JP7358945B2 - High pressure gas containers, control systems and control equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a high pressure gas container, a control system , and a control device .

Conventionally, techniques for managing high-pressure gas containers have been developed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a system that measures information attached to a gas container, such as location information, using various sensors, communicates the measurement results, and centrally manages the information.

Patent No. 6356472

Some of the high-pressure gases filled in high-pressure gas containers are subject to legal regulations, so their use in places other than the intended locations may be restricted. However, even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is applied, the valve of the conventional high-pressure gas container can be opened and closed regardless of the location, and the location of use cannot be restricted.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances and aims to limit the locations where high-pressure gas is used.

The present invention includes the configuration shown below.
[1] A position sensor that measures the position of the high-pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a controller that controls the valve to be openable by manual operation when the measured position is within a reference range set as a gas usable range;
High pressure gas container.
[2] The valve includes a first valve and a second valve connected in series,
The first valve is opened and closed under control by the controller,
The second valve is opened and closed by manual operation,
the controller opens the first valve when the measured position is within the reference range;
The high pressure gas container according to [1].
[3] Further comprising an opening/closing sensor that measures the opening/closing state of the second valve,
The controller opens the first valve when the measured position is within the reference range and the second valve is in a closed state.
The high pressure gas container according to [2].
[4] A battery that supplies power to the position sensor;
further comprising a battery remaining amount sensor that measures the remaining amount of the battery,
The controller controls the valve so that it can be opened by manual operation only when the measured remaining amount of the battery is equal to or higher than a set threshold.
The high-pressure gas container according to any one of [1] to [3].
[5] Further comprising a power receiving terminal that receives power to be supplied to the position sensor from the outside.
The high-pressure gas container according to any one of [1] to [3].
[6] Further comprising a gas remaining amount sensor that measures the remaining amount of the gas,
The controller controls the valve so that it can be opened by manual operation only when the measured change in the remaining amount of the gas satisfies a set condition.
The high-pressure gas container according to any one of [1] to [5].
[7]
Further comprising a speed sensor that measures the speed of the high-pressure gas container or an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration,
The controller controls the valve so that it can be opened by manual operation only when the measured velocity or the acceleration of the high-pressure gas container satisfies a set condition.
The high-pressure gas container according to any one of [1] to [6].
[8] A control system comprising a high-pressure gas container and a control device,
The high pressure gas container is
a position sensor that measures the position of the high pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a communication device that transmits data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container measured by the position sensor and receives data indicating control details of the valve,
The control device includes:
a position data acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container;
Valve control data transmission that transmits data indicating control details to enable the valve to be opened by manual operation when the position indicated by the acquired data is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used. comprising a section and a
control system.
[9] A position data acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container;
When the position indicated by the acquired data is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used, data is transmitted that indicates control details to enable the valve of the high-pressure gas container to be opened by manual operation. A valve control data transmitter,
Control device.
[10] Measure the position of the high pressure gas container,
When the measured position of the high-pressure gas container is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used, the valve of the high-pressure gas container can be opened by manual operation.
Control method.
[11] To the computer,
obtaining data indicative of the location of the high pressure gas container;
When the position indicated by the acquired data is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used, data is transmitted that indicates control details to enable the valve of the high-pressure gas container to be opened by manual operation. step and
A program to run.

The locations where high pressure gas is used can be restricted.

It is a figure showing an example of the external appearance side of the high pressure gas container concerning a first embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the electromagnetic valve and the manual valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of opening/closing control of a solenoid valve according to the first embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system according to the first embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller according to the first embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the function of the controller concerning a first embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control processing of a solenoid valve concerning a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an electrical system according to a second embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control processing of a solenoid valve concerning a second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a manually operated solenoid valve according to a third embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the hardware constitutions of the electric system concerning a third embodiment. It is a flow chart which shows an example of control processing of a manually operated electromagnetic valve concerning a third embodiment. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a control system for a high-pressure gas container according to a fourth embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control device concerning a fourth embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a function of a control device concerning a fourth embodiment.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Below, embodiments of a high-pressure gas container according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the external appearance of a high-pressure gas container according to the first embodiment.

