JP3276290B2 - Gas meter - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas meter provided with a switch button for operating a gas passage shutoff valve mechanism for opening and closing a gas passage. More specifically, the present invention relates to a structure around a switch button.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a switch button formed on an outer peripheral surface of a gas meter, for example, a switch button for operating a gas passage shut-off valve mechanism provided at a position in a gas passage from a gas inlet to a gas outlet is provided. There is. This gas passage cutoff valve mechanism automatically stops gas supply when a pressure sensor detects an abnormality in gas pressure. When a switch button (return button) is pressed, gas supply is restarted. I have. The switch button is disposed in a button placement hole formed in the meter case, and a rubber seal material (flexible seal material) for maintaining airtightness between the switch button and the meter case is provided therein. Is provided. In addition, the inside of the meter case where the button arrangement hole is formed is a switch mechanism storage room in a completely sealed state, so that foreign matter such as insects and rainwater do not enter the switch mechanism storage room. I have.

[0003]

However, if the switch mechanism storage chamber is completely closed as in the prior art,
The pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber changes with the temperature change,
There is a problem that the rubber sealing material is deformed by this pressure. Such deformation of the rubber sealing material is undesirable because it causes, for example, rainwater to enter.

[0004] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to:
While preventing foreign matter such as insects from entering the sealed switch mechanism storage chamber, the flexible sealing material does not deform even if there is a pressure change in the switch mechanism storage chamber, preventing rainwater or the like from entering. An object of the present invention is to provide a gas meter that can surely prevent the gas meter.

[0005]

According to the present invention, there is provided a gas meter according to the present invention, wherein a button arrangement hole formed in a meter case, a switch button arranged in the button arrangement hole, and a switch button are provided. A flexible seal material for maintaining airtightness between the switch case and the meter case; a switch mechanism storage chamber having a closed structure partitioned and formed inside a case wall portion in which the button arrangement hole is formed; A vent that penetrates through the wall of the storage chamber to allow the switch mechanism storage chamber to communicate with the outside; and a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet (hereinafter, referred to as a PTFE sheet) that covers the opening of the vent. It is characterized by.

In the gas meter configured as described above, the switch mechanism storage chamber having a closed structure is separated from the outside air by a PTFE sheet, and foreign matter such as insects does not enter the switch mechanism storage chamber. However, the sheet made of PTFE has a porous structure in which pores are connected to each other and has good air permeability, so that outside air can enter and exit the sensor room. Therefore, even if the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber is about to change, the change in pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber is suppressed by the inflow and outflow of outside air. Therefore, no displacement or deformation of the flexible sealing material occurs. Further, since the PTFE sheet has a large contact angle with water and does not cause capillary action, it does not transmit rainwater or the like.
Further, the PTFE sheet has excellent chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and the like, and also has excellent water resistance and heat resistance. For example, a PTFE sheet does not thermally deteriorate even at a high temperature of 260 ° C.
Even at a low temperature of ° C., it does not lose its flexibility. Moreover, the PTFE sheet does not accumulate ultraviolet energy inside and does not react with oxygen in the air, so even if it is exposed to sunlight for a long time outdoors,
Excellent weather resistance, including no deterioration. Also, PTFE
Since the sheet made has a low surface energy, it does not easily adhere to contact with dust having adhesiveness. Even if dust adheres, the dust can be easily removed.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the PTFE sheet is fixed by a sheet fixing plate screwed and fixed to a wall surface of the switch mechanism storage chamber. With this configuration, P
Unlike the case where the TFE sheet is fixed, there is an advantage that the sheet is not peeled off, and the attachment and detachment of the PTFE sheet can be easily performed. Further, the PTFE sheet can be bonded to various members by using an anchor effect if an adhesive is filled in the pores.
It is also possible to attach the sheet made in advance to the sheet fixing plate.

In the present invention, the flexible sealing material comprises:
It is preferable that the airtightness between the switch button and the meter case is maintained while covering the outer surface of the switch button.

In the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the meter case is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the meter case so that the switch button can be visually recognized even at night.
It is preferable that a luminous layer be formed so as to surround the button arrangement hole.

