JP4862227B2 - Water meter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water meter installed in a running water pipe, and more particularly, to a water meter that can detect an abnormality early by detecting an earthquake or vibration.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, this kind of water meter has been known as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-258201. The configuration will be described below with reference to FIG.
[0003]
As shown in FIG. 6, the water meter 1 includes a flow rate detection unit 2 and a flow rate control mechanism 3, and the flow rate control mechanism 3 includes a valve unit 4 and a motor 5 for driving the valve unit 4. The motor 5 is driven and controlled, and the valve means 4 is configured to include valve control means 6 for performing at least one of opening and closing of the pipeline and flow rate adjustment. Here, 7 is a rectifier, 8 is an impeller, 9 is a magnet, 10 is a magnetic sensor, 11 is a valve seat, 12 is a valve body, 13 is a pressure outlet, and 14 is a pressure sensor.
[0004]
In the above configuration, by controlling the opening of the valve body based on the water pressure detected by the pressure sensor, it is possible to realize water supply that is not affected by fluctuations in water pressure.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, although the above-described conventional configuration can detect a static pressure abnormality, there is a problem in that it cannot detect a dynamic change such as an earthquake or underwater or vibration of a pipeline.
[0006]
This invention solves the said subject, and it aims at detecting abnormality of dynamic vibration by providing the flow volume measurement means installed in the flowing water pipe, and the vibration detection means which detects a vibration.
[0007]
In order to solve the conventional problem, the flow rate measurement means installed in the water pipe, the vibration detection means for detecting vibration, and the determination means for determining the earthquake level from the signal of the vibration detection means , the determination When the means determines the first earthquake level, the on-off valve installed in the water pipe is maintained as it is, and the determination means determines that the second earthquake level is greater than the first earthquake level. The on-off valve is closed regardless of the result of the flow rate measuring means .
[0008]
As a result, it is possible to quickly find an abnormality in the overall vibration such as an earthquake and an abnormality in the fluid vibration in the pipe.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention according to claim 1 comprises a flow rate measuring means installed in a running water pipe, a vibration detecting means for detecting vibration, and a determining means for determining an earthquake level from a signal of the vibration detecting means. Is determined as the first earthquake level, the on-off valve installed in the water pipe is maintained as it is, and when the determination means determines that the second earthquake level is greater than the first earthquake level, By adopting a configuration in which the on-off valve is closed regardless of the result of the flow rate measuring means, it is possible to quickly find abnormalities in overall vibrations such as earthquakes and abnormalities in fluid vibrations in pipelines.
[0010]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, when the determination unit determines that the third earthquake level is greater than the first earthquake level and smaller than the second earthquake level, the opening / closing is performed according to a result of the flow rate measurement unit. Abnormalities can be detected quickly by adjusting the valves .
[0012]
In the third aspect of the invention, the vibration detecting means can detect the vibration in the three-dimensional direction by detecting the vibration acceleration in the three-dimensional direction, so that the earthquake can be accurately detected.
[0013]
The invention according to claim 4, wherein when the vibration detection means has detect the earthquake, by providing the seismic informing means for informing the occurrence of an earthquake, to minimize the disaster can be notified seismic anomaly can do.
[0014]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the earthquake notification means includes a transmission means for transmitting earthquake information in the dwelling, so that the person in the dwelling can be notified and the disaster can be minimized.
[0015]
In the invention according to claim 6 , the earthquake notification means includes a transmission means for transmitting earthquake information to the management center using a communication line, so that the management center can grasp the earthquake situation of the entire area, Water supply management and supply control can be performed quickly.
[0018]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to automatically return the water supply after a predetermined time by providing return confirmation means for determining whether or not to open the plug after a predetermined time after the valve closing .
[0019]
The invention according to claim 8 is a return confirmation means for determining whether or not the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means is less than a predetermined value after confirming that the plug can be opened by the return confirmation means; By providing an opening / closing control means for closing the opening / closing valve , it is possible to check the abnormality again and restrict water supply when it automatically returns after a predetermined time.
[0020]
According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to quickly detect an abnormality in the flow relating to the water supply by providing an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the flow such as a water hammer or cavitation from the signal of the vibration detection means.
