KR19990013113A - Electronic gas meter and gas passage detection method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention collectively refers to a measuring instrument that measures the amount of gas flowing through the pipeline, a flow rate sensor for detecting the amount of gas passing through the counter, a counter for counting the flow rate and the specified reading date, the gas up to the designated reading date and the previous designated reading date It is a rule to use memory, excessive flow rate, gas leak and electricity that store information about the amount of electricity used. However, when using electricity without electricity, alarm for abnormal condition such as battery voltage drop, reverse flow, and zero flow rate. Part and display part, battery voltage judging part that judges whether there is an abnormality of battery voltage supplying power to each part of the system, key for applying appropriate key command to check the designated meter reading date, current flow rate and gas usage Central reading of data about input request, reading request from central reading board, designated reading date, and abnormal condition of meter Transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving through the designated line, calculating and integrating the amount of gas metered, determining the abnormal state of the various meters, performing key commands by the user and control of each part of the overall system to communicate with the central meter reading board Provided is an electronic gas meter composed of a control unit.

In addition, the present invention is a first step of calculating and integrating the flow rate detected from the flow rate detection sensor to display the flow rate integrated value up to the present, when the instantaneous flow rate confirmation key is input by the user to calculate the flow rate currently detected from the flow rate detection sensor A second process for displaying this, a third process for displaying a gas leak warning when the flow of gas is continuously detected for a set time, a fourth process for displaying an excessive flow warning when a flow rate exceeding a set condition is detected, and a flow rate for a predetermined time A fifth step of displaying a zero flow rate warning if the state is zero, a sixth step of displaying a backflow warning if a gas flowback occurs for a predetermined time, and a warning of a low battery voltage if it is determined that the current battery voltage is below a certain voltage In the seventh step, if the specified reading period is reached, the reading data accumulated so far is transferred to the designated line. It provides a gas passage made of a method for detecting an eighth step of transmitting a half meter.

The present invention is to detect the flow of gas in the pipeline to know the amount of use at a certain time, to know the flow rate of the gas from time to time, and various abnormal conditions of the meter and pipe, that is, excessive flow rate, gas leak, It detects battery voltage drop, reverse flow, and zero flow rate, generates indication and alarm warnings, and transmits the warning data and the flow meter reading data through the designated line to the central metering board for quick time to check the abnormal state of gas meter and gas flow. There is a recognizable effect inside.

Description

Electronic gas meter and gas passage detection method

The present invention relates to a digital electronic gas meter and a gas passage detection method, and in particular, the liquid crystal display and the alarm to inform the user of the meter reading value, such as the amount of gas used, the current flow rate, and the gas passage abnormality, The present invention relates to an electronic gas meter and a gas passage detection method for transmitting an abnormality to a central reading board so that data may be processed as needed, and quick recovery of the abnormality may be performed.

In general, a meter that measures the amount of fluid mechanically converts the flow of fluid into a signal and displays the measured flow rate as an indicator. Such a conventional meter is provided with a member such as a membrane or impeller in primary contact with the fluid, and a cable connecting the impeller and the indicator to mechanically convert the flow of the fluid, and the indicator transmits the rotation of the cable to the indicator. The gear is installed.

Such a conventional meter is to measure the flow rate by transmitting the operation of the membrane or the rotational speed of the impeller according to the flow of the fluid to the indicator, but due to the friction of the operation of the membrane or the impeller can not accurately measure the flow rate. In addition, there is a problem that the gear used is worn down and the accuracy of flow measurement is halved, and remote measurement is difficult, and in order to integrate the flow rate for a certain time, a separate counter must be installed in the meter, but this also expects the accurate flow integration. Difficult to do

On the other hand, a sensor for detecting the rotation of the membrane or impeller according to the fluid flow to generate a pulse signal according to it, and a counting means for counting the number of pulses connected from the sensor is provided with a conventional meter as described above Electronic flow rate and flow rate measurement device (Utility Model Publication No. 89-8727) is known to solve the problem, and the meter is used to transmit the rotational force according to the flow of the fluid to the rotating plate using a magnet, and the rotation of the rotating plate Detected by the sensor, this signal is processed in the display circuit to measure the flow rate.

