JP3849205B2

JP3849205B2 - Gas appliance monitoring device

Info

Publication number: JP3849205B2
Application number: JP04191397A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 茂岩永
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 1997-02-26
Filing date: 1997-02-26
Publication date: 2006-11-22
Anticipated expiration: 2017-02-26
Also published as: JPH10238772A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ガスを燃料とする器具を下流側に接続し、その下流側の器具の使用状況を監視する監視装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、ガス器具の監視装置として、ガス漏れやガスの異常な使用状態を発見してガスを遮断する家庭用のガスメータなどがある。この第１の従来例では、使用したガスの流量を計測する流量計測手段を有するとともに、使用されているガス器具を特定する器具判別手段を有し、特定した器具に対して所定量以上のガス流量が検出された場合あるいは所定期間以上にわたつてガス流量が検出された場合などではガス流路に設けた遮断弁を閉止してガスの流動を停止させるガス安全遮断機能を有したもので、ガス器具が異常な使われ方をしていると判断される場合やガス漏れがあると判断される場合ではガスを停止して事故を未然に防止して安全を確保している。
【０００３】
また、端末の器具に設けた監視装置として、特開平５−２５６４４６号公報に示される燃焼制御装置がある。この第２の従来例では、燃焼検知装置と相関寿命判定器と寿命報知器を備えたもので、燃焼器具の運転状況を燃焼検知装置で検出し寿命と相関のある燃焼回数および燃焼時間とそれらの積算値を監視し、相関寿命判定器に登録していた回数設定値および時間設定値と比較して器具の寿命の接近を事前に知るものである。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記第１の従来例では、下流側に接続された器具の内どの器具が使用されているかは判別され使用時の安全性は保証されるものの、それぞれの器具の寿命に関しては全く検知できず、器具が故障して初めてその器具の異常が判るため利用者に不便をかける不具合点があった。
【０００５】
また、上記第２の従来例では、寿命判定する燃焼制御装置を設けた器具は事前に寿命接近が判るものの、寿命判定する燃焼制御装置を設けていない他の器具では第１の従来例と同様に器具が故障して初めてその器具の異常が判るため利用者に不便をかけるという不具合点があり、さらに全ての器具毎に寿命判定する燃焼制御装置を設けるにはコストが高く
なるという課題があった。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記課題を解決するために、ガスの流量を測る流量計測手段と、ガスを使用している器具を特定する器具判別手段と、特定した器具の寿命を予測する寿命判定手段と、寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを知らせる報知手段を備え、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の運転時間あるいは運転回数を検出し積算するカウント部と、特定した器具の運転時のガス使用量により運転負荷を判定する負荷判定部と、前記カウント部の運転時間あるいは運転回数と前記負荷判定部の運転負荷を基に特定した器具の消耗度を判定する消耗量判定部と、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期を設定値に対して比較し判定する寿命判定部を備えたものである。
【０００７】
上記発明によれば、下流側に複数の器具を設置しても上流側の単一のガス器具監視装置で器具毎に寿命の判定がなされるため、器具の寿命による故障発生が未然に防止でき、かつ経済的にも安価に実現できるので利用者の利便性と安心感を一層高めることができる。そして、運転時間あるいは運転回数だけでなく運転時のガス使用量により設定した運転負荷を加えて器具の消耗度を判定するので、器具の消耗度が正確に算出でき、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測が高い信頼性の下に実現できる。
【０００８】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明は、ガスの流量を計測する流量計測手段と、前記流量計測手段の計測値を基にガスを使用している器具を特定する器具判別手段と、特定した器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期を前記流量計測手段の計測値を基に予測する寿命判定手段と、器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを外部に知らせる報知手段を備えたものである。そして、器具毎に寿命による故障発生の接近や点検時期の接近が事前に判るため適切な処置が可能となる。このため、故障を未然に回避できることになり利用者の利便性が確保でき、また利用者の安心感を高めることができる。また、複数の器具に対して単一の監視装置で寿命がチェックでき、かつ器具との通信手段が不要のため監視装置の構成をシンプルにでき、低コストの監視装置とできるため経済的にも利用者の負担が低減できる。
【０００９】
また、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の運転時間あるいは運転回数を検出し積算するカウント部と、特定した器具の運転時のガス使用量により運転負荷を判定する負荷判定部と、前記カウント部の運転時間あるいは運転回数と前記負荷判定部の運転負荷を基に特定した器具の消耗度を判定する消耗量判定部と、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期を設定値に対して比較し判定する寿命判定部を備えたものである。そして、運転時間あるいは運転回数だけでなく運転時のガス使用量により設定した運転負荷を加えて器具の消耗度を判定するので、器具の消耗度が正確に算出でき、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測が高い信頼性の下に実現できる。
【００１０】
また、負荷判定部は、ガス使用量に対して運転負荷を重み付けして設定する重み付け部を備えたものである。そして、器具毎に最適な重み付けを行なうことで、器具の消耗度をより一層正確に算出して、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測がより高い信頼性で実行できる。
【００１１】
また、重み付け部は、重み付け関数を変更する関数設定変更部を備えたものである。そして、器具の寿命等で器具を交換または変更した場合あるいは新規に器具を追加した場合などでは、その新しい器具に適した重み付け関数を新たに設定することで器具の追加・変更時でも容易に対応でき、監視装置の適応性が高められ利便性を向上できる。
【００１２】
また、消耗量判定部は、特定した器具の運転負荷とその運転時間の積を基に消耗度を算出する消耗度算出部とその算出した値を積算して保存する積算保存部を備えたものである。そして、様々なパターンで器具を使用しても運転負荷と運転時間の相乗効果で消耗度が算出されるとともに積算されて保存されるため、器具毎の消耗度が正確に把握でき信頼性の高い予測ができる。
【００１３】
また、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の点火時の流量の時間変化パターンを検出する時間パターン検出部と、予め定めたパターン記憶部と、検出したパターンと予め記憶したパターンとを比較するパターン判定部を備えたものである。そして、点火に要する時間が長く必要とする場合、点火時のガスの流量が設定値に対して差が認められる場合あるいは点火後のガス流量変化が設定値に対して差が認められる場合などでは寿命あるいは点検時期と判断するものであり、例えばガステーブルなど電池で点火するものでは電池の消耗を簡単に判定でき、給湯機などの商用電源を利用するものでは点火装置関連の不具合の発生による故障を未然に検知できるなど、簡便で確実な監視が実現できる。
【００１４】
また、流量計測手段は、測定路に設けた超音波振動子と、この超音波振動子の受信信号を基に演算する演算制御部を備えたものである。そして、瞬時流量を計測することにより、ガスの流量変化を高精度で検知して器具の判別精度が高められ、運転時間および運転負荷を高精度で検知することで寿命判定の精度を高めることができる。さらに、器具側で使用時に発生する振動あるいは超音波の信号を超音波振動子で検知することで、器具判別の判別精度をより一層高めて信頼性の高い寿命判定が実現できる。
【００１５】
また、報知手段は光、色あるいは音により知らせる報知部と、文字、絵あるいは記号により知らせる表示部と、前記報知部への報知を前記表示部に切換える表示切換部を備えたものである。そして、報知部と表示部への同時で並列した報知を無くすことで低消費電力化を図ることができ、電池駆動化および電池の長寿命化と小型化が実現できる。
【００１６】
また、報知手段は流量計測手段の近傍には少なくとも第一報知部を設け、流量計測手段とは分離して第二報知部および表示部を備えたものである。そして、寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを報知部で知らせていることを確実に利用者に認識させることができ、報知を見逃すことによる不都合の発生が防止できる。
【００１７】
また、表示切換部は、流量計測手段の計測結果を示す流量表示と、寿命判定手段の判定結果を示す寿命表示を切換えて表示部に表示させるものである。そして、表示部を共用化することにより表示部の小型化ができ、装置全体の小型化および低コスト化ができる。さらに、流量表示と寿命表示の並列表示を無くして低消費電力化ができる。
【００１８】
また、寿命判定手段の積算値を呼び出す使用履歴呼出手段と、呼出した積算値を基に寿命あるいは点検時期に対して残されている余命またはすでに使ってしまった消耗量を算出する使用履歴演算手段を備えたものである。そして、任意の時に利用者が器具の余命あるいは消耗量を適宜確認でき報知の発生を事前に把握できるため、利用者が事前に対応を準備することが可能となり、利便性および安心感が向上できる。
【００１９】
以下、本発明の実施例について図面を参照して説明する。
【００２０】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１のガス器具監視装置とその周辺のブロック図である。図において、１はガスを供給する一次側ガス配管、２は住戸３に設けたガスを利用する器具であるガステーブル４、ガス給湯機５、ガス温風機６、ガス風呂釜７や他の器具８にガスを送る二次側ガス配管である。９はガス器具監視装置であり、ガスの流量を計測する流量計測手
段１０は一端を遮断弁１１を介して一次側ガス配管１に接続され、他端は二次側ガス配管２に接続されている。１２は住戸３に設けたガスを利用する器具４〜８を事前に登録するための器具登録手段であり、１３は流量計測手段１０の計測値を基にガスを使用している器具を特定する器具判別手段であり、１４は特定した器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを流量計測手段１０の計測値を基に予測する寿命判定手段であり、１５は特定した器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを外部に知らせる報知手段であり、１６は流量計測手段１０が計測する流量が器具判別手段１３で特定したガス器具に相応しくない場合や異常と判断される場合にはガスの流路に設けた遮断弁１１を閉成させる安全遮断手段である。
【００２１】
つぎに、動作を説明する。いま、器具４〜８の内、例えばガス給湯機５の運転を開始させた時、器具判別手段１３は流量計測手段１０で計測した流量値、例えば着火時の流量あるいは着火後の流量変化などを基に、器具登録手段１２により登録された器具のうち今どれが使用されているかを判断して特定する。寿命判定手段１４は、特定された器具に対してそれぞれの器具毎に運転時間あるいは運転回数などの運転状況を記憶し、もしある器具が予め定めた寿命あるいは点検時期に対して寿命による故障の発生の確率が高くなったと判断できる場合あるいは点検時期が迫ってきたと判断できる場合では、報知手段１５に報知信号を外部に対して発するように動作を制御する。寿命判定手段１４からこの報知信号を受けた報知手段１５は、視覚、聴覚、触覚などで器具の利用者あるいは管理者に、寿命による故障の発生あるいは点検時期が接近していることを報知する。ここで、寿命接近あるいは点検時期の判定レベルを複数段階（例えば判定８０％レベル、判定９０％レベル、判定１００％レベルなど）設けることで、利用者あるいは管理者に寿命判定あるいは点検時期に対して事前に知らせて行くことができる。
【００２２】
また、ガス給湯機５が利用されている時に、新たにガステーブル４などが使用されると、器具判別手段１３は流量計測手段１０で計測された流量の増加値を基に使用が開始された器具を器具登録手段１２で登録された器具の中から最も可能性の高い器具を判定し特定する。寿命判定手段１４は新たに運転を開始された器具に対してその運転状況を記憶し、寿命判定を行なうものである。ところで、器具判別手段１３で特定された器具に対して流量計測手段１０で計測された流量値が所定値以上で過大であるとか、連続して使用されている期間が所定値以上で長すぎるとか、異常な使用状態であると判断できる場合は安全遮断手段１６により遮断弁１１を駆動して流路を閉じるように制御し、安全性を確保する。
【００２３】
以上の動作において、器具判別手段１３で使用されている器具を特定し、その器具に対して運転状況が異常である時にはガスの流動を停止させる安全機能だけでなく、下流側に複数の器具を設置しても上流側に設けた単一のガス器具監視装置により、器具毎に寿命の判定がなされて寿命や点検時期の接近が報知される。このように、故障を未然に回避できることになり利用者の利便性が確保できる。
【００２４】
また、利用者の安心感を高めることができる。さらに、複数の器具に対して単一の監視装置で寿命がチェックでき、かつ器具との通信手段が不要のため監視装置の構成をシンプルにでき、低コストの監視装置にできるため経済的にも利用者の負担が低減できる。
【００２５】
（実施例２）
図２は本発明の実施例２のガス器具監視装置の寿命判定手段を示す部分ブロック図である。図において、寿命判定手段１４は、特定した器具の運転時間あるいは運転回数を検出し積算するカウント部１７と、特定した器具の運転時のガス使用量により運転負荷を判定する負荷判定部１８と、カウント部１７の運転時間あるいは運転回数と負荷判定部１８の運転負荷を基に特定した器具の消耗度を判定する消耗量判定部１９と、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期を設定値に対して比較し判定する寿命判定部２０を備えたもの
である。
【００２６】
つぎに、動作を説明する。寿命判定手段１４は、特定された器具に対してそれぞれの器具毎に運転時間あるいは運転回数などの運転状況がカウント部１７に記憶する。さらに、特定した器具毎にその器具に対して今使用中のガス使用量がどの程度器具の寿命に対して負荷となっているかを負荷判定部１８で算出する。消耗量判定部１９では、カウント部１７の記憶値と負荷判定部１８の算出値を基に器具の使用にともなう消耗度を求める。寿命判定部２０では、消耗量判定部１９で算出した消耗度を基に寿命あるいは点検時期の接近を判定する。一例として、ガス使用量をその器具の最大入力（例えば毎時１００００ｋｃａｌ）で使用している場合の運転負荷を１００とし、器具の最大入力での寿命時間が１０００時間ある場合では寿命負荷は１０万であり、運転負荷を累積した積算値を把握し寿命負荷と比較することにより寿命が判定できる。また、ガス使用量がその器具の最大入力でない場合（例えば最大入力の半分の毎時５０００ｋｃａｌ）であれば、１時間当たりの運転負荷を例えば５０（毎時５０００ｋｃａｌでの寿命時間が最大入力時の２倍の２０００時間であれば）として計算し積算することで正確な寿命あるいは点検時期が判定できる。ところで、寿命負荷は運転回数によっても変わるものであり、上記の寿命負荷１０万は例えば運転回数１０００回の場合とすると、運転回数５０００回の場合は寿命負荷は例えば８万、運転回数１００００回の場合の寿命負荷は例えば５万に設定するなど運転回数に応じて寿命負荷を見積ることでより一層正確に寿命あるいは点検時期が判定できるのは言うまでもない。
【００２７】
このように、運転時間あるいは運転回数だけでなく運転時のガス使用量により設定した運転負荷を加えて器具の消耗度を判定するので、器具の消耗度が正確に算出でき、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測が高い信頼性の下に実現できる。
【００２８】
（実施例３）
図３は本発明の実施例３のガス器具監視装置の負荷判定部を示す部分ブロック図である。図において、負荷判定部１８は、特定した器具が今使用しているガス使用量を記憶するガス量記憶部２１と、このガス量記憶部２１のガス使用量に対して運転負荷を重み付けして設定する重み付け部２２を備えたものである。
【００２９】
つぎに、動作を説明する。特定された器具に対して、それぞれの器具毎に使用しているガス使用量をガス量記憶部２１で記憶しつつ現在のガス使用量でのその器具に対する運転負荷を重み付け部２２で算出する。図４〜図７は重み付け部２２で計算に使用する関数の一例を示したものである。図４はガス使用量に関わらず運転負荷を一定に設定する場合であり、使用回数だけで判断できるもの（例えばガスコンロなどの点火用の電池の寿命など）に適している。図５はガス使用量に対して運転負荷をステップ状に数段回設定するもので、ガス使用量に対する寿命の変化が少ないものに対して簡単な重み付けができる。図６はガス使用量に対して運転負荷を一次関数で設定するもので、ガス温風機などにおける熱交換器やバーナの温度のようにガス使用量に応じて寿命が大きく変動するものに対して運転負荷を適切に設定できる。図７はガス使用量に対して運転負荷を複次関数で設定するもので、図６の例よりも一層確実に寿命の判定ができるとともに、最大入力時以外での寿命をより正確に設定することで正常な状態にもかかわらず寿命が来たと判定してしまう誤報知の発生を防止し、器具の本来の寿命をフルに活かすことで利用者の経済的負担の低減し、さらに故障発生による不具合を防止して利便性を一層向上できる。
【００３０】
このように、器具毎に最適な重み付けを行なうことで、器具の消耗度をより一層正確に算出して、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測がより高い信頼性で実行でき、さらに器具の本来の寿命をフルに活かすことで利用者の経済的負担を低減できる。
【００３１】
（実施例４）
図８は本発明の実施例４のガス器具監視装置の重み付け部を示す部分ブロック図である。図において、重み付け部２２は、重み付け関数部２３の重み付け関数を変更する関数設定変更部２４と、負荷算出部２５を備えたものである。
【００３２】
つぎに、動作を説明する。器具の寿命の到来によりその器具を今までとは異なる機種に交換した場合あるいは新規に器具を追加した場合などでは、器具の寿命判定のための運転負荷の計算式を関数設定変更部２４で重み付け関数部２３の重み付け関数を変更あるいは追加するものである。重み付け関数の変更あるいは追加ができることにより、利用者の要望に応じて器具の変更が自由にでき、さらに定期点検などで部品を交換した場合などでも部品交換内容に応じて交換以降の寿命設定を正確に設定できる。
【００３３】
このように、器具の寿命等で器具を交換または変更した場合あるいは新規に器具を追加した場合などでは、その新しい器具に適した重み付け関数を新たに設定することで器具の追加・変更時でも容易に対応でき、監視装置の適応性が高められ利便性を向上できる。また、点検により部品交換などが生じた場合でも以降の寿命判定あるいは定期点検の条件が再設定できるため正確な寿命判定が維持できる。
【００３４】
（実施例５）
図９は本発明の実施例５ガス器具監視装置の消耗量判定部を示す部分ブロック図である。図において、２６は特定した器具の運転回数を記憶する運転回数記憶部、２７は特定した器具の運転時間を記憶する運転時間記憶部、２８は特定した器具の運転負荷を記憶する負荷記憶部、２９は特定した器具の運転負荷とその運転時間の積を基に器具の消耗度を算出するとともに運転回数に応じて消耗度を設定する消耗度算出部、３０は消耗度算出部２９で算出した値を積算して保存する積算保存部であり、消耗量判定部１９は運転回数記憶部２６と運転時間記憶部２７と負荷記憶部２８と消耗度算出部２９と積算保存部３０を備えている。
【００３５】
つぎに、動作を説明する。器具判別手段１３により特定された器具に対して、カウント部１７で得た運転回数、運転時間から器具毎に運転回数記憶部２６は運転回数を運転時間記憶部２７は運転時間をそれぞれ時間経過とともに記憶し、負荷記憶部２８は負荷判定部１８で設定した運転負荷を時間の経過とともに順次記憶する。消耗度算出部２９では運転時間記憶部２７の時間と負荷記憶部２８の運転負荷をある一定の時間毎に積算することである一定の時間毎の消耗度を算出するとともに、運転回数に応じて消耗度を決定する。すなわち、前述のように運転回数が多くなるほど運転できる負荷（寿命負荷）が小さくなる現実の器具の特性に消耗度を合わせることを行なう。このようにして消耗度算出部２９で算出した器具毎の消耗度を積算保存部３０に順次積算して保存して行く。ある一定の時間毎に順次器具の運転状況が把握されて行くため、器具をどのようなパターンで使用しても確実にかつ正確に消耗度が算出され積算することができる。なお、消耗度を算出、積算する時間間隔を瞬時、瞬時の連続した計算を実行すればより一層の正確さが得られるのは言うまでもない。
【００３６】
このように、様々なパターンで器具を使用しても運転負荷と運転時間の相乗効果で消耗度が算出されるとともに積算されて保存されるため、器具毎の消耗度が正確に把握でき信頼性の高い予測ができる。また、運転回数に応じた消耗度が設定できるため寿命特性の異なる様々な器具に対して容易に適応できる。
