JP2000099856A - Gas detector - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas detector with reduced weight, to be easily handled as a portable type and capable of optionally recording plural pieces of measurement data by printing out, etc. SOLUTION: The gas detector is provided with a gas sensor 1 capable of detecting plural kinds of gas, an analog processing circuit 3 to detect output of the sensor, an alarm display part 9, a buzzer 10 to raise an alarm when concentration of the detected gas exceeds a reference value, a memory part 8 capable of storing and holding the detected measurement data, a switch 7 for memory to instruct the start, the end, etc., of section measurement, a data output part 11 to output the measurement data to a printer, etc., and a CPU 4 to control operation of each part, to set blocks by every measurement by attaching addresses in the memory part 8, to store and to hold each piece of the measurement data in corresponding block. The plural pieces of the measurement data held in the memory part 8 are optionally read and outputted to the printer, etc.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a portable gas detector, and more particularly, to a portable gas detector having a memory function of measured data and capable of printing out measured data. Related to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various types of gas detectors have been used to detect the concentration of gas in the vicinity of a gas container, gas pipe, gas equipment, or the like, and to perform an alarm such as a gas leak. As a conventional portable gas detection device, there is a box-shaped device having a built-in printer 51 on the side as shown in FIG. 8A, or a hand-held device as shown in FIG. 8B. Such simple type (handy type) was the mainstream. In the mold shown in FIG. 8A, several types of gas concentrations can be detected, and the measurement data can be printed out from the printer 51. Also,
The type shown in FIG. 8B has no pointer or the like, and has a configuration in which a warning is issued by sound and light.

[0003]

In the conventional gas detection device, in the case of the type shown in FIG. 8A, the measurement data can be printed out from the printer, that is, although the output and recording of the measurement data are easy. However, there is a problem that the device is not easy to handle as a portable type because the external dimensions are large and the weight is heavy for carrying the device. FIG.
In the case of the type shown in (b), light and easy operation is possible, but it is not possible to output detection data,
There was a drawback that detection data could not be recorded.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is small and lightweight, easy to handle as a portable type, can store a plurality of measurement data by a memory function, and can record the measurement data by connecting a printer or the like. It is intended to provide a simple gas detection device.

[0005]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas detecting device for detecting a gas, and measuring data relating to a gas concentration by processing an output of the gas sensor. Processing means for generating
Storage means for storing the measurement data detected by the gas sensor; data output means for outputting the measurement data to an external device in an arbitrary form; and blocks for each measurement set in the storage means by assigning addresses. And control means for controlling writing of the measurement data into each of the blocks and reading of the measurement data stored and held in the blocks. According to this configuration, each measurement data obtained by a plurality of measurements is stored and held in each block of the storage unit, and the measurement data is arbitrarily read out by the control unit and output to the external device from the data output unit. For example, in addition to normal continuous measurement such as detecting the gas concentration at the inspection location for a certain period of time and issuing an alarm when the gas exceeds the reference value, arbitrarily outputting a plurality of measurement data related to gas concentration and printing etc. Makes recording possible.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gas detection device according to the first aspect, the data output unit can print the measurement data stored in the storage unit to a printer as an external device that prints and records the measurement data. It is characterized in that it is output as data. According to this configuration, since the measurement data stored in the storage unit is output as printable data from the data output unit, the user can arbitrarily convert the measurement data using the printer, for example, the measurement data for each block or Measurement data in the entire memory can be printed out freely.

