JP2007298393A - Gas meter and remote monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technology capable of executing reset leakage confirmation processing, for example, corresponding to the state of a consumer, with a simple and inexpensive constitution, in a remote monitoring system constituted communicably through a communication network between a membrane type gas meter equipped with a control part for executing the reset leakage confirmation processing for confirming gas circulation and each control part of the gas meter, in a confirmation time from the point of time of cutoff release when cutoff by a cutoff valve is released. <P>SOLUTION: The control part of the gas meter is constituted so that a confirmation mode can be switched alternatively between a normal confirmation mode for setting the confirmation time in the reset leakage confirmation processing as a normal confirmation time, and a caution confirmation time for setting the confirmation time in the reset leakage confirmation processing as a caution confirmation time which is longer than the normal confirmation time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention includes a gas flow path through which a gas flows, a metering mechanism that generates a metering pulse signal when gas is supplied to and discharged from a metering chamber provided in the gas flow path, and a gas flow path in the gas flow path. A check valve capable of shutting off the flow, and a state in which a measurement pulse signal is generated from the measurement mechanism unit at a predetermined check time from the release of the shut-off when the shut-off by the shut-off valve is released are confirmed as a leak state, A gas meter provided with a control unit that executes a return leakage confirmation process for blocking by the shut-off valve when confirmed, and each control unit of the gas meter installed on each of one or more consumers The present invention relates to a remote monitoring system configured to be communicable via a communication network.

The gas meter is installed in each customer's house, customer's building, business office, etc. so that the gas supplier who supplies gas knows the accumulated supply of gas to the customer. As such a gas meter, a membrane-type gas meter is mainly used.
Such a membrane type gas meter circulates gas through a gas flow channel in a form in which gas is supplied to and discharged from the measurement chamber provided in the gas flow channel for each unit volume of measurement, and supplies the above-mentioned supply of the membrane part constituting the measurement chamber. It has a metering mechanism that generates reciprocating motion accompanying exhaust gas by converting it into a flow rate pulse signal using a reed switch, etc. Each time the metering mechanism generates a flow rate pulse signal, the above metering is performed on the integrated gas flow rate. It is configured to derive an integrated flow rate of gas in a form in which a unit volume is added.
The metering unit volume is a fixed amount for each model of the gas meter. For example, in a No. 5 or No. 7 type gas meter that is widely used in ordinary households, the metering unit volume is 1.7 L.

In general, a gas meter is provided with a shut-off valve capable of shutting off the gas flow. This shut-off valve is used, for example, when an earthquake is detected by a seismic sensor or when a gas leak is detected by a gas sensor. In addition, when an abnormality is detected, the gas is automatically shut off and the supply of gas to the customer side is stopped.
Further, the gas meter provided with the shut-off valve in this way is shut off by the shut-off valve when the gas supply to the consumer side is stopped by shutting off by the shut-off valve, when the return button is pressed. Is configured to be releasable.

Further, such a gas meter is provided with a control unit composed of a microcomputer, and this control unit is configured to perform a gas check at a predetermined confirmation time such as 2 minutes after the shutoff release time when the shutoff by the shutoff valve is released. Check the distribution, and if the gas distribution is confirmed, confirm that there is a possibility that the gas is leaking on the customer side, and when the leakage state is confirmed, shut off with the shut-off valve The gas supply is stopped, and a return leakage confirmation process for ensuring a safe state is performed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
Further, by executing such a return leakage process, if the gas circulation is not confirmed before the confirmation time elapses, the shutoff by the shutoff valve is completely released assuming that there is no leakage state. Therefore, the use of gas on the consumer side can be resumed.

  Further, the return leak confirmation processing of the membrane gas meter is configured to confirm the gas flow depending on whether or not the measurement mechanism section generates at least one measurement pulse signal during the above check time. For example, when the measurement unit volume corresponding to one measurement pulse signal is 1.7 L, and the confirmation time is 2 minutes, 51 L / hour (= 1.7 (L) / If a gas leakage state of 2 (minutes) × 60 (minutes) / 1 (hours) or more occurs, at least one measurement pulse signal is reliably generated in 2 minutes of the confirmation time. Therefore, when a leakage state exceeding a certain flow rate (hereinafter referred to as “leakage confirmation limit flow rate”) such as 51 L / hour is generated by the return leakage confirmation process, the leakage state is surely confirmed. can do.