【００３７】
（実施例６）
図１０は本発明の実施例６のガス器具監視装置の寿命判定手段を示す部分ブロック図である。図において、寿命判定手段１４は、特定した器具の点火時の流量の時間変化のパタ
ーンを検出する時間パターン検出部３１と、予め定めたパターンを登録するパターン登録部３２と、登録されたパターンを保存するパターン記憶部３３と、検出したパターンと予め記憶したパターンとを比較するパターン判定部３４を備えたものである。図１１はある器具に対して予め記憶させる点火時のガス流量の時間変化特性であり、時間Ｔ０で点火流量Ｑ１で点火動作が開始され、時間Ｔ１で着火して器具が本格的に燃焼を開始し、時間Ｔ２で運転流量Ｑ２に達している。
【００３８】
つぎに、動作を説明する。器具の使用開始とともに点火初期にガス流量が時間とともにどのように変化するかを流量計測手段１０で測定した流量を基に器具判別手段１３で判別する。器具判別手段１３では点火流量Ｑ１および運転流量Ｑ２によって器具を判別して特定する。寿命判定手段１４では時間パターン検出部３１で点火時間（Ｔ１−Ｔ０）および立ち上がり時間（Ｔ２−Ｔ１）を検出し、パターン判定部３４で特定した器具に対してパターン記憶部３３に予め記憶していたパターンと検出したパターンを比較し、点火時間の変化あるいは立ち上がり時間の変化を基に所要時間が長くなり過ぎている場合などでは寿命あるいは点検時期の接近として判定する。また、点火流量Ｑ１あるいは運転流量Ｑ２の値の変化が大きくなり過ぎている場合などでは寿命あるいは点検時期の接近として判定する。
【００３９】
このように、点火に要する時間が長く必要とする場合、点火時のガスの流量が設定値に対して差が認められる場合あるいは点火後のガス流量変化が設定値に対して差が認められる場合などでは寿命あるいは点検時期と判断するものであり、例えばガステーブルなど電池で点火するものでは電池の消耗を簡単に判定でき、給湯機などの商用電源を利用するものでは点火装置関連の不具合の発生による故障を未然に検知できるなど、簡便で確実な監視が実現できる。
【００４０】
（実施例７）
図１２は本発明の実施例７のガス器具監視装置の流量計測手段の部分ブロック図である。図において、流量計測手段１０は、ガスが流動する測定路３５に互いに対向して設けた超音波振動子３６、３６と、超音波振動子３６、３６のいずれに接続するかを切換える切換部３７と、切換部３７に接続され超音波信号を超音波振動子３６に送る送信部３８と、切換部３７に接続され超音波振動子３６からの超音波信号を受ける受信部３９と、この受信部３９での超音波振動子３６の受信信号を基に流速を演算する演算制御部４０を備えたものである。
【００４１】
つぎに、動作を説明する。超音波による流速の測定は、通常知られている方法により、送信部３８と受信部３９により切換部３７を切換えて超音波振動子３６、３６間で測定路３５を図中矢印で示すガスの流れをよぎるようにして超音波の送受信が行なわれる。このとき計測される信号により、演算制御部４０にてごく短時間の超音波の伝播時間より瞬時流速が計算され、この流速に基づいて測定路３５の断面積より瞬時流量が算出される。このように流量の計測が瞬時瞬時で計測できるため、流量の時間変化特性が精度良く連続して計測でき、器具の判別が容易となる。また、器具の使用時に器具側でガスの通過などで発生する振動あるいは超音波を信号として超音波振動子３６で受信することにより、器具固有の信号を識別して器具判別の判別精度をより一層高めることができる。
【００４２】
このように、瞬時流量を計測することにより、ガスの流量変化を高精度で検知して器具の判別精度が高められ、運転時間および運転負荷を高精度で検知することで寿命判定の精度を高めることができる。さらに、器具側で使用時に発生する振動あるいは超音波の信号を超音波振動子で検知することで、器具判別の判別精度をより一層高めて信頼性の高い寿命判定が実現できる。
【００４３】
（実施例８）
図１３は本発明の実施例８のガス器具監視装置の報知手段の部分ブロック図である。図において、報知手段１５は、光、色あるいは音により知らせる報知部４１と、文字、絵あるいは記号により知らせる表示部４２と、報知部４１への報知を表示部４２に切換える表示切換部４３を備えたものである。
【００４４】
つぎに、動作を説明する。寿命あるいは点検時期が接近したことを検出した信号を寿命判定手段１４から報知手段１５が受けると、報知部４１においてランプなどの光の点灯あるいは点滅、表示色の変化、ブザーなどによる音の発生などにより報知動作を行なう。報知部４１、表示部４２は流量計測手段１０の設置場所あるいは管理者のいる監視センターなどに設け、この報知動作に気付いた器具の利用者あるいは管理者は表示切換部４３を操作して報知内容を表示部４２に切換えて具体的な内容（どの器具がどのような状況なのか）を表示させて確認する。
【００４５】
従って、最初の報知は最少の入力で報知ができるため、低消費電力化できるだけでなく誰かが気付くまで長時間安定して報知し続けることが可能であり、報知確認効果を高めることができる。
【００４６】
また寿命あるいは点検時期が接近したことを検出して報知する判定レベルを複数段設けること（例えば事前レベル、接近レベル、最終レベルなど）で、各段階で報知がなされることにより、寿命あるいは点検に対して事前に準備することができる。
【００４７】
このように、報知部と表示部への同時で並列した報知を無くすことで低消費電力化を図ることができ、電池駆動化および電池の長寿命化と小型化が実現できる。また、報知を長時間安定して発信し続けることができ、報知効果を高めることができる。
【００４８】
（実施例９）
図１４は本発明の実施例９のガス器具監視装置とその周辺のブロック図である。図において、報知手段４４は流量計測手段１０の近傍には少なくとも第一報知部４５を設け、流量計測手段１０とは分離して第二報知部４６および表示部４７を備えたものである。
【００４９】
つぎに、動作を説明する。寿命あるいは点検時期が接近したことを検出した信号を寿命判定手段１４から報知手段４４が受けると、第一報知部４５および第二報知部４６においてランプなどの光の点灯あるいは点滅、表示色の変化、ブザーなどによる音の発生などにより報知動作を行なう。この報知動作に気付いた器具の利用者あるいは管理者は表示切換部４３を操作して報知内容を表示部４２に切換えて具体的な内容（どの器具がどのような状況なのか）を表示させて確認するのは前述の通りである。ここでは、第一報知部４５は流量計測手段１０の設置場所に設け第二報知部４６は器具の利用者あるいは管理者が通常見易い場所、例えば利用者の住戸の内あるいは管理者のいる監視センターなどの複数場所に報知部を設けているので、報知動作に対して速やかに気が付く確率が高くできる。また、第一報知部４５と第二報知部４６の間は無線による通信が可能であり、無線化により設置工事性が改善できるとともに第二報知部４６と表示部４７は第一報知部４５が設けられる流量計測手段１０側とは別電源の商用電源とすることで第二報知部４６と表示部４７の長期連続報知ができる。
【００５０】
このように、寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを報知部で知らせていることを確実に利用者に認識させることができ、報知を見逃すことによる不都合の発生が防止できる。
【００５１】
（実施例１０）
図１５は本発明の実施例１０のガス器具監視装置の部分ブロック図である。図において、報知手段１５の表示切換部４８は、流量計測手段１０の計測結果を示す流量表示と、寿命判定手段１４の判定結果を示す寿命表示を切換えて表示部４９に表示させる。
【００５２】
つぎに、動作を説明する。通常の状態において流量計測を行なっている時は流量計測手段１０の計測結果により流量あるいは流量の積算値を表示部４９に表示させ、寿命判定手段１４が寿命あるいは点検時期が接近したことを判定すると報知部４１により光、色、音などにより報知し、利用者あるいは管理者がこの報知に気付いて表示切換部４８を操作すると、今まで流量あるいは流量の積算値を表示していた表示部４９は報知の具体的な内容の表示に切換わるものである。
【００５３】
このように、表示部を共用化することにより表示部の小型化ができ、装置全体の小型化および低コスト化ができる。さらに、流量表示と寿命表示の並列表示を無くして低消費電力化ができる。
【００５４】
（実施例１１）
図１６は本発明の実施例１１のガス器具監視装置のブロック図である。図において、寿命判定手段１４の積算値を呼び出す使用履歴呼出手段５０と、呼出した積算値を基に寿命あるいは点検時期に対して残されている余命またはすでに使ってしまった消耗量を算出する使用履歴演算手段５１を備えたものである。
【００５５】
つぎに、動作を説明する。器具の利用者あるいは管理者が任意の時にスイッチなどの使用履歴呼出手段５０を操作すると、使用履歴演算手段５１はその時点での器具の消耗度あるいは予め定めた寿命に対する残された余命を寿命判定手段１４から呼出したり、あるいは寿命判定手段１４のデータを基に新たに算出し、その結果を表示部４２に表示する。このように寿命あるいは点検時期の接近が自動的に表示される前に事前に器具の使用状況が利用者あるいは管理者の意志で把握できる。
【００５６】
このように、任意の時に利用者が器具の余命あるいは消耗量を適宜確認でき報知の発生を事前に把握できるため、利用者が事前に対応を準備することが可能となり、利便性および安心感が向上できる。
【００５７】
以上の説明から明らかなように本発明の各実施例によれば、次の効果が得られる。
【００５８】
流量計測手段と、流量計測手段の計測値を基に器具を判別する器具判別手段と、特定した器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期を流量計測手段の計測値を基に予測する寿命判定手段と、器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを外部に知らせる報知手段を備えているので、器具毎に寿命による故障発生の接近や点検時期の接近が事前に判るため適切な処置が可能となり、故障を未然に回避できることになり利用者の利便性が確保できる。また利用者の安心感を高めることができる。さらに、複数の器具に対して単一の監視装置で寿命がチェックでき、かつ器具との通信手段が不要のため監視装置の構成をシンプルにでき、低コストの監視装置とできるため経済的にも利用者の負担が低減できる。
【００５９】
また、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の運転時間あるいは運転回数のカウント部と、特定した器具の運転負荷を判定する負荷判定部と、特定した器具の消耗度を判定する消耗量判定部と、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期を設定値に対して比較し判定する寿命判定部を備えているので、運転時間あるいは運転回数だけでなく運転時のガス使用量により設定した運転負荷を加えて器具の消耗度を判定できるので、器具の消耗度が正確に算出できる。また、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測が高い信頼性の下
に実現できる。
【００６０】
また、負荷判定部は、ガス使用量に対して運転負荷を重み付けして設定する重み付け部を備えているので、器具毎に最適な重み付けを行なうことができ器具の消耗度をより一層正確に算出できる。また、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測がより高い信頼性で実行できる。
【００６１】
また、重み付け部は、重み付け関数を変更する関数設定変更部を備えているので、器具の寿命等で器具を交換または変更した場合あるいは新規に器具を追加した場合でも、その新しい器具に適した重み付け関数を新たに設定することができる。また、器具の追加・変更時でも容易に対応でき、監視装置の適応性が高められ利便性を向上できる。
【００６２】
また、消耗量判定部は、特定した器具の運転負荷とその運転時間の積を基に消耗度を算出する消耗度算出部とその算出した値を積算して保存する積算保存部を備えているので、様々なパターンで器具を使用しても運転負荷と運転時間の相乗効果で消耗度が算出することができる。また、器具毎にこの算出値を積算して保存するため、器具毎の消耗度が正確に把握でき信頼性の高い予測ができる。
【００６３】
また、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の点火時の流量の時間変化パターンを検出する時間パターン検出部と、予め定めたパターン記憶部と、検出したパターンと予め記憶したパターンとを比較するパターン判定部を備えているので、電池を電源とするものでは電池の消耗を簡単に判定でき、給湯機などの商用電源を利用するものでは点火装置関連の不具合の発生による故障を未然に検知でき、簡便で確実な監視が実現できる。
【００６４】
また、流量計測手段は、測定路に設けた超音波振動子と、この超音波振動子の受信信号を基に演算する演算制御部を備えているので、瞬時流量を計測することにより、ガスの流量変化を高精度で検知して器具の判別精度が高められ、運転時間および運転負荷を高精度で検知することで寿命判定の精度を高めることができる。さらに、器具側で使用時に発生する振動あるいは超音波の信号を超音波振動子で検知することで、器具判別の判別精度をより一層高めて信頼性の高い寿命判定が実現できる。
【００６５】
また、報知手段は光、色あるいは音により知らせる報知部と、文字、絵あるいは記号により知らせる表示部と、前記報知部への報知を前記表示部に切換える表示切換部を備えているので、報知部と表示部への同時で並列した報知を無くすことで低消費電力化を図ることができる。また、電池駆動化および電池の長寿命化と小型化が実現できる。
【００６６】
また、報知手段は流量計測手段の近傍には少なくとも第一報知部を設け、流量計測手段とは分離して第二報知部および表示部を備えているので、寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを報知部で知らせていることを確実に利用者に認識させることができる。また、報知を確認し易くなるため報知を見逃すことによる不都合の発生が防止できる。
【００６７】
また、表示切換部は、流量計測手段の計測結果を示す流量表示と、寿命判定手段の判定結果を示す寿命表示を切換えて表示部に表示させるので、表示部を共用化することにより表示部の小型化ができる。またね装置全体の小型化および低コスト化ができる。さらに、流量表示と寿命表示の並列表示を無くして低消費電力化ができる。
【００６８】
また、寿命判定手段の積算値を呼び出す使用履歴呼出手段と、呼出した積算値を基に寿命あるいは点検時期に対して残されている余命またはすでに使ってしまった消耗量を算出する使用履歴演算手段を備えているので、任意の時に利用者が器具の余命あるいは消耗量
を適宜確認でき報知の発生を事前に把握できるため、利用者が事前に対応を準備することが可能とできる。また、故障を事前に回避できることにより利便性および安心感が向上できる。
【００６９】
【発明の効果】
以上の説明から明らかなように本発明のによれば、次の効果が得られる。
【００７０】
流量計測手段と、流量計測手段の計測値を基に器具を判別する器具判別手段と、特定した器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期を流量計測手段の計測値を基に予測する寿命判定手段と、器具の寿命による故障発生あるいは点検時期が接近したことを外部に知らせる報知手段を備えているので、器具毎に寿命による故障発生の接近や点検時期の接近が事前に判るため適切な処置が可能となり、故障を未然に回避できることになり利用者の利便性が確保できる。また利用者の安心感を高めることができる。さらに、複数の器具に対して単一の監視装置で寿命がチェックでき、かつ器具との通信手段が不要のため監視装置の構成をシンプルにでき、低コストの監視装置とできるため経済的にも利用者の負担が低減できる。
【００７１】
そして、寿命判定手段は、特定した器具の運転時間あるいは運転回数のカウント部と、特定した器具の運転負荷を判定する負荷判定部と、特定した器具の消耗度を判定する消耗量判定部と、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期を設定値に対して比較し判定する寿命判定部を備えているので、運転時間あるいは運転回数だけでなく運転時のガス使用量により設定した運転負荷を加えて器具の消耗度を判定できるので、器具の消耗度が正確に算出できる。また、寿命による故障発生の予測あるいは点検時期の予測が高い信頼性の下に実現できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１のガス器具監視装置を含むブロック図
【図２】本発明の実施例２のガス器具監視装置の寿命判定手段の部分ブロック図
【図３】本発明の実施例３のガス器具監視装置の負荷判定部の部分ブロック図
【図４】同負荷判定部の運転負荷に対する重み付け関数の特性図
【図５】同負荷判定部の運転負荷に対する他の重み付け関数の特性図
【図６】同負荷判定部の運転負荷に対する他の重み付け関数の特性図
【図７】同負荷判定部の運転負荷に対する他の重み付け関数の特性図
【図８】本発明の実施例４のガス器具監視装置の重み付け部の部分ブロック図
【図９】本発明の実施例５のガス器具監視装置の消耗量判定部の部分ブロック図
【図１０】本発明の実施例６のガス器具監視装置の寿命判定手段の部分ブロック図
【図１１】同寿命判定手段の運転パターン特性図
【図１２】本発明の実施例７のガス器具監視装置の流量計測手段の部分ブロック図
【図１３】本発明の実施例８のガス器具監視装置の報知手段の部分ブロック図
【図１４】本発明の実施例９のガス器具監視装置を含むブロック図
【図１５】本発明の実施例１０のガス器具監視装置の部分ブロック図
【図１６】本発明の実施例１１のガス器具監視装置のブロック図
【符号の説明】
１０流量計測手段
１３器具判別手段
１４寿命判定手段
１５報知手段
１７カウント部
１８負荷判定部
１９消耗量判定部
２０寿命判定部
２２重み付け部
２４関数設定変更部
３０積算保存部
３１時間パターン検出部
３３パターン記憶部
３４パターン判定部
３６超音波振動子
４０演算制御部
４１報知部
４２表示部
４３表示切換部
５０使用履歴呼出手段
５１使用履歴演算手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a monitoring device for connecting a gas-fueled instrument to the downstream side and monitoring the usage status of the instrument on the downstream side.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, gas appliance monitoring devices include home gas meters that detect gas leaks and abnormal use of gas and shut off the gas. The first conventional example has a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the used gas, and also has an instrument discriminating means for identifying the gas instrument being used, and a gas of a predetermined amount or more with respect to the identified instrument. When the flow rate is detected or when the gas flow rate is detected over a predetermined period, etc., it has a gas safety shut-off function that stops the gas flow by closing the shut-off valve provided in the gas flow path, When it is determined that the gas appliance is used abnormally or when it is determined that there is a gas leak, the gas is stopped to prevent accidents and to ensure safety.
[0003]
  Moreover, there is a combustion control device disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-256446 as a monitoring device provided in a terminal instrument. In this second conventional example, a combustion detection device, a correlated life determination device, and a life notification device are provided, and the operation state of the combustion appliance is detected by the combustion detection device, and the number of combustion times and the combustion time correlated with the life and those. The accumulated value is monitored and compared with the set number of times and the set time value registered in the correlation life determiner, the approach of the tool life is known in advance.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the first conventional example, it is possible to determine which of the devices connected to the downstream side is being used and to ensure safety during use, but it is not possible to detect the life of each device at all. First of all, there is a problem that inconveniences the user because the abnormality of the device is known only after the device breaks down.
