JP4958815B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that uses a CO alarm device and a gas meter to control the use of gas appliances when CO is generated, and in particular, identifies a CO gas leaking appliance based on an output signal from the CO alarm device. The present invention relates to a gas shut-off device that ensures safety.

  Conventionally, as this kind of gas shut-off device, for example, a configuration as shown in FIG. 4 is known (see Patent Document 1). The gas cutoff device of Patent Document 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  Reference numeral 1 is an alarm device, and 2 is a microcomputer gas meter, which are connected via signal lines. The microcomputer meter 2 is connected to the NCU 3 and is connected to a monitoring center (not shown) via the telephone line 4.

  The alarm device 1 detects methane with a methane gas sensor 4. 5 is a gas sensor which detects CO with a CO sensor. A CPU 6 detects signals from the methane gas sensor 4 and the CO sensor 5 when the detection gas is generated. Sensor information is detected as a continuous gas concentration value. Reference numeral 7 denotes an audio LSI. When a gas leak situation is detected via the speaker 8, the voice LSI notifies the surroundings by voice. Reference numeral 9 denotes an LED, which displays when a gas leak condition is detected and notifies the surroundings. Reference numeral 10 denotes a power supply circuit. When power is first applied to the alarm device 1, the above-described functions start to operate.

  Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described. This type of alarm 1 is often placed in a home cooking place. In general, city gas sometimes detects methane gas, which is a combustible gas, and also detects CO gas generated during incomplete combustion. The methane gas sensor 4 and the CO sensor 5 use the combustibility, and the combustible gas to be detected is burned in the vicinity of the high-temperature coil, so that the sensor temperature rises and is detected by a resistance value change or the like. When the gas is detected, it is output from the methane gas sensor 4 and the CO sensor 5 to the CPU 6 to detect a gas leak. When the alarm device 1 detects the occurrence of a gas leakage situation, it notifies a surrounding person by display or sound through the speaker 8 or the LED 9 through the sound LSI 7.

When the alarm device 1 detects gas, information is sent to the microcomputer meter 2 through the signal line, and further, the microcomputer meter 2 passes through the NCU 3 and notifies the monitoring center through the telephone line 4. As described in various documents, when the alarm device 1 detects a gas leak and is sent to the microcomputer meter 2, the microcomputer meter 2 stops the gas supply and blocks the gas passage. When the gas concentration increases, the alarm device 1 performs alarm alarm transmission. When the gas concentration further increases, transmission is performed according to the gas concentration increase and decrease at regular intervals such as 1.5 times, 2 times, 2.5 times, and 3 times.
JP-A-11-306463

  However, in the conventional configuration described above, even if the gas appliance in use falls into an incomplete combustion state for some reason, and the alarm device detects carbon monoxide gas (hereinafter referred to as CO) at an early stage, the microcomputer meter does not operate normally. When the flow rate of the appliance is detected, the CO gas generating appliance cannot be identified, and when the microcomputer meter stops the gas supply, if multiple gas appliances are used, which appliance emits CO gas. As a result, the repair and repair of the equipment is delayed, especially when using a stove or a bath water heater in a sealed room, CO gas is colorless and odorless, so the life of the user, etc. May be placed in a dangerous state for a long time, and has a problem in terms of safety.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and operates based on a low-concentration CO detection signal from a CO alarm device, and identifies a CO leakage device using a gas meter that can determine the device to be used from flow rate data. Thus, it is possible to provide a gas shutoff device that can respond to instrument repairs at an early stage and is highly reliable and highly safe.

  In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas shutoff device of the present invention monitors the usage status of the gas appliance connected to the pipe after passing through the gas meter, and also uses the gas appliance using the signal from the CO alarm device. The gas meter includes a flow rate detection means for measuring a gas flow rate, a flow rate calculation means for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate value from a detection value of the flow rate detection means, and an instantaneous value obtained by the flow rate calculation means. A flow rate storage means for storing flow rate values in time series in association with each other as a flow rate pattern, an average flow rate calculation means for averaging the instantaneous flow rate values obtained by the flow rate calculation means to obtain an average flow value, and a mean flow rate calculation means A flow rate registration means for registering the flow rate value when it is determined from the average flow rate value, and a determination signal corresponding to the CO concentration level determined by a detection signal from the CO alarm device When the instrument flow rate is registered by the CO gas leakage determination means and the determination signal is output from the CO gas leakage determination means, the flow pattern of the flow rate storage means is read and the CO leakage appliance is estimated and continuously detected. The apparatus estimation means for outputting a signal for setting the limit value of the usable time in the shortening direction and the number of estimation processes of the CO leakage instrument to be executed when the CO gas leakage determination signal is output are counted. When the number is exceeded, regardless of the presence or absence of the CO gas leakage determination signal, the occurrence frequency measuring means for issuing an instruction to execute the estimation process of the CO leakage appliance using the flow rate pattern, and the appliance estimation means read the Instrument flow rate storage means for storing data of the flow rate storage means together with the instrument flow rate, the flow rate registration means, the instrument estimation means, and the CO gas leakage determination means An abnormality determination means for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality by changing the limit value of the continuous usable time of the instrument with these signals, a blocking means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality, and a communication means for reporting various instrument information And changing conditions for specifying a CO leakage device according to the presence or absence of a signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means, and when there is no signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means, according to a determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means , CO leakage appliance estimation processing is executed, and when there is a signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means, the CO leakage appliance estimation processing is executed regardless of the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means, and the CO leakage appliance is identified. When this is done, a monitoring mode for limiting and monitoring the use conditions of the instrument is executed.