On the other hand, it is configured to be able to communicate with each control unit of the gas meter installed on each of the one or more consumers via a communication network, and the specific gas meter control unit is remotely shut off by the shut-off valve. There is known a remote monitoring system that can cancel the return and execute the return leakage confirmation process (see, for example, Patent Document 3).
Such a remote monitoring system includes a return command unit that transmits a predetermined return command signal to a control unit of a specific gas meter. The control unit of the gas meter can communicate with the remote monitoring system, and when receiving the return command signal from the remote monitoring system, cancels the shutoff by the shutoff valve and performs the return leak confirmation process. It is configured so that the supply of gas can be safely resumed while checking whether or not it is in a leak state.

  In addition, the control unit of the gas meter transmits a shut-off signal indicating that shut-off by the shut-off valve is performed to the remote monitoring system, so that there is an abnormality such as shut-off by the shut-off valve on the remote monitoring system side On the other hand, the remote monitoring system is provided with a cutoff notification unit that outputs a cutoff notification that can identify the gas meter that is the source of the cutoff signal received in such a manner, and the remote monitoring system operator Can specify a gas meter based on the outputted shut-off notification, and take measures such as transmitting the return command signal to the specific gas meter.

JP 11-183225 A JP-A-3-219534 JP 2002-142276 A

  In the conventional gas meters described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, as described above, the leak check limit flow rate in the return leak check process is determined to be a constant flow rate, and this leak check limit is determined depending on the situation on the customer side. It is not configured to change the flow rate.

  In particular, for example, when a consumer is absent, a return command signal is transmitted from the remote monitoring system described above to a control unit of a gas meter installed in the consumer, and the return leakage confirmation process is remotely executed by the control unit. If you want to make sure that the leakage check limit flow rate in the return leak check process is as small as possible, you can check even a small amount of leaks, ensure high safety, and use gas on the customer side. It is desirable to resume.

  On the other hand, in order to minimize the leakage confirmation limit flow rate in the return leakage confirmation process, the measurement unit volume should be made as small as possible, or the membrane-type weighing mechanism unit can be separated from an ultrasonic type that can detect a minute flow rate. Although it is conceivable to change to the weighing mechanism section, it is not realistic because it complicates the structure and increases the cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication network between a membrane-type gas meter provided with a control unit for executing return leakage confirmation processing and each control unit of the gas meter. In the remote monitoring system configured to be communicable via communication, for example, there is provided a technique capable of executing return leakage confirmation processing according to, for example, a customer's situation with a simple and inexpensive configuration.

  In order to achieve the above object, a gas meter according to the present invention includes a gas flow path through which a gas flows, and a measuring mechanism that generates a measurement pulse signal when gas is supplied to and discharged from a measuring chamber provided in the gas flow path. A state in which a measuring pulse signal is generated from the measuring mechanism unit at a predetermined confirmation time from the time when the shutoff is released when the shutoff by the shutoff valve is released. A gas meter comprising: a control unit that performs a return leakage confirmation process for confirming a leakage state and performing a return leakage confirmation process for blocking by the shut-off valve when the leakage state is confirmed. A normal confirmation mode in which the confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation process is set to a normal confirmation time, and a confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation process is set to a warning confirmation time longer than the normal confirmation time. Alternatively in that it is switchable configured to check mode between the warning confirmation mode.

  According to the first characteristic configuration of the gas meter, the control unit is set to a time different from each other in a confirmation time which is a period for confirming a gas flow when a measurement pulse signal from the measurement mechanism unit is generated in the return leakage confirmation process. For example, a return leakage confirmation process corresponding to a customer's situation is executed with a simple and inexpensive configuration in which the confirmation mode can be selectively switched between the normal confirmation mode and the warning confirmation mode. Can

