JP2008232991A - Gas appliance monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas appliance monitoring device capable of changing the monitoring level for each gas appliance. <P>SOLUTION: The gas appliance monitoring device includes: a flow rate measurement means 17 measuring a gas flow rate; a gas shutoff valve 2c shutting a gas flow passage upon occurrence of abnormality; an information storage means 10b storing various kinds of information on the basis of the measurement result of the flow rate measurement means 17; a wireless module 11 transmitting and receiving information to/from a plurality of communication destinations; and a communication switching means 10c switching a communication frequency band according to the communication destination. The wireless module 11 is integrated with a control circuit board 10 constituting the flow rate measurement means 17 so as to be housed in a gas meter 2, uses an appliance wireless module 11d having a communication frequency band with at least a base station 14 and a communication frequency band with a plurality of gas appliances to transmit as appliance information an operation start signal detected by an appliance detection means 22 of a specific gas appliance. The continuous use period of time is changed on the basis of the information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,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 use status of the gas.

  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).

In addition, in order to prevent accidents caused by forgetting to turn off gas appliances, the continuous use time is limited, and the continuous use time is set according to the flow rate, and the gas is shut off when the continuous use time elapses. There exists a thing (for example, patent document 3).
JP-A-3-236513 JP-A-8-178195 JP 7-44239 A

  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.

  Moreover, the thing of patent document 3 was made to set continuous use time uniformly according to gas flow volume irrespective of the kind of gas appliance, and set the use time corresponding to each gas appliance's original use. For example, even if the same gas appliances are used, the latest gas appliances with enhanced safety functions and gas appliances 20 years ago with less safety functions have the same flow time when the flow range is the same. If the usage time is limited based on the latest gas appliances, the prevention time for forgetting to turn off the gas appliances 20 years ago becomes longer and the risk increases. On the other hand, when the use time is limited based on the gas appliance 20 years ago, there is a problem that the latest gas appliance is prematurely cut.

  The invention of the present application solves the above-mentioned problems, and is provided with an appliance detection module capable of detecting the start of operation of a gas appliance without receiving a signal from a gas appliance control device, and an appliance radio module capable of transmitting operation start information to a gas meter. A gas that can be properly monitored according to existing gas appliances by monitoring the continuous usage time of a specific gas appliance based on information from the appliance radio module. An instrument monitoring device is provided.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to a pipe after passing through a gas meter, and other than a plurality of destinations and telephone lines. A gas appliance monitoring device equipped with a wireless module capable of direct transmission / reception using a communication line, the gas meter having a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, A control circuit that performs predetermined processing based on the measurement result of the flow rate measurement means and outputs it as flow rate information, a meter wireless module that transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of counterparts, and communication that switches a communication frequency band according to the counterparts The meter wireless module is integrated with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and includes at least a base station. A communication frequency band between the specific gas appliance and the specific gas appliance includes an appliance information transmitter that detects the start of operation of the appliance and transmits the appliance information to the gas meter as the appliance information. A transmitter includes an appliance detection means for detecting an operation start of an appliance without receiving a signal from the gas appliance control device, and an appliance radio module for transmitting an appliance operation start signal from the appliance detection means to a gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band. And a drive battery are housed in a case so that they can be detachably installed and installed at any location, and the control circuit monitors the continuous operation time of the appliance based on the flow rate information. Based on the instrument information transmitted from the instrument information transmitter; Monitoring level changing means for changing the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each quantity range, and the continuous operation time monitored by the continuous use time monitoring means is the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area A predetermined processing mode is executed when the value is reached, and when the stored value is changed by the monitoring level changing means, the gas appliance is monitored using the changed stored value until another change canceling process is executed. It is a thing.

  According to the above invention, the wireless module capable of communicating with the base station using wireless communication means other than the telephone line, and the wireless module capable of receiving instrument information from a plurality of gas appliances are provided in the control circuit in the gas meter. Since it is integrated into the circuit board, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and various commands from the base station can be made smoothly without being affected by the congestion of the line. Instrument information including usage information from specific gas appliances, especially older types of gas appliances that require adequate monitoring, of multiple gas appliances that can be communicated and connected to the piping after passing through the gas meter It can be acquired, and the trouble that communication with the center cannot be done due to congestion of the telephone line as in the past can be solved, and the old tie used at home It is possible to obtain information about the gas appliance in real time and reliably.

  In addition, because it is possible to simultaneously acquire the usage information for each specific gas appliance information that has been acquired, the flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measuring means can be monitored in correspondence with the gas appliance information, and the latest gas appliances and old types can be monitored. Security services that distinguish gas appliances can be provided.