The high pressure gas container 1 is a container for filling the inside with high pressure gas. The container may be a seamless container, a welded container, a brazed container, a fiber reinforced plastics composite container (FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastics) container), or the like. Further, the shape of the container may be any one of a cylinder, a cardle, a tank container, and the like. In addition, various high-pressure gas containers can be selected depending on the type of gas, such as a high-purity semiconductor manufacturing gas or a highly reactive gas.

Specifically, the high pressure gas container 1 includes a solenoid valve 10, a manual valve 20, a battery 30, a position sensor 40, a controller 50, a protector 60, and a skirt 70.

The electromagnetic valve 10 is a valve (first valve) that electrically controls the opening and closing of the high-pressure gas filled inside. The opening and closing of the solenoid valve 10 is controlled by a controller 50.

The manual valve 20 is a valve (second valve) that manually controls the opening and closing of the high-pressure gas filled inside.

The electromagnetic valve 10 and the manual valve 20 are connected in series, and when both are opened, the gas inside the high-pressure gas container 1 flows out.

The battery 30 is a battery for supplying power to the position sensor 40, the controller 50, and the like.

The position sensor 40 is a sensor that measures the position of the high pressure gas container 1. Specifically, the position sensor 40 receives wireless communication transmitted from a GPS (Global Positioning System) satellite and acquires its own position data. Since the position sensor 40 is attached to the protector 60 or the like of the high pressure gas container 1, the position sensor 40 and the high pressure gas container 1 are substantially at almost the same position. Therefore, the position data acquired by the position sensor 40 is treated as position data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container 1.

Note that the position sensor 40 may acquire position data of the high-pressure gas container 1 by a method other than GPS. For example, the position sensor 40 may estimate its own position from the base station's position data by wirelessly communicating with the base station. Further, the position sensor 40 may estimate its own position by appropriately combining position data acquired from a GPS satellite and position data acquired from a base station.

The controller 50 is a device that controls opening and closing of the solenoid valve 10. Details regarding the controller 50 will be described later.

The protector 60 is a protective material that protects the injection points of the high-pressure gas container, such as the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 20. A battery 30, a position sensor 40, and a controller 50 are attached to the inner surface of the protector 60.

The skirt 70 is a protective component for preventing corrosion of the portion that contacts the ground when the high-pressure gas container 1 is installed. Note that when the gas injection location is on the lower side in the installed state, the battery 30, the position sensor 40, and the controller 50 may be attached to the inner surface of the skirt 70.

Further, the battery 30, the position sensor 40, the controller 50, the solenoid valve 10, the electric wires connecting them, etc. may be buried inward from the outer wall surface of the high-pressure gas container 1 to prevent them from being modified. .

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the electromagnetic valve and the manual valve according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of opening/closing control of the electromagnetic valve according to the first embodiment.

The electromagnetic valve 10 includes an actuator 11, a diaphragm 12, and a body 13.

The actuator 11 is a solenoid actuator or the like, and has a movable iron core installed in the solenoid, and controls the pressing and releasing of the diaphragm 12 by moving the movable iron core up and down by electromagnetic force generated by flowing current.

The diaphragm 12 is a film made of metal or resin such as Ni--Co alloy or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The diaphragm 12 is pressed and released by the actuator 11 and controls the outflow of gas flowing into the body 13 .

When gas flows inside the body 13 and the solenoid valve 10 is opened, the gas filled in the high-pressure gas container 1 passes through the inside of the body 13 and flows out to the manual valve 20.

The manual valve 20 includes a handle 21, a diaphragm 22, and a body 23.

The handle 21 controls the pressing and releasing of the diaphragm 22 in response to a user's operation.

The diaphragm 22 is a film made of metal or resin such as Ni--Co alloy or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The diaphragm 22 is pressed and released by the handle 21 and controls the outflow of gas flowing into the body 23 .

Gas flows inside the body 23, the electromagnetic valve 10 is opened, and the gas that has passed through the body 13 flows out to the outside of the high-pressure gas container 1 when the manual valve 20 is opened. .

