Valve opening / closing position detection device and method for starting valve opening / closing position learning program

Abstract

Provided is a device for easily ascertaining, for example, the angular position when a valve is fully closed and the angular position when the valve is fully opened, by means of a valve state monitoring device for remotely monitoring the state of the valve. This valve opening / closing position detection device is provided with: a magnetic angle sensor for detecting the operating angle of a valve on the basis of a magnetic field generated by a magnet that rotates in accordance with the rotational operation of the valve; and a processor. The processor is capable of executing a program for learning an opening / closing position in which a plurality of angles of the magnet rotating in accordance with the opening / closing operation of the valve are determined and stored in the memory. When a given time elapses from the occurrence of a state in which the magnetic angle sensor cannot detect the magnet, the processor activates a program for learning the opening / closing position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a valve opening / closing position detection device and a method for starting a valve opening / closing position learning program. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are used in various parts of various mechanical equipment and factories. The valves used are required to operate continuously and stably for extended periods after being assembled into the mechanical or factory equipment. However, most assembled valves are located in positions, areas, and environments that are difficult for operators and inspectors to directly access.

[0003] Therefore, a valve status monitoring device has recently been developed, which monitors the health of mechanical equipment and factory equipment by remotely monitoring the status of valves, thereby helping to prevent sudden problems and failures.

[0004] Prior art literature Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-73154 Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-191760 Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-169887 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve The requirement is to be able to easily determine the angles and positions related to the opening and closing of the valve through a valve status monitoring device for remote monitoring of the valve's status, such as the angles and positions when the valve is fully closed and when it is fully open.

[0005] Technical solutions for solving the problem The valve opening / closing position detection device of the present invention includes: a magnetic angle sensor that detects the operating angle of the valve based on the magnetic field generated by a magnet rotating in conjunction with the valve's rotational action; and a processor. The processor is capable of executing a program for learning the opening / closing position, in which multiple angles related to the opening and closing of the valve and the rotation of the magnet are determined and stored in a memory. In this valve opening / closing position detection device, when a given time has elapsed since the magnetic angle sensor fails to detect the magnet, the processor initiates the program for learning the opening / closing position.

[0006] Invention Effects By utilizing the valve open / close position detection device and / or the method of activating the valve open / close position learning program of the present invention, the valve status monitoring device can easily grasp the angle and position related to the opening and closing of the valve. For example, the valve status monitoring device can easily grasp the angle and position when the valve is fully closed and when it is fully open. Thus, the valve status monitoring device can remotely monitor the status of the valve. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the valve opening / closing position detection device and its surrounding devices according to the embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A This is a perspective view of the valve opening / closing position detection device involved in the implementation method.

[0009] Figure 2B It is a perspective view of the structure including the valve opening / closing position detection device 2, cylinder 12 and valve section 22 involved in the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2C yes Figure 2B A magnified view of the structure within the dashed box shown.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a top view of the cylinder located at the top of the valve section, showing the opening indicator section configured to rotate in coordination with the movement of the cylinder and, more particularly, the sensor magnet.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the processing in the opening / closing position learning mode of the valve opening / closing position detection device involved in the implementation method.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the automatic recovery learning process of the valve opening / closing position detection device involved in the implementation method, which automatically switches to the opening / closing position learning mode.

[0014] Figure 6A This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a three-way valve.

[0015] Figure 6B This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the three-way valve showing the positions (1) to (4) of the ball valve and the state of the flow path at each end. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings. However, there are instances where overly detailed descriptions are omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters may be omitted, and descriptions of substantially the same structures may be repeated. This is to avoid unnecessarily lengthy descriptions and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description in order to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the invention, but these are not intended to limit the scope of the subject matter described in the patent claims.

[0018] 1. [Research Process of the Invention] The valve opening / closing position detection device in this invention is also referred to as a valve status monitoring device. A valve status monitoring device is a monitoring unit used for, for example, remote monitoring of the valve's status; it is a data logger that records the distribution of angles involved in the opening and closing of the valve over time.

