JP6890466B2 - Gas appliance discriminator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gas appliance discriminating device that discriminates the type of appliance using gas based on a change in gas flow rate.

Conventionally, a gas appliance discriminating device for discriminating the type of an appliance (gas appliance) using gas by applying a gas meter for measuring a gas flow rate has been proposed.

For example, in Patent Document 1, the gas flow rate is measured, the difference value of the measured flow rate at regular time intervals is calculated, and the measured flow rate or the calculated difference value is used to describe the characteristics of the gas appliance. A flow rate measuring device including an instrument feature extracting means for extracting and an instrument discriminating means for discriminating a gas appliance using the features of the gas appliance extracted by the instrument feature extracting means is disclosed.

In this flow rate measuring device, a plurality of categories are set in advance according to the magnitude of the difference value, a flow rate classification table in which a code is associated with each category is prepared, and calculation is performed based on this flow rate classification table. It is equipped with a difference value conversion means for converting the difference value into a code. The instrument feature extraction means generates a feature code sequence of the gas appliance from the code obtained at regular intervals by the difference value conversion means, or extracts the instrument feature flow rate indicating the feature of the gas appliance from the measured flow rate. To do.

Further, the instrument feature extraction means stores the average value of the flow rates as an intermediate stable flow rate among the instrument feature flow rates when the code in the predetermined range is consecutive for the first predetermined number of times, and when the code in the predetermined range is continuous for the second predetermined number of times. , The average value of the flow rate is stored as a stable flow rate among the instrument characteristic flow rates. In this way, by acquiring the flow rate (intermediate stable flow rate or stable flow rate) that indicates the characteristics of the gas appliance during operation, it is possible to absorb variations due to manual operation or the ignition state when using the appliance. As a result, in Patent Document 1, the accuracy of discrimination of gas appliances is improved.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-095200

By the way, among gas appliances, even if the gas appliances of the same category have the same function, depending on a more specific type, a characteristic change in gas flow rate according to the type (for convenience, characteristics by type). It became clear that there are some that show (change in flow rate). By using such a type-specific characteristic flow rate change for instrument discrimination, it becomes possible to identify a more specific type of gas appliance.

For example, when a conventional gas appliance discriminating device can discriminate a water heater, a gas stove, and a gas fan heater as gas appliances, and further, when different types of gas fan heaters have different characteristic flow rate changes for each type, If these characteristics of each type can be extracted, the specific type of gas fan heater can be identified.

However, the characteristic flow rate change by type may appear after the discrimination period of the gas appliance, not within the discrimination period. In such cases, it was difficult to identify a more specific type of gas appliance.

The present invention has been made to solve such a problem, and it is possible to discriminate a gas appliance and to identify a more specific type of the discriminated gas appliance. An object of the present invention is to provide a discriminating device.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gas appliance discriminating device according to the present invention measures the flow rate of gas flowing in the flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data, and is output from the flow rate measuring means. A calculation means for calculating the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data, and a holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means and the difference value calculated by the calculation means from the start of operation of the gas appliance. And, at least based on the difference value held in the holding means, the gas appliance that has started operation is provided with an appliance discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance is a specific gas appliance, and the appliance discriminating means includes the gas. In the initial discrimination period including the period from the start of operation of the appliance to the increase and stabilization of the gas flow rate, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition, the operating gas appliance , It is determined that it is a specific gas appliance, or it may be the specific gas appliance, and if the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies the predetermined monitoring continuation condition, it is in operation. In order to identify a more specific type of the gas appliance, the change in the flow rate data is continuously monitored even during the monitoring continuation period set as a predetermined period after the lapse of the initial determination period. is there.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gas appliance discriminating device capable of discriminating a gas appliance and discriminating a more specific type of the discriminated gas appliance by the above configuration. It works.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows the typical configuration example of the gas meter which is an example of the gas appliance discriminating apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic graph which shows the relationship between the gas flow rate and time in the gas appliance connected to the gas meter shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of discriminating the type of a gas appliance in operation in the gas meter shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the specific processing of the monitoring continuation step in the flowchart shown in FIG. It is a schematic graph which shows the relationship between the gas flow rate and time in the gas appliance connected to the gas meter in the gas meter which is an example of the gas appliance discrimination apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process of discriminating the type of the gas appliance in operation in the gas meter which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of specific processing of the monitoring continuation step in the flowchart shown in FIG.

The gas appliance discriminating device according to the present disclosure is a difference between a flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of gas flowing in a flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data, and the previous and current flow rate data output from the flow rate measuring means. A calculation means for calculating a value, a holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means from the start of operation of the gas appliance and a difference value calculated by the calculation means, and at least the holding means. The gas appliance discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance that has started operation is a specific gas appliance based on the difference value is provided, and the appliance discriminating means is gas after the gas appliance starts operating. In the initial determination period including the period until the flow rate increases and stabilizes, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined determination condition, the operating gas appliance is a specific gas appliance. Alternatively, if it is determined that the gas appliance may be the specific gas appliance and the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies a predetermined monitoring continuation condition, the gas appliance in operation is more specific. In order to identify the type, the change in the flow rate data is continuously monitored even in the monitoring continuation period set as a predetermined period after the lapse of the initial determination period.

According to the above configuration, by capturing the characteristic flow rate change that appears within the monitoring continuation period, which is a predetermined period after the gas appliance in operation is discriminated in the initial discrimination period, the gas appliance in operation is more specific. The type can be identified. As a result, the accuracy of identifying the specific type of gas appliance can be improved, so that it is possible to charge according to the specific type of gas appliance, and the operation management according to the specific type of gas appliance. Can be made possible.

In the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, the appliance discriminating means may be configured to identify a specific type of the gas appliance in operation by monitoring an increase in flow rate data during the monitoring continuation period. Good.

According to the above configuration, by monitoring the increase in the flow rate data during the monitoring duration, a more specific type of gas appliance in operation can be more preferably identified.

In the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, when the flow rate data in the initial discriminating period matches a predetermined pattern, the gas appliance discriminating means determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied and continues. It may be configured to monitor changes in flow rate data.

According to the above configuration, since the pattern of the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period is set as the monitoring continuation condition, the instrument discrimination means can satisfactorily shift from the initial discrimination period to the monitoring continuation period.

In the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, the calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the flow rate data of a predetermined number of times, and the holding means obtains the calculated predetermined number of times average flow rate. It may be a structure to hold.