[0005]
  Further, in the second conventional example, the appliance provided with the combustion control device for determining the lifetime is known to approach the lifetime in advance, but other appliances not provided with the combustion control device for determining the lifetime are the same as in the first conventional example. In addition, there is a problem that it is inconvenient for the user because the abnormality of the appliance is known only when the appliance breaks down, and it is expensive to install a combustion control device that determines the life for every appliance.
There was a problem of becoming.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of gas, an appliance discriminating means for specifying an appliance using gas, a lifetime determining means for predicting the lifetime of the identified appliance, It is provided with a notification means to let you know that a failure has occurred or an inspection time is approachingThe life determination means includes a count unit that detects and integrates the operation time or the number of operations of the specified appliance, a load determination unit that determines an operation load based on a gas usage amount during operation of the specified appliance, and an operation of the count unit Life time and number of times of operation and a wear amount determination unit that determines the degree of wear of the appliance specified based on the operation load of the load determination unit, and a life that is determined by comparing the predicted occurrence of failure due to life or inspection time against a set value Includes a judgment unitIt is a thing.
[0007]
  According to the above invention, even if a plurality of instruments are installed on the downstream side, the lifetime is determined for each instrument using the single upstream gas instrument monitoring device. Moreover, since it can be realized economically and inexpensively, the convenience and sense of security for the user can be further enhanced.In addition, since the wear level of the appliance is determined by adding the operating load set based not only on the operation time or the number of operations but also the amount of gas used during operation, the wear level of the appliance can be accurately calculated, and the occurrence of failure due to the life or The inspection time can be predicted with high reliability.
[0008]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a tool discriminating means for specifying a tool using gas based on a measurement value of the flow rate measuring means, and a failure occurrence or inspection due to the life of the specified tool. The apparatus includes a life determination unit that predicts the timing based on the measurement value of the flow rate measurement unit, and a notification unit that informs the outside that the occurrence of a failure due to the life of the instrument or the inspection timing is approaching. In addition, since it is possible to know in advance the occurrence of failure due to the lifetime and the approach of the inspection time for each instrument, appropriate measures can be taken. For this reason, a failure can be avoided in advance, the convenience of the user can be ensured, and the sense of security of the user can be enhanced. In addition, it is possible to check the service life of a plurality of instruments with a single monitoring device, and since it is not necessary to communicate with the devices, the configuration of the monitoring device can be simplified, and a low-cost monitoring device can be realized economically. The burden on the user can be reduced.
[0009]
  The life determination means includes a count unit that detects and integrates the operation time or the number of operations of the specified appliance, a load determination unit that determines an operation load based on a gas usage amount during operation of the specified appliance, and the count unit A wear amount determination unit that determines the degree of wear of the appliance specified based on the operation time or the number of operations and the operation load of the load determination unit, and the failure occurrence prediction due to the life or the inspection time is compared with the set value and determined. A life determination unit is provided. In addition, since the wear level of the appliance is determined by adding the operating load set based not only on the operation time or the number of operations but also the amount of gas used during operation, the wear level of the appliance can be accurately calculated, and the occurrence of failure due to the life or The inspection time can be predicted with high reliability.
[0010]
  Further, the load determination unit includes a weighting unit that sets the operation load by weighting the gas usage. Further, by performing the optimal weighting for each instrument, it is possible to calculate the degree of wear of the instrument more accurately and to predict the occurrence of a failure due to the lifetime or the prediction of the inspection time with higher reliability.
[0011]
  The weighting unit includes a function setting changing unit that changes the weighting function. And when a device is replaced or changed due to the life of the device, or when a new device is added, a new weighting function suitable for the new device can be set to easily cope with the addition or change of the device. This can improve the adaptability of the monitoring device and improve the convenience.
[0012]
  In addition, the wear amount determination unit includes a wear level calculation unit that calculates the wear level based on the product of the specified operation load of the appliance and the operation time, and an integration storage unit that accumulates and stores the calculated value. It is. And even if the appliances are used in various patterns, the wear level is calculated and accumulated by the synergistic effect of the driving load and the running time, so that the wear level for each fixture can be accurately grasped and highly reliable. Can predict.
[0013]
  The life determination means includes a time pattern detection unit that detects a time change pattern of a flow rate at the time of ignition of the specified appliance, a predetermined pattern storage unit, and a pattern determination that compares the detected pattern with a pre-stored pattern. It has a part. And when the time required for ignition is required for a long time, when there is a difference in the gas flow rate during ignition with respect to the set value, or when there is a difference in the change in gas flow after ignition with respect to the set value, etc. For example, if the battery is ignited by a battery, such as a gas table, the battery consumption can be easily determined. If a commercial power source, such as a water heater, is used, a failure due to the occurrence of a malfunction related to the ignition device Simple and reliable monitoring can be realized.
[0014]
  The flow rate measuring means includes an ultrasonic transducer provided in the measurement path and a calculation control unit that performs calculation based on a reception signal of the ultrasonic transducer. And by measuring the instantaneous flow rate, it is possible to detect the gas flow rate change with high accuracy and improve the discrimination accuracy of the instrument, and to detect the operation time and operation load with high accuracy to improve the accuracy of life determination. it can. Furthermore, by detecting the vibration or ultrasonic signal generated at the time of use on the instrument side with the ultrasonic transducer, it is possible to further improve the discrimination accuracy of the instrument discrimination and realize a reliable life judgment.
[0015]
  Further, the notification means includes a notification unit that notifies by light, color, or sound, a display unit that notifies by letters, pictures, or symbols, and a display switching unit that switches notification to the notification unit to the display unit. Further, it is possible to achieve low power consumption by eliminating simultaneous parallel notifications to the notification unit and the display unit, and it is possible to realize battery driving, longer battery life, and smaller size.
[0016]
  Further, the notifying means is provided with at least a first notifying part in the vicinity of the flow rate measuring means, and is provided with a second notifying part and a display part separately from the flow rate measuring means. Then, the user can be surely recognized that the notification unit has notified that the failure due to the service life or the inspection time has approached, and the occurrence of inconvenience due to missing the notification can be prevented.
[0017]
  The display switching unit switches the flow rate display indicating the measurement result of the flow rate measuring means and the life display indicating the determination result of the life determining means to display on the display unit. By sharing the display unit, the display unit can be reduced in size, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and cost. Furthermore, the parallel display of the flow rate display and the life display is eliminated, and the power consumption can be reduced.
[0018]