However, a conventional meter using such a magnetic sensor also uses a mechanical membrane or an impeller and a rotating plate, and requires a supporting means of a complicated configuration for supporting the same. There was a problem that can not be accurately measured due to the wear of the member according to.

Therefore, the present invention was devised to solve the above problems, so that the sensor detects the flow of gas in the pipeline so as to know the usage amount at a certain time, so that the flow rate of the gas can be known at any time or instantaneously, and various abnormalities. It detects the state of overflow, gas leak, battery voltage drop, backflow, zero flow, and generates indication and alarm warning, and transmits the warning data and flow meter reading data through the designated line to the central reading board. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic gas meter and a gas passage detection method that can accurately recognize an abnormal state of the gas meter in a short time.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an on-time meter reading function for storing and displaying a meter reading at a designated date and time, a meter reading function for random reading and displaying at any time, an instant flow rate display function for detecting and displaying an instantaneous flow rate, and a gas leak. Gas leak warning function to check and display, excess flow warning function to detect and display if the gas flows excessively, reverse flow detection function to inform the installation error of meter and piping, and timely transmission to send the detection value to the central reading board at regular time Function, battery voltage drop warning function that can check the remaining battery level at any time, zero flow rate detection function to warn if the status of zero flow persists for a certain time, and alarm function to warn it when other gas passes abnormally. Configured to exert.

More specifically, the present invention is a flow rate sensor for detecting the amount of gas flowing through the current pipe, a counter for counting the flow rate and the specified meter reading date, a memory for storing information on the gas usage up to the designated meter reading date and the previous designated meter reading date, Alarm unit and display unit for indicating abnormal conditions such as excessive flow rate, gas leakage, battery voltage drop, reverse flow, and zero flow rate, battery voltage unit for supplying power to each part of the system, and battery voltage for judging whether there is an abnormal battery voltage. To determine the judgment unit, the designated meter reading date, the current flow rate, the gas usage, and the like, a key input unit for issuing an appropriate key command, the meter reading request from the central meter panel, the date of the meter reading, and the abnormal status of the meter. Transmitting and receiving unit for transmitting and receiving through the designated line to the meter reading board, calculating and integrating the amount of gas metered, An electronic gas meter comprising a control unit for determining an abnormal state, performing a key command by a user, and controlling each unit of the overall system communicating with a central meter reader.

Such a present invention senses the flow of gas using a flow detection sensor, and processes the detection signal of the flow sensor to implement the various functions as described above, for example, the heat detection sensor of the electronic gas meter of the present invention Type flow sensors are used.

In the conventional electronically controlled internal combustion engine, the intake air amount of the engine is an important factor for the operation control of the basic fuel injection amount, the basic ignition time, etc., and as a air flow sensor to detect the intake air amount, it is compact and has good response. Heat generation type flow rate sensors using a temperature dependent resistance have been put into practical use.

For example, such a digital output thermal flow sensor for controlling an engine is known from Japanese Patent Publication No. 2882 (Publication No. 92-6388, Application No. 89-2176, Name; Thermal Flow Sensor). Such a flow sensor is provided with a heating element for detecting heat and an intake temperature detecting element in an intake pipe. The temperature sensing element is a thin line or thin film resistance element made of, for example, platinum, tungsten, or nickel, whose resistance is changed according to temperature. It is configured to detect the flow rate using the heat transfer phenomenon to the suction air.

The gas metering and measuring device of the present invention is more specifically manufactured using a flow rate semiconductor sensor using a platinum micro heating element for micro thermal sensors using an aluminum oxide film, which is developed by the applicant as an intermediate layer, and includes various gases, air, It is used to measure various gases including steam.

