JP4967726B2 - Gas appliance monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas appliance monitoring device as a processing means of alarm information and an information relay device. <P>SOLUTION: The gas appliance monitoring device includes a flow metering means 17, a gas shutoff valve 2c, a control circuit 10a for processing various information, and a radio module 11 used for transmission and reception with a plurality of communication destinations. The radio module 11 is constructed integrally with a control circuit board 10 for constituting the flow metering means 17 and stored in a gas meter 2, has at least a communication frequency band with a base station 14 and a communication frequency band with a plurality of alarms 23, 24, and 31, includes an alarm information transmitting means 26 for transmitting an alarm operation signal when an abnormal state is detected, has a discrimination code determining means 10f for distinguishing an alarm signal, an alarm processing mode setting means 10j for setting a predetermined processing mode for the respective alarm signal, a processing mode executing means 10h for executing a predetermined processing mode according to the alarm signal distinguished by the discrimination code determining means 10f, and an adjacent information transmitting means 34 for transmitting to an adjacent gas meter when a specific alarm device is discriminated. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring system that monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to a gas pipe after passing through a gas meter, and in particular, executes a predetermined processing mode based on alarm information from an alarm device. The present invention relates to a gas appliance monitoring system .

Conventionally, this type of monitoring system consists of a detector that detects an abnormal state, a wireless transmitter connected to the detector, a wireless receiver, and a terminal connected to the wireless receiver. In the wireless communication system in which an alarm signal is sent from the wireless transmitter to the wireless receiver when the detector senses an abnormality and gas is cut off at the terminal, the wireless receiver intermittently detects the carrier. Wireless communication system in which the terminal performs gas shut-off when the integrated value based on the number of times that the carrier is detected and the non-target communication that is not addressed to itself is determined to be present is exceeded. Is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

In addition, in an alarm system that includes an alarm device that detects the occurrence of a fire or gas and outputs an alarm, and cooperates with a gas meter having a gas cutoff function, a security control device that performs first communication with the gas meter, and the alarm device And a security communication device that performs second communication with the security control device, wherein the alarm detects a preliminary state leading to the occurrence of the fire or gas, and the security communication device and the A start signal is transmitted to the gas meter via a security control device, and then the alarm device detects the occurrence of a fire or gas leak, and sends a gas cutoff signal to the gas meter via the security communication device and the security control device. The security control device transmits a gas cutoff completion signal from the gas meter or the warning. In response to the gas shut-off signal from the vessel, an alarm system which is adapted to report a gas cutoff state is disclosed in remote centers (see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 08-129688 JP 2001-33033 A

However, although the above-mentioned patent document discloses a basic alarm system that sends an alarm signal of an alarm device wirelessly, receives the wireless signal, and shuts off the gas by the shut-off function of the gas meter, Both documents distinguish alarm signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices and classify them into those related to the gas shut-off function and those that do not, execute a predetermined processing mode, and use multiple communication channels. that report to different management centers Te, no any disclose the concept of utilizing the gas meter as an information relay.

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems, and by using a gas meter as an information relay device, it is possible to perform appropriate processing corresponding to alarm signals from various alarm devices, and to simplify the reporting system. A system is provided.

In order to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, the gas appliance monitoring system of the present invention monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to the pipe after passing through a gas meter, A gas appliance monitoring system equipped with a wireless module capable of direct transmission / reception using a communication line, wherein the gas meter includes a flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate, a gas shut-off valve for shutting off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality, A control circuit that performs predetermined processing based on the measurement result of the flow rate measurement means and outputs it as flow rate information, a meter wireless module that transmits / receives information to / from a plurality of counterparts, and communication that switches a communication frequency band according to the counterparts The meter wireless module is integrated with the control circuit and accommodated in the gas meter, and includes at least a switching battery and a driving battery power source. An alarm device that has a communication frequency band with a base station and a communication frequency band with a plurality of alarm devices installed indoors, and that receives an operation signal when an abnormality is detected and transmits the alarm signal to the gas meter as an alarm signal The information transmission means includes an alarm radio module that directly transmits an alarm activation signal to a gas meter in a predetermined communication frequency band, and is built in or integrally attached to the alarm. The alarm wireless module has an identification code assigned to each of the plurality of alarm devices, and the control circuit determines which alarm by an alarm operation signal transmitted from the alarm wireless module. An identification code discriminating means for discriminating whether the alarm is activated, an alarm processing mode setting means for setting a predetermined processing mode for each alarm device activation signal, and the identification code discriminating means. A processing mode executing means for executing a predetermined processing mode in response to an alarm signal, and an adjacent information transmitting means for transmitting a gas cutoff signal to an adjacent gas meter when a specific alarm is activated. .

