JP3147631B2 - Flowmeter - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow meter for measuring a flow rate of a fluid such as city gas or LPG gas.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a flow meter of this type is disclosed in
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 90715, a configuration in which internal data is protected by using a nonvolatile storage element has been proposed, for example, as shown in FIG.

In the flow meter of FIG. 3, 31 is a flow meter main body, 32 is a flow detection means, 33 is a control means for obtaining an integrated flow value from a flow signal detected by the flow detection means and displaying it on a display means 34, 35 is Non-volatile storage means for storing the integrated flow rate value obtained by the control means 34 as backup data, 36 is a battery for driving these means, 37 is a battery 3
6 is a battery voltage detecting means for detecting the voltage of 6.

In the above configuration, the integrated flow rate value obtained by the control means 33 is stored in an internal memory (not shown) such as a volatile RAM. Will be extinguished. Therefore, when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value, the battery voltage detecting means 37
In this case, the integrated flow rate value obtained by the control means 34 is written in the non-volatile storage means 35. Thereafter, when it is detected that the battery voltage has been recovered by replacing the battery 36, the reset circuit 38 is operated, and the integrated flow rate value held in the nonvolatile storage means 35 is stored in the internal data of the control means 34. Use as Therefore, if the battery is replaced, the flow rate can be continuously measured from the integrated flow rate value before the replacement.

[0005]

However, in the flow meter having the above configuration, when the reset circuit operates,
Only the integrated value of the flow rate is shown as data to be taken into the control means, and details of other data are not shown. Therefore, the basic function as a flow meter
Items related to flow calculation function, safety function, and communication function
In a flow meter with a configuration where the eyes are set externally, the power supply
If the pressure recovers after the pressure drops, these basic functions
Has not been guaranteed.

[0006] The present invention is to solve the above problems,
A first object is to ensure that flow rate integration is continued even after a power supply abnormality occurs.

It is a second object of the present invention to operate the safety function normally even after a power failure occurs.

A third object is to operate the communication function normally even after a power failure occurs.

It is a fourth object of the present invention to notify the occurrence of an abnormality by a communication function even after a power supply abnormality has occurred.

[0010]

In order to achieve the first object, a flow meter according to the present invention comprises a flow rate detecting means for detecting a fluid flow rate, and a flow rate integrated value based on a flow rate signal of the flow rate detecting means and function data set externally. Flow rate measurement means to be obtained, setting means for setting function data in the flow rate measurement means, nonvolatile storage means for storing predetermined data, and data control means for controlling data input / output of the nonvolatile storage means When,
A power supply for driving each of the means, and an initialization means for outputting an initialization signal when a voltage of the power supply exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the data control means has at least function data held by the flow rate measurement means. Writing means for writing the integrated flow value to the non-volatile storage means, and data held by the flow rate measuring means when the initialization means outputs an initialization signal.
The chromatography data, in which a <br/> Ru rewriting means rewrites the stored data of the nonvolatile memory means.

In order to achieve the second object, a flow state detecting means for detecting a use state of a fluid from an output value of the flow detecting means, and an output value of the flow state detecting means deviates from a predetermined reference state. In the event that the abnormality has been detected, the abnormality determination unit includes an abnormality determination unit that outputs an abnormality signal, and a shutoff unit that stops supply of fluid based on the abnormality signal from the abnormality determination unit. The writing means stores at least the abnormality determination means in the nonvolatile storage means.
Writes the reference state of the stage and outputs the initialization signal of the initialization means
Sometimes, the rewriting means is at least based on the abnormality determination means.
Rewriting the quasi-state to data stored in the nonvolatile storage means
It is configured .

In order to achieve the third object, a flow rate detecting means for detecting a fluid flow rate, a flow rate measuring means for obtaining a flow rate integrated value based on a flow rate signal and function data of the flow rate detecting means, Communication means, communication control means for controlling the communication means based on externally set data, setting means for setting data in the communication control means, non-volatile storage means for storing predetermined data, Data control means for controlling the input and output of data of the non-volatile storage means, a power supply for driving the respective means, and initialization means for outputting an initialization signal when the voltage of the power supply exceeds a predetermined value. The data control unit includes a writing unit that writes identification information of the communication partner and the flow meter itself held by the communication control unit into the non-volatile storage unit; and an initialization unit that initializes the initialization unit. At the time the signal output is obtained and a rewriting means for rewriting <br/> the stored data of the nonvolatile memory means data held by the communication control means.

