Gas flow meter

Abstract

The present invention provides a gas flow meter. In a plurality of time-continuous daily time partitions, historical data included in the past daily time partitions are displayed graphically based on the accumulated flow data stored in a storage unit as the accumulated flow in each daily time partition. In the daily time partition including the current time, the accumulated flow in the daily time partition based on the current accumulated flow data is sequentially updated and displayed graphically.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gas flow meter. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-296199 discloses a gas leak detector belonging to the technical field of measures for city gas flowing through a pipe, and the gas leak detector is inserted between an inflow side pipe and an outflow side pipe. The gas leak detector is equipped with a display unit, and an instantaneous flow velocity (in other words, a current value) is displayed on the display unit. The instantaneous flow velocity is always updated, so that a small leak can be detected based on the displayed instantaneous flow velocity.

[0003] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-267509 discloses a fluid flow meter mounted on a pipe, which is equipped with a display unit including a 3-digit 7-segment LED, and can switch and display the numerical value and threshold value of the instantaneous flow rate and the accumulated flow rate for each predetermined time on the display unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-347352 discloses an ultrasonic vortex flowmeter equipped with a display unit. In this fluid flowmeter, a main body and a display unit can be separated from each other, and the instantaneous flow rate and the integrated value generated in the main body are switched and displayed on the display device of the display unit. Here, the integrated value represents the integrated flow value from the start time point of the measurement until the current moment.

[0005] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-315712 discloses a thermal gas flow meter. The flow meter includes a head unit and an amplifier unit, and these units are separated from each other. The amplifier unit includes a microprocessor, and the head unit is not provided with a microprocessor. The head unit is equipped with a display unit, and a pattern display is performed according to the detected flow rate using the display unit.

[0006] There are many devices in a factory that use compressed air as a driving source. Compressed air is supplied to the devices from a compressor through a pipeline laid in the factory, and in this case, electric energy corresponding to the compressed air to be generated is applied to the compressor.

[0007] In order to properly manage the energy used in a factory, the management of the compressed air to be used is also one of the important factors.

[0008] In order to quantitatively manage the compressed air to be used, it is necessary to arrange sensing devices and the like at appropriate locations on the pipes laid in the factory, connect the sensing devices and the like to a network and the like, and build a system in which the upper-level equipment adds the sensing data from the sensing devices and the like via the network.

[0009] However, it is troublesome to construct a system for quantitatively managing the compressed air to be used. In addition, the sensing data to be acquired changes momentarily according to the operating conditions of the device using the compressed air as a driving source, and thus the sensing data to be acquired without change is not information suitable for management. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a gas flow meter which can display information requested by a plant manager.

[0011] The above technical problem can be solved by providing the following gas flow meter, which includes: a flow rate measurement unit, which is configured to measure the flow rate of gas in a pipeline; a real-time clock, which is configured to maintain current time data and update the current time data corresponding to the current time; a calculation unit, which is configured to calculate the cumulative flow data according to the flow rate measured by the flow rate measurement unit; a storage unit, which is configured to store the time information based on the current time data of the real-time clock in association with the calculated cumulative flow data; and a screen generation unit, which is configured to generate a cumulative flow graphic screen, the cumulative flow graphic screen includes a plurality of time-continuous time-divisions, based on the time-division information and the cumulative flow data stored in the storage unit, in the past time-divisions among the plurality of time-divisions, the cumulative flow corresponding to each time-division in the past time-divisions is graphically displayed, and based on the cumulative flow data sequentially calculated by the calculation unit, the cumulative flow from the beginning of the time-division to the current time is sequentially updated and graphically displayed in the time-divisions including the current time among the plurality of time-divisions.

[0012] A gas flow meter comprises: a flow rate measuring unit, which is configured to measure the flow rate of gas in a pipeline; a real-time clock, which is configured to maintain current time data and update the current time data corresponding to the current time; a calculation unit, which is configured to calculate cumulative flow data according to the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit; a storage unit, which is configured to store the time information of the current time data based on the real-time clock in association with the calculated cumulative flow data by corresponding to the time partitions of the time partitions that are continuous in time; and a data processing unit, which is configured to provide the time information and the cumulative flow data stored in the storage unit by corresponding to the cumulative flow in the past time partitions to generate a display screen showing the cumulative flow in each time partition, and to provide the current cumulative flow data to be calculated sequentially by the calculation unit by corresponding to the cumulative flow in the time partitions of the time partitions including the current time.

[0013] The gas flow meter of the present invention is equipped with a clock for real-time timing. In addition, the time information of the clock is stored in association with the measured flow rate. Therefore, for example, information representing the history within a constant time period (in other words, the accumulated flow rate, etc.) can be easily generated. In addition, displaying the accumulated flow rate in a graph enables the user to immediately grasp the history of the usage amount by just glancing at the display unit.

[0014] This past history is an accumulation of data associated with time information, and is thus performed by the internal processing of the flow meter. For example, the accumulated usage is reset once a month and displayed on a display unit installed on, for example, a gas meter. In contrast, in the gas flow meter of the present invention, the time period is not limited. The accumulated usage within the time period required by the user can be displayed on the display unit. Therefore, for example, information required by a factory manager (typically information useful for usage management, etc.) can be displayed on the display unit of the gas flow meter.

[0015] As a conventional technique, the accumulated flow rate after an external input (e.g., a reset input) can be displayed. In addition, the accumulated flow rate in an arbitrary time period specified by the user can be read from the storage unit and displayed. For example, yesterday's accumulated flow rate and today's accumulated flow rate are displayed at the same time, thereby making it possible to know the difference between yesterday's usage and today's usage. In addition, the accumulated flow rate on Monday a week ago and the accumulated flow rate on Monday this week are displayed at the same time, thereby making it possible to know the trend of the usage status.

[0016] The functional effects and further objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a clamp-type ultrasonic flowmeter to which the present invention is applied is installed in a pipe;

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a sensor body of a gas flow meter shown;

[0019] Figure 3 is a perspective view for explaining a usage form of using the display unit in a state where the display unit is separated from the sensor body;

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the sensor main body and the display unit;

[0021] Figure 5 is a functional block diagram of the display unit;

[0022] Figure 6is a diagram for explaining that display data is collected in a memory;

[0023] Figure 7 is a diagram for illustratively explaining difference calculation and overflow processing;

[0024] Figure 8 A diagram for explaining an overview of display using a color liquid crystal as a display device of a display unit;

[0025] Fig. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of items displayed in a main display area of ​​a color liquid crystal;

[0026] Fig.10 is a diagram used to illustrate a graphical display of history;

[0027] Fig.11 is a diagram for explaining the graphic display in each time zone in the case where the display range includes the current time;

[0028] Fig.12 is a diagram for explaining a header display area displayed on the upper portion of a color liquid crystal;

[0029] Fig.13 is a diagram for explaining a footer display area displayed at the bottom of a color liquid crystal;

[0030] Fig.14 is a diagram showing a display screen showing instantaneous flow velocity;

[0031] Fig.15 A diagram showing a display screen that simultaneously displays a graph and a numerical value of the usage amount;

[0032] Fig.16 is a diagram showing a display screen showing the usage amount;

[0033] Fig.17 is a diagram showing a display screen that simultaneously displays a usage comparison graph and a comparison rate;

[0034] Fig.18 is a diagram showing a display screen that displays usage amounts in positive and negative directions using a bar graph and numerical values;

[0035] Fig.19 is a diagram for explaining display switching;

[0036] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing a display screen showing the leakage amount using a graph and a numerical value;

[0037] Fig.21 is a diagram showing a display screen that simultaneously displays the usage amount and the leakage amount;

[0038] Fig. 22is a diagram showing a display screen showing a leakage rate;

[0039] Fig.23 is a timing diagram showing the steps of determining a reference leakage amount based on a measured flow rate and obtaining a leakage amount including when the device is operating;

[0040] Fig.24 is a conceptual diagram of processing in a leakage amount determination mode for determining a reference leakage amount; and

[0041] Fig.25 is a flowchart for explaining the process of obtaining the reference leakage amount. Specific embodiments

[0042] [Example]

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a state where a clamp-type ultrasonic flowmeter to which the present invention is applied is installed in a pipe, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the sensor body of the gas flow meter shown. Figure 3 This is a perspective view for explaining a usage form of using the display unit in a state where the display unit is separated from the sensor body.

[0044] The clamp-on ultrasonic flowmeter Fm of this embodiment is designed to be suitable for measuring the flow rate of compressed air and nitrogen. In the case of using compressed air as an example for explanation, for operating equipment in a factory that uses compressed air as an operating source, the gas flowmeter Fm is modified for the pipeline P that supplies compressed air from a storage tank storing compressed air to each operating equipment using a compressor.

