JP7624606B2 - Gas shutoff device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a gas shutoff device that ensures safety by shutting off gas.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gas shutoff device that uses an ultrasonic flow measurement method capable of measuring instantaneous flow rate, detects the flow rate when a gas appliance begins to be used, opens the gas shutoff valve, and opens the gas shutoff valve when the gas flow rate becomes zero when the gas appliance is stopped, thereby ensuring safety by shutting off the gas when the gas appliance is not in use.

Patent document 2 discloses a gas shutoff device that ensures safety by setting a time for shutting off gas and preventing gas from being used outside of this set time.

JP 2012-251880 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-69879

This disclosure provides a gas shutoff device that ensures safety against gas leaks, etc. while ensuring convenience.

The gas shutoff device disclosed herein includes an opening/closing unit that opens and closes the gas flow path, an operation unit that issues an instruction to open the opening/closing unit, a closure period setting unit that sets a closure period for the opening/closing unit, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the opening/closing unit, and is characterized in that the control unit opens the opening/closing unit by operating the operation unit and closes the opening/closing unit at the start time of the closure period.

The gas shutoff device disclosed herein opens the gas by operating the operating unit when gas is used, and closes the gas when the time set for the shutoff period has elapsed. By allowing the device to be used by opening the gas even during the shutoff period, and automatically closing the gas after use, the device can ensure safety while ensuring convenience.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a gas circuit breaker according to a first embodiment. 1 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of a control unit according to the first embodiment; FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a gas circuit breaker according to a second embodiment. 11 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of a control unit in the second embodiment. 11 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of a control unit in the second embodiment.

(The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure)
When using gas such as city gas or LP gas, it is recommended to turn off the gas valve when not using gas appliances to prevent accidents such as gas leaks.

However, there are cases where people forget to turn off the gas valve, or leave it open because it is too much of a hassle, making it difficult to ensure sufficient safety with a manual gas valve.

To eliminate such unsafe conditions, the configurations listed in the patent documents have been proposed, but the method of detecting the gas flow rate as in Patent Document 1 has issues such as the need to take into account the effects of piping and the need to distinguish between leakage and leakage, and has not yet been put to practical use. In addition, the method in Patent Document 2 can ensure safety with a simple configuration, but there are issues with convenience, such as the valve being turned on when the time is up even if it is not in use, or it cannot be used outside the time period set for the shutoff time.

Therefore, in order to ensure safety when opening the bottle, it is most preferable for the user to open the bottle manually; in other words, since a leak or the like can be noticed if a person is present, opening the bottle requires the presence of a person, and by automating the closing process to cover the case of forgetting to close the bottle, it is possible to improve convenience while ensuring safety, which constitutes the subject of the present disclosure.

Below, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted.

The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG.

[1-1. Configuration]
1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a gas cutoff device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the gas cutoff device 1 is composed of a gas flow path 3 connected to an upstream pipe 2 for gas supply, an opening/closing unit 4 for opening and closing the gas flow path 3, an operation unit 6 for performing an opening operation of the opening/closing unit 4, a closing period setting unit 7 for setting a closing period of the opening/closing unit 4, and a control unit 8 for controlling the opening/closing unit 4 based on an operation state by the operation unit 6 and a closing period set by the closing period setting unit 7. In addition, the outlet side of the gas flow path 3 is connected to a downstream pipe 9 for supplying gas to a gas appliance A (e.g., a stove) 10A and a gas appliance B (e.g., a water heater) 10B.

Here, the closed period setting unit 7 sets the start time and end time of the closed period of the opening/closing unit 4. For example, in the case of a restaurant, if it is a regular holiday, the start time and end time are not set and the closed period is set to the whole day, and if it is a business day, it is set according to the business hours, such as 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The open period can be set by the user as desired, such as by day of the week or by repeating a fixed period every day.

[1-2. Operation]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows the relationship between the open/closed state of the opening/closing unit 4, the start time Ts and end time Te of the closed period T set by the closed period setting unit 7, and the timing S of the opening operation (indicated by an inverted triangle) by the operation unit 6.

