JP2008025998A - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To secure safety of reset operation after closing of a shut-off valve caused by abnormality detection of a microcomputer. <P>SOLUTION: This device has a configuration equipped with a flow measuring part 20 provided in a gas passage 2 of a gas meter 1, for measuring the amount of gas supply; the shut-off valve 3 for closing the passage 2 at an abnormal time; a battery 4 which is a driving source for the shut-off valve 3; a reset part 5 for resetting the shut-off valve 3 in the closed state; a reset detection part 6 for detecting the reset state of the shut-off valve 3; a reset lock part 7 for prohibiting the reset operation of the shut-off valve 3 by locking operation of the reset part 5; the microcomputer 8 for controlling operation of the flow measuring part 20 and the shut-off valve 3, and monitoring the consumption state of the battery 4; a monitoring means 9 for monitoring operation of the microcomputer 8; and a reset disable means 10 for outputting a shut-off signal to the shut-off valve 3 by a detection signal from the monitoring means 9, and outputting a reset disable signal to the reset lock part 7. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device having an avoidance operation function in the event of an abnormality of a battery-driven microcomputer gas meter for ensuring safety in gas use.

  In a conventional gas shut-off device, there is a detecting means for detecting a microcomputer malfunction when a malfunction of the microcomputer occurs, and the use of the gas is stopped by repeatedly closing the shut-off valve, but the shut-off valve is operated. When a battery is used as a power source for the shutoff valve and the shutoff valve is restored when the battery does not have sufficient voltage to drive the abnormality detection means of the microcomputer and the shutoff valve after closing the gas flow path, It was the structure which can use gas (for example, refer patent document 1).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a conventional gas cutoff device.

In FIG. 3, there are provided means for detecting an abnormality of the microcomputer 20 and means for periodically driving the shutoff valve 26 when the abnormality is detected. The former means includes a charging circuit composed of a charging resistor 22 and a capacitor 7, and a discharging transistor 21 that discharges the capacitor 7 in response to a periodic command from the microcomputer 20 when the microcomputer 20 is operating normally. The binarization circuit 24 emits a signal when the potential of the capacitor 23 rises and reaches a predetermined value. The latter means includes an oscillation circuit 25 that starts oscillation with a significant signal of the binarization circuit 24 and an oscillation. It comprises a microcomputer abnormal shut-off valve driving transistor 27 that operates in response to a signal from the circuit 25. Since the shutoff valve 26 is repeatedly driven when the microcomputer 20 is abnormal, it is configured such that continuous release of gas due to manual return of the shutoff valve 26 is avoided.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-19628

  However, in the configuration of the conventional gas shut-off device as shown in FIG. 3, when the shut-off valve is opened after the shut-off valve is closed due to the abnormality detection of the microcomputer, the battery does not always have a voltage for shutting off the shut-off valve again. In addition, there was a problem that the gas could be used in a state where there was no blocking ability.

  The present invention solves the above-described conventional problems, and by providing means for preventing the opening of the shutoff valve after detecting an abnormality of the microcomputer and shutting off the shutoff valve, the shutoff capability is reduced due to battery consumption. The purpose is to prevent the gas flow from returning (opening) in the absence of gas and to avoid the danger associated with the use of gas until the gas shutoff device is replaced.

  The present invention is a flow rate measurement unit that is provided in a gas flow path of a gas meter and measures a gas supply amount, a shut-off valve that is provided in the flow path and closes the flow path in the event of an abnormality, and a drive source for the shut-off valve A battery, a return part for returning the shut-off valve in the closed state, a return detection part for detecting the return state of the shut-off valve, and a return lock part for locking the operation of the return part and prohibiting the return operation of the shut-off valve A microcomputer for controlling the operation of the flow rate measuring unit and the shut-off valve and monitoring the consumption state of the battery, a monitoring means for monitoring the operation of the microcomputer, and a shut-off signal to the shut-off valve by a detection signal of the monitoring means And a return disable means for outputting a return disable signal to the return lock unit.

According to the above-described invention, when the microcomputer itself runs out of control or enters an abnormal state, or when a signal is input from various sensors and an abnormal signal is output, the battery is further depleted and the shutoff valve closing capability is improved. When the limit is reached, etc. are constantly monitored, and when the monitoring means outputs a detection signal, the shut-off valve is closed and the return operation in the opening direction cannot be performed. The shut-off state of the gas flow path can be reliably ensured, and the danger associated with the use of gas until the gas shut-off device is replaced can be avoided.

