JP2008234541A - Gas appliance monitoring device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas appliance monitoring device used as an alarm information processing means and an information relay. <P>SOLUTION: The gas appliance monitoring device comprises a flow measuring means 17, a gas shut-off valve 2c, a control circuit 10a processing various information, and a radio module 11 performing transmission/reception to/from a plurality of destinations. The radio module 11 is constituted integrally with a control circuit board 10 constituting the flow measuring means 17 and housed in a gas meter 2, and has at least a communication frequency band with a base station 14 and a communication frequency band with a plurality of alarms 23, 24, 31. An alarm information transmitting means 26 is provided for transmitting an alarm operation signal when detecting abnormality. The control circuit comprises an identification code discriminating means 10f discriminating an alarm signal; an alarm processing mode setting means 10j setting predetermined processing modes according to alarm signals; a processing mode executing means 10h executing the predetermined processing mode according to the alarm signal discriminated by the identification code discriminating means 10f; and an urgent voice information transmitting means 34 transmitting an urgent voice signal to a specific destination 35 when identifying a specific alarm. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring device that monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to a gas pipe after passing through a gas meter, and in particular, executes a predetermined processing mode based on alarm information from an alarm device. The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring device.

  Conventionally, this type of monitoring device comprises a detector for detecting an abnormal state, a wireless transmitter connected to the detector, a wireless receiver, and a terminal connected to the wireless receiver, In the wireless communication system in which an alarm signal is sent from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver when the detector senses an abnormality and gas is cut off at the terminal, the wireless receiver intermittently detects the carrier. Wireless communication system in which the terminal performs gas shut-off when the integrated value based on the number of times that the carrier is detected and the non-target communication that is not addressed to itself is determined to be present is exceeded. Is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, in an alarm system that includes an alarm device that detects the occurrence of a fire or gas and outputs an alarm, and cooperates with a gas meter having a gas cutoff function, a security control device that performs first communication with the gas meter, and the alarm device And a security communication device that performs second communication with the security control device, wherein the alarm detects a preliminary state leading to the occurrence of the fire or gas, and the security communication device and the A start signal is transmitted to the gas meter via a security control device, and then the alarm device detects the occurrence of a fire or gas leak, and sends a gas cutoff signal to the gas meter via the security communication device and the security control device. The security control device transmits a gas cutoff completion signal from the gas meter or the warning. In response to the gas shut-off signal from the vessel, an alarm system which is adapted to report a gas cutoff state is disclosed in a remote center (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-129688 JP 2001-33033 A

  However, although the above-mentioned patent document discloses a basic alarm system that sends an alarm signal of an alarm device wirelessly, receives the wireless signal, and shuts off the gas by the shut-off function of the gas meter, Both documents distinguish alarm signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices and classify them into those related to the gas shut-off function and those that do not, execute a predetermined processing mode, and use multiple communication channels. There is no disclosure of the idea of using a gas meter as an information relay, reporting to different management centers.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and by using a gas meter as an information relay device, it is possible to perform appropriate processing corresponding to alarm signals from various alarm devices, and to simplify the reporting system. A 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. Communication frequency band and a communication frequency band between a plurality of alarm devices installed indoors, and the alarm device receives an operation signal when an abnormality is detected and transmits the alarm signal to the gas meter as an alarm signal. The alarm device information transmission means includes an alarm radio module that directly transmits an alarm operation signal to a gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band, and is built in or integrally attached to the alarm device. The alarm radio module has an identification code assigned to each of a plurality of alarm devices, and in the control circuit, which alarm device is activated by an alarm operation signal transmitted from the alarm radio module. An identification code determining means for determining whether or not an alarm is detected, an alarm processing mode setting means for setting a predetermined processing mode for each alarm device activation signal, and an alarm determined by the identification code determining means Processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode in response to an operation signal, and generating a predetermined audio signal when a specific alarm device operation signal is determined and transmitting an emergency rescue signal to a specific destination Emergency voice information transmitting means.

