JP2004093371A - Gas meter and control circuit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To extend remarkably a period after an electromotive force of a battery decreases under a prescribed value until it results in abeyance. <P>SOLUTION: When it is detected with an electromotive force decrease detecting part 8 that the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases under a prescribed value, control for transferring a previously determined part to a power saving mode is performed, thereby reducing power consumption after the electromotive force decreased, and restraining the exhaust of the battery 10. After that, function as a gas meter like flow rate measuring function by a flow meter measuring part 1 is made to continue for a considerable period. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas meter and a control circuit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In addition to various security functions, such as detecting gas leaks and shutting off gas with a shut-off valve in the event of an earthquake, information on the integrated flow rate can be sent to an external gas management company via a communication network. A gas meter called a microcomputer meter that has an information communication function to communicate and a microcomputer to control those functions has a long life such as a lithium battery as a power supply to operate the microcomputer and the shut-off valve. However, when the electromotive force of the battery falls below a predetermined level, the probability that a normal operation state cannot be maintained increases.
[0003]
For this reason, conventional gas meters equipped with a microcomputer and a battery for a power supply generally include an electromotive force decrease detection device that detects a decrease in the electromotive force of the battery, and periodically checks the electromotive force of the battery to generate an electromotive force. When a decrease in power is detected, an alarm to that effect is issued. Further, in the case of a gas meter provided with an information communication function, an alarm is issued and information indicating that the electromotive force of the battery has decreased is communicated to an external management company or the like. Alternatively, if the electromotive force of the battery decreases, there is a possibility that the normal operation state of the gas meter cannot be maintained. Therefore, the shut-off valve is closed to suspend the use of the gas meter.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, even if the above-mentioned alarm is issued when the electromotive force of the battery decreases, it is often found only by a meter reader or the like at the time of monthly meter reading, for example. Even though the alarm is issued, the time only elapses, and the electromotive force of the battery with a small remaining amount is further consumed, and it becomes extremely difficult to operate as a gas meter. May be lost.
[0005]
Also, depending on the type of battery, when the electromotive force drops below a predetermined value, the electromotive force may tend to decrease sharply thereafter. Even if it can be found or a report arrives at the gas management company relatively early due to the information and communication function, the person in charge of the gas management company will go to the site after receiving the alarm or report and replace the gas meter or battery with a new one In the meantime, the measurement function and the security function of the gas meter may not function properly.
[0006]
Also, when it is detected that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped, the shutoff valve is closed to forcibly stop the flow of gas and stop using the gas meter. Since it is not known whether the gas has been stopped due to the cause, there is a possibility that convenience for the user may be impaired, for example, the user may be confused without knowing what kind of response or return operation should be performed.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and its purpose is to maintain a predetermined flow rate measurement function and a security function as a gas meter even when the electromotive force of the battery is reduced, and to maintain the normal operation of the subsequent battery. To provide a gas meter and a control circuit capable of extending the effective electromotive force for a longer time than before.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
A gas meter according to the present invention includes a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured, an information communication means for performing information communication with the outside, a security means for ensuring safety related to the gas meter, and a state as the gas meter. 1. A gas meter having at least a flow rate measuring means of alarm means for issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the present invention and a battery for a power supply, wherein an electromotive force drop detection for detecting that an electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value. Means, from among the means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured or the means for performing information communication with the outside or the security means or the alarm means for ensuring safety, the electromotive force of the battery is the The power consumption is reduced to a power saving mode in which the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery is equal to or higher than the predetermined value. The predetermined means is set in advance, and when the electromotive force drop detecting means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, the predetermined means is shifted to the power saving mode. Power saving mode control means for performing the control to perform the control.
[0009]
Further, the control circuit according to the present invention includes a flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured, an information communication means for performing information communication with the outside, a security means for ensuring safety related to the gas meter, and the gas meter. At least a flow rate measuring means of the alarm means for issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the state, an electromotive force decrease detecting means for detecting that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, and a battery for power supply. A control circuit for controlling the operation of the gas meter used for the gas meter having the means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured or the means for performing information communication with the outside or the means for ensuring safety. When the electromotive force of the battery falls below the predetermined value, the power consumption is reduced to a state where the electromotive force of the battery is equal to or higher than the predetermined value. When a means for shifting to a power saving mode that is lower than a certain amount of power consumption is predetermined, and when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value. Includes a power saving mode control means for performing control for shifting the predetermined means to the power saving mode.
[0010]
That is, in the gas meter or the control circuit according to the present invention, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured in the gas meter, the information communication means for performing information communication with the outside, the security for ensuring safety related to the gas meter. For at least one of the alarm means for issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the state of the gas meter, when the battery electromotive force falls below a predetermined value, the power consumption of the battery is reduced by a predetermined value. A means for shifting to a power saving mode that is lower than the power consumption when the state is equal to or more than the predetermined value is determined in advance, and the power saving mode control means determines that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value. If the detection is detected by the electromotive force drop detection means, the control is performed to shift the predetermined means to the power saving mode, thereby reducing the electromotive force. To reduce power consumption from the battery after.