  According to the above invention, when the use of the instrument is started, the instantaneous flow rate is obtained by the flow rate calculation means, and stored in the flow rate storage means as a flow rate pattern in association with time series, while the average flow rate calculation means is used to calculate the average flow rate. Registered in the flow rate registration means as the flow rate for monitoring the equipment to be monitored, and monitored the magnitude of the flow rate, length of use time, etc. by the abnormality determination means. When the CO gas leak is detected and the CO gas leak determination means determines that the CO alarm signal is in a low concentration state, the flow rate pattern of the flow storage means and the registered flow rate of the flow registration means are stored as data that may cause CO gas leakage. It is input to the appliance estimation means as a group, and it is inferred from the past flow rate pattern stored in the appliance flow rate storage means or the registered flow rate whether the appliance has a flow rate pattern in which CO gas leakage is constantly occurring. And, re-set the limit for continuous use time shortening direction through the anomaly determination unit when it is identified as a CO leakage appliance to perform monitoring mode. At the same time, the occurrence frequency measuring means counts the coincidence frequency between the flow rate pattern determined as CO gas leakage by the apparatus estimating means and the apparatus and CO gas leakage of the registered flow rate. Even if there is not, the estimation device of the CO leakage device using the flow rate pattern is executed in the device estimation means, and if it is identified as the CO leakage device, the limit value of the continuous use time is shortened through the abnormality determination device. Reconfigure and execute the monitoring mode, and report to the monitoring center. After that, when some measures for CO gas leakage countermeasures are not taken and used, the instrument estimation means collates with the previous flow rate pattern group, and if it falls within a predetermined correlation coefficient, the flow rate registration means registers the flow rate. In the abnormality judgment means, the usage time is limited from the stage of the extremely small amount of CO alarm signal by limiting it to a short usage time, and the usage time is limited every time it is used. In addition, since it is shut down in a short time, the danger to the user is extremely low, and by notifying the appliance information with a warning, the gas company can easily identify the abnormal appliance and can take early action.

  When the use of the instrument is started, the gas shutoff device of the present invention obtains the instantaneous flow rate by the flow rate calculation means, stores it in the flow rate storage means as a flow pattern in association with the time series, and on the other hand, averages the average flow rate calculation means The flow rate is obtained and registered in the flow rate registration means as the flow rate for monitoring the equipment, and the magnitude of the flow rate, length of use time, etc. are monitored by the abnormality judgment means. When the gas detector detects a CO gas leak and the CO gas leak determination means determines that the CO alarm signal is in a low concentration state, the flow pattern of the flow memory means or the registered flow rate of the flow rate registration means may be a CO gas leak instrument. Is input to the instrument estimation means as a data group, and the instrument has a flow rate pattern in which CO gas leakage steadily occurs from the past flow rate pattern and the registered flow rate stored in the instrument flow rate storage means. To estimate, reconfigure Once identified as a CO leakage appliance limit value of the abnormality determination means for continuous use time over the shorter direction run the monitoring mode. At the same time, the occurrence frequency measuring means counts the coincidence frequency between the flow rate pattern determined as CO gas leakage by the apparatus estimating means and the apparatus and CO gas leakage of the registered flow rate. Even if there is not, the estimation device of the CO leakage device using the flow rate pattern is executed in the device estimation means, and if it is identified as the CO leakage device, the limit value of the continuous use time is shortened through the abnormality determination device. Reconfigure and execute the monitoring mode, and report to the monitoring center. After that, when some measures for CO gas leakage countermeasures are not taken and used, the instrument estimation means collates with the previous flow rate pattern group, and if it falls within a predetermined correlation coefficient, the flow rate registration means registers the flow rate. In the abnormality judgment means, the usage time is limited from the stage of the extremely small amount of CO alarm signal by limiting it to a short usage time, and the usage time is limited every time it is used. In addition, since it is shut down in a short time, the danger to the user is extremely low, and by notifying the appliance information with a warning, the gas company can easily identify the abnormal appliance and can take early action.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gas shut-off device that monitors the use status of a gas appliance connected to a pipe after passing through a gas meter, and restricts the use condition of the gas appliance by a signal from a CO alarm. The gas meter includes a flow rate detection means for measuring a gas flow rate, a flow rate calculation means for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate value from a detection value of the flow rate detection means, and an instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation means in time series. A flow rate storage means for storing the flow rate pattern in association, an average flow rate calculation means for averaging the instantaneous flow rate values obtained by the flow rate calculation means to obtain an average flow value, and an average flow value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means. CO gas leakage that determines the flow rate when the flow rate is determined, and outputs a determination signal corresponding to the CO concentration level determined by the detection signal from the CO alarm When the appliance flow rate is registered by the determining means and the flow rate registration means and the determination signal is output from the CO gas leakage determination means, the flow rate pattern of the flow rate storage means is read and the CO leakage appliance is estimated to limit the continuous usable time When the device estimation means for outputting a signal for setting a value in a shortening direction and the number of estimation processes of the CO leakage instrument executed when the CO gas leakage determination signal is output are counted, and the number of estimation processes exceeds a predetermined number Regardless of the presence or absence of the CO gas leakage determination signal, the occurrence frequency measuring means for instructing to execute the CO leakage appliance estimation process using the flow rate pattern, and the data of the flow rate storage means read by the appliance estimation means Appliance flow rate storage means for storing the flow rate together with the appliance flow rate, and a signal from the flow rate registration means, the appliance estimation means, and the CO gas leakage determination means. The occurrence frequency measuring means, comprising: an abnormality determining means for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality by changing the limit value of the usable time, a shutting means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality, and a communication means for reporting various instrument information The process for specifying the CO leaking appliance is changed according to the presence or absence of a signal from the CO, and when there is no signal from the occurrence frequency measuring means, the CO leaking appliance estimating process is performed according to the judgment signal of the CO gas leak judging means When there is a signal from the occurrence frequency measuring means, the CO leaking device estimation process is executed regardless of the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determining means, and when the CO leakage device is specified, the use of the device is performed. The monitoring mode for monitoring with limiting conditions is executed.