[0045] The gas flow meter Fm includes a sensor body 2 mounted to the pipe P, and a display unit 4 including a housing different from the sensor body 2. In other words, the gas flow meter Fm is a separation type, and the sensor body 2 and the display unit 4 are separate body structures. In addition, the display unit 4 is detachable relative to the sensor body 2. Needless to say, the gas flow meter Fm may have an integral shape in which the sensor body 2 and the display unit 4 are configured as one housing, for example.

[0046] refer to Figure 2 The sensor body 2 has a function of measuring the flow rate of the gas flowing in the pipe P, and includes a first ultrasonic device 6 and a second ultrasonic device 8 embedded inside for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves. In other words, the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 are fixedly arranged inside a common main body housing 10. The first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 generally include piezoelectric elements.

[0047] refer to Figure 2 In the clamp-on type ultrasonic flowmeter Fm, the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 embedded in the sensor body 2 are arranged to be separated from each other on the generatrix of the pipe P in the direction of the axis Ax of the pipe P. In other words, the sensor body 2 is a so-called V-shaped arrangement or a reflection arrangement clamp-on type flowmeter. Figure 2 , the reference numeral Us schematically shows the path of the ultrasonic signal transmitted and received between the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8. As shown in the figure, the sensor body 2 can emit ultrasonic waves in a manner of traversing the pipe P, but is not limited thereto. The sensor body 2 can generate a natural vibration mode of the pipe wall (preferably a Lamb wave or a plate wave) in the pipe wall of the pipe P. Needless to say, in this case, it should be understood that the illustrated path Us is schematically shown.

[0048] As a modified example, the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 included in the sensor body 2 may be arranged to clamp the pipe P therebetween and face each other. Specifically, the present invention is suitable for application to a flow meter of a so-called zigzag arrangement scheme, in which the first ultrasonic device 6 is arranged on a first busbar of the pipe P, and the second ultrasonic device 8 is arranged on a second busbar facing the first busbar in the diameter direction.

[0049] The sensor body 2 includes a first wedge member 12 adjacent to the first ultrasonic device 6, and includes a second wedge member 14 adjacent to the second ultrasonic device 8. In addition, the sensor body 2 preferably includes a first coupling agent 16 and a second coupling agent 18 adjacent to the first wedge member 12 and the second wedge member 14, respectively, and the first coupling agent 16 and the second coupling agent 18 preferably can constitute a contact portion with respect to the pipe P. In order to improve installation workability, preferably, the first coupling agent 16 and the second coupling agent 18 can include solid coupling agents.

[0050] exist Figure 2 , reference numeral 20 denotes a damping member. The damping member 20 is a sheet-shaped molded product having moderate flexibility and preferably having a prescribed thickness. The damping member 20 has viscoelasticity, and preferably has adhesion and peeling properties with respect to the pipe P made of metal. When the worker moves his hand along the damping member 20, the damping member 20 is easily deformed along the circumference of the pipe P.

[0051] The damping member 20 is arranged adjacent to the sensor body 2 and is arranged in a state of being in contact with the pipe P and surrounding the circumference of the pipe P. In addition, the damping member 20 is fixed to the pipe P by a damping fitting 22 surrounding the outer circumference of the damping member 20 , and is pressed against the pipe P by the damping fitting 22 . In other words, the damping fitting 22 continuously maintains a pressure-maintaining function for the damping member 20 .

[0052] The first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 embedded in the sensor body 2 are fixedly disposed with a gap of, for example, 1 to 15 cm (preferably 2 to 6 cm) in the direction of the axis Ax of the pipe P.

[0053] The damping member 20 and the damping fitting 22 include a first damping window 24 and a second damping window 26 as spaces, and the first damping window 24 and the second damping window 26 are positioned at positions corresponding to the first coupling agent 16 and the second coupling agent 18 .

[0054] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 , three waterproof cables 30, 32 and 34 are connected to the display unit 4. The first cable 30 includes a power cable for supplying power (e.g., DC 24V) to the display unit 4, a first output cable for supplying an analog signal corresponding to the instantaneous flow rate from the display unit 4 to the outside, a second output cable for supplying a pulse signal corresponding to the integrated flow rate from the display unit 4 to the outside, and a third output cable for supplying an ON / OFF signal as a comparison result with a threshold value from the display unit 4 to the outside. The second cable 32 is an industrial transmission cable, and includes, for example, an Ethernet IP communication cable or an EtherCAT (registered trademark) communication cable, a communication cable with a monitoring device and an external PC, and a cable for supplying the flow rate of the target gas from the display unit 4 to the outside. The third cable 34 is a cable for connecting the display unit 4 to the sensor body 2, and includes a cable for supplying power to the sensor body 2 via the display unit 4, a cable for providing setting information to the sensor body 2, and a cable for supplying measured flow rate data from the sensor body 2 to the display unit 4.

[0055] Then, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 The display unit 4 includes a waterproof and dustproof box 36 constituting the housing of the display unit, and the waterproof and dustproof box 36 is provided separately from the sensor body 2. The display unit 4 also includes a color liquid crystal 38 serving as a display device that has taken waterproof and dustproof measures, a menu button 40 applied with waterproof treatment, and an operation button 42 applied with waterproof and dustproof treatment, and the operation button 42 is given a selection function for selecting a menu or icon displayed on the color liquid crystal 38 and a determination (SET) function. The display unit 4 also includes a USB port 44, and a cover not shown is closed to make the USB port 44 waterproof and dustproof. The USB port 44 is used to communicate with an external PC 46 ( Figure 4 )connect.

[0056] refer to Figure 1The display unit 4 is positioned and fixed to the sensor body 2 via the fitting F. The display unit 4 is preferably provided with a latch hole H ( Figure 3 ). The accessory F is detachable relative to the display unit 4, and is detachable relative to the sensor body 2. When the display unit 4 is detached from the sensor body 2, the display unit 4 is desirably used in a state of being latched by applying the latch hole H to a nail provided on a pillar or the like, for example.

[0057] Figure 4 4 is a diagram for explaining the internal structure of the sensor body 2 and the display unit 4. Figure 4 The sensor body 2 includes a microprocessor 48 constituting a control unit for flow rate measurement, and an ultrasonic device driving circuit 50 for controlling the irradiation of the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8. The driving voltage used by the ultrasonic device 6 (8) is supplied to the ultrasonic device driving circuit 50 from the boost circuit 52. The output from the ultrasonic device driving circuit 50 is sequentially supplied to the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8 via the switching circuit 54. The switching circuit 54 is controlled to switch synchronously with the control of the irradiation of the first ultrasonic device 6 and the second ultrasonic device 8. Since the switching circuit 54 is inserted, in the transmission state of the outgoing path, the first ultrasonic device 6 is used as a transmitter, and the second ultrasonic device 8 is used as a receiver. Similarly, in the transmission state of the incoming path, the second ultrasonic device 8 is used as a transmitter, and the first ultrasonic device 6 is used as a receiver.

[0058] The outputs from the ultrasonic devices 6 and 8 are supplied to the receiving circuit 56 via the switching circuit 54. The receiving circuit 56 amplifies the electric signal, and the A / D converter 58 converts the amplified analog signal into a digital signal, which is input to the microprocessor 48. The microprocessor 48 communicates with the memory 60 storing a predetermined program, and executes a predetermined process.

[0059] In order to calculate the flow rate through the pipe P, the information required for the calculation is stored in the memory 60. The microprocessor 48 generally uses the time of each exit time point as the origin to align the outgoing path reception waveform and the incoming path reception waveform, and performs waveform shape matching by relatively shifting the outgoing path reception waveform and the incoming path reception waveform in the time direction from the aligned state. The time offset at which the matching degree becomes the maximum is determined as the propagation time difference, and the flow rate of the gas is calculated based on the propagation time difference.

[0060] The display unit 4 includes a display unit housing housed in a separate display unit housing from the sensor body 2 (in other words, housed in a waterproof case 36 ( Figure 3) in). The microprocessor 64 constitutes a control unit for controlling the display, and communicates with a memory 66 storing a prescribed program and a prescribed application, and executes prescribed processing.

[0061] The display unit 4 also includes a real-time clock (RTC) 68 used as a real-time clock, and the RTC 68 always operates using power supplied from the first cable 30. As a modification, a backup battery 70 is mounted on the display unit 4, and even when the power supply to the display unit 4 is stopped, the backup battery 70 enables the RTC 68 to continue to count time in real time.

