JPH11108729A - Gas amount measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a gas amount measuring device enabling necessary data to be inputted therein without having any special input means, in the gas amount measuring device capable of measuring the amount of gas used based on measurement of gas velocity. SOLUTION: An amount measuring means 15a11 has a flow velocity measuring means 15a111 for measuring intermittently the gas velocity in a gas supply passage, determines a gas flow rate base on the measured flow velocity, and measures the amount of gas used by integrating the gas flow rate. A pattern data generating means 15a12 generates flow-rate pattern data converted from a flow-rate pattern based on the gas flow rate determined by the amount measuring means. Meanwhile, a reference data memory means 15a31 memorizes a plurality of reference data previously determined correspondently to a plurality of data to be inputted. A data input judging means 15a13 compares the generated flow-rate pattern data with the memorized reference data and judges whether data corresponding to the reference data have been inputted by checking coincidence of the two.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas meter for measuring gas consumption, and more particularly to a gas meter having various functions used for gas supply.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, this type of gas metering device is generally called a microcomputer gas meter, and includes various functions used for gas supply, not only important functions for security but also functions for consumer convenience. And a function for rationalizing LP gas distributors are built in. At the time of shipment, the microcomputer meter is selected and set to a function suitable for a standard household. However, it may be necessary to change the setting depending on the household.

[0003] Therefore, when such a situation occurs,
Prepare a portable setting device for inputting information for correcting a part of the setting in advance, and when the setting needs to be reset, notify the meter reading and abnormal status to the remote management center. By disconnecting the communication line connected to the microcomputer gas meter and connecting a setting device instead, the setting data is input from the setting device and the setting is reset.

[0004] The microcomputer gas meter is provided with various switch means, and a switch signal is input by operating the switch means, and an operation corresponding to the switch signal is performed. Among various switch means, for example, a test shut-off switch for test shut-off of a built-in shut-off valve at the time of installation of a microcomputer gas meter is configured by a special switch because it is dangerous if anyone can operate it. It can be operated only by operating magnets possessed by a specific person such as a dealer.

[0005] By the way, as a microcomputer gas meter,
It is called a membrane gas meter and has a membrane metering unit that measures the gas flowing into the gas inlet and out of the gas outlet, and the switching valve switches every time a constant flow rate flows, alternately into a room partitioned by a diaphragm. In general, a configuration is adopted in which a gas flows into a room, and a gas in a room already filled with gas is discharged, thereby causing the diaphragm to reciprocate, and a weighing display unit including a counter is driven in conjunction with the reciprocation of the diaphragm. in use.

The membrane type gas meter further integrates the gas flow rate based on the flow rate signal generated by the flow rate signal generation means, monitors the gas flow rate based on the flow rate signal, detects an abnormality in the gas flow, and detects the abnormality. Operate the shut-off valve based on the detection to shut off the gas supply path, send out the integrated flow rate value to the outside, or receive from outside the signal to operate the shut-off valve to shut off the gas supply path. Various functions such as are provided.

[0007] The film-type gas meter that involves the above-described mechanical operation in the metering operation has problems in terms of durability, such as abrasion of a mechanical operation portion, in addition to an increase in structure. Therefore, the gas flow rate is measured electrically, and the gas flow rate is determined by the product of the gas flow rate and the cross-sectional area of the gas supply path.
Various types of electronic gas meters configured to measure the amount of gas used by integrating the gas flow rate have been studied.

[0008]

However, as described above, in a gas metering device which requires a setting device for resetting the setting in advance, the cost of the system is increased by that much, and the setting of the setting device is also increased. Since resetting is impossible without a device, the operator must always carry the setting device, and connect the setting device instead of the communication line when resetting is required There are many drawbacks, such as the fact that it is necessary to reset the settings, which is extremely troublesome. In addition, a special operation switch for testing and shutting off the shut-off valve built into the gas meter and a circuit related to this switch are required, and a worker always carries a special operation tool to operate this switch. However, the cost of the device and the operation must be increased, and the device must be enlarged.

Therefore, in developing a new gas metering device for measuring gas consumption based on measurement of gas flow velocity, necessary information such as setting data for re-setting is required without a setting device or input means. There is a need to be able to do input.

Therefore, in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention can measure the gas usage based on the measurement of the gas flow rate, and can input necessary information without special input means. It is an object to provide a gas metering device.

In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention is also capable of measuring the gas usage based on the measurement of the gas flow rate, and is intended to reset various functions without providing special input means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas metering device that enables input of necessary information.

