JP2006242657A - Gas cutoff recovery method and gas meter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas cutoff recovery method for securing conveniences in automatic recovery after cutoff and improving safety, and to provide a gas meter. <P>SOLUTION: The gas meter having an automatic recovery function for automatically recovering a cutoff valve 6 closed by the occurrence of a cutoff event to an open state comprises a storage means (RAM) 4 for storing the type of cutoff events; a determining means (CPU) 2a for determining whether a specific type of cutoff event in cutoff event types stored in the storage means (RAM) 4 has occurred by at least a preset count in a prescribed period; and a control means (CPU) 2b for setting only to a specific type of cutoff event so that the automatic recovery function becomes effective, when it is determined that a specific type of cutoff event has occurred by at least a preset count in a prescribed period by the determining means (CPU) 2a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas shutoff return method and a gas meter that automatically return a shutoff valve that has been closed due to the occurrence of a shutoff event to a valve open state.

  For example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 3051577 (Patent Document 1), a conventional shut-off function that can be automatically restored is such that when the shut-off valve is closed, the shut-off valve is once opened after a certain period of time. Some shut down the valve again when there is a flow, and leave it open when there is no gas flow.

Further, as in Japanese Patent No. 3565552 (Patent Document 2), when the shutoff valve is shut off, the shutoff valve is automatically returned when it is determined that the detection output signal of the pressure sensor is equal to or higher than a preset pressure. Next, it was determined whether or not the gas flow rate had fluctuated up to a predetermined period before shutoff. If there was no flow rate change, the gas meter was put into a normal use state. Later, a gas meter is disclosed for normal use.
Japanese Patent No. 3051577 Japanese Patent No. 3565552

  However, the above-mentioned method is used for total flow rate interruption, increased flow rate interruption, and usage time interruption that assumes a large amount of gas leakage due to damage to piping and rubber pipes that must be restored after ensuring safety. However, since it automatically returns without discrimination, there is a problem that safety considerations are insufficient even though safety is confirmed after the return.

  Therefore, in view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas shutoff return method and a gas meter that can improve safety while ensuring convenience in automatic return after shutoff.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve that has been closed due to the occurrence of a shut-off event to a valve open state, wherein a specific type of shut-off event is preset within a predetermined period. When the above occurs, the automatic return function is set to be effective only for the specific type of blocking event.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gas shutoff recovery method according to the first aspect, when the specific type of shutoff event does not occur for a lapse of a predetermined time after the automatic return function is effectively set, The automatic return function is set to be invalid.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning the shut-off valve 6 closed by the occurrence of the shut-off event to the valve open state as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. A storage unit 4 for storing the type of event, and a determination is made as to whether or not a specific type of blocking event among the types of blocking events stored in the storage unit 4 has occurred a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period. When it is determined by the determination unit 2a and the determination unit 2a that the specific type of interruption event has occurred a predetermined number of times or more within a predetermined period, the automatic return function is performed only for the specific type of interruption event. And a control means 2b for setting so as to be effective.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gas meter according to the third aspect, the control means 2b does not generate the specific type of shut-off event for a predetermined time after the automatic return function is effectively set. In this case, the automatic return function is disabled.

  According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, when the shut-off is repeated due to a shut-off event that the gas consumer is aware of to some extent, automatic return becomes effective through learning. The burden of pushing is reduced, which is convenient.

  According to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, when the interruption is repeated due to an interruption event that the gas consumer is aware of to some extent, the automatic return is effective through learning. The burden of pushing is reduced, which is convenient. In addition, with regard to single-off (or a frequency equal to or less than the set number of times), automatic return is disabled and safety can be ensured after the safety is secured, so that safety is improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  (First Embodiment) FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a gas meter for carrying out the gas shut-off return method according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The gas meter includes a microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as μCOM) 1 and a flow rate detection unit 5, a shutoff valve 6, a display unit 7, a return switch 8, and a communication unit 9 connected to μCOM 1.

  The μCOM 1 stores a central processing unit (CPU) 2 that performs various processes and controls according to a predetermined program, a ROM 3 that is a read-only memory storing a program for the CPU 2, and various data. At the same time, it has a RAM 4 or the like, which is a readable / writable memory having an area necessary for processing operations of the CPU 2. The CPU 2 functions as determination means and control means in the claims.

  The RAM 4 stores a preset total flow cut-off value, an increased flow cut-off value, and a use time cut-off value for the total flow cut-off, increase flow cut-off, and use time cut-off events, respectively. The RAM 4 also stores in advance a blocking event code that identifies which type of blocking event caused the blocking. The interruption event code is set, for example, as “1” for total flow interruption, “2” for increase flow interruption, and “3” for usage time interruption. The RAM 4 serves as storage means in the claims.

