JP2006250791A - Gas shutoff reset method and gas meter - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas meter capable of improving safety while securing convenience in automatic reset after a shutoff. <P>SOLUTION: The gas meter with an automatic reset function for automatically resetting a shutoff valve 6 in a shutoff state to an open-valve state includes, as shown in Fig. (A), a storage means 4 for storing a flag indicating the validity or invalidity of the automatic reset function for every section of the quantity of flow; a first determination means 2c for determining whether a registered quantity of flow immediately before a shutoff lies within a valid section of the automatic reset function in the case that a shutoff phenomenon has occurred; and a control means 2b for automatically resetting the shutoff valve 6 in the case that it is determined by the first determination means 2c that the registered quantity of flow immediately before the shutoff lies within a valid section of the automatic reset function. <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.

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. When there is a flow, the shut-off valve is closed again. When there is no gas flow, the shut-off valve is opened as it is or when the shut-off valve is shut off as in Japanese Patent No. 3565552 (Patent Document 2). When it is determined that the output signal is equal to or higher than a preset pressure, the shutoff valve is automatically returned. Next, determine whether there is a change in the gas flow rate until a predetermined time before shutoff, and if there is no flow rate change, put the gas meter into the normal use state, and if there is a flow rate change, check the return safety In which the gas meter is put into a normal use state is disclosed.
Japanese Patent No. 3051577 Japanese Patent No. 3565552

  However, in the above-mentioned patent, since automatic return is not restricted, for example, if the operating time is shut off when the gas stove is forgotten to be turned off, the gas leaks indoors when it is in the open state. In spite of this, there is a problem that safety considerations are lacking even though the safety after returning is confirmed.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-described conventional problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gas meter that can improve safety while ensuring convenience in automatic return after interruption.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state, wherein a setting step for setting in advance whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each flow rate category, and the shut-off event occurs In this case, a first determination step for determining whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return function effective category, and a determination that the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return function valid category at the first determination step. And an automatic return step for automatically returning the shut-off valve.

  The invention according to claim 2 is the gas shutoff return method according to claim 1, wherein the setting step sets in advance whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of shutoff event and for each flow rate classification, When the blocking event occurs, the method further includes a second determination step for determining whether or not the type of the blocking event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the automatic return step includes the second determination. If it is determined in step that the type of the interruption event is a type set as automatic return function enabled, and it is determined in the first determination step that the registered flow rate immediately before the interruption is within the automatic return function effective category, The shut-off valve is automatically returned.

  The invention according to claim 3 is a gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state, wherein a setting step for presetting whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each flow rate category, and the shut-off event occurs A first determination step for determining whether or not there is a registered flow rate in the automatic return function valid category before shutting down, and if there is a shutdown event, whether or not there is a registered flow rate in the automatic return function invalid category before shutting down The shut-off valve, when it is determined that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function valid category in the second judgment step and the first judgment step and there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid category in the second judgment step And an automatic return step for automatically returning.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the gas shutoff return method according to the third aspect, the setting step sets in advance whether the automatic return function is enabled or disabled for each type of shutoff event and for each flow rate, and the method includes: When the interruption event occurs, the method further includes a third determination step for determining whether or not the type of the interruption event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the automatic return step includes the third determination. In step, it is determined that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and in the first determination step, it is determined that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective category, and in the second determination step, automatic return When it is determined that there is no registered flow rate of the function invalid classification, the shut-off valve is automatically returned.

  The invention according to claim 5 further comprises a fourth determination step for determining whether or not the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is equal to or greater than the continuous use determination volume in the gas shutoff return method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the automatic return step includes: The shut-off valve is automatically returned when it is determined that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is greater than or equal to the fourth determination step.

  The invention according to claim 6 is a gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state, wherein a setting step for presetting whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of shut-off event, An identification step for receiving the transmitted instrument ID signal to identify the gas instrument, and whether or not the type of the cutoff event is a type set to enable the automatic return function when the cutoff event occurs A first determination step for determining, a second determination step for determining whether or not the gas appliance identified in the identification step and having the automatic return function valid setting is used, and the identification step. A third determination step for determining whether or not a gas appliance which is an automatic return function invalid setting is unused, and the type of the shut-off event is the automatic return function enabled in the first determination step. It is determined that the type is set, and it is determined in the second determination step that the gas appliance with the automatic return function enabled setting is used, and the gas appliance with the automatic return function disabled setting is not used in the third determination step. And an automatic return step of automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined.

