JP5147111B2 - 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, specifies a CO gas leaking appliance by 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. Reference numeral 5 denotes a gas sensor that 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 uses a gas meter that operates based on a low-concentration CO detection signal from a CO alarm and can discriminate a device to be used from flow rate data. By specifying the appliance, it is possible to provide a gas shutoff device that is capable of early repair of the appliance and that 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. Appliance estimation means for outputting a signal for setting the limit value of usable time in the shortening direction, appliance flow storage means for storing the data of the flow rate storage means read by the appliance estimation means together with the appliance flow rate, and the flow rate registration means And an abnormality determining means for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality by changing a limit value of the continuous usable time of the appliance by a signal from the appliance estimating means or the CO gas leakage determining means, and a shut-off means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality And monitoring means for limiting and monitoring the use conditions of the appliance according to the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means. De and immediately have a shut-down mode for outputting a blocking signal, the instrument estimation means, the instrument flow storage means various data and executes the monitor mode unconditionally when it is first detected CO gas leakage signal It is intended to memorize .

  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. The flow rate is registered in the flow rate registration means as the flow rate for monitoring the desired instrument, and the abnormality determination means monitors the magnitude of the flow rate, the length of use time, etc., but the CO alarm generates CO (carbon monoxide) gas during monitoring. When the CO gas leakage determination means detects and determines that the alarm signal is in a low concentration state, the equipment estimation means uses the flow pattern of the flow storage means and the registered flow rate of the flow registration means as a data group as the equipment that may leak CO gas. In the abnormality determination means, the usage time is monitored in the corresponding flow rate classification of the registered flow rate, but it is monitored that a flow rate pattern group estimated to be a CO gas leakage target instrument enters the instrument estimation means. If the remaining time of the service time is changed to a short time and monitored again, the device information such as the device number, which is classified and stored, is reported to the monitoring center. If the flow rate is registered in the flow rate registration means when it is compared with the previous flow rate pattern group by the means, the abnormal determination means limits the use time to a short time, and an extremely small amount of warning signal Since the usage time is limited from the stage of this and the usage time is limited every time it is used, the CO gas leakage is extremely small and cut off in a short time, so the danger to the user is extremely low In addition, since the appliance information is reported as a warning, the gas company can identify the abnormal appliance early and take action.

  The gas shut-off device of the present invention converts the instantaneous flow rate by the flow rate calculation means when the use of the instrument is started, and sequentially classifies the instantaneous flow rate into the flow rate storage means as an instrument flow rate pattern, stores the instrument number and the like. On the other hand, the average flow rate is calculated by the average flow rate calculation means for monitoring the total flow rate cutoff, the increased flow rate cutoff or the usage time cutoff, and monitored by the abnormality judgment means, but is registered in the flow rate registration means as the flow rate for monitoring the equipment. During monitoring, the CO alarm detects the CO gas leak, the CO gas leak determination means determines that the alarm signal is in a low concentration state, and outputs the alarm signal to the instrument estimation means. The instrument estimation means may cause a CO gas leak. The flow rate pattern of the flow rate storage means and the registered flow rate of the flow rate registration means are stored in the device flow rate storage means as a device flow rate data group as if the device was used, and the flow rate pattern of the device flow rate storage means even if it is reused. When the CO gas leakage device estimation signal is input from the device estimation means, the monitoring time shortened by priority rather than the usage time in the corresponding flow rate category of the registered flow rate. By monitoring the usage and setting it to the limit, it is notified to the monitoring center together with the information such as the instrument number, etc. If the leak rate is within the specified correlation coefficient with the specified flow rate pattern after collating with the group, the usage time is limited from the very small alarm signal stage, and the usage time is limited every time it is used. Because it is in a state where CO gas leakage is extremely small and cut off in a short time, the danger to the user is extremely low, and a warning is sent to the gas company as soon as possible. Rukoto can, there is a high safety effect.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a gas shut-off device that monitors the usage status of a gas appliance connected to a pipe after passing through a gas meter and restricts the usage condition of the gas appliance by a signal from a CO alarm. In the gas meter, the flow rate detecting means for measuring the gas flow rate, the flow rate calculating means for obtaining the instantaneous flow rate value from the detection value of the flow rate detecting means, and the instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculating means are associated 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 A flow rate registration means for registering the flow rate value when it is determined, and a CO gas leak judgment that outputs a determination signal according to the CO concentration level determined by the detection signal from the CO alarm device. And when a flow rate is registered by the flow rate registration unit and a determination signal is output from the CO gas leakage determination unit, the flow rate pattern of the flow rate storage unit is read and a CO leakage device is estimated to limit the continuous usable time Instrument estimation means for outputting a signal for setting the direction in a shortening direction, instrument flow storage means for storing the data of the flow rate storage means read by the instrument estimation means together with the instrument flow rate, the flow rate registration means, the instrument estimation 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 a signal from the CO gas leakage determination means, a shut-off means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality, and various instrument information A communication mode for reporting, a monitoring mode for limiting and monitoring the use condition of the appliance according to the determination signal of the CO gas leakage determination means, and an immediate interruption signal It is obtained by a configuration having a cut-off mode for outputting.