  The flow rate detection unit 5 detects the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas flow path, and includes a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor.

  The display unit 7 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) or the like, and displays various kinds of information such as an integrated value of gas usage and an alarm under the control of the μCOM 1. The return switch 8 is turned on when a return button (not shown) is pressed, and outputs a return signal for opening the shut-off valve 6. The communication unit 9 uses an NCU (Network Control Unit) and is controlled by the μCOM 1 and can communicate with a center such as a management center of a gas dealer through a public line such as a telephone line.

  In the above configuration, when a flow rate detection signal is input from the flow rate detection unit 5, the CPU 2 calculates and integrates the flow rate, stores the integrated value in the RAM 4, and displays it on the display unit 7. When the integrated value exceeds the total flow rate cutoff value, the increased flow rate cutoff value, or when the continuous time of flow rate detection exceeds the usage time cutoff value, the CPU 2 drives the cutoff valve 6 to close the valve to reduce the gas flow. Cut off. After the shut-off, when the return switch 8 is operated and a return signal is input, the CPU 2 performs safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and normal pressure. If there is no problem, the CPU 2 opens the shut-off valve 6 after a predetermined period. Drive to open the valve and make it available for normal gas use.

  The above-mentioned shut-off events that shut off the gas flow include total flow shut-off, increased flow shut-off, and usage time shut-off. For example, the use time cut-off is a function to shut off in order to ensure safety when a gas leaks for a long time or forgets to turn off the appliance, but on the other hand, when using a gas stove for a long time or for a long time Even when using a gas combustor for cooking, the usage time may be interrupted. Such a blockage is caused by actions that are carried out in the habit with the knowledge of the gas consumer to some extent, and it is possible that they will occur frequently on a regular basis. The burden on gas operators and gas consumers to open is large.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, the same event is cut off by learning in order to enable automatic return to the interruption such as the above-mentioned interruption of use time that occurs after the gas consumer is aware to some extent. Is repeated for a set number of times within a set period, automatic recovery is enabled only for the interruption event. Further, when there is no interruption within another set period from the time when the automatic return function is enabled, the automatic return function is changed from enabled to disabled. As the automatic return function, for example, those disclosed in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 described above can be used.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and closed by the occurrence of a shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S1). At this time, the interruption event code for identifying which kind of interruption event has occurred is stored in the RAM 4. The interruption event codes are set such that the total flow interruption is “1”, the increased flow interruption is “2”, and the usage time interruption is “3”.

  After the shut-off, when the return switch 8 is operated and a return signal is input, the CPU 2 performs safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and normal pressure. Is driven to open the valve so that normal gas can be used.

  Next, each time the interruption is performed, the number of interruptions is counted up for each interruption type (and therefore for each interruption event code) by the interruption number counter provided for each interruption type built in the CPU 2. (Step S2). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of times of shut-off exceeds a preset number of times (or a preset number of times preset to correspond to each) (step S3). If any one of the shut-off times exceeds the set number (or the corresponding set number) (Yes in step S3), then the automatic return function is set to be valid (step S4).

  For example, if the set number of times corresponding to use time interruption is set to 3 times in advance, when using a gas stove for a long time, the automatic return function is effectively set when the use time interruption is performed 4 times. Is done. After the automatic return function is set to be effective, if the use time is cut off, the automatic return function is activated without operating the return switch 8 and whether or not the gas flow is present or the pressure is normal. If a safety check operation is performed and there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period, and a normal gas usable state is obtained.

  Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the set number of times learning processing operation performed by the CPU 2. First, when an interruption event occurs, a learning timer built in the CPU 2 is started (step S11), and then it is determined whether the count time of the learning timer has exceeded a preset learning period (step S12). . If not exceeded (Yes in step S12), the process is then terminated. On the other hand, if it exceeds (No in step S12), the cutoff set number counter is reset (step S13), and then the process returns to step S11. Next, in step S11, the learning timer is reset and restarted, and thereafter the same processing is performed.

  For example, when the set learning period corresponding to the usage time block is set to 1 week, if the usage time block occurs four times within one week after the first usage time block occurs, the process of FIG. The function is set to valid. After one week has elapsed, the interruption number counter corresponding to the use time interruption is reset in step S13, and after the next use time interruption occurs, the operations of steps S11 to S13 are repeated again. Even if the usage time is interrupted three times or less within one week, the automatic return function is not effectively set.

  As described above, when the above-mentioned shutoff, which the gas consumer is aware of to some extent, is repeated, automatic return is effective through learning, which reduces the burden of pressing the return button each time the gas meter is installed. It is.

