Electric valve monitoring system, monitoring server and electric valve

Abstract

To provide an electric valve monitoring system which can easily monitor an operation state of an electric valve.SOLUTION: An electric valve V includes an operation state data collection unit for collecting operation state data and storing the data in a memory, and a communication unit for sending out the operation state data which are stored in the memory to a network N. An electric valve monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring server S for acquiring and storing the operation state data which are sent out to the network N from the electric valve V, and providing a client C with the stored operation state data. The monitoring server S determines whether or not the operation state is a state that an alarm should be issued on the basis of the operation state data, and when it is determined that the operation state is necessary to issue the alarm, the monitoring server may possess a function for notifying the alarm.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a motor-operated valve monitoring system and a monitoring server therefor, as well as a motor-operated valve suitable for monitoring by the motor-operated valve monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] The motor-operated valve includes a valve body that opens and closes the flow path, and an electric actuator that drives the valve body. Patent Document 1 discloses a motor-operated valve equipped with an electric double-layer capacitor as a backup power source to ensure emergency operation in the event of a power outage. Patent Document 1 describes a lifespan diagnosis of the electric double-layer capacitor. In one specific example, by operating a diagnostic switch during regular inspection, a discharge circuit is operated to discharge the electric double-layer capacitor, and when the voltage after a predetermined time of discharge falls below a reference voltage, the lifespan of the electric double-layer capacitor is notified by a continuous light emitting diode (LED) or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-173385 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the inspection items for motor-operated valves during periodic inspections are not limited to those mentioned above, currently, when inspecting motor-operated valves, an inspection worker must go to the location where the motor-operated valve is installed to check its operating condition, which requires a great deal of effort and time.

[0005] Therefore, one embodiment of the present invention provides a motor-operated valve monitoring system that can easily monitor the operating status of a motor-operated valve. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a monitoring server for the motor-operated valve monitoring system. Still another embodiment of the present invention provides a motor-operated valve suitable for monitoring by the motor-operated valve monitoring system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention provides a motorized valve monitoring system, a monitoring server, and a motorized valve having the configurations listed below.

[0007] 1. A motor-operated valve monitoring system for monitoring the operating status of a motor-operated valve in which a valve element that opens and closes a flow path is driven by an electric actuator, comprising: an operation status data collection unit provided in the motor-operated valve, which collects operation status data of the motor-operated valve and stores the data in a memory; a communication unit provided in the motor-operated valve, the communication unit transmitting the operation status data collected by the operation status data collection unit and stored in the memory to a network; a monitoring server that acquires, via the network, the operating status data that the communication unit sends to the network, stores the acquired operating status data, and provides the stored operating status data to a client.

[0008] The network may be a wide area network such as the Internet or an intranet, or may be a local area network, or may include both a local area network and a wide area network.

[0009] The communication unit may be connected to the network by wireless communication (typically, short-range wireless communication such as wireless LAN communication). The communication unit may be connected to the network configured as a wide area network via a local area network.

[0010] 2. The motor-operated valve monitoring system described in item 1, wherein the monitoring server includes a judgment unit that determines whether an operating situation requires the issuance of an alarm based on the operating status data, and a notification unit that notifies the alarm when the judgment unit determines that the operating situation requires the issuance of an alarm.

[0011] 3. The motor-operated valve monitoring system described in item 2, wherein the monitoring server provides a web page that displays the operating status data, and the notification unit includes an alarm display unit that displays an alarm on the web page.

[0012] 4. The motor-operated valve monitoring system described in item 2 or 3, wherein the notification unit includes a message sending unit that sends a message to a pre-registered address.

[0013] The message sending unit may include an email sending unit for sending the message as an email to an email address.

[0014] 5. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the operating status data includes at least one of the number of times the motor-operated valve is powered on, the number of times the motor-operated valve is operated, the operation history of the electric actuator, the environment of the motor-operated valve, the deterioration status of a power storage device built into the motor-operated valve, and an error detection history.

[0015] The operation history of the electric actuator preferably includes at least one of a cumulative operation time, the number of operations for a predetermined time or more (number of normal operations), and the number of operations for less than a predetermined time (number of micro-movements).

[0016] The environment of the motor-operated valve may be an environmental temperature of the motor-operated valve, an environmental humidity of the motor-operated valve, etc. The environmental temperature of the motor-operated valve may be a temperature inside a casing that houses the electric actuator (temperature inside the mechanism). It is preferable that at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the environmental temperature is included in the operation status data.

[0017] The power storage device preferably includes an electric double layer capacitor. The power storage device may include a secondary battery.

[0018] The error detection history preferably includes at least one of the number of overload errors and the number of operation time-outs.

[0019] 6. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the communication unit includes a wireless communication device that transmits the operating status data to the network by wireless communication.

[0020] 7. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the communication unit transmits the operating status data to the network at a predetermined regular transmission cycle.

[0021] 8. The monitoring server provides a web page that displays the operational status data; 8. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the client includes a web browser capable of browsing the web page.

[0022] 9. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein the client includes at least one of a PC (personal computer) and a mobile terminal.