In view of the above-mentioned situation, the present invention can measure the gas usage based on the measurement of the gas flow rate, and can perform a test shut-off of the shut-off valve without providing special input means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gas metering device that enables input of necessary information.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for solving the above-mentioned problems, wherein the flow rate of a gas flowing through a gas supply path is intermittently reduced as shown in the basic configuration diagram of FIG. A measuring means for measuring the gas flow rate based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means, measuring the gas flow rate by integrating the determined gas flow rates, and Data generation means 15a12 for generating flow pattern data obtained by converting a flow pattern into data based on the gas flow rate, and reference data storage means storing a plurality of predetermined reference data corresponding to a plurality of information to be input, respectively. 15a31
And the flow rate pattern data generated by the pattern data generating means is compared with the reference data stored in the reference data storing means, and information corresponding to the reference data stored in the reference data storing means is obtained by matching the two. And a data input determining means 15a13 for determining that the input has been made.

[0014] In the gas metering device according to the first aspect,
The measuring means 15a11 has a flow rate measuring means 15a111 for intermittently measuring the flow rate of the gas flow flowing through the gas supply path, and calculates the gas flow rate based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means. Integrate and measure gas usage. The pattern data generating means 15a12
The flow rate pattern data is generated by converting the flow rate pattern into data based on the gas flow rate obtained by the measuring means. On the other hand, the reference data storage means 15a31 stores a plurality of predetermined reference data corresponding to a plurality of information to be input, respectively. The information input determination unit 15a13 compares the flow pattern data generated by the turn data generation unit with the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit, and matches the reference data stored in the reference data storage unit by matching the two. It is determined that the information to be input is input.

Accordingly, the combustion of the combustor is operated to change the flow rate of the gas flowing through the gas metering device, and the flow pattern data generated by the pattern data generating means 15a12 matches the reference data stored in the reference data storage means. By doing so, information corresponding to the reference pattern can be input.

A second aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
According to the invention described in the gas metering device according to claim 1,
The gas metering device is characterized in that the pattern data generating means generates flow pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of the gas flow.

In the gas metering device according to the second aspect,
Since the pattern data generating means 15a12 generates the flow pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of the gas flow, information corresponding to the reference pattern can be input by igniting the combustor and operating the time.

A third aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
The described invention resides in a gas metering device, wherein the pattern data generating means generates flow rate pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of a change in the gas flow rate exceeding a predetermined value.

In the gas metering device according to the third aspect,
Since the pattern data generating means 15a12 generates flow pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of a change in gas flow exceeding a predetermined value, operating the combustion intensity with the combustor ignited provides information corresponding to the reference pattern. Can be entered.

A fourth aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
According to the invention described in the gas metering device according to claim 1,
The flow rate in which the flow rate measuring means intermittently measures the flow rate in a cycle inversely proportional to the magnitude of the gas flow rate, and the pattern data generating means converts the flow rate pattern into data at a constant cycle based on the gas flow rate obtained by the measuring means. The present invention resides in a gas metering device for generating pattern data.

In the gas metering device according to the fourth aspect,
The flow rate measuring means 15a111 intermittently measures the flow rate at a cycle inversely proportional to the magnitude of the gas flow rate, and the pattern data generating means 15a12 converts the flow rate pattern into data at a constant cycle based on the gas flow rate obtained by the measuring means 15a11. Since the pattern data is generated, even if the cycle of obtaining the gas flow rate changes according to the gas flow rate so that the gas usage obtained by integrating the gas flow rate becomes more accurate, the flow rate corresponding to the actual operation time Pattern data can be generated.

A fifth aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
The described invention is the gas metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the reference data stored in the reference data storage means is a combination of presence or absence of a gas flow rate, a combination of a difference between presence and absence, and The gas metering device is formed so as to correspond to a combination of a significant number of differences, a combination of an infinite number of differences, and the like.

In the gas metering device according to the fifth aspect,
The reference data stored in the reference data storage means 15a31 is formed corresponding to the combination of the presence or absence of the gas flow rate, the combination of the difference between the presence and absence, the combination of the difference of the presence, the combination of the difference of the absence, and the like. Therefore, in addition to the operations of claims 1 to 4, the necessary information can be input by performing the operation of the combustor according to the method of forming the reference data.

