JPH0663640B2 - Gas shutoff device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gas shutoff device that automatically shuts off a gas passage when an abnormality occurs to prevent an accident such as an explosion or poisoning caused by city gas or propane gas. Regarding

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional gas shutoff device of this type, as shown in FIG.
Gas meter 2 in the gas supply line 1 and flow rate measuring means 3 for issuing a signal according to the amount of gas passing through the gas meter 3.
And a cutoff means 4 for stopping the supply of gas. The cutoff means is judged to be abnormal when the usage condition is judged by the flow rate signal of the flow rate measurement means 3 and deviates from the preset gas proper usage condition stored. 4, a control unit 5 for issuing a closing signal, and a shutoff unit return signal generation unit for detecting a state when the shutoff unit is opened and restored and sending a signal to the control unit.
It had 17 and.

FIG. 6 shows an example of the configuration of this conventional control unit. Those having the same numbers as in FIG. 5 are components having the same function. The control unit 5 includes a use state detection unit 6 that receives the flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring unit 3 and detects the use state of gas, and an initial condition that sets appropriate use conditions in advance according to the number of the gas meter. A setting unit 7; a gas proper use condition setting unit 8 which stores the setting contents and sends a reference signal to the abnormality judging unit 9;
It is composed of a closing signal output unit 10 which outputs a closing signal to the breaking means 4 in response to a signal from the abnormality judging unit 9.
The signal from the shutoff means return signal generation unit 17 is the abnormality determination unit 9
To detect that the breaking means 4 has been opened.

Here, the proper use conditions indicate items such as total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, and safety continuous use time set according to the capacity of each gas meter. The total flow rate is the total gas flow rate that passes through the gas meter within the specified measurement period.If the current total flow rate exceeds the specified value that was initially set when the gas hose was pulled out or when the gas appliances burned out, the shut-down means is activated. Let The individual maximum flow rate is the maximum gas consumption among the various gas appliances currently in use by detecting the change in the gas flow rate for each predetermined measurement period, and identifying how much gas consumption each has. When the amount exceeds the set value, a shut-off signal is output to the shut-off means to deal with gas leaks such as cracks in the gas hose and burning out when the gas plug is half-opened. In addition, the safe continuous use time is the continuous usable time set for each range from the statistical data of the time when the gas appliance in a certain combustion range is continuously used, and the data from the usage state detection unit is set as described above. When the time is exceeded, an operation signal is sent to the shutoff means to ensure safety even if the gas appliance is forgotten to be turned off.

If the above conditions are deviated, the gas passage is closed by the shut-off means, and when it is desired to use the gas next time, it is necessary to open the shut-off means in order to open the passage. Conventionally, the control unit outputs the closing signal, and then outputs the closing signal again when the gas consumption is monitored by the usage state detecting unit before the return signal is input to ensure safety. Therefore, when the shutoff means is operated to open, a return signal is input to let the control unit recognize that the gas is in a normal gas usage state, and the abnormality determination unit monitors the usage state according to the set gas proper usage conditions. Was there.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention However, in the above-mentioned configuration, since the proper use condition is uniformly determined only by the initial value depending on the capacity of the gas meter installed in the gas pipe, it is not possible to use it in a home where the meter is installed. There was a problem that special conditions were not incorporated.

The present invention solves such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a safer gas shutoff device by measuring the usage pattern of each home.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems, the gas shutoff device of the present invention is
Flow rate measuring means for emitting a signal according to the amount of gas passing through a gas meter provided in the gas supply line, and shutoff means, and gas proper use conditions are stored in advance and the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means is in use If a deviation from the proper use condition is made, it is judged to be abnormal, and a control unit that issues a closing signal to the cutoff unit, and a state when the cutoff unit is opened and restored are detected and a signal is sent to the control unit. In a device provided with a shut-off means return signal generating section, a predetermined start signal applying means, a timer for counting a predetermined time by the recording signal, and a flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means for use within the predetermined time A usage state storage means for storing a state; a gas proper use condition changing means for changing the gas proper use condition according to the contents of the storage means; Counting means for storing the number of occurrences of abnormal states when the shut-off means is activated after the gas proper use condition is reset, and a warning when the count number of the same judgment condition by the counting means reaches a predetermined number of times A warning signal generating means for outputting a signal is provided.

Operation According to the present invention, when the activation signal is applied to the timer, the present invention starts counting for a predetermined period, and at the same time, the gas usage pattern during the time is measured by the operation of the usage state storage means. That is, during this time, the actually measured values of the above-mentioned total flow rate, individual maximum flow rate, continuous use time, etc. are updated, and at the same time as the timer ends, the final data is sent from the gas proper use condition changing means to the setting section. . The gas proper use condition setting unit compares the initial condition with the final data to newly set a predetermined gas proper use condition. After that, the abnormality determination unit compares the new setting condition with the signal from the usage state detection unit, and if the condition is not satisfied, it is determined to be abnormal and the cutoff unit is activated. Further, when the cutoff means is activated after the gas proper use condition is reset by the changing means, the number of occurrences of the abnormal state is stored in the count means for each determined condition, and the same determination condition is determined by the count means. The warning signal is output from the warning signal generating means when the number of counts reaches a predetermined number.