That is, in the normal confirmation mode in which the control unit sets the confirmation time to a relatively short normal confirmation time, the leakage confirmation limit flow rate that is a limit flow rate that can confirm the leakage state by executing the return leakage confirmation process. Although the leakage confirmation accuracy is reduced due to a large (normally confirmation time is 2 minutes and the measurement unit volume corresponding to one measurement pulse signal is 1.7 L), the leakage confirmation accuracy is reduced. When the leakage state has not occurred, the return leakage confirmation process is completed at an early stage, and the blocking by the blocking valve is completely released, and the use of gas on the consumer side can be resumed.
On the other hand, in the warning confirmation mode in which the control unit sets the confirmation time to a warning confirmation time longer than the normal confirmation time, the flow rate is a limit flow rate at which a leakage state can be confirmed by executing the return leakage confirmation process. Leakage confirmation limit flow is small (1.7L / hour when the warning confirmation time is 60 minutes and the measurement unit volume corresponding to one measurement pulse signal is 1.7L). Although it takes time to resume, it is possible to confirm the leakage state with very high leakage confirmation accuracy.
Therefore, when emphasizing the early resumption of gas use, switch the confirmation mode to the normal confirmation mode and execute the return leakage confirmation process. Conversely, when emphasizing high leakage confirmation accuracy, the confirmation mode Can be executed in accordance with the customer's situation or the like, for example, by switching to the warning confirmation mode.

  In addition to the first characteristic configuration, the second characteristic configuration of the gas meter according to the present invention is such that the control unit can communicate with a remote monitoring system installed outside via a communication network, and When the return command signal is received from the monitoring system, the shut-off by the shut-off valve is released, and the return leak check process is executed by switching to the check mode identified by the return command signal. .

  According to the second characteristic configuration of the gas meter, for example, according to the situation of the customer determined on the remote monitoring system side, the confirmation mode when executing the return confirmation processing is the normal confirmation mode and the warning confirmation mode described above. By generating a return command signal that can identify the confirmation mode and sending it to the control unit of the gas meter, the remote monitoring system can remotely release the shut-off by the shut-off valve and select it. The return leakage confirmation process in the confirmed mode can be executed, and the use of gas suitable for the situation on the customer side can be resumed.

  According to a third characteristic configuration of the gas meter according to the present invention, in addition to any one of the second characteristic configurations, the control unit transmits a cutoff signal indicating that the cutoff has been performed by the cutoff valve to the remote monitoring system. The point is that it is configured to do.

  According to the third characteristic configuration of the gas meter, on the remote monitoring system side, by receiving a cut-off signal from the gas meter, for example, when an earthquake is detected by a seismic sensor or when a gas leak is detected by a gas sensor, an abnormality is detected. It is possible to identify the gas meter that has been detected and blocked by the shut-off valve. Therefore, for example, confirm the situation of the customer or the abnormal state, for example, select an appropriate confirmation mode according to the specific gas meter, and send a return command signal that can identify the confirmation mode. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately resume the use of gas on the consumer side.

  In order to achieve the above object, a remote monitoring system according to the present invention is provided between each control unit of the gas meter having the second characteristic configuration or the third characteristic configuration installed on each of one or more consumers. The remote monitoring system is configured to be communicable via a communication network, and the first characteristic configuration is to select a confirmation mode from the normal confirmation mode and the warning confirmation mode for a specific gas meter, A return command signal that can identify the selected confirmation mode is generated, and a return command unit that transmits the return command signal to the control unit of the specific gas meter is provided.

  According to the first characteristic configuration of the remote monitoring system, the above-described normal confirmation mode and the warning confirmation mode are used as the confirmation mode when executing the restoration confirmation process according to, for example, the situation of the customer. And a return command signal that can identify the selected confirmation mode can be generated and transmitted to a control unit of a specific gas meter among gas meters installed on each of one or more consumers. . Therefore, remotely from the remote monitoring system side, the control unit of the specific gas meter releases the shut-off by the shut-off valve, and the return leak check processing in the selected check mode is executed, so that the specific consumer side Depending on the situation, the use of gas can be resumed.

The second characteristic configuration of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention is a home status determination unit that determines whether or not the specific customer is installed at a home status in addition to the first feature configuration. With
The return instruction unit selects the normal confirmation mode when the home state determination unit determines that the home state is in the home state, and selects the warning confirmation mode when the home state determination unit determines that the home state determination unit is absent. The point is that it is configured to do.