[0011]
Further, since the power consumption can be reduced as described above, the shut-off valve is immediately closed when the electromotive force of the battery is detected to fall below the predetermined value, and the gas meter is put into a non-operating state. Even if the measurement function is not immediately stopped, the flow rate measurement by the flow rate measuring means can be continued for a considerable time even after shifting to the power saving mode.
[0012]
In more detail, the flow rate measuring means is a so-called ultrasonic wave that propagates a sound wave to a fluid to be measured and measures the flow velocity of the fluid based on the propagation time or propagation speed or the sing-around propagation period of the sound wave. Propagation type, wherein when the electromotive force of the battery is at or above the predetermined value, the flow rate of the fluid to be measured is measured at a predetermined sampling rate, and the power saving mode control means includes: In the power saving mode, when the electromotive force drop detection unit detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, the sampling rate for measuring the flow rate is changed to the predetermined sampling rate. It is possible to perform control to reduce the power consumption by reducing the power consumption to less than.
[0013]
Alternatively, the flow rate measuring means is configured to measure the flow velocity of the fluid based on a propagation time or a propagation speed or a sing-around propagation period of the sound wave by propagating the sound wave to the fluid to be measured. When the state is equal to or more than the predetermined value, a sound wave is propagated to the fluid to be measured at a predetermined number of times of sing-around to measure the flow rate, and the power saving mode control unit is configured as the power saving mode, When the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, the number of sing-arounds for measuring the flow rate is reduced to less than the predetermined sing-around count. It is also possible to perform control to reduce the power consumption.
[0014]
In the power saving mode, it is more preferable to reduce the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds to a minimum value within a range in which the minimum flow rate measurement accuracy in the flow rate measurement unit is secured.
[0015]
By doing so, the maximum power saving is realized while securing the minimum flow measurement accuracy, and the time from when the electromotive force of the battery drops below a predetermined value to when the battery stops functioning is reduced. It can be maximized.
[0016]
A pulsation detecting means for detecting that pulsation has occurred in the fluid to be measured; and a sampling rate in the flow rate measuring means when the pulsation detection means has detected that pulsation has occurred in the fluid. Or pulsation response means for increasing the number of times of sing-around than when no pulsation occurs in the fluid, further comprising: a power-saving mode control means, wherein the power-saving mode is such that the electromotive force of the battery is the power-saving mode. When the electromotive force decrease detecting means detects that the fluid has dropped below the predetermined value, the flow rate measuring means may be used even if the pulsation detecting means detects that the fluid is pulsating. Do not increase the sampling rate or the number of times of sing-around in the above-mentioned case when no pulsation occurs in the fluid (in other words, Pulsing stops the operation of the corresponding device) may control the pulsation corresponding means as if Re.
[0017]
By doing so, when the gas meter is provided with the pulsation detecting means, it is possible to prevent the power consumption of the battery from increasing due to the operation of the pulsation detecting means, and to reduce the electromotive force of the battery to less than the predetermined value. It is possible to extend the operation continuable time of the gas meter after the decrease to a longer time than before.
[0018]
Further, the gas meter further has a shutoff valve capable of shutting off the flow of the fluid by changing a valve from an open state to a closed state, and the power saving mode control means further includes an amplitude of the pulsation. Or, in response to the cycle or frequency or duration, when the measurement by the flow rate measuring means cannot secure a predetermined accuracy, the shutoff valve is closed to shut off the flow of the fluid and the fluid by the flow rate measuring means. The control for substantially stopping the measurement of the flow rate may be performed.
[0019]
That is, when the operation of the pulsation response unit is stopped when the electromotive force of the battery falls below the predetermined value as described above, the amplitude or cycle or frequency or duration of the fluid to be measured is so large that it cannot be ignored. When the pulsation occurs, low-precision measurement may not be performed so that the predetermined measurement accuracy cannot be ensured. In such a case, the shut-off valve is closed to shut off the flow of the fluid. Then, it is desirable to perform control for substantially stopping the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid by the flow rate measuring means.
[0020]
Further, the power saving mode control means sets the alarm means to the power saving mode when the electromotive force decrease detecting means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has decreased to become less than the predetermined value. Control for shifting may be performed.
[0021]
More specifically, the alarm means emits an alarm by blinking a warning light, and the power saving mode control means sets the power saving mode as the power saving mode, wherein the electromotive force of the battery to be shifted is less than the predetermined value. When the electromotive force decrease detecting means detects that the warning power has decreased, the power consumption of the warning means is reduced by shortening the lighting duty of the warning light or increasing the blinking cycle. Further, it is possible to extend the operation continuation time of the gas meter after the electromotive force of the battery falls below the predetermined value to a longer time than before.
[0022]
However, it goes without saying that the power saving mode relating to the alarm means is not limited to this, and in addition to this, for example, over a predetermined period of time after detecting that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value. It is also possible to make the alarm means continually operable, and to control the alarm means to intermittently drive at a predetermined duty after the time has elapsed.
[0023]
Further, the security unit has a plurality of types of security functions, and the power saving mode control unit stops only a predetermined one of the plurality of types of security functions as the power saving mode. Thus, control for reducing power consumption can be performed.