[0019] To monitor in real time the changes in angle between fully open and fully closed positions corresponding to the valve's opening and closing actions, i.e., relative to the flow path, the valve's opening and closing position detection device uses a magnetic angle sensor with a sensor magnet. This magnetic angle sensor is, for example, a TMR (Tunneling Magneto Resistance) sensor. The valve status monitoring device uses the magnetic angle sensor to monitor the changes in angle accompanying the valve's opening and closing actions in real time, records these angle changes as an angle distribution, logs the data, and stores it in memory.

[0020] However, when the valve's open / closed position detection device operates, as an initial setting, there is a process required for each individual valve. Specifically, this involves determining the rotation angle of the sensor magnet when the valve is open or closed, for example, when the valve is fully open and fully closed, and recording it in the memory of the valve's open / closed position detection device. In this specification, the process of recording the angle of the sensor magnet that rotates according to the valve's opening and closing in the memory of the valve's open / closed position detection device is called "open / closed position learning". The main reasons for performing open / closed position learning for each individual valve are as follows (1) and (2).

[0021] (1) Each valve has a different working range from fully closed to fully open.

[0022] The operating range of a valve from fully open to fully closed is designed to be, for example, 90°. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and other factors, the operating range between fully open and fully closed in industrial valves is not necessarily 90°. For example, the operating range may sometimes be 89°, 89.5°, 90.2°, etc. To accurately and reliably control the fully open and fully closed state of a valve using a sensor magnet and a magnetic angle sensor, it is necessary to know the operating range of each valve from fully closed to fully open.

[0023] (2) The positions of the S pole and N pole of the sensor magnet installed on the cylinder are different.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a top view of the cylinder 12 located above the valve section 22. Figure 3The diagram shows an opening indicator 13, and more specifically, a sensor magnet 14, which serves as a magnet. The opening indicator 13 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the movement of the cylinder 12 (not shown) and, more specifically, with the rotational movement of the valve body (valve) in the valve section 22 (not shown). The sensor magnet 14 is mounted above the cylinder 12 and sandwiched between it and the cylinder 12. As the inventors of this application have discovered, when the sensor magnet 14 is mounted, the positions and orientations of the S and N poles are not fixed and may vary due to installation errors, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to determine and record the positions and orientations (i.e., angles) of the S and N poles of the sensor magnet 14 corresponding to the valve's opening and closing actions, such as when the valve is fully open and fully closed.

[0025] The opening / closing position learning performed above for the reasons given in (1) and (2) is typically carried out by executing a computer program through the processor of the valve status monitoring device. The valve status monitoring device may also be equipped with wireless and / or wired connections. The valve status monitoring device receives instructions from an external personal computer, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc., via wireless or wired connections. As a result, the processor is able to execute the program for opening / closing position learning, and the valve status monitoring device enters "opening / closing position learning mode".

[0026] Therefore, after initially installing sensor magnets (magnets) and valve status monitoring devices on the valve and cylinder, the open / close position learning mode is activated from an external device via wireless or wired lines according to communication commands.

[0027] However, depending on the communication situation or from an information security perspective, there are situations in field devices equipped with valves where wireless or wired communication is not possible, depending on the circumstances. In such cases, it is impossible to send communication commands from an external device to the valve status monitoring device while it is near the field device with the valve. To switch the valve status monitoring device to "open / closed position learning mode," a process must be followed, for example, sending communication commands from an external terminal to the valve status monitoring device while it is sufficiently far away from the field device with the valve. This process is cumbersome and incurs additional costs.

[0028] There is a need to easily monitor the angles corresponding to the opening and closing actions of a valve (i.e., a magnet), such as the angle when fully closed and the angle when fully open, using a valve status monitoring device. Based on this need, the inventors of this application conceived of an automatic recovery learning mechanism, which is the invention covered by this application. This automatic recovery learning program enables automatic transfer to an open / closed position learning mode.

[0029] It should be noted that valves also known as three-way valves or five-way valves are used in various mechanical equipment and factories. A three-way valve is a type of ball valve that has fluid inlets and outlets in three directions. Figure 6AThis is a schematic cross-sectional view of valve 22' of an illustrative three-way valve. Figure 6A The illustrated three-way valve 22' has a front inlet / outlet 23u, a right inlet / outlet 23r, and a left inlet / outlet 23l. In the three-way valve 22', the position and angle of the ball valve 22' can be adjusted to allow fluid flow, as shown in the diagram. Figure 6B The four states shown are as depicted.

