JP7625253B2

JP7625253B2 - Gas Switching Regulator

Info

Publication number: JP7625253B2
Application number: JP2021038126A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 光杉山
Original assignee: KATSURA COMPANY, LTD.
Current assignee: KATSURA COMPANY, LTD.
Priority date: 2021-03-10
Filing date: 2021-03-10
Publication date: 2025-02-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-03-10
Also published as: JP2022138315A

Description

本発明は、ガス容器内の高い圧力を燃焼器に適した低い一定圧力まで減圧する調整器に関する。さらに詳述すると、本発明は、複数系統例えば２系統のガス容器（例えばＬＰガス容器）を接続して、ガスの供給を途絶えさせずに新たなガス容器に切替可能とするガス切替調整器に関する。 The present invention relates to a regulator that reduces the high pressure in a gas container to a constant low pressure suitable for a combustor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a gas switching regulator that connects multiple systems, for example two systems, of gas containers (e.g., LP gas containers) and enables switching to a new gas container without interrupting the gas supply.

一般に、ＬＰガス容器などのガス容器にガスを充填して供給する場合には、使用中にガス切れを起こさないようにするため、使用側容器と予備側容器との少なくとも各々１本ずつの都合２本のガス容器を設置し、ガス自動切替調整器を使って片側のガス容器からのみガス供給するようにしている。 Generally, when filling and supplying gas into gas containers such as LP gas containers, at least two gas containers are installed, one for the container in use and one for the spare, in order to prevent running out of gas during use, and an automatic gas switching regulator is used to supply gas from only one of the gas containers.

ガス自動切替調整器は、２つのガス容器の一方である使用側容器のガスの圧力が設定圧を下回った場合に、即ち使用側のガス容器だけで供給圧力を維持できなくなったときに、予備側から自動的にガスを供給可能とする機能を有するものである。これによって、使用側容器と予備側容器とが切り替えられ、今まで予備側容器としていた容器が使用側容器として使用される一方、今まで使用していた容器が取り外し可能とされる（例えば、特許文献１，２）。 The automatic gas switching regulator has the function of automatically supplying gas from the spare container when the gas pressure in one of the two gas containers, the use container, falls below the set pressure, i.e., when the supply pressure can no longer be maintained by the use container alone. This allows the use container and the spare container to be switched, and the container that was previously the spare container is used as the use container, while the container that was previously in use can be removed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

特開２００６－４６３７１号公報JP 2006-46371 A 特開２００４－９２７３５号公報JP 2004-92735 A

しかしながら、従来のガス自動切替調整器によれば、使用側容器と予備側容器とを片側ずつ使ってガス供給する一方で、ガスが少なくなった使用側容器だけを交換するようにしているので、容器を２本とも使用してから同時に交換しようとすると、容器交換前にガス切れを起こすリスクがある。そこで、従来のガス容器の配送業務並びにガス容器の取り替えは、使用側容器のガスが無くなる頃に、例えば月に１回程度の頻度で実施され、ガスの圧力が設定圧を下回った一方の系統のガス容器だけを交換してこれを予備側容器として使用するようにせざるを得ない。 However, with conventional automatic gas switching regulators, gas is supplied using both the use container and the reserve container, while only the use container with low gas is replaced. Therefore, if both containers are used and then replaced at the same time, there is a risk of running out of gas before the container is replaced. Therefore, conventional gas container delivery and replacement are carried out when the gas in the use container runs out, for example about once a month, and only the gas container of the system whose gas pressure has fallen below the set pressure must be replaced and used as the reserve container.

このため、近年、ＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を使って、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどで取得することができ、ガス容器の残量を正確に把握することができるようになっているにも拘わらず、ガスの供給を途絶えさせずに新たなガス容器に切り替えるには、ガスが少なくなった使用側容器だけを交換することに変わりはないので、ガス容器の入れ替えタイミングを延ばすこと換言すれば配送業務を効率的にすることを阻害している。 For this reason, even though in recent years it has become possible to use LPWA (Low Power, Long Range Wireless Communication) technology to obtain daily meter readings from gas meters using smartphones and tablets, and to accurately grasp the amount of gas remaining in a gas cylinder, in order to switch to a new gas cylinder without interrupting the gas supply, it is still necessary to replace only the cylinder that is low on gas, which delays the timing of replacing gas cylinders, in other words, hinders the efficiency of delivery operations.

また、従来の使用形態で片側ずつガスを供給すると、供給側容器のガスの残量がほとんど空になるので、ガスに添加された着臭剤の濃度が上がり、ガスが漏れていないのにガス臭いとの通報が入るリスクがある。 In addition, if gas is supplied from one side at a time as in the conventional usage method, the gas remaining in the supplying container will become almost empty, which will increase the concentration of the odorant added to the gas, and there is a risk that a gas smell will be reported even though there is no gas leak.

本発明は、２系統のガス容器から同時にガスを供給でき、且つ容器交換時にガス供給を中断しないで作業できるガス切替調整器を提供することを目的とする。 The objective of the present invention is to provide a gas switching regulator that can simultaneously supply gas from two gas containers and allows for container replacement without interrupting the gas supply.

かかる目的を達成するために請求項１記載のガス切替調整器は、第１系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる第１系統受入室と、第２系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる第２系統受入室と、ガス消費設備・機器に連通する供給室と、第１系統受入室と供給室との間に設けられて第１系統受入室から供給室へのガスの流れを遮断あるいは開放する第１系統開閉弁と、第２系統受入室と供給室との間に設けられて第２系統受入室から供給室へのガスの流れを遮断あるいは開放する第２系統開閉弁と、第１系統開閉弁及び第２系統開閉弁の各々の開閉状態を切り替える弁開閉調整機構とを有し、弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方を動作させて第１系統のガス容器および第２系統のガス容器の双方を使用側ガス容器に設定して同時にガス供給を可能とする通常使用位置と、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のうちの一方のみを閉じて第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のうちの他方を開いたままガス供給を止めずに閉じられた側となる第１系統のガス容器及び第２系統のガス容器の交換作業を実施可能とする第１系統受入位置及び第２系統受入位置との３位置を有し、かつ弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の各々の弁棒と、弁棒に対して弁を開閉させる変位を与えるカム部と、切替ハンドルと連動してカム部を回転させることにより第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の弁棒に対するカム部の位置を切り替えるシャフト部とを有するセンターロッドを含み、カム部は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方の弁棒と同時に接して第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方を同時に動作させる通常使用位置と、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のいずれか一方の弁棒と接して動作させると共に、他方の弁棒に対して離間し動作させずに閉弁状態を維持する第１系統受入位置及び第２系統受入位置とを有し、切替ハンドルの回転によって通常使用位置を経て第１系統受入位置あるいは第２系統受入位置へ切り替えられるものであり、第１系統および第２系統の双方のガス容器からガスが供給されていることを示す色あるいは記号と、第１系統および第２系統のいずれか一方の系統のガス容器からガスが供給されていることを示す色あるいは記号とが、切替ハンドルの回転に伴って切り替わって表示されることが好ましい。 In order to achieve this object, the gas switching regulator according to claim 1 comprises a first system receiving chamber for receiving gas from a gas container of a first system, a second system receiving chamber for receiving gas from a gas container of a second system, a supply chamber communicating with a gas consuming facility/apparatus, a first system on-off valve provided between the first system receiving chamber and the supply chamber for blocking or opening the flow of gas from the first system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, a second system on-off valve provided between the second system receiving chamber and the supply chamber for blocking or opening the flow of gas from the second system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, and a valve for controlling the opening and closing of each of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve. and a valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism for switching between these three positions: a normal use position in which both the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve are operated to set both the first system gas container and the second system gas container as the use-side gas container to enable simultaneous gas supply; and a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which only one of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is closed to enable replacement work of the first system gas container and the second system gas container to be performed without stopping the gas supply, while the other of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is left open. The valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism includes a center rod having a valve stem of each of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve, a cam portion that applies a displacement to the valve stem to open or close the valve, and a shaft portion that switches the position of the cam portion relative to the valve stems of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve by rotating the cam portion in cooperation with a switching handle, and the cam portion has a normal use position in which it contacts the valve stems of both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve simultaneously to operate both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve simultaneously, and a normal use position in which it contacts the valve stem of either the first system on-off valve or the second system on-off valve The valve has a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which the valve rod is moved away from the other valve rod and maintained in a closed state without moving, and can be switched through a normal use position to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position by rotating a switching handle, and it is preferable that a color or symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from gas containers of both the first system and the second system, and a color or symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from a gas container of either the first system or the second system, are displayed in a switched manner as the switching handle is rotated.

