JP5028950B2 - Gas shut-off device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gas cutoff device, and more particularly, to a pulsation determination unit that reduces battery consumption in flow measurement by accurately determining pulsation.

  Conventionally, in this type of gas shut-off device, a physical quantity that changes according to the flow velocity of the fluid in the flow path is measured intermittently, and the measured physical quantity is multiplied by the cross-sectional area of the flow rate and the intermittent time. In the flow rate measurement method for measuring the flow rate of the fluid that has passed through the passage, when the pulsating flow of the fluid in the flow path is monitored and a pulsating flow with a change greater than a predetermined determination value is detected, the intermittent amount There is a method in which the measurement interval is shortened, and the measurement is performed at random time intervals within a predetermined range so that the average value becomes a predetermined value (for example, see Patent Document 1).

In addition, a measurement unit that measures the flow velocity or flow rate of the fluid to be measured at a predetermined interval and a plurality of variation values that are measured more frequently than the normal measurement mode, and output fluctuations of the measurement unit are predetermined. A mode change means for changing the measurement mode of the measurement means to a measurement mode with a higher measurement frequency when the value is equal to or greater than a value, and the number of measurements or the measurement ratio in the variation value measurement mode at a predetermined time becomes a predetermined abnormal condition. An abnormality determining means for determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred, and a notifying means for receiving and notifying the output of the abnormality determining means, and when the output fluctuation of the measuring means exceeds a predetermined value, that is, when the measured value becomes unstable due to pulsation In addition, there is one in which the variation of the measurement value is always set to a predetermined value or less by measuring in the variation value measurement mode (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-258018 JP 2006-105890 A

  However, some of the appliances that are supplied through the gas shut-off device include an appliance that changes the supply gas pressure during use. For example, when a GHP (gas heat pump) is installed in a neighboring house, the gas pipe flows through the operation. Gas flow fluctuates and pulsation occurs. Although this pulsation depends on the piping environment, it affects the surroundings widely. Usually, when under pulsation, the variation in the flow rate detected by the flow rate measurement unit becomes large, and the tendency becomes prominent when pulsation occurs in a pulsation cycle shorter than the measurement cycle. Therefore, in order to reduce the flow rate variation, processing for suppressing variation due to pulsation is performed by measuring with high accuracy by shortening the measurement cycle. As a specific means, a method as disclosed in Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 2 is adopted.

  However, in addition to the continuous occurrence of pulsation due to GHP or the like, there may be a case where the pulsation pattern coincides even with temporary fluctuations in the supply gas pressure or the use of equipment at home. In such a case, it is often transient and does not cause continuous pulsation, so there is no need to continue high-accuracy measurement, and normal-accuracy measurement is sufficient. In the method, once the high-accuracy measurement mode is entered, the flow rate stability for a predetermined period must be confirmed before returning to the normal-accuracy measurement mode. There was a problem that a certain battery was exhausted and consumed before the battery warranty period.

  The present invention solves the above-mentioned problem, and by acquiring the pulsation information of a plurality of adjacent gas meters, it is determined whether the pulsation phenomenon currently occurring is transient or continuous. Another object of the present invention is to provide a gas shut-off device that reduces flow rate variation and suppresses battery consumption by switching to a high-accuracy measurement mode only when it is determined as a typical pulsation.

In order to solve the above-described conventional problems, the gas shutoff device according to the present invention includes a gas meter, a flow rate detection unit that outputs a flow rate signal at a predetermined measurement period corresponding to the gas flow rate passing through the gas passage, and the flow rate A flow rate calculation unit that calculates a flow rate based on a flow rate signal of the detection unit, a pulsation determination unit that outputs a pulsation signal when the flow rate value of the flow rate calculation unit is compared with a predetermined pulsation determination value and determined to be abnormal, A wireless communication means for transmitting a pulsation signal of the pulsation determination unit to a plurality of adjacent gas meters and receiving a pulsation signal from another gas meter, and an external for outputting an external pulsation determination signal according to the received contents of the wireless communication means A pulsation determination unit; and a flow rate measurement instruction unit that instructs to change a measurement cycle of the flow rate detection unit according to a determination result of the pulsation determination unit and a determination signal of the external pulsation determination unit, When the determination signal of the external pulsation determination unit indicates that there is pulsation, and when the pulsation determination unit determines that there is pulsation, the measurement period of the flow rate detection unit is set to a high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode, and the determination of the external pulsation determination unit When the signal indicates no pulsation, regardless of the determination result of the pulsation determination unit, the normal flow rate measurement mode in which the measurement period of the flow rate detection unit is extended is set, and the pulsation determination signal of the external pulsation determination unit is set to the high-precision flow rate measurement mode. And normal flow rate measurement mode switching conditions.