[0062] For example, the pressure sensor 72 mounted to the pipe P is connected to the display unit 4 via the USB port 44, and the internal pressure value of the pipe P is input into the microprocessor 64. The microprocessor 64 stores the flow rate data received from the sensor body 2 in the load log memory 74. The load log memory 74 is preferably equipped with a capacity capable of recording the accumulated flow rate and the accumulated amount of leakage for at least two years.

[0063] Note that the cumulative flow rate indicates the total amount of gas that has passed through the pipe P from the first time point until the second time point, and generally indicates the total amount of gas that has passed through the pipe P from the time point when the reset signal is input until the current moment. In the case where the cumulative flow rate is based on the volume flow rate, the cumulative flow rate is the volume of the gas that has passed through the pipe P, and its unit is, for example, cubic meters. In addition, in the case where the cumulative flow rate is based on the mass flow rate, the cumulative flow rate is the mass of the gas that has passed through the pipe P, and its unit is, for example, kilograms. The cumulative flow rate indicates the total amount of gas that has passed through the pipe P from the first time point until the second time point, and thus in this specification, the cumulative flow rate is referred to as the usage amount in some cases.

[0064] Figure 5 : is a functional block diagram of the display unit 4. The display unit 4 includes an instantaneous flow rate collection engine 80, which receives flow rate data to be supplied from the sensor body 2. The instantaneous flow rate collection engine 80 acquires flow rate data from the sensor body 2 for every 30 milliseconds, for example. The collection cycle time can be arbitrarily settable.

[0065] The instantaneous flow rate collection engine 80 corrects the flow rate data based on information such as pipe conditions (such as the inner diameter of the pipe P, etc.), ambient temperature, and pressure inside the pipe P, and supplies the corrected flow rate data as instantaneous flow rate data to the instantaneous flow rate buffer 82. For example, the instantaneous flow rate data temporarily held in the instantaneous flow rate buffer 82 is updated for every 30 milliseconds. The update cycle time may be arbitrarily settable.

[0066] The output processing unit 87 outputs the instantaneous flow rate data stored in the instantaneous flow rate buffer 82 through the second cable 32 ( Figure 3 ) outputs an analog signal representing the instantaneous flow velocity to the outside. In addition, the output processing unit 87 outputs an ON / OFF signal representing the comparison result to the outside through the second cable 32 based on the comparison result between the instantaneous flow velocity data maintained in the instantaneous flow velocity buffer 82 and a preset threshold value.

[0067] The instantaneous flow rate data is supplied from the instantaneous flow rate buffer 82 to the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84, and the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84 performs processing for calculating the cumulative flow rate based on the instantaneous flow rate data, for example, for every 1 millisecond. A trigger signal from the outside can be input into the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84, and the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84 calculates the cumulative flow rate whose starting point is the time point when the trigger signal is input. In other words, the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84 resets the cumulative flow rate to zero at the time point when the trigger signal is input, and performs cumulative processing based on the instantaneous flow rate data. The trigger signal corresponds to a reset signal. The cumulative flow rate calculated by the cumulative flow rate processing engine 84 is temporarily retained in the cumulative flow rate buffer 86 as cumulative flow rate data. The cumulative flow rate buffer 86 retains the cumulative flow rate whose starting point is the time point when the trigger signal from the outside is input as the cumulative flow rate data, and updates the cumulative flow rate buffer 86, for example, for every 1 millisecond. The update cycle time can be arbitrarily settable.

[0068] In addition to receiving trigger signals from external devices, the cumulative flow processing engine 84 can also receive reset instructions from the user via the operating units 40 and 42, reset the cumulative flow to zero at the time of receiving the reset instruction, and perform cumulative processing based on the instantaneous flow rate data. Figure 5 The trigger input shown includes a reset instruction from the user via the operation units 40 and 42 and a trigger signal from an external device.

[0069] The output processing unit 87 outputs the accumulated flow data held in the accumulated flow buffer 86 through the second cable 32 ( Figure 3 ) outputs a pulse signal indicating the accumulated flow rate to the outside. In addition, the output processing unit 87 outputs an ON / OFF signal indicating the comparison result to the outside through the second cable 32 based on the comparison result between the accumulated flow rate data held in the accumulated flow rate buffer 86 and a preset threshold value.

[0070] The total accumulated flow buffer 88 temporarily holds the total accumulated flow used to calculate the accumulated flow (usage) partitioned by time unit. The total accumulated flow is a type of accumulated flow (usage), and is an accumulated flow (usage) that is not reset by a trigger input and is independent of the time unit. In other words, the accumulated flow processing engine 84 performs accumulation processing based on the instantaneous flow rate data without resetting the total accumulated flow of the total accumulated flow buffer 88. Note that the accumulated flow processing engine 84 can reset the total accumulated flow of the total accumulated flow buffer 88 by a periodic trigger input related to the time unit, and can perform accumulation processing based on the instantaneous flow rate data. For example, the total accumulated flow buffer 88 is updated for every 1 millisecond. The update cycle time is preferably arbitrarily settable.

[0071] The total accumulated flow of the total accumulated flow buffer 88 is stored in the load log memory 74 via the load log engine 90. The total accumulated flow is stored in an area partitioned by time units of one hour in the load log memory 74 and is stored in a state associated with the time from the RTC 68.

[0072] Regarding the leakage of compressed air, the leakage amount varies under the influence of the operating conditions of the device in the factory, the internal pressure of the pipeline, the ambient temperature, etc. For example, the current leakage amount is determined by specifying the flow rate measured at midnight or holidays when the device in the factory is stopped, and adding parameters such as the internal pressure of the pipeline and the ambient temperature to the flow rate. Regarding the leakage amount, the leakage amount is calculated from the instantaneous flow rate buffer 82 in the leakage amount processing engine 92, and the leakage amount obtained in the leakage amount processing engine 92 is temporarily accumulated in the leakage amount buffer 94, and then the cumulative value of the leakage amount is obtained in the leakage cumulative amount processing engine 96, and the cumulative value is temporarily accumulated in the total leakage cumulative amount buffer 98, and then stored in the load log memory 74 via the load log engine 90. The total leakage cumulative amount is stored in the area partitioned by the time unit of one hour in the load log memory 74, and is stored in a state associated with the time from the RTC 68.

[0073] In the loading log memory 74, in the case where the storage format is predefined by time partition, in other words, by a time unit of 1 hour, a log is added for each hour. The display processing engine 100 generates a display image of the usage for each day and time partition or the leakage accumulation for each day and time partition based on the total cumulative flow and the total leakage accumulation stored in the loading log memory 74. The display image generated by the display processing engine 100 is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 38 as a display device. In the liquid crystal monitor 38, for example, the display is updated for every 200 milliseconds. The display update cycle time is preferably arbitrarily settable.

[0074] Will refer to Figure 6 To illustrate the collection of display data in the load log memory 74. In the load log memory 74, the load log memory 74 includes, for example, storage areas M(1), M(2), ..., M(n) for each hourly partition and continuous in time, and the total cumulative flow and the total leakage cumulative amount are sequentially stored in each storage area M(n). In a state where the year-month-day-time data 102 of the memory header address and the moment information (year-month-day-time information) of the RTC 68 are associated with each other, the total cumulative flow and the total leakage cumulative amount are stored in the corresponding storage areas M(n). In addition, in each storage area M(n), the address offset and the moment offset are associated with each other according to the header address. Therefore, the memory address is uniquely determined relative to the expected moment, so there is an advantage that there is no need to perform a moment search. In other words, the object data is not searched in the data stored in the load log memory 74, but the data during the object time period can be extracted from the correspondence between the year-month-day-time and the address in the moment information. In other words, the load log memory 74 manages the real-time year, month, day, and time (in other words, time information) through the RTC 68, and the time information (in other words, the real-time year, month, day, and time) and the stored data correspond to each other one-to-one. Therefore, the load log memory 74 can extract the data during the target time period from the correspondence between the time information and the address, thereby easily generating information (in other words, the accumulated flow rate, etc.) representing the display range (in other words, the history of the time width) set by the user.

[0075] As described above, the display unit 4 includes a real-time clock (RTC) 68 used as a real-time clock. Power can be always supplied through the first cable 30 connected to the display unit 4. Therefore, the load log memory 74 can be made to continuously store data in association with the time information of the RTC 68 inside. Note that the data stored in the load log memory 74 can be copied to a non-volatile recording medium (e.g., an SD card).