[0030] First of all, Figure 6B In (1), the ball valve 22' is rotated at 0 degrees, and the fluid flows between the front inlet / outlet 23u, the right inlet / outlet 23r, and the left inlet / outlet 23l.

[0031] In addition, Figure 6B In (2), the position and angle of ball valve 22' are 1 / 4 rotation, at which time the fluid flows between the front inlet / outlet 23u and the right inlet / outlet 23r.

[0032] In addition, Figure 6B In (3), the position and angle of ball valve 22' are 1 / 2 rotation, at which time the fluid flows between the right inlet / outlet 23r and the left inlet / outlet 23l.

[0033] Moreover, in Figure 6B In (4), the position and angle of ball valve 22' are 3 / 4 rotation, at which time the fluid flows between the left inlet / outlet 23l and the front inlet / outlet 23u.

[0034] When the opening / closing position detection device associated with such a three-way valve is activated, the four positions and angles of the rotating sensor magnet 14 are determined and recorded in the memory of the valve's opening / closing position detection device. This remains essential for each individual valve. Therefore, for a three-way valve, a program for learning the opening / closing position can be prepared and it can be operated in a timely manner.

[0035] A five-way valve is a type of ball valve, characterized by fluid inlets and outlets in five directions. For five-way valves, programs can be prepared to learn their open and closed positions, enabling them to operate as needed.

[0036] Furthermore, it can typically be conceived as an N-way valve (N being a natural number greater than 2). In such a case, imagine that the number of positions and angles to be learned and stored as initial settings is, for example, M (M being a natural number greater than 2, not necessarily equal to N). For such an N-way valve, a program for learning the open and closed positions can be prepared and it can be operated as needed.

[0037] The automatic recovery learning program of the invention also realizes automatic transfer to the open / closed position learning mode based on any of the above-described programs for learning open / closed positions.

[0038] 2. [Implementation Method] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] 2.1. [Structure of the Valve Open / Closed Position Detection Device] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 and its surrounding devices according to the embodiment. (For example, using...) Figures 2A to 2C As will be explained later, the valve opening / closing position detection device 2, which serves as a valve status monitoring device, is located on the upper part of the cylinder 12, which is used to actuate the valve body (valve) in the valve section 22.

[0040] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 includes an angle sensor 4, a processor 6, a memory 8, and a communication circuit 10.

[0041] The angle sensor 4 is a non-contact sensor that detects the rotational movement of the sensor magnet 14 (across the opening indicator 13) located on the upper part of the cylinder body 12, and is mainly composed of a TMR element. It should be noted that the sensor magnet 14 is configured to, in conjunction with the movement of the cylinder body 12, further coordinate with the rotational movement of the valve in the valve section 22, via... Figure 3 The opening indicator 13 shown rotates. Therefore, the angle sensor 4 can detect the operating angle of the valve. The sensor magnet 14 is assumed to be primarily ring-shaped, but it can also be rod-shaped, fan-shaped, or other shapes. Furthermore, the angle sensor 4 here is a magnetic angle sensor paired with the sensor magnet 14. A typical angle sensor is not limited to a magnetic angle sensor. For example, a potentiometer-based angle sensor, a rotary encoder-based angle sensor, or a gyroscope sensor as an angular velocity sensor can also be used. The angle sensor 4 in this invention is a magnetic angle sensor paired with a magnet.

[0042] The processor 6 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The various functions of the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 according to this embodiment are implemented by the processor 6 executing various programs. It should be noted that these functions can be implemented using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a combination of an ASIC and a CPU loading various programs.

[0043] The memory 8 is a storage device capable of rewriting data within the valve opening / closing position detection device 2, and is, for example, composed of RAM (Random Access Memory) containing a large number of semiconductor storage elements. The memory 8 temporarily stores the specific computer programs, variable values, parameter values, etc., used by the processor 6 to perform various processes. For example, the memory 8 stores intermediate or final data used for valve status monitoring, (valve) opening / closing trend data, angle distribution data, histogram data, operational data, and various setting data.

