JP2006023165A - Gas meter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To integrate at a time the integrated value of a plurality of gas appliances different in using conditions on the basis of the flow pattern of the gas flowing through the gas meter. <P>SOLUTION: The flow chart is as follows: (S1) measurement of the flow; (S2) determines the amount of the flow; (S3) determines that the flow amount is more than previously determined integration starting amount L2, and less than the maximum amount L3, and determines that the use of appliances corresponding to the counters 1 or 2 are started, and discriminates whether the effective determination time T1 has passed or not in the flow between the minimum flow L1 and the maximum flow L3; (S4) adds the amount of flow to the counter 1 if the time T1 has passed; (S5) adds the amount of flow to the counter 2, if the time T1 hasn't passed yet; (S6) at the (S2) the counter 3 adds the flow amount, if the flow amount is more than the lower limit L4 of the counter 3; and (S7) any counter doesn't add it if any counter does't correspond to any condition. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas meter, and more specifically, to a gas flow path in which special-priced gas appliances having different charges per unit usage amount are mixed, and the gas usage amount of the special-price gas appliance and the specified-price gas appliance. The present invention relates to an integrated gas meter for each flow rate capable of storing gas usage in a memory of a single meter.

  In energy competition for electricity, kerosene, and gas, for example, kerosene and electricity are often used for heating and cooling, and the share of gas is small. In order to gain an advantage in energy competition, it is necessary to reduce the cost of gas. To reduce the cost, it is effective to increase the amount of gas used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a system for setting a gas charge for each gas appliance having a different gas consumption amount has been considered. As mentioned above, the energy share in air conditioning equipment is high for kerosene and electricity, so having a fee structure that discounts gas charges only for such equipment increases competitiveness and increases gas usage. I can expect that. In other words, by making it possible to set a different fee structure for each gas appliance, it is possible to diversify the services to users, and it is also possible to adopt a sales strategy for selling specific gas appliances. It is possible to expect an increase in the amount of gas used as well as widespread use.

  That is, in order to set the gas charge for each gas appliance as described above, for example, the gas usage amount of the gas appliance group for which the normal fee is to be set and the gas appliance for which the discount fee is to be set is separately calculated. There is a need to. FIG. 11 is a diagram conceptually showing a configuration example of a conventional gas meter and appliances used, in which 21 is a gas meter, 22 is a gas table, 23 is a gas fan heater, and f is a gas flow. Conventionally, when a plurality of gas appliances are connected to a single gas meter 21 and the gas flows, the gas meter can only integrate the total usage of the gas appliances in use, and has a specific flow rate. It was not possible to add up only the amount of gas used by gas appliances. Therefore, in order to calculate the gas usage separately for each gas appliance, for example, it is necessary to install a plurality of meters for each pipe for each gas appliance, which increases the cost and reduces the overall cost. It is difficult to connect.

For such a problem, for example, there is Patent Document 1 which is a prior application filed by the same applicant as the present invention. Patent Document 1 discloses a gas meter using a specific gas appliance use determination algorithm. Here, the start of use is determined based on the flow rate set value based on the maximum gas flow rate, and the use stop is determined based on the flow rate set value based on the minimum gas flow rate and the time set value. In addition, stoppage less than the use determination period invalidates the stop determination. Furthermore, during the period when the gas usage is larger than the flow rate set value, the flow rate is corrected to the deemed amount and integrated.
JP 2002-162278 A

  In the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, since it is possible to determine whether or not a specific gas appliance is used, it is possible to obtain the convenience of promoting the use of gas, such as being able to apply a discount fee for the amount of use of the gas appliance, When another gas appliance is used during the use determination integration of the specific gas appliance, there is a problem that the integrated value of the other gas appliance cannot be obtained separately.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and by determining the flow rate pattern of the gas flowing through the gas meter using a determination algorithm possessed by the gas meter, the integrated values of a plurality of instruments having different gas use conditions can be simultaneously obtained. The object is to provide a gas meter that can be integrated.

  A first technical means is a gas meter having a function for determining use / non-use of a specific gas appliance based on a gas flow rate pattern, and the gas meter stores a determination algorithm prepared in advance, In a gas meter having determination means for determining use / non-use of a gas appliance by analyzing a flow rate pattern of a gas flowing through the gas meter using a determination algorithm, the gas meter determines use / non-use of a specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. It has multiple parameters for judgment conditions to be judged, and it is characterized by integrating the flow value based on the use / non-use result of equipment judged using multiple parameters to multiple counters corresponding to multiple equipment It is.