  Then, when the use of the instrument is started, the instantaneous flow rate is obtained by the flow rate calculation means, sequentially input to the flow rate storage means and stored as a flow pattern associated with time series, while the average flow rate calculation means is used to calculate the average flow rate. The flow rate for the device monitoring is registered in the flow rate registration means, and the flow rate value, the length of use time, etc. are monitored by the abnormality determination means. When a leak is detected and the CO gas leakage determination means determines that the alarm signal is in a low concentration state, the flow pattern of the flow memory means or the registered flow rate of the flow registration means is determined from the data group as a device that may leak CO gas. The estimation means estimates whether the apparatus has a flow pattern in which CO gas leaks constantly from the past flow pattern or the registered flow rate stored in the instrument flow storage means, and the instrument flow storage means. In the abnormality determination means, the usage time is monitored in the flow rate category corresponding to the registered flow rate. However, the usage time monitored when the flow rate pattern group estimated to be a CO leakage target instrument enters the instrument estimation means. Reduce and shorten the remaining time, monitor again, notify the monitoring center, and if it is used without any CO gas leakage countermeasures thereafter, it is checked by the instrument estimation means with the previous flow rate pattern group. When the flow rate is registered in the flow rate registering means, the abnormality determining means limits the usage time from the stage of a very small amount of CO gas alarm signal by limiting the usage time to a short amount of time, Since the usage time is limited every time it is used, CO gas leakage is extremely small and is shut off in a short time, so the danger to the user is extremely low, Gas companies by warning Problem with broadcast is capable of quick response easier to identify an abnormal instrument.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the CO gas leakage signal is first detected as the instrument estimating means, the monitoring mode is unconditionally executed and various data are stored in the instrument flow rate storage means.

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

  Further, according to the present invention, when the maximum n-th stage determination signal having a high CO concentration is output from the CO gas leakage determination unit as the appliance estimation unit, a signal for closing the blocking unit is output via the abnormality determination unit. It is a thing.

  Further, according to the present invention, when the CO leakage device repeats use and stop as the device estimation means, the limit value of the continuous usable time of the device is set to be shortened according to the number of repetitions.

  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.

  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, 24 is a flow rate detecting means for measuring the gas flow rate. There are various methods as the flow rate detection 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 the present embodiment, and the gas flow rate used is determined from the propagation time. For detecting the flow rate, or for determining the flow rate from the impedance that changes depending on the flow with a hot-wire sensor installed in the flow path, and for detecting the amount of gas with a metering membrane, Some devices detect the flow rate as an electrical pulse signal.

  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 to oppose the flow direction, An ultrasonic signal is transmitted from the upstream to the downstream and from the downstream to the upstream at predetermined intervals, and the propagation time is measured. Then, an instantaneous flow rate value is obtained by 25 flow rate calculation means in consideration of the cross-sectional area of the flow path and the flow state of the fluid from the propagation time difference of the ultrasonic waves between the first transceiver and the second transceiver.