[0044] Here, (valve) opening and closing trend data refers to a collection of information indicating the valve's operating status, including the valve's operating date and time, operating time, operating direction, initial angle, and final angle. Angular distribution data refers to two-dimensional data plotted for a single valve operation, with the vertical axis representing the valve's angle (from fully open to fully closed, or from fully closed to fully open) and the horizontal axis representing the elapsed time. Angular distribution data indicates the actions performed by the valve during its opening and closing process.

[0045] It should be noted that the memory 8 may include a so-called ROM (Read Only Memory). A computer program for implementing the processing of the valve opening / closing position detection device 2, as described below, is pre-stored in the ROM. The processor 6 reads the computer program from the ROM and expands it into RAM, thereby enabling the processor 6 to execute the computer program.

[0046] Communication circuit 10 is a circuit that enables wired and / or wireless communication with external devices. It includes various network terminals or USB terminals, and is an interface circuit capable of outputting data to and receiving data from external devices. Wired and wireless communication include Bluetooth (registered trademark), RS485, USB, etc. Intermediate or final data from valve status monitoring can be transmitted to, for example, a PC (personal computer) 16 via the wired communication function of communication circuit 10. Similarly, intermediate or final data from valve status diagnosis can be transmitted to, for example, a smartphone 18 via the wireless communication function of communication circuit 10. Smartphone 18 can also be a tablet terminal, etc.

[0047] Furthermore, it is possible to send communication commands to the processor 6 via the communication circuit 10 from external devices such as PC (personal computer) 16, smartphone 18 or tablet terminal through wired and wireless communication.

[0048] In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the various processes involved in valve open / close position detection are performed by the processor 6 of the valve open / close position detection device 2.

[0049] Figure 2AThis is a perspective view of the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 involved in the implementation method. Figure 2B It is a perspective view of the structure including the valve opening / closing position detection device 2, cylinder 12 and valve section 22 involved in the embodiment. Figure 2C yes Figure 2B The enlarged view shows a portion of the structure within the dashed box. This enlarged view specifically shows the relationship between the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 and the annular sensor magnet 14 located above the cylinder body 12, separated by the opening indicator 13. Inside the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 above the sensor magnet 14, three layers constituting a magnetic angle sensor are provided: from bottom to top, a free layer of magnetic film, a non-magnetic insulating film, and a fixed layer of magnetic film (however, not shown).

[0050] In addition, such as Figure 2B As shown, the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 includes a USB connector 24, a power supply, and an RS485 connector 26, configured to connect to the USB communication cable 28 and the RS485 communication cable 30, respectively.

[0051] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 is installed on the cylinder 12 via the mounting hole 34, screw 32, and threaded hole on the upper part of the cylinder 12. The mounting hole 34, screw 32, and threaded hole are each in at least one pair, but... Figure 2A as well as Figure 2B The 3D diagram only shows one of the pairs.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a top view of cylinder block 12. Figure 3 The rotation axis at the upper part of the opening indicator 13 shown in the center is fitted with a ring-shaped sensor magnet 14, which serves as a sensor magnet. Figure 3 As shown, the position and orientation of the S and N poles of the sensor magnet 14 when it is mounted on the rotation axis of the opening indicator 13 are not fixed and may vary.

[0053] 2.2. [Operation of the valve open / close position detection device] 2.2.1. [Processing in Open / Closed Position Learning Mode] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the processing in the opening / closing position learning mode of the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 involved in the implementation method.

[0054] When the valve open / closed position detection device 2 enters the open / closed position learning mode, the processor 6 begins executing the program for learning the open / closed position (step S52). That is, Figure 4 The processing shown is executed by processor 6. The opening / closing position learning mode in valve opening / closing position detection device 2 is activated by either of the following two factors.

[0055] (1) When the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 receives a communication command sent by an external device such as PC16 or smartphone 18 via a wireless or wired line.

[0056] (2) When the angle sensor 4 fails to detect the state of the sensor magnet 14 for a given time.