  The gas shutoff device of the present invention closes the shutoff valve by the detection signal of the monitoring means that monitors the operation of the microcomputer and prevents the return operation in the opening direction from being performed. The shut-off state of the gas flow path can be reliably ensured, and the danger associated with the use of gas until the gas shut-off device is replaced can be avoided.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate measuring unit that is provided in a gas flow path of a gas meter and measures a gas supply amount, a shut-off valve that is provided in the flow path and closes the flow path when an abnormality occurs, and a drive source for the shut-off valve A return unit for returning the shut-off valve in the closed state, a return detection unit for detecting the return state of the shut-off valve, and a return for locking the operation of the return unit and prohibiting the return operation of the shut-off valve A lock unit, a microcomputer for controlling the operation of the flow rate measuring unit and the shut-off valve, and monitoring the consumption state of the battery, a monitoring unit for monitoring the operation of the microcomputer, and a detection signal of the monitoring unit to the shut-off valve A return disable means for outputting a shut-off signal and outputting a return disable signal to the return lock unit is provided.

  And when the microcomputer itself goes out of control and enters an abnormal state, or when a signal is input from various sensors and an abnormal signal is output, the battery is depleted and the shutoff valve closing capacity is reached. When the monitoring means outputs a detection signal, the shutoff valve is closed and the return operation in the opening direction cannot be performed. It is possible to ensure the road shut-off state and avoid the danger associated with the use of gas until the gas shut-off device is replaced.

  Further, in the second invention, the return portion is configured to return to the open state by mechanically acting a shut-off valve that is in a self-holding state at the time of shut-off, and the return lock portion outputs a return impossible signal It is characterized in that it has a configuration that can not perform mechanical return operation of the return unit.

  And, by detecting the abnormality of the microcomputer and shutting off the shut-off valve, it is configured to manually return using mechanical means as a return part that opens the shut-off valve, thereby reducing battery consumption and the return part. By using a mechanical means as a return lock portion that prevents the operation of the gas flow, it is possible to ensure the prohibition state of the return operation with certainty. Can be prevented, and the danger associated with the use of gas before the replacement of the gas shutoff device can be avoided.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, the unrecoverable means has means for selecting the detection signal of the monitoring means into a recoverable signal and a nonrecoverable signal, and outputs a signal to the return lock unit when the nonrecoverable signal is selected. It is characterized by that.

In addition, since a non-recoverable signal is selected from the abnormal signals output from the microcomputer, a non-recoverable signal is output to the return lock unit. When it is determined that safety cannot be ensured, such as when operation is assumed, the flow path is shut off until the gas shut-off device is replaced, and an abnormal signal is output due to a temporary cause such as noise Can be restored, ensuring both usability and safety.

  Further, the fourth invention is characterized in that the return impossible means outputs a shut-off signal to shut off the shut-off valve again when the return detecting unit detects the return after outputting the return impossible signal. It is.

  And in the return prohibition state, when the shutoff valve's return operation is confirmed, the shutoff signal is re-outputted to ensure the shutoff state, ensuring the safety in the event of microcomputer malfunction. Can do.

  The fifth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the return disable means outputs a return disable signal again to the return lock unit when the return detection unit detects a return after outputting the return disable signal. .

  When the return detection unit detects the return after outputting the return impossible signal, the return lock unit determines that the return unit has not been sufficiently locked, and relocks the return lock unit to close the gas flow path. The subsequent return operation can be prevented.

  A sixth aspect of the invention has a communication unit that transfers a detection signal from the monitoring means to the centralized monitoring center.

  Then, by notifying the central monitoring center that an abnormality has occurred in the microcomputer, it is possible to quickly go to the site after the abnormality has occurred, and a quick response is possible.

  The seventh invention is provided with a display for displaying the state of the gas meter, and has a lock display means for displaying a non-recoverable state on the display when a detection signal from the monitoring means is received.

  Then, when an operator or a customer clearly confirms that an abnormality has occurred in the microcomputer at the time of site confirmation, an accurate treatment can be performed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a flow rate detection unit that detects the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas flow path and outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff valve when the flow rate is detected after the cutoff signal is output.

  When the gas flow rate flows after the shutoff signal is output, it is determined that the gas passage has not been sufficiently shut off, and the gas passage can be reliably closed by re-blocking the gas passage.

  Hereinafter, a gas shutoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a gas shut-off device in a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a gas flow path in the same embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, a flow rate measuring means 20 for measuring the amount of gas passing is arranged in the gas flow path 2 of the gas meter 1. As this flow rate measuring means 20, for example, an ultrasonic wave is transmitted or received. The first transmitter / receiver 20A and the second transmitter / receiver 20B for receiving or transmitting are arranged in the flow direction, and switching between transmission and reception is possible by the measurement control unit 21 having switching means, and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. is doing.