A sixth aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
According to the invention described in the above, in the gas metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a function unit 15a14 for executing an operation of various functions and a control storing control data for controlling the operation of the function unit are stored. Data storage means 15c2 and resetting means 1 for automatically performing a resetting operation according to the input information when the input information determined by the information input determining means relates to resetting of control data.
5a15 further comprising a gas metering device.

[0025] In the gas metering device according to claim 6,
When the input information determined by the information input determination means 15a13 relates to resetting of control data stored in the control data storage means 15c2 for controlling operations of various functions executed by the function means 15a14, Since the resetting means 15a15 automatically performs the setting resetting operation according to the input information, the control data can be reset by operating the combustion of the combustor to change the gas flow rate.

A seventh aspect of the present invention has been made to solve the above problems.
According to the invention described in the gas metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the shutoff valve 11 that shuts off gas supply through the gas supply path by closing the valve, and the input information determined by the information input determination unit includes: When the test is related to the test shut-off, the gas metering device further comprises shut-off control means 15a16 for closing the shut-off valve and shutting off gas supply.

[0027] In the gas metering device according to claim 7,
When the input information determined by the information input determining means 15a13 relates to the test cutoff, the cutoff control means 15
Since a16 closes the shutoff valve 11 to shut off the gas supply through the gas supply path, the test shutoff can be performed by operating the combustion of the combustor.

[0028]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The electronic gas meter, which is a gas metering device according to the present embodiment, is configured to be applied to an LP gas supply facility as shown in FIG. In the figure, an electronic gas meter indicated by reference numeral 1 reduces the pressure of a high-pressure LP gas stored in an LP gas container 2 to a supply pressure by a pressure regulator 3 and supplies it to a combustor such as a gas bath 4 or a stove 5. The gas is installed in a pipe 6 in a gas supply path for measuring the amount of gas consumed in the combustor. Reference numeral 7 denotes a shutoff valve provided in a pipe leading to the gas stove 5 or the like.

The electronic gas meter 1 is, as shown in FIG.
A shut-off valve 11 provided in a gas passage (not shown) connected to a pipe of a gas supply passage (not shown) for shutting off gas supply by closing the valve, a seismic sensor 12 for sensing a seismic intensity equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and a pressure in the gas passage. It incorporates a pressure sensor 13 for sensing, an ultrasonic flow velocity sensor 14 for obtaining a signal that changes according to the flow velocity of the gas flow flowing through the gas path, and a controller 15 as a control unit.

The controller 15 is a microcomputer (μCO) operating according to a predetermined program.
M) It has 15a. The microcomputer 15a
As is well known, a central processing unit (CPU) 15a that performs various processes and controls according to a predetermined program.
1. ROM 15a2, which is a read-only memory storing programs and the like for the CPU, and RAM 15a3, which is a readable and writable memory that stores various data and has an area necessary for processing operations of the CPU.
And so on.

The controller 15 also has a connector 15b to which the shutoff valve 11, the seismic sensor 12, the pressure sensor 13, and the flow rate sensor 14 are connected, and a drive for opening and closing the shutoff valve 11 in response to an open / close signal output from the μCOM 15a. Shut-off valve drive circuit 15c that outputs a drive signal via connector 15b
An interface circuit 15d for inputting signals from the seismic sensor 12 and the pressure sensor 13 input through the connector 15b to the μCOM 15a, and an interface circuit 1
ΜCOM 15 via the 5d and the connector 15b, respectively.
and the CP of the μCOM 15a connected to the flow rate sensor 14
A sensor circuit 15e for transmitting a drive signal for driving the flow velocity sensor 14 under the control of U15a1, and receiving a signal generated by the flow velocity sensor 14 by this driving.

The controller 15 further includes a terminal block 15 to which various external devices outside the electronic gas meter 1 are connected.
f, and an interface circuit 15g for exchanging signals between the μCOM 15a and the external device via the terminal block 15f. Specifically, the controller 15 includes, via a terminal block 15f, a home display panel 21 provided in the home, for example, for performing various displays related to the gas meter, and a home operation for performing various remote operations for the gas meter. 22, a gas alarm 23 that detects a gas above an alarm level in a house and issues an alarm, a gas alarm 2
CO 2 gas alarm / CO alarm 2 which detects the CO gas at or above the alarm level and issues an alarm in addition to the same function as 3
4. Automatic switching regulator for automatically switching a plurality of LP gas containers, which emits a signal in accordance with the switching operation of the pressure regulator 25, etc., and a management center of a gas dealer via a public line such as a telephone line. A network control unit (NCU) 26 for controlling the communication of the network is connected.