As shown in FIG. 3, when the solenoid valve 10 is in the (a) closed state under the control of the controller 50, the movable iron core of the actuator 11 moves the diaphragm 12 to the polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyimide, etc. It is pressed against a resin sheet 14. This suppresses outflow of gas.

Further, when the solenoid valve 10 is brought into the open state (b) under the control of the controller 50, the pressure on the seat 14 is released and the vicinity of the center of the diaphragm 12 is lifted. As a result, the gas filled in the high-pressure gas container 1 flows out via the manual valve 20.

Regarding the manual valve 20, the diaphragm 22 is controlled in a similar manner by operating the handle 21.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system according to the first embodiment.

The battery 30 is connected to a position sensor 40 and the like through electric wires. The battery 30 supplies power to the position sensor 40 and the like.

The position sensor 40 is communicatively connected to the controller 50. The position sensor 40 transmits the measured and acquired position data of the high pressure gas container 1 to the controller 50.

The controller 50 is communicatively connected to the position sensor 40 and the solenoid valve 10. The controller 50 controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 10 based on position data acquired from the position sensor 40.

The solenoid valve 10 is communicably connected to a controller 50. The solenoid valve 10 is opened and closed under the control of a controller 50.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the controller according to the first embodiment.

The controller 50 includes a processor 501, a memory 502, and an interface 503.

Processor 501 is a calculation device. The processor 501 reads a program stored in the memory 502 and executes processing specified in the read program, thereby realizing various functions described below.

Memory 502 is a storage device. Memory 502 stores data necessary for processing executed by processor 501.

Interface 503 is a communicator for communicating between solenoid valve 10 and position sensor 40.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the controller according to the first embodiment.

The controller 50 includes a storage section 51, a position data acquisition section 52, a determination section 53, and a valve control section 54.

The storage unit 51 stores various data necessary for controlling the controller 50. Specifically, the storage unit 51 stores usable range data 55.

Usable range data 55 is data indicating a reference range set as a usable range of gas. Specifically, usable range data 55 is data indicating a range of positions where high pressure gas can be used. For example, the usable range data 55 may be data indicating usable positions by latitude and longitude ranges.

The position data acquisition unit 52 acquires position data from the position sensor 40.

The determination unit 53 determines the open/closed state of the solenoid valve 10 based on the position data acquired by the position data acquisition unit 52 and the usable range data 55.

The valve control unit 54 controls opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 10 according to the determination result of the determination unit 53.

Next, the operation of the high pressure gas container 1 will be explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for a solenoid valve according to the first embodiment.

The controller 50 of the high-pressure gas container 1 periodically executes a control process for the electromagnetic valve, for example, every minute.

The position data acquisition unit 52 of the controller 50 acquires position data indicating the position of the high pressure gas container 1 (step S11). Specifically, the position data acquisition unit 52 receives position data from the position sensor 40.

Here, the position sensor 40 may periodically transmit position data to the controller 50, for example every 10 seconds, or the position data acquisition unit 52 may send a signal requesting the position sensor 40 to transmit position data. In response, the position sensor 40 may transmit position data to the controller 50.

In addition, when acquiring position data every 10 seconds, for example, the position data acquisition unit 52 takes the average value of the longitude, latitude, etc. included in the plurality of acquired position data as the position of the high pressure gas container 1. Also good.

Next, the determination unit 53 determines whether or not position data has been acquired (step S12). If the determining unit 53 determines that the position data could not be acquired (step S12: No), the process ends.

Further, when determining that the position data has been acquired (step S12: Yes), the determining unit 53 further determines whether the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range (step S13).

Specifically, the determination unit 53 acquires the usable range data 55 stored in the storage unit 51 and determines whether the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 exists within the range specified in the usable range data 55. Determine whether or not.

For example, if the range specified in the usable range data 55 is between 122 degrees and 154 degrees east longitude and between 20 degrees and 46 degrees north latitude, and when the high pressure gas container 1 is located at 134 degrees east longitude and 40 degrees north latitude In this case, the determining unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range.

