JPH0771995A - Flow measuring instrument - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a flow measuring instrument of high reliability, for measuring the flow of gas or liquid. CONSTITUTION:A nonvolatile storage means 9 retains internally stared information even with any abnormalities in the power supply, and an intermittent power supply means 11 works to supply power to the nonvolatile storage means 9 only during the controlling action of a control means 10, so as to control unnecessary power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9, so as to achieve low power consumption and to secure long-range reliability with battery power supply.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a flow rate measuring device such as a gas meter or a water meter for measuring the flow rate of gas or water.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional flow rate measuring device has a structure as shown in FIG. Flow rate measuring means 1 for outputting a flow rate signal S according to the amount of passing gas
Whenever the flow rate signal S sent from the flow rate measuring means 1 is received, the flow rate integrating means 2 for outputting the integrated flow rate N (for example N = G × S) based on the previously stored integration weighting value G.
And the weighting value G for integration and the integrated flow rate N of the flow rate integration means 2.
The storage means 3 (such as a static RAM in a microcomputer) for storing the above, and predetermined information necessary for flow rate measurement such as the weighting value G for integration are input from the outside, and the total flow rate N stored in the storage means 3 is input. And a communication means 4 for outputting cutoff information to the outside, a power supply section 5 for supplying power to each of the above-mentioned constituent means, and a storage means 3 via the communication means 4 with the outside.
The input / output unit 6 for inputting / outputting information to / from the display unit 7, the display unit 7 for displaying the integrated value calculated by the flow rate integrating unit 2 on the LCD, and the usage state of the gas calculated by the integrating unit 2 are used abnormally. Shut-off means 8 for stopping the gas supply when it is estimated that
It consists of The flow rate measuring unit 1, the flow rate integrating unit 2, the storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, the display unit 7, and the shutoff unit 8 are specifically realized by a microcomputer using the power supply unit 5 as a power source, an electronic circuit, or the like. . Then, the flow rate measuring device is constituted by the flow rate measuring means 1 to the blocking means 8.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned configuration, since the storage means 3 is realized by the microcomputer, when the power source section 5 has an abnormality, the predetermined information necessary for the flow rate measurement and the flow rate are required. Since it is not possible to accurately store the measuring instrument information such as the verification number of the measuring device, the manufacturing information such as the manufacturing number, and the storage information such as the installation information, the power supply unit 5
There was a problem that the stored contents could not be read out after the occurrence of an abnormality.

In the flow rate measuring device of the present invention, even if an abnormality occurs in the internal power supply, the internal storage information is accurately held in the nonvolatile storage area, and power is supplied only when information is input to or output from the nonvolatile storage area. A first object is to provide a low power consumption flow rate measuring device.

A second object is to keep the internal storage information in the nonvolatile storage area accurately even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply section, and to provide a stable power supply only when information is input to or output from the nonvolatile storage area. A supply of a flow rate measuring device that enables stable input / output of information to / from a low-consumption non-volatile storage area by supplying the same.

A third object is that even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply unit, the internal storage information is accurately held in the nonvolatile storage area, and the supply voltage of the power supply at the time of inputting / outputting information to / from the nonvolatile storage area is monitored. The present invention is to provide a flow rate measuring device that enables accurate input / output of information to / from a non-volatile storage area by ignoring input / output information when a supply power source is abnormal.

A fourth object is that, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply section, the internal storage information is accurately held in the non-volatile storage area, and the power supply voltage is supplied only when information is input / output to / from the non-volatile storage area. The present invention is to provide a flow rate measuring device capable of more stable input / output of information to / from a non-volatile storage area by monitoring the above and supplying parallel power with another power source if there is an abnormality.

Further, a fifth object is that the internal storage information is accurately held in the nonvolatile storage area even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply section, and the supply power supply voltage is supplied only when the information is input / output to / from the nonvolatile storage area. If there is an abnormality, parallel supply with another power supply is performed, and the parallel supply voltage when inputting / outputting information to / from the non-volatile storage area is monitored, and the input / output information when the supply power is abnormal is ignored. It is to provide a flow rate measuring device that enables more accurate input / output of information to / from a region.

