JP4990819B2 - Gas meter and gas meter system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas meter that measures a flow rate of gas and a gas meter system including the gas meter.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some gas meters that measure the flow rate of gas are provided with a security function that shuts off a gas supply path when there is a problem when the gas is used. Safety functions include, for example, shutting off the gas supply path using a shutoff valve when a seismic intensity is detected by a seismic sensor, or shutting off the gas supply path when a predetermined flow rate or usage time is exceeded. Functions are provided.

In addition, in Patent Document 1, in order to supply a gas amount according to the payment of a fee, the supply of gas is stopped when a usable gas amount is reached using a communication line for automatic meter reading or a prepaid card system. A gas meter control system is disclosed. Patent Document 2 discloses a network system that automatically reads the usage amount of water, electricity, gas, etc., and enables charge calculation, billing, leakage check, leakage, and transfer of gas leakage detection information. Yes. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a gas management system that uses a prepaid card to cut off gas supply when the gas charge balance information becomes zero, and rationalizes meter reading and collection work. .
JP-A-8-5398 JP 2005-18720 A JP 2002-74497 A

  The gas security function is required depending on the environment of the installation location such as the country or region where the gas meter or gas appliance is installed, the type of gas appliance used in each user's house, etc., and the state of use. The functions may differ. For example, in countries and regions where there is almost no possibility of an earthquake occurring, there is not much need for a shut-off function at the time of an earthquake. In addition, in the function of shutting down when a predetermined usage time is exceeded, it is preferable to change the continuous usage time used for judgment of cutoff depending on the flow rate used, but in the fixed security function, it is used for each user. It is difficult to change as appropriate depending on the gas appliance used and the state of use.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gas meter and a gas meter system capable of appropriately setting a safety function depending on a use environment and the like and improving the safety function.

  A gas meter according to the present invention includes a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of a gas flowing through a gas flow path, a flow rate calculating unit that calculates predetermined flow rate data based on a flow rate measurement value by the flow rate measuring unit, and a user pays. The amount of usable gas corresponding to the charged fee is stored, and a program for executing at least one security function selected by the user and paid for the fee among a plurality of security functions is stored as a security function related to gas use. From the insertion means into which the portable storage means is inserted, the information reading means for reading the information stored in the storage means inserted into the insertion means, and the usable gas amount read by the information reading means The remaining amount counting means for calculating the remaining amount by executing a subtraction process of the flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculating means, and the pre-read read by the information reading means. Program storage means for storing a program, and operating conditions of a security function corresponding to the program stored in the program storage means when the remaining usage amount obtained by the remaining usage amount counting means reaches a predetermined remaining amount. Control means for executing a predetermined processing operation when a satisfactory event occurs.

  As a result, the amount of usable gas can be stored in the portable storage means, and the optimum program can be selected from a plurality of security functions according to the usage environment, and the program can be stored, which is stored in the storage means. The usable gas amount and the safety function program are read by the gas meter body, and the usable gas amount is set and the safety function is set. As a result, the gas can be used until it reaches the specified remaining amount, and while the gas can be used, a safety process is performed to shut off the gas supply when an event that satisfies the operating conditions of the safety function occurs. can do.

  Further, the present invention is the gas meter described above, further comprising a determination unit that determines whether or not the storage unit is normal from information read by the information reading unit, and the control unit includes the determination If the storage means is normal from the determination result of the means, the program read by the information reading means is validated to be in an operating state.

  As a result, unauthorized use of the storage means can be prevented.

  Further, the present invention is the above gas meter, wherein the storage means is an IC card in which data can be rewritten.

  Thereby, a memory | storage means can be used repeatedly many times.

  A gas meter system according to the present invention includes any one of the gas meters described above and the storage unit.

  As a result, the amount of usable gas can be stored in the portable storage means, and the optimum program can be selected from a plurality of security functions according to the usage environment, and the program can be stored, which is stored in the storage means. The usable gas amount and the safety function program are read by the gas meter body, and the usable gas amount is set and the safety function is set. As a result, the gas can be used until it reaches the specified remaining amount, and while the gas can be used, a safety process is performed to shut off the gas supply when an event that satisfies the operating conditions of the safety function occurs. can do.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas meter and a gas meter system in which a safety function can be set as appropriate depending on the usage environment and the safety function can be improved.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas meter and a gas meter system in an embodiment of the present invention. The gas meter system according to this embodiment includes a gas meter 100 as a flow rate measuring device and an IC card 118 used in the gas meter 100. In the IC card 118, the amount of usable gas corresponding to the prepaid fee and various information are written by the card vending machine 140. The gas meter 100 is disposed outside or inside a building where a gas appliance is provided. The card vending machine 140 is installed in a gas company, a propane company, a company related to these, a convenience store, or the like.