[0023] The mobile terminal may be a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile PC.

[0024] 10. The monitoring server used in the motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of items 1 to 9.

[0025] 11. A valve body that opens and closes the flow path; an electric actuator that drives the valve body; an operation status data collection unit that collects operation status data and stores the data in a memory; a communication unit that transmits the operating status data collected by the operating status data collection unit and stored in the memory to a monitoring server via a network. Effect of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a motor-operated valve monitoring system that can easily monitor the operating status of a motor-operated valve, a monitoring server therefor, and a motor-operated valve suitable for monitoring by the motor-operated valve monitoring system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a motor-operated valve monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the structure of the motor-operated valve. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the motor-operated valve. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows an example of the operating status data stored in the memory of the motor-operated valve. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the monitoring server. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the periodical transmission process executed by the communication control circuit (see FIG. 3) provided in the motor-operated valve. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the monitoring server. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A is an example of a web page provided by the monitoring server and displayed on a display screen of a client, and shows an example of a user login screen. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B is an example of a web page provided by the monitoring server and displayed on a display screen of a client, and shows an example of a motor-operated valve list screen. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C is an example of a web page provided by the monitoring server and displayed on a display screen of a client, showing an example of a list display screen of operation status data. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an example of a web page provided by the monitoring server and displayed on a display screen of a client, showing an example of a display screen for operation status data. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Fig. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a motor-operated valve monitoring system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The motor-operated valve monitoring system 100 is a system for monitoring the operating conditions of motor-operated valves V11, V12, ...; V21, V22, ...; V31, V32, ... (hereinafter collectively referred to as "motor-operated valves V") provided in facilities F1, F2, ... (hereinafter collectively referred to as "facility F"). The motor-operated valve V is a device that opens and closes the flow path of the piping within the facility F. In this example, one or more motor-operated valves V are provided in each of a plurality of facilities F, and the operating conditions of these motor-operated valves V are monitored.

[0030] The motor-operated valve monitoring system 100 includes a monitoring server S connected to a network N. The network N typically includes a wide area network (WAN) such as an intranet or the Internet. The monitoring server S may be connected to the wide area network N via a local area network.

[0031] Each motor-operated valve V has a function of transmitting operation status data to a monitoring server S via a network N. Typically, local area networks (LANs) LN1, LN2, ... (hereinafter collectively referred to as "local area networks LN") are constructed within each facility F, and each motor-operated valve V is communicatively connected to the local area network LN. The local area network LN is then connected to a wide area network N, thereby enabling data communication between the motor-operated valve V and the monitoring server S. The motor-operated valve V is typically connected to the local area network LN by wireless LAN communication (more specifically, Wi-Fi (registered trademark)), which is a short-distance wireless communication.

[0032] The monitoring server S accumulates the operating status data sent from the motor-operated valve V, and provides the accumulated operating status data to a client C connected to a network N. The client C is typically a PC (personal computer), a mobile terminal, etc. Typical examples of a mobile terminal are a mobile phone such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc. The client C may be connected to the wide area network N via a local area network. A mobile phone such as a smartphone can typically be connected to the network N via a mobile phone network MN.

[0033] The monitoring server S provides a web page that displays the operation status data, while the client C is equipped with a web browser for viewing the web page. This allows the user of the client C to check the operation status data by viewing the web page provided by the monitoring server S. In other words, the operation status of each motor-operated valve V can be checked without going to the installation location of each motor-operated valve V.

[0034] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a structural example of the motor-operated valve V. The motor-operated valve V is installed in the piping equipment of various facilities F such as factories, power plants, plants, water purification facilities, and pools. In other words, it is used while attached to the piping to open and close the flow path in the piping.

[0035] In this embodiment, the motor-operated valve V is a so-called emergency shutoff valve, and includes a valve element 1 arranged in a flow path, and an electric actuator 2 for opening and closing the valve element 1. The valve element 1 is configured to open and close the flow path. For example, the valve element 1 may be a ball valve or a butterfly valve that rotates within a range of 90 degrees in the flow path in the valve box to open and close the flow path. The electric actuator 2 includes an electric motor 3. The electric motor 3 is typically coupled to a gear head 5 to form a geared motor.

[0036] The motor-operated valve V further includes an output shaft 13 having the valve element 1 connected to its tip, and a transmission mechanism 4 that transmits the rotation of the electric motor 3 to the output shaft 13. When the rotational driving force of the electric motor 3 is transmitted to the transmission mechanism 4 and the output shaft 13 rotates, the valve element 1 is driven to open and close.