かかる目的を達成するために請求項１記載のガス切替調整器は、第１系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる第１系統受入室と、第２系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる第２系統受入室と、ガス消費設備・機器に連通する供給室と、第１系統受入室と供給室との間に設けられて第１系統受入室から供給室へのガスの流れを遮断あるいは開放する第１系統開閉弁と、第２系統受入室と供給室との間に設けられて第２系統受入室から供給室へのガスの流れを遮断あるいは開放する第２系統開閉弁と、第１系統開閉弁及び第２系統開閉弁の各々の開閉状態を切り替える弁開閉調整機構とを有し、弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方を動作させて第１系統のガス容器および第２系統のガス容器の双方を使用側ガス容器に設定して同時にガス供給を可能とする通常使用位置と、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のうちの一方のみを閉じて第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のうちの他方を開いたままガス供給を止めずに閉じられた側となる第１系統のガス容器及び第２系統のガス容器の交換作業を実施可能とする第１系統受入位置及び第２系統受入位置との３位置を有し、かつ、弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の各々の弁棒と、弁棒に対して弁を開閉させる変位を与えるカム部と、切替ハンドルと連動してカム部を回転させることにより第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の弁棒に対するカム部の位置を切り替えるシャフト部とを有するセンターロッドを含み、カム部は、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方の弁棒と同時に接して第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁の双方を同時に動作させる通常使用位置と、第１系統開閉弁および第２系統開閉弁のいずれか一方の弁棒と接して動作させると共に、他方の弁棒に対して離間し動作させずに閉弁状態を維持する第１系統受入位置及び第２系統受入位置とを有し、切替ハンドルの回転によって通常使用位置を経て第１系統受入位置あるいは第２系統受入位置へ切り替えられるものであり、ガスの流れの方向を示す固定的な記号が切替ハンドルの表面に表され、切替ハンドルの回転によって記号の向きが変化することによって、第１系統および第２系統の双方のガス容器からガスが供給されていることを示す記号と、第１系統および第２系統のいずれか一方の系統のガス容器からガスが供給されていることを示す記号とのいずれかに切り替わって表示されることが好ましい。 In order to achieve this object, the gas switching regulator according to claim 1 comprises a first system receiving chamber for receiving gas from a gas container of a first system, a second system receiving chamber for receiving gas from a gas container of a second system, a supply chamber communicating with a gas consuming facility/apparatus, a first system on-off valve provided between the first system receiving chamber and the supply chamber for blocking or opening the flow of gas from the first system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, a second system on-off valve provided between the second system receiving chamber and the supply chamber for blocking or opening the flow of gas from the second system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, and a valve on-off switch for switching the open/closed state of each of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve. and an adjustment mechanism, the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism having three positions: a normal use position in which both the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve are operated to set both the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system as the use side gas container to enable simultaneous gas supply; and a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which only one of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is closed to enable replacement work of the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system to be performed as the closed side without stopping the gas supply while the other of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is open; and the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism has three positions: a normal use position in which both the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve are operated to set both the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system as the use side gas container to enable simultaneous gas supply; and a center rod having a valve stem of each of the second system on-off valves, a cam portion that applies a displacement to the valve stem to open or close the valve, and a shaft portion that switches the position of the cam portion relative to the valve stems of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve by rotating the cam portion in conjunction with a switching handle, the cam portion having a normal use position in which it simultaneously comes into contact with the valve stems of both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve to operate both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve, and a closed valve state in which it comes into contact with the valve stem of either the first system on-off valve or the second system on-off valve to operate it, and is separated from the valve stem of the other valve to operate it without operating it. The gas supply device has a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which the gas supply state is maintained, and can be switched to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position via the normal use position by rotating the switching handle, and it is preferable that a fixed symbol indicating the direction of gas flow is displayed on the surface of the switching handle, and the orientation of the symbol changes by rotating the switching handle, so that the symbol is switched between a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from gas containers of both the first system and the second system, and a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from a gas container of either the first system or the second system.

また、切替ハンドルとハウジングとの間には、弁開閉調整機構を３位置のいずれかに切り替える際に手に感触を与えるクリック機構が備えられていることが好ましい。 It is also preferable that a click mechanism be provided between the switching handle and the housing, which provides a tactile sensation when the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism is switched to one of the three positions.

また、ガス容器の交換は両ガス容器の残量ガスがそれぞれ１０～２０％程度の範囲で実施されることが好ましい。 It is also preferable to replace the gas containers when there is about 10-20% of gas remaining in each container.

さらに、請求項７記載のガス供給システムは、請求項１から４のいずれか１つに記載のガス切替調整器と、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどで取得することができるＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を使った自動検針システムとを備えることが好ましい。 Furthermore, it is preferable that the gas supply system described in claim 7 comprises a gas switching regulator described in any one of claims 1 to 4 and an automatic meter reading system using LPWA (low power, long range wireless communication) technology that can obtain daily meter readings from the gas meter using a smartphone, tablet, etc.

請求項１記載のガス切替調整器によれば、同一ガス切替調整器に接続されている２系統のガス容器をガス供給を途絶えさせることなく順次同時（同じ配送タイミングでという意味）に容器交換することができるので、配送業務時間や配送距離の短縮即ち配送業務の効率化を図ることができる。つまり、ガス容器の入れ替えタイミングを今までの２倍以上に延ばすこと、換言すれば配送間隔を今までの２倍以上に延ばして配送業務を効率的にすることができる。 According to the gas switching regulator described in claim 1, gas containers of two systems connected to the same gas switching regulator can be replaced sequentially and simultaneously (meaning at the same delivery timing) without interrupting the gas supply, which can shorten the delivery work time and delivery distance, i.e., improve the efficiency of delivery work. In other words, the timing for replacing gas containers can be extended by more than twice as long as before, in other words, the delivery interval can be extended by more than twice as long as before, making delivery work more efficient.

さらに、ＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術の併用により、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどで取得してガス容器の残量を正確に把握すれば、着臭剤の濃度が上がる前に容器交換を可能とし、異臭発生やガス切れなどの不具合を未然に防いだ上で配送業務の効率化を優先させることが可能となる。 In addition, by combining this with LPWA (Low Power, Long Distance Wireless Communication) technology, daily meter readings from the gas meter can be obtained using a smartphone or tablet to accurately grasp the remaining amount of gas in the container, making it possible to replace the container before the odorant concentration increases, and to prevent problems such as the generation of unpleasant odors and running out of gas, while prioritizing the efficiency of delivery operations.

本発明にかかるガス切替調整器の一実施形態を示す中央縦断面図で、通常使用状態を示す。1 is a central vertical cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a gas switching regulator according to the present invention, illustrating a normal use state. 本発明にかかるガス切替調整器の一実施形態を示す中央縦断面図で、一方の系統（例示は第２系統）のガス容器の取替え可能にした状態を示す。1 is a central vertical cross-sectional view showing one embodiment of a gas switching regulator according to the present invention, illustrating a state in which a gas container of one system (the second system in the example) is made replaceable. 切替ハンドルと切替ジョイントの一実施形態を示す中央縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a central vertical cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a switching handle and a switching joint. 表示器の一実施形態を示す平面図で、（Ａ）は通常使用状態、（Ｂ）は一方の系統のガス容器の取替時の状態を示す。1A is a plan view showing an embodiment of an indicator, in which FIG. 1A shows a normal use state, and FIG. 1B shows a state when a gas container of one system is replaced. センターロッドの一実施形態を示す図で、（Ａ）は正面図、（Ｂ）は左側面図、（Ｃ）は底面図、（Ｄ）はＤ－Ｄ線に沿う断面図である。1A is a front view, FIG. 1B is a left side view, FIG. 1C is a bottom view, and FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD, showing one embodiment of a center rod. 切替ハンドルとハウジングとの間に構成されたクリック機構の一実施形態を示す図で、（Ａ）は通常使用状態に切り替わる直前の状態を示し、（Ｂ）は通常使用状態に切り替わった状態を示す。1A and 1B are diagrams showing one embodiment of a click mechanism configured between a switching handle and a housing, in which (A) shows a state immediately before switching to a normal use state, and (B) shows a state after switching to the normal use state. ガス切替調整器の切替ハンドルと弁開閉調整機構の動きを説明する図で、（Ａ）は通常使用位置、（Ｂ）は第２系統受入位置、（Ｃ）は第１系統受入位置をそれぞれ示す。FIG. 1 is a diagram explaining the movement of the switching handle and valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism of the gas switching regulator, in which (A) shows the normal use position, (B) shows the second system receiving position, and (C) shows the first system receiving position. 本発明にかかるガス切替調整器の表示器の他の実施形態を示す説明図で、（Ａ）は通常使用位置、（Ｂ）は第２系統受入位置、（Ｃ）は第１系統受入位置をそれぞれ示す。1A is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the indicator of the gas switching regulator of the present invention, in which (A) shows the normal use position, (B) shows the second system receiving position, and (C) shows the first system receiving position. 本発明にかかるガス切替調整器を組み込んだガス供給システムの一実施形態を示す配管図である。FIG. 1 is a piping diagram showing one embodiment of a gas supply system incorporating a gas switching regulator according to the present invention.

以下、本発明の構成を図面に示す実施形態に基づいて詳細に説明する。 The configuration of the present invention will be described in detail below based on the embodiment shown in the drawings.

図１～図７に、本発明にかかるガス切替調整器の一実施形態を示す。この実施形態にかかるガス切替調整器１は、２系統のガス供給源例えば２本のガス容器を含むガス供給システム（例えば図９参照）において用いられる。つまり、複数のガス容器からガスを供給するためのシステムであり、複数のガス容器は、本実施形態では、ガス切替調整器１を挟んで左右２つの系統に分けられている。便宜的に、図に向かって左側の系統を「第１系統」と、右側の系統を「第２系統」と呼ぶこととする。なお、本明細書において２つの系統とは、２本のガス容器に限られず、系統間で同数（換言すれば同容量）であれば２本よりも多数のガス容器が連結管を介して接続されたものも含まれることは言うまでもない。 Figures 1 to 7 show an embodiment of the gas switching regulator of the present invention. The gas switching regulator 1 of this embodiment is used in a gas supply system including two gas supply sources, for example, two gas containers (see, for example, Figure 9). In other words, this is a system for supplying gas from multiple gas containers, and in this embodiment, the multiple gas containers are divided into two systems, one on the left and one on the right, with the gas switching regulator 1 in between. For convenience, the system on the left side of the figure will be called the "first system" and the system on the right side will be called the "second system." It goes without saying that in this specification, the two systems are not limited to two gas containers, and also include systems in which more than two gas containers are connected via connecting pipes as long as the systems have the same number (in other words, the same capacity).

