JP2008008734A - Gas shutoff apparatus - Google Patents

Gas shutoff apparatus Download PDF

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JP2008008734A
JP2008008734A JP2006179131A JP2006179131A JP2008008734A JP 2008008734 A JP2008008734 A JP 2008008734A JP 2006179131 A JP2006179131 A JP 2006179131A JP 2006179131 A JP2006179131 A JP 2006179131A JP 2008008734 A JP2008008734 A JP 2008008734A
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flow rate
value
abnormal
instantaneous
gas
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JP4582060B2 (en
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Koichi Ueki
浩一 植木
Kazutaka Asano
一高 浅野
Takahisa Otani
卓久 大谷
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Panasonic Holdings Corp
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Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
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Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas shutoff apparatus which promptly detects an abnormal flow and stops medium supply such as gas. <P>SOLUTION: The gas shutoff apparatus detects a flow speed in piping by a flow speed detection means 8, converts it into a flow rate by a flow rate calculation means 14, stores an abnormal flow rate decision value of an instrument in use or the like in a flow rate abnormality storage means 16, determines an instantaneous flow rate estimated value by a flow rate estimation means 15 from an instantaneous flow rate determined by the flow rate calculation means 14, compares the instantaneous flow rate of the flow estimation means 15 with the abnormal flow rate decision value of the flow abnormality storage means 16, and stops the medium supply by a shutoff means 18 when an abnormality decision means 17 decides that the instantaneous flow rate estimated value is larger than a flow rate abnormality storage value. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

本発明は、超音波を用いて配管内を流れる各種媒体、例えば都市ガスやLPガス等の流速を検出しその合計流量よりガス使用状態が安全か否かを監視するガス遮断装置に関する。   The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that detects the flow rate of various media flowing in a pipe using ultrasonic waves, such as city gas and LP gas, and monitors whether the gas usage state is safe based on the total flow rate.

従来、この種のガス遮断装置は例えば特開2005−207965号公報に示されるように図2、図3の構成になっていた(例えば、特許文献1参照)。   Conventionally, this type of gas shut-off device has a configuration shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-207965 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

図2は従来のガス遮断装置のブロック図を示す。図2において、1は流量監視部で、ガス流路を流れるガスの流量を超音波センサやフローセンサ等で監視するもので、瞬時流量検出する。2はデータ演算部で、所定時間間隔毎の流量サンプリングによる流量監視部1からの検出出力が供給され、その検出出力により瞬時流量を演算すると共に、所定時間間隔毎の瞬時流量計測値に移動平均処理を行って移動平均流量を算出する。3はデータ記憶部で、データ演算部2で算出された瞬時流量及び移動平均流量を記憶する。4は遮断値記憶部で、予め設定された合計流量遮断機能の遮断値を予め記憶する。この遮断値は移動平均流量と比較される第1の遮断値Rth1と、瞬時流量と比較される第2の流量Rth2とからなる。5はデータ比較部で、データ記憶部3に記憶された瞬時流量及び移動平均流量と遮断値記憶部4に記憶された遮断値とを比較し、比較結果である異常検出信号を出力する。6は制御部で、流量監視部1に所定時間間隔で流量サンプリングを実施するよう流量監視部1に指示する指示信号を出力する。又データ比較部5からの異常検出出力の入力に応じて、遮断信号を出力する。7は遮断部で、制御部6からの遮断信号で制御される遮断弁からなる。   FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a flow rate monitoring unit that monitors the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas flow path using an ultrasonic sensor, a flow sensor, or the like, and detects an instantaneous flow rate. Reference numeral 2 denotes a data calculation unit, which is supplied with detection output from the flow rate monitoring unit 1 by sampling at a predetermined time interval, calculates an instantaneous flow rate based on the detection output, and moves to the instantaneous flow rate measurement value at a predetermined time interval. Processing is performed to calculate the moving average flow rate. A data storage unit 3 stores the instantaneous flow rate and the moving average flow rate calculated by the data calculation unit 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a cutoff value storage unit that stores in advance a preset cutoff value of the total flow cutoff function. This cutoff value includes a first cutoff value Rth1 compared with the moving average flow rate and a second flow rate Rth2 compared with the instantaneous flow rate. A data comparison unit 5 compares the instantaneous flow rate and moving average flow rate stored in the data storage unit 3 with the cutoff value stored in the cutoff value storage unit 4, and outputs an abnormality detection signal as a comparison result. A control unit 6 outputs an instruction signal that instructs the flow rate monitoring unit 1 to perform flow rate sampling at predetermined time intervals. In response to the input of the abnormality detection output from the data comparison unit 5, a cutoff signal is output. Reference numeral 7 denotes a shut-off unit, which comprises a shut-off valve controlled by a shut-off signal from the control unit 6.