  According to a second technical means, in the first technical means, the gas meter is a lower limit flow rate of the gas usage amount at which the integration of the flow rate is started as a parameter of a judgment condition for judging the use / non-use of a specific gas appliance in the judgment algorithm. The accumulated start amount L2 that is a value and the maximum value L3 that is a flow rate setting value based on the maximum gas flow rate of a specific gas appliance are held, and the determination algorithm is such that the increase amount of the gas flow rate between predetermined measurement points is L2 to L2. When it is within the range of L3, or when the gas flow rate at the predetermined measurement point is within the range of L2 to L3, it is determined that the use of the specific gas appliance has been started, and the time t0 of the determined start point is set. It is characterized in that it is stored in a memory of a meter weighing unit provided in the gas meter.

  According to a third technical means, in the second technical means, the gas meter sets the minimum gas flow rate of the specific gas appliance as one of the parameters of the determination condition for determining use / non-use of the specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. The minimum flow rate L1 that is a flow rate setting value based on the value is retained, and the determination algorithm determines that the use of the specific gas appliance has been stopped when the gas flow rate at a predetermined measurement point is less than L1, and the determined stop The point time t1 is stored in a memory of a meter measuring unit provided in the gas meter.

  According to a fourth technical means, in the second technical means, the gas meter sets the minimum gas flow rate of the specific gas appliance as one of the parameters of the determination condition for determining use / non-use of the specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. A minimum flow rate L1 that is a flow rate setting value based on and a stop determination time T2 that is a time setting value for use stop determination of the gas appliance are retained, and the determination algorithm is such that the gas flow rate at a predetermined measurement point is continuously less than L1. When the time is T2 or more, it is determined that the use of the specific gas appliance is stopped, and the time t1 at the determined stop point is stored in the memory of the meter metering unit provided in the gas meter. .

  According to a fifth technical means, in the third or fourth technical means, the gas meter uses the specific instrument as one of the parameters of the determination condition for determining the use / non-use of the specific gas instrument in the determination algorithm. The effective determination time T1, which is a time setting value indicating the minimum time in the case, is held, and the gas meter has an in-use determination period t1-t0 calculated from the difference between the times t0 and t1 stored in the memory of the meter weighing unit equal to or greater than T1. A first counter that integrates the flow values from t0 to t1, and a second counter that integrates the flow values from t0 to t1 when t1-t0 is less than T1, and a determination algorithm Is characterized in that the flow rate value is integrated by selecting the first or second counter according to t0 and t1 stored in the memory.

  The sixth technical means is any one of the third to fifth technical means, wherein the gas meter has a third counter for calculating a flow value of another specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm, A counter 3 lower limit value L4, which is a lower limit flow rate value of the gas usage amount for integrating the flow rate, is held as a parameter of a determination condition for determining use / non-use of the gas appliance, and the determination algorithm uses the gas at a predetermined measurement point. When the flow rate is L4 or more, the flow rate value that is L4 or more is integrated in the third counter.

  According to a seventh technical means, in the fifth or sixth technical means, the gas meter holds a standard flow rate use amount L when the gas use amount is larger than the maximum value L3, and the determination algorithm is the first or second determination method. Among the in-use determination periods t1 to t0 to be accumulated in the counter, for periods where the gas flow rate is L3 or less, accumulation is performed using the amount of gas used in that period, and for periods greater than L3, the amount of gas used in the period is L. It is characterized by integrating as that.

  According to an eighth technical means, in the seventh technical means, if the judgment algorithm is that the gas usage amount to be accumulated in the first or second counter is the standard usage amount L, the gas at a predetermined measurement point Is greater than the maximum value L3, and when the value X obtained by subtracting the standard flow rate use amount L from the use amount is equal to or greater than the counter 3 lower limit value L4, X is added to the third counter. Is.

  A ninth technical means is characterized in that, in any one of the first to eighth technical means, the validity / invalidity of the function of the determination means can be set by a predetermined setting means.

  The tenth technical means is the ninth technical means, wherein the gas meter has a built-in calendar function, and a period for invalidating the function of the judging means can be set by a predetermined setting means. .

  The eleventh technical means is characterized in that, in any one of the first to tenth technical means, the parameter of the determination condition can be set by a predetermined setting means.

  According to the present invention, gas appliances having a plurality of flow rates are determined by determining whether or not a plurality of target gas appliances such as a fan heater and a water heater are used, for example, by a determination algorithm having a gas flow pattern flowing through the gas meter. Can be accumulated separately, and the value can be displayed or read by a setting device or the like. With this function, it is possible to realize various services for users, such as a gas retailer can apply discounts to the amount of gas appliances used to promote the use of a particular gas appliance. It becomes.