  According to the above invention, the wireless module capable of communicating with the base station using wireless communication means other than the telephone line, and the wireless module capable of receiving alarm device information from the alarm device, the measurement function in the gas meter, and Because it is integrated into a control circuit board with a shut-off function, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and the base station is not affected by the congestion status of the line. Can be smoothly communicated, and various information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processes based on instructions from the base station can be performed accurately.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specified alarm device, for example, a fire alarm, is activated, a gas cutoff signal is also sent to the adjacent gas meter. The accompanying damage can be suppressed.

The gas appliance monitoring system of the present invention enables communication with a base station and an alarm device by using only a gas meter without using a telephone line, and is not affected by the congestion status of the line, and various commands and gas meters from the base station. Can be transmitted smoothly, and alarm information generated in the home can be reliably acquired in real time.

  In addition, by receiving the operation information from the alarm device, giving an identification code, using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specified alarm device, for example, a fire alarm, is activated, a gas cutoff signal is also sent to the adjacent gas meter. The accompanying damage can be suppressed.

The present invention is a gas appliance monitoring system comprising a gas meter and an alarm device for monitoring the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to the pipe after passing through the gas meter. The alarm device includes an alarm wireless module that adds an identification code assigned corresponding to each of the plurality of alarm devices to an operation signal at the time of abnormality detection and directly transmits to the gas meter. When communicating with multiple gas alarms installed in a wide communication frequency band or indoors when communicating with a gas base station connected to a security company or a gas company and a flow rate measuring means that measures the gas flow rate and a meter wireless module for transmitting and receiving information in a specified low power communication frequency band, to cut off the communication switching means for switching the communication frequency band to the wide area communication frequency band or the specified low power communication frequency band, a gas flow path at the time of abnormality gas A shutoff valve, and an identification code discriminating means for discriminating which alarm device is activated by an operation signal transmitted from the alarm device wireless module; Processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode according to an alarm device activation signal determined by another code determination means, and adjacent information transmission means for transmitting a gas cutoff signal to an adjacent gas meter when a specific alarm is activated It is characterized by comprising.

  A wireless module capable of communicating with the base station using a wireless communication means other than a telephone line and a wireless module capable of receiving alarm device information from an alarm device have a measurement function and a cutoff function in the gas meter. Because it is integrated into the control circuit board, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing a gas meter, and communication with the base station is not affected by the congestion of the line. It can be performed smoothly, and various information acquired by the gas meter can be quickly and accurately transmitted to the base station, and various processes based on instructions from the base station can be performed accurately.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  In addition, when a specified alarm device, for example, a fire alarm, is activated, a gas cutoff signal is also sent to the adjacent gas meter. The accompanying damage can be suppressed.

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.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication mode between a gas meter, a base station, and a customer's house in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a communication mode with various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring system , and FIG. internal structure of the alarm device in the same gas appliance monitoring system, Figure 4 is a block diagram of the alarm device in the same gas appliance monitoring system, Figure 5 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the gas appliance monitoring system, Figure 6 is a gas meter FIG. 7 is an internal configuration diagram of the gas meter, and FIG. 8 is a configuration block diagram of a control circuit board of the gas meter.

  In FIG. 1, a plurality of gas appliances connected to piping after passing through the gas meter 2 and a communication function possessed by the gas meter 2 will be described first.

  A gas meter 2 is installed at the entrance of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household, and the gas is branched from the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 to a place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. Supplied. For example, a gas water heater 4 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 4 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 5, a bath 6 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 7 is supplied to form various usage forms.