Embodiments Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In FIG. 1, those having the same numbers as those in FIG. 6 are components having the same function. The control unit 11 inputs a flow rate signal from the flow rate measuring means 3 similar to the conventional one, and detects a use state of a gas, and a use state detection unit 6 that sets appropriate use conditions in advance according to the number of the gas meter. Condition setting part 7
And a gas proper use condition setting unit 12 that stores the setting contents and sends a reference signal to the abnormality determination unit 9, and a closing signal output unit 10 that issues a closing signal to the shutoff unit 4 in response to the signal from the abnormality determination unit 9. A disconnection means return signal generator that detects a state when the disconnection means is opened and returns to the abnormality determination portion, and a timer 13 that counts a predetermined time,
A start signal applying means 14 for sending a start signal for starting counting to the timer, a use state storage means 15 for storing a predetermined gas use pattern according to a signal of a use state detecting section at the start of operation of the timer, and a use pattern The gas proper use condition changing means 16 which updates the measured value and sends the final data to the gas proper use condition setting section at the end of the timer, and the abnormality when the cutoff means is activated after the gas proper use condition is reset by the changing means. It comprises a counting means 18 for storing the number of occurrences of a state for each judgment condition, and a warning signal generating means 19 for outputting a warning means when the count number of the same judgment condition by the counting means reaches a predetermined number.

In the above configuration, when the activation signal applying means (for example, the push button switch, the signal transmission means from the outside, etc.) is activated, the activation signal is sent to the timer, and the timer receives the signal and starts counting for a predetermined period. The predetermined period may be set in advance or may be set arbitrarily, and is, for example, a span of one week or one month. Simultaneously with this timer operation, the usage state storage means 15 stores the gas usage pattern, that is, the total flow rate, the individual maximum flow rate, and the continuous usage time. The gas proper use condition changing means stores the maximum value of the actually used use pattern, and therefore updates the data. When the timer count ends, the final data is sent from the changing means to the gas proper use condition setting unit. In this setting section, each initial condition that has already been set is compared with the maximum value sent from the changing means, and the one with the smaller value is selected and reset as a new proper use condition. In other words, until the above-mentioned timer count ends, the abnormality determination unit compares the current gas usage state with the preset initial value to determine the abnormal state, but the gas usage pattern measurement result during the timer operation. After the condition is newly set from, the abnormal state is judged by comparing with the reset value. In the above, the smaller value is selected as a new proper use condition. However, when the measured maximum value exceeds the initial condition, the initial condition remains as it is. Further, when the measured maximum value is small, it can be reset by multiplying by a predetermined coefficient. Here, when it is judged that there is an abnormality, the shutoff means is activated and the gas passage is closed.

By the way, after the gas proper use condition is newly set, the condition in which the shutoff means is activated by the abnormality determination (for example, the continuous use time condition of a certain gas consumption range, or the total flow rate condition) is counted according to its contents, If the gas passage is blocked under the same condition many times, it is determined that the previously changed gas usage pattern is inappropriate, and a warning signal is output.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of the present invention, in which the components having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 have the same functions. Reference numeral 20 is a notification means such as a buzzer or lamp, which is operated by a signal from the warning signal generation means. That is, when the gas is cut off many times under the same judgment condition after the gas proper use condition is set, the notification means gives a sound warning or a light warning, so that the user of the gas meter can use the gas last time. It can be surely recognized that the learning result of the pattern was not appropriate. Thus, if the activation signal applying means is operated and the measurement of the usage pattern is started again, it is possible to set the determination condition suitable for the actual usage.

FIG. 3 shows still another embodiment of the present invention, in which the components having the same numbers as those in FIG. 1 have the same functions.
The re-learning starting unit 21 receives the signal from the warning signal generating unit 19 and sends a signal to the initial condition setting unit 7 to set an initial value as a gas proper use condition, and to start re-learning. A signal is sent to the starting signal applying means 14 of the timer. By this operation, the actual usage pattern of the home where the gas meter is installed is relearned, the result is compared with the initial value, and the predetermined determination condition is reset. That is, since the re-learning operation is automatically started when the operation of the warning signal generating means is detected, the user can use the gas meter under the proper condition suitable for the gas usage state. twenty two
Is a control unit including re-learning starting means. It should be noted that the user can recognize that he is relearning by using the notification means described in FIG.

The control unit described above can be easily realized by using a calculation or judgment function by a program operation of a microcomputer or the like. Hereinafter, a schematic program flow for realizing the control unit shown in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG.