  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 alarm device information from the alarm device, the measurement function in the gas meter, and Because it is integrated into a control circuit board with a shut-off function, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and the base station is not affected by the congestion status of the line. Can be smoothly communicated, and various information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processes based on instructions from the base station can be performed accurately.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specific alarm activation signal, such as a fire alarm or CO alarm, is activated, it is assumed that an emergency situation has occurred. When it is determined that an alarm activation signal that is assumed to be in such a situation is detected, a predetermined audio signal is generated and used for a specific destination such as a fire department or a police station. It was made to send as an emergency rescue signal, and it has a built-in communication function because it has a function to send the emergency rescue signal as a voice signal in a situation where even a delay is not allowed The range of use of gas meters as information relays can be expanded and the spread of advanced security systems using gas meters installed in most homes can be promoted. Can.

  The gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention enables communication with a base station and an alarm device by using only a gas meter without using a telephone line, and does not affect the congestion status of the line, and various commands and gas meters from the base station. Can be transmitted smoothly, and alarm information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, by receiving the operation information from the alarm device, giving an identification code, using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specific alarm activation signal, such as a fire alarm or CO alarm, is activated, an emergency situation is assumed, and in such a situation, the customer appropriately reports to the fire department or police station. When it is determined that an alarm activation signal that is assumed to be in such a situation is detected, a predetermined audio signal is generated and used for a specific destination such as a fire department or a police station. It was made to send as an emergency rescue signal, and it has a built-in communication function by having a function to send the emergency rescue signal as a voice signal to the emergency rescue signal in a situation where a grace period is not allowed The range of use of gas meters as information relays can be expanded and the spread of advanced security systems using gas meters installed in most homes can be promoted. Can.

  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 integrated with the control circuit and housed in the gas meter, and at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a plurality of alarms installed indoors. The alarm device is provided with alarm information transmission means for receiving an operation signal at the time of abnormality detection and transmitting the alarm signal to the gas meter as an alarm signal. An alarm wireless module that directly transmits an operation signal to a gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band is provided and is built in or integrally attached to the alarm device, and the alarm wireless module includes a plurality of alarm devices. An identification code assigned correspondingly, and the control circuit includes an identification code discriminating means for discriminating which alarm device is activated by an alarm device operation signal transmitted from the alarm device radio module; An alarm processing mode setting means that sets a predetermined processing mode for each signal, and a predetermined processing mode is executed according to the alarm device activation signal determined by the identification code determination means. And an emergency voice information transmitting means for generating a predetermined predetermined audio signal and transmitting an emergency rescue signal to a specific destination when a specific alarm device activation signal is determined. It is a feature.

A wireless module capable of communicating with a base station using wireless communication means other than a telephone line and a wireless module capable of receiving alarm device information from an alarm device have a measurement function and a shut-off function in the gas meter. Because it is integrated into the control circuit board, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter. Communication with the base station is not affected by the congestion of the line. It can be performed smoothly, and various information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processes based on instructions from the base station can be accurately performed.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specific alarm activation signal, such as a fire alarm or CO alarm, is activated, it is assumed that an emergency situation has occurred. When it is determined that an alarm activation signal that is assumed to be in such a situation is detected, a predetermined audio signal is generated and used for a specific destination such as a fire department or a police station. It was made to send as an emergency rescue signal, and it has a built-in communication function because it has a function to send the emergency rescue signal as a voice signal in a situation where even a delay is not allowed The range of use of gas meters as information relays can be expanded and the spread of advanced security systems using gas meters installed in most homes can be promoted. Can.

  In the second invention, 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 the alarm, and the radio module for communication with the alarm is An area communication radio module having a specific low power radio communication frequency band is used, and a radio module for communication with a base station is a wide area communication radio 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 the control circuit board. Because information is transmitted on the communication line other than the base station and the telephone line, and information is transmitted on the alarm device and the specific low-power wireless communication frequency band, the alarm operation information generated in the home is real-time. It is possible to acquire information safely and reliably by the meter's original blocking function based on this acquired information, and to accurately transmit information to the reporting destination according to the acquired information. By using the gas meter that we have as an information repeater, we can rationalize the security function in the home and use the security system in general. It can be promoted.