In addition, the present invention is a first step of calculating and integrating the flow rate detected from the flow rate detection sensor to display the flow rate integrated value up to the present, when the instantaneous flow rate confirmation key is input by the user to calculate the flow rate currently detected from the flow rate detection sensor A second process for displaying this, a third process for displaying a gas leak warning when the flow of gas is continuously detected for a set time, a fourth process for displaying an excessive flow warning when a flow rate exceeding a set condition is detected, and a flow rate for a predetermined time A fifth step of displaying a zero flow rate warning if the state is zero, a sixth step of displaying a backflow warning if a gas flowback occurs for a predetermined time, and a warning of a low battery voltage if it is determined that the current battery voltage is below a certain voltage In the seventh step, if the specified reading period is reached, the reading data accumulated so far is transferred to the designated line. It adopts a gas passage made of a method for detecting an eighth step of transmitting a half meter.

The gas passage detection method includes a step of transmitting data on an abnormal state to a central reading unit when an abnormality of the gas meter occurs.

In addition, if there is a request for the transmission of the internal information from the central meter reading board, the process includes transmitting the requested internal information through a designated line.

In addition, if the pre-stored black expiration date and time has been included, the step of transmitting the warning data to the central reading board.

1 is a block diagram of an electronic gas meter according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary view of a display unit for explaining a display state of the display unit of FIG. 1 as an example; FIG.

Figure 3 is a flow chart for explaining each function of the electronic gas meter according to the present invention.

Figure 4 is a flow chart for explaining the communication state between the electronic gas meter and the central meter according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings

100: control unit 110: key input unit

120: flow rate detection sensor 130: counter

140: memory 150: battery voltage determination unit

160: transceiver 170: alarm unit

180: display unit 190: battery

Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, an electronic gas meter and a gas passage detection method according to the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an electronic gas meter according to the present invention, as shown, the electronic gas meter according to the present invention is a flow rate detection sensor 120 for detecting the amount of gas flowing through the current pipe, flow rate and Counter 130 for counting the specified meter reading date, memory 140 that stores information on the amount of gas usage up to the specified meter reading date and the previous meter reading date, excess flow rate, gas leak, battery voltage drop, reverse flow, zero flow rate detection, etc. Alarm unit 170 and display unit 180 for displaying the abnormal state of the battery, battery voltage determination unit 150 for determining the abnormality of the voltage of the battery 190 supplying power to each part of the system, the specified meter reading date, present Key input unit 110 to check the flow rate of the gas, the amount of gas used, and the like. Transmitting and receiving unit 160 for transmitting and receiving data through the designated line to the central meter reading board, the calculation and integration of the amount of gas metered, determine the abnormal state of the various meters, perform the key command by the user and communication with the central meter reading board It is composed of a control unit 100 in charge of controlling each part of the system.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary display panel illustrating an example of a display state of the display unit of FIG. 1. The display panel of the display unit 180 includes a numeric display unit 181 for displaying gas flow rate and various numerical values, and an excessive flow rate. An excessive flow rate display section 182, a gas leak display section 183, a battery voltage drop display section 184 and a back flow display section 185 to display when the battery voltage falls below a predetermined value are provided, and the pilot gas passage state. A pilot display unit 186 for displaying a is provided. The display panel of the display unit 180 includes a screen having a size that is easy to see. The numeric display unit 181 uses an LCD or LED.

On the other hand, the gas passage detection method according to the present invention is the first process of calculating and integrating the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection sensor to display the flow rate integrated value up to the present, when the instantaneous flow rate confirmation key is input by the user, the current from the flow rate detection sensor A second process of calculating and displaying a detected flow rate, a third process of displaying a gas leak warning when gas leakage of the gas is continuously detected for a set time, and a fourth process of displaying an excessive flow rate warning when a flow rate above the set condition is detected Process, the fifth process of displaying a zero flow rate warning if the flow rate is zero for a predetermined time, the sixth process of displaying a backflow warning if the gas flow back over a certain time, the current battery voltage is constant Step 7 of displaying a battery voltage warning when it is determined that the voltage is below the voltage; Through the needle specified track data is done in the eighth step of transmitting to the central half meter.

The communication method between the electronic gas meter and the central meter according to the present invention is a ninth process of transmitting data on an abnormal state to the central meter when the gas meter is abnormal, and transmitting internal information from the central meter. When a request is made, a tenth step of transmitting the requested internal information through a designated line, and an eleventh step of transmitting warning data to the central reading board when the stored test expires.