The controller 15 further comprises a μCOM
A liquid crystal display (LCD) 15h connected to the controller 15a for displaying various information such as an integrated value of gas consumption and an alarm; a lithium battery 15i for supplying operating power to each unit in the controller 15; Fifteen
d, a container exchange switch 15j that is connected to the μCOM 15a when the LP gas container is exchanged, a shutoff valve open switch 15k that is turned on when the closed shutoff valve 11 is opened, and a battery 15i. Voltage drop of μCO
M15a has a battery voltage detection circuit 15m for detecting the voltage for monitoring.

The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a performs a process according to a predetermined program, constitutes gas measuring means together with the ultrasonic flow rate sensor 14 and the sensor circuit 15e, and operates when a gas flow rate flowing through the electronic gas meter 1 changes in a predetermined pattern. And information input determining means for determining that predetermined information has been input. The CPU 15a1 of the μCOM 15a also performs processing in accordance with a predetermined program to perform a total flow rate cutoff, an increased flow rate cutoff, a use time cutoff, a leak cutoff during a return safety check, a gas leak alarm interlocking cutoff, a seismic sensor Functional means for performing a number of functions, such as operation shut-off, flow-type minute leak warning, pressure-type minute leak warning, abnormal regulation pressure warning, closing pressure abnormality warning, pressure drop shut-off, ignition registration, test shut-off, automatic meter reading, remaining amount management, etc. Working as.

First, the gas measuring means will be described.
The flow velocity sensor 14 has a pair of vibrators 14a and 14b which are arranged in the gas flow path 16 in the gas meter 1 and are separated in the flow direction, for example, as shown in FIG. The sensor circuit 15e includes a transmitting circuit 15e1 that drives one of the transducers 14a and 14b under the control of the μCOM 15a to transmit a signal for generating an ultrasonic wave, and receives an ultrasonic wave generated by one of the transducers and The signal generated by the vibrator is received, and the received signal is amplified, for example, by μCO
A receiving circuit 15e2 for transmitting to the M15a;
Under the control of M15a, there is provided a switching circuit 15e3 that alternately switches between a vibrator that supplies a signal from the transmitting circuit 15e1 and a vibrator that supplies a signal to the receiving circuit 15e2. That is, the switching circuit 15e3 includes the vibrators 14a and 14b serving as an ultrasonic transmitting element and an ultrasonic receiving element.
Are alternately switched for the transmission circuit 15e1 and the reception circuit 15e2.

The principle of gas metering by the gas metering means having the above configuration will be described below. Now, the switching circuit 15e3
Under the control of the CPU of the OM 15a, it is assumed that switching is performed so that the output signal of the transmission circuit 15e1 is supplied to the vibrator 14a and the signal generated by the vibrator 14b is supplied to the reception circuit 15e2. In such a state, the C
The PU outputs a trigger signal and applies it to the transmission circuit 15e1. The transmission circuit 15 to which the trigger signal has been applied
e1 generates a burst signal, supplies the burst signal to the vibrator 14a, and causes the vibrator 14a to generate an ultrasonic signal. The ultrasonic signal generated by the transducer 14a propagates through the gas in the gas supply path and is received by the transducer 14b. The transducer 14b having received the ultrasonic signal generates a signal corresponding to the received ultrasonic signal, and outputs the signal to the μCO via the receiving circuit 15e2.
It is supplied to the CPU of M15a. μCOM15a CPU
Measures the time from when the trigger signal is output to when the signal is received from the receiving circuit 15e2, and determines the gas flow velocity from the measured time as follows.

Now, assuming that the sound propagation velocity in the stationary gas is c and the gas flow velocity is v, the forward ultrasonic wave propagation velocity of the gas flow is (c + v). Assuming that the distance between the transducers 14a and 14b is L and the angle between the ultrasonic wave propagation direction and the central axis of the gas path is φ, the time T for the ultrasonic waves emitted from the transducer 14a to reach the transducer 14b is T = L / (c + vcosφ) (1). From equation (1), v = (L / T−c) / cosφ (2). When L and φ are known, the flow velocity v can be calculated by measuring T. You can ask.

When the flow velocity v is obtained, the flow rate Q is given by: Q = KSv (3) where S is the sectional area of the gas passage 16 and K is the correction coefficient, and the instantaneous flow rate is obtained.