  According to the above invention, since it is possible to easily obtain the pulsation occurrence status of the adjacent gas meter via the wireless communication means, the installation or usage status of the instrument such as GHP that affects the gas pressure fluctuation over a wide range. It is possible to grasp and based on this information, it is possible to discriminate in a short time whether transient flow rate fluctuation or continuous flow rate fluctuation caused by pulsation. Reduction can be achieved.

  Since the gas cutoff device of the present invention can determine in a short time whether transient flow rate fluctuation or continuous flow rate fluctuation caused by pulsation based on communication information from an adjacent gas meter, The flow rate variation can be reduced while suppressing the above.

A first invention is a gas shut-off device capable of information communication with a plurality of adjacent gas meters by a wireless communication means built in the gas meter,
The gas meter includes a flow rate detection unit that outputs a flow rate signal at a predetermined measurement period corresponding to a gas flow rate passing through the gas passage, a flow rate calculation unit that calculates a flow rate based on the flow rate signal of the flow rate detection unit, A pulsation determination unit that outputs a pulsation signal when the flow rate value of the flow rate calculation unit and a predetermined pulsation determination value are compared and determined to be abnormal, and the pulsation signal of the pulsation determination unit are transmitted to a plurality of adjacent gas meters. Wireless communication means for receiving a pulsation signal from another gas meter, an external pulsation determination section for outputting an external pulsation determination signal in accordance with the received content of the wireless communication means, a determination result of the pulsation determination section, and the external pulsation determination comprising a high-precision flow rate measurement mode shortens the measurement cycle of the flow detector according to part of the decision signal, and a flow rate measurement instruction unit for switching between a normal measurement mode with long measurement period, the flow meter Instruction unit, in the normal flow rate measurement mode, the external pulse determination unit of the determination signal indicates that there is pulsating, and the pulsation determination unit is a high-precision flow rate measurement mode when it is determined that there is pulsation in the high-precision flow rate measurement mode , if the determination signal of the external pulse determination unit showed no pulsation is characterized in that the normal flow rate measurement mode.

  And since it becomes possible to easily acquire the pulsation occurrence status of the adjacent gas meter via the wireless communication means, it is possible to grasp the installation or usage status of instruments such as GHP that affect the gas pressure fluctuation over a wide range. Because it is possible to determine in a short period whether transient flow fluctuations or continuous flow fluctuations due to pulsation based on this information, it is possible to reduce flow fluctuations while suppressing battery consumption. Can do.

  2nd invention is provided with the memory | storage means which memorize | stores the frequency | count of reception of the external pulsation determination signal from an adjacent gas meter, A flow measurement instruction | indication part is a high precision flow measurement mode and normal flow measurement according to the frequency | count of reception of the said memory | storage means. The mode switching condition is changed.

  Then, the degree of influence of pulsation in the gas supply system in the area is determined from the number of occurrences of pulsation of the adjacent gas meter via wireless communication means, and switching between the high-precision flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode is performed according to the degree of influence. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify the cause of flow rate fluctuations, and to select flow rate measurement conditions that are suitable for actual usage conditions, thereby reducing flow rate variation while suppressing battery consumption. be able to.

According to a third aspect of the invention, the wireless communication means transmits / receives a pulsation signal to / from a gas meter specified in advance among adjacent gas meters, and the flow rate measurement instruction unit includes an external pulsation determination signal and a pulsation determination unit from the specific gas meter. The high-precision flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode are switched according to the determination result.

  Since the measurement mode is switched based on the pulsation information of the gas meter specified in advance from the strength of the reception level and the condition of using the instrument, the cause of the accurate flow rate fluctuation can be specified. Flow rate variation can be reduced while suppressing battery consumption by selecting a measurement mode suitable for use.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the wireless communication means transmits / receives a pulsation signal to / from a gas meter specified in advance among adjacent gas meters, and the flow measurement instruction unit determines the number of pulsation determinations and the number of external pulsation determination signals from the specific gas meter. The high-precision flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode are switched according to the determination result of the unit.

  Since the measurement mode is switched according to the frequency of pulsation information from a specific gas meter, the cause of flow rate fluctuation can be specified more accurately, and the measurement mode suitable for actual use can be selected. Flow rate variation can be reduced while suppressing battery consumption.

  In the fifth invention, in addition to the high-accuracy flow measurement mode and the normal flow measurement mode, the medium-accuracy flow measurement mode is provided as the flow measurement mode, and is selected according to the external pulsation determination signal from the adjacent gas meter. It is a feature.