  In the third aspect of the invention, the area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with an alarm device, and transmits to a specific terminal device when alarm device information is transmitted. It is characterized by.

  And by making it possible to communicate with a specific terminal device such as a television or a mobile phone using an area communication wireless module built in the gas meter, it becomes possible to transmit alarm device information generated in the home. Abnormal conditions detected by various alarm devices can be displayed on the screen of the telephone, and the customer can be alerted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the alarm device information transmission means includes alarm device operation signal conversion means for converting an abnormality detection signal of the alarm device into a predetermined alarm device operation signal and outputting it to the alarm device wireless module. It is what.

  And when the alarm is activated, the alarm is activated by outputting the alarm signal as a combination of the unique identification code assigned to each alarm installed in the home together with the alarm detection signal of the alarm. Can be surely informed.

  5th invention is equipped with the identification code change means which sets or changes the specific identification code for specifying an alarm device, gives an identification code with the abnormality detection signal of an alarm device, and outputs to an alarm device radio module It is characterized by.

  And, by giving a unique identification code to each alarm device installed in the home, and outputting an alarm device abnormality detection signal together with this identification code, it is possible to reliably notify which alarm device has been activated, Since it has an identification code changing means that can arbitrarily change or set the identification code for each alarm device, even if the type of alarm device is changed, it is possible to respond by simply changing the identification code In addition, it can be reused and can provide an extremely effective alarm information transmission means.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the wireless module for communication with the base station of the meter wireless module has a plurality of communication channels, and communication channel selection means for selecting a communication channel according to the alarm signal distinguished by the identification code determination means. And security information is transmitted to the base station through the communication channel selected by the communication channel selection means.

  And because it is a meter wireless module having a communication channel selection means for selecting a communication frequency band such as a gas monitoring center or a security company as a counterpart to be notified according to alarm information transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, A gas meter can be used as an information relay, and the spread of a security system can be promoted by using a gas meter that is always installed in a general household.

  In the seventh invention, the identification code discriminating means distinguishes between the first group accompanied by the shut-off operation of the gas shut-off valve and the second group other than the alarm actuating signal, and the alarm belonging to the first group. The gas shut-off valve is operated to stop the gas supply when the alarm operation signal is input, and the measurement function by the flow rate measuring means is continued when the alarm operation signal belonging to the second group is input, The group and the second group communicate with the base station through different communication channels.

  And alarm information transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, information for ensuring safety using the shut-off function of the gas meter, for example, alarm device information from a fire alarm or CO detector, and other information, for example, intrusion Since the gas meter has an identification code discrimination means that distinguishes it from crime prevention information from sensors and window opening / closing sensors, it is possible to ensure safety by effectively using the gas meter's shut-off function, and information on gas meters that are always installed in ordinary households It can be used as a repeater, and a rational security system can be constructed.

  According to an eighth aspect of the invention, the emergency voice information transmitting means includes timer means that operates when the identification code determination means determines that a specific alarm device activation signal has been transmitted, and counts a predetermined time. When the alarm device activation signal is continuously confirmed until counting up, a predetermined voice signal is generated and an emergency rescue signal is transmitted to a specific destination by a wide-area communication wireless module. To do.

  And when a specific alarm device activation signal, such as a fire alarm or a CO alarm, is activated, an emergency may occur, but an emergency may be avoided due to false alarms or customer response. , It is necessary to determine that. Therefore, the time when a specific alarm device activation signal is continuously transmitted is regulated, and when an alarm device operation signal is confirmed for a predetermined time, it is determined that an emergency has occurred, and a predetermined audio signal Is generated and sent as an emergency rescue signal using voice to a specific destination, such as a fire department or police station. This makes it possible to avoid emergency dispatch due to misinformation, etc., and to send emergency rescue signals with high accuracy. As a result, the range of use of the gas meter with a built-in communication function as an information relay can be expanded, and the spread of a high-level security system using the gas meter installed in most homes can be promoted.