Therefore, every time the flow rate Q is obtained, the integrated gas supply amount, that is, the gas usage amount can be obtained by integrating the value obtained by multiplying the flow amount Q by the elapsed time from the previously obtained time. it can. In order to obtain the gas usage more accurately, the flow rate Q may be obtained by measuring the flow velocity in a short cycle when the flow rate Q is large and in a long cycle when the flow rate Q is small.

The above equation (2) for obtaining the flow velocity v contains the sound propagation velocity v as a constant. However, since the sound propagation velocity v changes with temperature, this value is calculated at room temperature. If the gas temperature is fixed, an error occurs in the measurement of the flow velocity when the gas temperature is different from the normal temperature. Therefore, it is necessary to correct the correction coefficient K by separately measuring the temperature factor. In this regard, in the configuration of FIG. 4, the switching circuit 15e3
a under the control of a CPU (not shown) in FIG. 3A, the output signal of the transmission circuit 15e1 is supplied to the vibrator 14b, and the signal generated by the vibrator 14a is
e2. Therefore, in such a state, the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the direction opposite to the gas flow can be measured.

Now, assuming that the arrival time in the forward direction is T1 and the arrival time in the reverse direction is T2, T1 = L / (c + vcosφ) (4) T2 = L / (c−vcosφ) (5) From equations 4) and (5), v = L / 2cosφ (1 / T1-1 / T2) (6), and when L and φ are known, it is possible to obtain flow velocity v by measuring T1 and T2. it can.

From equations (4) and (5), c = L / 2
Since (1 / T1 + 1 / T2) is obtained, the temperature can be obtained from this c, and the value of the coefficient K, which depends on the temperature in Q = KSv, can be corrected by the temperature.

Next, the μCO functioning as information input determination means
The processing performed by the CPU 15a1 of M15a will be described. The CPU of the μCOM 15a serves as information input determination means, and thus, the flow pattern data obtained by converting the flow pattern into a data from the gas flow rate obtained based on the gas flow rate measured intermittently in the gas measurement, that is, the flow rate indicating presence or absence of the flow rate Generate pattern data.

The generation of the flow pattern data can be performed for a certain period each time the gas starts flowing from a state where there is no gas flow for a certain period. Alternatively, when the shut-off valve 11 is open when not in the set mode, the shut-off valve opening switch 15k is turned on to enter the set mode. When the shut-off valve is open in the set mode, the shut-off valve is opened. The setting mode can be exited by turning on the switch 15k. Alternatively, for example, a setting mode switch 15n as shown by a dotted line in FIG.
May be provided when the information input mode is specially set by operating this switch.

As shown in FIG. 5, the CPU of the μCOM 15a determines whether or not the magnitude of the gas flow rate obtained based on the flow velocity in integrating the gas usage is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold Qth1. The flow rate pattern data is generated by applying a binary value of 0 when the value is less than the threshold value and a binary value of 1 when the value is equal to or greater than the threshold value Qth1. In the illustrated example, the flow pattern data is generated by repeating the operation of igniting and extinguishing the combustor and flowing a gas flow rate equal to or higher than the threshold Qth1 for a predetermined period. In the example of FIG.
Although the flow pattern data is generated based on the gas flow rate flowing by the ignition of the combustor, as shown in FIG. 6, in a state where the combustion operation is performed at a constant gas flow rate, the operation lever of the combustor is operated by the operation lever of the combustor. The heating power may be increased or decreased. In this case, a threshold value Qth2 larger than the threshold value Qth1 is predetermined, and a binary value of 0 is set when the gas flow rate does not change beyond the threshold value Qth2, and a binary value of 1 is set when the gas flow rate is equal to or larger than the threshold value Qth2. The flow pattern data is generated by applying the data.

When inputting information, the patterns for changing the gas flow rate by operating the combustor include the combination of the presence or absence of the gas flow rate, the combination of the difference between the presence and absence time (number), and the presence time (number). Depending on the combination of the differences in the number of times, the combination of the differences in the infinite time (number), and the like, those that cannot be considered in a normal use state are prepared.

When a gas meter is installed, a leak check from a pipe or the like is performed, an air purge is performed, and a combustion check of the combustor is performed. Further, in the microcomputer gas meter, a test shut-off operation of the shut-off valve is performed in order to check the operation part, and it is checked whether or not the operation related to the shut-off operation is normal. Thereafter, a shut-off valve returning operation for returning the shut-off valve to be shut off is performed, a minute leak is checked for a certain period of time after the return, and the combustor is ignited during this time to confirm that the shut-off valve is shut off. When the gas is normally shut off, the shut-off valve is returned again, and the gas can be used.