According to the second characteristic configuration of the remote monitoring system, when the home state determination unit determines that a specific consumer whose gas supply is stopped by being shut off by the shutoff valve is in the home state, By selecting the normal check mode by the return command unit, the return command signal that can identify the selected normal check mode is transmitted to the control unit of the specific gas meter installed in the specific consumer, The control unit of the gas meter can execute the return confirmation process in the normal confirmation mode. Therefore, the use of gas can be restarted at an early stage to a specific consumer who is at home remotely from the remote monitoring system side.
On the other hand, when the home state determination unit determines that the specific customer who has been shut off by the shutoff valve and has stopped supplying gas is in the absence state, the return command unit enters the warning confirmation mode. Select and send a return command signal that can identify the selected warning check mode to the control unit of the specific gas meter installed in the specific consumer, and then to the control unit of the gas meter in the warning check mode. The above-described return confirmation process can be executed. Therefore, it is possible to resume the use of gas by placing importance on high leakage confirmation accuracy with respect to a specific consumer who is away from the remote monitoring system side.

In addition to the second feature configuration, the third feature configuration of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention is installed on each of the consumer side and communicates with a security system that can recognize the home status of the customer. Configured to communicate over a network,
The home state determination unit is configured to perform communication with a security system installed in the specific consumer to determine the home state of the specific consumer.

  According to the 3rd characteristic structure of the said remote monitoring system, the said home state determination part is complicated by telephone communication etc. with respect to the specific customer by which interruption | blocking by the cutoff valve was performed and the supply of gas has stopped. Regardless of the confirmation work, a simple configuration of communicating with the security system that recognizes the customer's home status and detects intruders, etc. automatically communicates with the customer. The home status can be determined.

  In a fourth feature configuration of the remote monitoring system according to the present invention, in addition to any of the first to third feature configurations, a shut-off signal indicating that shut-off by the shut-off valve has been performed is received from the control unit of the gas meter. And it is in the point provided with the interruption | blocking notification part which outputs the interruption | blocking notification which can specify the gas meter of the transmission source of the said interruption | blocking signal.

  The fourth characteristic configuration of the remote monitoring system is that the cutoff notification unit receives a cutoff signal from the gas meter side, and outputs a cutoff notification that can identify the gas meter that has transmitted the cutoff signal recognized from the cutoff signal. Therefore, the operator on the remote monitoring system side detects the abnormality, for example, when an earthquake is detected by a seismic sensor or when a gas leak is detected by a gas sensor, and the gas meter is easily shut off by a shut-off valve. Can be identified. Also, for example, confirm the situation of the customer or the abnormal state to the specific gas meter, select an appropriate confirmation mode according to it, and send a return command signal that can identify the confirmation mode. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately resume the use of gas on the consumer side.

  Embodiments of a gas meter and a remote monitoring system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 10 is configured as a known membrane-type gas meter. Specifically, the gas meter 10 circulates the gas g, and the measurement chamber 12 a provided in the gas channel 11. A metering mechanism unit 12 that generates a metering pulse signal as the gas g is supplied to and discharged from the meter, and an integrated flow rate of the gas g flowing through the gas flow path 11 is calculated by the metering pulse signal input from the metering mechanism unit 12. A control unit 17 comprising a microcomputer is provided.

Specifically, the metering mechanism unit 12 causes the gas g to flow through the gas flow path 11 in a form in which the gas g is supplied and discharged for each metering unit volume, and accompanies the supply and discharge of the membrane part constituting the measurement chamber 12a. The reciprocating motion is generated by converting it into a flow rate pulse signal by a reed switch or the like.
Then, every time the flow rate pulse signal is input from the metering mechanism unit 12, the control unit 17 sets the unit volume of measurement corresponding to one flow rate pulse signal in the metering mechanism unit 12 to the accumulated flow rate of the gas g so far. In an added form, the integrated flow rate of the gas g is derived, and for example, the derived integrated flow rate of the gas g is output to the display unit 18.

  The metering unit volume is a fixed amount for each model of the gas meter. In the gas meter 10 of this embodiment, the metering unit volume is assumed on the assumption that the No. 5 or No. 7 type gas meter is widely used in general households. Is 1.7L.

  The gas g supplied from the gas conduit 1 to the gas equipment 22 installed in the customer A through the gas conduit 1 passes through the gas flow path 11 of the gas meter 10. It is possible to measure the integrated supply amount of the gas g consumed in the consumer A.