[0037] The transmission mechanism 4 includes a gear head 5 and a pinion 6. The driving force of the electric motor 3 is output from the pinion 6 via the gear head 5. The transmission mechanism 4 includes a speed change gear group 7 to which the rotation of the pinion 6 is transmitted. In this example, the speed change gear group 7 includes a drive gear 8, a sun gear 9, and a planetary gear 10, and the drive gear 8 meshes with the pinion 6. When the electric motor 3 is operated to rotate the pinion 6, the rotation is transmitted to the drive gear 8. The drive gear 8 is fixed to the shaft of the sun gear 9, so that the sun gear 9 rotates. The sun gear 9 meshes with the planetary gear 10. The planetary gear 10 revolves around the sun gear 9 while rotating on its own axis. A carrier gear 11 is fixed to the shaft of the planetary gear 10, so that the carrier gear 11 rotates due to the revolution of the planetary gear 10. Since the carrier gear 11 is engaged with the output gear 12, the rotation of the carrier gear 11 rotates the output gear 12, which in turn rotates the output shaft 13 fixed to the output gear 12. This causes the valve body 1 to rotate, opening and closing the flow path.

[0038] A meter shaft 14 is fixed to the output shaft 13, and a pointer 15 attached to the tip of the meter shaft 14 indicates the opening degree of the valve disc 1. An opening / closing sensor 16 is also attached to the meter shaft 14. The opening / closing sensor 16 includes a fully closed detection photosensor 17, a fully closed detection shielding plate 18, a fully open detection photosensor 19, and a fully open detection shielding plate 20. The fully closed detection shielding plate 18 blocks the light path of the fully closed detection photosensor 17 when the valve disc 1 is in the fully closed position. The fully open detection shielding plate 20 blocks the light path of the fully open detection photosensor 19 when the valve disc 1 is in the fully open position. Therefore, the fully closed state can be detected by the fully closed detection photosensor 17, and the fully open detection photosensor 19 can be detected by the fully open detection photosensor 19.

[0039] The electric motor 3 and the transmission mechanism 4 are housed in a casing 21. The casing 21 includes a lower casing 22 and an upper casing 23 joined to the lower casing 22 from above. The casing 21 typically has a waterproof structure. The casing 21 further houses a control board 24, a wireless communication board 25, and a wireless communication antenna 26. The casing 21 also houses an electric double layer capacitor 29 as a backup power source.

[0040] 3 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the motor-operated valve V. The motor-operated valve V includes a power supply device 40, a motor driver 41, an electric double layer capacitor 29, a control board 24, a wireless communication board 25, and a wireless communication antenna 26. The power supply device 40 is connected to a commercial AC power source, converts an AC voltage (e.g., AC 100V to 240V) into a DC voltage (e.g., DC 24V), and supplies it to the motor driver 41 via a power line 36. The motor driver 41 is a drive circuit for driving the electric motor 3.

[0041] The control board 24 is provided with a main control circuit 30, a current detection circuit 33, a temperature sensor 34, and a main power circuit 35. The main power circuit 35 receives power from a power line 36 and supplies an appropriate DC operating voltage (for example, 5V) to the main control circuit 30, the current detection circuit 33, and the temperature sensor 34 via a power line 37. The temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature inside the casing 21 (temperature inside the mechanism) and inputs a detection signal representing the detected temperature to the main control circuit 30. The current detection circuit 33 includes a motor current detection circuit that detects the current supplied from the motor driver 41 to the electric motor 3, and inputs a detection signal representing the detected current to the main control circuit 30. The main control circuit 30 includes a processor 31 (CPU) and a memory 32, and the processor 31 operates according to a program stored in the memory 32 to execute various processes. The memory 32 preferably includes a writeable non-volatile memory (for example, an EEPROM) in addition to a ROM and a RAM.

[0042] One function of the main control circuit 30 is to drive the motor driver 41 in response to a signal input from the outside to drive the electric motor 3. The signal input from the outside is typically an emergency shutoff signal. The emergency shutoff signal may be, for example, an output signal from a seismometer that detects earthquakes, or a signal input from an operation panel. When the emergency shutoff signal is input, the main control circuit 30 drives the electric motor 3 to shut off the flow path by the valve element 1. The main control circuit 30 also receives an output signal from the opening / closing sensor 16, and based on this signal, the main control circuit 30 can detect whether the valve element 1 is fully closed or fully open.

[0043] Further provided on the control board 24 are a charge / discharge converter 38 and a capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 .

[0044] The charge / discharge converter 38 is connected to the power line 36. The charge / discharge converter 38 functions as a charging circuit that converts a DC voltage (for example, 24 V) delivered to the power line 36 into an appropriate voltage (for example, 72 V) and supplies it to the electric double layer capacitor 29, thereby charging the electric double layer capacitor 29. The charge / discharge converter 38 further has a function of detecting a power outage by monitoring the voltage delivered to the power line 36. When a power outage is detected, the charge / discharge converter 38 functions as a discharging circuit that converts the DC voltage (for example, 72 V) generated by the electric double layer capacitor 29 into an appropriate voltage (for example, 24 V) and supplies it to the power line 36. As a result, when a power outage occurs, the power stored in the electric double layer capacitor 29 can be used to supply power to the electric motor 3 and operate the main control circuit 30 and the like. Therefore, even when a power outage occurs, the main control circuit 30 can operate the electric motor 3 in response to an emergency shutoff signal to perform an emergency shutoff operation. When the charge / discharge converter 38 detects a power outage, it notifies the main control circuit 30 of the same.

