JP2002347121A - Power supply control device for resin joint - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a power supply control device for a resin joint capable of detecting abnormality of a temperature sensor and preventing occurrence of a fusion defect by providing two temperature sensors. . SOLUTION: In a resin joint energization control device for melting a resin pipe member 2A, 2B by performing a controlled energization to a heater 6 provided inside a resin joint 4, the heater is connected to the heater. Power supply unit 22 that supplies power
A set energization time storage unit 24 for storing in advance energization information relating to an energization time dependent on temperature;
And a second two temperature sensors 28 and 29, and a comparison unit 33 that compares detection values of the first and second temperature sensors,
The heater based on a comparison result of the comparison unit, a detection value of one of the first and second temperature sensors, and an energization time stored in the set energization time storage unit; And a fusion control unit 26 for controlling the power supply to the power supply. Thus, by providing two temperature sensors and detecting the temperature difference between the two sensors, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the temperature sensors and prevent the occurrence of defective fusion beforehand.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply control device for a resin joint for connecting resin pipe members used for flowing gas, water or the like, or passing an optical fiber or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, pipe members made of resin (polyethylene, polybutene, polypropylene, etc.) tend to be frequently used for flowing gas, water, hot water, sewage, or the like, or for passing communication cables such as optical fibers. . When installing or repairing these pipe members, use a resin joint with a heater embedded inside, and generate heat by energizing this heater, and the resin joint and the resin pipe member Are fused.
At this time, the electric power supplied to the heater of the resin joint often differs depending on the type such as the size of the joint, and the control parameters such as the voltage, current, and energizing time are set to different values for each type of joint. I have. Therefore, in order to energize the resin joint, an energization control device (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H9-208) configured to supply electric power corresponding to the control parameter is provided.
24548 and JP-A-9-123286).

[0003] The control data that constitutes the control parameters is generally recorded on a bar code label attached to the resin joint, and the operator needs to control the bar code prior to the fusing operation. The data is obtained by reading the bar code on the code label with an attached bar code reader. The bar code label information includes, in addition to the joint manufacturer name and dimensions, control data such as an initial voltage value, a standard resistance value of the heater, a standard energizing amount, a fluctuation range of the resistance value, and a target energizing amount. Are recorded. When performing the fusion operation, first, the control data of the bar code label is read by a bar code reader, and at the same time, the environmental temperature at that time is measured from the temperature sensor for measuring the environmental temperature attached to the energization control device itself. I do. In the control system of the power supply control device, a power supply time for the resin joint specified by the control data of the barcode label, a correction coefficient for the environmental temperature of the power supply time, and the like are predetermined.
Therefore, the energization time is set in accordance with the surrounding environmental temperature during the fusion operation. For example, when performing this heat fusion operation when it is cold in the middle of winter, it is necessary to energize for a longer time because the resin joint itself is very cold, and conversely, this heat fusion operation is performed when the summer is hot In this case, a short period of power supply is sufficient. At this time, if the power supply is performed for too long, the resin is excessively melted, resulting in poor fusion.

[0004]

However, since the above-mentioned heat-sealing operation of the resin joint is naturally performed outdoors, the energization control device itself is placed in a poor environment. In many cases, water, mud, etc. adhere to the surface, or the power supply control device itself is treated relatively crudely in many cases. In this case, the above-described temperature sensor for measuring the environmental temperature is necessarily provided outside the housing of the apparatus main body because it is necessary to accurately measure the ambient temperature. For this reason, the temperature sensor itself is damaged or deteriorated, so that it is impossible to accurately measure the environmental temperature, and there has been a problem that a fusion defect occurs due to this.

In order to solve this problem, the temperature sensor itself is attached to a relatively hardly damaged portion such as the inside of the housing of the apparatus body, and the outside air is forcibly taken in by a cooling fan or the like and exposed to the outside air. The measurement of the environmental temperature is also performed, but in this case, not only does the structure become complicated, but also because the forced air is applied to the temperature sensor, the measured value does not indicate the accurate environmental temperature. The present invention has been devised in view of the above problems and effectively solving them. An object of the present invention is to provide a resin joint energization control device capable of detecting an abnormality of a temperature sensor and preventing occurrence of a fusion defect by providing two temperature sensors. .