[0024]
In other words, for the plurality of types of security functions provided by the security means, based on the security importance (priority order corresponding to the importance), a function to continue functioning even in the power saving mode, and a function in the power saving mode The function to be stopped is determined in advance, and when it is detected that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, only the function of a predetermined type to be stopped in the power saving mode is stopped. , And other functions will be continued. By doing so, the minimum necessary security function can be continuously operated even in the power saving mode to secure the minimum security performance, and after the electromotive force of the battery falls below the predetermined value. Power consumption can be reduced, and the operation continuation time of the gas meter can be extended to a longer time than before.
[0025]
Further, the power saving mode control means shifts the security means to the power saving mode when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. Instead, another unit may be preferentially shifted to the power saving mode.
[0026]
That is, among the flow rate measuring means, the information communication means, the security means, the alarm means, and the like included in the gas meter, when the electromotive force of the battery decreases, the power saving mode may be used for emergency evacuation to stop or reduce the function. For the means that do not exist, it is preferentially shifted to the power saving mode, and if there is an inconvenience if stopping or reducing the function when the electromotive force of the battery decreases, it is determined in advance not to shift to the power saving mode, When it is detected by the electromotive force drop detection means that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, it is determined in advance that the power saving mode may be stopped or function reduced in an emergency evacuation mode. Only the set means is preferentially shifted to the power saving mode. By doing so, the functions assumed to be required to be continued even when the electromotive force of the battery is reduced can be continuously operated even in the power saving mode, and the minimum functions as the gas meter can be reduced. While maintaining the other functions, the gas meter can be stopped or degraded in an emergency evacuation mode as a power saving mode to reduce the power consumption after the battery's electromotive force falls below a predetermined value, so that the operation of the gas meter can be continued. The time can be extended to a longer time than before.
[0027]
Further, the gas meter is provided with a shut-off valve that shuts off the flow of the fluid by controlling the valve to be closed in response to detecting that a predetermined type of event has occurred. The power mode control means, even when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value and shifts to the power saving mode, the plurality of types of security functions include The function of controlling the shut-off valve may be kept open, and the shut-off valve may be kept open unless an event of the predetermined type has occurred.
[0028]
That is, in the conventional gas meter, when the electromotive force drop detecting means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, it is feared that the electromotive force will suddenly decrease thereafter. The shutoff valve was closed. However, according to the present invention, since the mode is shifted to the power saving mode after the electromotive force of the battery is reduced, the operation continuation time of the gas meter can be extended to a longer time than before, so that In this case, the shut-off valve does not need to be closed, and the function of measuring the flow rate of the gas meter and other functions can be continued even after the electromotive force of the battery decreases.
[0029]
Further, the information communication means has a function of performing a re-communication call after a predetermined standby time has elapsed if a communication line cannot be secured by one communication call, and the power-saving mode is provided. The control unit, as the power saving mode, when the electromotive force drop detection unit detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, reduces the frequency of the re-communication call or Control for reducing power consumption by extending the standby time may be performed.
The information to be communicated by the information communication means includes, for example, information on a flow rate measurement value or an integrated value thereof, information on an open / closed state of a shutoff valve, information on a decrease in electromotive force of a battery, and the like, as a communication function of a gas meter. It goes without saying that this is a general thing.
[0030]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention. The power-saving mode control circuit (control circuit) according to the embodiment of the present invention is embodied by being incorporated and used in the gas meter, and will be described below together.
[0032]
This gas meter measures a flow rate of a gas to be measured by an ultrasonic wave propagation method, records and displays an integrated value thereof, an information communication section 2 for performing information communication with the outside, and a shutoff valve. And a security unit 4 having a plurality of types of security functions for ensuring safety of the gas meter, an alarm unit 5 for issuing a predetermined alarm regarding the state of the gas meter, and detecting when pulsation occurs. A pulsation detecting unit 6 that performs a pulsation detection, a pulsation corresponding unit 7 that increases a sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds of flow rate measurement when a pulsation is detected to ensure a predetermined measurement accuracy, An electromotive force decrease detection unit 8 for detecting that the electromotive force has dropped below a predetermined value, an operation control unit 9 for controlling the operation of each part, a driving power for the flow rate measurement unit 1, 2, the security unit 4, the alarm unit 5, the pulsation detection unit 6, the pulsation response unit 7, the electromotive force decrease detection unit 8, the power supply battery 10 to be supplied to the operation control unit 9, and the electromotive force of the battery 10 is less than a predetermined value. And a power saving mode control circuit 11 that performs control to shift the power consumption to a power saving mode such that the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is at or above a predetermined value. ing.
[0033]
In the description of this embodiment, the flow meter 1, the information communication unit 2, the security unit 4, the alarm unit 5, the electromotive force drop detection unit 8, and the well-known parts that are generally provided in the gas meter The detailed description of the pulsation detection unit 6 and the pulsation response unit 7 which are the technology is basically omitted, and only when the description is necessary in relation to the function of the power saving mode control circuit 11 described later, Will be described in detail as appropriate. Here, the pulsation handling unit 7 is a technique proposed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-235354 by the same applicant as the present case.
