JP7214541B2 - Gas meter and its control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gas meter and its control method.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gas meter connected to a center device is known (see Patent Literature 1, for example). Such a gas meter transmits and receives various data to and from the center device, receives a control signal from the center device, and executes control based on the contents of the control signal. A gas meter connected to a gas alarm is also known (see Patent Document 2, for example). This gas meter has a function to shut off the gas when the continuous use time exceeds the set time, and the set time is changed depending on whether the alarm is connected or not. I'm trying

Japanese Patent No. 3487529 JP-A-3-106376

Here, some gas meters have a self-diagnostic function for detecting abnormalities in built-in parts. Such a gas meter shuts off a shut-off valve in the meter when an abnormality is detected in a built-in component. For example, if the ultrasonic sensor fails, the gas meter will not be able to accurately measure the flow rate. If the gas meter becomes unable to measure the flow rate accurately, the accuracy of detecting an abnormality in the flow rate may decrease, leading to a decrease in safety accuracy. For this reason, the gas meter is designed to shut off the shut-off valve when an ultrasonic sensor or the like, which is a built-in component, malfunctions. Further, the gas meter does not open the shutoff valve even if it receives a return signal for the shutoff valve from the center device during self-diagnostic shutoff.

However, if a self-diagnostic shutdown occurs as described above, the gas cannot be used until the gas meter is replaced. Therefore, if self-diagnostic shutdown is not performed, there is a possibility that a security problem will arise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve such conventional problems. It is to provide the control method.

According to the present invention, when an abnormality of an internal component is detected by the self-diagnostic function, it is communicated to the central device to that effect, and it is determined whether or not the gas alarm device is connected. In addition, when it is determined that the gas alarm is connected, a warning is displayed without shutting off the shutoff valve.

According to this gas meter, when it is determined that the communication to the central device is successful and the gas alarm is connected when an abnormality of the built-in part is detected, a warning is displayed without shutting off the shutoff valve. I do. For this reason, when it can be inferred that the replacement of the gas meter has been arranged by communicating the abnormality of the built-in parts to the center device, and when it is connected to the gas alarm and the abnormality signal from the gas alarm is not received, etc. When it can be predicted that there will be no problem in terms of security, it will be limited to displaying a warning rather than blocking. As a result, gas can be used in the event of a failure of the built-in parts while maintaining safety.

According to the present invention, gas can be used in the event of a failure of an internal component while maintaining safety.

1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a gas meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the gas meter shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is a first flow chart showing a gas meter control method according to the present embodiment; 7 is a second flow chart showing the gas meter control method according to the present embodiment.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The present invention will be described below along with preferred embodiments. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, in the embodiments shown below, there are places where illustrations and explanations of some configurations are omitted, but the details of the omitted technologies are provided within the scope that does not cause contradiction with the contents explained below. , Needless to say, well-known or well-known techniques are applied as appropriate.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a gas meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1 , the gas meter system 1 includes a gas meter 10 , a center device 20 and a gas leak alarm (gas alarm) 30 .

The gas meter 10 displays the integrated flow rate of the gas used on the consumer side. The center device 20 transmits and receives various data to and from the gas meter 10, and also transmits a control signal to the gas meter 10 to execute control based on the content of the control signal. The gas leak alarm 30 detects an abnormally high concentration of target gas in a predetermined area (for example, a kitchen) on the consumer side.

In such a gas meter system 1, the gas meter 10 and the center device 20 are connected via a public line (telephone line, optical line, etc.). The connection may be made only by wire, or partly through wireless. Furthermore, the gas meter 10 and the center device 20 may be connected not only by a public line but also by a dedicated line, and the connection form is not particularly limited. Also, although the gas meter 10 and the gas leak alarm device 30 are assumed to be connected by wire, they are not limited to this, and may be connected wirelessly. In addition, the gas meter 10 is currently capable of N-line communication and U-bus communication, but the communication method is not particularly limited either.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the gas meter 10 shown in FIG. The gas meter 10 shown in FIG. 2 is, for example, an ultrasonic gas meter that uses ultrasonic waves to measure a flow rate, and includes an ultrasonic sensor (built-in component) 11, a seismometer 12, a pressure sensor 13, and a display unit. 14 (see FIG. 1), a shutoff valve 15 and a control section (control means) 16 .

