JP2013019831A - Gas meter and connection determination method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas meter and its connection determination method which are capable of contributing to a man-hour reduction of an operator when installing the gas meter and replacing a connection device while reducing battery consumption.SOLUTION: A normal time alarm connection determination part 12 of a gas meter 1 transmits a connection confirmation signal to the connection device at a predetermined time interval and receives a connection signal returned according to the connection confirmation signal when a gas alarm is normally connected. Also, the normal time alarm connection determination part 12 determines the gas alarm is normally connected when the connection signal is received continuously a plurality of times. A short time alarm connection determination part 15 transmits the connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time when a return button 4 is operated by an operator in a valve closed state of a cutoff valve, and determines the gas alarm is normally connected when the connection signal is received continuously the plurality of times.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas meter and a connection determination method thereof.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gas meter that is provided on a gas supply path, measures the flow rate of a gas supplied to a user side, and displays the gas flow is known. This gas meter is generally connected to a device such as a gas alarm, and when a gas leak is detected by the gas alarm, the gas meter receives a signal to that effect and closes the shut-off valve. .

  Further, the gas meter has a connection determination function for determining whether or not a connection device such as a gas alarm is normally connected. In this determination, the gas meter transmits a connection confirmation signal for confirming the connection state of the connected device at a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) interval, and the connection signal is returned from the gas alarm device multiple times. In addition, it is determined that the gas alarm is normally connected.

  However, in the gas meter that determines that the gas alarm is normally connected when the connection signal is returned from the gas alarm side twice in succession, it takes from 1 minute to 2 minutes before determining the connection. It takes time. Accordingly, a gas meter that continuously transmits a connection determination signal in a time shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second) when the return button is operated has been proposed. In this gas meter, since the time required for connection determination is shortened, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the number of man-hours of the worker when installing the gas meter or replacing the gas alarm (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-145011 A

  However, in the gas meter described in Patent Document 1, since the connection determination signal is continuously transmitted in a time shorter than the predetermined time in all operations when the return button is operated, the battery consumption increases. In addition, the gas meter performs individual integrated display processing when the return button is operated, warning abnormal pressure display processing during supply pressure / blocking pressure warning, current pressure value display processing, remaining amount display processing during prepay use, simple setting processing, etc. However, such a gas meter further increases battery consumption.

  The above is not limited to the case where the connected device is a gas alarm, but is a common problem even with other connected devices such as a fire alarm and a gas fire integrated alarm.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a conventional problem. The object of the present invention is to reduce the battery consumption and to reduce the man-hours of an operator when installing a gas meter or replacing a connected device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas meter that can contribute to reduction and a connection determination method thereof.

  The gas meter of the present invention is a gas meter for determining whether or not a connected device is normally connected, and transmits the connection confirmation signal to the connected device at a predetermined time interval, and is transmitted when the connected device is normally connected. When the connection device is normally connected when the connection signal is received by the reception unit a plurality of times in succession by the reception unit that receives the connection signal returned in response to the connection confirmation signal transmitted by the unit. A connection determining means for determining, and an operating means operable by an operator, and the transmitting means is arranged at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time when the operating means is operated by the operator while the shutoff valve is closed. A connection confirmation signal is transmitted, and the connection determination means determines that the connection signal has been continuously received a plurality of times by the reception means in response to the connection signal transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time. When the connection device is characterized in that it is determined that are normally connected.

  According to this gas meter, when the operator operates, the connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time, and the connection device is normally connected when the connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times. Therefore, the transmission / reception is performed in a shorter time than when the connection confirmation signal is transmitted and received a plurality of times in the normal time. As a result, the worker can know whether or not the connected device is normally connected in a short time, thereby reducing the number of man-hours.

  Further, when the shutoff valve is operated by the operator with the valve closed, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time. For this reason, when the shutoff valve is open, the connection confirmation signal is not transmitted at a short time interval, and the battery consumption can be suppressed. In particular, in the case of a gas meter that executes various processes such as the individual integration display process according to the operation, the battery consumption can be further suppressed.

  Therefore, while reducing the battery consumption, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the number of man-hours when installing the gas meter or exchanging the connected equipment.

  The gas meter of the present invention further includes timer means for starting time measurement when the operating means is operated by the operator while the shutoff valve is closed, and the transmission means passes the specified time by the time measurement by the timer means. It is preferable to transmit the connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time at the timing up to.