本実施形態のガス切替調整器１は、第１系統のガス容器と第２系統のガス容器との双方を同時に使用側ガス容器として設定し、同時に２本の容器からガスが供給されるように設けられている。そして、ガス容器の取り替え時にのみ、第１系統のガス容器と第２系統のガス容器とのいずれか一方を遮断し、他方を連通させたままとしてガスを供給し続ける切り替える機能を有している。 The gas switching regulator 1 of this embodiment is set so that both the first system gas container and the second system gas container are simultaneously set as the gas containers on the usage side, and gas is supplied from the two containers at the same time. Then, only when replacing the gas container, it has a function of switching between the first system gas container and the second system gas container, cutting off one of them and leaving the other connected to continue supplying gas.

ガス切替調整器１は、ハウジング２の内部に２つのガス受入れポート７，８と１つのガス供給ポート９とを有している幾つかの室が区画形成された構造を成している。具体的には、ハウジング２の内部は、上下区画壁３によって上室４と下室５とに区画され、さらに下室５は、下室内区画壁６によって、その下室内区画壁６を挟んでそれぞれ左右に位置する第１系統受入室５ａと第２系統受入室５ｂとに区分けされている。これによって、ガスの入口部同士即ち第１系統受入室５ａと第２系統受入室５ｂとが互いに独立して繋げられない構造とされ、両系統のガス容器間の液移動が防がれるようにしている。 The gas switching regulator 1 has a structure in which several chambers, each having two gas receiving ports 7, 8 and one gas supply port 9, are partitioned inside the housing 2. Specifically, the inside of the housing 2 is partitioned into an upper chamber 4 and a lower chamber 5 by upper and lower partition walls 3, and the lower chamber 5 is further divided by the lower chamber partition wall 6 into a first system receiving chamber 5a and a second system receiving chamber 5b located on the left and right sides of the lower chamber partition wall 6. This structure prevents the gas inlets, i.e. the first system receiving chamber 5a and the second system receiving chamber 5b, from being independently connected to each other, preventing liquid movement between the gas containers of both systems.

一方、上室４内には、可動区画壁として機能するダイヤフラム１０が配設されており、このダイヤフラム１０によって上室４が供給室４ａと大気圧室４ｂとに区分けされると共に、大気圧室４ｂが図示省略する大気圧ポートを介して大気に開放されて供給室４ａが供給ガスの圧力変動に伴って容積を変化させる可変容積構造とされている。ここで、供給室４ａは、ガス供給ポート９を備え、供給室４ａに流入したガスを図示せぬ減圧器を介してガス消費設備・機器に供給する。また、第１系統受入室５ａは、第１系統ガス受入ポート７を備え、第１系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる。同様に、第２系統受入室５ｂは、第２系統ガス受入ポート８を備え、第２系統のガス容器からのガスを受け入れる。 Meanwhile, a diaphragm 10 that functions as a movable partition wall is disposed within the upper chamber 4, and the upper chamber 4 is divided into a supply chamber 4a and an atmospheric pressure chamber 4b by this diaphragm 10, and the atmospheric pressure chamber 4b is opened to the atmosphere through an atmospheric pressure port (not shown), and the supply chamber 4a has a variable volume structure in which the volume changes with the pressure fluctuation of the supply gas. Here, the supply chamber 4a has a gas supply port 9, and supplies the gas that flows into the supply chamber 4a to the gas consuming equipment/device through a pressure reducer (not shown). In addition, the first system receiving chamber 5a has a first system gas receiving port 7, and receives gas from the gas container of the first system. Similarly, the second system receiving chamber 5b has a second system gas receiving port 8, and receives gas from the gas container of the second system.

ダイヤフラム１０は、例えば中央の平板部分と、その平板部分の外周縁に位置するベロー部とを有し、ベロー部の変形により平板部分が上下に移動可能とされている。一方、大気圧室４ｂ内には、圧縮コイルスプリングから成る調圧スプリング４５が、ハウジング２の上端内面とダイヤフラム１０の平板部分の上面に配置されるスプリング受皿１１との間に挟さまれるように配設されており、スプリング受皿１１を介してダイヤフラム１０の平板部分を下方に付勢するように設けられている。したがって、平板部分は、供給室４ａのガスの圧力と調圧スプリング４５の付勢力とのバランスにより、供給室４ａのガスの圧力に応じた高さ位置に位置する。これにより、供給室４ａは、その圧力が高くなるに従って容積が増大し、逆に圧力が低くなるに従って容積が減少する。 The diaphragm 10 has, for example, a flat plate portion in the center and a bellows portion located on the outer periphery of the flat plate portion, and the flat plate portion can move up and down by deformation of the bellows portion. Meanwhile, in the atmospheric pressure chamber 4b, a pressure adjustment spring 45 consisting of a compression coil spring is arranged so as to be sandwiched between the inner surface at the upper end of the housing 2 and a spring receptacle 11 located on the upper surface of the flat plate portion of the diaphragm 10, and is arranged so as to urge the flat plate portion of the diaphragm 10 downward via the spring receptacle 11. Therefore, the flat plate portion is located at a height position according to the gas pressure of the supply chamber 4a due to the balance between the pressure of the gas in the supply chamber 4a and the urging force of the pressure adjustment spring 45. As a result, the volume of the supply chamber 4a increases as the pressure increases, and decreases as the pressure decreases.

第１系統受入室５ａ及び第２系統受入室５ｂの各々と供給室４ａとの間には、各受入室５ａ，５ｂから供給室４ａへのガスの流れを遮断あるいは開放する、第１系統開閉弁１２ａと第２系統開閉弁１２ｂとの２つの開閉弁が設けられている。各開閉弁１２ａ、１２ｂは、上下区画壁３に設けられた貫通穴１７で構成される弁座１７ａ，１７ｂと、その弁座１７ａ，１７ｂに着座可能な弁子１８ａ，１８ｂとで構成される。弁子１８ａ，１８ｂは、弁棒（軸部）１３ａ，１３ｂと、弁体１４ａ，１４ｂとを有しており、弁体１４ａ，１４ｂとハウジング２の底壁部との間に配置された圧縮コイルスプリング１５ａ，１５ｂによって貫通穴１７の周縁部（つまり、弁座１７ａ，１７ｂ）に向けて常時付勢されるように支持されている。圧縮コイルスプリング１５ａ，１５ｂはハウジング２の底壁部に穿たれた支持穴１６に受け止められる一方、弁体１４ａ，１４ｂの下部の凸部に嵌め込まれて保持されている。弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂは、貫通穴１７から供給室４ａ内に突出させられ、センターロッド２０のカム部２１によって押し下げられることで各開閉弁１２ａ、１２ｂの開閉を行う。つまり、弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂの上端部がカム部２１に当接することによって弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂが、圧縮コイルスプリング１５ａ，１５ｂを圧縮する方向に向かって押されるときには、弁体１４ａ，１４ｂが上下区画壁３から離間し、つまり、貫通穴１７を塞ぐ弁体１４ａ，１４ｂが弁座１７ａ，１７ｂから離れて開弁させられ、対応する受入室５ａあるいは５ｂと供給室４ａとの間のガスの流通を許容する。 Between each of the first system receiving chamber 5a and the second system receiving chamber 5b and the supply chamber 4a, two on-off valves, a first system on-off valve 12a and a second system on-off valve 12b, which shut off or open the flow of gas from each receiving chamber 5a, 5b to the supply chamber 4a, are provided. Each on-off valve 12a, 12b is composed of a valve seat 17a, 17b formed by a through hole 17 provided in the upper and lower partition walls 3, and a valve element 18a, 18b that can be seated on the valve seat 17a, 17b. The valve element 18a, 18b has a valve rod (shaft portion) 13a, 13b and a valve body 14a, 14b, and is supported so as to be constantly urged toward the peripheral portion of the through hole 17 (i.e., the valve seat 17a, 17b) by compression coil springs 15a, 15b arranged between the valve body 14a, 14b and the bottom wall portion of the housing 2. The compression coil springs 15a, 15b are received in a support hole 16 drilled in the bottom wall of the housing 2, while being fitted and held in the protrusions at the bottom of the valve bodies 14a, 14b. The valve rods 13a, 13b are protruded from the through hole 17 into the supply chamber 4a, and are pushed down by the cam portion 21 of the center rod 20 to open and close the valves 12a, 12b. In other words, when the upper ends of the valve rods 13a, 13b abut against the cam portion 21 and the valve rods 13a, 13b are pushed in the direction compressing the compression coil springs 15a, 15b, the valve bodies 14a, 14b are separated from the upper and lower partition walls 3, that is, the valve bodies 14a, 14b closing the through hole 17 are separated from the valve seats 17a, 17b to open the valves, allowing the gas to flow between the corresponding receiving chamber 5a or 5b and the supply chamber 4a.

