JP2002089827A - Pilot flame registering method and gas metering device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pilot flame registering method of high accuracy and safety and a gas metering device having a pilot flame registering function on the basis of the method. SOLUTION: A gas metering device 1 has a gas metering means A and a pilot flame registering means B. The gas metering means A is a mass flow rate type gas metering means A1 measuring the mass flow rate of gas flow flowing in a gas supply passage and finding a gas flow rate value on the basis of the measured mass flow rate to integrate the found gas flow rate value and meter the consumption of gas. The pilot flame registering means B contains a learning means 15a11 performing the sampling measurement of the mass flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas supply passage during a predetermined learning period at fixed intervals and calculating the mean value of the entire measured data that are measured in the case when the mass flow rate in the predetermined range has continuously flown for a fixed period or longer in the predetermined learning period and a setting means 15a12 setting the mean value found by the learning means as the set value of pilot flame registration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an ignition registration method for learning and registering an ignition flow in a burning appliance in use, and a gas metering device for implementing the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art This type of gas metering device is generally called a microcomputer gas meter, and includes various functions used for gas supply, in addition to functions important for security and functions for convenience of consumers. It has a built-in function for rationalizing LP gas distributors.

For example, this microcomputer gas meter includes:
As a function for the convenience of the consumer, an ignition point registration function for preventing a warning display by the flow rate type minute leak warning function is provided at an installation location where the ignition of the burning appliance is continuously used for a long time.

[0004] This ignition registration function is performed by measuring an interval at which flow rate pulses are input. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, the time T ₁ of the from start to first pulse, when the difference between the time T ₂ of the from the first pulse to the second pulse is within 2%, corresponding to the time T ₂ The flow rate is
It is the ignition flow.

[0005] The registerable ignition volume is set within a predetermined range, for example, 0.7 to 21 liters / hour (L / h), and the ignition registration period is a predetermined period, for example, 14 hours.
Days. Then, the minimum ignition flow rate during the ignition registration period is set as the ignition registration setting value.

[0006] The flow rate type micro leak warning function after registration of an ignition
It is performed as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 17, within a predetermined range of the flow rate determined as unused of the combustion appliance, for example, 0.7 to 21 (L / h), for example, ± 10% of the set ignition registration value. The flow rate in the range (the shaded area in the figure) is determined to be a spark ignition, and no minute leak warning is issued for the flow rate in this range. On the other hand, 0.7-
Out of 21 (L / h), a range other than the hatched range in which spark ignition is used is warned as a minute gas leak.

On the other hand, as a microcomputer gas meter, a so-called membrane gas meter is generally used.
This membrane gas meter has a membrane metering section that measures gas flowing into the gas inlet and flowing out of the gas outlet, and the switching valve is switched every time a constant flow rate flows to alternately into the room partitioned by the diaphragm. The diaphragm is reciprocated by flowing gas and discharging gas in a room already filled with gas, and the metering display section comprising a counter is driven in conjunction with the reciprocation of the diaphragm to accumulate gas usage. And display it.

[0008]

However, in this membrane gas meter, the amount of gas used is measured by measuring the "volume" flow rate of the gas by the above-described configuration, and the "volume" is determined by the surrounding volume. It could not be said that the gas usage was accurately measured because it changes with temperature and pressure.

That is, in a membrane gas meter using a security block having a flow rate type minute leak warning function, the temperature changes according to the season, and therefore the gas volume changes. It cannot be said that security is always at the same level during the season. Further, since there is a temperature difference between different regions, for example, between Hokkaido and Okinawa, it cannot be said that even membrane gas meters having the same structure installed in different regions have the same level of security. Similarly, there is a pressure difference between high and low altitude areas, so it cannot be said that security is at the same level.

[0010] In addition, regarding security, if there are many erroneous interruptions despite the safe use, the general user must open the valve one by one, which is troublesome. On the other hand, even if it is in a really dangerous state, if it is not cut off or if the cut off is delayed, it may lead to an accident such as explosion or poisoning, which is dangerous.

For example, when the temperature is high, the gas expands,
Due to the reduced density, even if the same volume leaks, the room may not reach the explosive limit concentration. Conversely, if the temperature is low, the gas is compressed and the density becomes high, so even if the same volume is leaked, the room may exceed the explosive limit concentration, which is dangerous.

As described above, in order to perform the ignition registration logic with high accuracy, it is necessary to use a “volume flow” such as a membrane gas meter.
With a microcomputer gas meter based on, the settings were too rough and had limitations.

Accordingly, a first object of the present invention is to provide a highly accurate and safe ignition registration method in view of the above-mentioned problems.

It is a second object of the present invention to provide a gas metering device having an ignition registration function based on a highly accurate and secure ignition registration method.

[0015]

In view of the above-mentioned object,
In the spark ignition registration method according to the first aspect of the invention, the mass flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path is sampled and measured at regular intervals during a predetermined learning period, and the mass flow rate in a predetermined range is measured for a predetermined period during the predetermined learning period. Calculating an average value of all the measured data measured when the above flows continuously;
And storing the average value as an ignition registration set value.

In the invention described in claim 1, the spark ignition registration method samples and measures the mass flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path at a predetermined interval during a predetermined learning period, and determines that the mass flow rate in a predetermined range is within the predetermined learning period. , A step of calculating an average value of all the measurement data measured when the flow has continuously flowed for a certain period or more, and a step of storing the average value as an ignition registration set value.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the ignition registration method of the present invention, wherein the mass flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path is sampled and measured at regular intervals during a predetermined forced learning time when the combustion appliance is in the ignition use state. Calculating the average value of all the measured data, and storing the average value as a spark registration set value.