[0076] Note that in the total cumulative flow buffer 88 and the total leakage cumulative amount buffer 98, when the number of bits of the buffer is exceeded, an overflow process of accumulating from 0 (zero) is performed. In addition, as will be described later, the cumulative flow for each partition area M (n) can be obtained from the difference of the total cumulative flow at each moment, and in the case of an overflow, the difference becomes negative. In the case where the difference is negative, the total difference cumulative amount is calculated by considering the occurrence of an overflow. In the case where an overflow occurs in each partition area M (n), an accurate cumulative flow cannot be calculated. Therefore, even in the case where accumulation is performed sequentially using the maximum flow and each partition area M (n) is set to be large so that one or less overflow occurs in the partition area M (n), it is preferable to set the buffer size (number of bits). For example, in the case where each partition area M (n) is set in units of one month, the size (number of bits) of the buffer is set to the extent that the overflow occurs once or does not occur in units of years, which can prevent overflows from occurring twice or more in a month.

[0077] For more information about difference calculation and overflow handling, refer to Figure 7 , when illustrating and specifically explaining an example of loading the total accumulated traffic into the log every hour, for example, by obtaining the difference between the total accumulated traffic of 9,999,757 during the period of 2:00-2:59 (2:00:00 to 2:59:99) on December 31, 2020 and the total accumulated traffic of 9,999,312 during the period of 1:00-1:59 (1:00:00 to 1:59:99) on December 31, 2020, the usage during 1:00-1:59 on December 31, 2020 is calculated as 445. In addition, an overflow of the total accumulated flow rate occurred during 2:00-2:59 on December 31, 2020 (overflow of 10,000,000), and the total accumulated flow rate decreased during 3:00-3:59, but by overflow processing, 10,000,000 was added to the accumulated total flow rate during 3:00-3:59 to obtain the difference, thereby calculating the usage amount during 2:00-2:59 on December 31, 2020 as 460. In addition, by obtaining the difference between the total accumulated flow rate of 13,424 during 0:00-0:59 on January 1, 2021 (overflow processing, 10,013,424) and the total accumulated flow rate of 9,999,156 during 0:00-0:59 on December 31, 2020, the usage amount on December 31, 2020 was calculated as 14,268.

[0078] refer to Figure 8, an outline of display using a color liquid crystal as a display device of the display unit 4 will be described. The color liquid crystal 38 has a rectangular shape, and in the display screen of the color liquid crystal 38, a main display area 38a in the center portion in the up-down direction, a header display area 38b on the upper side of the main display area 38a, and a footer display area 38c on the lower side of the main display area 38a are provided.

[0079] Fig. 9 38a. In the main display area 38a, in addition to displaying the instantaneous flow rate (current value) of the numerical value displayed with the instantaneous flow rate display, the display range set by the user (in other words, the historical display of the time width), the graphical display of the gas usage for each partition, and the historical numerical display of the gas usage for each partition can also be displayed. These display items can be displayed at the same time, or can be selectively displayed based on the user's operation. The current value and history are displayed at the same time so that the user can grasp the past history while grasping the current state. When the user changes the display range (in other words, the setting of the time width), the historical display changes immediately in response to the change.

[0080] Fig.10 It is a diagram for illustrating a graphical display of history, and shows a bar graph corresponding to the cumulative flow (usage) corresponding to each day and time partition (one hour in the example shown) in the same display range based on the total cumulative flow associated with the time stored in the load log memory 74. Fig.11 : is a diagram for explaining the graphical display in the display range including the current time. The bar graph displayed using the current day and time partition is displayed based on the latest total cumulative flow rate among the total cumulative flow rate maintained in the total cumulative flow buffer 88 and the total cumulative flow rate associated with the time stored in the load log memory 74, and is extended at any time according to the update of the total cumulative flow rate maintained in the total cumulative flow buffer 88. In other words, using the total cumulative flow rate associated with the time stored in the load log memory 74, not only the bar graph corresponding to the current day and time partition from 2:00 to 3:00 can be displayed, but also the bar graph corresponding to the past day and time partition from 0:00 to 2:00 can be displayed. Using the day and time partition with high periodicity and high regularity to display the graph makes it easy to compare with the past state. Therefore, even if the accurate value of the usage under the normal state is not grasped, quantitative comparison with the past state becomes easy, so that the management of gases such as compressed air, for example, becomes easy.

[0081] In the display of the display range including the current time, a bar graph of the history for each corresponding day-time partition in the past time period range may be superimposed and displayed at the position of the corresponding day-time partition. In this superimposed display, for easy identification from the historical bar graph, for example, a display mode of different colors or translucency may be preferably adopted. When the user changes the display range (in other words, changes the setting of the time width) based on the total accumulated flow associated with the time stored in the load log memory 74, the graphic display may be immediately changed to a graphic display corresponding to the change.

[0082] In the display related to the history display, the date corresponding to the display time period is displayed. In the case of selecting day, the year, month and day are displayed, and in the case of selecting month, the year and month are displayed, and in the case of selecting year, the year is displayed. Figure 8 , the display items in the target time period can be selected using the menu button 40 and the up, down, left, and right buttons 42a of the operation unit 42, and the selected change can be confirmed using the set (SET) button 42b.

[0083] As a partition corresponding to the display range (time width) in the graphic display, when the day is selected as the display range, the total accumulated flow in each partition of each hour of the day (0:00-0:59 to 23:00-23:59) is preferably displayed as a bar graph as a historical graphic display. Instead of a bar graph, a line graph can be displayed. In addition, the bar graph and the line graph can be selectable. When the month is selected as the display range, the total accumulated flow is displayed as a bar graph by each partition of the month (in other words, continuously every day from the 1st to the 31st). Instead of a bar graph, a line graph can be displayed. When the year is selected as the display range, the total accumulated flow is preferably displayed as a line graph by each partition of the year (in other words, continuously every month from January to December). Instead of a line graph, a bar graph can be displayed.

[0084] Regarding the graphical display, display ranges such as weeks, half-year time periods, mornings and afternoons, and limited time widths (e.g., three hours) may be selectable. In the case of selecting a week as the display range (time width), a bar graph is displayed as a historical graph of the total cumulative flow in consecutive days of the week used as each partition of the week. Instead of a bar graph, a line graph may be displayed. In the case of selecting a half-year time period as the display range (time width), the total cumulative flow in each week (in other words, week 1 to week 26) as each partition in the half-year time period is displayed as a bar graph. Instead of a bar graph, a line graph may be displayed. In the case of selecting a display range of morning or afternoon, the total cumulative flow, for example, every 30 minutes as a partition is displayed as a bar graph. Instead of a bar graph, a line graph may be displayed. For example, in the case of selecting a three-hour display range (time width), the total cumulative flow, for example, every 10 minutes as a partition is displayed as a bar graph. Instead of a bar graph, a line graph may be displayed.

[0085] Whether to display a bar graph or a line graph may be selectable. Furthermore, whether to use a graphical display or a numerical display may also be selectable. Furthermore, the graphical display and the numerical display may be displayed in a switchable manner.

[0086] The first display range and the second display range are switchable during the flow rate measurement operation, wherein the first display range includes a day-time partition including the current time and one or more past day-time partitions continuous with the day-time partition, and the second display range includes multiple consecutive day-time partitions in the past relative to the first display range. After the switching operation, the accumulated flow data corresponding to each day-time partition is immediately displayed in a graphic. After the display of the second display range, when the time period without user operation continues for a certain period of time, the display can automatically switch to the display of the first display range.

[0087] refer to Fig.12 The header display area 38b is used to display information that is convenient for display on multiple screens, such as displaying the stability of flow rate measurement in a graphical or bar display, displaying an arbitrary character string (for example, a character string set by the user), and displaying the communication status.

[0088] The footer display area 38c is used, for example, to display operation guidance. Fig.13 For example, a circular icon representing the setting button 42b is displayed for screen setting, and a pair of triangular icons representing left and right operations of the up, down, left, and right buttons 42a and pointing to the left and right are displayed for date change, month change, or year change operations.

[0089] Figures 14 to 18 A specific example related to display is shown. Fig.14A display screen showing the instantaneous flow rate is shown. In the case where the display screen is called a "simple screen", in the simple screen display, a numerical display (for example, "5,258.71") of the instantaneous flow rate (current flow rate value) is displayed in the main display area 38a of the color liquid crystal 38. In addition, in the main display area 38a, the numerical values ​​of the threshold values ​​H1 and L1 for the first output and the threshold values ​​H2 and L2 for the second output are displayed. Although two threshold values ​​H and L are set for each output in this display example, one threshold value may be set.

[0090] As an illustrative display example, in the case of two threshold values ​​H and L, when the instantaneous flow rate (current value) is between H and L, ON can be set, or conversely, when the instantaneous flow rate (current flow rate value) is between H and L, OFF can be set. In the case of one threshold, when the instantaneous flow rate (current flow rate value) exceeds the threshold, ON can be set, and conversely, when the instantaneous flow rate (current flow rate value) exceeds the threshold, OFF can be set. It is preferable to be able to set a threshold for each output (in other words, two thresholds or one threshold), select the state of ON, and set the threshold. These selections and settings can be made by operating the menu button 40 and the operation button 42 during the flow rate measurement operation.