The ultrasonic sensor 11 is provided in the flow path R formed in the gas meter 10 and measures the flow rate of the gas flowing through the flow path R. FIG. This ultrasonic sensor 11 has an upstream ultrasonic sensor and a downstream ultrasonic sensor, and obtains the gas flow velocity based on the propagation time when ultrasonic signals are transmitted and received by these sensors. The flow velocity is calculated based on the cross-sectional area of the flow path R. Information on the calculated flow rate is transmitted to the control unit 16 .

The seismoscope 12 senses vibration. The pressure sensor 13 detects the pressure inside the flow path. Signals from the seismoscope 12 and the pressure sensor 13 are transmitted to the controller 16 .

The display unit 14 is provided on the front side of the housing of the gas meter 10, and displays the integrated flow rate and issues various warnings. The shutoff valve 15 is provided facing the flow path R, shuts off the flow path R by closing the valve, and opens the flow path R by opening the valve. When the flow path R is cut off, the gas is blocked and the use of the gas is prohibited.

The control unit 16 controls the entire gas meter 10, and includes a self-diagnosis unit 16a, a display control unit 16b, a shut-off valve control unit 16c, a communication unit (communication means) 16d, and a connection determination unit (determination means) 16e. It has

The self-diagnostic unit 16a is a functional unit that determines whether an abnormality has occurred in internal components such as the ultrasonic sensor 11 or the like. This self-diagnostic unit 16a detects an ultrasonic signal emitted from an ultrasonic sensor on the upstream side when the ultrasonic signal emitted from the ultrasonic sensor on the upstream side cannot be received by the ultrasonic sensor on the downstream side, or when an ultrasonic signal emitted from the ultrasonic sensor on the downstream side When the ultrasonic sensor 11 cannot receive the signal continuously for a predetermined number of times, it is diagnosed that the ultrasonic sensor 11 is abnormal. Note that the self-diagnostic unit 16a may diagnose an abnormality of the ultrasonic sensor 11 not only by this method but also by other methods. Furthermore, the diagnosis target is not limited to the ultrasonic sensor 11 . In the following description, the ultrasonic sensor 11 is specified as the built-in component.

The display control unit 16b controls the display contents of the display unit 14. FIG. The display unit 14 updates the integrated flow rate and displays various information under the control of the display control unit 16b. The shut-off valve control section 16c closes or opens the shut-off valve 15 .

The communication unit 16d communicates with the center device 20. FIG. The communication unit 16d is adapted to transmit and receive information to and from the center device 20, such as transmitting medical examination data and receiving time data. The communication unit 16d also receives a control signal from the center device 20 and executes control. For example, when the shutoff valve 15 of the gas meter 10 is shut off by a signal from the seismoscope 12 and there is a call requesting opening of the valve from the consumer side, the center device 20 sends a control signal to open the shutoff valve 15. Send to the gas meter 10 . As a result, the shutoff valve control unit 16c executes valve opening control.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the communication unit 16d communicates the fact to the center device 20 when the self-diagnostic unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11. FIG.

The connection determination unit 16e determines whether the gas leak alarm device 30 is connected. The control unit 16 checks the connection of the gas leak alarm 30 at regular intervals. The control unit 16 checks whether the gas leak alarm device 30 is connected, and deletes the alarm device unconnected information stored in the meter when the connection is confirmed continuously for a predetermined number of times. Even after the alarm device is connected, the control unit 16 continues to send the alarm connection signal to the gas leak alarm device 30 at regular intervals, and if the connection with the gas leak alarm device 30 cannot be confirmed continuously for a predetermined number of times. stores the alarm unconnected information in the meter. The connection determining unit 16e determines that the gas leak alarm 30 is connected when there is no alarm unconnected information, and determines that the gas leak alarm 30 is not connected when there is alarm unconnected information. do.

Here, in a gas meter having a general self-diagnostic function, when an abnormality in an internal component is detected by the self-diagnosis, the shut-off valve is closed for safety reasons so that the gas meter cannot be restored. On the other hand, the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment displays a warning instead of shutting off the shutoff valve 15 unrecoverably when a predetermined condition is satisfied, thereby maintaining safety and using gas. It is designed to let

More specifically, when the self-diagnosis unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11, the communication unit 16d succeeds in communication, and the connection determination unit 16e connects the gas meter 10 to the gas leak alarm device 30. When it is determined that the shutoff valve 15 is closed, the shutoff valve control unit 16c does not shut off the shutoff valve 15, and the display control unit 16b displays a warning.