The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 20A and the second transmitter / receiver 20B. Specifically, first, the first transmitter / receiver 20A is driven by the measurement control unit 21, and then the second transmitter / receiver 20B. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the upstream, that is, from the upstream to the downstream. Then, the signal received by the second transmitter / receiver 20B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 21, the amplified signal is compared with the reference signal, and after the signal equal to or higher than the reference signal is detected, the measurement control unit The above-described transmission / reception is repeated a predetermined number of times by the repeating means provided at 21, and each time value is measured by a timing means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 21.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 20A and the second transmitter / receiver 20B is switched by the measurement control unit 21 having switching means, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 20B to the first transmitter / receiver 20A, that is, from downstream to upstream. A signal is transmitted, this transmission is repeated as described above, and each time value is measured. Then, the flow rate value is obtained by the signal processing means 22 in consideration of the size of the flow path 2 and the fluid flow state from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 20A and the second transceiver 20B.

  Further, a shutoff valve 3 for shutting off the gas flow is provided in the flow path 2 where the flow rate measuring means 20 is arranged, and a battery 4 is built in the gas meter 1 as a power source for driving the shutoff valve 3. Has been.

  Further, the gas meter 1 has a return part 5 for returning the shut-off valve 3 that has been shut off due to the occurrence of an abnormality to the gas supply state after removing the cause. When returning to the gas supply state, a return detection unit 6 is provided for detecting the return state.

  In addition, when a situation occurs in which the shutoff state of the shutoff valve 3 needs to be maintained, a return lock unit 7 is provided for prohibiting the return operation by the return unit 5. The part 5 is configured to return to the open state by mechanically operating the shut-off valve 3 which is in a self-holding state at the time of shut-off, and the return lock part 7 is a mechanical part of the return part 5 when a return impossible signal is output. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and may be configured to have an electrically similar function, or may be a combination of electrical means and mechanical means. Is.

  A microcomputer 8 is provided for performing measurement control of the flow rate measuring means 20, flow rate calculation, signal processing from various sensors, drive / return control of the shutoff valve 3, and the like. The microcomputer 8 monitors the voltage of the battery 4. The battery voltage detection means for determining the exhaustion state is built in, and an abnormal signal is output when it is determined that the battery voltage decreases and affects the shut-off capability of the shut-off valve 3. The battery voltage detection means may not be built in the microcomputer 8 and a detection circuit may be provided separately.

  Moreover, the monitoring means 9 which monitors operation | movement of the microcomputer 8 is provided, and the monitoring means 9 is the abnormality output from the microcomputer 8 when the signal of the earthquake detection from various sensors, a leak detection, and abnormal use detection is input. When the abnormal signal from the signal and the battery voltage detection means and the abnormal signal output when the microcomputer 8 itself runs out of control and is in an abnormal state are always monitored, and the monitoring means 9 determines that it is abnormal. Further, there is provided a non-recoverable means 10 that outputs a shut-off signal a to the shut-off valve 3 and further outputs a non-returnable signal b to the return lock unit 7.

  Further, the return disable means 10 has means for selecting the detection signal of the monitoring means 9 into a return enable signal and a return disable signal, and outputs a signal to the return lock unit 7 when the return disable signal is selected. The maintenance performance is improved by avoiding the state where the return operation cannot be performed unnecessarily.

  In FIG. 2, the shut-off valve 3 is a self-holding solenoid, and an adsorption holding force due to the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 11 can be obtained even in a non-energized state. Since the valve body 12 is adsorbed and held, the gas flow path 2 can be returned (opened).

  Further, the gas flow path 2 is blocked (capped) by applying a current having a reverse polarity to the coil 13 so as to cancel the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 11 to reduce the adsorption holding force, and by the return force outside the spring 14. The gas flow path 2 can be shut off (closed) by pulling the valve body 12 apart.

  The return lock portion 7 is provided at a position where the external force of the return portion 5 is applied, and is configured such that when the return failure signal b is received, the shutter 15 that interferes with the external force is closed so that no external force is applied to the return portion 5. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as a means for detecting whether or not the microcomputer 8 itself is operating normally, the monitoring means 9 outputs a pulse signal from the microcomputer 8 during normal operation, and this pulse signal is A circuit for differentiating and integrating is provided, and a circuit for detecting the presence or absence of an abnormal signal from the microcomputer 8 as well as determining whether or not the microcomputer 8 itself has runaway due to this circuit output. If it is determined that the state is abnormal, the non-returnable means 10 sends a shut-off signal a to the shut-off valve 3, and further sends a non-returnable signal b to the return lock unit 7.

  The shut-off valve 3 that has received the shut-off signal a shuts off (closes) the flow path 2, and the return lock unit 7 that has received the non-returnable signal b closes the shutter 15 and returns so that no external force can be applied to the return unit 5. The operation is disabled.

  Further, when the voltage of the battery 4 decreases, an abnormal signal is output before the battery voltage detection means built in the microcomputer 8 or a separately provided detection circuit falls below the driveable voltage of the shut-off valve 3, and the abnormal signal Since the shut-off valve 3 is closed and the return lock operation is performed to prevent the shut-off valve 3 from being opened, the return of the gas flow path 2 (opening) is performed without the shut-off capability due to the consumption of the battery 4. It is possible to avoid the danger associated with the use of gas until the gas shutoff device is replaced.