[0021]
The invention according to claim 1 0, wherein the abnormality when the detection means detects an abnormality, it is possible to reduce abnormal by adjusting the degree of opening of the flow path by the opening and closing valve.
[0022]
The invention of claim 1 1, when the abnormality detecting means detects abnormality, by adjusting the degree of opening of the flow path by the opening and closing valve as abnormal is reduced or stopped, the flow of the abnormality By detecting and adjusting the opening of the flow path, the abnormality can be quickly reduced.
[0023]
The invention according to claim 1 2, wherein the abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, and the flow rate when measuring means flow is measured is a predetermined value or more, the on-off valve as abnormal is reduced or stopped By adjusting the opening degree of the flow path, when the flow abnormality is detected and the flow rate is generated, the abnormality can be rapidly reduced by adjusting the opening degree of the flow path.
[0024]
The invention according to claim 1 3, the on-off valve that freely open and close the opening of the flow path using a motor, opening of the flow rate to reduce or stop the abnormality such as water hammer since it freely Fine adjustments can be made.
[0025]
The invention according to claim 1 4, wherein the flow measuring means, by using the ultrasonic flow measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the flowing water pipe instantly measures the ultrasonic wave transmission and reception time, instantly the abnormality The flow rate can be measured.
[0026]
The invention according to claim 1 5, wherein the communication line is by communicating information to an optical fiber as a medium, it is possible to use optical fibers disposed like the sewer pipe close to the water pipe, earthquakes and vibration Abnormalities can be centrally managed in the region and lifeline abnormalities can be quickly discovered.
[0027]
The invention according to claim 1 6, wherein the vibration detection means that detects vibration with a piezoelectric element, with a low current consumption by the electromotive force by a piezoelectric phenomenon, detecting only an AC component due to vibration distortion Therefore, it is possible to easily determine abnormality.
[0028]
The invention according to claim 17 can be installed outdoors without a power source by using a battery as a power source, and can be operated even when electricity is cut off due to a disaster.
[0029]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0030]
Example 1
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of ultrasonic transmission / reception elements 16 and 17 that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves through water as a fluid flowing in a water flow pipe 15, a transmission / reception means 18 that controls the transmission and reception, Vibration as vibration detection means for detecting vibration acceleration in a three-dimensional direction in a flow channel 20 connected to a part of the water flow pipe 15 together with a water meter provided with ultrasonic flow rate measurement means 19 for calculating flow rate from propagation time. The sensor 21 includes an earthquake detection unit 22 and an earthquake level determination unit 23 that detect an earthquake from the signal of the vibration sensor 21, and an earthquake notification unit 24 that notifies the occurrence of an earthquake when an earthquake is detected. And the earthquake notification means 24 can transmit earthquake information with a warning sound in the dwelling through the transmission means 25 by wire. In addition, an opening / closing valve 27 is provided as a channel opening / closing means using a stepping motor 26 for opening / closing the channel of the flowing water pipe 15, and the channel can be opened / closed when an earthquake occurs. Here, 28 is an earthquake detection circuit, 29 is a display as another earthquake notification means, 30 is a residence, 31 is an alarm means installed in the residence, 32 is an opening / closing control means for controlling an opening / closing valve, 33 is an opening / closing An open / close instruction switch for manually opening and closing the valve, 34 is a return confirmation means for confirming safety when the open / close valve is opened, and 35 is a battery serving as a power source for the entire water meter.
[0031]
According to the above configuration, the propagation time tu measured by transmitting from the ultrasonic transducer 16 on the upstream side of the flow and received by the ultrasonic transducer 17 on the downstream side, and conversely, the ultrasonic transducer 17 on the downstream side. Is obtained from the propagation time td transmitted and received by the ultrasonic transducer 16 on the upstream side and measured, and the distance L between the transmitting and receiving elements, the cross-sectional area S of the flow path, and a predetermined coefficient k are multiplied. The flow rate measuring means 19 can determine the flow rate Q. Since there is no mechanical moving part, it is possible to measure with high accuracy even during the occurrence of vibration in a three-dimensional direction like an earthquake.