[0006]

The invention according to claim 1 is
A power supply unit for supplying power to the heater, a power supply unit for supplying power to the heater, and a power supply unit for fusing the resin pipe member by performing controlled power supply to a heater provided inside the resin joint. A set energization time storage unit for storing in advance energization information relating to an energization time depending on the temperature, first and second temperature sensors for detecting a temperature,
A comparison unit that compares the detection values of the first and second temperature sensors, a comparison result of the comparison unit, a detection value of one of the first and second temperature sensors, and the setting current And a fusion control unit for controlling energization of the heater based on the energization time stored in the time storage unit. Accordingly, if the difference between the detection values of the two temperature sensors is within a predetermined value, it is recognized that both of the temperature sensors are functioning normally, and a normal heat fusion operation is performed. When the difference is larger than the predetermined value, it is recognized that some abnormality or failure exists in the temperature sensor, and the heater is not energized. As a result, the occurrence of defective fusion is prevented beforehand. Can be prevented.

In this case, for example, the first temperature sensor is provided in a portion which is relatively easily damaged, and the second temperature sensor is provided in a portion which is relatively unlikely to be damaged. It is provided in. Further, for example, as defined in claim 3, the first temperature sensor is installed outside a housing that houses the apparatus main body, and the second temperature sensor is installed inside the housing. . In this case, the energization time or the like is determined by using the detection value of the first temperature sensor installed outside the housing of the apparatus main body as the environmental temperature (outside air temperature), and the case where the temperature tends to be higher than the outside air Second in the body
Since the detected value of the temperature sensor is used only for determining whether or not the first temperature sensor is operating normally, the presence or absence of breakage of the first temperature sensor can be more accurately determined. It becomes possible to recognize.

Also, for example, as defined in claim 4,
A bar code reader for reading control data related to the resin joint may be provided, and the second temperature sensor may be installed in a case of the bar code reader. Further, as defined in claim 5, there is provided a notifying means for notifying the operator of a predetermined message, and the fusion control unit indicates that the comparison result in the comparison unit is negative for energization. At this time, the notifying unit may be notified to that effect, and may be controlled so as not to energize the heater. According to this, the operator can reliably recognize an abnormal state such as a failure of the temperature sensor.

Further, for example, as defined in claim 6,
A tracing storage unit that stores fusion information including at least the time when the fusion operation was performed last time, wherein the fusion control unit is configured to perform a fusion based on the fusion information stored in the trace storage unit. When the predetermined time has not elapsed from the previous fusion operation, control is performed so that the heater is not energized. According to this, it is possible to prepare an environment in which the two temperature sensors operate reliably.

[0010]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a power supply control device for a resin joint according to the present invention. FIG. 1 is a view showing a state of use of a power supply control device for a resin joint according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the power supply control device, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the power supply control device. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, here, two resin pipe members 2A, 2A,
B shows a state in which the ends of B are inserted into a cylindrical resin joint 4 for mounting, and a heater 6 is embedded on the inner surface side of the joint 4 over substantially the entire inner peripheral surface. ing. Input terminals 8 for receiving electric power are provided at both ends of the heater 6 so as to protrude outward. A bar code label 1 containing control data of the joint 4 at the time of fusion is attached to the surface of the resin joint 4.
0 is affixed at the time of factory shipment from the manufacturer.

In the vicinity of the resin joint 4, an energization control device 12 for supplying fusion power to the joint 4 is provided. The energization control device 12 has a device main body 14 that accommodates main components, and the outside thereof is covered by a housing 13. Two output cables 16 are drawn out of the apparatus main body 14, and the connectors 18, 18 provided at the ends thereof are detachably connected to the input terminals 8, 8 of the resin joint 4 to control the power output. Is supplied. To this apparatus main body 14, required electric power is input from, for example, an external power supply.
The external power source is, of course, a normal commercial 100 V AC power source, for example, a generator for welding or a generator for lighting in which the output voltage is small when there is no load and the output voltage increases when a load is applied. Etc. can be used.