  And, by providing the medium precision flow rate measurement mode, it is possible to set the measurement cycle in multiple stages, and by selecting according to the external pulsation judgment signal from the adjacent gas meter, the flow rate fluctuation caused by pulsation can be specified. It is possible to achieve well-balanced suppression of battery consumption and reduction in flow rate variation when it is difficult.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication mode between a gas shut-off device and a base station and a customer's house in Embodiment 1 of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a communication mode with an adjacent gas meter in the gas shut-off device, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the appearance and components of the gas shut-off device, FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the gas shut-off device, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the control circuit board of the gas shut-off device, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the communication form of a display terminal device.

A gas meter 2 is installed at the inlet portion of the gas supply pipe 1 of each household 13, and is branched from the gas pipe 3 after passing through the gas meter 2 to the place where various gas appliances used at home are installed. Is supplied. For example, a gas water heater 4 is installed outdoors, and hot water generated by the gas water heater 4 is installed in a kitchen hot water tap 5, a bath 6 in which a bathtub and a shower device are installed, a living room and the like through a water pipe. The floor heating 7 is supplied to form various usage forms.

  In addition, when indoors, gas is supplied to a gas table 8 installed in a kitchen, a gas fan heater 9 installed in a living room, a bedroom, or the like, and is used as needed.

  When the installed gas appliance is used and gas consumption occurs, the amount of use is measured by the gas meter 2, and the data is accumulated and stored every predetermined period. The data stored in the gas meter 2 is subjected to predetermined information processing based on a periodic data request command from the gas company 15, and then the gas fee, gas usage, discount service provided by the gas company 15, etc. Information is transmitted to the consumer 13 and the gas company.

  As this transmission means, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, the wireless module 11 integrated with the control circuit board 10 constituting the flow rate measurement means built in the gas meter 2 is used.

  As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the wireless module 11 is different from the telephone line for communicating with the base station 14, for example, a wide area communication wireless module 11 a having a communication frequency band of 200 MHz, a customer's house 13 for communicating with the display terminal device 12 such as a television 12a, a personal computer or a mobile phone 12b in order to transmit information to the inside, or for directly communicating with the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D to exchange various information. For example, from the control circuit 10a configured by the area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz, for calculating an amount of gas used or detecting an abnormality such as an earthquake or a gas leak based on a flow rate signal or a sensor signal. When data is received, depending on the data, for example, gas charges, gas usage or earthquakes, gas leaks, etc. In the case of contents to be notified to the consumer, such as the operation of a gas shut-off valve due to the occurrence of an abnormality, display data is displayed on the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b in the consumer's house 13 using the area communication wireless module 11b. In addition, when it is determined that the flow rate fluctuation width is larger than the specified value and pulsation is generated in the supply gas, pulsation signals are transmitted to the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the display terminal device 12 also has a wireless module 11 c having the same communication frequency band as the area communication wireless module 11 b built in the gas meter 2. The display data to be transmitted can be received, and the display data can be displayed through the screen of the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b, so that information can be transmitted directly to the consumer from the gas meter. In addition, it is not necessary to adopt an information transmission method in which data is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the gas company and information processed by the gas company, for example, postcards such as a charge notice are sent to the customer by mail or the like. Therefore, the number of man-hours required for the notification work can be reduced, and postage expenses such as postcards for notifications can be eliminated. It is intended to contribute to a reduction in gas rates be realized.

  In addition, when a pulsation signal is sent from an adjacent gas meter, it is received by the area communication wireless module 11b, and the information is sent to the control circuit 10a and reflected in the measurement cycle when the gas flow rate is measured. Is used to measure the flow rate to reduce the flow rate variation.

When various information is transmitted from the gas meter 2 to the display terminal device 12, a notification completion signal is sent from the area communication wireless module 11b to the wide area communication wireless module 11a, and the wide area communication wireless module 11a sends the notification completion signal to the base station 14 To notify the gas company 15 that the information transmission to the consumer has been completed. In this case, it is preferable to receive a response signal from the display terminal device 12 and transmit a notification completion signal, so that information can be more reliably transmitted to consumers.

  Here, an example of information transmission will be described. First, when a meter reading instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (200 MHz) via the base station 14, the wide area communication wireless built in the gas meter 2 is used. The module 11a receives the meter reading instruction information and sends it to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same substrate. In the control circuit 10a, the flow rate data measured by the flow rate measuring means is accumulated every predetermined period, and the accumulated data or information converted into charge data is stored in the information storage means 10b. When the meter reading instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends the flow rate accumulated data in the information storage means 10b or the information converted into the charge data to the area communication wireless module 11b and the wide area communication wireless module 11a via the communication switching means 10c. The wide-area communication wireless module 11a transmits to the base station 14 in the wide-area communication frequency band (200 MHz), and meter reading information is transmitted from the base station 14 to the gas company 15 using a dedicated line. Further, the area communication wireless module 11b transmits to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a in the specific low power wireless communication frequency band (429 MHz), and, for example, FIG. Display charge information and usage as shown in. Then, when the transmission to the display terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify the completion of information transmission to the consumer.