A gas detection device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the gas detection device according to the first aspect, further comprising a memory switch for instructing a start of a break measurement for sequentially performing a plurality of measurements and a start and an end of each measurement. The control means stores and holds measurement data for each measurement in each block of the storage means in accordance with an instruction of the memory switch. According to this configuration, for example, in the case where a series of gas detection measurements and the like in the case where a plurality of inspection locations and the inspection order are determined in advance by the division measurement, the measurement data for each measurement is stored in the address of the storage unit. The user can freely output the measurement data stored in the storage means, for example, the measurement data of each block or the measurement data of the entire memory. It can be recorded by printing or the like.
When a new measurement is performed, for example, after pressing the memory switch for a predetermined time to clear the previous measurement data, the first gas concentration measurement is performed to store and hold the measurement data, and then the memory switch is turned on again. By pressing this button, the user can return to the initial state, perform the second gas concentration measurement and store and hold the measurement data, and thereby operate the memory switch to instruct the start and end of the separation measurement.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gas detecting apparatus according to the first aspect, the control means uses the instantaneous value, the maximum value, the minimum value, and the average value of the gas concentration detected at each measurement time as measurement data. It is characterized in that it is stored and held in a block of a corresponding address of the storage means. According to this configuration, since the instantaneous value, maximum value, minimum value and average value of the gas concentration are stored as measurement data, the user can read and use these various measurement data arbitrarily according to the purpose. Becomes possible.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gas detecting apparatus according to the first aspect, when the external device is connected to the gas detecting device, the control means stores the measurement stored in each block of the storing means. It is characterized in that arbitrary data is read from the data and output to the external device via the data output means. According to this configuration, by connecting a predetermined external device such as a printer, any data is read out and output from the measurement data stored in each block of the storage means. Measurement data to be output can be recorded by printout or the like.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gas detection device according to the first aspect, an alarm setting means for setting a reference value of a gas concentration at which an alarm is issued, and a detection gas concentration detected by the gas sensor exceeds the reference value. Alarm means for issuing an alarm in the event of a warning, wherein the alarm means issues a warning in a plurality of stages using a buzzer sound and an LED display. According to this configuration, for example, as three-level alarms of level 1 to level 3, level 1: an alarm with only yellow LED blinking as a preliminary alarm, level 2: a red LED as a main alarm and yellow as a preliminary alarm LED flashing and buzzer intermittent alarm, level 3: faster red and yellow LED
And a warning by a buzzer sound with a short intermittent cycle is performed, so that the user can reliably recognize the increase in the gas concentration and cope with the alarm by a plurality of warnings.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The gas detecting device includes a gas sensor 1, a pump 2, an analog processing circuit 3, and a CPU 4. The gas sensor 1 is a power-saving semiconductor gas sensor capable of detecting a plurality of gas types (for example, LP gas / Freon gas), and the pump 2 is configured to suck a test gas from an intake port and contact the gas sensor 1. Things. The analog processing circuit (processing means) 3 is a well-known electronic circuit including a load resistor for detecting the output of the gas sensor 1, a smoothing circuit, a comparator (in some cases, processing in a microcomputer), and the like. CP
U4 controls the operation of the entire apparatus by incorporating a ROM, a RAM, a timer, and the like. The function as control means for storing data as the number of times of measurement in each area of the memory divided into the number of blocks, and performing processing such as converting to dot data for printing and outputting it when a printer is connected. It has a microcomputer.

The gas detecting device includes an alarm setting volume 5, a gas type changeover switch 6, a memory switch 7, a memory unit 8, an alarm display unit 9, a buzzer 10, and a data output unit 1.
1, a power supply circuit 12, and a power supply switch 13. The alarm setting volume (alarm setting means) 5 is for setting a level (gas concentration) at which an alarm is issued. The gas type changeover switch 6 controls the heating temperature of the gas sensor 1 and the like for the gas to be detected (LP
(Gas / fluorocarbon gas, etc.).

The memory switch 7 is a switch used for performing "separation measurement", and is used to input instructions such as start / end of separation measurement, start / end of each measurement of separation measurement, and the like. At this time, the CPU 4 recognizes the operation of the memory switch 7 and performs a process such as writing data at the time of the break measurement. The memory unit (storage unit) 8 is a memory that is divided into blocks according to the number of times of measurement at the time of delimiting measurement and is used, and is configured with a backup-attached or non-volatile rewritable memory or the like.

The alarm display section 9 includes an alarm LED 9 shown in FIG.
a or another indicator, and the buzzer 10 constitutes alarm means. The data output unit (data output unit) 11 has an interface for outputting measurement data stored in the memory unit 8 to a printer or the like, and is connected to a printer connector 24 and the like described later. The power supply circuit 12 includes a power supply using a battery, and the power supply is turned on and off by a power switch 13.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external structure of the gas detection device. FIG. 2 (a) is a perspective view and an enlarged view of a main part of the detection portion main body, and FIG. 2 (b) is an exploded perspective view of the suction portion. is there.

An alarm LE for displaying an alarm is provided on the main body of the detecting section.
D9a, a battery LED 9b for displaying the remaining capacity of the battery, a nozzle connection port 20 for gas suction, a gas exhaust port 21, a battery top cover 22, an earphone jack 23, and a printer, which are used to print out measurement data. A printer connector 24 is provided. On the other hand, the suction unit
Suction nozzle 25, filter case 26, gas sensor 1
It has a dust filter 27 for preventing dust and the like from adhering to the surface, and an O-ring 28 for maintaining the airtightness. In some cases, a flexible tube nozzle 25a may be used instead of the suction nozzle 25. In addition, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection mode when a printer is connected to the gas detection device. When a printer is used, as shown in FIG.
2 is connected, and printing dot data based on the measurement data is output to the printer 32 to print out the measurement data.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the structure and operation of the semiconductor gas sensor. FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective view of the semiconductor gas sensor, and FIG. 4 (b) is a circuit diagram of a gas detection circuit using the semiconductor gas sensor. .