[0009]

In order to achieve the above first object, the present invention provides a flow rate measuring means for outputting a flow rate signal corresponding to a passing flow rate, and a weighting value for integration stored in advance in accordance with the above. Flow rate integrating means for integrating flow rate signals and outputting integrated flow rate, storage means for storing predetermined information necessary for flow rate measurement, non-volatile storage means for holding stored contents even without power supply, and the non-volatile storage means It is provided with a control means for controlling reading and writing, an intermittent power supply means for supplying power to the non-volatile storage means when the control means operates, and a power supply section for supplying power to each means.

In order to achieve the second object, the present invention comprises a constant voltage means for converting the power supplied by the intermittent power supply means to a constant voltage and supplying it to the non-volatile storage means.

In order to achieve the third object, according to the present invention, the constant voltage means for converting the power supplied by the intermittent power supply means into a constant voltage and supplying it to the non-volatile memory means is a power supply to the non-volatile memory means. When the voltage is below a preset voltage value, the supply is stopped and an abnormal signal is output to the control means.

In order to achieve the fourth object, the present invention provides a flow rate measuring means for outputting a flow rate signal corresponding to a passing flow rate, and the flow rate signals are integrated and integrated in accordance with a pre-stored weighting value for integration. Flow rate integrating means for outputting the flow rate, storage means for storing predetermined information necessary for flow rate measurement, non-volatile storage means for holding the stored contents even without power supply, and control means for controlling reading and writing of the non-volatile storage means An intermittent power supply means for supplying power to the non-volatile storage means during operation of the control means; a power supply section for supplying power to each means; a second power supply section for supplying power to a load; and the power supply section. The parallel power supply means for supplying the second power supply unit in parallel when the power supply voltage is less than or equal to the preset voltage value.

Further, in order to achieve the fifth object, the present invention stops the supply when the parallel supply means operates and the supply power voltage to the non-volatile storage means is equal to or less than a preset voltage value and the control means. Further, it is provided with a parallel supply monitoring means for outputting an abnormal signal.

[0014]

The present invention holds the stored information even when the non-volatile memory means is in a non-powered state, and when the control means for controlling input / output (reading / writing) of information to / from the non-volatile memory means operates, intermittent power supply means. Operates to supply power to the non-volatile storage means and controls unnecessary power supply to reduce power consumption.

Further, when the control means for controlling the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means operates while holding the stored information even when the non-volatile storage means is in a non-powered state, the intermittent power supply means is the non-volatile storage means. The constant voltage means regulates the power supply to the non-volatile storage means by controlling the unnecessary power supply to achieve low power consumption and reliable and stable input / output of information. Is possible.

Also, when the non-volatile storage means holds the stored information even in the non-power-supply state and the control means for controlling the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means operates, the intermittent power supply means is the non-volatile storage means. The non-volatile memory means has a constant voltage for supplying power to the non-volatile memory means and acts to monitor the power supply voltage by controlling the unnecessary power supply to reduce power consumption. It prevents the input / output of abnormal information due to the abnormal power supply voltage supplied to the device and enables the reliable input / output of accurate information.

Further, the stored information is held even when the non-volatile storage means is in a non-powered state, and the parallel supply means monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting means, and the second power supply section is connected in parallel when the voltage value is below a preset voltage value. It acts so as to supply, and prevents an abnormal power supply voltage supplied to the non-volatile storage means.