Figure 2 (a) shows a case where no opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6 after the valve is closed, and the opening/closing unit 4 continues to be in the closed state regardless of the closed period T. In other words, the valve will not be opened unless an opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6.

Figure 2 (b) shows the case where an opening operation is performed on the operating unit 6 before the start time Ts of the closed period T, in which the opening operation of the operating unit 6 is performed at timing S, causing the opening/closing unit 4 to be closed, and then closed at the start time Ts of the closed period T.

2(c), (d), and (e) all show the case where the operation unit 6 is opened during the closed period T, and this shows the operation when considering the unexpected use of gas. In this way, when the opening operation is performed at timing S during the closed period T, the operation differs depending on whether the predetermined time t after the opening operation is during the closed period T or not.

First, as shown in FIG. 2(c), if the closing period T is still in progress a certain time t after the opening operation, the opening/closing part 4 is closed.

Also, as shown in FIG. 2(d), if the end time Te of the closed period T has passed after the predetermined time t from the opening operation, the open state will continue.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2(e), even if the predetermined time t after the opening operation is during the closed period T, if the time u until the end time Te is within a preset time, the open state will continue without closing the valve, which eliminates the need to close the valve again at the time when it is desired to open the valve, improving convenience.

The specified time t and time u can be set arbitrarily according to the user's circumstances.

[1-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in this embodiment, the gas shutoff device 1 comprises an opening/closing unit 4 that opens and closes the gas flow path (gas flow path 3), an operation unit 6 that instructs the opening and closing of the opening/closing unit 4, a closure period setting unit 7 that sets the closure period T of the opening/closing unit 4, and a control unit 8 that controls the opening and closing of the opening/closing unit 4, and the control unit 8 opens the opening/closing unit 4 by operating the operation unit 6, and closes the opening/closing unit 4 at the start time of the closure period, so that opening can be performed manually by a user, opening is conditional on the presence of a person, and forgetting to close can be covered by automating the closing, thereby improving convenience while ensuring safety.

In addition, when the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit 4 at the start time Ts of the closed period T and then opens the opening/closing unit 4 by operating the operation unit 6, if a predetermined time t has elapsed since opening during the closed period, the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit, thereby ensuring safety even if gas is suddenly used during the closed period by closing the opening/closing unit after the predetermined time.

(Embodiment 2)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG.

[2-1. Configuration]
3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a gas circuit breaker 11 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in the figure, the gas circuit breaker 11 has a basic configuration similar to that of the first embodiment, and is different in that a flow rate measuring unit 5 that measures the flow rate of gas flowing through the gas flow path 3 is provided.

The method for measuring the gas flow rate in the flow rate measurement unit 5 is not particularly limited and any known method can be used, but an ultrasonic method capable of measuring instantaneous flow rate is preferable. In the following explanation, the presence or absence of gas flow rate is determined by using a predetermined flow rate at which the gas flow rate is essentially 0 as a threshold, and if the flow rate is equal to or greater than this threshold, the flow rate is "present," and if the flow rate is less than the threshold, the flow rate is "absent." This threshold may also be set to a flow rate that can determine whether a gas appliance is in use.

[2-2. Operation]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 show the relationship between the open/closed state of the opening/closing unit 4, the start time Ts and end time Te of the closing period T set by the closing period setting unit 7, the timing S of the opening operation (indicated by an inverted triangle) by the operation unit 6, and the presence or absence of the gas flow rate measured by the flow rate measuring unit 5 (i.e., the presence or absence of gas use).

Figure 4 (a) shows the normal usage state, where gas is used during the period from when the opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6 at timing S to when the opening/closing unit 4 opens and when the valve is automatically closed at the start time Ts of the closed period T. If no gas is being used at the start time Ts, the valve is closed.

In both Figures 4(b) and (c), the opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6 at timing S during the closed period T, the opening/closing unit 4 is opened, and gas is used.

First, as shown in FIG. 4(b), if the gas use is stopped and a predetermined time t1 has elapsed since the gas supply was stopped, and the gas supply is still in a closed period T, the gas supply is closed to ensure safety in the event of sudden gas use during the closed period T.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4(c), by immediately shutting off the gas valve after gas use is stopped, safety can be ensured in the event of sudden gas use during the shut-off period T.