  Then, when the use of the instrument is started, the instantaneous flow rate is obtained by the flow rate calculation means, and is stored in the flow rate storage means as a flow pattern in association with the time series, while the average flow rate is obtained by the average flow rate calculation means. The flow rate is registered in the flow rate registration means, and the abnormality determination means monitors the magnitude of the flow rate, the length of use time, etc., but during monitoring, the instrument becomes incompletely combusted for some reason and the CO alarm leaks CO gas. When the CO gas leakage determination means detects and determines that the CO alarm signal is in a low concentration state, the apparatus estimates the flow pattern of the flow storage means and the registered flow rate of the flow registration means as a data group as a CO gas leakage possibility apparatus. Is input to the means, and from the past flow rate pattern and the registered flow rate stored in the instrument flow rate storage means, it is estimated whether the instrument has a flow rate pattern in which CO gas leakage is constantly occurring, Mode again set the limit for continuous operation time through the abnormality determination means when it is identified as an instrument in the reducing direction by executing a monitor mode. At the same time, the occurrence frequency measuring means counts the coincidence frequency between the flow rate pattern determined as CO gas leakage by the apparatus estimating means and the apparatus and CO gas leakage of the registered flow rate. Even if there is not, the estimation device of the CO leakage device using the flow rate pattern is executed in the device estimation means, and if it is identified as the CO leakage device, the limit value of the continuous use time is shortened through the abnormality determination device. Reconfigure and execute the monitoring mode, and report to the monitoring center. After that, when some measures for CO gas leakage countermeasures are not taken and used, the instrument estimation means collates with the previous flow rate pattern group, and if it falls within a predetermined correlation coefficient, the flow rate registration means registers the flow rate. In the abnormality judgment means, the usage time is limited from the stage of the extremely small amount of CO alarm signal by limiting it to a short usage time, and the usage time is limited every time it is used. In addition, since it is shut down in a short time, the danger to the user is extremely low, and by notifying the appliance information with a warning, the gas company can easily identify the abnormal appliance and can take early action.

  The appliance estimation means executes the monitoring mode unconditionally when a CO gas leakage signal is first detected, and stores various data in the appliance flow rate storage means.

  When the CO gas leak signal is detected in a state where the flow rate pattern cannot be compared because there is no stored data in the instrument flow rate storage means, it is determined that the instrument used is a CO leak instrument, and the limit value for use time is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to ensure the safety of using the instrument.

  In addition, the appliance estimation means outputs the determination signal output as the CO concentration increases from the first stage signal at the low CO concentration level to the maximum nth stage signal with the high CO concentration output from the CO gas leakage determination means. Accordingly, the limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance is set to be shortened.

  And as the generated CO concentration increases, the limit value of the continuous usable time is changed so as to be strictly monitored, so that the safety of using the instrument can be further improved.

  The appliance estimation means outputs a signal for closing the blocking means via the abnormality determination means when the maximum n-th stage determination signal having a high CO concentration is output from the CO gas leakage determination means. .

  And even if the CO concentration is in an unsafe state, if the appliance continues to be used, the shut-off valve is closed to stop the gas supply, thus further improving the safety of the appliance usage. be able to.

  In addition, when the CO leaking appliance repeats use and stop, the appliance estimation means sets the limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance in a direction of shortening according to the number of repetitions.