Furthermore, it is possible to monitor the continuous operation time with actual combustion by specific gas appliance information acquired, and by regulating the allowable time of continuous use during the period when this old type gas appliance is used, It is possible to determine the appropriate continuous use time for old types of gas appliances with insufficient safety functions, and to change the monitoring level of other gas appliances during that period together with strict monitoring, so that Because it is possible to set the security monitoring of all gas appliances under appropriate conditions during the period when the gas appliances are used, and to notify the other party, such as a base station, of the judgment results, forgetting to turn them off Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent a dangerous state due to an abnormal usage situation for a long time.

  The gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention can communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and can smoothly transmit various commands from the base station without being affected by the congestion status of the line. To obtain equipment information including usage information from specific gas appliances, especially old types of gas appliances that require adequate monitoring, among multiple gas appliances connected to the piping after passing through a gas meter It is possible to solve the problem that communication with the center is not possible due to congestion of telephone lines as in the past, and it is possible to reliably acquire information on old type gas appliances used in the home in real time it can.

  In addition, because it is possible to simultaneously acquire the usage information for each specific gas appliance information that has been acquired, the flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measuring means can be monitored in correspondence with the gas appliance information, and the latest gas appliances and old types can be monitored. Security services that distinguish gas appliances can be provided.

  Furthermore, it is possible to monitor the continuous operation time with actual combustion by specific gas appliance information acquired, and by regulating the allowable time of continuous use during the period when this old type gas appliance is used, It is possible to determine the appropriate continuous use time for old types of gas appliances with insufficient safety functions, and to change the monitoring level of other gas appliances during that period together with strict monitoring, so that Because it is possible to set the security monitoring of all gas appliances under appropriate conditions during the period when the gas appliances are used, and to notify the other party, such as a base station, of the judgment results, forgetting to turn them off Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent a dangerous state due to an abnormal usage situation for a long time.

  The first invention is a wireless module capable of monitoring the use status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter and directly transmitting / receiving with a plurality of destinations using a communication line other than a telephone line. The gas meter has a flow rate measuring means for measuring the gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, and a predetermined process based on the measurement result of the flow rate measuring means. Control circuit for performing flow rate information output, a meter wireless module for transmitting / receiving information to / from a plurality of destinations, a communication switching means for switching a communication frequency band according to the destinations, and a driving battery power source The meter radio module is configured integrally with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency with a specific gas appliance. The specific gas appliance includes an appliance information transmitter that detects the start of operation of the appliance and transmits the appliance information as appliance information to the gas meter, and the appliance information transmitter receives a signal from the gas appliance controller. An instrument detection means for detecting the operation start of the instrument without the instrument, an instrument radio module for transmitting an instrument operation start signal from the instrument detection means to the gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band, and a driving battery. The control circuit is configured so as to be detachable and installable at any location, and the control circuit has a continuous use time monitoring means for monitoring the continuous operation time of the appliance based on the flow rate information, and a continuous use time for each flow range. The stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area set and stored, and the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area are changed based on the appliance information transmitted from the appliance information transmitter. Monitoring level changing means, and when the continuous operation time monitored by the continuous use time monitoring means reaches the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area, a predetermined processing mode is executed and the monitoring When the stored value is changed by the level changing means, the gas appliance is monitored using the changed stored value until a separate change cancellation process is executed.

A wireless module capable of communicating with the base station using wireless communication means other than a telephone line and a wireless module capable of receiving instrument information from a plurality of gas appliances are integrated with a control circuit board in the gas meter. Because it is built in, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and various commands from the base station can be smoothly transmitted without being affected by the congestion status of the line. It is possible to acquire equipment information including usage information from a specific gas appliance among a plurality of gas appliances connected to the pipe after passing through a gas meter, particularly an old type gas appliance that requires sufficient monitoring. It is possible to solve the problem that communication with the center is not possible due to congestion of telephone lines as in the past, and old type gas appliances used at home Information can and be reliably acquired in real time about.

  In addition, because it is possible to simultaneously acquire the usage information for each specific gas appliance information that has been acquired, the flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measuring means can be monitored in correspondence with the gas appliance information, and the latest gas appliances and old types can be monitored. Security services that distinguish gas appliances can be provided.

  Furthermore, it is possible to monitor the continuous operation time with actual combustion by specific gas appliance information acquired, and by regulating the allowable time of continuous use during the period when this old type gas appliance is used, It is possible to determine the appropriate continuous use time for old types of gas appliances with insufficient safety functions, and to change the monitoring level of other gas appliances during that period together with strict monitoring, so that Because it is possible to set the security monitoring of all gas appliances under appropriate conditions during the period when the gas appliances are used, and to notify the other party, such as a base station, of the judgment results, forgetting to turn them off Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent a dangerous state due to an abnormal usage situation for a long time.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the meter radio module performs communication using a communication frequency band different from that of the radio module for communication with the base station and the radio module for communication with the specific gas appliance, and communicates with the specific gas appliance. The wireless module for communication is an area communication wireless module having a specific low power wireless communication frequency band, and the wireless module for communication with a base station is a wide area communication wireless module having a wide communication frequency band.

