JPH0743127B2 - Gas shutoff device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas shutoff device that automatically shuts off a gas passage when an abnormality occurs to prevent an accident such as an explosion or poisoning caused by city gas or propane gas. Regarding

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional gas shutoff device of this type, as shown in FIG.
Gas meter 2 in the gas supply line 1 and flow rate measuring means 3 for issuing a signal according to the amount of gas passing through the gas meter 3.
And a cutoff means 4 for stopping the supply of gas is provided, and the cutoff means is judged to be abnormal if the usage condition is judged by the flow rate signal of the flow rate measurement means 3 and deviates from the preset and stored proper gas usage condition. 4 was provided with a control unit 5 for issuing a closing signal.

FIG. 7 shows an example of the configuration of this conventional control unit. Those having the same numbers as in FIG. 6 are components having the same function. The control unit 5 includes a use state detection unit 6 that receives the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring unit 3 and detects the use state of gas, and an initial condition that sets appropriate use conditions in advance according to the number of the gas meter. It comprises a setting unit 7 and a proper use condition judging unit 8 which outputs an interruption signal when the signal from the use state detecting unit deviates from the gas proper use condition and judges that the gas is abnormal.

Here, the proper use condition indicates each condition item such as a total flow rate set according to the capacity of each gas meter, an individual maximum flow rate, and a safe continuous use time. The total flow rate condition is to activate the shut-off means when the total gas flow rate that passes through the gas meter within the predetermined measurement period exceeds a predetermined value that is initially set when the gas hose is pulled out or the gas appliances burn out. . The individual maximum flow rate condition is to detect the gas flow rate change for each predetermined measurement period, identify how many kinds of gas appliances are currently used, and identify how much gas consumption is used for each, and determine the maximum gas among them. When the consumption exceeds a predetermined set value, a shutoff signal is output to the shut-off means to deal with gas leakage such as cracking of the gas hose and combustion extinction when the gas plug is half opened. In addition, the safe continuous use time condition refers to the continuous usable time set for each range from the statistical data of the time that a gas appliance in a certain combustion range is continuously used, and the data from the usage state detection unit is When the set time is exceeded, an operation signal is sent to the shutoff means to ensure safety even when the gas appliance is forgotten to be turned off.

As described above, the usage state detection unit observes the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, and continuous use time, and the appropriate use condition determination unit 8 makes a comparison determination with the initial value to determine the abnormality of the gas supply system. Had been detected.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above-mentioned configuration, since the proper use condition is uniformly determined only by the initial value depending on the capacity of the gas meter installed in the gas pipe, it is not possible to use it in a home where the meter is installed. There was a problem that special conditions were not incorporated.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem by measuring the flow rate pattern of gas actually used in each home for a predetermined period,
It is an object of the present invention to provide a safer gas shutoff device by resetting the judgment conditions that are strict but suit the actual conditions.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the gas shutoff device of the present invention is
Flow rate measuring means that emits a signal according to the amount of gas passing through a gas meter provided in the gas supply line, a usage state detection unit that detects the usage state of gas by the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, and proper gas usage conditions An initial condition setting unit that presets as an initial value, an appropriate use condition determination unit that outputs an interruption signal when the signal of the use state detection unit deviates from the gas proper use condition, and outputs a cutoff signal, a first predetermined period T1.
A first timer for counting, a start signal applying means for starting the first timer, a use state storage section for storing a gas use state during operation of the first timer by a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, The maximum value is updated and stored from the data in the usage state storage unit, and at the end of the operation of the first timer, the initial value of the gas proper use condition is compared with the maximum value or a value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined coefficient, and the smaller one is selected. A gas proper use condition changing section for selecting and newly changing the gas proper use condition, counting a period during which the first timer is operating and the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means is continuously less than a predetermined value. 2 timer, a count operated to extend the operating period of the first timer when the period TC2 counted by the second timer is equal to or longer than a second predetermined period T2 shorter than T1. The control unit is composed of a period operating unit, and a shutoff means for shutting off the gas passage in response to a shutoff signal from the control unit.