Further, when the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is 114 degrees east longitude and 50 degrees north latitude, the determining unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is not within the usable range.

Here, the available range data 55 may be, for example, a combination of a plurality of ranges, or may include a designation to exclude a specific range from the available range.

If the determining unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is not within the usable range (step S13: No), the process ends.

Further, when the determination unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range (step S13: Yes), the valve control unit 54 opens the solenoid valve 10 (step S14).

Specifically, the valve control unit 54 transmits an open signal to the electromagnetic valve 10 to cause the actuator 11 to generate an electromagnetic force and cause the diaphragm 12 to release the pressure on the seat 14. As a result, the gas inside the high-pressure gas container 1 passes through the body 13 and reaches the manual valve 20.

Thereafter, when the manual valve 20 is opened by the user's operation, the gas that has reached the manual valve 20 flows out from the injection port.

According to the high-pressure gas container 1 according to the present embodiment, gas flows out by operating the manual valve 20 within the usable range, whereas gas flows out by operating the manual valve 20 outside the usable range. Gas does not flow out because it is in a closed state. Therefore, the locations where high pressure gas is used can be limited within the usable range.

The high-pressure gas container 1 according to this embodiment may include a plurality of combinations of solenoid valves 10 and manual valves 20. In that case, when opening the solenoid valves 10 in step S14 of the solenoid valve control process described above, the valve control unit 54 controls so that all the solenoid valves 10 are opened. As a result, even if one of the plurality of solenoid valves 10 fails to open due to a malfunction, another solenoid valve 10 can be used instead.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the solenoid valve 10 is controlled not to open when the manual valve 20 is in the open state. In the explanation of the second embodiment below, differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and those having the same functional configuration as the first embodiment will be described as follows. The same reference numerals as the reference numerals will be given, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The high-pressure gas container 1 according to this embodiment further includes an opening/closing sensor 80. The opening/closing sensor 80 is a device that measures the opening/closing state of the manual valve 20.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the electrical system according to the second embodiment.

The opening/closing sensor 80 is connected to the battery 30 by an electric wire. Further, the opening/closing sensor 80 is communicably connected to the controller 50.

The opening/closing sensor 80 receives power from the battery 30 and measures the opening/closing state of the manual valve 20 . The opening/closing sensor 80 then transmits the measurement results to the controller 50. Specifically, the opening/closing sensor 80 periodically transmits opening/closing data indicating the opening/closing state of the manual valve to the controller 50, for example, every 10 seconds.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for a solenoid valve according to the second embodiment.

Steps S21 to S23 of the control process for the solenoid valve 10 according to the present embodiment are the same as steps S11 to S13 of the control process for the solenoid valve 10 according to the first embodiment.

If the determining unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range (Step S23: Yes), it acquires opening/closing data indicating the open/closed state of the manual valve 20 (Step 24). Specifically, if the opening/closing data is transmitted every 10 seconds, for example, the determination unit 53 acquires the latest opening/closing data.

Next, the determination unit 53 determines whether the manual valve 20 is in the closed state (step S25). When determining that the manual valve 20 is not in the closed state (step S25: No), the determination unit 53 ends the process.

Further, when the determination unit 53 determines that the manual valve 20 is in the closed state (step S25: Yes), the valve control unit 54 opens the solenoid valve 10 (step S26).

According to the high pressure gas container 1 according to the present embodiment, when the manual valve 20 is in the open state, the solenoid valve 10 does not open even within the usable range. This makes it possible to avoid a situation where gas flows out at a timing unexpected by the user due to the electromagnetic valve 10 accidentally opening when the manual valve 20 is opened.

Furthermore, when the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range and the manual valve 20 is changed from the open state to the closed state by the user's operation, the solenoid valve 10 opens. Thereby, even if the manual valve 20 is accidentally opened within the usable range, the user can use the gas by closing the manual valve 20 and then opening it again.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a manually operated solenoid valve is provided instead of the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 20. In the explanation of the third embodiment below, differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and those having the same functional configuration as the first embodiment will be explained using the same functions as those used in the explanation of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as the reference numerals will be given, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

The high pressure gas container 1 according to this embodiment includes a manually operated solenoid valve 90 instead of the solenoid valve 10 and the manual valve 20.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a manually operated solenoid valve according to the third embodiment.

