adopted.

Further, the deforming member 51 is not limited to the bimetal. For example, the deformable member may be formed by a heat-responsive element containing a temperature-sensitive liquid or wax that expands and contracts depending on the temperature.

Further, even if the deformable member 51 is made of bimetal, its shape is not limited to the coil shape as described above. The bimetal can be formed arbitrarily as long as the cleaning member 52 can be displaced by the deformation of the bimetal.

Further, the deforming member 51 and the cleaning member 52 are arranged on the downstream side of the valve hole 21, but are not limited thereto. As long as the deforming member 51 is exposed to the fluid flowing through the flow path, the deforming member 51 and the cleaning member 52 can be arranged at any place. The deforming member 51 and the cleaning member 52 may be arranged on the upstream side of the valve hole 21. For example, in a valve device in which the valve body does not exist on the upstream side of the valve hole 21, such a configuration can be adopted.

The position of the magnet 61 is not limited to the second end 52b of the cleaning member 52. As long as the magnetic sensor 62 can detect the magnetic field of the magnet 61, the magnet 61 can be arranged at an arbitrary position (for example, the intermediate portion 52c) of the cleaning member 52. Further, the magnet 61 may not be directly arranged on the cleaning member 52 as long as it is displaced in conjunction with the cleaning member 52. When another member interlocking with the cleaning member 52 is provided, the magnet 61 may be provided in the other member.

The magnetic sensor 62 may also be arranged in a place other than the casing 68 of the determination device 6 (for example, the casing 1 of the drain trap 100). That is, as long as the magnetic field of the magnet 61 can be detected, it can be arranged at any place.

The magnetic sensor 62 is not limited to the Hall element. For example, the magnetic sensor 62 may be a sensor in which the reed switch is switched ON and OFF by the magnet 61. However, as described above, the magnetic sensor 62 including the Hall element is preferable in that it can detect continuous changes in the magnetic field.

The determination control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is only an example, and the control of the determination unit 64 is not limited to this. As long as the determination unit 64 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62, any step in the flowchart may be omitted, the order of the steps may be changed, or a plurality of steps may be processed in parallel. You may. Further, counting the number of cleanings of the cleaning mechanism 5 is not essential for the control of the determination unit 64. For example, when the determination unit 64 determines that the cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 has been performed, the determination unit 64 simply stores the fact in the storage unit 65, displays it on the display unit 66, or displays it on the external device via the communication unit 67. You may just send it. Diagnosis of a defect in the cleaning mechanism 5 is not essential for the control of the determination unit 64. Further, when diagnosing a defect of the cleaning mechanism 5, the determination unit 64 does not necessarily have to give a warning even if it determines that there is a defect, and saves the determination result in the storage unit 65 or via the communication unit 67. It may be transmitted to an external device.

The operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 determined by the cleaning device 4 is not limited to the cleaning operation. The cleaning device 4 may determine whether or not the cleaning mechanism 5 is simply operating. For example, the determination unit 64 may determine whether or not the cleaning member 52 is displaced within a predetermined period. For example, the determination unit 64 may determine whether or not the cleaning member 52 is displaced during one week.

Further, in the above-mentioned example, the determination unit 64 determines that the cleaning mechanism 5 has performed one cleaning operation when the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 and then retracts to the first position P1. .. However, the determination of one cleaning operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 is not limited to this. For example, in the determination unit 64, when the cleaning member 52 advances to the second position P2 and then retracts to a predetermined position between the first position P1 and the second position P2, the cleaning mechanism 5 performs one cleaning operation. May be determined to have been performed.

In step S4 described above, the suitability of the advance speed of the cleaning member 52 is substantially determined by the time from when the detection magnetic field H falls below the determination magnetic field Hr until the cleaning member 52 reaches the second position P2. However, the determination of the advance speed of the cleaning member 52 is not limited to this. For example, the advancing speed of the cleaning member 52 may be obtained from the time change of the position of the cleaning member 52 detected based on the detection magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62. The same applies to the retreat speed of the cleaning member 52 in step S10. Further, the speed of the cleaning member 52 or the time required for cleaning does not have to be evaluated separately for the advancement and exit of the cleaning member 52. That is, the determination unit 64 may evaluate the average speed from the start of the cleaning operation by the cleaning member 52 to the completion of the cleaning operation, or the total time required for the average speed.

In steps S1, S3, and S9, the determination unit 64 may make a determination based on the position of the cleaning member 52 instead of the detection magnetic field H. That is, after the determination unit 64 converts the detection magnetic field H to the position of the cleaning member 52 based on the relationship between the position of the cleaning member 52 and the detection magnetic field H shown in FIG. 4, the position of the cleaning member 52 is a predetermined position. May be determined whether or not has been reached. In this case, an equation or the like indicating the relationship between the position of the cleaning member 52 and the detected magnetic field of the magnetic sensor 62 may be stored in the storage unit 65 in advance.

Further, in steps S13 and 14, a warning is given when the cleaning frequency is higher than the determination number P, but the condition for giving the warning is not limited to this. The determination unit 64 may not only give a warning when the cleaning frequency is too high, but also give a warning when the cleaning frequency is too low. For example, the determination unit 64 may issue a warning when the number of cleanings per month is less than the predetermined number of determinations. In this case, the number of determinations can be determined according to the quality of the fluid (steam) (copper precipitation amount, type of boiler compound, etc.).