  (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, when interruption of the same event is repeated a number of times set within a set period by learning, automatic return is possible only for that interruption event. However, in the second embodiment, in the gas meter shown in FIG. 2, the automatic return function is changed from valid to invalid when the automatic return function is not interrupted within another set period from when the automatic return function is valid. It is what is done.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and closed by the occurrence of a shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S1). At this time, the interruption event code for identifying which kind of interruption event has occurred is stored in the RAM 4. The interruption event code is set, for example, as “1” for total flow interruption, “2” for increase flow interruption, and “3” for usage time interruption.

  After the shut-off, when the return switch 8 is operated and a return signal is input, the CPU 2 performs safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and normal pressure. Is driven to open the valve so that normal gas can be used.

  Next, each time the interruption is performed, the number of interruptions is counted up for each interruption type (and therefore for each interruption event code) by the interruption number counter provided for each interruption type built in the CPU 2. (Step S2). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of times of shut-off exceeds a preset number of times (or a preset number of times preset to correspond to each) (step S3). If any one of the shut-off times exceeds the set number (or the corresponding set number) (Yes in step S3), then the automatic return function is set to be valid (step S4).

  For example, if the set number of times corresponding to use time interruption is preset to 3 times, when using the gas stove for a long time, the automatic return function is activated at the time when the interruption is performed 4 times continuously due to use time interruption. Set to valid. After the automatic return function is set to be effective, if the use time is cut off, the automatic return function is activated without operating the return switch 8 and whether or not the gas flow is present or the pressure is normal. If a safety check operation is performed and there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period, and a normal gas usable state is obtained.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a blocking event in which the automatic return function is set to be effective (step S5).

  If the answer to step S5 is Yes, the shutoff valve 6 is driven to close the valve, the gas flow is shut off (step S6), then the automatic return function is activated (step S7), and the process is then terminated. .

  On the other hand, if the answer to step S5 is No, it is determined whether or not a predetermined period has elapsed (step S8). If the answer has elapsed, then the automatic return function is set to invalid (step S9), and then processing is performed. Exit.

  For example, after the automatic return function is set to be effective, the automatic return function for the usage time block is set to be invalid after a predetermined period of time. Work from is done.

  As described above, when the above-mentioned shutoff, which the gas consumer is aware of to some extent, is repeated, automatic return is effective through learning, which reduces the burden of pressing the return button each time the gas meter is installed. It is. On the other hand, for the interruption that occurs once (or at a frequency equal to or less than the set number of times), the probability of interruption due to gas leakage increases. In this case, it is necessary for the gas company to perform repairs or the like on site, and it is necessary to restore the facility after ensuring the safety of the facility. Therefore, as in the present invention, with regard to single-off (or a frequency equal to or less than the set number of times), automatic return is disabled and safety is ensured, and then the safety is improved by manually returning with the return switch 8.

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

  For example, in the above-described best mode, the automatic return with respect to the use time interruption has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be similarly applied to other interruption events.

It is a basic lineblock diagram showing the gas meter which enforces the gas interruption recovery method concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a block diagram which shows the gas meter which implements the gas interruption | blocking return method which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. (First embodiment) It is a flowchart which shows the gas interruption | blocking reset process operation | movement which CPU2 which implements the gas interruption | blocking return method of 1st Embodiment performs. (First embodiment) It is a flowchart which shows the learning process operation | movement of the setting frequency which CPU2 performs. (First embodiment) It is a flowchart which shows the gas interruption | blocking reset process operation | movement which CPU2 which implements the gas interruption | blocking return method of 2nd Embodiment performs. (Second Embodiment)

Explanation of symbols

1 Microcomputer (μCOM)
2 CPU (determination means, control means)
3 ROM
4 RAM (storage means)
5 Flow detection section 6 Shut-off valve 7 Display section 8 Return switch 9 Communication section

Claims (4)

A gas shut-off return method for automatically returning the shut-off valve closed by the occurrence of a shut-off event to the valve open state,
The gas shut-off is set so that the automatic return function is enabled only for the specific type of shut-off event when a specific type of shut-off event occurs for a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period. Return method. In the gas shut-off return method according to claim 1,
The gas shut-off return method, wherein the automatic return function is set to be invalid when the specific type of shut-off event does not occur for a predetermined time after the automatic return function is set to be effective. A gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning a shut-off valve that has been closed due to the occurrence of a shut-off event to an open state,
Storage means for storing the type of the blocking event;
A determination unit that determines whether or not a specific type of blocking event among the types of blocking events stored in the storage unit has occurred a predetermined number of times or more in a predetermined period;
When the determination means determines that the specific type of interruption event has occurred more than a preset number of times within a predetermined period, the automatic return function is enabled only for the specific type of interruption event. And a control means for setting the gas meter. The gas meter according to claim 3, wherein
The control means sets the automatic return function to be invalid when the specific type of shut-off event has not occurred for a predetermined time after the automatic return function is set to be effective. .

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