  The invention according to claim 7 is a gas shut-off return method for automatically returning the shut-off valve in the shut-off state, and whether the registered flow rate in the predetermined flow rate category continues for the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume. A determination step for determining whether or not, and in the determination step, if it is determined that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume or more continues, the automatic return function is enabled, and if it is not determined, the automatic return function And a setting step for setting so as to be invalidated.

  The invention according to claim 8 is a gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning the shut-off valve 6 in the shut-off state to the valve open state as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Storage means 4 for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid, and a first determination for determining whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the cutoff is within the automatic return function valid category when the cutoff event occurs Means 2c and control means 2b for automatically returning the shutoff valve 6 when the first judgment means 2c determines that the registered flow rate immediately before shutoff is within the automatic return function effective section. Features.

The invention according to claim 9 is the gas meter according to claim 8, as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG.
The storage means 4 stores a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of interruption event and each flow rate category,
The gas meter further includes second determination means 2d for determining a type of the interruption event when the interruption event occurs,
The control means determines that the second determination means 2d determines that the type of the interruption event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the first determination means 2c determines the registered flow rate immediately before the interruption. Is determined to be within the automatic return function effective category, the shut-off valve 6 is automatically returned.

  The invention according to claim 10 is a gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state to a valve open state as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. Storage means for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid; first determination means for determining the presence or absence of a registered flow rate of the automatic return function valid section when the interruption event occurs; and When it occurs, the second determination means for determining the presence or absence of the registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section and the first determination means determine that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function valid section and the second Control means for automatically returning the shut-off valve when the determination means determines that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section.

  As shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1 (C), the invention according to claim 11 is the gas meter according to claim 10, wherein the storage means 4 has an automatic return function for each type of shut-off event and each flow rate category. A flag indicating validity or invalidity is stored, and the gas meter further includes third determination means 2e for determining a type of the interruption event when the interruption event occurs, and the control means includes the third determination means 2e. The determination means 2e determines that the type of the interruption event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the first determination means 2c determines that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective classification and the first When the determination means 2d of No. 2 determines that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section, the shutoff valve 6 is automatically returned.

  As shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. 1D, the invention described in claim 12 is the gas meter according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the fourth meter for determining whether or not the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is exceeded. The control means 2b automatically returns the shut-off valve when the fourth determination means 2f determines that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is greater than or equal to the determination means 2f. And

  The invention according to claim 13 is a gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning the shut-off valve 6 in the shut-off state to the valve open state as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. The storage means 4 for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type, the identification means 2g for receiving the appliance ID signal transmitted from the gas appliance and identifying the gas appliance, and the interruption event occurs In this case, it is determined whether or not the first determination means 2c for determining the type of the interruption event and the gas appliance identified by the identification means 2g and having the automatic return function valid setting are used. A second determination means 2d for determining, a third determination means 2e for determining whether the gas appliance identified by the identification means 2g and having the automatic return function invalid setting is unused, and the first In the determination means 2c, It is determined that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and it is determined by the second determination means 2d that the gas appliance having the automatic return function enabled setting is used and the third The determination means 2e includes a control means 2b for automatically returning the shut-off valve 6 when it is determined that the gas appliance having the automatic return function invalid setting is unused.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the present invention, for example, the flow rate classification that is the gas consumption zone of the water heater is set to automatically return effective, and the flow rate classification that is the gas consumption zone of the gas stove is set to automatic return invalidity in advance. In the case of a water heater when the usage time is shut off, there is no problem in safety because gas does not leak even if it is automatically restored immediately, and it is convenient because there is no need to open the plug with the return button of the gas meter. On the other hand, in the case of a gas stove, there is a possibility that the gas stopper is open, and it is safe because it is possible to prevent gas leakage due to automatic return by setting automatic return invalid. As described above, safety can be improved while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used.