  Further, when the shut-off valve is operated due to an earthquake or an impact, the cause is investigated, and when a return instruction from the gas operator 15 is transmitted in the wide communication frequency band (200 MHz) via the base station 14, the gas meter 2 is The built-in wide area communication wireless module 11a receives the information and sends the return instruction information to the control circuit 10a mounted on the same board. When the return instruction information is input, the control circuit 10a sends information related to the return work stored in the information storage means 10b to the area communication wireless module 11b via the communication switching means 10c, and the area communication wireless module 11b In the power wireless communication frequency band (429 MHz), the data is transmitted to the wireless module 11c integrally attached to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a, and the restoration work procedure as shown in FIG. 7B is displayed on the screen, for example. To do. Then, when the transmission to the display terminal device 12 is completed, as described above, a notification completion signal is transmitted to the gas company 15 to notify the completion of information transmission to the consumer.

  Further, when the control circuit 10a constituting the flow rate measuring means detects a flow rate variation caused by pulsation, the gas meter that transmits the pulsation signal to the adjacent gas meter using the area communication wireless module 11b and receives the pulsation signal Determines that pulsation occurs in the gas supplied in the area, and if the measured flow rate value exceeds a predetermined judgment value, it is judged that the flow rate fluctuation is caused by pulsation, and the measurement cycle is immediately shortened. Switch to high-accuracy measurement mode and measure the flow rate.

As described above, the control circuit 10a has the communication switching means 10c to select the radio module having a different communication frequency band corresponding to the other party to communicate according to the information to be transmitted. In the case of the meter reading instruction from 15, it is necessary to transmit the storage information of the information storage means 10b to the gas company 15 and the display terminal device 12, and in this case, for example, the wide area communication wireless module 11a having a communication frequency band of 200 MHz. For example, the area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low-power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz is selected, and in the case of a return instruction from the gas company 15, the storage information of the information storage unit 10b is transmitted to the display terminal device 12. In this case, for example, the area communication wireless module 11b having a specific low power wireless communication frequency band of 429 MHz is used. It may be set-option. Furthermore, in the case of communication between adjacent gas meters such as transmission / reception of pulsation signals, the area communication wireless module 11b can be selected and various information can be directly exchanged between the meters, reflecting changes in the surrounding environment. The gas meter can be managed.

  Note that the wide area communication radio module 11a and the area communication radio module 11b may be provided separately, or may be configured as a common radio module, and the communication frequency band may be switched between the wide area communication frequency band and the specific low power radio communication frequency band. However, in the former case, the communication switching means 10c needs to select the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b, and there is a merit that simultaneous communication is possible, but there are demerits such as a large installation space and high cost. is doing. In the latter case, the communication switching means 10c needs to switch the communication frequency band according to the communication partner, and has the demerit that the simultaneous communication cannot be performed and the alternate communication is possible while having the advantages of small installation space and low cost. ing.

  Next, the flow rate measuring means for measuring the gas flow rate built in the control circuit 10a will be briefly described. The gas meter 2 has a gas inlet 2a and a gas outlet 2b as shown in FIGS. A gas shutoff valve 2c for shutting off gas in the event of an abnormality and a pair of ultrasonic sensors 17A and 17B for measuring the gas flow rate are provided in the gas flow path therebetween, and a pressure sensor 2d for detecting the gas pressure is disposed downstream thereof. Yes. Further, a control circuit board 10 equipped with a control circuit 10a for calculating a gas flow rate by signals from the ultrasonic sensors 17A and 17B is arranged so as to face the liquid crystal display 10e on the display unit 2e of the gas meter 2, and further control is performed. A battery 2f for driving the circuit 10a is accommodated. Further, a return button 2g is arranged as means for manually performing a return operation after the shutoff valve 2c is activated.

  Then, the flow rate measurement unit 17 and the control circuit 10a that measure the gas flow rate, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, arrange a pair of ultrasonic sensors in the gas flow path, and change the propagation time that changes according to the flow rate that flows through the flow path. Some measure the flow rate by measuring. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described. A measurement control unit having a switching means that constitutes a control circuit 10a, in which a first transmitter / receiver 17A for transmitting or receiving ultrasonic waves and a second transmitter / receiver 17B for receiving or transmitting ultrasonic waves are arranged in the flow direction. Switching between transmission and reception is possible by 18 and the flow state of fluid such as gas is detected. The flow rate is measured by processing the signals of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B. Specifically, the first transmitter / receiver 17A is first driven by the measurement control unit 18 and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is then driven. The ultrasonic wave is transmitted toward the upstream, that is, from the upstream to the downstream. Then, the signal received by the second transmitter / receiver 17B is amplified by the amplifying means provided in the measurement control unit 18, the amplified signal is compared with the reference signal, and after the signal equal to or higher than the reference signal is detected, the measurement control unit The above-described transmission / reception is repeated a predetermined number of times by the repeating means provided at 18, and each time value is measured by a time measuring means such as a timer counter provided at the measurement control unit 18.