An optical bar code reader 20 for reading predetermined data, for example, is connected to the apparatus main body 14 via a bar code wiring 19, so that a bar code label of the joint 4 is provided. The bar code including the control data recorded in 10 can be read. As described above, the information of the barcode label 10 includes, as described above, the initial voltage value, the standard resistance value of the heater, the standard amount of electricity, and the fluctuation of the resistance value in addition to the joint manufacturer name and dimensions. The width, the energization time at the reference temperature for various joints, the correction coefficient of the energization time for the environmental temperature, and the like are recorded. As shown in FIG. 2, a handle 17 for gripping the housing 13 is provided on an upper portion of the housing 13 of the apparatus main body 14, and a cloth bag 21 for storing components is provided on a side surface of the housing 13. Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, a power supply section 22 for supplying power to the heater 6 (see FIG. 1) and a power supply time depending on the temperature are provided in the apparatus body 14 surrounded by a housing 13. Set energization time storage unit 2 that pre-stores energization information
4 and a fusion control unit 26 configured by a microcomputer or the like for controlling the operation of the power supply unit 22 based on control data and the like input from the barcode reader 20. In addition, this device has first and second temperature sensors 28 and 29 which are characteristic of the present invention. Here, the first temperature sensor 28 detects the ambient temperature such as the outside air temperature and the temperature of the joint 4 outside the housing 13, that is, as shown in FIG. ), And the second temperature sensor 29 is provided in the housing 13 (a portion that is relatively hard to be damaged) and near the ventilation hole 31. In this case, when the temperature sensors 28, 29 are damaged, etc.,
Alternatively, it is set so that a small value appears.

Further, the apparatus includes a comparing section 33 for comparing the detection values of the two temperature sensors 28 and 29, an actual voltage, current, and time during the fusion operation, date and time when the fusion operation was performed, and the like. Various operation data during the fusing operation are stored so that the data can be traced and traced later. For example, the tracing storage unit 30 composed of a non-volatile memory, the fusion control unit 26 temporarily stores data and the like necessary for the calculation. A temporary storage unit 32 such as a RAM for example, a display panel 34 as a notification unit such as a liquid crystal panel for displaying the contents of each storage unit and a predetermined instruction as a message, and manually transmitting necessary data. It has an operation panel 36 having a function of a data input unit capable of inputting, and an alarm mechanism 38 for issuing an alarm when an abnormal state is detected. The set energization time storage unit 24 and the tracing storage unit 30 may use the same non-volatile memory by dividing the area. Here, as the first and second temperature sensors 28 and 29,
For example, a thermocouple that can measure temperature with high accuracy of about ± 1 ° C. can be used.

Next, a description will be given, with reference to FIG. 4, of a heat-sealing operation of a resin pipe member performed by using the power supply control device 12 configured as described above. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing each step of the heat fusion operation. First, before the energization is started, as shown in FIG.
Then, two resin pipe members 2A and 2B to be heat-sealed are inserted until their ends abut against each other.
Are connected to the input terminals 8, 8 of the
18 is connected. In this state, first, the operator uses the barcode reader 20 to read information on the barcode label 10 attached to the joint 4. As a result, as described above, the control data of the initial voltage value determined for the joint together with the manufacturer data of the joint and the like are input to the fusion control unit 26.

At the same time, the first and second conditions are provided on condition that a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous heat fusion operation was performed.
The detection values of the two temperature sensors 28 and 29 are read, and it is determined whether or not the temperature is measured normally. When it is determined that the temperature is measured normally, the heater is determined based on the environmental temperature measured at that time. The time to be energized to 6, that is, the energized time is determined, and according to this, the energization is started to perform actual heat fusion. On the other hand, as a result of comparing the detection values of the two temperature sensors 28 and 29, if the temperature difference between the two is too large, one of the temperature sensors is damaged and a normal environmental temperature can be measured. The heater 6 is recognized as not having been supplied, and the heater 6 is not energized. At the same time, the operator is notified of the fact.

Next, the above operation will be specifically described with reference to FIG. First, as preparation, as shown in FIG. 1, the ends of both resin pipe members 2A and 2B are inserted and butted into a resin joint 4, and the input terminal 8 of the heater 6 is
When the connector 18 of the output cable 16 of the power supply control device 12 is connected, the power supply control device 12 is activated.
Then, the operator uses the barcode reader 20 to read the control information of the barcode label 10 affixed to the resin joint 4 (S1). By reading this control information,
The maker, type, energizing time at the reference temperature and the like of the resin joint 4 are specified.