In the present invention, the outer peripheral surface of the meter case is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the meter case so that the switch button can be checked even at night.
It is preferable that a convex portion or a concave portion is configured to surround the periphery of the button arrangement hole.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Overall Configuration of Gas Meter) FIG. 1 is a front view of a gas meter to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inside of the gas meter.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 1 of the present embodiment
Has a meter case 11 composed of a lower case 111 and an upper case 112. In the meter case 11, a gas inlet 4 to which a gas pipe 14 is connected and a gas outlet 5 to which a gas pipe 15 is connected are formed. At a position near the upper front of the meter case 11, a display unit 13 for counting and displaying the result of the integrated value of the gas flow rate measured by the gas meter 1 is formed. A push button type return button 16 (switch button) for returning the shut-off valve from the closed state to the open state is provided at a position near the lower left end of the meter case 11 as viewed in the drawing. Is provided. Further, near the center of the meter case 11, a liquid crystal panel 17 that displays, for example, "gas stop" when the shutoff valve is in a closed state is attached.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the meter case 11, the gas flow
And a gas passage 2 extending from the gas outlet 5 to the gas outlet 5.
Two measurement chambers 7 are formed in the gas passage 2. These measuring chambers 7 are alternately brought into a gas inflow state and a gas outflow state by driving each valve 6, whereby a diaphragm built therein is operated, and based on this, a gas flow rate is detected and each valve 6 is detected. 6 is driven.

In the gas meter 1 configured as described above, the gas inflow passage 11 of the gas passage 2 which is directly connected to the gas inlet 4.
3, a gas passage shut-off valve mechanism 10 is configured to automatically supply the gas when the pressure of the gas flowing through the meter is abnormal or when the amount of used gas is an abnormal value. To stop.

Further, in order to return the gas passage shut-off valve mechanism 10 to the original state and resume the gas supply, the return button 16 shown in FIG. 1 is pressed.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a switch mechanism accommodating chamber of a gas meter to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the vicinity of a shut-off valve return button, and FIG. FIG. 5 is a view of the shutoff valve return button as viewed at night.

As shown in FIG. 3, the gas meter 1 of this embodiment of the present invention has a button arrangement hole 110 formed in the meter case 11, a return button 16 arranged in the button arrangement hole 110, A return switch mechanism 40 that operates based on an operation on the return button 16 and emits a predetermined signal is generally configured. In the return switch mechanism 40, the button placement hole 110 of the meter case 11 is
The switch mechanism storage chamber 3 in a closed state formed at 05
0. The return switch mechanism 40 includes a return rod 42 extending upward from the inside of the switch case 41, and an upper end of the return rod 42
It is in a state of protruding from the inside of the button arrangement hole 110. Since the return rod 42 can be moved up and down by a predetermined distance, when the upper end of the return rod 42 is pressed, the return rod 42 is lowered, and the operation is transmitted to the return switch mechanism 40. Accordingly, in the return switch mechanism 40, when the return rod 42 is pressed, the contact is closed, and a command for returning the gas passage shutoff valve mechanism 10 from the closed state to the open state is output.

As shown in FIG. 4, the return button 16 has a structure in which a rubber cover 43 is put on an upper end 421 of a return rod 42. The rubber cover 43 is made of EPDM
It is an elastic body made of rubber. The rubber cover 43 includes a pressing portion 433 to which a finger is pressed at the upper end portion 421 of the return rod 42, a hollow body portion 432 extending downward from the pressing portion 433, and a lateral spread from the body portion 432. And a shield part 431. On the outer peripheral side of the shield part 431, a ridge part 43 protruding upward is provided.
4 are formed, and the ridge portion 434 is connected to the meter case 11.
It is fitted in a groove 444 formed on the back surface side of (the wall 305 of the switch mechanism storage chamber 30). In this state, the rubber cover 43 is in a state where the lower end position thereof is defined by the cover support plate 440 screwed and fixed to the back surface of the meter case 11 (the wall 305 of the switch mechanism storage chamber 30). When the return rod 42 is pressed with a finger via the pressing portion 433, the body portion 432 is deformed.
Return rod 42 and meter case 11 (switch mechanism storage room 3)
0 wall portion 305) is kept airtight. Note that the lower limit position when the return rod 42 is pressed with the finger via the pressing portion 433 is that the lower surface of the pressing portion 433 contacts the step portion 445 between the large diameter portion 442 and the small diameter portion 443 of the button placement hole 110. Stipulated by

Here, the outer peripheral surface of the meter case 11
The convex portion 44 surrounds the periphery of the button placement hole 110.
Is configured. For this reason, when operating the return button 16 at night, the position of the return button 16 can be checked by hand. Moreover, in this example, a luminous layer 45 made of luminous paint is formed on the upper surface of the convex portion 44.
For this reason, even at night, as shown in FIG. 5, the area around the return button 16 shines, so that the position of the return button 16 can be visually recognized. In addition, a concave portion may be formed instead of the convex portion 44. In any case, the return button 1
The position of 6 can be confirmed even at night.

