JPS63127018A - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable ensurance of safety without lowering facility, by providing a varying part, varying a proper gas using condition according to the content of a memory part storing a using state of gas during actuation of a first timer, and a varying condition ignoring means, starting a second timer. CONSTITUTION:With a starting signal applying means 10 actuated, a starting signal is sent to a timer 9 to start counting during a first given period. During working of the timer, a using state memory part 11 stores the gas using pattern of a gas feed system in which a meter is installed. When counting by the first timer 9 is completed, final data is sent from a memory part to a proper using varying part 12. The varying part 12 compares an initial condition with final data, and by selecting either, having a smaller value, of the initial condition and final data, a proper using condition is newly reset to the safe side. In which case, with a varying condition ignoring means 14 controlled, a second timer 13 is started. During counting of a second timer, a proper using condition deciding part 8 compares a signal from a using state detecting part 6 with an initial condition to decide the abnormal use of a gas flow rate.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention provides a gas shutoff device that automatically shuts off a gas passage in the event of an abnormality to prevent explosions, poisoning accidents, etc. caused by city gas, propane gas, etc. Regarding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A conventional gas cutoff device of this type, as shown in FIG.
A gas meter 2, a flow rate measuring means 3 that issues a signal according to the amount of gas passing through the gas meter, and a shutoff device 3/stage 4 for stopping the gas supply are provided in the gas supply line 1, and the flow rate measuring means The control unit 5 determines the usage state based on the flow rate signal of No. 3, determines that there is an abnormality if the gas usage conditions deviate from preset and stored proper gas usage conditions, and issues a closing signal to the shutoff means 4.

An example of the configuration of this conventional control section is shown in FIG. Components with the same numbers as those in FIG. 4 have the same functions. 50
The control unit includes a usage status detection unit 6 that inputs the flow rate signal from the aforementioned flow rate measuring means 3 and detects the gas usage status, and an initial condition setting unit that sets appropriate usage conditions in advance according to the number of the gas meter. 7, and an appropriate usage condition determination unit 8 that determines that there is an abnormality when the signal from the usage status detection unit deviates from the appropriate gas usage conditions and outputs a cutoff signal.

Here, the appropriate usage conditions refer to condition items such as total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, and safe continuous usage time, which are set according to the capacity of each gas meter. The total flow rate condition means that if the total flow rate of gas passing through the gas meter within a predetermined measurement period exceeds an initially set predetermined value, such as when a gas hose is disconnected or combustion of a gas appliance goes out, the shutoff means is activated. . Individual maximum flow rate conditions are defined as detecting changes in gas flow rate every predetermined measurement period, identifying how many types of gas appliances are currently in use, and how much gas each one consumes, and determining the maximum flow rate among them. When the amount of gas consumed exceeds a predetermined set value, a closing signal is output to the shutoff means to prevent gas leaks such as cracks in the gas hose or combustion going out when the gas valve is half-open.

Furthermore, the safe continuous use time condition refers to the continuous use time set for each range based on the statistical data of the time when a gas appliance in a certain combustion range is continuously used, and the condition is based on the data from the usage state detection unit. When the time exceeds the set time, an activation signal is sent to the cut-off means to ensure safety even when the user forgets to turn off the gas appliance.

As mentioned above, the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, and continuous usage time are observed in the usage state detection unit 6, and the appropriate usage condition determination unit 8 compares and determines the initial value, thereby determining the gas supply system. An abnormality was detected.

5. Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above configuration, the proper usage conditions are uniformly determined only by the initial value depending on the capacity of the gas meter installed in the gas piping. The problem was that the special conditions of the home where the system was installed were not taken into account.

The present invention solves such conventional problems by measuring the flow rate pattern of gas actually used in each household for a predetermined period and resetting strict but appropriate judgment conditions to suit the actual situation. The purpose is to provide a safe gas cutoff device. In addition, even when gas consumption is exceptionally high, for example, when you use the gas stove for a long time to prepare a special dish, it is possible to use it in a way that is unusual, without compromising usability. Moreover, the aim is to provide a gas cutoff device that can ensure safety.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the gas cutoff device of the present invention has the following features:
a gas meter installed in the gas supply line; a flow rate measuring means that emits a signal according to the amount of gas passing through the gas meter; and a usage state detection device that detects the gas usage state based on the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means. an initial condition setting section that presets appropriate gas usage conditions as an initial value; an appropriate usage condition determination section that determines that there is an abnormality when the signal from the usage state detection section deviates from the gas appropriate usage conditions and outputs a cutoff signal; a first timer for counting a first predetermined period; a start signal applying means for starting the first timer; and a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means to memorize the gas usage state during operation of the first timer. a usage state storage unit, a gas appropriate usage condition changing unit that changes the gas appropriate usage conditions according to the contents of the storage unit, a second timer that counts a second predetermined period, and a change that starts the second timer. This configuration includes a control section consisting of condition ignoring means, and a cutoff means for cutting off the seven gas passages in response to a cutoff signal from the control section.