  Next, transmission / reception of the first transmitter / receiver 17A and the second transmitter / receiver 17B is switched by the measurement control unit 18 having switching means, and the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the second transmitter / receiver 17B to the first transmitter / receiver 17A, that is, from downstream to upstream. A signal is transmitted, this transmission is repeated as described above, and each time value is measured. Then, the flow rate value is obtained by the signal processing unit 19 in consideration of the size of the flow path 16 and the flow state of the fluid from the ultrasonic propagation time difference between the first transceiver 17A and the second transceiver 17B. The obtained flow rate data is accumulated in the information storage means 10b and stored as accumulated data for each predetermined period.

  Further, the flow path 16 in which the flow rate measuring unit 17 is disposed is provided with a shutoff valve 2c that shuts off the gas flow in the event of an abnormality or the like. When the flow rate value is detected beyond a certain usage time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the shutoff valve 2c is operated to shut off the gas flow path 16. Further, when an earthquake, impact, or abnormal gas pressure signal is input from the vibration sensor or pressure sensor 2d, the shutoff valve 2c is operated via the information storage means 10b to shut off the gas flow path 16.

  Next, the flow rate fluctuation caused by the pulsation phenomenon will be described.

  When a GHP (gas heat pump) or the like is installed in a consumer connected to the same gas pipe 1, when this GHP is used, a pressure fluctuation occurs in the supply gas pressure, and this pressure fluctuation is transmitted through the gas pipe 1. This also affects the gas pressure supplied to other customers, and the gas flow rate, that is, the gas flow rate fluctuates as a pulsation phenomenon. In this case, since the gas flow rate is measured at a predetermined measurement cycle, if pulsation occurs at a cycle shorter than the measurement cycle, the flow rate that fluctuates during the measurement cycle is not reflected in the measurement value, and the flow rate variation increases. . For this reason, in general, the measurement cycle is shortened to cope with this problem. However, if the measurement cycle is shortened, another problem arises that battery consumption becomes severe and the battery warranty period cannot be satisfied.

  Therefore, it is only necessary to switch the measurement cycle to be shortened only when pulsation occurs, but it is difficult to accurately detect the timing of pulsation occurrence and termination, so high accuracy that once caused pulsation and shortened the measurement cycle When the measurement mode is entered, the measurement mode is continued for a predetermined period of time, and it is not possible to return to the normal measurement mode unless it is confirmed that the flow rate fluctuation has stabilized. Therefore, it was forced to measure the flow rate in an unnecessary high-precision measurement mode.

  In the present invention, the timing of occurrence and termination of pulsation is confirmed by checking the pulsation phenomenon occurring in a specific area by receiving the pulsation signal from the adjacent gas meter, and the measurement mode is switched based on the confirmation result. Specifically, a gas meter with a battery capacity sufficient to satisfy the warranty period even if the high-accuracy measurement mode is frequently performed in a specific area is installed. The pulsation phenomenon of the pipe 1 is detected. When the pulsation phenomenon is detected, a pulsation signal is transmitted from the area communication wireless module 11b to the adjacent gas meter.

  As a means for detecting the pulsation phenomenon in the specific gas meter, the pulsation determination unit 25 compares the flow rate value measured by the above method with the pulsation determination value set in advance in the normal measurement mode in which the measurement cycle is set to be long. When there is a flow rate fluctuation that exceeds the judgment value one or more times, it is determined that the flow rate is abnormal due to pulsation, and a pulsation signal is output. When a pulsation signal is output from the pulsation determination unit 25, the pulsation signal is sent to the wireless module 11 and transmitted as an external pulsation determination signal to another adjacent gas meter using the area communication wireless module 11b. When the pulsation phenomenon is determined, the control circuit 10a sends an instruction signal to the measurement control unit 18 to switch the measurement cycle to the high-accuracy measurement mode that drives and measures the ultrasonic sensors 17A and 17B at a cycle shorter than the normal measurement mode. Output. Thereafter, the flow rate measurement is performed in the high-accuracy measurement mode in which the measurement cycle is shortened, and when the measured flow rate value is kept stable for a predetermined period, the normal measurement mode is restored.