  The gas meter 100 is connected to a flow path 102 to which gas is supplied, and a shut-off valve 104, a flow rate measuring unit 106, and a pressure sensor 108 are provided in the flow path 102. Further, the gas meter 100 includes a flow rate calculation unit 110, a monitoring unit 112, a control unit 114, a function setting unit 116, a storage medium 118, an IC card insertion unit 120, an IC card reading unit 122, a remaining usage counter unit 124, and a security function detection. Unit 128, security function storage unit 130, and seismoscope 132. Here, the flow rate calculation unit 110, the monitoring unit 112, the control unit 114, the function setting unit 116, the used remaining amount counting unit 124, the IC card determination unit 126, the security function detection unit 128, and the security function storage unit 130 are a microcomputer or the like. The functions of the respective units are realized by an arithmetic processing unit that includes a processor and a memory.

  One or more various gas appliances A151, gas appliances B152, and gas appliances C153, such as a gas table, a fan heater, and floor heating, are connected to the flow path on the downstream side of the gas meter 100. Further, in the vicinity of the installation location of the gas appliances 151 to 153, an alarm device 134 that detects gas leakage, carbon monoxide (CO), or the like and issues an alarm of an abnormal state is disposed, and is connected to the gas meter 100 by wireless or wired communication. They can communicate with each other.

  The flow rate measuring unit 106 measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path 102 and is configured by an ultrasonic flow meter or the like. In this embodiment, an example of a configuration in which an ultrasonic flowmeter is used as the flow rate measuring unit 106 will be described. However, as long as the flow rate of gas can be measured, other various flow measurement methods such as a membrane flow meter can be used. Means may be used. The flow rate measurement unit 106 transmits and receives ultrasonic waves alternately at regular time intervals (for example, 2 seconds) between the ultrasonic transmitters and receivers provided on the upstream side and the downstream side in the flow path 102, and in order with respect to the flow of the fluid. The difference in the propagation time of the ultrasonic waves in the opposite direction and the direction is obtained, and the flow velocity and flow rate of the fluid to be measured are measured from the difference in propagation time.

  The flow rate calculation unit 110 uses the measured flow rate value output from the flow rate measurement unit 106 to calculate the flow rate of the gas used, the flow rate pattern corresponding to the measurement time, and the like, and a storage unit provided inside or outside Flow rate data relating to the flow rate and time such as an integrated flow rate and a flow rate pattern is stored in (not shown). Further, the calculated flow rate data is output to the monitoring unit 112 and the remaining usage amount counting unit 124.

  The pressure sensor 108 detects the gas pressure in the flow path 102 and outputs a pressure detection signal to the monitoring unit 112. In addition, the seismoscope 132 detects a shaking of the earthquake, and outputs a seismic signal to the monitoring unit 112 when a shaking with a seismic intensity of a predetermined level or more is detected. The alarm device 134 detects gas leaks from the flow path 102 or the gas appliances 151 to 153 and CO generated from the gas appliances 151 to 153, and outputs an abnormality detection signal when these gas leaks or CO leaks are detected. The data is output to the monitoring unit 112.

  The monitoring unit 112 monitors a malfunction at the time of using the gas according to the set security function. The monitoring unit 112 operates the safety function based on the flow rate data from the flow rate calculation unit 110, the pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 108, the seismic signal from the seismic device 132, the abnormality detection signal from the alarm device 134, and the like. When the condition is satisfied, a malfunction at the time of gas use is detected and a security signal is output to the control unit 114. The security function in the monitoring unit 112 is set by a function setting unit 116 described later. The monitoring unit 112 performs a monitoring operation for the security function set by the function setting unit 116.