According to the above-described configuration, the present invention starts counting for a first predetermined period when a start signal is applied to the first timer 7 Beno, and at the same time, the operation of the timer is started by the operation of the usage state storage section. Gas usage patterns inside are measured. That is, during this period, the actual measured values such as the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, continuous usage time, etc. mentioned above are updated, and at the same time as the timer ends, the final data is compared with the initial value in the gas appropriate usage condition changing section. , predetermined appropriate gas usage conditions are newly set. Thereafter, the appropriate usage condition determining unit compares the new setting conditions described above with the signal from the usage status detection unit, and when the conditions are deviated from, it is determined that there is an abnormality and the shutoff means is activated. In addition, the proper usage condition determining unit of the control unit ignores the conditions changed by the changing unit while the second timer is operating according to the input of the changed condition ignoring means, and changes the usage status according to the initial conditions. This is to determine abnormality.

Examples Examples of the present invention will be described below based on the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, the same numbers as in FIG. 5 are components having the same functions. The control unit 15 includes a usage state detection unit 6 that inputs a flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means 3 similar to the conventional one and detects the gas usage state, and an initial condition setting unit 7 that sets gas proper usage conditions as an initial value in advance. and a proper usage condition determination unit 8 that determines that there is an abnormality when the signal from the usage status detection unit deviates from the gas proper usage conditions and outputs a cutoff signal.
and a first timer 9 for counting a first predetermined period, a start signal applying means 10 for starting the timer, and a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means to memorize the gas usage state during the operation of the timer. A usage status storage unit 11;
a gas proper usage condition changing unit 12 that changes the gas proper usage conditions according to the contents of the storage unit; a second timer 13 that counts a second predetermined period; and a changing condition that starts the second timer. It consists of ignoring means 14.

In the above configuration, when the start signal applying means 10 (for example, a push button switch, etc.) is activated, a start signal is sent to the first 9-peno timer, and the timer receives the signal and starts counting for a first predetermined period. do.

The predetermined period may be set in advance or may be set arbitrarily, and is, for example, a span of one week or one month. During this timer operation period, the usage state storage unit 11 stores the gas usage pattern of the gas supply system in which the meter is installed, that is, the total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, continuous usage time, etc. The gas appropriate usage condition changing unit 12 updates the data in order to store the maximum value of each actually measured gas usage pattern. In this way, when the first timer finishes counting, the final data is sent from the storage section to the proper usage condition changing section. In this modification part,
The initial conditions are compared with the final data, and the one with the smaller value is selected, that is, the new proper usage conditions are set on the safer side. In other words, in the trench where the timer count ends as described above, the appropriate usage condition determination section compares the current gas usage state with the preset initial value of 10 to determine an abnormal state, but when the timer is running, After the conditions are newly set based on the actual measurement results of the gas usage pattern, abnormal conditions are determined by comparing with the reset values. Here, when it is determined that there is an abnormality, a cutoff signal is issued, the cutoff means is activated, and the gas passage is closed.

In the above, the final data is used as it is for comparison with the initial value, but it may also be compared after being multiplied by a predetermined coefficient. It takes into consideration the safety factor in actual use. Although we have shown an example in which only the maximum actually measured value is stored, it is also effective to perform statistical processing based on the data distribution during the measurement period.

By the way, the changed condition ignoring means is provided in order to apply the initial condition to the comparison with the signal from the usage state detection unit after the judgment condition is changed by the gas appropriate usage condition changing unit, and When the means is operated, the second timer begins to operate. During the counting period of the second timer,
The appropriate usage condition determination section compares the signal from the usage state detection section with the initial conditions to determine abnormal usage of the gas flow rate.

11... Thereafter, when the second timer counts up, the judgment conditions in the judgment section are returned to the contents in the change section, and abnormality judgment continues. In other words, by operating the change condition ignoring means, even when using gas that is not normally used, the gas supply can be used without being interrupted mid-use, and within the range of the initial conditions specified by the meter law. The safety of use is maintained.

The above-mentioned control section can be easily realized by using calculation and judgment functions based on program operations of a microcomputer or the like. Below, Figure 2 shows an outline of the program flow.

When the program starts, at step A, an initial value is set as the appropriate gas usage condition, then at step B, the flow rate is measured, and at step C, the usage state of the gas as described above is detected. And D
At , it is determined whether or not the first timer that measures the first predetermined period is counting, and when it is counting, the gas usage status is stored at E. That is, the maximum value of the usage state of gas corresponding to each usage condition is stored and updated. Then, in F, each gas appropriate usage condition is determined. If not counting, jump to F immediately. In G, when the result of the determination in F is abnormal, it branches to H and outputs a cutoff signal.

