JP4415661B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that detects the flow rate of various media flowing in a pipe using ultrasonic waves, such as city gas and LP gas, and monitors whether the gas use state is safe based on the change in gas flow rate.

  A block diagram of this type of conventional gas shut-off device is shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, 1 is a flow path, 2 is an upstream vibrator, and is installed on the upstream side of the flow path 1 for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves. Reference numeral 3 denotes a downstream vibrator, which transmits and receives ultrasonic waves and is attached facing the downstream side of the flow path 1. Reference numeral 4 denotes a transmission circuit that transmits an ultrasonic signal to the upstream vibrator 2, and reference numeral 5 denotes an amplification circuit that amplifies the signal received by the downstream vibrator 3. A comparison circuit 6 compares the amplified signal with a reference signal. 7 is a time measuring means, which measures the time from the transmission of the ultrasonic wave to the reception by a timer counter. Reference numeral 8 denotes a measurement circuit including the transmission circuit 4 to the time measuring means 7. A flow rate calculating means 9 obtains a flow rate value in consideration of the size of the pipe line and the flow state according to the ultrasonic propagation time by the time measuring means 7. Reference numeral 10 denotes a cycle variable means for changing the measurement cycle according to the value of the flow rate calculation means 9. Reference numeral 11 denotes a measurement start means that adjusts the signal transmission timing to the transmission circuit in accordance with the value of the period variable means 10. Reference numeral 12 denotes measurement end means for detecting the end of calculation of the flow rate calculation means 9. Reference numeral 13 denotes voltage control means for lowering the voltage of the measurement circuit 8 in synchronization with the measurement end means 12 and returning the voltage of the measurement circuit 8 in synchronization with the start of measurement by the measurement start means 11 ( For example, see Patent Document 1).

Next, the operation of the configuration of the conventional example will be described. In the flow path 1 through which the medium gas such as city gas or LP gas flows, a burst signal is transmitted from the transmission circuit 4 by the measurement start means 11, and the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the upstream vibrator 2 flows in the flow path 1. , And is received by the downstream vibrator 3 and further processed by the amplifier circuit 5 and the comparison circuit 6, and the time from transmission to reception is measured by the time measuring means 7. When the flow rate is large, it is necessary to reduce the error by increasing the time sampling, and when the flow rate is low or when the flow rate is zero, there is almost no error even if the measurement sampling is delayed. Therefore, the measurement interval is changed according to the value of the flow rate calculation means 9. The time interval variable means 10 with a small value of the flow rate calculation means 9 increases the measurement time interval, and as the value of the flow rate calculation means 9 increases, the measurement time interval is reduced. Further, the voltage of the measuring circuit 8 is reduced between the measurements. When the flow rate measurement means 9 finishes the flow rate measurement, a signal is sent to the measurement end means 12 and the voltage control means 13 lowers the voltage or makes it zero. The voltage starter 11 restores the voltage of the measuring circuit 8 to the original state by the voltage controller 13 before starting the measurement.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-21667

  However, the conventional configuration has the following problems. Depending on the flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculation means, the cycle of the measurement start means is varied from the cycle variable means, and the voltage control is performed by the voltage control means. For example, when the gas table is used for a longer time than the normal use time, etc. There is no disclosure of a flow rate measurement method in the case of time interruption or when a gas hose or the like to a water heater is disconnected and an abnormal large flow rate is interrupted.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and when an abnormal use state of an appliance is detected and cut off, a wasteful flow rate measurement is performed to suppress current consumption of the battery power source, and a gas appliance is used even if the flow rate fluctuates. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas shut-off device that accurately specifies that there is no problem and monitors whether the use state is safe.