Further, in order to achieve the fourth object, the communication control means is configured to transmit the abnormality information to the communication destination rewritten by the rewriting means when the initialization means outputs the initialization signal.

[0014]

[Action] flowmeter of the present invention by the above configuration, the integrated flow rate value in the nonvolatile storage means, because it retains the characteristic values of the flow rate detecting means, when the power supply voltage is recovered again after the drop, the external Without having to redo these data settings from
The flow rate can be measured based on the value held in the nonvolatile storage means .

Further, as a reference to operate the safety function in the nonvolatile storage means, so holding the reference state, when the power supply voltage is recovered again after the decrease is not performed again these data externally set And non-volatile memory hands
The safety function can be operated based on the value held in the stage .

Further, since the identification data of the communication partner and the flow meter itself is held in the non-volatile storage means, when the power supply voltage is restored after the power supply voltage is reduced , it is not necessary to re-set these data from outside. , Stored in nonvolatile storage means
Based on the value thus set, data communication with the stored partner can be continued.

Further, it is possible to report occurrence of a power supply abnormality through the data communication function.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a flow meter according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a flow rate detecting means, which generates a flow rate signal s corresponding to the flow rate of the gas passing through the flow meter body as an electric signal such as a voltage. Reference numeral 2 denotes a flow rate measuring means for obtaining an integrated flow rate value based on the output of the flow rate detecting means 1 and function data set from outside. The flow rate measuring means 2 includes a calculating means 3, a function storing means 4, and an integrating means 5. Function storage means 4
Stores the coefficient of the flow rate function F (s) indicating the relationship between the flow rate signal s from the flow rate detection means 1 and the flow rate Q. For example,
Assuming that a quadratic expression of F (s) = A · s ² + B · s + C, the function storage unit 4 stores the following terms A, B, and C of F (s).
Is stored in the form of a constant or a function. Function F
In (s), the entire area may be expressed by the same function in some cases, or may be expressed by a different function for each area. In such a case, data of an inflection point at which the function changes and the like are also stored. The calculating means 3 calculates the flow rate Q according to the function F (s) based on the flow rate signal s of the flow rate detecting means 1 and the coefficients A, B, C and the inflection point information output from the function storage means 4. Reference numeral 5 denotes an integrating means for adding the flow rate Q obtained by the calculating means 3 to obtain an integrated flow value Qs. Reference numeral 6 denotes setting means for setting the function data stored in the function storage means 4 from outside through a communication line or the like. Reference numeral 7 denotes a display means for displaying the integrated flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measurement means 2 using an LCD, an LED or the like. Reference numeral 8 denotes a nonvolatile storage unit that stores the integrated flow rate value and the function data obtained by the flow rate measurement unit 2. Reference numeral 9 denotes a data control unit that controls reading and writing of data from and to the nonvolatile storage unit 8. The data control unit 9 includes a writing unit 10 for writing data to the nonvolatile storage unit 8 and a rewriting unit 11 for reading data from the nonvolatile storage unit 8 and rewriting data of the flow rate measuring unit 2. ing. A control means 12 controls the display means 7 and the non-volatile storage means 8 based on the flow rate signal of the flow rate detection means 1, and comprises a flow rate measurement means 2, a data control means 9 and the like. Is implemented using Reference numeral 13 denotes a battery serving as a power source for these units. 14
Is initialization means. When the voltage of the power supply 13 supplied to the control means 12 falls below the operation assurance voltage V ₀ and exceeds a predetermined operable voltage V ₁ (a value of V ₀ or more), initialization is performed. A signal is output, and the operation of the microcomputer realizing the control means 12 is initialized by the initialization signal.
This shows the same operation as when the power is turned on.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. During normal operation, when gas is used, a flow signal s corresponding to the flow is output from the flow detection means 1 in the form of a voltage signal. The calculating means 3 calculates the flow rate Q based on the flow rate signal s from the flow rate detecting means 1 and the function data stored in the function storing means 4.
= F (s) is calculated, the flow rate Q is integrated by the integrating means 5 and displayed by the display means 7. The writing means 9 writes the function data stored in the function storage means 4 and the integrated flow rate value obtained by the integration means 5 to the nonvolatile storage means 8. The timing of writing may be set at fixed time intervals for those that change every moment, such as an integrated flow rate value, or at a setting time for those that do not change after being externally set, such as function data. .