[0057] The above (1) is a manual transfer of user-input communication commands. The above (2) is an automatic (auto) transfer for restoring storage in memory 8 in the event that the angle (position) of sensor magnet 14 changes. The position of sensor magnet 14 changes, for example, when the valve is fully closed and / or fully open. In particular, regarding the above (2), using Figure 5 This will be explained in detail later.

[0058] When the program for learning the opening and closing positions begins execution (step S52), the processor 6 monitors the position of the sensor magnet 14 and checks whether the sensor magnet 14 has stopped at a certain angle (position) for more than a given time (step S54, no or yes). When it is determined that the phenomenon of stopping for more than a given time has occurred (step S54, yes), the processor 6 temporarily stores the certain angle as the first angle (step S56).

[0059] Then, the processor 6 checks whether the sensor magnet 14 has stopped for more than the given time at an angle (position) different from the first angle (step S58, no or yes). When the processor 6 determines that such a phenomenon has occurred (step S58, yes), the processor 6 temporarily stores the different angle as the second angle (step S60).

[0060] Then, the processor 6 checks whether the sensor magnet 14 stops for more than the same given time at an angle (position) that is further different from the first angle and the second angle (step S62, no or yes). When the processor 6 determines that the phenomenon of stopping for more than the given time has occurred (step S62, yes), the processor 6 temporarily stores the further different angle as the third angle (step S64).

[0061] Processor 6 verifies whether the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are the angles when the valve is fully open (i.e., when it is fully open) and whether they are the angles when the valve is fully closed (i.e., when it is fully closed) (step S66).

[0062] When power is supplied to valve section 22, the valve sometimes remains stationary in a position that is neither fully open nor fully closed. Therefore, when power is supplied to valve section 22... Figure 4In the action processing of the open / closed position learning mode shown in the flowchart, it is set that after confirming and storing the three static states of the first angle, the second angle and the third angle, the angle (position) when fully open and the angle (position) when fully closed are determined by verification.

[0063] The processor 6 stores the determined angle (position) when fully open and angle (position) when fully closed in the memory 8 (step S68), and ends the opening and closing position learning mode of the valve opening and closing position detection device 2 (step S70).

[0064] It should be explained that Figure 4 The processing flow shown in the open / closed position learning mode is an example. To determine and record the rotation angle of the sensor magnet 14 when the valve is fully open and fully closed in the memory 8, an alternative processing flow can also be used.

[0065] Based on the above Figure 4 The flowchart of the processing in the open / closed position learning mode shown shows that in order to determine and store the angle (position) when fully open and the angle (position) when fully closed, the processor 6 confirms the three stationary states of the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle, and temporarily stores this information.

[0066] As described in the aforementioned [Research Process of the Invention], there are also valves that are intended to be known and stored as initial settings, for example, M (M is a natural number greater than 2). In the case of such valves, the processor 6 can perform the processing in the following order: processing [1] to processing [M+1], processing [verification, storage].

[0067] Processing [1]: Processor 6 checks whether the phenomenon of sensor magnet 14 stopping at a certain angle (position) for more than a given time has occurred. When processor 6 determines that the phenomenon of sensor magnet 14 stopping for more than a given time has occurred, it temporarily stores the angle of the stopped sensor magnet 14 as the first angle.

[0068] Processing [2]: Then, the processor 6 checks whether the sensor magnet 14 stops at an angle (position) different from the first angle for the same given time or more. When the processor 6 determines that the sensor magnet 14 has stopped for more than the given time, it temporarily stores the different angle as the second angle.

[0069] This process is repeated based on the value of M.

[0070] Processing [M+1]: Then, the processor 6 checks whether the sensor magnet 14 has stopped for more than a given time at an angle (position) different from any of the first angles to the Mth angle. When the processor 6 determines that a stop for more than a given time has occurred, it temporarily stores the further different angle as the (M+1)th angle.

[0071] Processing [Verification, Storage]: For the first angle to the (M+1)th angle, the processor 6 verifies whether it represents an angle or position corresponding to the opening and closing action of the valve, and determines the M angles or positions corresponding to the opening and closing of the valve. The data representing the determined M angles or positions corresponding to the opening and closing of the valve is stored in the memory 8. Thus, the valve opening and closing position learning mode for the M positions and angles that are intended to be mastered and stored as initial settings ends.