  In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to a gas table 8 installed in a kitchen, a gas fan heater 9 installed in a living room, a bedroom, or the like, and is used as needed.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the amount of use is measured by the gas meter 2, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas meter 2 is subjected to predetermined information processing based on a periodic data request command from the gas company 15, and then the gas fee, the amount of gas used, a discount service provided by the gas company 15, etc. Is transmitted to the consumer 13 and the gas business operator 15 as the information.

  As the transmission means, as shown in FIG. 6, a wireless module 11 integrated with a control circuit board 10 constituting a control device built in the gas meter 2 is used, and this wireless module 11 is connected by a connector 10d. A gas meter that is detachably mounted on the control circuit board 10 and that does not have the wireless module 11 and does not have a communication function and a gas meter that has the communication function that has the wireless module 11 can be arbitrarily selected. Therefore, it can be used regardless of the presence or absence of the communication function.

In addition, since the wireless module 11 is detachable, even if it has a communication function, it is not necessary to acquire the standard as a communication device in the gas meter body if the wireless module that has acquired the communication standard is installed. In the case of changing the gas meter, etc., it can be changed relatively freely without being restricted.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the wireless module 11 is different from the telephone line for communicating with the base station 14, for example, a wide area communication wireless module 11a having a plurality of communication channels having 200 MHz or other communication frequency bands. In order to communicate with a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a, a personal computer or a mobile phone 12b in the customer's house 13, or a plurality of alarm devices installed in the home and detecting various abnormal situations occurring in the home as security information. In addition, for example, a control circuit configured by an area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band such as 429 MHz and performing calculation of gas usage or detection of abnormalities such as earthquakes and gas leaks based on flow rate signals and sensor signals 10a, and various information transmitted from the gas company 15 through the base station 14, In addition, when receiving various information transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, depending on the received data, for example, the operation of a gas shut-off valve due to the occurrence of an abnormality such as a gas fee, gas usage or earthquake, gas leakage, etc. In the case of contents to be notified to consumers, such as various processes according to security information, data is transmitted to a specific terminal device 12 such as a television 12a or a mobile phone 12b in the customer's house 13 using the area communication wireless module 11b. When security information is transmitted from a plurality of alarm devices, the information is received and input to the control circuit 10a.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12, information can be transmitted and received between the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D, so that security information from an alarm device that causes damage to the adjacent house is transmitted. In such a case, it is possible to transmit a signal for performing the same processing to the adjacent gas meter.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the gas meter 2 is installed in a specific terminal device 12 by incorporating a radio module 11 c having the same communication frequency band as the area communication radio module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. Data can be received, and this data can be displayed on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b, so that information can be transmitted directly to the consumer from the gas meter. It is necessary to adopt an information transmission method in which data is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the gas company 15, and information processed by the gas company 15, such as postcards such as a charge notice, is sent to the customer by mail or the like. Therefore, the number of man-hours required for the notification work can be reduced, and postage costs such as postcards for notifications can be eliminated. It is intended to contribute to a reduction in gas rates to achieve the reduction.

  When various information is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the specific terminal device 12, a notification completion signal is sent from the area communication wireless module 11b to the wide area communication wireless module 11a, and the wide area communication wireless module 11a sends the notification completion signal to the base station. 14 to notify the gas company 15 that the information transmission to the consumer has been completed. In this case, it is preferable that a response signal from a specific terminal device 12 is received and a notification completion signal is transmitted, information can be more reliably transmitted to a consumer, and a rational information transmission system can be provided. Can be built.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, various alarm devices are also incorporated with or integrated with a wireless module 11 d having the same communication frequency band as the area communication wireless module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. The security information from the alarm device can be transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2, and the control circuit 10a of the gas meter 2 can execute a predetermined process according to the security information. It can be used as an information repeater while ensuring security using the blocking function.

Here, when security information is received from a specific alarm device, for example, the fire alarm 23, if a shut-off signal is transmitted to the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D, the shut-off function of the gas meter 2 is used. Thus, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of expansion damage within a predetermined area and provide a more advanced security system.

  Next, the flow rate measurement processing means for measuring the gas flow rate built in the control circuit 10a, which is the basic function of the gas meter 2, performing predetermined processing and outputting it as flow rate information will be briefly described. As shown in FIG. 7, a gas inlet 2a and a gas outlet 2b are provided, and a shutoff valve 2c for shutting off gas in the event of an abnormality and a pair of ultrasonic sensors 17 for measuring the gas flow rate are provided in the gas flow path therebetween. A pressure sensor 2d for detecting the gas pressure is disposed on the downstream side.