As described above, since the combustor is checked when the gas meter is installed, when the setting needs to be reset,
By changing the gas flow rate by operating the combustor, it is possible to input information for specifying selection / setting items at this time, and also to input information for shutting off the test.

Next, in order to determine whether or not the generated flow pattern data is significant data, it is determined which one of a plurality of predetermined reference data matches. It is determined that the information corresponding to is input. The plurality of reference data is μCOM15a
In the RAM 15c or the ROM 15b, a plurality of pieces of information to be input are stored correspondingly.

Various types of information to be input can be considered. When roughly classified, operation information in place of operation of a test switch, which is a special switch for performing a test shut-off of a shut-off valve, and the function of the gas meter are reset. It consists of item information for selection and setting. The latter item information includes information for partially stopping a function, information for stopping a function, information for newly selecting a function, and information indicating a breakdown thereof.

Specifically, as an item for partially stopping the function and resetting the contents, an item for partially stopping the function of the total flow rate cutoff and the increase flow rate cutoff and raising the lower limit value of the set range of the flow rate cutoff. , The function of shutting off the use time partly is stopped, and the cutoff value of the specific flow rate section is fixed to a constant value,
Items that extend the use time indefinitely under certain conditions,
There is an item to stop the alarm disconnection detection function for specific households. The items for which the functions are stopped include items for stopping the functions of the pressure minute leak warning, the adjustment pressure abnormality warning, and the closing pressure abnormality warning. Finally, to select a new function, select ignition registration and register the ignition flow corresponding to the flow-type micro-leakage warning function. There is an item for setting the H line switching of the home display.

When the flow pattern data is generated during a normal operation without providing a special setting mode, for example, pattern 1 = 1110000000111000
And this is registered as spark ignition, pattern 2 = 11100
No. 011100011100, without registration of sparks, pattern 3 = 1111111110000000000
This corresponds to the H line switching, and changes the data of the meter control code for controlling the function of the gas meter. For example, when there is a spark registration, a specific bit of the meter control code 1 is set to a predetermined number, and in other cases such as no spark registration, a predetermined number is similarly set to the bit of the meter control code. . In any case, in order to be able to recognize the flow rate pattern data in the normal mode, the number of patterns increases, and the input operation becomes troublesome.

On the other hand, when a setting mode for inputting information is provided separately from the gas metering operation, information can be input in a simple pattern. For example, the setting item can be designated by the number of times that there is a flow rate. For example, 1110000000 ... 11100
000111 ..., 11100000111000000
Information for specifying an item can be input, such as 111000. In this case, since the number of blocks of 111 can be input, the operation is easy. In addition, since the mode is divided into the normal mode, there is no fear of erroneous operation.

As described above, the cycle of measuring the flow velocity in measuring the gas becomes smaller in inverse proportion to the gas flow rate. Therefore, as shown in FIG. It increases when the flow rate is not present and decreases when there is no flow rate, and the time length of a certain period of the actual flow rate does not correspond to the number of data. Therefore, when comparing the flow pattern data with the reference data, as shown in FIG. 7B, it is preferable to convert the flow pattern data into data obtained by measuring at equal basic intervals.

CPU of μCOM 15a schematically described above
The details of the operation of 15a1 will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 and 10 showing the processing performed by the CPU 15a1. The CPU 15a1 starts the operation by turning on the power, for example, and in the first step S1, the RAM
It is determined whether the ΔT timer formed in the work area 15a3 has timed out. If the determination is YES, the process proceeds to the next step S2 to perform a flow rate detection process.

In this flow rate detection processing, the CPU 15a1 transmits a signal for generating an ultrasonic wave to the transmission circuit 15e1,
Prior to this, the switching circuit 15e3 is switched so that the vibrator 1
One of 4a and 14b is driven by a signal from the transmission circuit 15e1 to act as a vibrator for generating ultrasonic waves,
The other receives ultrasonic waves generated by one of the transducers, generates a signal, and operates the transducer as a transducer to be supplied to the receiving circuit 15e2. And the CPU 15a
1 measures the time from the output of the signal for generating the ultrasonic wave to the transducer to the reception of the ultrasonic wave in both directions, measures the flow velocity from this time, and obtains the gas flow rate Q based on the measured flow velocity.