  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 communication mode between a gas meter, a base station, and a customer's house in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication mode with various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the configuration of the alarm device in the gas appliance monitoring device, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the configuration of the control circuit of the gas appliance monitoring device, and FIG. FIG. 7 is an internal configuration diagram of the gas meter, and FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram of a control circuit board of the gas meter.

  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. 6, a wireless module 11 integrated with a control circuit board 10 constituting a control device built in the gas meter 2 is used, 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 where the gas meter is changed, the change can be made relatively freely without being restricted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, 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 11a having a plurality of communication channels having 200 MHz or other communication frequency bands. In order to communicate with a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a, a personal computer or a mobile phone 12b in the customer's house 13, or a plurality of alarm devices installed in the home and detecting various abnormal situations occurring in the home as security information. In addition, for example, a control circuit configured by an area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band such as 429 MHz and performing calculation of gas usage or detection of abnormalities such as earthquakes and gas leaks based on flow rate signals and sensor signals 10a, various information transmitted from the gas company 15 via the base station 14, In addition, when receiving various information transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, depending on the received data, for example, the operation of a gas shut-off valve due to the occurrence of an abnormality such as a gas fee, gas usage or earthquake, gas leakage, etc. In the case of contents to be notified to consumers, such as various processes according to security information, data is transmitted to a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a or a mobile phone 12b in the customer's house 13 using the area communication wireless module 11b. When security information is transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, the information is received and input to the control circuit 10a.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, 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 man-hours required for the notification work can be reduced, and postage costs such as postcards for notifications are 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.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, various alarm devices are also incorporated with or integrated with a wireless module 11 d having the same communication frequency band as the area communication wireless module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. The security information from the alarm device can be transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2, and the control circuit 10a of the gas meter 2 can execute a predetermined process according to the security information. It can be used as an information repeater while ensuring security using the blocking function.

  Here, when security information is received from a specific alarm device, for example, the fire alarm 23 or the CO detector 24, and it is determined that an emergency situation is expected, a predetermined audio signal is generated and the fire station If you send an emergency rescue signal using voice to a specific destination such as a police station or police station, you can expand the range of use as an information relay for gas meters with built-in communication functions, and most homes The spread of advanced security systems using gas meters installed in can be promoted.

  Next, the flow rate measurement processing means for measuring the gas flow rate built in the control circuit 10a, which is the basic function of the gas meter 2, performing predetermined processing and outputting it as flow rate information will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 7, a gas inlet 2a and a gas outlet 2b are provided, and a shutoff valve 2c for shutting off gas in the event of an abnormality and a pair of ultrasonic sensors 17 for measuring the gas flow rate are provided in the gas flow path therebetween. A pressure sensor 2d for detecting the gas pressure is disposed on the downstream side.

  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. 11, arrange a pair of ultrasonic sensors in the gas flow path, and change the propagation time according to the flow rate flowing 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. 18 can switch between transmission and reception, and detects the flow state of a fluid such as gas. 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 means 19 in consideration of the size of the flow path 16 and the fluid flow state from the difference in ultrasonic propagation time 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 20 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, a meter reading instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz) via the base station 14. In this case, 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 a wide area communication frequency band (for example, 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 a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz), and displays, for example, FIG. Charge information and usage amount as shown in (a) are displayed. 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 an impact, the cause is investigated, and when a return instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted via the base station 14 in a wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz), The wide area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives the information, 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. The area communication wireless module 11b 10 is transmitted to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in the power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz), and the procedure of the restoration work as shown in FIG. Is displayed. 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 communication partner 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 information stored in 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, in the gas meter having the communication function as described above, a response when a plurality of alarm devices installed in the home, for example, the fire alarm 23, the CO detector 24, the intrusion detector 31, etc. are activated. explain.