  Next, a gas meter that receives a pulsation signal transmitted from the specific gas meter and determines a pulsation phenomenon will be described. When the pulsation signal is received by the area communication wireless module 11b, the information is sent to the control circuit 10a and registered as having an external pulsation determination signal by the external pulsation signal determination unit 10f. In this state, when the flow rate value measured in the normal measurement mode exceeds the pulsation determination value, the pulsation determination unit 25 outputs a pulsation signal to the control circuit 10a. In other words, the state in which the pulsation signal is transmitted from the adjacent gas meter is that an instrument that causes pulsation in the area, such as GHP, is used, and the pulsation may be specified as the cause when the flow rate fluctuation occurs. Therefore, the flow rate variation can be reduced by immediately switching to the high-accuracy measurement mode and accurately measuring the flow rate.

Further, when the area communication wireless module 11b does not receive a pulsation signal, it is registered in the external pulsation signal determination unit 10f of the control circuit 10a as no external pulsation determination signal. In this state, regardless of the determination result of the pulsation determination unit 25, that is, even if a flow rate fluctuation exceeding the pulsation determination value occurs, the normal measurement mode is continued and the flow measurement is continued without switching to the high-accuracy measurement mode. Do. In other words, the state in which no pulsation signal is transmitted from the adjacent gas meter is that an instrument that causes pulsation in the area, such as GHP, is not used, and the cause when the flow rate fluctuation occurs is the use of the instrument in your home. Therefore, it is possible to suppress battery consumption by continuing the normal measurement mode.

  In addition, when no external pulsation determination signal is registered during the high-accuracy measurement mode, battery consumption can be suppressed by immediately returning to the normal measurement mode without lapse of a predetermined stable period. .

  In addition, when switching between the high-accuracy measurement mode and the normal measurement mode using the external pulsation determination signal, the switching timing between the high-accuracy measurement mode and the normal measurement mode may be changed according to the number of times the external pulsation determination signal is received. In this case, the degree of influence of pulsation in the gas supply system in the area is determined from the number of occurrences of pulsation of the adjacent gas meter via the area communication wireless module 11b, and the high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode and normal flow rate measurement are performed according to the degree of influence. Since it is possible to switch modes, it is possible to accurately identify the cause of flow fluctuations, select flow measurement conditions suitable for actual usage conditions, and reduce battery consumption while suppressing battery consumption. Variations can be reduced.

  In addition, as a communication partner using the area communication wireless module 11b, a pulsation signal is transmitted to and received from a gas meter specified in advance among neighboring gas meters, and the pulsation determination signal from the specific gas meter and the determination result of the pulsation determination unit are transmitted. Accordingly, the high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode may be switched.In this case, the measurement mode is switched based on the pulsation information of the gas meter specified in advance based on the strength of the reception level, the condition of the instrument usage frequency, etc. Therefore, the cause of the accurate flow rate fluctuation can be specified, and the flow rate variation can be reduced while suppressing battery consumption by selecting a measurement mode suitable for actual use.

  In addition, the pulsation signal is transmitted to and received from a gas meter that is specified in advance among adjacent gas meters, and the flow measurement instruction unit performs high-accuracy flow measurement according to the number of pulsation determination signals from the specific gas meter and the determination result of the pulsation determination unit. The mode and normal flow rate measurement mode may be switched. In this case, the measurement mode is switched according to the frequency of pulsation information from a specific gas meter, so the cause of flow rate fluctuation can be specified more accurately. Therefore, the flow rate variation can be reduced while suppressing battery consumption by selecting a measurement mode suitable for actual use.

  Furthermore, in addition to the high-precision flow measurement mode and the normal flow measurement mode as the flow measurement mode, a medium-precision flow measurement mode may be provided and selected according to an external pulsation determination signal from an adjacent gas meter. By providing a medium-precision flow rate measurement mode, it is possible to set the measurement cycle in multiple stages, and it is difficult to identify flow fluctuations caused by pulsation by selecting according to the external pulsation judgment signal from the adjacent gas meter Thus, it is possible to achieve a good balance between the suppression of battery consumption and the like and the reduction in flow rate variation.

  In recent years, gas meters using an ultrasonic sensor can easily measure the instantaneous flow rate. Therefore, in addition to a security function such as gas leakage, provision of various services using an instrument discrimination function has been studied.

  An example of this would be to set a discount rate for gas charges according to the equipment used and the application, specify the gas appliance or application used by the instrument discrimination means using the instantaneous flow rate measurement function by the ultrasonic sensor, The amount of use is determined for each appliance or for each purpose, and a gas rate is calculated by applying a predetermined discount rate, thereby promoting gas use and providing services to consumers.