Here, when an abnormality occurs in the battery 13 and the supply of power is stopped, or when the microcomputer realizing the control means 12 runs away, the integrating means 5
Although the integrated flow rate value and the function data of the function storage means 4 will disappear or the display of the display means 7 will disappear, the integrated flow rate value and the function data stored in the non-volatile storage means 8 will be retained. ing. This value is read as internal data of the flow rate measuring means 2 by the initialization signal from the initialization means 14. The initialization signal is output from the initialization means 14 in the following case, for example. When the power supply is temporarily stopped and then restarted, such as battery replacement after the battery runs out, the voltage of the initialization means 14 is forcibly reduced to avoid abnormal operation due to runaway of the microcomputer realizing the control means 12. In this case, noise is applied to the initialization means 14 and the voltage applied thereto temporarily drops. In any case, an initialization signal is output, and the data stored in the nonvolatile storage means 8 is read and set as an initial value.

Since the non-volatile storage means 8 stores the accumulated flow value and the function data before the occurrence of the abnormality, the flow measurement can be continued without setting these data again.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 2, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. Reference numeral 15 denotes a flow rate state detecting means for detecting the use state of the flow rate based on the internal data of the flow rate measuring means 2, that is, the flow rate Q obtained by the calculating means 3 and the integrated flow rate value obtained by the integrating means 5. Reference numeral 16 denotes an abnormality determination unit which determines whether or not the flow state detected by the flow detection unit 15 has deviated from the reference state, and outputs an abnormality signal when an abnormality occurs. Reference numeral 17 denotes a shutoff unit which stops supplying the fluid in response to an abnormality signal from the abnormality determination unit 16. The setting means 6 can set a reference state held by the abnormality determination means 16 in addition to the function data in the function storage means 3. The writing unit 10 writes the reference state of the abnormality determination unit 16 into the nonvolatile storage unit 8 in addition to the internal data of the flow rate measurement unit 2. Upon input of the initial signal of the initialization means 14, the rewriting means 11 rewrites the data of the flow rate measurement means 2 and the abnormality determination means 16 using the data stored in the nonvolatile storage means 8 as an initial value.

Here, the reference state is a state in which each condition such as a total flow rate, an individual maximum flow rate, and a safe continuous use time set in accordance with the capacity of each flow meter is considered. The total flow condition is a case where the total gas flow passing through the flow meter within a predetermined measurement time exceeds a value initially set due to a gas hose disconnection or the like. In addition, the individual maximum flow rate condition is to detect a change in gas flow rate every predetermined measurement time, identify how many types of gas appliances are currently being used, and identify how much gas is consumed by each of them. The maximum gas consumption, that is, the case where the gas flow rate exceeds a predetermined set value, is to cope with a gas leak such as a crack in a gas hose or a hose coming off due to a gas stopper being partially broken. In addition, the safe continuous use time is the continuous usable time set for each combustion range from the statistical data of the continuous use of gas appliances with a certain amount of combustion and the explosion limit associated with the amount of gas leakage. This is a case where the output from the flow state detecting means 15 exceeds this set time, and the safety is ensured even when the gas appliance is forgotten to be turned off or when the gas leaks from the appliance.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. When the gas is used, based on the flow rate Q obtained by the flow rate measuring means 2,
The flow state detecting means 15 detects the current use state, that is, the above-described total flow rate, individual flow rate, safety duration and the like. The value detected here is output to the abnormality determination means 16 and compared with the reference state stored here. Since the reference state has a different value depending on the capacity of the flow meter and the like, the reference state corresponding to each flow meter is set by the setting means 6 at the start of use of the flow meter. When a value deviating from the reference state determined by the abnormality determining means 16 is detected by the flow state detecting means 15, the shut-off means 17 is operated and the gas supply is stopped to prevent danger.