  Further, according to the present invention, the validity / invalidity of the flow rate integrating function for each appliance can be set in the meter by a setting device or the like, and thus, for example, in a gas meter to which the target gas appliance is not connected, the target gas appliance is determined. It is possible to prevent the usage amount from being mistakenly accumulated.

  Further, according to the present invention, the parameter of the determination condition of the determination algorithm can be set in the gas meter by a setting device or the like, and thereby it is possible to deal with gas appliances having various flow patterns.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the period for which the flow rate integrating function for each appliance is valid can be set by a setting device or the like, whereby the target gas appliance is used depending on the season, for example, when the gas fan heater is not used in summer. It is possible to prevent the amount of use of the target gas appliance from being mistakenly accumulated even when it is not.

  According to the gas meter of the present invention, for example, a gas retailer can implement a variety of services to users, such as applying discounted charges for the amount of use of a specific device in order to promote the use of a specific device. It can be. In addition, it is possible to set the parameter of the discrimination condition in the flow rate judgment algorithm, the operation / non-operation of the flow rate discrimination function for each instrument, the presence / absence of the function, and the period during which the function is in an operating state, to the gas meter by setting means such as a setting device. It is possible to deal with gas appliances with various flow patterns, for example, when the target appliance is not connected or the target appliance is not used depending on the season, the usage amount of the target appliance is not misaccumulated. Can be.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration of an embodiment of a gas meter according to the present invention. The gas meter 1 has a control unit 10, which includes a battery 11, a timer counter 12, a microcomputer 13, a RAM 14 for storing internal data, an interface 15, and a flow sensor 16.

  As the flow sensor 16, a reed switch, a magnetic sensor, or the like is used. When a gas flows, a pulse signal corresponding to the gas flow rate is generated and taken into the microcomputer 13 via the interface 15. The signal data is calculated and stored in the RAM 14 as flow rate and other data. In addition, the flow rate and other setting values for calculation are input from the input device 2 to the microcomputer 13 via the interface 15, and the acquired setting values are stored in the RAM 14.

  In the present invention, the following items are set from the specifications of the appliance to be specified and the estimated actual usage, and the integrated value and usage time of the specific appliance are estimated.

(A) Minimum flow rate L1
When it is the minimum use flow rate value of a specific instrument and the gas use flow rate becomes smaller than the minimum flow rate L1, it is estimated that the specific instrument has stopped operating.
(B) Integration start flow rate L2
The lower limit flow value of the gas use flow rate at which the flow rate integration is started, and the start of use is specified when the gas flow rate is not less than the integration start flow rate L2 and not more than the following maximum value L3. It is presumed that the use of the equipment has started.

(C) Maximum value L3
When the gas flow rate is the upper limit flow value used by the specific instrument and the gas flow rate is in the range from the integrated start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3, it is estimated that the use of the specific instrument has started. Here, when the use of the appliance is started, the fact that the control is performed at a flow rate near the maximum value of the appliance at the start of operation is utilized.
Further, when the set flow rate value of the maximum value L3 is 0, the flow rate integration function is stopped.
(D) Standard flow rate L
When a gas appliance is used in addition to the specific appliance, the standard flow rate L is used when the gas flow rate becomes larger than the maximum value L3. The standard flow rate L sets a standard use flow rate of a specific instrument.

(E) Validity determination time T1
The minimum usage time when the specific instrument is used is set as the validity determination time T1.
(F) Stop determination time T2
When a specific instrument operates intermittently, the gas flow rate may temporarily fall below the above-mentioned minimum flow rate L1, so it is an error to estimate that the use was uniformly stopped because the gas flow rate was below the minimum value L1. There is. For this reason, a stop determination time T2 is provided, the gas use flow rate is less than the minimum flow rate L1, and it is estimated that the specific instrument has been used. If it continues to fall below that, it is assumed that the specified device has been suspended.

(G) Counter 1 integrated value A counter for integrating a flow rate that is determined to start at a flow rate that is greater than or equal to the integration start flow rate L2 and less than or equal to the maximum value L3 and that does not fall below the minimum flow rate L1 even after the validity determination time T1 has elapsed.
(H) Counter 2 integrated value The flow is not included in the integrated value for each flow rate by the counter 1, and the start is determined at a flow rate in the range of the integrated start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3, and less than the effective determination time T1. A counter that integrates the flow rate that is less than the minimum flow rate L1.
(I) Counter 3 integrated value A counter that integrates when the flow rate does not fall within the integrated value of counter 1 and counter 2 and is equal to or greater than the following counter 3 lower limit value L4.