Alternatively, in the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, the calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the flow rate data of a predetermined number of times, and the holding means obtains the calculated predetermined number of times average. The device discriminating means holds the flow rate, and when the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discriminating period elapses is within one of a plurality of set first predetermined flow rate ranges, the monitoring continuation condition It may be determined that the above conditions are satisfied, and the change in the flow rate data may be continuously monitored.

According to the above configuration, whether or not the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial determination period elapses falls within the preset first predetermined flow rate range is set as the monitoring continuation condition, so that the instrument discrimination means is used. , It is possible to make a good transition from the initial discrimination period to the monitoring continuation period.

In the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, when the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discrimination period elapses is set as the specific instrument discriminating flow rate, the instrument discriminating means discriminates the specific instrument during the monitoring continuation period. The flow rate is stored as a reference flow rate, and then, when the difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the second predetermined flow rate range, the change in the flow rate data that occurs within the monitoring continuation period is recorded. The number of changes in the first specific flow rate is counted as the number of changes in the first specific flow rate, the average flow rate is re-stored as the reference flow rate when the flow rate data changes, and the number of changes in the first specific flow rate when the monitoring continuation period elapses. The configuration may be such that the specific gas appliance is identified as the first specific gas appliance when the number of times is set to a predetermined number or more.

According to the above configuration, the gas appliance in operation is first specified by counting the number of changes in the flow rate data within the monitoring continuation period based on the reference flow rate, with the specified flow rate as the reference flow rate. It is identified as a gas appliance. Thereby, the appliance discriminating means can satisfactorily identify the specific type of the gas appliance.

Further, in the gas appliance discriminating device having the above configuration, when the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discriminating period elapses is set as the specific instrument discriminating flow rate, the instrument discriminating means is said to be specified in the monitoring continuation period. The instrument discrimination flow rate is stored as a reference flow rate, and then (i) the difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the third predetermined flow rate range, and (ii) the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data. Is within the 4th predetermined flow rate range, and (iii) the difference between the absolute value of the difference value of the previous and current flow rate data and the absolute value of the difference value of the previous and previous flow rate data is the 5th predetermined flow rate range. If, and (iv) the absolute value of the difference value between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the current flow rate data is within the sixth predetermined flow rate range, the flow rate generated within the monitoring continuation period. The change in the data is counted as the number of changes in the second specific flow rate, and the average flow rate of the predetermined number of times at the time of the change in the flow rate data is re-stored as the reference flow rate, and the second specific flow rate when the monitoring continuation period elapses. When the number of changes is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times, the specific gas appliance may be identified as the second specific gas appliance.

According to the above configuration, whether or not the flow rate calculation value based on the reference flow rate, the predetermined number of times average flow rate within the monitoring continuation period, the flow rate data, etc. is within the predetermined flow rate range, with the specific instrument discrimination flow rate as the reference flow rate. By counting the number of changes in the flow rate data within the monitoring continuation period, the operating gas appliance is identified as the second specific gas appliance. Thereby, the appliance discriminating means can satisfactorily identify the specific type of the gas appliance.

Hereinafter, typical embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements will be designated by the same reference numerals throughout all the figures, and duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

(Embodiment 1)
[Configuration example of gas appliance discriminator]
First, a specific example of the gas appliance discriminating device according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. As the gas appliance discriminating device, for example, the gas meter 100 shown in FIG. 1 can be mentioned.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment includes a flow path 10, a flow rate measuring means 101, a calculation means 102, a holding means 103, and an instrument discriminating means 104. Further, a plurality of gas appliances 11 to 13 are connected to the flow path 10. Needless to say, although not shown, the gas meter 100 may be provided with a known configuration other than the flow rate measuring means 101, the calculating means 102, the holding means 103, and the instrument discriminating means 104.

The flow rate measuring means 101 measures the gas flow rate flowing in the flow path 10 at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data. A typical example of the flow rate measuring means 101 is an ultrasonic flow meter. The ultrasonic flow meter transmits and receives ultrasonic waves at regular time intervals with respect to the gas flowing through the flow path 10, measures the gas flow rate, and outputs the flow rate data to the calculation means 102. The specific configuration of the ultrasonic flow meter is not particularly limited, and a configuration known in the field of the gas meter 100 or the gas appliance discriminating device can be used.

The calculation means 102 performs calculation processing using the flow rate data at regular time intervals output from the flow rate measuring means 101. In the present disclosure, the calculation means 102 performs a calculation process for calculating the difference value between the previous flow rate data and the current flow rate data. Here, the current flow rate data refers to the latest flow rate data of the gas flow rate measured at regular time intervals, and the previous flow rate data is the gas flow rate measured immediately before the current flow rate data. Refers to flow rate data. For example, if the flow rate measuring means 101 measures the nth gas flow rate from the start of measurement _{, generates the flow rate data Q n} of the nth gas flow rate, and outputs it to the calculation means 102, the nth time is "this time". , The flow rate data Q _n is the “current flow rate data”, and the previous flow rate data can be represented by _{“Q n-1”.}

Further, the calculation means 102 may perform a calculation process for calculating a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of flow rate data. For example, when the predetermined number of times is m times, the average flow rate of the predetermined number of times can be expressed _{by mQ ave.} The average flow rate mQ _{ave for a predetermined number of times is the sum of the} current flow rate data Q n, the previous flow rate data Q _n-1 , the flow rate data Q _{n-2 two} times before, and the flow data Q _{n-m + 1 before m + 1 times.} Is divided by m times (mQ _ave = (Q _n + Q _n-1 + Q _n-2 + ... + Q _{n-m + 1} ) / m). For example, if the current flow rate data Q _n, which is the nth time, is the 10th time (n = 10) and the predetermined number of times is 3 times (m = 3), the average flow rate of the predetermined number of times is 3 Q _ave = (Q ₁₀ + Q). ₉ + Q ₈ ) / 3, and if the predetermined number of times is 4 times (m = 4), the average flow rate of the predetermined number of times is 4 Q _ave = (Q ₁₀ + Q ₉ + Q ₈ + Q ₇ ) / 4.

The holding means 103 holds the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means 101 and the difference value calculated by the calculating means 102 after at least one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 starts operation. Therefore, the flow rate measuring means 101 outputs the flow rate data to the calculation means 102 and outputs the flow rate data to the holding means 103. Further, if the calculation means 102 calculates the average flow rate for a predetermined number of times, the calculation means 102 may not only output the difference value to the holding means 103 but also output the average flow rate for the predetermined number of times to the holding means 103. The holding means 103 can hold not only the difference value output from the calculation means 102 but also the average flow rate a predetermined number of times. The flow rate data may not be directly output from the flow rate measuring means 101 to the holding means 103, but may be output to the holding means 103 via the calculation means 102.