  In order to solve this problem, the present invention includes a flow rate detection unit that measures a signal propagation time in a medium and detects a flow rate, a flow rate calculation unit that converts the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection unit, and a flow rate calculation unit. An average flow rate calculating means for obtaining an average flow rate from the flow rate value, a driving means for driving the flow velocity detecting means, an abnormality determining means for determining whether the flow rate value is calculated by the flow rate average calculating means, and an abnormality determining means. A blocking unit that blocks the medium flow path when it is determined to be abnormal, and an operation state determining unit that detects a control state of the blocking unit by the abnormality determining unit and sets a driving cycle in the driving unit from the flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculating unit; It has a configuration consisting of

  Due to this, downstream equipment such as gas tables and gas fan heaters, and high-flow equipment such as GHP and water heaters are connected to the downstream side. The abnormal determination means detects that an abnormal large flow rate has flowed, and the shut-off means is activated to stop the gas supply, but the shut-off output by the abnormality determination means is detected by the operating state determination means, and the flow rate average calculation means If the flow rate at that time is found and the flow rate is zero, the drive means is set to a drive cycle that is much longer than usual, and the consumption of the battery capacity at the time of measurement is suppressed. If the gas supply cannot be stopped sufficiently, the flow velocity detection means is driven at the flow rate detected by the flow rate average calculation means, and if it exceeds the predetermined flow rate, the shutoff output is performed to ensure safety. The state of use can be safely monitored.

  The gas shut-off device of the present invention is provided with an operation state determining means for detecting the control state of the shut-off means and setting the drive cycle in the drive means from the flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculating means. In addition to performing a shutoff output, the operation state determination means detects a state of gas stop, and the drive means that drives the flow rate detection means at a predetermined interval makes the measurement significantly longer than the measurement interval in a state where gas can be supplied. By setting the cycle, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the gas cutoff device without reducing the measurement accuracy of the gas usage.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, flow rate detection means for measuring a signal propagation time in a medium and detecting a flow rate, flow rate calculation means for converting the flow rate from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means, and a flow rate value of the flow rate calculation means An average flow rate calculating means for obtaining an average flow rate, a driving means for driving the flow velocity detecting means, an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not the flow rate is calculated by the flow rate average calculating means, and the abnormality determining means. When it is determined to be abnormal, a blocking means for blocking the medium flow path and a control state of the blocking means are detected by the abnormality determining means , and when the flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculating means is zero, the drive means is set to have a driving cycle. When the flow rate is other than zero, the operation state determination means sets the same short drive cycle as the normal measurement state .

  And when a low flow rate appliance such as a gas table or a gas fan heater at a customer's house is used abnormally for a long time, or a gas supply hose of a high flow rate appliance such as a GHP or a water heater is disconnected and an abnormally large flow rate flows In addition, the abnormal means determines abnormal use of the appliance and outputs a shut-off to the shut-off means. When the operation state judging means detects the gas stop state, the drive means that drives the flow rate detecting means at a predetermined interval in a state where gas can be supplied. The measurement interval has been set to be significantly longer than the measurement interval, reducing the power consumption of the gas shut-off device without degrading the measurement accuracy of the gas consumption, and the shut-off means originally stopped the gas supply normally. In this case, the gas flow rate is zero, and even if the flow rate measurement interval is lengthened considerably, the accumulated accuracy of the gas usage will not be reduced. When the battery can be used as a power source, the number of gas shut-off devices can be reduced, and the gas shut-off device that is economical, compact, excellent in design and high in aesthetics is provided. I can do it. Furthermore, when the flow rate is larger than the predetermined flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculating means even during shut-off, there is a problem that gas continues to leak by continuously outputting the shut-off output to the shut-off means and strengthening the gas supply stop state. Absent.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, flow rate detection means for measuring a signal propagation time in a medium and detecting a flow rate, flow rate calculation means for converting a flow rate from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection means, and a flow rate value of the flow rate calculation means An average flow rate calculating means for obtaining an average flow rate, a driving means for driving the flow velocity detecting means, an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not the flow rate is calculated by the flow rate average calculating means, and the abnormality determining means. and interrupting means for interrupting the media flow path when it is judged that an abnormality, determine operation means for performing a blocking output performs operation confirmation of the performed or various settings with respect to the blocking means, or shut off the output or not by the operating unit and the abnormality by determining means detects a control state of the blocking means, the flow average flow rate calculated by the calculation means sets a longer drive period when the drive means zero, when the normal measurement state other than the flow rate is zero Consisting in an operating state determination means for setting the same short drive cycle.