  In the present embodiment, the CO detector 24 will be described as an example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to other alarm devices.

  First, FIG. 3 shows a schematic internal configuration of the CO detector 24. A sensor 21 for detecting CO is provided, and an abnormality detection circuit 31 for detecting whether or not the CO concentration in an environment where the CO detector 24 is installed exceeds a predetermined reference value in response to a detection signal from the sensor 21. Is built-in. When the abnormality detection circuit 31 determines that the reference value has been exceeded, an alarm signal is sent to the notification means 30 to generate a warning sound and notify the user. Further, the reference values are set in a plurality of stages, are compared and judged at the respective reference values, and output different alarm signals to generate distinct warning sounds for notification.

  At the same time, the alarm signal from the abnormality detection circuit 31 is also sent to the alarm device information transmission means 26 incorporated in the CO detector 24. After the alarm signal transmission means 26 performs predetermined signal processing, the alarm device The operation signal is directly transmitted to the gas meter 2.

  The alarm device information transmitting unit 26 performs an alarm signal from the abnormality detection circuit 31 with a predetermined process and generates an alarm device operation signal as an alarm device operation signal, and an area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2. The alarm radio module 11d having the same communication frequency band is integrated on the alarm radio module board 29 and housed in the case of the CO detector 24.

  As described above, the CO detector 24 in the present embodiment converts the abnormality detection signal into the alarm operation signal and transmits it to the gas meter 2 in addition to the conventional abnormality detection means 32 for detecting the CO concentration. The means 26 is provided.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the alarm device information transmission means 26 will be described using the configuration block diagram of FIG.

  The sensor 21 provided at an appropriate position of the CO detector 24 detects the CO concentration in the atmosphere, and sends the signal to the abnormality detection circuit 31 to determine whether there is an abnormality. When it is determined that “abnormality exists”, an alarm signal is sent to the notification means 30 and a warning sound is emitted by a buzzer or the like. In addition, the determination of “abnormal” is made in accordance with the reference values set in a plurality of stages. When it is determined that “abnormal” is determined for each reference value, a different alarm signal is sent to the notification means 30 to generate a buzzer or the like. A different type of warning sound is emitted and notified.

  In the above configuration, the conventional abnormality detection means 32 is configured. In the present embodiment, an abnormality detection signal receiving means 22a for receiving the abnormality detection signal output from the abnormality detection circuit 31 is further provided, and this abnormality detection signal is provided. Alarm signal generating means for generating a predetermined alarm device activation signal by the alarm device activation signal converting means 22b together with a signal from the identification code changing means 27 in which an identification code for identifying which alarm device is issued is set Means 22 are provided. The signal from the alarm device activation signal generation means 22 is input to the alarm device activation signal determination means 11e of the alarm device wireless module 11d and determines whether or not it is a normal alarm device operation signal. When this determination result is normal, a signal is sent to the alarm device operation signal transmission means 11f, and is transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b of the gas meter 2 as alarm device information. By this series of operations, it is possible to clarify from which alarm device the alarm activation signal is transmitted to the gas meter 2.

  In the present embodiment, the CO detector 24 has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that the same detection is possible with other alarm devices.

  Next, the processing content of the gas meter 2 corresponding to various alarm device information transmitted from the plurality of alarm device information transmitters 26 will be specifically described.

As shown in FIG. 5, when alarm information with an identification code is transmitted from the wireless module 11d built in the alarm device information transmitting means 26 provided in the CO detector 24 to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2. The type of alarm device information is discriminated by the identification discrimination code 10f provided in the control circuit 10a, and the group selection means 10g belongs to the first group 10k with the shut-off function of the gas shut-off valve 2c, for example, as the correspondence of the alarm device information. The alarm device information or the other alarm device information belonging to the second group 10m is selected.