In the appliance discriminating means 104, any one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 that started operation is a specific gas appliance based on the flow rate data and the difference value held in the holding means 103, and if necessary, the average flow rate a predetermined number of times. Determine if there is. The "specific gas appliance" here refers to the type of gas appliance. The types of gas appliances include not only types based on large categories of different applications such as fan heaters, gas tables (gas stoves), water heaters, gas stoves, gas floor heating, etc., but also, for example, the same fan. Even if it is a heater, it also includes a type (type or model, etc.) based on more specific differences such as a difference in model, a difference in number (output), a difference in manufacturer, and the like.

If the above-mentioned "types based on major category differences by application" (fan heaters, gas tables, water heaters, etc.) are referred to as "upper category types" for convenience, "types based on more specific differences (types or types). (Model, etc.) ”(Difference in model, number (output), difference in manufacturer, etc.) is distinguished as“ sub-category type ”for convenience. The gas appliance discriminating device according to the present disclosure can not only discriminate what kind of higher category gas appliances the operating gas appliances 11 to 13 are, but also continue to monitor the gas flow rate as described later. Thereby, it is possible to identify what kind of lower division type the gas appliance of the upper division type in operation is.

For example, it is assumed that the gas appliances 11 to 13 may be fan heaters, gas tables, or water heaters, respectively, and the gas appliances 11 have started operation. The gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment can determine that the operating gas appliance 11 is a fan heater (or may be a fan heater) by the appliance discriminating means 104, and can monitor the gas meter 100. By continuing, it becomes possible to identify what kind or model of fan heater the gas appliance 11 is.

The appliance discriminating means 104 discriminates the upper classification type of the operating gas appliance in the initial discrimination period, and in the monitoring continuation period following the initial discrimination period, the subclass classification type (specific type) of the discriminated gas appliance. ) Is identified. The initial determination period can be set as a period including a period from when the gas appliance starts operation until the gas flow rate increases and stabilizes. The specific length (time interval) of the initial determination period is not particularly limited, but generally it may be in the range of several seconds to ten and several seconds.

In addition, the monitoring continuation period can be set as a predetermined period after the lapse (end) of the initial determination period. The specific length (time interval) of the monitoring continuation period is not particularly limited, but can be set as, for example, three times or less of the initial determination period. The length of the more specific monitoring continuation period is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately set according to the time zone in which the subclass type of the gas appliance to be identified appears. Based on the length of the initial discrimination period, the monitoring duration is, for example, 3 times, 2.75 times, 2.5 times, 2.25 times, 2 times, 1.5 times, 1.25 times, etc. The length of can be mentioned.

When the monitoring continuation period exceeds 3 times, the length (overall discrimination period) from the start of operation of the gas appliance to the elapse (end) of the monitoring continuation period after the initial discrimination period exceeds 4 times the initial discrimination period. It ends up. Therefore, it may not be possible to say that the gas appliance discriminating device according to the present disclosure identifies a specific type of gas appliance at an initial stage from the start of operation of the gas appliance.

The change in the flow rate data monitored by the appliance discriminating means 104 during the monitoring continuation period is not particularly limited as long as it is a characteristic change in the flow rate data that occurs according to the gas appliance to be identified. A typical example is an increase in flow rate data. Although it depends on the type of gas appliance, it is known that the stable flow rate is reached after a certain period of time has passed since the gas appliance started operation. Then, it became clear that, depending on the subclass type of the gas appliance, the flow rate data further increases from the stable flow rate after the initial discrimination period has elapsed. Therefore, the appliance discriminating means 104 can identify the subclass classification type of the gas appliance by monitoring the increase in the gas flow rate (flow rate data) during the monitoring continuation period after the initial discriminant period has elapsed.

Depending on the upper classification type of the gas appliance, the appliance discriminating means 104 may end the discriminating process after discriminating the type of the gas appliance in the initial discriminant period. Therefore, in the instrument discriminating means 104, a predetermined monitoring continuation condition is set in order to shift from the initial discriminating period to the monitoring continuation period. The specific monitoring continuation condition is not particularly limited, but in the first embodiment, for example, as will be described later, a pattern of flow rate data in the initial determination period is used. The instrument discrimination means 104 determines whether or not the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period matches a predetermined pattern, and if they match, the flow rate data changes after shifting from the initial discrimination period to the monitoring continuation period. To monitor.

The specific configuration of the calculation means 102, the holding means 103, and the instrument discriminating means 104 included in the gas meter 100 is not particularly limited. The arithmetic means 102 and the instrument discriminating means 104 may have, for example, a functional configuration of a known microcomputer or microcontroller, or may be configured as a logic circuit using a known switching element, subtractor, comparator, or the like. Good. Further, the holding means 103 may be configured as an internal memory of a microcomputer or a microcontroller or the like, or may be configured as an independent memory or an external storage device or the like.

As described above, the gas appliances 11 to 13 are connected to the downstream side of the gas meter 100 via the flow path 10. The specific types of gas appliances 11 to 13 are not particularly limited, and fan heaters, gas tables (gas stoves), water heaters, gas stoves, gas floor heaters, and gas dryers, which are mentioned as specific examples of the above-mentioned upper category types, are not particularly limited. Etc. Further, in FIG. 1, there are three gas appliances 11 to 13 connected to the gas meter 100, but this is an illustration for convenience, and two or less gas appliances may be connected to the gas meter 100. Needless to say, four or more gas appliances may be connected.

[Determination of the type of gas appliance during the initial discrimination period]
Next, regarding the discrimination of the types of gas appliances 11 to 13 by the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) having the above configuration, first, FIGS. 2 and 3 show an example of a method of discriminating the upper classification type of the operating gas appliance. It will be explained with reference to.

For example, suppose that one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 is a fan heater and one is a gas table. FIG. 2 is a graph schematically showing the gas flow rate-time relationship while the fan heater and the gas table are operating. The solid line shows the time change of the gas flow rate in a specific type of fan heater, and the broken line shows the time change. , The time change of the gas flow rate of the gas table is shown. In FIG. 2, the period from the time when the operating gas appliance starts operation (operation start time) Tm0 to the first predetermined time Tm1 is the initial determination period, and in this initial determination period, the upper classification type of the gas appliance Causes a characteristic difference in gas flow rate.