  According to the second and ninth aspects of the invention, for example, the flow rate classification that is the gas consumption zone of the water heater is set in advance to automatically return effective, and the flow rate division that is the gas consumption zone of the gas stove is preset to be automatic return invalidity, and the use is shut off By setting the event as automatic return enabled, there is no problem in safety because the gas does not leak even if the hot water heater is automatically restarted when the usage time is shut off. It is convenient because it is not necessary to open the plug. On the other hand, in the case of a gas stove, there is a possibility that the gas stopper is open, and it is safe because it is possible to prevent gas leakage due to automatic return by setting automatic return invalid. As described above, safety can be improved while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used.

  According to the third and tenth aspects of the present invention, for example, a water heater and a gas stove located in different flow rates can be discriminated by flow rate classification, and whether or not automatic return can be selected can be selected depending on the gas appliance being used. Thus, safety can be improved while ensuring convenience.

  According to the fourth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, for example, a water heater and a gas stove located in different flow rates can be discriminated according to the flow rate classification, and depending on the type of gas appliance used and the interruption event, It is possible to improve safety while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select availability.

  According to the inventions of claims 5 and 12, for example, the gas stove and the gas stove located in the same flow rate zone can be discriminated by the use time or the use volume of the gas continuously used, and depending on the gas appliance used. By making it possible to select whether or not automatic restoration is possible, it is possible to improve safety while ensuring convenience.

  According to the sixth and thirteenth aspects of the invention, the gas appliance is identified based on the appliance ID signal transmitted from the gas appliance, and it is possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used. The safety can be improved while securing the above.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the registered flow rate in the predetermined flow rate category continues for more than the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume, for example, when the gas stove is continuously used, automatic recovery is performed. Even if the function is enabled and the usage time is interrupted during subsequent use, the shut-off valve can be automatically reset, so it is convenient to enable or disable automatic return depending on the gas appliance being used. The safety can be improved while securing the above.

  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 the control unit 2b, the first determination unit 2c, the second determination unit 2d, the third determination unit 2e, the fourth determination unit 2f, and the identification unit 2g 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 use time cutoff value is set so as to gradually become shorter from the small flow rate section corresponding to each of the flow rate sections divided from the small flow rate section to the large flow volume section of the flow rate table, for example, from the section 1 to the 13th section. . 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 also stores a flag indicating whether the automatic return function set in advance for each type of interruption event (that is, an interruption event code) is valid or invalid. Further, the RAM 4 also stores an automatic return valid section that is preset to allow the automatic return function and an automatic return invalid section that is preset to prohibit the automatic return function, among the flow rate sections of the flow rate table. is doing. 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 a membrane type, ultrasonic type sensor, or 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.

  Furthermore, the gas meter of the present invention operates so as to be able to select valid / invalid of the automatic return at the time of shutoff by the gas appliance being used. Conventionally, a gas meter estimates a gas appliance by calculating a gas consumption amount per unit time based on a flow rate signal, and capturing the change amount and registering it in a flow rate table. Therefore, in the gas meter of the present invention, whether or not the gas consumption (gas appliance) registered in the flow rate table immediately before the gas cutoff is within the range of the gas consumption (gas appliance) allowing the automatic return function set in advance is determined. Determine. As a result of the determination, if it is within the automatic return permission range, it automatically recovers, and if it is out of the range, the shut-off state is maintained without automatic return.

  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). Next, it is determined whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before shut-off is within the automatic return effective category (step S3). If the answer to step S3 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the first embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return effective category. However, if it is outside the automatic return valid category, the state of being shut off is maintained as before.

  Therefore, for example, the flow rate classification (for example, the flow rate classification 5) that is the gas consumption band of the water heater is set in advance to enable automatic return, and the flow rate classification (for example, the flow rate classification 2) that is the gas consumption band of the gas stove is set in advance to be invalid. In the case of a hot water heater when it is shut off, there is no problem with safety because gas does not leak even if it is automatically restored immediately, and it is not necessary to open the gas meter with the return button of the gas meter. is there. On the other hand, in the case of a gas stove, there is a possibility that the gas stopper is open. Therefore, by setting the automatic return impossible, it is safe because leakage of gas due to automatic return can be prevented. Safety can be improved while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used as described above.