In the invention according to the second aspect, the ignition registration method includes sampling and measuring the mass flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path at a predetermined interval during a predetermined forced learning time when the combustion appliance is in the ignition use state. Calculating the average value of all the measured data, and storing the average value as a spark registration set value.

The gas metering device according to the third aspect of the present invention measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path and integrates the measured gas flow rate as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Gas measuring means A for measuring the amount of gas used by the combustion appliance;
A gas measuring device having an ignition registration means B for performing ignition registration based on the measured gas flow rate, wherein the gas measurement means A measures a mass flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path and performs the measurement. A mass flow rate gas metering means A1 for determining a gas flow rate value based on the mass flow rate, integrating the determined gas flow rate value and measuring the gas usage amount, and the spark register means B is a gas meter for a predetermined learning period. The mass flow rate of the gas flowing through the supply path is sampled and measured at regular intervals, and the average value of all measurement data measured when the mass flow rate in the predetermined range continuously flows for a certain period during the learning It is characterized by including a learning means 15a11 for calculating and a setting means 15a12 for setting the average value obtained by the learning means 15a11 as an ignition registration set value.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the gas measuring device measures the flow rate of the gas flow flowing through the gas supply path, and integrates the measured gas flow rates to measure the gas usage of the combustion equipment. It has a means A and an ignition registration means B for performing ignition registration based on the measured gas flow rate. The gas measuring means A measures a mass flow rate of a gas flow flowing through the gas supply path, and obtains a gas flow rate value based on the measured mass flow rate,
This is a mass flow type gas measuring means A1 for integrating the obtained gas flow values and measuring the gas usage. The ignition registration means B samples and measures the mass flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas supply path at a predetermined interval during a predetermined learning period, and when the mass flow rate in a predetermined range continuously flows for a predetermined period or more in the predetermined learning period. It includes a learning unit 15A11 that calculates an average value of all measured data, and a setting unit 15a12 that sets the average value obtained by the learning unit as an ignition registration setting value.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gas meter for measuring a flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, and integrating the measured gas flow rates to measure a gas usage amount of a combustion appliance. Means for performing ignition registration based on the measured gas flow rate, wherein the gas measurement means measures a mass flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, and performs the measurement. Is a mass flow rate gas metering means for obtaining a gas flow rate value based on the obtained mass flow rate, integrating the obtained gas flow rate value and measuring the gas usage amount, wherein the spark ignition registration means is such that the combustion appliance is in a spark ignition use state. Learning means for sampling and measuring the mass flow rate of gas flowing in the gas supply path at predetermined intervals during a predetermined forced learning time, and calculating an average value of all measured data, and the learning means obtained by the learning means And a setting means for setting the average value as the pilot flame registration setting value, characterized in that.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the gas metering device measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas supply path, and integrates the measured gas flow to measure the gas usage of the combustion equipment. Means and an ignition registration means for performing ignition registration based on the measured gas flow rate. The gas measuring means measures a mass flow rate of the gas flow flowing through the gas supply path, obtains a gas flow rate value based on the measured mass flow rate, and integrates the obtained gas flow rate value to measure the gas usage. It is a gas measuring means. The ignition device registers the mass flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas supply path at a predetermined interval during a predetermined forced learning time when the combustion device is in the ignition state, and calculates an average value of all measured data. And setting means for setting an average value obtained by the learning means as an ignition registration set value.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the gas metering apparatus according to the third or fourth aspect, the mass flow type gas measuring means includes a flow sensor.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mass flow type gas metering means includes a flow sensor.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the gas metering apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the flow sensor includes a heater for heating a gas flowing through the gas supply path;
An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed upstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects a temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal; and an upstream temperature sensor that is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater,
It is characterized by comprising a downstream temperature sensor for detecting a gas temperature and outputting a second temperature detection signal, and a support substrate for supporting the heater, the upstream temperature sensor and the downstream temperature sensor.

In the invention according to claim 6, the flow sensor includes a heater for heating the gas flowing through the gas supply path;
An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed upstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects the temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal, and is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects the temperature of the gas A second temperature detection signal, and a support substrate that supports the heater, the upstream temperature sensor, and the downstream temperature sensor.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the gas metering apparatus of the fifth aspect, the flow sensor includes a heater for heating the gas flowing through the gas supply path,
An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed upstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects a temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal; and an upstream temperature sensor that is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater,
A downstream temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas and outputs a second temperature detection signal; and a third temperature detection signal that is disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the heater and detects the gas temperature. And a support substrate that supports the heater, the upstream temperature sensor, the downstream temperature sensor, and the horizontal temperature sensor.

In the invention described in claim 7, the flow sensor includes a heater for heating the gas flowing through the gas supply path,
An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed upstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects the temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal, and is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater and detects the temperature of the gas A downstream temperature sensor that outputs a second temperature detection signal, and a lateral temperature sensor that is disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the heater, detects the temperature of the gas, and outputs a third temperature detection signal. Sensor, heater, upstream temperature sensor,
A support substrate that supports the downstream temperature sensor and the lateral temperature sensor.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the gas metering apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the mass flow rate type gas metering means is provided with the first temperature from the upstream temperature sensor in the flow sensor. Flow rate calculating means for calculating a gas flow rate based on a difference signal between the detection signal and the second temperature detection signal from the downstream temperature sensor; and the third temperature detection from the lateral temperature sensor in the flow sensor Fluid physical property value calculating means for calculating the physical property value of the gas based on the signal; and flow rate correcting means for correcting the gas flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculating means based on the physical property value of the gas calculated by the fluid physical property value calculating means. And the following.

