JP4282382B2 - Fuel supply device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a fuel supply device, and more particularly to a fuel supply device configured to be able to determine that bubbles have occurred in a fuel supply path.
[0002]
[Prior art]
For example, in a fuel supply apparatus such as a fuel supply apparatus that supplies fuel to a fuel tank of an automobile, a pump serving as a fuel delivery means for delivering the fuel, and the fuel delivered from the pump is supplied to a fuel tank (a fuel supply body) of the automobile. A fuel supply path to be supplied and a flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path are provided.
[0003]
Then, the fuel stored in the underground tank of the liquid supply station is pumped up by a pump and supplied from the liquid supply nozzle to the fuel tank. Also, an insertion pipe for pumping up the fuel tank is inserted into the underground tank from above, and the upper end of the insertion pipe and the fueling device are communicated by a fuel supply pipe buried in the ground. The
[0004]
In this way, in the fuel supply path that communicates between the underground tank and the fueling device, air bubbles may be mixed into the fuel due to a temperature rise or a pumping operation. For this reason, for example, a configuration in which a bubble detection sensor unit for detecting bubble contamination is provided in the fuel supply path has been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-188400
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the conventional fuel supply apparatus is configured to detect bubble contamination by providing a bubble detection sensor unit in the fuel supply path, the configuration is complicated accordingly, and it is difficult to apply it to existing equipment, for example. It was.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply device that solves the above-described problems.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention has the following features.
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, the fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, and the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path are as follows. measurePositive displacementWith flow meterThe flow rate pulse transmitter coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputting a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft and the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter are integrated to integrate the fuel flow rate. A control unit for calculating the supply amount;In a fuel supply device having
  The controller is
  The flow ratePulse transmitterIs output fromRuA flow rate pulse measuring means for measuring a cycle or frequency of the flow rate pulse;
  It is determined whether or not the period or frequency measured by the flow rate pulse measuring means is out of a predetermined period or frequency.To determine whether or not there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterFlow rate pulse determination means for
  Since it is possible to determine the presence of air bubbles without providing a sensor or the like for detecting air bubbles, existing equipment can be used as it is, and the configuration is prevented from becoming complicated. it can.
[0010]
  Claim2The invention described is a fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, a fuel supply path for supplying fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to a fuel-supplied supply body, and a flow rate of fuel flowing through the fuel supply path.Positive displacementWith flow meterThe flow rate pulse transmitter coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputting a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft and the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter are integrated to integrate the fuel flow rate. A control unit for calculating the supply amount;In a fuel supply device having
  The controller is
  The flow ratePulse transmitterFrequency spectrum measuring means for measuring the frequency spectrum of the flow rate pulse output from
  Determines whether the frequency spectrum measured by the frequency spectrum measuring means is out of a preset reference frequency spectrum rangeTo determine whether or not there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterFrequency spectrum determination means to perform,
  And a bubble generation determining means for determining bubble mixing without providing a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles, and without providing a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles. Since mixing can be determined, existing equipment can be used as it is, and the configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated.
[0011]
  Claim3The invention described is a fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, a fuel supply path for supplying fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to a fuel-supplied supply body, and a flow rate of fuel flowing through the fuel supply path.Positive displacementWith flow meterThe flow rate pulse transmitter coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputting a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft and the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter are integrated to integrate the fuel flow rate. A control unit for calculating the supply amount;In a fuel supply device having
  The controller is
  The flow ratePulse transmitterOutput fromIsFlow rate pulse waveform measuring means for measuring the flow rate pulse waveform as an analog signal;
  Autocorrelation function computing means for computing the autocorrelation function of the analog signal measured by the flow rate pulse waveform measuring means;
  Compare the autocorrelation function calculated by the autocorrelation function calculating means with a preset reference autocorrelation function, and determine whether or not the difference between the autocorrelation value at a specific time is out of a predetermined rangeTo determine whether or not there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterAn autocorrelation function determining means,
  Since it is possible to determine the presence of air bubbles without providing a sensor or the like for detecting air bubbles, existing equipment can be used as it is, and the configuration is prevented from becoming complicated. it can.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0013]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention. 2A and 2B are views showing the external shape of the fuel supply device, where FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
[0014]
As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the fuel supply device 10 includes a meter 11 for supplying fuel such as gasoline to a fuel tank (not shown) of an automobile, and an underground for supplying fuel to the meter 11. And a tank 22. A liquid supply hose 16 connected to the liquid supply nozzle 14 is drawn out from the side surface of the housing 12 of the fuel supply apparatus 10.
