JP2008026000A - Apparatus for monitoring gas appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an apparatus for monitoring a gas appliance in which data transfer work can be easily performed after the completion of gas-meter replacement work. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a flow quantity measuring means 12 for measuring the quantity of flow of gas; a gas emergency trip valve 15 for shutting off a gas channel in abnormalities; a setting means 32 for various types of settings; a control part 21 for monitoring the measured quantity of flow on the basis of the contents of settings; an abnormality history storage means for storing an abnormality history; and a meter-side wireless communication means 25 for transmitting and receiving various types of information. Gas meters 2 are provided with unique identification codes and have IDs for meter replacement especially provided for meter replacement by a gas provider. When gas meters are to be replaced, IDs for meter replacement are authenticated between old and new gas meters. In the case that authentication IDs of both gas meters are matched with each other, stored data is transferred to the new gas meter with an identification code of the old gas meter. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for identifying a plurality of gas appliances connected to a gas pipe after passing through a gas meter and individually monitoring the usage status of the gas, and particularly relates to a setting operation after completion of replacement work of the meter. is there.

  Conventionally, as this type of gas monitoring device, there are a flow rate measuring means for generating a signal in accordance with the amount of gas passing through a gas meter disposed in a gas supply line, and a change in the amount of gas passing through the gas meter by a signal from the flow rate measuring means. Individual gas appliance flow rate calculation means for calculating the flow rate and classifying the gas amount for each individual gas appliance, sensor means for obtaining an input signal other than the change flow rate, for example, outside temperature, calendar information, use start time information, etc., and individual gas An apparatus provided with composite arithmetic means for determining the gas instrument used by combining information obtained from the instrument flow rate arithmetic means and the sensor means (for example, see Patent Document 1), and individual gas flow paths of each gas instrument Each sounding means for generating a monitoring sound of a predetermined frequency corresponding to each gas appliance with strength according to the gas flow rate, and a monitoring sound generated by each sounding means Hazuki that a monitoring means for monitoring the usage of individual gas appliance (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Also, attach a setter to the old meter, read the information about the old meter with the setter, attach the setter to the new meter, read the company number, connect the setter to the network control device, There is one that sends the company number of the meter to the center, registers at the center, removes the setting device from the network control device, attaches a new meter to the network control device, and makes a test call with the new meter (for example, see Patent Document 3) .
JP-A-3-236513 JP-A-8-178195 JP-A-8-214078

  However, the gas appliance monitoring device disclosed in each of the above patent documents needs to be provided with a gas appliance discriminating means with a complicated control circuit. In particular, in Patent Document 1, an individual gas appliance is detected from the change flow rate of the gas meter passage gas amount. Individual gas appliance flow rate calculation means that classifies each gas amount is provided, and the gas appliance used is estimated by combining various sensor information for specifying the usage environment, requiring a complicated circuit configuration However, there was a problem with certainty in identifying the gas appliances used.

  Moreover, since the thing of the patent document 2 emits the monitoring sound of the frequency according to the magnitude | size of the gas flow volume which flows into each gas appliance, and collects the monitoring sound and specifies the gas appliance to be used, it is individual. Although certainty can be improved in terms of identifying gas appliances to be used based on information emitted from other gas appliances, a whistle device that generates sound according to the flow rate, a microphone that collects sound, and an analysis circuit are required. There is a problem that a very complicated circuit configuration is required.