  A low-flow device such as a gas table or a gas fan heater or a large-flow device such as a GHP or a water heater is connected to the downstream side where the gas shut-off device is normally installed. The abnormal determination means detects that an abnormally large flow rate has flowed due to gas supply hose loss, etc., and shuts off the gas supply by operating the shut-off means. If the flow rate at that time is determined by the flow rate average calculation means and the flow rate is zero, the drive means is set to a drive cycle that is much longer than usual, but when the instrument is temporarily not used, the shut-off means is driven by the operation means and shipped However, in this case, since there is no need to measure the flow rate, the measurement cycle is set to a long cycle such as once a day to reduce battery capacity during measurement. On the other hand, when the gas supply cannot be sufficiently stopped by the shut-off means for some reason during the long period measurement, the flow rate detecting means is immediately driven at the flow rate detected by the flow rate average calculating means, and the shut-off output is performed when the flow rate exceeds the predetermined flow rate. Safety is ensured and gas usage can be monitored safely.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a flow rate detection means for detecting a flow velocity by repeatedly measuring a signal propagation time in the medium, a flow rate calculation means for converting the flow rate from the flow velocity detected by the flow velocity detection means, A flow rate average calculating means for obtaining an average flow rate from a flow rate value of the flow rate calculating means, a driving means for driving the flow velocity detecting means, and an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormal flow rate based on the flow rate value calculated by the flow rate average calculating means. when the abnormality and interrupting means for interrupting the media flow path when it is determined that the abnormal judgment means, and operating means for checking the operation of performing or settings performed blocking output to said blocking means, blocking by the operation means determine output or not, and set longer than normal flow rate detecting the control state it has been determined by the flow rate average computing means driving period when the driving means of the zero of the blocking means by the abnormality determining means The operation state determining means for flow rate is set to the same measurement interval as the normal case than zero, the the period longer setting of the driving means by operating state determining means, and the case has reached the cut-off state by the operation unit a flow rate It comprises search means for starting the measurement during a predetermined measurement period by making the number of repetitions of the repetition means of the detection means smaller than that of normal measurement.

  And when a low flow rate appliance such as a gas table or a gas fan heater or a large flow rate appliance such as a GHP or a hot water heater is connected to the downstream side where the gas shut-off device is installed in a normal customer's house, it is not used for a long time For example, when the appliance is temporarily not used in a resort house or a long-term trip, the shut-off means is driven by the operation means to stop the gas supply, and the gas shut-off device itself is shut off in the low power consumption shipping state. In such a case, since there is no need to measure the flow rate in particular, the measurement cycle is set to a long cycle such as once a day to suppress the consumption of the battery capacity during the measurement, and the search means shuts off for some reason during the long cycle measurement. In case the gas supply cannot be stopped sufficiently, the flow rate can be measured by limiting the number of repetition means of the flow rate detection means to the low power consumption flow rate measurement mode. Monitors to the gas use state is to ensure a safe to perform the blocking output when the flow rate conversion results than a predetermined flow rate can be safely secured by computing means.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