[0034]
The gas meter or the power saving mode control circuit 11 includes a flow rate measuring unit 1 for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured in the gas meter, an information communication unit 2 for performing information communication with the outside, and ensuring safety related to the gas meter. At least one of the security unit 4 and the alarm unit 5 that issues a predetermined alarm relating to the state of the gas meter, or at least one of them, when the electromotive force of the battery 10 falls below a predetermined value. It is determined in advance that the power consumption is to be shifted to a power saving mode such that the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is equal to or more than the predetermined value, and the electromotive force of the battery 10 becomes less than the predetermined value. When the decrease is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection unit 8, the control is performed to shift the predetermined unit to the power saving mode, so that the electromotive force decreases. To reduce power consumption after by suppressing consumption of the battery 10. Since the power consumption can be reduced in such a manner, when it is detected that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below a predetermined value, the shutoff valve 3 is immediately closed and the measurement function of the gas meter is performed. The flow measurement by the flow measurement unit 1 can be continued for a considerable time even after shifting to the power saving mode without immediately stopping.
[0035]
More specifically, the power saving mode control circuit 11 sets the power saving mode to a predetermined sampling rate for the gas to be measured when the flow rate measuring unit 1 is normal (when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is equal to or more than a predetermined value). In the case where the flow rate is measured by propagating the ultrasonic wave in the flow rate measurement unit 1 when the electromotive force drop detection unit 8 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below a predetermined value, Is controlled to reduce the power consumption by lowering the sampling rate for measuring the power consumption to below a predetermined sampling rate.
[0036]
Alternatively, when the flow rate measurement unit 1 is normal (when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is equal to or more than a predetermined value), the flow rate is measured by transmitting ultrasonic waves to the gas to be measured a predetermined number of times around the gas. When the power saving mode control circuit 11 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has fallen below a predetermined value in the power saving mode, the power saving mode control circuit 11 Control is performed to reduce the power consumption by reducing the number of rounds to less than a predetermined number of single rounds.
[0037]
Here, in the power saving mode, the power saving mode control circuit 11 reduces the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds to a minimum value within a range in which the minimum flow rate measurement accuracy in the flow rate measuring unit 1 is secured. However, this is the best setting in terms of power saving after the electromotive force of the battery is reduced. This is because the normal sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds is generally set to a certain value by estimating a margin for measurement accuracy as a safety factor, but when the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases, such a value is set. The maximum margin is cut off to the maximum as long as the measurement accuracy is not hindered, and the minimum sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds to ensure the minimum flow measurement accuracy realizes maximum power saving. This is because it is possible to maximize the time from when the electromotive force of the battery 10 drops below the predetermined value to when the function stops.
[0038]
In addition, when the power saving mode control circuit 11 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below a predetermined value in the power saving mode by the electromotive force drop detection unit 8, the gas pulsation has occurred. Even if this is detected by the pulsation detection unit 6, the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds in the flow rate measurement unit 1 is not increased more than when the gas does not generate pulsation (in other words, the pulsation by the pulsation response unit 7). The pulsation response unit 7 is controlled so that the response function is stopped.
[0039]
This is because when the pulsation detection unit 6 detects that the gas to be measured has a pulsation during the normal time when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the pulsation response unit 7 performs the sampling in the flow measurement unit 1. Since the rate or the number of sing-arounds is set to be larger than that in the case where no pulsation occurs in the gas, higher accuracy can be achieved for the measurement accuracy, but on the other hand, due to the increased sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds, The power consumption increases, and the consumption of the battery 10 is promoted.
[0040]
Therefore, when the electromotive force of the battery 10 falls below the predetermined value, the pulsation response by the pulsation response unit 7 is prioritized to reduce the power consumption rather than the pulsation response by the pulsation response unit 7. Function is paused. By doing so, when the gas meter is provided with the pulsation detection unit 6, it is possible to prevent a rapid decrease in the electromotive force of the battery 10 due to the continuation of the operation of the pulsation detection unit 6 and to start the battery 10. It is possible to extend the operation continuation time of the gas meter after the electric power falls below the predetermined value to a longer time than before.
[0041]
Further, the power saving mode control circuit 11 measures the amplitude, cycle, frequency, or duration of the pulsation generated in the gas to be measured by a value corresponding to the pulsation having a magnitude equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and measures If the predetermined accuracy cannot be ensured, it is detected, the shut-off valve 3 is closed, the flow of the fluid is shut off, and control for substantially stopping the gas flow measurement by the flow measurement unit 1 is performed.
[0042]
When the operation of the pulsation response unit 7 is stopped when the electromotive force of the battery 10 falls below a predetermined value, the amplitude or cycle or frequency or duration of the fluid to be measured is large, and is ignored when performing the flow rate measurement. If the pulsation is too large, a low-precision measurement may be performed such that the predetermined measurement accuracy cannot be secured. In such a case, the shut-off valve 3 is closed and the fluid is not measured. Control is performed to stop the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid by the flow rate measuring unit 1 by interrupting the flow or the like. At this time, the user may be notified that the gas supply has been shut off by the gas meter. The cycle, amplitude, frequency, or duration of the pulsation generated in the gas to be measured is a value corresponding to the pulsation having a magnitude smaller than a predetermined reference value, and the flow rate measurement of the gas by the pulsation flow measurement unit 1 is the minimum. In the case where the measurement accuracy can be ensured, it is not necessary to close the shutoff valve 3, so it goes without saying that the shutoff valve 3 may be kept open without closing to keep the gas conducting state. No.