  Then, the processing mode corresponding to the alarm device information selected by the group selection unit 10g is selected from the alarm processing mode setting unit 10j that has previously set the processing corresponding to the various alarm device information, and the processing is performed by the processing mode execution unit 10h. Execute. For example, if the identification code discriminating means 10f discriminates the alarm information detected by the CO detector 24 or the fire alarm 23, the group selection means 10g judges that the gas shutoff valve 2c needs to be shut off. The processing mode execution means 10h executes the shutoff operation of the gas shutoff valve 2c and the notification process to the gas company 15 which are registered as alarm device information belonging to the first group 10k and determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j.

  If the identification code discriminating means 10f discriminates the alarm information detected by the intrusion detector 31, the group selection means 10g registers the alarm information belonging to the second group 10m that does not require the gas meter 2 shut-off function. Then, the notification process to the security company 28 determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j is executed by the processing mode execution means 10h.

  In the notification process executed by the processing mode execution means 10h, if the notification destination must be changed according to the alarm device information, the communication channel of the other party required by the communication channel selection means 10i, that is, the communication frequency A band is selected and communication is made to, for example, the gas company 15 or the security company 28 using the wide area communication wireless module 11a.

  In addition, when alarm device information is transmitted from various alarm devices, or when a predetermined processing mode is executed, the alarm device information is also transmitted to a specific terminal device 12, and on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b. By displaying the status on the screen, it is possible to call attention to the consumer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, among various alarm device activation signals identified by the identification code discrimination means 10f, it is registered as alarm device information belonging to a specific alarm device activation signal 10n that has been defined, and this specific alarm device is registered. When the activation signal 10n, for example, the fire alarm 23 is identified, or when the maximum level alarm signal from the CO detector 24 is identified, the processing mode corresponding to the grouping by the group selection means 10g is executed. Then, the operation of the timer means 10p is started and a predetermined time is counted. While the timer means 10p is measuring the predetermined time, it is determined that an emergency has occurred when the specific alarm device activation signal 10n is continuously identified.

  If the specific alarm device activation signal 10n cannot be identified while the timer means 10p is measuring the predetermined time, it is determined that the emergency situation has been avoided by the customer's response.

  If it is determined that an emergency situation has occurred, the audio signal generation means 10q generates a predetermined audio signal according to the specific alarm device activation signal 10n, for example, an emergency such as a fire or CO occurrence. An emergency signal is generated by generating a voice signal that specifies a situation, a telephone number of a customer's house, an address, etc. as a voice signal, and using a voice to a specific destination 35 such as a fire department or a police station by the wide-area communication wireless module 11a The emergency voice information transmission means 34 which transmits as a rescue signal is comprised.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a wireless module capable of communicating with a base station using wireless communication means other than a telephone line, and a wireless module capable of receiving alarm device information from an alarm device. Because it is integrated into the control circuit board with the measurement function and shut-off function in the gas meter, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing the gas meter. It is possible to communicate with the base station smoothly without being affected by the base station, to quickly and accurately convey various information acquired by the gas meter to the base station, and to accurately perform various processes based on instructions from the base station. Can be implemented.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specific alarm activation signal, such as a fire alarm or CO alarm, is activated, an emergency situation is assumed, and in such a situation, the customer appropriately reports to the fire department or police station. When it is determined that an alarm activation signal is assumed that such a situation may occur, a predetermined voice signal is generated and the voice is used for a specific destination such as a fire department or a police station. It was made to send as an emergency rescue signal, and it has a built-in communication function by having a function to send the emergency rescue signal as a voice signal to the emergency rescue signal in a situation where a grace period is not allowed The range of use of gas meters as information relays can be expanded and the spread of advanced security systems using gas meters installed in most homes can be promoted. Can.