次に従来例の構成の動作を説明する。まず瞬時流量Rnの計測を実行する。この流量計測時、制御部6は流量監視部1を所定時間間隔で流量サンプリングを実施するように指示する。それにより所定の時間間隔で出力された流量監視部1からの流量検出信号は、データ演算部2で演算され、瞬時流量Rnが算出される。算出された瞬時流量Rnのデータは、データ記憶部3に送られ記憶される。   Next, the operation of the configuration of the conventional example will be described. First, the instantaneous flow rate Rn is measured. When measuring the flow rate, the control unit 6 instructs the flow rate monitoring unit 1 to perform flow rate sampling at predetermined time intervals. Thus, the flow rate detection signal from the flow rate monitoring unit 1 output at a predetermined time interval is calculated by the data calculation unit 2 to calculate the instantaneous flow rate Rn. Data of the calculated instantaneous flow rate Rn is sent to the data storage unit 3 and stored therein.

次に、算出された瞬時流量Rnに基づいて、1個づつずれる8個のデータ毎に移動平均演算処理がデータ演算部2で行われ、移動平均流量Raが算出される。算出された移動平均流量Raのデータは、データ記憶部3に送られ、記憶される。次に算出された移動平均流量Raがデータ記憶部3からデータ比較部5に送られ、遮断値記憶部4に記憶されている第1の遮断値RTh1と比較されて、それより大きいか否かを判定する。移動平均流量Raが第1の遮断値Rth1より大きい場合は、データ比較部5から異常検出出力が制御部6に送られ、それにより制御部6からの駆動出力が遮断部7に送られ遮断部7によりガス遮断が行われる。   Next, on the basis of the calculated instantaneous flow rate Rn, the moving average calculation process is performed in the data calculation unit 2 for every eight data shifted by one, and the moving average flow rate Ra is calculated. The calculated data of the moving average flow rate Ra is sent to the data storage unit 3 and stored therein. Next, whether or not the calculated moving average flow rate Ra is sent from the data storage unit 3 to the data comparison unit 5 and compared with the first cutoff value RTh1 stored in the cutoff value storage unit 4 is greater than it. Determine. When the moving average flow rate Ra is larger than the first cut-off value Rth1, an abnormality detection output is sent from the data comparison unit 5 to the control unit 6, whereby a drive output from the control unit 6 is sent to the cut-off unit 7 and the cut-off unit. 7 is used to shut off the gas.

一方、移動平均流量Raが第1の遮断値Rth1より小さい場合、次に算出された瞬時流量Rnがデータ記憶部3からデータ比較部5に送られ、遮断値記憶部4に記憶されている第2の遮断値Rth2と比較されて、それより大きいかどうか判定される。瞬時流量Rnが第2の遮断値Rth2より大きい場合、データ比較部5で異常回数カウンタのインクリメントが行われる。インクリメントされた異常回数カウンタのカウント数が規定回数をオーバしたかどうかを判定する。オーバならばデータ比較部5から異常検出出力が制御部6に送られ、駆動出力が遮断部7に送られガス遮断を行う。   On the other hand, when the moving average flow rate Ra is smaller than the first cutoff value Rth1, the next calculated instantaneous flow rate Rn is sent from the data storage unit 3 to the data comparison unit 5 and stored in the cutoff value storage unit 4. It is compared with the cutoff value Rth2 of 2, and it is determined whether it is larger than that. When the instantaneous flow rate Rn is larger than the second cutoff value Rth2, the data comparison unit 5 increments the abnormal number counter. It is determined whether or not the incremented abnormality number counter has exceeded the specified number. If over, an abnormality detection output is sent from the data comparison unit 5 to the control unit 6, and a drive output is sent to the cutoff unit 7 to shut off the gas.

このように流量遮断の設定値は、第1の遮断値Rth1及び第2の遮断値Rth2の2段階に設けられ、平均流量Raは第1の遮断値Rth1 と比較され、第1の遮断値を超えた場合遮断される。又平均流量Raの監視と平行して、瞬時流量Rnの監視を実施しており、第1の遮断値Rth1より高い第2の遮断値Rth2を超える瞬時流量Rnが規定回数以上連続して発生した場合、ガス遮断が行われる。
特開2005−207965号公報
In this way, the set value of the flow rate cutoff is provided in two stages, the first cutoff value Rth1 and the second cutoff value Rth2, and the average flow rate Ra is compared with the first cutoff value Rth1, and the first cutoff value is determined. If exceeded, it will be blocked. In addition, the instantaneous flow rate Rn is monitored in parallel with the monitoring of the average flow rate Ra, and the instantaneous flow rate Rn exceeding the second cutoff value Rth2 higher than the first cutoff value Rth1 is continuously generated more than the specified number of times. In that case, a gas shut-off is performed.
JP 2005-207965 A