  According to this gas meter, timing is started when an operator operates the shut-off valve in a closed state, and a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time at a timing until a specified time elapses. To do. For this reason, for example, the operator can know that the connection confirmation has been completed in the gas meter after the lapse of a specified time, and can also know the end timing, so there is no need to wait for a long time, which contributes to further reduction in man-hours. be able to.

  Gas meters are generally equipped with a display unit, but even for gas meters with a display unit, in addition to the display content of the display unit, knowing that the connection confirmation has been completed in the gas meter from the lapse of the specified time. This makes it easier for the operator to understand.

  The gas meter of the present invention further includes a shut-off valve control means for controlling closing and opening operations of the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve control means first opens the shut-off valve when the operating means is operated, and connects When it is determined by the determination means that the connected device is not normally connected, it is preferable that the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed.

  According to this gas meter, at the time of operation, the shut-off valve is first opened, and when it is determined that the connected device is not normally connected, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed. Here, for example, when the connected device is a gas alarm device, the security of the user cannot be achieved unless the connected device is normally connected. However, according to the present invention, the shutoff valve is closed when it is determined that the connected device is not normally connected, so that security can be achieved.

  In the gas meter of the present invention, the shut-off valve control means opens the valve when a flow rate of a specified flow rate or more is detected continuously for a plurality of times after determining that the connected device is normally connected. It is preferable to determine that the shut-off valve is maintained in the valve-open state when the shut-off valve is closed and when a flow rate higher than the specified flow rate is not continuously detected for a plurality of times.

  According to this gas meter, when it is determined that the connected device is normally connected and a flow rate of a specified flow rate or more is detected continuously several times, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed. . Here, gas appliances are generally not used at the time of gas meter installation or connection device replacement, and the flow rate should be zero. However, when a flow rate exceeding the specified flow rate is detected, a pipe crack or the like is expected. For this reason, the safety | security at the time of installation of a gas meter, replacement | exchange of a connected apparatus, etc. can be ensured by carrying out valve closing operation of the shut-off valve made to open valve | bulb when the flow rate more than a regulation flow rate is detected.

  In the gas meter of the present invention, the shutoff valve control means calculates a moving average of the flow rate after determining that the connected device is normally connected, and when the calculated moving average is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate. It is preferable to determine that the shut-off valve is maintained in the valve-opened state when the shut-off valve that has been valve-opened is closed and the calculated moving average is not equal to or greater than the predetermined flow rate.

  According to this gas meter, after determining that the connected device is normally connected, the moving average of the flow rate is calculated, and when the calculated moving average is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the shut-off valve that is opened is operated. Close the valve. Here, gas appliances are generally not used at the time of gas meter installation or connection device replacement, and the flow rate should be zero. However, when the moving average of the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, a pipe crack or the like is expected. For this reason, when the moving average of the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed so that safety can be ensured when the gas meter is installed or the connected device is replaced. .

  The gas meter connection determination method of the present invention is a gas meter connection determination method for determining whether or not a connected device is normally connected, and a transmission step of transmitting a connection confirmation signal to the connected device at predetermined time intervals. And when the connection device is normally connected, a reception step of receiving a connection signal returned in response to the connection confirmation signal transmitted in the transmission step, and a connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times in the reception step. A connection determination step for determining that the connected device is normally connected, an operation determination step for determining the operation of the operator by the operator, and an operation determination step when the shut-off valve is in a closed state. A second transmission step of transmitting a connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time when it is determined that the operating means has been operated by the operator, and a second transmission step at the time of normal connection of the connected device. A second reception step of receiving a connection signal returned in response to a connection signal transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time, and when it is determined that the connection signal has been received continuously a plurality of times in the second reception step And a second connection determining step for determining that the connected device is normally connected.

  According to this gas meter connection determination method, when there is an operation by an operator, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time, and when the connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times, In order to determine that the connection is normal, transmission / reception is performed in a shorter time than when a connection confirmation signal is transmitted and received a plurality of times during normal times. As a result, the worker can know whether or not the connected device is normally connected in a short time, thereby reducing the number of man-hours.