In addition, in gas meter replacement work, as in Patent Document 3, there is a method of reading information on an old meter via a setting device and then registering a new meter by communication with the center. In the unlikely event that the gas meter is not connected to the center, the gas company will pull up the information set in the old meter through the setting device, reconnect the setting device to the new meter, and set If you forget to bring a setting device, you can not set it immediately at the installation site.
In addition, there are cases where the battery of the setting device has run out, and it takes troublesome time to set it, or there is a problem that it is not possible to prevent the gas company from making various settings with the telegram setting device at the site and making incorrect settings. It was.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and it is possible to easily set or change a flow rate pattern as comparison reference data for specifying an appliance corresponding to the increase or decrease of gas appliances used in the home. In addition, it is possible to set and change the monitoring items for the services provided by the gas company, and even the inexperienced worker can definitely perform the setting work after the gas meter replacement work is completed. It is intended to provide a gas appliance monitoring apparatus that can be easily performed between old and new gas meters without connecting a line to the above.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention is a device that monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter, and the gas meter includes a gas flow rate. The flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate, the gas shut-off valve that shuts off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, the setting means that performs various settings, the display means that displays the setting content, flow rate measurement information, etc., and the measured flow rate A control unit for monitoring based on the abnormality, an abnormality history storage means for storing an abnormality history, and a meter-side wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving various types of information. Has a meter replacement ID specially assigned for meter replacement, and when the gas meter is replaced, the meter replacement ID is authenticated between the new gas meter and the old gas meter. If the authentication ID of Sumeta match is obtained by the so porting stored data to the new gas meter together with the identification code of the old gas meter.

  According to the above-described invention, the data porting operation performed after the completion of the gas meter replacement work is performed only by performing authentication work for the meter replacement ID of the old and new gas meters, and the old gas meter can be identified between the meters via the communication means built in the meter Since the stored data can be ported to the new gas meter together with the code, flow management based on the setting contents as before can be performed based on the pre-registered identification code, and the old gas meter such as abnormality history is stored Information can be taken over and monitored, and even an inexperienced operator can surely carry out a specific exchange work.

  The gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention enables flow management based on the setting contents as usual based on the identification code registered in the old gas meter even after the gas meter replacement work is completed, The stored information can be taken over and monitored, and even a specific replacement operation or an inexperienced operator can be surely performed.

  A first invention is an apparatus for monitoring the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter. The gas meter includes a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, and a gas flow at an abnormal time. A gas shut-off valve that shuts off the passage, a setting means that performs various settings, a display means that displays setting contents, flow rate measurement information, and the like, a control unit that monitors the measured flow rate based on the setting contents, and an abnormality history An abnormality history storage means for storing and a meter-side wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving various types of information. For a meter exchange, a gas meter is given a unique identification coat and specially provided for gas replacement by a gas company When the gas meter replacement operation is performed when the gas meter is exchanged, the meter replacement ID authentication operation is performed between the new gas meter and the old gas meter. It is characterized in that together with the identification code of the data to the stored data to be transplanted into new gas meter.

Then, the data transplantation work performed after the completion of the gas meter replacement work is performed by performing authentication work for the meter replacement ID of the old and new gas meters, and storing data together with the old gas meter identification code between the meters via the built-in communication means. Can be transferred to the new gas meter, so that the flow rate management based on the setting contents as before can be performed based on the identification code registered in advance, and the information stored in the old gas meter such as abnormality history can be taken over. It is possible to monitor, and it is possible to surely carry out a specific replacement work and an inexperienced worker without fail.

  The second invention is characterized in that the meter replacement ID is assigned to each group having compatibility in terms of function or flow rate measurement range.

  Then, by assigning a meter replacement ID to each compatible group, troubles such as model mistakes at the time of meter replacement can be solved in advance.

  The third invention is characterized in that the transplanted identification code is given a code for confirming the exchange history.

  And, when replacing the old gas meter with the new gas meter, it is possible to easily confirm that the meter has been replaced by adding a code that can confirm the replacement history even if the same identification code is transplanted. It is.

  The fourth invention is characterized in that the authentication operation of the meter replacement ID is started by operating a transplantation instruction means provided on the operation unit or the remote controller.