The determination device 6 is not limited to the above-described configuration. For example, the determination device 6 may not have the display unit 66 and / or the communication unit 67. For example, when the determination device 6 does not have the display unit 66, the determination unit 64 may transmit the determination result of the operating status of the cleaning mechanism 5 to the external device via the communication unit 67. When the determination device 6 does not have the communication unit 67, the determination unit 64 may display the determination result of the operation status of the cleaning mechanism 5 on the display unit 66. When the determination device 6 does not have the display unit 66 and the communication unit 67, the determination unit 64 may only store the determination result of the operation status of the cleaning mechanism 5 in the storage unit 65. In that case, the user accesses the storage unit 65 of the determination device 6 and acquires the determination result.

In the cleaning device 4, the cleaning mechanism 5 and the determination device 6 do not have to be integrally formed. For example, a part of the determination device 6 may be separated from the other part of the determination device 6. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the determination device 206 according to the modified example. The determination device 206 has an acquisition device 207 and an external device 208. The acquisition device 207 is attached to the drain trap 100. The acquisition device 207 and the external device 208 perform wireless communication.

The acquisition device 207 has a magnet 61 and a magnetic sensor 62. The acquisition device 207 further includes a processing unit 271 that processes the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62, a storage unit 272, and a communication unit 273 that communicates with the external device 208. The external device 208 includes a communication unit 281 that communicates with the acquisition device 207, a storage unit 282, a display unit 283, and a determination unit 284.

The processing unit 271 performs processing such as A / D conversion on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62. The processing unit 271 stores the detection result (after A / D conversion) of the magnetic sensor 62 in the storage unit 272, or transmits the detection result stored in the storage unit 272 to the external device 208 via the communication unit 272. To do.

The determination unit 284 functions in the same manner as the determination unit 64. That is, the determination unit 284 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62 received from the acquisition device 207 via the communication unit 281. The content of determination of the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 of the determination unit 284 is the same as that of the determination unit 64. When it is necessary to display the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism 5 or a warning or the like, the determination unit 284 displays it on the display unit 283 instead of the display unit 66 described above. The determination unit 284 stores the detection result of the magnetic sensor 62, the determination result of the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5, and the like received from the acquisition device 207 in the storage unit 282.

As described above, the acquisition device 207 of the determination device 206 only detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet 61 and saves the detection result, and does not have to determine the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5 based on the detection result. The external device 208 determines the operation of the cleaning mechanism 5. The communication between the acquisition device 207 and the external device 208 may be wireless or wired.

As described above, the techniques disclosed herein are useful for cleaning devices and valve devices equipped with them.

100 drain trap (valve gear)
1 Casing 2 Valve seat 21 Valve hole (target location, opening)
3 Valve body 4 Cleaning device 5 Cleaning mechanism 51 Deformation member 52 Cleaning member 52a First end (one end)
52b 2nd end (other end)
6,206 Judgment device 61 Magnet 62 Magnetic sensor 64,284 Judgment unit

Claims (11)

A cleaning mechanism that removes foreign matter from the target area in the flow path,
A determination device for determining the operation of the cleaning mechanism is provided.
The cleaning mechanism
A deforming member that is placed at a position exposed to the fluid flowing through the flow path and deforms due to temperature changes,
It has a cleaning member that advances and retracts with respect to the target location due to deformation of the deforming member to remove foreign matter from the target location.
The determination device is
A magnet that displaces in conjunction with the cleaning member,
A magnetic sensor that detects the magnetic field generated by the magnet and
Wherein possess a determination unit for determining operation of the cleaning mechanism based on a detection result of the magnetic sensor,
The cleaning member is displaced between a first position retracted from the target location and a second position advanced to the target location.
The magnetic sensor is a cleaning device configured to detect a magnetic field generated by the magnet in the entire section between the first position and the second position of the cleaning member. In the cleaning device according to claim 1,
A cleaning device in which the cleaning member is displaced according to the deformation of the deformed member to enter the opening as the target portion and remove foreign matter from the opening. In the cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2.
The magnetic sensor is a cleaning device that is a Hall element. Te cleaning apparatus odor according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Before SL determination unit, when the cleaning member is retracted to the first position after the advanced to the second position, determines the cleaning device and the cleaning mechanism has performed the cleaning operation once. In the cleaning device according to claim 4,
The determination unit is a cleaning device that counts the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism. In the cleaning device according to claim 5.
The determination unit is a cleaning device that gives a warning when the number of cleaning operations of the cleaning mechanism per predetermined unit time is out of the predetermined range. In the cleaning device according to claim 1,
The determination unit is a cleaning device that determines whether or not the advance speed when the cleaning member advances to the second position is smaller than a predetermined first threshold value based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. In the cleaning device according to claim 1,
The determination unit is a cleaning device that determines whether or not the state in which the cleaning member has advanced to the second position exceeds a predetermined determination time based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. In the cleaning device according to claim 1,
The determination unit is a cleaning device that determines whether or not the retreat speed when the cleaning member retracts to the first position is smaller than a predetermined second threshold value based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor. A casing with a flow path through which fluid flows,
A valve seat having a valve hole provided in the flow path and
A valve body provided in the casing and opening and closing the valve hole,
The cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 is provided.
The cleaning mechanism is a valve device that removes foreign matter from the valve hole as a target location. In the valve device according to claim 10,
The valve body is configured to open the valve hole when drain flows into the casing, and close the valve hole when steam flows into the casing.
A valve device in which the deforming member is arranged at a position where it is exposed to a fluid that has passed through the valve hole, and the cleaning member is deformed so as to advance into the valve hole as the temperature decreases.

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