[0072] 2.2.2. [Automatic Learning Recovery Process] Next, refer to Figure 5 The section explains the "processing of automatic learning recovery". Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the automatic recovery learning process for the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 according to the embodiment, which automatically transitions to the opening / closing position learning mode. After the automatic recovery learning process begins (step S02), the processor 6 checks whether the angle sensor 4 was originally not in a state where the sensor magnet 14 could not be detected (non-detection state) (step S10, No), or was in a state where the sensor magnet 14 could not be detected (non-detection state) (step S10, Yes). If the processor 6 confirms a non-detection state (step S10, Yes), it stores the data of the time when the non-detection state occurred. Then, the processor 6 checks whether a given time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the non-detection state occurred (step S20, Yes), or whether no given time (e.g., 1 second) has elapsed since the non-detection state occurred (step S20, No).

[0073] If the processor 6 confirms that the non-detection state of the angle sensor 4 (step S10, yes) continues for more than a given time (step S20, yes), it automatically transitions to... Figure 4 The "open / closed position learning mode" is shown (step S50). When the "open / closed position learning mode" ends, the processor 6 ends the automatic recovery learning process (step S80). The "open / closed position learning mode" here can also be the aforementioned "valves with M positions and angles that are intended to be mastered and stored as initial settings".

[0074] 2.2.3. [Situations where automatic learning recovery is required, and situations where it can be effectively utilized] The situation requiring automatic recovery learning refers to the situation described in (2) above, where the angle sensor 4 cannot detect the state of the sensor magnet 14 for a given period of time. In addition, it refers to the situation where it is conceivable that the angle (position) of the sensor magnet 14 changes according to the opening and closing of the valve. Specifically, the following [1] to [3] can be cited.

[0075] [1] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 was removed from the cylinder 12, on which the sensor magnet 14 was installed, while the power was on.

[0076] [2] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 was installed on the cylinder body 12 without the sensor magnet 14 being installed and was powered on.

[0077] [3] The valve was energized when the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 could not detect the magnetic field generated by the sensor magnet 14.

[0078] Regarding the above [1], it is conceivable that after the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 is removed, even if it is reinstalled on the cylinder body 12, its angle (position) will change slightly. Thus, for example, when the valve is opening or closing, the position of the valve when it is fully closed and the position when it is fully open may change. The reason for the position change is that there are small clearances, gaps, etc. in the mounting hole 34, screw 32, and threaded hole. Regarding the above [2], for example, it is conceivable that before this situation, there was no stored data on the angle (position) of the sensor magnet 14 corresponding to the opening and closing of the valve. For example, it is conceivable that the data for the valve when it is fully closed and fully open does not exist. In such a situation, it can be said that automatic recovery learning processing is required. Regarding the above [3], for example, it is conceivable that when an electromagnetic shielding object such as an iron plate or iron sheet is inserted between the sensor magnet 14 and the angle sensor 4, the angle sensor 4 cannot detect the magnetic field generated by the sensor magnet 14.

[0079] Furthermore, other situations where automatic recovery learning can be effectively utilized are also considered. Specifically, depending on the communication situation or from an information security perspective, in field devices equipped with valves, situations may arise where wireless communication such as Bluetooth, or wired communication such as USB or RS485, cannot be used, depending on the circumstances. In such situations, the processor 6 cannot execute the program for learning the opening and closing positions based on communication instructions.

[0080] In this situation, to easily execute the program for learning the open / closed position, it is sufficient to intentionally create a state where the valve open / closed position detection device 2 cannot detect the magnetic field generated by the sensor magnet 14. Specifically, for example, if the following states [A] and [B] are created, the automatic learning recovery process is implemented.

[0081] [A] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 was removed from the cylinder 12, where the sensor magnet 14 was installed, while the power was on. This is the same state as in [1] above.

[0082] [B] The valve open / closed position detection device 2 is energized in a location far from the valve. This is a state included in [3] above.