According to the present invention, the mass flow rate gas measuring means includes a first temperature detection signal from the upstream temperature sensor in the flow sensor and a second temperature detection signal from the downstream temperature sensor.
A flow rate calculating means for calculating a gas flow rate based on a difference signal from the temperature detection signal; and a fluid property value calculating means for calculating a property value of the gas based on a third temperature detection signal from a lateral temperature sensor in the flow sensor. And a flow rate correction means for correcting the flow rate of the gas calculated by the flow rate calculation means based on the physical property value of the gas calculated by the fluid property value calculation means.

[0031]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The ignition registration method according to the present invention, in summary, measures a meter gas flow rate by a "mass" flow rate instead of a "volume" flow rate, and based on the gas flow rate measured by the mass flow rate, provides a highly accurate ignition scheme. It is for registration.

In summary, the gas metering device according to the present invention uses mass flow rate gas metering means for measuring "mass" instead of "volume" as gas metering means, and uses a gas flow rate measured at a mass flow rate. It has a high-precision ignition registration function that implements an ignition registration method for performing ignition registration based on.

As a sensor capable of measuring "mass" used in the mass flow type gas metering means, there is, for example, a flow sensor. The flow rate of the gas measured using the flow sensor is not a “volume” flow rate but a “mass” flow rate. As will be understood from the measurement principle of the flow sensor described later, the way of transmitting heat depends on the density of gas. If a flow sensor is used, a highly accurate and reliable micro leak warning function that measures “mass” flow rate instead of measurement based on “volume” flow rate can be executed. That is, since the current gas flow rate does not fluctuate depending on the use environment (temperature, pressure, etc.) and can be measured with a substantial mass, it is accurate for security.

As described above, by using the mass flow rate gas metering means, the gas flow rate can be accurately measured irrespective of the use environment (temperature, pressure, etc.), and highly accurate ignition registration can be performed.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a gas metering device that implements the spark registration method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. An electronic gas meter, which is a gas metering device according to the present embodiment, is configured to be applied to an LP gas supply facility as shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, an electronic gas meter 1 reduces a high-pressure LP gas stored in an LP gas container 2 to a supply pressure by a pressure regulator 3 and supplies the gas to a combustion appliance such as a gas bath 4 or a stove 5. It is installed in the pipe 6 in the supply path, and measures the amount of gas consumed in the combustion equipment. In addition, a closing valve 7 is provided in a pipe leading to the gas stove 5 or the like.

The electronic gas meter 1 is, as shown in FIG.
A shutoff valve 11 provided in a gas path (not shown) connected to a pipe of a gas supply path (not shown) for shutting off gas supply by closing the valve, a seismic sensor 12 for sensing a seismic intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and a pressure in the gas path. , A flow sensor 14 for obtaining a signal that changes according to the flow rate of the gas flow flowing through the gas path, and a controller 15 as a control unit.

The controller 15 is a microcomputer (μCO) operating according to a predetermined program.
M) It has 15a. The microcomputer 15a
As is well known, a central processing unit (CPU) 15a that performs various processes and controls according to a predetermined program.
1. Built-in ROM 15a2, which is a read-only memory storing programs and the like for the CPU, and RAM 15a3, which is a readable and writable memory that stores various data and has an area necessary for processing by the CPU. .

The controller 15 includes the shut-off valve 11,
A connector 15b to which the seismic sensor 12, the pressure sensor 13, and the flow sensor 14 are connected, and a shutoff valve for outputting a drive signal for opening and closing the shutoff valve 11 in accordance with an open / close signal output from the μCOM 15a via the connector 15b. Drive circuit 1
5c, the seismic sensor 12 input via the connector 15b,
An interface circuit 15d for inputting a signal from the pressure sensor 13 to the μCOM 15a, and a μCO via the interface circuit 15d and the connector 15b.
M15a and a sensor circuit 15e connected to the flow sensor 14 and amplifying the detection output of the flow sensor 14.

The controller 15 further has a terminal block 15f to which various external devices outside the electronic gas meter 1 are connected, and transmits and receives signals between the μCOM 15a and the external device via the terminal block 15f. Interface circuit 15g. Specifically, the controller 1
5, via a terminal block 15 f, for example, an in-home display panel 21 provided in the house for performing various displays related to the gas meter, a home operation device 22 for performing various remote operations on the gas meter, and in the house A gas alarm 23 that detects a gas above an alarm level and issues an alarm, a function similar to that of the gas alarm 23, and a CO second gas alarm / CO alarm that detects a CO gas above the alarm level and issues an alarm 24, an automatic switching regulator 25 for automatically outputting a signal corresponding to the switching operation of the automatic switching type pressure regulator for automatically switching a plurality of LP gas containers, a management center of a gas distributor via a public line such as a telephone line. A network control unit (NCU) 26 for controlling communication with the network is connected.