Next, the fusion control unit 26 reads out the date and time data when the previous heat fusion operation was performed from the trace storage unit 30 (S2). Then, the fusion control unit 26 determines whether or not a predetermined time, for example, 6 hours, has elapsed from the time when the previous heat fusion operation was performed based on the time of a built-in timer (S3). The reason for making this determination is that once the fusing operation is performed, the temperature of the device body 14 surrounded by the housing 13 becomes considerably high. The detected value is affected by the residual heat at the time of heat fusion, and a high temperature is detected.
This is because it cannot be determined whether or not is operating normally. Therefore, it is determined whether or not a sufficient time, for example, 6 hours, required for the apparatus main body 14 heated by the heat fusion operation as described above to be sufficiently cooled to the environmental temperature has elapsed. to decide. In the case of NO in S3, that is,
If sufficient time has not elapsed since the previous heat fusion operation, a message indicating that the elapsed time is insufficient is displayed on the display panel 34 to notify the operator of the fact (S4). The dressing controller 26 does not energize the heater 6. That is, the power supply is stopped (S5). On the other hand, if YES in S3, that is, if the apparatus main body 14 is sufficiently cooled after 6 hours from the previous heat fusion operation, the detection value T1 of the first temperature sensor 28 is acquired. To measure the outside air temperature (environmental temperature) (S6).

Next, the detected value T2 of the second temperature sensor 29
And the internal temperature of the housing 13 is measured (S7).
Next, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the temperature difference between the two detection values T1 and T2 is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, for example, 7 ° C. (S
8). If the result of this determination is YES, that is, if the temperature difference between the two detection values T1 and T2 is not more than 7 ° C., the fusion control unit 26 is set to the first temperature provided in the relatively easily damaged portion. The sensor 28 recognizes that it is operating normally without being damaged. Then, a message indicating that the first temperature sensor 28 is operating normally is displayed on the display panel 34, and the operator is made aware of the message (S
9) At the same time, energization of the heater 6 is started for the energization time calculated based on the detection value of the first temperature sensor 28 that has detected the environmental temperature, and the actual heat fusion operation is performed. (S10).

On the other hand, if NO in S8,
That is, when both the detected values of the first and second temperature sensors 28 and 29 are larger than 7 ° C., the temperature sensor is set to output an extremely large or small value when it is damaged. The fusion control unit 26 recognizes that the first temperature sensor 28 installed in the portion that is relatively easily damaged is damaged, and displays a message indicating that the temperature sensor is abnormal on the display panel 34. (S
11). At the same time, the fusion control unit 26
Is not energized. That is, the power supply is stopped (S5). At this time, if the alarm mechanism 38 is also activated, it is possible for the operator to recognize that fact more accurately. The operator who recognizes this sensor abnormality,
Will be checked. In this case, the threshold value of the temperature difference between the two temperature sensors 28 and 29 is 7 ° C.
Is determined from the temperature margin of the general resin joint 4. However, the threshold value is not limited to 7 ° C., and may be set to a stricter and slightly smaller value, or a larger value if the margin is large.

As described above, the second temperature sensor 29 is provided in a portion that is relatively hard to be damaged, for example, in the housing 13, and it is necessary to measure the environmental temperature based on the detected value. Since it can be determined whether the first temperature sensor 28, which must be provided at an easily accessible location, is operating normally without failure, it is possible to reliably perform the heat fusion operation without causing a fusion defect. Becomes In the above embodiment, the first temperature sensor 28 is provided in the pocket 21A of the cloth bag 21, which is exposed to the outside air and relatively easily damaged, to measure the outside air temperature (environmental temperature). Although the temperature sensor 29 is set in the housing 13 which is relatively hard to break, the internal temperature is measured. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, two pockets 21A of the cloth bag 21 are provided, and the other is provided. A second temperature sensor 29 may be provided in the pocket to measure the outside air temperature. In this case, the first
The second temperature sensor 28 and the second temperature sensor 29 are both provided at locations that are relatively easily damaged, but are effective because the probability that the two temperature sensors 28 and 29 are simultaneously damaged is low.