  1, 2, and 3, the same reference numerals are given to components having the same functions as those in FIG. 4.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 shows a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Reference numeral 14 denotes a flow velocity detecting means, which is an upstream vibrator 2 and a downstream vibrator 3 that are installed opposite to a flow path 1 of a gas medium such as LP. An ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one to the other between them, and the flow velocity of the gas used is detected from the propagation time. An example of the flow velocity detection means 14 is as follows. That is, the flow velocity detection unit 14 includes a switching unit 15, a transmission unit 16, a reception unit 17, a repetition unit 18, and a propagation time measurement unit 19. The transmission means 16 and the reception means 17 are connected to the switching means 15. The switching means 15 first connects the transmission means 16 to the upstream vibrator 2, the reception means 17 to the downstream vibrator 3, and then the transmission means 16. The connection destinations of the transmission means 16 and the reception means 17 are alternately switched such that the transmission means 16 is connected to the downstream vibrator 3 and the reception means 17 is connected to the upstream vibration element 2. When the switching means 15 connects the receiving means 17 to the upstream vibrator 2 and the transmitting means 16 to the downstream vibrator 3, the repeating means 18 transmits the ultrasonic signal transmitted from the transmitting means 16 to the upstream vibration. The signal is received by the receiving means 17 from the downstream vibrator 3 through the flow path 1 from the child 2, but the transmission from the ultrasonic signal to the reception is repeated, and the signal propagation time is measured by the propagation time measuring means 19. Repeat the operation. The propagation time measuring means 19 measures and accumulates the time from transmission to reception of the ultrasonic signal. Next, the receiving means 17 is connected to the downstream vibrator 3 and the transmitting means 16 is connected to the upstream vibrator 2 by the switching means 15, and the above operation is repeated. The propagation time measuring means 19 obtains a propagation time difference from the propagation time first received and obtained and the signal propagation time measured after being switched by the switching means 15 next.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a flow rate calculation means for obtaining a flow velocity from the obtained propagation time and further converting it to a flow rate value. Reference numeral 21 denotes a flow rate average calculating means, for example, measuring and storing a plurality of flow rate values obtained by the flow rate calculating means 20 for a predetermined period to obtain an average flow rate. 22 is an abnormality determination means, which has an abnormal flow rate value such as hose disconnection and a flow rate range that can be used by the gas shut-off device, and has a usage time set value corresponding to each flow rate range, and the normal usage time of the gas appliance. The determination time etc. which identify are hold | maintained, and it compares with the average flow value calculated | required by the flow volume average calculating means 21, and the abnormality determination value at the time of use of the set gas appliance, and determines whether it is an abnormal use state.

  For example, when a connection hose to an appliance such as a stove is mistakenly disconnected, an abnormally large flow rate flows, but the abnormality determining means 22 compares the obtained average flow rate value with the abnormality determining value to determine whether or not there is an abnormality. Alternatively, a usage time cut-off table that defines a usage time limit corresponding to a case where the appliance is used much longer than the maximum usage time for which an appliance such as a stove is normally used is stored. Monitor usage with flow rate.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a shut-off means, which shuts off the gas flow path 1 by outputting a shut-off signal from the abnormality judging means 22 when judged to be abnormal. When the abnormality determining means 22 determines that the gas use state is abnormal and the shut-off means 23 is driven, the shut-off state and the shut-off content are displayed on the liquid crystal display element of the notifying means (not shown) and the safety of the gas is monitored. Report to the center using a telephone line.

  Reference numeral 24 denotes an operation state determination unit which determines whether an abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination unit 22 and a blocking signal is output to the blocking unit 23, or whether it is determined to be normal and gas is being supplied. Reference numeral 25 denotes a drive means, which determines the flow rate detected by the flow rate average calculation means 21 and the operation state signal of the shut-off means 23 in the operation state determination means 24 to determine the drive cycle of the flow velocity detection means 14, that is, the flow rate measurement cycle. The drive signal is output and the flow measurement is started. Reference numeral 26 denotes battery power supply means for supplying power to the entire gas shut-off device.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Normally, various gas appliances such as a gas table and a gas fan heater, a GHP, a water heater, and the like are installed and used on the downstream side of the gas shut-off device installed at a customer's home. In the case of a device that uses a device and consumes a large flow rate such as a water heater, the accuracy of gas consumption cannot be ensured unless the flow rate is measured in a short measurement cycle. Further, even if the flow rate is low, such as a gas fan heater, the flow rate is small compared to a high flow rate consumption device, so that the integration accuracy is ensured even if the measurement cycle is not as short as that when the flow rate is high. On the other hand, if the gas appliance is used abnormally for a long time, or if the hose for supplying gas to the appliance suddenly comes off for some reason, an abnormally large flow rate flows and the abnormality determining means 22 determines that it is abnormal and shuts off. The means 23 is driven. In such a cut-off state, the gas supply is stopped by the cut-off means 23, and even if the measurement interval is a little longer, the integration accuracy is not significantly affected. Here, the operation of an example of the flow velocity detection means 14 will be described first.