[0015]
The liquid supply nozzle 14 is usually hooked on a nozzle hook 18 provided on the side surface of the housing 12. When the customer's automobile arrives at the liquid supply station, the worker at the liquid supply station removes the liquid supply nozzle 14 from the nozzle hook 18 and inserts it into a liquid supply port (not shown) provided in the fuel tank of the automobile. To do. When the liquid supply nozzle 14 is operated in the direction in which the lever 14a is pulled up, the internal valve portion opens to supply fuel.
[0016]
In addition, a liquid supply pipe line 20 to which a liquid supply hose 16 is connected in communication is disposed inside the housing 12, and a lower end of the liquid supply pipe line (fuel supply path) 20 is inserted into the underground tank 22. Further, it is connected to an insertion pipe (fuel supply path) 24. The insertion pipe line 24 is inserted vertically from above the underground tank 22, and its tip 24 a extends to the vicinity of the bottom of the underground tank 22.
[0017]
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the pipe drawn out from the bottom of the weighing machine 11 extends downward and is inserted into the underground tank 22 is taken as an example. Since the position of the underground tank 22 is away from the weighing machine 11, it is connected to the liquid supply line 20 inside the weighing machine 11 through a horizontal line that extends in the horizontal direction from the upper end of the insertion line 24. Communication connection.
[0018]
A liquid supply pipe 20 provided inside the housing 12 has a liquid supply pump (fuel delivery means) 26 for sucking oil from the underground tank 22 and a flow meter for measuring the amount of fuel supplied. 28, a filter 30 provided on the suction side of the liquid supply pump 26, and a strainer 32 provided on the discharge side of the liquid supply pump 26 are disposed.
[0019]
The flow meter 28 is, for example, a positive displacement flow meter, and is configured to convert the volume of sucked fuel into a flow rate and output a flow rate pulse. Therefore, the flow meter 28 has a structure that also measures the volume of bubbles, and if the fuel contains bubbles, a measurement error occurs.
[0020]
The filter 30 prevents foreign matter from being sucked into the liquid supply pump 26 when foreign matter in the underground tank 22 is sucked into the insertion conduit 24. The strainer 32 removes fine foreign matters that could not be prevented from entering by the filter 30 and foreign matters such as metal powder generated in the liquid supply pump 26 from the fuel.
[0021]
In addition, an oil supply amount indicator 34 for displaying the amount of oil supply is disposed on the front surface of the housing 12. A control device 36 that controls each device is provided inside the housing 12.
[0022]
The control device 36 is a flow rate pulse transmitter that outputs a flow rate pulse proportional to the flow rate measured by the nozzle switch 18 a provided on the nozzle hook 18, a pump motor 26 a that drives the liquid supply pump 26, and a flow meter 28. 28a, an oil supply amount indicator 34, and a setting device 38 for setting the oil type and the liquid supply amount are electrically connected.
[0023]
Then, as will be described later, when the liquid supply nozzle 14 is removed from the nozzle hook 18 and a signal from the nozzle switch 18a is input, the control device 36 integrates the flow rate pulse signal output from the flow rate pulse transmitter 28a. The oil supply amount is calculated and displayed on the oil supply amount display 34.
[0024]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of each device.
As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 36 transmits a control signal to the liquid supply pump motor 26a, the liquid supply amount indicator 34, the oil type lamp 38a, and the setting device indicator 38b, and a flow rate pulse transmitter. 28a, a nozzle switch 18a, a display confirmation switch 38c, and an I / O (input / output) port 36a for receiving input signals from the reference discharge amount setting switch 38d.