  As an example of the specific means, an appliance signal registration means 21 for setting and registering an appliance signal specifying the type of gas appliance to be used, an application-specific signal registration means 22 for specifying a usage form for each usage of the gas appliance to be used, and There is provided an appliance discriminating means 24 having appliance classification means 23 for classifying household gas appliances for each predetermined classification based on the registration information of the appliance signal registration means 21 and the application-specific signal registration means 22.

  Here, the appliance signal registration means 21 sets and registers a signal according to the type of appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 1).

  Moreover, the signal registering means 22 classified by use sets and registers a signal for specifying a use form for each use of the appliance, for example, as shown in the following table (Table 2).

  Further, the appliance classification means 23 is the information obtained in the above (Table 1) and (Table 2), in which the gas business operator presets and classifies the discount target field of the gas fee based on the type and usage pattern of the gas appliance. For example, as shown in the following table (Table 3), if floor heating is performed using a water heater, discount A is used, and hot air is supplied by a gas fan heater or the like. When heating is performed, the discount is set to B, and the others are classified as standard, and the gas appliances used in the home are set and registered.

Information storage for monitoring the amount of gas used according to the usage status of the gas appliance based on the registration signal from the appliance discriminating means 24 comprising the appliance signal registration means 21, the application-specific signal registration means 22, and the appliance classification means 23. Means 10b are provided. This information storage means 10b receives the gas flow rate value obtained by the signal processing means 19 of the flow rate measurement unit 17, is managed together with the registration information of the gas appliance corresponding to the field classified by the appliance classification means 23, and is supplied by the gas operator. When the wireless module 11 receives the meter reading instruction information periodically requested from 15, specifically, the wide area communication wireless module 11 a, the accumulated flow data for each predetermined period of the information storage means 10 b, the charge data reflecting the discount rate, etc. Information is taken out and transmitted to the base station 14 and the display terminal device 12 from the wireless module 11, more specifically, the wide area communication wireless module 11a and the area communication wireless module 11b, and notified to the gas company 15 from the base station 14 using a dedicated line. At the same time, the gas price information for a predetermined period is notified to the consumer using the screen of the display terminal device 12.

  The outline of the instrument discrimination performed by the information storage means 10b will be described below. As the registration data stored in the instrument discrimination means 24, for example, a flow rate pattern as shown in FIG. As actual registration data, for example, data of a flow rate value every 0.2 seconds from the start of the instrument is stored for a predetermined time. Note that the data time interval does not need to be limited to 0.2 seconds, and can be arbitrarily set depending on the required appliance discrimination capability.

  The flow rate measuring unit 17 measures the gas flow rate at regular intervals, and when the newly measured gas flow rate value increases by more than a predetermined value from the previous value, it is determined that a new instrument has been used, and the flow rate change and instrument discrimination The flow rate pattern corresponding to the instrument code registered in the means 24 is compared to determine the instrument being used.

  In the present embodiment, the information storage means 10b manages the information on whether or not there is a gas appliance use registration for each classified item and the total gas use amount for each predetermined period, for example, During the heating period in winter, as shown in Table 3, the amount of gas used is managed with the equipment used for floor heating and hot air heating registered, and in summer the gas is used with no equipment registered for discounted fields. In addition to this, for example, by adding a function for obtaining the amount of gas used for each gas appliance classified by the appliance discriminating means 24 to the information storage means 10b, a finer classification It is possible to provide a variety of services and enhance security.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the discount item is targeted as a classification item of the appliance discriminating means 24. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is intended for a service that a gas company or the like considers necessary, such as a security service. A monitoring method for each device can be adopted.

  As described above, the wireless module 11a capable of communicating with the base station 14 using wireless communication means other than the telephone line, and various types of information based on the measurement results of the flow rate measuring means built in the control circuit 10a are specified low-power wireless. A display terminal device such as a television or a mobile phone, or a wireless module 11b capable of communicating with the adjacent gas meters 2A to 2D using a wireless communication means such as the above is integrated with the flow measurement control circuit board 10 in the gas meter 2. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with the base station 14 without using a telephone line simply by installing the gas meter 2, and the meter reading request command or abnormality from the base station 14 is not affected by the congestion state of the line. Information such as a return instruction can be transmitted smoothly, and meter reading value data reflecting instrument discrimination information based on a command from the base station 14 from the gas meter 2 The information at the time of abnormality can be transmitted smoothly, there is no need for the meter reader to go to the customer's house and perform the meter reading as before, and the center can be notified due to congestion of the line at the time of abnormality such as gas leak The problem of not being able to be solved can be solved.