Further, the stored information is held even when the non-volatile memory means is in a non-powered state, and the power supply voltage supplied to each means by the parallel supply means is monitored, and the second power supply section is supplied in parallel when the voltage value is below a preset voltage value. However, the parallel supply time monitoring means functions to monitor the power supply voltage supplied to each means when the parallel supply means operates, and prevents abnormal information input / output due to the supplied power supply voltage abnormality and is highly reliable. Enables accurate information input / output.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in the conventional example are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 1, 1 is a flow rate measuring means for outputting a flow rate signal S according to the amount of passing gas, and 2 is a flow rate measuring means 1.
Each time the flow rate signal S sent from the device is received, the integrated flow rate N is calculated based on the integrated weighting value G stored in the storage means 3 in advance.
Flow rate integrating means for outputting (N = G × S as an example), 3
Is a storage means (static RAM or the like) for storing predetermined information necessary for flow rate measurement such as the integration weighting value G and the integrated flow rate N of the flow rate integration means 2. Reference numeral 4 denotes a communication means for inputting predetermined information required for flow rate measurement such as the integration weighting value G stored in the storage means 3 from the outside, and for outputting the information stored in the storage means 3 and the information at the time of abnormality to the outside. is there. 6
Is an input / output unit for inputting / outputting information to / from the outside via the communication unit 4. An information setting device is connected to the input / output unit 6 of the present embodiment when inputting predetermined information necessary for flow rate measurement, and a T for inputting / outputting information by using a telephone line after the setting is completed.
NCU (line terminal unit) is connected. 7 is a display unit for displaying an integrated value and an abnormal state of the apparatus, and 8 is an integration unit 2.
A cutoff means for stopping the supply of gas and outputting a signal to the communication means 4 as an abnormal state when it is estimated that the gas is being used abnormally from the calculated gas usage state,
Reference numeral 9 denotes a non-volatile storage means (EEPROM or the like) that holds the stored contents even when there is no power supply. Reference numeral 5 is a power supply unit (for example, a lithium battery or the like) that supplies power to the device constituent means other than the nonvolatile storage means 9. Reference numeral 10 is a control unit that controls input / output of information stored in the storage unit 3 and information stored in the non-volatile storage unit 9 at regular intervals (for example, every 12 hours), and outputs a signal for starting and ending the control operation. Reference numeral 11 denotes an intermittent power supply means for supplying the power of the power supply unit 5 to the nonvolatile storage means 9 by a control start signal output from the control means 10 and stopping the power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9 by a control end signal.
In this embodiment, the flow rate measuring means 1, the flow rate integrating means 2, the storage means 3, the communication means 4, the shutoff means 8 and the control means 10 are realized by the microcomputer 12.

Then, the flow rate measuring means 1, the flow rate integrating means 2, the storage means 3, the communication means 4, the shutoff means 8 and the control means 1
The microcomputer 12 for realizing 0, the power supply unit 5, the input / output unit 6, the display unit 7, the non-volatile storage unit 9, and the intermittent power supply unit 11 constitute a flow rate measuring device.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail. First, as an initialization process, power is supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the units constituting the flow rate measuring device other than the non-volatile storage unit 9, and predetermined information such as the weighting value G for integration necessary for starting the flow rate measurement. And manufacturing information such as the verification number, manufacturing number, manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device from the input / output unit 6 to the communication means 4.
It is stored in the storage means 3 via. Next, when the predetermined information necessary for the flow rate measurement and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the serial number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage means 3 as the initial setting information, the control means 10 causes the storage means 3 to store the information. The control start signal for storing the initial setting information stored in the non-volatile storage means 9 is output to the intermittent power supply means 11. The intermittent power supply means 11 receives the control start signal and supplies the power of the power supply section 5 to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Then, the control unit 10 stores (writes) the initial setting information stored in the storage unit 3 in the nonvolatile storage unit 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 at the time when the storage work in the nonvolatile storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9. . Then, the mode is set so that the flow rate measurement can be started when the control ends.

Next, the measuring operation will be described. The flow rate measuring means 1 outputs the flow rate signal S at preset time intervals (for example, every 1 second) according to the passing gas amount, and every time the flow rate integrating means 2 receives the flow rate signal S sent from the flow rate measuring means 1, in advance. The integrated flow rate N (for example, N = G × S) is output based on the integrated weighting value G stored in the storage unit 3. The display means 7 displays the output of the flow rate integrating means 2. Control means 10
Stores the weighting value G for integration, the integrated flow rate N, and the writing date / time information stored in the storage means 3 at regular intervals (for example, every 12 hours) in the non-volatile storage means 9, and writes the area information in the non-volatile storage means 9. Is read out and stored in the storage means 3. First, the control means 10 inputs a control start signal to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 11 supplies the power of the power supply section 5 to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Then, the control means 10 stores the weighting value G for integration, the integrated flow rate N, and the writing date / time information stored in the storage means 3 in the non-volatile storage means 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9.