  In the flow path (gas pipe) 1, an ultrasonic signal is transmitted and received between the upstream transducer 2 and the downstream transducer 3 installed obliquely. The transmission means 16 is connected to the upstream vibrator 2 by the switching means 15, while the downstream vibrator 3 is connected to the reception means 17, and the signal transmitted from the transmission means 16 is transmitted from the upstream vibrator 2 to the downstream vibrator. 3 is received. A single-around system in which this operation is performed the number of times set by the repeating means 18 is configured. The propagation time until the reception means 17 receives the ultrasonic signal emitted from the transmission means 16 is accumulated, and the propagation time measurement means 19 obtains the time.

  Next, the switching means 15 connects the transmitting means 16 to the downstream vibrator 3 and connects the receiving means 17 to the upstream vibrator 2. An ultrasonic signal is output from the transmitting means 16 and received by the receiving means 17 connected to the upstream vibrator 2 via the flow path 1 via the downstream vibrator 3. As described above, the number of times set by the repeating means 18 is performed. Then, the propagation time until the reception means 17 receives the ultrasonic signal emitted from the transmission means 16 is accumulated by the propagation time measurement means 19, and further the propagation time when the ultrasonic signal is emitted from the upstream to the downstream. The difference in propagation time is obtained from the propagation time when fired from downstream to upstream. Next, the flow time calculation means 20 converts the propagation time obtained by the propagation time measurement means 19 into a flow velocity value V, and then converts it into a flow rate value Q. In FIG. 1, an arrow A indicates the direction in which the gas medium flows.

  Next, a plurality of flow rate values calculated by the flow rate calculation means 20 are stored by the flow rate average calculation means 21, and the average flow rate is determined from the flow rate values measured during a predetermined period. The abnormality determination means 22 determines whether or not the obtained average flow rate is an abnormal use state as the appliance flow rate that specifies the obtained average flow rate. The abnormality determination means 22 divides the flow rate range for discrimination between the maximum flow rate usable in the gas shut-off device and the abnormal large flow rate due to hose disconnection, etc., and the flow rate range usable in the gas shut-off device, and corresponds to each flow rate range. It has a usage time setting value.

  Further, the abnormality determination means 22 compares the average flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculation means 21 with the set abnormality determination flow rate, determines whether or not the average flow rate is exceeded, and if not, determines the average flow rate value and gas usage. It is compared with the set value for the usage time of, and it is determined whether it is in an abnormal long-time use state. For example, a use time cut-off table that defines a time limit for use time corresponding to a case where an appliance such as a stove is used much longer than the normal use time is stored in the abnormality determination means 22. Monitors the flow rate for abnormal equipment usage by consumers. When the abnormality determining unit 22 determines that an abnormality has occurred, a cutoff signal is output to the blocking unit 23 to shut off the gas flow path 1. When the abnormality determining means 22 determines that the gas use state is abnormal and the shut-off means 23 is driven, the shut-off state and the shut-off content are displayed on the liquid crystal display element of the notifying means (not shown) and the safety of the gas is monitored. Report to the center using a telephone line.

  When the cutoff signal is output from the abnormality determination unit 22, the operation state determination unit 24 determines that the gas cutoff device is in the gas supply stop state, that is, the cutoff state. At the same time, when the average flow rate is detected by the average flow rate calculation means 21, the operation state determination means makes a drive cycle of the flow velocity detection means 14 with respect to the drive means 25 during normal measurement, that is, a gas supply enabled state (blocking means 23 (Open state), for example, the measurement is changed to a long cycle such as one measurement per hour.

  However, if the flow rate average calculating means 21 detects a non-zero flow state even if the operating state determining means 24 determines that it is in the shut-off state, the abnormality determining means is set simultaneously with setting the measurement interval in the driving means 25 as in the normal state. 22 outputs a shut-off output to the shut-off means 23 to shift to a shut-off state. In this way, when the shut-off means 23 is operating normally, the operating state determination means 24 sets the drive period of the flow velocity detection means 14 to be long, so that the power consumption of the battery power supply can be suppressed and the battery power supply means to be installed 26 can be reduced and the economy is high.