  Also, usage history calling means for calling up the accumulated value of the life judging means, and usage history calculating means for calculating the remaining life remaining for the life or the inspection time or the consumed amount based on the called accumulated value. It is equipped with. And, at any time, the user can check the life expectancy or the amount of wear of the device as needed and know the occurrence of the notification in advance, so that the user can prepare for the response in advance and the convenience and security can be improved. .
[0019]
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
  (Example 1)
  1 is a block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention and its surroundings. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a primary gas pipe for supplying gas, 2 is a gas table 4 which is an instrument using gas provided in the dwelling unit 3, a gas water heater 5, a gas hot air heater 6, a gas bath pot 7, and other instruments. 8 is a secondary side gas pipe for sending gas to 8. 9 is a gas appliance monitoring device that measures the flow rate of gas.
The stage 10 has one end connected to the primary gas pipe 1 via the shut-off valve 11 and the other end connected to the secondary gas pipe 2. 12 is an appliance registration means for registering in advance the appliances 4 to 8 that use the gas provided in the dwelling unit 3, and 13 specifies the appliance that uses the gas based on the measurement value of the flow rate measurement means 10. 14 is a life determination means for predicting that the occurrence of a failure due to the life of the specified equipment or the approach timing is approaching based on the measurement value of the flow rate measurement means 10, and 15 for the life of the specified equipment. An informing means for informing the outside that a failure has occurred or an inspection time is approaching, and 16 is a case where the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means 10 is not suitable for the gas appliance specified by the appliance discriminating means 13 or is abnormal. Is a safety shut-off means for closing the shut-off valve 11 provided in the gas flow path.
[0021]
  Next, the operation will be described. Now, when the operation of the gas water heater 5 is started, for example, among the appliances 4 to 8, the appliance discriminating means 13 indicates the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means 10, for example, the flow rate at the time of ignition or the change in the flow rate after ignition. Based on this, the device registered by the device registration means 12 is identified and determined which device is currently being used. The life determination means 14 stores the operation status such as the operation time or the number of operations for each specified appliance, and the occurrence of a failure due to the lifetime of a certain appliance with respect to a predetermined lifetime or inspection time. If it can be determined that the probability of the error has increased, or if it can be determined that the inspection time has approached, the operation is controlled so that a notification signal is sent to the notification means 15 to the outside. Upon receiving this notification signal from the life judging means 14, the notifying means 15 notifies the user or manager of the device by visual, auditory, tactile sensation or the like that the failure due to the lifetime or the inspection time is approaching. Here, by providing a plurality of determination levels for the approaching life or inspection time (for example, the determination 80% level, the determination 90% level, the determination 100% level, etc.), the user or the administrator can determine the life determination or inspection time. You can let them know in advance.
[0022]
  Further, when the gas water heater 5 is used, when the gas table 4 or the like is newly used, the appliance discriminating means 13 is started to be used based on the increased value of the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means 10. The appliance is determined and specified from the appliances registered by the appliance registration means 12 with the highest possibility. The life determination means 14 stores the operation status of the appliance that has been newly started and determines the life. By the way, the flow rate value measured by the flow rate measuring means 10 with respect to the appliance specified by the appliance discriminating means 13 is over a predetermined value or excessive, or the period of continuous use is over a predetermined value or too long. If it can be determined that it is in an abnormal use state, the safety shut-off means 16 controls the shut-off valve 11 to close the flow path to ensure safety.
[0023]
  In the above operation, the appliance used by the appliance discriminating means 13 is specified, and when the operating condition is abnormal for the appliance, not only a safety function for stopping the gas flow but also a plurality of appliances on the downstream side. Even when installed, a single gas appliance monitoring device provided on the upstream side determines the lifetime of each appliance and notifies the approach of the lifetime and inspection time. In this way, failure can be avoided in advance, and user convenience can be ensured.
[0024]
  Moreover, a user's sense of security can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to check the service life of a plurality of instruments with a single monitoring device, and since it is not necessary to communicate with the devices, the configuration of the monitoring device can be simplified, and a low-cost monitoring device can be realized economically. The burden on the user can be reduced.
[0025]
  (Example 2)
  FIG. 2 is a partial block diagram showing the life determination means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In the figure, the life determination means 14 includes a count unit 17 that detects and integrates the operation time or the number of operations of the specified appliance, a load determination unit 18 that determines an operation load based on the amount of gas used during operation of the specified appliance, A wear amount determination unit 19 for determining the degree of wear of the appliance specified based on the operation time or the number of operations of the count unit 17 and the operation load of the load determination unit 18, and the prediction of the occurrence of a failure due to the life or the inspection time with respect to the set value Provided with a life judgment unit 20 for comparison and judgment
It is.
[0026]
  Next, the operation will be described. The life determination means 14 stores the operation status such as the operation time or the number of operations for each specified appliance in the counting unit 17. Further, for each specified appliance, the load determination unit 18 calculates to what extent the amount of gas currently being used for that appliance is a load for the lifetime of the appliance. The consumption amount determination unit 19 obtains the degree of consumption associated with the use of the appliance based on the stored value of the count unit 17 and the calculated value of the load determination unit 18. The life determination unit 20 determines the approach of the life or inspection time based on the degree of consumption calculated by the consumption amount determination unit 19. As an example, assuming that the operating load when the gas usage is used at the maximum input of the appliance (for example, 10,000 kcal per hour) is 100 and the lifetime at the maximum input of the appliance is 1000 hours, the lifetime load is 100,000. Yes, the life can be determined by grasping the integrated value obtained by accumulating the operating load and comparing it with the life load. Also, if the gas usage is not the maximum input of the appliance (for example, 5000 kcal per hour, which is half of the maximum input), the operating load per hour is, for example, 50 (the life time at 5000 kcal per hour is double that of the maximum input) If it is 2000 hours), it is possible to determine an accurate life or inspection time. By the way, the life load varies depending on the number of operations. The above life load 100,000 is, for example, 1000 times of operation. For example, when the number of operations is 5000, the life load is, for example, 80,000 and 10,000 times of operation. Needless to say, the life load or the inspection time can be determined more accurately by estimating the life load according to the number of operations, for example, setting the life load in this case to 50,000.
[0027]
  In this way, the wear level of the appliance is determined by adding the operating load set based on the gas usage during operation as well as the operation time or number of operations, so the wear level of the appliance can be calculated accurately, and failure due to lifetime has occurred. Prediction or prediction of inspection time can be realized with high reliability.
[0028]
  (Example 3)
  FIG. 3 is a partial block diagram illustrating a load determination unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the load determination unit 18 weights the operation load with respect to the gas amount storage unit 21 that stores the gas use amount that the specified appliance is currently using, and the gas use amount of the gas amount storage unit 21. A weighting unit 22 for setting is provided.
[0029]