Next, when it is estimated that the shutoff means 8 is being used abnormally based on the gas usage calculated by the integrating means 2, the gas supply is stopped and the communication means 4 is in an abnormal state. Assuming that there is, a signal is output and the communication means 4 notifies the outside of the abnormal state. Then, the display means 7 displays a predetermined abnormality display.

In the above flow rate measuring device, the control means 10
Outputs a signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 at the time of starting and ending the control for storing the flow rate measurement information stored in the storage means 3 in the non-volatile storage means 9 at the time of initial setting and every 12 hours, and the intermittent power supply. The supply means 11 acts to supply power to the non-volatile storage means 9 only during the control operation of the control means 10, and controls unnecessary power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9 to achieve low power consumption. As a result, long-term reliability due to the battery power supply can be secured.

The above-mentioned non-volatile storage means 9 is an EEPR.
This can be easily realized by using OM. Writing to and reading from general EEPROM are performed by serial operation. Further, the EEPROM retains the stored contents for 10 years or more even when the power supply is stopped, and the stored contents can be read by supplying the power again and performing a serial operation. In this embodiment, the hardware configuration is attached to the outside of the microcomputer 12, but the same effect can be obtained by incorporating it.

Further, the other means can be easily realized by using a calculation or judgment function by a program operation of the microcomputer 12 or the like.

Although the present embodiment uses a 3V battery power source, the same effect can be obtained even if the power source configuration changes.

In this embodiment, the nonvolatile storage means 9
Data is input and output to and from serial communication, but similar effects can be expected even with parallel communication.

The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 2, 13 is a constant voltage means for converting the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply section 5 to a constant voltage, and 11 is a control start signal output from the control means 10.
Is an intermittent power supply means for supplying a constant voltage power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9 and stopping the constant voltage power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9 by a control end signal. Then, the microcomputer unit 12 that realizes the flow rate measurement unit 1, the flow rate integration unit 2, the storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, the shutoff unit 8, and the control unit 10, the power supply unit 5, the input / output unit 6, the display unit 7, and the nonvolatile unit. Property storage means 9, intermittent power supply means 11, constant voltage means 13
Thus, the flow rate measuring device is constructed.

Next, the operation of this embodiment using a 3V lithium battery power source will be described in detail. First, as an initial setting process, a 3V power source is supplied from the power source unit 5 to a unit constituting the flow rate measuring device other than the non-volatile storage unit 9, and a predetermined weighting value G for integration necessary for starting the flow rate measurement is determined. The information and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the manufacturing number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage unit 3 from the input / output unit 6 via the communication unit 4. Next, when the predetermined information necessary for the flow rate measurement and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the serial number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage means 3 as the initial setting information, the control means 10 causes the storage means 3 to store the information. The control start signal for storing the initial setting information stored in the non-volatile storage means 9 is output to the intermittent power supply means 11. The intermittent power supply means 11 receives the control start signal and supplies the constant voltage power of 2.1V supplied by the constant voltage means 13 to the non-volatile storage means 9. Then, the control unit 10 stores (writes) the initial setting information stored in the storage unit 3 in the nonvolatile storage unit 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the constant voltage power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9. . Then, the mode is set so that the flow rate measurement can be started when the control ends. In the present embodiment, the voltage value 2.1V supplied by the constant voltage means 13 is set from the recommended operating voltage range of the non-volatile storage means 9.

Next, the input / output control performed by the control means 10 with respect to the nonvolatile storage means 9 at regular intervals (for example, every 12 hours) during the flow rate measuring operation will be described. The control means 10 includes a weighting value G for integration and an integrated flow rate N stored in the storage means 3,
The writing date / time information is stored in the non-volatile storage means 9, and the writing area information of the non-volatile storage means 9 is read out and stored in the storage means 3. First, the control means 10 inputs a control start signal to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 11 supplies the constant voltage power supplied by the constant voltage means 13 to the nonvolatile storage means 9. And
The control means 10 stores the weighting value G for integration, the integrated flow rate N, and the writing date / time information stored in the storage means 3 in the non-volatile storage means 9 by serial communication. The control means 10
When the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, a control end signal is output to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 1 is output.
1 stops the power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9.