  In addition, it is possible to easily instruct data transplantation from the old meter to the new meter by using a switch or the like provided on the operation unit or the remote controller, so that even an inexperienced operator can surely perform it.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a registration storage means for storing a flow rate pattern as comparison reference data for discriminating the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance input via the information input means as the setting means, and the registration storage means Appliance signal registration means for setting and registering an appliance signal for specifying the type of gas appliance to be used based on the appliance information stored in the apparatus, and signal registering means for each usage specifying the usage form for each usage of the gas appliance to be used, and An appliance that assigns and classifies the setting signals of the appliance signal registration means and the application-specific signal registration means for each item previously classified for the service provided by the gas company based on the registration information of the appliance signal registration means and the application-specific signal registration means. Appliance specifying means having classification means, classification item selection means for selecting a classification item of the appliance classification means corresponding to the service provided by the gas company, The gas flow value measured by the flow rate measuring means and the gas flow value measured by the flow rate measuring means to determine the gas appliance to be used or the mode of use, and the selected item selected by the classification item selecting means The present invention is characterized in that a device-by-device monitoring means for monitoring the usage status for each item of the device classification means is provided.

  And, by storing in the registration storage means a flow rate pattern for appliance discrimination corresponding to appliance information such as the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance input via the information input means, it is possible to make appliance discrimination with high accuracy. Since the appliance registration means can be changed according to the usage status of the gas appliance in the home, it can be easily changed when the appliance is added, the usage is stopped, or the usage form is changed. Furthermore, the flow measurement data is managed for each monitoring item classified according to the service provided by the gas company, and the monitoring item can be selected according to the provided service. A high value-added gas supply business can be realized. In addition, when changing the appliance registration means and changing the monitoring item, it is not possible to perform a predetermined authentication process, so that it is possible to prevent exchanges that are against the will of the gas company or exchanges due to mischief.

  For example, as a setting method of the appliance registration means, a signal corresponding to the type of appliance and usage pattern, for example, an A signal for a water heater, a B signal for a gas cooker, a C signal for a gas fan heater, and a water heater As a form of use, signals such as A-1 signal for hot water supply, A-2 signal for bath, and A-3 signal for floor heating are set, and a flow rate pattern based on this setting signal is input as registration data. By memorizing, it is possible to accurately grasp the gas appliance used in the home or its usage, and compare it with the measured flow rate value using the registration data for appliance discrimination corresponding to this setting signal Therefore, since it is possible to make more accurate appliance determination, it is possible to enhance the security function and diversify services using data managed by each appliance.

  The sixth invention is characterized in that a classification item corresponding to a service provided by a gas company can be input from an operation unit.

  Even when there are a wide variety of services provided by the gas company, it can be selected and set simply by inputting from the operation unit, and even an inexperienced operator can definitely perform it.

  7th invention is provided with the memory | storage means which memorize | stores a some flow pattern, and the information input means which inputs the kind or usage pattern of a gas appliance, The flow pattern corresponding to the information input by the said information input means is registration memory means It is characterized in that it is memorized.

  And by providing the information input means for inputting the instrument information, it becomes possible to easily store the flow rate pattern for identifying the instrument in the registration storage means, and there was an addition of the instrument, a stop of use, or a change of the use form. Can be easily changed in case.

  The eighth invention is characterized in that it is provided with a warning means and performs warning notification when a data porting operation is performed without passing through a predetermined authentication flow.

  When the data transplanting operation is performed without performing the predetermined authentication process, it is determined that the exchange is contrary to the intention of the gas company or the exchange by mischief, and a warning notification is made.

  According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a gas shut-off valve is provided, and the gas flow path is shut off when a data porting operation is performed without a predetermined authentication flow.

  When the data porting operation is performed without performing the predetermined authentication process, it is determined that the exchange is against the intention of the gas company or the exchange by mischief, and the gas flow path is blocked.

  The tenth invention is characterized in that ultrasonic waves are used as the flow rate measuring means.

  Then, by using ultrasonic waves, instantaneous flow rate can be measured, and more accurate instrument discrimination is performed.

  Hereinafter, embodiments 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 an overall configuration diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A gas meter 2 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household to monitor the amount of gas supplied in accordance with a charge system based on a contract with a gas company, and the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 The gas is supplied to a pipe branched to a place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. For example, a gas water heater 4 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 4 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 5, a bath 6 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 7 is supplied to form various usage forms.

  In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to a gas table 8 installed in a kitchen, a gas fan heater 9 installed in a living room, a bedroom, or the like, and is used as needed.