The controller 15 further includes a μCO
A liquid crystal display (LCD) 15h connected to the M15a for displaying various information such as an integrated value of gas consumption and an alarm; a lithium battery 15i for supplying operating power to each unit in the controller 15; 1
A container replacement switch 15j, which is connected to the μCOM 15a via the 5d and is operated when replacing the LP gas container, a shutoff valve open switch 15k which is turned on when the closed shutoff valve 11 is opened, and a battery 15i. Voltage drop of μ
The COM 15a has a battery voltage detection circuit 15m for detecting the voltage for monitoring.

The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a performs processing according to a predetermined program, and
4 and the sensor circuit 15e, constitute a gas metering means, and also constitute an ignition registration function means for executing an ignition registration function.

The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a also
By performing processing in accordance with the specified program, in addition to the above functions, in addition to the above functions, total flow rate cutoff, increased flow rate cutoff, usage time cutoff, leak check during return safety check, gas leak alarm interlocking cutoff, seismic sensor operation cutoff, flow rate minute It functions as a function means for performing a number of functions such as a leak warning, a pressure-type micro-leakage warning, an adjustment pressure abnormality warning, a blockage pressure abnormality warning, a pressure drop cutoff, a test cutoff, an automatic meter reading, and a remaining amount management.

First, the gas measuring means will be described.
The flow sensor 14 is specifically a micro flow sensor, and is disposed on an inner wall of a gas path 16 in the gas meter 1, for example, as shown in FIG.

The micro flow sensor 14 is used for the Si substrate 1
02, a micro thermopile 105 formed on the downstream side of the micro heater 104, an upstream thermopile 108 formed on the upstream side of the micro heater 104, and a micro heater 104 formed on the micro heater 104.
And right and left thermopiles 111 and 113 for detecting a physical property value of the gas and outputting a temperature detection signal are disposed on both sides of the thermopile in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction (X direction).

As described in detail below, the downstream thermopile 105 and the upstream thermopile 108 are
The right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 help to detect the gas flow rate, and help to detect the gas type.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are a structural view and a sectional view of the micro flow sensor of FIG. In FIG. 5, a micro flow sensor 14 includes a Si substrate 102, a diaphragm 103, a micro heater 104 formed on the diaphragm 103 and made of platinum or the like, and a micro heater 104.
Power supply terminals 106A and 106 for supplying a drive current from a power supply (not shown) to a downstream thermopile 105 formed on the diaphragm 103 on the downstream side of the
B, diaphragm 10 upstream of micro heater 104
3, an upstream thermopile 108, first output terminals 109A and 109B for outputting a first temperature detection signal output from the upstream thermopile 108, and a second temperature detection signal output from the downstream thermopile 105. And second output terminals 107A and 107B. The downstream thermopile 105 and the upstream thermopile 108 constitute a temperature sensor.

The micro flow sensor 14 is arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction (the direction from arrow P to arrow Q in FIG. 5) with respect to the micro heater 104, and detects the physical property value of the gas. Right thermopile 111 that outputs right temperature detection signal (corresponding to third temperature detection signal)
And third output terminals 12A and 12B for outputting a right temperature detection signal output from the right thermopile 111;
A left thermopile 113 that is disposed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the microheater 104 and detects a physical property value of the gas and outputs a left temperature detection signal (corresponding to a third temperature detection signal); Fourth output terminal 14 for outputting left-side temperature detection signal output from 113
A, 14B and resistors 15, 16 for obtaining gas temperature
And output terminals 17A and 17B for outputting gas temperature signals from the resistors 15 and 16. The right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 constitute a temperature sensor.

The upstream thermopile 108, the downstream thermopile 105, the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 are composed of thermocouples. This thermocouple is made of p ++-Si and Al, has a cold junction and a hot junction, detects heat, and generates a thermoelectromotive force from a temperature difference between the cold junction and the hot junction, A temperature detection signal is output.

Also, as shown in FIG.
, A diaphragm 103 is formed, and the diaphragm 103 is formed with respective hot junctions of a microheater 104, an upstream thermopile 108, a downstream thermopile 105, a right thermopile 111, and a left thermopile 113.

According to the micro flow sensor 14 configured as described above, when the micro heater 104 starts heating by an external drive current, the micro heater 10
The heat generated from 4 is transferred to the respective hot junctions of the downstream thermopile 105 and the upstream thermopile 108 using gas as a medium. Since the cold junction of each thermopile is on the Si substrate (Si substrate) 102, the temperature is at the substrate temperature.
05, it is heated by the transferred heat,
The temperature rises above the substrate temperature. Each thermopile generates a thermoelectromotive force based on the temperature difference between the hot junction and the cold junction, and outputs a temperature detection signal.

The heat transmitted by using the gas as a medium is transmitted to each thermopile by a synergistic effect of a heat diffusion effect of the gas and a flow velocity of the gas flowing from P to Q. That is, when there is no flow velocity, the heat is uniformly transmitted to the upstream thermopile 108 and the downstream thermopile 105 by thermal diffusion, and the first thermopile 108 from the upstream thermopile 108
The difference signal between the temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal from the downstream thermopile 105 becomes zero.

On the other hand, when the flow velocity is generated in the gas, the amount of heat transmitted to the hot junction of the upstream thermopile 108 increases due to the flow velocity, and the difference signal between the second temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal becomes the flow velocity. It will be a corresponding positive value.