(J) Counter 3 lower limit L4
When it is a judgment value for starting the integration of the counter 3 and is not less than the lower limit L4, the integration of the counter 3 is started. The counter 3 lower limit value L4 is set to a value larger than the maximum value L3 for integrating the counters 1 and 2 in order to count a large capacity integrated value of, for example, a large water heater.

In the present invention, as described above, the counters 1 to 3 can be integrated simultaneously.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the proper use of the counters 1 to 3. In the integration by flow rate, the flow rate is measured (step S1), the flow rate value at this time is judged (step S2), and if the flow rate value is not less than the integration start amount L2 and not more than the maximum value L3, the counter 1 or 2 It is determined that the use of the corresponding device is started, and it is determined whether or not the validity determination time T1 has passed at a flow rate between the minimum flow rate L1 and the maximum value L3 (step S3). If the validity determination time T1 elapses, the flow value is added to the counter 1 (step S4). If the validity determination time T1 has not elapsed, the flow value is added to the counter 2 (step S5).

  In step S2, if the flow rate value is greater than or equal to the counter 3 lower limit value L4, the flow rate value is added to the counter 3 (step S6), and if neither condition is met, it is not added to any counter. (Step S7).

  According to said thought, the apparatus according to flow volume is determined, and accumulation | aggregation according to flow conditions is performed using the counters 1-3.

(Determination of the start time of use of gas appliances)
In the present invention, the use of the corresponding instrument is determined from the flow rate measurement value as described above, and the integration for each flow rate is performed using the counters 1 to 3. At this time, the use start of the specific instrument is determined using a flow rate measurement value (total flow rate) by gas flow rate measurement and an increased flow rate value obtained from the flow rate measurement.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a gas meter flow rate measuring method. In the embodiments described below, the gas flow rate basically represents a unit flow rate (for example, 1 / h). The gas meter measures the elapsed time with the timer counter 12 (FIG. 1) starting from the input of the signal pulse (flow pulse) generated by the flow sensor, and after the predetermined T seconds have elapsed, the next first pulse input The time t is measured until the flow rate (Q) is obtained. For example, in the case of a microcomputer gas meter, T is set as 15 seconds. This flow measurement is continuously performed, and the RAM 14 (FIG. 1) stores the previous flow measurement value (Q _i-2 ), the previous flow measurement value (Q _i-1 ), and the current value (Q). It is remembered.

The calculation formula for diversion measurement is as follows.
Q (l / h) = V × N × 3600 ÷ t
Where V: 1 pulse weight
N: Number of input pulses for t seconds
t: Time from the passage of T seconds to the next pulse input (t = T seconds + α)

Using the flow rate measurement value as described above, when the flow rate measurement value is in the range of the integration start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3, it is estimated that the use of the specific instrument to be added to the counter 1 or 2 is started. If the flow rate measurement value is equal to or greater than the counter 3 lower limit value L4, it is determined that the use of the specific instrument to be accumulated in the counter 3 is started. Here, for example, when the previous flow rate measurement value (Q _i-1 ) and the current flow rate measurement value (Q) are both in the range of L2 to L3 or in the range of L4 or more, the use of the specific instrument is used. Is assumed to have started.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the calculation method of the increased flow rate. As for the increased flow rate, the flow rate Q _i obtained this time and the flow rate Q _i-1 obtained last time are compared according to the flow rate measurement method described above, and if there is a certain difference between them, it is determined that there is a change in flow rate. Next, the flow rate obtained next time−the flow rate obtained last time (= Q _{i + 1} −Q _i−1 ) is calculated to obtain an increased flow rate. For example, in FIG. 4, when it is determined that there is a change in flow rate at Q ₁ , Q _{i + 1} −Q _i−1 = 500−0 = 500 (l / h) is set as the increased flow rate value. Further, when it is determined that there is a change in flow rate at Q _{i + 2} , Q _{i + 3} −Q _{i + 1} = 1000−500 = 500 (l / h) is set as the increased flow rate value.
When the increased flow rate value is in the range from the integration start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3, it is determined that the use of the specific instrument to be integrated with the counter 1 or the counter 2 is started. When the increased flow rate value is equal to or greater than the counter 3 lower limit value L4, it is determined that the use of the specific instrument that should be accumulated in the counter 3 is started.