Next, the process proceeds to step S3 and proceeds to step S2.
Determining whether the gas flow rate Q obtained is less than 0 or more Q ₁ in, whether this is the case the determination in step S3 is NO is the gas flow rate Q is less than Q ₁ or Q ₂ proceeds to step S4 Is determined, and when the determination in step S4 is NO, the same determination is sequentially performed, and finally, step S4 is performed.
Proceed to 5 determines whether less than Q _n-1 or Q _n,
If the determination in step S5 is also NO, the process proceeds to step S6 to start the ΔT timer.

When the determination in step S3 is YES, the process proceeds to step S3a, where ΔT _{1 is set} as ΔT timer time.
Is set, and the process proceeds to step S6 to start the ΔT timer. When the determination in step S4 is YES, the process proceeds to step S4a, where ΔT timer time is set to ΔT
After setting ₂ , the flow advances to step S6 to start the ΔT timer. Further, if the determination in step S5 is YES, the process proceeds to step S5a, where ΔT timer time is set to ΔT
Proceed after setting the T _n to step S6 to start the ΔT timer.

Steps S3, S3a, S4, S4
In a, S5, and S5a, the period for measuring the flow velocity is shortened in accordance with the magnitude of the flow rate, and the relationship between the flow rate and the cycle is shown in FIG.

After the ΔT timer is started in step S6, the flow advances to step S7 to determine whether or not Q is equal to or larger than Qth.
And sets 1 as the flow pattern data D, and then proceeds to the pattern recognition processing in step S10. If the determination in step S7 is NO, the flow proceeds to step S9, where 0 is set as the flow pattern data D, and then the flow proceeds to the pattern recognition processing in step S10.

The specific processing of the pattern recognition processing in step S10 is performed, for example, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10. In the first step S101, it is determined whether or not patterning has been started. This determination is made based on whether or not the patterning start timer (t) has been started. When the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S102 to determine whether or not D is 1. This step S
When the determination at 102 is NO, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the determination in step S102 is YES, that is, D
If is equal to 1, the process proceeds to step S103 to start the patterning start timer (t), and then proceeds to step S1.
Go to 04. The patterning start timer (t) limits the time during which the flow pattern data can be received to a certain time N. If the determination in step S101 is YES, that is, if patterning has been started, steps S101 to S103 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S104.

In step S104, it is determined whether or not the time of the patterning start timer (t) has reached N. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S105, and the flow rate pattern set in step S8 or S9 is determined. After adding the data D to the data string, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. When the determination in step S104 is YES, that is, when the time limit is reached, the process proceeds to step S106, in which it is determined whether the data sequence, that is, the flow pattern data, is equal to the reference data 1. If the determination is NO, the process proceeds to step S107. It is determined whether or not the flow pattern data is equal to the reference data 2. If the determination in step S107 is NO, the same determination is sequentially performed. Finally, the process proceeds to step S108 to determine whether or not the input of the reference data n is equal. If the determination is NO, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG.

When the determination in step S106 is YES, the flow advances to step S106a to select / set item 1
It is determined that the information for designating the item 1 has been input, the setting relating to the item 1 is automatically performed, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. If the determination in step S107 is YES, the process proceeds to step S107a, where it is determined that the information for designating item 2 has been input, and the setting for item 2 is automatically performed, and then the process returns to the flowchart in FIG. Further, when the determination in step S108 is YES, step S10
Proceeding to 8a, it is determined that the information for designating the item n has been input, the setting relating to the item n is automatically performed, and the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. By determining as one of the items 1 to n of the information input relating to the test shut-off, when there is flow pattern data corresponding to the reference data of the item, the shut-off valve performs the test shut-off. Output a signal.

In the above-described embodiment, the ultrasonic flow velocity sensor is used as a sensor for measuring the flow velocity. However, the present invention can be equally applied to those using other sensors.

In the above-described embodiment, some flow rate patterns for inputting information have been exemplified. However, the flow rate patterns can be input in any other pattern. The binary value 1
By allowing 0 to be input depending on the flow rate for a time shorter than that, the amount of operation increases, but it is possible to input information without error.

Further, since the reset item is known,
Numbers may be assigned to all of the items, including the setting contents, and the setting may be reset by inputting information designating the numbers. In this case, the test interruption may be set as one of the items.