  Then, a wide area communication wireless module capable of communicating directly with a base station by carrier direct and an area communication wireless module capable of communicating within a predetermined range using a specific low power wireless communication frequency band are configured integrally with a control circuit board, Information is transmitted on base stations and communication lines other than telephone lines, and information is transmitted on specific gas appliances and specific low-power radio communication frequency bands. Information can be acquired in real time and reliably, and gas flow management based on this acquired information can be performed accurately, and the management results for each device can be sent to the base station by simply switching the meter radio module. It can be transmitted directly, and a rational communication means can be constructed.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with a specific gas appliance, and also transmits to the specific terminal device when continuous use time lapse information is transmitted. It is characterized by doing so.

  Then, by using the area communication wireless module built in the gas meter, it is possible to communicate with a specific terminal device such as a television or a mobile phone, so that it is possible to transmit continuous use time lapse information. It is possible to display that the gas shut-off valve has been activated after a lapse of continuous use time, and to call attention to the consumer.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the appliance detection means detects discharge noise for ignition of the gas appliance, and an operation for converting a signal from the discharge noise detection means into an appliance operation start signal and outputting it to the appliance radio module A start signal conversion means is provided.

  And as the appliance information of the gas appliance, without receiving a signal from the gas appliance control device, the discharge noise generated with the discharge operation of the igniter that operates when the gas appliance starts operation is detected. Since it is converted into an operation start signal that informs that the ignition operation has started and is output to the instrument radio module, the instrument detection means can be configured independently of the gas instrument control device. On the other hand, it can be mounted without any change, and the start of use of the instrument can be detected simply by setting it in a place where discharge noise can be detected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the appliance detection means is a temperature change detection means for detecting a temperature change that occurs with the operation of the specific gas appliance, and a signal from the temperature change detection means is converted into an appliance operation start signal to convert the appliance radio module. It is characterized by comprising an operation start signal converting means for outputting to the above.

  Then, as the appliance information of the gas appliance, without receiving a signal from the gas appliance control device, the temperature change that occurs with the start of the combustion operation of the gas appliance is detected, and the combustion of the appliance is started from this temperature change. Since it is converted into an operation start signal and output to the appliance radio module, the appliance detection means can be configured independently of the gas appliance control device, and it can be used for existing gas appliances, particularly for older types of gas appliances. However, it can be mounted without any change, and it is possible to detect the start of use of the instrument simply by setting it in a place where a change in temperature can be detected.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the appliance radio module is configured to set or change an operation start signal determination unit that determines whether or not an operation start signal from the appliance detection unit is normal, and a unique identification code for specifying the appliance. When the determination result of the code change means and the operation start signal determination means is normal, it is provided with instrument information transmission means for transmitting the instrument information to which the identification code is added together with the operation start signal to the gas meter.

  And, by assigning a unique identification code for each type of specific gas appliance used in the home and transmitting an operation start signal together with this identification code, it is possible to reliably inform which appliance has started to be used, and Because it has an identification code changing means that can arbitrarily change or set another identification code, even if the equipment is changed by replacement, etc., it is possible to respond by simply changing the identification code, It can be reused and can provide extremely effective device information transmitting means.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the monitoring level changing means includes an appliance determination means for determining which gas appliance is used when the appliance information is transmitted from the appliance information transmitter, and an increased flow rate based on the flow rate information at that time. And a flow rate change detecting means for detecting a decrease side flow rate change from the change.

  Then, the flow rate information corresponding to the appliance information transmitted from the appliance information transmitter, that is, the increase in the flow rate associated with the use of the appliance and the decrease in the flow rate associated with the stop of the use of the appliance are detected. By changing the monitoring level after judging that the gas has been used, the monitoring level during the period of use of the specific gas appliance that actually involves combustion can be strictly regulated, so the old type gas appliance with insufficient safety function It is possible to change the monitoring level in a period during which is used to an appropriate value.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the continuous use time storage means for each flow rate region includes the continuous useable time corresponding to the specific gas appliance based on the appliance information of the appliance determination means and the increased flow rate change information of the flow rate change detection means. Wide-area communication when the continuous operation time exceeds the stored value, and the continuous usable time storage table stored as the storage table and the comparison means for comparing the continuous operation time monitored by the continuous use time monitoring unit with the stored value of the storage table. A signal is output to the wireless module and / or the area communication wireless module.

  And if use of a specific gas appliance is confirmed, it will change to the continuous useable time storage table corresponding to it, and by comparing this memory value with actual operation time, the appliance of all gas appliances including a specific gas appliance Monitoring can be performed with strict judgment, the monitoring level can be increased during the period when old type gas appliances with insufficient safety functions are used, and the wide area communication wireless module and area communication wireless module built into the gas meter It is possible to transmit the continuous use time lapse information to a necessary place.