[0045] The capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 is a circuit for diagnosing the life of the electric double layer capacitor 29. The capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 includes, for example, a discharge circuit, a timer circuit for operating the discharge circuit for a predetermined time, and a voltage measurement circuit for measuring the output voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 29. The capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 operates, for example, upon receiving a diagnosis command from the main control circuit 30. Specifically, upon receiving the diagnosis command, the discharge circuit discharges the electric double layer capacitor 29 for a predetermined time measured by the timer circuit. The voltage of the electric double layer capacitor 29 after the discharge is completed is measured by the voltage measurement circuit, and a signal representing the measurement result is input to the main control circuit 30. The main control circuit 30 determines the deterioration level of the electric double layer capacitor 29 based on the input measurement result. When the electric double layer capacitor 29 is in a fully charged state, the main control circuit 30 provides a diagnosis command to the capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 at a predetermined inspection period (for example, several days, several weeks, several months, etc.). The main control circuit 30 may diagnose that the electric double layer capacitor 29 has reached the end of its life when the voltage measured by the voltage measurement circuit is less than the life threshold voltage. The deterioration of the electric double layer capacitor 29 can be detected by using, for example, the technique described in Patent Document 1.

[0046] The main control circuit 30 has a function as an operation status data collection unit that collects operation status data of the motor-operated valve V mainly by the function of the processor 31 and stores the data in a storage area (for example, a non-volatile storage area configured by an EEPROM) of the memory 32. The operation status data includes data on the deterioration level of the electric double layer capacitor 29. The processor 31 may store data representing the determined deterioration level in the memory 32 every time the processor 31 determines the deterioration level of the electric double layer capacitor 29. The operation status data also includes data related to the operation of the electric motor 3 detected by the energization detection circuit 33. The processor 31 may store data related to the operation of the electric motor 3 in the memory 32 every time the energization detection circuit 33 detects energization of the electric motor 3. The operation status data also includes temperature data (an example of environmental data) detected by the temperature sensor 34. The processor 31 may, for example, acquire the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 at a predetermined period and store the temperature in the memory 32.

[0047] On the wireless communication board 25, a communication control circuit 50, an auxiliary power circuit 53, and a wireless communication device 54 are provided, which constitute a communication unit 55. The communication control circuit 50 operates by receiving an operating voltage derived from the main power circuit 35 on the control board 24 to the power line 37. An example of the wireless communication device 54 is a so-called Wi-Fi (registered trademark) module. The auxiliary power circuit 53 receives power from the main power circuit 35 on the control board 24, converts it to an appropriate voltage (for example, 3.3 V), and supplies it to the wireless communication device 54. The communication control circuit 50 includes a processor 51 (CPU) and a memory 52, and the processor 51 operates according to a program stored in the memory 52. ​​The communication control circuit 50 is connected to the main control circuit 30.

[0048] The processor 51 of the communication control circuit 50 requests the main control circuit 30 to provide operation status data. In response to the request, the processor 31 of the main control circuit 30 provides the operation status data stored in the memory 32 to the communication control circuit 50. The processor 51 of the communication control circuit 50 stores the operation status data provided from the main control circuit 30 in the memory 52, and further controls the wireless communication device 54 to transmit the operation status data from the wireless communication antenna 26 to the monitoring server S on the network N. The communication control circuit 50 periodically executes such an operation, thereby performing a periodic transmission operation in which the operation status data is repeatedly transmitted at a periodic transmission cycle.

[0049] 4 shows an example of operation status data stored in the memory 32. The operation status data stored includes operation status data representing the operation status of the motor-operated valve V, environmental data representing the operating environment of the motor-operated valve V, capacitor life data relating to the life of the electric double layer capacitor 29, and abnormality count data representing the number of abnormal operations.

[0050] The operation status data includes the number of power-on times, the number of power failure interruptions, the number of signal interruptions, the cumulative motor operation time, the number of first motor operation times, and the number of second motor operation times. The number of power-on times indicates the number of times that power is supplied to the power line 36 and the main power supply circuit 35 is started. The main control circuit 30 detects the start of the main power supply circuit 35 and accumulates the number of power-on times in the memory 32. The number of power failure interruptions indicates the number of times that the motor-operated valve V is operated (shut off) in response to the occurrence of a power failure (number of power failure operations). When the main control circuit 30 detects the occurrence of a power failure and operates the motor-operated valve V, it updates the number of first motor operation times in the memory 32. The occurrence of a power failure may be detected, for example, by the charge / discharge converter 38, and the main control circuit 30 may receive a notification of the occurrence. The number of signal interruptions indicates the number of times that the motor-operated valve V is shut off in response to a signal input from the outside during a power failure (number of signal operations). When the main control circuit 30 operates the motor-operated valve V in response to a signal input during a power failure, it updates the number of second motor operation times in the memory 32. The motor operation cumulative time represents the cumulative time of energization of the electric motor 3. The first motor operation count represents the number of times that the electric motor 3 is energized for a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) or more, i.e., the number of normal operations. The second motor operation count represents the number of times that the electric motor 3 is energized for less than the predetermined time, i.e., the number of micro-movements. The predetermined time is set to an appropriate value that is shorter than the energization time during normal operation of the motor-operated valve V (the time until the valve body 1 blocks the flow path) and can detect a short energization time (the time before the valve body 1 blocks the flow path) that is not assumed in the design. The main control circuit 30 detects the energization time of the electric motor 3 based on a signal from the energization detection circuit 33, and updates the first motor operation count if the detected energization time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, and updates the second motor operation count if the detected energization time is shorter than the predetermined time.