On the other hand, when the micro-heater 104 starts heating with an external drive current, the micro-heater 10
The heat generated from 4 is transmitted to the right thermopile 111 arranged in the direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the micro heater 104 only by the heat diffusion effect of the gas without being affected by the gas flow velocity. Micro heater 1
Similar heat is transmitted to the left thermopile 113 disposed substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the thermopile 04.
For this reason, the third thermopile 111 generates
Based on the right temperature detection signals output from the output terminals 112A and 112B and / or the left temperature detection signals output from the fourth output terminals 114A and 114B by the electromotive force of the left thermopile 113, heat conduction, heat diffusion, specific heat, etc. It is possible to calculate a physical property value of the gas such as a thermal diffusion constant determined by the above.

Further, according to the micro flow sensor 14, the micro heater 104,
Upstream thermopile 108, Downstream thermopile 10
5. Right thermopile 111 and left thermopile 1
Since the 13 is formed, these heat capacities can be reduced and power consumption can be reduced. Further, since the configuration of the micro flow sensor 14 is simple, there is an effect that the micro flow sensor 14 can be manufactured at low cost.

Next, the aforementioned micro flow sensor 14
Even if the type or composition of the gas changes,
Regardless of this, a gas metering means that can always measure the gas flow rate with high accuracy will be described.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the construction of the gas metering means using the micro flow sensor 14 shown in FIGS. In FIG. 5, the sensor circuit 15e is a differential amplifier 3
3 and amplifiers 35a and 35b. Differential amplifier 33
Amplifies the difference signal between the second temperature detection signal from the downstream thermopile 105 in the microflow sensor 14 and the first temperature detection signal from the upstream thermopile 108 in the microflow sensor 14, and the amplifier 35a The right temperature detection signal from the right thermopile 111 in the microflow sensor 14 is amplified, and the amplifier 35b amplifies the left temperature detection signal from the left thermopile 113 in the microflow sensor 14.

The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a includes an adder 15a1-1 for adding the right-side temperature detection signal from the amplifier 35a and the left-side temperature detection signal from the amplifier 35b.
A division 15a1-2 for dividing a difference signal between the second temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal obtained by the differential amplifier 33 by an addition signal output from the addition section 15a1-1;
A flow rate calculator 15a1-3 that calculates the gas flow rate based on the division signal output by a1-2, and physical properties such as heat conductivity, specific heat, viscosity, and density of the gas based on the addition signal output by the addition section 15a1-1. Fluid property value calculation unit 15a for calculating the value
1-4.

Next, a flow rate measuring method realized by the gas measuring means of FIG. 7 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

First, when the microheater 104 is heated by a driving current based on an external pulse signal (step S11), a second temperature detection signal is output from the downstream thermopile 105, and a first temperature detection signal is output from the upstream thermopile 108. It is output (step S13). The second temperature detection signal is output to the differential amplifier 33, and the first temperature detection signal is output to the differential amplifier 33. FIG. 9 shows a response of the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal to the pulse signal.

Next, the differential amplifier 33 amplifies the difference signal between the second temperature detection signal from the downstream thermopile 105 and the first temperature detection signal from the upstream thermopile 108 (step S15).

The adder 15a1-1 is connected to the amplifier 3
5a and the left-side temperature detection signal from the amplifier 35b are added to obtain an addition signal (step S).
17). FIG. 10 shows a timing chart of the right temperature detection signal, the left temperature detection signal, and the addition signal. next,
The division 15a1-2 divides the amplified difference signal obtained in step S15 by the addition signal obtained in step S17 to obtain a division signal (step S19).

Subsequently, the flow rate calculator 15a1-3 calculates an accurate gas flow rate based on the division signal obtained in step S19 (step S21). Further, based on the addition signal obtained in step S17 and the accurate flow rate of the gas calculated in step S21, the fluid property value calculator 15a1-4 calculates the physical properties of the gas such as the thermal conductivity, specific heat, viscosity, and density of the gas. A value is calculated (step S23).

As described above, the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 arranged in the direction orthogonal to the gas flow direction detect the physical properties of the gas to measure the thermal conductivity of the gas. Become. When the flow velocity of the gas is zero, the speed at which heat is transmitted by the gas depends on the thermal conductivity and the thermal diffusion constant (one of the physical properties of the gas) determined by thermal diffusion, specific heat, and the like. When the flow velocity is zero, a thermal diffusion constant is obtained from a temperature difference between the right thermopile 111, the left thermopile 113, and the microheater 104. The larger the temperature difference, the smaller the thermal diffusion constant.

The magnitude of the heat diffusion constant also affects the first temperature detection signal output by the upstream thermopile 108 and the second temperature detection signal output by the downstream thermopile 105,
These values change according to the magnitude of the thermal diffusion constant. Therefore, in principle, by dividing the first temperature detection signal and the second temperature detection signal or the difference between them by the thermal diffusion constant, even if the gases have different thermal diffusion constants, Even if the type of gas is used, an accurate flow rate can be calculated.

On the other hand, when the flow rate is not zero, heat is carried downstream by the gas flow, and the amount of heat reaching the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 decreases accordingly. That is, the right thermopile 1
11 and the heat diffusion around the left thermopile 113
Increased by gas flow. Here, it is generally known that the rate of increase of the thermal diffusion is proportional to the square root of the flow velocity of the gas, and in principle, the thermal diffusion constant of the gas is such that even if the flow rate of the gas is known in some way, In this case, it can be estimated at any flow rate.