  According to the gas appliance monitoring apparatus of the present invention, a gas module having a gas flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function has a built-in wireless module that receives an alarm activation signal from an alarm, so that gas can be detected according to alarm information The safety function is ensured by operating the shut-off function, and the information relay function for selecting the communication channel and transmitting the information to a required destination is provided, and this can be applied to various meters 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 various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring apparatus Internal configuration diagram of the alarm in the gas appliance monitoring device Configuration block diagram of an alarm in the gas appliance monitoring device Configuration block diagram of control circuit in the same 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

Explanation of symbols

2 Gas meter 2c Gas shut-off valve 10 Control circuit board 10a Control circuit 10b Information storage means 10c Communication switching means 10f Identification code discrimination means 10g Group selection means 10h Processing mode execution means 10i Communication channel selection means 10j Alarm processing mode setting means 10p Timer means 10q Audio signal generation means 11 Wireless module 11a Wide area communication wireless module 11b Area communication wireless module 11d Alarm wireless module 11e Alarm activation signal determination means 11f Alarm activation signal transmission means 12 Specific terminal device 12a Television 12b Mobile phone 14 Base station 15 Gas Business 17 Flow rate measurement means (flow rate measurement processing means)
22 alarm device operation signal generation means 22a abnormality detection signal reception means 22b alarm device operation signal conversion means 23 fire alarm (alarm)
24 CO detector (alarm)
26 Alarm information transmission means 27 Identification code change means 34 Emergency voice information transmission means 35 Fire department, police station (specific destination)

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 housed in the gas meter, and has at least a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a plurality of alarm devices installed indoors,
The alarm device includes an alarm information transmission means for receiving an operation signal at the time of abnormality detection and transmitting the alarm signal to the gas meter as an alarm signal,
The alarm device information transmission means has an alarm radio module that directly transmits an operation signal of the alarm device to a gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band and is built in or integrally attached to the alarm device,
The alarm device wireless module has an identification code assigned to each of a plurality of alarm devices,
In the control circuit, an identification code discriminating means for discriminating which alarm device is activated by an alarm device operation signal transmitted from the alarm device wireless module, and alarm processing in which a predetermined processing mode is set for each alarm device operation signal A mode setting means, a processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode in accordance with the alarm activation signal determined by the identification code determination means, and a predetermined voice predetermined when a specific alarm activation signal is determined. A gas appliance monitoring device having emergency voice information transmitting means for generating a signal and transmitting an emergency rescue signal to a specific destination. 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 the alarm device,
The wireless module for communication with an alarm device 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. Gas appliance monitoring device. The area communication wireless module enables communication with a specific terminal device in addition to communication with an alarm device, and transmits the alarm device information to a specific terminal device when the alarm device information is transmitted. Gas appliance monitoring device. The alarm device information transmission means comprises alarm device operation signal conversion means for converting an abnormality detection signal of the alarm device into a predetermined alarm device operation signal and outputting the signal to the alarm device wireless module. The gas appliance monitoring device according to item. An identification code changing means for setting or changing a unique identification code for identifying the alarm device;
The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an identification code is given together with an alarm detection signal of the alarm device and output to the alarm radio module. The wireless module for communication with the base station of the meter wireless module has a plurality of communication channels, and has a communication channel selection means for selecting a communication channel according to an alarm device activation signal distinguished by the identification code determination means, The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein alarm information is transmitted to the base station through a communication channel selected by the communication channel selection means. The identification code discriminating means distinguishes between the first group accompanied by the shut-off operation of the gas shut-off valve and the other second group among the alarm actuating signals, and the alarm actuating signals belonging to the first group are inputted. When the gas shut-off valve is activated, the gas supply is stopped, and when the alarm activation signal belonging to the second group is inputted, the measurement function by the flow rate measuring means is continued, and the first group and the second group 7. The gas appliance monitoring device according to claim 1, wherein the gas appliance monitoring device communicates with the base station through a different communication channel. The emergency voice information transmission means has a timer means that operates when the identification code determination means determines that a specific alarm operation signal has been transmitted and times a predetermined time,
When the alarm operation signal is continuously confirmed until the timer means counts up, a predetermined audio signal is generated and an emergency rescue signal is transmitted to a specific destination by the wide-area communication wireless module. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.