  Further, on the customer A side, a security system 30 is provided separately from the gas meter 10, and this security system 30 is an intrusion sensor that detects the intrusion of a person into the customer A, such as an infrared sensor. 34, a gas sensor 35 for detecting leakage of gas g at the consumer A, and the like are connected. Further, the security system 30 is configured to be able to report the detection results of the sensors 34 and 35, that is, the intrusion of people and the leakage of gas, to the outside through the communication device 25 and the communication network N1.

  The security system 30 has a mode changeover switch 31. When the customer A is away from home, the mode changeover switch 31 is turned on to activate the intrusion sensor 34 to detect a person intrusion. Is set to the normal mode in which the intrusion sensor 34 is stopped and the detection of the intrusion of the person is not executed by the mode changeover switch 31 being turned off. Has been.

The gas meter 10 is provided with a shutoff valve 13 capable of shutting off the flow of the gas g in the gas flow path 11. Further, a shutoff state in which the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 is performed and a shutoff release state in which the shutoff is released. A solenoid 14 for switching between is provided.
Specifically, the shut-off valve 13 is in a shut-off release state (open state) in which the valve body is separated from the valve seat, and the position of the valve body is held by the magnetic force of the permanent magnet. The position of the valve seat is held by the biasing force of the spring in a shut-off state (closed state) in contact with the spring.
Further, the solenoid 14 forms a magnetic force for displacing the valve body of the shut-off valve 13 in the direction close to the valve seat (shut-off direction) by applying a voltage in a shut-off direction. The magnetic force for displacing the valve body in the direction of separating the valve body from the valve seat (shut-off release direction) is generated by applying a voltage in the shut-off release direction opposite to the above.
Therefore, when the voltage in the shut-off direction is applied to the solenoid 14 when the shut-off valve 13 is in the shut-off release state, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet that has held the valve body in a state of being separated from the valve seat until then is the solenoid 14. Therefore, the valve body is displaced in the shut-off direction by the biasing force of the spring, and the shut-off valve 13 is switched to the shut-off state.
On the contrary, when the shutoff valve 13 is in the shutoff state and the voltage in the shutoff release direction is applied to the solenoid 14, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet is assisted by the magnetic force of the solenoid 14. Overcoming the urging force, the valve body is displaced to the above-described release of the cutoff, and the cutoff valve 13 is switched to the cutoff release state.
In the present application, shutting off by the shutoff valve 13 refers to switching the shutoff valve 13 in the shutoff release state to the shutoff state by applying a voltage in the shutoff direction to the solenoid 14. The release of the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 means that the shutoff valve 13 in the shutoff state is switched to the shutoff release state by applying a voltage in the shutoff release direction to the solenoid 14.

  The shut-off valve 13 detects an abnormality such as when an earthquake is detected by the seismic sensor 20 built in the gas meter 10 or when a gas g leak is detected by the gas sensor 35 installed in the consumer A. When it does, it will be set as the interruption | blocking state by the control part 17, and it is comprised so that supply of the gas g to the gas equipment 22 by the side of the consumer A may be stopped. The detection result of the gas sensor 35 is input to the control unit 17 through the security system 30 and the communication device 25.

The gas meter 10 is provided with a communication device 25 connected to a communication network N1, and the control unit 17 uses the communication device 25 to establish a communication network N1 with a remote monitoring system 50 installed outside. It is comprised so that communication is possible.
When the return command signal is input from the remote monitoring system 50 via the communication network N1, the control unit 17 is configured to release the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 in order to restore the supply of the gas g. .
Moreover, the control part 17 is comprised so that the interruption | blocking by the cutoff valve 13 may be cancelled | released, when the press of the return button 16 connected with the valve body of the cutoff valve 13 and which can be pressed from the outside is detected.

When the control unit 17 of the gas meter 10 cancels the shutoff of the shutoff valve 13, it performs a return leak confirmation process for confirming that there is no gas g leak, and can confirm that there is no gas g leak. Further, the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 is completely released, and the use of the gas g on the customer A side is resumed.
In other words, the control unit 17 sets the state in which at least one measurement pulse signal is generated from the measurement mechanism unit 12 during the predetermined confirmation time from the time when the cutoff of the cutoff valve 13 is released as the return leakage confirmation process. When the leakage state is confirmed, the leakage valve 13 is shut off, and the process of stopping the supply of the gas g again is executed.