  In addition, the gas meter 2 may be newly installed in a newly built house or the like, or may be periodically replaced and installed by a gas company for the purpose of maintenance and inspection, and it is necessary to perform initial setting each time.

  The gas meter 2 is provided with a flow rate measuring unit 12 for measuring the gas flow rate. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a pair of ultrasonic sensors are arranged in the gas flow path, and the gas meter 2 changes according to the flow rate flowing through the flow path. Some measure flow rate by measuring propagation time. Hereinafter, the configuration will be briefly described. The first transmitter / receiver 12A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and the second transmitter / receiver 12B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction, and transmission / reception is performed by the measurement control unit 13 having switching means. Switching is possible, and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 12A and the second transmitter / receiver 12B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 12A is first driven by the measurement control unit 13 and then the second transmitter / receiver 12B. 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 12B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 13, 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 13, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 13.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 12A and the second transmitter / receiver 12B is switched by the measurement control unit 13 having a switching unit, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 12B to the first transmitter / receiver 12A, 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 14 in consideration of the size of the flow path 11 and the fluid flow state from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 12A and the second transceiver 12B.

  In addition, a shutoff valve 15 is provided in the flow path 11 in which the flow rate measuring means 12 is disposed to shut off the gas flow when an abnormality occurs.

  The gas meter 2 is provided with a display means 34 for displaying setting contents, flow rate measurement information, and the like, and an abnormality history storage means 35 for classifying and storing the cause of the shut-off valve 15 being in a shut-off state.

  Further, the gas meter 2 is provided with a registration storage means 16 for inputting and storing a flow rate pattern corresponding to the appliance information of the gas appliance used at home applied for by the user. And the memory | storage means 31 which memorize | stored the characteristic flow rate pattern of the gas flow rate according to the kind or usage form of the gas appliance matched with the code number is provided, and it uses it in the home where a user applies. By inputting a code number corresponding to the appliance information of the gas appliance into the information input means 32 from a keyboard or an external input device or the like, the flow rate pattern stored in the storage means 31 is extracted into the registration storage means 16 and stored as registration data. .

Then, when instrument information is input from the information input means 32, an instrument signal registration means for setting and registering an instrument signal specifying the type of gas instrument to be used based on the instrument information stored in the registration storage means 16. 17 and a registration signal of application-specific signal registration means 18 for specifying a usage form according to the use of the gas appliance to be used, and the registration information of the appliance signal registration means 17 and the application-specific signal registration means 18, a gas company or the like can specify a specific service or the like. There is provided an appliance specifying means 20 having appliance classification means 19 for classifying the gas appliances used in the home for each item previously classified for.

  Then, the monitoring item classified according to the service provided by the gas company is selected by the classification item selection means 33, and the monitoring item corresponding to the provided service is set in the appliance classification means 19. The selection instruction to the classification item selection unit 33 can be performed via the information input unit 32 by operating the operation unit 23.

  Here, the appliance signal registration means 17 sets and registers a signal according to the type of appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 1).

  Further, the application-specific signal registration means 18 sets and registers a signal for specifying a use form for each use of the appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 2).

  In addition, the appliance classification means 19 is a service provided by the gas company, in which the fields subject to gas gas discounts are preset and classified based on the type and usage of the gas appliance, and the above (Table 1) and (Table 2). By applying the gas appliances used in the home based on the information obtained in the above, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 3), if floor heating is performed using a water heater, the discount is A, and the gas fan heater If hot air heating is performed, etc., it is set as discount B, otherwise it is classified as standard, and gas appliances used at home are set and registered.

  An appliance determination unit 24 for determining an appliance in use by comparing the flow rate value obtained by the signal processing unit 14 with the registration data (flow rate pattern) of the registration storage unit 16 is provided. The device-specific monitoring means 21 for monitoring the amount of gas used according to the usage status of the gas appliance determined in (1) is provided. This appliance-specific monitoring means 21 inputs the gas flow rate value obtained by the signal processing means 14 of the flow rate measuring unit 12, is managed together with the registration information of the gas appliance determined by the appliance determination means 24, and is requested by the gas company. Based on the above, information such as a cumulative flow rate value for each predetermined period is output.