しかしながら上記従来の構成では下記問題点があった。下流側で配管が何らかの原因でひび割れたり、器具に接続されたホースが外れたり等のトラブルが発生すると、通常器具が使用する以上の異常な大流量が流れた場合遮断を行うが、移動平均流量と瞬時流量とが異なる遮断判定値で行っており、移動平均流量Raでは第1の遮断値Rth1に到達せず、又瞬時流量Rnで第2の遮断値Rth2に到達しない場合本来の遮断値Rth1を超えているのに第2の遮断値Rth2に到達していない為遮断できず非常に危険性が高く、一方遮断判定する場合更に異常な大きい遮断値で判定するため素早く遮断できず、遮断弁を作動しガス供給停止するのが遅れ、生ガスが漏れその間にガスが床下或いは居間等の部屋に充満し、最悪爆発事故や火災などの事故が発生することが予想される。   However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. If trouble such as cracking of the piping for some reason or disconnection of the hose connected to the instrument occurs on the downstream side, it will be shut off if an abnormally large flow rate that exceeds that normally used by the instrument flows. When the moving average flow rate Ra does not reach the first cutoff value Rth1, and the instantaneous flow rate Rn does not reach the second cutoff value Rth2, the original cutoff value Rth1 However, since the second cutoff value Rth2 has not been reached, it cannot be shut off and is extremely dangerous. On the other hand, when the cutoff is judged, it is judged with an abnormally large cutoff value, so it cannot be shut down quickly, and the cutoff valve It is expected that the gas supply will be delayed and the gas supply will be delayed, the raw gas will leak, and the gas will fill the room under the floor or the living room, and the accident such as the worst explosion and fire may occur.

本発明は上記課題を解決するもので、常に瞬時流量を検出し、何らかの原因で発生した異常な流量を2種類設けた判定流量で判定するのではなく即座に識別し、直ちにガス供給を停止するガス遮断装置を提供することを目的としたものである。   The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and always detects an instantaneous flow rate, immediately identifies an abnormal flow rate caused by some cause, rather than judging with two types of determination flow rates, and immediately stops the gas supply. The object is to provide a gas shut-off device.

この課題を解決するために本発明は、配管内の流量を流速検出手段で検出し、流量演算手段で流量に換算し、使用器具等の異常流量判定値を流量記憶手段に記憶し、流量演算手段で求めた瞬時流量より流量推定手段で瞬時流量推定値を求め、流量推定手段の瞬時流量と流量異常記憶手段の異常流量判定値とを比較し、瞬時流量推定値が流量異常記憶値より大きいと異常判定手段で判定すると、媒体供給を停止する遮断手段とからなる。   In order to solve this problem, the present invention detects the flow rate in the pipe by the flow velocity detection means, converts the flow rate to the flow rate by the flow rate calculation means, stores the abnormal flow rate judgment value of the instrument used in the flow rate storage means, and calculates the flow rate. The instantaneous flow rate estimated value is obtained by the flow rate estimating means from the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the means, the instantaneous flow rate of the flow rate estimating means is compared with the abnormal flow judgment value of the abnormal flow rate memory means, and the instantaneous flow rate estimated value is larger than the abnormal flow rate stored value. If the abnormality determination means determines, the interruption means stops the medium supply.

このことにより、異常かつ多量のガスが漏洩しても、本来の遮断判定値で早期に異常判定し直ちにガス供給を停止できるので、安全性が極めて向上する効果がある。   As a result, even if an abnormal and large amount of gas leaks, the abnormality can be determined at an early stage based on the original cutoff determination value, and the gas supply can be stopped immediately, so that the safety is greatly improved.

本発明のガス遮断装置によれば、ガス遮断装置からガス需要家が保有する器具への配管や、器具に接続されるホース等が何らかの原因で外れたり、破壊されたりして異常な流量でガスが噴出するが、予め流量異常記憶手段に異常流量値を記憶しておき、流量演算手段で求めた瞬時流量値より本来の安定すべき瞬時流量の推定値を求めて異常値と比較するので、異常な漏洩と判定し直ちに遮断手段によりガス供給を停止するので、異常流量判定に長時間要することなく、その結果ガス漏洩により最悪爆発や火災などに事故に至るという不具合がおきることなく、複数の遮断値を持つことなく正確に即座に遮断できるのでガス中毒や火災等を引き起す危険性がなく安全性や信頼性が極めて向上する効果がある。   According to the gas shut-off device of the present invention, the piping from the gas shut-off device to the appliance owned by the gas consumer, the hose connected to the fixture, etc. are disconnected for some reason or destroyed, and the gas is flowed at an abnormal flow rate. However, since the abnormal flow rate value is stored in advance in the flow rate abnormality storage means, the estimated value of the instantaneous flow rate that should be stabilized is obtained from the instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation means, and compared with the abnormal value. Since the gas supply is immediately stopped by the shut-off means when it is determined that there is an abnormal leak, it does not take a long time to determine the abnormal flow rate, and as a result, there is no problem of accidents such as worst explosions or fires due to gas leaks. Since it can be shut off accurately and immediately without having a shut-off value, there is no risk of causing gas poisoning or fire, and the safety and reliability are greatly improved.