  A control circuit board 10 equipped with a control circuit 10a for calculating a gas flow rate based on a signal from the ultrasonic sensor 17 is disposed so as to face the liquid crystal display 10e on the display unit 2e of the gas meter 2, and further, the control circuit 10a. A battery 2f for driving is stored. Further, a return button 2g is arranged as means for manually performing a return operation after the shutoff valve 2c is activated.

  Then, the flow rate measurement unit 17 and the control circuit 10a that measure the gas flow rate, for example, as shown in FIG. Some measure the flow rate by measuring.

  Hereinafter, the configuration will be described. A measurement control unit having a switching means that constitutes a control circuit 10a, in which a first transmitter / receiver 17A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and a second transmitter / receiver 17B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction. Switching between transmission and reception is possible by 18 and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 17A is first driven by the measurement control unit 18 and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is then driven. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the upstream, that is, from the upstream to the downstream. Then, the signal received by the second transmitter / receiver 17B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 18, the amplified signal is compared with the reference signal, and after the signal equal to or higher than the reference signal is detected, the measurement control unit The above-described transmission / reception is repeated a predetermined number of times by the repeating means provided at 18, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 18.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is switched by the measurement control unit 18 having switching means, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 17B to the first transmitter / receiver 17A, that is, from downstream to upstream. A signal is transmitted, this transmission is repeated as described above, and each time value is measured. Then, the flow rate value is obtained by the signal processing unit 19 in consideration of the size of the flow path 16 and the flow state of the fluid from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 17A and the second transceiver 17B. The obtained flow rate data is accumulated in the information storage means 10b and stored as accumulated data for each predetermined period.

  Further, the flow path 16 in which the flow rate measuring unit 17 is disposed is provided with a shutoff valve 2c that shuts off the gas flow in the event of an abnormality or the like. When the flow rate value is detected beyond a certain usage time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the shutoff valve 2c is operated to shut off the gas flow path 16.

Further, when an earthquake or shock signal is input from the seismic sensing device 20 or an abnormal gas pressure signal is input from the pressure sensor 2d, the shutoff valve 2c is operated via the control circuit 10a to shut off the gas flow path 16, and to report to the center.

Next, an example of information transmission using the wireless module 11 built in the gas meter 2 will be described. First, a meter reading instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz) via the base station 14. In this case, the wide-area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives and the meter reading instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. In the control circuit 10a, the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means is accumulated every predetermined period, and the accumulated data or information converted into charge data is stored in the information storage means 10b. When the meter reading instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends the flow rate accumulated data in the information storage means 10b or the information converted into the charge data to the area communication wireless module 11b and the wide area communication wireless module 11a via the communication switching means 10c. The wide area communication wireless module 11a transmits to the base station 14 in a wide area communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz), and meter reading information is transmitted from the base station 14 to the gas company 15 using a dedicated line.

  Further, the area communication wireless module 11b transmits to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the specific terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz) and displays, for example, FIG. Charge information and usage as shown in (a) are displayed. Then, when transmission to the specific terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify that information transmission to the consumer is completed.

  Further, when the shut-off valve 2c is operated due to an earthquake or impact, the cause is investigated, and when a return instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted via the base station 14 in a wide communication frequency band (for example, 200 MHz), The wide area communication wireless module 11a built in the gas meter 2 receives the information, and the return instruction information is sent to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. When the return instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends information related to the return work stored in the information storage means 10b to the area communication wireless module 11b via the communication switching means 10c, and the area communication wireless module 11b A procedure for a return operation as shown in FIG. 10B, for example, is transmitted to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in the power wireless communication frequency band (for example, 429 MHz). Is displayed. Then, when the transmission to the display terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify the completion of information transmission to the consumer.