Therefore, in the gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment, based on such a characteristic difference in gas flow rate, whether the upper category type of the operating gas appliance, for example, the operating gas appliance is a fan heater. Determine if it is a gas table. Specifically, for example, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, the gas meter 100 can determine the upper category type of the operating gas appliance.

First, if it is confirmed that at least one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 has started operation (step S11), the gas meter 100 includes the flow rate data of the gas flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means 101, and this flow rate. The difference value calculated by the calculation means 102 from the data is held in the holding means 103 (step S12). The appliance discriminating means 104 determines whether the operating gas appliance is a fan heater or a gas table based on whether or not the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition (step S13).

Here, the condition for discriminating the difference value in the instrument discriminating means 104 is not particularly limited, but typically, as in Patent Document 1, a plurality of differential value classifications according to the magnitude of the difference value and each of them. An example is a method in which a flow rate classification table to which a code representing a classification is associated is held and this code is used as a discrimination condition. By assigning a code according to the difference value, not only can the upper classification type of the gas appliance in operation be discriminated well, but also the flow rate data in the initial discriminant period can be compressed by coding, so efficient discrimination can be performed. Becomes possible. The discrimination condition used in the present disclosure is not limited to the coding of the difference value, and at least the difference value may be used.

When the difference value does not satisfy the predetermined discrimination condition (NO in step S13), the instrument discrimination means 104 determines whether or not the first predetermined time Tm1 has elapsed (whether the initial discrimination period has elapsed (finished)). (Step S14). If the first predetermined time Tm1 has not elapsed (NO in step S14), the process returns to holding the flow rate data and the difference value (step S12) again. On the other hand, when the first predetermined time Tm1 elapses (YES in step S14), it is determined that the operating gas appliance is not a fan heater or a gas table, so the determination ends (step S15).

When the difference value satisfies a predetermined determination condition (YES in step S13), the appliance discriminating means 104 determines that the operating gas appliance is a fan heater (specific gas appliance) (step S16).

Here, although not shown in FIG. 2, for example, in a water heater, the gas flow rate changes at a slope different from that of a fan heater or a gas table. Therefore, the appliance discriminating means 104 may be configured to discriminate whether the operating gas appliance is a water heater, a fan heater or a gas table instead of a water heater. In this case, the appliance discriminating means 104 states that the operating gas appliance is a fan heater or a gas table (may be a specific gas appliance), at least when the difference value satisfies a predetermined discriminating condition. It should be determined.

That is, the appliance discriminating means 104 may be a specific gas appliance (for example, a fan heater) or the specific gas appliance (for example, a fan) based on the difference value. It may be configured to be discriminated as a heater or a gas table).

As described above, the gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment can discriminate the upper category type of the operating gas appliance based on the characteristic difference in the gas flow rate that occurs in the initial discrimination period. Here, for example, if there is a request to identify the difference in the subdivision type of the fan heater, such as the difference in the model, the difference in the number (heating capacity), the difference in the manufacturer, etc., it relates to the first embodiment. The gas meter 100 is configured to continuously monitor the gas flow rate after the initial determination period (after the first predetermined time Tm1) based on a predetermined condition and determine the subclass type of the operating gas appliance. ..

Specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the change in the gas flow rate (solid line) of the fan heater is such that the gas flow rate rises from the start of operation _{and once reaches the intermediate stable flow rate FH med} , and then the gas flow rate further rises. The pattern is shown in which the stable flow rate FH _{max is reached.} On the other hand, the change in the gas flow rate (broken line) of the gas table shows a pattern in which the _{gas flow rate rises from the start of operation and reaches the stable flow rate FH max without reaching the intermediate stable flow rate.} In FIG. 2, the broken line (gas table) is slightly shifted upward from the solid line (fan heater) for convenience of illustrating the difference between the solid line and the broken line patterns.

As described above, the appliance discriminating means 104 can discriminate whether the operating gas appliance is a fan heater or a gas table based on at least the difference value in the initial discrimination period (step S13 in FIG. 3 and the gas table). See step S16). Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the appliance discriminating means 104 is a monitoring continuation condition if the operating gas appliance is a fan heater (specific gas appliance) or if there is a possibility (step S16). , It is determined whether or not to continuously monitor the flow rate data based on the pattern of the flow rate data in the initial determination period (step S17).

In the first embodiment, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2, does the pattern of the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period match the pattern (predetermined pattern) of reaching the stable flow rate FH _{max via the intermediate stable flow rate FH med?} Judge whether or not. If the pattern of the flow rate data matches the predetermined pattern, the instrument discriminating means 104 determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied (YES in step S17), and continues the flow rate data after the first predetermined time Tm1. Monitor the change (step S18). The step of continuously monitoring the change of the flow rate data is referred to as a "monitoring continuation step" for convenience.

On the other hand, if the instrument discriminating means 104 determines that the flow rate data pattern in the initial discriminating period does not match the predetermined pattern shown by the solid line in FIG. 2 (NO in step S17), it determines that the monitoring continuation condition is not satisfied. Then, the determination is completed (step S15).

[Identification of gas appliance type during monitoring duration]
Next, an example of a monitoring continuation step performed after the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) discriminates the upper classification type of the operating gas appliance, that is, a method of identifying the lower classification type of the operating gas appliance is shown in the figure. 2 and FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the fan heater (solid line) of a specific type, which is an operating gas appliance, has a second predetermined time Tm2 after the first predetermined time Tm1 has elapsed (after the initial determination period has elapsed). The gas flow rate changes, for example, twice until it reaches, that is, until the monitoring duration elapses. Such a change in gas flow rate is a characteristic change in gas flow rate (characteristic flow rate change for each type) according to a specific type of fan heater. If the specific type of fan heater shown in FIG. 2 is referred to as the "first specific gas appliance" for convenience, the characteristic flow rate change for each type in the first specific gas appliance is determined by the initial determination period (operation start time Tm 0 to the first predetermined time). It does not appear in Tm1), but appears after the initial discrimination period ends.

Therefore, in the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) according to the first embodiment, whether or not the characteristic flow rate change for each type appears between the end of the initial discriminating period and the arrival at the second predetermined time Tm2. judge. Thereby, it is possible to identify whether or not the operating gas appliance (for example, a fan heater) is the first specific gas appliance (a specific type of fan heater).