[0083] In [A] above, when the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 switches to the opening / closing position learning mode via the automatic recovery learning function, the processor 6 can still execute the program for opening / closing position learning even after the power is turned off. At this time, simply reinstall the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 onto the cylinder body 12 to energize it. Similarly, in [B] above, when the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 switches to the opening / closing position learning mode via the automatic recovery learning function, the processor 6 can still execute the program for opening / closing position learning even after the power is turned off. At this time, similarly to [A] above, simply install the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 onto the cylinder body 12 to energize it.

[0084] 2.3. [Summary of Implementation Methods] The valve opening / closing position detection device 2 according to the embodiment includes: a magnetic angle sensor 4, which detects the operating angle of the valve based on the magnetic field generated by a sensor magnet 14 that rotates in conjunction with the valve's rotational movement; and a processor 6, which is capable of executing a program for learning the opening / closing position, in which multiple angles of the sensor magnet 14 that rotates in accordance with the opening and closing of the valve are determined and stored in a memory 8. When a given time has elapsed since the magnetic angle sensor 4 fails to detect the sensor magnet 14, the processor 6 starts the program for learning the opening / closing position.

[0085] By utilizing the valve opening / closing position detection device 2 according to the embodiment, the valve status monitoring device for remotely monitoring the valve status can easily grasp the angle and position related to the opening and closing of the valve, such as the angle and position when the valve is fully closed and the angle and position when the valve is fully open.

[0086] 3. [Other Implementation Methods] As described above, the embodiments have been illustrated as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments with appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc.

[0087] Furthermore, accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions are provided to illustrate the embodiments. Therefore, the components described in the drawings and detailed descriptions include not only those necessary to solve the problem, but also components not necessary to solve the problem, for the purpose of illustrating the above technology. Therefore, one should not directly assume that these non-essential components are essential simply because they are described in the drawings and detailed descriptions.

[0088] Furthermore, the purpose of the above-described embodiments is to illustrate the technology of the present invention, and therefore various changes, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the patent claim or its equivalents.

Claims

1. A valve open / closed position detection device, comprising: A magnetic angle sensor detects the working angle of the valve based on the magnetic field generated by a magnet that rotates in conjunction with the valve's rotational action. as well as processor, The processor is capable of executing a program for learning open and closed positions, in which multiple angles of the magnet rotating in accordance with the opening and closing actions of the valve are stored in a memory. When a given time has elapsed since the magnetic angle sensor failed to detect the magnet, the processor initiates a program for learning the open / closed position.

2. The valve open / closed position detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The multiple angles refer to three or more angles, including the angles of the magnet when the valve is fully open and fully closed.

3. The valve open / closed position detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The processor executing the program determines the fully open angle and the fully closed angle of the valve from three or more angles. The angle when fully open and the angle when fully closed are stored in the memory.

4. The valve open / closed position detection device according to claim 3, wherein, The processor executing the program performs the following processing: If the magnet stops at a first angle for more than the given time, the first angle is stored in the memory. If the magnet stops at a second angle different from the first angle for more than the given time, the second angle is stored in the memory. If the magnet stops at a third angle different from the first angle and the second angle for more than the given time, the third angle is stored in the memory. Verify whether any one of the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle is the angle when the valve is fully open, or the angle when it is fully closed.

5. A method for learning the open / closed position of a start valve, wherein, If a given time elapses from the point when the magnetic angle sensor fails to detect the magnet, the processor initiates a program for learning the open / close position. The magnetic angle sensor detects the operating angle of the valve based on the magnetic field generated by the magnet that rotates in conjunction with the valve's rotational action. In the learning of the open / close position, multiple angles of the magnet that rotate in accordance with the valve's opening and closing action are determined and stored in memory.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The multiple angles include the angles of the magnet when the valve is fully open and fully closed.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The processor executing the program determines the fully open angle and the fully closed angle of the valve from three or more angles. The angle when fully open and the angle when fully closed are stored in the memory.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The processor is instructed to perform the following processing: If the magnet stops at a first angle for more than the given time, the first angle is stored in the memory. If the magnet stops at a second angle different from the first angle for more than the given time, the second angle is stored in the memory. If the magnet stops at a third angle different from the first angle and the second angle for more than the given time, the third angle is stored in the memory. Verify whether any one of the first angle, the second angle, and the third angle is the angle when the valve is fully open, or the angle when it is fully closed.

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