本発明は上記目的を達成するため、媒体内の信号伝搬時間を計測し流速を検出する流速検出手段と、前記流速検出手段で検出した流速より流量に換算する流量演算手段と、使用器具等の異常流量判定値を記憶する流量異常記憶手段と、前記流量演算手段で求めた瞬時流量より瞬時流量推定値を求める流量推定手段と、前記流量推定手段の瞬時流量と前記流量記憶手段の異常流量判定値とを比較し前記流量推定手段で求めた瞬時流量推定値が所定値と判定時異常と判定する異常判定手段と、前記異常判定手段により異常と判定時媒体供
給を停止する遮断手段とからなる。
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a flow rate detection means for measuring a signal propagation time in a medium and detecting a flow rate, a flow rate calculation means for converting the flow rate from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means, and a tool used. An abnormal flow rate storage means for storing an abnormal flow rate judgment value, a flow rate estimation means for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate estimation value from an instantaneous flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculation means, an instantaneous flow rate of the flow rate estimation means and an abnormal flow rate judgment of the flow rate storage means And an abnormality determining means for comparing the value and determining the instantaneous flow rate estimated value obtained by the flow rate estimating means as a predetermined value and an abnormality at the time of determination, and a shutting means for stopping the medium supply at the time of the abnormality determination by the abnormality determining means. .

そしてガス遮断装置の下流側に接続されたガステーブル、ガスファンヒータ、ガスヒートポンプ式エアコン(GHP)や給湯器迄の配管や、器具に接続されるホース等が何らかの原因で外れたり、破壊されたりして異常な流量でガスが噴出するが、予め流量記憶手段に異常流量値を記憶しておき、流量演算手段で求めた瞬時流量値より本来の安定すべき瞬時流量の推定値を求めて異常値と比較するので、異常な漏洩と判定し直ちに遮断手段によりガス供給を停止するので、異常流量判定に長時間要することなく、その結果ガス漏洩により最悪爆発や火災などに事故に至るという不具合がおきることなく、複数の遮断値を持つことなく本来の基準等で規定の遮断値で正確に即座に遮断できるので最悪の爆発や火災等の危険性がなく安全性や信頼性が極めて向上する。請求項2に記載の発明は、請求項1項記載のガス遮断装置の手段の全てもしくは一部をコンピュータに実行させるためのプログラムである。   And the gas table, gas fan heater, gas heat pump air conditioner (GHP) connected to the downstream side of the gas shut-off device, piping to the hot water heater, hose connected to the instrument may be disconnected or destroyed for some reason The gas is ejected at an abnormal flow rate, but the abnormal flow value is stored in advance in the flow rate storage means, and the estimated instantaneous flow rate to be stabilized is obtained from the instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation means. Since the gas supply is immediately stopped by the shut-off means because it is compared with the value and the gas supply is immediately stopped, the abnormal flow rate determination does not take a long time, and as a result, there is a problem that the gas leak causes an accident such as a worst explosion or fire. Without having multiple shut-off values, it can be shut off accurately and immediately with the specified shut-off values according to the original standards, so there is no danger of the worst explosion or fire, and safety and reliability There is extremely improved. The invention described in claim 2 is a program for causing a computer to execute all or a part of the means of the gas cutoff device according to claim 1.

そして、プログラムであるのでマイコン等を用いて本発明の遮断装置の一部あるいは全てを容易に実現することができる。また記録媒体に記録したり通信回線を用いてプログラムを配信したりすることでプログラムの配布やインストール作業が簡単にできる。   And since it is a program, a part or all of the interruption | blocking apparatus of this invention can be easily implement | achieved using a microcomputer etc. Also, program distribution and installation can be simplified by recording on a recording medium or distributing a program using a communication line.

以下、本発明の第1の実施例を図1を参照して説明する。図1において、図2と同一機能を有する構成要素に関しては同一番号を付した。   Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, components having the same functions as those in FIG.