[0025]
  Further, the control device 36, based on the input signal received at the I / O port 36a, monitoring processing, determination processing, notification processing, refueling work control processing, refueling work measurement processing, measurement result display processing, which will be described later, CPU for data processing such as reference discharge amount setting processing (Control unit) 36b, a ROM 36c storing a processing program in the CPU 36b, a RAM 36d used as a work area when data is processed in the CPU 36b, and a timer 36e for measuring time.
[0026]
Here, the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter 28a will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4A is a graph showing an example of a flow rate change at the start of liquid supply, and FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a periodic change of a flow rate pulse.
[0027]
The flow rate pulse transmitter 28a is constituted by, for example, a rotary encoder, mechanically coupled to a rotary shaft (not shown) of the positive displacement flow meter, and a pulse synchronized with the rotational speed of the rotary shaft of the flow meter 28. Is output. The number of output pulses varies depending on the specifications of the flow rate pulse transmitter 28a, but is adjusted to output, for example, 50 pulses / rotation. The period of the flow rate pulse can be obtained from the time interval between pulses, or can be obtained from the reciprocal of the pulse frequency output per unit time.
[0028]
As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the pulse period of the flow rate pulse also changes in proportion to the flow rate of the supplied fuel (t1> t2> t3). It turns out that it is proportional to.
[0029]
Here, referring to the histogram (normal distribution) of the period of the flow rate pulse shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the flow rate pulse period in the case of normal liquid supply and when bubbles are mixed in the supplied fuel. Explain the difference. 5A and 5B are graphs of an example in which the horizontal axis represents the pulse period, the vertical axis represents the number of pulses, and the pulse period generated by one liquid supply is formed into a histogram.
[0030]
As shown in FIG. 5 (A), in the case of normal supply liquid in which bubbles are not mixed into the fuel, a long cycle pulse is generated at the start of supply and at the end of supply, and then the fuel is supplied at the maximum flow rate. In the present embodiment, for example, it can be seen that many flow rate pulses are generated with a flow rate pulse period of about 20 msec or less and around 60 msec.
[0031]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, when bubbles are mixed into the fuel, the operation of the feed pump 26 and the flow meter 28 becomes unstable, so that bubbles are not mixed into the fuel. As compared with the case, it can be seen that the flow rate pulse is generated in the periodic region α (the portion surrounded by the broken line) which is not normally generated. The reason why the flow rate pulse is generated in the bubble generation periodic region α is that, for example, the air bubbles are mixed into the fuel, whereby the load on the rotor provided in the flow meter 28 changes and the flow rate pulse It is conceivable that the period changes.
[0032]
From this, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of air bubbles by monitoring the presence or absence of the generation of flow rate pulses in the periodic region α shown in FIG.
[0033]
Next, a first embodiment of the bubble contamination diagnosis process executed by the CPU 36b of the control device 36 mounted on the weighing machine 11 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0034]
The bubble mixing diagnosis process is executed by the CPU 36b processing a control program stored in the ROM 36c of the control device 36. In addition, although the process for controlling refueling is included in this control program, only the process relevant to the present invention is extracted and described in the following description.
[0035]
When the liquid supply nozzle 14 is opened to supply fuel, a flow rate pulse is output from the flow rate pulse transmitter 28a. This flow rate pulse is input to the interrupt input port of the CPU 36b via the I / O port 36a.
[0036]
In synchronism with the rising edge of the flow pulse, the flow pulse interrupt subroutine shown in FIG. 6 is started. The CPU 36b first checks whether or not the current program state is a standby state (S11). If the current program state is a standby state, the CPU 36b starts a period measurement timer counter (S12), and the period until the next flow rate pulse is input. Start measurement.
[0037]
Subsequently, the standby state transition timer counter is started (S13), and preparations are made to return to the standby state when refueling is completed. And the state of a control program is changed into a measurement state (S14).
[0038]
If the measurement state has already been reached in S11, the current period measurement timer counter value is read and stored as a flow rate pulse period (S15: flow rate pulse measurement means). Then, in order to perform the next cycle measurement, the value of the timer counter is reset (S16), and the measurement is continued.
[0039]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the current cycle is in the periodic region α (approximately 20 msec to 60 msec) (S17: flow rate pulse determining means), and the cycle region of the current flow rate generated when bubbles are mixed is described above. If it is not α (see FIG. 5B), the interrupt subroutine is terminated.