The manually operated solenoid valve 90 is a solenoid valve that can be manually operated. Specifically, the manually operated solenoid valve 90 includes a handle 91, an actuator 92, a diaphragm 93, and a body 94.

The handle 91 controls pressing and releasing of the diaphragm 93 in response to a user's operation.

The actuator 92 is a solenoid actuator or the like, and has a movable iron core installed in the solenoid, and controls the pressing and releasing of the diaphragm 93 by moving the movable iron core up and down by electromagnetic force generated by flowing current.

The diaphragm 93 is a film made of metal or resin such as Ni--Co alloy or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). The diaphragm 93 is pressed and released under control by the handle 91 and the actuator 92, and controls the outflow of gas flowing into the body 94.

More specifically, the diaphragm 93 is under pressure from both the handle 91 and the actuator 92. Therefore, while either the handle 91 or the actuator 92 is pressed, the diaphragm 93 will not be released and no gas will flow out.

When both handle 91 and actuator 92 are released, diaphragm 93 is released and gas flows out.

Therefore, after the manually operated solenoid valve 90 is enabled to be opened by the controller 50, the user operates the handle 91 to open the manually operated solenoid valve 90.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of an electrical system according to the third embodiment.

Manually operated solenoid valve 90 is communicatively connected to controller 50 . Under the control of the controller 50, the manually operated solenoid valve 90 changes from an unopenable state to a manually openable state.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for a manually operated solenoid valve according to the third embodiment.

Steps S31 to S33 of the control process for the manually operated solenoid valve 90 according to the present embodiment are the same as steps S11 to S13 of the control process for the solenoid valve 10 according to the first embodiment.

When the determination unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is within the usable range (Step S33: Yes), the valve control unit 54 enables the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to be opened (Step S34).

According to the high-pressure gas container 1 according to the present embodiment, gas flows out by operating the manually operated solenoid valve 90 within the usable range, whereas gas flows out by operating the manually operated solenoid valve 90 outside the usable range. No gas leaks out. Therefore, the locations where high pressure gas is used can be limited within the usable range.

Further, the manually operated solenoid valve 90 is not opened unless manually operated. Therefore, gas will not flow out between the plurality of valves, for example, when passing through the usable range.

The manually operated solenoid valve 90 is shown as an example in which it cannot be opened even by manual operation unless the controller 50 makes it possible to open it. Furthermore, unless the controller 50 enables operation, manual operation may be disabled, that is, the handle 91 may be prevented from rotating. In this way, the pressure on the diaphragm 93 by the handle 91 will not be released by mistake outside the usable range.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the solenoid valve 10 is controlled from the outside. In the explanation of the fourth embodiment below, differences from the first embodiment will be explained, and those having the same functional configuration as the first embodiment will be explained using the same functions as those used in the explanation of the first embodiment. The same reference numerals as the reference numerals will be given, and the explanation thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a high-pressure gas container control system according to the fourth embodiment.

The control system 5 includes a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point 2, a control device 3, and a network 4.

The high-pressure gas container 1 according to this embodiment further includes a radio 100. The radio device 100 is a communication device that performs wireless communication with the wireless LAN access point 2. Furthermore, the wireless LAN access point 2 is communicably connected to the control device 3 via the network 4 .

The wireless LAN access point 2 is a communication relay device that sets up a wireless LAN and mediates communication between devices connected to the network 4 and the wireless device 100.

The control device 3 determines the control content of the electromagnetic valve 10 based on the position data, and transmits a control signal indicating the determined control content to the high-pressure gas container 1 via the network 4 and the wireless LAN access point 2.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control device according to the fourth embodiment.

The control device 3 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 301, a main storage device 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, an input device 304, a display device 305, a communication interface device 306, and a drive device 307. Each of these devices is connected by a bus.