  (Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, whether or not the shut-off valve is automatically returned is determined according to whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return effective category. In the embodiment of the present invention, it is further determined whether or not the automatic return function enable setting is a cutoff event, and if the automatic return function enable setting is a cutoff event that is within the automatic return enable category, the automatic return function is automatically set and the automatic return function enable setting is set. Even if the interruption event is outside the automatic return effective category, the interruption state is maintained as before.

  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.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interruption event is an interruption event of the automatic return function enable setting (step S2). This determination is made by checking the valid / invalid flag of the automatic return function for each type of shut-off event (shut-off event code) stored in the RAM 4.

  If the answer to step S2 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S3. For example, if a valid flag of the automatic return function is set in advance for the interruption event of the usage time interruption, the process proceeds to step S3 if the interruption event is an interruption of the usage time. In step 3, it is determined whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the interruption is within the automatic return effective category. If the answer to step S3 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the second embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether the shut-off event that has occurred is a use time shut-off, and the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is the automatic return effective category. It is determined whether or not it is within, and if it is within the use time cut-off and within the automatic return effective category, it will automatically return, and even if the use time is cut off, if it is outside the auto-return valid category, it will remain off as before Maintain the state.

  Therefore, for example, the flow rate classification (for example, the flow rate classification 5) that is the gas consumption band of the water heater is set in advance to enable automatic return, and the flow rate classification (for example, the flow rate classification 2) that is the gas consumption band of the gas stove is set in advance to be invalid. Therefore, in the case of a hot water heater when the operating time is shut off, there is no problem in safety because gas does not leak even if it is automatically restored immediately, and it is not necessary to open the plug with the gas meter return button. Convenient. On the other hand, in the case of a gas stove, there is a possibility that the gas stopper is open. Therefore, by setting the automatic return impossible, it is safe because leakage of gas due to automatic return can be prevented. Safety can be improved while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used as described above.

  (Third Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, whether or not the shut-off valve is automatically returned is determined according to whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return effective category. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, in the gas meter shown in FIG. 2, the automatic return function invalid category and the automatic return invalid category are registered in accordance with the presence / absence of the registered flow rate. When there is a flow rate, it will not automatically return.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the third 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 some sort of shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S11). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return effective classification before the shut-off (step S13). If the answer to step S13 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return invalid section.

  If the answer to step S14 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, an automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the third embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate in the automatic return effective category and the automatic return invalid category in the registered flow rate value before cutoff, and before the cutoff. If the registered flow rate has a registered flow rate for the automatic return valid category and there is no registered flow rate for the automatic return function disabled category, it will automatically return.

  Therefore, for example, a water heater and a gas stove that are located in different flow rates can be identified by flow rate classification. That is, in a gas meter in which a gas stove and a water heater are connected to the gas supply path, if a cutoff occurs, and there is a history of using the water heater before the cutoff, the registered flow rate corresponding to a category other than the flow rate category where the gas stove is located Because there was also, there is no automatic return. However, in the gas meter in which only the gas stove is connected to the gas supply path, when the shut-off occurs, there is no registered flow rate corresponding to a section other than the flow-rate section where the gas stove is located before the shut-off, and therefore it automatically returns.

  (Fourth Embodiment) In the third embodiment described above, whether or not the shut-off valve is automatically returned is determined according to the determination of the presence or absence of the registered flow rate in the automatic return valid section and the automatic return invalid section. In the fourth embodiment, it is further determined whether or not the automatic return function valid setting is a cut-off event, and even if the automatic return function valid setting is a cut-off event and there is a registered flow of the automatic return valid category, the automatic return function When there is a registered flow rate of invalid category, it will not automatically return.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the fourth 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 some sort of shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S11). At this time, the interruption event code for identifying which kind of interruption event has occurred is stored in the RAM 4.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interruption event is an interruption event of the automatic return function enable setting (step S12). This determination is made by checking the valid / invalid flag of the automatic return function for each type of shut-off event (shut-off event code) stored in the RAM 4.