Effect According to the present invention, when the activation signal is applied to the first timer, counting of the first predetermined period T1 is started, and at the same time, the operation of the use state storage means causes the first timer to operate. Gas usage patterns are measured.
In other words, during this time, the measured values of the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, continuous use time, etc. described above are updated, and at the same time as the timer ends, the final data is compared with the initial value in the proper gas usage condition changing section. It is determined and the predetermined proper gas usage condition is newly set. After that, the proper use condition determination unit compares the new set condition with the signal from the use state detection unit, and when the condition is not satisfied, determines that the condition is abnormal and activates the shutoff means. By the way, when the first timer is operating and the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means is continuously below a predetermined value, the second timer counts the period. When the period TC2 counted by the second timer is equal to or longer than the second predetermined period T2 which is shorter than the period T1, the operating period of the first timer is operated by the counting period operation unit.

Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 7 are components having the same function. The control unit 15 inputs a flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means 3 similar to the conventional one and detects a usage state of gas, and an initial condition setting unit 7 that presets gas proper usage conditions as initial values. And an appropriate use condition determination unit 8 that outputs an interruption signal by determining that the signal from the use state detection unit deviates from the gas proper use condition and determines that it is abnormal.
And a first timer 9 for counting the first predetermined period T1
And a start signal applying means 10 for starting the first timer.
And the first flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means.
The use state storage unit 11 for storing the gas use state during the timer operation, and the maximum value is updated and stored from the data of the use state storage unit 11 and the initial value of the proper gas use condition at the end of the operation of the first timer 9. And the maximum value or a value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined coefficient, and select the smaller one to newly change the appropriate gas usage conditions.
A second timer 13 for counting a period in which the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means is continuously less than a predetermined value while the first timer is operating, and a period TC2 counted by the second timer. Is a second predetermined period T2 which is shorter than T1 and is longer than the second predetermined period T2, the count period operating unit 14 is operated to extend the operating period of the first timer.

In the above structure, when the activation signal applying means (for example, the push button switch, the signal transmission means from the outside, etc.) is activated, the activation signal is sent to the first timer, and the timer receives the signal and then the first predetermined time. Start counting T1.
The predetermined time T1 may be set in advance or may be set arbitrarily, but is, for example, a span of one week or one month. At the same time as the operation of the first timer, the use state storage unit 11 stores the use pattern of gas, that is, the total flow rate, the individual maximum flow rate, and the continuous use time. The gas proper use condition changing unit stores the maximum value of the actually measured gas use pattern, and therefore updates the data. By the way, when the first timer is operating and the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means is continuously below a predetermined value, the second timer 13
Counts that period. When the period TC2 counted by the second timer is equal to or longer than the second predetermined period T2 which is shorter than T1, the operation period of the first timer is operated by the counting period operation unit 14 so as to be extended. is there. In this way, when the counting of the first timer is completed, the final data is sent from the storage unit to the proper use condition changing unit. In this change unit, the initial condition and the final data are compared, the one with the smaller value is selected, and the new proper condition is set again. In other words, until the above-mentioned timer count ends, the abnormality determination unit compares the current gas usage state with the preset initial value to determine the abnormal state, but the gas usage pattern measurement result during the timer operation. After the condition is newly set from, the abnormal state is judged by comparing with the reset value. Here, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, the shutoff means is activated and the gas passage is closed.

In the above, the final data is used as it is for the comparison with the initial value, but it is also possible to multiply by a predetermined coefficient for comparison. It takes into consideration the safety factor in actual use.