Here, if the communication to the center device 20 is successful, it is presumed that the replacement of the gas meter 10 has been arranged, and it is likely that the gas meter 10 will be replaced soon, so the shutoff valve 15 is shut off. It is designed to display a warning without causing In this case, the use of the gas meter 10 with an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11 is continued, and there is a concern that security will be lowered. to maintain sexuality. That is, when the gas leak alarm device 30 is connected to the gas meter 10 , when there is an abnormality on the gas leak alarm device 30 side, a signal to that effect is sent to the gas meter 10 . Conversely, if no abnormality signal is transmitted from the gas leak alarm device 30, it can be said that the gas leak alarm device 30 has not been found to be abnormal, and that the safety is being maintained.

Therefore, in the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment, even if the self-diagnosis unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11, communication by the communication unit 16d is successful, and the connection determination unit 16e detects that the gas meter 10 is leaking gas. When it is determined that it is connected to the alarm device 30, a warning is displayed.

When the self-diagnostic unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11 and communication by the communication unit 16d fails, the shut-off valve control unit 16c shuts off the shut-off valve 15. FIG. In this case, since it cannot be assumed that the gas meter 10 will be replaced soon, and there is a possibility that the gas meter 10 with security concerns will be used for a long period of time, the shutoff valve 15 is unrecoverably shut off.

Similarly, when the self-diagnosis unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11 and the connection determination unit 16e determines that the gas meter 10 is not connected to the gas leak alarm device 30, the shut-off valve control unit 16c causes the shut-off valve 15 to shut off. In this case, since it is impossible to confirm whether safety can be maintained, the shutoff valve 15 is unrecoverably shut off in consideration of safety.

Further, the shutoff valve control section 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 when the gas leak alarm device 30 becomes abnormal while the warning display is being performed. Here, the abnormal state includes detection of gas leakage, disconnection of power to the gas leakage alarm device, determination of no connection with the gas leakage alarm device 30, and the like. In these cases, the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment shuts off the shutoff valve 15 in consideration of safety, so safety can be maintained.

The gas meter 10 checks the operation of the gas leak alarm 30 at regular intervals. The gas leak alarm 30 replies to this confirmation. The controller 16 of the gas meter 10 determines that the gas leak has been detected by the gas leak alarm 30 when the signal of the pattern indicating the activation of the alarm is received from the gas leak alarm 30 .

Moreover, the gas leak alarm device 30 transmits a signal of a predetermined pattern to the gas meter 10 when the plug connected to the outlet is pulled out. The control unit 16 of the gas meter 10 transmits a request signal to the gas leak alarm 30 at regular intervals after receiving the pattern indicating plug disconnection to request a response whether the plug disconnection has been eliminated. If there is no response to this request signal a predetermined number of times, the control unit 16 determines that the plug of the gas leak alarm 30 has been unplugged, that is, the power supply has been cut off.

In addition, the control unit 16 (connection determination unit 16e) checks the presence or absence of alarm unconnected information while performing the warning display, and if there is the alarm unconnected information, the gas leak alarm 30 is detected. has become unconnected.

If the gas leak alarm 30 as described above becomes abnormal while the warning display is being performed, the shutoff valve control section 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 in a non-recoverable manner.

In addition, the shutoff valve control unit 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the warning display started. This is because it is possible to prevent the gas meter 10 from being used for a long period of time, for which there are concerns about security. In particular, even if communication with the center device 20 succeeds and replacement of the gas meter 10 is arranged, prompt replacement may not be carried out due to inventory problems or worker schedules. However, the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment can cope with such a case by closing the shutoff valve 15 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed.

Furthermore, the shut-off valve control unit 16c receives signals from the seismoscope 12, signals from the pressure sensor 13, and an external device (for example, a setting device or other device) 40 (FIG. 1) when displaying a warning. ), the shut-off valve 15 is shut off when an abnormality is determined by at least one of the signals from. That is, when the shut-off valve control unit 16c receives from the seismoscope 12 a signal indicating that an earthquake of a predetermined seismic intensity (for example, a seismic intensity of 5) or more has been detected, the shut-off valve control unit 16c receives from the pressure sensor 13 a signal indicating an abnormal pressure of a predetermined threshold or more. In this case, when a signal notifying the occurrence of an abnormality (a signal prompting shutdown as a result of an abnormality is also acceptable) is received from an external device 40 such as a setting device or a device capable of self-determining an abnormality (pressure regulator, etc.), an abnormality is determined. to shut off the shutoff valve 15 in a non-recoverable manner. As a result, it is possible to prevent the gas meter 10 from being used when a further abnormality has occurred during the warning display and the security concern has increased.