(実施の形態1)
図1は本発明の第1の実施例のガス遮断装置で、8は流速検出手段で、LP等のガス媒体の流路1に対向設置された上流側振動子2、下流側振動子3間で超音波信号を一方から他方に発信しその伝搬時間より使用ガスの流速を検出する。流速検出手段8の一例として次の様な方法がある。即ち流速検出手段8は、切替手段9と、送信手段10と、受信手段11と、繰返手段12と、伝搬時間計測手段13とからなる。送信手段10と受信手段11とは切替手段9に接続され、切替手段9はまず送信手段10を上流側振動子2に、受信手段11を下流側振動子3に接続し、次は送信手段10を下流側振動子3に、受信手段11を上流側振動子2に接続するというように交互に送信手段10と受信手段11の接続先を切り替える。繰返手段12は切替手段9により上流側振動子2に受信手段11を、一方下流側振動子3に送信手段10を接続された時、送信手段10から発信された超音波信号は上流側振動子2より流路1を経て下流側振動子3から受信手段11で受信されるが、超音波信号の送信から受信迄を繰り返し行い、更に伝搬時間計測手段13でその間の信号伝搬時間を計測する動作を繰り返し行うが、回数は1回から任意の複数回を変えられる。伝搬時間計測手段13は超音波信号の送信から受信までの時間を計測し累積する。次に切替手段9により下流側振動子3に受信手段11を、上流側振動子2に送信手段10が接続され、前述の動作を繰り返し行う。伝搬時間計測手段21は最初受信し求めた伝搬時間と、次に切替手段9により切り替えた後計測した信号伝搬時間とから伝搬時間差を求める。
(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 8 denotes a flow velocity detecting means between an upstream vibrator 2 and a downstream vibrator 3 which are installed opposite to a flow path 1 of a gas medium such as LP. Then, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one to the other, and the flow rate of the gas used is detected from the propagation time. An example of the flow velocity detection means 8 is as follows. That is, the flow velocity detection unit 8 includes a switching unit 9, a transmission unit 10, a reception unit 11, a repetition unit 12, and a propagation time measurement unit 13. The transmission means 10 and the reception means 11 are connected to the switching means 9. The switching means 9 first connects the transmission means 10 to the upstream vibrator 2, the reception means 11 to the downstream vibrator 3, and then the transmission means 10. The connection destination of the transmission means 10 and the reception means 11 is alternately switched such that the transmission means 10 is connected to the downstream vibrator 3 and the reception means 11 is connected to the upstream vibration element 2. When the repeating means 12 is connected to the upstream vibrator 2 by the switching means 9 and the transmitting means 10 to the downstream vibrator 3, the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the transmitting means 10 is the upstream vibration. The signal is received by the receiving means 11 from the downstream vibrator 3 through the flow path 1 from the child 2, but the transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal is repeated, and the signal propagation time is measured by the propagation time measuring means 13. The operation is repeated, but the number of times can be changed from one to any number of times. The propagation time measuring means 13 measures and accumulates the time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal. Next, the receiving means 11 is connected to the downstream vibrator 3 and the transmitting means 10 is connected to the upstream vibrator 2 by the switching means 9, and the above operation is repeated. The propagation time measurement means 21 obtains a propagation time difference from the propagation time first received and obtained and the signal propagation time measured after being switched by the switching means 9 next.

14は流量演算手段で、求めた伝搬時間より流速を求め更に流量値に換算する。15は流量推定手段で、流量演算手段14からの瞬時流量より単位時間当たりの流量変化値を求め、即ち瞬時流量の微分値より到達する瞬時流量を推定する。16は流量異常記憶手段で、ホース抜け等の異常流量値や通常のガス器具等の使用流量ではない異常流量判定値を記憶する。17は異常判定手段で、流量推定手段15で求めた瞬時流量推定値と流量異常記憶手段16に記憶した異常流量判定値とを比較し異常流量かどうかを判定し、異常流量値を超えているならばホース抜け等の異常流量と判定する。この時器具により使用開始時一旦ピークを検出した後下がり安定するが、このピーク検出と流量推定値で判定する。最初から異常状態でピークを検出することなく瞬時流量推定値が安定した値を示した場合、その流量推定値で異常判定を行う。   Reference numeral 14 denotes a flow rate calculation means for obtaining a flow velocity from the obtained propagation time and further converting it to a flow rate value. Reference numeral 15 denotes a flow rate estimating means for obtaining a flow rate change value per unit time from the instantaneous flow rate from the flow rate calculating means 14, that is, estimating an instantaneous flow rate that is reached from a differential value of the instantaneous flow rate. Reference numeral 16 denotes an abnormal flow rate storage means for storing an abnormal flow rate value such as a hose disconnection or an abnormal flow rate judgment value that is not a normal flow rate of a gas appliance or the like. Reference numeral 17 denotes an abnormality determination unit that compares the instantaneous flow rate estimated value obtained by the flow rate estimation unit 15 with the abnormal flow rate determination value stored in the flow rate abnormality storage unit 16 to determine whether the flow rate is abnormal. If so, it is determined that the flow rate is abnormal such as hose disconnection. At this time, once the peak is detected by the appliance, it is stabilized after the peak is detected, but this peak detection and the estimated flow rate are used. When the instantaneous flow rate estimated value shows a stable value without detecting a peak in the abnormal state from the beginning, abnormality determination is performed with the flow rate estimated value.