[0032]
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, the water meter 36 is normally installed in a container 37 embedded in the ground. Therefore, the vibration sensor 21 attached to the water meter 36 can easily measure the vibration of the ground and can accurately detect the vibration of the earthquake. Since the vibration sensor 21 can have a low current consumption due to an electromotive force due to a piezoelectric phenomenon, the battery can be operated with a long life. In addition, since the piezoelectric vibration sensor 21 can detect only the AC component due to vibration distortion, it can accurately measure vibration even when the installation is tilted, and can easily determine abnormality. Can do. In FIG. 2, 38 is a water supply pipe, 39 is a water supply pipe, 40 is a water faucet, and 41 is the ground.
[0033]
In addition, the three signals output from the vibration sensor 21 that detects vibrations in the three-dimensional direction are processed by the earthquake detection circuit with a filter that extracts the frequency component of the earthquake, and then vector synthesis is performed. Converted to level. Then, the earthquake detection means determines whether or not the level of the earthquake is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, thereby detecting the earthquake. Further, the earthquake level is determined by the earthquake level determination means in three levels: seismic intensity of 5 or higher, seismic intensity of 5 or more, seismic intensity of less than 6 and seismic intensity of 6 or more.
[0034]
And as shown in FIG. 3, it decided to change the on-off valve control of a flow path with the measured value of the said 3 steps | paragraph earthquake level and flow volume. First, after the presence or absence of an earthquake is detected by the earthquake detection means, the earthquake level determination means determines the level of the earthquake. When the level of the earthquake is less than 5 seismic intensity, the on-off valve of the flow path is maintained as it is, and the earthquake monitoring state is returned again.
[0035]
When the earthquake level falls between seismic intensity 5 or more and seismic intensity 6 or less, the measure is determined as an abnormal level and the treatment is changed according to the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means. That is, if the flow rate value is less than a predetermined flow rate (for example, a flow rate between 0 and 200 L / h, 50 L / h is optimal), the opening / closing valve is adjusted by controlling the motor so that the flow rate is sufficient. I tried to do it. By doing so, the water more than the present condition does not flow, and the waste water can be prevented from being discharged. Since it can be finely adjusted by using an on-off valve that uses a motor, any flow rate can be accommodated. And since it is an ultrasonic flowmeter, when it wants to measure a flow rate, it can measure in a short time, and quick measurement is also possible at the time of an emergency like an earthquake.
[0036]
Further, when the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the flow path is closed by an on-off valve. Then, the passage of time is monitored by a timer, and when a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes to 5 minutes, 2 minutes is optimal) has elapsed, the return confirmation means confirms whether or not the on-off valve can be opened. In this method, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the on-off valve is opened once for a short time and the flow rate is measured. If no flow rate is generated at that time, the valve is automatically opened.
[0037]
And since the flow rate can be measured instantaneously with an ultrasonic flow meter, when the equipment used is estimated from the measured flow rate value and it is determined that a gas water heater that should not be used during an earthquake is used, The gas water heater can be stopped by shutting off the water flow.
[0038]
In addition, when the earthquake level is 6 or higher, the flow path is closed with an open / close valve regardless of the flow rate usage. In this case, the valve is not automatically opened even after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the valve is opened manually after confirmation by a water supply administrator or user.
[0039]
And if the seismic intensity is 5 or higher, it is possible to prepare for an emergency that can quickly detect the occurrence of an earthquake by alerting the earthquake with a warning sound in the residence, and to minimize human disasters and disasters. it can.
[0040]
Moreover, the water meter can be easily installed outdoors or in the ground without a power source by using a battery as a power source, and can be operated even when electricity is cut off due to a disaster. .
[0041]
In this way, by installing a vibration sensor that detects earthquakes in water meters, it is possible to accurately detect abnormalities such as earthquakes, and to control the opening and closing of flow paths according to the level of earthquakes, so that measures for disaster prevention can be accurately performed. By doing so, wasteful water discharge can be reduced and drought during disasters can be prevented. Moreover, since the on-off valve can be automatically returned, disaster prevention measures can be taken without impairing convenience.