  And when the CO leaking instrument repeats use and a stop frequently, since the continuous useable time is changed short and monitored, the safety of instrument use can be secured.

  And since it is a program, a part or all of the interruption | blocking apparatus of this invention can be easily implement | achieved using a microcomputer etc. Also, program distribution and installation can be simplified by recording on a recording medium or distributing a program using a communication line.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an installation mode of a gas cutoff device and a gas appliance in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device.

  First, as Embodiment 1 of the present invention, a configuration for executing a CO leaking instrument estimation process in accordance with a determination signal from a CO gas leak determination unit will be described.

  A gas shut-off device 12 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 11 in each household, and branches to the place where various gas appliances used at home are branched from the gas pipe 13 after passing through the gas shut-off device 12. Piped and supplied with gas. For example, a gas water heater 14 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 14 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 15, a bath 16 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 17 is supplied to form various usage forms. In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to the gas table 18 installed in the kitchen and the gas fan heater 19 installed in the living room, bedroom, etc., but the CO alarm 20 is installed in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. CO (carbon monoxide, abbreviated as CO) gas leakage is monitored.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the gas shut-off device 12 measures the amount of use, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas shut-off device 12 is subjected to predetermined information processing based on a periodic data request command from the gas company, and then the gas fee, gas usage amount, discount service provided by the gas company, etc. This information is sent to consumers and gas companies.

  FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the CO alarm 20 connected to the gas shut-off device 12. As an example, the 20 CO alarm device includes a CO gas sensor 21 that detects CO gas and changes its signal level according to the CO concentration level, an amplifying means 22 that amplifies the signal, and a CPU 23 that processes the amplified signal. . The CO alarm 20 is connected through a terminal block of the gas shut-off device 12 or the like. The CO alarm device 20 outputs a code signal and an analog signal to the gas cutoff device 12 as the CO gas concentration level increases.

  As the gas shut-off device 12, the gas flow rate is measured by the flow rate detection means 24. There are various types of flow rate detecting means 24, and an ultrasonic signal is transmitted from one to the other by a pair of ultrasonic sensors installed in the flow path shown in this embodiment, and the gas used is determined from the propagation time. One that detects the flow rate, one that provides a hot-wire sensor in the flow path and obtains the flow rate based on the impedance that changes depending on the flow, and further detects the amount of gas with a metering membrane, and the mechanical operation of the metering membrane is controlled by a magnet and a reed switch or magnet There is one that detects a flow rate as an electric pulse signal by a resistance element or the like.

  For example, in the case of the flow rate detection means 24 using an ultrasonic sensor, although not shown, a first transmitter / receiver that transmits or receives ultrasonic waves and a second transmitter / receiver that receives or transmits ultrasonic waves are arranged opposite to each other in the flow direction, An ultrasonic signal is transmitted from upstream to downstream and from downstream to upstream at predetermined intervals to measure the propagation time. Then, the flow rate calculation unit 25 obtains the instantaneous flow rate value in consideration of the cross-sectional area of the flow path and the fluid flow state from the difference in ultrasonic propagation time between the first transmitter / receiver and the second transmitter / receiver.

  Then, the flow rate storage means 26 determines a flow rate value equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate as an appliance flow rate, and stores an instantaneous flow rate equal to or higher than the appliance flow rate in time series. The data is stored as a flow rate pattern group, and is classified into a large flow rate region, a medium flow rate region, and a small flow rate region, and stored with serial instrument numbers.

  The average flow rate calculation means 27 inputs instantaneous flow rate values obtained at a predetermined cycle, aggregates a predetermined number of instantaneous flow rate values, averages them, and calculates them as average flow rate values.

  The flow rate registration means 28 is registered as a continuous use time monitoring target as an instrument flow rate when the obtained average flow rate value is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate. Usually, when the flow rate change width is greater than or equal to a predetermined flow rate with respect to the flow rate value before or N times before, the increased flow rate is registered as the instrument flow rate. If it decreases, it is determined that the instrument is stopped and the registered flow rate is deleted or changed.

  The CO gas leakage determination means 29 outputs a signal corresponding to the CO gas concentration level in the room from the CO alarm device 20, and determines which concentration level the leakage signal is. The CO gas leakage determination means 29 receives and processes an analog signal, receives it with a communication signal, and receives it with a digital signal in which a concentration level is encoded.

  The appliance estimation means 30 includes a flow rate pattern group stored in the flow rate storage means 26, a signal from the CO gas leakage determination means 29, a past appliance flow rate pattern group stored in the appliance flow rate storage means 31, and a flow rate registration value. From this, it is estimated whether there is an instrument flow pattern that may cause gas leakage. When there is only one flow rate registration in the flow rate registration unit 28, the flow rate pattern device in the flow rate storage unit 26 is estimated as a CO gas leakage device and registered therein. If multiple flow rate registrations are made, whether the flow rate value changes beyond the predetermined flow rate, the peak flow rate, or the flow rate change after the peak flow rate, for example, whether the closeness of the flow rate is within a predetermined range using a correlation coefficient or covariance judge.