  Next, the operation will be described. For the specified appliance, the gas usage amount used for each appliance is stored in the gas amount storage unit 21 and the operation load on the appliance at the current gas usage amount is calculated by the weighting unit 22. 4 to 7 show examples of functions used in the calculation by the weighting unit 22. FIG. 4 shows a case where the operation load is set to be constant regardless of the amount of gas used, and is suitable for the case where it can be determined only by the number of uses (for example, the life of a battery for ignition such as a gas stove). In FIG. 5, the operation load is set several times stepwise with respect to the amount of gas used, and simple weighting can be applied to those with little change in life with respect to the amount of gas used. FIG. 6 shows a case where the operating load is set with a linear function with respect to the amount of gas used, and the life varies greatly according to the amount of gas used, such as the temperature of a heat exchanger or a burner in a gas hot air fan. The operating load can be set appropriately. FIG. 7 sets the operating load with respect to the amount of gas used as a complex function, and can determine the life more reliably than the example of FIG. 6 and more accurately set the life at times other than the maximum input. This prevents the occurrence of false alarms that determine that the product has reached the end of its life despite its normal condition, reduces the user's economic burden by making full use of the original lifespan of the device, and causes a failure. Convenience can be further improved by preventing problems.
[0030]
  In this way, by performing optimal weighting for each instrument, it is possible to calculate the degree of wear of the instrument more accurately, and to predict the occurrence of failure due to life or the prediction of inspection time with higher reliability. It is possible to reduce the user's economic burden by making full use of the original lifespan.
[0031]
  (Example 4)
  FIG. 8 is a partial block diagram illustrating the weighting unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the weighting unit 22 includes a function setting changing unit 24 that changes the weighting function of the weighting function unit 23 and a load calculating unit 25.
[0032]
  Next, the operation will be described. When the appliance has been replaced with a different model due to the end of the life of the appliance or when a new appliance is added, the function setting change unit 24 weights the operational load calculation formula for determining the appliance lifetime. The weighting function of the function unit 23 is changed or added. The ability to change or add a weighting function allows the user to freely change the equipment according to the user's request, and even when parts are replaced during regular inspections, etc. Can be set.
[0033]
  In this way, when a device is replaced or changed due to the life of the device, or when a new device is added, a new weighting function suitable for the new device can be set to easily add or change the device. The adaptability of the monitoring device can be improved and the convenience can be improved. In addition, even when parts are replaced by inspection, it is possible to maintain the accurate life determination because conditions for subsequent life determination or periodic inspection can be reset.
[0034]
  (Example 5)
  FIG. 9 is a partial block diagram illustrating the consumption amount determination unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, 26 is an operation number storage unit that stores the number of times of operation of the specified appliance, 27 is an operation time storage unit that stores the operation time of the specified appliance, 28 is a load storage unit that stores the operation load of the specified appliance, 29 is a wear level calculation unit that calculates the wear level of the appliance based on the product of the specified operation load of the device and its operation time, and sets the wear level according to the number of operations, and 30 is calculated by the wear level calculation unit 29 The consumption amount determination unit 19 includes an operation count storage unit 26, an operation time storage unit 27, a load storage unit 28, a consumption level calculation unit 29, and an integration storage unit 30. .
[0035]
  Next, the operation will be described. With respect to the appliance specified by the appliance discriminating means 13, the operation count storage unit 26 sets the operation count and the operation time storage unit 27 sets the operation time for each appliance from the number of operations and the operation time obtained by the counting unit 17 with the passage of time. The load storage unit 28 sequentially stores the operation load set by the load determination unit 18 over time. The consumption level calculation unit 29 calculates the consumption level for every fixed time, which is the integration of the time in the driving time storage unit 27 and the driving load in the load storage unit 28 at a certain fixed time, and according to the number of driving times. Determine the wear level. In other words, as described above, the degree of wear is matched to the characteristics of an actual appliance in which the operable load (life load) decreases as the number of operations increases. In this way, the wear level for each appliance calculated by the wear level calculation unit 29 is sequentially accumulated in the accumulation storage unit 30 and stored. Since the operation status of the appliance is grasped sequentially at certain time intervals, the wear level can be calculated and integrated reliably and accurately regardless of the pattern in which the appliance is used. Needless to say, further accuracy can be obtained by executing instantaneous and instantaneous calculation for the time intervals for calculating and integrating the degree of wear.
[0036]
  In this way, even when appliances are used in various patterns, the degree of wear is calculated and accumulated by the synergistic effect of the operation load and the operation time. High prediction. Moreover, since the degree of wear according to the number of operations can be set, it can be easily applied to various instruments having different life characteristics.
[0037]
  (Example 6)
  FIG. 10 is a partial block diagram showing the life determination means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In the figure, the life judging means 14 is a pattern of the time change of the flow rate when the specified appliance is ignited.
A time pattern detection unit 31 for detecting a pattern, a pattern registration unit 32 for registering a predetermined pattern, a pattern storage unit 33 for storing a registered pattern, and comparing the detected pattern with a pre-stored pattern A pattern determination unit 34 is provided. FIG. 11 shows the time change characteristic of the gas flow rate at the time of ignition stored in advance for a certain instrument. At time T0, the ignition operation is started at the ignition flow rate Q1, and ignition is started at time T1. The operating flow rate Q2 is reached at time T2.
[0038]
  Next, the operation will be described. The appliance discriminating means 13 discriminates how the gas flow rate changes with time at the beginning of ignition with the start of use of the appliance, based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means 10. The appliance discriminating means 13 discriminates and specifies the appliance based on the ignition flow rate Q1 and the operation flow rate Q2. In the life determination means 14, the time pattern detection unit 31 detects the ignition time (T 1 -T 0) and the rise time (T 2 -T 1), and stores them in advance in the pattern storage unit 33 for the appliance specified by the pattern determination unit 34. The detected pattern is compared with the detected pattern, and when the required time is too long based on the change in the ignition time or the change in the rise time, it is determined that the life or the inspection time is approaching. Further, when the change in the value of the ignition flow rate Q1 or the operation flow rate Q2 is too large, it is determined that the life or the inspection time is approaching.
[0039]
  As described above, when a long time is required for ignition, when the gas flow rate at ignition is different from the set value, or when the change in gas flow after ignition is different from the set value For example, if the battery is ignited by a battery such as a gas table, the battery consumption can be easily determined. If a commercial power source such as a water heater is used, a problem related to the ignition device occurs. Simple and reliable monitoring can be realized, such as being able to detect malfunctions due to accidents.
[0040]
  (Example 7)
  FIG. 12 is a partial block diagram of the flow rate measuring means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the flow rate measuring means 10 switches the ultrasonic transducers 36, 36 provided opposite to each other in the measurement path 35 through which the gas flows and the switching unit 37 for switching between the ultrasonic transducers 36, 36. A transmitting unit 38 connected to the switching unit 37 and sending an ultrasonic signal to the ultrasonic transducer 36; a receiving unit 39 connected to the switching unit 37 and receiving an ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic transducer 36; and this receiving unit 39 is provided with a calculation control unit 40 for calculating the flow velocity based on the reception signal of the ultrasonic transducer 36 at 39.
[0041]
  Next, the operation will be described. The flow velocity measurement using ultrasonic waves is performed by a generally known method by switching the switching unit 37 between the transmission unit 38 and the reception unit 39, and the measurement path 35 between the ultrasonic transducers 36 and 36 is indicated by an arrow in the figure. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received so as to cross the flow. Based on the signal measured at this time, the instantaneous flow rate is calculated from the cross-sectional area of the measurement path 35 based on the propagation time of the ultrasonic wave in a short time by the arithmetic control unit 40 and based on this flow rate. As described above, since the flow rate can be measured instantaneously, the time change characteristic of the flow rate can be continuously measured with high accuracy, and the instrument can be easily identified. In addition, by receiving vibration or ultrasonic waves generated by the passage of gas at the instrument side when the instrument is used by the ultrasonic transducer 36 as a signal, the instrument-specific signal is identified and the discrimination accuracy of the instrument discrimination is further increased. Can be increased.