ガス切替調整器１には、第１系統開閉弁１２ａ及び第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの各々の開閉状態を切り替える弁開閉調整機構が設けられている。この弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの双方を動作させて第１系統のガス容器５１および第２系統のガス容器５２の双方を使用側ガス容器に設定して同時にガス供給を可能とする通常使用位置（図７（Ａ）の状態）と、第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂのうちの一方のみを閉じ他方を開いたままとしてガス供給を止めずにガス容器の取り替えを可能とする位置、即ち第１系統開閉弁１２ａを閉じて第２系統開閉弁１２ｂを開いたまま第１系統のガス容器５１の交換作業を実施可能とする第１系統受入位置（図７（Ｃ）の状態）と、第２系統開閉弁１２ｂのみを閉じて第１系統開閉弁１２ａを開いたまま第２系統のガス容器５２の交換作業を実施可能とする第２系統受入位置（図７（Ｂ）の状態）との３位置を有し、通常使用位置を経由して第１系統受入位置あるいは第２系統受入位置へ切り替えられる構造とされている。 The gas switching regulator 1 is provided with a valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism that switches the open/close state of each of the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b. This valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism operates both the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b to set both the first system gas container 51 and the second system gas container 52 as the gas containers to be used at the same time, and switches between a normal use position (the state shown in FIG. 7(A)) in which the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b closes only one of them, leaving the other open, allowing the gas container to be replaced without stopping the gas supply, i.e., the first system opening/closing valve 12b. It has three positions: a first system receiving position (state of FIG. 7(C)) in which the first system gas container 51 can be replaced with the second system opening/closing valve 12b closed and the second system opening/closing valve 12b open; and a second system receiving position (state of FIG. 7(B)) in which only the second system opening/closing valve 12b is closed and the first system opening/closing valve 12a is open and the second system gas container 52 can be replaced. It is structured to be switched to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position via the normal use position.

本実施形態の場合、弁開閉調整機構は、第１系統開閉弁１２ａ及び第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの各々の弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂと、弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂに対して弁を開閉させる動きを与えるカム部２１を備えるセンターロッド２０を主体として構成され、切替ハンドル３１と連動するセンターロッド２０を回転させることにより弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂに対するカム部２１の位置を切り替えることで第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの開閉を切り替えるようにしている。 In this embodiment, the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism is mainly composed of the valve stems 13a, 13b of the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b, and a center rod 20 equipped with a cam portion 21 that imparts a movement to the valve stems 13a, 13b to open and close the valves. By rotating the center rod 20, which is linked to the switching handle 31, the position of the cam portion 21 relative to the valve stems 13a, 13b is switched, thereby switching the opening and closing of the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b.

カム部２１は、本実施形態の場合、例えば図５に示すように、スプリング受皿１１との間でダイヤフラム１０を挟持する面（以下、基準面２４と呼ぶ）を基準面として、基準面２４からの高さが低い部分即ち基準面２４からのリフト量が比較的小さい第１作用面２５と、基準面２４からの高さが高い部分即ち基準面２４からのリフト量が比較的大きい第２作用面２６並びにそれらの間を滑らかに繋ぐ斜面から成る遷移面２７とを端面に有している。ここで、第１作用面２５と第２作用面２６とは、図５（Ｃ）に示すように、２つの弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂの中心を通過する直線を挟んで、一方の領域側に第１作用面２５が、他方の領域側に第２作用面２６が配置されるように、概ね対称的に配置され、それらの間に遷移面２７が配置されている。本実施形態では、第１作用面２５は回転角で例えば２００°の範囲、第２作用面２６は８０°の範囲、それらの間の遷移面２７がそれぞれ４０°（合計８０°）の範囲で形成されている。つまり、第１作用面２５は２つの開閉弁の双方あるいは一方と接するが、第２作用面２６は２つの開閉弁のうちのいずれか一方のみと接する位置関係にある。 In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the cam portion 21 has a surface (hereinafter referred to as the reference surface 24) that sandwiches the diaphragm 10 between the spring receiving plate 11 and the cam portion 21. The cam portion 21 has a first action surface 25 at a lower height from the reference surface 24, i.e., a relatively small lift amount from the reference surface 24, a second action surface 26 at a higher height from the reference surface 24, i.e., a relatively large lift amount from the reference surface 24, and a transition surface 27 at an end surface that is a slope that smoothly connects the first action surface 25 and the second action surface 26. Here, as shown in FIG. 5(C), the first action surface 25 and the second action surface 26 are arranged generally symmetrically across a straight line that passes through the centers of the two valve rods 13a and 13b, so that the first action surface 25 is arranged on one side and the second action surface 26 is arranged on the other side, and the transition surface 27 is arranged between them. In this embodiment, the first working surface 25 is formed in a range of, for example, 200° in rotation angle, the second working surface 26 in a range of 80°, and the transition surface 27 between them in a range of 40° each (a total of 80°). In other words, the first working surface 25 is in contact with both or one of the two on-off valves, but the second working surface 26 is in a positional relationship in which it is in contact with only one of the two on-off valves.

したがって、カム部２１は、第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの双方の弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂが同時に第１作用面２５に接して第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの双方を同時に動作させる通常使用位置（例えば図７（Ａ）に示す状態）と、弁棒１３ｂに第２作用面２６が接して第２系統開閉弁１２ｂを開くと共に弁棒１３ａに対しては第１作用面２５が離間して第１系統開閉弁１２ａを閉じたままにする第１系統受入位置（例えば図７（Ｃ）に示す状態）と、弁棒１３ａに第２作用面２６が接して第１系統開閉弁１２ａを開くと共に弁棒１３ｂに対しては第１作用面２５が離間して第２系統開閉弁１２ｂを閉じたままにする第２系統受入位置（例えば図７（Ｂ）に示す状態）との３位置を構成する。 Therefore, the cam portion 21 has three positions: a normal use position (for example, the state shown in FIG. 7(A)) in which the valve stems 13a, 13b of both the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b are in contact with the first action surface 25 at the same time to operate both the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b at the same time; a first system receiving position (for example, the state shown in FIG. 7(C)) in which the second action surface 26 is in contact with the valve stem 13b to open the second system opening/closing valve 12b and the first action surface 25 is separated from the valve stem 13a to keep the first system opening/closing valve 12a closed; and a second system receiving position (for example, the state shown in FIG. 7(B)) in which the second action surface 26 is in contact with the valve stem 13a to open the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the first action surface 25 is separated from the valve stem 13b to keep the second system opening/closing valve 12b closed.

つまり、通常使用位置では、ダイヤフラム１０の位置が調圧スプリング４５と供給室４ａのガス圧とのバランスが保たれて、第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの双方が開かれた状態を維持しながら、ガスが供給される。また、第１系統受入位置では、弁棒１３ｂのみがカム部２１の第２作用面２６に当接することによって第２系統開閉弁１２ｂが開かれると共に、センターロッド２０がダイヤフラム１０を変形させながら相対的に押し上げられてカム部２１の第１作用面２５による弁棒１３ａの押さえが無くなって圧縮コイルスプリング１５ａの付勢力で弁子１８ａが押し上げられて第１系統開閉弁１２ａが閉じられる。また、第２系統受入位置は、弁棒１３ａのみがカム部２１の第２作用面２６に当接することによって第１系統開閉弁１２ａが開かれると共に、センターロッド２０が相対的に押し上げられてカム部２１の第１作用面２５による弁棒１３ｂの押さえが無くなって圧縮コイルスプリング１５ａの付勢力で弁子１８ｂが押し上げられて第２系統開閉弁１２ｂが閉じられる。尚、図中の符号２３は、度当たり軸であり、上下区画壁３に当接することでセンターロッド２０の降下端を設定し、それ以上センターロッド２０が押しさげられないように考慮されている。 In other words, in the normal use position, the position of the diaphragm 10 is balanced between the pressure adjusting spring 45 and the gas pressure in the supply chamber 4a, and gas is supplied while both the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b are kept open. In the first system receiving position, only the valve rod 13b abuts against the second action surface 26 of the cam portion 21, opening the second system opening/closing valve 12b, and the center rod 20 is pushed up relatively while deforming the diaphragm 10, so that the valve rod 13a is no longer pressed by the first action surface 25 of the cam portion 21, and the valve element 18a is pushed up by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 15a, closing the first system opening/closing valve 12a. In the second system receiving position, only the valve rod 13a abuts against the second action surface 26 of the cam portion 21 to open the first system opening/closing valve 12a, and the center rod 20 is pushed up relatively, the valve rod 13b is no longer pressed by the first action surface 25 of the cam portion 21, the valve element 18b is pushed up by the biasing force of the compression coil spring 15a, and the second system opening/closing valve 12b is closed. The reference number 23 in the figure is a degree stop shaft, which abuts against the upper and lower partition walls 3 to set the lower end of the center rod 20, and is designed to prevent the center rod 20 from being pushed down any further.