  Therefore, after the gas shut-off device is installed, when a large flow rate is detected due to abnormal use of the instrument, or when the instrument is shut down due to abnormal long-term use, the gas supply stop state, that is, the shut-off state is detected by the operation state determination means 24. Is detected, the flow rate can be measured at a significantly longer interval than the measurement interval in the normal state, the consumption of the battery capacity of the battery power source means 26 can be suppressed, and the capacity of the battery power source means 26 mounted on the gas shutoff device, Not only can the number of units be reduced, improving economic efficiency, but also minimizing the size while ensuring safety even when measuring extremely small flow rates in a shut-off state without reducing accuracy. As a result, aesthetics as a gas shut-off device is improved.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 2 shows a gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the first embodiment in that an operation means 27 is provided. For example, it is input to the gas shut-off device that the reed switch etc. on the gas shut-off device has been energized and operated. When an operation signal from the operation means 27 is input, the shut-off means 23 is driven, the gas supply is stopped, and it can be confirmed that the shut-off means 23, the drive circuit and the like are operated. Further, it is possible to cancel the warning event or shift to the low power consumption mode that minimizes the display when shipping the gas shut-off device called the shipping mode when operated once or multiple times.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Normally, various gas appliances such as a gas table and a gas fan heater, a GHP, a water heater, and the like are installed and used on the downstream side of the gas shut-off device installed at a customer's home. In the case of a device that uses a device and consumes a large flow rate such as a water heater, the accuracy of gas consumption cannot be ensured unless the flow rate is measured in a short measurement cycle. Further, even if the flow rate is low, such as a gas fan heater, the flow rate is small compared to a high flow rate consumption device, so that the integration accuracy is ensured even if the measurement cycle is not as short as that when the flow rate is high.

  On the other hand, if the gas appliance is used abnormally for a long time, or if the hose for supplying gas to the appliance suddenly comes off for some reason, an abnormally large flow rate flows and the abnormality determining means 22 determines that it is abnormal and shuts off. The means 23 is driven, but when the customer's house goes on a long trip or the appliance is not used at all due to movement such as moving home, the operating means 27 is operated, and the shutting means 23 is shut off, and is operated once or more times. By doing so, it is possible to shift to the shipping mode. In such a cut-off state, the gas supply is stopped by the cut-off means 23, and even if the measurement interval is a little longer, the integration accuracy is not significantly affected. Note that the operation of the flow velocity detection means 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment, so that the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, when the customer's house does not use the appliance at all due to movement by a change of home or a long-term trip, the operation means 27 outputs a cutoff output to the cutoff means 23. It is possible to shift to the shipping mode by operating once or a plurality of times. When the operation determining means 24 detects that the mode has been shifted to the shipping mode, at the same time, when the flow rate average calculating means 21 detects that the average flow rate is in the zero flow rate state, the operation state determining means causes the flow rate detecting means 14 to The drive cycle is changed to a long measurement cycle such as measuring the flow rate once every 24 hours with respect to the normal measurement, that is, the gas supply enabled state (the shut-off means 23 is open).

  However, even if the operation state determination means 24 determines that the circuit is in the shut-off state, if the flow rate average calculation means 21 detects a non-zero flow rate that is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the drive means 25 sets the same measurement interval as the normal state, for example, several seconds. Set to. At the same time, when a predetermined flow rate or more is detected in the shut-off state, the abnormality determining means 22 determines that the shut-off is abnormal, outputs a shut-off output to the shut-off means 23, and shifts to a shut-off state with a zero flow rate. When the shut-off means 23 is operating normally, the operating state determination means 24 sets the drive cycle of the flow velocity detection means 14 to be long, so that the power consumption of the battery power supply can be suppressed and the battery power supply means 26 mounted can be reduced. Economical.

  As described above, after the gas shut-off device is installed, when the operation unit 27 shifts to the shipping mode when the instrument is not used for a long period of time, the operation state determination unit 24 detects the gas supply stop state, that is, the shut-off state. The flow rate can be measured at a significantly longer interval than the measurement interval in the normal state, the consumption of the battery capacity of the battery power supply means 26 can be suppressed, and the capacity and number of the battery power supply means 26 installed in the gas shutoff device can be determined. It can be made smaller and the economy can be improved.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 3 shows a gas cutoff device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 3, components having the same functions as those in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG.