FIG. 2 shows that when the period TC2 counted by the second timer is equal to or longer than a second predetermined period T2 which is shorter than T1, the count period operation unit counts only the TC2 which is the predetermined period by the first timer. The example which extended the period is shown. The horizontal axis represents elapsed time, and the shaded area represents the period during which the gas flow rate was observed. At t0, the activation signal is applied to the first timer, and counting of T1 is started. Since the gas flow rate is equal to or lower than the predetermined value (for example, the gas flow rate is not observed) from t1 to t2, the second timer is activated and TC2-1 is obtained as the counting period. Here, TC2-1 is the second
Since it is shorter than the predetermined period T2, the count period operation unit does not operate anything. Then the second timer counts from t3 to t4 and gets TC2-2. However, since TC2-2 is longer than T2, the count period operation unit extends the count period of the first timer by TC2-2, and sets t8 to be the one that should end at t7. TC2-3 is from t5 to t6
However, since it is less than T2, the count period operation unit does not operate anything. In this way, the gas usage pattern observed between t0 and t8 is used for the determination of the initial value.

In the above, the predetermined extension period by the count period operation unit is the period TC2 counted by the second timer, but another set period (for example, T1 or TC2 multiplied by a coefficient) is provided. Is also good.

By the way, if there are a plurality of periods TC2 counted by the second timer that is equal to or longer than the predetermined period T2, or if TC2 itself is for a long period of time, it is possible that the data in the storage unit will not be determined forever. Therefore, it is also effective to set a limit value in the operation period of the first timer and reset the proper use condition.

The control unit described above can be easily realized by using a calculation or judgment function by a program operation of a microcomputer or the like. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 shows a schematic program flow.

When the program starts, an initial value is set as a proper gas usage condition in A, and then an initial value T1 is set as a count period of the first timer in B. Next, the flow rate is measured at C, and the usage state of the gas as described above is detected at D. Then, at E, it is determined whether or not the first timer for a predetermined period is counting, when it is counting, at F, it is determined whether or not the second timer is counting, and when it is counting, J
To G when not counting.

At G, it is determined whether or not the flow rate is below a predetermined value, and if it is above a predetermined value, H is used to store the gas usage state. That is, the maximum value of the usage state of the gas corresponding to each usage condition is stored and updated. On the contrary, when the value is less than the predetermined value, the second timer starts counting at I.

Also in J, it is judged whether the flow rate is less than or equal to a predetermined value, and if it is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, the second timer stops counting at K, and then at L, the count period TC2 is from the second predetermined period T2. Is also large. If it is larger, TC is added to the counting period of the first timer with N, the period is extended, and the second timer is cleared with M. Conversely, if it is small, it immediately jumps to M. When the flow rate is J or less than the predetermined value, the second timer is counted at O.

After passing through the above H, I, M, and O, jump to P in the same manner as when not counting at E, and determine each gas proper use condition. In Q, when the judgment result of P is abnormal, R
It branches to and outputs the cutoff signal. When it is not abnormal, it is checked in S whether or not the proper use condition changing section has operated, and when it has been operated, the flow returns to h1, that is, C flow rate measurement. When the change unit has not been activated, it is first T
It is determined whether or not the timer has finished counting, and when it finishes, the usage state stored in U and the initial condition are compared. Next, at V, the gas proper use condition is changed to a predetermined value.
As described above, the maximum value of each stored pattern is compared, and, for example, the smaller value is selected and reset. Thereafter, in P, the reset value is treated as a gas proper use condition, and compared with the detected value. When the timer count is not completed at T, the process branches to W to determine whether the first timer is currently counting. If it is counting, X continues counting as it is, and if it is not counting, Y determines the presence or absence of a start signal. When the activation signal is input, Z starts the first timer count. If there is no signal, it returns to h1 again. By executing this program flow, the function of the control unit of the gas shutoff device of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 can be realized.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the present invention, and blocks having the same numbers as in FIG. 1 are components having the same function. The use state storage unit 16 included in the control unit 18 receives the signal from the count period operation unit 17, clears the stored contents, and restarts the storage of the gas use state from the beginning by restarting the first timer. In the counting period operation unit 17 here, TC2 is T2.
At the above time, it operates so as to reset the first timer, and causes the counting of the first predetermined period T1.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart of the gas use pattern showing the contents of FIG. 4, which is in the same usage state as in FIG. 2, but at the time point t4, the count period operation unit is activated to newly add the first time period.
The timer's counting period T1 is set, and what is scheduled to end at t7 is extended to t9. That is, the operation of the storage unit is from t4 to t9. Thus, by setting the learning period for observing the gas usage pattern to the same T1 and restarting, the actual state of the gas supply system can be detected.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the gas cutoff device of the present invention has the following effects.