センターロッド２０のシャフト部２２は、ダイヤフラム１０の中央の穴を貫通して大気圧室４ｂに延出し、ハウジング２の上端の支持筒部１９を貫通して、ハウジング２の外の切替ハンドル３１側に突出し、ダイヤフラム１０およびハウジング２によって揺動自在且つ軸方向摺動自在（上下動自在）に支持されている。これによって、センターロッド２０の回転により弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂに対するカム部２１の第１作用面２５及び第２作用面２６の位置が切り替えられ、弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂ並びにセンターロッド２０そのものが上げ下げされる。つまり、センターロッド２０は、供給室４ａのガスの圧力変動（換言すれば容積変動）に従って、２つの開閉弁１２ａ、１２ｂに対して進退し、その圧力に応じた位置に位置させられることとなる。そして、センターロッド２０の回転位置に応じて、２つの開閉弁１２ａ、１２ｂの同時開弁状態あるいはいずれか一方の開閉弁の開弁状態と他方の開閉弁の閉弁状態とが選択的に実現される。尚、ダイヤフラム１０とシャフト部２２との間には、図示していないが、例えばシール部材が組み込まれて、供給室４ａから大気圧室４ｂへのガス漏れがないように配慮されている。また、ハウジング２と切替ジョイント３０との間には、Ｏリング４２が介在されて封止され、切替ジョイント３０の回転を許容しつつハウジング２と切替ジョイント３０との間からの浸水が阻止されている。 The shaft portion 22 of the center rod 20 extends through the central hole of the diaphragm 10 into the atmospheric pressure chamber 4b, penetrates the support tube portion 19 at the upper end of the housing 2, and protrudes toward the switching handle 31 outside the housing 2, and is supported by the diaphragm 10 and the housing 2 so that it can swing and slide axially (up and down). As a result, the rotation of the center rod 20 switches the positions of the first action surface 25 and the second action surface 26 of the cam portion 21 relative to the valve rods 13a and 13b, and the valve rods 13a and 13b and the center rod 20 itself are raised and lowered. In other words, the center rod 20 moves forward and backward relative to the two on-off valves 12a and 12b in accordance with the pressure fluctuations (in other words, volume fluctuations) of the gas in the supply chamber 4a, and is positioned in a position according to that pressure. Depending on the rotational position of the center rod 20, the two on-off valves 12a, 12b are selectively opened simultaneously, or one of the on-off valves is opened and the other is closed. Although not shown, a seal member is installed between the diaphragm 10 and the shaft portion 22 to prevent gas leakage from the supply chamber 4a to the atmospheric pressure chamber 4b. An O-ring 42 is interposed between the housing 2 and the switching joint 30 to seal the gap, preventing water from entering between the housing 2 and the switching joint 30 while allowing the switching joint 30 to rotate.

ハウジング２の上部には、シャフト部２２と連動回転する切替ジョイント３０及び切替ハンドル３１がハウジング２に対して回転可能に支持されている。例えば、ハウジング２の上部に円筒状の軸受部１９が設けられており、その軸受部１９に切替ジョイント３０の円形外周面の軸部が嵌合されて回転自在に支持されている。また、切替ジョイント３０の軸部４３の内部は、図示していないが、センターロッド２０のシャフト部２２の非円形断面部分（以下、嵌合部２８と呼ぶ。図５（Ｄ）参照）と回転方向に係合する平面部を一部に有する横断面形状を成すように設けられている。これによって、シャフト部２２の嵌合部２８と切替ジョイント３１の軸部４３とは、相対回転不能で、かつ、軸方向には相対移動可能に組み合わせられる。したがって、センターロッド２０は、ダイヤフラム１０の容積変動に伴う平板部の進退すなわち上下動に伴って、ハウジング２に対して上下することが可能とされている。さらに、切替ジョイント３０には、切替ハンドル３１が爪嵌合によって一体化されている。そして、切替ハンドル３１を回すと、連結されている切替ジョイント３０とセンターロッド２０も一緒に回る構造とされている。 At the top of the housing 2, the switching joint 30 and the switching handle 31, which rotate in conjunction with the shaft portion 22, are supported rotatably relative to the housing 2. For example, a cylindrical bearing portion 19 is provided at the top of the housing 2, and the shaft portion of the circular outer circumferential surface of the switching joint 30 is fitted into the bearing portion 19 and supported rotatably. In addition, although not shown, the inside of the shaft portion 43 of the switching joint 30 is provided so as to form a cross-sectional shape having a flat portion that engages with the non-circular cross-sectional portion of the shaft portion 22 of the center rod 20 in the rotational direction (hereinafter referred to as the fitting portion 28. See FIG. 5(D)). As a result, the fitting portion 28 of the shaft portion 22 and the shaft portion 43 of the switching joint 31 are combined so as to be non-rotatable relative to each other and movable relative to each other in the axial direction. Therefore, the center rod 20 is capable of moving up and down relative to the housing 2 in accordance with the advancement and retreat of the flat plate portion, i.e., the up and down movement, caused by the volume fluctuation of the diaphragm 10. Furthermore, the switching handle 31 is integrated with the switching joint 30 by claw engagement. When the switching handle 31 is turned, the switching joint 30 and center rod 20 that are connected to it also turn together.

なお、切替ハンドル３１の回転範囲は、本実施形態の場合、図６に示すように、ハウジング２に形成されたストッパ４６により例えば１８０°の範囲内に規制され、ストローク端の一方に第１系統受入位置が、他方に第２系統受入位置が設定されると共にそれらの間の中間位置に通常使用位置が設定され、中間位置の通常使用位置を必ず経由して第１系統のガス容器あるいは第２系統のガス容器へと切替られるように構成されている。本実施形態の場合、揺動範囲の途中の９０°の位置並びに両ストローク端に至る直前には、切替ハンドル３１に向けて突出する突起４７が形成されており、切替ハンドル３１の内周面から内向きに突出する突起４８との間で、ハウジング２側の内側の突起４７を切替ハンドル３１側の外側の突起４８が乗り越える際に抵抗を手に与える（手応えとなる感触を与える）クリック機構が構成されている。このクリックモーション（即ち、「カチッ」という感触が得られる動き）が、開閉に確かな手応えをもたらす。さらに、切替ハンドル３１を手動で元の位置に戻せるようにハウジング２に印５０を設ける一方、切替ハンドル３１に切替ハンドル３１の回転位置を知るための基準となる印例えば尖端部４９や矢印のような記号６１が備えられ、確実に戻ったことが視覚的に分かるようにすると共に、手に感触を与えることにより、安全性を考慮した構造とされている。 In this embodiment, the rotation range of the switching handle 31 is restricted to within a range of, for example, 180° by a stopper 46 formed on the housing 2 as shown in FIG. 6, and the first system receiving position is set at one end of the stroke, and the second system receiving position is set at the other end, and the normal use position is set at the intermediate position between them, so that the gas container of the first system or the gas container of the second system is always switched through the normal use position at the intermediate position. In this embodiment, a protrusion 47 protruding toward the switching handle 31 is formed at the 90° position in the middle of the swing range and just before reaching both stroke ends, and a click mechanism is formed between the protrusion 48 protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the switching handle 31 and the protrusion 48 protruding inward from the inner peripheral surface of the switching handle 31, which provides resistance to the hand (provides a tactile feeling) when the protrusion 47 on the inner side of the housing 2 side is overcome by the protrusion 48 on the outer side of the switching handle 31 side. This click motion (i.e., a movement that gives a "click" feeling) provides a definite response when opening and closing. Furthermore, a mark 50 is provided on the housing 2 so that the switch handle 31 can be manually returned to its original position, while the switch handle 31 is provided with a mark that serves as a reference for determining the rotational position of the switch handle 31, such as a tip 49 or a symbol 61 such as an arrow, so that it can be visually confirmed that the switch handle 31 has been returned to its original position, and by providing a tactile sensation in the hand, the structure is designed with safety in mind.

切替ジョイント３０は、切替ハンドル３１を支持するとともに切替ハンドル３１の動き即ち回転をセンターロッド２０のシャフト部２２に伝達するためのものであり、図３に示すように、センターロッド２０のシャフト部２２と共に回転するが軸方向には独立して摺動可能に嵌合する筒部４３と、切替ハンドル３０と係合する円盤状のディスク部３４と、必要に応じて表示器３２を揺動可能に備える軸承壁部３９とを有している。他方、ディスク部３４は、周縁部に切替ハンドル３１の爪部３５と嵌合する複数の切り欠き３４ａを有し、切替ハンドル３１の爪部３５と係合されることによって切替ハンドル３１と一体化される。したがって、切替ハンドル３１を回転させると、連動して切替ジョイント３０が回転し、センターロッド２０を回転させて弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂに摺接する面を切り替える。尚、本実施形態の場合、切替ハンドル３０と切替ジョイン３１とは、内部に表示器３２を組み込む関係で別部材に構成されているが、これに特に限られず、表示器３２を内蔵しない場合には一体構造物として構成するようにしても良い。 The switching joint 30 supports the switching handle 31 and transmits the movement, i.e., rotation, of the switching handle 31 to the shaft portion 22 of the center rod 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the switching joint 30 has a cylindrical portion 43 that rotates with the shaft portion 22 of the center rod 20 but is slidably fitted thereto independently in the axial direction, a disk-shaped disk portion 34 that engages with the switching handle 30, and a bearing wall portion 39 that has a swingable display 32 as necessary. On the other hand, the disk portion 34 has a plurality of notches 34a on its periphery that engage with the claw portion 35 of the switching handle 31, and is integrated with the switching handle 31 by engaging with the claw portion 35 of the switching handle 31. Therefore, when the switching handle 31 is rotated, the switching joint 30 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the switching handle 31, rotating the center rod 20 to switch the surface that slides against the valve rods 13a and 13b. In this embodiment, the switch handle 30 and the switch joint 31 are constructed as separate members so that the display 32 can be built in, but this is not limited thereto, and they may be constructed as an integrated structure if the display 32 is not built in.