[0040]
In S17, if the period of the flow rate pulse detected this time is in the above-mentioned period region α, the abnormal pulse generation counter C is incremented by 1 (S18: integrating means). In this embodiment, according to the example shown in FIG. 5B, the period region α is set to about 20 msec to 60 msec, but it is also possible to monitor by dividing into a plurality of period regions.
[0041]
Subsequently, it is determined whether or not bubbles are mixed (S19: bubble generation determination means). In S19, the counter C is compared with a predetermined determination value (threshold value) Ce, and if C ≧ Ce, it is determined that bubbles are mixed (S20). Note that the determination value (threshold value) Ce is a numerical value that is arbitrarily set. However, if Ce = 1, it may be determined that air bubbles are mixed even when the cycle of the flow rate pulse fluctuates. For example, it is desirable that Ce> 2.
[0042]
If it is determined in S20 that air bubbles are mixed, the energization to the pump motor 26a is stopped (S21), and an abnormality detection signal is output to notify the worker (S22). As a result, the worker can determine that some abnormality has occurred in the fuel supply path and request an inspection from the maintenance company. This ends the current process.
[0043]
In S19, the bubble generation is determined under the condition of C ≧ Ce. However, the bubble generation may be determined under the condition of C <Ce.
[0044]
As described above, since it is possible to determine the presence or absence of air bubbles by monitoring the flow rate pulse period, there is no need to separately provide a sensor for detecting air bubbles, and the configuration of the weighing machine 11 is changed. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of air bubbles without doing so.
[0045]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine executed when the liquid supply is completed.
As shown in FIG. 7, when a predetermined time has elapsed after detecting the rising edge of the flow rate pulse, the CPU 36b generates a standby state transition timer counter overflow interrupt and starts a subroutine. In this subroutine, the timer counter is stopped after the standby state (S31), and the state is set to the standby state (S32).
[0046]
Here, a first modification of the control process executed by the CPU 36b of the control device 36 will be described.
In S19 of the above embodiment, the determination value Ce is set to the same value for all the devices. However, the reference data Ci is obtained in the inspection immediately after the device assembly is completed, and is compared with the difference | ΔC | It is also possible to do.
[0047]
FIG. 8 shows the frequency on the horizontal axis and the spectrum on the vertical axis. (A) is the power spectrum of the flow rate pulse when bubbles are not mixed, and (B) is the flow rate pulse when bubbles are mixed. Power spectrum.
[0048]
When the power spectrum I of the flow rate pulse shown in FIG. 8A is compared with the power spectrum II of the flow rate pulse shown in FIG. 8B, for example, the power spectrum I increases to the maximum value in the vicinity of 80 Hz. On the other hand, in the power spectrum II, it turns out that it has fallen to the minimum value. Therefore, the power spectra I and II have a large difference in the frequency region near 80 Hz.
[0049]
Thus, there is a difference in the appearance of the power spectrum, and in this modification, the frequency of the flow rate pulse is monitored, and the frequency detected from the flow rate pulse shown in FIG. If this occurs, it is possible to detect the mixing of bubbles.
[0050]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of Modification Example 2 of the bubble mixing diagnosis process executed by the CPU 36b of the control device 36 mounted on the weighing machine 11. In FIG. 9, the processing of S51 to S54 is the same as the processing of S11 to S14 of FIG.
[0051]
If the CPU 36b has already been in the measurement state in S51 shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 36b reads the value of the current cycle measurement timer counter, and calculates and stores the frequency of the flow rate pulse by taking this value as the reciprocal (S55: Frequency spectrum measurement means). Then, in order to perform the next cycle measurement, the value of the timer counter is reset and the measurement is continued (S56). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the current frequency falls within the range of 70 Hz to 90 Hz (S57: bubble generation determination means). If the current frequency does not fall within the range of 70 Hz to 90 Hz and does not occur when bubbles are mixed, an interrupt subroutine is issued. Exit.
[0052]
If the current frequency is 70 Hz to 90 Hz and is generated when bubbles are mixed in S57, the processing of S58 to S62 is executed. Note that the processing of S58 to S62 is the same as the processing of S18 to S22 of FIG. This ends the current process.