  Here, the outline of the instrument determination performed by the instrument determination unit 24 will be described. As the registration data stored in the registration storage unit 16, for example, a flow rate pattern as shown in FIG. As actual registration data, for example, data of a flow rate value every 0.2 seconds from the start of the instrument is stored for a predetermined time. Note that the data time interval does not need to be limited to 0.2 seconds, and can be arbitrarily set depending on the required appliance discrimination capability.

  The flow rate measuring unit 12 measures the gas flow rate at regular intervals, and when the newly measured gas flow rate value increases by more than a predetermined value from the previous value, it is determined that a new instrument has been used, and the flow rate change and registration memory The flow rate pattern corresponding to the instrument code registered in the means 16 is compared to determine the instrument being used.

  In addition, when a signal such as an abnormal flow rate is input from the flow rate measuring unit 12, safety is ensured by blocking the flow path 11 via the cutoff valve 15.

  In the present embodiment, the discount item service is targeted as a classification item of the appliance identifying means 20, but the service is not limited to this, and services that are considered necessary by gas companies, such as security services, are targeted. A monitoring method for each device can be adopted.

  The above describes the setting method performed when the gas meter is initially set or changed during the process.

  Next, the case of replacing the old gas meter that has been used up to now with a new one will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG.

  When replacing with a new gas meter, it is not necessary to start from the initial setting newly, and measurement is performed according to the equipment information used so far, the information classified according to the service provided by the gas company, and the classified information. Since the old gas meter stores data that stores the flow rate values that have been stored, the various types of information stored in the old gas meter can be transferred to the new gas meter. The situation can be monitored.

Therefore, after the replacement work to the new gas meter is completed, the data of the old gas meter is transplanted and registered by operating the switch 23a which is a transplanting instruction means provided in the operation unit 23 as shown in FIG. An example of the transplanting operation will be described. When the switch 23a is operated, a signal for requesting a meter replacement ID from the new gas meter to the old gas meter is transmitted to the meter-side wireless communication means 25 as shown in FIG. When the wireless communication means built in the old gas meter receives this request signal, the meter replacement ID assigned to the old gas meter is returned to the new gas meter, and whether the ID authentication means 22 matches the meter replacement ID of the new gas meter. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the ID authentication work matches, the new gas meter that has been replaced is assumed to be compatible with the old gas meter in terms of function or flow rate measurement range, etc. By repeating transmission / reception via the communication means 25, it is transplanted to the new gas meter, and the identification code assigned to the old gas meter is added with a code indicating the replacement history and transmitted to the new gas meter. Through this series of data porting operations, various settings when the old gas meter is replaced with the new gas meter can be easily processed between the meters without communication with the center. It is possible to receive various services, and the gas company can manage the gas meter with the same identification code as before.

  Here, an example of the data porting operation will be described in detail. First, when the porting instruction unit 23a of the operation unit 23 is pressed, transmission / reception of meter replacement ID data to / from the old gas meter is started. At this time, if there is a function to send and receive data via wireless communication means, it is necessary to install the old gas meter within the communicable range, and the function to send and receive data via wired communication means It is necessary to connect a communication line between the new gas meter and the old gas meter in advance.

  When the authentication work of the meter replacement ID with the old gas meter is completed, the instrument information stored in the old gas meter registration storage means 16 is first extracted, and the new gas meter is registered via the wireless communication means 25 or the communication line. Implanted into the storage means 16. Upon receiving notification from the new gas meter that the first step transplantation operation has been completed, the service provided by the gas company, which is stored in the appliance classification means 19, for example, a field subject to discounting of gas charges is preset and classified. Information obtained by applying a gas appliance to be used at home to the object is taken out and transplanted to the appliance classification means 19 of the new gas meter via the wireless communication means 25 or the communication line. When the notification that the second step transplantation operation has been completed is received from the new gas meter, the gas usage amount corresponding to the usage status of the gas appliance determined by the appliance determination means 24 stored in the appliance-specific monitoring means 21 is then determined. The abnormality history data stored in the monitoring data and abnormality history storage means 35 is taken out and transplanted to the device-specific monitoring means 21 and the abnormality history storage means 35 of the new gas meter via the wireless communication means 25 or the communication line. Upon receiving notification from the new gas meter that the third step transplantation operation has been completed, the identification code assigned to the old gas meter is then transmitted to the new gas meter via the wireless communication means 25 or communication line, and the new gas meter The identification code is registered by adding a code indicating an exchange history.