The CPU 301 is a main control unit that controls the operation of the control device 3, and realizes various functions described below by reading and executing programs stored in the main storage device 302.

The main storage device 302 reads and stores the program from the auxiliary storage device 303 when the control device 3 is started. The auxiliary storage device 303 stores installed programs as well as files, data, etc. necessary for various functions described below.

The input device 304 is a device for inputting various types of information, and is realized by, for example, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The display device 305 is for displaying various types of information, and is realized by, for example, a display. The communication interface device 306 includes a LAN card and the like, and is used to connect to a network.

The program according to this embodiment is at least a part of various programs that control the control device 3. The program is provided, for example, by distributing the storage medium 308 or downloading it from a network. The storage medium 308 on which the program is recorded is a storage medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically such as a CD-ROM, flexible disk, or magneto-optical disk, or a storage medium that records information electrically such as a ROM or flash memory. Various types of storage media can be used, such as a semiconductor memory that records data automatically.

Further, when the storage medium 308 recording the program is set in the drive device 307, the program is installed from the storage medium 308 to the auxiliary storage device 303 via the drive device 307. A program downloaded from the network is installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 via the communication interface device 306.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the functions of the control device according to the fourth embodiment.

The control device 3 includes a storage section 31, a position data acquisition section 32, a determination section 33, and a valve control data transmission section 34.

The storage unit 31 stores various data necessary for controlling the control device 3. Specifically, the storage unit 31 stores usable range data 35.

The usable range data 35 is data indicating a reference range set as a usable range of gas. Specifically, usable range data 35 is data indicating a range of positions where high pressure gas can be used. For example, the usable range data 35 may be data indicating usable positions by latitude and longitude ranges.

The position data acquisition unit 32 acquires position data from the position sensor 40 of the high pressure gas container 1.

The determination unit 33 determines the open/closed state of the solenoid valve 10 based on the position data acquired by the position data acquisition unit 32 and the usable range data 35.

The valve control data transmitter 34 transmits control data indicating control details for controlling the opening and closing of the electromagnetic valve 10 to the high pressure gas container 1 according to the determination result of the determiner 33 .

The operation of the control device 3 according to this embodiment is similar to the control process of the solenoid valve 10 according to the first embodiment. Therefore, similarly to the first embodiment, according to the high-pressure gas container 1 according to the present embodiment, gas flows out by operating the manual valve 20 within the usable range, whereas outside the usable range, gas flows out by operating the manual valve 20. Even when the manual valve 20 is operated, the solenoid valve 10 is in the closed state, so gas does not flow out. Therefore, the locations where high pressure gas is used can be limited within the usable range.

According to the control system 5 according to the present embodiment, one control device 3 can control the valves of a plurality of high-pressure gas containers 1. Therefore, if the control device 3 performs maintenance such as creation and modification of a program that defines the usable range data 35 and the processing contents of the determination unit 33, etc., the usable location can be changed without performing maintenance on the high-pressure gas container 1. Can be configured and changed.

Furthermore, the usable range data 35 includes an identifier for identifying the high-pressure gas container 1, and the usable range may be different for each identifier. In this way, the usable locations of a plurality of high-pressure gas containers 1 can be centrally managed by the control device 3.

In each of the embodiments described above, the high-pressure gas container 1 is equipped with various sensors, and in addition to the position sensor 40 or the opening/closing sensor 80, the solenoid valve 10 or the manually operated solenoid valve 90 is controlled according to the measurement results of other sensors. You may decide the content.

For example, the high-pressure gas container 1 may include a remaining gas sensor, a remaining battery sensor, a speed sensor, an acceleration sensor, and the like.

For example, a remaining gas sensor measures the remaining amount of high-pressure gas. Then, if the change in the remaining amount of gas obtained from the remaining gas sensor is in a pattern other than the preset pattern, the controller 50 or the control device 3 activates the solenoid valve 10 regardless of the states of other sensors. Control to open or enable the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to open is not performed.