In the above flow rate measuring device, the intermittent power supply means 11 causes the non-volatile storage means 9 to operate when the control means 10 for controlling the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means 9 is operated every 12 hours. The constant voltage means 13 supplies a constant voltage to the non-volatile storage means 9 to control the unnecessary power supply, thereby reducing power consumption and providing reliable and stable information. I / O becomes possible.

In this embodiment, the stabilized power supply for the power supply unit 5 is supplied to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 11 supplies the stabilized power to the nonvolatile storage means 9 only when the control means 10 is operating. However, the same effect can be obtained by stabilizing the power supply of the power supply section 5 supplied by the intermittent power supply means 11 and supplying it to the nonvolatile storage means 9.

The third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 13 outputs a signal when the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 5 is constant voltage to 2.1V and the constant voltage unit 14 to supply and the voltage value supplied from the constant voltage unit 14 is 2.1V or less. It is a constant voltage unit configured with the voltage monitoring unit 15. Reference numeral 11 denotes a control start signal output from the control means 10, which is an intermittent power supply for supplying the constant voltage power supply supplied by the constant voltage means 13 to the non-volatile storage means 9, and a control end signal for stopping the supply of the constant voltage power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9. It is a power supply means. Then, the microcomputer unit 12 that realizes the flow rate measurement unit 1, the flow rate integration unit 2, the storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, the shutoff unit 8, and the control unit 10, the power supply unit 5, the input / output unit 6, the display unit 7, and the nonvolatile unit. The flow rate measuring device is constituted by the property storage means 9, the intermittent power supply means 11, and the constant voltage means 13.

Next, the operation of this embodiment using a 3V lithium battery power source will be described in detail. First, as initial setting processing, 3V power is supplied from the power supply unit 5 to means other than the non-volatile storage means 9 constituting the flow rate measuring device. And
Predetermined information such as the weighting value G for integration necessary for starting the flow rate measurement, and manufacturing information such as the verification number, manufacturing number, manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored from the input / output unit 6 via the communication means 4. It is stored in the means 3. Next, when the predetermined information necessary for the flow rate measurement and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the serial number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage means 3 as the initial setting information, the control means 10 causes the storage means 3 to store the information. The control start signal for storing the initial setting information stored in the non-volatile storage means 9 is output to the intermittent power supply means 11. The intermittent power supply means 11 receives the control start signal and supplies the constant voltage power of 2.1V supplied by the constant voltage means 13 to the non-volatile storage means 9. Then, the control unit 10 stores the initial setting information stored in the storage unit 3 in the nonvolatile storage unit 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the constant voltage power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9. . Then, the mode is set so that the flow rate measurement can be started when the control ends. During the control operation of the control unit 10, the voltage monitoring unit 15 monitors the constant voltage value of 2.1V supplied to the non-volatile storage unit 9, and the voltage of 2.1V is monitored.
At the following times, an abnormal signal is output to the control means 10 and the 2.1V constant voltage power supply is stopped. Then, the control means 10 suspends the input / output control of information with respect to the non-volatile storage means 9 because the power supply section 5 has an abnormality. In the present embodiment, the voltage value 2.1V supplied by the constant voltage means 13 is set from the recommended operating voltage range of the non-volatile storage means 9.