  As described above, the control circuit 10a has the communication switching means 10c to select the radio module having a different communication frequency band corresponding to the other party to communicate according to the information to be transmitted. 15, it is necessary to transmit the information stored in the information storage means 10b to the gas operator 15 and the specific terminal device 12 based on the information received by the wide area communication wireless module 11a. When the wide area communication wireless module 11a having the communication frequency band and the area communication wireless module 11b having the specific low power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz, for example, are selected and the return instruction from the gas company 15 is given, the display terminal device 12 It is only necessary to transmit the storage information of the information storage means 10b. In this case, for example, a specific low power wireless communication of 429 MHz It may be selected area communication wireless module 11b having a waveband.

  Note that the wide area communication radio module 11a and the area communication radio module 11b may be provided separately, or may be configured as a common radio module, and the communication frequency band may be switched between the wide area communication frequency band and the specific low power radio communication frequency band. However, in the former case, the communication switching means 10c needs to select the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b, and there is a merit that simultaneous communication is possible, but there are demerits such as a large installation space and high cost. is doing. In the latter case, the communication switching means 10c needs to switch the communication frequency band according to the communication partner, and has the demerit that the simultaneous communication cannot be performed and the alternate communication is possible while having the advantages of small installation space and low cost. ing.

  Next, in the gas meter having the communication function as described above, when a plurality of alarm devices installed in the home, for example, the fire alarm 23, the CO detector 24, the intrusion detector 31, etc., are activated. explain.

  In the present embodiment, the CO detector 24 will be described as an example, but the present invention can be similarly applied to other alarm devices.

  First, FIG. 3 shows a schematic internal configuration of the CO detector 24. A sensor 21 for detecting CO is provided, and an abnormality detection circuit 31 for detecting whether or not the CO concentration in an environment where the CO detector 24 is installed exceeds a predetermined reference value in response to a detection signal from the sensor 21. Is built-in. When the abnormality detection circuit 31 determines that the reference value has been exceeded, an alarm signal is sent to the notification means 30 to generate a warning sound and notify the user.

  At the same time, the alarm signal from the abnormality detection circuit 31 is also sent to the alarm device information transmission means 26 incorporated in the CO detector 24. After the alarm signal transmission means 26 performs predetermined signal processing, the alarm device The operation signal is directly transmitted to the gas meter 2.

  The alarm device information transmitting unit 26 performs an alarm signal from the abnormality detection circuit 31 with a predetermined process and generates an alarm device operation signal as an alarm device operation signal, and an area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2. The alarm radio module 11d having the same communication frequency band is integrated on the alarm radio module board 29 and housed in the case of the CO detector 24.

  As described above, the CO detector 24 in the present embodiment converts the abnormality detection signal into the alarm operation signal and transmits it to the gas meter 2 in addition to the conventional abnormality detection means 32 for detecting the CO concentration. The means 26 is provided.

  Next, the detailed configuration of the alarm device information transmission means 26 will be described using the configuration block diagram of FIG.

The sensor 21 provided at an appropriate position of the CO detector 24 detects the CO concentration in the atmosphere, and sends the signal to the abnormality detection circuit 31 to determine whether there is an abnormality. When it is determined that “abnormality exists”, an alarm signal is sent to the notification means 30 and a warning sound is emitted by a buzzer or the like. In the above configuration, the conventional abnormality detection means 32 is configured. In the present embodiment, an abnormality detection signal receiving means 22a for receiving the abnormality detection signal output from the abnormality detection circuit 31 is further provided, and this abnormality detection signal is provided. Alarm signal generating means for generating a predetermined alarm device activation signal by the alarm device activation signal converting means 22b together with a signal from the identification code changing means 27 in which an identification code for identifying which alarm device is issued is set Means 22 are provided. The signal from the alarm device activation signal generation means 22 is input to the alarm device activation signal determination means 11e of the alarm device wireless module 11d and determines whether or not it is a normal alarm device operation signal. When this determination result is normal, a signal is sent to the alarm device operation signal transmission means 11f and transmitted to the area communication wireless module 11b of the gas meter 2 as alarm device information. By this series of operations, it is possible to clarify the alarm activation signal from which alarm device and transmit it to the gas meter 2.

  In the present embodiment, the CO detector 24 has been described as an example, but it goes without saying that the same detection is possible with other alarm devices.

  Next, the processing content of the gas meter 2 corresponding to various alarm device information transmitted from the plurality of alarm device information transmitters 26 will be specifically described.