  The data porting operation is not limited to the present embodiment, and any content, procedure, etc. may be used. Of the information stored in the old gas meter, the necessary information is stored. As long as it is transplanted to a new gas meter through a predetermined step, it may be in any form.

  In addition, the porting instruction means may not be provided with the dedicated switch 23 a in the operation unit 23, but may be instructed by a specific operation of the existing switch 23 b or the remote controller 10.

  In addition, there is a risk that the data porting operation may be operated by a person other than the gas business operator. In order to prevent such an action, in the present invention, the lid 28 provided on the front side of the gas meter 2 is removed. An opening / closing detection means 29 for detection is provided, and a meter-side wireless communication means 25 capable of transmission / reception is provided in the gas meter 2, and an authentication code set in advance is transmitted from an authentication code transmission means comprising a wireless key 10 carried by a gas company. When the meter-side wireless communication unit 25 receives this authentication code and determines that the authentication code received by the authentication code confirmation unit 26 is normal, the detection signal of the open / close detection unit 29 is invalidated and the switch of the operation unit 23 is switched off. It is possible to perform the data porting operation by the operation of 23a, etc. When it is removed, the alarm means 27 is used to warn that data cannot be transplanted by operating the switch 23a of the operation unit 23, or the shutoff valve 15 is activated to shut off the flow path 11 and the gas meter. 2 is prohibited.

  With the above authentication flow, only the gas company or authorized contractor can perform the data transplantation operation by operating the switch 23a of the operation unit 23, and the setting contrary to the intention of the gas company or the setting due to mischief is prevented. .

  Moreover, as a structure of the operation part 23, you may provide in the wireless key 10 besides providing in the gas meter 2. FIG.

  In the gas appliance monitoring apparatus configured as described above, the data porting operation performed after the completion of the gas meter replacement work is performed by performing the authentication operation of the meter replacement ID of the old and new gas meters, via the communication means built in the meter. Since the stored data can be transferred to the new gas meter together with the identification code of the old gas meter between the meters, the conventional flow rate management based on the setting contents based on the identification code registered in advance becomes possible, and an abnormality history, etc. Information stored in the old gas meter can be taken over and monitored, and even a specific replacement operation or an inexperienced operator can be surely performed.

  Moreover, troubles such as model mistakes during meter replacement can be eliminated in advance by providing a meter replacement ID for each group having compatibility in terms of function or flow rate measurement range.

  In addition, when the old gas meter is replaced with the new gas meter, it is possible to easily confirm that the meter has been replaced by adding a code that allows confirmation of the replacement history even if the same identification code is transplanted. It is.

  Furthermore, it is possible to easily instruct data transplantation from the old meter to the new meter by using a switch or the like provided on the operation unit 23 or the remote controller, so that even an inexperienced operator can surely perform it.

  Further, by storing in the registration storage unit 16 a flow rate pattern for appliance discrimination corresponding to appliance information such as the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance input via the information input unit 32, it becomes possible to make appliance discrimination with high accuracy. In addition, since the appliance registration means 16 can be changed according to the usage status of gas appliances in the home, it can be easily changed when appliances are added, use is stopped, or usage is changed. Can do. Furthermore, the flow measurement data is managed for each monitoring item classified according to the service provided by the gas company, and the monitoring item can be selected according to the provided service. A high value-added gas supply business can be realized. In addition, when changing the appliance registration means 16 or changing the monitoring item, it is not possible to perform a predetermined authentication process, so that it is possible to prevent exchanges that are against the will of the gas company or exchanges due to mischief.

