JP4443701B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device for ensuring the safety of gas use when using gas after a gas meter, and more particularly to detecting the gas flow rate.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type of gas shut-off device, as shown in FIG. 9, the flow rate input means 3 is periodically driven to measure the flow rate of gas flowing in the gas passage and output the flow rate signal C to calculate the guide value. When the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3 is received, the unit 4 sums up the flow rate signal C and outputs a guide value D. The guide value holding unit 5 holds the guide value D when receiving the guide value D from the guide value calculation unit 4. When the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3 is received, the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7 compares the abnormal flow rate determination value stored in advance with a flow rate signal C that is equal to or higher than the abnormal flow rate determination value. When the permission signal F is output and the external notification means 6 receives the pointer value D of the pointer value holding unit 5 and the alarm notification signal E of the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, a gas shut-off device is externally used using, for example, a public telephone line. The valve drive unit 8 When the valve drive permission signal F of the normal flow determination unit 7 is received, the valve closing signal G is output. When the valve 9 receives the valve closing signal G of the valve driving unit 8, the gas passage is closed. Is opened and the opening signal J is output. When the leakage determination unit 11 receives the opening signal J from the return input means 10, it determines the presence or absence of the flow signal C from the flow input means 3, and if there is the flow signal C, it drives the valve. The permission signal F is output, the forced cutoff means 12 outputs the valve drive permission signal F when the forced cutoff input is received, and the external sensor 13 outputs the external sensor abnormality signal I when an abnormality is detected with a predetermined determination value. When the flow rate monitor 14 receives the external sensor abnormality signal I from the external sensor 13 and detects the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3, it outputs a valve drive permission signal F.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional gas shut-off device, for example, the flow sensor is periodically driven to check whether the gas is really used even during a time period when the user is not using the gas at night. When the gas was used again after closing the gas passage, gas leakage was detected to confirm safety after opening the gas passage. At this time, the gas volume signal was used because the gas flow rate signal was used. If the unit weighing volume (which measures the flow rate of water) is large, the judgment time is required up to 2 minutes, or if you are going away forcibly during regular inspections that are regularly performed, Since it cannot be determined whether or not gas is being used, the gas passage cannot be closed carelessly and periodic inspection work cannot be performed. Shin was interrupted if using gas after detecting it was supposed to be the time determined by those volume metering for that used the flow rate signal of gas at this time is large take even up to 2 minutes.
[0004]
Therefore, even when the gas is not used, the flow sensor must be driven unnecessarily (for example, it was necessary to drive every few seconds such as driving every 5 seconds to ensure safety). In addition, since the presence or absence of gas flow in the gas passage cannot be detected in a short time when the unit measurement volume is large, it takes time to check the safety when opening the gas passage and to close the gas passage. Had.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For the present invention to solve the above SL problem, Separately simply reduce the driving wasteful flow sensor to have a gas flow input means for determining whether gas is flowing from the flow rate input means for metering the gas flow rate In addition, the gas flow in the gas passage can be detected in a short time.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A gas flow input means for detecting a gas flow in the gas passage and outputting a gas flow signal, a flow rate presence / absence determining unit for outputting a flow sensor driving signal when receiving a gas flow signal from the gas flow input means, and a flow rate presence / absence determining unit When the flow sensor drive signal is received, the flow rate input means that measures the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas passage and outputs the flow rate signal, and the pointer value calculation that sums the flow rate signals and outputs the pointer value when the flow rate signal of the flow rate input means is received And a guide value holding unit for holding the guide value when the guide value of the guide value calculating unit is received, and an external notification means for notifying the guide value of the guide value holding unit to the outside.
[0007]
【Example】
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0008]
Example 1
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a program flow diagram of the first embodiment.
[0009]
In FIG. 1, a gas flow input means 1 rotates a windmill by a gas flow in a gas passage and detects the rotation of the windmill (for example, a magnet is attached to the windmill and the rotation of the windmill is detected by a reed switch). If there is, the gas flow signal A is output (or the same effect can be obtained even if the rotation of the wind turbine shaft directly connected to the wind turbine is detected by the micro switch).