[0051] The environmental data includes the temperature inside the mechanism detected by the temperature sensor 34. In this example, the data includes the maximum temperature inside the mechanism (highest temperature) and the minimum temperature inside the mechanism (lowest temperature). For example, when the temperature sensor 34 detects a temperature of 25° C. or higher, the main control circuit 30 stores this in the memory 32 as the maximum temperature inside the mechanism, and thereafter, when the main control circuit 30 detects a temperature higher than the temperature stored in the memory 32, the main control circuit 30 updates the maximum temperature inside the mechanism data in the memory 32. Also, when the temperature sensor 34 detects a temperature of 25° C. or lower, the main control circuit 30 stores this in the memory 32 as the minimum temperature inside the mechanism, and thereafter, when the main control circuit 30 detects a temperature lower than the temperature stored in the memory 32, the main control circuit 30 updates the minimum temperature inside the mechanism data in the memory 32.

[0052] The capacitor life data includes a capacitor deterioration self-diagnosis level, a first capacitor life diagnosis count, a second capacitor life diagnosis count, and a third capacitor life diagnosis count. The capacitor deterioration self-diagnosis level is a value generated by the main control circuit 30 based on a signal from the capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39, and indicates a deterioration level of the electric double layer capacitor 29. The deterioration level is expressed in stages, for example, by integers from 0 to 10. For example, a deterioration level of 10 indicates no deterioration. The main control circuit 30 stores the deterioration level value generated based on the signal from the capacitor life diagnosis circuit 39 in the memory 32 as the capacitor deterioration self-diagnosis level. The first capacitor life diagnosis count indicates the number of times that the main control circuit 30 has determined that the electric double layer capacitor 29 has reached the end of its life when the temperature sensor 34 detects a temperature within a predetermined specification temperature range (for example, −10° C. or higher and lower than 60° C.). The second capacitor life diagnosis count represents the number of times that the main control circuit 30 determines that the electric double layer capacitor 29 has reached its life when the temperature sensor 34 detects a temperature equal to or higher than the upper limit of the specified temperature (e.g., 60°C). The third capacitor life diagnosis count represents the number of times that the main control circuit 30 determines that the electric double layer capacitor 29 has reached its life when the temperature sensor 34 detects a temperature lower than the lower limit of the specified temperature (e.g., -10°C). When the main control circuit 30 determines that the electric double layer capacitor 29 has reached its life as a result of the capacitor life diagnosis, it acquires the temperature inside the mechanism at that time from the temperature sensor 34 and counts up the first, second or third capacitor life diagnosis count according to the acquired temperature inside the mechanism.

[0053] The abnormality count data includes the number of overload errors and the number of operation time-overs. An error in which the current supplied to the electric motor 3 exceeds an overload level (torque limiter set value) is an overload error, and the number of times this error occurs is the number of overload errors. Furthermore, the continuous time of current supply to the electric motor 3 is the operation time, and even if this operation time exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 90 seconds), an error in which the valve element 1 cannot be detected as being fully closed (operation to the open / close end is not detected) is an operation time-over, and the number of times this error occurs is the number of operation time-overs. The main control circuit 30 monitors the supply of current to the electric motor 3 and the operation of the valve element 1 to monitor overload errors and time-overs, and accumulates the number of detections of these in the memory 32. The operation of the valve element 1 (fully open and fully closed) can be monitored based on the output signal of the opening / closing sensor 16.

[0054] FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the monitoring server S. The monitoring server S is a server computer, and includes a processor 61 (CPU), a memory 62, a storage 63, a communication interface 64, and the like. The processor 61 executes a program stored in a program area of ​​the storage 63 while using the storage area of ​​the memory 62. The communication interface 64 is hardware that mediates communication with the network N. The processor 61 can transmit and receive data to and from the network N via the communication interface 64. This allows the processor 61 to obtain operation status data provided from the motor-operated valve V and accumulate the data in a data area of ​​the storage 63 in a predetermined data structure. In addition, the processor 61 can provide a web page for displaying the operation status data accumulated in the storage 63 in response to a request from the client C.

[0055] 5 also shows an example of a data structure in the data area of ​​the storage 63 of the monitoring server S. The data stored in the storage 63 includes user management data, motor-operated valve management data, and operating status data.

[0056] The user management data is data for managing access to data stored in the monitoring server S, and typically includes records such as a user ID and password for each user who is permitted access. It is also preferable that affiliation data indicating the affiliation of each user is included. The affiliation indicates, for example, a facility F (see FIG. 1) or a group within facility F. The affiliation data may include multiple facility names or group names.