[0042]
  In this way, by measuring the instantaneous flow rate, the gas flow rate change can be detected with high accuracy, and the discrimination accuracy of the appliance can be increased, and the life time determination accuracy can be improved by detecting the operation time and the operation load with high accuracy. be able to. Furthermore, by detecting the vibration or ultrasonic signal generated at the time of use on the instrument side with the ultrasonic transducer, it is possible to further improve the discrimination accuracy of the instrument discrimination and realize a reliable life judgment.
[0043]
  (Example 8)
  FIG. 13 is a partial block diagram of the notification means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the notification means 15 includes a notification unit 41 that notifies by light, color, or sound, a display unit 42 that notifies by letters, pictures, or symbols, and a display switching unit 43 that switches notification to the notification unit 41 to the display unit 42. It is a thing.
[0044]
  Next, the operation will be described. When the notification means 15 receives a signal from the life determination means 14 that detects that the life or inspection time is approaching, the notification section 41 turns on or blinks light such as a lamp, changes in display color, and generation of sound due to a buzzer or the like. A notification operation is performed. The notification unit 41 and the display unit 42 are provided at the installation location of the flow rate measuring means 10 or a monitoring center where an administrator is present, and the user or administrator of the appliance who notices the notification operation operates the display switching unit 43 to notify the content of the notification. Is switched to the display unit 42 to display and confirm specific contents (which appliance is in what condition).
[0045]
  Therefore, since the first notification can be performed with the minimum number of inputs, not only the power consumption can be reduced, but also the notification can be continued stably for a long time until someone notices, and the notification confirmation effect can be enhanced.
[0046]
  Also, by providing multiple judgment levels (such as advance level, approach level, final level, etc.) to detect and notify that the service life or inspection time is approaching, the service life or inspection can be performed by providing notification at each stage. It can be prepared in advance.
[0047]
  In this way, it is possible to reduce power consumption by eliminating simultaneous parallel notifications to the notification unit and the display unit, and it is possible to achieve battery driving, battery life extension, and size reduction. In addition, the notification can be transmitted stably for a long time, and the notification effect can be enhanced.
[0048]
  Example 9
  FIG. 14 is a block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention and its surroundings. In the figure, the notifying means 44 is provided with at least a first notifying part 45 in the vicinity of the flow rate measuring means 10 and provided with a second notifying part 46 and a display part 47 separately from the flow rate measuring means 10.
[0049]
  Next, the operation will be described. When the notification means 44 receives from the life determination means 14 a signal that has detected that the life or inspection time is approaching, the first notification section 45 and the second notification section 46 turn on or flash light such as a lamp, and change the display color. Notification operation is performed by generating a sound by a buzzer or the like. The user or administrator of the appliance who notices the notification operation operates the display switching unit 43 to switch the notification content to the display unit 42 to display the specific content (which appliance is in what situation). The confirmation is as described above. Here, the first notification unit 45 is provided at the place where the flow rate measuring means 10 is installed, and the second notification unit 46 is a place where the user or administrator of the appliance is usually easy to see, such as a monitoring center where the user's dwelling unit or the administrator is located. Since the notification units are provided at a plurality of locations such as, the probability of promptly recognizing the notification operation can be increased. In addition, wireless communication is possible between the first notification unit 45 and the second notification unit 46, and installation workability can be improved by wireless transmission, and the second notification unit 46 and the display unit 47 are provided by the first notification unit 45. A long-term continuous notification of the second notification unit 46 and the display unit 47 can be performed by using a commercial power supply separate from the provided flow rate measurement means 10 side.
[0050]
  In this way, it is possible to make the user surely recognize that the notification unit has notified that a failure due to the service life has occurred or that the inspection time has approached, and it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience due to missed notifications.
[0051]
  (Example 10)
  FIG. 15 is a partial block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention. In the figure, the display switching unit 48 of the notification unit 15 switches the flow rate display indicating the measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit 10 and the life display indicating the determination result of the life determination unit 14 to be displayed on the display unit 49.
[0052]
  Next, the operation will be described. When the flow rate is being measured in a normal state, the flow rate or the integrated value of the flow rate is displayed on the display unit 49 based on the measurement result of the flow rate measuring means 10, and the life determination means 14 determines that the life or the inspection time is approaching. When the notification unit 41 notifies the user by the light, color, sound, etc., and the user or the administrator notices this notification and operates the display switching unit 48, the display unit 49 that has displayed the flow rate or the integrated value of the flow rate until now is displayed. It switches to the display of the concrete content of the notification.
[0053]
  Thus, by sharing the display unit, the display unit can be reduced in size, and the entire apparatus can be reduced in size and cost. Furthermore, the parallel display of the flow rate display and the life display is eliminated, and the power consumption can be reduced.
[0054]
  (Example 11)
  FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention. In the figure, the use history calling means 50 for calling the integrated value of the life judging means 14 and the use for calculating the remaining life or the consumed amount that has already been used for the life or inspection time based on the called integrated value. A history calculation means 51 is provided.
[0055]
  Next, the operation will be described. When the user or administrator of the appliance operates the usage history calling means 50 such as a switch at any time, the usage history calculation means 51 determines the lifetime of the appliance at that time or the remaining life for a predetermined lifetime. Called from the means 14 or newly calculated based on the data of the life judging means 14 and the result is displayed on the display unit 42. As described above, the usage status of the appliance can be grasped in advance by the user or the administrator before the life or inspection time approach is automatically displayed.
[0056]
  In this way, the user can appropriately check the life expectancy or the amount of wear of the appliance at any time and can grasp the occurrence of the notification in advance, so that the user can prepare in advance for convenience and security. It can be improved.
[0057]
  Less thanAs is apparent from the above description, the present inventionExamples ofThe following effects can be obtained.
[0058]
  A flow rate measuring means, a tool discriminating means for discriminating a tool based on the measured value of the flow rate measuring means, a life determining means for predicting a failure occurrence or inspection time due to the life of the specified tool based on the measured value of the flow rate measuring means, In addition, it is equipped with a notification means to notify the outside that the occurrence of failure due to the life of the equipment or the approaching time is approaching. Thus, the failure can be avoided and the convenience for the user can be secured. Moreover, a user's sense of security can be improved. Furthermore, it is possible to check the service life of a plurality of instruments with a single monitoring device, and since the means for communication with the devices is not required, the configuration of the monitoring device can be simplified, and a low-cost monitoring device can be realized economically. The burden on the user can be reduced.
[0059]
  In addition, the life determination means includes a count unit for the operation time or the number of operations of the specified appliance, a load determination unit for determining the operation load of the specified appliance, a consumption amount determination unit for determining the consumption level of the specified appliance, Since it has a life judgment unit that compares and predicts the occurrence of failure due to life or inspection time against the set value, it adds not only the operation time or number of operations but also the operation load set by the gas consumption during operation Since the wear level of the appliance can be determined, the wear level of the appliance can be accurately calculated. In addition, it is highly reliable to predict the occurrence of a failure due to the service life or the inspection timing.