The control unit 17 sets a confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation process to a normal confirmation time such as 2 minutes for the purpose of executing the return leakage confirmation process according to the situation of the customer A, The confirmation mode can be selectively switched between a warning confirmation mode in which the confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation processing is set to a warning confirmation time such as 60 minutes longer than the normal confirmation time. In addition, each length of the said normal confirmation time and the said warning confirmation time can be changed suitably.
Hereinafter, the details of the return leakage confirmation processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  The control part 17 starts the said return leak confirmation process at the time of the interruption | blocking cancellation | release which cancelled | released interruption | blocking of the cutoff valve 13, and starts the measurement of the elapsed time T by the timer 19 (step # 101).

Then, the control unit 17 recognizes the confirmation mode from the return command signal received from the remote monitoring system 50 (step # 102), and when the recognized confirmation mode is the normal confirmation mode, the confirmation time Ta is set. A relatively short normal confirmation time TS such as 2 minutes is set (step # 103). On the other hand, if the recognized confirmation mode is a warning confirmation mode, the confirmation time Ta is a relatively long warning confirmation such as 60 minutes. Time TL is set (step # 104).
In the present embodiment, the confirmation mode is selected by a return command signal received from the remote monitoring system 50. For example, the confirmation mode may be selected by a switch or the like provided in the gas meter 10. I do not care.

  Subsequently, the control unit 17 determines whether or not the elapsed time T reaches the confirmation time Ta set to the normal confirmation time TS or the warning confirmation time TL as described above in a state where the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 is released. (Step # 106), it is determined whether or not the measurement pulse signal is input from the measurement mechanism unit 12 until the elapsed time T reaches the confirmation time Ta (step # 105).

  In the return leakage confirmation process in the normal confirmation mode, the confirmation time Ta is set to a relatively short 2 minutes (normal confirmation time TS). Therefore, when the measurement unit volume is 1.7 L, When there is a gas g flow of 51 L / hour or more in the gas flow path 11, at least one flow rate pulse signal is surely input in the step # 105. Therefore, in such a return leak check process in the normal check mode, the leak check limit flow rate, which is the limit flow rate at which the leak state can be checked, is relatively large 51 L / hr. The time required is short.

  On the other hand, in the return leakage confirmation process in the warning confirmation mode, since the confirmation time Ta is set to a relatively long 60 minutes (normal confirmation time TS), if the measurement unit volume is 1.7 L, When there is a flow of gas g of 1.7 L / hr or more in the gas flow path 11, at least one flow rate pulse signal is surely input in the step # 105. Therefore, the return leak check processing in such a warning check mode takes a long time for the leak check, but the leak check limit flow rate is relatively small at 1.7 L / hr and the leak check accuracy is high. It becomes.

And the control part 17 has the distribution | circulation of the gas g more than the said leakage confirmation limit flow volume in the said gas flow path 11, and from the measurement mechanism part 12 until the elapsed time T reaches | attains confirmation time Ta by said step # 105. If a metering pulse signal is input, it is assumed that there is a leakage state, and the shutoff valve 13 is shut off (step # 107), and the supply of the gas g is stopped to ensure a safe state.
In addition, in order to notify the operator B that the shut-off by the shut-off valve 13 has been performed in step # 107, the control unit 17 in some cases indicates that the shut-off signal indicates that the shut-off by the shut-off valve 13 has been performed. Is transmitted to the remote monitoring system 10 via the communication network N1 (step # 108).

  On the other hand, the control unit 17 does not circulate the gas g exceeding the leakage confirmation limit flow rate in the gas flow path 11, and from the measuring mechanism unit 12 until the elapsed time T reaches the confirmation time Ta in step # 105. If the metering pulse signal is not input, the return leakage confirmation process is terminated, assuming that there is no leakage state, so that the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 is completely released and the use of the gas g on the customer A side Can be resumed.