[0091] Here, in addition to the volume flow rate (actual flow rate) under the measuring state, whether to display a converted flow rate such as the volume flow rate under the normal state (normal flow rate) or the standard flow rate at a reference temperature of 20°C can also be selected, and these selections can be made by operating the menu button 40 and the operation button 42.

[0092] In the main display area 38a, a numerical value of the accumulated flow rate may be displayed. Whether to display the accumulated flow rate may be selectable. Here, the accumulated flow rate is the accumulated flow rate from the time point when a reset signal is input by a button input and a trigger input from the outside. Instead of the accumulated flow rate, whether to display the usage amount or the leakage amount may be selectable. These selections can be made by operating the menu button 40 and the operation button 42.

[0093] In the header display area 38b, a graphic display 110 for simulating a measurement stability display light is displayed. A bar display may be used instead of the graphic display 110. The graphic display 110 displays whether the flow rate has been stably measured.

[0094] In the header display area 38b, communication information 112 about each of "communication A" and "communication B" is also displayed. Communication A means, for example, USB communication, and communication B means, for example, IO-LINK communication.

[0095] In the header display area 38b, there are also displayed ON / OFF output display lights 114. In the illustrated example, the ON / OFF output display lights 114 include a display light 114a for the first output and a display light 114b for the second output, and the display light 114a for the first output is in the ON state and the display light 114b for the second output is in the OFF state.

[0096] In order to set the threshold value for each output, the menu button 42 is operated to call a submenu according to the icon 116 displayed in the footer display area 38c, and the threshold value for each output can be set in the submenu.

[0097] exist Fig.15 In the description of the display screens thereafter, the same reference numerals are assigned in the common display, and the description of these reference numerals is omitted. Fig.15 The screen showing the bar graph and numerical value of the usage amount is shown at the same time. In the header display area 38b, the display range (time period range) 118 of the usage amount is displayed by year, month and day. Fig.15 The screen shown shows the case where the unit is "day". Here, "2018" means year, "10" means October, and "12" means the 12th day. In the case where the display uses the "month" unit, "2018 / 10" is displayed, and in the case where the display uses the "year" unit, "2018" is displayed. For example, in the case of the "week" unit, "2018 / 35-36 weeks" can be displayed. In order to set the display range (time period range), in other words, in order to set the time width, the menu button 40 is operated to select the submenu according to the icon 116 of the submenu displayed in the footer display area 38c, and the display range can be set from the displayed submenu. The setting change can be made during the flow rate measurement operation, and the setting change of the display range is immediately reflected in the graphical display of the cumulative flow. In the submenu, for example, the options of "day", "month" and "year" are displayed, and the user can be made to select an option among these three options. In addition, in the submenu, the user can be made to select a display language among multiple options.

[0098] As mentioned above, Fig.15 The display screen shows that the display range is in "day" units and the partitions are in "time" units. Therefore, each graph in the bar graph is displayed in time units. The scale width of the bar graph is automatically scaled according to the maximum usage among the usage of each partition in the display range.

[0099] In the case where the display range is the "month" unit, the division is the "day" unit, and in the case where the display range is the "year" unit, the division is the "month" unit. In the case of the "week" unit, the division is the "day" unit. These display ranges (in other words, time widths) are changeable during the flow rate measurement operation.

[0100] exist Fig.15 On the display screen shown, the accumulated usage in the display area (the accumulated flow from 0:00 to the current time) is displayed numerically. In other words, the total amount of each usage displayed as a bar graph is displayed numerically. When the display range is in "month" units, the total usage of the month is displayed numerically. When the display range is in "year" units, the total usage of the year is displayed numerically. When the display range includes the current time, the numerical value of the usage increases at any time according to the (instantaneous) flow rate.

[0101] The usage amount displayed in the main display area 38a means the cumulative value (cumulative flow rate) of the flow rate in each partition. Fig.14 The "total flow rate" mentioned above is the accumulated value from the time the reset signal is input. Fig.15 The status during 18:00-18:59 is shown, wherein the bar graph during 18:00-18:59 extends at any time according to the instantaneous flow rate (current usage). On the other hand, the bar graph from 0:00-0:59 to 17:00-17:59 (from 0:00 to 18:00) shows the past status (history of usage). Preferably, the historical value and the current value (usage during 18:00-18:59) can be classified and displayed by color.

[0102] In the footer display area 38c, an icon 120 for date change is displayed. The icon 120 includes a pair of triangles pointing left and right, and the left and right buttons of the up, down, left and right buttons 42a of the operation button 42 represented by the icon 120 having the pair of triangles are operated to allow the date in the display range (time period range) to be changed. For example, when the date is changed to the previous day "2018 / 10 / 11", in all time periods from 0:00-0:59 to 23:00-23:59 (from 0:00 to 24:00), the past status (history of usage amount) is displayed.

[0103] In the main display area 38a, in addition to the display of the usage amount, simultaneous display of the usage amount + the leakage amount, display of the leakage amount, etc. can be selected. The selection of the display content can be performed by selecting a submenu and selecting a display item in the submenu.

[0104] exist Fig.16The main display area 38a displays the usage amount in each area and the cumulative usage amount in the display range (the flow rate accumulated from 0:00 to the current time) in numerical values.

[0105] Fig.17 The display screen shown simultaneously displays a usage comparison graph in which the usage of the first display range and the usage of the second display range are superimposed and displayed, and a numerical value of the usage ratio. The usage comparison graph is displayed as a line graph, and it is not necessary to display it because in the display range of the line graph as a comparison object, the day, month, and year in the case of including the display range at the current time are exactly the same as the day, month, and year at the current time. The display range can be set by selecting a submenu and setting it in the submenu.

[0106] In this setting change, when the user operates the operation unit 42 during the flow rate measurement operation, the user's operation is accepted, and the setting change of the display range is performed. In addition, the graphic display is changed corresponding to the setting change of the display range. In addition, thereafter, in the case where a time period without the user's operation continues for a certain period of time, the setting of the display range can be automatically switched to the original display range.

[0107] In addition, after the setting is switched from the first display range to the second display range, when the setting is switched to the third display range in accordance with the user's operation, the usage graph corresponding to the first display range and the usage graph corresponding to the third display range are displayed by comparison in a state where the display positions in the display ranges are aligned.

[0108] In the usage comparison graph, a line graph of historical usage in a display range specified in the past and a line graph of usage in a display range including the current moment are superimposed and displayed. In other words, two types of line graphs are displayed by aligning with a common axis. The line graph used as a comparison object can be displayed as a ghost. The usage comparison graph represents the usage from the beginning of the display range until the relevant moment (the flow accumulated from 0:00 to the relevant moment), and corresponds to the accumulation of partition usage. Preferably, a vertical dotted line indicating the current position can be displayed. In addition, a circular mark can be displayed at a point on each line graph that is perpendicular to the vertical dotted line indicating the current position.

[0109] As a modified example, the same partition in different display ranges (the same relative partition in different display ranges: for example, 18:00-18:59) can be displayed by comparison. In addition, the date used as the comparison object can be changed by operating the operation button 42. In this case, the same partition in the display range including the current time and the comparison object after the change is displayed by comparison.

[0110] As the usage ratio, the ratio of the same partition (same relative partition: for example, 18:00-18:59) in different display ranges can be displayed. When the usage in the same partition of the comparison object is 100, the current usage (the accumulated flow from 0:00 to the current time) is displayed as a percentage. As a variation, when the total usage in the display range of the comparison object (the usage at 24:00) is 100, the current usage can be displayed as a percentage.

[0111] In displaying the usage Fig.17 In the display screen, the display can be switched to the display related to the leakage amount through the user's operation (submenu). In the leakage amount display, the leakage amount history comparison graph and the leakage amount ratio numerical value are displayed at the same time.

[0112] exist Fig.18 In the display screen, in a ring-shaped pipe, for example, bar graphs of usage in the positive and negative directions and their values ​​are displayed simultaneously. Here, in a case where the first direction along the axis Ax of the pipe P is defined as positive, the opposite direction of the first direction is defined as negative, and the flow rates are accumulated separately in the positive and negative directions, the bar graph of usage in the positive direction (in the illustrated example, a bar graph of accumulated usage for each partition for one hour) means the flow rate in the positive direction, and the flow rate of usage in the negative direction is displayed as a bar graph of usage in the negative direction. In the illustrated display example, the bar graph located above the horizontal axis (time axis) represents the accumulated usage in the positive direction per hour, and the bar graph located below the horizontal axis (time axis) represents the accumulated usage in the negative direction per hour.