  FIG. 3 shows a gas shutoff device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, which is different from the second embodiment in that a search means 28 is provided, and the search means 28 repeats the means inside the flow velocity detection means 14. In FIG. 18, a much smaller number of normal repetitions is set for each measurement cycle of the drive means 25, and it can be determined earlier than the measurement cycle during shut-off whether there has been a change in flow rate.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. Normally, gas appliances such as gas tables and gas fan heaters, GHPs, water heaters, and the like are installed on the downstream side of the gas shut-off device at the customer's home. In the case of a device that consumes a large flow rate such as a water heater, the accuracy of gas consumption cannot be ensured unless the flow rate is measured in a short measurement cycle. Further, even if the flow rate is low, such as a gas fan heater, the flow rate is small compared to a high flow rate consumption device, so that the integration accuracy is ensured even if the measurement cycle is not as short as that when the flow rate is high. On the other hand, if the gas appliance is used abnormally for a long time, or if the hose for supplying gas to the appliance suddenly comes off for some reason, an abnormally large flow rate flows and the abnormality determining means 22 determines that it is abnormal and shuts off. The means 23 is driven. Alternatively, when the customer's house goes on a long trip or the appliance is not used at all due to movement such as moving home, the shutting means 23 is shut off when the operating means 27 is operated, and the shipping mode is set by operating once or more times. It is possible to migrate. In such a cut-off state, the gas supply is stopped by the cut-off means 23, and even if the measurement interval is a little longer, the integration accuracy is not significantly affected. Note that the operation of the flow velocity detection means 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment, so that the description thereof is omitted.

  Here, when the customer's house does not use the appliance at all due to movement by a change of home or a long-term trip, the operation means 27 outputs a cutoff output to the cutoff means 23. It is possible to shift to the shipping mode by operating once or a plurality of times. When the operation determining means 24 detects that the mode has been shifted to the shipping mode, at the same time, when the flow rate average calculating means 21 detects that the average flow rate is in the zero flow rate state, the operation state determining means causes the flow rate detecting means 14 to The drive cycle is changed to a long measurement cycle such as measuring the flow rate once every 24 hours with respect to the normal measurement, that is, the gas supply enabled state (the shut-off means 23 is open). However, even if the operation state determination unit 24 determines that the circuit is in the shut-off state, if the flow rate average calculation unit 21 detects a non-zero flow rate that is equal to or higher than the predetermined flow rate, the drive unit 25 has a measurement interval similar to the normal state, for example, an interval of several seconds. Set.

  When a long cycle is set in the drive means 25, the search means 28 is activated, and the number of repetitions far less than usual is set in the repetition means 18 of the flow velocity detection means 14. When the flow rate is measured in the normal state, the search means 28 does not operate, and the repetition means of the flow velocity detection means 14 is set with a normal number of times at which a highly accurate instantaneous flow velocity can be detected. Since the measurement interval during shut-off is long, when the flow rate begins to flow for some reason even during shut-off, gas leak is prevented quickly by detecting the flow rate quickly and outputting a shut-off output to the shut-off means 23.

  Next, when the search means 28 detects that the flow rate is present even though it is in the shut-off state, it returns to the normal number of repetition means 18 and the measurement by the search means 28 is interrupted. Then, when a predetermined flow rate or more is detected, the abnormality determination means 22 determines that the interruption is abnormal, outputs a cutoff output to the cutoff means 23, and shifts to a cutoff state with a zero flow rate. When the shut-off means 23 is operating normally, the operating state determination means 24 sets the drive cycle of the flow velocity detection means 14 to be long, so that the power consumption of the battery power supply can be suppressed and the battery power supply means 26 mounted can be reduced. Economical.

  As described above, after the gas shut-off device is installed, when the abnormal determination unit 22 detects abnormal use of the instrument and shuts it off, or when the instrument is not used for a long period of time, the operation unit 27 switches to the shipping mode. When the gas supply stop state, that is, the shut-off state is detected by the operation state determination means 24, the flow rate measurement is started at a significantly longer interval than the measurement interval in the normal state, and at the same time, the power consumption is reduced by the search means 28, ie, repetition. The flow rate is measured by the number of times of the means 18 so that a change in the flow rate due to any cause can be detected at an early stage, and the interruption means 23 can be quickly dealt with, for example, the output of the interruption signal. Therefore, the consumption of the battery capacity of the battery power supply means 26 can be suppressed, and the capacity and number of the battery power supply means 26 installed in the gas shut-off device can be reduced. It is possible to increase the sex.