[0010]
When the flow rate presence / absence determining unit 2 receives the gas flow signal A from the gas flow input means 1, it outputs a flow rate sensor drive signal B. When the flow rate input means 3 receives the flow rate sensor drive signal B from the flow rate presence / absence determining unit 2, the flow rate sensor can accurately measure the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas passage (for example, irradiating an ultrasonic wave to determine the difference in how sound is transmitted depending on the flow velocity). Measure by driving an ultrasonic sensor that measures by detecting, or a flow sensor that detects and measures the temperature drop by changing the resistance value of the element when the gas flow hits the element heated by the heater) A flow rate signal C is output in proportion to the gas flow rate.
[0011]
When the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3 is received, the pointer value calculation unit 4 counts and counts how many pulses the flow rate signal C has entered, and calculates the pointer value D by multiplying the previously held flow rate value of 1 pulse. And output. When the guideline value holding unit 5 receives the guideline value D from the guideline value calculating unit 4, it holds the guideline value D. The external notification means 6 notifies the guideline value D of the guideline value holding unit 5 to the outside, for example, to the center monitoring the gas shut-off device using a public communication line such as a telephone.
[0012]
Next, the operation and action will be described. FIG. 2 shows the program flow of the above means from process T1 to process T9. Now, it is assumed that the flow from the start to the end of processing is periodically processed by an interval calendar or the like.
[0013]
The process T1 in the flow rate presence / absence determination unit 2 measures whether the pointer value is being measured periodically by measuring a gas flow rate by intermittently driving a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor every 5 seconds. If the value is being measured, the process proceeds to process T4. If the value is not being measured, the process proceeds to process T2.
[0014]
In the gas flow input means 1, the process T2 detects the gas flow in the gas passage replaced with the rotation of a windmill or the like, and if there is a gas flow, outputs a gas flow signal and proceeds to the process T3. In the flow rate presence / absence determining unit 2, process T3 determines the presence / absence of a gas flow signal, and if there is a gas flow signal, outputs a flow sensor drive signal (permits periodic drive of the flow sensor) and shifts to process T4. If there is no flow signal, the process proceeds to process T8.
[0015]
In the flow rate input means 3, the process T4 periodically drives a flow rate sensor that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas flowing in the gas passage such as an ultrasonic sensor, outputs a flow rate signal, and proceeds to the process T5. In process T5, the presence or absence of the flow signal is determined. If there is a flow signal, the process proceeds to process T6. If there is no flow signal, the output of the periodic flow sensor drive signal is stopped and the process proceeds to process T8.
[0016]
In the guide value calculation unit 4, the process T6 counts and counts how many pulses of the flow rate signal are input, calculates the guide value by multiplying the flow value of one pulse held in advance, and proceeds to the process T7. In the guideline value holding unit 5, the process T7 holds the guideline value and proceeds to process T8.
[0017]
In the external notification means 6, the process T8 moves to a process T9 if there is a guideline value communication request from the center monitoring the gas shut-off device using a public communication line such as a telephone, and if there is no guideline value communication request, the process T8 is processed. Exit. In process T9, the guideline value is notified to the center and the process ends.
[0018]
(Example 2)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the gas shutoff device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a program flow diagram of the second embodiment.
[0019]
The flow rate input means 3 measures whether or not a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or is equivalent to using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas flowing in the gas passage. The flow rate signal C is output if a certain amount flows).
[0020]
When the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7 receives the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3, it calculates the flow rate from the flow rate signal C and holds it in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If there is a flow rate signal C greater than the abnormal flow rate judgment value, an alarm notification signal E and a valve drive permission signal F are output.
[0021]
When the external notification means 6 receives the alarm notification signal E from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the external notification means 6 notifies the outside to the center that is monitoring the gas shut-off device using a public communication line such as a telephone.
[0022]
When the valve drive unit 8 receives the valve drive permission signal F from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, it outputs a valve close signal G. When the valve 9 receives the valve closing signal G from the valve driving unit 8, the valve 9 drives the valve to close the gas passage.