When the program starts, the flow rate is measured at A, and then the usage state of gas is detected at B. Then, at C, it is determined whether or not the timer for a predetermined time is counting, and when counting, the usage state is stored at E and the maximum value is updated. If the timer is not working,
At D, the gas proper use condition and the use state detection value are compared. Initially, initial conditions are set as proper gas usage conditions. By the way, after exiting E, the comparison work is started at D. If the result of this comparison is that there is an abnormality, the process branches at F and jumps to P. If it is not abnormal, see H to see if the changing means has actuated, and if it has been actuated, h1, that is,
It returns to the flow rate measurement of A. When the operation has not been completed, I determines whether or not the timer count has ended, and when it has ended, J operates the gas proper use condition changing means. As described above, the maximum value of each stored pattern is compared with the initial value, the smaller value is selected, and K is reset. Thereafter, in D, the reset value is treated as a gas proper use condition, and is compared and compared with the detected value. Also,
When the timer count is not completed at I, the process branches to L and it is determined whether the timer is currently counting. If it is counting, M continues counting as it is, and if it is not counting, N determines whether or not there is a start signal. When the activation signal is input, the timer count is started with O. If there is no signal, it returns to A again. By the way, after it is determined that an abnormality has occurred, the number of occurrences of an abnormal state is counted in P for each determination condition. Then, in Q, it is checked whether or not the same determination condition occurs a predetermined number of times. If it occurs, a warning signal is generated in R, re-learning is set in S, and then the gas path is set in G. A shutoff signal is output to the shutoff means to shut off. If the predetermined number of times has not been reached, the process immediately goes to G. Then, at T, it is determined whether or not a return signal is input, and if not, at U, it is checked whether or not there is a gas flow rate. When the gas flow rate is observed, it branches to h2, that is, G, and when not observed, it branches to T. When there is a return signal, it is determined whether or not re-learning is set by V, and when it is set, W is used to clear the timer, X is used to reset the initial condition, and the process proceeds to O of h3. From here, re-learning is started. When re-learning is not set in V, the process returns to h1, that is, A. By executing this program flow, the function of the control unit of the gas shutoff device of the present invention can be realized.

Effects of the Invention As described above, the gas cutoff device of the present invention has the following effects.

(1) By constantly monitoring the gas usage state and comparing it with the set appropriate usage conditions, it is possible to detect gas leaks and combustion extinction. If the conditions are exceeded, it is judged that there is an abnormality. In this case, the shutoff means is activated to stop the gas supply, so that it is possible to prevent a dangerous state such as gas explosion or gas poisoning.

(2) Since the actual use pattern of the gas supply system in which the gas meter is installed is observed for a predetermined time by the start signal, the maximum value is compared with the initial value, and the smaller value is reset as the proper use condition. As compared with only the condition that is uniformly determined by the capacity (number of gas meters) of the gas meter, individual special conditions are also taken into consideration for the determination, so that the safety level against a gas accident can be further increased.

(3) Even after the gas proper use condition was set by the initial learning, if the gas cutoff occurs many times under the same abnormality determination condition, it is judged that the previous result was not suitable for actual use and a warning signal is issued. As a result, the gas meter user can recognize that the learning result was inappropriate. Also, when the above state is reached, by automatically starting re-learning,
It is possible to deal with changes in lifestyle patterns and changes in gas usage due to additional purchase of gas appliances on the way.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a gas shutoff device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gas shutoff device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a gas shutoff device according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the apparatus, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a schematic program flow of a control unit of a gas shutoff device in still another embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a conventional gas shutoff device, and FIG. It is a block diagram of a control unit of. 2 ... Gas meter, 3 ... Flow rate measuring means, 4 ... Shutoff means, 11 ... Control section, 13 ... Timer, 14 ... Activation signal applying means, 15 ... Use state storing means, 16 ... Gas proper Usage condition changing means, 17 ... Shutdown means return signal generator, 18 ...
Counting means, 19 ... Warning signal generating means, 20 ... informing means, 21 ... re-learning starting means.

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A flow rate measuring means for emitting a signal according to the amount of gas passing through a gas meter provided in a gas supply line, a shutoff means, and gas proper use conditions are stored in advance as initial values. The flow rate signal sent is used to judge the operating condition, and when the operating condition deviates from the proper operating condition, it is judged to be abnormal and a control unit for issuing a closing signal to the breaking means, and a state when the breaking means is opened and restored are detected. A shutoff means return signal generating section for sending a signal to the control section, a predetermined start signal applying means, a timer for counting a predetermined time by the start signal, and a predetermined time by the flow rate signal sent from the flow rate measuring means. Use state storage means for storing the use state inside, gas proper use condition changing means for changing the gas proper use condition according to the contents of the storage means, and the change hand When the counting means stores the number of occurrences of an abnormal state when the shutoff means is activated after the gas proper use condition is reset by the determination means, and when the count number of the same determination condition by the counting means reaches a predetermined number of times. A gas shutoff device comprising a warning signal generating means for outputting a warning signal. 2. The gas cutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising an informing means for informing by a buzzer lamp or the like in response to a signal from the warning signal generating means. 3. The gas shutoff device according to claim 1, further comprising re-learning starting means for resetting initial conditions and starting the timer in response to a signal from the warning signal generating means.