  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)
1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication mode between a gas meter, a base station, and a customer's house in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication mode with a specific gas appliance in the home in the gas appliance monitoring device, FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an appliance radio module in the gas appliance monitoring device, FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of appliance detection means in the gas appliance monitoring device, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an appearance and components of the gas appliance monitoring device, FIG. 6 is an internal configuration diagram of the gas appliance monitoring device, and FIG. 7 is a configuration block diagram of a control circuit board of the gas appliance monitoring device.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through the gas meter 2 and a communication function possessed by the gas meter 2 will be described first.

  A gas meter 2 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household, and the gas is branched from the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 to a place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. Supplied. 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.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the amount of use is measured by the gas meter 2, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas meter 2 is subjected to predetermined information processing based on a periodic data request command from the gas company 15, and then the gas fee, the amount of gas used, a discount service provided by the gas company 15, etc. Is transmitted to the consumer 13 and the gas business operator 15 as the information.

  As the transmission means, as shown in FIG. 5, the wireless module 11 is integrally incorporated in the control circuit board 10 constituting the control device built in the gas meter 2, and this wireless module 11 is connected by a connector 10d. A gas meter that is detachably mounted on the control circuit board 10 and that does not have the wireless module 11 and does not have a communication function and a gas meter that has the communication function that has the wireless module 11 can be arbitrarily selected. Therefore, it can be used regardless of the presence or absence of the communication function.

  In addition, since the wireless module 11 is detachable, even if it has a communication function, it is not necessary to acquire the standard as a communication device in the gas meter body if the wireless module that has acquired the communication standard is installed. In the case of changing the gas meter, etc., it can be changed relatively freely without being restricted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the wireless module 11 is different from the telephone line for communicating with the base station 14, for example, a wide-area communication wireless module 11 a having a communication frequency band of 200 MHz, a television 12 a in the customer's house 13, An area communication wireless module having a specific low power wireless communication frequency band of, for example, 429 MHz, in order to communicate with a specific terminal device 12 such as a personal computer or a mobile phone 12b, an adjacent gas meter, and a specific gas appliance installed in the home. 11b, data from the control circuit 10a for calculating the amount of gas used or detecting an abnormality such as an earthquake or gas leak based on the flow rate signal or sensor signal, and further transmitted from the gas operator 15 via the base station 14 Various information, further information transmitted from the adjacent gas meter, and specific gas equipment In response to the received data, for example, the gas shutoff valve is activated due to an abnormality such as gas charge, gas usage or earthquake, gas leakage, etc., and the pulsation phenomenon is generated from the adjacent gas meter. In the case of contents to be notified to the consumer, such as a change of the measurement mode corresponding to the information to be notified, or the gas supply management of a specific gas appliance, the television 12a or the mobile phone in the consumer's house 13 using the area communication wireless module 11b When data is transmitted to a specific terminal device 12 such as 12b and instrument information is transmitted from a specific gas instrument, the information is received and input to the control circuit 10a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the gas meter 2 is installed in a specific terminal device 12 by incorporating a radio module 11 c having the same communication frequency band as the area communication radio module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. Data can be received, and this data can be displayed on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b, so that information can be transmitted directly to the consumer from the gas meter. It is necessary to adopt an information transmission method in which data is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the gas company 15, and information processed by the gas company 15, such as postcards such as a charge notice, is sent to the customer by mail or the like. Therefore, the number of man-hours required for the notification work can be reduced, and postage costs such as postcards for notifications can be eliminated. It is intended to contribute to a reduction in gas rates to achieve the reduction.

  When various information is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the specific terminal device 12, a notification completion signal is sent from the area communication wireless module 11b to the wide area communication wireless module 11a, and the wide area communication wireless module 11a sends the notification completion signal to the base station. 14 to notify the gas company 15 that the information transmission to the consumer has been completed. In this case, it is preferable that a response signal from a specific terminal device 12 is received and a notification completion signal is transmitted, information can be more reliably transmitted to a consumer, and a rational information transmission system can be provided. Can be built.

  Next, the flow rate measurement processing means for measuring the gas flow rate built in the control circuit 10a, performing a predetermined process and outputting it as flow rate information will be briefly described. As shown in FIGS. A gas valve 2c having a gas inlet 2a and a gas outlet 2b is provided with a shutoff valve 2c for shutting off the gas in the event of an abnormality and a pair of ultrasonic sensors 17 for measuring the gas flow rate. A pressure sensor 2d for detection is arranged. A control circuit board 10 equipped with a control circuit 10a for calculating a gas flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 17 is disposed so as to face the liquid crystal display 10e on the display unit 2e of the gas meter 2, and further, the control circuit 10a. A battery 2f for driving is stored. Further, a return button 2g is arranged as means for manually performing a return operation after the shutoff valve 2c is activated.