In the present invention as described above, the flow detector is installed in the pipe of each gas use place such as each home, store, hospital, office, and the terminal indicator is installed at a place where the user can easily check, and the large display unit is provided at the central reading board. The central detector is installed so that the central detector and each terminal indicator and detector can be connected and operated in a comprehensive centralized manner. The detector and the indicator can be installed independently in each unit pipe.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present invention will be described.

3 is a flow chart for explaining each function of the electronic gas meter according to the present invention, Figure 4 is a flow chart for explaining the communication state between the electronic gas meter and the central meter according to the present invention, Figures 3 and FIG. Reference is made to 4 together.

When gas flows into the pipe, the flow rate of the gas is detected by the flow rate detection sensor 120, and the amount of the gas thus detected is applied to the controller 100 and calculated as the flow rate.

The calculated flow rate is added to the flow rate data previously accumulated in the memory 140 by the controller 100 to be displayed to the user or the reader through the display unit 180 as shown in FIG. 2 (ST12).

At this time, if a user inputs a key command through the key input unit 110 to check the flow rate that is currently flowing by the user, that is, the instantaneous flow rate, the controller 100 calculates the flow rate detected by the flow rate detection sensor 120 and displays the display unit 180. ), And the flow rate that changes for a certain time is displayed continuously (ST13, ST14).

The control unit 100 determines whether the flow rate detected from the flow rate detection sensor 120 lasts for a predetermined time or more, and determines whether there is a gas leak. The control unit 100 starts the counter 130 from a time point at which gas flow starts. If the counted value is the value that the flow of gas continues for a long time to display a warning that the gas leak has occurred through the display unit 180, and also generates a warning sound through the alarm unit 170. (ST15, ST16).

At this time, the counter 130 starts the counting from the time when the flow of the gas starts, and when the flow of the gas stops, the counter 130 receives the control of the control unit 100 so as to terminate the counting and reset the counted value.

On the other hand, the controller 100 determines the excessive flow rate of the gas flow, if the flow rate detected from the flow rate detection sensor 120 is greater than a predetermined condition (that is, the flow rate that flows in general) its excess flow rate It is determined to display the warning that the excessive flow rate is generated through the display unit 180, and also to generate a warning sound through the alarm unit 170 (ST17, ST18).

In addition, the control unit 100 detects the reverse flow of the gas, which is usually installed in such a way that the reverse direction of the flow rate detection sensor 120 such as an impeller or a semiconductor sensor is incorrectly installed or the pipe flows in the reverse direction when the meter is constructed. Or, the discharge side pressure is higher than the inlet side pressure to determine the reverse flow due to the reverse flow or other reasons, if the counter flow occurs for a predetermined time by the counter value of the counter 130 through the display unit 180 To display a warning that the occurrence of the alarm and through the alarm unit 170 to generate a warning sound (ST19, ST20).

In addition, in order to protect the data values of the integrated flow rate stored in each part of the system and in particular the memory 140 due to the power drop of the battery 190 that supplies the power to the meter, the battery voltage determination unit 150 operates the system. When a voltage below a predetermined voltage that can be driven is output from the battery, that is, when a voltage drop occurs in the battery, it is determined and the determined value is output to the controller 100.

Then, the control unit 100 displays a warning that a drop in battery voltage has occurred through the display unit 180 by the output from the battery voltage determination unit 150, and also generates a warning sound through the alarm unit 170. To be generated (ST21, ST22).

On the other hand, the control unit 100 continues to count and determine the meter reading time from the previous meter reading period to the present through the counter 130. If the meter reading period is current, the meter reading data up to the present through the transceiver unit 160 That is, it transmits to a central meter reading board (ST23, ST24).

At this time, data such as year, month, day, hour, etc. for the meter reading period are pre-stored in the memory 140.

The controller 100 may transmit an abnormal state to the central meter reading board through the transceiver 160 when an abnormal state of the gas meter as described above, that is, an abnormal warning such as excessive flow rate, gas leakage, battery voltage drop, backflow, or the like occurs. Transmission is made through the designated line (ST25, ST26).