18は遮断手段で、異常判定手段17で異常流量状態と判定時、遮断信号が出力されガス流路1を遮断する。19は報知手段で、異常判定手段17でガスの使用状態が異常と判定し、遮断手段18を駆動した場合遮断状態や遮断内容を報知手段の液晶表示素子等に表示すると共にガスの安全監視を行っているセンタに電話回線などで通報する。   18 is a blocking means, and when the abnormality determining means 17 determines that the flow rate is abnormal, a blocking signal is output to block the gas flow path 1. 19 is an informing means. When the abnormality determining means 17 determines that the gas use state is abnormal and the shut-off means 18 is driven, the shut-off state and the shut-off content are displayed on the liquid crystal display element of the notifying means and the safety monitoring of the gas is performed. Report to the center where you are using a telephone line.

次に上記構成の動作を説明する。通常LPG容器から高圧ホースで圧力調整器に接続され、その下流側にガス遮断装置は設置される。ガス遮断装置の流体管路1は長い配管の一部であり、こうした中で上流側振動子2、および下流側振動子3とが斜向設置され超音波の伝搬により流量計測を行う。ガス遮断装置の下流側にガス消費器具、例えばガスヒートポンプエアコン(GHP)やファンヒータ、ストーブ等の暖房器具、風呂やキッチンにお湯を供給する給湯器、ガステーブル等の調理器具に接続される。   Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Usually, the LPG container is connected to a pressure regulator by a high-pressure hose, and a gas shut-off device is installed downstream thereof. The fluid pipe 1 of the gas shut-off device is a part of a long pipe, and the upstream vibrator 2 and the downstream vibrator 3 are installed obliquely in such a manner, and the flow rate is measured by propagation of ultrasonic waves. A gas consuming appliance, for example, a gas heat pump air conditioner (GHP), a heater such as a fan heater or a stove, a water heater for supplying hot water to a bath or kitchen, and a cooking appliance such as a gas table are connected to the downstream side of the gas shut-off device.

ここで流速検出手段8の一例の動作を説明する。流路(ガス配管)1内で、斜向設置された上流側振動子2、および下流側振動子3との間で超音波信号を送受信する。切替手段9により上流側振動子2に送信手段10が接続され、一方受信手段11に下流側振動子3が接続され、送信手段10から発信された信号を上流側振動子2から下流側振動子3を介し受信する。この動作を繰返手段12で設定された回数だけ行う。送信手段10より発射された超音波信号を受信手段11が受信する迄の伝搬時間を累積し、その時間を伝搬時間計測手段13で求める。   Here, an example of the operation of the flow velocity detection means 8 will be described. In the flow path (gas pipe) 1, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted and received between the upstream transducer 2 and the downstream transducer 3 installed obliquely. The transmitting means 10 is connected to the upstream vibrator 2 by the switching means 9, while the downstream vibrator 3 is connected to the receiving means 11, and the signal transmitted from the transmitting means 10 is transmitted from the upstream vibrator 2 to the downstream vibrator. 3 is received. This operation is performed as many times as set by the repeating means 12. The propagation time until the reception means 11 receives the ultrasonic signal emitted from the transmission means 10 is accumulated, and the propagation time measurement means 13 obtains the time.

次に、切替手段9は下流側振動子3に送信手段10を接続し上流側振動子2に受信手段11を接続する。送信手段10より超音波信号を出力し下流側振動子3を介し流路1を経て上流側振動子2に接続された受信手段11で信号受信する。前述同様に繰返手段12で設定された回数だけ行う。送信手段10より発射された超音波信号を受信手段11が受信する迄の伝搬時間を伝搬時間計測手段13で累積し求め、更に上流から下流へ超音波信号を発射した時の伝搬時間と、下流から上流へ発射した時の伝搬時間とから伝搬時間差を求める。流量演算手段14で伝搬時間計測手段13で求めた伝搬時間を流速値Vに換算し、次に流量値Qに換算する。   Next, the switching means 9 connects the transmitting means 10 to the downstream vibrator 3 and connects the receiving means 11 to the upstream vibrator 2. An ultrasonic signal is output from the transmitting means 10 and received by the receiving means 11 connected to the upstream vibrator 2 via the flow path 1 via the downstream vibrator 3. As described above, the number of times set by the repeating means 12 is performed. The propagation time until the reception means 11 receives the ultrasonic signal emitted from the transmission means 10 is accumulated by the propagation time measurement means 13, and further the propagation time when the ultrasonic signal is emitted from upstream to downstream, and downstream The difference in propagation time is obtained from the propagation time when fired upstream from. The propagation time obtained by the propagation time measuring means 13 in the flow rate calculation means 14 is converted into a flow velocity value V and then converted into a flow value Q.