  Further, when the shutoff valve is operated by the operator with the valve closed, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time. For this reason, when the shutoff valve is open, the connection confirmation signal is not transmitted at a short time interval, and the battery consumption can be suppressed. In particular, in the case of a gas meter that executes various processes such as the individual integration display process according to the operation, the battery consumption can be further suppressed.

  Therefore, while reducing the battery consumption, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the number of man-hours when installing the gas meter or exchanging the connected equipment.

  According to the gas meter and the connection determination method of the present invention, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the number of man-hours when installing the gas meter or replacing the connected device while reducing the battery consumption.

It is an external view which shows the gas meter which concerns on this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the gas meter which concerns on this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the microcomputer shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the connection determination method of the gas meter which concerns on this embodiment, Comprising: The first half process is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the connection determination method of the gas meter which concerns on this embodiment, Comprising: The latter half process is shown. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of step S5 shown in FIG. 6 is a first flowchart showing details of step S11 shown in FIG. 4. 5 is a second flowchart showing details of step S11 shown in FIG. 4. 5 is a third flowchart showing details of step S11 shown in FIG. 4.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a gas meter according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is an external view showing a gas meter according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 1 is arranged on a supply path for supplying fuel gas from a gas supply source to gas equipment owned by a user, and integrates and displays the amount of gas supplied to the user side. The gas meter 1 is a so-called electronic gas meter, and includes a liquid crystal panel 2, an LED 3, and a return button (operation means) 4.

  The liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3 display an integrated flow rate or an abnormal state. The liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3 can indicate to a worker or user whether or not a connected device such as a gas alarm device is normally connected to the gas meter 1 by a display state.

  The return button 4 functions as an operating means for opening the shut-off valve when an operator (including a user) presses the shut-off valve when the shut-off valve is closed. For example, the gas meter 1 shuts off the gas supply by closing the shutoff valve during an earthquake or gas leak. The operator can resume the use of the gas that has been stopped by opening the shut-off valve by depressing the return button 4 when solving problems such as earthquakes and gas leaks.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a gas meter according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the gas meter 1 includes a flow sensor 5, a pressure sensor 6, and a microcomputer 10 in addition to the above-described units 2 to 4.

  The flow rate sensor 5 outputs a signal corresponding to the gas flow rate supplied to the user side, and is composed of, for example, an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor. The pressure sensor 6 outputs a signal corresponding to the gas pressure in the flow path of the gas meter 1, and is constituted by a sensor such as a piezoresistive type or a capacitance type.

  The microcomputer 10 performs overall control of the gas meter 1, and includes a CPU 10a, a ROM 10b, a RAM 10c, and a timer (timer means) 10d. The CPU 10a performs various processes according to the processing program. The ROM 10b stores a program for processing performed by the CPU 10a. The RAM 10c has a work area (such as a data storage area for storing various data) used in various processes in the CPU 10a. The timer 10d measures time in various processes.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the microcomputer 10 has a determination function for determining whether or not a connected device such as a gas alarm is normally connected to the gas meter 1. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the microcomputer 10 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the microcomputer 10 includes a control unit 11, a normal time alarm connection determination unit (transmission unit, reception unit, connection determination unit) 12, and a shutoff valve opening logic unit (shutoff valve control unit) 13. A return safety confirmation delay timer unit (timer unit) 14, a short-time alarm device connection determination unit (transmission unit, reception unit, connection determination unit) 15, an alarm device unconnected cutoff unit (shutoff valve control unit) 16, A return safety confirmation unit (shutoff valve control means) 17 is provided.

  The control part 11 controls said each part 12-17. The normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 determines whether or not a gas alarm is connected to the gas meter 1 at a timing other than when the shut-off valve is restored. The normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 transmits a connection confirmation signal to the gas alarm at intervals of 1 minute (predetermined time), for example. When the gas alarm device is normally connected to the gas meter 1, it returns a connection signal when it receives a connection confirmation signal. The normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 determines that the gas alarm is normally connected when the connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times.

  When the normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 determines that the connection is normal, the normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 transmits a signal to that effect to the liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3, and the liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3 are normally connected. Is displayed. On the other hand, when it is determined that the normal time alarm connection determination unit 12 is not connected normally, a signal to that effect is transmitted to the liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3. The liquid crystal panel 2 and the LED 3 display that they are not normally connected, and whether the connection is a reverse connection in which the + terminal and the-terminal are connected in reverse, or whether the connection is not connected in the first place, etc. Also displays the connection status of.