As shown in FIG. 5, when alarm information with an identification code is transmitted from the wireless module 11d built in the alarm device information transmitting means 26 provided in the CO detector 24 to the area communication wireless module 11b built in the gas meter 2. The type of alarm device information is discriminated by the identification discrimination code 10f provided in the control circuit 10a, and the group selection means 10g belongs to the first group 10k with the shut-off function of the gas shut-off valve 2c, for example, as the correspondence of the alarm device information. The alarm device information or the other alarm device information belonging to the second group 10m is selected.

  Then, the processing mode corresponding to the alarm device information selected by the group selection unit 10g is selected from the alarm processing mode setting unit 10j that has previously set the processing corresponding to the various alarm device information, and the processing is performed by the processing mode execution unit 10h. Execute. For example, if the identification code discriminating means 10f discriminates the alarm information detected by the CO detector 24 or the fire alarm 23, the group selection means 10g judges that the gas shutoff valve 2c needs to be shut off. The processing mode execution means 10h executes the shutoff operation of the gas shutoff valve 2c and the notification process to the gas company 15 which are registered as alarm device information belonging to the first group 10k and determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j.

  If the identification code discriminating means 10f discriminates the alarm information detected by the intrusion detector 31, the group selection means 10g registers the alarm information belonging to the second group 10m that does not require the gas meter 2 shut-off function. Then, the notification process to the security company 28 determined by the alarm processing mode setting means 10j is executed by the processing mode execution means 10h.

  In the notification process executed by the processing mode execution means 10h, if the notification destination must be changed according to the alarm device information, the communication channel of the other party required by the communication channel selection means 10i, that is, the communication frequency A band is selected and communication is made to, for example, the gas company 15 or the security company 28 using the wide area communication wireless module 11a.

  In addition, when alarm device information is transmitted from various alarm devices, or when a predetermined processing mode is executed, the alarm device information is also transmitted to a specific terminal device 12, and on the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b. By displaying the status on the screen, it is possible to call attention to the consumer.

  Further, in the present embodiment, among various alarm devices identified by the identification code discriminating means 10f, it is registered as alarm device information belonging to a specific alarm device 10n that is defined in particular, and this specific alarm device 10n, for example, fire When the alarm 23 is identified, the processing mode corresponding to the grouping by the group selection means 10g is executed, and the gas cutoff signal is used as adjacent information to the adjacent gas meter 2A-2D using the area communication wireless module 11b. The adjacent information transmitting means 34 for transmitting is configured.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a wireless module capable of communicating with a base station using wireless communication means other than a telephone line, and a wireless module capable of receiving alarm device information from an alarm device. Because it is integrated into the control circuit board with the measurement function and shut-off function in the gas meter, it is possible to communicate with the base station without using a telephone line simply by installing the gas meter. It is possible to communicate with the base station smoothly without being affected by the base station, to quickly and accurately convey various information acquired by the gas meter to the base station, and to accurately perform various processes based on instructions from the base station. Can be implemented.

  Furthermore, by receiving the operation signal from the alarm device, giving an identification code, and using the alarm device wireless module built in the alarm device, by directly communicating with the meter wireless module built in the gas meter, separately, There is no need to provide a communication device, and the configuration can be simplified.

  Also, alarm device activation signals transmitted from multiple alarm devices are distinguished by identification codes. In the case of alarm device information related to the gas shut-off function, the shut-off valve is operated via the control circuit, and other alarm information is A gas meter having a flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function is executed, for example, when a predetermined processing mode is executed, for example, when a report destination is different according to alarm information, a communication channel is selected and information is transmitted to an appropriate partner. By using it as an information repeater, it is possible to rationally secure a security function in the home and promote the spread of the security system.

  Furthermore, when a specified alarm device, for example, the fire alarm 23, is activated, a gas cutoff signal is also transmitted to the adjacent gas meters 2A-2D, so that the neighbors in the case of burning out due to similar firing etc. The expansion of damage caused by gas leaks can be suppressed.

According to the gas appliance monitoring system of the present invention, a gas module having a gas flow rate measuring function and a shut-off function has a built-in wireless module for receiving an alarm activation signal from an alarm, so that gas can be generated according to alarm information. The safety function is ensured by operating the shut-off function, and the information relay function for selecting the communication channel and transmitting the information to a required destination is provided, and this can be applied to various meters other than gas.