Next, the input / output control performed by the control means 10 periodically (for example, every 12 hours) on the non-volatile storage means 9 during the flow rate measuring operation will be described. The control means 10 inputs the control start signal to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 11 supplies the constant voltage power supplied by the constant voltage means 13 to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Then, the control means 10 stores the weighting value G for integration, the integrated flow rate N, and the writing date / time information stored in the storage means 3 in the non-volatile storage means 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Also, the control means 1
0 is supplied to the non-volatile storage means 9 during the control operation.2.
The 1V power supply voltage is monitored by the voltage monitoring unit 15, and when it is lower than 2.1V, an abnormal signal is output to the control means 10 and the 2.1V constant voltage power supply is stopped. Then, the control means 10 suspends the input / output of information to / from the nonvolatile storage means 9 on the assumption that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply section 5 due to the abnormality signal from the voltage monitoring section 15. Further, the control means 10 stops the input / output control of information to the non-volatile storage means 9 on the assumption that the power supply is abnormal due to the abnormality signal, and inputs the information to the non-volatile storage means 9 at the time of abnormality. In this case, the input control area of the non-volatile storage means 9 is stored in the storage means 3, and after 10 minutes, if the power supply voltage has returned to 2.1 V, the information in the non-volatile control area of the non-volatile storage means 9 is stored again. Input control. When the power supply voltage abnormality continues, the input control is stopped, the communication means 4 is used to report the abnormality to the outside, and the display means 7 displays the abnormality. Further, when the control means 10 outputs information from the non-volatile storage means 9 at the time of abnormality, the output information is discarded, and after 10 minutes, if the power supply voltage has returned to 2.1 V, the non-volatile storage means 9 again outputs. Performs control to output information. If the power supply voltage abnormality continues, the output control is stopped, the communication means 4 is used to report the abnormality to the outside, and the display means 7 displays the abnormality.

In the above flow rate measuring device, the non-volatile storage means 9 holds the stored information even when the power is not supplied, and
When the control means 10 for controlling the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means 9 operates, the constant voltage means 13 converts the power supplied by the intermittent power supply means 11 to the non-volatile storage means 9 into a constant voltage and supplies the power. The power supply voltage is monitored, and unnecessary power supply is controlled to reduce power consumption, and abnormal input / output of abnormal information due to power supply voltage abnormality supplied to the non-volatile storage means 9 is prevented to improve reliability. It is possible to input and output highly accurate information.

A fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 16 is a second power supply section that supplies power to a heavy load such as a gas shutoff valve, and 17 is the second power supply section 1 when the voltage value supplied by the power supply section 5 is 2.1 V or less.
6 is a parallel supply means for connecting 6 in parallel and supplying a stabilized power supply of 2.1 V to each means constituting the apparatus. Reference numeral 18 is a parallel supply monitoring means for outputting an abnormality signal when the power supply voltage value supplied by the parallel supply means 17 falls below 2.1 V, indicating that an abnormality has occurred in the power supply, and 11 is a control start signal output by the control means 10. It is an intermittent power supply means for supplying the constant voltage power supply supplied by the parallel supply means 17 to the non-volatile storage means 9 and stopping the constant voltage power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9 by the control end signal. Then, the microcomputer unit 12 that realizes the flow rate measurement unit 1, the flow rate integration unit 2, the storage unit 3, the communication unit 4, the shutoff unit 8, and the control unit 10, the power supply unit 5, the input / output unit 6, the display unit 7, and the nonvolatile unit. The flow rate measuring device is configured by the property storage unit 9, the intermittent power supply unit 11, the second power supply unit 16, the parallel supply unit 17, and the parallel supply time monitoring unit 18.

Next, the operation of this embodiment using a 3V lithium battery power source will be described in detail. First, as an initial setting process, a 3V power source is supplied from the power source unit 5 to a unit constituting the flow rate measuring device other than the non-volatile storage unit 9, and a predetermined weighting value G for integration necessary for starting the flow rate measurement is determined. The information and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the manufacturing number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage unit 3 from the input / output unit 6 via the communication unit 4. Next, when the predetermined information necessary for the flow rate measurement and the manufacturing information such as the verification number, the serial number, the manufacturing date and time of the flow rate measuring device are stored in the storage means 3 as the initial setting information, the control means 10 causes the storage means 3 to store the information. The control start signal for storing the initial setting information stored in the non-volatile storage means 9 is output to the intermittent power supply means 11. The intermittent power supply means 11 receives the control start signal and supplies the non-volatile storage means 9 with the constant voltage power supply of 2.1 V supplied by the parallel supply means 17. Then, the control unit 10 stores the initial setting information stored in the storage unit 3 in the nonvolatile storage unit 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the constant voltage power supply to the non-volatile storage means 9. . Then, the mode is set so that the flow rate measurement can be started when the control ends. On the other hand, during the control operation of the control means 10, when the voltage of the power supply section 5 is lowered by the parallel supply means 17 and the second power supply section 16 is connected in parallel and the supplied power supply voltage is 2.1 V or less, the parallel supply is performed. The time monitoring means 18 outputs an abnormal signal, and the parallel supply means 17 stops the power supply. Further, the control means 10 suspends the input / output control of information to / from the non-volatile storage means 9 on the assumption that the power supply is abnormal due to the abnormality signal.