(Judgment of gas appliance use stop time)
In the determination of the specific instrument to be added to the counters 1 and 2, the stop determination time T2 is set in advance, and when the measured flow rate value is less than the minimum flow rate L1, the period that is less than L1 is the stop determination time. When it becomes T2 or more, it is determined that the use of the instrument has been stopped. This time T2 can be arbitrarily set within a range of 0 to 255 (minutes), for example. Normally, the time T2 is set to 0. However, in order to prevent such a state from being determined as a stop of the device when using a device that controls the flow rate to 0 during use. , T2 is set appropriately.
By setting T2> 0, it is determined that even if the instrument uses gas intermittently, even if there is a temporary stop, it is used continuously. Preventing accidental recognition that the device is used for other purposes.
Further, regarding the appliance corresponding to the counter 3, it is determined that the use is stopped when the flow rate becomes smaller than the counter 3 lower limit value L4.

(Determination of instrument usage time and calculation of gas usage)
Accumulate the amount of gas used from the start of use of the specified instrument to the stop of use.
In the specific instrument to be added to the counters 1 and 2, the validity determination time T1 is set in advance, and the use time t1 to t0 represented by the difference between the use start determination time t0 and the use stop determination time t1 is When the time is equal to or greater than the validity determination time T1, it is determined that the specific instrument to be added to the counter 1 is used, and the flow rate value obtained by measuring the flow rate × (t1−t0) is separated as the usage amount of the counter 1. Accumulate.
If t1-t0 is less than the validity determination time T1, it is determined that the instrument to be accumulated in the counter 2 is used, and the flow rate value obtained by measuring the flow rate x (t1-t0) Accumulate as usage.

For example, if a gas fan heater is considered as a specific instrument, the gas fan heater is used for a long time compared to other gas instruments. If the usage time is short, it can be determined that the gas fan heater is not used.
The validity determination time T1 can be arbitrarily set within a range of 0 to 255 (minutes), for example. As described above, T1 is set in order to prevent a device having a short usage time from being mistakenly recognized as being used by a device having a long usage time. It is desirable to appropriately determine T1 depending on the instrument.

Moreover, since the maximum value L3 is the upper limit flow rate value of the usage amount of the specific instrument to be added to the counter 1 or 2, after estimating the start of use of the specific instrument, the gas flow rate measurement value exceeds the maximum value L3. In such a case, the standard usage amount of the specific instrument is integrated using the standard flow rate L, assuming that there is an instrument used in addition to the specific instrument.
That is, when the above flow rate value × (t1−t0) is larger than the maximum value L3, the usage amount of the specific instrument is integrated using the standard flow rate L set in advance instead of the measured flow rate value.

  In the appliance corresponding to the counter 3, the flow rate value from the start of use to the stop of use based on the counter 3 lower limit value L4 is integrated in the counter 3. The counter 3 lower limit value L4 is set to a value corresponding to the usage amount of a water heater or the like having a larger flow rate than the maximum value L3.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts for explaining the flow of processing by the basic determination method as described above, and show processing when flow rate calculation occurs. Here, processing is executed using a buffer (valid buffer, invalid buffer) in the previous stage of accumulating the counters 1 to 3.
First, it is determined whether or not the flow rate integration function is valid (step S11). If it is valid, it is determined whether or not the in-use flag of the target device is ON (step S12). If the in-use flag is not ON, it is determined whether or not the increased flow rate value after determining that “the flow rate has changed” is measured (step S13).

If the increased flow rate value after determining that “the flow rate has changed” is not measured, it is determined whether or not the current measured flow rate (Q _i ) is within the range from the integrated start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3 (step S14). If Q _i is in the range of L2 to L3, the flag indicating that the target instrument is in use is turned ON (step S15), and the use start time t0 is stored (step S16). If Q _i is not in the range from L2 to L3, the process proceeds to step S23 described later.
Then, the current measured flow rate Q _i is added to the effective buffer (step S17), and the previous flow rate measurement value (Q _i-1 ) is added to the effective buffer to correct the start deviation (step S18).

In the above step S13, when the increased flow value after the determination that “the flow rate has changed” is measured, it is determined whether or not the increased flow rate is within the range of the integrated start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3 (step S19). If within the range, the target appliance in-use flag is set to ON (step S20), and if not within the range, the process proceeds to step S14. Then, after the target appliance in-use flag is turned ON in step S20, the use start time t0 is stored (step S21), and the current measured flow rate Q _i is added to the effective buffer (step S22). Then, the last measured flow rate (Q _i-1) is, to determine whether a counter 3 lower limit value L4 or more (step S23), if the L4 than the previous measured flow rate (Q _i-1) the counter 3 (Step S24). If Q _i-1 is not equal to or greater than L4 in step S23, the process ends.