Can be realized.
[0060]
  In addition, the load determination unit includes a weighting unit that weights and sets the operating load with respect to the amount of gas used, so that optimum weighting can be performed for each device, and the wear level of the device can be calculated more accurately. it can. Further, it is possible to predict the occurrence of a failure due to the lifetime or the prediction of the inspection time with higher reliability.
[0061]
  In addition, the weighting unit includes a function setting changing unit that changes the weighting function. Therefore, even when a device is replaced or changed due to the lifetime of the device or when a new device is added, a weighting suitable for the new device is provided. A new function can be set. In addition, it is possible to easily cope with the addition / change of appliances, and the adaptability of the monitoring device can be improved and the convenience can be improved.
[0062]
  In addition, the consumption amount determination unit includes a consumption level calculation unit that calculates a consumption level based on the product of the specified operation load of the appliance and its operation time, and an integration storage unit that accumulates and stores the calculated value. Therefore, even if the appliance is used in various patterns, the degree of wear can be calculated by the synergistic effect of the driving load and the driving time. In addition, since the calculated values are accumulated and stored for each instrument, the degree of wear for each instrument can be accurately grasped and a highly reliable prediction can be made.
[0063]
  The life determination means includes a time pattern detection unit that detects a time change pattern of a flow rate at the time of ignition of the specified appliance, a predetermined pattern storage unit, and a pattern determination that compares the detected pattern with a pre-stored pattern. It is easy to determine battery consumption when using a battery as a power source, and when using a commercial power source such as a water heater, it is possible to detect a failure due to the occurrence of a malfunction related to the ignition device. And reliable monitoring can be realized.
[0064]
  In addition, the flow rate measuring means includes an ultrasonic transducer provided in the measurement path and a calculation control unit that performs calculation based on the reception signal of the ultrasonic transducer. Therefore, by measuring the instantaneous flow rate, A change in flow rate is detected with high accuracy, so that the discrimination accuracy of the appliance is increased, and the accuracy of life determination can be increased by detecting the operation time and the operation load with high accuracy. Furthermore, by detecting the vibration or ultrasonic signal generated at the time of use on the instrument side with the ultrasonic transducer, it is possible to further improve the discrimination accuracy of the instrument discrimination and realize a reliable life judgment.
[0065]
  In addition, since the notification means includes a notification unit that notifies by light, color or sound, a display unit that notifies by letters, pictures or symbols, and a display switching unit that switches notification to the notification unit to the display unit. The power consumption can be reduced by eliminating simultaneous parallel notifications to the display unit. In addition, the battery can be driven and the battery life can be extended and downsized.
[0066]
  In addition, the notifying means is provided with at least a first notifying part in the vicinity of the flow rate measuring means, and is provided with a second notifying part and a display part separately from the flow rate measuring means, so that the occurrence of failure due to life or the inspection time is approaching. It is possible to make the user surely recognize that the notification unit has been informed. Moreover, since it becomes easy to confirm the notification, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of inconvenience due to overlooking the notification.
[0067]
  The display switching unit switches between the flow rate display indicating the measurement result of the flow rate measurement unit and the life display indicating the determination result of the life determination unit, and displays the display unit on the display unit. Miniaturization is possible. Further, the whole screw device can be reduced in size and cost. Furthermore, the parallel display of the flow rate display and the life display is eliminated, and the power consumption can be reduced.
[0068]
  Also, usage history calling means for calling up the accumulated value of the life judging means, and usage history calculating means for calculating the remaining life remaining for the life or the inspection time or the consumed amount based on the called accumulated value. So that the user can use the life expectancy or consumption of the device at any time.
Can be appropriately confirmed and the occurrence of the notification can be grasped in advance, so that the user can prepare for the correspondence in advance. Moreover, convenience and a sense of security can be improved by avoiding failures in advance.
[0069]
【The invention's effect】
  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.
[0070]
  A flow rate measuring means, a tool discriminating means for discriminating a tool based on the measured value of the flow rate measuring means, a life determining means for predicting a failure occurrence or inspection time due to the life of the specified tool based on the measured value of the flow rate measuring means, In addition, since it is equipped with a notification means to notify the outside of the occurrence of failure due to the life of the equipment or when the inspection time is approaching, appropriate measures can be taken because the approach of the occurrence of failure due to the life of the equipment and the approach of the inspection time can be known in advance. Thus, the failure can be avoided and the convenience for the user can be secured. Moreover, a user's sense of security can be improved. In addition, the life of a plurality of instruments can be checked with a single monitoring device, and since the means for communication with the devices is not required, the configuration of the monitoring device can be simplified, and a low-cost monitoring device can be realized. The burden on the user can be reduced.
[0071]
  Then, the life determination means includes a counting unit for the operation time or the number of operations of the specified appliance, a load determination unit for determining the operation load of the specified appliance, and an exhaustion for determining the degree of consumption of the specified appliance. Since it is equipped with a life judgment part that compares the amount judgment part and the prediction of occurrence of failure due to life or inspection time against the set value, it is set not only by operation time or number of operations but also by gas usage during operation Since the wear level of the appliance can be determined by adding an operation load, the wear level of the appliance can be calculated accurately. In addition, it is possible to predict the occurrence of a failure due to the lifetime or the inspection time with high reliability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram including a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial block diagram of a life determination unit of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial block diagram of a load determination unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram of a weighting function with respect to an operation load of the load determination unit.
FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram of another weighting function with respect to the operation load of the load determination unit.
FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram of another weighting function with respect to the operation load of the load determination unit.
FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram of another weighting function with respect to the operation load of the load determination unit.
FIG. 8 is a partial block diagram of a weighting unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a partial block diagram of a consumption amount determination unit of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a partial block diagram of a life determination means of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is an operation pattern characteristic diagram of the same life determination means.
FIG. 12 is a partial block diagram of the flow rate measuring means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a partial block diagram of notifying means of the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram including a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a partial block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
  10 Flow rate measuring means
  13 Device discrimination means
  14 Life judgment means
  15 Notification means
  17 Count section
  18 Load judgment unit
  19 Consumption amount determination unit
  20 Life judgment unit
  22 Weighting section
  24 Function setting change part
  30 Total storage
  31 Time pattern detector
  33 Pattern storage
  34 Pattern judgment unit
  36 Ultrasonic vibrator
  40 Calculation control unit
  41 Notification unit
  42 Display section
  43 Display switching part
  50 Usage history calling means
  51 Usage history calculation means

