JP3566128B2 - Shut-off valve opening switch structure of microcomputer gas meter - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a shutoff valve opening switch structure of a microcomputer gas meter having a bidirectional shutoff valve for shutting off gas flow when gas is abnormally used, when an earthquake occurs, when gas pressure drops, or in other emergency situations.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Built-in shut-off valve, seismic sensor for detecting earthquake and pressure sensor and control circuit for detecting gas pressure drop inside gas meter body, shut-off valve in case of abnormal use of gas, emergency in case of earthquake or gas pressure drop There is known a microcomputer gas meter which operates a two-way shutoff valve to shut off gas flow.
[0003]
The microcomputer gas meter has a device storage room provided in its main body, and the device storage room stores a seismic device, a printed circuit board, a pressure sensor, and a battery. Further, a two-way shutoff valve is provided at the gas communication port so as to shut off the gas communication port in an emergency.
[0004]
FIG. 5 shows a conventional microcomputer gas meter, in which a gas inlet 2 and a gas outlet 3 are provided at an upper portion of a gas meter main body 1. A counter section 4 for digitally displaying a gas flow rate is provided at an upper front portion of the gas meter main body 1, and a controller case 5 is provided at a lower lower portion of the front surface.
[0005]
The controller case 5 is provided with a security display section 6, and a shutoff valve opening switch 7 and an indicator lamp 8 are provided near the security display section 6. Then, in an emergency, when the bidirectional shutoff valve inside the gas meter main body 1 closes to shut off the gas circulation port, the display lamp 8 flashes to notify that the bidirectional shutoff valve has been shut off, and at the same time, the shutoff event is detected. Details are displayed on the security display unit 6.
[0006]
When the shut-off valve opening switch 7 is pressed to switch on, the bidirectional shut-off valve can be electrically opened. When the bidirectional shut-off valve is opened, the display lamp 8 is turned off. I have.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, when the gas is shut off and the indicator lamp 8 flashes, the shut-off event is checked in detail on the security display unit 6, and then the shut-off valve opening switch 7 is turned on to open the bidirectional shut-off valve. The use of gas can be resumed. However, consumers often call gas utilities without knowing the reasons for the gas outage. The gas company will explain to the consumer how to open the shut-off valve by telephone. However, since the shut-off valve opening switch 7 and the indicator lamp 8 are located in different places, the telephone explanation is inconclusive. It is not easy even to indicate the position of the shut-off valve opening switch 7.
[0008]
In addition, since the microcomputer gas meter is installed outdoors, if the gas is shut off at night, the surroundings are darker and it is more difficult because the surroundings are dark, and eventually the gas operator may not be able to open the valve and the gas company may be dispatched. It is a heavy burden for gas utilities.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object thereof is to turn on (blink) a light source when a two-way shut-off valve is shut off, and to turn on and off the light by pressing a light-transmittable push button. Microcomputer gas meter that transmits light to the push button via the button key so that the position of the push button can be easily checked even at night, and consumers can easily open the bidirectional shut-off valve and resume gas use. To provide a shut-off valve opening switch structure.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is directed to a partition wall for partitioning a primary side flow passage communicating with a gas inlet and a secondary side flow passage communicating with a measuring chamber inside a gas meter body. And a communication port for communicating the primary side flow path and the secondary side flow path with the partition wall, and a bidirectional shutoff valve for opening and closing the communication port with an electric signal is provided. In the valve switch structure, a light source provided inside the gas meter main body and turned on or flashing when the bidirectional shutoff valve is closed, and the bidirectional shutoff valve provided inside the gas meter main body can be opened by switching on. and Do return switch, the gas meter body said return switch provided to be switched on, push buttons with lighting, translucent capable translucency flashing light of the light source And a light-transmitting push button provided at one end of the push button key and operable from outside the gas meter main body; and a light from the light source provided at the other end of the push button key. And a light incident portion for transmitting the light to the push button portion .