Next, a method for controlling the gas meter 10 according to this embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a first flow chart showing the control method of the gas meter 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, first, the control unit 16 determines whether the self-diagnosis unit 16a detects an abnormality in the ultrasonic sensor 11 (S1). If the self-diagnostic unit 16a does not detect an abnormality (S1: NO), this process is repeated until an abnormality is detected.

On the other hand, if the self-diagnostic section 16a detects an abnormality (S1: YES), the communication section 16d notifies the central device 20 of the fact that the self-diagnostic section 16a has detected an abnormality (S2). Next, the control unit 16 determines whether the communication by the communication unit 16d has succeeded (S3).

If the communication by the communication unit 16d is not successful (S3: NO), the control unit 16 determines whether the number of retries is equal to or greater than the set number (S4). When the number of retries reaches or exceeds the set number (S4: YES), the shutoff valve control unit 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 in a non-recoverable manner (S5). After that, the processing shown in FIG. 3 ends.

If the number of retries is not equal to or greater than the set number (S4: NO), the control unit 16 increments the number of retries (S6), and the process proceeds to step S2.

If the communication by the communication unit 16d is successful (S3: YES), the connection determination unit 16e determines whether the gas leak alarm 30 is connected based on the presence or absence of alarm unconnected information (S7). If the gas leak alarm device 30 is not connected (S7: NO), the shutoff valve control unit 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 in a non-recoverable manner (S5). After that, the processing shown in FIG. 3 ends.

On the other hand, if the gas leak alarm device 30 is connected (S7: YES), the display control section 16b displays a warning to that effect (S8). After that, the processing shown in FIG. 3 ends.

FIG. 4 is a second flow chart showing the control method of the gas meter 10 according to this embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 4 is started when the process of step S8 shown in FIG. 3 is executed.

As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 16 first determines whether the gas leak alarm 30 is disconnected (S10). At this time, the control unit 16 determines whether the alarm device is disconnected based on the presence or absence of alarm device disconnection information. If the gas leak alarm 30 is not disconnected (S10: NO), the controller 16 determines whether the gas leak alarm 30 is powered off (S11). At this time, the control unit 16 determines whether the gas leak alarm device 30 should be turned off based on whether it receives a plug disconnection pattern signal and whether it responds to the request signal a predetermined number of times.

If the gas leak alarm 30 is not powered off (S11: NO), the controller 16 determines whether the gas leak alarm 30 has issued a gas leak alarm (S12). At this time, the control unit 16 determines whether or not the gas leak alarm has been issued based on whether or not the signal of the pattern indicating the activation of the alarm has been received.

If the gas leak alarm 30 has not issued a gas leak alarm (S12: NO), the control unit 16 determines whether a signal indicating that an earthquake of a predetermined seismic intensity or more has been detected has been received from the seismoscope 12 (S13). ).

If no signal indicating that an earthquake with a predetermined seismic intensity or more has been detected has been received (S13: NO), the control unit 16 determines whether the channel pressure is abnormal based on the signal from the pressure sensor 13 (S14). ).

If the channel pressure is not abnormal (S14: NO), the control unit 16 determines whether a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 was started (S15). If it is determined that the predetermined period has not passed (S15: NO), the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, if the gas leak alarm 30 is not connected (S10: YES), if the gas leak alarm 30 is powered off (S11: YES), or if the gas leak alarm 30 has issued a gas leak alarm. (S12: YES), if a signal indicating that an earthquake with a predetermined seismic intensity or more has been detected has been received (S13: YES), if the channel pressure is abnormal (S14: YES), the flow chart shown in FIG. If a predetermined period has passed since the start (S15: YES), the shutoff valve control unit 16c shuts off the shutoff valve 15 (S16). After that, the processing shown in FIG. 4 ends.

Although the details of the signal from the external device 40 are omitted in the processing shown in FIG. may be executed.

As described above, according to the gas meter 10 and the control method thereof according to the present embodiment, when an abnormality of the ultrasonic sensor 11 is detected, the communication to the center device 20 is successful and the gas leak alarm device 30 When it is determined that they are connected, a warning is displayed without shutting off the shutoff valve 15.例文帳に追加Therefore, it can be inferred that replacement of the gas meter 10 has been arranged by communicating the abnormality of the ultrasonic sensor 11 to the center device 20, and the abnormality signal from the gas leak alarm 30 is connected to the gas leak alarm 30. When it can be predicted that there will be no problem in terms of security, such as when no As a result, gas can be used when the ultrasonic sensor 11 fails while maintaining safety.