Then, the flow rate measurement unit 17 and the control circuit 10a that measure the gas flow rate, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, arrange a pair of ultrasonic sensors in the gas flow path, and change the propagation time that changes according to the flow rate that flows through the flow path. Some measure the flow rate by measuring. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described. A measurement control unit having a switching means that constitutes a control circuit 10a, in which a first transmitter / receiver 17A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and a second transmitter / receiver 17B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction. Switching between transmission and reception is possible by 18 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 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 17A is first driven by the measurement control unit 18 and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is then driven. 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 17B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 18, 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 18, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 18.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is switched by the measurement control unit 18 having switching means, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 17B to the first transmitter / receiver 17A, 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 unit 19 in consideration of the size of the flow path 16 and the flow state of the fluid from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 17A and the second transceiver 17B. The obtained flow rate data is accumulated in the information storage means 10b and stored as accumulated data for each predetermined period.

  Further, the flow path 16 in which the flow rate measuring unit 17 is disposed is provided with a shutoff valve 2c that shuts off the gas flow in the event of an abnormality or the like. When the flow rate value is detected beyond a certain usage time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the shutoff valve 2c is operated to shut off the gas flow path 16.

  Further, when an earthquake or shock signal is input from the seismic sensing device 21 or an abnormal gas pressure signal is input from the pressure sensor 2d, the shutoff valve 2c is operated via the control circuit 10a to shut off the gas flow path 16, and Report to the center.

  Next, an example of information transmission using the wireless module 11 built in the gas meter 2 will be described. First, when a meter reading instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted through the base station 14 in a wide communication frequency band (200 MHz). The wide-area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives and the meter reading instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. In the control circuit 10a, the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means is accumulated every predetermined period, and the accumulated data or information converted into charge data is stored in the information storage means 10b. When the meter reading instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends the flow rate accumulated data in the information storage means 10b or the information converted into the charge data to the area communication wireless module 11b and the wide area communication wireless module 11a via the communication switching means 10c. The wide-area communication wireless module 11a transmits to the base station 14 in the wide-area communication frequency band (200 MHz), and meter reading information is transmitted from the base station 14 to the gas company 15 using a dedicated line. Further, the area communication wireless module 11b transmits to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the specific terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in the specific low power wireless communication frequency band (429 MHz), and, for example, FIG. ) Display charge information and usage as shown in Then, when transmission to the specific terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify that information transmission to the consumer is completed.

Further, when the shutoff valve 2c is operated due to an earthquake or impact, the cause is investigated, and when the return instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (200 MHz) via the base station 14, the gas meter 2 Is received by the wide-area communication wireless module 11a, and the return instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. When the return instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends information related to the return work stored in the information storage means 10b to the area communication wireless module 11b via the communication switching means 10c, and the area communication wireless module 11b In the power wireless communication frequency band (429 MHz), the data is transmitted to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a, and the procedure of the return work as shown in FIG. 9B is displayed on the screen, for example. To do. Then, when the transmission to the display terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify the completion of information transmission to the consumer.

  As described above, the control circuit 10a has the communication switching means 10c to select the radio module having a different communication frequency band corresponding to the other party to communicate according to the information to be transmitted. 15, it is necessary to transmit the information stored in the information storage means 10b to the gas operator 15 and the specific terminal device 12 based on the information received by the wide area communication wireless module 11a. When the wide area communication wireless module 11a having the communication frequency band and the area communication wireless module 11b having the specific low power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz, for example, are selected and the return instruction from the gas company 15 is given, the display terminal device 12 It is only necessary to transmit the storage information of the information storage means 10b. In this case, for example, a specific low power wireless communication of 429 MHz It may be selected area communication wireless module 11b having a waveband.

  Note that the wide area communication radio module 11a and the area communication radio module 11b may be provided separately, or may be configured as a common radio module, and the communication frequency band may be switched between the wide area communication frequency band and the specific low power radio communication frequency band. However, in the former case, the communication switching means 10c needs to select the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b, and there is a merit that simultaneous communication is possible, but there are demerits such as a large installation space and high cost. is doing. In the latter case, the communication switching means 10c needs to switch the communication frequency band according to the communication partner, and has the demerit that the simultaneous communication cannot be performed and the alternate communication is possible while having the advantages of small installation space and low cost. ing.

  Next, security monitoring of the gas appliance in the gas meter having the above communication function will be described. Generally, in order to prevent accidents caused by forgetting to turn off gas appliances, the continuous use time is limited, and the continuous use time is set according to the flow rate, and the gas is shut off when the continuous use time elapses. This is known.