Here, when an abnormality occurs in the battery 11 and the supply of power is stopped, or when the microcomputer implementing the control unit 12 runs away, the internal data of the abnormality determination unit 16 is lost. However, the reference state stored in the nonvolatile storage means 8 is maintained. This value is read as internal data of the abnormality determination unit 16 by an initialization signal from the initialization unit 14. The output of the initializing signal from the initializing means 14 is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the initialization signal is output from the initialization means 14,
Since the reference state of the abnormality determination unit 16 is restored based on the data stored in the non-volatile storage unit 8, the safety function can be restored without resetting the data through the setting unit 6.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description is omitted. Reference numeral 18 denotes a communication unit which performs data transmission with the outside through a communication line or the like. Reference numeral 6 denotes a setting unit for externally setting function data of the flow rate measuring unit 2 and data necessary for controlling the communication unit 18. Reference numeral 19 denotes communication control means which holds data set through the setting means 6 as internal data, and controls the communication means 18 based on the data. The data held in the communication control means 19 includes information for identifying a data transmission source and a transmission destination. For example, in the case of data transmission via a telephone line, the telephone number of the information base station is stored as identification information of the communication partner, and the data of the flow meter main body is used as data for identifying the transmission source on the base station side. It is stored in the form of identification information, for example, an ID number or a serial number. 8 is a nonvolatile storage means,
Data related to communication held by the communication control means 16 is stored. Reference numeral 10 denotes a writing unit which writes the integrated flow rate value obtained by the flow rate measurement unit 5 to the nonvolatile storage unit 8 when the internal data of the communication control unit 19 is set by the setting unit 6 or at regular time intervals. Numeral 12 denotes a rewriting means which, when an initialization signal is output from the initialization means 14, rewrites data of the communication control means 19 and the flow rate measuring means 2 with data stored in the nonvolatile storage means 8.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. The communication unit 18 transmits the integrated flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring unit 2 to the outside, and receives function data of the flow rate measuring unit 2 and the like as setting data from the outside.
For example, in the case of an automatic meter reading system that notifies a base station of a monthly usage fee through a telephone line, a number of flow meters are connected to one base station through a telephone line.
In this case, in order to perform data communication via the communication means 18, the telephone number of the base station is required as identification information of the communication partner, and the flow rate is used to indicate that the information is oscillated by itself. As the total identification information, an ID number and a serial number are required. The communication control means 19 stores such information as internal data.
The ID number and the like of the flow meter are transmitted together with the original information to the telephone number of the base station stored in the communication control means 19. Conversely, at the time of data reception, an ID number is added to the data from the base station together with the original information in order to confirm whether the transmitted data is actually transmitted to itself, and Only when the IDs match, processing such as accepting data is performed. These identifiers are
Since it differs for each flow meter, it is set from the outside through the setting means 6 at the time of shipment from a factory or when attached to a customer. The setting unit 6 may be different from the communication unit 18, or the communication unit 18 itself may play the role of the setting unit 6. When the setting unit 6 sets data in the communication control unit 19, the same data is recorded in the nonvolatile storage unit 8.

Here, when an abnormality occurs in the battery 11 and the supply of power is stopped, or when the microcomputer implementing the control unit 12 runs away, the internal data of the communication control unit 19 is lost. However, the telephone number of the base station and the ID number of the flow meter stored in the non-volatile storage means 8 are retained. This value is read as internal data of the communication control means 19 by an initialization signal from the initialization means 14. Initialization means 14
The output of the initialization signal from is the same as in the first embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted. When the initialization signal is output, the data in the communication control unit 19 is restored based on the data stored in the nonvolatile storage unit 8, so that the communication function can be restored through the setting unit 6 without re-setting the data. effective.