The operation flow in this case is shown, for example, in FIG. If the second temperature sensor 29 is not provided in the housing 13, even if the temperature of the apparatus main body 14 rises, it is not related to the detected value, so that steps S 2, S 3, S 4 Is a flow in which each of the steps is removed. In this case, when both the temperature sensors 28 and 29 are normal, the detection values T1 and T
2 has substantially the same value. Further, in the above embodiment, the second temperature sensor 29 is provided in the housing 13 as a relatively hardly damaged portion. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second temperature sensor 29 may be installed in the case 20A of the barcode reader 20. Thus, the second temperature sensor 29 may not be exposed to the outside. The operation flow in this case is the same as that shown in FIG.
In the above embodiment, the first temperature sensor 28 is
Is installed in the pocket 21A, but it is a matter of course that the present invention is not limited to this.

[0023]

As described above, according to the power supply control apparatus for a resin joint of the present invention, the following excellent operational effects can be exhibited. According to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the present invention, if the difference between the detected values of the two temperature sensors is within a predetermined value, it is recognized that both of the temperature sensors are functioning normally, and normal thermal fusion is performed. When the difference between the two detected values is larger than the predetermined value, the temperature sensor recognizes that some abnormality or failure exists in the temperature sensor, and does not energize the heater. As a result, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of defective fusion beforehand. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the first device installed outside the housing of the apparatus main body.
The energization time and the like are determined by using the detection value of the temperature sensor of (1) as the environmental temperature (outside air temperature), and the detection value of the second temperature sensor in the housing in which the temperature tends to be higher than the outside air is determined by the first temperature sensor.
Since it is used only for determining whether or not the first temperature sensor is operating normally, it is possible to more accurately recognize whether or not the first temperature sensor is damaged. According to the invention according to claim 5, the operator can reliably recognize an abnormal state such as a failure of the temperature sensor. Claim 6
According to the invention, the environment in which the two temperature sensors operate reliably can be prepared.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view showing a state of use of a power supply control device for a resin joint according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an energization control device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an energization control device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing each step of a heat fusion operation.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing each step of another heat fusion operation.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2A, 2B Resin pipe member 4 Resin joint 6 Heater 12 Power supply control device 13 Housing 14 Device body 20 Barcode reader 21 Cloth bag 22 Power supply unit 24 Set conduction time storage unit 26 Fusion control unit 28 First temperature sensor 29 second temperature sensor 30 trace storage unit 33 comparison unit 34 display panel (notification means)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Tomoyuki Minami 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo Inside Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Takao Yoshii 1-5-20 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo Tokyo Within Gas Co., Ltd.

Claims (6)

[Claims] An electric power supply control device for a resin joint for fusing a resin pipe member by applying a controlled electric current to a heater provided inside the resin joint, wherein electric power is supplied to the heater. A power supply unit, a set energization time storage unit that stores in advance energization information relating to an energization time dependent on temperature, first and second two temperature sensors for detecting temperature, and a first and second temperature sensor. A comparison unit that compares the detected values, a comparison result of the comparison unit, a detection value of one of the first and second temperature sensors, and a value stored in the set energization time storage unit. A welding control unit that controls the power supply to the heater based on the power supply time. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor is provided in a portion that is relatively easily damaged, and the second temperature sensor is
The power supply control device for a resin joint according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control device is provided at a portion that is relatively difficult to be damaged. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor is installed outside a housing for housing the apparatus main body, and the second temperature sensor is installed inside the housing. 3. The power supply control device for a resin joint according to 2. 4. The bar code reader according to claim 1, further comprising a bar code reader for reading control data relating to the resin joint, wherein the second temperature sensor is provided in a case of the bar code reader. Or a controller for controlling the energization of the resin joint according to 2. 5. A notifying means for notifying a predetermined message to an operator, wherein the fusion control unit notifies the notifying means when the comparison result in the comparing unit indicates a negative result in energization. The power supply control device for a resin joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit is notified so that power is not supplied to the heater. 6. A tracing storage unit for storing fusion information including at least a time when a fusion operation was performed last time, wherein the fusion control unit is configured to store the fusion information stored in the tracing storage unit. 4. A control device according to claim 3, wherein when the predetermined time has not elapsed since the last fusion operation, the current supply to the heater is controlled so as not to be performed. .