  If the answer to step S12 is No, the process ends. If Yes, the process proceeds to step S13. For example, if a valid flag of the automatic return function is set in advance for the interruption event of the usage time interruption, the process proceeds to step S13 if the interruption event is an interruption of the usage time. In step 13, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return effective classification before the interruption. If the answer to step S13 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S14. In step S14, it is determined whether there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return invalid section.

  If the answer to step S14 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, an automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not the shut-off event that has occurred is a shut-off event of the automatic return function valid setting, and the registered flow rate of the automatic return valid category In addition, it is determined whether there is no registration flow rate of the automatic recovery function invalid category, and it is a cutoff event (for example, usage time cutoff) of the automatic recovery function enable setting, and registration before shutdown If the flow rate value has a registered flow rate for the automatic return valid category and there is no registered flow rate for the automatic return function invalid category, it automatically returns.

  Therefore, for example, a water heater and a gas stove that are located in different flow rates can be identified by flow rate classification. That is, in a gas meter in which a gas stove and a water heater are connected to the gas supply path, when the usage time of the gas stove is interrupted for a long time, if the water heater has been used before the shutdown, the flow rate classification where the gas stove is located There is also a registered flow rate that falls under the category other than, so it will not automatically return. However, in a gas meter in which only the gas stove is connected to the gas supply path, if the usage time is interrupted due to long-term use of the gas stove, the registered flow rate corresponding to a category other than the flow rate category where the gas stove is located before the gas stove is shut off Because there is no, it returns automatically.

  (Fifth Embodiment) In the third embodiment described above, when a gas appliance is discriminated, if there is a registered flow value of an automatic return function invalid section, automatic return is not performed. In addition to the third embodiment, different types of gas appliances located in the same flow rate zone are discriminated by the usage time or the usage volume of the gas continuously used.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the fifth 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 some sort of shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S21). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return effective classification before the interruption. If the answer to step S23 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S24. In step 24, it is determined whether or not the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is exceeded.

  For example, a gas stove and a gas stove correspond to the same flow rate section in which the gas is used, but in general, a gas stove is often used for a longer time than a gas stove. Therefore, the RAM 4 stores in advance a continuous use determination time indicating a continuous use determination time or a gas use volume during continuous use, which is a reference for determining that the gas stove is continuously used. When the interruption occurs, the registered flow rate has continued longer than the continuous use determination time based on the continuous use before the interruption, or the gas usage volume based on the continuous use before the interruption is determined to be used continuously. Judge whether it was more than volume. Note that the gas usage volume based on the continuous use before the shutoff can be calculated by providing the RAM 4 with a counter area for counting the registered flow rate during the continuous use before the shutoff.

  If the answer to step S24 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return invalid classification before the interruption.

  If the answer to step S25 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return effective category, and then whether or not the continuous use determination time or the use volume is exceeded. In addition, it is determined whether there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid category, and there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return valid category and it is longer than the continuous use judgment time or usage volume, and the automatic return function invalid category If there is no registered flow rate, it will automatically return.

  Therefore, for example, the gas stove and the gas stove located in the same flow rate zone can be discriminated based on the use time or the use volume of the gas continuously used, and the gas stove can be automatically used when it is shut off.

  (Sixth Embodiment) In the fifth embodiment described above, it is determined whether or not the automatic return is performed based on the presence or absence of the registered flow rate of the automatic return valid section and the automatic return invalid section. In addition to the embodiment, it is further determined whether or not the automatic return function valid setting is a cutoff event.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the sixth 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 some sort of shutoff event to shut off the gas flow (step S21). At this time, the interruption event code for identifying which kind of interruption event has occurred is stored in the RAM 4.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interruption event is an interruption event of the automatic return function enable setting (step S22). This determination is made by checking the valid / invalid flag of the automatic return function for each type of shut-off event (shut-off event code) stored in the RAM 4.