Claims

A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the gas, an instrument discriminating means for identifying an instrument using the gas based on the measurement value of the flow rate measuring means, and a failure occurrence or inspection time due to the life of the identified instrument. A life determining means for predicting based on the measurement value of the measuring means, and a notifying means for notifying the outside that the failure due to the life of the instrument has occurred or that the inspection time is approaching, and the life determining means comprises the operating time of the specified instrument or A count unit that detects and integrates the number of operations, a load determination unit that determines an operation load based on the amount of gas used during operation of the specified instrument, an operation time or the number of operations of the count unit, and an operation load of the load determination unit comprising a determining consumption determining unit consumption of the specified instrument based on the determined life determination unit compares the set value prediction or inspection time of failure occurrence due to life Gas appliance monitoring apparatus.

Load determining unit, the gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a weighting unit for setting by weighting the operating load against the gas consumption.

The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein the weighting unit includes a function setting changing unit that changes the weighting function.

Consumption determination unit, according to claim 1 comprising an integrated storage unit storing by integrating the specified value consumable calculation unit and the calculated to calculate the consumption degree based on the product of the operation load and its operation time of the instrument The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of to 3 .

A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the gas, an instrument discriminating means for identifying an instrument using the gas based on the measurement value of the flow rate measuring means, and a failure occurrence or inspection time due to the life of the identified instrument. A life determining means for predicting based on the measurement value of the measuring means, and a notifying means for notifying the outside that the failure due to the life of the instrument has occurred or that the inspection time is approaching, and the life determining means is provided at the time of ignition of the specified instrument. and time pattern detector for detecting a time change pattern of the flow rate, predetermined pattern storage unit, gas appliance monitoring apparatus having a pattern determination unit for comparing the previously stored the detected pattern pattern.

The gas instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the flow rate measuring means includes an ultrasonic transducer provided in the measurement path and a calculation control unit that performs calculation based on a reception signal of the ultrasonic transducer. Monitoring device.

Any notification means light, a notification unit for notifying the color or sound, text, and a display unit for informing a picture or symbol, according to claim 1 to 6 having a display switching unit for switching a notification to the notification unit on the display unit The gas appliance monitoring device according to claim 1.

A flow rate measuring means for measuring a flow rate of gas, an instrument discriminating means for identifying an instrument using gas based on a measurement value of the flow rate measuring means, and a failure occurrence or inspection time due to the life of the identified instrument. A life judging means for predicting based on a measurement value of the measuring means, and a notifying means for notifying the outside that the failure due to the life of the instrument or the inspection time is approaching, and the notifying means for notifying by light, color or sound; A gas appliance monitoring apparatus comprising: a display unit that informs by letters, pictures, or symbols; and a display switching unit that switches the notification to the notification unit to the display unit.

The gas appliance monitoring apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the notifying means includes at least a first notifying part in the vicinity of the flow rate measuring means, and includes a second notifying part and a display part separately from the flow rate measuring means.

The gas appliance according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the display switching unit switches between a flow rate display indicating a measurement result of the flow rate measuring unit and a life display indicating the determination result of the life determination unit, and displays the display on the display unit. Monitoring device.

Use history call means for calling the accumulated value of the life judging means, and use history calculation means for calculating the remaining life or the consumed amount that has already been used for the life or inspection time based on the called accumulated value. The gas appliance monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.