If the flag indicating that the target instrument is in use is not ON in step S12, it is determined whether or not the current measured flow rate Q _i is less than the minimum flow rate L1 (step S25). If Q _i is less than L1, The current measured flow rate Q _i is added to the effective buffer (step S26), and the current measured flow rate Q _i is added to the invalid buffer (step S27).

Then, it is determined whether or not the period during which the measured flow rate Q _i is less than L1 is equal to or longer than the stop determination time T2 (step S28). If the measured flow rate Q _i is equal to or greater than T2, the in-use flag of the target device is turned off (step S29), and the use stop time t1 is stored (step S30). Next, it is determined whether or not t1-t0 is equal to or greater than the validity determination time T1 (step S31). If it is equal to or greater than T1, the value of (valid buffer-invalid buffer) is added to the counter 1 (step S32). If not, the value of (valid buffer−invalid buffer) is added to the counter 2 (step S33).

If the current measured flow rate Q _i is not less than the minimum flow rate L1 in step S25, the invalid buffer is cleared (step S34), and it is determined whether the current measured flow rate Q _i is greater than the maximum value L3 (step S35). ). If Q _i is larger than L3, the difference X (X = Q _i −L) between Q _i and the standard value (L) is calculated (step S36).

Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated X is greater than or equal to the counter lower limit value L4 (step S37). If not greater than L4, it is determined whether or not X is in the range from the minimum flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3 (step S38). If it is not in the range of L2 to L3, the calculated value X is discarded (step S39), and if it is in the range of L2 to L3, the calculated value of X is added to the counter 2 (step S43). If X is greater than or equal to L4 in step S37, the calculated X is added to the counter 3 (step S42).
Then, after performing any one of the above steps S39, S42, and S43, the standard value L is added to the effective buffer (step S40). If the measured flow rate Q _i is not greater than L3 in step S35, the current measured flow rate Q _i is added to the effective buffer (step S41).

  FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining in more detail the calculation of the amount of gas used in step S24. In the calculation of the amount of gas used, for example, in a range in which it is determined that a specific instrument is used, for a section where the measured flow rate is equal to or less than the maximum value L3 (section P1 in FIG. 7), all gas usage during that period is used. The amount is added to the counter 1 as the amount of use of one specific instrument (assuming that the usage period is equal to or greater than the valid determination time T1), and for the section where the measured flow rate is greater than the maximum value L3 (section P2 in FIG. 7) Then, it is determined that another instrument is used in the section, and the unit flow rate is calculated as a standard flow rate L that is an average gas usage amount of the gas fan heater and integrated. At this time, in the section P2, the flow rate of the measured flow rate−the standard flow rate L is integrated into one or both of the counter 2 and the counter 3 according to the maximum value L3 and the counter 3 lower limit value L4. However, depending on the flow rate value, there may be a case where it cannot be integrated into both the counter 2 and the counter 3. This will be described later using an example.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the movement of the flow rate measurement value and the integrated flow rate for each counter at this time.
As shown in FIG. 8, the counter 1 and the counter 2 that are divided based on the validity determination time T1 and the counter 3 that accumulates a larger flow rate than the counters 1 and 2 are used separately, and the value of the flow rate measurement value corresponds. Assign to the counter to perform integration.
In the following, the process from the start determination of the actual specific instrument to the stop determination and the integration to the counter will be described with reference to the example of FIG. In the region C2-1, the flow rate value at the start is in the range of the integrated start flow rate L2 to the maximum value L3, and is in the range of L1 to L3 for less than the validity determination time T1, and thus is processed as an integrated value to the counter 2 I do.

In the region N-1, since the measured flow rate does not reach the integration start flow rate L2, the flow rate value is discarded without integrating into any counter. Similarly, in the region N-2, the flow rate value is discarded because the measured flow rate does not reach the integration start flow rate L2.
In the area C1-1, it is estimated that the flow rate of the counter 1 or 2 is reached when the integrated start flow rate L2 or more, and the maximum value L3 at the time of the region C1-1 determination is exceeded in the region C2-2. It is determined that another instrument has been used, the flow rate in the region C1-1 is set to the standard flow rate L, and the effective determination time T1 is awaited as it is to determine the integrated flow rate value of the counter 1.

  The area C2-2 is determined to be the flow rate integrated in the counter 2 because the flow rate is greater than or equal to the integration start amount L2 based on the standard flow rate L set in the region C1-1. Here, in region C3-1, since the flow rate that exceeds the counter 3 lower limit value L4 based on the standard flow rate L set in the region C1-1 flows, it is determined that the flow rate should be integrated in the counter 3.