  The shut-off valve opening logic unit 13 opens the shut-off valve that is in a closed state when the return button 4 is operated. The return safety confirmation delay timer unit 14 delays execution of processing by the alarm device unconnected cutoff unit 16 and the return safety confirmation unit 17 and starts counting time when the return button 4 is operated, for a specified time (for example, 10 seconds), the alarm device unconnected blocking unit 16 and the return safety confirmation unit 17 execute processing.

  The short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 starts the operation when the return button 4 is operated while the shut-off valve is in the closed state. When the operation is started, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 transmits a connection confirmation signal at intervals shorter than a predetermined time (for example, 1 second). That is, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 transmits a connection confirmation signal at a shorter time interval than the normal time alarm device connection determination unit 12. At this time, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 transmits a connection confirmation signal continuously, for example, three times at intervals of one second.

  The short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 starts the operation when the return button 4 is operated when the shut-off valve is in the valve closed state, and returns when the shut-off valve is in the valve open state. Even if the button 4 is operated, the operation is not executed.

  Further, when the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 determines that the connection signal returned in response to the connection signal transmitted at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time has been continuously received a plurality of times, the gas alarm is issued. Judge that the device is properly connected. Specifically, when the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 receives a connection signal at least twice continuously with respect to the connection confirmation signal transmitted three times continuously, the gas alarm device is normally connected. Judge that

  Further, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 performs the above operation at a timing until the specified time elapses due to the time measured by the return safety confirmation delay timer unit 14. For this reason, the alarm device unconnected blocking unit 16 and the return safety confirmation unit 17 start processing after the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 completes the connection determination of the gas alarm device.

  When the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 determines that the gas alarm device is not normally connected, the alarm device unconnected cutoff unit 16 opens the cutoff valve opened by the cutoff valve opening logic unit 13. The valve is closed again. That is, when the gas alarm is not properly connected and there is a possibility that the security may be hindered, the alarm unconnected cutoff unit 16 closes the shut-off valve and prohibits the use of gas itself. To do.

  The return safety confirmation unit 17 performs processing when it is determined by the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 that the gas alarm device is normally connected and the shut-off valve is not closed by the alarm device non-connection cutoff unit 16. Is something that starts. The return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether a gas flow rate is generated to some extent based on a signal from the flow sensor 4. Generally, when installing the gas meter 1 and the alarm device, no gas equipment is used, and the flow rate should be zero. However, since a pipe crack or the like is expected when a certain flow rate is detected, the return safety confirmation unit 17 causes the shut-off valve that has been opened to close the valve in such a case.

  Next, a connection determination method for the gas meter 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the connection determination method of the gas meter 1 according to this embodiment, and show the connection determination of the gas alarm device by the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 and its related parts.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 11 first determines whether or not the return button 4 has been operated (S1). If it is determined that the return button 4 has not been operated (S1: NO), this process is repeated until it is determined that the return button 4 has been operated. On the other hand, when it is determined that the return button 4 has been operated (S1: YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not the shut-off valve is in a closed state (S2).

  If it is determined that the valve is not closed (S2: NO), the process proceeds to step S1. When it is determined that the valve is closed (S2: YES), the shutoff valve opening logic unit 13 opens the shutoff valve (S3). Then, the return safety confirmation delay timer unit 14 starts a timer (S4).

  Thereafter, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 executes an alarm device connection determination process (S5). By this processing, it is determined whether or not the gas alarm is normally connected. Thereafter, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 determines whether or not the connection state of the gas alarm device is normal in step S5 (S6).

  When it is determined in step S5 that the connection state of the gas alarm device is normal (S6: YES), the control unit 11 sets a variable indicating the connection state of the gas alarm device to “1” indicating normal connection. (S7). Then, the process proceeds to step S9.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S5 that the connection state of the gas alarm device is not normal (S6: NO), the control unit 11 indicates that the variable indicating the connection state of the gas alarm device is an abnormal connection. It is set to “0” (S8). Then, the process proceeds to step S9. The abnormal connection is a concept including not only the reverse connection and the like but also the unconnected state where the gas alarm device itself is not connected.