(Embodiment 2)
A gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the thing of the same code | symbol as Embodiment 1 has the same structure, and abbreviate | omits description.

  The difference from the first embodiment is that the communication unit 16 that transfers the cutoff signal a to the centralized monitoring center, the display 17 that displays the state of the gas meter 1, and the display 17 that receives the detection signal from the monitoring means 9. The lock display means 18 for displaying the non-recoverable state and the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas flow path 2 are detected by the flow rate measuring means 20, and when the flow rate is detected after outputting the cutoff signal a, the cutoff signal a is output to the cutoff valve 3 When the flow detection unit 19 and the return detection unit 6 detect the return after the return disable signal b is output, the shutoff valve a is output to shut off the shutoff valve 3 again, and the return detection unit 6 returns. When the return is detected after the disable signal b is output, the return lock unit 7 is provided with return disable means 10 for outputting the return disable signal b again.

  According to the above configuration, by notifying the central monitoring center that an abnormality has occurred in the microcomputer, it is possible to quickly go to the site after the occurrence of the abnormality, and a quick response is possible.

In addition, when an operator or a customer clearly confirms that an abnormality has occurred in the microcomputer 8 at the site confirmation, an accurate treatment can be performed.

  Furthermore, when the gas flow rate flows after the shut-off signal output a, it is determined that the gas flow path 2 has not been sufficiently cut off, and the gas flow path 2 can be closed again by closing the gas flow path 2 again.

  Further, when the shut-off valve 3 is returned after the shut-off signal output a, the return lock portion 7 determines that the return portion 5 has not been sufficiently locked, and the gas passage 2 is closed again by closing the gas passage 2 again. can do.

  When the return detection unit 6 detects the return after outputting the return disable signal b, the return lock unit 7 determines that the return unit 5 has not been sufficiently locked, and relocks the return lock unit 7. A return input after the gas flow path 2 is closed can be prevented.

  The gas shut-off device according to the present invention can be applied to a use related to a gas shut-off device for ensuring safety in use of gas when using gas after a gas meter.

Configuration diagram of the gas shut-off device in the first and second embodiments of the present invention (A) Configuration diagram of gas flow path at the time of opening in the first and second embodiments of the present invention (b) Configuration diagram of gas flow path at the time of closing in the same embodiment Configuration diagram of conventional gas shut-off device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas meter 2 Gas flow path 3 Shut-off valve 4 Battery 5 Return part 6 Return detection part 7 Return lock part (shutter)
8 Microcomputer 9 Monitoring unit 10 Unrecoverable unit 16 Communication unit 17 Display unit 18 Lock display unit 19 Flow rate detection unit 20 Flow rate measurement unit

Claims (8)

A flow rate measuring unit provided in the gas flow path of the gas meter for measuring a gas supply amount, a shut-off valve provided in the flow path for closing the flow path in the event of an abnormality, a battery as a drive source of the shut-off valve, and a shut-off A return part for returning the shut-off valve in a state; a return detection part for detecting a return state of the shut-off valve; a return lock part for locking the operation of the return part and prohibiting the return action of the shut-off valve; and the flow rate A microcomputer for controlling the operation of the measuring unit and the shut-off valve, and for monitoring the consumption state of the battery, a monitoring means for monitoring the operation of the microcomputer, and outputting a shut-off signal to the shut-off valve by a detection signal of the monitoring means A gas shut-off device comprising a non-returnable means for outputting a nonreturnable signal to the return lock portion. The return part is configured to return to the open state by mechanically operating a shut-off valve that is in a self-holding state at the time of shutoff, and the return lock part is a mechanical return operation of the return part when a return impossible signal is output The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the gas shut-off device is configured to have a means that cannot be used. 3. The gas according to claim 1, wherein the non-recoverable means has a means for selecting the detection signal of the monitoring means into a recoverable signal and a non-recoverable signal, and outputs a signal to the return lock unit when the non-recoverable signal is selected. Shut-off device. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the non-return means outputs a shut-off signal to shut off the shut-off valve again when the return detection unit detects a return after outputting the non-return signal. 3. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein the non-recoverable means outputs a non-recoverable signal to the return lock unit again when the return detection unit detects a return after outputting the non-returnable signal. The gas shut-off device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a communication unit that transfers a detection signal from the monitoring unit to the centralized monitoring center. The gas shutoff according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: a lock display means that includes a display for displaying a status of the gas meter, and displays a non-recoverable state on the display when a detection signal from the monitoring means is received. apparatus. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising a flow rate detection unit that detects a flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas flow path and outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff valve when the flow rate is detected after the cutoff signal is output.

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