表示器３２は、切替ジョイント３０の回転に伴って表示器窓３３を通して見えるものが切り替わるものである。本実施形態の場合、例えばＬ形の表示パネル３７を水平軸周りに回転させることで、相直交する２面のいずれか一方が選択的に表示器窓３３と平行に配置される構造とされている。例えば、表示器３２は、Ｌ形の表示パネル３７と捻りばね３８と切替ジョイント３０の軸承壁部３９に嵌合される回転軸４４とを有するものであり、Ｌ形の表示パネル３７の一方の面が表示面３７ａとされる一方、他方の面にシャフト部２２の首部３６が挿入される溝４０が設けられて二股状係合部３７ｂとが形成されている。本実施形態の場合、表示パネル３７の表示面３７ａには第１系統開閉弁１２ａおよび第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの状態を示す印例えば色や記号（文字を含む。）などが施されている。例えば、赤色が着色され、通常使用位置に切替ジョイント３０が回転したときに表示パネル３７が回転して表示器窓３３を通して赤色が視認できる構造とされている。他方、第１系統受入位置あるいは第２系統受入位置に切替ジョイント３０が回転したときには、表示パネル３７が回転軸４４を中心に回転して表示面３７ａが立設されて表示窓３３を通して赤色が視認できない構造とされると共に、表示窓３３と平行に配置される二股状係合部３７ｂの地の色例えば白や黒といった赤以外の他の色が見える構造とされている。これにより、ガス容器の取り替え可能な状態か、取り替え不能な状態かを視覚的に瞬時に判断できる。即ち、色あるいは記号もしくは形状などの視覚で把握できる情報として確認できる。 The display 32 changes what is seen through the display window 33 as the switching joint 30 rotates. In this embodiment, for example, the L-shaped display panel 37 is rotated around a horizontal axis, so that one of the two mutually orthogonal surfaces is selectively arranged parallel to the display window 33. For example, the display 32 has an L-shaped display panel 37, a torsion spring 38, and a rotating shaft 44 that is fitted into the bearing wall portion 39 of the switching joint 30. One surface of the L-shaped display panel 37 is the display surface 37a, while the other surface is provided with a groove 40 into which the neck portion 36 of the shaft portion 22 is inserted, forming a bifurcated engagement portion 37b. In this embodiment, the display surface 37a of the display panel 37 is provided with marks, such as colors and symbols (including letters), that indicate the states of the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b. For example, the display panel 37 is colored red, and when the switching joint 30 is rotated to the normal use position, the display panel 37 rotates so that the red color can be seen through the display window 33. On the other hand, when the switching joint 30 is rotated to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position, the display panel 37 rotates around the rotation axis 44 so that the display surface 37a is erected, and the red color cannot be seen through the display window 33, and the background color of the bifurcated engagement portion 37b arranged parallel to the display window 33, for example, a color other than red, such as white or black, can be seen. This allows a visual instantaneous determination of whether the gas container is replaceable or non-replaceable. In other words, it can be confirmed as information that can be visually grasped, such as a color, symbol, or shape.

シャフト部２２の嵌合部２８と頭部２９との間には、嵌合部２８よりも細くかつ円形断面の首部３６が設けられている。この首部３６に表示器３２の表示パネル３７の二股状係合部３７ｂが係合されることにより、シャフト部２２の昇降動作と連動して表示器３２が回転軸４４を中心に揺動、即ち表示パネル３７が起こされたり（つまり、表示面３７ａが表示器窓３３と平行に配置される状態）、退避させられたり（つまり、表示面３７ａが表示器窓３３と垂直に配置される状態）するように構成されている。頭部２９は、首部３６よりも大きく表示器３２の二股状係合部３７ｂに引っかかる形状であれば良く、特定の形状に限られない。例えば、本実施形態の場合、嵌合部２８と同じ断面形状で同じ大きさの頭部２９が形成されている。したがって、切替ハンドル３１と連動させて切替ジョイント３０を回転させると、弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂに接するセンターロッド２０のカム部２１の面が第１作用面２５に切り替えられると同時にセンターロッド２０が調圧スプリング４５の力で押しさげられることによって、頭部２９にＬ字パネル３７の二股状係合部３７ｂが引っ掛かってＬ字パネル３７が回転して引き起こされる（図１、図４（Ａ）の状態）。 Between the fitting portion 28 and the head 29 of the shaft portion 22, a neck portion 36 is provided that is thinner than the fitting portion 28 and has a circular cross section. The bifurcated engagement portion 37b of the display panel 37 of the display 32 is engaged with this neck portion 36, so that the display 32 swings around the rotation axis 44 in conjunction with the raising and lowering movement of the shaft portion 22, i.e., the display panel 37 is raised (i.e., the display surface 37a is arranged parallel to the display window 33) or retracted (i.e., the display surface 37a is arranged perpendicular to the display window 33). The head 29 is not limited to a specific shape as long as it is larger than the neck portion 36 and can be hooked onto the bifurcated engagement portion 37b of the display 32. For example, in the present embodiment, the head 29 is formed to have the same cross-sectional shape and size as the fitting portion 28. Therefore, when the switching joint 30 is rotated in conjunction with the switching handle 31, the surface of the cam portion 21 of the center rod 20 that contacts the valve stems 13a, 13b is switched to the first acting surface 25, and at the same time the center rod 20 is pushed down by the force of the pressure adjustment spring 45, causing the bifurcated engagement portion 37b of the L-shaped panel 37 to catch on the head 29, causing the L-shaped panel 37 to rotate and be raised (the state shown in Figures 1 and 4 (A)).

捻りばね３８は、軸部４４に巻部が嵌められた状態で一端が表示パネル３７に、他端が切替ジョイント３０の支障壁部３９に引っ掛けられるように配置され、表示パネル３７を水平軸（軸部４４）を中心に退避させる方向（図２及び図４（Ｂ）の状態）に回転させるように常時付勢するように設けられている。 The torsion spring 38 is arranged so that one end is hooked to the display panel 37 and the other end is hooked to the support barrier 39 of the switching joint 30 with the coil portion fitted onto the shaft portion 44, and is constantly biased to rotate the display panel 37 in a direction retracting the display panel 37 around the horizontal axis (shaft portion 44) (the state shown in Figures 2 and 4 (B)).

表示器窓３３は透明材料（透過素材）例えばガラスあるいは合成樹脂などで構成されており、ガスの流れの方向が瞬時に読み取れるように長軸と短軸とを有する形状例えば楕円形や小判形に形成されることが好ましい。この表示器窓３３の外側にはガスの流れる方向を示すシンボル例えば矢印６１などの記号が補助的に表記されている。 The indicator window 33 is made of a transparent material (transparent material), such as glass or synthetic resin, and is preferably formed into a shape with a major axis and a minor axis, such as an ellipse or oval, so that the direction of gas flow can be read instantly. On the outside of this indicator window 33, a symbol indicating the direction of gas flow, such as an arrow 61, is additionally written.

以上のように構成された本実施形態のガス切替調整器によれば、通常使用時（ガス容器交換時以外の時）には、図７（Ａ）に示すように、切替ハンドル３１が通常使用位置（図上の中央位置）に保持されている。このとき、切替ハンドル３１と連動するセンターロッド２０のカム部２１は、第２作用面２６が２つの弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂの間に位置し、（つまり、２つの弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂは第１作用面２５に位置している）。他方、ダイヤフラム１０はばねで常時押下されているので、２つの弁棒にカムの第１作用面２５が当接するまで、ダイヤフラム１０が変形してセンターロッドが押しさげられる。つまり、２つの弁棒１３ａ，１３ｂにカム部２１の第１作用面２５が当接することによって、第１系統開閉弁１２ａ、第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの２つの弁が共に開いた状態に維持される。このため、２系統のガス容器から同時にガスが供給され（第１系統受入室５ａおよび第２系統受入室５ｂを経て）、さらには供給室４ａを経て全消費量のガスが調整室側へ供給される。つまり、第１系統開閉弁１２ａ、第２系統開閉弁１２ｂの２つの弁が開くことで第１系統及び第２系統の双方のガス容器が使用側として設定され、同時にガスが供給される。 According to the gas switching regulator of this embodiment configured as described above, during normal use (other than when replacing the gas container), as shown in FIG. 7(A), the switching handle 31 is held in the normal use position (center position in the figure). At this time, the cam portion 21 of the center rod 20 linked to the switching handle 31 is positioned between the two valve rods 13a, 13b with the second action surface 26 (i.e., the two valve rods 13a, 13b are positioned on the first action surface 25). On the other hand, since the diaphragm 10 is constantly pressed down by the spring, the diaphragm 10 is deformed and the center rod is pushed down until the first action surface 25 of the cam abuts against the two valve rods. In other words, the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b are both maintained in an open state by the first action surface 25 of the cam portion 21 abutting against the two valve rods 13a, 13b. Therefore, gas is supplied from the gas containers of the two systems simultaneously (through the first system receiving chamber 5a and the second system receiving chamber 5b), and the entire consumed amount of gas is supplied to the adjustment chamber side through the supply chamber 4a. In other words, by opening the two valves, the first system opening/closing valve 12a and the second system opening/closing valve 12b, the gas containers of both the first system and the second system are set as the usage side, and gas is supplied simultaneously.