[0023]
The gas flow input means 1 rotates the wind turbine by the gas flow in the gas passage, detects the rotation of the wind turbine, and outputs a gas flow signal A if there is a gas flow. For example, the return input means 10 can provide the same effect even if the opening signal H of the back electromotive force generated when the valve 9 is opened (or a return switch is provided and the opening signal H is output when the switch is pressed). ) Is output.
[0024]
Upon receipt of the opening signal H from the return input means 10, the leak judgment unit 11 determines whether or not the gas flow signal A from the gas flow input means 1 is present for a certain period of time (in many gas appliances, the gas shut-off device closes the gas passage during combustion). Then, the gas is not supplied and the gas appliance side is also closed, so that the gas pressure in the gas passage is lowered, and the gas flows instantaneously when the gas shut-off device side is opened. (It is necessary to take a delay time until it is filled in the passage and stabilizes.) Judgment is made after elapse, and if there is a gas flow signal A, it is determined that the gas appliance side is in an open state and unburned gas is flowing out. A valve drive permission signal F is output to the valve drive unit 8.
[0025]
Next, a specific description of operation and action will be given with reference to FIG.
[0026]
FIG. 4 shows a program flow of the above means from process T2 to process T16. However, processing T4 and processing T6 to processing T9 are omitted. Now, it is assumed that the flow from the start to the end of processing is periodically processed by an interval calendar or the like.
[0027]
In the flow rate input means 3, the process T5 measures whether a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or the same effect can be obtained by using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor). If it does not flow a certain amount, the process proceeds to process T14.
[0028]
In the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the process T10 calculates the flow rate and compares it with an abnormal flow rate determination value that is held in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If it moves to T11 and is less than abnormal flow determination value, it will transfer to process T14.
[0029]
In the external notification means 6, the process T11 notifies the center that monitors the gas shutoff device using a public communication line such as a telephone that the gas exceeding the abnormal flow rate determination value has been used, and the process proceeds to the process T12.
[0030]
In the valve drive unit 8, the process T12 outputs a drive output to the valve and proceeds to the process T13. In the valve 9, the process T13 closes the gas passage and ends the process.
[0031]
In the leakage determination unit 11, the process T14 determines whether or not the gas passage is being closed. If the gas passage is being closed, the process proceeds to process T15, and if not, the process ends. If there is back electromotive force generated when the valve 9 is opened in the return input means 10 (or the same effect can be obtained even if a return switch is provided to detect that the switch is pressed), the process T15 is performed. If there is no back electromotive force, the process ends.
[0032]
In the gas flow input means 1, the process T2 detects the gas flow in the gas passage replaced with the rotation of a windmill or the like, and if there is a gas flow, outputs a gas flow signal and proceeds to the process T3. In the leakage determination unit 11, the process T3 determines the presence or absence of a gas flow signal. If there is a gas flow signal, the process proceeds to process T16, and if there is no gas flow, the process ends. In process T16, the presence or absence of a gas flow is determined after a certain period of time (a delay time until the gas is filled and stabilized in the gas passage). If there is a gas flow, the process proceeds to process T12, and if there is no gas flow, the process is performed. finish.
[0033]
(Example 3)
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a program flow diagram of the third embodiment.
[0034]
The flow rate input means 3 measures whether or not a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or is equivalent to using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas flowing in the gas passage. The flow rate signal C is output if a certain amount flows).
[0035]
When the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7 receives the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3, it calculates the flow rate from the flow rate signal C and holds it in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If there is a flow rate signal C greater than the abnormal flow rate judgment value, an alarm notification signal E and a valve drive permission signal F are output.
[0036]
When the external notification means 6 receives the alarm notification signal E from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the external notification means 6 notifies the outside to the center that is monitoring the gas shut-off device using a public communication line such as a telephone.
[0037]
When the valve drive unit 8 receives the valve drive permission signal F from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, it outputs a valve close signal G. When the valve 9 receives the valve closing signal G from the valve driving unit 8, the valve 9 drives the valve to close the gas passage.