Alternatively, if the remaining amount of gas is decreasing at a rate equal to or higher than a preset threshold, the controller 50 or the controller 3 controls or manually operates the solenoid valve 10 to open the solenoid valve 10 regardless of the state of other sensors. Control to enable the solenoid valve 90 to open is not performed.

Normally, by controlling the solenoid valve 10 to be opened or allowing the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to be opened only when a change in the remaining amount of gas satisfies a set condition using a gas remaining amount sensor. Since it is possible to estimate that the usage status is different from the usage status of , it is possible to prevent abnormal usage status.

Further, the battery remaining amount sensor measures the remaining amount of the battery 30. When the remaining amount of battery 30 is below a preset threshold, controller 50 or control device 3 controls to open solenoid valve 10 or manually operates solenoid valve 90, regardless of the status of other sensors. No control is performed to enable opening.

By using a battery remaining amount sensor in combination, the battery is controlled to open the solenoid valve 10 or to enable the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to be opened only when the remaining amount of the battery 30 satisfies preset conditions. When the remaining amount of 30 is exhausted and each sensor does not operate, it is possible to prevent the valve from opening accidentally.

Further, the speed sensor measures the speed of the high pressure gas container 1. Then, the acceleration sensor measures the acceleration of the high pressure gas container 1. When the speed or acceleration of the high-pressure gas container 1 is equal to or higher than a preset threshold, the controller 50 or the control device 3 controls or manually operates the solenoid valve 90 to open the solenoid valve 10 regardless of the states of other sensors. No control is performed to enable opening.

Using a speed sensor or an acceleration sensor in combination, perform control to open the solenoid valve 10 or enable the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to be opened only when the speed or acceleration of the high-pressure gas container 1 satisfies a set condition. This can prevent the valve from opening accidentally during transportation of the high-pressure gas container 1.

In each of the embodiments described above, the high-pressure gas container 1 may further include a charging terminal such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) terminal. This allows the battery 30 to be charged.

In each of the embodiments described above, the high-pressure gas container 1 may be provided with a power receiving terminal such as a USB terminal instead of including the battery 30. In this case, the user supplies power to the high-pressure gas container 1 from the outside via the power receiving terminal to use the high-pressure gas. Further, when power is not supplied from the power receiving terminal, the controller 50 or the control device 3 controls the solenoid valve 10 to be opened or allows the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to be opened, regardless of the states of other sensors. It is also possible that no control is performed.

The battery 30, position sensor 40, controller 50, etc. in each of the embodiments described above may be realized not by dedicated hardware but by a general-purpose computer or the like. For example, these can also be replaced by smartphones. Smartphones are capable of measuring their location using their built-in GPS function. Moreover, by installing an application on a smartphone, the smartphone can execute various processes of the controller 50.

The combination of the electromagnetic valve 10 and the manual valve 20 in each of the embodiments described above can be considered as one valve. In this case, when the solenoid valve 10 is opened, the valve is brought into an open state by operating the manual valve 20. Therefore, by opening the electromagnetic valve 10, the valve becomes openable by manual operation.

The solenoid valve 10 or the manually operated solenoid valve 90 in each embodiment described above is an example of a valve that can be electrically controlled. Although an example has been shown in which these are controlled by a solenoid actuator, the scope of the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may be a valve that can be controlled by pneumatic pressure. In this case, by electrically controlling the air pressure, the opening and closing of the valve can be electrically controlled indirectly.

In each of the embodiments described above, an example has been shown in which the control process is terminated in cases other than when the valve is brought into a state in which it can be opened by manual operation. However, the valve may be controlled to be closed in cases other than when the valve is placed in a state where it can be opened manually.

Specifically, in the control process of the electromagnetic valve, the valve control unit 54 according to the first embodiment determines that when the determination unit 53 determines that position data could not be acquired (step S12: No), or the determination unit 53 determines that the position of the high-pressure gas container 1 is not within the usable range (step S13: No), the solenoid valve 10 is closed.

In this way, even if the high-pressure gas is once used within the usable range and then moved outside the usable range, the use of the high-pressure gas can be restricted.

The embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. For example, the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined. Specifically, the control device 3 receives data indicating the measurement results of the opening/closing sensor 80. Then, the control device 3 transmits control data indicating the control content of the solenoid valve 10 to the high-pressure gas container 1 through a process similar to the control process of the solenoid valve 10 according to the second embodiment.

Moreover, the third embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be combined. Specifically, the control device 3 transmits control data indicating the control content of the manually operated solenoid valve 90 to the high pressure gas container 1 through a process similar to the control process of the manually operated solenoid valve 90 according to the third embodiment. Send.

Although the present invention has been described above based on each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the requirements shown in the above embodiments. These points can be changed without detracting from the gist of the present invention, and can be determined appropriately depending on the application thereof.

1 High pressure gas container 2 Wireless LAN access point 3 Control device 4 Network 5 Control system 10 Solenoid valve 11, 92 Actuator 12, 22, 93 Diaphragm 13, 23, 94 Body 14 Seat 20 Manual valve 21 Handle 30 Battery 31, 51 Storage section 32, 52 Position data acquisition section 33, 53 Judgment section 34 Valve control data transmission section 35, 55 Usable range data 40 Position sensor 50 Controller 54 Valve control section 60 Protector 70 Skirt 80 Opening/closing sensor 90 Manually operated solenoid valve 100 Wireless device

Claims (9)

a position sensor that measures the position of the high-pressure gas container;
A valve that controls the opening and closing of gas outflow, which includes a first valve that is opened and closed under the control of a controller, and a second valve that is opened and closed by manual operation, which are connected in series;
An opening/closing sensor that measures the opening/closing state of the second valve,
The controller controls the first valve when the measured position is within a reference range set as a gas usable range and the second valve is in a closed state . controlling the valve to be openable by manual operation by opening it ;
High pressure gas container. a position sensor that measures the position of the high-pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a battery that supplies power to the position sensor;
a battery remaining amount sensor that measures the remaining amount of the battery;
The valve is manually operated only when the measured position is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used and the measured remaining battery level is equal to or higher than a set threshold. a controller that controls the state so that it can be opened by operation;
A high-pressure gas container equipped with a position sensor that measures the position of the high-pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a gas remaining amount sensor that measures the remaining amount of the gas ;
The valve is activated only when the measured position is within a reference range set as a gas usable range and the measured change in the remaining amount of gas satisfies the set conditions. a controller that controls the state to be openable by manual operation;
A high-pressure gas container equipped with a position sensor that measures the position of the high-pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a speed sensor that measures the speed of the high-pressure gas container or an acceleration sensor that measures the acceleration ;
Only when the measured position is within a reference range set as a gas usable range, and only when the measured velocity or acceleration of the high-pressure gas container satisfies the set conditions. , a controller that controls the valve so that it can be opened by manual operation;
A high-pressure gas container equipped with The valve includes a first valve and a second valve connected in series,
The first valve is opened and closed under control by the controller,
The second valve is opened and closed by manual operation,
The controller controls the first valve to a state where the valve can be opened by manual operation,
The high pressure gas container according to any one of claims 2 to 4 . Further comprising an opening/closing sensor that measures the opening/closing state of the second valve,
The controller opens the first valve when the second valve is in a closed state.
The high pressure gas container according to claim 5 . further comprising a power receiving terminal that receives power to be supplied to the position sensor from the outside;
The high pressure gas container according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . A control system comprising a high pressure gas container and a control device,
The high pressure gas container is
a position sensor that measures the position of the high pressure gas container;
A valve that controls opening and closing of gas outflow;
a communication device that transmits data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container measured by the position sensor and receives data indicating control details of the valve,
The control device includes:
a position data acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container;
Valve control data transmission that transmits data indicating control details to enable the valve to be opened by manual operation when the position indicated by the acquired data is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used. comprising a section and a
control system. a position data acquisition unit that acquires data indicating the position of the high-pressure gas container;
When the position indicated by the acquired data is within a reference range set as a range in which gas can be used, data is transmitted that indicates control details to enable the valve of the high-pressure gas container to be opened by manual operation. A valve control data transmitter,
Control device.

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