[0053]
In this way, since it is possible to determine the presence or absence of bubbles by monitoring the frequency of the flow rate pulse, there is no need to separately provide a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles, and the configuration of the weighing machine 11 is changed. It is possible to determine the presence or absence of air bubbles without doing so.
[0054]
Here, Modification 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a change in the cumulative number of times that the liquid supply that seems to be mixed with bubbles is generated with respect to the number of liquid supply times.
[0055]
From the graph III shown in FIG. 10, when the amount of mixed bubbles gradually increases due to the leakage of the fuel supply path, etc., by setting the abnormality determination value as a threshold for the cumulative number of occurrences, the change in the amount of increase in the bubbles is changed. It becomes possible to take measures before catching the liquid and becoming impossible to supply liquid.
[0056]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of Modification 3 of the bubble mixing diagnosis process executed by the CPU 36b of the control device 36 mounted on the weighing machine 11. In FIG. 11, the processes of S71 to S74 are the same as the processes of S11 to S14 of FIG.
[0057]
If the CPU 36b is already in the measurement state in S71 shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 36b reads the count value of the current cycle measurement timer counter and stores this value as the flow rate pulse cycle (S75). Then, in order to perform the next cycle measurement, the count value of the timer counter is reset and the measurement is continued (S76).
[0058]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the current cycle is in the periodic region α (approximately 20 msec to 60 msec) (S77), and the cycle of the current flow rate pulse is generated when the bubbles are mixed. If not (see B)), the interrupt subroutine is terminated.
[0059]
In S77, when the period of the flow rate pulse detected this time is in the above-described period region α, 1 is added to the count value C of the abnormal pulse generation counter (S78). This ends the current process.
[0060]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine for determining the mixing of bubbles according to the third modification.
As shown in FIG. 12, when the liquid supply is completed, the CPU 36b obtains the difference between the measured count value C of the abnormal pulse generation counter and the reference value Ci by ΔC = | C−Ci | (S81). ). Then, this ΔC is compared with the determination value Ce (S82), and if ΔC ≧ Ce, it is determined that bubbles are mixed (S83).
[0061]
If it is determined in S83 that air bubbles are mixed, the energization to the pump motor 26a is stopped (S84), and an abnormality detection signal is output to notify the worker (S85). As a result, the worker can determine that some abnormality has occurred in the fuel supply path and request an inspection from the maintenance company. This ends the current process.
[0062]
In this way, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of bubbles by counting the period of the periodic region α by the abnormal pulse generation counter and monitoring whether or not the count value C of the abnormal pulse generation counter has reached a predetermined value or more. Therefore, it is not necessary to separately provide a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles, and it is possible to determine the presence or absence of bubbles without changing the configuration of the weighing machine 11.
[0063]
Here, Modification 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.
In the third modification, in order to reduce the calculation load of the CPU 36b, it is determined whether or not there is a bubble mixed state based on the number of occurrences of the frequency obtained from the cycle of the flow rate pulse. However, when the capacity of the CPU 36b is sufficient In addition, it is also possible to detect the bubble mixing state by autocorrelation.
[0064]
For example, in the inspection immediately after the assembly of the fuel supply device 10 is completed, the waveform data of the flow rate pulse at the time of 30 L fixed liquid supply is recorded as analog information, for example, and its autocorrelation function is obtained (see FIG. 13A).
[0065]
Then, waveform data when the same test is performed during inspection such as periodic inspection is recorded as analog information, and an autocorrelation function is similarly obtained. At this time, when the autocorrelation function is expressed as a function of time x (t), the autocorrelation function can be obtained using the following equation (1).
[0066]
Rxx (τ) = lim_{T → ∞}(1 / T) ∫₀ ^Tx (T) x (T + τ) dt (1)
From this equation (1), when air bubbles are mixed in the autocorrelation function Rxx (τ) before shipment and the autocorrelation function Rxx ′ (τ) at the time of inspection (see graph V in FIG. 13B) Shows a correlation value different from that in the case of normal liquid supply in which bubbles are not mixed (see graph IV in FIG. 13A).