[0057] The motor-operated valve management data is data for managing the motor-operated valves V whose operating status data is accumulated in the monitoring server S, and includes records such as affiliation, machine number, model name, regular transmission cycle, and status for each motor-operated valve V. The affiliation indicates the facility F in which the motor-operated valve V is installed or a group within the facility F. The machine number is a number given to the motor-operated valve V and is an individual identification number of the motor-operated valve V. The model name indicates the model of the motor-operated valve V. The regular transmission cycle indicates the cycle (for example, 1 second to 24 hours) at which operating status data is regularly uploaded from the motor-operated valve V to the monitoring server S. The status indicates whether the motor-operated valve V is powered on (online) or the power of the motor-operated valve V is cut off (offline). Typically, the status of a motor-operated valve V with which communication is established is online, and the status of a motor-operated valve V with which communication is not established is offline.

[0058] The operating status data is operating status data that is uploaded at regular transmission intervals from each motor-operated valve V. Therefore, each motor-operated valve V includes a record group of the operating status data as described above (see FIG. 4).

[0059] FIG. 6 is a flow chart for explaining the periodic transmission process executed by the communication control circuit 50 (see FIG. 3) provided in the motor-operated valve V. When the periodic transmission period arrives (step S1: YES), the communication control circuit 50 requests the main control circuit 30 for operation status data (step S2), and in response to the request, the main control circuit 30 reads the operation status data from the memory 32 and provides it to the communication control circuit 50, which receives it (step S3). The communication control circuit 50 causes the wireless communication device 54 to transmit the provided operation status data (step S4). The transmitted data is uploaded to the monitoring server S via the local area network LN and the wide area network N. The uploaded data includes management data and operation status data. The management data may include data indicating the affiliation, machine number, model name, and periodic transmission period of the motor-operated valve V.

[0060] 7 is a flow chart for explaining the operation of the monitoring server S. When the monitoring server S receives operation status data from the motor-operated valve V (step S11: YES), it receives the data, identifies the motor-operated valve V according to the management data, and stores the operation status data in the data area of ​​the storage 63 (step S12). When the monitoring server S receives access from the client C (step S13: YES), it performs user login processing (step S14), and when the login is successful (step S15: YES), it provides a web page in response to the request from the client C (step S16). The user login processing includes processing for checking the user ID and password entered by the user against the user management data.

[0061] The monitoring server S also executes an alarm judgment process (step S17) for judging whether an alarm should be issued based on the operating status data of each motor-operated valve V. For example, when the number of motor operations for 1 second or more approaches the number of durable operations of the motor-operated valve V, it may be judged that an alarm should be issued to notify the end of the life of the motor-operated valve V. When the maximum temperature inside the mechanism exceeds the upper limit of the specified temperature range, it may be judged that an alarm should be issued to notify that the environmental temperature is too high. When the capacitor deterioration self-diagnosis level falls below a predetermined value or the number of capacitor life diagnosis times exceeds a predetermined number, it may be judged that an alarm should be issued to notify the end of the life of the electric double layer capacitor 29. When the number of overload errors or operation time-overs exceeds a predetermined value (for example, 1), it may be judged that an alarm should be issued to notify the occurrence of an abnormality.

[0062] When the monitoring server S determines that an alarm should be issued (step S18: YES), it adds an indication of the alarm to the web page provided to the client C (step S19). When the monitoring server S determines that an alarm should be issued (step S18: YES), it performs a process of automatically sending an email (typically a text message) informing the client of the alarm to a pre-registered email address (step S20).

[0063] 8A, 8B, and 8C show examples of web pages provided by the monitoring server S and displayed on a display screen of the client C. FIG.

[0064] 8A is an example of a user login screen. A user can display the user login screen on the display device of client C by accessing the URL of the user login screen of the monitoring server S from client C. The login screen includes a user ID input field 71, a password input field 72, and a sign-in button 73. The user of client C inputs a user ID in the user ID input field 71, inputs a password in the password input field 72, and operates the sign-in button 73. Then, a user login process is executed in the monitoring server S.

[0065] FIG. 8B shows an example of a motor-operated valve list screen provided by the monitoring server S and displayed on the client C when the user login process is successful. The monitoring server S refers to the user management data of the logged-in user, and displays a list of motor-operated valves V of the corresponding affiliation (facility or a group therein) according to the affiliation data. For each motor-operated valve V, the affiliation, machine number, model name, periodic transmission cycle, status, and presence or absence of an alarm are displayed. In addition, in this example, a delete button 81 is provided for each motor-operated valve V. The user can delete the display of each motor-operated valve V and exclude it from the monitoring target by operating (clicking) the delete button 81. Furthermore, when the user wants to include the operation status data of a new motor-operated valve V in the viewing target, the user can operate (click) the register button 82 to start the additional registration operation of the new motor-operated valve V. Furthermore, the display can be updated to the latest content by operating (clicking) the update button 83.

[0066] Fig. 8C shows an example of a screen displaying a list of operation status data. On the screen of Fig. 8B, a list of operation status data can be displayed by manipulating (clicking) the display of any one of the motor-operated valves V (for example, the display of the machine number). That is, a list of operation status data transmitted at regular transmission intervals is displayed. Here, for each regular transmission, an acquisition date and time 91, a display button 92, a CSV button 93, and a delete check box 94 are provided.