  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 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, as another embodiment, even if there is no gas leak judgment signal from the CO gas leak judgment means 29, the start of use of the gas leak device is estimated by judging the flow rate pattern, and the abnormality judgment means 32 is continuously used. A configuration in which a signal for resetting the time limit value in the shortening direction is output 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 stores the flow rate pattern and flow rate stored in the flow rate storage means 26. From the registered flow rate of the registration means 28, a group of flow rate data is counted as having a gas leak frequency, and when this count reaches a predetermined number of times, there is no subsequent gas leak determination signal from the CO gas leak determination means 29. , 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 device is estimated, and when it is estimated that it is a gas leakage device, the abnormality determination means 32 is informed of the continuous use time. Outputs a signal to reset the limit value in the shortening direction.

  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 (5)

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 meter includes a flow rate detection unit that measures a gas flow rate, a flow rate calculation unit that obtains an instantaneous flow rate value from a detection value of the flow rate detection unit, and a flow rate pattern that associates the instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation unit with time series. The flow rate storage means for storing as, the 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 the instrument flow rate determined from the average flow value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means When the flow rate registration means for registering the flow rate value, the CO gas leakage determination means for judging by the detection signal from the CO alarm device and outputting the judgment signal corresponding to the CO concentration level, and the flow rate registration means register the instrument flow rate. When a 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 control the continuous usable time. Instrument estimation means for outputting a signal for setting a value in a shortening direction, instrument flow storage means for storing the data of the flow rate storage means read by the instrument estimation means together with the instrument flow rate, the flow rate registration means and the instrument estimation means And an abnormality determination means for determining the presence / absence of an abnormality by changing a limit value of the continuous usable time of the instrument by a signal from the CO gas leakage determination means, a shut-off means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality, and various instrument information Communication means for reporting
The CO gas in response to the determination signal of the leakage determination unit, possess a monitoring mode to monitor and limit the conditions of use of the instrument, the shut-down mode for outputting a blocking signal in real
The appliance estimation means is a gas shut-off device that executes a monitoring mode unconditionally when a CO gas leak signal is first detected and stores various data in the appliance flow rate storage means . 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 meter includes a flow rate detection unit that measures a gas flow rate, a flow rate calculation unit that obtains an instantaneous flow rate value from a detection value of the flow rate detection unit, and a flow rate pattern that associates the instantaneous flow rate value obtained by the flow rate calculation unit with time series. The flow rate storage means for storing as, the 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 the instrument flow rate determined from the average flow value obtained by the average flow rate calculation means When the flow rate registration means for registering the flow rate value, the CO gas leakage determination means for judging by the detection signal from the CO alarm device and outputting the judgment signal corresponding to the CO concentration level, and the flow rate registration means register the instrument flow rate. When a 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 control the continuous usable time. Instrument estimation means for outputting a signal for setting a value in a shortening direction, instrument flow storage means for storing the data of the flow rate storage means read by the instrument estimation means together with the instrument flow rate, the flow rate registration means and the instrument estimation means And an abnormality determination means for determining the presence / absence of an abnormality by changing a limit value of the continuous usable time of the instrument by a signal from the CO gas leakage determination means, a shut-off means for shutting off the gas supply in the event of an abnormality, and various instrument information Communication means for reporting
The CO gas in response to the determination signal of the leakage determination unit, possess a monitoring mode to monitor and limit the conditions of use of the instrument, the shut-down mode for outputting a blocking signal in real
The appliance estimating means outputs the first stage signal of the low CO concentration output from the CO gas leakage judgment means to the maximum nth stage signal of high CO concentration,
A gas shut-off device configured to set a limit value of the continuous usable time of the instrument in a direction of shortening according to a determination signal output as the CO concentration increases . The instrument estimation means, CO when the n-stage determination signal of the maximum high CO concentration from the gas leakage determination means is output, the gas shut-off according to claim 1 wherein the output signal for closing the shut-off means through the abnormality determination means apparatus. The instrument estimation means, CO if leakage appliance starts and stops repeatedly used, the gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein so as to set shorter consisting direction limits of the continuously usable time of the appliance in accordance with the number of repetitions. The program for functioning a computer as all the means of the gas cutoff device of any one of Claims 1-4 .

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