On the other hand, also around the upstream thermopile 108 and the downstream thermopile 105, the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 1
13, the increase in thermal diffusion (micro heater 10
4), and when the gas flow rate increases, the heat diffusion increases,
The difference between the temperature of the gas around the downstream thermopile 105 and the temperature of the gas around the upstream thermopile 108 becomes smaller.

For this reason, the downstream thermopile 10, which should normally increase in proportion to the increase in the gas flow velocity,
5 and the upstream thermopile 108
If the difference signal from the first temperature detection signal is smaller due to the increase in the thermal diffusion, and the flow rate of the gas becomes too large, the increase due to the increase in the flow velocity exceeds the decrease due to the increase in the heat diffusion. May increase, but the difference signal between the second temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal may decrease.

Therefore, when the flow rate is zero, the sum of the right temperature detection signal output by the right thermopile 111 and the left temperature detection signal output by the left thermopile 113 is considered to be “1”, and If there is, the ratio of the added value of the right temperature detection signal and the left temperature detection signal,
The operation is multiplied by a coefficient representing the rate of change of the moving amount of heat, and the coefficient is multiplied by a difference signal between the second temperature detection signal from the downstream thermopile 105 and the first temperature detection signal from the upstream thermopile 108. .

That is, by dividing the difference signal between the second temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal by the sum of the right temperature detection signal and the left temperature detection signal, the flow rate excluding the influence of the heat diffusion change is eliminated. Calculation becomes possible, and an accurate and high-resolution flow rate can be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the second thermopile 105 from the downstream thermopile 105
The amplified difference signal between the temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal from the upstream thermopile 108 is added to the division 15a1-2 by adding the right temperature detection signal from the amplifier 35a and the left temperature detection signal from the amplifier 35b. Part 15a1-1
By dividing by the addition signal obtained by adding in the above, the flow rate calculation excluding the influence of the change in the heat diffusion can be performed.

In the embodiment described above, the division 15
The acquisition of the division signal in a1-2 is performed by the flow rate calculation unit 15a1.
-3 is performed prior to the calculation of the flow rate. However, in order to eliminate the influence of a change in thermal diffusion that appears in the amplified difference signal between the second temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal, This is because there is no need to grasp the physical properties of the gas as strictly accurate values such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, viscosity, and density.

That is, in the above-described embodiment, the thermal conductivity, specific heat, viscosity, and density of a gas that cannot be specified unless the state of thermal diffusion is understood with high accuracy are calculated as physical property values by the fluid property value calculation units 15a1-4. In order to do so, the exact flow rate of the gas excluding the influence of the change in thermal diffusion is calculated in advance by the flow rate calculation unit 15a1-3, and this is calculated by the fluid property value calculation unit 15a1-4. Is reflected in.

However, the fluid property value calculation unit 1
Depending on the type of the factor calculated in 5a1-4, the calculation of the physical property value by the fluid physical property value calculating unit 15a1-4 is performed in advance, and the calculation of the physical property value from the downstream thermopile 105 from the differential amplifier 33 is performed. (2) On the basis of the amplified difference signal between the temperature detection signal and the first temperature detection signal from the upstream thermopile 108, the accurate flow rate of the gas excluding the influence of the change in heat diffusion is calculated later. Is also good.

As described above, according to the above-described gas metering means, the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 are arranged in the direction substantially perpendicular to the gas flow direction with respect to the microheater 104, and the right temperature detection signal and the left temperature detection Since it is configured to output a signal, it is possible to accurately calculate the physical property values of the gas such as the thermal diffusion constant based on the right temperature detection signal and the left temperature detection signal without being affected by the gas flow direction, Therefore, the type of gas can be specified.

The flow rate of the gas calculated by the flow rate calculation section 15a1-3 is corrected based on the calculated physical properties of the gas, so that the type and composition of the gas can be changed without any special measures. Even if it changes, the flow rate can be accurately measured.

Next, a description will be given of a spark registration means for executing a spark registration function based on the spark registration method of the present invention.
The ignition registration means includes a CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a,
It comprises a flow sensor 14 and a sensor circuit 15e.

The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a starts learning for spark registration according to an instruction from a setting device (not shown) connected to the electronic gas meter 1, and performs sampling measurement at a predetermined interval, for example, once / minute. During the learning period, for example, for 14 days, the instantaneous flow rate data measured during the learning period is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 15a3. Then, of the stored measurement data, all data when a flow rate in a predetermined range, for example, a range of 0.7 to 21 liters / hour (L / h) flows continuously for a certain period of time, for example, one hour or more, is stored. Selectively RAM1
5A3, the average value is calculated, the obtained average value is set as an ignition registration set value, and stored and registered in a predetermined area of the RAM 15a3.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the flow rate fluctuation during the learning period. In FIG. 11, for example, the period T
₁₁ , T ₁₃ and T ₁₄ are periods during which the flow rate within the above-mentioned predetermined range flows continuously for one hour or more, and the flow rate within the above-mentioned predetermined range continuously during the period when the period T ₁₂ is less than one hour. if the flow time period, without adopting the measurement data in the period T _12, the average value is calculated by employing all measurement data in the period T _11, T ₁₃ and T _14.

The flow-type minute leak warning function after the registration of the spark is:
It is performed as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, in a predetermined range of the flow rate determined as unused of the combustion appliance, for example, 0.7 to 21 (L / h), for example, ± 3% of the set ignition registration set value. The flow rate in the range (the shaded area in the figure) is determined to be a spark ignition, and no minute leak warning is issued for the flow rate in this range. On the other hand, 0.7-2
In 1 (L / h), a range other than the hatched range in which spark ignition is used is warned as a minute gas leak.