In the area N-3, the flow rate is lower than the lower limit value L4 of the counter 3 with the standard flow rate L as a reference, and at the same time, the flow rate is larger than the maximum value L3 with the standard flow rate L as a reference. This flow value is discarded.
In the region C2-3, since the flow rate is between the integration start flow rate L2 and the maximum value L3 with the standard flow rate L as a reference, it can be determined that the flow rate is integrated with the counter 2. Here, in the region N-4, the flow rate is smaller than the integrated start flow rate L2 based on the standard flow rate, and this flow rate is discarded because it does not correspond to any counter.

  In the next flow rate measurement in the region N-4, since the flow rate is smaller than the maximum value L3 determined in the region C1-1, it is determined that the flow rate should be integrated into the counter 1.

In the region C3-2, since the flow rate of the counter 3 lower limit value L4 or more has flowed from the unused state, the integration process for the counter 3 is performed.
In the region N-5, since the flow rate that has exceeded the maximum value L3 and is smaller than the counter 3 lower limit value L4 has flowed from the unused state, it does not correspond to any counter and is discarded.
In the region C2-4, since there is a flow rate between the integration start flow rate L2 and the maximum value L3 and is less than the minimum value L1 within the validity determination time T1, the integration process for the counter 2 is performed. Since the region N-6 has a smaller flow rate than the integrated start flow rate L2, it is discarded.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing when setting the initial value of the determination algorithm for realizing the flow rate measurement function for each appliance. First, as an operation start determination condition, an integration start flow rate L2, a maximum value L3, and a counter 3 lower limit value L4 are set (steps S51 to S53).
Next, a minimum value (minimum flow rate) L1 is set as a use stop determination condition (step S54).

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is a control for setting the gas flow rate to zero during use with respect to the target specific instrument (step S55). If there is no control for setting the zero, the stop determination time T2 is set to 0 (step S59). If there is a control to make it zero, the stop determination time T2 is set as appropriate (step S56). Next, the effective determination time T1 is set as the effective time determination condition (step S57), and the standard flow rate L is set as the integrated value calculation condition (step S58).

  The flow rate setting values L1, L2, and L3 are set to specific values, respectively, but are set so that values in a predetermined range (section or diversion range) including these specific values are regarded as L1, L2, and L3. May be.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a setting algorithm for setting a determination algorithm function or a determination condition for realizing the flow rate integration function. The gas meter according to the present invention accumulates the usage amount of the target appliance determined by executing the flow rate integrating function for each appliance separately from the total gas usage amount flowing through the gas meter and stores it in the memory of the meter metering unit. The stored data contents can be read out by a setting device 2 ′ or the like as shown in FIG. 10 or displayed on the display unit 1 a of the gas meter 1.

  Further, the gas meter of the present invention can select the validity / invalidity of the flow rate judgment function for each appliance by the setting device 2 '. In addition, the parameters (L1, L2, L3, L4, T1, T2, etc.) of the usage amount determination algorithm in the apparatus-specific flow rate determination function described above are transferred to the gas meter by the setting device 2 'as shown in FIG. Can be set.

Moreover, the period during which the usage amount determination function of the target instrument is invalid can be arbitrarily set in the gas meter by the setting device 2 ′, and the function set using the calendar function built in the gas meter is executed. For example, during a period other than the winter season when a heating appliance such as a gas fan heater is used, the device-specific flow rate integration function of the target appliance can be set to be invalid.
Further, a magnet switch or the like may be used in place of the setting device 2 ′.

It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structure in one Embodiment of the gas meter by this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the proper use of 1-3 of a counter. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow measuring method of a gas meter. It is a figure for demonstrating the calculation method of an increase flow rate. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the process by a basic determination system. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing according to a basic determination method, and is a diagram following FIG. 5. It is a figure for demonstrating in more detail about the calculation of the usage-amount of gas in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating an example of a motion of a flow measurement value, and the integrated flow volume for every counter at this time. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process when performing the initial value setting of the determination algorithm which implement | achieves the flow measurement function according to apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the setting means for setting the function or determination condition of the determination algorithm which implement | achieves the integration function according to flow volume. It is a figure which shows notionally the structural example of the conventional gas meter and an instrument used.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Gas meter, 1a ... Display part, 2 ... Input device, 2 '... Setting device, 10 ... Control part, 11 ... Battery, 12 ... Timer counter, 13 ... Microcomputer, 14 ... RAM, 15 ... Interface, 16 ... Flow rate Sensor, 21 ... gas meter, 22 ... gas table, 23 ... gas fan heater.