次に、流量演算手段14で求めた流量値より流量推定手段15で流量の変化勾配、即ち微分値を求めこの先の安定するとする瞬時流量値を推定する。流量異常記憶手段16に予め記憶された流量異常判定値と瞬時流量推定値とを異常判定手段17で比較する。流量記憶手段16で、予め給湯器等の大流量器具、ガス乾燥機、5号瞬間湯沸器、ファンヒータ等の暖房器具、ガステーブルの等の調理器具等が全て使用される、或いは複数使用される場合の流量合計値より大きな流量値を異常流量として設定している。異常判定手段17では推定した瞬時流量が異常な判定流量以上かどうかを判定する。器具の使用開始時、一般的に初期圧力が高く一時的に大流量に達した後、流量が下がり安定化する傾向がある。流量推定手段15は、流量有状態を検出後プラス勾配の流量変化を検出し、その推定ピーク値が遮断値を超えていても異常判定手段17ではその瞬時流量では判定しない。流量推定手段15でピークを検出後、その後すぐ流量が下がるが、その流量の微分値より安定化する流量を推定する。異常判定手段17は流量推定手段15よりピーク信号と流量推定値とを入力し、その瞬時流量推定値で異常判定する。特に器具使用中に誤って接続ホースが外れ異常な流量が流れたり、配管が何らかの原因で破壊され、異常な流量が噴出したりすると、流速検出手段8での流量計測サンプリングごとの瞬時流量値がピーク値より下がっても早く安定するが、流量推定手段15はこの状態を微分値で推定することにより早期に流量の安定しようとする値を求める。即ち推定し安定した瞬時流量値が異常判定流量値より超えたのを早期に異常判定手段17で判定するため、移動平均流量による異常判定より早く遮断判定が可能である。   Next, a flow rate change means, that is, a differential value is obtained by the flow rate estimation means 15 from the flow value obtained by the flow rate calculation means 14, and the instantaneous flow rate value to be stabilized is estimated. The abnormality determination unit 17 compares the flow rate abnormality determination value stored in the flow rate abnormality storage unit 16 in advance with the instantaneous flow rate estimation value. In the flow rate storage means 16, a large flow rate device such as a water heater, a gas dryer, a heating device such as a No. 5 instantaneous water heater, a fan heater, a cooking device such as a gas table, etc. are all used, or a plurality of uses. The flow rate value larger than the total flow rate value is set as the abnormal flow rate. The abnormality determination means 17 determines whether the estimated instantaneous flow rate is equal to or higher than the abnormal determination flow rate. At the start of use of the device, the initial pressure is generally high, and after a large flow rate is temporarily reached, the flow rate tends to decrease and stabilize. The flow rate estimation means 15 detects a change in flow rate with a positive gradient after detecting a flow rate present state, and the abnormality determination means 17 does not determine the instantaneous flow rate even if the estimated peak value exceeds the cutoff value. After the peak is detected by the flow rate estimation means 15, the flow rate decreases immediately thereafter, but the stabilized flow rate is estimated from the differential value of the flow rate. The abnormality determination unit 17 receives the peak signal and the flow rate estimated value from the flow rate estimation unit 15 and determines an abnormality based on the instantaneous flow rate estimated value. In particular, if the connection hose is accidentally disconnected during use of the device, an abnormal flow rate flows, or the piping is destroyed for some reason, and an abnormal flow rate is ejected, the instantaneous flow rate value for each flow rate sampling at the flow velocity detection means 8 is The flow rate estimating means 15 obtains a value at which the flow rate is to be stabilized at an early stage by estimating this state with a differential value, although it stabilizes quickly even if it falls below the peak value. In other words, since the abnormality determination means 17 determines at an early stage that the estimated and stable instantaneous flow rate value has exceeded the abnormality determination flow rate value, the interruption determination can be performed earlier than the abnormality determination based on the moving average flow rate.

異常判定手段17から異常と判定された時遮断信号が遮断手段18に出力されガス流路1を遮断する。遮断すると遮断状態や遮断内容を報知手段19の液晶表示素子等に表示すると共にガスの安全監視を行っているセンタに電話回線などを介し通信電文で通報する。   When the abnormality determining unit 17 determines that an abnormality has occurred, a cutoff signal is output to the blocking unit 18 to shut off the gas flow path 1. When shut off, the shut-off state and shut-off content are displayed on the liquid crystal display element of the informing means 19 and at the same time a communication message is sent via a telephone line to the center that is monitoring the safety of the gas.