  In step S9, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the timer started in step S4 has expired (S9). That is, the control unit 11 determines whether or not a specified time has elapsed based on the timer started in step S4.

  When it is determined that the specified time has not elapsed (S9: NO), this process is repeated until it is determined that the specified time has elapsed. On the other hand, if it is determined that the specified time has not elapsed (S9: YES), the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG.

  In step S10 of FIG. 5, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the variable is “1” (S10). When it is determined that the variable is not “1” (S10: NO), the alarm device non-connection cutoff unit 16 closes the cutoff valve to ensure the user's security because the gas alarm device is abnormally connected. (S11). Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the variable is “1” (S10: YES), the return safety confirmation unit 17 executes a return safety confirmation process (S11). Thereafter, the processing shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ends. In step S11, the gas meter 1 determines whether or not the shutoff valve opened in step S3 can be maintained in the valve open state. When it is determined that the shutoff valve can be maintained, the shutoff valve is maintained in an open state. When it is determined that the shutoff valve cannot be maintained, the shutoff valve is closed.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing details of step S5 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, first, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 transmits a connection confirmation signal (S21). Next, the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 determines whether or not the connection confirmation signal is transmitted three times (S22). If it is determined that the connection confirmation signal has not been transmitted three times (S22: NO), the process proceeds to step S21. Note that the processing time when returning to step S21 again from step S21 to step S22 is about 1 second. For this reason, the connection confirmation signal is continuously transmitted three times at intervals of one second.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the connection confirmation signal has been transmitted three times (S22: YES), the short time alarm connection determination unit 15 determines whether or not the connection signal has been received continuously at least twice (S23). . When it is determined that the connection signal has been received at least twice in succession (S23: YES), the short-time alarm device connection determination unit 15 determines that the gas alarm device is normally connected (S24). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6 shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that the connection signal has not been received continuously at least twice (S23: NO), the short time alarm connection determination unit 15 determines that the gas alarm is not normally connected (S25). ). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S6 shown in FIG.

  7 to 9 are flowcharts showing details of step S11 shown in FIG. 7 to 9 are executed in parallel. In the process of step S11, a pipe crack or the like is determined. That is, when the gas meter 1 or the gas alarm is installed, generally no gas appliance is used, and the flow rate should be zero. Therefore, the case where the flow rate does not become zero may be a pipe crack or the like rather than the use of a gas appliance. Therefore, in the process of step S11, the possibility of a pipe crack or the like is determined by executing the processes of FIGS.

  First, as shown in FIG. 7, the return safety confirmation unit 17 initializes a variable i to zero (S31). Next, the return safety confirmation unit 17 increments the variable i (S32), and then calculates the instantaneous flow rate Qi (S33).

  After the calculation, the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether or not the eighth-order moving average of the instantaneous flow rate is equal to or greater than 21 L / h (predetermined flow rate) (S34). If it is determined that the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate (S34: YES), there is a possibility of a pipe crack or the like, so the return safety confirmation unit 17 closes the shut-off valve to ensure the user's security (S35). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the eighth-order moving average of the instantaneous flow rate is not equal to or greater than the predetermined flow rate (S34: NO), the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether or not the variable i is “8” (specified value) ( S36). If it is determined that the variable i is not “8” (S36: NO), the process proceeds to step S32. When it is determined that the variable i is “8” (S36: YES), the gas meter 1 permits future use of the gas without closing the shut-off valve because the possibility of a pipe crack or the like is low. In the state, the process shown in FIG. 7 ends.

  In the process of step S34, an eighth-order moving average is determined. For this reason, when the variable is a number less than “8” such as “1” or “2”, it may be automatically determined as “NO”.

  Next, the process of FIG. 8 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the return safety confirmation unit 17 performs the same processes as steps S <b> 31 to S <b> 33 illustrated in FIG. 7 in the processes of steps S <b> 41 to S <b> 43.