It goes without saying that if gas use is stopped after the end time Te of the closed gas supply period T, the gas supply will remain open.

In both Figures 5(a) and (b), the opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6 at timing S, the opening/closing unit 4 is opened, and gas is still being used even at the start time Ts of the closed period T.

First, as shown in FIG. 5(a), after gas use has stopped, the valve is closed a predetermined time t2 later, allowing gas to continue being used if it is in use, and the gas is not cut off automatically, improving convenience. Note that the predetermined time t2 can be set appropriately to a period of time that allows ample time after gas use has stopped, or it may be set to 0 so that the valve is closed when gas use has stopped.

As shown in FIG. 5(b), by forcibly closing the valve a predetermined time t3 after the start time Ts of the shut-off period, the gas can be forcibly shut off even if gas is in use, which is effective in ensuring safety in the event that the valve is forgotten to be turned off, etc.

In FIG. 5(c), when the opening operation is performed by the operating unit 6 at timing S to open the opening/closing unit 4, if gas is subsequently used, the opening/closing unit 4 is not closed for a predetermined time t4 from the stoppage of gas use, regardless of the start time Ts of the closed period T. This improves convenience by allowing the gas appliance to be reused for a predetermined time after use is stopped.

The predetermined times t1, t2, t3, and t4 can be set arbitrarily according to the user's circumstances.

[2-3. Effects, etc.]
As described above, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided which measures the flow rate of gas, and if the flow rate measuring unit 5 does not measure a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate for determining whether or not gas is being used at the start time Ts of the closed period T, the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit.By making it a condition that no gas is being used, the gas is not automatically shut off.

In addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided to measure the flow rate of gas, and when the opening/closing unit 4 is opened by operating the operation unit 6 after closing the opening/closing unit 4 at the start time Ts of the closed period T, the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit 4 if it is during the closed period after a predetermined time t4 has elapsed since the flow rate measuring unit 5 no longer measures a flow rate equal to or greater than the predetermined flow rate, thereby ensuring safety when using gas during the closed period.

In addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided to measure the flow rate of gas, and if the flow rate measuring unit 5 measures a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate at the start time Ts of the closed period T, the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit 4 at the point in time when the flow rate measuring unit 5 measures a flow rate less than the predetermined flow rate, thereby ensuring safety when using gas during the closed period.

In addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided that measures the flow rate of gas, and if the flow rate measuring unit 5 measures a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate at the start time Ts of the closed period T, the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit 4 a predetermined time after the start time Ts of the closed period T, thereby ensuring safety in the event of sudden use of gas during the closed period T.

In addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided to measure the flow rate of gas, and the control unit 8 closes the opening/closing unit 4 a predetermined time t2 after the start time Ts of the closed period T if the flow rate measuring unit 5 measures a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate at the start time Ts of the closed period T, thereby ensuring safety in the event of sudden use of gas during the closed period T.

Furthermore, in addition to the configuration of embodiment 1, a flow rate measuring unit 5 is provided that measures the flow rate of gas, and the control unit 8 does not close the opening/closing unit 4 for a predetermined time t4 after the flow rate measuring unit 5 detects a flow rate below a predetermined flow rate, regardless of the start time Ts of the closing period T, thereby improving convenience while ensuring safety.

The above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology disclosed herein, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

As described above, the shutoff device of the present invention can prevent gas leaks when no one is present while ensuring convenience, and can also be incorporated as a function of a gas meter.