[0042]
(Example 2)
A second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Parts having the same structure and the same function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.
[0043]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the earthquake notification means 24 is configured to notify the management center 44 using an optical fiber 43 as a communication line installed in parallel with the sewer pipe 42 as a transmission means. Here, 45 is a connection means, 46 is a water meter of each house.
[0044]
According to the said structure, the management center 44 can grasp | ascertain the earthquake condition of each house by alert | reporting the content which detected the earthquake to the management center 44. FIG. From that information, it is possible to determine in which district the earthquake occurred and whether it is a false alarm. Furthermore, the safety of lifelines such as gas and electricity as well as water supply can be verified according to the level of the earthquake, and disaster management in the area can be easily performed.
[0045]
In many cases, the sewer pipe 42 is close to the water distribution pipe 38 of the water supply, and can be easily connected from the water meter to the optical fiber 43 provided in the sewer pipe 42. If an optical fiber is also laid in the sewage pipe 47 of each home, it can be connected more easily by installing a signal connection means 45 to the optical fiber.
[0046]
In this way, the earthquake information detected by the water meter is reported to the management center via the optical fiber connected to the management center, so that the disaster prevention management in the area can be performed quickly, and the emergency response is accurately performed. Can do. Not only earthquake information but also water usage can be reported to the management center, and the metering work for water usage can be simplified or automated, as well as from water usage and household conditions. Residents can manage their behavior, and local governments can provide safety confirmation and crime prevention services. For example, safety confirmation can be performed in a residence where an elderly person is living alone without water consumption for a specified period of time, and it is possible to visit the residence to confirm safety as an abnormal situation. When there is no period, it is possible to use a service that judges that the person is away from home and periodically performs patrol monitoring. In addition, information on administrative and living information from local governments may be sent from the management center to the water meter, and information may be displayed and transmitted from the water meter using an alarm device 32 installed in the residence. it can.
[0047]
As the transmission means, the optical fiber has been described, but an existing telephone line is used, a line such as a mobile phone or a PHS telephone, a network line such as a LAN line, or an ultrasonic wave using a water pipe. Obviously, the configuration using transmission or the like can be realized.
[0048]
(Example 3)
A third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. Parts having the same structure and the same function as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and different parts will be mainly described.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 6, an abnormality detecting means 48 for detecting shocking vibration such as a water hammer and high-frequency noise vibration such as cavitation based on a signal from the vibration sensor 21 serving as vibration detecting means is provided. The configuration. And when the abnormality detection means 48 detected abnormality, it was set as the structure provided with the opening / closing control means 32 which adjusts the on-off valve 27 which is a flow-path opening / closing means and suppresses abnormality.
[0050]
According to the above configuration, since the vibration sensor 21 is connected to the water pipe 15 of the water meter, the vibration of the water pipe 15 and the vibration transmitted to the water in the water pipe can be quickly detected.
[0051]
An abnormality can be detected by monitoring the vibration constantly or periodically. If the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality, the abnormality can be prevented by adjusting the opening degree of the flow path by the on-off valve 27. That is, when an abnormality is detected, when the flow rate measured by the flow rate detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate (for example, 0 to 100 L / h, optimally 50 L / h), the opening of the flow path is reduced so that abnormal vibration is reduced. Adjust. Here, since abnormal vibration such as cavitation occurs when the flow rate is flowing, it can be reduced by determining the presence or absence of the flow rate and adjusting the opening of the on-off valve. And by adjusting the opening degree, the water supply can be used in a state where cavitation is suppressed by finding the opening degree with the smallest vibration and stopping the on-off valve. And since it adjusts while measuring a flow volume, it does not suppress a flow volume largely, and does not generate | occur | produce a trouble in use of water supply. And since the opening and closing valve can freely open and close the opening of the flow path using a motor, the opening for reducing or stopping the abnormality can be finely adjusted, so that vibration can be reduced in many flow ranges. it can.
[0052]
Also, shocking vibrations such as a water hammer can be reduced by adjusting the opening of the flow path with an on-off valve. When using water, the water hammer can reduce the sudden jet generated from the water tap, so when the flow is generated, the opening / closing valve adjusts the opening to suppress the water hammer. Then, water supply can be used comfortably.