The flow shown in FIG. 4 is a specific example of the monitoring continuation step in FIG. Since the flow rate measuring means 101 continues to measure the gas flow rate at regular time intervals, the calculation means 102 calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of flow rate data, and holds the predetermined number of times average flow rate. Hold with. For example, if the current flow rate data is the nth flow rate data Q _n and the predetermined number of times m = 3, then the predetermined number of times average flow rate 3Q _ave = (Q _n + Q _n-1 + Q _n-2 ) / 3, and this 3Q _{The ave} is calculated by the calculation means 102 and held by the holding means 103.

Here, the appliance discriminating means 104 calculates the average flow rate for a predetermined number of times at the time when the upper category type of the operating gas appliance is discriminated (see steps S13 and S16 in FIG. 3), and stores this as the reference flow rate. (Step S181). Assuming that the average flow rate of a predetermined number of times at the time of discriminating the operating gas appliance is "specific instrument discrimination flow rate" for convenience of explanation, this specific instrument discrimination flow rate is a predetermined time measured within the time including the first predetermined time Tm1. It may be the number-of-times average flow rate, or it may be the predetermined number-of-times average flow rate measured immediately after the first predetermined time Tm1.

_{For example, if the flow rate measuring means 101 measures the flow rate data Q t} at the “tth time” when the predetermined number of times m = 3 and the first predetermined time Tm1 just elapses, the specific instrument discrimination flow rate is 3Q. _ave = (Q _t-2 + Q _t-1 + Q _t ) / 3, or 3Q _ave = (Q _t-1 + Q _t + Q _{t + 1} ) / 3, or 3Q _ave = (Q _t + Q _{t + 1} + Q) _{t + 2} ) / 3 (predetermined number of times average flow rate measured within the time including the first predetermined time Tm1), 3Q _ave = (Q _{t + 1} + Q _{t + 2} + Q _{t + 3} ) / It may be 3 (predetermined number of times average flow rate measured immediately after the first predetermined time Tm1).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the specific instrument discriminating flow rate is the stable flow rate FH _max , the instrument discriminating means 104 stores this as the reference flow rate Q _kijyun (Q _kijyun = FH _max ). After that, since the flow rate measuring means 101 continues to measure the gas flow rate at regular time intervals, the calculation means 102 continuously calculates the predetermined number of times average flow rate, and the holding means 103 holds the predetermined number of times average flow rate (step). S182).

Then, the instrument discriminating means 104 determines whether or not the difference (flow rate difference) between the predetermined number of times average flow rate 3Q _ave and the reference flow rate Q _kijyun is within the second predetermined flow rate range (step S183). If the flow rate difference is not within the second predetermined flow rate range (NO in step S183), for example, it is determined that there is no substantial flow rate difference seen from _{the reference flow rate Q kijyun during the monitoring continuation period, and the average number of times is determined.} The calculation of the flow rate 3Q _ave is repeated (returning to step S182).

If the flow rate difference is within the second predetermined flow rate range (YES in step S183), the instrument discriminating means 104 determines this flow rate difference as a specific flow rate change that occurred during the monitoring continuation period, and counts the number of times of this flow rate change. (Step S184). Therefore, the condition of whether or not the flow rate difference is within the second predetermined flow rate range is set as the flow rate change counting condition. The number of flow rate changes based on the fact that the flow rate difference is within a predetermined range is referred to as the "first specific flow rate change number" for convenience. _{The instrument discriminating means 104 re-stores the predetermined number of times average flow rate 3Q ave} as the reference flow rate Q _kijyun when counted as the first specific flow rate change number (step S184).

After that, the instrument discriminating means 104 determines whether or not the second predetermined time Tm2 has elapsed, that is, whether or not the monitoring continuation period has ended (step S185). If the second predetermined time Tm2 has not elapsed (NO in step S185), _{the calculation of the average flow rate 3Q ave for} the predetermined number of times, the determination of the flow rate difference, and the counting of the number of changes in the first specific flow rate are repeated (steps S182 to S185). ..

On the other hand, if the second predetermined time Tm2 has elapsed (YES in step S185), the monitoring continuation period has elapsed (finished), so that the number of changes in the first specific flow rate counted up to this point is in advance. When the first predetermined number of times is set, a specific gas appliance (for example, a fan heater) in operation is identified as a first specific gas appliance (a specific type of fan heater) (step S186).

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the flow rate change of the fan heater occurs twice during the monitoring continuation period. These two changes in the flow rate correspond to the characteristic flow rate changes for each type of the fan heater. In this example, since the first predetermined number of times may be set twice, if the appliance discriminating means 104 counts the first specific flow rate change number of times twice, the operating fan heater can be changed to a specific type of fan heater. (For example, a fan heater of the first model) can be identified.

Further, in another fan heater (for example, a fan heater of the second model), if the flow rate change occurs once as the characteristic flow rate change for each type, the first predetermined number of times may be set to one. Alternatively, the appliance discriminating means 104 may be configured to identify as a specific type of gas appliance when the number of first specific flow rate changes is equal to or greater than the first predetermined number of times.

(Embodiment 2)
In the gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment, when shifting from the initial discrimination period to the monitoring continuation period, it is monitored whether or not the flow rate data while discriminating the operating gas appliance matches a predetermined pattern. It was a condition for continuation. In the gas meter 100 according to the second embodiment, the monitoring continuation condition is whether or not the average flow rate of a predetermined number of times from the time when the operating gas appliance is determined is within the predetermined flow rate range.

[Determination of the type of gas appliance during the initial discrimination period]
Since the configuration of the gas meter 100 according to the second embodiment is the same as that of the gas meter 100 according to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), a specific description thereof will be omitted.

Next, an example of a method for determining the upper category type of the gas appliance in operation will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

Similar to the first embodiment, it is assumed that one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 shown in FIG. 1 is a fan heater and one is a gas table. FIG. 5 is a graph schematically showing the gas flow rate-time relationship while the fan heater and the gas table are operating, and as in FIG. 2, the solid line is the time of the gas flow rate in a specific type of fan heater. The change is shown, and the broken line shows the time change of the gas flow rate of the gas table. In FIG. 5, as in FIG. 2, the broken line (gas table) is slightly shifted upward from the solid line (fan heater) for convenience of illustration.