According to a second aspect of the present invention, the push button key according to the first aspect is formed of an optical transmission member having a reflecting surface capable of transmitting light from the light source to one end and then reflecting the light from the light source to the push button. Features.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, the push button key of the first aspect includes a light transmitting member having a bent portion bent at one end toward the light source, and having an incident portion for receiving light from the light source. Features.
[0014]
According to the above configuration, when the two-way shutoff valve is shut off for some reason, the light source is turned on (blinks), and this lighting and blinking light is transmitted to the push button portion via the transmissible push button key. Even at night, the position of the push button can be easily confirmed. Therefore, by pressing the lighted push button, the return switch is turned on, the bidirectional shutoff valve is opened, and the gas can be used again.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0016]
1A and 1B show a first embodiment of a shut-off valve opening switch structure of a microcomputer gas meter, wherein FIG. 1A is a vertical sectional side view in a switch-off state, and FIG. 1B is a side view of a push button key.
[0017]
In the figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a controller case which constitutes a part of the gas meter main body, and a printed board 11 is provided inside the controller case. On this printed circuit board 11, a return switch 12 for electrically opening a bidirectional shutoff valve (not shown) and a light source 13 such as an LED lamp which blinks when the valve is closed are fixed.
[0018]
A push button section 14 is provided on the controller case 10 facing the return switch 12. The push button portion 14 is provided with a concave portion 15 that opens to the front of the controller case 10, and a through hole 16 is formed in the bottom of the concave portion 15 so as to face the operated portion 12 a of the return switch 12. . A push button key 17 for operating the operated portion 12a of the return switch 12 is inserted into the through hole 16 so as to be able to move forward and backward.
[0019]
The push-button key 17 is formed of a transparent or light-transmitting synthetic resin material such as acrylic or polycarbonate, glass, or the like, and is formed of a straight prismatic light transmitting member. A substantially hemispherical pressing portion 17b is provided via the portion 17a, and a flange portion 17c is provided on the outer periphery of the neck portion 17a.
[0020]
The tip of the push button key 17 is provided with a cavity 18 that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the push button key 17. The cavity 18 is substantially wedge-shaped when viewed from the side. An inclined surface 19 of 45 ° with respect to the axis of the push button key 17 is formed at an upper portion of the cavity 18, and an operating portion 20 of the return switch 12 is formed at a lower portion. Is formed.
[0021]
Further, a reflection surface 21 is provided on the inclined surface 19 by reflection processing or by attaching a reflection tape. The light source 13 provided on the printed circuit board 12 is opposed to the reflection surface 21, and the light from the light source 13 is reflected by the reflection surface 21 and transmitted toward the pressing portion 17 b of the push button key 17. It is supposed to.
[0022]
Further, two packings 22 and 23 made of rubber or the like are housed in the recess 15 in which the base end of the push button key 17 is housed, and these packings 22 and 23 have a cylindrical portion. Engaging holes 22a and 23a are provided at the top of the cylindrical portion so as to elastically engage with the neck portion 17a with the flange portion 17c of the push button key 17 interposed therebetween. The elastic force of the packings 22 and 23 urges the push button key 17 backward, that is, the switch-off state.
[0023]
Further, a push button cover 25 is provided on the recess 15 with a washer 24 interposed therebetween, and the push button cover 25 is screwed and fixed to an inner peripheral surface of the recess 15 in a state of being fitted to the pressing portion 17b. Therefore, the recess 15 is kept watertight by the packings 22 and 23 and the push button cover 25.
[0024]
The push button cover 25 is formed of an opaque synthetic resin material. On the front surface of the push button cover 25, there is a tapered recess 25a that forms an escape portion for fingers when pushing the pushing portion 17b of the push button key 17 with fingers. Is formed. Therefore, the pressing portion 17b at the base end of the push button key 17 is located at the center of the tapered recess 25a and at a position slightly protruding from the front surface of the push button cover 25, so that the push button key 17 is not carelessly pressed. It has become.