[0043]
The alarm unit 5 issues an alarm by blinking a warning lamp 51, and the power mode control circuit 11 sets the power saving mode to a state in which the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases and falls below a predetermined value. If the detection is detected by the electromotive force drop detection unit 8, the power consumption of the alarm unit 5 is reduced by shortening the lighting duty of the warning lamp 51 or lengthening the blinking cycle, thereby controlling the battery 10. The operation continuation time of the gas meter after the electromotive force falls below the predetermined value is extended to a longer time than before. At this time, even if the lighting duty and the blinking cycle are changed, the lighting pattern of the warning lamp (for example, continuous lighting three times at a predetermined cycle, etc.) should be the same pattern as a normal case. Is desirable.
[0044]
Alternatively, for a predetermined time after the detection that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below the predetermined value, the alarm unit 5 can be continuously operated in a blinking state similar to the normal state, and the time has elapsed. After that, the alarm unit 5 may be controlled to be intermittently driven at a predetermined duty.
[0045]
Further, the power saving mode control circuit 11 performs a control to reduce power consumption by stopping only predetermined ones of a plurality of types of security functions in a power saving mode. More specifically, the plurality of types of security functions provided in the security unit 4 are continuously operated in the power saving mode based on the security importance (in other words, the priority order corresponding to the importance). The function and the function to be stopped in the power saving mode are determined in advance, and when it is detected that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has fallen below a predetermined value, the function and the function to be stopped in the power saving mode are predetermined. Only the functions of the different types are stopped, and the other functions can be continuously operated. By doing so, the minimum necessary security function is continuously operable even in the power saving mode to secure the minimum security performance, and after the electromotive force of the battery 10 falls below the predetermined value. The power consumption of the gas meter can be reduced, and the operation continuation time of the gas meter can be extended to a longer time than before.
[0046]
More specifically, the power saving mode relating to a plurality of types of security functions in the security unit 4 is described in more detail, for example, by detecting that a minute leakage has continued for a predetermined period, and issuing an alarm to that effect. To shut off the gas supply, to detect that the flow rate larger than the minute leakage has continued for a predetermined time, to warn of that, and to close the shutoff valve 3 to shut off the gas supply. A function to detect the occurrence of an earthquake or a large vibration and to warn of the occurrence and to shut off the gas supply by closing the shut-off valve 3, and to detect that an excessive flow rate exceeding the allowable flow rate is flowing. And a function of shutting off the gas supply by closing the shut-off valve 3 while giving an alarm to the effect.
[0047]
For example, with respect to these four types of security functions, as an example, the setting of the priority order for shifting to the power saving mode based on the importance level will be described. The first is an excessive flow shutoff function, which can cause a large flow of gas to flow to the ground and cause a fire or fire if left untreated without security measures. Second, if the seismic intensity is extremely large, It is an earthquake (seismic) shut-off function that may cause damage to pipes and facilities and develops into a misfire or fire, etc. Third, it is a shut-off function when a flow rate larger than a small leak continues Fourth, it is assumed to be a micro leakage blocking function. In particular, in the case of micro leakage blocking, since sampling of a micro flow rate is continued for a long period of time, such as 30 days, the power consumption tends to be larger than that of other security functions. Therefore, in the power saving mode relating to the security function, first, the micro leakage blocking function is stopped first. Then, the priority order for the power saving mode may be set in the reverse order of the order of importance as the security function. It is needless to say that the priority order is not limited only to the above order.
[0048]
Alternatively, if the electromotive force drop detection unit 8 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below the predetermined value, the security unit 4 does not shift to the power saving mode and preferentially places other parts. The mode may be shifted to the power saving mode.
[0049]
That is, among the flow meter 1, the information communication unit 2, the security unit 4, and the alarm unit 5 of the gas meter, the minimum functions are continued as the power saving mode when the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases. In order to save power from the battery 10 in order to save power, the parts that may be stopped or degraded in an emergency evacuation mode are shifted to the power saving mode preferentially, and stopped when the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases. Alternatively, for a function (part) such as a security function that has a very high probability of causing an inconvenience when the function is lowered, it is predetermined so as not to shift to the power saving mode, and the electromotive force of the battery 10 drops below a predetermined value. If the power-saving mode is detected by the electromotive force drop detection unit 8, the function (unit) that has been determined in advance as a power-saving mode may be stopped or reduced in emergency evacuation. Only it may be caused to preferentially shift to the power saving mode for).
[0050]
By doing so, functions such as security functions that are assumed to be required to be continued even when the electromotive force of the battery 10 is reduced can be continuously operated even in the power saving mode so that the gas meter can be operated. While the minimum functions are ensured, the other functions are urgently evacuated to stop or deteriorate in a power saving mode to reduce the power consumption after the electromotive force of the battery 10 falls below a predetermined value. Thus, the operation continuation time of the gas meter can be extended to a longer time than before.
[0051]
Here, even when the power saving mode control circuit 11 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has fallen below the predetermined value and shifts to the power saving mode, the power saving mode control circuit 11 performs a plurality of types of security functions. The shut-off valve 3 is kept open unless the function of controlling the shut-off valve 3 does not stop and an event of a predetermined type, such as an excessive flow rate, for closing the shut-off valve 3 has not occurred. It is desirable to keep it.