  Further, even when there are a wide variety of services provided by the gas company, it can be easily selected and set simply by inputting from the operation unit 23, and even an inexperienced operator can surely perform it.

  Further, by providing the information input means 32 for inputting the instrument information, it is possible to easily store the flow rate pattern for determining the instrument in the registration storage means 16, and the addition of the instrument, the stop of use, or the change of the use form can be performed. If there is, it can be changed easily.

  In addition, if data porting work is performed without performing the specified authentication process, it is judged that the replacement is against the intention of the gas company or replacement by mischief, and a warning is issued, or the gas flow path is shut off and gas is used. By stopping the operation, it is possible to ensure reliability and safety.

  And by using an ultrasonic wave, it is possible to measure an instantaneous flow rate, and to perform instrument discrimination with higher accuracy.

  The present invention is not limited to a monitoring device that specifies the type of gas appliance used in the home and the usage pattern and manages it together with the flow rate data, but also identifies the type and usage pattern for a plurality of appliances used in the office or store, It can also be applied to devices that manage power consumption and water usage.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gas monitoring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control block diagram on the gas meter side in the gas monitoring device The figure which displayed the operation part of the gas meter in the gas monitoring device The figure which displayed the communication state between the gas meters in the gas monitoring device The figure which shows an example of the flow pattern in the gas monitoring device

Explanation of symbols

2 Gas meter 3 Gas piping 10 Wireless key (authentication code transmission means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 12 Flow measurement part 16 Registration memory | storage means 20 Appliance identification means 21 Instrument-specific monitoring means 22 ID authentication means 23 Operation part 24 Instrument determination means 25 Meter side radio | wireless communication means 26 Authentication code confirmation means 27 Warning means 32 Information input means 33 Classification item selection Means 34 Display means 35 Abnormal history storage means

Claims (10)

A device for monitoring the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter. The gas meter has a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate and a gas cutoff for shutting off a gas flow path in the event of an abnormality. Valve, setting means for performing various settings, display means for displaying setting contents, flow rate measurement information, etc., control unit for monitoring the measured flow rate based on the setting contents, and abnormality history storage means for storing abnormality history And a meter-side wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving various types of information. The gas meter is provided with a unique identification coat and has a meter replacement ID specially assigned for replacement by the gas company. When the replacement operation is performed, the meter replacement ID authentication operation is performed between the new gas meter and the old gas meter. Gas appliance monitoring apparatus for storing data and to be transplanted into new gas meter with. 2. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the meter replacement ID is assigned to each group having compatibility in function or flow rate measurement range. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transplanted identification code is given a code for confirming the exchange history. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the meter replacement ID authentication operation is started by an operation of a transplantation instruction means provided on an operation unit or a remote controller. Registered storage means for storing a flow rate pattern as comparison reference data for discriminating the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance input via the information input means as setting means, and the appliance information stored in the registration storage means Instrument signal registration means for setting and registering an instrument signal for identifying the type of gas instrument to be used based on the application, signal registering means for each purpose for identifying the usage form for each application of the gas instrument to be used, and instrument signal registration means and application Appliance identification having appliance classification means for assigning and classifying setting signals of the appliance signal registration means and usage-specific signal registration means for each item previously classified for the service provided by the gas company based on the registration information of the separate signal registration means Means, a classification item selection means for selecting a classification item of the appliance classification means corresponding to a service provided by a gas company, and the registration storage means The appliance classification means selected by the classification item selection means, comprising: a gas flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means; The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an appliance-specific monitoring unit that monitors a use state every time. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 5, wherein classification items corresponding to services provided by a gas company can be input from an operation unit. A storage means for storing a plurality of flow rate patterns and an information input means for inputting the type or usage pattern of the gas appliance are provided, and a flow rate pattern corresponding to the information input by the information input means is stored in the registration storage means. The gas appliance monitoring device according to claim 5. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a warning means, wherein a warning notification is made when a data porting operation is performed without a predetermined authentication flow. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a gas shut-off valve, wherein the gas flow path is shut off when a data transplantation operation is performed without a predetermined authentication flow. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an ultrasonic wave is used as the flow rate measuring means.