Next, the configuration of the remote monitoring system 50 provided on the business operator B side that supplies the gas g will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, the remote monitoring system 50 is a computer that can communicate with each control unit 17 of the gas meter 10 installed on each of one or more consumers A via a communication network N1. It is configured.
Specifically, the control unit 17 of each gas meter 10 is connected to the communication network N1 through the communication device 25, while the remote monitoring system 50 is connected to the communication network N1 through the communication device 59. And the remote monitoring system 50 is comprised so that communication is possible through these communication apparatuses 25 between the control parts 17 by each gas meter 10 side.
The communication devices 25 and 59 may be incorporated in the gas meter 10 or the remote monitoring system 50.

  The remote monitoring system 50 is configured to execute automatic meter reading for collecting the integrated flow rate measured by each gas meter 10 via the communication network N1, for example, every month. It is possible to use an automatic meter reading system or the like configured to calculate a gas charge to be charged to each customer A using the integrated flow rate measured by each gas meter 10 collected by executing the above.

  When the remote monitoring system 50 receives a shut-off signal indicating that the shut-off valve 13 is shut off from the control unit 17 of a certain gas meter 10 via the communication network N1, the gas meter 10 that is the transmission source of the shut-off signal is received. Is provided with a cutoff notification unit 51 that outputs a cutoff notification that can identify

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when an earthquake is detected by the seismic sensor 20 on the gas meter 10 side or when a gas g leak is detected by the gas sensor 35 installed in the consumer A, an abnormality is detected. (Step # 201), the control unit 17 performs shut-off by the shut-off valve 13 (Step # 202), and a shut-off signal is transmitted to the remote monitoring system 50 side (Step # 203).
Then, when the cutoff notification unit 51 receives the cutoff signal (step # 204), it outputs a cutoff notification for notifying that the cutoff signal has been received on the screen (step # 205).
Further, in step # 205, based on the identification number of the gas meter 10 recognized from the received cutoff signal, the cutoff notification unit 51 relates to the customer information (address) where the gas meter 10 is installed in association with the identification number. The customer information database (not shown) storing the name, telephone number, etc.) is accessed, and the customer information on the side of the gas meter 10 that has been shut off by the shutoff valve 13 and has sent a shutoff signal is extracted and extracted. The customer information is output on the screen or the like as the shut-off notification.

  The remote monitoring system 50 includes a home state determination unit 52 that determines whether or not the customer A is in a home state where the specific gas meter 10 that is blocked by the shutoff valve 13 is installed. .

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the home state determination unit 52 identifies the customer A that has been shut off by the shutoff valve 13 in the gas meter 10 based on the customer information output by the shutoff notification unit 51. (Step # 301), communication is performed with the security system 30 installed in the identified customer A via the communication network N1 (Step # 302), and whether or not the security system 30 is in the alert mode. Is determined from the communication result (step # 303).
If the security system 30 is set to the normal mode instead of the warning mode, it is determined that the customer A is at home (step # 304). Conversely, the security system 30 is set to the warning mode. If so, it is determined that the customer A is absent (step # 305).

Moreover, the said home state determination part 52 can be comprised as follows separately.
That is, as shown in FIG. 5, the home state determination unit 52 having another configuration uses the customer information output by the cutoff notification unit 51 to identify the customer A that has been blocked by the cutoff valve 13 in the gas meter 10. Identify (step # 401), make a call from the remote monitoring system 50 or another telephone or the like to the telephone 40 installed in the identified customer A (step # 402), and answer the telephone It is determined whether or not there is (step # 403).
When there is a telephone response, it is determined that the customer A is at home (step # 404). Conversely, when there is no telephone response, the customer A is absent. (Step # 405).

  And this remote monitoring system 50 selects the confirmation mode which performs a return leak confirmation process from the normal confirmation mode and warning confirmation mode which were mentioned above with respect to the specific gas meter 10 by which the cutoff by the said cutoff valve 13 was performed. A return command unit 53 that can execute a remote return process that generates a return command signal that can identify the selected confirmation mode and transmits the return command signal to the control unit 17 of the specific gas meter 10 is provided.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the return command unit 53 first shuts off the shutoff valve 13 in the gas meter 10 based on the customer information output by the shutoff notification unit 51 in the remote return process. The customer A is specified (step # 501), and further, the home state determination unit 52 determines whether or not the specified customer A is in the home state (step # 502).
Then, the return instruction unit 53 selects a confirmation mode in the return leakage confirmation process to be executed by the control unit 17 of the gas meter 10 of the customer A based on the determination result of the home state determination unit 52. Specifically, the normal confirmation mode is selected when it is determined that the user is at home (step # 503), and the warning confirmation mode is selected when it is determined that the user is away (step # 504).
Then, the return command unit 53 generates a return command signal capable of recognizing the selected confirmation mode (step # 505) and transmits it to the control unit 17 of the gas meter 10 (step # 506).