[0067] The acquisition date and time 91 may be the date and time when the communication control circuit 50 of the motor-operated valve V acquired the data, or the date and time when the monitoring server S acquired the data. The display button 92 is a button for displaying the operation status data on a web page. The CSV button 93 is a button for converting the operation status data into CSV (Comma Separated Value) format and downloading it to the client C. The delete checkbox 94 is a selection field for deleting the operation status data from the monitoring server S, and by selecting the delete checkbox 94 of the operation status data to be deleted and operating (clicking) the delete button 95, the corresponding operation status data is deleted from the monitoring server S.

[0068] Fig. 9 shows an example of the display screen when the display button is operated (clicked) to display the operation status data in the list display of Fig. 8C. Here, the data acquisition date and time, user ID, machine number of the motor-operated valve V, model name and periodic transmission cycle are displayed, and further, the operation status data described above (see Fig. 4) is displayed in a list. Furthermore, in this example, an alarm column 98 is displayed. When there is an alarm to be notified, the notification content is displayed in the alarm column 98. In this example, one overload error has occurred, and accordingly, the occurrence of the overload error is notified in the alarm column 98.

[0069] When the CSV button 93 is operated (clicked) in the list display of Fig. 8C, CSV format data including records with similar contents is sent from the monitoring server S to the client C and stored in a storage device provided in the client C. The user of the client C can view the CSV format data stored in the storage device by operating an application provided in the client C.

[0070] As described above, the motor-operated valve monitoring system 100 of this embodiment includes the main control circuit 30 that is provided in the motor-operated valve V and functions as an operation status data collection unit that collects operation status data of the motor-operated valve V and stores it in the memory 32. The motor-operated valve monitoring system 100 also includes a communication unit 55 that is provided in the motor-operated valve V and transmits to the network N the operation status data that the main control circuit 30 (operation status data collection unit) collects and stores in the memory 32. The motor-operated valve monitoring system 100 further includes a monitoring server S that acquires, via the network N, the operation status data that the communication unit 55 transmits to the network N, stores it, and provides the stored operation status data to the client C.

[0071] With this configuration, each motor-operated valve V installed in various facilities F can be remotely monitored from the client C. In other words, the operating status of the motor-operated valve V can be monitored without going to the location where the motor-operated valve V is installed. This makes it easier to monitor the motor-operated valve V, and significantly reduces the time and effort required for inspection, etc. of the motor-operated valve V. If the client C can be connected to the network N, the operating status data of the motor-operated valve V can be viewed at any time and place, so the user can obtain the required operating status data anytime and anywhere.

[0072] This allows the manager of the facility F to easily grasp the usage status of each motor-operated valve V without waiting for regular inspections, enabling reliable and simple management of each motor-operated valve V. In addition, for example, a manufacturer or distributor of motor-operated valves V can collect operation status data of motor-operated valves V in multiple facilities F to analyze failure trends, provide advance notice of the equipment lifespan, and take necessary maintenance measures.

[0073] In this embodiment, the monitoring server S has a function as a judgment unit that judges whether or not an operating situation should be issued with an alarm based on the operating situation data (steps S17 and S18 in FIG. 7), and a function as a notification unit that notifies an alarm when it is judged that an operating situation should be issued with an alarm (steps S19 and S20 in FIG. 7). One example of the function as a notification unit is a function as an alarm display unit that displays an alarm on a web page that displays the operating situation data (step S19 in FIG. 7). Another example of the function as a notification unit is a function as a message sending unit (email sending unit) that sends a message (e.g., an email) to a preregistered address (e.g., an email address) (step S20 in FIG. 7).

[0074] With this configuration, the monitoring server S automatically analyzes the operating status data and issues an alarm as necessary. This allows the manager of the motor-operated valve V to automatically receive appropriate information at the appropriate time, facilitating the maintenance of the motor-operated valve V. For example, if an alarm is issued to warn that a part of the motor-operated valve V will soon reach the end of its life, the part can be replaced at the appropriate time. This ensures normal operation of the motor-operated valve V through cost-effective maintenance.

[0075] In conventional periodic inspections, in which workers go to the installation site of each motor-operated valve V to perform the inspection, the part life of the motor-operated valve V is determined during the inspection, and the part life is notified to the manager of the motor-operated valve V as necessary. Therefore, the timeliness of the notification depends on the periodic inspection. Of course, there is a natural limit to how much the periodic inspection can be shortened by manual work, so it is not always possible to notify the part life in a timely manner. This embodiment can solve this problem.

[0076] In this embodiment, the operating status data includes the number of times the motor-operated valve V is turned on, the number of times the motor-operated valve V is operated (number of times power is cut off due to power outage, number of times signal is cut off), the operation history of the electric actuator 2 (electric motor 3) (cumulative motor operation time, number of times the motor is operated), the environment of the motor-operated valve V (temperature inside the mechanism), the deterioration status of the power storage device built into the motor-operated valve V (deterioration level of the electric double layer capacitor 29, number of times of life diagnosis), and the error detection history (number of overload errors, number of times operation time is over). By being able to remotely monitor these operating status data from the client C, the detailed operating status of the motor-operated valve V can be grasped, and appropriate maintenance can be performed as necessary.