  However, the above general equipment security monitoring is designed to set the continuous use time uniformly according to the gas flow rate regardless of the type of gas equipment. Because it is not set, for example, even if the same gas appliance, the latest gas appliance with enhanced safety functions and the gas appliance 20 years ago with less safety functions are the same if the flow range is the same If the usage time is limited based on the latest gas appliance, the time to prevent the gas appliance from being turned off 20 years ago becomes longer and the risk becomes higher. On the other hand, when the use time is limited on the basis of a gas appliance 20 years ago, there is a problem that the latest gas appliance is prematurely cut out.

  This embodiment solves the above-mentioned problem. In addition to the method of monitoring the continuous use time for each flow range, the safety function is not sufficient in old type gas appliances, etc., and is monitored separately from the latest gas appliances. For gas appliances that need to be obtained, the appliance information is individually obtained, and the continuous use time is changed and monitored based on the appliance information, thereby providing a monitoring means using different judgment criteria.

  Therefore, first, a description will be given of an appliance information acquisition unit for a gas appliance that needs to be specifically distinguished and monitored among a plurality of gas appliances installed in the home.

Conventional means for acquiring instrument discrimination information uses flow rate information or acoustic information as disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2, and has low reliability and requires a complicated device. . In the present embodiment, this conventional problem is solved, and an instrument information acquisition unit having a simple configuration and high reliability is provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the appliance radio module 11d having the same communication frequency band as the area communication radio module 11b built in the gas meter 2 and the ignition operation always executed at the start of the operation of the gas appliance are ignited. An appliance detection means 22 that detects the occurrence of discharge noise accompanying the high-voltage discharge operation of the vessel, converts it into an appliance operation start signal and outputs it to the appliance radio module 11d, and a driving battery power source 23. The appliance radio module 11d and the appliance The detection means 22 is configured integrally with the instrument wireless module substrate 24 and housed in a case 25 to constitute the instrument information transmitter 26.

  Then, the appliance information transmitter 26 is housed inside the gas appliance or attached to a suitable location on the exterior. At this time, it is necessary to set at a position where discharge noise of the igniter can be detected. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in the case of the gas fan heater 9, the discharge noise of the igniter 4a can be detected by simply attaching the appliance information transmitter 26 at an appropriate position inside the appliance or on the exterior surface. The operation start of the gas fan heater 9 can be detected without connecting to the control device of the fan heater 9 and receiving a signal. That is, it is possible to detect the start of the operation of the appliance simply by placing the appliance information transmitter 26 in a place that is affected by the discharge noise of the igniter 4a. Therefore, since it can be set in any place and can be detachably stored, it can be removed for gas appliances that do not require transmission of instrument information, and can be easily set in the case of replacement, etc. It is something that can be done.

  In addition, since the ignition method of the gas appliance is almost a high-pressure discharge type regardless of the type of the appliance, the appliance detection means 22 for detecting this discharge noise is used to detect old discharge gas such as an instantaneous water heater and gas stove in addition to the gas fan heater 9. The onset of instrument operation can be detected.

  Moreover, as a method for detecting the start of operation of the appliance, in addition to detecting the discharge noise, appliance control can be performed by detecting temperature changes that occur with the combustion operation of the appliance, such as exhaust gas temperature, hot air, and hot water temperature. The start of operation of the gas appliance can be detected without receiving a signal from the apparatus. When the instrument information transmitter is configured by the method of detecting the temperature change, it is necessary to attach the temperature sensor to the detection position and connect to the transmission unit.

  In this embodiment, a method for detecting discharge noise will be described in detail with reference to the control block diagram of FIG.

  When the gas fan heater 9 starts an ignition operation, the igniter is actuated to start discharge between the electrodes connected to the high voltage output side, and the supplied gas is ignited to start combustion. At this time, discharge noise is radiated to the surroundings along with the discharge phenomenon between the electrodes. This discharge noise is detected by the discharge noise detection means 22a, and when detected, it is converted into a predetermined operation start signal by the operation start signal conversion means 22b, and is input to the operation start signal determination means 11e of the appliance wireless module 11d to be normal. It is determined whether it is an operation start signal. When this determination result is normal, a signal is sent to the appliance information transmitting means 11f, and a unique identification code of the gas fan heater 9 set by the identification code changing means 27 is given, and the area communication radio module 11b of the gas meter 2 is provided as appliance information. Send to. By this series of operations, it is possible to detect the start of operation of the instrument without receiving a signal from the control device of the gas instrument, and to transmit the signal to the gas meter 2. Further, when the discharge noise detection means 22a detects a plurality of discharge noises in a short time, it is determined that a plurality of ignition operations are being performed due to an ignition error, and the operation is performed taking into account the flow rate data at that time. It is also possible not to output the start signal.

Although the gas fan heater 9 has been described as an example in the present embodiment, it is needless to say that similar detection is possible with other gas appliances.