[0067]
Therefore, the autocorrelation values at the same time for both autocorrelation functions are compared, and a determination range ΔX that can be determined to be normal is set for normal refueling. When the autocorrelation value deviates from the determination range ΔX, it is determined that bubbles are mixed. In FIGS. 13A and 13B, although the determination point is point A, a plurality of determination points may be set and each determination point may be determined as an AND condition.
[0068]
Here, the control process of the modification 4 is demonstrated.
[0069]
FIGS. 13A and 13B show an example in which the number of generated pulses is counted for each cycle or frequency of the flow rate pulse measured in the above-described embodiment, and an average value is obtained for each refueling, and is a histogram. The axis indicates the pulse period (or frequency), and the vertical axis indicates the number of generated pulses.
[0070]
When there is no air bubbles mixed in the supplied fuel and normal refueling continues, the distribution shown in FIG. 5 (A) is obtained in one refueling. A state like the graph shown in FIG.
[0071]
On the other hand, when the bubble mixture is measured, the histogram distribution shown in FIG. 5B is added and averaged, so that a graph V in FIG. 13B is obtained. Therefore, determination points A, B, and C that are characteristic points of the waveform are set, and determination values X, Y, and X are set. Then, by comparing the average value of each determination point with the determination value for each liquid supply, it is possible to detect the mixing of bubbles.
[0072]
Next, with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 15, the control process of the bubble mixture determination of the modification 4 will be described. Note that the processing of S91 to S94 shown in FIG. 14 is the same processing as the processing of S11 to S14 of FIG.
[0073]
The CPU 36b reads the value of the current cycle measurement timer counter and stores this value as a flow rate pulse cycle when the measurement has already been performed in S91 shown in FIG. 14 during liquid supply (S95: flow rate pulse measurement). means). Then, in order to perform the next cycle measurement, the value of the timer counter is reset and the measurement is continued (S96).
[0074]
Next, it is confirmed whether or not the current cycle is the determination point A (S97), and if applicable, 1 is added to the count value Ca of the counter at the determination point A (S98: integrating means). In S97, when the current cycle is not the determination point A, the process proceeds to S99 and it is confirmed whether or not it is the determination point B. If the current cycle is the determination point B, 1 is added to the count value Cb of the counter at the determination point B in S100 (integration means).
[0075]
If the current cycle is not the determination point B in S99, the process proceeds to S101 to check whether the current cycle is the determination point C or not. If the current cycle is the determination point C, 1 is added to the count value Cc of the counter at the determination point C in S102 (integration means).
[0076]
If the current cycle is not the determination point C in S101, the process returns to S95, and the processes after S95 are executed again.
[0077]
As shown in FIG. 15, when the liquid supply is completed, the CPU 36b obtains an average value (CaAve) of the number of generated pulses at the determination point A (S111: average value calculating means), and determines when the next liquid supply is performed. Therefore, the total number of pulses is updated (S112).
[0078]
Subsequently, the average value CaAve of the number of generated pulses at the determination point A is compared with the determination value (threshold value) X (S113: bubble generation determination means). If CaAve ≧ X, the average value CaAve is out of range at the determination point A. Since there is, it progresses to S114. In S113, if CaAve <X, the average value CaAve is smaller than the determination value (threshold value) X at the determination point A. Therefore, the mixing of bubbles at the determination point A is not detected, and the current process ends.
[0079]
Next, an average value (CbAve) of the number of generated pulses at the determination point B is obtained (S114: average value calculating means), and the total number of pulses is updated for determination at the next liquid supply (S115).
[0080]
Subsequently, the average value CbAve of the number of generated pulses at the determination point B is compared with the determination value (threshold) Y (S116: bubble generation determination means). If CbAve ≧ Y, the average value CbAve at the determination point B is out of range. Since there exists, it progresses to S117. In S116, if CbAve <Y, the average value CbAve is smaller than the determination value (threshold value) Y at the determination point B. Therefore, the mixing of bubbles at the determination point B is not detected, and the current process ends.
[0081]
Next, an average value (CcAve) of the number of generated pulses at the determination point C is obtained (S117: average value calculating means), and the total number of pulses is updated for determination at the next liquid supply (S118).