The gas table shown in FIG. 5 is the same as in FIG. 2, and the time change of the gas flow rate is also the same as in FIG. Since the fan heater shown in FIG. 5 has a different subclass type (specific type) from the fan heater shown in FIG. 2, the change in the gas flow rate during the initial discrimination period is the same, but the gas flow rate during the monitoring continuation period is the same. The changes are different. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 5, similarly to FIG. 2, the period from the operation start time Tm0 to the first predetermined time Tm1 is the initial determination period, but since the subclass classification type of the fan heater to be identified is different, The monitoring continuation period is a period from the first predetermined time Tm1 to the third predetermined time Tm3 (Tm3 <Tm2).

Similar to the first embodiment, the gas meter 100 according to the second embodiment first has a higher classification type (for example, for example) of the gas appliance in operation based on the characteristic difference in the gas flow rate generated in the initial determination period. Whether it is a fan heater or a gas table) is determined. Specifically, for example, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the gas meter 100 can determine the upper category type of the operating gas appliance.

First, if it is confirmed that at least one of the gas appliances 11 to 13 has started operation (step S21), the gas meter 100 includes the flow rate data of the gas flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means 101, and this flow rate. The difference value calculated by the calculation means 102 from the data is held in the holding means 103 (step S22). The appliance discriminating means 104 determines whether the operating gas appliance is a fan heater or a gas table based on whether or not the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition (step S23). As the determination condition, as described in the first embodiment, the coding of the difference value can be mentioned, but the determination condition is not particularly limited.

When the difference value does not satisfy the predetermined determination condition (NO in step S23), the instrument discrimination means 104 determines whether or not the first predetermined time Tm1 has elapsed (whether the initial determination period has elapsed (finished)). (Step S24). If the first predetermined time Tm1 has not elapsed (NO in step S24), the process returns to holding the flow rate data and the difference value (step S22) again. On the other hand, if the first predetermined time Tm1 elapses (YES in step S24), it is determined that the operating gas appliance is not a fan heater or a gas table, so the determination ends (step S25).

When the difference value satisfies a predetermined determination condition (YES in step S23), the appliance discriminating means 104 determines that the operating gas appliance is a fan heater (specific gas appliance) (step S26). Further, the appliance discriminating means 104 stores a predetermined number of times average flow rate, that is, a specific instrument discriminating flow rate at the time when the operating gas appliance is discriminated (step S27), and whether the specific instrument discriminating flow rate is within the first predetermined flow rate range. Whether or not it is determined (step S28). Therefore, in the second embodiment, it is a monitoring continuation condition whether or not the specific instrument discriminating flow rate is within the first predetermined flow rate range.

In the second embodiment, a plurality of first predetermined flow rate ranges are set. This first predetermined flow rate range is set according to the subclass type of the specific gas appliance, and the fact that the specific appliance discrimination diversion is within these first predetermined flow rate ranges is higher in operation. This means that it is necessary to continue monitoring the gas flow rate for gas appliances for which the classification type has been specified.

The instrument discriminating means 104 determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied if the stored specific instrument discriminating flow rate is within any of the first predetermined flow rates (YES in step S28), and proceeds to the monitoring continuation step. Then, the change in the flow rate data is continuously monitored even after the first predetermined time Tm1 (step S29). On the other hand, if the stored specific instrument discriminating flow rate is not within any of the first predetermined flow rate ranges (NO in step S28), the instrument discriminating means 104 determines that the monitoring continuation condition is not satisfied, and discriminates. It ends (step S25).

[Identification of gas appliance type during monitoring duration]
Next, an example of a monitoring continuation step performed after the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) discriminates the upper classification type of the operating gas appliance, that is, a method of identifying the lower classification type of the operating gas appliance is shown in the figure. 5 and FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the fan heater (solid line) of a specific type, which is an operating gas appliance, has a third predetermined time Tm3 after the first predetermined time Tm1 has elapsed (after the initial determination period has elapsed). The gas flow rate changes once until it reaches (the monitoring continuation period elapses). Such a change in gas flow rate is a characteristic change in gas flow rate (characteristic flow rate change for each type) according to a specific type of fan heater. If the specific type of fan heater shown in FIG. 5 is referred to as a "second specific gas appliance" for convenience, the characteristic flow rate change for each type in the second specific gas appliance is determined by the initial determination period (operation start time Tm 0 to the first predetermined time). It does not appear in Tm1), but appears after the initial discrimination period ends.

Therefore, in the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) according to the second embodiment, it is determined whether or not the characteristic flow rate change for each type appears between the end of the initial discriminating period and the arrival at the third predetermined time Tm3. judge. Thereby, it is possible to identify whether or not the operating gas appliance (for example, a fan heater) is a second specific gas appliance (a specific type of fan heater).

The flow shown in FIG. 7 is a specific example of the monitoring continuation step in FIG. The appliance discriminating means 104 calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate (specific instrument discriminating flow rate) at a time when the upper classification type of the operating gas appliance is discriminated (see steps S23 and S26 in FIG. 6), and uses this as a reference flow rate. Store (step S291).

In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the specific instrument discriminating flow rate is the stable flow rate FH _max , the instrument discriminating means 104 stores this as the reference flow rate Q _kijyun (Q _kijyun = FH _max ). After that, since the flow rate measuring means 101 continues to measure the gas flow rate at regular time intervals, the holding means 103 uses the measured current flow rate data Q _n , the previous flow rate data Q _n-1, and the previous two previous flow rate data Q _{n. While holding -2} , the calculation means 102 _{continuously calculates the average flow rate mQ ave} a predetermined number of times and holds it in the holding means 103 (step S292).

Then, the instrument discriminating means 104 uses the reference flow rate Q _kijyun , the held flow rate data Q _n , Q _n-1 , Q _n-2, and the predetermined number of times average flow rate mQ _ave, and uses the following conditions (i) to (iv). Is determined (step S293). These conditions (i) to (iv) are collectively referred to as "flow rate range determination conditions" for convenience of explanation.

First, the condition (i) is whether or not the difference (mQ _ave −Q _{kijyun ) between the average flow rate mQ ave} and the reference flow rate Q _{kijyun within the} predetermined number of times is within the third predetermined flow rate range (abbreviated as Fr3 in FIG. 7). ..

Next, as for the condition (ii), the difference value (Q _n −Q _{n-1 ) between the previous flow rate data Q n-1} and the current flow rate data Q _n is the fourth predetermined flow rate range (abbreviated as Fr4 in FIG. 7). Whether it is inside or not.