  If the answer to step S22 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S23. For example, if the effective flag of the automatic return function is set in advance for the interruption event for the usage time interruption, the process proceeds to step S23 if the interruption event is the usage time interruption. In step 23, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return effective classification before the interruption. If the answer to step S23 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S24. In step 24, it is determined whether or not the continuous use determination time or the use volume is exceeded.

  If the answer to step S24 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S25. In step S25, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return invalid classification before the interruption.

  If the answer to step S25 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not the shut-off event that has occurred is a shut-off event (for example, a use time shut-off) of the automatic return function enable setting. At the same time, it is determined whether or not there is a registered flow rate for the automatic return valid category, then it is determined whether or not the continuous use determination time or the usage volume is exceeded, and whether or not there is a registered flow rate for the automatic return function invalid category. If the automatic recovery function enabled setting is a cut-off event and the automatic recovery enabled section has a registered flow rate that is longer than the continuous use determination time or volume, and if there is no registered flow in the automatic recovery function disabled section, Return.

  Therefore, for example, the gas stove and the gas stove located in the same flow rate zone can be discriminated by the use time or the use volume of the gas continuously used.

  (Seventh Embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the gas appliance is discriminated based on whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before shutoff is within the automatic return function effective category. In the gas meter shown in Fig. 2, the use status of the gas appliance is grasped by receiving the appliance ID signal for identifying the gas appliance, which is transmitted from the gas appliance, and is set in advance as the gas appliance that was in use immediately before the shutoff. It is determined by comparing with the valid / invalid setting of the automatic return function for each gas appliance.

  Hereinafter, the gas cutoff return processing operation performed by the CPU 2 that performs the gas cutoff return method of the seventh 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 S31). At this time, the interruption event code for identifying which kind of interruption event has occurred is stored in the RAM 4.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the interruption event is an interruption event of the automatic return function enable setting (step S32). This determination is made by checking the valid / invalid flag of the automatic return function for each type of shut-off event (shut-off event code) stored in the RAM 4.

  If the answer to step S32 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S33. For example, if the valid flag of the automatic return function is set in advance for the interruption event of the usage time interruption, the process proceeds to step S33 if the interruption event is an interruption of the usage time. In step 33, it is determined whether or not the gas appliance having the automatic return function valid setting is used. Here, the gas appliance table in which the appliance ID and the automatic return function valid / invalid flag are set is stored in the RAM 4 in advance, and the appliance ID signal transmitted from the gas appliance is transmitted via the communication unit 9 ( Alternatively, the CPU 2 receives (via a control device connected to the gas meter) and determines the received instrument ID by referring to the gas instrument table. If the gas appliance with the automatic return function valid setting is used (Yes in step S33), the process proceeds to step S34.

  Next, it is determined whether or not a gas appliance with the automatic return function disabled setting is not used other than the gas appliance with the automatic return function enabled setting (step S34). If the answer to step S34 is no, the process ends. If yes, the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, automatic return by the automatic return function is performed. At the time of this automatic recovery, safety confirmation work such as the presence or absence of gas flow and whether or not the pressure is normal is performed. If there is no abnormality, the shutoff valve 6 is driven and opened after a predetermined period of time so that the normal gas can be used. Become.

  As described above, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the gas meter is shut off, it is determined whether or not the shut-off event that has occurred is a use time shut-off, and whether or not an automatic return effective instrument is used. Further, it is determined whether or not the automatic return invalid device is unused. If the use time is cut off and the automatic return effective device is used and the automatic return invalid device is not used, the automatic return invalid device is automatically returned.

  Therefore, for example, the gas appliance is identified by receiving the appliance ID, and the gas appliance used immediately before the shutoff is automatically restored, and the automatic restoration is performed when the gas appliance having the automatic restoration function disabled is not used. . If a gas appliance with the automatic return function enabled and a gas appliance with the automatic return function disabled are used at the same time, the automatic recovery is not performed.