Next, the input / output control performed by the control means 10 on the non-volatile storage means 9 periodically (for example, every 12 hours) during the flow rate measuring operation will be described. The control means 10 inputs a control start signal to the intermittent power supply means 11, and the intermittent power supply means 11 supplies the 2.1V constant voltage power supply supplied by the parallel supply means 17 to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Then, the control unit 10 causes the storage unit 3 to store the integrated weighting value G ·
The accumulated flow rate N and the writing date / time information are stored in the non-volatile storage means 9 by serial communication. The control means 10 outputs a control end signal to the intermittent power supply means 11 when the storage operation in the storage means 9 is completed, and the intermittent power supply means 11 stops the power supply to the nonvolatile storage means 9. Further, a constant voltage 2.1V power supply voltage value supplied from the power supply unit 5 to the non-volatile storage means 9 during the control operation of the control means 10 is
The parallel supply means 17 monitors and supplies the second power supply unit 16 in parallel connection when the voltage falls below 2.1V. further,
When the power supply voltage supplied by the parallel coupling is 2.1 V or less, the parallel supply monitoring means 18 outputs an abnormal signal and the parallel supply means 17 stops the power supply. Further, the control means 10 stops the input / output control of information with respect to the non-volatile storage means 9 on the assumption that the power supply is abnormal due to the abnormality signal, and when the information is input to the non-volatile storage means 9 at the time of the abnormality. The input control area of the non-volatile storage means 9 is stored in the storage means 3, and if the power supply voltage returns to 2.1 V after 10 minutes, information is stored in the same area as when the non-volatile storage means 9 is controlled again when an abnormality occurs. Input control. When the power supply voltage abnormality continues, the input control is stopped, the communication means 4 is used to report the abnormality to the outside, and the display means 7 displays the abnormality. Further, when the control means 10 outputs information from the non-volatile storage means 9 at the time of abnormality, the output information is discarded, and if the power supply voltage returns to 2.1 V after 10 minutes, the information is re-written from the non-volatile storage means 9. Control to output. And if the power supply voltage abnormality continues,
The output control is stopped, the abnormality is notified to the outside using the communication unit 4, and the display unit 7 displays the abnormality.

In the above flow rate measuring device, the non-volatile storage means 9 holds the stored information even in the non-powered state, and
The parallel supply means 17 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting means, and operates so as to supply the second power supply section 16 in parallel when the voltage value is equal to or lower than a preset voltage value. This can be prevented and the reliability of the flow rate measuring device can be improved.

Further, in the above flow rate measuring device, the parallel supply means 17 monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting means, supplies the second power supply section 16 in parallel when the voltage value is below a preset voltage value, and the parallel supply monitoring means 18 Operates to monitor the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting means when the parallel supply means 17 operates, prevents abnormal input / output of abnormal information due to an abnormal supply voltage, and enables accurate input / output of information. Therefore, the reliability of the measuring device can be improved.

[0043]

As described above, in the flow rate measuring device of the present invention, the non-volatile storage means holds the internal storage information even when an abnormality occurs in the power supply, and the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means is performed. When the control means for control operates, the intermittent power supply means acts to supply power to the non-volatile memory means, and by controlling unnecessary power supply, low power consumption is achieved, which results in long-term operation of the flow rate measuring device. The reliability can be secured.