  The instrument flow rate storage means 31 sequentially stores information such as a flow rate pattern group of the flow rate storage means 26 and a flow rate registration value of the flow rate registration means 28 every time a signal is output from the CO gas leakage determination means 29.

  The abnormality determination unit 32 monitors the appliance used based on a predetermined monitoring condition.

  The monitoring value setting means 33 stores the appliance continuous use time limit corresponding to the flow rate range, the monitoring judgment value of the maximum use flow rate, or the like from the registered flow rate of the flow rate registration means 28. For example, when a hose that supplies gas to a stove or the like is disconnected for some reason, an abnormally large flow rate is generated, but the total flow cutoff value for monitoring such a state and the maximum usage time for normal use of the instrument The usage time cutoff time limit that defines the usage time limit time is set corresponding to the case where it is used for a much longer time, and this set value is compared with the registered flow rate value of the flow rate registration means 28 by the abnormality determination means 32. By determining, it is determined whether the registered flow rate value does not exceed the maximum use flow rate value, or whether the appliance use time exceeds the appliance continuous use limit time corresponding to the registered flow rate value.

  When a CO leakage appliance determination signal is output from the appliance estimation means 30 to the abnormality determination means 32, a much shorter continuous use time limit is set in preference to the original continuous use time limit of the monitoring setting means 33. When the alarm signal having the highest CO concentration level is output from the CO gas leakage determination means 29, the alarm signal is output to the abnormality determination means 32, and the interruption means 34 is immediately activated to shut off.

  When the abnormality determination means 32 determines that there is an abnormality, a cutoff signal is sent to the cutoff means 34 to stop the gas supply. In addition, the shut-off state and the shut-off content are displayed on the liquid crystal display element and the like, and the center that performs gas safety monitoring is notified through the communication means 35.

  When the appliance estimation means 30 estimates that the CO gas leaks, the abnormality determination means 32 monitors the usage time of the registered flow rate, and the usage time is greatly shortened and adjusted.

  When the appliance flow rate is registered in the flow rate registration unit 28 and the usage time is viewed by the abnormality determination unit 32, the usage time is adjusted when the appliance estimation unit 30 estimates the CO gas leakage leakage appliance.

  Whenever the usage time is adjusted, a call notification that the usage time limit has been changed is sent to the monitoring center (not shown) of the gas company through the communication means 35. At this time, the flow rate codes belonging to the large flow rate range, medium flow rate range, and small flow rate range and the instrument numbers belonging to the respective flow rate ranges are communicated to the center through the communication means 35.

  Next, the operation of the gas cutoff device of the present invention will be described. When a gas appliance, such as a gas stove 19 or a water heater 14, held at a customer's home is used, the flow rate is detected by the flow rate detection means 24. For example, when an ultrasonic sensor is used, the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal is measured as a detected value, and this signal is sent to the flow rate calculation means 25 and calculated as an instantaneous flow rate value.

  When the instantaneous flow rate value calculated by the flow rate calculation unit 25 is a flow rate value greater than or equal to a predetermined flow rate, the flow rate storage unit 26 determines that the flow rate is an instrument flow rate, and sequentially inputs the flow rate values and stores them as a flow rate pattern in association with time series. The At the same time, based on the instantaneous flow rate value of the detected flow rate pattern, the flow rate code is classified into a large flow rate range, a medium flow rate range, and a small flow rate range and a flow rate range, and an instrument number is assigned and stored.

  The average flow rate calculation means 27 calculates the average flow rate from the flow rate of each predetermined number, and the obtained average flow rate is compared with the average flow rate before N times (n = 1) before the flow rate changes more than the predetermined flow rate. The increased flow rate is registered in the flow rate registration means 28 by determining that the appliance is being used.

  Then, the abnormality determination means 32 measures and monitors the continuous use time of the appliance in use by referring to the monitor value stored in the monitor value setting means 33 from the flow rate classification to which the registered flow belongs, that is, the continuous use time limit value. . On the other hand, it is also monitored in parallel whether the flow rate value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means 27 before being registered in the flow rate registration means 28 does not exceed an abnormal flow rate due to a cause such as hose disconnection.

  When the gas table 18 or the gas fan heater 19 is used in a living room or kitchen, if the CO gas leakage occurs due to an incomplete combustion state for some reason, the CO gas sensor 21 of the CO alarm 20 detects the CO gas concentration. As an alarm signal at an extremely low level, for example, a CO gas leak signal is output from the CPU 23 to the gas shut-off device 12 as a first-stage alarm signal.

  When the CO gas leakage determining means 29 detects the first stage signal, the appliance estimating means 30 is a flow rate registered value, a flow rate pattern group stored in the flow rate storage means 26, a flow rate data group in the appliance flow rate storage means 31, and a flow rate pattern. The group and the registered flow rate are compared, and the correlation is examined by dividing into blocks of each flow rate pattern. Judgment is made based on the rise of the flow rate, the peak flow rate, the flow rate value in a stable state, the change flow rate gradient when the flow rate changes, and the like, and it is estimated whether the device flow rate is when the CO gas leak signal is detected.