Next, the μCOM 15a schematically described above
The details of the operation of the CPU 15a1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 11 showing the processing performed by the CPU 15a1 to execute the spark registration method of the present invention.

The CPU 15a1 starts a timer for counting a learning period for ignition registration, for example, 14 days, according to an instruction from a setting device (not shown) connected to the electronic gas meter 1 (step S1). Next, based on the detection output of the flow sensor 14, the gas flow rate is sampled and measured at a predetermined interval, for example, once / minute (step S2), and the measured instantaneous flow rate data is stored in the RAM.
15a3 (step S3).
3).

Next, it is determined whether the count of the timer has passed 14 days (step S4). If the count has not elapsed, the flow returns to step S2 to continue sampling measurement, and if the count has elapsed, the flow proceeds to step S5. .

In step S5, of the stored measurement data, a predetermined range, for example, 0.7 to 21 liters / hour (L / h) continuously for a certain period of time, for example, one hour or more.
Selectively RAM all data when flow rate in the range of
15a3, and calculate an average value (step S
5).

Next, the obtained average value is set as an ignition registration set value, stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 15a3 and registered (step S6), and the process is terminated.

Thus, by taking the average value of the ignition flow,
The reliability of the ignition registration set value is higher than that of the conventional ignition flow minimum value of one point. Further, conventionally, ± 1 of the ignition registration set value is used.
Although monitoring is performed over a wide range of 0%, this can be narrowed to a narrower range than before, for example, about ± 3%.

As described above, according to the present invention, highly accurate ignition registration based on the mass flow rate can be performed, and the safety is improved. In addition, it does not take a long time (14 days) to register an open flame as in the past.

As described above, the embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications and applications are possible.

For example, the predetermined interval of the sampling measurement is set to once / minute in the above embodiment, but may be set to another appropriate interval.

Further, the fixed period for adopting the measurement data as the ignition flow rate is one hour or more in the above-described embodiment, but may be another appropriate period.

The learning period for spark registration is 14 days in the above embodiment, but may be any other appropriate period.

As a sensor capable of measuring the mass used in the mass flow type gas measuring means, another sensor such as a hot wire sensor or a thermocouple sensor is used instead of the flow sensor in the above-described embodiment. Is also good. With any of these sensors, highly accurate ignition registration can be performed.

Further, the flow sensor 14 in the above-described embodiment may have a structure in which the right thermopile 111 and the left thermopile 113 constituting the temperature sensor are omitted.

As another embodiment, ignition registration can be set by forced learning. That is, the ignition of the burning appliance is forcibly used, and the sampling measurement is performed at a predetermined forced learning period, for example, one minute, at a constant interval, for example, once / second, when the burning appliance is in the ignition state. Then, the average value of the spark flow data measured during the forced learning period is calculated, the obtained average value is set as a spark registration setting value, and stored and registered in a predetermined area of the RAM 15a3.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of a change in the ignition flow rate during the forced learning period. In FIG. 14, time t
When pilot flame of burner at ₁ is started forcibly employed, the period from the time t ₁ to time t _3, for example 1
The minute is defined as the forced learning period T _B , and the average value is calculated using all the measurement data in the period T _B. Note that the period T
_B does not start from the start of the use of ignition of the burning appliance,
During the period of pilot flame used, for example, it may be a period from the time t ₂ to time t _4.

Next, in the case of the above-mentioned forced learning, μ
Details of the operation of the CPU 15a1 of the COM 15a
A description will be given below with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 15 showing a process of performing the spark registration method of the present invention performed by 15a1.

The CPU 15a1 starts a timer for counting a forced learning period, for example, one minute, for registering an ignition in accordance with an instruction from a setting device (not shown) connected to the electronic gas meter 1 (step S11). next,
Based on the detection output of the flow sensor 14, the ignition flow rate is sampled and measured at a predetermined interval, for example, once / second (step S12).

Next, it is determined whether or not the count of the timer has elapsed by one minute (step S13). If not, the flow returns to step S12 to continue sampling measurement.
If it has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S14.

In step S14, the average value of the measured spark flow data is calculated (step S14). Next, the obtained average value is set as a spark registration set value, and the RAM 15a is set.
3 and stored in a predetermined area (step S1).
5) Then, the process ends.

As described above, if the average value of the ignition flow is obtained by the forced learning, the reliability of the ignition registration set value is improved as compared with the conventional minimum ignition flow of one point. Conventionally, monitoring is performed over a wide range of ± 10% of the spark ignition set value.
This can be narrowed to a narrower range than before, for example, about ± 3%.

As described above, also in the other embodiment of the present invention, highly accurate ignition registration based on the mass flow rate can be performed, and the safety is improved. In addition, it does not take a long time (14 days) to register an open flame as in the past.

[0101]

According to the spark ignition registration method according to the first aspect of the present invention, a small leak of gas is detected based on the mass flow rate, so that spark ignition registration with high accuracy can be performed.

According to the spark ignition registration method according to the second aspect of the present invention, since a small leak of gas is detected based on the mass flow rate, highly accurate spark ignition registration can be performed.

According to the gas metering device of the third aspect of the present invention, since a small leak of gas is detected based on the mass flow rate, highly accurate ignition registration can be performed.