Reference Signs List 1, 11 Gas shutoff device 4 Opening/closing section 5 Flow rate measuring section 6 Operation section 7 Closing period setting section 8 Control section

Claims (6)

an opening/closing unit that opens and closes a gas flow path, the opening/closing unit having a gas supply pipe connected to an upstream side and a gas supply pipe connected to a gas appliance on a downstream side;
An opening operation unit that instructs the opening and closing unit to be opened;
A closing period setting unit that sets a closing period of the opening/closing unit;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the opening/closing unit;
a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of gas ;
and does not have a plugging operation unit,
The control unit is
The opening and closing part is opened by operating the opening operation part,
The opening and closing unit is automatically closed at a start time of the closing period,
When the opening/closing unit is automatically closed at the start time of the closing period and then the opening/closing unit is manually opened by operating the uncoupling operation unit, if it is during the closing period after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening, the opening/closing unit is automatically closed;
Furthermore, the control unit automatically closes the opening/closing unit at the start time of the closing period, and then manually opens the opening/closing unit by operating the operating unit, if the opening / closing unit is still in the closing period after a predetermined time has elapsed since the flow measuring unit no longer measures a flow rate greater than or equal to a predetermined flow rate. an opening/closing unit that opens and closes a gas flow path, the opening/closing unit having a gas supply pipe connected to an upstream side and a gas supply pipe connected to a gas appliance on a downstream side;
An opening operation unit that instructs the opening and closing unit to be opened;
A closing period setting unit that sets a closing period of the opening/closing unit;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the opening/closing unit;
a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of gas ;
and does not have a plugging operation unit,
The control unit is
The opening and closing part is opened by operating the opening operation part,
The opening and closing unit is automatically closed at a start time of the closing period,
When the opening/closing unit is automatically closed at the start time of the closing period and then the opening/closing unit is manually opened by operating the uncoupling operation unit, if it is during the closing period after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening, the opening/closing unit is automatically closed;
The gas shutoff device is further characterized in that , if the flow measuring unit measures a flow rate greater than or equal to a predetermined flow rate at the start time of the shutoff period , the control unit closes the opening/closing unit at a point in time when the flow measuring unit measures a flow rate less than or equal to the predetermined flow rate. an opening/closing unit that opens and closes a gas flow path, the opening/closing unit having a gas supply pipe connected to an upstream side and a gas supply pipe connected to a gas appliance on a downstream side;
An opening operation unit that instructs the opening and closing unit to be opened;
A closing period setting unit that sets a closing period of the opening/closing unit;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the opening/closing unit;
a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of gas ;
and does not have a plugging operation unit,
The control unit is
The opening and closing part is opened by operating the opening operation part,
The opening and closing unit is automatically closed at a start time of the closing period,
When the opening/closing unit is automatically closed at the start time of the closing period and then the opening/closing unit is manually opened by operating the uncoupling operation unit, if it is during the closing period after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening, the opening/closing unit is automatically closed;
The gas shutoff device is further characterized in that, when a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate is measured by the flow measuring unit at the start time of the shutoff period, the control unit closes the opening/closing unit a predetermined time after the start time of the shutoff period. an opening/closing unit that opens and closes a gas flow path, the opening/closing unit having a gas supply pipe connected to an upstream side and a gas supply pipe connected to a gas appliance on a downstream side;
An opening operation unit that instructs the opening and closing unit to be opened;
A closing period setting unit that sets a closing period of the opening/closing unit;
A control unit that controls opening and closing of the opening/closing unit;
a flow rate measuring unit that measures a flow rate of gas ;
and does not have a plugging operation unit,
The control unit is
The opening and closing part is opened by operating the opening operation part,
The opening and closing unit is automatically closed at a start time of the closing period,
When the opening/closing unit is automatically closed at the start time of the closing period and then the opening/closing unit is manually opened by operating the uncoupling operation unit, if it is during the closing period after a predetermined time has elapsed since opening, the opening/closing unit is automatically closed;
The gas shutoff device is further characterized in that, when a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate is measured by the flow measuring unit at the start time of the shutoff period , the control unit closes the opening/closing unit a predetermined time after the start time. 5. The gas shutoff device according to claim 1 , further characterized in that the control unit does not close the opening/closing unit for a predetermined time after the flow measuring unit detects a flow rate equal to or lower than a predetermined flow rate , regardless of a start time of the closing period. 5. The gas shutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control unit that closes the opening/closing unit if the flow rate measuring unit does not measure a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate at a start time of the closing period.