このようにしてガス遮断装置が設置された配管1中の流量計測時、流速検出手段8による異常な瞬時流速を連続して検出し流量演算手段14で換算し、流量推定手段15で求めた瞬時流量値より安定すると推定される瞬時流量を求め、流量記憶手段16に予め記憶した瞬時流量値と比較し超えているのを検出すると、器具等の通常使用する流量ではないと判定し直ちに検出して遮断信号を出力しており、かつ器具の使用開始時のピークを検出しその後の安定する流量を推定し、その推定値が異常かどうかを早期に判定する為、器具による特性によって誤遮断することなく、瞬時流量で本来の遮断すべき基準で判定し、早期に遮断するので、何らかの原因で異常流量が噴出し結果部屋にガスが充満しガス爆発あるいは火災などの最悪な異常状態に至ることなく、直ちにガス供給を遮断するので早期に異常状態を判定することができ安全性や信頼性が向上する。   In this way, when measuring the flow rate in the pipe 1 where the gas shut-off device is installed, the abnormal instantaneous flow velocity by the flow velocity detection means 8 is continuously detected and converted by the flow rate calculation means 14, and the instantaneous value obtained by the flow rate estimation means 15. The instantaneous flow rate estimated to be more stable than the flow rate value is obtained, and when it is detected that it exceeds the instantaneous flow rate value stored in the flow rate storage means 16 in advance, it is determined that the flow rate is not normally used by an instrument or the like and is immediately detected. Output a blocking signal and detect the peak at the start of use of the instrument, estimate the stable flow rate thereafter, and determine whether the estimated value is abnormal or not, so that it is erroneously blocked depending on the characteristics of the instrument. Without interruption, judgment is made based on the standard that should be shut off with the instantaneous flow rate, and shuts off early, so that the abnormal flow rate is blown out for some reason, resulting in the gas filling the room and the worst abnormal state such as a gas explosion or fire Without reaching an early stage can determine the abnormal state safety and reliability is improved since the immediately shut off the gas supply.

以上のように、本発明にかかるガス遮断装置は、超音波を用いて配管内を流れる各種媒体、例えば水などの液体を計測する水道メータや、電気量を計測し使用量を積算する電力計等の用途にも適用できる。   As described above, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention includes a water meter that measures various media flowing in a pipe using ultrasonic waves, for example, a liquid such as water, and a wattmeter that measures the amount of electricity and integrates the amount used. It can also be applied to other uses.

本発明の実施例1のガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 従来のガス遮断装置の制御ブロック図Control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

8 流速検出手段
14 流量演算手段
15 流量推定手段
16 流量記憶手段
17 異常判定手段
18 遮断手段
8 Flow rate detection means 14 Flow rate calculation means 15 Flow rate estimation means 16 Flow rate storage means 17 Abnormality determination means 18 Blocking means

Claims (2)

媒体内の信号伝搬時間を計測し流速を検出する流速検出手段と、前記流速検出手段で検出した流速より流量に換算する流量演算手段と、使用器具等の異常流量判定値を記憶する流量異常記憶手段と、前記流量演算手段で求めた瞬時流量より瞬時流量推定値を求める流量推定手段と、前記流量推定手段の瞬時流量と前記流量記憶手段の異常流量判定値とを比較し前記流量推定手段で求めた瞬時流量推定値が所定値と判定時異常と判定する異常判定手段と、前記異常判定手段により異常と判定時媒体供給を停止する遮断手段とを備えたガス遮断装置。 Flow rate detection means for measuring the signal propagation time in the medium and detecting the flow rate, flow rate calculation means for converting the flow rate from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means, and abnormal flow rate memory for storing abnormal flow rate judgment values such as used tools The flow rate estimating means for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate estimated value from the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculating means, and comparing the instantaneous flow rate of the flow rate estimating means with the abnormal flow rate judgment value of the flow rate storage means. A gas shut-off device comprising: an abnormality determining means for determining that the obtained instantaneous flow rate estimated value is a predetermined value and an abnormality at the time of determination; and an interrupting means for stopping the medium supply at the time of determination as abnormal by the abnormality determining means. 請求項1項記載の遮断装置の手段の全てもしくは一部としてコンピュータを機能させるためのプログラム。 A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of means of the shut-off device according to claim 1.
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013131746A (en) * 2011-12-20 2013-07-04 Asml Netherlands Bv Pump system, carbon dioxide supply system, extraction system, lithographic apparatus, and device manufacturing method
JP2016050906A (en) * 2014-09-02 2016-04-11 パナソニック株式会社 Gas shut-off device

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JP2006118762A (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-05-11 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Gas cutoff system

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JPS525947A (en) * 1975-07-02 1977-01-18 Toshiba Corp Pipe burst detecting method
JPS59187233A (en) * 1983-04-06 1984-10-24 Omron Tateisi Electronics Co Electronic clinical thermometer
JP2005207965A (en) * 2004-01-26 2005-08-04 Yazaki Corp Gas cut-off method, and gas cut-off device
JP2006118762A (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-05-11 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd Gas cutoff system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2013131746A (en) * 2011-12-20 2013-07-04 Asml Netherlands Bv Pump system, carbon dioxide supply system, extraction system, lithographic apparatus, and device manufacturing method
US9575406B2 (en) 2011-12-20 2017-02-21 Asml Netherlands B.V. Pump system, a carbon dioxide supply system, an extraction system, a lithographic apparatus and a device manufacturing method
JP2016050906A (en) * 2014-09-02 2016-04-11 パナソニック株式会社 Gas shut-off device

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