In addition, since the gas meter 2 can transmit to the display terminal device 12 such as the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b the fee information for each predetermined period reflecting the instrument discrimination information based on the meter reading data transmitted to the base station 14, By using the television 12a, the mobile phone 12b, etc. for display, it is possible to omit the work of sending charge information from the gas company 15 by mail or the like as before, and the gas shut-off valve 20 is activated. As for the return method in such a case, by visually displaying on the television 12a or the mobile phone 12b, it is possible to reduce the dispatch of workers accompanying the return work, and it is possible to construct a rational information transmission system.

  Furthermore, since it is possible to easily acquire the pulsation occurrence status of the adjacent gas meter via the wireless module 11b, it is possible to grasp the installation or usage status of instruments such as GHP that affect the gas pressure fluctuation over a wide range. Because it is possible to determine in a short period whether transient flow fluctuations or continuous flow fluctuations due to pulsation based on this information, it is possible to reduce flow fluctuations while suppressing battery consumption. Can do.

  As described above, the gas shut-off device according to the present invention can discriminate in a short period whether transient flow rate fluctuation or continuous flow rate fluctuation caused by pulsation based on communication information from an adjacent gas meter. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the flow rate variation while suppressing battery consumption, which is effective for a meter in which flow rate fluctuations occur continuously.

Whole block diagram which shows the communication form of the gas cutoff device in Embodiment 1 of this invention The figure which shows the communication form between the adjacent gas meters in the gas cutoff device The figure which shows the external appearance and component of the gas shut-off device Internal configuration diagram of the gas shutoff device Configuration block diagram of the control circuit board of the gas shutoff device The figure which shows the communication form of the gas cutoff device and the display terminal device (A) The figure which shows the charge information display form in the display terminal device (b) The figure which shows the return information display form in the display terminal apparatus Control block diagram of the gas shutoff device The figure which shows an example of the flow rate pattern for the instrument discrimination | determination in the gas cutoff device

Explanation of symbols

2 Gas meter 10 Control circuit board 10a Control circuit (flow measurement instruction unit)
10b Information storage means 10c Communication switching means 10f External pulsation determining unit 11 Wireless module (wireless communication means)
11b Area communication wireless module (wireless communication means)
17A, 17B Ultrasonic sensor (flow rate detector)
19 Signal processor (flow rate calculator)
25 Pulsation judgment unit

Claims (5)

A gas shut-off device capable of communicating information with a plurality of adjacent gas meters by means of wireless communication means built in the gas meter,
The gas meter includes a flow rate detection unit that outputs a flow rate signal at a predetermined measurement period corresponding to a gas flow rate passing through the gas passage, a flow rate calculation unit that calculates a flow rate based on the flow rate signal of the flow rate detection unit, A pulsation determination unit that outputs a pulsation signal when the flow rate value of the flow rate calculation unit and a predetermined pulsation determination value are compared and determined to be abnormal, and the pulsation signal of the pulsation determination unit are transmitted to a plurality of adjacent gas meters. Wireless communication means for receiving a pulsation signal from another gas meter, an external pulsation determination section for outputting an external pulsation determination signal in accordance with the received content of the wireless communication means, a determination result of the pulsation determination section, and the external pulsation determination A flow rate measurement instruction unit that switches between a high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode in which the measurement cycle of the flow rate detection unit is shortened according to a determination signal of the unit and a normal measurement mode in which the measurement cycle is lengthened ,
The flow rate measurement instruction unit, in the normal flow rate measurement mode, the external pulse determination unit of the determination signal indicates that there is pulsating, and the pulsation determination unit is a high-precision flow rate measurement mode when it is determined that there is pulsating, highly accurate flow rate in the measurement mode, the external pulse determination unit of the determination signal gas cutoff apparatus, characterized in that the normal flow rate measurement mode if it demonstrated no pulsation. Comprising storage means for storing the number of times the external pulsation determination signal is received from the adjacent gas meter,
The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate measurement instruction unit changes a switching condition between the high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode according to the number of receptions of the storage means. The wireless communication means performs transmission / reception of a pulsation signal with a gas meter specified in advance among adjacent gas meters,
The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate measurement instruction unit switches between a high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode and a normal flow rate measurement mode according to an external pulsation determination signal from the specific gas meter and a determination result of the pulsation determination unit. The wireless communication means performs transmission / reception of a pulsation signal with a gas meter specified in advance among adjacent gas meters,
The flow rate measurement instruction unit is configured to switch between a high-accuracy flow rate measurement mode and a normal flow rate measurement mode according to the number of external pulsation determination signals from the specific gas meter and the determination result of the pulsation determination unit. Gas shut-off device. The medium flow rate measurement mode is provided as a flow rate measurement mode in addition to the high accuracy flow rate measurement mode and the normal flow rate measurement mode, and the flow rate measurement mode is selected according to an external pulsation determination signal from an adjacent gas meter. The gas shut-off device according to 1.