[0082]
Subsequently, the average value CcAve of the number of generated pulses at the determination point C is compared with the determination value (threshold value) Z (S119: bubble generation determination means). If CcAve ≧ Z, the average value CcAve is outside the range at the determination point C. Since there is, it progresses to S120. In S119, if CcAve <Z, the average value CcAve is smaller than the determination value (threshold value) Z at the determination point C. Therefore, the mixing of bubbles at the determination point C is not detected, and the current process ends.
[0083]
In the next S120, when all the determination results at the determination points A, B, and C are equal to or greater than the determination values (threshold values) X, Y, and Z as described above, it is assumed that bubbles are mixed in the supplied fuel. to decide.
[0084]
If it is determined in S120 that air bubbles are mixed, the energization to the pump motor 26a is stopped (S121), and an abnormality detection signal is output to notify the worker (S122). As a result, the worker can determine that some abnormality has occurred in the fuel supply path and request an inspection from the maintenance company. This ends the current process.
[0085]
In this way, by monitoring the average value of the number of generated pulses at the determination points A, B, and C over time, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of bubbles, so that bubbles are detected. It is not necessary to provide a sensor separately, and it is possible to determine the presence or absence of air bubbles without changing the configuration of the weighing machine 11.
[0086]
In the fourth modification, the case where air bubble mixing is determined on the condition that the average value of the number of generated pulses at all the determination points A, B, and C is equal to or greater than the determination value has been described as an example. Of course, when one or two of the plurality of determination points is equal to or greater than the determination value, it may be determined that bubbles are mixed in the fuel.
[0087]
In the above embodiment, the case where fuel such as gasoline is supplied to the fuel tank of the automobile is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other liquid fuel may be used as long as the device supplies liquid fuel other than gasoline. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to an apparatus for supplying the pressure.
[0088]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the fuel delivery means for delivering the fuel, the fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, and the fuel supply path are provided. Measure the flow rate of flowing fuelPositive displacementWith flow meterA flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A control unit for calculatingIn a fuel supply device havingThe control unitFlow ratePulse transmitterIs output fromRuFlow rate pulse measurement means that measures the period or frequency of the flow rate pulse, and whether or not the period or frequency measured by the flow rate pulse measurement means deviates from the predetermined period or frequencyTo determine if there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterSince it is possible to determine the mixing of bubbles without providing a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles, the existing equipment can be used as it is, and the configuration is complicated. Can be prevented. In addition, since the flow rate pulse cycle or frequency can be monitored using an existing flow meter, it is possible to detect the inclusion of bubbles without adding a new sensor, and supply at a liquid supply station or the like. It is possible to prevent the situation from being insufficient by preventing the liquid from becoming impossible.
[0091]
  Claim2According to the described invention, the fuel delivery means for delivering the fuel, the fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, and the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path are measured.Positive displacementWith flow meterA flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A control unit for calculatingIn a fuel supply device havingThe control unitFlow ratePulse transmitterFrequency spectrum measurement means for measuring the frequency spectrum of the flow rate pulse output from the output, and whether the frequency spectrum measured by the frequency spectrum measurement means is out of the preset reference frequency spectrum rangeTo determine if there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterA frequency spectrum determining means for detecting bubbles, and a bubble generation determining means for determining bubble mixing without providing a sensor for detecting bubbles, and a sensor for detecting bubbles. Since it is possible to determine the presence of bubbles without providing them, the existing equipment can be used as it is, and the configuration can be prevented from becoming complicated.
[0092]
  Claim3According to the described invention, the fuel delivery means for delivering the fuel, the fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, and the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path are measured.Positive displacementWith flow meterA flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A control unit for calculatingIn a fuel supply device havingThe control unitFlow ratePulse transmitterOutput fromIsThe flow pulse waveform measuring means for measuring the flow pulse waveform as an analog signal, the autocorrelation function calculating means for calculating the autocorrelation function of the analog signal measured by the flow pulse waveform measuring means, and the autocorrelation function calculating means Is compared with a preset reference autocorrelation function to determine whether the difference from the autocorrelation value at a specific time is out of the predetermined range.To determine whether or not there are bubbles in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meterAutocorrelation function determining means, and it is possible to determine the mixing of bubbles without providing a sensor or the like for detecting bubbles, so that the existing equipment can be used as it is, It is possible to prevent the configuration from becoming complicated. Further, by determining based on the high correlation between the flow rate pulses at the time of shipment and at the time of inspection, it is possible to detect the state of air bubble mixing with higher accuracy.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a fuel supply apparatus according to the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams showing an external shape of a fuel supply device, where FIG. 2A is a front view and FIG. 2B is a side view.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of each device.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change in flow velocity at the start of liquid supply and an example of a change in the cycle of a flow rate pulse.
FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrams showing histograms in the case of normal liquid supply in which bubbles are not mixed into the fuel and in the case where bubbles are mixed. FIGS.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a first embodiment of a bubble mixing diagnosis process executed by a CPU 36b of the control device 36;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine executed when liquid supply is completed.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power spectrum of a flow rate pulse when bubbles are not mixed and a power spectrum of a flow rate pulse when bubbles are mixed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a second modification of the bubble mixing diagnosis process executed by the CPU b of the control device mounted on the weighing machine.
FIG. 10 is a graph showing a change in the cumulative number of times that a liquid supply that seems to be mixed with bubbles is generated with respect to the number of times of liquid supply.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a third modification of the bubble mixing diagnostic process executed by the CPU b of the control device mounted on the weighing machine.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining a subroutine for determining bubble mixture in Modification 3;
FIG. 13 shows an example of a change in autocorrelation value in which the number of generated pulses is counted for each cycle or frequency of the flow rate pulse, and the average value when bubbles are not mixed and the average value when bubbles are mixed are histogrammed. FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining flow rate pulse interrupt processing according to a fourth modification.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining control processing for determining bubble mixing according to Modification 4;
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Fuel supply device
11 Weighing machine
14 Liquid supply nozzle
18 Nozzle hook
18a Nozzle switch
20 Supply line
24 Insertion line
26 Liquid supply pump
26a Pump motor
28 Flow meter
28a Flow rate pulse transmitter
36 Control device
36b CPU
38 Setting device

Claims (3)

Fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, a fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, a positive displacement flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path , and A flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A fuel supply device having a control unit for calculating
The controller is
And a flow rate pulse measuring means for measuring the period or frequency of the output Ru flow pulses from the flow pulse generator,
It is determined whether or not bubbles are present in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meter by determining whether or not the period or frequency measured by the flow rate pulse measuring means is out of a predetermined period or frequency. Flow rate pulse determination means for
A fuel supply device comprising: Fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, a fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, a positive displacement flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path , and A flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A fuel supply device having a control unit for calculating
The controller is
A frequency spectrum measuring means for measuring a frequency spectrum of a flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter ;
Whether or not bubbles are present in the fuel measured by the positive displacement flow meter by determining whether or not the frequency spectrum measured by the frequency spectrum measuring means is out of a preset reference frequency spectrum range . a frequency spectrum determining means for determining,
A fuel supply device comprising: Fuel delivery means for delivering fuel, a fuel supply path for supplying the fuel delivered by the fuel delivery means to the fuel supply body, a positive displacement flow meter for measuring the flow rate of the fuel flowing through the fuel supply path , and A flow rate pulse transmitter that is coupled to the rotary shaft of the positive displacement flow meter and outputs a flow rate pulse synchronized with the rotation of the rotary shaft, and a fuel supply amount by integrating the flow rate pulse output from the flow rate pulse transmitter A fuel supply device having a control unit for calculating
The controller is
A flow rate pulse waveform measuring means for measuring a waveform of flow pulses that will be output from the flow pulse generator as an analog signal,
Autocorrelation function computing means for computing the autocorrelation function of the analog signal measured by the flow rate pulse waveform measuring means;
Autocorrelation functions computed by the autocorrelation function calculation means, compared with a preset reference autocorrelation function, determining whether the difference between the autocorrelation value at a particular time is out of a predetermined range autocorrelation function determining means for determining whether air bubbles are present in the fuel which is measured by the volumetric flow meter by,
A fuel supply device comprising:

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