The block diagram which shows the communication form of the gas appliance monitoring system in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows the communication form with various alarm devices in the gas appliance monitoring system Internal configuration diagram of an alarm in the gas appliance monitoring system Configuration block diagram of alarm in the gas appliance monitoring system Configuration block diagram of control circuit in the gas appliance monitoring system The figure which shows the external appearance and component of the gas appliance monitoring system Internal configuration diagram of the gas appliance monitoring system Configuration block diagram of the control circuit board of the gas appliance monitoring system The figure which shows the communication form of the gas appliance monitoring system and a specific terminal device (A) The figure which shows the charge information display form in the same specific terminal device (b) The figure which shows the return information display form in the same specific terminal device Control block diagram of the gas appliance monitoring system The figure which shows the communication form with the adjacent gas meter in the gas appliance monitoring system

2 Gas meter 2c Gas shutoff valve 10 Control circuit board 10a Control circuit 10b Information storage means 10c Communication switching means 10f Identification code discrimination means 10g Group selection means 10h Processing mode execution means 10i Communication channel selection means 10j Alarm processing mode setting means 11 Wireless module 11a Wide area communication wireless module 11b Area communication wireless module 11d Alarm wireless module 11e Alarm activation signal determination means 11f Alarm activation signal transmission means 12 Specific terminal device 12a Television 12b Mobile phone 14 Base station 15 Gas company 17 Flow rate measurement means (flow rate) Measurement processing means)
22 alarm device operation signal generation means 22a abnormality detection signal reception means 22b alarm device operation signal conversion means 23 fire alarm (alarm)
24 CO detector (alarm)
26 Alarm device information transmitting means 27 Identification code changing means 34 Adjacent information transmitting means

Claims (6)

A gas appliance monitoring system comprising: a gas meter; and an alarm device that monitors the usage status of a plurality of gas appliances connected to the pipe after passing through the gas meter,
The alarm is
An alarm wireless module that adds an identification code assigned corresponding to each of a plurality of alarm devices to an abnormality detection signal and directly transmits to the gas meter,
The gas meter is
A flow rate measuring means for measuring a gas flow rate;
Information transmission / reception in a wide communication frequency band when communicating with a gas base station connected to a security company or a gas company or a specific low power communication frequency band when communicating with multiple gas alarms installed indoors A meter wireless module that performs
Communication switching means for switching a communication frequency band to the wide-area communication frequency band or the specific low-power communication frequency band;
A gas shut-off valve that shuts off the gas flow path in the event of an abnormality,
An identification code discrimination means for discriminating which alarm device is activated by an operation signal transmitted from the alarm device radio module;
Processing mode execution means for executing a predetermined processing mode in accordance with the alarm device activation signal determined by the identification code determination means;
Adjacent information transmission means for transmitting a gas cutoff signal to an adjacent gas meter when a specific alarm is activated;
Gas appliance monitoring system with. The gas appliance monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the specific low-power communication frequency band is a frequency band larger than the wide-area communication frequency band. The meter radio module includes an area communication radio module,
The area communication wireless module uses the specific low-power communication frequency band and enables communication with a TV, a personal computer, or a mobile phone in addition to communication with the alarm, and when the abnormality detection signal is transmitted, the TV and the personal computer. The gas appliance monitoring system according to claim 2, wherein the abnormality detection signal is transmitted as alarm device information to any one of a mobile phone and a mobile phone. The alarm device includes alarm device information transmission means,
The alarm information transmitting means any of claims 1 to 3 having the alarm actuation signal converting means for converting the abnormality detection signal of the alarm device to a predetermined alarm actuation signal to the alarm device wireless module The gas appliance monitoring system according to claim 1. An identification code change unit for setting or changing a unique identification code for identifying the alarm device,
The identification code change unit, the abnormality detection signal to the gas appliance monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein by applying an identification code and outputs to the alarm radio module. Said adjacent information transmitting means, when it is determined that the alarm actuation signal is transmitted from a particular alarm in the discriminating code determining means, to transmit the gas shut-off signal to the gas meter adjacent by the area communication wireless module The gas appliance monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.