Claims (11)

A gas meter having a function for determining use / non-use of a specific gas appliance based on a gas flow rate pattern, wherein the gas meter stores a determination algorithm prepared in advance, and the gas flowing into the gas meter is stored in the gas meter. In a gas meter having determination means for determining use / non-use of the gas appliance by analyzing a flow rate pattern using the determination algorithm,
The gas meter has a plurality of determination condition parameters for determining use / non-use of the specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm, and a flow rate value based on the use / non-use result of the appliance determined using the plurality of parameters Is integrated into a plurality of counters corresponding to the plurality of instruments. 2. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the gas meter is a lower limit flow rate value of a gas usage amount at which the integration of a flow rate is started as a parameter of a determination condition for determining use / non-use of a specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. An accumulated start amount L2 and a maximum value L3 that is a flow rate setting value based on the maximum gas flow rate of the specific gas appliance;
In the determination algorithm, when the increase amount of the gas flow rate between the predetermined measurement points is within the range of L2 to L3, or when the gas flow rate at the predetermined measurement point is within the range of L2 to L3, It is determined that use of the specific gas appliance is started, and the time t0 of the determined start point is stored in a memory of a meter measuring unit provided in the gas meter. 3. The gas meter according to claim 2, wherein the gas meter is based on a minimum gas flow rate of the specific gas appliance as one of parameters of a determination condition for determining use / non-use of the specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. Hold the minimum flow rate L1, which is the flow rate setting value,
The determination algorithm determines that the use of the specific gas appliance is stopped when the gas flow rate at a predetermined measurement point is less than the L1, and the gas meter includes the time t1 of the determined stop point. A gas meter that is stored in a memory of a meter weighing unit. 3. The gas meter according to claim 2, wherein the gas meter is based on a minimum gas flow rate of the specific gas appliance as one of parameters of a determination condition for determining use / non-use of the specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm. Holding a minimum flow rate L1 which is a flow rate set value and a stop determination time T2 which is a time set value for use stop determination of the gas appliance;
The determination algorithm determines that the use of the specific gas appliance has stopped when the gas flow rate at a predetermined measurement point is continuously less than the L1 is equal to or greater than the T2, and the determined stop A gas meter, wherein a time t1 at a point is stored in a memory of a meter weighing unit provided in the gas meter. The gas meter according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the gas meter comprises:
An effective determination time T1, which is a time setting value indicating a minimum time when the specific instrument is used, is held as one of the parameters of the determination condition for determining use / non-use of the specific gas instrument in the determination algorithm. ,
The gas meter integrates the flow rate values from t0 to t1 when the in-use determination period t1-t0 calculated from the difference between the times t0 and t1 stored in the memory of the meter metering unit is T1 or more. And a second counter that accumulates the flow rate values from t0 to t1 when t1-t0 is less than T1,
The determination algorithm selects the first or the second counter according to the t0 and the t1 stored in the memory, and integrates a flow rate value. The gas meter according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the gas meter has a third counter for calculating a flow value of another specific gas appliance in the determination algorithm,
As a parameter of a determination condition for determining use / non-use of the other specific gas appliance,
The counter 3 lower limit value L4 which is the lower limit flow rate value of the gas usage amount for integrating the flow rate is held,
When the gas flow rate at a predetermined measurement point is equal to or greater than L4, the determination algorithm adds a flow rate value equal to or greater than L4 to the third counter. The gas meter according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the gas meter holds a standard flow rate use amount L when the gas use amount is larger than the maximum value L3,
The determination algorithm performs integration using the gas usage amount during a period in which the gas flow rate is equal to or less than L3 in the in-use determination period t1 to t0 to be accumulated in the first or second counter, The gas meter is characterized in that, for a period longer than L3, the amount of gas used during the period is accumulated as L.   8. The gas meter according to claim 7, wherein the determination algorithm uses the gas at a predetermined measurement point when the gas usage amount to be accumulated in the first or second counter is the standard usage amount L. When the amount X is larger than the maximum value L3 and the value X obtained by subtracting the standard flow rate use amount L from the use amount is equal to or greater than the counter 3 lower limit value L4, the X is added to the third counter. Gas meter characterized by.   The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the validity / invalidity of the function of the determination means can be set by a predetermined setting means.   10. The gas meter according to claim 9, wherein the gas meter has a calendar function built therein, and a period for invalidating the function of the determination means can be set by a predetermined setting means.   11. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the determination condition parameter can be set by a predetermined setting means.

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