As a safety function, there is a function to detect various malfunction events due to excess flow, excess usage time, leakage detection, pressure abnormality, pulsation detection, seismic device operation, alarm operation, etc., and perform processing for safety, For example, there are the following functions for defect detection.
(1) Exceeding the maximum maximum flow rate ... When the total flow rate for a predetermined period exceeds the reference flow rate (2) Exceeding the individual maximum flow rate ... When the change from the previous flow rate value exceeds the predetermined value every time the flow rate is measured (3 ) Exceeded safety duration ... When continuous use exceeds the permissible continuous use time specified for each flow rate (4) Pressure rise detection ... When pressure value is detected to rise above a predetermined value (5) Pressure drop detection ... When it is detected that the pressure value has fallen below the predetermined value (6) Detection of the seismic device ... When it is detected that the seismic device has been activated due to a vibration such as an earthquake (7) Micro leak detection ... When the flow rate is detected for a predetermined number of days (8) Pulsation detection: When a flow rate fluctuation or pressure fluctuation greater than a predetermined value is detected (9) Alarm device activation detection: When various alarm devices are activated

  Here, when the user does not particularly select the security function when purchasing or charging the IC card 118, for example, a security function that exceeds the total maximum flow rate is set as the default security mode. When the security function is selected, the selected security function is set. In addition, as described above, there is an alarm operation and a shut-off operation as processing operations when a malfunction is detected by the security function, and a shut-off operation is performed when an abnormality is detected by the selected security function, and a security function that is not selected If an abnormality is detected at, an alarm is activated.

  The IC card 118 includes a storage unit (not shown) and a control unit for writing / reading data to / from the storage unit, and is also called a prepaid card. The storage unit of the IC card 118 has an area for writing usable gas amount information and an area for writing various information including a program for realizing a security function (hereinafter referred to as “security function program”). Writing of usable gas amount information and various information to the IC card 118 is performed by the card vending machine 140 described above.

  Note that when paying separately for gas and security function charges, the amount of usable gas will not change regardless of the number of selected security functions, but it is selected when gas charges and security function charges are combined. The amount of usable gas varies depending on the number of safety functions. That is, the amount of usable gas decreases as the number of selected security functions increases, and conversely, the amount of usable gas increases as the number decreases. The security function is an optional function, and the user can freely decide whether or not to purchase the security function. Even when the security function is not purchased, for example, a security function that exceeds the total maximum flow rate is selected as the default security mode. Hereinafter, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that, for example, a safety function that exceeds the total maximum flow rate is selected as the default security mode.

  The IC card insertion unit 120 is a part that receives the IC card 118 with the gas meter 100, and the user inserts the purchased IC card 118 into the IC card insertion unit 120 when using gas. The IC card reading unit 122 reads information from the inserted IC card 118 when the IC card 118 is inserted into the IC card insertion unit 120. If the read information is usable gas amount information, the usable gas amount information is temporarily held in the IC card reading unit 122. Next, when an IC card determination unit 126 described later determines that the IC card 118 is normal, usable gas amount information is sent to the control unit 114 via the IC card determination unit 126. Then, the control unit 114 adds the usable gas amount information to the remaining amount information from the used remaining amount counting unit 124 and stores it in the remaining used amount counting unit 124. On the other hand, if the information read by the IC card reading unit 122 is information other than the usable gas amount information, the information is output to the security function detection unit 128 and the IC card determination unit 126. The remaining used amount counting unit 124 subtracts the flow rate calculated by the flow rate calculating unit 110 from the current remaining used amount, counts down the remaining used amount, and sequentially outputs the remaining used amount to the control unit 114. The control unit 114 determines the used remaining amount from the used remaining amount counting unit 124, and controls the shutoff valve 104 when the predetermined remaining amount is reached to shut off the gas supply.

  The security function detection unit 128 detects whether or not a security function program exists in the information read by the IC card reading unit 122. If a security function program exists, it is stored in the security function storage unit 130. Store. The IC card determination unit 126 determines whether or not the IC card 118 is normal from the information read by the IC card reading unit 122. If the IC card determination unit 126 determines that the IC card 118 is normal, the IC card determination unit 126 outputs a valid signal to the function setting unit 116. If it is determined that it is not, an invalid signal is output to the function setting unit 116. Further, the IC card determination unit 126 outputs the determination result of the IC card 118 to the control unit 114.