  When a CO gas leak signal is first detected, the flow pattern group and the registered flow rate are unconditionally stored in the instrument flow rate storage means 31 and signaled to the abnormality determination means 32 as a CO gas leak instrument detection for safety. Output, reduce usage time and monitor time. For example, while the gas table 18 and the gas fan heater 19 are being used, the time monitored from 720 minutes at the beginning is shortened to, for example, 20 minutes. And it classify | categorizes for every high flow area memorize | stored in the flow volume memory | storage means 26, the middle flow area, and the small flow area, and stores an instrument number collectively. When the CO gas leakage determination means 29 inputs the maximum n-th stage alarm signal having a higher CO concentration than the CO alarm device while it is used, the estimated output that the CO leakage apparatus is in use is output to the abnormality determination means by the apparatus estimation means 30. When output, the abnormality determination unit 32 immediately outputs a blocking signal to the blocking unit 34.

  When the instrument is stopped and reused, and the CO gas leak determination means 29 detects the CO gas leak signal, the instrument estimation means 30 determines whether the instrument is a CO gas leak instrument based on the data in the instrument flow rate storage means 31 and the correlation coefficient, for example. And a CO gas leakage appliance detection signal is output to the abnormality determination means 32 to greatly limit the usage time. When a CO leakage appliance determination signal is output from the appliance estimation means 30 to the abnormality determination means 32, a much shorter use time limit time is set in preference to the original time limit of the monitor setting means 33. In other words, when the gas leakage device is repeatedly used and stopped, the limit value of the continuous usable time of the device is set to be shortened according to the number of repetitions.

  At the same time, a call communication is performed to the effect that the restriction on the continuous use time is detected by detecting the CO gas leak to the center of the gas company through the communication means 35. A normal call is a code signal indicating an abnormal content and a flow rate classification. However, in the case of CO leakage, a CO leakage code indicating a CO leakage state, a device code, a CO alarm content (first stage, second stage, etc.) Send the density level) and time limit. Usually, the alarm signal at the first level is a very low level signal that does not affect the human body.

  When the CO gas concentration detected by the CO alarm device 20 gradually increases, the second and third stage alarms are changed and sent. When the signal is detected, the judgment range of the correlation coefficient of the instrument flow rate pattern in the instrument estimation means 30 is widened, the estimation of the gas leak instrument is facilitated, the continuous use time monitoring value is further shortened, and the remaining time is gradually reduced. shorten. At the same time, call communication is made to the center. Further, when the gas concentration level becomes high at once and the CO gas leakage determination means 29 receives an extremely dangerous alarm signal with the maximum concentration, it outputs to the abnormality determination means 32 and immediately outputs a cutoff signal to the cutoff means 34 to output the gas. Supply is stopped to ensure safety.

  It should be noted that the numerical limitation used in the present embodiment is an example, and the usage pattern is not limited to this embodiment.

  As described above, when the CO gas leak is detected by the CO alarm device 20 and the CO gas leak determination means 29 on the gas cutoff device 12 side determines that the alarm signal is at the first stage with a low CO gas concentration level, the instrument estimation is performed. It is estimated whether or not it is a CO gas leaking instrument from the instrument flow rate registered in the means 30, the time series signal of the instrument flow rate greater than the predetermined flow rate stored in the flow rate storage means 26, and the data stored in the instrument flow rate storage means 31. When the CO gas leakage device is estimated, the usage time monitored and monitored by the abnormality determination means 32 is limited, and the device number classified and stored is notified to the center by the communication means 35, so that the gas business operator can be notified. It is possible to notify which equipment is causing the trouble, to ensure the safety of the user of the gas equipment, to prevent danger to life such as carbon monoxide poisoning due to CO gas leakage, By reporting information such as the instrument number to the person's center, it is easy to identify the instrument, and it is possible to implement safety measures at an early stage when the CO gas concentration level is low, making the gas appliance operating environment extremely safe and reliable. Can be provided.

  Next, the start of use of the gas leakage device is estimated by determining the flow rate pattern without the gas leakage determination signal from the CO gas leakage determination means 29, which is a characteristic configuration of the present invention, and the abnormality determination means 32 is detected. A configuration for outputting a signal for resetting the limit value of the continuous use time in the shortening direction will be described below as a second embodiment.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the gas cutoff device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the same number is attached to the means for performing the same function as in FIGS.

  In FIG. 3, gas is supplied to the gas table 18 installed in the kitchen and the gas fan heater 19 installed in the living room or bedroom in each household, and the CO alarm is used for monitoring the CO gas leak in the kitchen, living room or bedroom. A vessel 20 is installed.