The semiconductor gas sensor used as the gas sensor 1 has a platinum electrode wire 1b connected to an oxide semiconductor such as tin oxide as a semiconductor material 1a, and a platinum coil 1c having a sensitizing effect is used as an electrode wire also serving as a heater. It has a structure and detects the gas concentration by utilizing the fact that the resistance value decreases when exposed to a test gas.

As shown in FIG. 4B, a gas detection circuit using this semiconductor gas sensor has a load resistance 41 connected to the gas sensor 1.
Are connected in series, the platinum coil 1c is always energized and constantly heated to the selectivity temperature of the test gas, and a constant voltage is applied to both ends of the gas sensor 1 and the load resistor 41 from the constant voltage power supply 40. The voltage value across the load resistor 41 is output as an output voltage. At this time, if the gas is in contact with the gas sensor 1, the gas sensor 1 and the load resistance 4
Since the combined resistance value of 1 decreases and the output voltage changes, the gas concentration can be detected by measuring the voltage value across the load resistor 41. In the latter stage of the gas detection circuit, a voltage value indicating the detected gas concentration is compared with a reference value by a comparator, and an alarm is issued if the voltage value exceeds the reference value.

Next, the operation of the gas detection device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First,
When the gas type changeover switch 6 is switched to the gas side to be measured and the power switch 13 is turned on (step S1), the pump 2 starts and, for example, the battery LED 9b blinks for about 10 seconds, during which time the heating of the gas sensor 1 is performed. About 10 warm-up processes
Seconds, during which zero adjustment is automatically performed and the battery L
When the blinking of the ED 9b changes to the constant lighting, the state becomes a measurable state (step S2).

To perform "separation measurement" in which measurements are sequentially performed a plurality of times, the memory switch 7 is pressed for three seconds (step S3). When confirming the operation of the memory switch 7, the CPU 4 recognizes the start of “separation measurement”, deletes the previous data stored in the memory unit 8, and deletes the data for the first measurement of the series of separation measurement performed this time. But, for example,
The memory unit 8 is initialized so that it can be stored in order from the memory address NO1 block.

Next, by adjusting the alarm setting volume 5,
A reference voltage value of an alarm comparator (or a comparison means set on a memory by a microcomputer) is set. Specifically, FIG.
As shown in the figure, the alarm setting volume 5 is set according to the concentration of the gas to be measured. In the case of inspection of a gas container, a gas pipe or the like in a normal gas leak inspection of LP gas or the like, adjustment is performed to 0 scale (0 point adjustment automatically performed during warm-up (referred to as auto zero) is automatically performed in this state. Will be adjusted).

When a gas having a low concentration of 30 ppm or less is detected, the scale is adjusted to around +3 to +5, and when the detected concentration is high, the scale is adjusted in the negative direction. This set value is set as a reference voltage value of the comparator or a comparison reference value of the comparing means on the memory.

Then, the "separation measurement" is started and the first measurement is performed (step S4). At this time, the CPU 4 captures data output from the gas sensor 1 during the measurement period,
The instantaneous value, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value, and the set value are written as “measurement data I” in, for example, the NO1 block at address 1 in the memory unit 8.

Here, the CPU 4 compares the measured data of the gas sensor 1 with the set reference value of the gas concentration, and if the measured data exceeds the reference value, issues an alarm by the alarm means.

For example, an alarm is given by lighting of the alarm LED 9a and sound of the buzzer 10, as shown in FIG.
Gives a stage warning. In this case, Level 1 is an alarm with only a yellow LED blinking as a preliminary alarm, Level 2 is an alarm with a red LED blinking as a main alarm and a yellow LED blinking and intermittent buzzer as a preliminary alarm, and Level 3 is a red with a faster cycle. In addition, the warning by the blinking of the yellow LED and the buzzer sound with a fast intermittent cycle is performed.

Subsequently, when the measurement at the next place is performed as the second measurement after the first measurement is completed, the gas detection device is placed in clean air again and the memory switch 7 is pressed.
As a result, the respective units other than the memory unit 8 are returned to the initial state at the start of the first measurement while the initial data stored in the memory unit 8 is held as it is (step S5).
Then, if the setting value needs to be changed, the necessary change is made and the second measurement is started (step S6).

Also in the case of the second measurement, the CPU 4 performs a comparison process between the instantaneous value, the maximum value, the minimum value, the average value and the reference value, and stores each data and the set value as "measurement data II" in the memory. The data is written into the NO2 block at address 2 of the unit 8.

In this manner, the same applies to the third to n
The second time and the break measurement are performed, and each measurement data is stored in the memory unit 8
Is stored in the block of each address.