[0113] exist Fig.18 In the main display area 38a of the display screen, the "+" seen in the numerical display of the displayed usage represents the total usage in the display range in the positive direction (in other words, the cumulative value of the usage), and the "-" represents the total usage in the negative direction (in other words, the cumulative value of the usage).

[0114] Separately displaying the usage in both the positive and negative directions is useful, for example, for transporting compressed air between factories, or for managing situations such as loop piping where both positive flow (positive direction) and return flow (negative direction) may exist. Figures 14 to 18 , the display device in the display unit 4 (in other words, the color liquid crystal 38) is used so that not only the instantaneous flow rate but also various information can be supplied to the user. Therefore, the user can directly use the information displayed on the color liquid crystal 38 and perform reasonable and rapid plant management without processing the displayed data or information.

[0115] References can be switched by user selection Figures 14 to 18 The different display screens have been described exemplarily. Fig.19 To illustrate this display switching. Fig.19 In the reference Figure 6 The same elements that have been described are assigned the same reference numerals, and description of these elements is omitted. The display processing engine 100 performs processing for switching the display screen of the color liquid crystal 38 when the user operates the operation units 40 and 42. The load log memory 74 internally stores data in each partition with the head address associated with the real time. Therefore, when the display content changes with the display switching, for the past data, the difference in the total accumulated flow between the partitions is calculated, and for the current data, the latest value loaded in the log memory 74 and the total accumulated flow buffer 88 ( Figure 5 ), thereby generating display data after the display screen is switched, and displaying the display data.

[0116] Note that, by the operation of the operation units 40 and 42 in the display unit 4, a date change, a display range (time width), a display content (leakage amount, comparative display) change can be easily requested without using an external PC. In addition, the user can make desired information displayed on the color liquid crystal 38 of the display unit 4 by setting with simple operation through the operation units 40 and 42, and obtain information useful for managing the usage amount, for example.

[0117] Figure 20 to Figure 22 Each shows a display example of a display screen related to leakage amount display. Fig. 20 In the display screen shown, the leakage amount is displayed as a graph and a numerical value. Specifically, the leakage accumulation amount for each time-of-day division (for each hour in the illustrated example) is displayed as a bar graph, and the total leakage accumulation amount in the display range is displayed as a number.

[0118] Display processing engine 100 ( Figure 5 ) generates the following display screen, in which the leakage accumulation amount determined based on the total leakage accumulation amount maintained in the total leakage accumulation amount buffer 98 and the latest total leakage accumulation amount in the total leakage accumulation amount associated with the time stored in the log memory 74 is graphically displayed at the position of the corresponding day and time partition.

[0119] Total leakage accumulation buffer 98 ( Figure 5 ) is updated at any time, and the display processing engine 100 generates a display screen that displays the leakage accumulation amount in a graphic at the position of the corresponding day-time partition based on the updated total leakage accumulation amount. The total leakage accumulation amount and the display screen are updated so that the bar graph G1 ( Fig. 20) may be extended from time to time in accordance with such updating.

[0120] In addition, the display processing engine 100 generates a display screen in which the leakage accumulation amount in each day and time zone to be determined based on each total leakage accumulation amount in each day and time zone corresponding to the display range among the total leakage accumulation amounts associated with the time stored in the load log memory 74 is displayed in a graphical manner, for example. Fig. 20 As a result, the leakage accumulation amounts corresponding to the past daily and time divisions and the leakage accumulation amount corresponding to the current daily and time division are simultaneously displayed with high regularity.

[0121] Displaying the graph using daily and time divisions with high periodicity and regularity makes it easy to compare with past conditions. Therefore, even if the exact value of the cumulative amount of leakage under normal conditions is not yet known, quantitative comparison with past historical conditions becomes easy, making it easy to manage gases such as compressed air, for example.

[0122] In the footer display area 38c, an icon 120 for date change is displayed. The icon 120 includes a pair of triangles pointing left and right, and the left and right buttons of the up, down, left, and right buttons 42a of the operation button 42 represented by the icon 120 having the pair of triangles are operated to allow the date in the display range (time period range) to be changed. For example, when the date is changed to the previous day "2018 / 10 / 11", in all time periods from 0:00-0:59 to 23:00-23:59 (from 0:00 to 24:00), the past status (history of usage amount) is displayed.

[0123] In other words, the display processing engine 100 generates the following display screen, in which the leakage cumulative amount in each day and time partition to be determined based on the total leakage cumulative amount associated with the time stored in the loaded log memory 74 and the total leakage cumulative amount in each day and time partition corresponding to the display range (time period range) specified by the operation button 42 is displayed in a graphic at the position of the corresponding day and time partition of the display graphic.

[0124] In order to set the display range (time period range), in other words, to set the time width, the menu button 40 is operated to select a submenu according to the icon 116 of the submenu displayed in the footer display area 38c, and settings can be made from the displayed submenu. The setting change can be made during the flow rate measurement operation, and the setting change of the display range is immediately reflected in the graphical display of the leakage accumulation amount. In the submenu, for example, selection items of "day", "month" and "year" are displayed, and the user can be allowed to select one selection item from the three selection items.

[0125] Fig.21 A display screen is shown in which the usage in the display range, the usage corresponding to each daily time partition (in the illustrated example, each consecutive hour), and the cumulative amount of leakage are displayed simultaneously. The total usage in the display range is displayed numerically in the lower part of the main display area 38a. In the upper part of the main display area 38a, the usage corresponding to each daily time partition is classified by color and displayed as a bar graph corresponding to each daily time partition and including the cumulative amount of leakage for each consecutive hour. The numerical value of the usage in the display range is displayed in the upper part of the main display area 38a, indicating the usage within the time width from the beginning of the display range until the relevant time (the flow accumulated from 0:00 to the relevant time), and corresponds to the usage corresponding to each daily time partition being accumulated, and the transition of the usage is displayed as a line graph LG.

[0126] The leakage accumulation displayed superimposed with the usage corresponding to each day-time partition is the cumulative value of the leakage flow in each day-time partition and is displayed as a bar graph. In the graphic display, the leakage accumulation and the usage are displayed by aligning with a common graphic axis and are preferably displayed in different colors. In other words, the superimposed display of the usage and the leakage accumulation is configured to have a common display range and a common first vertical axis at one end of the display range.

[0127] As described above, the display processing engine 100 generates the following display screen, in which the usage amount to be determined based on the total cumulative flow maintained in the total cumulative flow buffer 88 and the latest total cumulative flow in the total cumulative flow associated with the time stored in the log memory 74 is displayed graphically at the position of the corresponding day and time partition, and the leakage cumulative amount to be determined based on the total leakage cumulative amount maintained in the total leakage cumulative amount buffer 98 and the latest total leakage cumulative amount in the total leakage cumulative amount associated with the time stored in the log memory 74 is displayed graphically at the position of the corresponding day and time partition.

[0128] The total accumulated flow rate held in the total accumulated flow rate buffer 88 and the total accumulated leakage amount held in the total accumulated leakage amount buffer 98 are updated at any time, and the display processing engine 100 generates a display screen that graphically displays the accumulated flow rate and the accumulated leakage amount at the position of the corresponding day-time partition based on the updated total accumulated flow rate and the total accumulated leakage amount. The total accumulated flow rate, the total accumulated leakage amount and the display screen are updated so that the bar graphs of the usage amount and the accumulated leakage amount displayed in the current day-time partition are extended at any time according to the update.

[0129] Furthermore, the display processing engine 100 generates a display screen in which the usage amount of each day and time partition to be determined based on each total accumulated flow of each day and time partition corresponding to the display range among the total accumulated flow associated with the time stored in the loaded log memory 74 is displayed graphically at the position of the corresponding day and time partition, and the leakage cumulative amount of each day and time partition to be determined based on each total accumulated leakage amount of each day and time partition corresponding to the display range among the total accumulated leakage amount associated with the time stored in the loaded log memory 74 is displayed graphically at the position of the corresponding day and time partition. As a result, each usage amount and each leakage cumulative amount corresponding to each day and time partition in the past and each usage amount and leakage cumulative amount corresponding to the current day and time partition are displayed simultaneously with high regularity.