  In FIG. 3, when the CO generation frequency measuring means 36 determines the CO gas leakage signal from the CO alarm device 20 by the CO gas leakage determining means 29, the appliance estimating means 30 is connected to the flow rate pattern stored in the flow rate storage means 26. From the registered flow rate of the flow rate registration means 28, a group of flow rate data is counted as having a gas leak frequency. When this count reaches a predetermined number of times, there is no gas leak determination signal from the CO gas leak determination means 29 thereafter. In addition, by determining the flow patterns of the flow rate storage means 26 and the appliance flow rate storage means 31, the start of use of the gas leakage instrument is estimated, and when it is estimated that the gas leakage instrument is a continuous use time, A signal for resetting the limit value in the shortening direction is output.

  Next, the operation of the gas shut-off device configured as described above will be described.

  When a gas appliance, such as a gas stove 19 or a water heater 14, held at a customer's home is used, the flow rate is detected by the flow rate detection means 24. For example, when an ultrasonic sensor is used, the propagation time of the ultrasonic signal is measured as a detected value, and this signal is sent to the flow rate calculation means 25 and calculated as an instantaneous flow rate value.

  The flow rate storage means 26 determines a flow rate value equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate as the instrument flow rate, and stores an instantaneous flow rate equal to or higher than the instrument flow rate in time series. While storing as a flow rate pattern group, the flow rate pattern is classified for each flow rate range, and an instrument number is assigned and stored.

  The average flow rate calculation means 27 inputs instantaneous flow rate values obtained at a predetermined cycle, aggregates a predetermined number of instantaneous flow rate values, averages them, and calculates them as average flow rate values.

  The flow rate registration means 28 is registered as a continuous use time monitoring target as an instrument flow rate when the obtained average flow rate value is equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate. Usually, when the flow rate change width is greater than or equal to a predetermined flow rate with respect to the flow rate value before or N times before, the increased flow rate is registered as the instrument flow rate. If it decreases, it is determined that the instrument is stopped and the registered flow rate is deleted or changed.

  Then, the abnormality determination means 32 measures and monitors the usage time of the used appliance with reference to the monitoring value stored in the monitoring value setting means 33 from the flow rate classification to which the registered flow belongs, that is, the time limit value of the usage time. On the other hand, it is also monitored in parallel whether the flow rate value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means 27 before being registered in the flow rate registration means 28 does not exceed an abnormal flow rate due to a cause such as hose disconnection.

  When the gas table 18 or the gas fan heater 19 is used in a living room or kitchen, if the CO gas leaks due to incomplete combustion due to some cause, the CO gas sensor 21 of the CO alarm device 20 detects the CO gas leak. As an alarm signal at a very low gas concentration level, for example, a CO gas leak signal is output from the CPU 23 to the gas shut-off device 12 as a first-stage alarm signal.

  When the CO gas leakage determination means 29 determines the first stage signal, the appliance estimation means 30 is a flow rate registered value and a flow rate pattern group stored in the flow rate storage means 26, a flow rate data group of the appliance flow rate storage means 31, and a flow rate pattern. The group and the registered flow rate are compared, and the correlation is examined by dividing into blocks of each flow rate pattern. Judgment is made based on the rise of the flow rate, the peak flow rate, the flow rate value in a stable state, the change flow rate gradient when the flow rate changes, and the like, and it is estimated whether the device flow rate is when the gas leak signal is detected.

  Each time a device is used and a CO gas leak is detected, the CO generation frequency measurement means 36 measures the number of occurrences of CO gas leak as the frequency of occurrence in the flow pattern device estimated by the device estimation means 30 as a CO gas leakage device.

  When a gas leak signal is first detected, the flow rate pattern group and the registered flow rate are stored in the instrument flow rate storage means 31, and for safety, a signal is output to the abnormality determination means 32 as a gas leak instrument detection and the usage time is measured. Reduce the monitoring time. For example, while the gas table 18 and the gas fan heater 19 are being used, the time initially monitored from 720 minutes is set to 60 minutes, for example, and the remaining time is shortened.

  When the instrument is stopped and reused, and the gas leak signal is detected by the CO gas leak determination means 29, the instrument estimation means 30 estimates whether the instrument is a gas leak instrument based on the data in the instrument flow rate storage means 31 and the correlation coefficient, for example. Each time, the CO occurrence frequency measuring means 36 measures the number of times. When the number of occurrences exceeds a predetermined number, even if there is no gas leak signal from the gas leak determination means 29, a gas leak appliance detection signal is output to the abnormality determination means 32 to greatly limit the use time.

  At the same time, the communication information 35 is sent to the center of the gas company, along with the call communication corresponding to the use time limit based on the gas leakage detection, and the device information such as the device number in which an abnormality has occurred. When the CO alarm 20 is activated, although not shown, a warning is given to the gas customer by voice notification or the like. However, if the CO alarm 20 is repeated, the CO alarm 20 may be unplugged, resulting in leakage from the gas appliance. Although it may not be possible to report even if it is done, it can be estimated as a flow pattern of the gas leaking instrument from the gas flow rate data, and the usage time of the instrument can be greatly limited.

  Further, the alarm signal of the concentration level in the first stage is an extremely low level signal that does not affect the human body, and is an initial stage, and safety can be ensured by limiting the use time.