Further, at the time of outputting the initialization signal, data is transferred from the non-volatile storage means 8 to the communication control means, and abnormal information is transmitted to the base station through the communication means 18. In this case, the base station can know that some abnormality has occurred in the power supply 13 and take necessary measures. For example, when the abnormality information is transmitted, the flow rate measuring unit 2
By transmitting the function data and the like from the base station, the flow rate measurement can be continuously performed without storing the function data in the nonvolatile storage unit 8.

[0030]

As apparent from the above description, the flow meter according to the present invention has the following effects.

The integrated flow rate value and the function data are stored in the non-volatile storage means, and when the power supply voltage recovers normally from the abnormality, the data is set as the initial value of the data flow rate measurement means. The flow measurement can be continued without redoing the measurement.

In addition, the reference state of the flow rate as a reference for operating the safety function is stored in the non-volatile storage means, and when the power supply voltage recovers normally from the abnormality, these data are stored in the initial value of the reference state. The safety function can be restored without having to reconfigure from outside.

In addition, data necessary for communication, such as identification information of the communication partner and the flow meter itself, is stored in the non-volatile storage means, and when the power supply voltage recovers normally from abnormal, the data is controlled by communication control. Since the setting is made as an initial value of the means, it is possible to restore the communication function without re-setting externally.

Further, since the occurrence of the power supply abnormality is notified, it is possible to take necessary measures such as re-executing necessary data.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a flow meter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a flow meter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a flow meter according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional flow meter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Flow rate detection means 2 Flow rate measurement means 6 Setting means 8 Non-volatile storage means 9 Data control means 10 Writing means 11 Rewriting means 13 Power supply 14 Initialization means 15 Flow state detection means 16 Abnormality judgment means 17 Interruption means 18 Communication means 19 Communication control means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Tadanori Shirasawa 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (56) References B2) JP 1-30406 (JP, B2) JP 1-261963 (JP, B2) JP 7-65743 (JP, B2) JP 1-20369 (JP, B2) (58) Survey Field (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01F 15/075 G01F 1/00

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate of a fluid, a flow rate measuring means for calculating a flow rate integrated value based on a flow rate signal of the flow rate detecting means and function data set from outside, and a function data to the flow rate measuring means. Setting means for setting, nonvolatile storage means for storing predetermined data, data control means for controlling input / output of data of the nonvolatile storage means, a power supply for driving each of the means, Initialization means for outputting an initialization signal when the voltage exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the data control means writes at least the function data held by the flow rate measurement means and the integrated flow rate value to the nonvolatile storage means Writing means, and when outputting the initialization signal of the initialization means, of the flow rate measurement means
The stored data is stored in the nonvolatile storage means.
A flow meter provided with a rewriting means for rewriting the data. 2. The state of use of the fluid from the output value of the flow rate detecting means.
Flow state detection means for detecting a condition , an abnormality determination means for outputting an abnormality signal when an output value of the flow state detection means deviates from a predetermined reference state, and an abnormality signal of the abnormality determination means, and a shut-off means for stopping the supply of the fluid, setting means sets the reference state held by the abnormality determining means, writing means, low in non-volatile memory hand stage
Such Kutomo write reference state of the abnormality determining means, the initial
When the initialization means outputs the initialization signal, the rewriting means
Also stores the reference state of the abnormality determination means in the nonvolatile storage means.
Flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the Ru rewriting the storage data. 3. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a fluid flow rate, a flow rate measuring means for obtaining a flow rate integrated value based on a flow rate signal and function data of the flow rate detecting means, an external communication means,
Communication control means for controlling the communication means based on data set from outside, setting means for setting data in the communication control means, nonvolatile storage means for storing predetermined data, and nonvolatile storage Data control means for controlling the input and output of data of the means, a power supply for driving each of the means, and initialization means for outputting an initialization signal when a voltage of the power supply exceeds a predetermined value; Control means for writing the identification information of the communication partner and the flow meter held by the communication control means into the non-volatile storage means, and when the initialization signal is output from the initialization means.
The data held by the communication control means in the non-volatile
A flowmeter comprising storage data in a storage means and rewriting means for rewriting. 4. The flow meter according to claim 3, wherein the communication control means transmits the abnormality information to the communication partner rewritten by the rewriting means when the initialization means outputs the initialization signal.