As described above, in the gas meter 1, the return switch mechanism 40 is provided in the closed switch mechanism storage chamber 30, and the portion around the button arrangement hole 110 is made airtight by using the rubber cover 43. Because it is kept
Foreign matter such as insects and rainwater do not enter the switch mechanism storage room 30. However, if the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is completely closed, the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 changes with a change in temperature, and the rubber cover 43 is greatly deformed, thereby impairing the airtightness. The pressing portion 433 of the rubber cover 43 may swell. Thus, in the present embodiment, outside air can enter and exit while having a structure in which foreign substances such as insects and rainwater do not enter the switch mechanism storage chamber 30. The structure is shown in FIGS.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram viewed from the direction of arrow Q in FIG.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, a ventilation hole 31 communicating with the outside is formed in a wall 301 of the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 by drilling. In the outer peripheral surface 302 of the wall 301, two screw holes 30 are provided around the opening 311 of the vent 31.
3 are formed. However, the protrusion 3 is provided on the inner surface of the wall 301.
04 is formed so that the screw hole 303 does not penetrate the wall 301. Also, the opening 311 of the vent 31
Is covered with a PTFE film 32. PTFE film 32
Are formed with two holes 321 at positions corresponding to the screw holes 303. In order to fix the PTFE film 32, there is a method using a double-sided tape or the like. In this example, a metal plate 33 is used. Plate 33
As shown also in FIG.
A through-hole 331 corresponding to the opening 311 is formed,
Two holes 332 corresponding to the screw holes 303 are formed on both sides thereof. Therefore, the opening 311 of the vent 31
After the PTFE film 32 is covered on the
When the PTFE film 32 is fixed and the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 is in communication with the outside via the PTFE film 32.

With such a configuration, even when the pressure in the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 changes due to a temperature change, the rubber cover 43 is greatly deformed and the airtightness there is impaired, or the pressing portion of the rubber cover 43 is pressed. 433 does not swell. Such a state will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory view schematically showing the flow of air when volume expansion occurs in the switch mechanism storage chamber, and FIG. 7B shows the case where volume contraction occurs in the switch mechanism storage chamber. It is explanatory drawing which shows the flow of air typically.

As shown in FIG. 7A, when the temperature rises, the pressure in the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 tends to increase accordingly. Nevertheless, in this example, the switch mechanism storage room 30
As shown by arrows, air is exhausted from the vent 31 through the PTFE film 32 and
Is kept constant.

As shown in FIG. 7B, when the temperature decreases, the pressure in the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 tends to decrease. Nevertheless, in this example, as indicated by the arrow, air is sucked from the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 through the vent hole 31 through the PTFE film 32, and the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is kept constant.

Therefore, even if a large temperature change is repeated, the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 does not change significantly, so that the rubber cover 43 is not greatly deformed.

The rubber cover 43 does not hurt even if the return button is repeatedly operated. Such a state will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8A is an explanatory view schematically showing the state of air in the switch mechanism storage chamber when the return rubber is pressed, and FIG. 8B is the state of air in the switch mechanism storage chamber when the return rubber is restored. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the rubber cover 4
When the third pressing portion 433 is pressed, the return rod 42 moves via the rubber cover 43, and the return switch mechanism 40 outputs a command for returning from the valve closed state to the valve open state. At this time, when the rubber cover 43 is pressed, the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 tends to increase accordingly. Nevertheless, in the present example, air is exhausted from the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 through the vent hole 31 through the PTFE film 32 as shown by the arrow, and the pressure in the switch mechanism housing chamber 30 is kept constant.

Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the hand is released from the rubber cover 43, the rubber cover 43 returns to its original position by its own shape restoring force. At this time, the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 tends to decrease. Still,
In this example, as shown by the arrow, air is sucked from the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 through the vent hole 31 through the PTFE film 32, and the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is kept constant.

Therefore, even when the return button is repeatedly operated, the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 does not change so much that the rubber cover 43 is not greatly deformed.