  From the determination result of the IC card determination unit 126, if the IC card 118 is normal, the control unit 114 assumes that the safety function program is valid and sets the operation state, and an event that satisfies the operation condition of the safety function has occurred. If the processing based on the security function program is sometimes executed and the IC card 118 is not normal, the security function program is invalid and the operation state is not established.

  When a valid signal is output from the IC card determination unit 126, the function setting unit 116 outputs the security function program stored in the security function storage unit 130 to the monitoring unit 112. The monitoring unit 112 monitors the flow rate data of the flow rate calculation unit 110 and the abnormality detection signals from various sensors according to the security function program from the function setting unit 116, and outputs a security signal to the control unit 114 when an abnormality is determined. Then, the shut-off valve 104 is operated. The control unit 114 shuts off the gas supply based on the security signal from the monitoring unit 112. When shutting off the gas supply, the shutoff valve 104 is operated to shut off the flow path 102. When the monitoring unit 112 detects an abnormality that cannot be managed by the security function program from the function setting unit 116, the monitoring unit 112 performs an alarm operation. This alarm operation is a buzzer (not shown) or a light emitting element blinking.

  Next, operations of the gas meter and the gas meter system in the present embodiment will be described in detail. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure during operation of the gas meter and the gas meter system in the embodiment of the present invention.

  First, the card vending machine 140 determines whether or not there is a request for setting a security function when purchasing the IC card 118 (step S10). In this case, when the user performs an operation of purchasing the security function, a security function setting request is generated. If there is a security function setting request, a security function program corresponding to the security function purchased by the user is written in the IC card 118 (step S11). If there is no security function setting request, a default security mode (for example, only exceeding the total maximum flow rate) is set (step S12).

  After information is written in the IC card 118, the user inserts the IC card 118 into the IC card insertion unit 120 (step S13). When the IC card reading unit 122 detects that the IC card 118 is inserted into the IC card insertion unit 120, the IC card reading unit 122 reads all of the information written in the IC card 118 at a time. After reading all the information, the security function program is stored in the security function storage unit 130, and the usable gas amount for the charge charged in the IC card 118 is read (step S14).

  Next, it is determined from the information read from the IC card 118 whether or not the IC card 118 is normal (step S15). If it is normal, the function setting is completed. That is, the security function program read from the IC card 118 is output to the monitoring unit 112. By setting the security function, the function setting is completed, and a process of adding the usable gas amount for the charge charged in the IC card 118 to the remaining usage amount is performed (step S16). On the other hand, if the IC card 118 is not normal, the process is interrupted (step S17). Then, an indication that the IC card 118 cannot be used (is abnormal) is displayed on a display unit (not shown) (step S18). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S19.

  When the process proceeds to the next process assuming that the IC card 118 is normal, the flow rate measurement unit 106 measures the gas flow rate (step S19). Next, it is determined whether there is a flow rate (step S20). If there is a flow rate, the flow rate calculation unit 110 calculates a flow rate value (step S21). If there is no flow rate in step S20, the flow returns to the flow rate measurement in step S19 and the same processing is repeated. Then, after calculating the flow rate value, the monitoring unit 112 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the flow rate such as excessive flow (step S22). If there is an abnormality in the flow rate in step S22, the process proceeds to the next process. If there is no abnormality, the flow returns to the flow measurement in step S19 and the same process is repeated.

  Further, the monitoring unit 112 determines whether or not an abnormal signal is output, such as a pressure detection signal from the pressure sensor 108, a seismic signal from the seismic device 132, or an abnormality detection signal from the alarm device 134 (step S27). . If an abnormal signal is output in step S27, the process proceeds to the next process. If an abnormal signal is not output, the process of step S19 is repeated.

  Next, when there is an abnormality in the flow rate or when an abnormality signal is output, the monitoring unit 112 determines that a failure has occurred and outputs a security signal to the control unit 114 (step S23). When the safety signal is output, the control unit 114 operates the shut-off valve 104 to close the flow path 102 and shut off the gas supply (step S24).

  On the other hand, the control unit 114 determines whether there is a remaining usage amount from the count value of the remaining usage amount counting unit 124 (step S25), and continues to supply gas if there is a remaining usage amount (step S26). If there is no remaining amount, the shutoff valve 104 is operated to close the flow path 102 and shut off the gas supply (step S24).