Next, the condition (iii) is the absolute value (| Q _n −Q _{n-1 |) of the difference value between the previous flow rate data Q n-1} and the current flow rate data Q _n , and the previous flow rate data Q _n-. The difference between the absolute value of the difference between ₁ and the flow rate data Q _{n-2 two times before (| Q n-1} −Q _n-2 |) is within the fifth predetermined flow rate range (abbreviated as Fr5 in FIG. 7). Whether or not there is.

Next, as for the condition (iv), the absolute value (| mQ _ave −Q _{n |) of the difference value between the average flow rate mQ ave of the} predetermined number of times and the current flow rate data Q _n is the sixth predetermined flow rate range (Fr6 in FIG. 7). Whether or not it is within (abbreviation).

The instrument determination means 104 determines whether or not a change in the flow rate data has occurred when these four flow rate range determination conditions are satisfied (step S294). If there is no change in the flow rate data (NO in step S294), for example, assuming that there is no substantial flow rate difference, the flow rate data of the previous time and the previous time is held, and the average flow rate is calculated and held a predetermined number of times. And repeat (return to step S292).

On the other hand, if there is a change in the flow rate data (YES in step S294), it is determined that the specific flow rate change has occurred during the monitoring continuation period, and the number of times of this flow rate change is counted (step S295). Therefore, the flow rate range determination conditions (i) to (iv) described above are set as flow rate change count conditions. The number of flow rate changes based on these flow rate range determination conditions is referred to as the "second specific flow rate change number" for convenience. The instrument discriminating means 104 re-stores _{the predetermined number of times average flow rate mQ ave} as the reference flow rate Q _kijyun when counted as the second specific flow rate change number (step S295).

After that, the instrument discriminating means 104 determines whether or not the third predetermined time Tm3 has elapsed, that is, whether or not the monitoring continuation period has ended (step S296). If the third predetermined time Tm3 has not elapsed (NO in step S296), the flow rate range determination condition is satisfied, the occurrence of the flow rate change is determined, and the second specific flow rate change number is determined from the retention of the flow rate data and the average flow rate for the predetermined number of times. The process up to counting is repeated (steps S292 to S295).

On the other hand, if the third predetermined time Tm3 has elapsed (YES in step S296), the monitoring continuation period has elapsed (finished), so that the number of changes in the second specific flow rate counted up to this point is in advance. When the set second predetermined number of times is reached, a specific gas appliance (for example, a fan heater) in operation is identified as a second specific gas appliance (a specific type of fan heater) (step S297).

In the example shown in FIG. 5, the flow rate change of the fan heater occurs once during the monitoring continuation period. This one-time change in flow rate corresponds to the change in characteristic flow rate for each type of fan heater. In this example, since the second predetermined number of times may be set once, if the appliance discriminating means 104 counts the number of times of the second specific flow rate change once, the operating fan heater can be changed to a specific type of fan heater. (For example, a fan heater of the first model) can be identified.

Further, in another fan heater (for example, a fan heater of the second model), if the flow rate change occurs twice as the characteristic flow rate change for each type, the second predetermined number of times may be set to two times. Alternatively, the appliance discriminating means 104 may be configured to identify as a specific type of gas appliance when the second specific flow rate change number of times is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times.

[Modification example]
In the first or second embodiment, the fan heater is exemplified as the gas appliance to be discriminated by the appliance discriminating means 104, but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and as described above, the gas table (gas stove) and the water heater. Needless to say, other gas appliances such as a gas stove, a gas floor heater, and a gas dryer may be used.

Further, in the first embodiment, the gas meter 100 (gas appliance discriminating device) uses whether or not the flow rate data matches a predetermined pattern as a monitoring continuation condition for shifting from the initial discriminating period to the monitoring continuation period. In the monitoring continuation period, whether or not the flow rate difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the second predetermined flow rate range is used as the flow rate change counting condition. Further, in the second embodiment, the gas meter 100 uses that, as a monitoring continuation condition, the average flow rate of a predetermined number of times at the time when the initial determination period elapses is one of a plurality of set first predetermined flow rate ranges. As the flow rate change count condition, the above-mentioned establishment of the flow rate range determination conditions (i) to (iv) is used. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations described in those embodiments 1 or 2.

For example, the gas meter 100 uses whether or not the flow rate data matches a predetermined pattern as in the first embodiment as the monitoring continuation condition, and as the flow rate change counting condition, as in the second embodiment (as in the second embodiment). The establishment of the flow rate range determination conditions of i) to (iv) may be used. Alternatively, the gas meter 100 uses that, as in the second embodiment, the average flow rate of a predetermined number of times at the time when the initial determination period elapses is within the first predetermined flow rate range as the monitoring continuation condition, and the flow rate change counting condition. As the above-described first embodiment, it may be used whether or not the flow rate difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the second predetermined flow rate range.

Further, the gas meter 100 has a gas appliance identification method according to the first embodiment (processing of the flow shown in FIG. 4) and a gas appliance identification method according to the second embodiment (of the flow shown in FIG. 7) during the monitoring continuation period. Processing) may be used in combination.

For example, in the initial determination period, as in the first embodiment, whether or not the flow rate data matches a predetermined pattern is used as the monitoring continuation condition, and if the monitoring continuation period is entered, the present embodiment 2 As described above, the establishment of the flow rate range determination conditions (i) to (iv) is used as the flow rate change counting condition to identify whether or not the operating gas appliance is the second specified gas appliance, and further, it is in operation. When the gas appliance of No. 2 is not the second specified gas appliance (or when there is another gas appliance in operation), the flow rate difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is the second, as in the first embodiment. 2. Whether or not it is within a predetermined flow rate range may be used as a flow rate change counting condition to identify whether or not the operating gas appliance is the first specific gas appliance.

The present invention is not limited to the description of the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and the present invention is disclosed in different embodiments and a plurality of modifications. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the above technical means are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be widely and suitably used not only in the field of discriminating the type of gas appliance but also in the field of identifying a more specific type.