According to the gas metering device of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since a small leak of gas is detected based on the mass flow rate, highly accurate ignition registration can be performed.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the mass flow type gas measuring means can be realized by using a flow sensor.

According to the invention, the mass flow rate of the gas can be measured with high accuracy.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, the mass flow rate of the gas can be measured with high accuracy, and the flow rate can be measured with high accuracy even when the type or composition of the gas changes.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the mass flow rate of the gas can be measured with high accuracy, and the flow rate can be measured with high accuracy even when the type or composition of the gas changes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a gas metering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing gas supply equipment to which the gas metering device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a gas metering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a flow sensor constituting a gas metering unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of the flow sensor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the micro flow sensor of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas metering unit using the micro flow sensor of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a flow rate measuring method realized by the gas measuring means of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a first temperature detection signal and a second temperature detection signal.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a right temperature detection signal and a left temperature detection signal.

FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of a flow rate fluctuation during a learning period.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow rate range determined as an ignition flow rate in the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a CPU in μCOM of FIG. 3 during a learning period.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing an example of a change in a spark flow during a forced learning period.

FIG. 15 shows a CPU in μCOM of FIG. 3 during a forced learning period.
5 is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the user.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a basic concept of an ignition registration function.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a flow rate range determined as a conventional ignition flow rate.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A gas measuring means A1 mass flow type gas measuring means B spark registering means 15a11 learning means 15a12 setting means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01F 3/22 G01F 15/04 15/04 1/68 104A F-term (Reference) 2F030 CA10 CB02 CC13 CD06 CD15 CD20 CF05 CF11 2F031 AA01 AB01 AC01 AC20 AE07 AF04 AF10 2F035 EA02 EA05 EA08 3K068 AA01 BB01 BB04 BB23 CA04 EA03 FA02 FC02 FC06 GA03 HA05

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A case where a mass flow rate of a gas flowing through a gas supply path is sampled and measured at predetermined intervals during a predetermined learning period, and a mass flow rate in a predetermined range continuously flows for a predetermined period or more during the predetermined learning period. Calculating a mean value of all the measured data measured in the step (c), and storing the mean value as a spark start registration value. 2. A gas mass flow rate of a gas flowing through a gas supply path is sampled and measured at regular intervals during a predetermined forced learning time when the combustion apparatus is in a spark ignition use state, and an average value of all measured data is calculated. And a step of storing the average value as a spark registration set value. 3. A gas measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, integrating the measured gas flow rates to measure a gas usage amount of a combustion appliance, and igniting a spark based on the measured gas flow rates. A gas metering device having an ignition register means for performing registration, wherein the gas metering means measures a mass flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, and obtains a gas flow rate value based on the measured mass flow rate, A mass flow type gas metering means for integrating the obtained gas flow rate values to measure the gas usage amount, wherein the ignition registering means samples the mass flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas supply path during a predetermined learning period at regular intervals. A learning means for measuring and calculating an average value of all measurement data measured when a mass flow rate in a predetermined range continuously flows for a predetermined period or more during the predetermined learning period; and Setting means for setting an average value as an ignition registration set value. 4. A gas measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, integrating the measured gas flow rates to measure a gas usage amount of a combustion appliance, and igniting a spark based on the measured gas flow rates. A gas metering device having an ignition register means for performing registration, wherein the gas metering means measures a mass flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, and obtains a gas flow rate value based on the measured mass flow rate, Mass flow rate gas metering means for integrating the determined gas flow rate value to measure the gas usage amount, wherein the ignition register is a gas supply path for a predetermined forced learning time when the combustion appliance is in the ignition usage state. Means for sampling and measuring the mass flow rate of the gas flowing at a constant interval, and calculating an average value of all measured data, and setting the average value obtained by the learning means as a spark registration setting value Means, and a gas metering device. 5. The gas metering device according to claim 3, wherein the mass flow rate gas metering means includes a flow sensor. 6. A heater for heating a gas flowing through the gas supply path, wherein the flow sensor is disposed upstream of the gas with respect to the heater, and detects a temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal. An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater, and a downstream temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas and outputs a second temperature detection signal; and the heater, the upstream temperature sensor, and The gas metering device according to claim 5, comprising: a support substrate that supports the downstream-side temperature sensor. 7. A heater for heating a gas flowing through the gas supply path, wherein the flow sensor is disposed upstream of the heater with respect to the gas, and detects a temperature of the gas and outputs a first temperature detection signal. An upstream temperature sensor that is disposed downstream of the gas with respect to the heater, and a downstream temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the gas and outputs a second temperature detection signal; and a flow direction of the gas with respect to the heater. And a lateral temperature sensor that is disposed in a direction substantially orthogonal to and detects a gas temperature and outputs a third temperature detection signal; and the heater, the upstream temperature sensor, the downstream temperature sensor, and the lateral temperature sensor. A supporting substrate for supporting,
The gas metering device according to claim 5, comprising: 8. The mass flow rate gas metering means includes: a difference signal between the first temperature detection signal from the upstream temperature sensor in the flow sensor and the second temperature detection signal from the downstream temperature sensor. Flow rate calculating means for calculating a gas flow rate based on: a fluid physical property value calculating means for calculating a physical property value of a gas based on the third temperature detection signal from the lateral temperature sensor in the flow sensor; 8. A flow rate correcting means for correcting a gas flow rate calculated by said flow rate calculating means based on a physical property value of a gas calculated by said value calculating means.
A gas metering device as described.