[0052]
That is, in the conventional gas meter, when the electromotive force drop detecting unit 8 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has dropped below the predetermined value, it is feared that the electromotive force will suddenly decrease thereafter. The shutoff valve 3 was closed. However, according to the gas meter or the power saving mode control circuit 11 of the present embodiment, the mode is shifted to the power saving mode after the electromotive force of the battery 10 is reduced. Since the extension can be performed for a long time, it is not necessary to immediately close the shut-off valve 3 as in the related art, and even after the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases, the function of measuring the flow rate of the gas meter and other functions can be performed. Function can be continued.
[0053]
In addition, the information communication unit 2 has a function of performing a re-communication call after a predetermined standby time has elapsed if a communication line cannot be secured by one communication call.
[0054]
When the power saving mode control circuit 11 detects that the electromotive force of the battery 10 has fallen below the predetermined value by the electromotive force reduction detecting unit 8, the power saving mode control circuit 11 reduces the frequency of the re-communication call. By performing the control or reducing the standby time, the power consumption in the information communication unit 2 is reduced, and the operation continuation time of the gas meter is extended to a longer time than before.
[0055]
Here, the information to be communicated by the information communication unit 2 includes, for example, information on a flow rate measurement value or an integrated value thereof, information on an open / close state of the shutoff valve 3, information on a decrease in electromotive force of the battery 10, and the like. Needless to say, this is a general communication function.
[0056]
In the above-described embodiment, a so-called ultrasonic propagation type gas meter that transmits a sound wave such as an ultrasonic wave to a fluid to be measured and measures the flow velocity of the fluid based on the propagation time or the propagation speed of the sound wave. However, it goes without saying that the measurement method of the gas meter is not limited to this. In addition, for example, a so-called membrane-type gas meter that measures a flow rate in response to a volume change due to a gas flow, or a fluidic-type gas meter that measures a flow rate in response to a fluid vibration generated by a gas flow It is also possible to apply the technology according to the present invention to control the power saving mode as described in the above embodiment.
[0057]
However, in the case of the film-type gas meter, intermittent measurement is not performed, so that a method such as changing the measurement cycle or duty in the power saving mode to reduce the power consumption in the flow rate measurement unit 1 is used. Is not applicable, but it goes without saying that other methods can be applied.
[0058]
Further, in the above embodiment, of the flow rate measuring unit 1, the information communication unit 2, the security unit 4, the alarm unit 5, and the like, the order of shifting to the power saving mode is positioned last, and the electromotive force of the battery 10 decreases. Although the case where the security section 4th is set as the part that does not stop or lower the function even if described above has been described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. In addition to this, for example, the alarm unit 5 and the security unit 4 can shift the flow rate measuring unit 1 and the information communication unit 2 to the power saving mode without shifting to the power saving mode.
[0059]
Further, the power saving mode control circuit 11 can be constructed on a printed wiring board using a microcomputer together with the operation control unit 9 and the pulsation response unit 7, or can be constructed in one dedicated LSI.
[0060]
Or, further, the power saving mode control circuit 11 built in such one dedicated LSI is replaced with an operation control microcomputer or an operation control circuit system built in a general gas meter not provided with the same. Thus, it is possible to realize a gas meter substantially as described in the above embodiment according to the present invention. In this case, only the dedicated LSI in which the power saving mode control circuit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is built is manufactured alone, and is used for, for example, maintenance or replacement of the battery 10. For example, it is also possible to incorporate it into a general gas meter (removing and replacing a general microcomputer or the like until then). In other words, only the dedicated LSI in which the power-saving mode control circuit 11 according to the embodiment of the present invention is built can be manufactured and sold as an industrial product by itself. .
[0061]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, the gas meter includes a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of a fluid to be measured, an information communication unit that performs information communication with the outside, and a gas meter. A gas meter having at least a flow rate measuring means of a security means for ensuring related safety, a warning means for issuing a predetermined warning regarding a state of the gas meter, and a battery for power supply, wherein the electromotive force of the battery is An electromotive force decrease detecting means for detecting a decrease below a predetermined value, a means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured or a means for performing information communication with the outside or a security means or a warning means for ensuring safety. From the time, when the battery electromotive force falls below the predetermined value, the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the battery electromotive force is at or above the predetermined value. The means for shifting to the mode is determined in advance, and the control for shifting the predetermined means to the power saving mode is performed when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. And a power-saving mode control means for performing flow control, and according to the control circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 26, a flow rate measurement means for measuring a flow rate of a fluid to be measured, and information between the flow rate measurement means and the outside. Information communication means for communication, security means for ensuring safety related to the gas meter, at least flow rate measurement means among alarm means for issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the state of the gas meter, and the electromotive force of the battery is a predetermined value. A control circuit for controlling the operation of the gas meter, which is used for a gas meter having an electromotive force drop detecting means for detecting a drop of the gas meter and a battery for a power supply. From among the means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured or the means for performing information communication with the outside or the security means or alarm means for ensuring safety, when the electromotive force of the battery falls below a predetermined value A means for shifting the power consumption to a power saving mode in which the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the battery electromotive force is equal to or more than the predetermined value is predetermined, and the battery electromotive force falls below the predetermined value. Power-saving mode control means for performing control to shift a predetermined means to the power-saving mode when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the A means for shifting the power consumption to a power saving mode in which the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery is equal to or more than a predetermined value when the power is reduced is predetermined. Less than the value When the decrease is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means, the power consumption from the battery after the decrease in the electromotive force is reduced by controlling the predetermined means to shift to the power saving mode. As a result, the time from when the electromotive force of the battery drops below a predetermined value to when the battery stops functioning can be greatly extended as compared with the related art.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Flow measurement part, 2 ... Information communication part, 3 ... Shut-off valve, 4 ... Security part, 5 ... Alarm part, 6 ... Pulsation detection part, 7 ... Pulsation response part, 8 ... Electromotive force drop detection part, 9 ... Operation Control unit, 10: battery, 11: power saving mode control circuit