[0025]
According to the shut-off valve opening switch structure configured as described above, the bidirectional shut-off valve built in the microcomputer gas meter operates in the event of abnormal use of gas, an emergency such as an earthquake or a decrease in gas pressure. The light source 13 blinks when the distribution of the light is interrupted. This blinking light is reflected by the reflective surface 21 of the transparent or translucent push button key 17, is transmitted in the axial direction of the push button key 17, and is guided to the pressing portion 17b. The consumer can be notified of the fact that the directional shutoff valve has been shut off and the position of the valve open switch at the same time.
[0026]
When the consumer confirms the shut-off event and resumes using the gas, the finger presses the pressing portion 17b of the flashing push button key 17 with his / her finger. The push button key 17 is pressed in opposition. Then, the operation portion 20 of the push button key 17 presses the operated portion 12a of the return switch 12, and the return switch 12 is turned on. When the return switch 12 is turned on, the bidirectional shutoff valve is electrically opened, and the use of gas can be resumed.
[0027]
In this way, the position of the valve opening switch can be easily confirmed even at night or the like by blinking the valve opening switch by itself, so that the consumer can operate the valve opening switch without hesitation, and the dispatch of the gas company as in the past can be performed. Is no longer necessary.
[0028]
2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the shut-off valve opening switch structure of the microcomputer gas meter, wherein FIG. 2A is a longitudinal side view in a switch-off state, and FIG. 2B is a side view of a push button key. The same components as those of the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0029]
A projection 26 is provided at the base end of the push button key 17 projecting into the recess 15, and a transparent or translucent cap 27 is attached to the projection 26 to form a pressing portion 17 b. . An operation section 20 for operating the return switch 12 is provided at the tip of the push button key 17, and a bent section 28 bent at a substantially right angle (substantially elbow type) toward the light source 13 is integrally provided. A light incident surface 28a is formed on an end face of the bent portion 28.
[0030]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the light source 13 blinks, the blinking light enters from the light incident surface 28a, and is transmitted in the axial direction of the push button key 17 through the bent portion 28 of the push button key 17 so that the cap is closed. 27 blinks to notify the consumer that the bidirectional shutoff valve has been shut off and the position of the valve open switch to the consumer at the same time, and the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.
[0031]
FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the shut-off valve opening switch structure of the microcomputer gas meter, and is a vertical sectional side view in a switch-off state. The same components as those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals. Description is omitted.
[0032]
A vertical hole 29 is provided in the shaft of the push button key 17 from the pressing portion 17 b toward the distal end, and a horizontal hole 30 communicating with the vertical hole 29 except for the operation unit 20 is provided in the light source 13 at the distal end of the push button key 17. It is provided toward. One end of an optical fiber 31 is inserted into the vertical hole 29, and the optical fiber 31 is led out of the horizontal hole 30 and bent into a substantially S-shape. The light incident surface 31 a at the other end of the optical fiber 31 is connected to the printed circuit board 11. And facing the light source 13 mounted vertically. Reference numeral 32 denotes a boss protruding from the inner surface of the controller case 10 and holds a part of the optical fiber 31.
[0033]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the light source 13 blinks, the blinking light enters from the light incident surface 31a and optically transmits through the optical fiber 31, and further, optically transmits in the axial direction of the push button key 17 to push the pressing portion 17b. The blinking of the bidirectional shutoff valve and the position of the valve open switch can be simultaneously notified to the consumer, and the same effects as those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained.
[0034]
4A and 4B show a fourth embodiment of the shut-off valve opening switch structure of the microcomputer gas meter, wherein FIG. 4A is a longitudinal side view in a switch-off state, FIG. 4B is a side view of a push button key, and FIGS. The same components as those of the third embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.
[0035]
A bent portion 33 that is bent (substantially L-shaped) at right angles to the axis is provided at the tip of the push button key 17. A second inclined surface 34 at 45 ° with respect to the axis of the push button key 17 is provided at the base of the bent portion 33, and a second reflecting surface 35 is provided on the second inclined surface 34. Further, a first inclined surface 36 at 45 ° with respect to the axis of the bent portion 33 is provided at the tip of the bent portion 33, and a first reflecting surface 37 is provided on the first inclined surface 36.