  Then, the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether or not the instantaneous flow rate Qi of 5 L / h (specified flow rate) or more has been continuously detected four times (a plurality of times) (S44). If it is determined that the instantaneous flow rate Qi of 5 L / h or more has been detected four times in succession (S44: YES), there is a possibility of a pipe crack or the like. Accordingly, the shut-off valve is closed (S45). Thereafter, the process shown in FIG. 8 ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the instantaneous flow rate Qi of 5 L / h or more has not been detected four times in succession (S44: NO), the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether the variable i is “8” (specified value). Is determined (S46). If it is determined that the variable i is not “8” (S46: NO), the process proceeds to step S42. If it is determined that the variable i is “8” (S46: YES), since the instantaneous flow rate Qi of 5 L / h or more was not detected four times continuously in the detection of the eight instantaneous flow rates Qi, the piping It can be said that the possibility of cracks is low. For this reason, the process shown in FIG. 8 is complete | finished by the gas meter 1 in the state which permitted use of future gas, without closing a shut-off valve.

  Next, the process of FIG. 9 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the return safety confirmation unit 17 performs the same processes as steps S31 to S33 illustrated in FIG. 7 in the processes of steps S51 to S53.

  Then, the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether or not the instantaneous flow rate Qi of less than 5 L / h (specified flow rate) has been continuously detected four times (a plurality of times) (S54). If it is determined that the instantaneous flow rate Qi of less than 5 L / h has been detected four times in succession (S54: YES), the possibility of a pipe crack or the like is low, so the gas meter 1 does not close the shut-off valve, The process shown in FIG. 9 ends in a state where the future use of gas is permitted.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the instantaneous flow rate Qi of less than 5 L / h has not been detected four times consecutively (S54: NO), the return safety confirmation unit 17 determines whether the variable i is “8” (specified value). Is determined (S56). If it is determined that the variable i is not “8” (S56: NO), the process proceeds to step S52. When it is determined that the variable i is “8” (S56: YES), the processing illustrated in FIG. 9 ends.

  If it is determined “YES” in step S56, the shutoff valve is not closed. This is because if “YES” is determined in step S56, it is highly likely that the determination is “YES” in step S44 of FIG. 8, and the shut-off valve is closed by the process shown in FIG.

  Thus, according to the gas meter 1 and its connection determination method according to the present embodiment, when there is an operator's operation, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time, and continuously several times. When a connection signal is received, it is determined that the gas alarm is normally connected. Therefore, transmission and reception are performed in a shorter time than when a connection confirmation signal is transmitted and received multiple times in normal times. It will be. Thereby, the operator can know whether the gas alarm is normally connected in a short time, and man-hours are reduced.

  Further, when the shutoff valve is operated by the operator with the valve closed, a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time. For this reason, when the shutoff valve is open, the connection confirmation signal is not transmitted at a short time interval, and the battery consumption can be suppressed. In particular, in the case of the gas meter 1 that executes various processes such as the individual integration display process according to the operation, the battery consumption can be further suppressed.

  Therefore, while reducing the battery consumption, it is possible to contribute to a reduction in the number of man-hours of the worker when the gas meter 1 is installed or when the gas alarm is replaced.

  In addition, when the operation is performed by the operator when the shut-off valve is in the closed state, time measurement is started, and a connection confirmation signal is transmitted at a time interval shorter than a predetermined time at a timing until a specified time elapses. For this reason, for example, the operator can know that the connection confirmation has been completed in the gas meter 1 after the lapse of a specified time, and can also know the end timing, so that it does not wait for a long time and contributes to further reduction in man-hours. can do.

  In general, the gas meter 1 includes a display unit, but even in the gas meter 1 including the display unit, in addition to the display content of the display unit, the connection confirmation is completed in the gas meter 1 after the lapse of the specified time. It is possible to make it easier for the operator to understand.

  When the operation is performed, the shut-off valve is first opened, and when it is determined that the gas alarm is not normally connected, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed. Here, when the gas alarm is not normally connected, it becomes impossible to ensure the security of the user. However, in the present invention, the shutoff valve is closed when it is determined that the gas alarm is not normally connected, so that security can be ensured.

  In addition, after determining that the gas alarm is normally connected, when a flow rate equal to or higher than the specified flow rate is continuously detected a plurality of times, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed. Here, when the gas meter 1 is installed or when the gas alarm is replaced, gas appliances are generally not used, and the flow rate should be zero. However, when a flow rate exceeding the specified flow rate is detected, a pipe crack or the like is expected. For this reason, when the flow rate exceeding the specified flow rate is detected, the shut-off valve that has been opened is closed so that safety can be ensured when the gas meter 1 is installed or when the gas alarm is replaced. it can.