In addition, when an abnormality of the ultrasonic sensor 11 is detected and communication to the center device 20 fails, the shutoff valve 15 is shut off. It is possible to prevent a situation in which the gas meter 10 is used for a long period of time due to uncertainties about when the gas meter 10 is to be checked. Alternatively, even if the gas leak alarm 30 is not connected and it is not possible to check whether safety can be maintained, the shutoff valve 15 is shut off with priority given to safety, so that safety is in an uneasy state. It is possible to prevent a situation in which a certain gas meter 10 is used.

Also, if the gas leak alarm 30 becomes abnormal during the warning display, the shutoff valve 15 is shut off. Therefore, for example, when a gas leak is detected, the gas leak alarm device 30 is powered off, or it is determined that there is no connection with the gas leak alarm device 30, etc., the shutoff valve 15 is shut off in consideration of safety. As a result, security can be maintained.

In addition, since the shutoff valve 15 is shut off when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of the warning display, it is possible to prevent the gas meter 10 from being used for a long period of time, which poses security concerns.

In addition, when the warning is displayed, at least one of the signal from the seismoscope 12 that senses vibration, the signal from the pressure sensor 13 that detects the pressure inside the meter, and the signal from the external device 40 causes an abnormality. is determined, the shutoff valve 15 is shut off, so that it is possible to prevent the gas meter 10 from being used for which a further abnormality has occurred during the warning display and the security concerns have increased.

As described above, the present invention has been described based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may be modified without departing from the scope of the present invention. techniques may be combined.

For example, although the gas meter 10 is connected to the gas leak alarm 30 in the above embodiment, it is not limited to this and may be connected to other types of gas alarm such as a CO alarm.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the gas meter 10 incorporates the communication unit 16d.

In addition, in the gas meter 10 according to the present embodiment, the shutdown is assumed to be a non-recoverable shutdown.

1: Gas meter system 10: Gas meter 11: Ultrasonic sensor (built-in part)
12: Seismic sensor 13: Pressure sensor 14: Display unit 15: Shutoff valve 16: Control unit (control means)
16a: Self-diagnostic unit 16b: Display control unit 16c: Shutoff valve control unit 16d: Communication unit (communication means)
16e: Connection judgment unit (judgment means)
20: Center device 30: Gas leak alarm (gas alarm)
40: external device R: flow path

Claims (6)

A gas meter having a self-diagnostic function for detecting an abnormality in a target built-in component,
communication means for communicating, when an abnormality of the built-in component is detected by the self-diagnostic function, to a center device serving as a transmission/reception destination of various data and a transmission source of a control signal;
a determination means for determining whether or not a gas alarm device for detecting an abnormally high concentration of a target gas in a predetermined area on the consumer side is connected;
When the self-diagnostic function detects an abnormality in the built-in part, the communication by the communication means is successful, and when the determination means determines that the gas alarm device is connected, the shutoff valve is opened. a control means for displaying a warning without blocking;
A gas meter comprising: When the self-diagnostic function detects an abnormality in the built-in component, the control means determines that communication by the communication means fails, or the determination means determines that the gas alarm device is not connected. The gas meter according to claim 1, wherein the shutoff valve is shut off at times. 3. The control means according to claim 1, wherein the control means shuts off the shut-off valve if the gas alarm becomes abnormal while the warning display is being performed. gas meter. The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means shuts off the shutoff valve when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the warning display started. The control means controls at least a signal from a seismoscope that senses vibration, a signal from a pressure sensor that detects the pressure in the gas flow path, and a signal from an external device when the warning is displayed. The gas meter according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shutoff valve is shut off when an abnormality is determined by one. A control method for a gas meter having a self-diagnostic function for detecting an abnormality in a target built-in component, comprising:
a communication step of communicating, when the self-diagnostic function detects an abnormality in the built-in part, to a center device serving as a transmission/reception destination of various data and a transmission source of a control signal;
a judgment step of judging whether a gas alarm for detecting an abnormally high concentration of a target gas in a predetermined area on the consumer side is connected;
If the self-diagnostic function detects an abnormality in the built-in component, if it is determined that the communication in the communication step is successful and the gas alarm device is connected in the determination step, the shutoff valve is opened. A control process for displaying a warning without shutting down;
A gas meter control method comprising:

Images