If there is no abnormality, check whether the proper usage condition changing unit has been activated in step 3, and if it has been activated, check in J to see if the second timer has finished counting. When the count ends, the determination condition in the determination unit is returned to the value reset in the change unit at K, and the process branches to hl, that is, flow rate measurement at B. If the timer has not finished counting, it is determined at L whether the second timer is currently counting, and if it is, it continues counting at M and jumps to hl. If it is not counting, press N to determine whether there is an input from the change condition ignoring means, and if there is, press O to start counting on the second timer, and then
Set the initial conditions in the determination section with P and exit to hl. If there is no input, jump to h1 immediately.

If the change unit is not activated in I, it is determined in Q whether the first timer has finished counting, and when the timer has finished counting, the usage state stored in R is compared with the initial condition. Next, press S to change the gas proper usage conditions to a predetermined value. As described above, the maximum value of each stored pattern is compared with the initial value, and the one with the smaller value is selected and reset. Thereafter, in F, while the second timer is not operating, the reset value is treated as the gas proper usage condition and is compared and contrasted with the detected value. If the timer count has not ended at Q, the process branches to T and determines whether or not the first timer is currently counting. If counting is in progress, the count continues as it is with U, and if it is not counting, the presence or absence of the activation signal is determined with V. When the start signal is input, press W to start the timer force.

If there is no activation signal, it will return to HL again.

By executing this program flow, the functions of the control section of the gas cutoff device of the present invention can be realized.

FIG. 3 shows a control section of another embodiment of the present invention, in which blocks 14c, -7 with the same numbers as in FIG. 1 represent components having the same functions. The control section 17 includes a period variable means 16, and can adjust the count period of the 13 second timer, that is, the second predetermined period. Here, assuming that there are various exceptional gas usage patterns due to changes in various conditions, we have made it possible to set a period during which learning results can be ignored. Moreover, by setting the maximum value for the second predetermined period, it is possible to ensure safety consistent with the gas supply system without unnecessarily extending the period during which the learning results are ignored.

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

(1) By constantly monitoring the gas usage status and comparing it with the set proper usage conditions, it is possible to detect gas leaks and combustion extinction. In such a case, the shutoff means operates to stop the gas supply, which has the effect of preventing dangerous situations such as gas explosions and gas poisoning.

(2) Observe the actual usage pattern of the gas supply system where the gas meter is installed for a predetermined period based on the activation signal, compare the maximum value with the initial value, and set the predetermined value (for example, the smaller value) as appropriate. Since the usage conditions are reset, the safety level against gas accidents can be further increased as individual special conditions are taken into consideration, compared to conditions that were determined simply by the capacity (number) of the gas make. can.

(3) Furthermore, depending on the change condition ignoring means and the operation of the second timer, when using gas appliances in an exceptional manner that has a small probability of occurring in actual use, for example, when preparing special dishes when guests come to visit, etc. Even when the gas stove is used for a long time, such as when the gas stove is used continuously for a long time, the ease of use is not compromised, and safety in using the meter can be ensured.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gas cutoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic program 70 of the control section of the device.
3 is a block diagram of a gas cutoff device in another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a conventional gas cutoff device, and FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a conventional control unit. . 2... Gas meter, 3... Flow rate measuring means, 4... Cutting off means, 6... Usage state detection section, 7... Initial stage Condition setting section, 8...
- Appropriate usage condition determination unit, 9...first timer, 10...start signal application means, 11...
...Usage condition storage unit, 12...Proper use condition change unit, 13...Second timer, 14...
・Change condition ignoring means, 15...control unit, 16.
...Period variable means.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A flow rate measuring means that emits a signal according to the amount of gas passing through a gas meter installed in the gas supply line, a usage state detection unit that detects the usage state of the gas based on the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means, and a gas an initial condition setting section that presets appropriate usage conditions as an initial value; an appropriate usage condition determination section that determines that it is abnormal when the signal from the usage state detection section deviates from the gas appropriate usage conditions and outputs a cutoff signal; a first timer for counting a predetermined period; a start signal applying means for starting the first timer; and a usage state memory for storing the gas usage state during the operation of the first timer based on the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means. a gas appropriate usage condition changing unit that changes the gas appropriate usage conditions according to the contents of the storage unit, a second timer that counts a second predetermined period, and a changed condition ignoring unit that starts the second timer. and a cut-off means for cutting off the gas passage in response to a cut-off signal from the control portion, and a proper usage condition determining portion of the control portion is configured to control the gas passage while the second timer is operating. A gas cutoff device that ignores the conditions changed by the change section and determines abnormalities in usage conditions according to the initial conditions. (2) The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising period variable means for varying the second predetermined period counted by the second timer.