[0038]
The gas flow input means 1 rotates the wind turbine by the gas flow in the gas passage, detects the rotation of the wind turbine, and outputs a gas flow signal A if there is a gas flow. The forced shut-off means 12 determines the presence or absence of the gas flow signal A of the gas input means 1 (forced shut-off also serves as a periodic check function for confirming that the gas shut-off device operates normally as a method of use other than in an emergency. When performing the inspection, make sure that no gas is being used in order not to cause a fine gas leak that cannot be detected by leak judgment for a maximum of 2 minutes when the gas passage is closed and then opened again. If there is no gas flow signal A, the valve drive permission signal F is output to the valve drive unit 8.
[0039]
Next, a specific description of the operation and action will be given with reference to FIG.
[0040]
FIG. 6 shows a program flow of the above means from process T2 to process T17. However, processing T4, processing T6 to processing T9, and processing T14 to processing T16 are omitted. Now, it is assumed that the flow from the start to the end of processing is periodically processed by an interval calendar or the like.
[0041]
In the gas flow input means 1, the process T2 detects the gas flow in the gas passage replaced with the rotation of a windmill or the like, and if there is a gas flow, outputs a gas flow signal and proceeds to the process T3. In the forced cutoff means 12, the process T3 determines whether or not there is a gas flow signal. If there is a gas flow signal, the process proceeds to process T5, and if there is no gas flow signal, the process proceeds to process T17. Process T17 determines whether or not there is a forced cutoff input. If there is a forced cutoff input, the process proceeds to process T12, and if there is no forced cutoff input, the process ends.
[0042]
In the flow rate input means 3, the process T5 measures whether a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or the same effect can be obtained by using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor). If it is determined that the predetermined amount has not flowed, the process ends.
[0043]
In the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the process T10 calculates the flow rate and compares it with an abnormal flow rate determination value that is held in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If the process proceeds to T11 and is less than the abnormal flow rate determination value, the process ends.
[0044]
In the external notification means 6, the process T11 notifies the center that monitors the gas shutoff device using a public communication line such as a telephone that the gas exceeding the abnormal flow rate determination value has been used, and the process proceeds to the process T12.
[0045]
In the valve drive unit 8, the process T12 outputs a drive output to the valve and proceeds to the process T13. In the valve 9, the process T13 closes the gas passage and ends the process.
[0046]
Example 4
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a program flow diagram of the fourth embodiment.
[0047]
The flow rate input means 3 measures whether or not a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or is equivalent to using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor that can accurately measure the flow rate of gas flowing in the gas passage. The flow rate signal C is output if a certain amount flows).
[0048]
When the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7 receives the flow rate signal C from the flow rate input means 3, it calculates the flow rate from the flow rate signal C and holds it in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If there is a flow rate signal C greater than the abnormal flow rate judgment value, an alarm notification signal E and a valve drive permission signal F are output.
[0049]
When the external notification means 6 receives the alarm notification signal E from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the external notification means 6 notifies the outside to the center that is monitoring the gas shut-off device using a public communication line such as a telephone.
When the valve drive unit 8 receives the valve drive permission signal F from the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, it outputs a valve close signal G. When the valve 9 receives the valve closing signal G from the valve driving unit 8, the valve 9 drives the valve to close the gas passage.
[0050]
The gas flow input means 1 rotates the wind turbine by the gas flow in the gas passage, detects the rotation of the wind turbine, and outputs a gas flow signal A if there is a gas flow.
[0051]
The external sensor 13 outputs an external sensor abnormality signal I when an abnormality is detected with a predetermined determination value (for example, when a seismoscope that detects an earthquake is turned on continuously for 1 second). When the flow rate monitoring unit 14 receives the external sensor abnormality signal I from the external sensor 13, the flow rate monitoring unit 14 detects the gas flow signal A from the gas flow input means 1 a plurality of times (for example, 3 times within a certain period of time) ), A valve drive permission signal F is output to the valve drive unit 8.
[0052]
Next, a specific description of the operation and action will be given with reference to FIG.
[0053]
FIG. 8 shows a program flow of the above means from process T2 to process T19. However, the process T4, the process T6 to the process T9, and the process T14 to the process T17 are omitted. Now, it is assumed that the flow from the start to the end of processing is periodically processed by an interval calendar or the like.