Claims (24)

Flow rate measurement means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, information communication means for performing information communication with the outside, security means for ensuring safety related to the gas meter, and issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the state of the gas meter A gas meter having at least a flow rate measuring means and a power supply battery among the alarm means,
An electromotive force drop detection unit that detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value,
From among the means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured or the means for performing information communication with the outside or the security means or the alarm means for ensuring safety, the electromotive force of the battery is less than the predetermined value Means for shifting the power consumption mode to a power saving mode such that the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery is equal to or higher than the predetermined value when the battery power is reduced to a predetermined value. Power-saving mode control means for performing control to shift the predetermined means to the power-saving mode when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force has dropped below a predetermined value. Gas meter characterized by the above-mentioned. The flow rate measuring means is for measuring the flow velocity of the fluid based on the propagation time or the propagation speed of the sound wave or the sing-around propagation period by propagating the sound wave to the fluid to be measured, and the electromotive force of the battery is When the state is equal to or more than a predetermined value, the flow rate of the fluid to be measured is measured at a predetermined sampling rate,
The power saving mode control means is configured to measure the flow rate when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means as a power saving mode, in which the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by lowering a sampling rate below the predetermined sampling rate. The flow rate measuring means is for measuring the flow velocity of the fluid based on the propagation time or the propagation speed of the sound wave or the sing-around propagation period by propagating the sound wave to the fluid to be measured, and the electromotive force of the battery is When the state is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, a sound wave is propagated to the fluid to be measured at a predetermined number of times of sing-around to measure the flow rate,
The power saving mode control means is configured to measure the flow rate when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means as a power saving mode, in which the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by reducing the number of sing-arounds to less than the predetermined number of sing-arounds. 4. The power saving mode according to claim 2, wherein the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds is reduced to a minimum value within a range in which a minimum flow rate measurement accuracy in the flow rate measurement unit is secured. 5. Gas meter. A pulsation detecting means for detecting that pulsation has occurred in the fluid to be measured, and a sampling rate or a signal in the flow rate measuring means when the pulsation detecting means has detected that pulsation has occurred in the fluid. A pulsation countermeasure for increasing the number of times of wrapping compared to a case where pulsation does not occur in the fluid,
The power saving mode control means, when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, pulsation occurs in the fluid. Even if the pulsation is detected by the pulsation detection means, the pulsation is performed so that the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds in the flow rate measurement means is not increased more than when no pulsation occurs in the fluid. The gas meter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the corresponding means is controlled. Further comprising a shut-off valve capable of shutting off the flow of the fluid by changing the valve from an open state to a closed state,
The power saving mode control unit further closes the shutoff valve when the measurement by the flow rate measurement unit cannot secure a predetermined accuracy, in accordance with the amplitude or cycle or frequency or duration of the pulsation. 6. The gas meter according to claim 5, wherein control is performed to cut off the flow of the fluid and substantially stop measuring the flow rate of the fluid by the flow rate measuring means. The power saving mode control means shifts the warning means to a power saving mode when the electromotive force reduction detecting means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has decreased to become less than the predetermined value. The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein control is performed. The alarm means emits an alarm by blinking a warning light,
The power saving mode control unit is configured to turn on the warning light when the electromotive force reduction detecting unit detects that the electromotive force of the battery to be shifted falls below the predetermined value as the power saving mode. 8. The gas meter according to claim 7, wherein control is performed to reduce the power consumption of said alarm means by shortening the duty or lengthening the blinking cycle. The security unit is provided with a plurality of types of security functions, and the power saving mode control unit is configured to stop only predetermined ones of the plurality of types of security functions as the power saving mode. The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein control for reducing power consumption is performed. The power saving mode control means does not shift to the power saving mode for the security means when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein another means is shifted to the power saving mode preferentially. When the security means detects that a predetermined type of event has occurred, the security means includes a shut-off valve that is controlled so as to close the valve and shuts off the flow of the fluid,
The power saving mode control means, even when the electromotive force of the battery has fallen below the predetermined value is detected by the electromotive force drop detection means and transition to the power saving mode, the plurality of types of security functions of the 11. The gas meter according to claim 10, wherein the function of controlling the shut-off valve is not stopped, and the shut-off valve is kept open unless an event of the predetermined type has occurred. The information communication means has a function of performing a re-communication call after a lapse of a predetermined standby time when a communication line cannot be secured by one communication call,