また、ガス容器の交換作業は、切替ハンドル３１を通常使用位置（中立位置）から時計回転方向あるいは反時計回転方向のいずれか一方に回転させることによって行われる。例えば、いずれか一方のガス容器例えば第２系統のガス容器５２が封鎖されても、他方のガス容器例えば第１系統のガス容器５１は開かれたままの状態であるため、ガスの供給を止めずに第２系統のガス容器５２を新しいガス容器に交換することができる（図７（Ｂ）：第２系統受入位置）。また、同様にして、第２系統のガス容器５２を新しいガス容器に交換した後に、切替ハンドル３１を中間位置の通常使用位置を経て第１系統のガス容器５１を封鎖する位置へ切り替えてから第１系統のガス容器５１を新しいガス容器に交換する。この場合にも、通常使用位置を経由することによって第１系統のガス容器５１を封鎖する前に第２系統のガス容器５２が開かれその状態が維持されているので、ガスの供給を止めずに第１系統のガス容器５１を新しいガス容器に交換することができる（図７（Ｃ）：第１系統受入位置）。したがって、ガスの供給を止めずに、第１系統と第２系統の双方のガス容器５１，５２を連続的して（言い換えれば順次）同じ取り替え作業中に交換できる。 The gas container replacement work is performed by rotating the switch handle 31 in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction from the normal use position (neutral position). For example, even if one of the gas containers, for example the gas container 52 of the second system, is sealed, the other gas container, for example the gas container 51 of the first system, remains open, so the gas container 52 of the second system can be replaced with a new gas container without stopping the gas supply (Fig. 7(B): second system receiving position). In the same manner, after replacing the gas container 52 of the second system with a new gas container, the switch handle 31 is switched to a position that seals the gas container 51 of the first system via the normal use position in the middle position, and then the gas container 51 of the first system is replaced with a new gas container. Even in this case, the gas container 52 of the second system is opened and maintained in that state before sealing the gas container 51 of the first system by passing through the normal use position, so the gas container 51 of the first system can be replaced with a new gas container without stopping the gas supply (FIG. 7(C): first system receiving position). Therefore, the gas containers 51, 52 of both the first and second systems can be replaced consecutively (in other words, sequentially) during the same replacement operation without stopping the gas supply.

即ち、切替ハンドル３１の操作は通常使用位置を経てから、第１系統側あるいは第２系統側へ切り替えられることから、ガス容器の両方を開いている状態→一方のガス容器を閉じる→両方を開いている（即ち、閉じていたガス容器を開く）→他方のガス容器を閉じる→両方のガス容器を開く（即ち、閉じていたガス容器を開く）を繰り返す。これによって、常時いずれかのガス容器は開き放しとなっているのでガスの供給が途絶えることはない。しかも、ガスの残量が存在する状態下で行われるので、ガスの残量がほとんど空になることで起こる異臭リスク（つまり、ガスに添加された着臭剤の濃度が上がり、ガスが漏れていないのにガス臭いとの通報が入るリスク）を惹起することがない。 That is, the operation of the switching handle 31 is switched from the normal use position to the first system side or the second system side, so that the following cycle is repeated: open both gas containers → close one gas container → open both (i.e., open the closed gas container) → close the other gas container → open both gas containers (i.e., open the closed gas container). This ensures that one of the gas containers is always open, so the gas supply is never cut off. Moreover, since this is done while there is still gas remaining, there is no risk of an unpleasant odor caused by the remaining gas being almost empty (i.e., the concentration of the odorant added to the gas increases, and there is a risk that a report of a gas smell will be made even though there is no gas leak).

また、表示器３２が遮断しているガス容器即ち取り替え可能なガス容器を表示するため、取り替えミスが起こりにくい。即ち、本実施形態のガス切替調整器の場合、表示器窓３３を通して見える表示器３２の色あるいは記号によって、ガスが供給されているガス容器が視覚的に容易に判別できる。例えば、本実施形態では、赤の場合は両方からガスが流れていることを示し、それ以外の色例えば白の場合は片側の弁が閉じられていることを示し、開閉弁が閉じられている系統側のガス容器が交換可能であることを表している。また、切替ハンドル３１の尖端部４９の向きあるいは切替ハンドル３１の天面に表示された矢印６１の向きからもガスの流れが視覚的に確認できる。 In addition, because the indicator 32 indicates the blocked gas container, i.e., the replaceable gas container, mistakes in replacement are unlikely to occur. That is, in the case of the gas switching regulator of this embodiment, the gas container to which gas is being supplied can be visually easily identified by the color or symbol of the indicator 32 visible through the indicator window 33. For example, in this embodiment, red indicates that gas is flowing from both sides, and any other color, such as white, indicates that one valve is closed, indicating that the gas container on the system side where the on-off valve is closed can be replaced. In addition, the gas flow can be visually confirmed from the direction of the tip 49 of the switching handle 31 or the direction of the arrow 61 displayed on the top surface of the switching handle 31.

図９にガス供給システムの一例を示す。ガス供給システムは、複数のガス供給源例えば第１系統のガス容器５１と第２系統のガス容器５２とを高圧ホース５３を介してガス切替調整器１の第１系統ガス受入ポート７と第２系統ガス受入ポート８とに各々接続する一方、ガス供給ポート９に自動検針を可能とするガスメータ５４を介してガス消費設備に向けて配管されている。ガス供給システムには、さらに有線回線あるいは無線回線の通信機器例えばＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を用いた無線機５５を組み込み、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどの携帯端末、あるいはＰＣなどで必要に応じて取得することができるように構築されている。 Figure 9 shows an example of a gas supply system. In the gas supply system, multiple gas supply sources, such as a first system gas container 51 and a second system gas container 52, are connected to a first system gas receiving port 7 and a second system gas receiving port 8 of a gas switching regulator 1 via high-pressure hoses 53, respectively, while the gas supply port 9 is piped toward a gas consumption facility via a gas meter 54 that enables automatic meter reading. The gas supply system is further configured to incorporate wired or wireless communication equipment, such as a radio 55 using LPWA (low power long distance wireless communication) technology, so that daily meter readings from the gas meter can be obtained as needed using a mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, or a PC.

ここで、本実施形態のガス切替調整器１を適用したガス供給システムは、第１系統と第２系統との双方のガス容器５１，５２を同時に使用側ガス容器として設定し、同時に２系統の容器５１，５２からガスが供給されるように設けられている。そして、ガス容器の取り替え時にのみ、第１系統のガス容器５１と第２系統のガス容器５２のいずれか一方を遮断し、他方を連通させたままとしてガスを供給し続けながら、ガス容器の切り替え即ち交換を実施するようにしている。ガス容器の交換は、ガスの供給を続けながら第１系統及び第２系統の双方のガス容器について順次実施される。したがって、一度の配送で２系統のガス容器を同時に交換できるので、配送業務の効率化が可能となる。 Here, the gas supply system to which the gas switching regulator 1 of this embodiment is applied is set so that both the gas containers 51, 52 of the first system and the second system are set as the gas containers on the usage side at the same time, and gas is supplied from the containers 51, 52 of the two systems at the same time. Then, only when replacing the gas container, one of the gas containers 51 of the first system and the gas container 52 of the second system is shut off, and the other is left connected to continue supplying gas, and the gas container is switched, i.e., replaced. The gas container is replaced sequentially for both the gas containers of the first system and the second system while continuing to supply gas. Therefore, the gas containers of the two systems can be replaced simultaneously in one delivery, which makes it possible to improve the efficiency of delivery operations.

ガス容器の取り替えは、ＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を使って、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどで取得することでガス容器の残量を正確に把握することができるので、ガス容器のガスを充分に消費し尚且つ着臭剤の濃度が上がる前の容器交換を可能とし、異臭発生やガス切れなどの不具合を未然に防いだ上で配送業務の効率化を優先させることが可能となる。例えば、ガス容器の交換時期は特に限定されるものではないが、１０から２０％程度の残量を目処に行うことが好ましい。この場合には、異臭リスクを未然に防ぐことができる。 Gas cylinder replacement can be performed using LPWA (Low Power Wireless Communication) technology, which allows daily meter readings from the gas meter to be obtained on a smartphone or tablet, allowing the amount of gas remaining in the cylinder to be accurately determined. This makes it possible to replace the cylinder when the gas in the cylinder has been fully consumed and before the odorant concentration increases, making it possible to prevent problems such as the generation of unpleasant odors and running out of gas while prioritizing the efficiency of delivery operations. For example, there is no particular limit to the timing for replacing gas cylinders, but it is preferable to replace them when there is around 10 to 20% remaining. In this case, the risk of unpleasant odors can be prevented.

ガスの使用状況は、ある程度予測することもできるが、好ましくは自動検針システム例えばＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を利用した自動検針システムを活用することである。この場合、ガスメータからの日次の検針値をスマホやタブレットなどで取得することができるので、ガス容器の残量が交換時期に達したと判断されたときに、ガス容器を配送し、ガス容器の交換作業を行うことができる。つまり、検針作業の省力化のみならず、適正な交換時期（換言すれば、ガス残量）を正確に把握できるので、無駄なくガスを消費してもらいながら配送業務の効率化を図ることが可能となる。 Gas usage can be predicted to some extent, but it is preferable to utilize an automatic meter reading system, such as an automatic meter reading system that uses LPWA (Low Power Long Range Wireless Communication) technology. In this case, the daily meter reading from the gas meter can be obtained using a smartphone or tablet, and when it is determined that the remaining gas in the gas container needs replacing, a gas container can be delivered and the container can be replaced. In other words, not only does this reduce the labor required for meter reading, but it also makes it possible to accurately determine the appropriate replacement time (in other words, the amount of gas remaining), making it possible to ensure that gas is consumed without waste and to improve the efficiency of delivery operations.