  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, as another embodiment using the determination based on the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume described in the fifth and sixth embodiments, automatic based on the determination result based on the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume. The return function may be set to be valid or invalid. In this case, the CPU 2 determines whether or not the registered flow rate in the predetermined flow rate category continues for the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume (determination step), and exceeds the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume. If it is determined that the automatic return function is continued, the automatic return function is enabled, and if it is not determined, the automatic return function is disabled (setting step). As a result, when the registered flow rate in the predetermined flow rate category continues for the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume, for example, when the gas stove is continuously used, the automatic return function is enabled, Even if the usage time is cut off due to continuous use of the gas stove, the shutoff valve can be automatically reset. Therefore, safety can be improved while ensuring convenience by making it possible to select whether or not automatic return is possible depending on the gas appliance being used.

  Moreover, you may set validity / invalidity of an automatic return function by the presence or absence of the safety device of a gas appliance. Gas appliances such as water heaters, gas stoves, and gas stoves include models that are equipped with safety devices such as extinguishing safety devices that shut off the gas supply path when the gas supply is stopped and the flames disappear, and models that do not. is there. If a safety device is installed in the gas appliance in addition to the return safety check function of the gas meter, it is possible to secure double security, so the automatic return function is enabled for convenience, and the safety device is If it is not installed, prioritize safety and disable the automatic return function.

  Further, when an outdoor gas appliance is used, the automatic return function may be set to be effective, and the indoor gas appliance may be set to be invalid. As it is common to open a window and let the gas escape as a measure when the gas leaks into the room, in the case of a gas leak, the gas leaks outdoors rather than indoors. It is safe because it spreads. In this way, the gas appliances installed in a safe place where there is no risk of gas stagnation, the automatic return function is set to be effective with priority on convenience, and conversely, it is installed in a place where gas may stagnate. For gas appliances, priority is given to ensuring safety and the automatic return function is disabled.

  Further, the gas appliance at the location where the gas leak alarm is installed may be set to enable the automatic return function, and the gas appliance at the location where the gas leak alarm is not installed may be set to be invalid. The gas accident prevention effect of the gas leak alarm is well known, and if a gas leak alarm is installed in the vicinity of the gas appliance, the automatic return function is set to be effective with priority on convenience. If not, the automatic recovery function is disabled to give priority to safety.

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 gas interruption | blocking reset process operation | movement which CPU2 which implements the gas interruption | blocking return method of 2nd Embodiment performs. (Second 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 3rd Embodiment performs. (Third 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 4th Embodiment performs. (Fourth 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 5th Embodiment performs. (Fifth 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 6th Embodiment performs. (Sixth 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 7th Embodiment performs. (Seventh embodiment)

Explanation of symbols

1 Microcomputer (μCOM)
2 CPU (first determination means, second determination means, third determination means, fourth determination means, control means, identification 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 (13)

A gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state,
A setting step for presetting whether the automatic return function is enabled or disabled for each flow rate category;
A first determination step of determining whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the interruption is within the automatic return function effective category when the interruption event occurs;
An automatic return step for automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined in the first determination step that the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is within the automatic return function effective category. In the gas shut-off return method according to claim 1,
The setting step sets in advance whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of interruption event and each flow rate category,
The method further includes a second determination step of determining whether or not the type of the interruption event is a type set to enable the automatic return function when the interruption event occurs,
In the automatic return step, it is determined in the second determination step that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and in the first determination step, the registered flow rate immediately before the shut-off is determined to be effective in the automatic return function. A gas shut-off return method, comprising: automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined to be within a category. A gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state,
A setting step for presetting whether the automatic return function is enabled or disabled for each flow rate category;
A first determination step of determining the presence or absence of a registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective classification before the shut-off when the shut-off event occurs;
A second determination step for determining the presence or absence of a registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid classification before the shut-off when the shut-off event occurs;
An automatic return step for automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined in the first determination step that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function valid section and in the second determination step that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section A gas shut-off return method comprising: In the gas cutoff recovery method according to claim 3,
The setting step sets in advance whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of interruption event and each flow rate category,
The method further includes a third determination step of determining whether or not the type of the cutoff event is a type set to enable the automatic return function when the cutoff event occurs,
In the automatic return step, it is determined in the third determination step that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and in the first determination step, it is determined that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective category. And when the second determination step determines that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section, the gas cutoff return method includes: automatically returning the cutoff valve. In the gas shut-off return method according to claim 3 or 4,
A fourth determination step for determining whether the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is exceeded,
The gas shut-off return method characterized in that the automatic return step automatically returns the shut-off valve when it is determined that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is greater than or equal to the fourth determination step. A gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state,
A setting step for presetting whether the automatic return function is enabled or disabled for each type of blocking event;
An identification step for receiving the appliance ID signal transmitted from the gas appliance and identifying the gas appliance;
A first determination step of determining whether or not the type of the cutoff event is a type set to enable the automatic return function when the cutoff event occurs;
A second determination step of determining whether or not the gas appliance identified in the identification step and using the automatic recovery function valid setting is used;
A third determination step of determining whether or not the gas appliance identified in the identification step and having the automatic return function invalid setting is unused;
In the first determination step, it is determined that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and in the second determination step, it is determined that the gas appliance having the automatic return function enabled setting is used. An automatic return step of automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined that the automatic return function invalid setting gas appliance is not used in the third determination step. A gas shut-off return method for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state,
A determination step for determining whether or not the registered flow rate in the predetermined flow rate category continues for the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume;
Setting that the automatic return function is enabled when it is determined that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume or more is continued in the determination step, and the automatic return function is disabled when it is not determined. A gas shutoff return method comprising the steps of: A gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state to a valve open state,
Storage means for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each flow rate category;
First determination means for determining whether or not the registered flow rate immediately before the shutdown is within the automatic return function effective category when the shutdown event occurs;
A gas meter comprising: control means for automatically returning the shutoff valve when the first judgment means judges that the registered flow rate immediately before shutoff is within the automatic return function effective category. The gas meter according to claim 8, wherein
The storage means stores a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of interruption event and for each flow rate category,
The gas meter further includes second determination means for determining a type of the interruption event when the interruption event occurs,
The control means determines that the second determining means determines that the type of the interruption event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the first determining means automatically determines the registered flow rate immediately before the interruption. A gas meter that automatically returns the shut-off valve when it is determined that the return function is within the effective category. A gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state to a valve open state,
Storage means for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each flow rate category;
First determination means for determining the presence or absence of a registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective section when the blocking event occurs;
Second determination means for determining whether or not there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid section when the blocking event occurs;
When the first determining means determines that there is a registered flow rate of the automatic return function valid category and the second determining means determines that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid category, the shut-off valve is automatically reset. And a control means for controlling the gas meter. The gas meter according to claim 10, wherein
The storage means stores a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of interruption event and for each flow rate category,
The gas meter further includes third determination means for determining a type of the interruption event when the interruption event occurs,
The control means determines that the third determination means is a type in which the type of the interruption event is set as automatic return function enabled, and the first determination means determines the registered flow rate of the automatic return function effective classification. A gas meter that automatically returns the shutoff valve when it is determined that there is no registered flow rate of the automatic return function invalid classification by the second determination means. The gas meter according to claim 10 or 11,
A fourth determination means for determining whether the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is exceeded;
The gas meter is characterized in that the control means automatically returns the shut-off valve when the fourth determination means determines that the continuous use determination time or the continuous use determination volume is equal to or greater. A gas meter having an automatic return function for automatically returning a shut-off valve in a shut-off state to a valve open state,
Storage means for storing a flag indicating whether the automatic return function is valid or invalid for each type of shut-off event;
An identification means for receiving the appliance ID signal transmitted from the gas appliance and identifying the gas appliance;
First determination means for determining a type of the blocking event when the blocking event occurs;
Second determination means for determining whether or not the gas appliance identified by the identification means and using the automatic reset function valid setting is used;
Third determination means for determining whether or not the gas appliance identified by the identification means and having the automatic return function invalid setting is unused;
The first determination means determines that the type of the shut-off event is a type set to enable the automatic return function, and the second determination means uses a gas appliance with the automatic return function enabled setting. And a control means for automatically returning the shut-off valve when it is determined by the third determination means that the gas appliance of the automatic return function invalid setting is unused.

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