  And using the instrument information acquired in this way and the instantaneous flow rate measurement function by the ultrasonic sensor, it is possible to perform different safety monitoring by providing different judgment criteria for a specific gas instrument.

  Next, overall security monitoring will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in the normal instrument safety monitoring, the instantaneous flow rate obtained by the flow rate measuring means 17 is sent to the flow rate range detecting means 40 along with the use of the gas appliance, and any of the flow rate ranges previously divided by the flow rate range detecting means 40 is selected. Detect if it falls within the flow range. Then, the continuous use time of the gas appliance in the detected flow rate range is measured by the operation time measuring unit 41 and stored in the operation time storage unit 42 for each flow rate range. Next, when the use of the corresponding gas appliance is detected by the flow rate detection means 40, the operation time stored in the flow time specific operation time storage means 42 is determined as the continuous use time, and the flow time specific operation time determination means 43. To store. In this way, the continuous use time monitoring means 44 is configured to monitor the continuous use time for each flow rate region that differs depending on the type of gas appliance.

  And the use time memory | storage table 45 classified by flow area which memorize | stored the time which can be continuously used for every flow area beforehand was provided, and the continuous use time stored in the operation time decision means 43 according to flow area exceeded the value of a memory table. Is compared by the comparison means 46, and a predetermined process is performed according to the comparison result. As described above, the use time storage means 47 for each flow area is provided in which the continuous use time is previously determined for each flow area depending on the type of gas appliance and the time is stored.

  In the comparison means 46, when the continuous use time exceeds a predetermined allowable time, it is determined that the use is abnormal such as forgetting to turn it off, and a shutoff signal is sent to the shutoff valve drive circuit 48 to shut off the shutoff valve 2c. Signals are transmitted to the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b to transmit continuous use time lapse information to the base station 14 and the specific terminal device 12.

  This makes it possible to perform safety monitoring with a balance between usability and safety by using a continuous use time monitoring function based on long-term use, such as forgetting to turn off a gas appliance with a recent enhanced safety function.

  However, when safety monitoring is performed on old gas appliances that have been used for a long time according to this standard, there is a high probability that abnormal overheating or abnormal combustion will occur within the allowable time for continuous use, and the safety function may not be sufficient. In such a case, the abnormal phenomenon will continue.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the appliance information transmitter 26 is attached to an appliance that needs to be monitored with particular care in such an old type gas appliance, and the appliance information sent from the appliance information transmitter 26 is used. The usage time storage table 45 for each flow area is changed in the usage time storage means 47 for each flow area, and the continuous operation time of all gas appliances including the specific gas appliance is monitored by the storage table after the change. A configuration capable of making a judgment level different from a stored value of the separate use time storage means 47, for example, a tolerable time determined by a type and a use period of a specific device or a user's family structure, and tightening a monitoring level It is what.

Specifically, when the area communication wireless module 11b receives the instrument information transmitted from the instrument information transmitting unit 11f of the instrument information transmitter 26, the operation from which gas instrument the monitoring level changing unit 49 of the control circuit 10a transmits. The specific instrument determination means 33 determines whether it is a start signal, and the flow rate changes from the moment when the flow rate changes to the increase side to the time when the flow rate changes to the decrease side from the instantaneous flow rate value measured by the flow rate measurement means 17 at that time. Detection is performed by the detection unit 34, and the detection signal is sent to the flow time use time storage unit 47. When a flow rate increase signal is sent from the flow rate change detection means 34, the flow time use time storage means 47 determines that the use of the specific instrument is started, changes the storage table corresponding to the instrument information, and decreases the flow rate from the flow rate change detection means 34. When a signal is sent, it is determined that the use of the specific instrument is stopped, and the normal storage table is restored.

  This makes it possible to monitor the continuous operation time of gas appliances based on the acquired specific gas appliance information, and it is necessary to be careful with the old type by comparing the judgment value with a preset monitoring level increased Forgetting to turn off the equipment because it is possible to judge the equipment monitoring during the period when the gas equipment is in use with the appropriate continuous use time, and to notify the other party, such as a base station, of the judgment result Thus, it is possible to reliably prevent a dangerous state due to an abnormal usage situation for a long time.

  According to the gas appliance monitoring device of the present invention, since the operation start of the gas appliance can be detected without receiving a signal from the gas appliance control device, and the appliance can be discriminated using the information, the appliance discrimination information is used. Various services can be provided, and can be applied to combustion devices other than gas.