  After determining that the gas alarm is normally connected, calculate the moving average of the flow rate, and if the calculated moving average is greater than or equal to the predetermined flow rate, close the shut-off valve that was opened. Let Here, when the gas meter 1 is installed or when the gas alarm is replaced, gas appliances are generally not used, and the flow rate should be zero. However, when the moving average of the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, a pipe crack or the like is expected. For this reason, when the moving average of the flow rate is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the shutoff valve that has been opened is closed so as to ensure safety when the gas meter 1 is installed or when the gas alarm is replaced. Can do.

  As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be modified without departing from the gist of the present invention.

  For example, in the present embodiment, in the gas meter 1, the above process is executed when the return button 4 is operated. However, the operation is not limited to the return button 4, and other operation means (for example, a remote control owned only by the gas company) is provided. The above processing may be executed when operated.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the gas alarm is given as an example of the connected device, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a fire alarm, a gas fire integrated alarm, or other devices. .

1 Gas meter 2 LCD panel 3 LED
4 return button 5 flow sensor 6 pressure sensor 10 microcomputer 10a CPU
10b ROM
10c RAM
10d timer (timer means)
11 Control unit 12 Normal time alarm connection determination unit (transmission means, reception means, connection determination means)
13 Shut-off valve opening logic part (shut-off valve control means)
14 Return safety confirmation delay timer part (timer means)
15 Short-time alarm connection determination unit (transmission means, reception means, connection determination means)
16 Alarm disconnection shutoff part (shutoff valve control means)
17 Return safety confirmation section (shutoff valve control means)

Claims (6)

A gas meter that determines whether a connected device is connected normally,
Transmitting means for transmitting a connection confirmation signal to the connection device at a predetermined time interval;
Receiving means for receiving a connection signal returned in response to a connection confirmation signal transmitted by the transmitting means at the time of normal connection of the connection device;
A connection determination means for determining that the connection device is normally connected when a connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times by the reception means;
Operating means that can be operated by an operator,
The transmission means transmits a connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time when the operation means is operated by an operator when the shut-off valve is closed.
When the connection determination unit determines that the connection signal is received a plurality of times consecutively by the reception unit in response to a connection signal transmitted at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time, the connection device is normally A gas meter that is judged to be connected. Timer means for starting time measurement when the operating means is operated by an operator when the shut-off valve is closed;
2. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits a connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time at a timing until a predetermined time elapses due to timing by the timer unit. Further comprising shut-off valve control means for controlling valve closing and valve opening operations of the shut-off valve;
The shut-off valve control means first opens the shut-off valve when operating the operating means, and opens the valve when the connection determining means determines that the connected device is not normally connected. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the shut-off valve is closed. The shut-off valve control means opens the shut-off valve when the flow rate equal to or higher than the specified flow rate is continuously detected a plurality of times after determining that the connection device is normally connected. 4. The gas meter according to claim 3, wherein when the valve is closed and a flow rate exceeding a specified flow rate is not detected continuously for a plurality of times, it is determined that the shutoff valve is maintained in an open state. The shut-off valve control means calculates the moving average of the flow rate after determining that the connected device is normally connected, and opens the valve when the calculated moving average is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate. 4. The gas meter according to claim 3, wherein the shutoff valve is closed, and when the calculated moving average is not equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate, the shutoff valve is determined to be maintained in the valve open state. A gas meter connection determination method for determining whether a connected device is normally connected,
A transmission step of transmitting a connection confirmation signal to the connection device at a predetermined time interval;
At the time of normal connection of the connection device, a reception step of receiving a connection signal returned according to the connection confirmation signal transmitted in the transmission step;
A connection determination step of determining that the connection device is normally connected when a connection signal is continuously received a plurality of times in the reception step;
An operation determination step of determining an operation on the operation means by the operator;
A second transmission for transmitting a connection confirmation signal at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time when it is determined in the operation determining step that the operating means is operated by an operator when the shut-off valve is in a closed state. Process,
A second receiving step of receiving a connection signal returned in response to a connection signal transmitted at a time interval shorter than the predetermined time in the second transmission step at the time of normal connection of the connection device;
A second connection determination step of determining that the connection device is normally connected when it is determined that a connection signal has been continuously received a plurality of times in the second reception step;
A gas meter connection determination method characterized by comprising:

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