[0077] In this embodiment, the communication unit 55 includes a wireless communication device 54 that transmits operation status data to the network N by wireless communication. Specifically, the local area network LN in the facility F is constructed using a wireless LAN. This allows the motor-operated valve V to be connected to the network N without a cable connection, making it possible to easily incorporate the motor-operated valve V into the motor-operated valve monitoring system 100. Of course, the communication unit 55 may be configured to include a wired communication device and to be wired to the local area network LN.

[0078] In this embodiment, the communication unit 55 transmits the operation status data to the network N at a predetermined regular transmission cycle. As a result, the operation status data of each motor-operated valve V is periodically accumulated in the monitoring server S. By appropriately determining the regular transmission cycle according to the application, model, and usage environment of the motor-operated valve V, the operation status of the motor-operated valve V can be appropriately monitored.

[0079] In this embodiment, the monitoring server S provides a web page that displays the operating status data, and the client C has a web browser capable of viewing the web page. Therefore, the operating status data of the motor-operated valve V can be viewed by using the client C having a web browser.

[0080] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in other forms.

[0081] For example, in the above embodiment, the network N is a wide area network, but the network N may be a local area network. For example, the monitoring server S may be connected to the local area network LN to which the motor-operated valve V is connected. In the configuration of the above embodiment, the wide area network N, the local area network LN, and the mobile phone network MN may be understood as a whole to constitute a network in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, temperature is detected as the environmental data, but other environmental indices such as humidity may also be detected.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the motor-operated valve V is connected to the network N by wireless LAN communication, but other wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or other short-range wireless communication technologies, or mobile communication technologies may be used. Furthermore, the motor-operated valve V may be connected to the network N by wired communication, not limited to wireless communication.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the motor-operated valve V is provided with the electric double layer capacitor 29 as a backup power supply, but the backup power supply may be formed of a secondary battery. Also, the above embodiment may be applied to a motor-operated valve V that does not have a backup power supply.

[0085] In addition, various design modifications can be made within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1: Valve body 2: Electric actuator 3: Electric motor 24: Control board 25: Wireless communication board 26: Wireless communication antenna 29: Electric double layer capacitor 30: Main control circuit 31: Processor 32: Memory 33: Power detection circuit 34: Temperature sensor 38: Charge / discharge converter 39: Capacitor life diagnostic circuit 50: Communication control circuit 54: Wireless communication device 55: Communication unit 98: Alarm column 100: Motor valve monitoring system C: Client F(F1,F2,…): Facility LN(LN1,LN2,…): Local Area Network MN: Mobile phone network N: Network (Wide Area Network) S: Monitoring server V (V11, V12, …; V21, V22, …; V31, V32, …): Motor-operated valve

Claims

1. An electric valve monitoring system for monitoring an operating condition of an electric valve in which a valve element that opens and closes a flow path is driven by an electric actuator, comprising: an operation status data collection unit provided in the motor-operated valve, which collects operation status data of the motor-operated valve and stores the data in a memory; a communication unit provided in the motor-operated valve, the communication unit transmitting the operation status data collected by the operation status data collection unit and stored in the memory to a network; a monitoring server that acquires, via the network, the operating status data that the communication unit sends to the network, stores the acquired operating status data, and provides the stored operating status data to a client.

2. The motor-operated valve monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the monitoring server includes a judgment unit that determines whether an operating situation requires the issuance of an alarm based on the operating situation data, and a notification unit that notifies an alarm when the judgment unit determines that the operating situation requires the issuance of an alarm.

3. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to claim 2 , wherein the monitoring server provides a web page displaying the operating status data, and the notification unit includes an alarm display unit displaying an alarm on the web page.

4. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to claim 2 , wherein the notification unit includes a message sending unit that sends a message to a preregistered address.

5. The motor-operated valve monitoring system of claim 1, wherein the operating status data includes at least one of the number of times the motor-operated valve is powered on, the number of times the motor-operated valve is operated, the operation history of the electric actuator, the environment of the motor-operated valve, the deterioration status of a power storage device built into the motor-operated valve, and an error detection history.

6. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit includes a wireless communicator configured to transmit the operating status data to the network by wireless communication.

7. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits the operating status data to the network at a predetermined regular transmission interval.

8. the monitoring server provides a web page displaying the operational status data; The motor-operated valve monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the client comprises a web browser capable of viewing the web page.

9. The motor-operated valve monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the client includes at least one of a PC and a mobile terminal.

10. The monitoring server used in the motor-operated valve monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A valve body that opens and closes the flow path; an electric actuator that drives the valve body; an operation status data collection unit that collects operation status data and stores the data in a memory; a communication unit that transmits the operating status data collected by the operating status data collection unit and stored in the memory to a monitoring server via a network.

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