[0067]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, by operating the combustion of the combustor, the flow pattern data obtained by changing the flow rate of the flowing gas is made to coincide with the reference data. Since the information corresponding to the reference pattern can be inputted, necessary information can be inputted without using any special input means, by utilizing the function of the apparatus capable of measuring the gas usage based on the measurement of the gas flow velocity.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, since the flow pattern data corresponding to the presence / absence of the gas flow rate is generated, the combustor is ignited and its time is controlled to correspond to the reference pattern. You can enter information.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, since the flow pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of a change in the gas flow rate exceeding a predetermined value is generated, the intensity of combustion is manipulated with the combustor ignited. By doing so, it is possible to input information corresponding to the reference pattern

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the flow rate pattern is converted into data at a constant cycle based on the gas flow rate obtained by intermittently measuring the flow rate at a cycle inversely proportional to the magnitude of the gas flow rate. Since the data is generated, the flow pattern data corresponding to the actual operation time can be generated, and the input operation of information becomes easy.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the reference data is a combination of the presence or absence of the gas flow rate, a combination of the difference between the existence and the absence, a combination of the difference of the existence, the combination of the difference of the absence, and the like. Since it is formed corresponding to the above, it is possible to form the reference data of the pattern that cannot be in the normal operation of the combustor,
By performing an operation according to the reference pattern, necessary information can be input.

According to the invention of claim 6, when the input information relates to the resetting of the control data for controlling the operation of various functions, the resetting operation according to the input information is automatically performed. Therefore, by operating the combustion of the combustor without providing special input means, it is possible to input information necessary for resetting various functions and reset control data. .

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the input information is related to the shutoff of the test, the gas supply through the gas supply path is shut off, so that the combustion of the combustor can be performed without any special input means. By operating, the test shut-off can be performed by inputting information necessary for performing the test shut-off of the shut-off valve.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of a gas metering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing gas supply equipment to which the gas metering device according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing an embodiment of a gas metering device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a gas metering unit configured in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of how to generate flow pattern data.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of how to generate flow pattern data.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing how to convert generated flow pattern data.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process performed by a CPU in μCOM of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the measurement cycle of the flow velocity is changed according to the flow rate.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the processing in FIG. 8;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 11 Shutoff valve 15a11 Gas metering means (CPU) 15a111 Flow rate measuring means (CPU, vibrator) 15a12 Pattern data generating means (CPU) 15a13 Information input determining means (CPU) 15a14 Functional means (CPU) 15a15 Reset means (CPU) 15a16 Cutoff control means (CPU) 15a31 Reference data storage means (RAM) 15a32 Control data storage means (RAM)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate measuring means for intermittently measuring a flow rate of a gas flow flowing through a gas supply path, a gas flow rate is determined based on the flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring means, and the determined gas flow rate is integrated. Measuring means for measuring the gas usage amount, pattern data generating means for generating flow pattern data obtained by converting a flow pattern into data based on the gas flow rate obtained by the measuring means, respectively corresponding to a plurality of information to be inputted. Reference data storage means storing a plurality of predetermined reference data, and comparing the flow rate pattern data generated by the pattern data generation means with the reference data stored in the reference data storage means. Information input determining means for determining that information corresponding to the reference data stored in the reference data storage means has been input. Characteristic gas metering device. 2. The gas metering device according to claim 1, wherein said pattern data generating means generates flow pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of said gas flow. 3. The gas metering device according to claim 1, wherein said pattern data generating means generates flow rate pattern data corresponding to the presence or absence of a change in said gas flow rate exceeding a predetermined value. 4. The flow velocity measuring means intermittently measures the flow velocity at a cycle inversely proportional to the magnitude of the gas flow rate, and the pattern data generating means sets a flow pattern at a constant cycle based on the gas flow rate obtained by the measuring means. 2. The gas metering device according to claim 1, wherein the flow meter generates the flow rate pattern data. 5. The reference data stored in the reference data storage means includes a combination of presence or absence of a gas flow rate, a combination of a difference between presence and absence, a combination of a difference between existence, and a combination of a difference between absence and number. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the second member is formed so as to correspond to.
The gas metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. 6. Function means for executing operations of various functions, control data storage means for storing control data for controlling the operations of the function means, and input information determined by the information input determination means being controlled. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a resetting means for automatically performing a resetting operation in accordance with the input information when the setting is related to data resetting. Gas metering equipment. 7. A shut-off valve for shutting off gas supply through a gas supply path by closing the valve, and when the input information determined by the information input determining means relates to a test shut-off, the shut-off valve is closed to close the gas. The gas metering device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: shutoff control means for interrupting the supply.