[0036]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the light source 13 blinks, the blinking light enters from the light incident surface 33a of the bent portion 33, is reflected by the first reflection surface 36, and is transmitted through the bent portion 33 to transmit light. (2) Light is transmitted to the axial direction of the push button key 17 after being reflected by the reflection surface 34 to flash the pressing portion 17b to simultaneously notify the consumer that the bidirectional shutoff valve has been shut off and the position of the valve open switch to the consumer. And the same effects as the first to third embodiments can be obtained.
[0037]
In the above-described embodiment, the push button key is formed of a transparent or translucent material, and the flash light of the light source is transmitted through the push button key so that the position of the pressing portion of the push button key can be determined. However, the whole or a part of the push button unit may blink. Further, it is not limited to blinking, and may be turned on. Further, even when the waterproof cap is provided on the push button portion, the same effect can be obtained by molding the waterproof cap from a transparent or translucent material.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when the gas is abnormally used, the bidirectional shut-off valve built in the microcomputer gas meter operates to interrupt the gas flow in an emergency such as an earthquake or a gas pressure drop. , The light source flashes (lights up). This blinking light passes through a transparent or translucent push button key, and the pressing portion blinks, thereby simultaneously informing the consumer that the bidirectional shutoff valve has been shut off and the position of the valve open switch.
[0039]
When the consumer confirms the shut-off event and resumes gas use, pressing the flashing push-button key with his / her finger causes the return switch to be turned on and the two-way shut-off valve to be turned on electrically. The gas can be used again.
[0040]
In this way, the position of the valve opening switch can be easily confirmed even at night or the like by blinking the valve opening switch by itself, so that the consumer can operate the valve opening switch without hesitation, and the dispatch of the gas company as in the past can be performed. Is no longer necessary.
[Brief description of the drawings]
1A and 1B show a first embodiment of the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a longitudinal side view in a switch-off state, and FIG. 1B is a side view of a push button key.
FIGS. 2A and 2B show a second embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 2A is a longitudinal sectional side view in a switch-off state, and FIG. 2B is a side view of a push button key.
FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a longitudinal sectional side view in a switch-off state.
4A and 4B show a fourth embodiment of the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is a vertical side view of a switch-off state, and FIG. 4B is a vertical side view of a push button key.
FIG. 5 is a front view of a conventional microcomputer gas meter.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Controller case 12 ... Return switch 13 ... Light source 14 ... Push button part 17 ... Push button key

Claims (3)

A partition wall is provided inside the gas meter main body to partition a primary flow passage communicating with the gas inlet and a secondary flow passage communicating with the measuring chamber, and the primary flow passage and the secondary flow passage are provided in the partition wall. And a communication valve that opens and closes the communication port by an electric signal.
A light source that is provided inside the gas meter main body and that lights or blinks when the bidirectional shutoff valve is closed,
Inside the gas meter main body, a return switch provided adjacent to the light source and capable of opening the bidirectional shutoff valve by switch-on,
The gas meter main body is provided so that the return switch can be switched on, and the light source is turned on, and a push button key having a light- transmitting property capable of transmitting blinking light ,
A light-transmitting push button unit provided at one end of the push button key and operable from outside the gas meter body,
A light incident portion provided at the other end of the push button key, for causing light from the light source to enter and for light transmission to the push button portion;
A shut-off valve opening switch structure for a microcomputer gas meter, comprising: 2. The microcomputer according to claim 1 , wherein the push button key comprises an optical transmission member having a reflection surface capable of transmitting light from the light source to one end and then reflecting the light from the light source to the push button. Gas meter shutoff valve open switch structure. 2. The microcomputer according to claim 1 , wherein the push button key has a bent portion bent at one end toward the light source, and is formed of an optical transmission member having an incident portion for receiving light from the light source. Gas meter shutoff valve open switch structure.

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