In addition, when a signal for requesting the current internal information of the meter is input from the central reading board through the transceiver 160, the control unit 100 collects the corresponding information and the like through the central reading board 160. (ST27, ST28).

On the other hand, the control unit 100 monitors the data on the inspection expiration date and time stored in the memory 140 at any time, and when that date is passed, the inspection request data is transmitted to the central meter reading board through the transmission and reception unit 160 so that the inspection expiration date and time has passed. (ST29, ST30).

As described in detail above, the electronic gas meter and the gas passage detection method according to the present invention detect the flow of gas in the pipe line so that the amount of use can be known at a certain time, and the flow rate of the gas can be known at any time or moment, It detects various abnormal conditions of meter and piping, such as excessive flow rate, gas leak, battery voltage drop, backflow, flow rate zero, etc. and generates indication and alarm warning, and its warning data and flow meter reading data are designated as central reading board. By transmitting through the gas abnormality of the gas meter and the gas flow can be recognized accurately in a short time.

After all, the present invention as described above is a time reading function to store and display the reading at a specified date and time, random reading at any time to read and display function, instantaneous flow rate display function to detect and display the instantaneous flow rate, to check and display gas leakage Gas leak warning function, excessive flow rate warning function to detect and display excessive gas flow, reverse flow detection function to inform the installation error of meter and pipe, timely transmission function to transmit detection value to central reading board at regular time, Battery voltage drop warning function to check the remaining amount at any time, zero flow rate detection function to warn if the flow rate zero state lasts more than a certain time, and other alarm function to warn in case of gas flow abnormality. It can be very advantageously applied.

Moreover, the present invention has the effect of significantly reducing the detection error compared to the conventional mechanical method even in the long-term use, and can detect the flow rate and various abnormal conditions very quickly and accurately, and is very simple and advantageous for the flow rate detection and the electronic control system. It is a future-oriented product that can be applied.

Claims (6)

An electronic instrument that is configured to measure the amount of gas flowing through various pipelines using a flow rate flow sensor including a micro heating element flow rate sensor, and to store and display various information on the use of the gas. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a flow rate sensor for detecting an amount of gas currently flowing in the pipeline; A counter for counting the flow rate and the specified meter reading date; A memory storing information on the amount of gas used up to the designated meter reading date and the previous meter reading date; An alarm unit and a display unit for displaying abnormal conditions such as excessive flow rate, gas leakage, battery voltage drop, reverse flow, and zero flow rate; A battery voltage judging unit which determines whether there is an abnormality in the battery voltage which supplies power to each part of the system; A key input unit for applying an appropriate key command thereto to check a designated meter reading date, current flow rate, and gas usage amount; A transmitter / receiver for transmitting / receiving data on a request for reading from a central reading unit, a designated reading date, and an abnormal state of a meter to a central reading unit through a designated line; An electronic gas meter comprising a control unit that calculates and integrates the amount of gas read out, determines an abnormal state of various meters, performs key commands by the user, and controls each part of the overall system that communicates with the central meter. A first step of calculating and integrating a flow rate detected by the flow rate detection sensor to display a flow rate integrated value up to now; A second process of calculating and displaying a flow rate currently detected by the flow detection sensor when an instantaneous flow rate confirmation key is input by the user; A third step of displaying a gas leak warning when the flow of gas is continuously detected for a predetermined time; A fourth step of displaying an over-flow warning when a flow rate above a set condition is detected; A fifth process of displaying a zero flow rate warning when the zero flow rate continues for a predetermined time; A sixth step of displaying a backflow warning when a backflow of the gas occurs for a predetermined time; A seventh step of displaying a battery voltage drop warning when it is determined that the current battery voltage is below a predetermined voltage; And an eighth step of transmitting the accumulated meter reading data to the central meter reading board via the designated line if the designated meter reading period is reached. 4. The gas passage detection method according to claim 3, further comprising transmitting data on an abnormal state to a central reading board when an abnormality of the gas meter occurs. 4. The gas passage detection method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of transmitting the requested internal information through a designated line when a request is made to transmit internal information from a central meter reading board. 4. The gas passage detection method according to claim 3, further comprising a step of transmitting warning data to a central reading board when the stored test expiration date is reached.