  According to the above-described embodiment, the usable gas amount can be stored in the IC card 118, and the optimum program can be selected from a plurality of security functions depending on the use environment, and the program can be stored. By inserting the IC card 118 storing the security function program into the IC card insertion portion 120 of the gas meter 100, the usable gas amount is set and the security function is set. As a result, the gas can be used until it reaches the specified remaining amount, and while the gas can be used, a safety process is performed to shut off the gas supply when an event that satisfies the operating conditions of the safety function occurs. can do.

  The security function can be selectively set from a plurality of security functions according to the use area, installation location, use state, use flow rate, and the like. In addition, it is possible to update the security function by upgrading the version or add a new security function.

  Even when almost all safety functions are set in the gas meter and the occurrence of an accident due to the gas supply is extremely low and safety is ensured, an accident may occur rarely. In such a case, it is possible to upgrade the gas meter using an advanced security function for preventing rare accidents as an option.

  Depending on the area of use, there may be places where safety functions are not established. In such a region, there is a possibility that a request for enhancement of the security function may be generated with future infrastructure development, changes in emotions of users who place importance on safety, and changes in national policies. As an initial response, it is possible to selectively set a safety function to prevent accidents associated with gas supply, charge the safety function, enhance the functions of the current gas meter, and improve the safety of the gas supply system. It is also possible to improve.

  In addition, the IC card determination unit 126 determines whether or not the IC card 118 is normal, and if it is normal, the security function is enabled and activated, and if it is not normal, the security function is disabled. Therefore, the IC card can be prevented from being illegally used. In addition, by using an IC card, it can be used repeatedly, contributing to resource saving.

  It should be noted that when the remaining amount of use is monitored by the remaining amount counter 124 and the remaining amount decreases at a predetermined speed or more, a large gas leak has occurred in the piping or the like, or the gas supply A predetermined processing operation may be executed by determining that the abnormal use exceeds the capability. This function may be set in the security function program, and may correspond to an additional function of the IC card 118.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to those shown in the above-described embodiments, and those skilled in the art can also make changes and applications based on the description in the specification and well-known techniques. Yes, included in the scope of protection.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has an effect that a safety function can be appropriately set depending on the use environment and the like, and has an effect that the safety function can be improved, and is useful in a gas meter for measuring a gas use flow rate, a gas meter system including the gas meter, etc. It is.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the gas meter and gas meter system in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process sequence at the time of operation | movement of the gas meter and gas meter system in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Gas meter 102 Flow path 104 Shut-off valve 106 Flow measurement part 108 Pressure sensor 110 Flow rate calculation part 112 Monitoring part 114 Control part 116 Function setting part 118 IC card 120 IC card insertion part 122 IC card reading part 124 Used residual quantity counting part 126 IC Card determination unit 128 Security function detection unit 130 Security function storage unit 132 Seismic device 134 Alarm 140 Card vending machine 151, 152, 153 Gas appliance

Claims (4)

A flow rate measuring means for measuring the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas flow path;
Flow rate calculation means for calculating predetermined flow rate data based on a flow rate measurement value by the flow rate measurement means;
The amount of usable gas corresponding to the fee paid by the user is stored, and at least one of the plurality of safety functions selected by the user and paid for as a security function related to gas use is executed. Insertion means into which portable storage means for storing a program to be inserted is inserted;
Information reading means for reading information stored in the storage means inserted in the insertion means;
A remaining use counting unit for executing a subtraction process of the flow rate obtained by the flow rate calculating unit from the usable gas amount read by the information reading unit to obtain a used remaining amount;
Program storage means for storing the program read by the information reading means;
Predetermined when the used remaining amount obtained by the used remaining amount counting means reaches a predetermined remaining amount and when an event that satisfies the operating condition of the security function corresponding to the program stored in the program storing means occurs Control means for executing the processing operation of
Gas meter equipped with. Determining means for determining whether the storage means is normal from the information read by the information reading means;
2. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein if the storage unit is normal from the determination result of the determination unit, the control unit validates the program read by the information reading unit and puts the program into an operating state.   The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the storage unit is an IC card in which data can be rewritten.   The gas meter system provided with the gas meter in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3, and the said memory | storage means.

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