The measurement data of "separation measurement" stored in the memory unit 8 is not cleared at the same time as the printer output as in the conventional printer built-in device, and the data is not cleared until the user clears the data. It will be stored. To print out desired measurement data, a predetermined communication cable 31 is connected to the printer connector 24.
When the printer 32 is connected via the CPU 4, the measurement data of the designated block of the memory unit 8 or the measurement data of all the blocks in the memory unit 8 is read and output from the data output unit 11 according to the user input under the control of the CPU 4. The data is printed and recorded by the printer 32. Therefore, any measurement data can be printed out at any time.

If the data output unit 11 is configured to be communicable via communication means such as the RS232C format, the measurement data is output to an external personal computer or the like and displayed on a screen, or a recording medium such as a hard disk device is used. Can also be recorded. It can also be used as a portable terminal in a gas security system, send measurement data and gas leak notifications to a management center or another microcomputer gas meter, and take measures such as gas shutoff.

As described above, each process in the "separation measurement" has been described. However, similar to the conventional apparatus, the "continuous measurement" of the gas leak detection, that is, the mere measurement of the gas leak at the connection part of the gas container, the gas pipe, the valve, etc. Of course, the inspection function is also included as one of the detection functions. In the case of this “continuous measurement”, the suction unit 25 is brought close to the inspection location to detect the gas concentration without using the memory unit 8, and a three-stage alarm as shown in FIG. 6 is performed according to the gas leakage concentration. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the small and lightweight portable gas detection device, it is possible to realize a configuration capable of storing the gas concentration measurement data a plurality of times in the memory unit and outputting the data to a printer or the like. When a printer is connected, it is possible to selectively print out any measurement data or to print out all the measurement data collectively. Therefore, it is possible to provide a high-performance gas detection device capable of easily recording measurement data in an arbitrary form while having a portable and easy-to-use structure.

[0036]

As described above, according to the present invention, the instantaneous value, the maximum value, and the
The measurement data such as the minimum value and the average value is stored and held in a block of a corresponding address of the storage means every time the measurement is performed, and the measurement data is arbitrarily read and output to an external device such as a printer to record the print or the like. Since the configuration is possible, it is possible to provide a gas detection device that is small and lightweight, easy to handle as a portable type, can store a plurality of measurement data by a memory function, and can record measurement data arbitrarily by connecting a printer or the like. There is.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a gas detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the gas detection device.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a connection mode when a printer is connected to the gas detection device.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of a semiconductor gas sensor.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing setting contents of an alarm setting volume.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing contents of a warning by a warning LED and a buzzer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a break measurement operation of the gas detection device.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of a conventional gas detection device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas sensor 2 Pump 3 Analog processing circuit 4 CPU 5 Alarm setting volume 6 Gas type changeover switch 7 Memory switch 8 Memory section 9 Alarm display section 9a Alarm LED 10 Buzzer 11 Data output section 12 Power supply circuit 13 Power switch 20 Nozzle connection port 21 Gas exhaust port 22 Battery top cover 23 Earphone jack 24 Printer connector 25 Nozzle 31 Communication cable 32 Printer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2G046 AA18 AA21 BA01 BA09 BC05 BC09 BE02 DC12 DC14 DD01 FB02 FE31 FE39 2G060 AA02 AB15 AB18 AE19 AF09 AG11 BA01 BB02 BB09 HD01 HD02 HD03 HE01 HE02 JA10 5C086 AA41 CB12 DA02 FA02 FA15 GA20

Claims (6)

[Claims] A gas sensor for detecting a gas; a processing unit for processing an output of the gas sensor to generate measurement data related to a gas concentration; a storage unit for storing measurement data detected by the gas sensor; A data output unit for outputting to an external device in an arbitrary form, and setting a block for each measurement in the storage unit with an address, writing measurement data in each block, and writing Control means for controlling reading of stored measurement data; and a gas detection device. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the data output means outputs the measurement data stored in the storage means as printable data to a printer as an external device for printing and recording. Gas detector. 3. A memory switch for instructing a start of a divided measurement for sequentially performing a plurality of measurements and a start and an end of a measurement for each measurement, wherein the control unit performs each measurement in accordance with an instruction of the memory switch. 2. The gas detection device according to claim 1, wherein measurement data for each time is stored and held in each block of the storage means. 4. The control means stores and holds an instantaneous value, a maximum value, a minimum value, and an average value of the gas concentration detected at each measurement as measurement data in a block at a corresponding address of the storage means. The gas detection device according to claim 1, wherein: 5. The data output means reads out arbitrary data from the measurement data stored in each block of the storage means when an external device is connected to the gas detection device. The gas detection device according to claim 1, wherein the output is performed to the external device via the external device. 6. An alarm setting means for setting a reference value of a gas concentration at which an alarm is issued, and an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the detected gas concentration detected by the gas sensor exceeds the reference value, 2. The gas detection device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm unit issues an alarm in a plurality of stages using a buzzer sound and an LED display.