Further, even if an abnormality occurs in the power source, the non-volatile storage means holds the internal storage information, and the intermittent power supply means when the control means for controlling input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means operates. Power supply to the non-volatile memory means is controlled by the constant voltage means to supply a constant voltage to the non-volatile memory means, and unnecessary power supply is controlled to achieve low power consumption and increase / decrease of load or external load. Even if the power supply voltage fluctuates due to noise, reliable and stable information can be input / output to / from the non-volatile storage means, and the long-term reliability of the flow rate measuring device can be ensured.

Further, even if an abnormality occurs in the power source, the non-volatile storage means holds the internal storage information, and when the control means for controlling the input / output of information to / from the non-volatile storage means operates, the intermittent power supply means Power supply to the non-volatile storage means is made constant by the constant voltage means to monitor the power supply voltage supplied to the non-volatile storage means, and unnecessary power supply is controlled to achieve low power consumption. Even if an abnormality in the power supply voltage supplied to the non-volatile storage means occurs, abnormal information input / output can be prevented from input / output to the non-volatile storage means, and highly reliable and accurate information input / output can be performed. It is possible to secure long-term reliability.

Further, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply, the non-volatile storage means holds the internal storage information, and the parallel supply means monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting means, and when the voltage value is below a preset voltage value, By operating two power supply units in parallel and preventing an abnormal power supply voltage supplied to the non-volatile storage means, more stable input / output of information can be performed.

Further, even if an abnormality occurs in the power supply, the non-volatile storage means holds the internal storage information, and the parallel supply means monitors the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituent means. Two power supply units are supplied in parallel, and the parallel supply monitoring unit operates to monitor the power supply voltage supplied to the device constituting unit when the parallel supply unit operates, and inputs and outputs abnormal information due to the supply power supply abnormality. It is possible to input / output more reliable and accurate information.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a flow rate measuring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional flow rate measuring device.

[Explanation of Codes] 1 flow rate measuring means 2 flow rate integrating means 3 storage means 5 power supply section 9 non-volatile storage means 10 control means 11 intermittent power supply means 13 constant voltage means 16 second power supply section 17 parallel supply means 18 parallel supply monitoring means

Continued Front Page (72) Inventor Tadanori Shirasawa 1006 Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate measuring means for outputting a flow rate signal corresponding to a passing flow rate, a flow rate integrating means for integrating the flow rate signals in accordance with a pre-stored weighting value for integration, and outputting an integrated flow rate. Storage means for storing necessary predetermined information, non-volatile storage means for holding stored contents even without power supply, control means for controlling reading / writing of the non-volatile storage means, and non-volatile storage means during operation of the control means A flow rate measuring device comprising an intermittent power supply means for supplying power to the device and a power supply section for supplying power to each of the means. 2. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 1, further comprising a constant voltage means for converting the power supplied by the intermittent power supply means to a constant voltage and supplying it to the nonvolatile memory means. 3. The constant voltage means stops the supply and outputs an abnormal signal to the control means when the power supply voltage to the non-volatile memory means is below a preset voltage value. Flow rate measuring device. 4. A flow rate measuring means for outputting a flow rate signal corresponding to a passing flow rate, a flow rate integrating means for integrating the flow rate signals according to a pre-stored weighting value for integration, and outputting an integrated flow rate. Storage means for storing necessary predetermined information, non-volatile storage means for holding stored contents even without power supply, control means for controlling reading / writing of the non-volatile storage means, and non-volatile storage means during operation of the control means An intermittent power supply means for supplying power to the device, a power supply section for supplying power to each of the means, and a second power supply section for supplying power to the load,
A flow rate measuring device comprising parallel supply means for supplying the second power supply unit in parallel when the power supply voltage supplied to the power supply unit is equal to or lower than a preset voltage value. 5. A parallel supply monitoring means for stopping the supply and outputting an abnormal signal to the control means when the power supply voltage to the non-volatile storage means is equal to or lower than a preset voltage value when the parallel supply means operates. The flow rate measuring device according to claim 4.