On the other hand, when receiving the return command signal (step # 507), the control unit 10 of the gas meter 10 first releases the shutoff by the shutoff valve 13 (step # 508), and then, as described above, the return command. Return leakage confirmation processing (FIG. 2) in the confirmation mode recognized by the signal is executed (step # 509).
That is, the use of the gas g on the customer A side can be remotely resumed by the remote return process in the remote monitoring system 50 as described above.

  A gas meter and a remote monitoring system according to the present invention are configured to be able to communicate with each other via a communication network between a membrane-type gas meter provided with a control unit for executing return leakage confirmation processing and each control unit of the gas meter. The remote monitoring system can be effectively used as a simple and inexpensive configuration that can execute, for example, a return leakage confirmation process according to a customer's situation.

Schematic configuration diagram of gas meter and remote monitoring system Flow chart of return leak confirmation processing Blocking notification process flow chart Home state determination process flow chart Flow chart of another home status determination process Remote recovery process flow chart

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10: Gas meter 11: Gas flow path 12: Metering mechanism part 12a: Metering chamber 13: Shut-off valve 17: Control part 30: Security system 50: Remote monitoring system 51: Shut-off notification part 52: Home state determination part 53: Return command part A: Customer N1: Communication network TL: Warning confirmation time TS: Normal confirmation time Ta: Confirmation time

Claims (7)

A gas flow path through which gas flows, a metering mechanism that generates a metering pulse signal when gas is supplied to and discharged from the measuring chamber in the gas flow path, and gas flow in the gas flow path can be shut off. When a state in which a measurement pulse signal is generated from the weighing mechanism unit is confirmed as a leakage state at a predetermined confirmation time from the release point when the cutoff by the cutoff valve is released, and when the leakage state is confirmed A gas meter including a control unit that executes a return leakage confirmation process for blocking by the shut-off valve,
The control unit sets a confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation process to a normal confirmation time, and a warning confirmation mode sets the confirmation time in the return leakage confirmation process to a warning confirmation time longer than the normal confirmation time. Gas meter is configured to be able to selectively switch between confirmation modes.   The control unit is capable of communicating with a remote monitoring system installed outside via a communication network, and releases the shutoff by the shutoff valve when receiving a return command signal from the remote monitoring system. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the gas leakage meter is configured to execute the return leakage confirmation process by switching to a confirmation mode identified by a return command signal.   The gas meter according to claim 2, wherein the control unit is configured to transmit a cutoff signal indicating that the cutoff by the cutoff valve has been performed to the remote monitoring system. A remote monitoring system configured to be able to communicate with each control unit of the gas meter according to claim 2 or 3 installed on each of one or more consumer sides via a communication network,
A confirmation mode is selected from the normal confirmation mode and the warning confirmation mode for a specific gas meter, a return command signal that can identify the selected confirmation mode is generated, and the return command signal is sent to the specific gas meter. A remote monitoring system including a return command unit that transmits to a control unit. A home state determination unit for determining whether or not the specific gas meter is installed at a specific consumer at home;
The return instruction unit selects the normal confirmation mode when the home state determination unit determines that the home state is in the home state, and selects the warning confirmation mode when the home state determination unit determines that the home state determination unit is absent. The remote monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein the remote monitoring system is configured to. It is installed on each of the customer side, and is configured to be able to communicate via a communication network with a security system capable of recognizing the consumer's home state,
The said home state determination part is comprised so that communication may be performed with the security system installed in the said specific consumer, and the home state of the said specific consumer may be determined. Remote monitoring system.   5. A cutoff notification unit that receives a cutoff signal indicating that the cutoff by the cutoff valve has been performed from the control unit of the gas meter, and outputs a cutoff notification that can identify a gas meter that is a transmission source of the cutoff signal. The remote monitoring system as described in any one of -6.

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