[0054]
In the external sensor 13, the process T <b> 18 proceeds to a process T <b> 2 when an abnormality is detected with a predetermined determination value (for example, when a seismoscope that detects an earthquake is continuously turned on for 1 second). Migrate to
[0055]
In the flow rate input means 3, the process T5 measures whether a certain amount of gas flowing in the gas passage has flowed (or the same effect can be obtained by using a flow rate sensor such as an ultrasonic sensor or a flow sensor). If it is determined that the predetermined amount has not flowed, the process ends.
[0056]
In the abnormal flow rate determination unit 7, the process T10 calculates the flow rate and compares it with an abnormal flow rate determination value that is held in advance (for example, the maximum gas flow rate value allowed by the gas shut-off device). If the process proceeds to T11 and is less than the abnormal flow rate determination value, the process ends.
[0057]
In the external notification means 6, the process T11 notifies the center that monitors the gas shutoff device using a public communication line such as a telephone that the gas exceeding the abnormal flow rate determination value has been used, and the process proceeds to the process T12.
[0058]
In the valve drive unit 8, the process T12 outputs a drive output to the valve and proceeds to the process T13. In the valve 9, the process T13 closes the gas passage and ends the process.
[0059]
In the gas flow input means 1, the process T2 detects the gas flow in the gas passage replaced with the rotation of a windmill or the like, and if there is a gas flow, outputs a gas flow signal and proceeds to the process T3. In the flow rate monitoring unit 14, the process T3 determines whether or not there is a gas flow signal. If there is a gas flow signal, the process proceeds to the process T19, and if there is no gas flow, the process ends. In process T19, a plurality of detections (for example, three times) are determined in a certain period (for example, a time interval of driving the flow rate sensor). If a plurality of detections are detected, the process proceeds to process T12.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
Even in a state that does not even use the user gases in the conventional gas shutoff device if Re good to the present invention as described above, to ensure that the gas is not actually used, for example, every 5 seconds However, it is necessary to periodically drive a flow sensor (for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a flow sensor, etc.), but a simple gas flow input means that does not require an accurate accuracy to measure the gas flow rate is provided. Thus, it is only necessary to drive the flow rate sensor after the flow rate has flowed. For example, if gas is used for 3 hours in preparation for one meal and cleaning up afterwards, the flow sensor needs to be driven for 9 hours a day, and the number of times the flow sensor is driven can be reduced from 1/2 to 1/3. . This makes it possible to design a battery with a small capacity, and by using a small battery, the gas shut-off device can be miniaturized, or the product life can be extended even if a battery with the same capacity is used. Has the advantageous effect of being able to
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a gas shut-off device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a program flow diagram of the device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a gas shut-off device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Program flow diagram of the apparatus FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of the gas shut-off device of Embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a program flow diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 7. Function of the gas shut-off device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Block diagram [Fig. 8] Program flow diagram of the device [Fig. 9] Functional block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device [Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas flow input means 2 Flow rate presence determination part 3 Flow rate input means 4 Pointer value calculation part 5 Pointer value holding part 6 External notification means 7 Abnormal flow rate determination part 8 Valve drive part 9 Valve 10 Return input means 11 Leakage determination part 12 Forced cutoff Means 13 External sensor 14 Flow rate monitoring unit

Claims (1)

A gas flow input means for detecting the presence or absence of a gas flow in the gas passage and outputting a gas flow signal when the gas flow is present; a flow rate presence / absence determining unit that outputs a flow sensor drive signal when receiving the gas flow signal; When the flow sensor driving signal is received, the flow sensor is driven to measure the flow rate of the gas flowing in the gas passage and the flow signal is output, and when the flow signal is received, the flow signal is totaled and the pointer value is output. e Bei and guidelines value calculation unit, and guidance value holding unit which holds the pointer value receives the pointer value, and external notification means for notifying the pointer value from the pointer value holding unit to the outside, the flow input A gas shut-off device that stops the output of the flow sensor drive signal if the gas flow rate cannot be detected by the means .

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