[0130] By line chart LG( Fig.21 ) is displayed as a percentage when the usage amount used as a target set in advance by the user is set to 100, and is configured to have a first vertical axis VL1 (unit: m) at one end. 3 ) and has a second vertical axis VL2 (unit: %) at the other end, wherein the units of the two vertical axes are different. It is preferable to display the usage amount used as a target, and in this case, for example, the target usage amount can be displayed by a horizontal dotted line. Regarding the usage amount and leakage accumulation amount of each day and time division displayed as a bar graph, the target values ​​of the usage amount and leakage accumulation amount can also be displayed as a horizontal dotted line. Fig.21 In the figure, “Use” indicates a target value of the usage amount, and “Leak” indicates a target value of the leakage accumulation amount.

[0131] The usage in the display range and the usage and leakage accumulation in each day and time partition are referred to as two vertical axes VL1 and VL2 with different units. However, simultaneously displaying target values ​​with reference to different vertical axes may make it difficult to grasp at a glance which vertical axis is being referenced. Therefore, the target usage relative to the usage in the display range displayed as a percentage is instead displayed as 100 on the second vertical axis VL2, and the color of the line in the line graph LG representing the usage in the display range may be different between above and below the target usage Use as a boundary, depending on whether the target usage is exceeded. Different colors may be used for the display of the usage and leakage accumulation in each day and time partition and each target value.

[0132] The usage amount to be numerically displayed in the lower part of the main display area 38a may be the total usage amount in the display range (the flow rate accumulated from 0:00 to the current time). In other words, the total amount of each usage amount in the usage amount graph displayed above is numerically displayed.

[0133] Fig. 22The screen display shows the leakage rate. The leakage rate is the ratio of the leakage amount in the display range to the usage amount or the accumulated flow rate. The leakage rate is displayed as a numerical value, and the ratio of the usage amount to the leakage amount is preferably displayed in a circular shape.

[0134] The leakage processing engine 92 can be obtained by the following method: Figure 5 ). In other words, the flow rate is measured, the fluid non-use time period and the fluid use time period are distinguished based on the measured flow rate, and the leakage amount in the fluid non-use time period is determined based on the flow rate in the fluid non-use time period. The leakage amount processing engine 92 sends the determined leakage amount to the leakage amount buffer 94, and updates the leakage amount to be maintained in the leakage amount buffer 94. The leakage amount processing engine 92 distinguishes the fluid non-use time period and the fluid use time period based on the measured flow rate, and does not update the leakage amount to be maintained in the leakage amount buffer 94 when it has been determined to be a fluid use time period.

[0135] Therefore, the leakage accumulation processing engine 96 ( Figure 5 ) obtains the leakage cumulative amount in the fluid non-use time period based on the leakage amount to be sequentially updated, and obtains the leakage cumulative amount in the fluid use time period based on the leakage amount in the fluid non-use time period immediately before the fluid use time period. In other words, the leakage cumulative amount processing engine 96 estimates the leakage amount based on the flow rate in the past fluid non-use time period, and calculates the leakage cumulative amount based on the determined leakage amount in the fluid non-use time period, the estimated leakage amount in the fluid use time period, and the respective elapsed times. The leakage cumulative amount processing engine 96 sends the calculated leakage cumulative amount to the total leakage cumulative amount buffer 98, and updates the total leakage cumulative amount to be maintained in the total leakage cumulative amount buffer 98.

[0136] The leakage processing engine 92 may be provided with a first threshold value for distinguishing between a fluid non-use time period and a fluid use time period, and may distinguish between a fluid non-use time period and a fluid use time period based on the measured flow rate and the first threshold value. In addition, the leakage processing engine 92 may issue a warning when the leakage has abnormally increased, and may be provided with a second threshold value for distinguishing between a leakage that has occurred to the extent that a warning is issued.

[0137] In reference Fig. 20In the display screen described above, it is preferable to display the cumulative amount of leakage in the display range and the amount of money when the cumulative amount of leakage is converted into cost at the same time. In other words, in the case of leakage of compressed air, the cost to be paid for the driving power of the compressor required to generate the compressed air of the total cumulative amount of leakage can be displayed together with the total cumulative amount of leakage. The total cumulative amount of leakage is displayed by converting it into cost so that the user can actually feel the economic loss, thereby the user will quickly take measures to deal with the leakage.

[0138] Regarding the determination of the leakage amount, for example, in a case where all devices using compressed air in a factory as a driving source are stopped, if compressed air is flowing through the pipe P at this time, the flow can be estimated to be caused by leakage. However, a time period when all devices can be intentionally stopped is restrictively ensured, such as at midnight or on holidays, so that the detection and estimation of the leakage amount is not necessarily easy.

[0139] Fig.23 is a timing chart as follows: the leakage amount processing engine 92 determines the leakage amount used as a reference when the constant condition is satisfied, and based on the determined leakage amount, the leakage cumulative amount processing engine 96 calculates the total leakage cumulative amount within the time period including the time period when the device is operating. Fig.23 To explain the outline, when the constant condition is established, the leakage determination mode is started. As a constant condition, a threshold value at which the plant equipment is considered to be in a non-operating state is set. The leakage determination mode continues until the next plant equipment operation, in other words, until the constant condition is not established. A second condition for determining that the plant equipment is already in operation can be set, and the leakage processing engine 92 can determine that the plant equipment is already in operation based on the second condition. The leakage obtained in the leakage determination mode is used to calculate the cumulative leakage during the leakage determination mode time period and the operation time period of the plant equipment immediately after the time period. Preferably, the cumulative leakage is obtained for each of the above-mentioned daily time partitions, and the cumulative leakage for each partition is displayed. As the leakage during the operation time period of the plant equipment, the cumulative leakage corresponding to the above-mentioned leakage can be obtained, or the cumulative leakage can be obtained by detecting the internal pressure of the pipe P during the operation time period of the plant equipment and using the value corrected based on the internal pressure.

[0140] As a modified example, the leakage amount processing engine 92 determines that: regarding the determination of the leakage amount, when the measured flow rate is less than the leakage threshold, the compressed air is in an unused state (in other words, the plant equipment becomes non-operating); during the time period (non-use time period) when the measured flow rate is less than the leakage threshold, for example, for each prescribed time period (for example, for every 90 seconds), an average value is obtained; the average value is sequentially updated as the leakage amount; and from the time when the measured flow rate is greater than the leakage threshold until the time when the measured flow rate is less than the leakage threshold, it can be considered that the last updated leakage amount may have been generated. In this case as well, based on the leakage amount obtained during the non-use time period determined according to the leakage threshold, the leakage cumulative amount during the non-use time period and the leakage cumulative amount for each day and time partition during the operation time period of the plant equipment after the non-use time period has moved to the use time period are obtained, and the leakage amount to be displayed is calculated using these leakage cumulative amounts for each partition. Preferably, the leakage cumulative amount is obtained for each day and time partition described above, and the leakage cumulative amount for each partition is displayed. Also in this modification, when the leakage amount to be sequentially updated exceeds a prescribed abnormality threshold value during the non-use time period, a warning may be outputted assuming that some kind of abnormality has occurred.

[0141] In addition to the automatic leakage determination described above, a second leakage determination mode may be included that determines the leakage based on a timing input from the outside. During the second leakage determination mode, the leakage processing engine 92 suspends automatic updating of the leakage by distinguishing between a fluid non-use period and a fluid use period based on the measured flow rate. During the second leakage determination mode, the leakage processing engine 92 suspends automatic updating of the leakage based on a timing input from the outside (e.g., a trigger signal from an external device ( Figure 5 The leakage amount processing engine 92 automatically updates the leakage amount by distinguishing the fluid non-use time period and the fluid use time period based on the measured flow rate at the end of the second leakage amount determination mode.

[0142] Will refer to Fig.23The leakage amount determination mode described above is further described in detail, and based on the measured flow rate and the threshold value, when the measured flow rate is less than the threshold value, the leakage amount determination mode is changed to the first leakage amount determination mode. When the measured flow rate is greater than the threshold value, the first leakage amount determination mode is cancelled. During the first leakage amount determination mode time period, the flow rates are measured sequentially, and the average value of the flow rates is determined as the first leakage amount BLa(1). Based on the first leakage amount BLa(1), the leakage amount in the first leakage amount calculation time period is calculated, wherein the first leakage amount calculation time period includes the first time period of the device operation after the first leakage amount determination mode is cancelled, and the first leakage amount determination mode time period. Thereafter, the process is repeatedly performed.

[0143] When the flow rate measured during the leakage amount determination mode increases abnormally, in other words when the measured flow rate exceeds an abnormality detection threshold, a warning may be output.

[0144] refer to Fig.24 , the processing in the leakage amount determination mode will be described. In the case of using compressed air in normal operation, the flow rate is definitely greater than the above threshold. Therefore, a value smaller than the flow rate of compressed air in normal operation is set as a threshold value regarded as leakage. With this leakage threshold, it is possible to determine whether compressed air is used, in other words, whether the factory equipment is operating, based on the measured flow rate, regardless of the time period during which the factory equipment is operating or the non-operating time period.