[0053]
In addition, although the case where there is a flow rate is described here, there is an effect that abnormal vibration can be suppressed by adjusting the opening degree even when there is no flow rate.
[0054]
Thus, by detecting the vibration and adjusting the opening of the flow path while monitoring the flow rate, abnormal water hammer and cavitation can be reduced without impairing the utility of the water supply.
[0055]
【Effect of the invention】
As described above, according to the flowmeter of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0056]
The present invention can detect an earthquake or an abnormal vibration of a water pipe by installing a vibration detecting means in a water meter provided with a flow rate measuring means, and can quickly and accurately handle disasters and abnormal vibrations. It can be carried out.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a water meter showing Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an installation example of the water meter. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the water meter. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a water meter showing an example 2 of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing an installation example of the water meter. Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a water meter showing a third example of the invention. Flow chart showing the operation [Fig. 8] Cross section of a conventional water meter [Explanation of symbols]
15 Flowing pipe 19 Ultrasonic flow rate measuring means (flow rate detecting means)
21 Vibration sensor (vibration detection means)
22 Earthquake detection means 23 Earthquake level judgment means 24 Earthquake notification means 25 Transmission means 26 Motor 27 On-off valve (flow path opening / closing means)
32 Opening / closing control means 34 Return confirmation means 35 Battery 43 Optical fiber (communication line)
44 Management center 48 Anomaly detection means

Claims (17)

A flow rate measuring means installed in the water pipe,
Vibration detecting means for detecting vibration ;
Determination means for determining an earthquake level from a signal of the vibration detection means ,
When the determination means determines the first earthquake level, the on-off valve installed in the water pipe is
Keep it as it is,
When the determination means determines that the second earthquake level is greater than the first earthquake level,
A water meter that closes the on-off valve regardless of the result of the flow rate measuring means . The determination means has a third greater than the first earthquake level and smaller than the second earthquake level.
The water meter according to claim 1 , wherein when the earthquake level is determined, the on-off valve is adjusted according to a result of the flow rate measuring means . The water meter according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the vibration detection means detects vibration acceleration in a three-dimensional direction. Wherein when the vibration detection means has detect the earthquake, any one water meter according to claim 1 to 3 having a seismic informing means for informing the occurrence of an earthquake. The water meter according to claim 4 , wherein the earthquake notification means includes transmission means for transmitting earthquake information in a dwelling. 5. The water meter according to claim 4 , wherein the earthquake notification means includes transmission means for transmitting earthquake information to a management center using a communication line. Claims 1-6 Neu with a return confirmation means for judging whether to unplugging after a predetermined time after the closing
The water meter according to item 1 . A return confirmation means for determining whether or not the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means after confirming that the plug can be opened by the return confirmation means;
8. The water meter according to claim 7 , further comprising an open / close control means for closing the open / close valve when the flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. Any one water meter according to claim 8 comprising an abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the flow, such as water hammer and cavitation from the signal of the vibration detecting means. When the abnormality detecting means detects abnormality, claims adjusting the opening of the channel by the on-off valve
9. The water meter according to 9 . When the abnormality detecting means detects abnormality, water meter according to claim 9, wherein the occurrence of abnormality to adjust the opening degree of the flow path by the opening <br/> closing valve so as to reduce or stop. The abnormality detecting means detects an abnormality, and wherein said flow rate measuring means has measured the when the predetermined value or more, the occurrence of abnormality to adjust the opening degree of the flow path by the opening and closing valve so as to reduce or stop Item 10. A water meter according to item 9 . The water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 12 , wherein the on- off valve freely opens and closes the opening of the flow path using a motor. The flow rate measuring means, ultrasonic water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 1 3 using the ultrasonic flow measuring means to measure the reception time to measure the flow rate of the flowing water pipe instantly. The water meter according to claim 6, wherein the communication line performs information communication using an optical fiber as a medium. The vibration detection means according to claim 1 to 1 5 any one water meter according of detecting vibrations using a piezoelectric element. The water meter according to any one of claims 1 to 16 , wherein the battery is a power source.

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