The block diagram which shows the communication form of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows the communication form with the various gas appliances in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus Configuration diagram of appliance radio module in the gas appliance monitoring device Control block diagram of appliance detection means in the gas appliance monitoring device The figure which shows the external appearance and component of the gas appliance monitoring device Internal configuration diagram of the gas appliance monitoring device Configuration block diagram of the control circuit board of the gas appliance monitoring device The figure which shows the communication form of the same gas appliance monitoring apparatus and a specific terminal device (A) The figure which shows the charge information display form in the same specific terminal device (b) The figure which shows the return information display form in the same specific terminal device Control block diagram of the gas appliance monitoring device Configuration block diagram of control circuit of gas appliance monitoring device

Explanation of symbols

2 Gas meter 2c Gas shut-off valve 10a Control circuit 10b Information storage means 10c Communication switching means 11 Wireless module 11a Wide area communication wireless module 11b Area communication wireless module 11d Instrument wireless module 12 Specific terminal device 14 Base station 17 Flow rate measuring means 22 Instrument detection means 26 Instrument information transmitter 27 Identification code change means 33 Instrument determination means 34 Flow rate change detection means 40 Flow rate range detection means 41 Operation time measurement means 42 Flow rate range operation time storage means 43 Flow rate range operation time determination means 44 Continuous use time monitoring means 45 Flow Time Range Usage Time Storage Table 46 Comparison Unit 47 Flow Rate Range Usage Time Storage Unit 49 Monitoring Level Change Unit

Claims (8)

Gas appliance monitoring equipped with a wireless module that can monitor the usage status of multiple gas appliances connected to piping after passing through a gas meter, and can directly transmit and receive data using multiple communication lines other than telephone lines. A device,
The gas meter includes a flow rate measuring unit that measures a gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve that shuts off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, a control circuit that performs predetermined processing based on the measurement result of the flow rate measuring unit and outputs the flow rate information. A meter wireless module that transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of counterparts, a communication switching unit that switches a communication frequency band according to the counterparts, and a battery power source for driving,
The meter radio module is configured integrally with the control circuit and accommodated in the gas meter, and has at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a specific gas appliance,
The specific gas appliance includes an appliance information transmitter that detects the start of operation of the appliance and transmits it to the gas meter as appliance information,
The instrument information transmitter detects instrument operation start without receiving a signal from the gas instrument control device, and transmits an instrument operation start signal from the instrument detection unit to the gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band. The instrument radio module and the drive battery are housed in a case and are detachable and can be installed anywhere.
In the control circuit, continuous use time monitoring means for monitoring the continuous operation time of the appliance based on the flow rate information, and continuous use time storage means for each flow range that is preset and stored for a time that can be continuously used for each flow range And monitoring level changing means for changing the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area based on the appliance information transmitted from the appliance information transmitter,
When the continuous operation time monitored by the continuous use time monitoring means reaches the stored value of the continuous use time storage means for each flow area, a predetermined processing mode is executed, and the stored value is changed by the monitoring level changing means. The gas appliance monitoring apparatus is configured to monitor the gas appliance using the changed stored value until a separate change release process is executed. The meter radio module communicates using a communication frequency band different from the radio module for communication with the base station and the radio module for communication with a specific gas appliance,
The wireless module for communication with a specific gas appliance is an area communication wireless module having a specific low power wireless communication frequency band, and the wireless module for communication with a base station is a wide area communication wireless module having a wide communication frequency band. The gas appliance monitoring device described. The area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with a specific gas appliance, and transmits the information to the specific terminal device when continuous use time passage information is transmitted. Or the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of 2. The appliance detection means includes: discharge noise detection means for detecting discharge noise for ignition of the specific gas appliance; and operation start signal conversion means for converting a signal from the discharge noise detection means into an appliance operation start signal and outputting it to the appliance radio module. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: The appliance detection means includes a temperature change detection means for detecting a temperature change that occurs with the operation of the specific gas appliance, and an operation start signal that converts a signal from the temperature change detection means into an appliance operation start signal and outputs it to the appliance radio module. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising conversion means. The instrument radio module includes an operation start signal determining means for determining whether or not the operation start signal from the instrument detecting means is normal, an identification code changing means for setting or changing a unique identification code for identifying the instrument, and an operation The gas appliance monitoring according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising appliance information transmitting means for transmitting instrument information to which an identification code is added together with an operation start signal to a gas meter when the determination result of the start signal determining means is normal. apparatus. The monitoring level changing means includes an appliance determination means for determining which gas appliance is used when the appliance information is transmitted from the appliance information transmitter, and a decrease side flow rate change from an increase side flow rate change based on the flow rate information at that time. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a flow rate change detecting means for detecting the flow rate. The continuous use time storage means for each flow area stores the continuous use time corresponding to the specific gas appliance as an operation time table based on the appliance information of the appliance determination means and the increased flow rate change information of the flow rate change detection means. A wide area communication wireless module and / or an area having a time storage table, a comparison means for comparing a continuous operation time monitored by the continuous use time monitoring means and a stored value of the storage table, and the continuous operation time exceeds the stored value The gas appliance monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein a signal is output to the communication wireless module.