[0145] When the measured flow rate is less than the leakage threshold, it is determined that the state of not using compressed air at all begins, and the leakage amount determination mode begins. In the leakage amount determination mode, a plurality of flow rate values ​​measured continuously at a stage where the flow rate becomes stable after the leakage detection delay time has passed is averaged, and the average value is determined as the leakage flow rate BLa.

[0146] Preferably, an averaging time period is preset, and the first average value ( Fig.24 The "9.5" shown in the figure) is stored in the memory, and the second average value ( Fig.24 Next, the third average value in the third averaging time ( Fig.24The first average value to the third average value in the first time period to the third time period of each time partition can be used to graph these values. At the end of the leakage amount determination mode, the average value that has been continuously updated during the leakage amount determination mode is set as the leakage flow rate BLa(n). The leakage flow rate BLa(n) is continuously updated in a time series, which makes it possible to obtain the maximum possible leakage included in the compressed air usage under field operation. As the leakage amount during operation, a value corrected for the reference leakage flow rate BLa(n) using the pipeline internal pressure and the ambient temperature can be used.

[0147] In addition, preferably, the value of the leakage threshold can be updated based on the leakage flow rate BLa(n), and the leakage threshold can be optimized. In other words, when the baseline leakage flow rate BLa(n) changes to be greater than a predetermined value, a threshold change can be indicated, and when the indication is received, the threshold stored in the memory can be updated to change the threshold.

[0148] based on Fig.25 Flow chart is further described in detail. In step S1, the instantaneous flow velocity (in other words, the current flow velocity) is obtained. In the next step S2, it is determined whether the instantaneous flow velocity is less than the leakage threshold, and if it is "no" (the instantaneous flow velocity is sufficient), the process enters step S3, and the delay time timer, the average flow velocity and the averaging time timer are reset. If it is "yes" in step S2, the instantaneous flow velocity is small, the process enters step S4, and it is determined whether the delay time timer is set. As an example, the setting time of the delay time timer is one minute. If it is "no" in step S4, the process enters step S5, and the delay time timer is set. In step S4, if the delay time timer is set, the process enters step S6, and it is determined whether the delay time has passed. If the delay time has passed, the value of the instantaneous flow velocity is determined, and the process enters step S7.

[0149] In step S7, it is determined whether the average flow rate is set. If it is "no", the process enters step S8, and the instantaneous flow rate is set as the average flow rate and the averaging time timer is set. As an example, the setting time of the averaging time timer is one minute. In step S7, if it is "yes", in other words, if the average flow rate is set, the process enters step S9, and the average flow rate is newly obtained from the average flow rate and the instantaneous flow rate, and the obtained average flow rate is set as the new average flow rate. In the next step S10, it is determined whether the averaging time is exceeded: if it is "yes", sufficient averaging is performed, the process enters step S11, and it is determined whether the leakage value is stored; and if it is "no", the process enters step S12, and the leakage value is stored in the memory. On the other hand, if it is "yes", the process enters step S14, and the average flow rate is updated to the stored leakage value, and then in step S13, the average flow rate is reset and the averaging time timer is reset.

[0150] By using the above processing, when the flow rate is stable at a small value, its average value is regarded as a leakage value, and the average value is sequentially updated so that, for example, at midnight, a possible leakage value can be automatically obtained. In addition, the leakage value obtained in this way can be used in the above screen display.

[0151] When the most likely leakage value is obtained in the leakage amount determination mode in the above process, chattering is performed near the leakage threshold, and the calculation of automatically calculating the leakage flow rate is not performed. In addition, when the flow rate instantaneously exceeds the leakage threshold during the detection of the leakage value, the calculation is performed again from the delay time so that the instantaneous change of the flow rate does not become a disturbing factor. In the event that a power outage or power supply is cut off during the execution of the leakage amount determination mode, for example, the average value (in other words, the leakage flow rate) automatically calculated immediately before is stored in the memory so that the leakage flow rate in the memory can be considered to continue. Note that instead of the average value of the leakage value, the median of the maximum value and the minimum value can be used.

[0152] The preferred embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a clamp-type ultrasonic flowmeter has been described above, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, as a gas flowmeter, a thermal flowmeter and a vortex flowmeter are known. The present invention can also be appropriately applied to these gas flowmeters.

Claims

1. A gas flow meter, comprising: a flow rate measuring unit configured to measure the flow rate of the compressed air or nitrogen in the pipeline; A sensor body, which is arranged in the pipeline and has the flow rate measurement unit embedded therein; A real-time clock configured to maintain current time data and update the current time data corresponding to the current time; a calculation unit configured to calculate accumulated flow data according to the flow rate of the compressed air or nitrogen measured by the flow rate measurement unit; a storage unit configured to store time-of-day information based on the current time-of-day data of the real-time clock in association with the calculated accumulated flow data; a screen generating unit configured to generate a cumulative flow graphic screen, the cumulative flow graphic screen including a plurality of temporally continuous daily and time partitions, graphically displaying the cumulative flow corresponding to each of the past daily and time partitions in the plurality of daily and time partitions based on the daily and time information and the cumulative flow data stored in the storage unit, and sequentially updating and graphically displaying the cumulative flow from the beginning of the daily and time partition to the current time in the daily and time partitions including the current time in the plurality of daily and time partitions based on the cumulative flow data sequentially calculated by the calculating unit; as well as The display device is provided in an integral shape with respect to the sensor body, or is provided in a separate shape that is detachably positioned and fixed with respect to the sensor body, and displays the accumulated flow rate graphic screen.

2. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit configured to be operable by a user, wherein: Even when the flow velocity measurement is in operation, the user operates the operation unit so as to enable the display range including the plurality of day-time divisions to be changed, and For each of the multiple daily and time partitions, the cumulative flow data in the daily and time partition after the change is calculated based on the historical data, the calculated cumulative flow data is displayed graphically in the display part corresponding to each daily and time partition, and the current cumulative flow data from the beginning of the daily and time partition to the current time is displayed graphically in the part corresponding to the daily and time partition after the change including the current time.

3. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: A first display range and a second display range can be switched during the operation of the flow velocity measurement, wherein the first display range includes a time-of-day partition including the current time and one or more past time-of-day partitions continuous with the time-of-day partition, and the second display range includes a plurality of past time-of-day partitions continuous with respect to the first display range, and After the display range is switched, the accumulated flow rate data corresponding to each day and time zone is displayed.

4. The gas flow meter according to claim 3, wherein: When a period of time in which there is no user operation continues for a certain period of time after the second display range is displayed, the display is switched to the display of the first display range.

5. The gas flow meter according to claim 4, wherein: The integrated flow rate graph corresponding to the first display range and the integrated flow rate graph corresponding to the second display range are displayed by comparison in a state where display positions in the display ranges are aligned.

6. The gas flow meter according to claim 5, wherein: A third display range and the second display range can be switched by a user operation, the third display range including a plurality of consecutive day and time divisions in the past relative to the second display range, and After the switching of the display range, the integrated flow rate graph corresponding to the first display range and the integrated flow rate graph corresponding to the third display range are displayed by comparison in a state where the display positions in the display ranges are aligned.

7. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: The total accumulated flow rate of the accumulated flow rate data is stored in the storage unit in association with the time information of the real-time clock.

8. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: As the display range composed of the plurality of day-time divisions, one can be selected from the group consisting of day, month, and year.

9. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: Graphic display and numerical display can be switched and displayed.

10. The gas flow meter according to claim 9, wherein: Simultaneously displays the instantaneous flow rate in numerical and graphical form.

11. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: When a threshold value for the accumulated flow rate in the time-of-day partition is set, the threshold value is further displayed.

12. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: In the graphic display of the integrated flow rate in the integrated flow rate graphic screen generated by the screen generation unit, two axes having different units are displayed in the integrated flow rate graphic screen, and A threshold value is further displayed in the cumulative flow rate graphic screen.

13. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: The flow rate in the positive direction and the flow rate in the negative direction are simultaneously displayed on the integrated flow rate graphic screen generated by the screen generating unit.

14. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: The display device is in the separated shape and also includes a waterproof and dustproof box. The display device is connected to the sensor body through a waterproof cable. The waterproof cable includes a cable for supplying power to the sensor body and a cable for supplying the measured flow rate from the sensor body to the display device.

15. The gas flow meter according to claim 1, wherein: The flow velocity measurement unit includes a first ultrasonic device and a second ultrasonic device constituting a clamp-type ultrasonic flowmeter.

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