  It should be noted that the numerical limitation used in the present embodiment is an example, and the usage pattern is not limited to this embodiment.

  As described above, when the CO alarm device 20 detects a gas leak and the CO gas leak determination means 29 on the gas shut-off device 12 side detects the first-stage alarm signal having a low gas concentration level, the appliance estimation means 30. Is estimated from the flow rate time series signal stored in the flow rate storage means 26 and the flow rate time series signal stored in the flow rate storage means 26 and the data stored in the appliance flow rate storage means 31, and the number of occurrences is estimated. Counted by the CO occurrence frequency measuring means 36, and when this count reaches a predetermined number of times, even if there is no alarm signal from the CO gas leakage determining means 29, it is estimated as a gas leaking instrument by the signal from the instrument estimating means 30, and an abnormality is determined. The continuous use time monitored by the means 32 is limited.

  This ensures the safety of the gas appliance user, prevents fire and life hazards due to gas leaks, and reports the appliance information such as the appliance number determined abnormally by the appliance estimation means 30 to the gas company's center. It is possible to easily identify the CO generating device, implement safety measures at an early stage when the gas concentration level is low, and provide an extremely safe and highly reliable environment for using the gas device. it can.

  As described above, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention can appropriately secure the use restriction function of the gas flow device that identifies and monitors the gas leakage device when gas leakage is detected, and is applicable to the device monitoring device in general. It can be done.

The figure which shows the installation form of the gas appliance Control block diagram of gas shutoff device in embodiment 1 of the present invention Control block diagram of gas shut-off device in embodiment 2 of the present invention Control block diagram of a conventional gas shut-off device

Explanation of symbols

20 CO alarm device 24 Flow rate detection means 25 Flow rate calculation means 26 Flow rate storage means 27 Average flow rate calculation means 28 Flow rate registration means 29 CO gas leakage determination means 30 Instrument estimation means 31 Instrument flow rate storage means 32 Abnormality determination means 34 Shutoff means 36 Shut off means 36 CO generation Frequency measurement means

Claims (6)

A gas shut-off device that monitors the usage status of the gas appliance connected to the pipe after passing through the gas meter and restricts the usage conditions of the gas appliance by a signal from the CO alarm device,
The gas shut-off device includes a flow rate detection unit for measuring a gas flow rate, a flow rate calculation unit for obtaining an instantaneous flow rate value from a detection value of the flow rate detection unit, and an instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation unit in time series. A flow rate storage means for storing as a flow rate pattern; an average flow rate calculation means for averaging the instantaneous flow rate values obtained by the flow rate calculation means to obtain an average flow value; and an instrument flow rate from the average flow value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means. When the determination is made, the flow rate registration means for registering the flow rate value, the CO gas leakage determination means for outputting a determination signal according to the CO concentration level determined by the detection signal from the CO alarm device, and the instrument flow rate by the flow rate registration means. When a registered signal is output from the CO gas leakage determination means, the flow rate pattern of the flow rate storage means is read and the CO leakage device is estimated to determine the continuous usable time. Instrument estimation means for outputting a signal for setting a limit value in a shortening direction, and the number of estimation processes of the CO leakage instrument to be executed when the CO gas leakage determination signal is output, and the number of estimation processes exceeds a predetermined number The occurrence frequency measuring means for issuing an instruction to execute the estimation process of the CO leakage device using the flow rate pattern regardless of the presence or absence of the CO gas leakage determination signal, and the flow rate storage means read by the device estimation means. Whether or not there is an abnormality by changing the limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance by a signal from the appliance flow rate storage means for storing data together with the appliance flow rate, and the flow rate registration means, the appliance estimation means, and the CO gas leakage determination means An abnormality determining means for determining, a shutting means for shutting off the gas supply at the time of abnormality, and a communication means for reporting various instrument information,
Change the conditions when specifying the CO leakage device according to the presence or absence of a signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means,
When there is no signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means, according to the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means, the CO leakage appliance estimation process is executed,
When there is a signal from the occurrence frequency measurement means, regardless of the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means, the CO leakage appliance estimation process is executed,
A gas shut-off device that executes a monitoring mode for limiting and monitoring the use condition of the appliance when a CO leakage appliance is identified.   2. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1, wherein when the CO gas leak signal is detected for the first time, the appliance estimating means unconditionally executes the monitoring mode and stores various data in the appliance flow rate storage means. The instrument estimating means outputs the first n-stage signal having a high CO concentration from the first-stage signal having a low CO concentration output from the CO gas leakage judging means.
The gas cutoff device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance is set in a direction of shortening according to a determination signal output as the CO concentration increases.   The gas according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the appliance estimation means outputs a signal for closing the shut-off means via the abnormality determination means when the maximum n-th stage determination signal having a high CO concentration is output from the CO gas leakage determination means. Shut-off device.   3. The gas shut-off device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the CO leaking appliance repeats use and stop, the appliance estimating means sets the limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance in a direction of shortening according to the number of repetitions. .   A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of means of the gas cutoff device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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