As described above, in the gas meter 1 of the present embodiment, the PTFE membrane 32
Foreign matter such as insects does not enter the switch mechanism storage chamber 30. However, the PTFE film 32 has a porous structure in which pores are connected to each other and has good air permeability, so that outside air can enter and exit in the sensor chamber. Therefore, even if the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is about to change, the change in pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is suppressed by the inflow and outflow of outside air. Therefore, no displacement or deformation of the rubber cover 43 occurs. Further, the PTFE film 32 has a large contact angle with water and does not cause a capillary phenomenon, and thus does not transmit rainwater or the like. Further, the PTFE film 32 has excellent chemical resistance to acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and the like, and also has excellent water resistance and heat resistance. For example, the PTFE film 32
Does not thermally degrade even at a high temperature of 260 ° C.
Even at a low temperature of ° C., it does not lose its flexibility. Moreover, since the PTFE film 32 does not accumulate ultraviolet energy inside and does not react with oxygen in the air, it does not deteriorate or deteriorate even if it is exposed to sunlight for a long time outdoors. Are better. Further, since the PTFE film 32 has a small surface energy, it does not easily adhere even if it comes into contact with adhesive dust, and even if dust adheres, the dust can be easily removed.

Further, the PTFE film 32 is provided in the meter case 1
1 is fixed by the plate 33 screwed to the PTFE film 32, so that the PTFE film 32 is not peeled off unlike the case where the PTFE film 32 is fixed with a double-sided tape or the like.
There is an advantage that the attachment and detachment of the membrane 32 can be easily performed. Further, the PTFE film 32 can be bonded to various members using an anchor effect by filling the pores with an adhesive.
It is also possible to stick it on.

[0034]

As described above, in the gas meter according to the present invention, the switch mechanism storage chamber having a closed structure and the outside air are PT
It is characterized by being partitioned by FE sheets. Therefore, according to the present invention, foreign substances such as insects do not enter the switch mechanism storage chamber. Further, the PTFE sheet has a porous structure in which pores are connected to each other and has good air permeability, so that outside air can enter and exit in the sensor room. Therefore, even if the pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber changes,
The change in pressure in the switch mechanism storage chamber due to the inflow and outflow of outside air is suppressed, so that the flexible sealing material does not shift or deform. Further, since the PTFE sheet has a large contact angle with water and does not cause capillary action, it does not transmit rainwater or the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram in a gas meter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory view schematically showing a switch mechanism storage chamber of the gas meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of a shut-off valve return button of the gas meter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a shut-off valve return button of the gas meter according to the embodiment of the present invention at night.

FIG. 6 is a diagram viewed from the direction of arrow Q in FIG.

FIG. 7A is an explanatory view schematically showing the flow of air when the volume in the air in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 of the gas meter according to the embodiment of the present invention is expanded, and FIG. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the flow of air when the volume of air in the switch mechanism storage chamber 30 is reduced.

FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram schematically showing the state of air in the switch mechanism storage chamber when the return rubber of the gas meter according to the embodiment of the present invention is pressed, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows typically the state of the air of the switch mechanism storage room at the time of doing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas meter 4 Gas inlet 5 Gas outlet 10 Gas passage shutoff valve mechanism 11 Meter case 110 Button arrangement hole 16 Reset button (switch button) 17 Liquid crystal panel 30 Switch mechanism storage room 31 Vent 32 PTFE film 33 Plate (sheet fixing) Plate) 34 screw 40 return switch mechanism 42 return rod 43 rubber cover (flexible sealing material) 431 shield part 432 body part 433 pressing part 44 convex part 45 luminous layer

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-62-91216 (JP, U) JP-A-4-114184 (JP, U) JP-A-6-69748 (JP, U) Patent 3041183 (JP, B2) Practical New model registration 2591633 (JP, Y2) Utility model registration 2586163 (JP, Y2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G01F 1 /-15 / F16K 31/00 H01H 9/04 H01H 13 / 06

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. A button arranging hole formed in a meter case, a switch button arranged in the button arranging hole, and a flexible sealing material for maintaining airtightness between the switch button and the meter case. And a switch mechanism storage chamber of a closed structure partitioned and formed inside the case wall in which the button arrangement hole is formed, and the switch mechanism storage chamber and the outside passing through the wall of the switch mechanism storage chamber. And a polytetrafluoroethylene sheet covering the opening of the vent. 2. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the polytetrafluoroethylene sheet is fixed by a sheet fixing plate screwed and fixed to a wall surface of the switch mechanism storage chamber. 3. The switch according to claim 1, wherein the flexible sealing material keeps airtight between the switch button and the meter case while covering an outer surface of the switch button. Characteristic gas meter. 4. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein a luminous layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the meter case so as to surround a periphery of the button placement hole. . 5. The meter case according to claim 1, wherein a convex portion or a concave portion is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the meter case so as to surround a periphery of the button arrangement hole. A gas meter characterized by the following.