  As described above, according to the gas cutoff device of the present invention, the control state of the cutoff means is detected, and the operation state determination means for setting the drive cycle to the drive means from the flow rate obtained by the flow rate average calculation means is provided. When an abnormality occurs, the shut-off means outputs a shut-off, and when the operation state judging means detects a gas stop state, the drive means that drives the flow rate detecting means at a predetermined interval is set to a measurement interval in a state where gas can be supplied. By setting a remarkably long measurement cycle in comparison, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the gas shut-off device without degrading the measurement accuracy of the gas usage. It can be applied to control.

FIG. 1 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Control block diagram of gas cutoff device of embodiment 2 of the present invention Control block diagram of gas shutoff device of embodiment 3 of the present invention Control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 14 Flow velocity detection means 20 Flow rate calculation means 21 Flow rate average calculation means 22 Abnormality determination means 23 Blocking means 24 Operation state determination means 25 Drive means 27 Operation means 28 Search means

Claims (3)

A flow rate detecting means for measuring a signal propagation time in the medium and detecting a flow rate; a flow rate calculating means for converting the flow rate from the flow velocity detected by the flow rate detecting means; and a flow rate average for obtaining an average flow rate from a flow rate value of the flow rate calculating means Calculation means, drive means for driving the flow velocity detection means, abnormality determination means for determining whether or not the abnormal flow rate is based on the flow rate value calculated by the flow rate average calculation means, and time medium determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination means and blocking means for blocking the flow path, said abnormality determining means by detecting the control state of the blocking means, the flow rate calculated in the flow rate average calculation means sets a longer drive period when the drive means zero flow rate A gas shut-off device provided with an operation state determination means that sets the same short drive cycle as that in the normal measurement state when non-zero . A flow rate detecting means for measuring a signal propagation time in the medium and detecting a flow rate; a flow rate calculating means for converting the flow rate from the flow velocity detected by the flow rate detecting means; and a flow rate average for obtaining an average flow rate from a flow rate value of the flow rate calculating means Calculation means, drive means for driving the flow velocity detection means, abnormality determination means for determining whether or not the abnormal flow rate is based on the flow rate value calculated by the flow rate average calculation means, and time medium determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determination means and blocking means for blocking the flow path, and operating means for performing a blocking output performs operation confirmation of the performed or various settings to said blocking means, to determine whether blocking output by said operation means and by said abnormality determining means wherein detecting the control state of the blocking means, the flow rate calculated in the flow rate average calculation means sets a longer drive period when the drive means zero, the flow rate is the same short, when the normal measurement state other than zero drive Gas cutoff apparatus provided with an operating state determining means for setting the period. A flow rate detecting unit for detecting a flow rate by repeatedly measuring a signal propagation time in the medium; a flow rate calculating unit for converting the flow rate from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting unit; and a flow rate value of the flow rate calculating unit An average flow rate calculating means for obtaining an average flow rate, a driving means for driving the flow velocity detecting means, an abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormal flow rate based on a flow rate value calculated by the flow rate average calculating means, and the abnormality determining means determination and in blocking means for blocking the medium flow path when it is determined that the abnormality, and the operation means for performing operation check the conducted or settings performed blocking output to said interrupting means, whether blocking output by said operation means and, and the abnormality determining means by set longer than usual drive period when the drive unit flow rate is zero, determined by detecting the flow rate average calculation unit a control state of the blocking means, the flow rate is Rei以 And operating state determining means for setting the normal to the same measurement interval in the case of, the period is long setting of the driving means by said operating state determining means, and repeating with the said flow rate detecting means when reached cutoff state by the operation means A gas shut-off device comprising: search means for starting the measurement during a predetermined measurement period by reducing the number of repetitions of the means less than normal measurement.

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