10 Flow path 11 Gas appliance 12 Gas appliance 13 Gas appliance 100 Gas meter (Gas appliance discrimination device)
101 Flow rate measuring means 102 Calculation means 103 Holding means 104 Instrument discrimination means

Claims (7)

A flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of gas flowing in the flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data.
A calculation means for calculating the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data output from the flow rate measuring means, and
A holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means and the difference value calculated by the calculation means from the start of operation of the gas appliance, and
An instrument discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance that has started operation is a specific gas appliance based on at least the difference value held in the holding means.
With
The instrument discrimination means
In the initial discrimination period including the period from the start of operation of the gas appliance to the increase and stabilization of the gas flow rate, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition, the gas in operation Determining that the appliance is or may be a particular gas appliance, as well as
When the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies the predetermined monitoring continuation condition, in order to identify a more specific type of the gas appliance in operation, a predetermined value after the lapse of the initial determination period is further determined. Even during the monitoring continuation period set as the period, changes in the flow rate data are continuously monitored ,
Further, it is characterized in that, among the changes in the flow rate data during the monitoring continuation period, the specific type of the gas appliance in operation is identified by monitoring the increase in the flow rate data.
Gas appliance discriminator. A flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of gas flowing in the flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data.
A calculation means for calculating the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data output from the flow rate measuring means, and
A holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means and the difference value calculated by the calculation means from the start of operation of the gas appliance, and
An instrument discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance that has started operation is a specific gas appliance based on at least the difference value held in the holding means.
With
The instrument discrimination means
In the initial discrimination period including the period from the start of operation of the gas appliance to the increase and stabilization of the gas flow rate, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition, the gas in operation Determining that the appliance is or may be a particular gas appliance, as well as
When the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies the predetermined monitoring continuation condition, in order to identify a more specific type of the gas appliance in operation, a predetermined value after the lapse of the initial determination period is further determined. Even during the monitoring continuation period set as the period, changes in the flow rate data are continuously monitored,
When the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period matches a predetermined pattern, the gas appliance discriminating means determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied, and continuously monitors the change in the flow rate data.
The calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of the flow rate data.
The holding means holds the calculated average flow rate a predetermined number of times.
When the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discrimination period elapses is set as the specific instrument discrimination flow rate,
The device discriminating means is used during the monitoring continuation period.
The specific instrument discrimination flow rate is stored as a reference flow rate, and
After that, when the difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the second predetermined flow rate range, the change in the flow rate data that occurs within the monitoring continuation period is counted as the first specific flow rate change number. At the same time, the average flow rate of the predetermined number of times at the time of change of the flow rate data is re-stored as a reference flow rate.
When the number of changes in the first specific flow rate at the time when the monitoring continuation period elapses is the preset first predetermined number or more, the specific gas appliance is identified as the first specific gas appliance. Characterized by that
Gas appliance discriminator. A flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of gas flowing in the flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data.
A calculation means for calculating the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data output from the flow rate measuring means, and
A holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means and the difference value calculated by the calculation means from the start of operation of the gas appliance, and
An instrument discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance that has started operation is a specific gas appliance based on at least the difference value held in the holding means.
With
The instrument discrimination means
In the initial discrimination period including the period from the start of operation of the gas appliance to the increase and stabilization of the gas flow rate, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition, the gas in operation Determining that the appliance is or may be a particular gas appliance, as well as
When the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies the predetermined monitoring continuation condition, in order to identify a more specific type of the gas appliance in operation, a predetermined value after the lapse of the initial determination period is further determined. Even during the monitoring continuation period set as the period, changes in the flow rate data are continuously monitored,
When the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period matches a predetermined pattern, the gas appliance discriminating means determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied, and continuously monitors the change in the flow rate data.
The calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of the flow rate data.
The holding means holds the calculated average flow rate a predetermined number of times.
When the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discrimination period elapses is set as the specific instrument discrimination flow rate,
The device discriminating means is used during the monitoring continuation period.
The specific instrument discrimination flow rate is stored as a reference flow rate, and then,
(I) The difference between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the reference flow rate is within the third predetermined flow rate range.
(Ii) The difference value between the previous flow rate data and the current flow rate data is within the fourth predetermined flow rate range.
(Iii) The difference between the absolute value of the difference value of the previous and current flow rate data and the absolute value of the difference value of the previous and previous flow rate data is within the fifth predetermined flow rate range, and
(Iv) When the absolute value of the difference value between the predetermined number of times average flow rate and the current flow rate data is within the sixth predetermined flow rate range,
The change in the flow rate data generated within the monitoring continuation period is counted as the second specific flow rate change count, and the predetermined number of average flow rates at the time of the change in the flow rate data is re-stored as the reference flow rate.
When the number of changes in the second specific flow rate at the time when the monitoring continuation period elapses is equal to or greater than the second predetermined number of times, the specific gas appliance is identified as the second specific gas appliance.
Gas appliance discriminator. A flow rate measuring means that measures the flow rate of gas flowing in the flow path at regular time intervals and outputs it as flow rate data.
A calculation means for calculating the difference value between the previous and current flow rate data output from the flow rate measuring means, and
A holding means for holding the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means and the difference value calculated by the calculation means from the start of operation of the gas appliance, and
An instrument discriminating means for determining that the gas appliance that has started operation is a specific gas appliance based on at least the difference value held in the holding means.
With
The instrument discrimination means
In the initial discrimination period including the period from the start of operation of the gas appliance to the increase and stabilization of the gas flow rate, if at least the difference value satisfies a predetermined discrimination condition, the gas in operation Determining that the appliance is or may be a particular gas appliance, as well as
When the change in the flow rate data during the initial determination period satisfies the predetermined monitoring continuation condition, in order to identify a more specific type of the gas appliance in operation, a predetermined value after the lapse of the initial determination period is further determined. Even during the monitoring continuation period set as the period, changes in the flow rate data are continuously monitored,
The calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of the flow rate data.
The holding means holds the calculated average flow rate a predetermined number of times.
The device discriminating means satisfies the monitoring continuation condition when the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discriminating period elapses is within one of a plurality of set first predetermined flow rate ranges. It is characterized by making a judgment and continuously monitoring changes in flow rate data.
Gas appliance discriminator. When the flow rate data in the initial discrimination period matches a predetermined pattern, the gas appliance discriminating means determines that the monitoring continuation condition is satisfied, and continuously monitors the change in the flow rate data. Characteristic,
The gas appliance discriminating device according to claim 1. The calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of the flow rate data.
The holding means holds the calculated average flow rate a predetermined number of times.
The gas appliance discriminating device according to claim 5. The calculation means further calculates a predetermined number of times average flow rate, which is an average value of the predetermined number of times of the flow rate data.
The holding means holds the calculated average flow rate a predetermined number of times.
The device discriminating means satisfies the monitoring continuation condition when the predetermined number of times average flow rate at the time when the initial discriminating period elapses is within one of a plurality of set first predetermined flow rate ranges. It is characterized by making a judgment and continuously monitoring changes in flow rate data.
The gas appliance discriminating device according to claim 1.

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