(1) By constantly monitoring the gas usage state and comparing it with the set appropriate usage conditions, it is possible to detect gas leaks and combustion extinction. If the conditions are exceeded, it is judged that there is an abnormality. In this case, the shutoff means is activated to stop the gas supply, so that it is possible to prevent a dangerous state such as gas explosion or gas poisoning.

(2) The start signal is used to observe the actual usage pattern of the gas supply system in which the gas meter is installed for a predetermined period of time, and the maximum value and the initial value are compared to determine the predetermined value (eg, the smaller value) as appropriate. Since it is set again as the usage condition, it is judged in consideration of individual special conditions compared with the condition that was uniformly determined by the capacity (number of gas meters) of the gas meter, which further increases the safety level against gas accidents. be able to.

(3) Furthermore, after the observation of the usage pattern is started, when a state where the gas is not used for a long period of time occurs, the observation period is extended or restarted to allow learning in accordance with actual use. Therefore, no trouble occurs even when the proper use conditions are reset.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gas shutoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a function of a count period operation unit by the device, and FIG. 3 is a schematic program flow of a control unit of the device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a gas shutoff device according to another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the function of a counting period operating unit by the device, and FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a conventional gas shutoff device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional control unit. 2 ... Gas meter, 3 ... Flow rate measuring means, 4 ... Shutoff means, 6 ... Usage state detecting section, 7 ... Initial condition setting section, 8
...... Appropriate usage condition determination unit, 9 ...... First timer, 10 ...
... starting signal applying means, 11 ... use state storage section, 12 ... appropriate use condition changing section, 13 ... second timer, 14 ... count period operating section, 15 ... control section.

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-53-49339 (JP, A) JP-A-56-97747 (JP, A) Actual opening Sho-53-166133 (JP, U) Actual opening Sho-59- 181957 (JP, U)

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. Flow rate measuring means for emitting a signal according to the amount of passing gas of a gas meter provided in a gas supply line,
A usage state detection unit that detects the usage state of gas with a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measurement unit, an initial condition setting unit that sets gas proper usage conditions as initial values in advance, and a signal from the usage state detection unit is the gas proper use A proper use condition determining unit that outputs an interruption signal by determining that the condition is abnormal when the condition is deviated, first
A first timer for counting a predetermined period T1 of the
Starting signal applying means for activating the timer, a use state storage section for storing the gas use state during operation of the first timer by the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, and a maximum value from the data of the use state storage section. When the first timer operation is updated and stored, the initial value of the gas proper use condition is compared with the maximum value or a value obtained by multiplying the maximum value by a predetermined coefficient, and the smaller one is selected to newly change the gas proper use condition. A proper gas use condition changing unit, a second timer that counts a period in which the first timer is operating and the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means is continuously less than or equal to a predetermined value, and is counted by the second timer. When the period TC2 is equal to or longer than the second predetermined period T2, which is shorter than T1, the control unit including a count period operation unit that operates to extend the operation period of the first timer; A gas shutoff device having a shutoff means for shutting off the gas passage in response to the shutoff signal. 2. The count period operation unit is configured to perform the first operation only for a predetermined period.
The gas shutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the operating period of the timer is extended. 3. The count period operation unit clears the contents of the storage unit and restarts the first timer by T1 when the TC2 is T2 or more, and restarts the storage operation of the gas usage state. 2. A gas shutoff device according to claim 1. 4. The gas shutoff device according to claim 2, wherein an upper limit value is set for the operating period of the first timer.