The power saving mode control means, as the power saving mode, when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, the power saving mode control means determines the frequency of the re-communication call. The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by lowering or increasing the standby time. Flow rate measurement means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured, information communication means for performing information communication with the outside, security means for ensuring safety related to the gas meter, and issuing a predetermined alarm relating to the state of the gas meter The gas meter is used for a gas meter having at least a flow rate measuring means of the alarm means, an electromotive force decrease detecting means for detecting that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, and a battery for power supply. A control circuit for controlling the operation of
From among the means for measuring the flow rate of the fluid to be measured or the means for performing information communication with the outside or the security means or the alarm means for ensuring safety, the electromotive force of the battery is less than the predetermined value Means for shifting the power consumption mode to a power saving mode such that the power consumption becomes lower than the power consumption when the electromotive force of the battery is equal to or higher than the predetermined value when the battery power is reduced to a predetermined value. A power-saving mode control unit configured to perform a control to shift the predetermined unit to the power-saving mode when the electromotive force is reduced to a value less than a predetermined value by the electromotive force decrease detection unit. A control circuit, characterized in that: The gas meter, wherein the flow rate measuring unit is configured to measure the flow velocity of the fluid based on a propagation time or a propagation speed or a sing-around propagation period of the sound wave by propagating the sound wave to the fluid to be measured. When the electromotive force is at or above the predetermined value, the flow rate of the fluid to be measured is measured at a predetermined sampling rate,
The power saving mode control means is configured to measure the flow rate when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means as a power saving mode, in which the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. 14. The control circuit according to claim 13, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by lowering a sampling rate below the predetermined sampling rate. The gas meter, wherein the flow rate measuring unit is configured to measure the flow velocity of the fluid based on a propagation time or a propagation speed or a sing-around propagation period of the sound wave by propagating the sound wave to the fluid to be measured. When the electromotive force is in the state of the predetermined value or more, the flow rate is measured by propagating sound waves to the fluid to be measured at a predetermined number of times of sing-around,
The power saving mode control means is configured to measure the flow rate when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means as a power saving mode, in which the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value. 14. The control circuit according to claim 13, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by reducing the number of sing-arounds to less than the predetermined number of sing-arounds. 16. The power saving mode according to claim 14, wherein the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds is reduced to a minimum value within a range in which a minimum flow rate measurement accuracy in the flow rate measurement unit is secured. Control circuit. The gas meter includes a pulsation detection unit that detects that pulsation occurs in the fluid to be measured, and a pulsation detection unit that detects pulsation in the fluid when the pulsation detection unit detects the pulsation. A pulsation countermeasure for increasing the sampling rate or the number of times of sing-around as compared to a case where no pulsation occurs in the fluid, further comprising:
The power saving mode control means, when the power saving mode is detected by the electromotive force decrease detection means that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, pulsation occurs in the fluid. Even if the pulsation is detected by the pulsation detection means, the pulsation is performed so that the sampling rate or the number of sing-arounds in the flow rate measurement means is not increased more than when no pulsation occurs in the fluid. 17. The control circuit according to claim 14, wherein the control circuit controls the corresponding means. The gas meter further includes a shut-off valve capable of shutting off the flow of the fluid by changing a valve from an open state to a closed state,
The power saving mode control unit further closes the shutoff valve when the measurement by the flow rate measurement unit cannot secure a predetermined accuracy, in accordance with the amplitude or cycle or frequency or duration of the pulsation. 18. The control circuit according to claim 17, wherein control is performed to interrupt the flow of the fluid and substantially stop the measurement of the flow rate of the fluid by the flow rate measuring means. The power saving mode control means shifts the warning means to a power saving mode when the electromotive force reduction detecting means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has decreased to become less than the predetermined value. 19. The control circuit according to claim 13, wherein control is performed. The gas meter, wherein the alarm means emits an alarm by blinking a warning light,
The power saving mode control unit is configured to turn on the warning light when the electromotive force reduction detecting unit detects that the electromotive force of the battery to be shifted falls below the predetermined value as the power saving mode. 20. The control circuit according to claim 19, wherein control is performed to reduce the power consumption of said alarm means by shortening the duty or lengthening the blinking cycle. In the gas meter, the security means has a plurality of types of security functions,
14. The power-saving mode control means, as the power-saving mode, performs control to reduce power consumption by stopping only predetermined ones of the plurality of types of security functions. 21. The control circuit according to any one of Items 20 to 20. The power saving mode control means does not shift to the power saving mode for the security means when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below the predetermined value, 22. The control circuit according to claim 13, wherein another means is shifted to the power saving mode preferentially. The gas meter includes a shutoff valve that, when the security means detects that a predetermined type of event has occurred, controls the valve to close correspondingly and shuts off the flow of the fluid. ,
The power saving mode control means, even when the electromotive force of the battery has fallen below the predetermined value is detected by the electromotive force drop detection means and transition to the power saving mode, the plurality of types of security functions of the 23. The control circuit according to claim 22, wherein a function of controlling the shut-off valve is not stopped, and the shut-off valve is kept open unless an event of the predetermined type occurs. . The gas meter has a function of performing a re-communication call after the elapse of a predetermined standby time when the information communication means cannot establish a communication line in one communication call,
The power saving mode control means, as the power saving mode, when the electromotive force drop detection means detects that the electromotive force of the battery has dropped below a predetermined value, the power saving mode control means determines the frequency of the re-communication call. The control circuit according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein control is performed to reduce power consumption by lowering or increasing the standby time.

Images