なお、上述の実施形態は本発明の好適な形態の一例ではあるがこれに限定されるものではなく本発明の要旨を逸脱しない範囲において種々変形実施可能である。例えば、上述の実施形態では、第１系統と第２系統にそれぞれ１本のガス容器を接続したシステム、つまり、単に、２本のガス容器を本実施形態のガス切替調整器で繋ぐようなガス供給システムに適用しているが、これに特に限られるものではなく、各系統に連結管を介して複数ずつのガス容器をそれぞれ接続し、各系統毎に２本以上のガス容器を接続する２系統のシステムとすることも可能である。即ち、本発明にかかるガス切替調整器は、ほぼ同量のガスを貯蔵する少なくとも２系統のガス供給配管に接続する際に効果的である。この場合においても、１回の配送業務において、全てのガス容器即ち２本以上のガス容器の交換を一度に実施することが可能となるので、配送業務の効率化が図れる。 The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the above embodiment is applied to a system in which one gas container is connected to each of the first and second systems, that is, a gas supply system in which two gas containers are simply connected by the gas switching regulator of this embodiment, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto, and it is also possible to connect multiple gas containers to each system via connecting pipes, and to have a two-system system in which two or more gas containers are connected to each system. In other words, the gas switching regulator of the present invention is effective when connected to at least two systems of gas supply piping that store approximately the same amount of gas. Even in this case, it is possible to replace all gas containers, i.e., two or more gas containers, at once in one delivery operation, thereby improving the efficiency of delivery operations.

また、上述の実施形態のガス切替調整器の場合、表示器３２を切替ハンドル３１の中に内蔵しているが、これに特に限られるものではなく、場合によっては表示器３２を内蔵していないガス切替調整器としても良い。例えば、図８に示すように、ガスの流れ方向を表す固定的な記号６０を切替ハンドル３１に備え、切替ハンドル３１の回転により記号６０の向きが切り替わるようにしても良い。例えば、３方向を示すＴ形の矢印を切替ハンドルの天面に設け、切替ハンドル３１の回転に伴ってガスの流れの向きを示す記号の向きが切り替わるようにして取り替え可能なガス容器を表示するようにしても良い。この場合、３方向の矢印の向きが開かれているポートを示す。このことから、通常使用位置では図８（Ａ）に示すように、矢印６０はＴ形に配置されて３つのポート７，８，９を指し示し、第２系統受入位置では図８（Ｂ）に示すように２つのポート７，９を指し示し、第１系統受入位置では図８（Ｃ）に示すように２つのポート８，９を指し示す。 In the case of the gas switching regulator of the above embodiment, the indicator 32 is built into the switching handle 31, but this is not particularly limited, and in some cases, the gas switching regulator may not have an indicator 32 built in. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the switching handle 31 may be provided with a fixed symbol 60 indicating the gas flow direction, and the direction of the symbol 60 may be changed by rotating the switching handle 31. For example, a T-shaped arrow indicating three directions may be provided on the top surface of the switching handle, and the direction of the symbol indicating the gas flow direction may be changed with the rotation of the switching handle 31 to indicate a replaceable gas container. In this case, the direction of the three arrows indicates the open port. For this reason, in the normal use position, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), the arrow 60 is arranged in a T shape and points to three ports 7, 8, and 9, and in the second system receiving position, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), it points to two ports 7 and 9, and in the first system receiving position, as shown in FIG. 8 (C), it points to two ports 8 and 9.

１ガス切替調整器
２ハウジング
４ａ供給室
５ａ第１系統受入室
５ｂ第２系統受入室
１２ａ第１系統開閉弁
１２ｂ第２系統開閉弁
１３ａ第１系統開閉浮
１３ｂ第２系統開閉弁の弁棒
２０センターロッド
２１カム部
２２シャフト部
２５第１作用面
２６第２作用面
２７遷移面
３０切替ジョイント
３１切替ハンドル
３２表示器
３７表示パネル
３７ａ表示面
３７ｂ二股状係合部
４７クリック機構を構成するハウジング側の突起
４８クリック機構を構成する切替ハンドル側の突起
４９切替ハンドルの回転位置を知るための基準となる尖端部
５０切替ハンドルの回転位置を知るための基準となる印
５１第１系統のガス容器
５２第２系統のガス容器
５４ガスメータ
５５ＬＰＷＡ(省電力長距離無線通信)技術を用いた無線機
６０ガスの流れ方向を表す固定的な記号
６１ガスの流れ方向を表す固定的な記号 LIST OF SYMBOLS 1 Gas switching regulator 2 Housing 4a Supply chamber 5a First system receiving chamber 5b Second system receiving chamber 12a First system on-off valve 12b Second system on-off valve 13a First system on-off float 13b Valve rod of second system on-off valve 20 Center rod 21 Cam portion 22 Shaft portion 25 First action surface 26 Second action surface 27 Transition surface 30 Switching joint 31 Switching handle 32 Display 37 Display panel 37a Display surface 37b Bifurcated engagement portion 47 Housing side protrusion constituting click mechanism 48 Switching handle side protrusion constituting click mechanism 49 Pointed end serving as a reference for knowing the rotational position of the switching handle 50 Mark serving as a reference for knowing the rotational position of the switching handle 51 First system gas bottle 52 Second system gas bottle 54 Gas meter 55 Wireless device using LPWA (Low Power Wireless Communication) technology 60 Fixed symbol for gas flow direction 61 Fixed symbol for gas flow direction

Claims

the gas supply system includes a first-system receiving chamber that receives gas from a gas container of a first system, a second-system receiving chamber that receives gas from a gas container of a second system, a supply chamber that communicates with a gas consuming facility/appliance, a first-system on-off valve that is provided between the first-system receiving chamber and the supply chamber and that blocks or opens the flow of gas from the first-system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, a second-system on-off valve that is provided between the second-system receiving chamber and the supply chamber and that blocks or opens the flow of gas from the second-system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, and a valve on-off adjustment mechanism that switches the open/closed state of each of the first-system on-off valve and the second-system on-off valve,
the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism has three positions: a normal use position in which both the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve are operated to set both the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system as a use-side gas container to enable simultaneous gas supply; and a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which only one of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is closed to enable replacement work of the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system to be performed as the closed side without stopping the gas supply, while the other of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is left open;
and the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism includes a center rod having a valve rod of each of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve, a cam portion that applies a displacement to the valve rod to open or close the valve, and a shaft portion that switches the position of the cam portion relative to the valve rods of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve by rotating the cam portion in cooperation with a switching handle, the cam portion having the normal use position in which it simultaneously comes into contact with the valve rods of both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve to operate both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve simultaneously, and the first system receiving position and the second system receiving position in which it comes into contact with the valve rod of either the first system on-off valve or the second system on-off valve to operate it, and is separated from the valve rod of the other system on-off valve and does not operate it to maintain a closed valve state, and the cam portion can be switched to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position via the normal use position by rotating the switching handle.
A color or a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from the gas containers of both the first system and the second system, and a color or a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from the gas containers of either the first system or the second system are displayed in a switched manner in response to the rotation of the switching handle.
A gas switching regulator characterized by:

the gas supply system includes a first-system receiving chamber that receives gas from a gas container of a first system, a second-system receiving chamber that receives gas from a gas container of a second system, a supply chamber that communicates with a gas consuming facility/appliance, a first-system on-off valve that is provided between the first-system receiving chamber and the supply chamber and that blocks or opens the flow of gas from the first-system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, a second-system on-off valve that is provided between the second-system receiving chamber and the supply chamber and that blocks or opens the flow of gas from the second-system receiving chamber to the supply chamber, and a valve on-off adjustment mechanism that switches the open/closed state of each of the first-system on-off valve and the second-system on-off valve,
the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism has three positions: a normal use position in which both the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve are operated to set both the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system as a use-side gas container to enable simultaneous gas supply; and a first system receiving position and a second system receiving position in which only one of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is closed to enable replacement work of the gas container of the first system and the gas container of the second system to be performed as the closed side without stopping the gas supply, while the other of the first system opening/closing valve and the second system opening/closing valve is left open;
and the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism includes a center rod having a valve rod of each of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve, a cam portion that applies a displacement to the valve rod to open or close the valve, and a shaft portion that switches the position of the cam portion relative to the valve rods of the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve by rotating the cam portion in cooperation with a switching handle, the cam portion having the normal use position in which it simultaneously comes into contact with the valve rods of both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve to operate both the first system on-off valve and the second system on-off valve simultaneously, and the first system receiving position and the second system receiving position in which it comes into contact with the valve rod of either the first system on-off valve or the second system on-off valve to operate it, and is separated from the valve rod of the other system on-off valve and does not operate it to maintain a closed valve state, and the cam portion can be switched to the first system receiving position or the second system receiving position via the normal use position by rotating the switching handle.
A fixed symbol indicating the direction of gas flow is displayed on the surface of the switching handle, and the orientation of the symbol changes with the rotation of the switching handle, so that the symbol is switched between a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from the gas containers of both the first system and the second system and a symbol indicating that gas is being supplied from the gas container of either the first system or the second system.
A gas switching regulator characterized by:

3. The gas switching regulator according to claim 1, further comprising a click mechanism between the switching handle and the housing, the click mechanism providing a tactile sensation when the valve opening/closing adjustment mechanism is switched to one of the three positions.

4. The gas switching regulator according to claim 1 , wherein the gas containers are replaced when the remaining gas in each of the gas containers is in the range of about 10 to 20%.

A gas supply system comprising a gas switching regulator as described in any one of claims 1 to 4 and an automatic meter reading system using LPWA (low power, long range wireless communication) technology that can obtain daily meter readings from a gas meter using a smartphone, tablet, or the like.